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ESSINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
DRAFT Minutes of Essington Parish Council meeting held on Monday 13th October 2008 at 7-00pm
PRESENT: Councillor D. Clifft J P(Chairman) Councillor M North(Vice-Chairman)
Councillor R Firmstone Councillor P Griffin
Councillor J Macey Councillor K Pace
Councillor L Saunders Councillor J Smallman
Councillor B Tarbuck Councillor B Whitehouse
Councillor P. Whitehouse Councillor S Wright
Also present was County Councillor Mike Lawrence
The Chairman Councillor David Clifft welcomed Members of the Council and residents to the meeting.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
A resident commented that the Highways Department are monitoring the problems of speeding traffic along Bursnip Road and
thanked the Parish Council for all their help and assistance in this matter.
A resident commented on the forthcoming Remembrance Day parade on the 9th November leaving the Scout Site at 10.40am.
The Chairman announced the public meeting on Monday 27th October at 7.00pm to discuss the Drs. Surgery, view the
Surgery, also Dr. Barry will be attending the meeting.
The Scout’s bonfire will be held at Essington Fruit Farm on Friday 7th November.
The police contact number has changed to 0300 123 4455.
The clerk read out the crime statistic report for this month:
Burglary dwellings 1
Theft of motor vehicles 3
Theft from motor vehicles 5 from Hilton Services
5 from other locations
Violence 1 adult
1 youths
Anti Social Behaviour 8 youths gathering
1 off road bikes
1 alcohol related
1 theft of wheelie bin
Other items for attention
Increased numbers of thefts from motor vehicles of sat. navigation systems and mobile phones. Increased number of patrols
advising owners not to leave valuables in vehicles.
1. APOLOGIES
Councillors Jim Rice, Winston Haddon, County Councillor Kath Perry, Community Beat Officer David Rushton and Community Support Officer Karen Willis all sent their apologies.
2. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
None
3. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING of 8th SEPTEMBER 2008 to be approved
Councillor Lionel Saunders proposed and Councillor June Smallman seconded that the minutes were a true record.
4. MATTERS ARISING(from the last meeting’s minutes)
Councillor Bryn Whitehouse commented on various footpaths and open space and has arranged to meet a ranger from Staffs CC
On the 22nd October to walk the area and discuss the problems.
5. DR. SURGERY
The Chairman confirmed that South Staffs PCT have approved the reinstatement of a surgery in Essington at the Community Centre. The Parish Council will be involved in the tendering process to appoint the Doctor. The Chairman confirmed the quotes received for the printing of the notice to go to every household in the parish, Members agreed the quote from R W Prin
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6. ESSINGTON COMMUNITY CENTRE PROPOSED REFURBISHMENT – Phase 3
7. PLANNING MATTERS
a. Planning applications submitted for approval during the month:
08/00909/COU Conversion of barns to 5 dwellings at Mitre Farm Bursnip Road - no objections
08/00988/FUL New dormer window & single storey rear sun room 25 Bognop Road – no objections
08/01006/LUP Erection of detached 5 bay garage building The Old Signal Box Bursnip Road – objections – overdevelopment of
Site, development in the green belt, change of street scene.
b.The following planning applications have been approved:
08/00765/FUL 2 storey side extension, single storey front extensions & conservatory 6 Rowan Drive
08/00778/FUL 2 storey side & single storey rear extensions 6 Rosewood Gardens
08/00847/FUL 2 storey side extension Oak Hollow Old Hampton Lane Westcroft
08/00842/LUP Porch to side of house 34B Hill Street
08/00541/LUP Class B2(general industry) Essington Brickworks Site Hobnock Road
c.The following planning applications have been refused:
None received
8. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED THIS MONTH
A request from The Lakes care home holding a musical evening at the community centre for a donation towards the hire charges, the Chairman proposed £25 seconded by Councillor Beryl Tarbuck and carried.
A request from Hatherton Parish Council to support them against a planning application to site an Incinerator Plant at Fours Ashes, Members discussed the request and Councillor Jan Macey proposed support seconded by Councillor Bob Firmstone & carried.
An acknowledgement from South Staffs Council regarding the open space land at High Hill.
Confirmation from Highways Department Staffordshire County Council that the weeds on the motorway bridge areas of Bursnip Road would be sprayed to control.
A letter from a resident in Bursnip Road regarding speeding traffic problems and accidents, that is being monitored by the Highways Department, the resident thanked the parish council for all their help and assistance in the matter.
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9. FINANCE
A. To note the Councils Bank balances at 30.09.08 as Current Account £3828.04 Deposit Account £38560.75 Reserve Account 1 £60.87,Reserve Account 2 £3021.09 Reserve Account 3 £1,000,Charity Account £287.14 and Petty Cash £100 – less unpresented cheques £784.84
Reconciliation: Balance B/fwd 21650.23
Plus receipts 36439.37
Less payments 12016.55
Balance c/fwd 46073.05
B. To RESOLVE that the following cheques be issued:-
Chq No. / Payee / Details / Nett (£) / VAT (£) / Total (£)102221 / Skirmish / Youth activities / 620.00 / 104.71 / 724.71
102222 / Alan Cotterell Practice Ltd / Architect services phase 2a &3 / 720.00 / 126.00 / 846.00
102223 / Veolia ES Ltd / Refuse collection August ECC / 152.56 / 26.70 / 179.26
102224 / Severn Trent Water / Water bill ECC Apr – Aug / 54.34 / - / 54.34
102225 / Abbachem / Cleaning materials / 58.10 / 10.17 / 68.27
102226 / Valuation Office / Valuation of The Pavilion / 300.00 / 52.50 / 352.50
102227 / South Staffs Council / Premises licence £180.00 ground maintenance £1144.33 / 1153.90 / 170.43 / 1324.33
102228 / Greenclean Maintenance / Window clean ECC / 89.76 / 15.60 / 104.76
102229 / Vision ICT Ltd / Website maintenance / 150.00 / 26.25 / 176.25
102230 / Hodges Electrical / Electrical repairs / 150.00 / - / 150.00
102231 / C E Gracey / Baby changing units x 2 £338.77 gravel for ECC £35.00 / 311.02 / 62.75 / 373.77
102232 / C E Gracey / Petty cash reimbursement – stationery, postage stamps, hardware, cleaning materials, key cut / 93.28 / 6.52 / 99.80
102233 / Skirmish paintball / Youth Activities / 21.32 / 3.67 / 24.99
102233 / C E Gracey / Sign for Drs.Surgery - Wood for L/L meter housing - stationery & postage for civic sunday / 221.43 / 19.56 / 240.99
102234 / C E Gracey / Flowers for Civic Sunday, stationery for civic Sunday, Photo framing / 195.00 / - / 195.00
The cheque payments were proposed by Councillor Lionel Saunders and seconded by Councillor Peter Whitehouse.
