15/01/2024 – Thornby Parish Meeting minutes
Thornby Parish Meeting
Date: 15th January 2024
Time: 19:30
Location: Village Hall
Attendees:
| Peter Moyes (Chair) | A Bennett |
| P Gates (Treasurer) | G Bennett |
| A Pallister (Minute taker) | G Goodladd |
| C Parkinson | R Carr |
| J Sherlock | S Cottle 8.30pm |
| Liyu Jin | B Brooks |
| M Kingston | L Bucciero |
| L Owens | A Richards |
Apologies:
| Apologies: | Guest attendees: |
| Miss Barlow | Sgt Lewis Judd (Northants Police) |
| S Cottle | Jonathan Harris WNC |
| M Hill | |
| R Sherlock | |
| Kevin Sherlock WNC | |
| M Burdett | |
| B Brooks |
1. Welcome and Apologies
The chairman opened the meeting and welcomed everyone, noting the apologies received.
2. Minutes of the prior meeting 21st September 2023
The Chair summarised key points discussed at the prior meeting. Traffic update had been given. Representatives from West Northamptonshire Council attended the meeting and the budget for 2024 was discussed. Simon Cottle had given an update on the Beer Festival and taken questions from attendees.
Initial proposals for a village website had been suggested and this would be discussed at the next meeting.
Notification had been given about the dates of the building and renovation work to the cottages on Naseby Road. As part of any other business, there was an item about blocked drains that was raised and work was to be done to improve this.
AB proposed the minutes should be signed as an accurate record and this was seconded by GB. PM duly signed the minutes.
3. Matters Arising
The issue of flooding at the entrance to and exit from Thornby Hall and the blocked roadside gullies in between, meant that work needed to be carried out on the drains; it was noted that this has now been completed.
4. Sgt Lewis Judd
PM introduced Sgt Lewis Judd and thanked him for taking the time to attend the meeting. Sgt Judd is the current neighbourhood Sgt, and has been in the police force for ten years. The neighbourhood team is based in Brixworth, with two PCs and two PCSOs, additional heads will be joining this team. In terms of the response team to any call out or incident, these come from Daventry or Northampton.
The rural crime team is based in the centre of Northampton which is not ideal and it is hoped that this will be relocated out of town. This team is also due to have an increase in numbers this year, it currently includes six officers and a Sgt.
Based on the results of the last survey undertaken with households in the area, the top three priorities that people want the police to focus on are:
- Rural Crime
- Road Safety and Traffic
- Drug dealing and related issues
The next survey will be issued in March and depending on what the results of this shows once it has been evaluated, the priorities for focus may change.
Reported Crimes:
Sgt Judd reminded everyone that the police cannot report on what they are not aware of, so it is important for people to report any crime that occurs. There is a low crime rate in the Thornby area, 12 crimes had been reported over the past 12 months. This included disturbance at the Pub, theft of stolen parcels (from couriers when left outside a property) and damage to farmers’ crops. The 12 crimes are made up of other issues but the Police do not report details of private cases, such as domestic issues.
Plans going forward include speeding operations; as well as the marked speed monitoring van that visits the village, it was noted that at times an unmarked speed monitoring van is used but this will not be used in Thornby as it has to go to where a fatal incident has occurred as a priority. The A14 at Junction 1 remains an issue in respect of the off-road motorcyclists, there has been a lot of complaints about this. The Police are liaising with the Highways Agency to help prevent this continuing, unfortunately there has been no response from Euro Garages who own the land. There may be further enforcement used in future, such as Police bike riders or drones.
There is also vehicle related crime in rural areas where there has been an increase in theft; keyless cars get stolen a lot as their keys can be cloned from outside the house if they are within 2metres of the exterior wall or door. To prevent this, Sgt Judd recommended using a Faraday Pouch which is made of materials that block the signal from the keys inside to stop them being cloned. Any spare keys should also be placed inside. Metal containers or boxes would also work. AB asked if car insurers used Police data; the insurers have access to certain data, and do ask about where cars are kept overnight etc.
Councillor Harris asked about the rise in scams especially online and fraud cases. Sgt responded that data is being captured about this type of crime. In Daventry, the police make three visits a week to victims of fraud. It is important to be careful about things like a text that says something like “Mum I have lost my phone, please send money to XXX”, this is on the rise and people should be vigilant and use common sense, if unsure do not engage. AP asked about the instances of pet theft. It was noted that in Northamptonshire this is thankfully very low. There had been isolated instances of livestock butchery in the past couple of years and these people have been caught and brought to justice.
PM commented that the Parish had written to the Police regarding rural crime to lobby for rural crime officers to not be relocated into the town centre. PC Hutchings remains Thornby’s representative but has to spend time driving into the town centre prior to beginning a shift. Sgt Judd confirmed that newly revised shifts meant that they can undertake more activity within the team.
