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:
M. Alden-Court, Cllr A. Ball, Mr F. Barrett,
Mrs J. Carr, Cllr I. Clay (late – prior meeting), Mr D. Evans, Mrs D.M. Holmes,
Mrs K.A. 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:
Cllr M.
Hampson.
MINUTES:
The
minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 29 May were approved as being an
accurate record and duly signed subject to it being noted that the reason
(illness) for Mrs K.A. Holmes sending her apologies had been provided at the
meeting by Mr G. Martin. The minutes of
the Traffic Management Committee meeting held on 9 June were approved as being
an accurate record and duly signed.
DECLARATIONS
OF INTEREST:
Mrs L.E. Jones, Dr R.C.H. Taylor and Mr I.
Westwood declared a personal and prejudicial interest in item 34 Brewood Dole
Charity. Mr D. Evans declared a personal and prejudicial interest in item 377
Affordable Housing,
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.
60. 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
N. Hickman, Shaw Hall Lane, Coven Heath with regard to the No 76 Arriva Bus.
She reported that on two separate occasions recently the bus had failed to pick
up passengers waiting at the bus stop – 20:47 Brewood Market Place to Coven
Heath and 22:37 Square in Penkridge to Coven Heath. Both incidents occurred in the evening, on
one occasion teenage girls were left stranded and vulnerable and on the other
occasion 3 teenage girls, 4 pensioners and 3 adults were affected.
It
was resolved that the Clerk write to the Arriva Bus Company and the appropriate
operating authority reminding Arriva that their drivers were breaking the law
if they failed to stop at every designated stop.
Mr D.
Evans with regard to signage directing contractors and delivery vehicles to the
Engleton Lane Development. He reported
that one yellow sign was missing from by the Stonebridge. He also drew
attention to signs that had been erected by the developer directing delivery
traffic incorrectly off the A5 at
It was resolved the Clerk write to South
Staffordshire Council requesting the correct route be enforced again and to Mr
A. Monkton who originally raised the matter.
Mr D.
Evans with regard to Affordable Housing and details he had received confirming
the problems South Staffordshire Council had encountered in ‘managing’ the
Affordable Housing arrangements for the
It
was resolved that the Clerk take the matter up with BT and South Staffordshire
Council.
Cllr
Dr R.C.H.
Taylor with regard to Traffic Management proposals in
Police
Report:
The
Council received the written Police report and welcomed PCSO Price from Wheaton
Aston who advised that residents be aware of the higher than normal number of
vehicle thefts and take appropriate security measures. He further reported that
they were currently working with local schools to encourage better parking by
parents and agreed to talk to WPC Mitchell with regard to the information
available in the report. He felt that in comparison with other areas, Police
reporting here was good but he would ascertain whether the crimes as mentioned
(cars burnt out for example) could be detailed under ‘other’ in subsequent
Police Reports. Finally, in response to a report raised by Mrs J.C. Jeffries he
requested the registration details of any scrap metal merchants that anyone
thought may not be genuine.
MATTERS ARISING:
288** Coven Changing Rooms.
New build of changing rooms –
Clerk’s report referred.
347** Buildings – Proposal
for New Development. A meeting of stake holders to be arranged to
discuss the initial feasibility – Rev Burgess met with the Bishop of
Wolverhampton on 2 June and briefly discussed the ideas involving Church House,
this received a positive response. The Bishop had agreed to arrange for his
secretary to contact the Council with suitable dates. The matter of Mr
Humphries ‘application for payment’ was outstanding – Clerk’s report referred.
It
was resolved that the draft letter be approved and a payment of £1,825 be recommended,
representing 50% of the original invoice including VAT. The cheque would be withheld
pending Mr Humphries agreement to this proposal.
347** Buildings – Scout Hut and Youth Club Provision. Awaiting a reply
to this Council’s letter seeking confirmation as to what proportion of the
money, made following the sale of the land at
Matter of report.
72* / 151* Traffic Management. Council
received the report of the Chair of the Traffic Management Committee, Mrs D.M.
Holmes, following the site visit with Mr Mark Keeling on 9 June 2008. Dr R.C.H.
Taylor left the meeting while matters relating to
It was resolved the following matters, where appropriate, be forwarded for the attention
of Mark Keeling,
· the Clerk write to the relevant bus services regarding the concern of local residents that buses were thought to be exceeding the 30mph speed limit on entering Brewood on the Kiddemore Green Road.
