BREWOOD AND COVEN PARISH COUNCIL
WITH BISHOP’S
WOOD AND COVEN HEATH
MINUTES
OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL HELD IN THE COUNCIL OFFICES, STAFFORD STREET,
BREWOOD ON THURSDAY, 11 JANUARY 2007
PRESENT:
Mr
A. Ball, Mr F. Barrett, Mrs J. Carr, Cllr I. Clay, Cllr Mrs D.M. Holmes, Mrs
K.A. Holmes, Mrs L.E. Jones, Mrs A. Y. Millward, Mr P.G. Sanders, Mr P.G.
Wakeham, Mr M. Webb, Mr I. Westwood.
APOLOGIES:
Dr R.C.H. Taylor –
prior engagement, Mrs J.C. Jeffries – work, Mr R.M. Jones – work.
MINUTES:
The
minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 14 December and the meeting of
the Staffing Committee held 4 January, having been circulated, were taken as
read and were approved and duly signed by the Chairman.
DECLARATIONS
OF INTEREST:
Mrs
L.E. Jones declared a pecuniary interest in matters appertaining to Coven
Memorial Hall. Mr I. Westwood declared a prejudicial interest in planning
applications 06/01396/FUL and 07/00022/FU – he advised on the matter but did
not vote. Mr M. Webb declared a prejudicial interest in matters appertaining to
Brewood Junior Football Club. Mr A. Ball declared a prejudicial interest in
matters appertaining to the S.S.C.V.A. Mr F. Barrett declared a pecuniary
interest in matters appertaining to caravans adjacent to land at 12 New Buildings.
Mrs K.A. Holmes declared a prejudicial interest in matters appertaining to Oak
Lodge, Kiddemore Green Road.
Section 17 of
the Crime and Disorder Act, 1998 places a duty on local authorities to consider
the crime and disorder implications when exercising its functions and to do all
that it reasonably can to prevent crime and disorder in its area. Unless otherwise stated it was not
considered that the resolutions moved herein would have any adverse impact for
the purposes of the Crime and Disorder Act.
279.PRECEPT
2007/2008
The Council
received the recommendations for the precept from the Head of Finance, Mr P.G.
Sanders. Members also received the report of the Staffing Committee from Mrs
L.E. Jones with regard to Administration Work, Staff Appraisals, the Annual
Salary Review and the Review of Spinal Column Points and ratified the
recommendations therein – Mr I. Westwood abstained.
The Chairman
moved acceptance of the figures presented. The motion was carried. Mr I.
Westwood voted against the motion.
It was resolved that the Council’s precept
for the financial year commencing 1 April 2007 would be £123,058 and that the
budget allocations would be as set out in the attached schedule. It was further
resolved that an item be included on the agenda for the first meeting in
February to consider the future provision of grave yards in the parish.
Cllr I. Clay
moved a vote of thanks to the Clerk and her staff for the work that had been
carried out in preparing the precept.
280.PUBLIC
PARTICIPATION
The Chairman
moved that the meeting be adjourned for a period of no more than fifteen
minutes to allow any elector of the parish or his/her representative to raise
or question any issues appertaining to proper parish council business.
Mr
P. Jackson of Brewood, representing the Community Council of Staffordshire Best
Kept Village Competition and Brewood Civic Society, asked the Council to
consider the value in entering the Best Kept Village Competition and its
ability to generate community spirit. He confirmed that the Civic Society would
be willing to support anyone who agreed to co-ordinate the Brewood entry by
organising litter-picks.
281.POLICE
REPORT
The
Council received the written report of the Police, tabled to each member, from
PCSO Charlotte Edwards. The Clerk reported that the yellow line road markings
had been reinstated in Coven and she had been assured that the lines in Brewood
would be re-instated as soon as possible. Mr A. Ball confirmed that there had
been a noticeable improvement in the behaviour of youths in the parish since
the arrival of WPC Mitchell.
MATTERS ARISING:
86* Brinsford Park and Ride. Letter received from Sir Patrick Cormack MP
enclosing copy correspondence from Steve Winterflood, South Staffordshire
Council. Copy enclosed to members. Reference item 203 (Public Participation)
letter received from Sarah Poxon, South Staffordshire Council explaining that
Local Planning Authorities should make a decision on a major planning
application within 13 weeks (16 for Environmental Impact Assessment) and any
extension had to be agreed between the two parties involved. In this case the
applicant had chosen not to extend the time period, preferring to appeal
against non-determination. This had meant the decision had been taken out of
the hands of the Local Planning Authority and would have to be determined by
the Planning Inspector or Secretary of State.
