BREWOOD AND COVEN PARISH COUNCIL
WITH
BISHOP’S WOOD AND COVEN HEATH
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL TO BE HELD IN THE COUNCIL
OFFICES,
PRESENT:
Mr F. Barrett, Mrs J. Carr, Cllr I. Clay, Mr
D. Evans, Mrs D.M. Holmes, Mrs K.A. Holmes,
Mrs L.E. Jones, Mrs A.Y. Millward, Dr R.C.H. Taylor, Mr M. Webb, Mr I.
Westwood.
APOLOGIES:
Cllr A. Ball – unwell, M. Alden-Court –
unwell, Mrs J.C. Jeffries, Mr G. Martin – unwell, Cllr M.R. Hampson – holiday.
MINUTES:
The
minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 13 March were approved as being
an accurate record and duly signed subject to it being noted that a query had
been raised as to whether Cllr I. Clay should declare an interest in item 377
(Affordable Housing, Engleton Lane) and the Clerks report should refer to “John
Roobottom” rather than “John”.
The
minutes of the meetings of the Staffing Committee held on 4 March and the
Buildings Committee held on 6 March were approved as being accurate records and
duly signed. The minutes of the meeting of the Staffing Committee held 12 March
would be tabled for approval at the next meeting of the Council.
DECLARATIONS
OF INTEREST:
Mrs A. Y. Millward declared a personal and
prejudicial interest in item 422 – Gatekeeper.
Mr M. Webb declared a personal and
prejudicial interest in item 422 – Janitor.
Dr R.C.H. Taylor declared a personal and
prejudicial interest in the proposals for a one-way system in Brewood (item
72/151), home and business on the roads under discussion – Dr Taylor would
speak in public participation.
Mr D. Evans declared a personal and
prejudicial interest in item 377 (Affordable Housing,
Mrs D.M. Holmes and Mr I. Westwood declared
a personal interest in planning application 08/00249/FUL – know the applicants
/ live close by.
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.
PRESENTATION:
The
Chair welcomed Mrs Florence Lockley and Tom Hayes to the meeting. Mrs Lockley
was presented with a Parish Council scroll in recognition of her service to the
school children of Brewood for the last 18 years as School Crossing Patrol
Attendant. Tom Hayes was presented with a Parish Council scroll in recognition
of his achievement in being selected for the Great Britain Laser Radial world
Championship in 2007 and the Great Britain Youth Laser Team.
411.
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.
Dr R.C.H. Taylor raised his concern that a separate committee had been
appointed to consider the traffic management issues. He felt that as one of the
matters to be considered would be a recommendation from the Brewood Ideas Group
then the issues should have been referred to the Buildings Committee.
412.
POLICE REPORT
The Council received the
written Police report. The Clerk further reported that WPC Mitchell had visited
the office with the PCSO from Penkridge who had also been working in the
Parish.
It was resolved the Clerk inform WPC H. Mitchell that one report a month, for the second meeting of the month, would be sufficient and to thank her for the time and effort she had put into producing the current reports. It was further resolved that the Clerk include a reference to the noticeable impact that the combined efforts of WPC Mitchell and PCSO Edwards had had in the Parish in the letter previously referenced (item 398).
MATTERS ARISING:
288** Coven Changing Rooms.
Redevelopment of old Coven changing rooms to sun shelter/ community seating
area – a quote was awaited appertaining to a new design proposed in the light
of concerns raised with regard the shelter being used for football. New build
of changing rooms – Leon Beards had been provided with a copy of the paperwork.
Clerk’s report referred.
It
was resolved that Mrs L.E. Jones as Chair, Dr R.C.H. Taylor as Head of Finance
and the Clerk be given the authority to approve the revised quote if it less
than the original approved quote (£11,355 plus VAT) and arrange for the work to
proceed. With reference to the new build - Members to provide the Clerk with
any other recommendations for builders to be invited to tender.