· the existing 30mph signs, at the entrance to Brewood on Kiddemore Green Road be put on larger yellow back boards with wording to the effect of ‘Brewood Please Drive Carefully’ as per the designs supplied by Mr Keeling.
· that Council accept Mr Keeling’s offer to erect a bend warning sign and ‘slow’ on the road, if not already present, prior to the last bend before the 30mph signs.
· Council agreed that single yellow lines would be preferable with signage relating to school times.
Dean Street from Church Road,
double yellow lines
· double yellow lines be extended as far as the Admiral Rodney car
park on both sides of
Junction The Pavement /
· the Clerk write a firm letter to the resident parking the car on the footpath behind the bench, requesting in consideration to others they cease to do so.
· double yellow lines to be included along
· scale drawings be requested from Mark Keeling with regard the proposal to build out a refuge in front of Jacobs Ladder and higher up Sandy Lane to allow the matter to be considered further. Details with regard to the type of vehicles requiring access to also be forwarded to Mark Keeling.
· restricted parking times be introduced in
General
· the Clerk write to Mrs Mann with regard to her recommendation for rumble strips in the village and the advice received from Mark Keeling.
· the Clerk write again to the schools in Brewood requesting their pupil travel data (only BMS had replied).
205*/250*
Matter of report.
217* Proposals for a
Matter of report
234* Review of Standing
Orders. Revised Standing Orders had been received from Mr K. Arnold and the text was
currently being proof read.
Matter of report.
302* Chain of Office. Vaughton’s had
expressed their concern at the proposal to engrave on the back of the tabs of
the old chain of office. As the hallmark was in the centre of the tab any
engraving would need to be on a slight curve with a ‘fair gap’ at the top and
bottom. If the hallmark was not level it would also affect the appearance of
the engraving.
It was resolved that the Clerk obtain a quotation for the removal of the hallmark such that names could be engraved aesthetically.
307*
It was resolved the Clerk write to Area Highways to ascertain whether the painting of the road aspect of the bridge was their responsibility and also pursue the possibility of British Waterways carrying out maintenance of the whole bridge.
324* Portable Flashing
Speed Warning Signs. Reply received from Mr Mark Keeling, Area Highways
with regard to the use of Speed Indication Device signs. Copy enclosed. An
informal report had been obtained by the Clerk from a Town Council, outside
Staffordshire, who had successfully come to an arrangement with their County
Council to site a portable SID.
It was resolved the Clerk continue to pursue this matter with Mr Keeling.
377* Affordable
Housing,
Matter of report.
386* Barnfield Sandbeds. Deferred until July meeting. Awaiting report from the Countryside Commission.
Matter of report.
408* Croft House, Coven. Letter sent
requesting assurance that all health and safety requirements were being
satisfied.
It was resolved that the Clerk issue a reminder letter after 28 days and that Mr Burton-Pye of South Staffordshire Council be advised that a listed building was being allowed to deteriorate.
412* Provision of
PCSOs. Letter received from Inspector Gains in reply to
this Council’s letter of 17 March. The
letter stated that PCSO’s were under review and a recruitment drive was in
progress however their deployment areas could not at this stage be confirmed.
Brewood and Coven would continue to be policed by PCSO Price and PCSO Slater
along with WPC Mitchell until such times as there was a replacement PCSO. The Neighbourhood Response Team was also
tasked to monitor the issues in relation to anti-social behaviour and
vandalism.
It was resolved the Clerk write to Inspector Gains drawing his attention to the increased vandalism the parish had experienced this summer, referring in particular to the sun-shelter in Coven and damaged play equipment in Brewood.
424* New Path, Bishops Wood Playing Field. Letter received from Mr A. Cousins, South Staffordshire Council with regard to the provision of a shale path over the ‘boggy ground’ between the main gate and the play equipment. He confirmed the cost of these works would be approximately £1,100 inc VAT and also recommended the Council should give consideration to erecting fencing between the path and the swings for safety. Members were asked to consider whether this matter was to be pursued further.
It was
resolved that the Clerk request a detailed specification and assurance that the
recommended solution would be appropriate for the ground conditions. Bishops
Wood Members and the Clerk to have approval to pursue to a value of £1,100 inc
VAT. Council to be kept informed.
425* Recognition, Community
Volunteers. Mrs I. Usher with regard to the request for nominations for
outstanding “Community Volunteers”, praising and thanking driver Mr Melvyn
Jones for his help and support when taking her to Stoke on
It was resolved the letter be kept on file awaiting further nominations and the Clerk reply thanking Mrs Usher for her nomination.
