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, 28 JUNE 2007

 

PRESENT:

 

Ms M. Alden-Court, Cllr A. Ball, Mr F. Barrett, Mrs J. Carr, Cllr I. Clay, Mr D. Evans, Mrs J.C. Jeffries, Mrs L. E. Jones, Mr G. Martin, Dr R.C.H. Taylor, Mr M. Webb.

 

APOLOGIES:

 

Mrs D.M. Holmes – illness, Mrs K.A. Holmes – illness, Mrs J.C. Jeffries – illness. Mrs A.Y. Millward – domestic emergency, Cllr M.R. Hampson.

 

IN ATTENDANCE:

 

Cllr R. Roberts O.B.E.

 

MINUTES:

 

The minutes of the meetings of the Council held on 14 June and the Staffing Committee held on 14 June and 21 June were confirmed as accurate records and duly signed subject to it being noted that item 55 of the Council minutes had been corrected to refer to Mr David Nicholls.

 

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

 

Mr D. Evans declares a prejudicial interest in matters appertaining to Crestwood Park and indicated that he wished to speak on the matter during public participation. Dr R.C.H. Taylor declared a prejudicial interest to matters appertaining to Jacob’s Ladder and indicated that he wished to speak on the matter during public participation.

 

CRIME AND DISORDER ACT

 

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.

 

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 D. Evans raised his concern at the possibility of heavy traffic crossing Crestwood Park during the development that was scheduled in Engleton Lane and requested the Council’s support to ensure no construction traffic would be allowed along Crestwood Park. Dr Taylor recommended that no construction traffic be allowed through the middle of Brewood at all.

 

Dr R.C.H. Taylor raised his concern that as part owner of the land that required fencing at the top of Jacob’s Ladder he had not, as yet, been consulted on the matter or invited to a site visit and yet he understood the Council were proposing to erect a fence part the way down the bank on the land he was a part owner of. He further recommended that there was sufficient room on the footpath to support any fencing that may be required. The Clerk reported that she had been advised by South Staffordshire Council to refer the matter to Staffordshire County Council in order that they may pursue the matter.

 

POLICE REPORT:

 

The Council received the written Police Report – copies circulated at the meeting. Mr M. Webb reported an incident of assault when PCSO Charlotte Edwards issued a parking ticket and Mr A. Ball reported his concern with regard to anti-social behaviour in the Stafford Street car park. Mr D. Evans raised his concern at a vehicle regularly parked in Stafford Street Car Park and the suspected presence of a con-man selling frozen fish – Mr Evans would pass the vehicle registration number on to the police in this latter case.

It was resolved the Clerk would ask the Police to make periodical checks on the car park for anti-social behaviour. 

 

MATTERS ARISING:

 

154**  Public Conveniences, Sandy Lane, Brewood. Clerk’s report referred.

It was resolved the recommended expenditure (as detailed in the Clerk’s report) be approved subject to the Clerk verifying the door closures were not in the original contract.

 

288**  Coven Changing Rooms. Update received from Andy Weston, via Katie White, with regard to the recommendations of The Football Foundation Technical Advisor. The Clerk reported that the recommendations had been forwarded to the architect, Mr D. Frost.

Matter of report.

 

333*   Jacob’s Ladder. A site visit had been held on 19 June. Clerk’s report referred. Dr R.C.H. Taylor left the meeting while the matter was discussed. The Clerk reported that there were two separate sections requiring fencing – one had been identified as no longer having an owner and should therefore be referred to Staffordshire County Council and the other was the responsibility of the Surgery in Sandy Lane.

It was resolved the Clerk refer the whole fencing matter to Staffordshire County Council, it representing a health and safety issue. Cllr R. Roberts asked to be copied on any correspondence. It was further resolved the existing gaps in the hedge be planted-up in the autumn – Blackthorn was suggested.

 

29.        County Air Ambulance. Letter received thanking this Council for their donation in support of the work of the County Air Ambulance. The appeal now controlled three Air Ambulances – Cosford, Strensham in Worcester and East Midlands Airport.

Matter of report.

 

42.    Voluntary Car Scheme.  Members considered the recommendations in the written report of the Car Scheme Co-ordinator, Caroline Cumming, as circulated to members at the meeting of 14 June. Examples of the New Driver packs produced by Caroline were tabled at the meeting.

