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, Mrs D. M. Holmes,
Mrs K.M. Holmes, Mrs J. C. Jeffries, Mrs L. E. Jones, Mr G. Martin, Mrs A. Y. Millward, Dr R.C.H.
Taylor, Mr M. Webb, Mr I. Westwood.
APOLOGIES:
M. Alden-Court
(illness), Mr D. Evans – personal reasons.
IN ATTENDANCE:
Cllr M.
R. Hampson, Mr D. Wright (Area Highways).
MINUTES:
The minutes of the meeting of the Council
held on 26 June and the minutes of the Buildings Committee meetings held on 30
June and 7 July were approved as being accurate records and duly signed.
The Chairman declared
suspension of Standing Orders to allow Members to remove their jackets.
DECLARATIONS
OF INTEREST:
Mrs L.E. Jones, Dr R.C.H. Taylor and Mr I.
Westwood declared a personal and prejudicial interest in matters relating to
item 34 Brewood Dole Charity for matters other than of report. Dr R.C.H. Taylor declared a prejudicial
interest in matters relating to item 72/151* Traffic Management in
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 will have any adverse impact
for the purposes of the Crime and Disorder Act.
The
Chairman welcomed Mr David Wright, Divisional Highways Manager, Staffordshire
County Council who attended the meeting to brief Members with regard to the
‘Community Gang’ service that was scheduled to deal with low priority,
housekeeping issues on a rota basis, for a few days at a time, throughout the
27 parishes in
It was resolved a list of suitable jobs, in
order of priority, would be made available to Mr Brian Wilding on 18 July.
Mr
Wright then left the meeting.
91. 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.
Mrs
J. Edwards, Bishops Wood raised her concerns at the proposal for the Green Bus
Company to stop buses running to Bishops Wood and out to Wheaton Aston,
Penkridge and Brewood. Mrs Edwards also congratulated Highways on the work they
had done to reinstate the verge on
Dr
R.C.H. Taylor, with regard to the proposal to relocate the Brewood Doctors
surgery. Dr Taylor explained that the
existing facilities were now inadequate and that a seven year search for a new
site had resulted in a proposed location opposite St Marys Catholic
Church. Dr Taylor explained that this was
the preferred location and that even though it was in green belt the proposal
had the support of the PCT. He asked
that Council give approval, in principle, to the proposal so that it could be
included in the forthcoming business plan.
It
was resolved that the matter be included on the agenda for discussion at the
next Council Meeting.
Cllr
M.R. Hampson, on behalf of Brewood Music Festival committee. Cllr Hampson requested
that arrangements be made for the
It was resolved the Clerk contact Mr Barker
to make the necessary arrangements and confirm what time the toilets are
normally opened on a Sunday morning.
MATTERS ARISING:
288** Coven Changing Rooms.
Clerk’s report referred. Members were asked to consider the proposal that the
opening of labelled tenders be delegated in this instance to the
representatives of the Changing Rooms working party which included the Chair of
Council Dr R.C.H. Taylor and Head of Finance Mrs L.E. Jones. The Clerk and RFO
Mrs S. Groom would also be present. This would enable the project manager to
then return to work with the tenders and start his reporting process. Members
would initially receive a report listing the value of the tenders received and
later a copy of the report on the tenders which would also be made available to
the Football Foundation as part of the grant criteria. If was also recommended
the working party be formalised as a committee of the Council.
It
was resolved that the representatives of the Changing Rooms working party be
formalised as a Committee and the Standing Order with regard to the tender
opening process be suspended in this instance to enable tenders to be opened by
the committee.
347** Buildings – Proposal
for New Development. A meeting of stake holders held on 7 July at 1.30pm
to discuss the prospect of developing Church House and part of St Mary and St
It was resolved minutes of the meeting would be forwarded to the
stake holders who attended on 7 July.
347** Buildings – Scout Hut and Youth Club Provision. Reply awaited
from this Council’s request for clarification as to the plans for the
allocation of funding from the sale of the
Mrs D. M.
Holmes reported that she had attended the South Staffordshire Council Safety
Partnership Seminar and received information with regard to funding for youth
working in partnership with parish councils.
It was resolved that the Clerk contact Maggie Quinn with regarding to youth funding and Mr Steve Pope with regard to the possible earlier refurbishment of Brewood Fire Station and its possible use for the provision of youth services.
72* / 151* Traffic
Management. The Council’s recommendations had been forwarded to Mr M. Keeling, Area
Highways, Staffordshire County Council. Drawings with regard to
Matter of report.