448* Public footpath
from
It was resolved a copy be forwarded for the attention of Mr Brian Jones who had previously advised the Council on this matter.
462*
Matter of report.
17. WI Planters and
Bollard on
Matter of report.
17. Illegal Parking. Further to this Council’s
letter seeking a definitive statement from Inspector Gains with regard to the
parking of cars on the pavement, letter received in his absence stating the
matter had been forwarded to WPC Mitchell requesting she contact the Council
directly.
It was resolved the Clerk reply thanking K. Bastone for his prompt reply but stating the Council would prefer to wait for a reply from Inspector Gains himself on his return from Annual Leave.
32. Brewood Playing Field. Mr M. Webb to survey new equipment requirements at
Brewood playing field. Clerk’s report referred. Mr M. Webb requested that the broken equipment is
not replaced at present pending the results of a new equipment survey.
Matter of report.
34. Brewood Dole
Charity. Reply received from Staffordshire Parish Councils’ Association enclosing
NALC Legal Topic Notice 28 Basic Charity Law and highlighting para. 18, copy
enclosed. Reply received from the Charity Commission by email on the day of the
meting and circulated to Members at the meeting. Mrs L.E. Jones, Dr R. Taylor and Mr I. Westwood left the
meeting during this discussion. Mrs J.C. Jeffries reported that the papers
received had addressed the Council’s original enquiry and they clearly stated
that a Trustees first duty is to the Trust. Mrs K.A. Holmes specifically
requested it be minuted that her concerns remained and that they were very
grave concerns with regard those appointed by Council to the Trust should not
be Parish Councillors.
It was resolved the Clerk identify who held the deeds, were they held appropriately, where were they and did the Trustees need to include some Parish Councillors.
37.
New Locality Working Model. Mrs D.M.
Holmes reported with regard to the seminar at South Staffordshire Council where
it was made clear the Affordable Housing project at
Matter of
report.
58. The Bront. M. Alden-Court
had raised her concern at the current condition of The Bront and the
requirement for the area to be maintained to some degree. This had also been
reported by Mrs C. Cumming.
It was resolved that Members with a particular interest in the Bront visit the site with Cllr I. Clay, Dr R.C.H. Taylor indicated he would also attend. Cllr Clay reported he had contacted the District Council regarding the matter and that they would be willing to provide advice – a report was already on file from 2006 and Cllr Clay would ascertain whether these plans had been carried out.
The Chairman moved the suspension of Standing Order 44 to allow the completion of business.
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED:
Letters,
reports, and e-mails had been received from:
61. Mr S. Winterflood, Deputy Chief
Executive South Staffordshire Council with regard to the BT proposal to realign
pay phone provision to meet consumer demand.
A consultation letter from BT proposed the closure of 22 pay phones in
South Staffordshire including, for this Parish, Ivetsey Bank Road in Bishops
Wood,
It was resolved the Clerk reply
stating that Members were unwilling to accept the proposal to remove phone
boxes in the Parish, that Bishops Wood only had one phone box and that it was
vital for when the Village had power cuts and home portable phones cease to
work. It was also noted that in view of
the conservation area there were restrictions on the number of phone masts that
could be erected and mobile phone reception was poor or non-existent in many
parts of the parish.
62. South Staffordshire Council with
regard to the Children & Young People’s Conference to be held on 25th
June at Wombourne Civic Centre, 9.30am to 3.00pm. Places would be available on a first come
first served basis. Replies were
required by Friday 20th June.
It
was resolved any Members wishing to attend would advise the Clerk.
63. South Staffordshire Housing Association with
regard to relocating one of the benches on
It
was resolved that the Clerk pursue the possibility of relocating the bench to
near the bus shelter with South Staffordshire Housing Association.
64. Brewood Amateur Artists enclosing 4 free
tickets for entry to the Summer Exhibition and Art Sale on 10th, 12th
& 13th July at
Matter
of report.
65. Brewood Parish Sports
Association, enclosing copy of AGM Minutes and annual statement.
Matter of report.
66. South Staffordshire Council regarding Annual
Progress Report and Air Quality Action Plan for Air Quality in
Matter of report.
67.
Unison
regarding Trade dispute over Pay in Local Government. Enclosed notice of intention to ballot
members.
Matter of report.
68.
SPCA
forwarding details of grants for increasing energy efficiency in village halls.
