BREWOOD AND COVEN PARISH COUNCIL
WITH
BISHOP’S WOOD AND COVEN HEATH
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL HELD IN THE COUNCIL
OFFICES,
PRESENT:
Cllr A. Ball, Mr F.
Barrett, Mrs J. Carr, Cllr I. Clay, Mr D. Evans, Mrs D. M. Holmes, Mrs K.A.
Holmes, Mrs J.C. Jeffries, Mr G. Martin, Mrs A. Y. Millward, Dr R.C.H. Taylor,
Mr M. Webb, Mr I. Westwood.
APOLOGIES:
Ms M. Alden-Court – prior engagement, Mrs L.
E. Jones - holiday, Cllr M.R.
Hampson – family wedding.
IN
ATTENDANCE:
Cllr R.
Roberts O.B.E.
MINUTES:
The
minutes of the meeting of the Council and the meeting of the Staffing Committee
both held on 12 July were confirmed as accurate records and duly signed.
DECLARATIONS
OF INTEREST:
Mrs A.Y.
Millward declared a personal interest in matters relating to Coven Playing
Fields. Mr F. Barrett, Dr R.C.H. Taylor and Mr I. Westwood declared a personal
and prejudicial interest in matters relating to
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 to be moved herein would have any
adverse impact for the purposes of the Crime and Disorder Act.
127.
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 J. Cook,
It was resolved the Clerk request a definitive statement as to the legal position of parking on footpaths from the Police and that, subject to the outcome of the statement, request the law be enforced.
Mr J. Griffiths, Sunset Close, Coven with regard to
the Parish Council’s proposal to develop the old Coven Changing Rooms
into a sun-shelter / community seating area. Mr Griffiths reported that he and
other local residents felt the shelter should have lockable gates on the front
to stop access after the playing fields had been locked-up and that they were
concerned at the problems the shelter may create with local youths congregating
in the area in the evening. Finally Mr Griffiths requested the shelter be
locked at 6.00pm to limit such disturbance to local residents. The Clerk
reported that WPC Mitchell had already recommended a lockable gate be included
on the plans for the shelter and this was on the agenda for approval later in
the meeting. It was noted that Mrs A.Y. Millward said she would be willing to
lock the shelter earlier in the evening if necessary.
It was resolved the recommendation to include lockable gates would be considered later in the meeting and consideration would be given to the locking of the gates at a future meeting of the Council.
Mrs M. Arnold, High Green, Brewood with regard to
the number of cigarette butts littering the pavement outside The Bridge Inn
caused by customers smoking on the pavement outside the pub rather than using
the designated smoking area. Mr A. Cooper, landlord of the Three Stirrups
reported his concern at the agenda which stated he had been contacted regarding
the concerns raised at customers congregating outside the Stirrups although no
such letter had been received. The Assistant Clerk apologised for the
misunderstanding caused by the incorrect wording in item 126 which should have
read “would also be brought to the attention of…” rather than
“were also brought to the attention of…”
It was
resolved an apology correcting the matter raised by Mr Cooper would be
published on the Council notice-board and that the Clerk would carry out the
outstanding action from the previous meeting (item 126) to write to all local
publicans requesting their support to encourage customers to use designated
smoking areas and to not litter the pavement outside their pubs with cigarette
butts.
128. POLICE REPORT:
The Council
received the written Police Report, which was circulated at the meeting.
MATTERS ARISING:
154** Public Conveniences,
Matter of report.
288** Coven Changing
Rooms. Clerk’s report referred. Letter received from Mrs Brotherton,
Sunset Close, Coven objecting to the Council’s intention to convert the
old changing rooms into “a shelter for youths” and raising her
concern that such action may create more problems from the playing field for
residents of Sunset Close.
It was resolved the recommendations in the
Clerk’s report be approved to include a lockable gate to the frontage and
the inclusion of polycarbonate panels on internal walls. Consideration to
graffiti art for the outer walls to be deferred to a future meeting of the
Council.
173* Footpath from
Hillcrest to
It was resolved the Clerk write to Staffordshire County Council requesting that they provide a statement giving an undertaking that, in the event of the Deansfield site being developed, the status of the footpath would not be affected. Brewood Civic Society to be updated to this effect.
256* Notification
of Change of Premises Licence Holders. Letter received from NALC
(via SPCA) in reply to this Council’s query. A copy had been circulated
prior to the meeting.
It was resolved the Clerk write to South Staffordshire Council noting the legal advice received from NALC and requesting the Parish Council be notified of applications for the change of premises licence holders before the matter is considered by the Scrutiny Committee, on the understanding that the Parish Council would not be consultees.
333* Jacob’s Ladder. Clerk’s
report referred.