347** Buildings – Proposal for New Development. The Council received the report of the Buildings Committee from Cllr I. Clay. Mr Frank Humphreys had submitted a bill for work to date – this was considered under Finance.
It
was resolved the recommendations of the Buildings Committee of 6 March be
approved to call a meeting of stake-holders and to write to Staffordshire
County Council including a query as to whether the huts could remain in use on
the Deansfield Road site until the developers were ready to start.
72 and 151 Proposals for a
One-way System – Traffic Management. Dr R.C.H. Taylor left the meeting while this matter was discussed. Members of the Traffic Management Committee were required to
agree a date to meet. Email received from Mr D. Evans expressing his
disappointment that this issue “has been relegated to a sub-committee”. The
email also made a number of recommendations for the committee to consider.
It was resolved the Clerk copy Mr D. Evans’ report to the Members of the Traffic Management Committee who would meet at 10.30am on 31 May. The Clerk to write to the schools in Brewood requesting data regarding the travel arrangements of pupils to and from their schools – the Clerk highlighted that the schools may have difficulty providing this data for the meeting of 31 May as requested.
167. Bishop’s Wood Playing
Field. Article published in the Bishops Wood Bugle by Mrs J.C. Jeffries had
requested applications from local organisations for funding from the £5,000
Roseclaim grant. Clerk’s report detailed the recommended distribution from
Bishops Wood Members.
It was resolved the recommended payments be made as soon as possible.
217. Proposals for a
It was resolved the Council the pay £100 invoice for the Survey on the Engleton Lane playing field and await the outcome of Mr C. Spencer’s request for committee / active members. Copies of the report to be made available to Mr C. Spencer, Mr M. Webb and Mr Thorley.
234. Review of Standing
Orders. Members of the Standing Orders Committee were to agree a date to meet to
finalise the recommended updates.
It was resolved the Standing Orders Committee would meet at 12 noon on 31 May.
302. Chain of Office. The jewel had
been refurbished and returned. Arrangements had also been made for the chain to
be engraved.
Matter of report.
323. St Dominic’s –
Citizenship Day. Clerk’s report referred.
It was resolved the Clerk write to Ms Stubbs thanking the pupils for all their hard work and for their valuable contribution to the community.
324. Portable Flashing
Speed Warning Signs. Details of portable solar-powered Vehicle Activated
Signs to be sought for consideration as an alternative to the signs costing
£5,000 each.
Matter of report.
345. Satellite Dish –
Conservation Area. Advice from South Staffordshire Council with regard to planning regulations
for the erection of satellite dishes in the Conservation Area were tabled to
all Members at the meeting. Clerk’s report also referred.
It was resolved the Clerk forward details of the guidelines to Mrs W. Green who raised the original query.
354. NALC Conference. M. Alden-Court
had asked whether Members wished her to raise any specific matters at the conference
in May. Copy of agenda circulated prior to the meeting.
It was resolved that M. Alden-Court be asked to attend the session on Local Area Agreements.
366. Coven Luncheon and
Sunday Social Club. Letter received from the Club Secretary, Mrs C.
Cumming thanking the Council for the grant of £350.
Matter of report.
372. Bus Service
Provision. Details had been received
with regard to the new service agreements to cover the Brewood / Wolverhampton
Saturday Service, now covered by A2Z Travel, Wolverhampton / Brewood Monday to
Friday and Bishops Wood / Wolverhampton Wednesdays, both Coastal Liner services.
Copies of the timetables were available to the Public and were tabled at the
meeting.
Matter of report.
374. Conservation Area Appraisal. Dr R.C.H. Taylor provided a copy of the response submitted by the Civic Society, tabled at the next meeting of the Council for comment. Handouts from the day received from Dr Paul Collins, South Staffordshire Council (circulated prior to the meeting).
It was resolved
the Clerk write in support of the comments submitted by the Civic Society.
377. Affordable Housing.
Letter
received from Ursula Bennion, Group Business Development Director, South
Staffordshire Housing Association with regard to her reply to Mr Cllr M. