Agenda and draft minutes

The Deputy Chairman informed those present of the actions required in the event of a fire or emergency.

a.  To receive any declarations from Members of any registerable (5A of the Code of Conduct) and/or non-registerable (5B) interests in matters to be considered at this meeting.

b.  The Town Clerk to receive written requests for dispensations prior to the start of the meeting for consideration.

a.  To receive any declarations from Members of any registerable (5A of the Code of Conduct) and/or non-registerable (5B) interests in matters to be considered at this meeting.

None.

b.  The Town Clerk to receive written requests for dispensations prior to the start of the meeting for consideration.

None.

Please note: Any member of the public requiring to put a question to the Town Council must do so by email or via The Guildhall no later than 12 noon the day before the meeting.

Members of the public are advised to review the Receiving Public Questions, Representations and Evidence at Meetings document prior to attending the meeting.

None.

Please see a copy of the minutes on the STC website or request to see a copy at the Guildhall.

It was proposed by Councillor Peggs, seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED that the minutes of the Joint Burial Board Committee held on 29 October 2024 were confirmed as a true and correct record.

No report.

No report.

Members received and discussed the Service Delivery Department report as contained within the circulated reports pack.

Churchyard Gates

It was RESOLVED to note.

Grass Cutting & Moss Control

It was RESOLVED to note.

Uneven ground signs St Stephens Churchyard

The Ex-Officio Chairman informed the meeting that the installation of the signs must be permitted by the Ecclesiastical planning department through the Diocese. This is due to the signs needing to be fixed by drilling into the walls.

The Office Manager / Assistant to the Town Clerk emphasised that the signs are a Health and Safety requirement.  Members discussed freestanding signs be permitted whilst waiting for Ecclesiastical planning approval. 

It was proposed by Councillor Peggs, seconded by Councillor Bullock and RESOLVED:

1.  To note the update;

2.  The Ex-Officio Chairman to request permission to install the signs with the Ecclesiastical Planning Portal via the Diocese for the entrances to St Stephen’s Churchyard;

3.  To delegate to the Service Delivery Manager to liaise with the Ex-Officio Chairman to procure suitable temporary Health and Safety signs.

Headstone Survey

The Office Manager / Assistant to the Town Clerk informed the meeting that the Town Council will proceed with the Headstone Survey Health and Safety Audit in 2025. 

Members discussed the headstone survey in detail. 

It was proposed by Councillor Samuels, seconded by L Batham and RESOLVED:

1.  To note the report on the headstone survey and approve the Town Council to proceed with the headstone audit in 2025;

2.  The Ex-Officio Chairman to share information on the headstone survey, promote where possible and support the Town Council social media posts;

3.  The Ex-Officio Chairman to manage the results of the headstone survey and any enquiries during the process.

General ground maintenance

The Ex Officio Chairman updated the meeting on a water leak from a standpipe in the churchyard, the Office Manager/Assistant to the Town Clerk clarified that it is the church's responsibility, not the Town Councils.

Members were informed that no plan for the church's water system has been identified and turning off the stopcock at the standpipe cuts off water to the entire churchyard.

It was proposed by Reverend Laura Bushell Hawke (Ex-Officio Chairman), seconded by Councillor Dent and RESOLVED:

1.  To note the update;

2.  To delegate to the Service Delivery Manager to liaise with the PCC Wardens to investigate the leak from the old standpipe located within the churchyard reporting back to the Ex-Officio Chairman and the Deputy Chairman.

Members received and discussed the report on the recent Law Commission Burial and Cremation Consultation, referencing the information outlined in the circulated reports pack.

The Law Commission have completed the first phase of the consultation and are now analysing responses before making final recommendations to Government.

It was RESOLVED to note.

(Pursuant to Joint Burial Board held 29.10.24 minute nr.26/24/25)

The Ex-Officio Chairman informed the meeting that the Parochial Church Council (PCC) met in January 2025 and have voted not to close the Churchyard whilst waiting for the Law Commission Report. 

The Ex-Officio Chairman added that this did not mean that the closure of the Churchyard will not be considered in the future, but that the decision has been paused until the results of the Law Commission Burial and Cremation Consultation were available.

It was RESOLVED to note.

To resolve that pursuant to Section 1 (2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 the public and press leave the meeting because of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted. (As required or if necessary).

To resolve that pursuant to Section 1 (2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 the public and press leave the meeting because of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted. (As required or if necessary).

None.

To resolve that the public and press be re-admitted to the meeting.

To resolve that the public and press be re-admitted to the meeting.

It was proposed by Councillor Peggs, seconded by Councillor Samuels and RESOLVED to issue a Press and Social Media release on the Headstone Survey Health and Safety Audit scheduled for 2025.