WOLSINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES FOR MEETING HELD TUESDAY 8TH April 2025 7.00 PM
PRESENT: I Rodgers, A Bonar, A Savory, Y Bell, J Bartram, J Bell, S Bittlestone, Helen Yeulet, A Hirst,
Sarah-Ann Baxter(Clerk)
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: 8 Members of the public attended.
1) APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: David Sugden
2) TO RECEIVE QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR: Katie Corrigan spoke about the Chapter50 project
from Age UK. Mr Gardner highlighted several local initiatives that might benefit the Parish Council
and the Area. He asked could the Chairs Annual Report focus on the 10 priorities set out on the
Councils website. Cllr Rodgers explained that it would be up to the new Council if they wished to
keep those priorities or set new ones, but it was agreed that engaging with the local community was
important. 3) DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:
Cllr Savory – Planning Matters
4) MINUTES OF MEETING HELD 12th February 2025: Minutes were agreed as a true record
5) MATTERS ARISING: i) New Toilets –The toilets are now open ii) Website – The website is currently
being developed. Any photographs that people may have can be forwarded to the Clerk. iii)
Christmas – Cllr Rodgers suggested looking into up lighting the trees at St Anne’s as an alternative
solution and Cllr Savory suggested having a Christmas Tree near the entrance. iv) Flagpole – Nothing
to report v) Wear Bridge Repairs – Works are due to commence in early May. Cllr Savory requested
that workers from the Creative World company be allowed to park at the Recreation Ground when
the bridge is closed – this was agreed and vehicle number plates would be supplied to the Clerk. vi)
Parish Council Elections – As there were only 8 nominations there won’t be an election. The Council
will need to co-opt to fill the remaining 3 seats.
6) CORRESPSONDENCE: i) Letters to Heaven Post Box – Charlotte Lee has asked if she could install a
Letters To Heaven postbox in the Recreation Ground. Councillors considered this and concerns were
raised regarding the confidentiality of the contents, future maintenance/vandalism and the
perception that it was the Parish Council’s responsibility. The request was declined. ii) Crepe
Expectations Complaint – Georgia Craggs has expressed her concerns over the parking & location of
the Crepe Van in the Market Place. It was agreed to contact Crepe Expectations and ask that they do
not block the pedestrian dropped kerbs, but they would still be encouraged to trade in the Market
Place. iii) Overnight Camping in the Recreation Ground – Mrs Watt had written and attended the
meeting to complain about an incident of overnight camping in the overflow car park of the
Recreation Ground. She requested that the main gate be closed, Cllr Page 1 of 2 Rodgers pointed out
that they usually are but as the Council rely on volunteers it was not always possible. It would be
difficult to police any further incidents and the Parish Council have no authority to move people on,
however the situation would be monitored. Cllr Savory would also speak to the Police beat officer.
7) MAINTENANCE WORKS: a) St Anne’s Hall– Nothing to report b) Recreation Ground – The
skatepark sign needs replacing, it was agreed Cllr Savory would approach the two local schools to
design a new sign. c) Town Hall – Nothing to report d) Demesne Mill – Gillian Calvert has given the
noticeboard a spring clean and has requested residents do not stick notices on the outside of the
glass as it makes it very difficult to clean. A resident has requested a memorial plaque be placed on a
seat in the Demesne Mill, this was agreed. e) Thornley Woods – The damaged fencing has been
repaired. f) Allotments – The pipework to the tap has been damaged underground, this will be
repaired when a contractor can fit it in. g) Angate Street Toilets – Anti-social behaviour has been
occurring again, with alcohol being consumed. It was agreed this would be monitored with a
possibility of revising opening times. The Community Police have agreed to carry out a walk around
the town to highlight any further areas. 8) Policy Reviews – Annual review of policies took place and
these were agreed. It was also agreed that policies would be reviewed annually. 9) Finance i)
Payments & Reports for March 2025 – Agreed
10) PLANNING – There were no comments with regard to planning matters Date of next meeting –
May 13th 2025 to held at the Town Hall, Wolsingham at 7pm.