205*/250*
It was resolved the Clerk would write to Mr Fairhurst seeking a reply to the Council’s previous letter.
217* Proposal for a
Matter of report.
234* Review of Standing Orders. Awaiting the Clerk to proof-read. The corrections would then be forwarded to Mr Arnold. Matter of report.
302* Chain of Office. A quote had
been sought from Vaughton’s to engrave the remaining names and dates of
previous Chairs on the old chain, above and below the hallmark, to bring it up
to date to the Millennium.
Matter of report.
307*
324* Portable Flashing
Speed Warning Signs. Clerk to follow up with Mr Keeling in the light of
information obtained from a Town Council who had successfully implemented a
system.
Matter of report.
377* Affordable
Housing. Cllr I. Clay to report. As a result of the meeting Mr Lancaster would
incorporate the required changes to the questionnaire and the Clerk would
redraft the covering letter. The questionnaire and letter would be put before
Council prior to being distributed. It was planned that the survey would take
place early in September with the questionnaires being posted out by Mr
Lancaster. There was no cost to the Council for the organising or
administration of this survey.
It was resolved that the Clerk write to Mrs Bennion of South Staffordshire Housing Association requesting she confirm Members understanding (from Mr Lancaster) that if the Council identified a Rural Exception Site it could be considered for the provision of Scout and / or youth facilities. The Clerk to also state that the Council would like this to be considered when determining possible Rural Exception Sites.
386* Barnfield
Sandbeds. To be deferred until the July meeting, awaiting further details.
Cllr I. Clay reported that he had contacted Mr R. Levesley, Chief Executive, South Staffordshire Council who advised that the matter was in the hands of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust who would give the Council all the help they could.
It was resolved Cllr Clay would pursue the matter.
408* Croft House, Coven. Letter sent to the owner requesting a reply to our
original letter of 20 May and also to Mr D. Burton-Pye drawing his attention to
the problem affecting a
448* Public footpath
from
Further to the notice of
Staffordshire County Council confirming that a public hearing would take place
to decide whether or not the bridleway should be added to the definitive map on
29 July, Mr B. Jones had advised the Council that, with reference to the
objections received, ‘the tarmac surfaced lane (Sparrows End Lane) has no
footpaths and could be dangerous for walkers if cars came by; the footpath is
wide in some places (it was a carter’s track) and narrow in others (where
undergrowth has impinged) but it is a historical route and there is no reason
to close it; it is regularly used and forms an important part of a number of excellent
circular walks from Brewood’. As requested this information had been forwarded
to Cllr Roberts.
Matter of report.
17. Illegal Parking, Brewood. Reply received
from Sergeant Cooke, copy enclosed. Dr Taylor reported that he would raise the
inadequacy of police reports supplied to the Council at the Police Authority Consultative
meeting on 22 July.
Matter of report.
15. Post Office
Closures. Post Office Ltd enclosing their Area Plan Decision Booklet which
confirmed that following the consultation that ended 9 June the Post Offices at
Codsall Wood and Seisdon would close. The report would be tabled at the
meeting.
Matter of report.
34. Brewood Dole Charity. Reply received to the Council’s queries regarding the Dole Charity. Copy enclosed. Matter of report.
56. Bus Shelter, The Parade, Coven. Clerk’s
report referred with regard to a site visit with Area Highways.
It was resolved the Clerk arrange a site visit – Cllr I. Clay, Mrs J. Carr, Mrs L.E. Jones and Mrs A.Y. Millward to attend.
58. The Bront. Professional advice to be sought regarding
the cutting back of overhanging trees and laurel bushes, and that enquiries be
made with Environmental Health regarding the cutting of a new footway and
dealing with the problem of Himalayan Balsam.
74. Green Bus Service. Reply received
from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency in reply to the problem of
cancellations to the Green Bus no. 2 Service due to staff illness. The Agency
reported that the Green Bus Service had cancelled Service 2 effective from 28
July but neither the Agency or the Traffic Commissioner had the power to compel
the company to reverse this cancellation. The company was obliged to run the
registered service until 28 July and the Bus Compliance Officer would
investigate the failures to operate that were previously reported - the Office
of the Traffic Commissioner would then consider appropriate action. The Green
Bus Service had also replied stating that the shortage of staff was beyond
their control. They confirmed that ‘all their services beyond Bishops Wood will
be terminated’ ie. Bishops Wood, Wheaton Aston, Penkridge and Telford, but the
buses from Brewood to
It was resolved that the Clerk write to the Ministry of Transport, Mr David Kidney M.P. and Staffordshire County Council expressing deep concern at the decision to cancel bus services as they were a lifeline for rural residents and asking what could be done. The Clerk to also write to Arriva requesting a reply to the Council’s previous concerns.