It was resolved that the Clerk forward
copies of the information to the respective village hall committees.
69.
SPCA training,
CORRESPONDENCE CIRCULATED:
Agenda and reports for the
meeting of South Staffordshire Council’s Regulatory Committee to be held on 10th
June 2008.
Agenda for the Health Scrutiny
Panel Meeting to be held on 5th June 2008.
Carers Association Southern
Staffordshire – National Carers Week June 9 to 15. Free Carers Events on 11
June at Penkridge Market 10.00am to 12 noon and Corsers Court, Waveney Avenue,
Perton 2.00pm to 4.00pm.
June Watchdog Forum forwarding
details of the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Open Day on 13 September and
recent alerts covering; mobile phone scams, product recalls and bogus debt
advice.
Staffordshire Police –
Saferstaffs Newsletter.
West Midlands Training enclosing
leaflets outlining forthcoming training courses.
Children with Leukaemia
requesting donations to sponsor a child to attend the “21st Amazing
Great Childrens Party”.
Opportunities; Village News.
70. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Council
received the report of the Chair, Dr R.C.H. Taylor who reported that he had attended
the Codsall Civic Sunday which had been most enjoyable, that the Brewood Music
Festival had thanked the Council for this year’s grant and that
71. FINANCE REPORT:
Council received
the report of the Head of Finance, Mrs L.E. Jones and resolved the following
matters:
·
the
list of accounts for payment as at 12 June be approved
·
the
additional hours worked by Mrs V. Turner while covering annual leave of Mrs S.
Groom and Mrs D. Poole (26 to 30 May) at a cost of £170.05 be approved
·
Fidelity
Guarantee – Clerk’s report referred – the Clerk to obtain a quote for
increasing the fidelity guarantee to £134,000
·
the
request from the Forget Me Not Club for a grant towards their running
costs. Be deferred to the next meeting
to allow the Head of Finance to see the accounts received.
·
Repair
costs to the sun-shelter at Coven playing field to the value of £277 exclu. VAT
be approved. Broken glass blocks would not be boarded over as a temporary
measure.
Annual
Return – the internal auditor Mrs J. Pegg had signed off the Annual Return and
raised a number of points for the Clerk’s comment. These had been responded to
and emailed to Mrs Pegg and would be tabled at the meeting of the Council to be
held 26 June when the Annual Return would need to be completed and signed off
by the Council.
It
was resolved the Clerk await the plumber’s report and report back to Council.
The quote for £220 exclu. VAT for the emergency work to stop the continuous
water loss was ratified.
Further
to item 44, SPCA training, Mr G. Martin and Mrs S. Groom had been booked on the
Welcome New Councillor training of 24 June at a cost of £30.
Matter
of report.
72.
PLANNING REPORT:
Council received the report of the Head of
Planning, Mrs D.M. Holmes and considered the planning applications received as
set out in the attached schedule.
It
was resolved that all future enquiries be put in writing to Cllr Clay and the
Clerk write to Cllr I. Clay requesting he make further enquiries with regard
to:
·
the planning history of Old
School House including whether planning permission had ever been granted to the
terrace that the recent planning application for a spiral staircase appeared to
lead to.
·
was Bishops Wood House one or two
dwellings – it was shown as two properties on the recent drawings for a fishing
pool. If it is now two dwellings when was it split in to two and what was the
planning application number.
Notice of appeal by Owen Brothers
Limited against the enforcement notice issued by South Staffordshire Council
against the change in use of Unit 9, Lower Laches Farm,
Matter
of report.
Notice of appeal by Mr J.
Clowsley against the refusal of South Staffordshire Council to grant planning
permission for the erection of a bungalow on land at
Matter
of report.
Notice that the determination of
appeal by Mrs M. Groves, against the refusal to grant planning permission for
the siting of a log cabin as a temporary dwelling to support equestrian
business on land off
Notice of appeal:
·
Dismissed
- 07/00824/FUL development of a first floor bedroom and ensuite and children’s
room over the garage at Subani,
·
Granted
– 07/01271/FUL, suspended bay window to be replaced by walk-in bay at
·
Granted
– 07/01226, single garage, minor amendments and omission of a proposed bin
collection platform to approved dwelling and retention of existing windows at
73.