PM asked if the Police 101 call service is staffed sufficiently, as it is frustrating that often the call results in a call back being offered, which then takes quite some time afterwards, to happen. Sgt Judd replied that there is a triage process so any real emergencies are identified. There is also a online live chat function, available. Up to September 2023, demand for the 101 service was up by 30%, it is now back to pre-Covid levels.
PM alluded to the agenda item regarding the precept and asked if it is fair to say that more can be done in rural areas; Sgt Judd agreed that this is a fair point and it does very much depend on who is in charge. The present Chief Constable is very pro the rural team; however, he is currently suspended for a conduct issue and there is a deputy in place. Should he not return, then the focus could alter if his successor feels other issues are more of a priority. The Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner role is up for re-election in May this year.
LO asked if there are any do’sdos or don’ts relating to the operation and domestic use of CCTV cameras. Sgt Judd advised that care should be taken that the camera does not reach neighbouring property or premises; it is usually that these are sited at the front of properties with a prominent security light. Unfortunately, unless a face or a registration number is clearly visible the Police cannot really do anything. LO also asked if there were any plans for fixed speed camera sites, Sgt Judd confirmed that all speed enforcement in Northamptonshire would be through the use of the mobile vans and fixed cameras are not used.
Attendees were reminded that they can sign up online to receive alerts.
Sgt Judd will be based in Brixworth for at least the next two years at Katherine’s House, which is near Haddonstone on the industrial estate. PM thanked Sgt Judd for the insight and his attendance, which had been most welcome and informative. A round of applause was given.
5. Traffic Update
LO advised that in respect of installation of the gateways and the moving of the 30mph signs, the Council is not able to specify a date; however, they have committed to completing the work by the end of their fiscal year which ends in March.
Thornby Parish is trying to obtain two additional SIDs which are solar powered, so will not need batteries changing. It is hoped that a grant may be obtained again and an application will be submitted. The village will then have two static signs and two moveable ones. Andy Day suggested requesting that the Highways Agency to check if the fixed VA sign on the north side of the village is working as it does not appear to be functioning.
6. 59/60 Bus Service
Jonathan Harris from WNC gave some background and context to this agenda item. Last year the Council fought hard to retain their budget of £315k to run the bus services, however £100k had been proposed, it was only with support from the parishes that some funding was retained. UNO who operate the 59/60 service announced in December that it will be pulling out of all bus routes. So currently, WNC has some budget to run a bus service, but no-one to operate it. This is being put out to tender to find a replacement operator. Stage Coach has taken on the town routes but is not prepared to take the rural routes. In terms of timing, WNC is trying to negotiate some leeway with UNO, who has said it will stop the service in March.
If no new operator is found, a plan B will have to be formulated; there is some hope in this regard, as the 59/60 service is on school bus routes. WNC does want to find an alternative as a report from local area partnerships has identified that rural isolation and loneliness is in the top three issues in this area. JH added that it will help the process is the parishes continue to offer funding to help support the continuation of the bus route. PM thanked JH and reminded the meeting that the current amount paid by parishes collectively is £12,000, of which Thornby pays £298.60. PM proposed that the current share is maintained as proportionately Thornby’s share is small and it will be good to retain the bus service for residents that do not have their own transport.
JS asked PM to remind the meeting as to how the amount was arrived at. PM confirmed that it relates to the number of properties in band D of the council tax.
A question was asked about how many people actually use the service. It is primarily used by residents of Thornby Hall and their visitors. Amanda Day confirmed that the permanent residents who do not drive or own a car are the main users but the volunteers that work in the café, grounds and hall, also rely on the bus service, as do many people who come to visit the Buddhist Centre and the service is essential for them. Councillor Harris confirmed that over the whole route there are 20,000 passengers per year but whilst that may sound a lot, it would need circa 80,000 passengers to make it a viable commercial route.
PM asked attendees to vote on whether the village will continue to pay its share if asked to contribute and this proposal was passed by a majority vote.
7. Street Lights
PG reported that given the current funds available that he and PM had discussed the possibility of enhancing the street lighting, possibly installing some additional streetlights to better illuminate the pavement from the top of the hill at Mill Bank down into the dip and up the other side to Church lane, where the majority of people walk. The village would need to submit a plan to E-On to state what may be required.
There is also potential to move the light that is currently on the opposite side of the road on the verge, not near a pavement, at the north end of the village; GG asked what would be done outside his own property should that light be moved. PM advised that once E-on reverted with what might be possible, everyone would be consulted before anything was done. AB added that as well as lighting, the pavements are in need of work; the actual surface of the pavements need attention as they are dangerous, with uneven surfaces etc, it is particularly hazardous should someone trip and fall into the A5199 which is such a busy road. GB agreed, adding that water erosion is also affecting the pavement at the bottom of the hill and something needs to be done about the bank which continues to be a problem.
