BREWOOD AND COVEN PARISH COUNCIL

WITH BISHOP’S WOOD AND COVEN HEATH

 

THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL  HELD IN THE COUNCIL OFFICES, STAFFORD STREET, BREWOOD ON THURSDAY, 29 MARCH 2007

 

APOLOGIES:

 

Apologies received from Mr L. E. Jones for late arrival due to her attendance at a BKV Judges’  meeting.   Mrs J. Jeffries left the meeting early as she was feeling unwell.

 

MINUTES:

 

The minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 8 March were confirmed as an accurate record, apart from it being noted that Mrs Y Millward had been in attendance and that the date for the proposed installation of the trim trail had been wrongly noted as April instead of March.

 

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

 

Ian Westward declared a non-pecuniary interest in planning application 07/00144/FUL and Mrs L. E. Jones, Dr. R. Taylor, and Mr I. Westwood  declared an interest in planning application

07/00244/OUT. 

 

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 is not considered that the resolutions to be moved herein will have any adverse impact for the purposes of the Crime and Disorder Act.

 

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

 

No issues were raised.

 

377.            POLICE REPORT

 

The Council received the written Police report.  The Clerk was asked to raise the following matters with the PCSO: 

·         cars parked in front of the new development at Ivetsey Bank Road on the approach to a bend – mainly evening and weekends; 

·         youths congregating in Sandy Lane – Mondays and Tuesdays between 6pm and 7pm;

·         incidents of anti social behaviour in the garages at School Lane, Coven  

 

MATTERS ARISING:

 

154*      Public Conveniences, Sandy Lane.  It was noted that the required power cable had been installed by E-on and a contract for the supply of electricity signed by the Trainee Clerk with the agreement of the Chairman, Mr A. Ball, and the Head of Finance, Mr P.G. Sanders. A  meter installation date was awaited from Npower.  The contractor, Maythorne Construction,  had been instructed as to the required green paint, supplied with fittings (paper towels / toilet tissue) and they were aware that they still needed to fit and supply a baby changing table and railings. Finally the site would need to be inspected and a “snags list” drawn up before the project could  be deemed complete.

Matter of report

 

288*   Coven Changing Rooms. Letter received from Katie White summarising the outcome of the meeting with the Regional Facilities Manager (Mr M. Webb reported at the meeting held 8 March) and drawing attention to specific fact sheets, supplied by the Football Foundation, that the architect needed to take account of. It was noted that this information had already been made available to the architect. Katie also recommended that we arrange for the plans to be redrawn, and that no further costings were done until suitable plans had been signed off. Finally she asked that, as agreed at the meeting, every effort be made to have revised drawings by the next meeting at Staffordshire FA buildings on 19 April at 4.30pm.  Cllr R. Jones provided plans of a modular changing room block which it was understood did meet the Football Foundation criteria.  Members also referred to the Clerk’s report.

It was resolved that the suitability of the modular building be pursued with the Football Foundation and that in the meantime the architect be asked to place the provision of  revised plans on hold.

 

173.   Footpath from Hillcrest to Deansfield Road. Email received from Mrs O’Brien of Hillcrest and phone call received from Mrs Picken also of Hillcrest expressing their concerns at the manner in which the submission regarding the footpath had been handled – neither had received witness statement forms although they lived either side of the footpath. Mr Brian Jones had since made the required paperwork available to them both should they wish to complete a statement. Mrs O’Brien asked that the Parish Council carry out its’ own survey as to whether the residents wished to keep the footpath open or not. A letter had also been received from Staffordshire County Council approving the request for a notice to be displayed seeking the owner of the land involved.

It was resolved that the issue be raised in the Parish Newsletter.

 

207.   Local Development Framework Core Strategy. To be retained on the agenda awaiting the next, more detailed stage of consultation.

Matter of report.

 

320.   Burial Grounds Provision. A report had finally been obtained from the Department for Constitutional Affairs titled “Burial law and policy in the 21st century” which represented the response to the consultation held in 2004 “Burial law and policy in the 21st century – the need for a sensitive and sustainable approach”. The report was tabled at the meeting.

Matter of report.

 

333.   Jacob’s Ladder. WPC Helen Mitchell was seeking a quotation for railings to be supplied. By the Prison Service.  Members noted that a meeting had been set up with a Probation Service Officer for 10th April at 3.00pm

Matter of report.

 

361.   Calor Village of the Year Competition. Mrs A.Y. Millward has advised the Council that Coven did not intend to enter the competition this year.

Matter of report.

 

369.   Play Equipment, Brewood. Mr M. Webb reported that he was to approach the Sports Development Officer with regard to funding for the purchase of additional play equipment.

Matter of report.

 

370.   Trim Trail, The Bront. Coven members had met with Marc Neild of South Staffordshire Council and a design using the Fun Trail 1 equipment had been agreed at a cost of £5,000 to supply and install. As previously agreed this was to be funded by the Quality Council grant of £2,500 with match funding from this Council.  It was noted that the trim trail had been installed and that the contractor had also replaced one of the two rotted beams at the Bishops Wood play area. The replacement price of the two beams had been quoted at  £150.

Matter of report.

 

         Canal Bridge, Brewood. Mr D. Barker has been instructed to paint the canal bridge near The Bridge Inn, Brewood at his earliest opportunity. More paint was being sourced and a request had been made for the bridge to be cleaned down beforehand with a power-hose.

Matter of report.

 

CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED:

 

378.      It was noted that a number of nomination packs were available in the Parish Council office for any member requiring one.  Nominations were to be returned to South Staffordshire Council by noon on 4th April.

Matter of report.

 

379.      Letter received from the Department of Constitutional Affairs with regard to Memorial Safety requiring authorities responsible for safety to bear in mind the need for a proportionate response to the actual risk presented, communication with the public, the impact on individuals and communities when acting on safety grounds and the need for sensitivity.

Matter of report.

 

380.      Copy correspondence received from Mrs E. Claydon addressed to Ms S. Poxon, South Staffordshire Council and Mr I. Pearson, Minister of State for Climate Change and Environment with regard to the problems experienced at Crestwood Park and the proposed 38 dwelling development in Engleton Lane, Brewood.

Matter of report.

 

381.       South Staffordshire Tourism Association agenda for the A.G.M. to be held at Chillington Hall on Wednesday 18 April at 11.00am. The Council were invited to make a nomination for a representative to serve on the Executive Committee.

It was resolved that Cllr Mrs D. M. Holmes be nominated as the Council’s representative.

 

382.      Passenger Transport, Staffordshire County Council with regard to the Wheels 2 Work project the aims of which were to help those in  rural areas who were struggling to find transport to work, education or training.   In areas with  no access to public transport the project could provide a grant of up to £1,000 for travel planning, travel vouchers, moped loan, bicycle loan, subsidised driving lessons or vehicle repair grants.

It was resolved that this be reported in the Parish Newsletter.

 

383.      Staffordshire Samaritans thanking this Council for the grant which was to be used to improve the safety and security of the branch in Stafford.

Matter of report.

 

384.      A. J. Coleman of Horsebrook Lane, Brewood enclosing a copy letter to Staffordshire County Council with regard to the “appalling and dangerous condition of footpaths, both sides, in Horsebrook Lane.” Further concerns were also raised regarding the surface of Shop Lane which had previously been reported to Area Highways at Gailey.

It was resolved that a letter be sent to the Divisional Engineer calling for the problems to be addressed and also asking for the finger posts to be repaired.

  

385.      A Joint Core Strategy for the Black Country, notice of a Stakeholder Engagement Drop-in Event to be held 17 April at 2.00pm to 8.00pm at the Bethel Convention Centre, Kelvin Way, West Bromwich.

It was resolved that members wishing to attend notify the Clerk by 6 April stating whether they wished to  participate in the afternoon or evening session.

 

CORRESPONDENCE CIRCULATED:

 

Coven Memorial Hall thanking this Council for the £1,000 Capital Grant.

 

Electoral Commission and NALC – All About Parish and Town Councils resource pack

 

Agenda and reports for the meeting of South Staffordshire Council’s Partnership and Strategic Services Scrutiny Panel held on 14 March.

 

Agenda and reports for the meeting of South Staffordshire Council’s Regulatory Committee held 13 March.

 

Agenda and reports for the meeting of South Staffordshire Council’s Executive Committee held 13 March.

 

Agenda and reports for the meeting of South Staffordshire Council’s Community and Environmental Services Scrutiny Panel to be held 29 March.

 

Brewood Ideas Group – notes of meeting held 12 March.

 

Brewood Civic Society copy correspondence to the Planning Inspectorate - planning application 06/01056/FUL, 38 Engleton Lane, Mr Burton-Pye Street Lighting in Brewood Conservation Area; Cllr M.R. Hampson felling/lopping trees in the Conservation Area; South Staffordshire Council planning application 07/00223/FUL, The Dingle, Brewood; SSDC planning application 07/00169/VAR, tennis courts, Brewood; SSDC – Pay Zone sign, The Spar, Brewood. Minutes of the meeting held 19 March.

 

e-learning facility at Wolgarston High School.

 

Sustainable Staffordshire Newsletter.

 

South Staffordshire Housing Association Newsletter.

 

Business Link Staffordshire, March issue.

 

Clerks and Councils Direct.

 

Village News.

 

Sutcliffe Play – Playback Newsletter.

 

386.       COUNTY COUNCIL REPORT:

 

The Council received the report of County Councillor, Rex Roberts O.B.E.   It was noted that:

 

·        Central Government had requested a further 15,000 dwellings on top of the previous figure of 575,000.  As far as he knew the allocation of 5,000 for South Staffordshire remained the same but Lichfield and Tamworth had objected to their allocations and it was possible that the figures could be reviewed. 

 

·        The Government was requiring District Councils  to provide details of caravans and pitches in their areas and estimate further requirement as a matter of urgency. 

 

·        Seven new fire stations were to be provided with 23 being refurbished by 2009.

 

·        The cost to the tax payer of job evaluation was now estimated at £73 million for Staffordshire.

 

387.      CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:

 

The Chairman reported that he had very much enjoyed welcoming pupils from St Dominics School to the Council offices where they had set up a mock meeting.  Mr M. Webb had also attended.

 

388.      FINANCE REPORT:

 

The Council received the report of the Head of Finance, Mr P.G. Sanders and resolved that:

 

·         the financial summary for the month of March be approved

 

·         payment of £118 be made to Mr T. Warne for assisting with the installation of Broadband, supply of network cable, network card, replacement optical mouse and two Norton Internet Security Licences. The original quote just for cable and installation had been £50.

 

·         the supply and fitting of a replacement wooden gate to The Bront at Poplars Farm Way at a cost of £144.50 excluding VAT be ratified.  Clerk’s report refers.

 

·         the Rotary Club of Brewood and District be advised that the Council would under-write the  Bonfire Night on 4 November to a maximum of £750.

 

·         a quote from Grange Fencing in the sum of £1,410.55 for the supply and install ation of fencing at Engleton Lane Playing Field behind the goal be accepted.

 

·         an invoice received from Cosgriff Whitehouse for re-aligning the flood-lights at Brewood Tennis Club at a cost of £183.62 excluding VAT be paid

 

·         the organisers of the Brewood Music Festival be advised that the Council will sponsor a youth event in The Square up to a maximum sum of £1,000.

 

·         each of the three villages be allocated a budget of £30 for copying and laminating and that the Council provide prizes of £20 per school for the BKV poster competition.

 

 

389.      PLANNING REPORT:

The Council received the report of Cllr Mrs D. M. Holmes on various planning issues and made the recommendations as set out in the attached schedule.

 

390.      CLERKS REPORT:

 

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

 

·        That the purchase of the  Adobe software required for the completion of the Lottery Application on line be approved

 

·        That a bulk delivery of bark chippings be arranged for Coven and Brewood playing fields but the delivery for Bishops Wood be bagged.

 

·        That there be a change in the type of plants purchased for the planters and that the planting should include geraniums

 

391.      DISTRICT COUNCIL REPORT:

No report given.