81. Parish Council Web Site Portal. Clerk’s report
referred.
It was resolved the Clerk reply as recommended by the Clerk’s report.
82. Mr D. Wright, Area Highways. Mr Wright reported to Council at the
beginning of the meeting. Matter of report.
85. Adult Accommodation Charges,
Staffordshire County Council. It had previously been resolved the Clerk write
querying the charges set by Staffordshire County Council.
Matter of report.
89. Telegraph Pole,
Matter of report.
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED:
Letters, reports, and e-mails had
been received from:
92.
It
was resolved that the Clerk contact Mrs J. Jackson and Mrs J. Edwards with
regard attendees for Brewood and Bishops Wood respectively.
93. South Staffordshire Council – Temporary Road
Closure 13 July 8.00am to 9.00pm: Market Place from Newport Street/Church Road
to Bargate Street/Sandy Lane; Church Road from School Road to Market
Place/Newport Street; Newport Street from School Road to Church Road/Market
Place. Matter of report.
94. South Staffordshire Council offering to
promote any coaching courses being hosted in the parish during the school
holidays. Matter of report.
95. Notice of Watling Street Police Authority
Consultative meeting on 22 July, 7.30pm at Coven Memorial Hall. Matter of report.
96. Letter to Dr Taylor from the Brewood Music
Festival committee enclosing a programme and two complimentary tickets and
thanking the Council for their grant towards the Music Festival which helped to
fund the artistes who appeared at the open air concert in the Market Place on
the Sunday afternoon. Matter of report.
CORRESPONDENCE CIRCULATED:
Agenda and reports for the
meeting of South Staffordshire Council’s Executive to be held on 8 July.
Staffordshire County Council –
Public Transport Map 2008
Local Council Review.
Clerk and Councils Direct.
Local Works – guide to the
Sustainable Communities Act.
Staffordshire County Council –
Country Craft Day 13 July 10am-4.00pm; Pond Dipping 20 July 2.30pm; Mini Beast
Safari 30 July 2.00pm.
Cross Talk.
Rotary Newsletter.
ESPO Energy Matter Newsletter.
97. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
The
Council received the report of the Chair, Dr R.C.H. Taylor, who had attended an
enjoyable Civic Sunday at Penkridge and had written to thank them.
98. FINANCE REPORT:
The
Council received the Finance Report from the Head of Finance, Mrs L.E. Jones
and resolved the following matters:
·
The list of accounts for payment as at 10
July be approved
·
The payment of £1,825 inclu. VAT to Mr F.
Humphries be approved for the work to date with regard to the feasibility of
redeveloping the Council Offices. This was the amount proposed by Council, reference minutes 12 June item
347**.
· the request from Vitalise for a grant towards their
running costs be refused. Vitalise subsidised holidays for disabled people.
Last year 77 weeks of breaks were provided for Staffordshire residents at a
cost of £28,336.The charity was based in
Coven Heath
Christmas Lights – Mr F. Barrett had indicated he wished to speak on this
matter.
Mr F.
Barrett reported that he had contacted Npower regarding the recent electricity
bill, of which only 33 pence was for electricity usage and £24.83 for service charge. On
contacting the supplier to complain he had been informed the service charge
should be charged for the year at a total cost of £66. Mr Barrett asked whether it was sensible to pay such an excessive figure for so little
electricity usage.
Internal Auditor’s notes – It was resolved the
Clerk would review these with the Head of Finance.
99.
PLANNING REPORT:
The Council received the Planning Report
from the Head of Planning, Mrs D.M. Holmes and considered the planning
applications received as set out in the attached schedule.
100. PLAYING FIELD REPORTS:
To receive the playing fields
reports:
· Bishops Wood – Mrs D. Poole – No
problems reported.
It was
resolved the Clerk arrange a site visit to discuss proposals for a new path. Mr
I. Westwood to attend subject to availability.
· Brewood – Mr Mac Web reported the
2 dead trees had still to be removed. The Clerk confirmed the order had been
placed.
· Coven – Mrs J. Carr and Mrs A.Y.
Millward reported that the information notice board referred to a telephone box
that no longer existed. It was resolved
the Clerk make arrangements for this information to be covered up or removed.
101. CLERKS REPORT:
The Council
received the written report of the Clerk, Mrs S. Groom.
It was resolved the proposed
bench be approved – to be sited on Brewood Road, Coven.