It was resolved the recommendations of the Co-ordinator, Mrs Caroline Cumming, be approved to ensure all drivers sign a disclaimer provided by the car scheme accepting responsibility for keeping their vehicles roadworthy, taxed, tested and fully insured. Mrs Cumming to be congratulated on the work done to produce the pack.

 

55.    Staffing Meeting.   A meeting of the Staffing Committee took place on Thursday 21 June at 6.45 pm. The minutes of the meeting were circulated to all members at the meeting.

It was resolved that Mrs S. Groom be asked to write to Council setting out her needs to flexible working, that annual leave be agreed well in advance and that holiday arrangements be noted in the Clerk’s report to Council.

 

72.     Parking near Brewood Schools. A meeting had been held at the Parish Council Offices on 26 June at 2.00pm with the Heads of St Mary and St Chad’s First School and Brewood Middle School, the Police and John Burdett, Health and Safety Advisor, Staffordshire County Council to discuss the traffic problems around the schools. Mr Sherwood of The Admiral Rodney did not attend having reported that he had been advised he was not insured for his car park to be used by the schools and could not contribute anything to the meeting. Mrs L.E. Jones and Dr R.C.H. Taylor attended on behalf of the Council. Clerk’s report referred. Mr M. Webb also reported.

It was resolved the Clerk write to Staffordshire County Council requesting they investigate the matter with a view to addressing the problems caused by traffic and noting the existence of land beside Church House. Letter of thanks to be sent to Mr Sherwood for his past support.

 

CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED:

 

Letters had been received from:

 

86.   Brewood and District Royal British Legion enclosing ‘Notice no. 1’ for the attention of the Parish Council with regard to their planning application to erect a jumbrella, to create a smoking area, in the car park of the Legion in Shop Lane, Brewood. Mr Beddows confirmed that they had been in consultation with Dr Paul Collins and David Burton-Pye, both of South Staffordshire Council, and held a site visit with regard to the matter. Any representations with regard to the application were required before 10 July. Mr M. Webb did not speak or vote on the matter.

It was resolved that the Notice 1 be accepted and the Clerk request a copy of the proposed plan.

 

87.   Plus Publishing with regard to producing an updated version of the Parish Guide, for publication at the end of 2007. Once again this was to be done at no cost to the Parish Council, for up to 6,000 copies, any shortfall in advertising revenue being covered by Plus Publishing.

It was resolved the Clerk make arrangements to proceed with the Guide.

 

88.   South Staffordshire Council with regard to the Children and Young People’s Conference to be held 6 July at the Council Offices, Codsall. Details of the breakout sessions had been supplied and those wishing to book for the conference were asked to confirm two sessions to attend.

It was resolved Members wishing to attend would notify the Clerk during the meeting. No requests were made.

 

89.   Brewood Civic Society with regard to the poor quality of the repairs carried out to The Ridings, Engleton Lane, Brewood and their concern that the work had actually exacerbated the problem of water pooling. The letter also raised their concern at the state of the road surface in Crestwood Park. Dr R.C.H. Taylor reiterated the concerns raised. Cllr R. Roberts reported that he had written to Mr D. Wright, Area Highways with regard to the poor quality of repairs. Mr F. Barrett reported he had raised the same concerns with regard to repairs in Coven Heath. Mr D. Evans left the meeting while the matter was discussed.

Cllr Roberts reported he would follow the matter up with Mr Wright.

 

90.   Brewood Civic Society with regard to their monthly meetings. They enquired as to whether, in view of the numbers that need to be accommodated at their meetings (13), they could use the Parish Council Chamber and whether there would be any charge for such use. Meetings would be held on the third Monday of each month, commencing at 7.30pm to no later than 11.00pm. Dr R.C.H. Taylor did not speak or vote on the matter.

It was resolved Brewood Civic Society be permitted to hold their monthly meetings in the Council Chamber at no charge, as per other local organisations.

 

91.   South Staffordshire Council with regard to the Parish/District Council Liaison Meeting held on 25 June at the revised time of 6.30pm, finishing at 8.30pm. The meeting discussed Open Spaces Audit Issues, Environmental Enforcement: The Role of the Parish Council and Staffordshire’s Local Area Agreement. Future dates 12 September, 25 November and 25 February 2008. Members wishing to attend had previously been advised, in the letter notifying of the Council meeting of 28 June, to contact the Clerk on Monday 25 June to enable the booking to be phoned through. A place had been booked for Mr G. Martin.

