Parish Council Monthly Minutes – 6th January 2010

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A Regular Meeting of Whitmore Parish Council was held on Wednesday 6th January 2010 at 7.15 p.m. in the Whitmore & District Village Hall.

Last Item No. in 2009 – 275:12/09

PRESENT
Councillors NDK Hopper (Chairman), PC Ford, WP Murray, ID Webb and AJ Wilkinson plus Mr RN Haysom, Clerk. There were no Parishioners present.

001:01/10 TO RECEIVE AND APPROVE APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received and accepted from Cllr P Maskery (Holiday), Mrs A Pedley (Illness), Mrs D Burns, Village Agent and County Cllr F Chapman, by invitation.

002:01/10 TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS IN THE ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
No declarations were made and the Chairman reminded Councillors that Interests could be declared during the Meeting.

003:01/10 TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD IN DECEMBER 09
Cllr Webb proposed that the wording of the second sentence of Item 258:12/09.d.9 be amended to include "in this particular case" after "given". Cllr Ford seconded and it was resolved that the amended Minutes of the last Regular Meeting be approved and signed as a true record. The Chairman signed the Minutes.

004:01/10 TO CONSIDER MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE LAST REGULAR MEETING NOT INCLUDED IN THE AGENDA
The Clerk confirmed that he had been unable to contact Mr Allman. He was asked to e-mail Mr Allman to determine whether he had retained any files on the Parish Footpaths.

005:01/10 TO CONSIDER HIGHWAY MATTERS

1. To consider the A53 and road safety
   
   • The Clerk reported that Cllr Chapman had confirmed the validity of the "No overtaking" signage at the junction of the A53 and A5182.
   • Cllr Webb reported on the action taken by the County Council regarding the ice on the Acton Crossroads.
   • It was agreed to request Cllr Chapman to report on the planned action to be taken to minimise the water flowing off Whitmore Heath down the A53 towards Baldwins Gate.
   • Cllr Hopper reported on the accident at the Lymes Crossroads. He believed that the problems at this crossroads were caused by excessive vehicle speed and the Clerk was requested to contact the County Casualty Reduction Team for its assistance to investigate the problems.
     
     
2. To receive a progress report on the Speedwatch Project
   There were no matters to report.
   
   

006:01/10 TO CONSIDER HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE MATTERS

• It was agreed that the Clerk would arrange a meeting for the Neighbourhood Team Manager with Cllr Hopper and Cllr Webb prior to the arrival of the Team in the Parish in order to discuss the work to be undertaken.
• Cllr Ford reported on the poor state of the pavement in Appleton Drive. It was agreed that the best course of action was for residents to write to the Council.
• Specific CLARENCE Reports were not discussed.

007:01/10 TO CONSIDER THE PARISH APPEARANCE AND PARISH HANDYPERSON TASKS
The Clerk reported that he had received the Monthly Reports from the Handyperson and no new tasks for the Handyperson had been requested. Cllr Ford requested that the Handyperson be tasked with the regular cleaning of the gutters on the road and car park belonging to the Village Hall. This was agreed and Cllr Ford was asked to instruct the Handyperson.

008:01/10 TO CONSIDER ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AND COMMUNITY POLICING MATTERS
There were no matters to report.

009:01/10 TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON THE LATEST LOCALITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP MEETING
There were no matters to report.

010:01/10 TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS AND OFFICERS
Due to the absence of Cllrs Chapman and Maskery there was nothing to report.

011:01/10 TO RECEIVE VILLAGE AGENT'S REPORT
The Chairman agreed to discuss Mrs Burn's role with her and invite her to support the organisation of the Festival, the Information Centre and the implementation of the Parish Plan.

012:01/10 TO RECEIVE A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PARISH PLAN
It was agreed to change the venue of the meeting planned for the 13th January to take place in the Information Centre at 7.30 and not in the Sheet Anchor. The Chairman agreed to inform Mrs Burns. A report would be made at the next meeting. Cllr Murray reported on the change to the X64/164 Bus Service and requested that the Clerk send a letter to the County Council concerning this. This was agreed.

013:01/10 TO CONSIDER A FESTIVAL IN 2010
Cllr Murray informed the Meeting that he was prepared to assist in the organisation of the Festival but did not wish to be solely responsible for it. The Chairman offered to discuss this with the Village Agent and this was agreed by the Meeting.