Meeting
of the Staffing Committee to be scheduled to receive the appraisal of the Clerk
and to approve contracts for the Assistant Clerk and the Clerk.
It
was resolved the Clerk draft appropriate contracts and a date be set for the
staffing committee to meet to review the drafts.
ANY OTHER MATTERS OF REPORT:
102. Access to Council Offices. Mrs A.Y. Millward report that
some residents had difficulty entering the Council Offices as there was no
disabled access and asked whether a handrail could be fitted.
It
was resolved that the Clerk obtain quotes for the purchase and installation of
a handrail.
103.
Matter of report.
104. Featherstone
Prison. Mr M. Webb expressed
concern that new proposals for extending Featherstone prison would lead to even
further increased traffic in Coven Heath.
Matter
of report.
There
being no further business the meeting closed at 8:50p.m.
Clerk’s Report for the Meeting 10 July 2008
288** Coven Changing Rooms A meeting was held on 2 July with
the Changing Rooms working party, the project manager Leon Beards and architect
Chris Davies – report circulated to all involved – the meeting raised a few
important points still to be followed up on relating to services. Reference the
proposal for the Tendering process I have agreed with the project manager that
the tenders will come to the Parish Council directly rather than via Nicol
Thomas, they will be appropriately labelled as ‘Tender’ and will remain sealed
until formally opened. All documents required for the Tender process should be
ready by early next week. We are waiting to hear from the project manager
whether the Football Foundation is willing to review the Tender documents at
the same time as the Tender process.
347** Buildings – Scout Hut and Youth Provision Reply received from Cllr Simpson
with regard to the proposals for using the capital raised from the sale, the
letter states the matter has been forwarded to the Deputy Corporate Director
Vulnerable Children who will reply – this matter has progressed since the
letter was originally sent. Copy correspondence re the
56. Bus Shelter, The Parade, Coven. A representative of Area Highways
has asked to meet on site to discuss the feasibility of erecting a bus shelter
on this site. Would any of the Coven
Members like to attend? A date has not yet been agreed.
74.
No reply has been received from Arriva with
regard to this Council’s complaint that passengers had not been picked up on
more than one occasion. Recommended
resolution: the Clerk write again requesting a reply.
78. Bishops Wood Playing Field Mr and Mrs Foster have confirmed
they are happy to supply a basket ball post if Ace Kind can erect it. They will
let me know when they have a post available – if all goes to plan it may be in
place within the next 6 to 8 weeks. Matter
of report.
81. Parish Council Web Site Portal The South Staffordshire Council
site would provide a common format and style for all parish councils in
82. Mr D. Wright, Area Highways I managed to speak to Mr David
Wright today who confirmed he could attend this evenings meeting. As the
‘Community Gang’ is due in the parish on 23 July this seemed appropriate.
FINANCE -
Nationwide Savings Account Nationwide
have notified the Council that they will be closing the Councils existing
savings account and it will be necessary for us to open a new account. This
will require Mr K. Bleach to personally go to the Nationwide to close the
account (with appropriate means of identification) and three signatories to be
approved from the Council to also provide identification to enable a new
account to be opened – a maximum of three signatories is allowed at the
Nationwide. Can Members please confirm
which two Councillors will be signatories with the Clerk on this account.
FINANCE – Internal
Audit A final
meeting was held with our internal auditor, Mrs Joyce Pegg, to clear up some
outstanding points. Council will receive her written report shortly. A number
of recommendations were also noted to the Clerk, if appropriate these can
either be circulated to Council or can be discussed with the Chair of Finance.
PLAYING FIELDS –
Bishops Wood South
Staffordshire Council have now provided a specification for the proposed path
and have suggested consideration be given to extra drainage. Mr Cousins of
South Staffordshire Council has suggested a site meeting. Would either or both of the Members for Bishops Wood like to attend
and available to attend? A date has not yet been agreed.
Bench,
Performance
Management Review The
Chair of Council and Chair of the Staffing Committee held the performance
review (appraisal) of Mrs S. Groom on 9 July. The completed appraisal form will
be typed up and presented to a future meeting of the Staffing Committee to
receive the recommendations of the appraising Members. The Clerk will organise
appraisals of the other office staff in due course.
FUTURE EVENTS I have been asked to remind
members that Bishops Wood Open Gardens takes place this Saturday 12 July 11 –
4, Mrs Drury has sent in some programmes. On Saturday 9 August the film
‘Indiana Jones The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’ will be showing at the Jubilee
Hall, Brewood followed by ‘Mama Mia The Musical’ on 20 September. Further films
are scheduled for 25 October, 15 November and 13 December.