Matter of report.

 

92.   Mr P. Jackson with regard to the outstanding Best Kept Village prize money to be claimed by the Parish Council. Mr Jackson requested that written details of how the Council proposed to spend the prize money be supplied then, on receiving approval from the sponsor, a cheque would be forwarded.

It was resolved the Clerk confirm the Councils intention of funding an additional Parish Notice-board subject to obtaining permission from the Brewery of The Lion in Brewood.

 

93.   David Wright, Area Highways confirming the proposed arrangements for the replacement of the finger post in Market Square, Brewood.

Matter of report.

 

94.   Staffordshire Parish Councils’ Association (SPCA) with regard to a New Councillor event scheduled for 4 July at the Peel Buildings, Stafford from 7.00pm to 9.00pm. This was a repeat of the event held 14 June, which had been oversubscribed. Cost £20 for the first delegate and £10 for subsequent delegates – this had previously been agreed for the June event.

It was resolved the Clerk book places on the course for Mrs J. Carr, Mrs A.Y. Millward and Mr G. Martin. Mr D. Evans and Ms M. Alden-Court confirmed they were not available to attend.

 

95.   SPCA Chief Executive’s Circular 34 – key reports:

·         Vivien Evans, previously Clerk to Shenstone Parish Council, had been appointed as the new full time Chief Executive of the SPCA

·         Following on from the Welcome New Councillor event four further modules had been scheduled covering Role and Responsibilities – 25 July 7.00pm to 9.00pm; Powers, Duties and Precept – 5 September 7.00pm-9.00pm; Management and Meetings – 18 September 7.00pm to 9.00pm; The Council and the Community – 11 October 7.00pm to 9.00pm. All modules would cost £20 for the first delegate and £10 for subsequent delegates.

·         2007/08 Pay Negotiations continued without resolution

·         Notice of the New National Joint Council (NJC) Car Allowances from April 1 2007

·         Notice of the increase to National Minimum Wage from October 1 2007

·         Chairmanship Skills course over 4 modules 12 September, 18 October, 27 November all 7.00pm to 9.00pm. Cost £20 first delegate, £10 subsequent delegates.

·         One-day conference, held by NALC and the Standards Board, in Birmingham on the revised model code of conduct and the new ethical framework - £70 exclu. VAT July 19.

Matter of report.

 

96.   Sandwell MBC with regard to their Joint Core Strategy for the Black Country: Consultation on Issues and Options. The Consultation would run from 29 June to 10 August and a copy of their Core Strategy Issues & Options Document was available from the web site blackcountrycorestrategy.dudley.gov.uk. Views were requested to assist them in choosing their preferred options for the Core Strategy. Up to two Members were also invited to a consultation event on 11 July between 10.00am and 12 noon at the Light House Media Centre, Wolverhampton.

It was resolved that Members wishing to attend would notify the Clerk during the meeting. No requests were received.

 

97.   Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Consultation, on behalf of South Staffordshire Council. Completion of questionnaire required by 27 June. In view of the restrictive deadline the Clerk intended  to complete and return this prior to the meeting. Mr F. Barrett reported a house in Ball Lane had suffered flooding and Severn Trent Water had agreed to investigate the matter. Mr A. Ball reminded those present that the Fire Service could be called on to assist with pumping out water.

It was resolved the Clerk write to Severn Trent Water requesting they investigate the matter in Ball Lane as the problem had been ongoing for some years.

 

98.   Ian Haigh, Chase Division Community Safety Inspector, Staffordshire Police thanking the Council for recognising the contribution that Sgt Maurice Annett had made to date with regard to this Council’s Big Lottery Community Buildings programme application and asking us to be aware that Sgt Annett would have to manage any future support as an advisor within his current heavy work schedule as Police Community Safety Sgt for South Staffordshire.

Matter of report.

 

99.   Mrs M. Heath – received after the agenda had been published, see Clerk’s report.

 

100.      Mr P. Guest - received after the agenda had been published, see Clerk’s report.

 

101.      CORRESPONDENCE CIRCULATED:

 

Agenda and reports for the meeting of South Staffordshire Council’s Scrutiny Committee to be held 12th June.

 

Agenda and reports for the meeting of South Staffordshire Council’s Regulatory Committee to be held 26 June.

