13/01/2025 – Thornby Parish Meeting minutes
Thornby Parish Meeting
Date: 13th January 2025
Time: 19:30
Location: Village Hall
Attendees:
| Peter Moyes (Chair) | G Goodladd |
| P Gates (Treasurer) | R Carr |
| A Pallister (Minute taker) | M Hill |
| Andy Day | S Thompson |
| J Sherlock | |
| R Sherlock | |
| M Kingston | |
| A Bennett | |
| L Owens |
Apologies:
| Apologies: | Guest attendees: |
| Miss Barlow | Kevin Parker WNC |
| G Bennett | Jonathan Harris WNC |
| Amanda Day | |
1. Welcome and Apologies
The chairman opened the meeting and welcomed everyone, noting the apologies received.
2. Minutes of the prior meeting 30th October 2024
The Chair summarised key points discussed at the prior meeting; there were no questions and PM asked if attendees agreed these were a true and accurate record. A Bennett proposed the minutes be approved and this was seconded by J Sherlock. PM duly signed the minutes and these will be posted on the village website and placed on the notice board.
3. Matters Arising
The majority of matters arising had been covered in the minutes; anything outstanding is on the agenda for discussion.
4. Traffic Update
PM explained that there was little to update in terms of the traffic calming activity because of the severe delays relating to the installation of the two new SIDs purchased by Thornby Parish. The SIDs had been paid for in June 2024 and held in storage whilst agreement was reached about where to site them, and the process for installing them. Discussions with Kier and the WNC have been ongoing since April 2024 and it is extremely disappointing that the SIDs are still not installed and helping with the speed calming measures.
PM reported that the delays are due to slow progress at Kier, in spite of numerous attempts to press for a resolution and installation date; communication is poor and responses are not forthcoming; PM wished to make KP and JH aware of the frustration felt by the village in this regard.
Dragon’s teeth road markings: after chasing the matter several times, PM has at last received confirmation from Helen Howard, stating that the dragon’s teeth will be installed on the south side of the village by the end of the current tax year.
PM asked the Councillors present for their views. KP understood the frustration at the delays and explained that in respect of the dragon’s teeth road markings, when the original specification was undertaken, the south side of the village had been missed off the paperwork and this was a complete oversight. KP extended apologies on behalf of the Council for this error and subsequent delay.
PG asked both KP and JH to feedback to relevant departments, the frustration felt by the villagers at the lack of response to communications sent by the village. These communications are being sent to named individuals, who do not reply to emails and also do not answer the phones. This is extremely poor service and reflects badly on the Council.
PM added that currently it is hoped that the poles and extra speed signs will be in place by the end of February.
5. Road Signage – A5199/Northampton North-West Relief Road
There is new road signage at the end of the A5199 where the new road joins from the Bramptons across to the A508. The new signs direct traffic to the M1, M6 and A14 via the villages, Chapel Brampton, Spratton, Creaton and Thornby. PM explained that he had collaborated with these parishes to write a joint letter to Robert James, WNC Highways Network Manager, expressing shared concerns about the volume and speed of traffic, especially HGVs, coming through the villages and the significant impact this will have, including increased noise. The letter added that it is hoped the sign is a mistake and could be removed. The letter was dated 30th December 2024, and having received no response, PM followed it up by telephone to try and obtain a response to report to the meeting. At 5.01pm this evening, PM had finally received an email response from Robert James, although this had not been copied to the other interested parties.
PM read out the email response which in summary, stated that consideration had been given to the options available in terms of planning the routing of traffic and the A5199 is considered to be the most appropriate option and the signs would remain in place.
A detailed discussion took place, with attendees airing strong opinions about the decision to direct the traffic through several villages that are already experiencing considerable issues with speed and volume of traffic, noise, especially at night and increasing numbers of HGVs.
6. Compass Energy – donation from oil purchases
Compass Energy offer a scheme whereby villages can benefit from a loyalty bonus paid annually; the amount paid is based on a contribution from Compass Energy for every thousand litres purchased collectively by residents who choose to purchase from them.
In the year to 31 October 2023, the Parish received £338.43. This was based on 26 buyers, purchasing a total of 67,000 litres of oil. For the year to 31 October 2024, there were an additional two buyers, making 28, who collectively purchased 80,805 litres of oil; for which the Parish received £404.03.