Matter of report.
154* Public Conveniences, Sandy Lane. Letter received from J. Goodall, South
Staffordshire Council requesting confirmation that this Council now wished
South Staffordshire Council to contribute the agreed some of £4,200 towards the
demolition costs – the Clerk had confirmed payment was now required. Letter
received from Underhill Langley and Wright in reply to this Councils query as
to the accuracy of the plan they had provided from the Land Registry to define
ownership of the land. Mr Angus Smilie recommended we obtain a scale plan of
the site at our own cost to clarify matters. Formal quote received from E-on (on
behalf of Central networks) detailing the connection charges for the site. The
quote also referred to work our contractors would need to do with regard to
excavation and reinstatement.
It was resolved:
· the Clerk contact the Land Registry with
regard to up to date plans being made available and notify Underhill Langley
and Wright as to the outcome.
· that 5% be deducted and held back from the
total project cost payable to Maythorne Construction thus reducing the final
payment due, until the matter concerning the reconnection charges had been
resolved.
· the order to reconnect the electricity
supply be progressed with E-on, noting works required on site by our contractor
· the matter of reconnection charges be taken
up with Maythorne Construction
· fencing be approved to close off the gap to
the side of the public conveniences.
288* Coven Changing Rooms. Letter
received from Mr J. Goodall, South Staffordshire Council
requesting written confirmation as to a) the current status of the project and
projected completion dates to enable appropriate provision to be made for the
£8,290 grant to be carried forward to the next financial year and b) that the
requirement for the loan to be repaid if the work was not carried out within 12
months be extended for a further 12 months.
Mrs
K.A. Holmes reported that she had
received complaints with regard to the continued unavailability of toilets at
the playing fields at Coven and proposed that the existing facilities be
reopened and refurbished.
It was resolved the Clerk reply to Mr Goodall confirming the current status of the project to enable the agreed funding to continue to be available through 2007/2008. It was further resolved that the toilets should not be reopened in view of the repeated incidents of vandalism for which the Council had funded repairs in the past.
347* Buildings Committee. Letter received from Mr Maurice Heath, Stafford
Street, Brewood reiterating the points raised by Mrs Heath at the Meeting of 14
December. Copy enclosed. Letter also received from Sir Patrick Cormack MP
enclosing copy correspondence from Mrs Heath (copy enclosed to members) and
reiterating his willingness to support the project in principal subject to him
knowing all the details.
It was resolved the Clerk prepare a statement clarifying the current position of the project as it now stood and the next steps required to progress the project further, to be approved by the Chairman Mr A. Ball and the Chairman of the Buildings Committee, Cllr I. Clay and to be forwarded to Mr Heath. Clerk to reply to Sir Patrick Cormack providing the same details.
38. Hanging Baskets and Floral
Containers. Letter received from Mr Peter
Jackson, Chairman Brewood Civic Society thanking this Council for the
presentation certificates awarded to Pat Edwards and Len Salt.
Matter of report.
136. Village Planters – Brewood W.I. Letter received from Brewood W.I. explaining their
proposals for planters around Brewood. Copy enclosed to members.
It was resolved the Clerk contact Area Highways to obtain the necessary approval for the location of the planters.
189. Staffing Committee. Due to the
confidential nature of the matters to be discussed it was resolved this item be
taken at the end of the meeting when members of the press and public would be
asked to leave the meeting.
200. Quality Council Grant. Letter received
from Staffordshire Parish Councils’ Association confirming this Council had
been awarded a grant of £2,350 towards the Trim Trail Project and
congratulating the Council on the quality of the bid and the excellent way it
had been prepared. The SPCA asked to be updated on the progress of the project
before 14 March.
Matter
of report.
204. Lighting, Jacob’s Ladder. Letter received
from C. Spencer thanking the Council for it’s involvement in removing the ivy
to improve the lighting on Jacob’s Ladder.
Matter
of report.
207. Local
Development Framework Core Strategy. To
be retained on the agenda awaiting the next, more detailed stage of
consultation.
Matter of report.
217. Community First Responders. Letter received from
the Customer Service Centre, Department of Health in reply to this Councils
letter to Patricia Hewitt MP with regard to the withdrawal of drugs that could
be administered by Community First Responders. The letter stated that the
decision on the drugs that could / could not be administered by CFRs was under
the control of the relevant Ambulance Trust to decide and was not a matter for
the Department of Health.