014:01/10 TOWN AND COUNTRYSIDE PLANNING
The Clerk tabled a Summary Report on this item.

1. To consider Planning Applications, Appeals and Results
   1. New Applications for consideration
      The Clerk reported that there were two applications under review:
      09/726/FUL – Retention of mast as permitted by 08/86/FUL, for a further 24 months – Maer Hills, Blackbrook – It was agreed that a strong objection should be lodged.
      09/929/EXTN – Extension to the completion date for a detached garage – Lodore House, Newcastle Road, Baldwins Gate – It was agreed that as no objection had been made to the original Application, there were no grounds for opposing the extension requested.
      
      
   2. New Applications – Review Completed
      The Clerk reported that two applications had been reviewed:
      09/625/FUL – Front and side extensions and roof alterations – "Craggan", Birch Tree Lane, Whitmore Heath – No Objection.
      09/687/FUL – Detached dwelling and alterations to the vehicle access – Land adjacent to 1 Appleton Drive, Whitmore – Strong Objection.
      
      
   3. Appeals
      There were no Appeals to discuss.
      
      
   4. Results
      The Clerk reported that no Applications had been approved.
      Two Applications had been refused;
      09/521/FUL – New garage/stable building & change of use of land for the keeping of horses – Butterton House, Butterton – Strong Objection.
      09/585/FUL – Replacement rear conservatory – Long Barrow, Butterton – No Objection.
      No Applications had been withdrawn.
      
      
2. To confirm the letters sent to Newcastle Borough Council
   The Chairman informed the Meeting that there were two letters to consider relating to 09/625/FUL and 09/687/FUL which had been sent to NULBC, Cllr Webb proposed, Cllr Wilkinson seconded and it was agreed that the letters suitably conveyed the Council's feelings.
   
   
3. To consider Enforcement Matters
   The Clerk informed the Meeting that he had still not received a reply from NULBC regarding the level of the external light emissions at The Spinney, Whitmore Road, Butterton. He had reported the apparent excessive lighting at Red Court, Butterton, and awaited a response.
   
   
4. To Consider General Planning Matters
   1. Meeting with the Planning Development Officer at NULBC – Cllr Hopper reported on a meeting attended by Cllrs Webb, Wilkinson and himself which had been most interesting.
   2. Action taken regarding the Conditions attached to permission 08/465/FUL – The Clerk reported that he was awaiting a response from Mr Benson.
   3. WAMPAS – A recent Newsletter was circulated.
   4. Newcastle Borough Council Planning Committee Calling Notices – The Clerk tabled the latest Calling Notices for the Planning Committee.
   5. Newcastle Borough Council Conservation Working Party Calling Notices – The Clerk tabled the latest Calling Notices for the Working Party.

015:01/10 FINANCIAL MATTERS
The Clerk tabled supporting documents and spoke on this item with the Chairman's approval.

1. To Consider Donations and Purchases
   The Clerk requested that Council support the cost of a Training Conference of £130.00 which would be shared with Madeley PC.
   He informed the Meeting that the cost of repairing the Laptop PC for the Information Centre by PC World would be £39.98. Cllr Hopper proposed that the expenditure be approved, Cllr Ford seconded and it was agreed.
   Also the Clerk reported receipt of a quotation for the repair of the Play Area equipment from Playdale Playgrounds which included delivery and assembly. He was requested to arrange for the items to be delivered for assembly by the Handyperson.
   
   
2. To Receive a Report on the Current Financial Situation
   Councillors approved this and there were no questions.
   
   
3. To Authorise the Payment of Accounts
   The Clerk tabled and explained the accounts for payment. Cllr Webb proposed, Cllr Murray seconded and it was agreed that the following accounts be paid:

4. To consider general finance matters
   The Clerk covered the following subjects;
   1. Bank Reconciliation
      A Bank Reconciliation as at the 6th January 10 had already been circulated. There were no queries.
   2. Parish Precept for 2010/11
      Cllr Hopper proposed a Precept of £12,750, Cllr Wilkinson seconded and it was agreed.
   3. Grants
      £500 from the LCF for the Civic Society Blue Disc to be placed on the Ticket Office had been received.
   4. Community Chest Application
      £525 had been paid from the Community Chest to the Village Hall Management Committee to assist in the acquisition of a Defibrillator for the Hall.
   5. Bus Shelter Notice Boards
      Cllr Murray confirmed that provision of the three Notice Boards were in hand.
   6. VAT Refund
      The refund of £1210 had been claimed.
   7. Handyperson Rate of Pay
      Mr Alldritt had requested an increase of 50 pence per hour to £13.00. Cllr Webb proposed, Cllr Murray seconded and it was agreed.