 

Brewood Civic Society Minutes and copy correspondence to South Staffordshire Council – planning applications 07/00300/LBC and 07/00455/REM; Mr M. Hampson – Brewood Middle School; South Staffordshire Council – erection of ‘payzone’ sign at the Spar, Brewood and illegal development alongside the Shropshire Union Canal between Brewood Bridge and Eskew Bridge.

 

Open Spaces Society – Annual Report and Accounts 2006, Newsletter and notice of AGM 3 July.

 

Victim Support Staffordshire – publicity posters to be distributed for their Male Victims of Domestic Violence campaign.

 

Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter, email edition June-July.

 

South Staffordshire Housing Association – Newsletter Summer 2007; Village News June 2007.

 

102.      COUNTY COUNCIL REPORT:

 

The Council received the report of County Councillor, R. Roberts O.B.E. who reported on the progress and implications of the new proposals for job evaluation, action taken with regard to the poor quality of road repairs in Brewood, heavy vehicles accessing the narrow bridge in Ball Lane, Coven Heath and plans for new and refurbished fire stations.

 

103.      CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:

 

The Council received the report of the Chairman, Mrs L.E. Jones who reported she had attended the Civic Sunday of South Staffordshire Council’s Chairman with Mrs J. Carr and, on a separate occasion, presented the Parish Council’s Coven Best Kept Village poster competition prize at Brewood Middle School. Finally, Mrs Jones thanked Cllr I. Clay for chairing the “training event” held with regard to the Brewood Dole Charity and recommended a letter of thanks be sent to John Cook for his presentation to members.

It was resolved the Clerk write to Mr Cook thanking him for an extremely interesting presentation.

 

104.      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 June be approved

·                                  the request from Brewood Village Community Council for £2,000 from their Annual Parish Grant, to be used towards the cost of extensive electrical updates required to comply with the latest Self-assessment Fire Certification, be approved.

Note additional items: 154** - Public Conveniences, Sandy Lane; 94 – Welcome new councillor event; 104 – Clerk’s report Mr & Mrs G. Edwards.

 

105.      PLANNING REPORT:

 

The Council received the planning report from the Chairman Mrs L.E. Jones, in the absence the Head of Planning, and approved the planning applications as set out in the attached schedule.

 

106.      CLERKS REPORT:

 

The Council received the written report of the Clerk, Mrs D.E. Drury and resolved the following matters:

·          Development along-side the public conveniences in Sandy Lane – Clerk to locate the original plans relating to this development and verify there was no breach of the original plan.

·          the recommended arrangements be made for the felling and removal of the tree at 19 Riverside Way, Coven.

·          A gift of £25 be made to Mr and Mrs G. Edwards in appreciation of their work in watering the Parish Council troughs in Bishops Wood.

·          A letter supporting the concerns of Coven Heath residents be sent to the Highways Department with regard the use, by heavy vehicles, of the narrow bridge in Ball Lane, Coven.

·          A letter of support be sent to Mr P. Guest and the other competitors acknowledging their success, to date, in this years Inter Parish Games.

·          A letter be sent advising Mrs Heath that the office was not open on Friday afternoons and requesting she suggest an alternative date.

All other matters had been dealt with earlier in the meeting.

 

107.      DISTRICT COUNCIL REPORT:

 

The Council received the District Council report from Cllr I. Clay who reported on the South Staffordshire election of Chairman, Vice Chairman, the appointment of Executive Deputy Leaders, of Cllr B. Cox as Chairman of the Regulatory Committee and representatives of the South Staffordshire Housing Association. Cllr Clay further reported on the Purchase Notice that had been served on South Staffordshire Council for Hattons Cottage, a number of decisions made at the Regulatory meeting held 26 June, the Treasurers Management report and the appeal by Mr Dunn that had now been deferred to October.

 

ANY OTHER MATTERS OF REPORT:

 

108.      Parking at Chambley Green, Coven. Mrs L.E. Jones had indicated that she wished to speak on this matter but asked that it be deferred awaiting more information.

 

There being no other business the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 9.05 p.m.

