SHOTESHAM PARISH COUNCIL.
               Becmead, Shotesham St Mary, NR15 1UJ     01508550358  
          shoteshampc.clerk@outlook.com

Minutes of the meeting of Shotesham Parish Council held in the Trinity at 7.30pm on Tuesday April 8^th2025.

1. To consider apologies for absence
   Present …All members plus CC Alison Thomas and parishioner Zelia Dickerson. Apologies were received from DC John Cook
2. The minutes of the meeting of Tuesday February 18th^th 2025.…were signed as a correct record.
3. 3. Planning Application 2025/0953
   The application was fully supported.
4. 4.The introduction of ‘gates’ at the entrance to the village
   a)..After a very detailed discussion based on a number of possible sites, coupled with the helpful information from CC Alison Thomas re potential costs of £3000+ per set of ‘gateways’, Notwithstanding the possible mitigation by a grant towards costs it was agreed the introduction of gates was ‘not economic’ for the PC at this time.
   b).. The above discussion prompted a separate discussion about slowing traffic as it enters the village. Some years ago a ‘speed-watch’ team was formed. Steps would be taken seek current advice of the Police re slowing traffic in ‘todays’ circumstances.
5. Finances
   The ‘year-end position’ had been previously shared and accepted. The accounts would  now be prepared for audit. On completion of the audit the accounts would return to a PC meeting for formal acceptance.
6. Giga Clear .
   The unacceptable installation of telegraph poles either side of the bec by Giga Clear.
   **Giga Clear gave the following explanation for their installation.
   The current provision in place to allow a crossing of the bec is not large and is used by a number of services. During talks with the Environment Agency GC were informed that they would not be able to install their own duct if required above ground. To cross the bec in current circumstances would have required the installation of a duct  underground/under the bec
   This can only be done by directional drilling. It would require large launch and landing pits for the drill etc. This required excavation either side of the brook to gain access thus a need to bring ‘plant and materials’ onto the site.  Thus, significantly and adversely disturbing the SSSI. This would be unacceptable to the Environment Agency.
   The build team thus looked to the road crossing over the brook as a solution. Due to the absence of ducting and with a similar requirement as above two poles were installed. This was after a discussion with Highways and the issuing of a permit.
   The above response seems to reflect the initial appraisal of options but not specifically addresses the question of using ducting under/alongside the bridge as an alternative to the poles
   ***The chairman to approach GC with the specific request that this is explored
7. Report on FP 21 and FP8…These are currently .two unusable PROW’s. An unacceptable position.
   FP21.Agreement from the meeting to proceed with vigour to press for FP21 to be opened on its current path or for assurance of the legal dept of NCC that they are in the process of a legal re-routing.
   FP8 The chairman explained that the route from Market Lane to Stubb’s Green has been walked on two occasions in the past few weeks.

   Three important items are in need of resolving .

   1. There are no signposts in place at Market lane or Stubbs Green and
   2. No means of crossing the bec without wading !. ..and
   3. Access from Market Lane requires significant work on the roadside horse-chestnut.
      The clerk to seek assurance from NCC [the responsible authority] that this unacceptable position is resolved as soon as possible.
8.  Dunt’s Loke,
   It was agreed to support a request that the loke off Priory Lane to be formally named as Dunt’s Loke.The clerk to seek the help of the district councillor as to how this decision can be made a reality.
9. East Pye Solar Farm
   The Chairman updated the meeting on the parish’s interaction with the East Pye Solar Farm proposal. A number of ‘mass’ walks have been held which were very well supported. They have significantly raised the concerns felt by many residents of the massive impact on Shotesham/Norfolk of such industrial wholesale expansion.
10. Follow up meeting re CPR and use of Defibrillator plus First Responders
    The members positive supported the idea. Kim Dyke, the coordinator of these events was asked  to determine the likely uptake of a training session.
11.  Commons Trustee/Vacancy ..the meeting appointed Sara Webber to the position.
12. The Annual Village Meetings will take place on May 13^th at 7.30pm at the Trinity. It will follow the standard format where all aspects of the Parish Council’s involvement in the village over the past year will be shared. Additionally Kim Dyke was asked to invite a local first responder to join the meeting to explain his role..
    Villagers will be encouraged to ask questions and present new ideas for activities.

Additionally… it was agreed to hold the Annual Parish Meeting on Tuesday June 10^th at 7.30pm at the Trinity. 

Items of urgency not on the agenda
***Mrs Dickerson raised concerns about the infrequent bus service the village for transport to the nearest shops/doctors/chemist…that is to and from Poringland. Currently there is a once a day.service.
Of great concern is that when a bus, for acceptable reasons/breakdown etc, could not meet the agreed timetable no alternative was provided. As the service is only available once a day ..each way …it has a serious impact on the more mature members of the village if doctors appointments /shopping for key supplies etc is not possible.

• The Chairman/The clerk to talk to the bus provider and discuss a way forward

J K Gough, The Clerk.