It was resolved the Clerk place
the order for fencing as set out in Option 3 of the quotation from Grange
Fencing Erectors dated 22 June.
67. Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006. Letter received from the Clerk, Mrs D.E. Drury
giving notice to the Council of her intention to retire at the end of January
2008 when she would be sixty-five years of age. Letter received from the
Assistant Clerk, Mrs V.S. Turner giving notice to the Council of her intention
to continue working for the Parish Council after she reached the age of
sixty-five on 8th January 2008 and stating she would notify the
council when she wished to retire at least twelve weeks before, as per her
Contract of Employment.
It was resolved the letters be received and the matter be deferred to a meeting of the full council that would be closed to the public and press. The Clerk would provide a report to members prior to the meeting.
77. Chairman’s Report – Chain of Office. A quotation
had been received from Vaughtons with regard to the refurbishment of the chain
of office. A reply was still awaited from Fattorini.
Matter of report.
83. Footpath from Sunset Close to
Matter of report.
87. Parish Guide. Confirmation received from Plus Publishing with
regard to this Council’s agreement to produce an updated version of the
Parish Guide and enclosing a formal agreement for the Council to approve.
Matter of report.
It was resolved the Clerk confirm whether the engineer intended to check surfacing in all villages in the parish and if not then request he did so.
90. Brewood
Civic Society. Letter received thanking this Council for offering the use of the Council
Office for their meetings and stating that, subject to the Council’s
approval, they would only use it on an ad-hoc basis.
It was resolved the Clerk confirm that this would be acceptable.
111. Incorrect access to Market Place. Further to the
resolution on this item Mr D. Evans recommended the matter may be resolved by
adjusting the angle of the keep left sign and moving it 1m towards
It was resolved the recommendation be
forwarded to Area Highways.
113. SPCA
Quality Council Grant. Application submitted to register our interest in
receiving a Quality Council Grant towards providing a sun shelter / community
seating area as part of the redevelopment of the existing changing rooms in
Coven.
Matter of report.
126. Clerk’s
Report - Smoking Ban.
Further to this Council’s resolution to write to local publicans asking
for their support to stop cigarette butts littering pavements outside local pubs,
a phone call had also been received with regard to the number of smokers
repeatedly congregating on the pavement outside The Bridge Inn instead of using
the smoking area provided to the rear. The caller also reported that her
daughter had felt intimidated by the number of smokers standing on the pavement
outside the Three Stirrups. After conferring with the Chair, it was agreed that
these concerns would also be brought to the attention of the publicans.
Matter of report.
126. Clerk’s Report
– Notification of Tree Works. Further to the resolution of the
previous meeting Dr R.C.H. Taylor proposed South Staffordshire Council be
approached with regard to including applications for tree works to be included
on the local planning list.
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED:
Letters had been received from:
129.
Mrs
E. Claydon enclosing copy correspondence to Mr R. Parker, Development Control
Officer, Staffordshire County Council with regard to the recent flooding at
Matter
of report.
130.
Mr
T. Abbots with regard to the brick wall in
It
was resolved the Clerk reply to Mr Abbots with regard to the Council’s
concern at drawing attention to the site and the steps taken to seek advice
from Staffordshire County Council’s Historic Records Officer and South
Staffordshire Council’s Conservation Officer.
131.
Staffordshire
Police minutes of the meeting of the Police Authority Consultative Committee
Meeting and notice of the meeting held at the Parish Council offices in Brewood
on 19 July. Mr M. Webb reported his concern at not being available to attend
the meeting and recommended a member be appointed to attend in his absence on
future occasions.
It
was resolved the matter be addressed when the Council was notified of the next
meeting.
132.
Staffordshire
Police with regard to the County’s link to the recent investigation
concerning incidents in
Matter
of report.
133.
Staffordshire County Council inviting the
Parish Council to nominate a “Children’s and Young Persons’
Champion” who would be a contact for the Community and Learning
Partnerships and the Children’s Trust Locality Board and would also act
as an advocate for the children and young people of the Parish.
It
was resolved the Clerk write to the local schools and Church youth
organisations requesting they put forward
a nomination for the Council
to forward.
134.
South Staffordshire Council enquiring as
to whether there was any further information or help required around the
legislation, its promotion, signage, enforcement etc. A Smoking Cessation
promotion could also be arranged in or around the parish if it was felt there
would be sufficient interest from people who would like to use the legislation
to stop smoking.
Matter
of report.
135.
