Annual Open Meeting Minutes

BENNIWORTH PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING

HELD AT THE HEANEAGE ARMS

THURSDAY, 16TH MAY 2024

Present

Cllrs. Stewart (chair), Olivant, Raynor, Dyas, Chetwynd – Talbot.

Clerk – D Bailey

Apologies

Cllr South

11 members of the public from Benniworth Parish

1. The chair introduced the new clerk, and who gave a brief outline of his previous experience
2. The chair then referred to the recent questionnaire sent out to all members of the Parish. A return of 67% was recorded, which was based on 87 questionnaires distributed across the Parish. Cllr Raynor having compiled the response, noted that a village community ranked very highly, and that many of the events itemised were regarded as enjoyable, albeit attendance at church was ranked quite low. There was a reasonable spread of preference for communication methods. Copies of the responses will be available on the website.
3. Specific items raised:-
   1. Grass verge cutting. Concerns that grass verge cutting was not being carried out, the chair assured residents that Mr. Olivant was undertaking this.
   2. Bus timetable. The bus timetable is not easily available. Action – clerk to put a copy in the website
   3. Overhead power lines Concern over the lack of progress on removing the overhead power lines Action  chair to contact James Cousins to request a report on progress and reasons for the delays
   4. Speeding A lengthy and detailed discussion ensued with regard to the complexities of government legislation regarding the implementation of speed limits in rural up areas. The lack of a 30mph speed limit in Benniworth has been an ongoing issue for a considerable length of time. A number of residents put forward their views and concerns over the safety of people in the village. There are also ongoing concerns about the speed of vehicles travelling along Caistor High Street which should be taken into consideration in any investigations. Action- although no clear conclusions could be reached as a result of the meeting, the Parish Council agreed to investigate the matter further with the relevant authorities.

5. Activities One of the main concerns over the implementation of an activity programme is the lack of a suitable venue. Although St.Julians church has been used in the past, its future is in doubt due to the lack of worshippers, and the physical state of the building. Cllr. South submitted, in her absence, a report on the situation outlining the issues surrounding the future of the church. Potentially it could be used for the next three years, after which its physical condition may have deteriorated. The chair asked if residents wanted a Christmas Carol service in the church, and this was roundly supported

A number of Residents stated that the land behind Tennyson Avenue had been used in the past, and that the Heneage Arms is available for both inside and outside events.

It was further noted that South Willingham and East Barkwith with also have facilities that could be used, and so it would make sense to use existing facilities rather than seeking funding for a new facility in Benniworth that would require both capital and revenue funding.

It was agreed that some form of village committee would be required, and various ways of starting it up were discussed.

Action – that Cllr. Chetwynd-Talbot to consult and compile  a second survey be questionnaire, and two events be agreed and volunteers sought.

Action – Cllr. Raynor to distribute the questionnaire.

The chair asked if the parishioner who looks after Neighbourhood Watch needed any help, but it was stated that this organisation no longer exists, and that additional help was not required.

The chair thanked everyone for attending, and for their valuable contributions.

The meeting closed at 20.20