Matter
of report.
218. Village Green Application. Letter received
from the Open Spaces Society confirming they intended to consider the matter
further in the light of the Commons Act 2006. Information sheet about the new
Act was enclosed.
Matter
of report.
238. South Staffordshire Council, Towards an
Excellent Service. Further to the Clerk attending the workshop last
November, South Staffordshire Council had produced a draft Self Assessment and
had forwarded a copy for the Clerk to comment on.
It
was resolved the Clerk respond as time permitted.
239. Bus Services to/from Wolverhampton. Letter received
from J. Cuerden, Staffordshire County Council with regard to the problems
experienced by residents travelling to/from Wolverhampton in the evening and
weekends. The letter stated that the Council was aware that there was a gap
between the last commercial return and the start of the subsidised journeys
from Wolverhampton at 1640 (to Coven and Brewood) and 1740 (to Bishops Wood)
but this had been accepted at the time as passenger numbers did not justify the
cost of the County Council providing a replacement service when the Green Bus
Co. withdrew their service. The contracted services for the area were due to be
reviewed at the start of 2008 and the issues raised would be included for
consideration.
Matter
of report.
262. Green Bus Service. Further to this
Councils letter with regard to the problems reported by residents on the safety
issues experienced on the Green Bus Service, confirmation had been received
that the safety concerns would be investigated further by the Vehicle Operator
Services Agency (VOSA) Regional Intelligence Unit and the issues with regard to
punctuality would be followed up by the Bus Compliance Manager, Mr Richard
Hollis who had also phoned thanking us for the information and requesting we
forward any other details we receive.
Matter
of report.
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED:
Letters had been received from:
282.David Kidney MP with regard to the Post Offices Consultation.
Copy enclosed to members. Note that a letter was sent 15 December to the
address recommended by Mr Kidney in response to the request for support from
the Countryside Alliance.
Matter of report.
283.Brewood Cricket Club inviting members to be involved with
Cricket Force, a national scheme of projects and activities to be held on 31
March and 1 April designed to raise the profile of the Club and to encourage
residents, businesses and community groups to join in one of the several
projects planned – redecoration of the Pavilion, repair of main drive,
replacement of equipment sheds, showers, bar replacement, block paving, picket
fencing. Alternatively support could be offered to assist with catering,
erection of tents, parking or running a stall. A Kwik Cricket Tournament would
also be organised for youngsters.
It was resolved that members wishing to be
involved would contact the Clerk for further details.
284. Mr A. Monkton with
regard to the increasing volume of traffic travelling northwards up Horsebrook
Lane to the A5 and the junction on the A5 which he felt offered very little
visibility to the east and was dangerous to turn left since oncoming traffic
could only be seen for a short distance from the east. Mr Monkton recommended
that the unused land to the west of the junction, owned by the garage, could be
used to improve the junction. Mr Monkton asked for this Council’s support in
the matter with a view to putting the recommendation before County Highways.
It was resolved that this Council would
support Mr Monkton in this matter. Mr A. Ball, Mr P.G. Sanders and Mr I.
Westwood voted against.
285.Community Council of Staffordshire with regard to the 2007 Best
Kept Village competition. Completed entry forms were required by 12 February.
Concern was also raised by Cllr Mrs D.M Holmes that some people assumed that
Councillors would automatically take on the role of co-ordinating the Brewood
entry simply because they were on the Council.
It was resolved that a request for a
co-ordinator for the Brewood entry be included in the next Parish Newsletter
and the Village News with clarification as to the role of members in this
matter. It was further resolved that the Council accept the Clerks offer to
complete the Brewood entry in her own time.
286.Community Council of Staffordshire requesting details of major
festivals and events for their 2007 Diary of Village Festivals and Events.
Information was required by 11 March.
It was resolved that members with details of
appropriate events would advise the Clerk by 1 March.
287.South Staffordshire Council with regard to the Parish / District Council Liaison Group Meeting of 22
February at 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start until 9/00pm in the Council Chamber,
Codsall. The agenda was confirmed as SSCVA providing an overview of the Bay
Leaf project and Super Active Seniors in South Staffordshire followed by The
Local Government White Paper and Bill. It was noted that a Council meeting was
scheduled for 22 February.
It was resolved that members wishing to
attend would notify the Clerk.