Clerk’s Report for the Meeting held 28th June 2007

 

St Mary & Chad Churchyard – fencing 

Andy Ball, George Martin, Mac Webb and the Clerk met on site with the Rev Clive Burgess and the fencing contractor, Paul Dunbar.  It was the consensus of opinion that the most appropriate fencing was the green Dulok rigid mesh panel fence as per that recently installed at the Brewood Playing field and that this should be around 1230 high.  Paul was asked to quote for this with the intention of it being installed at the back of the hedge, where it would be less intrusive and would allow the planting of hawthorn and holly to fill in the gaps.  Paul was asked to provide two prices one for filling in the gaps and the other for fencing the whole length from the top of the steps to the pillar. However, Paul had since contacted the Clerk and advised that he would be unable to purchase this type of fencing from the manufacturer and, therefore, was unable to provide a quotation.  The manufacture, Grange Fencing, had provided a written quotation.

 

After the meeting Dr Taylor contacted the Clerk and advised that, if the Council was proposing to seek funding to fence the boundary of the surgery, it would need to seek permission from the Practice to do this.  As this then posed the question as to whether this Council was empowered to fence private property, the Clerk sought advice from a District Council Officer and was advised that, in commissioning any of the fencing, the Council could be deemed to have accepted the future responsibility for its maintenance and any future health and safety issues should they arise. 

In the light of the foregoing, the Clerk recommended that a letter be sent to the County Council’s Footpath Officer, enclosing the quotation, and asking that the fencing of the gaps be pursued as a matter of urgency in view of the health and safety issue. The Council was advised to also ask Cllr Rex Roberts to pursue the matter on its behalf.

 

Chain of Office

Representatives from Fattorini and Vaughtons have visited the office to inspect the Chain of Office.  Both had outlined various options for the Council to consider and would be submitting their quotations to cover all of these, including the provision of a completely new chain and insignia.  It was pointed out that the insignia has at sometime been damaged and the enamel repaired with resin, which was now discoloured.  To repair it all of the enamel would have to be stripped off and, given that a further twenty new links would be required to enable the chain to be up-dated, there would be very little difference in the cost of refurbishment of the old chain and a new one which would normally consist of twenty links.   Also, in view of the fact that the current insignia was no longer appropriate as it did not reflect the change of name, nor did it incorporate any of the Coven coat of arms, the Clerk had asked for a further quotation to re-design the insignia to take account of this.

 

Development at the top of Sandy Lane

There had been some concerns expressed about the tree felling and excavation work that was being carried on at the derelict building at the top of Sandy Lane.  The Clerk had flagged these issues up with David Burton-Pye - the Conservation Officer, and he was to arrange for a site visit to make sure that the planning consent was not being breached.  The Clerk had also received a complaint about the congestion that was being caused by the parking outside the building and this had been reported to PC Helen Mitchell.  She had visited the site on several occasions but, providing they were loading or unloading continuously, she did not have a problem.

 

Meeting to Discuss the Parking Problems in Brewood

A meeting was held on the 26th June to discuss the issue of traffic congestion in the village, particularly with regard to the parking situation that has been exacerbated by the policy to disallow parents from using the car park at the Middle School.   In attendance at the meeting was the Chair and Vice Chairman, Mac Webb, Head teachers of the Middle School and St Mary & Chad First School - Chris Robotham and Angela Lunt, PC Helen Mitchell and John Burdett, the County Council’s Health and Safety Advisor.   

 

The meeting considered a proposal put forward by PC Helen Mitchell to increase parking spaces within the village by adopting a one-way system. This would effectively increase the parking spaces in the Market Place because vehicles could be parked nose to the pavement rather than side-on. This was debated at length and various pros and cons put forward.  Copies of the proposal were tabled at the meeting of 28 June.

 

Those present also considered whether there was any land available for a car park, or dropping off point on the outskirts of the village where the children could be dropped off and then walk to school.   This was unproductive but it was agreed that an approach should be made to the proprietor of the Three Stirrups and the British Legion Club to ask whether they could offer parking for parents. The proprietor of the Admiral Rodney had indicated that car parking on the car park, which up until recently had been made available for parents’ parking, was no longer an option.   Mac Webb reported further on this.

 

BKV Prizes

In 2004 Brewood won the BKV competition and accordingly was asked to write in to the Community Council stating how they wished to spend the prize money of £100.  Subsequently, we wrote to the Civic Society asking for their ideas and they provided four options:  a seat outside the Council offices, the refurbishment of the notice-board on the gable end of the Jubilee Hall to make it a truly “Village” news board, a specific improvement to the Christmas lighting and a feature at the bottom of Dean Street.  The last option had already been implemented by the District Council.  The Council needed to decide how it wished to spend the money.  Coven had already spent its prize money on providing a new seat.