PLAYING FIELDS REPORT:
Council received the reports of:
·
Mrs
D. Poole – Bishop’s Wood Playing Field and
·
Mr
M. Webb – Brewood Playing Field, funding for new equipment was being sought.
·
Mrs
J. Carr and Mrs A.Y. Millward – Coven
Playing Field, the base around the spring ride was too low making it difficult
for children to climb on (more bark required), a new seat was required for the
aerial runway and the safety mats still required ‘filling’ at the joins.
Having received a report of ‘mud’
lying on the Bishops Wood skateboard park, Mr D. Barker had started to clear
the site but believed the village hall septic tank may have flooded the area.
This has been brought to the attention of the village hall committee.
Mr Webb reported a dead tree that
needed to be removed in Brewood – a written quote was awaited from the
contractor.
74. CLERKS REPORT:
Council
received the written report of the Clerk, Mrs S. Groom. It was noted that the grass had not been cut
as scheduled in Bishops Wood on 10th June. It was further noted that
the grass had not been cut at Chambley Green.
It
was resolved that the Clerk write to Mr I. Sheldon, South Staffordshire Housing
Association with regard to the matter.
It was resolved that the Clerk
write to:
·
the SPCA raising the concerns of
Mrs D.M. Holmes with regard to the Chairmanship Skills training
·
Mr Kelly of Bishops Wood with
regard to his concerns
·
the Green Bus Company and
ANY OTHER MATTERS OF REPORT:
None had been raised.
There being no further business
the meeting closed at: 10.00pm.
Clerk’s Report for
the Meeting of the Council to be Held 12 June 2008
Coven Changing
Rooms
As at 10 June KRT were still awaiting (and
chasing I am assured) the ground inspection report – the contractors were on
site 19 May. When this is available the engineers will be able to give
consideration to drainage options – Severn Trent Water have now written
providing alternative options as due to the location they cannot contract to
lay on a connection unless the Council funds the 150m of pipe work required. In
discussing the mains sewer arrangements with a local property the owner brought
to my attention the problems they experience with water pressure and the
difficulties this create with trying to run a shower. This information has been
forwarded to the project manager. Leon Beards is hopeful that a project meeting
will be appropriate in 2 weeks time to finalise the requirements, this is
subject to KRT having the final building spec. drawings available.
I met with the Chair and Head of Finance
with regard to the outstanding request for payment from Mr F. Humphries and it
was agreed a letter be drafted, for approval, offering to pay some of the
costs. The draft letter needs to be
approved and the amount to be paid agreed. Further to this do Council wish to
include the cheque with the letter or await Mr Humphries agreement, from past
experience I would recommend the latter.
Brewood Playing Field
Further equipment has been
damaged at Brewood Playing field, this time on the obstacle course and to the
wooden fencing. Mr Barker has removed the damaged equipment, made the other
equipment safe and carried out repairs. The tennis club have also reported a
broken light cover and youths playing football between the changing rooms / the
tennis courts and kicking the ball at the changing rooms. I have asked the police to visit the site for
the next few weeks in the evenings to discourage the current behaviour and
requested the caretaker ensures the playing fields are locked by 9.00pm.
FINANCE –
I met with Mr D. Painter, local plumber, on
site (9 June) and he advised that the pipe-work running from the water heater out
through the back wall was for when the water pressure was too high and enabled
the pressure release valve to blow and send the excess water outside. This
pressure valve was set at 6 bar and was still releasing water therefore the
water pressure to the site was in excess of this. Mr Painter confirmed this
would have been a problem from when it was installed, that water heaters either
come with equipment to control water pressure or it is an optional extra if the
plumber finds it is necessary to fit, for an example, an expansion tank to
reduce the pressure. He believes we have a case for making a claim against the
builder with regard to the cost of the water bills to date and even as to
whether the footings have been damaged – he has been asked to produce a written
report confirming the above. Severn Trent Water could not be particularly
accurate but they would have expected water bills of at least one third of
those received for such an installation, Mr Painter believes the costs should
have been even less than this. Mr Painter fitted an expansion tank this morning
at a cost of £220 plus VAT, the Chair and Head of Finance were made aware of
this and I considered it advisable to rectify the problem as soon as possible. Members to consider further action.
FINANCE - Fidelity
Guarantee
I have finally ‘cracked’ the means by which
automated password changing can be implemented on the PCs – this means we can
now apply to increase the Fidelity Guarantee. The recommended guideline is half
the precept plus the balance carried forward which would require a value of
£134,000 to be covered. Recommended
resolution: Members approve the recommended value and the Clerk seek a quote
for the increased premium from Allianz.