288.South Staffordshire Council with regard to plans to hold a
training event focused around Promoting Events in your Community. This was
intended to enhance the information made available in the Council’s Community
Toolkit. The date had yet to be confirmed but was likely to be in February.
Matter of report.
289. Staffordshire Youth Service with regard to the reopening of
Brewood Senior Youth Club on Tuesday evenings 6.30pm to 9.00pm.
It was resolved the posters supplied would
be distributed to local notice-boards.
290.Sport England requesting information with regard to grass
playing pitches in the parish to improve their online Sports Facility database
Active Places”. Details of an on-line questionnaire to be completed were
provided.
It was resolved the Clerk complete the
questionnaire as requested.
291.Staffordshire County Council with regard to changes to the Bus
Service from 10 December 2006 affecting Arriva Midlands Service 3, Zak’s Bus
& Coach Services Service 3, Choice Travel Services 517/518 and Zak’s Bus
& Coach Services Service 876.
Matter of report.
292.NALC with regard a “Shaping Communities Event” to be held in
London on Tuesday 13 February.
Matter of report.
293.South Staffordshire Council confirming that the Council
formally adopted its Statement of Community Involvement on 31 October 2006.
Matter of report.
294.Sustainable Staffordshire with regard to renewing our
membership – there was no charge for membership. Notice required by 26 January.
295.SPCA with regard to the vacancy for a new Chief Executive to
provide support and guidance to the Association and its members.
Matter of report.
CORRESPONDENCE CIRCULATED:
Agenda and reports for the meeting of South Staffordshire
Council’s Community and Environmental Services Scrutiny Panel to be held 10
January.
Agenda and reports for the meeting of South Staffordshire
Council’s Regulatory Committee to be held 9 January.
Agenda and reports for the meeting of South Staffordshire
Council’s Executive Committee to be held 9 January.
Agenda and reports for the meeting of South Staffordshire
Council’s Direct and Support Services Scrutiny Panel to be held 9 January.
Staffordshire County Council – Making a Difference: Scrutiny at
Staffordshire County Council 2005/2006.
West Midlands Regional Assembly “Speaking Out” Autumn issue.
SPCA report of the
action taken on resolutions from the 2005 AGM.
Brewood Civic
Society copy correspondence to South Staffordshire Council with regard planning
application 06/01232/TEM, street lighting columns in the Churchyard of St Mary
and St Chad, cast iron railings – Old Bank Cottage, 06/01264/ADV illumination
signs at Lloyds TSB Bank in Brewood, 06/01356/LBC replacement windows and doors
34 Dean Street, 06/01295/FUL loft conversion 36 Newport Street. Minutes of the
meeting held 18 December.
Community Council
of Staffordshire Rural News and Views Newsletter, Christmas 2006.
RoSPA – inspection
services, Eric Roy consulting – web site development, Staffordshire Wildlife
Trust’s Newsletter and Magazines, Clerks & Council’s Direct Newsletter,
Fields Focus – National Playing Fields Newsletter Winter 2006, Amberol News.
294.CHAIRMAN’S
REPORT:
The Chairman
wished everyone a Happy New Year and had nothing further to report.
295.FINANCE
REPORT:
The Council
received the report of the Head of Finance, Mr P.G. Sanders and resolved the
following matters:
·
the Financial
Summary for the month of December be received
·
the list of
accounts for payment as at the 11 January be approved with the exception of the
payment to Maythorne Construction – 5% of the full contract price to be held
back subject to acceptance of the buildings work by the Council and the matter
concerning the electricity reconnection charges being resolved. Balance to be
paid to Maythorne Construction after deduction.
Also reference item 154*.
Confirmation
received from South Staffordshire Council that the Council Taxbase Calculation
for 2007/2008 is 2994.99.
Finally, Mr P.G. Sanders thanked the Clerk and Trainee Clerk for inviting
him in to go through the precept prior to the meeting.
296.PLANNING
REPORT:
The Council received the report of the Head of Planning, Cllr
Mrs D. M. Holmes and made the planning recommendations as set out in the attached schedule. Mrs
K.A. Holmes voted against planning application 06/01242/REM.
Cllr Mrs D.M. Holmes also reported on the planning applications
/ appeals relating to the caravan to the rear of Oak Road - refused, 11
Gregory’s Green - refused, the 38 house development in Engleton Lane – refused,
Upper Hattons – refused and Oak Lodge in Kiddemore Green Road – refused.