 

Overhanging Tree at the rear of 19 Riverside Way, Coven

South Staffordshire Council forwarded a letter from a Mrs Diffey of 19 Riverside Way in which she drew attention to a large branch overhanging precariously from a silver birch to the rear of the property.  In view of the potential health and safety risk the Clerk arranged for Paul Dunbar to attend to it as a matter of urgency.   However, Steve Doers, SSC’s Arboricultural Officer, had visited the site and had advised that the tree, which was not a Silver Birch but a Poplar tree, was deceased and in his opinion it should be felled to avoid any future problems.   Council were asked whether they wished the Clerk to arrange this.

 

Gift to George Edwards

George and Jeanette Edwards had taken it upon themselves to water the Council’s troughs and Jeanette had also taken on the responsibility for procuring and planting them up.  Given that the handyman was paid to water the Council’s planters in both Brewood and Coven and it was not practicable for him to water those in Bishops Wood the Clerk suggested that it would be fitting to recognise their commitment by way of a small gift.  Council were asked whether the Clerk should arrange this.

 

Ball Lane Canal Bridge, Coven Heath

The Coven Heath Community Association had reported that there had been many instances of heavy-duty vehicles ignoring the restriction signs and this could be increased with the advent of the i54 motorway island construction traffic.  Residents were concerned that this disregard by drivers could cause structural damage to a very old and picturesque small bridge.   The residents had proposed that bollards be installed to restrict traffic movement to use by cars and small vans only.  This had the support of the Highways Department but the Community Association had requested that this Council send a letter in support.  The Clerk requested the Council’s permission to do this.

 

Inter Parish Games

Mr Paul Guest had advised the Council that Brewood and Coven Parish was currently in first place with 120 points followed by Wombourne with 117.  To-date the parish was the only one to have entered a team in every event and if we won the competition again it would be for the third year running. The Clerk recommended that a letter of support be sent to Paul Guest.

 

Proposed redevelopment of Council Offices and Lottery Bid

Mrs Heath of 31 Stafford Street had written in requesting that she and Mrs Holland of 32 Stafford Street be allowed to come into the Parish Council offices on the afternoon of Friday 6th July to view the application to the Big Lottery Fund.   The office was not manned on a Friday afternoon and the Clerk, therefore, suggested that Mrs Heath be advised accordingly and be asked to suggest an alternative date.

 

South Staffordshire Council’s Children and Young People’s Conference

There were still places available for the above Conference which was to be held on Friday, 6th July 9.00 am to 3.00 pm, lunch and refreshments included.  There was no delegates charge but applications must be registered by tomorrow at the latest.    Anyone wishing to attend were asked to please advise the Assistant Clerk as a matter of urgency.

 

Voluntary Car Scheme

Caroline had produced a new Drivers’ Registration Pack, including the new Drivers’ Vehicle Registration Record to comply with the terms of the grant from the County Council.  Copies had been tabled for members’ information.   Caroline was to be congratulated on the way she had drawn up the pack.

 

Sandy Lane Public Conveniences

The Clerk had now written three letters to the contractors about the outstanding issues and had also taken up the issue on the telephone.  The Clerk had asked him to provide a quotation for fitting door closers (3), a hot and cold water supply and an electricity socket in the store-room. The socket had already been installed at a cost of £90.  The hot and cold water supply was quoted at £168 and the door closures are £198.

 

Annual Clerk’s Training Day

On Tuesday The Clerk would be attending a Clerk’s training day at Stafford.  Sue was also booked in but had to cancel as she needed to travel to Yorkshire to attend the funeral of her cousin.  The Clerk had arranged for Val to be in the office to cover.

 

Barnfield Sandbeds

A local resident had reported that during a walk through the sandbeds she was confronted by a snake which she had identified as an adder. The Clerk had reported this to the Environmental Health and they were looking into the matter with a view to establishing which of their Departments should handle the matter.

 

Litter Bin at Church Road/Dean Street  

The bottom of the bin had rusted through and any litter deposited dropped through onto the floor.  Mac Webb had posted a notice to this effect on the bin and the Clerk would write to Environmental Health requesting a replacement.

 

Holiday

The Clerk informed Council she had booked a weeks annual leave – dates supplied but excluded from the minutes.