Mr P. Element, Brewood Christmas Lights
with regard to the concerns of the committee in view of increasing demands
being placed on them to respond to health and safety issues, finance, insurance
etc. The committee had held an initial discussion with Rotary Club with a view
to Rotary taking on the responsibility for the Christmas Lights. Mr Element
wished to ascertain whether:
·
Such
a move would prejudice the annual grant provided by the Council
·
the
Council would continue to underwrite the Christmas Lights
·
the
move would be welcomed
·
whether
the Council would continue to be able to place orders for the organisers
It
was resolved the Clerk arrange a meeting of interested members, the Christmas
Lights Committee and Rotary to discuss the matter further.
136.
Compton Hospice inviting the Clerk, Mrs
D.E. Drury, to provide a reference for an employee of the Council to carry out
voluntary work at the hospice.
It
was resolved the Clerk provide the reference.
137.
R. Eeles, Energy Conservation Officer,
South Staffordshire Council offering talks lasting 20 to 30 minutes to groups
of residents or community groups on energy and climate change related issues.
The briefing would cover issues such as grants, reducing fuel bills, renewable
energy options, the impact of a changing climate, what could be done and how to
find out more.
It
was resolved the Clerk write to local schools and community groups in the
parish who may be interested in arranging such an event.
138.
Mr A. Taylor, Horsebrook, Brewood enclosing
copy correspondence to Mr D. Wright, Area Highways with regard to the poor
state of the drains in
It was resolved the Clerk enquire
whether there was a schedule of grass-cutting, drain clearance and road
sweeping that could be made available.
139.
A. Halden, Community Council of
Staffordshire with regard to a consultation they were taking part in to review
the incentives and barriers to serving on local councils, including parish
councils. Brief views of councillors and the Clerk were requested on a number
of issues noted in the letter. Copies of the letter were circulated at the
meeting.
It was resolved members would
reply as appropriate – the letter requested email replies. Clerk to reply
separately. Mr Halden requested replies before 16 August.
140.
CORRESPONDENCE
CIRCULATED:
Agenda and reports for the meeting of South
Staffordshire Council’s Regulatory Committee to be held 17th
July.
Bridgnorth
District Local Development Framework.
SLCC
National Conference 2007.
Brewood Civic Society Minutes and
copy correspondence to Mr D. Burton-Pye – Glenhouse, 8 Market Place,
street lighting in Brewood and street lighting columns in the Churchyard of St
Mary and St Chad; Mr A. Monckton – Speedwell Castle; Ms S. Poxon –
0700455/REM, erection of 38 dwellings in Engleton Lane; Mrs B. Juniper – planning
applications affecting trees within the Conservation Area.
Staffordshire County Council
newsletter.
Sustainable
Staffordshire newsletter.
From
Time to Time – Archive Service Newsletter.
Southern Cross Healthcare.
141.
COUNTY
COUNCIL REPORT:
The Council received the report
of
142.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
The Council
received the report of the Vice-chair, in the absence of the Chair, who
reported that he had attended the leaving garden-party of Mrs C. Robotham,
Headteacher at
143.
FINANCE REPORT:
The
Council received the report of the Head of Finance, Dr R.C.H. Taylor and
resolved the following matters:
·
the
Financial Summary for the month of July be approved
·
the
Q1 Budget and Project List for 2007/2008 be received
·
the
request from Coven Memorial Hall for the payment of the remaining balance of
the grant held for 2007/2008, £1,000 be approved
·
the
2007/2008 car allowances as updated by the National Joint Council for Local
Government Services be approved: essential user lump sum payment £726,
essential user rate (per mile first 8,500 miles) 32.0p, casual user rate (per
mile first 8,500miles) 55.8p.
·
the
request from Victim Support Staffordshire for a contribution towards their
running costs be approved to the value of the previous grant. They explained
that the cost to recruit one volunteer was, on average, £500 each.
·
Annual
Return – the Clerk reported that the date of the external audit had been
deferred for two weeks to give the internal auditor more time. The annual
return would be presented to Council at the next meeting on 9 August.
·
the
annual subscription to the Staffordshire Parish Councils’ Association
£609 be approved.
144.
PLANNING REPORT:
The Council received the planning report
from the Head of Planning, Mrs D.M. Holmes, and approved the planning
applications as set out in the attached schedule. Mrs
J.C. Jeffries left the meeting while planning application 07/00781/FUL was
discussed. Mr I. Westwood left the meeting while planning application
07/00799/FUL was discussed.
Mrs D.M. Holmes also reported that the
appeal for a Certificate of Lawful Use – a residential care home for up
to 3 children – at Jackanory Cottage, Bishops Wood had been granted.
It was resolved the poster would
be displayed.
145.
CLERKS REPORT:
The Council
received the written report of the Clerk, Mrs D.E. Drury – all matters
had been dealt with previously.
146.
