SHOTESHAM PARISH COUNCIL.
Becmead, Shotesham St Mary, NR15 1UJ
01508550358 clerk.shotesham@outlook.com
Minutes of the meeting of 9th of June 2026.
1.Apologies for absence and attendance.
Apologies were received and accepted from J Nott, H Walker and DC J Cook.
C C Karl Catchpole was welcomed to Shotesham and to the meeting together with local resident P Grant
Mr Catchpole was invited to address the meeting as this was his first visit after being elected as the local County Councillor.
He indicated his wish was to help Shotesham in whatever way the village wanted given it was within his powers.
- Minutes of both the previous meetings held on 12th of May were approved
- Planning application ……9, The Grove
- A new kind of AGM,
3. Election/ Appointment of Officers for 2026/2027.
i)Appointment of Chairman
Heather Jackson was appointed
The Chairman took up her office and chaired all further proceedings
ii) Appointment of Vice Chairman
J Nott was appointed as Vice Chair
iii). The following posts were confirmed.
The Clerk as Finance Officer and Proper Officer. [ Jeff Gough]
The Tree Warden. [ Sarah Long]
The Footpath Walker/Coordinator. [Christine Burton]
The Internal Auditor. [ Robert/Bob Harris.].
- Finance
- The clerk presented the annual accounts for 2025/26 as audited by Robert Harris to the members for acceptance. The details having been previously shared.
- The accounts were accepted
- Certificate of Exemption was agreed and will be signed by the Chairman
- A brief report from the Chairman in respect of the ‘Village Meeting of Tuesday May 12th
The chairman referred to the meeting as one that ‘was busy and active’ and appreciated by the residents of Shotesham who were able to attend. A number of key issues were discussed which the Chairman agreeing to bring them to the next PC meeting.
The items were
- The Mill Ford’s continued closure and its future.
The Parish Council has always stated that the ford should be reopened with basic safety/smart signage measured being put in place.
It is totally opposed to closure as it is more than a ‘roadway’ it is a much loved and well used beauty spot and …more importantly a regular access to and from the village to the A140.
It was felt that the costs associated with improving the safety at the ford would be significantly less than the legal costs of a ‘road closure process’ where such a process would be opposed by adjoining parish councils and many individual residents of the adjoining villages.
Separately, the impact of the local farmers in time and cost who now have to travel many miles in a complicated route using the A47, southern by-pass has not been shared/calculated.
A number of alternatives to closure such as …
- A raised road level…often referred to as a ‘Dutch Ford
- Smart and clear signage
- A barrier to stop cars slipping off the roadway …such as a series of posts across the river ..which would not affect the water flow in the wet season/high river levels
The meeting asked our new County Councillor to keep the village informed of any developments ..no matter how small.
- East Pye …update on ‘village’ response
With deadline for submission to the Inspector fixed as 23.59.59 on 10th June it was expected that Shotesham’s submission would be made within that time constraint…
- Parking within the village
It was noted that there has been an increase in somewhat lengthy lines of parked vehicles in the village which, whilst being perfectly legal, can occasionally require additional caution to navigate safely.
There was more concern about parking in the vicinity of the local pub – The Globe – where parking is taking place on both sides of the road and on the verge.
It was felt that a more careful review of the impact this is having should be done and reported back to the next PC meeting
- CC Catchpole shared the possibility of financial ‘help’ with the purchase of a new ‘speed’ indicator.
It was agreed to ask the two councillors who oversee the deployment etc of the device to make direct contact with CC Catchpole. - Date of next meeting to be determined as soon as possible
The meeting closed
J K Gough The Clerk