 

ANY OTHER MATTERS OF REPORT:

 

392.      Road Condition, A449 at Coven Heath.  Mr F. Barrett reported that a depression in the road surface outside Old Heath House was hazardous and that despite having reported this to the Highways Agency  nothing had been done to correct the problem. 

 

The Clerk was asked to report the matter to Cllr Rex Roberts.

 

There being no other business the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 9.55pm.

 

CLERK’S REPORT FOR THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL HELD 29 MARCH 2007

 

Public Conveniences. A problem with the ceiling paint has been noted and will be addressed by Maythorne – we are advised it may have been caused by the damp?  Npower has now advised that the electricity will be connected on Tuesday, 3rd April.  Maythorne has been advised accordingly.

 

Replacement Gate at Poplars Farm Way.  This expenditure was included in the application for the grant from Central Networks.  I will chase the grant up with Central Networks as, other than confirmation that the grant had been awarded, we have not received any further correspondence despite me seeking the reimbursement for the bluebell corms.

 

Broadband. All three PCs in the office can now access the internet using Broadband. The PCs have still to be networked. It was necessary to purchase two Norton Internet Security 2007 licences as ours had expired a few days earlier. By purchasing them from Mr Warne this proved cheaper and technically more advisable than simply purchasing software upgrades.

 

Newsletter.  I have made a start on the Newsletter and have made tentative arrangements for this to be delivered the week commencing  16th April.  Can members let me have any articles they want including as soon as possible.

 

Wheels 2 Work.  I have included this in the Parish Newsletter

 

The Annual Parish Meeting is scheduled for the 19th April.  Can members wishing me to prepare their reports let me know as quickly as possible.  However, if members are able to assist with the preparation themselves it would be appreciated  as I shall be under pressure over the next two weeks with Sue away and the Newsletter and the Lottery application to be completed.

 

Footpath to Playing field  The Footpaths Officer is pursuing the matter with the contractor with a  view to having the pathway resurfaced.

 

Coven Changing Rooms   The architect has now passed the drawings that were rejected by the Football Foundation to an associate member to prepare  new drawings.  I have spoken to him and recommended that he liaises with either Katie White or Andy Weston to ensure that the required specification is met.

 

Proposed Re-development of The Council Offices   The bulk of the Lottery application has now been completed apart from the sections covering the project budget, sources of funding, and the project timetable.   I have arranged a meeting with PC Maurice Annett for next Wednesday to complete these sections.  The deadline for the application is 30th April and a decision will be made known by August when, if successful, we will  be invited to complete stage 2 of the application.  In its current format we are unable to  complete the application form on line.  In order to do this we require some Adobe software.  I don’t have a cost but it should be less that £100.                Alternatively the application form will have to be completed by hand which will be a considerable waste of time as the answers are already stored on disc.  Members views please

 

The Trim Trail has been installed at The Bront and is already proving popular with the youngsters.

 

Bark chippings   As reported previously, bark chippings are required to top up  the play areas at all three playing fields.  I am informed that at Bishops Wood alone we shall need twenty cubic metres (£600 for bulk delivery -  £800 for delivery and labour)   Obviously it is much cheaper to have a bulk delivery but given the problem we had at Bishops Wood last time,  when the road  was blocked,  I  am seeking a cost for it to be delivered in bags but this will be much more costly.  We do need this work completed at all three playing fields before the commencement of the BKV judging on the 1st May.   Members views please.

 

Bedding plants.   I will need to order the bedding plants shortly.  For many years we have used  mainly surfinias for summer bedding.  Would members like a change – we could use busy lizzie, geraniums, etc.?  We shall need more plants this year to include the planters at Bishops Wood.

Members views please

 

Play Equipment Inspections.   The play areas have been inspected by Zurich and we now await the written reports.    At Bishops Wood the contractor has been out and replaced one of the balance beams but there still remains one to be repaired.  New basket ball equipment has been ordered for Bishops Wood. 

 

Canal Bridge.  David now has the paint for the wall and will be starting this after Easter but we are still trying to arrange for it to be power washed

 

Fencing at Jacobs Ladder   Probation Services have been contacted with regard to the supply and installation of fencing.  A site meeting has been requested by the Supervisor to assess the suitability of the project.