PC Chairman's Report, 19 May 22
Chairman’s Annual Report 2021/22
As part of the statutory requirements of a Parish Council, I have a duty to report on the activities in which Marston Parish Council has been involved during the past year. It therefore gives me great pleasure to present my sixth report to this Annual Parish Council Meeting.
The Council’s accounts, records and systems for 2021/2022 have been internally audited. Financial documents are available for inspection as in previous years.
A precept of £5420 was raised with South Kesteven District Council for the Financial Year 2021/2022. Additional income to the value of £2083.08 was received from other sources. The total expenditure for 2021/22 was £6514.27.
The budget for 2022/2023 has been agreed by Members and a precept of £5650 has been requested.
The Village Cleaner has continued his programme of grass cutting and strimming around the village. Unfortunately, the heavy workload has taken its toll on the mower which has needed several repairs during the year. The Village Cleaner has completed cleaning and refurbishing the benches. The bench on the village green was beyond refurbishment and a replacement has been purchased and installed. The Parish Council are indebted to various parishioners for their efforts in keeping the parish looking neat and tidy and thanks once again to Councillor Watson for organising a very successful village litter pick.
Pot holes continue to be a major problem in Lincolnshire and Marston has its share. The County Council is committed to improving the situation and we should help them whenever we can. To this end, I would urge everyone to use the County Council’s Fix My Street reporting scheme every time they encounter a new pothole. The sooner they are reported the sooner they are repaired.
Following the easing of the planning regulations two new properties have been built on Main Street and the small development of five properties at the rear of Glendale is virtually completed. Plans have been approved for three new properties on the Old Corn Dryer site at the rear of Pinfold Lane/ Toll Bar Road. The Parish Council are concerned about the ability of the sewerage infrastructure to cope with these new properties and has written to SKDC on the matter.
Planning permission has been received for a large solar farm on Cliff Lane. This is partly in Marston and partly in Great Gonerby Parishes. It is anticipated that the Parish Councils will receive a financial community benefit award from the developers this financial year.
Two new benches have been donated to the village in memory of a parishioner’s parents. One is sited on Barkston Road and one on Riverside Walk. The Parish Council wishes to thank Harlaxton Engineering for constructing the base for the one on Barkston Road.
The Riverside Walk has more visitors since the pandemic. The last section of hedge laying was completed during the winter. Some wildflower seeds have been planted and Councillor Stephens is liaising with the school with a view to establishing a nature trail. Councillor Barradell has been successful in obtaining a grant for some picnic tables for the Riverside Walk. These will be installed this summer.
In September/October daffodil bulbs were planted on grass verges in and around the village. These provided a welcome splash of colour in March and April and hopefully will continue to do so for years to come.
I wish to thank all the Councillors and the Clerk for their time, devotion and continued support to Parishioners throughout the year. Be assured your Parish Council will continue to strive to do what it believes is in the best interests of the community.
Finally, may I remind everyone that the Parish Council welcomes members of the public to its meetings. It is important that we are kept aware of issues that affect the parish of Marston and I would encourage you all to participate where you can as it is our job to represent the interests of the community and we can best do this if we hear directly from you.
Philip Cartwright
Chairman to Marston Parish Council
Date: 12 May 2022