297.PLAYING
FIELD REPORTS:
Bishops Wood Playing Field – Mr I. Westwood
reported that the rubber matting under the infants swings was coming up at the
edges.
It was resolved that the matter be followed up with a view to
refitting the mats or removing them and replacing with bark chippings.
Brewood Playing Field – Mr R.M. Jones.
No report was available.
Coven Playing Field – Mrs L.E. Jones
had prepared a report and would forward it to the Clerk in due course. Mrs
Jones also requested that the Playing Field Inspections be organised.
It was resolved the Clerk contact South Staffordshire Council
with regard to scheduling the Playing Field Inspections.
298.CLERKS
REPORT:
The Council
received the written report of the Clerk, Mrs D.E. Drury and resolved the
following matters:
·
The Bront -
kissing gate be installed and two seats be purchased (type to be agreed with
Coven members)
·
Bird boxes
be approved for the environmental project
·
The Clerk
meet with Barbara Juniper with regard to maintenance of graveyards
·
The date of
23 January be approved for the meeting of the Buildings Committee
·
The availability
of the Police Community Officer’s contact book be included in the next Parish
Newsletter.
The
Chairman moved the suspension of Standing Order 44 to enable the completion of
business.
ANY OTHER MATTERS OF REPORT:
None.
The
Chairman declared the meeting closed to the public and press in view of the
confidential nature of the business to be considered.
Mrs L.E. Jones
reported on the meeting of the Staffing Committee held 4 January.
It was resolved the Council accept the
recommendation of the staffing committee inline with the letter received from
the Legal Executive of NALC and that the Clerk arrange another meeting with the
employee, union representative, Mr A. Ball Chairman, Mrs J.C. Jeffries Chair of
the Staffing Committee and the Clerk. It was further resolved that the
recommendations with regard to holiday leave also be approved.
There being no other business the Chairman
declared the meeting closed at 9.50pm.
CLERK’S REPORT FOR THE MEETING HELD 11TH
JANUARY, 2007
The Bront
The
bluebell corms had all been planted, David Barker having planted the last
thousand. Another tree had come down
and this had been removed at a cost of £100.
District Council’s Grounds Maintenance had expressed concern that the
site was easily accessible and that the kissing gate should be replaced as soon
as possible. The replacement of the
kissing gate and the purchase of two seats were included in the grant
application to Central Networks. The
Clerk requested Council’s permission to issue instructions for the gate to be
installed and for two seats to be purchased – Coven members to be consulted
with regard to the type of seat.
The Bront – Woodland
Management Plan
The
Clerk had spoken with Howard Medlicote, SSC’s Landscape Management Officer with
regard to the preparation of a five year woodland management plan. He would be happy to do this, subject to the
approval of the Head of the Department, Barbara Juniper. The Clerk had also spoken to Barbara and, in
principle, she was in support of Howard preparing a plan, but she would need to
seek a directive from Council as to whether this would be on a chargeable
basis. It could also be that the
existing Grounds Maintenance Contract could be extended to include for the
woodland management but again this was a matter she would have to seek a
directive on.
Environmental Project
The Clerk had
been approached by one of the teachers at Wolgarston who had enquired as to
whether the Council had any voluntary work suitable for four twelve year old
boys who would be supervised by a tutor.
The Clerk had suggested that they could be engaged in making the bird
boxes for The Bront and also for the Council’s land in Sandy Lane. She thought that this would be an ideal
project but was open to further suggestions.
Members were asked for any other ideas?
Maintenance of the
Graveyards
Barbara
Juniper would be visiting the parish in the near future to assess the condition
of the graveyards as she was anticipating that her Council could at some time
in the future be served with maintenance orders. She had asked that the Clerk accompany her and that a working
lunch be taken. The Clerk intended to
meet with her in her own time - on a Monday or a Friday.
Possible Redevelopment of
the Council Offices
The
tentative date was Tuesday, 23rd January at 2.00pm. Representatives from the British Legion, the
Police and the County Council would be present.
Dog Fouling in Church Lane,
Coven.
A
complaint had been received from a resident living opposite St Paul’s Church that
dogs were being allowed to foul the footpath on a daily basis. The Clerk had relayed the complaint to the
Environmental Health Department.
Police Community Officer’s
Contact Book
Helen
and Charlotte had provided a contact book for those persons wishing to make a
complaint but who were unhappy to be seen visiting the police station or for
the police to be seen visiting their property.
They had asked that this be noted in the next Parish Newsletter.