016:01/10 TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON THE INFORMATION CENTRE
Cllr Murray reported that the Information Centre had been very quiet during the last few weeks. Cllr Murray was requested to provide an advert and a list of useful contact numbers to the Clerk so that they could be circulated to other Parish Councils in the area. Cllr Murray suggested that the Information Centre might be used by more Parishioners if it was open in the evening and not during the daytime. It was agreed to discuss this further at the next meeting.

017:01/10 TO CONSIDER COUNCILLOR AND CLERK TRAINING
The Clerk reported that he had circulated new training opportunities to be provided by SPCA and had not received any requests from Councillors to date. He was requested to contact SPCA to see if more training could be based at Whitmore Village Hall.

018:01/10 TO CONSIDER QUALITY PARISH COUNCIL ACCREDITATION
The Chairman reported that he and the Clerk had completed the QPC Reaccredidation Portfolio except for the Clerk's Contract which had to be changed to the new format. This had been agreed with the Clerk and required ratification by the Council. Cllr Hopper proposed its acceptance, Cllr Webb seconded and it was agreed. The Chairman signed the Contract and the Clerk agreed to read it over night and return it signed to the Chairman. The Clerk was requested to inform the SPCA that the Portfolio would be delivered on the 11th January.

019:01/10 TO RECEIVE THE CLERK’S REPORT
The Clerk reported on the following items:

1. A request from fera to publicise the need to sustain a healthy bee population.
2. A letter from the Community Council of Staffordshire concerning the Best Kept Village Competition 2010. It was agreed not to enter this competition.
3. A NALC Conferences and Events Survey which had been circulated to all Councillors.
4. A letter from Fields in Trust regarding Memorial Playing Fields.
5. The SPCA Newsletter.
6. The NULBC Statement of Gambling Policy.
7. The Achievement of the Village Hall in gaining Hallmark Status.

020:01/10 TO RECEIVE A PROGRESS REPORT ON FILLING THE COUNCILLOR VACANCY
There was no progress to report. It was agreed that a Recruitment Policy would be beneficial.

021:01/10 TO CONSIDER THE NEED FOR A COUNCIL SUCCESSION PLAN
Cllr Hopper informed the Meeting that he was intending to stand down as Chairman in May 2010. A Parish Meeting with a wider Agenda and Invitations to all Clubs and Societies in the Parish was felt would be a good way of advertising the roles and tasks of the Parish Council in order to increase interest.

022:01/10 TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM COUNCILLORS ON ANY RESPONSIBILITIES NOT INCLUDED IN THE AGENDA
Cllr Webb reported that he had attended the Borough Conservation Advisory Working Party Meeting.

023:01/10 TO CONSIDER VILLAGE HALL & RECREATION FIELD MATTERS
The Clerk tabled literature concerning exercise equipment for adults including senior citizens and suggested that this be considered for the Village Hall. Cllr Ford undertook to contact the Company concerned and obtain details of the equipment available.

024:01/10 TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES TO BOROUGH AND COUNTY PARTNERSHIPS AND FORA
Cllr Wilkinson reported on the need of the Rural Runabout for additional funds. He requested that this be considered as an addition to the Budget in February.

025:01/10 TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER CORRESPONDENCE NOT ALREADY DEALT WITH IN THE MEETING
The Clerk tabled the correspondence that had not been dealt with during the meeting and highlighted specific items.

026:01/10 TO NOTE COUNCILLORS' AND THE CLERK'S PLANNED ABSENCE
Councillors and the Clerk informed the Meeting of their planned absence. The actual dates were advised to the Clerk.

027:01/10 TO CONFIRM THAT THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING WOULD TAKE PLACE ON THE 3RD FEBRUARY 2010
It was agreed that the next Regular Meeting of the Council would take place on Wednesday 3rd February 2010 at 7.15 p.m. in the Whitmore & District Village Hall.

The Chairman thanked everyone for their attendance and, as there was no further business, he closed the Meeting at 10.30 p.m.

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