FINANCE – Coven
Playing Field
Ace Kind have quoted to replace the two
broken glass blocks and fit a new steel mesh security grille over the blocks on
the sun-shelter at Coven Playing Field at a cost of £277 plus VAT. There is a
two-week lead time on the grille being available. Mr Holt does not believe anyone
can gain access in the mean time but will board up the ‘gaps’ if we require. Can Members approve the repair costs and
confirm whether they wish to have the ‘gaps’ boarded up.
FINANCE – Annual
Return
The Annual Return has been signed off
satisfactorily by the internal auditor, Mrs J. Pegg. Mrs Pegg raised a number
of queries and recommendations which I am in the process of reply to and will
table to Council once Mrs Pegg has replied to my comments. The Annual Return
needs to completed by Council and submitted to the External Auditor by 30 June.
If time allows this could be completed at this evenings meeting. The format of
some entries on the audit report circulated to Members has been changed again
slightly to satisfy recommendations made by Mrs Pegg – Dr Taylor to sign off. Members’ to complete the Annual Return and
the Chair to sign accordingly.
Green Bus Service
Email received today from Mrs Janet Buxton
of Claygates Road, Brewood with regard to the Green Bus No. 2 Service from
Wolverhampton to Penkridge which did not run at all on Wednesday of this week
and, she is advised, will not run for the rest of this week at least because
‘the driver was off sick and his replacement hadn’t turned up so the Service
would not run this week and there was no guarantee for next week’ (ref their
phone call to the Green Bus Company). I believe this is classed as a
‘commercial service’ and is therefore the responsibility of the West Midlands
Traffic Commissioner. Recommended
resolution: the Clerk write to the appropriate authority with regard to the
concerns raised.
Grass Cutting
Having received a number of complaints with
regard to the state of the road-side grass in the village I spoke on 3 June to
Mr Andy Cousins at South Staffordshire Council. He stated that through April,
May and June the villages should receive fortnightly cuts, with single monthly
cuts through July, August and September but the contractor was currently 2 to 3
weeks behind schedule. The outer edge and outside the villages come under
‘rural cuts’ which are on a different schedule. I have phoned S.S.D.C. today
and been informed that the following should have taken place this week:
Bishops Wood – 10 June, next cut 24 June
(deadline to contractor 27 June)
Brewood – 9 June, next cut 24 June (deadline
to contractor 27 June)
Coven – 9 June, next cut 23 June (deadline
to contractor 27 June).
SCPA Training
Mrs D.M Holmes has now attended several
Chairmanship Skills modules organised by the SPCA and has raised her concern
that the content of the last 2 modules (22 May and 11 June) were not as
advertised, the latest not being particularly appropriate. Further to this the
information regarding the training scheduled is not clear in that at the 22 May
module she was advised of the dates of the next sessions but was not advised of
the 4 June module – similarly we were
not notified with the original training programme, receiving a new list just
prior to 29 May meeting. Recommended
resolution: the Clerk write to the SPCA raising the concerns of Mrs Holmes.
Brewood Playing Field
Further equipment has been
damaged at Brewood Playing field, this time on the obstacle course and to the
wooden fencing. Mr Barker has removed the damaged equipment, made the other
equipment safe and carried out repairs. The tennis club have also reported a
broken light cover and youths playing football between the changing rooms / the
tennis courts and kicking the ball at the changing rooms. I have asked the police to visit the site for
the next few weeks in the evenings to discourage the current behaviour and
requested the caretaker ensures the playing fields are locked by 9.00pm.
Bishops Wood Playing Field
Mr Kelly of Tong Close,
Bishops Wood has also phoned to complain about disturbance from Bishops Wood
Playing Field. The caretaker has spoken to the children who were playing golf
on the playing field and there has been no further occurrence – the existing
notice does state no golf. Mr Kelly also reported that youths were being noisy
playing football at 10pm – although dusk is late this time of year I have asked
that again the caretaker lockup nearer to 9pm, I trust this acceptable. The
Council fence is not ‘down and pushing’ Mr Kelly’s fence down as has been
reported. Mr Kelly’s other concerns all related to incidents that happened in
2004.
Recommended
resolution: the Clerk write to Mr Kelly confirming the action taken.
The Assistant Clerk, Mrs
D. Poole has produced new, detailed checklists for the playing fields and will
make them available to the Heads of Playing Fields once they have been ‘trialled’.
BKV
Children’s Poster Competition – entry forms have been received and
the respective BKV committees notified. An entry from Brewood has been
submitted.