Councillor JH advised that the appropriate process is to report the pavement issues, with supporting photographs on Street Doctor and to obtain a case number; JH asked that he is also copied in to this correspondence so he is aware when it has been submitted. The budget that WNC would require to fix all the current road and pavement issues across the county is circa £200m, which is clearly why a lot of the work just cannot be done as the money available is nowhere near enough.
Action: PM to report pavement issues on Street Doctor
8. Thornby Parish website
The background to this item: At a previous meeting Russell Carr had raised a suggestion about a village website, like those set up by neighbouring villages. There would be benefits for the Parish Meeting if there was a website to house various items of information and to upload the agenda and minutes of the meetings etc. RC offered to build and maintain a website and PM asked for views. There was a discussion about the benefits vs using the current village Facebook page; it was felt that many people do not use Facebook but most village residents would have access to the internet and be able to access a website and find it easier to navigate. RC presented a demonstration of the proposed website and for comparison showed Creaton, Cold Ashby, Guilsborough, and Naseby websites to see which style was preferred. Creaton and Guilsborough design and costs were similar. It was agreed that Cold Ashby’s site was dated.
The goal is that the website should house items such as:
- Parish meeting agenda and meeting minutes
- A history and information about the village
- Village event information
- Contact details for local services and anything else people felt we appropriate
PG commented that it is a great idea and a helpful resource for new people moving into the village; other items that could be added are information about the Doctors’ surgery, refuse days, the Compass Oil loyalty scheme. RC agreed and suggested that the village could perhaps look for other businesses that would do something similar, such as Gigaclear. CP added that village hall information could also be posted on the website, particularly the financials. PG agreed, and the Church information could also be added.
GB suggested the Poors Land Trust background and information should be online. LO felt that a map of the village would be useful to know where different addresses are, especially when delivery drivers ask for directions to various properties and it would be useful for people to have something to refer to.
AP added that a website is a great resource as long as it up to date, otherwise people stop using it. It would also be a good place for local trades people to advertise. RC agreed and he will manage the site and upload information, and PM will act as deputy in his absence. PM thanked RC for donating the site and funding its development and upkeep.
9. Finance
PG updated the meeting that the bank balance stood at £7,000. The last electricity bill had just been paid and there is a significant increase. The previous bill was £108 and the most recent, £176. The community scheme set up by Compass Energy whereby they pay a loyalty payment based on the amount of oil purchased collectively by villagers, now stands at £528.93 for the period 1/1/22 to 31/10/23. PM thanked PG for all the work he does as treasurer.
The next item discussed was the precept. This had remained at £1500 for sometime but last year had been increased to £2000 to help pay for the SIDs. This was discussed and everyone agreed that it should not be increased. PM advised that there are various tables showing how the precept is calculated should anyone wish to see these. It was noted that Council Tax is going to be increased by 5% even though inflation is coming down. JH advised that 7% of the Council budget is assigned to essential services and Adult Social Care takes a significant share of the budget. Attendees agreed that the precept requested should remain at £2000 and PM asked attendees to vote on this proposal; the vote was unanimous in support.
ACTION – PM would submit the precept request for £2000 to WNC
10. Village Events
A Defibrillator training session has been arranged on 24-01-24, this will be held in the village hall.
11. Correspondence
PM noted the various items of correspondence received, which can be viewed by anyone who is interested. This month the main items were from Northamptonshire Talking. In particular the issue of keyless car crime was raised and this is on the increase. As suggested by Sgt Judd, there are ways of protecting the key devices so they cannot be cloned by using something like a Faraday Pouch, these are obtainable online.
There was an email from the Association of Councils, asking what electrical devices does the village have, ie the SIDs; they are building an assets register and database to house information in the event of an electrical emergency. PM had replied listing the electrical devices the village had. PM advised that there is a Section 108 meeting online that anyone may join. WNC supplies various information and PM always places this on the notice board and in future on the website.
12. Any Other Business
PM advised that WNC are putting their budget process out to consultation by inviting input to, or comment on their proposed budget. Any village wishing to respond should do so by 23rd January 2024. The budget is increasing from £386m to £414m but the reality is that this does not mean any improvement to services, but that the cost base has increased. It was noted that 63% of revenue is from Council Tax with the balance coming from the Government. Northamptonshire Policing has asked for an increase to their budget, which means extra council tax on all houses. PM talked through what the Fire Service and Police want as an increase. Anyone is able to visit the Northants Police website and complete the questionnaire individually. PM will also being doing so on behalf of the village, as the Parish Meeting. There being no further business the meeting closed at 21.20.
59/60 bus crime defibrillator finance flooding police street lighting Thornby Hall traffic website