It was agreed that this is a very useful initiative and a welcome contribution to village funds.
7. Finance – including Precept request for 2025/26
PG reported that the latest bill from N-Power for the street lighting, amounted to £180.90 and this reflects an increase in pricing. The debt in respect of installing the posts to hold the new SIDs has been paid to WNC.
The balance at the bank currently stands at £4,390.38.
Precept request for 2025/26:
PM explained how the precept works and how it is calculated. A figure of £0.77.3pence per household, across 68 houses, and accounting for single occupancy properties is used to calculate our tax base and this equates to £1.29 for every £100 of precept on a Band D property. Last year it had been proposed that the village should request a precept of £2000 and this had been agreed by the Parish meeting attendees.
PM and PG have discussed the precept in advance of this meeting and propose to request the same amount for the new year, that being £2000. PM asked for a show of hands to vote on the proposal, there were ten in favour and no abstentions. There is a form to return to WNC which is completed and signed by PM as Chair and countersigned by AP as clerk.
8. WNC Ward councillor update
PM noted that the Councillors’ presence at the meetings is valued and expressed appreciation on behalf of the village that KP, JH and CI-S, give up their time to come along.
JH provided copies of the newly printed revised bus timetable; copies will be available from the Red Lion. JH added that figures on usage of the bus service are positive.
There are a series of consultations in the system that villages will be invited to take part in.
Devolution white paper – JH explained that the government is seeking increased devolution and for those Councils that are not yet unitary there are proposals to turn districts into unitary authorities. One proposal is to create a combined authority, joining a series of Councils together. For our area, this would mean joining WNC, Milton Keynes, Luton, Bedford, Mid Bedfordshire, and North Northants. Should this take place, a Mayor would be appointed along with a layer of support by way of a Mayor’s office with additional costs to run this. Such costs would add to the precept for all villages. JH went on to report that WNC had held an Extraordinary Meeting last Thursday about the devolution proposals and there are mixed views on the benefits. There would be a lot of power held centrally. If the proposals go through, election for the position of Mayor would be held in summer 2026.
KP continued, adding that an expression of interest had been signed by WNC; all the participating Councils need to sign in order to be included in the priority programme for devolution plans. Luton and Milton Keynes had withdrawn their support and therefore the other Councils, including WNC will not be in the priority programme.
JS asked the Councillors if taxpayers were going to be asked for their views on these devolution proposals. KP confirmed that there will be a consultation for villages to contribute to and have their say.
A discussion took place about the proposals and considerable opposition was expressed, particularly about the additional costs incurred to support a Mayor, the mayor’s office and related costs. In addition, concerns were raised about the likely lack of understanding and focus on the specific needs of rural areas and villages, if they became part of a unitary authority which includes large towns and cities.
9. Village Events
Defibrillator training session:
A date has now been arranged to conduct this training session; it will be held on Tuesday 25th February at 7.00pm. The village hall is not available on that date, so the Buddhist Centre at Thornby Hall has kindly offered to host this event on their premises.
There will be a refresher on the use of the defibrillator, but it should be noted that this session is primarily to train on the use of the Bleed Kit.
Anyone wishing to attend should contact Peter Moyes directly to secure a place, as numbers will be limited.
Thornby Farm Walk 2025:
PM advised that the walk will be held on Sunday 18th May, followed by lunch at Thornby House; anyone not wishing to undertake the walk is welcome to join the lunch. Further details will be notified in due course.
Wellingborough Gospel Singers Choir:
PG announced that the choir will be performing at St Helen’s Church on 12th April, beginning at 7pm. Further details about where to obtain tickets will be available in due course.
10. Correspondence
PM listed the various fliers and correspondence received, which included a survey being undertaken about solid fuel burning habits which anyone can have a copy of; he will be completing the survey on behalf of the village. In addition, there is a consultation which the village will contribute to, entitled One Vision, this is to consult on the vision for the future of the area.
11. Any Other Business
PM thanked AP for arranging collection of the village planning documents from the Council offices in Towcester.
There being no other items submitted; the meeting closed at 8.45pm.
59/60 A14 A5199 bus Compass Energy council tax defibrillator Devolution dragons teeth farm walk finance Kier lighting M6 mayor precept road noise SIDs traffic