A statement of Income & Expenditure against budget up to 30th September 2008 was presented; this was proposed by Councillor June Smallman and seconded by Councillor Mavis North(Vice-Chairman).
A statement of Income & Expenditure for the Community Centre Refurbishment up to 30th September 2008 was presented; this was proposed by Councillor Beryl Tarbuck and seconded by Councillor Bryn Whitehouse
Approval of Contractor Peter Everitt Construction to install disable access ramp in Council Chamber as proposed at Management Meeting 15th September plus an additional £750 for the handrail as required by building regulations proposed
10. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AROUND THE PARISH
The Chairman commented that a quotation had been received to decorate a third tree at St. Johns Church, and to replace the lights around the apex at Essington Wood Chapel. Members discussed the quotes and agreed to replace the lights at the chapel this year. Member agreed to give the Chairman and Vice-Chairman delegated powers to spend up to £700 and obtain LED bulbs if possible.
11. BROAD LANE
· PLAY EQUIPMENT
Councillor Mavis North(Vice-Chairman) and Councillor Beryl Tarbuck commented that a quote had been received. The Chairman commented on a recent seminar that he had attended regarding funding available for play schemes in Staffordshire and that across the County 25 schemes would be successful and that to attain a grant the scheme had to meet the criteria.
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· WALSALL FBC
The clerk read out a reply from Walsall Football Club stating that they could not replace the overhead bar because they do not have it and in principle because logistical reasons they object to the bar being replaced. Councillor Mavis North(Vice-Chairman) commented we must persist in the club replacing the bar or a suitable alternative at their cost.
12. TELECOMMUNICATION MASTS
The clerk read out a proposal by Orange to install a base radio station on the verge in Bursnip Road, Councillor Sylvia Wright confirmed that no notification has been received by South Staffs Council to install the existing pole.
Councillor Sylvia Wright commented on the ongoing work of FAME and their recent meeting with Sir Patrick Cormack & Rolf Levesley Chief Executive at South Staffs Council to discuss the lawfulness of the water tower and other masts in the parish.
Councillor Sylvia Wright commented that herself and other FAME members are attending scrutiny meetings at the district council and the next one is the 30th October to discuss health concerns and children’s development in line with emissions from the masts.
Councillor Sylvia Wright asked if the Parish Council would write to South Staffs Council and ask for the emissions tester to be used in the parish regularly and also for spot checks in various vulnerable areas, Members discussed the use of the tester and the Chairman agreed to write to Graham Colling and request use of the tester and copies to the data following the test.
20.45pm The Chairman requested a 15 minute extension if required, this was agreed.
13. WESTCROFT
· POOLS
Councillor June Smallman & Councillor Pat Griffin both commented on the number of youths illegally fishing at pools adjacent to Bognop Road and that the only way to stop them is for the land owner to securely fence the land or infill the pool.
14. HIGHWAYS ISSUES
· LAMP POST SWYNNERTON DRIVE/BOGNOP ROAD
Councillor Lionel Saunders commented on concerns from residents regarding the darkness area of Swynnerton Drive junction Bognop Road and requested a lamp post. The clerk will enquire as to the feasibility.
· SAFETY FENCING BOGNOP ROAD
Councillor Ken Pace commented on the safety of the children walking to school, with vehicles parked along Bognop Road some on the footpath and requested safety rails along the edge of Bognop Road cul de sac. The clerk will pass the request on to highways.
· ELECTRIC ROAD SIGNS BLACK HALVE LANE
Councillor Bob Firmstone confirmed that the speed sign is working but the bend sign is not. The clerk will report the bend sign.
· SAFETY FENCING BROWNSHORE LANE
County Councillor Mike Lawrence confirmed that a proposal for remedial work outside the shop should be with the parish council this week.
· FOOTPATH BROAD LANE
Councillor Beryl Tarbuck commented on the footpath flooding between Nrs.58 and 64 Broad Lane, this was noted by County Councillor Mike Lawrence and the clerk will chase up.
· FOOTPATHS 7,8,9,14
Addressed in matters arising.
15. COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORT
County Councillor Mike Lawrence commented that the County Council are 37th in country out of 330 councils, much improved on last year. Also that the incinerator application was being deliberated by the county council in November.
16. DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORT
District Councillors David Clifft and Pat Griffin distributed their reports outlining visits, meetings and contacts during the month.
The Chairman commented on the planning inspectorate who will be here to consider the appeal on the waste skip business on the 16th & 17th December, time to be agreed.
17. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting would be Monday 10th November 2008 at 7.00 pm
18. CLOSURE
CHAIRMAN DATE