DISTRICT
COUNCIL REPORT:
The
Council received the report of the District Councillor, Cllr I. Clay who reported
that he had attended a special meeting on the code of conduct, a meeting of the
Overview and Scrutiny Committee, a meeting of the Regulatory Committee, a
presentation with regard to proposals to develop 360 houses in Penkridge and a
tour of Chillington which had proved to be very interesting.
Mrs J.C. Jeffries reported her previous
concerns that planning applications could not always be interpreted to best
effect due to the lack of any information appertaining to the height of a
building or it’s height in relation to neighbouring properties. Mrs
Jeffries urged the District Councillors to present this as a valuable addition
to planning applications.
It was resolved the Clerk write
forwarding this recommendation and seeking support for it’s
consideration.
ANY OTHER MATTERS OF REPORT:
147.
Lawn
Lane. Mr F. Barrett raised his concern at the occurrence of five accidents in
one week near the chicane entering Coven, along
It was resolved the Clerk contact
Area Highways requesting consideration be given to reducing the speed limit on
the approach to Lawn Lane in view of the accidents that had occurred. The Clerk
to also contact the Police requesting they monitor the 30mph zone around the
chicane to determine what problems exist with drivers ignoring the priority
signage.
148.
Identity
Badges. Cllr I.
Clay spoke on behalf of Ms M.
Alden-Court who had raised her concern that members did not wear or present any
form of identification when attending meetings with the public.
It was resolved that no further
action was required.
149.
Telephone
Box, Kiddemore Green. Mrs D.M. Holmes reported that the telephone box had
been removed from Kiddemore Green some time during the preceding week, although
she was not aware that any notification had been received that BT had decided
to withdraw the service. Mrs S. Groom, Assistant Clerk, reported that the last
correspondence in 2005 had indicated that BT would either replace the box with
a cashless system, subject to the approval of Ofcom, or remove the box
altogether.
It was resolved the Clerk write
to BT querying the outcome of their consultation in 2005 which was awaiting a
statement from Ofcom and querying whether it would be possible to purchase
a/the telephone box.
150.
Canal
Towpath, Brewood. Mrs D.M. Holmes reported that she had received a
complaint with regard to the number of moorings in Brewood and the condition of
the picnic tables by the canal.
It was resolved the Clerk write
to British Water Ways requesting they refurbish the picnic tables and enquiring
as to their plans to repaint the bridge and railings over the canal at High
Green as per this Council’s previous letter.
There
being no other business the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 9.30 p.m.
CLERK’S REPORT FOR THE MEETING OF THE
COUNCIL HELD 26 JULY 2007
Public Conveniences at
Whereas
some of the outstanding work has been dealt with, the rough and cracked render
is still outstanding and the box work around the pipes is still blistered. I have complained to the contractor and
he is personally carrying out an inspection tomorrow and will report back.
Refurbishment of
Changing Rooms at Coven
I have verbally advised the architect of the
amendments and asked him to draw up the necessary specification in order that
we may go out to tender. However,
before placing the instructions in writing can the Council consider two points
that PC H. Mitchell has made :
1. that the frontage needs to be gated to
enable it to be secured when
the field is closed at night. If there is no means of securing the
seating area she feels that the youths will climb over the fencing to
congregate there after dusk.
2. the render finish will be subject
to graffiti. I have spoken with an
officer of District Council to seek advice on the best way of minimising this
problem. His advice is that the
Council should consider a non-porous finish on the inside such as polycarbonate
panels which would wipe clean. With
regard to the outside there is no way of stopping graffiti whatever the surface
may be. However, some Local Authorities have been adopting a different approach
and have discovered that, where professional street artists have been employed
with the youth and the community in creating themed panels of street art on
structures which are open to graffiti, this has had the effect of stopping any
further graffiti as the youth have revered the street art as their own work and
have been fiercely protective.
Public Footpath
from Hillcrest
Given that there is a lengthy backlog of applications
awaiting determination and even if the County Council is prepared to give
priority to this application it is not likely to be determined in the immediate
future. I have today spoken to
Brian Roberts and ascertained that the Civic Society’s main concern is that, should the County
Council develop the adjacent land it may attempt to close the footpath. If this is the issue may I suggest that,
if the County Council was asked to provide a statement giving an undertaking
that, in the event of the Deansfield site being developed, the status of the
footpath would not be affected.
This should suffice to allay the concerns of the Civic Society and the
residents until such time as the footpath is added to the Definitive Map.
Fencing at Jacobs Ladder
Both County and District Councils have
confirmed that they will meet a third of the cost of the fencing (£836.39
plus VAT) The County Council has
indicated that it would like this Council to place the order and it will
include its share of the VAT in the grant.
The District is to be invoiced separately. Does
the Council now wish me to place the order.
I have sought advice from both the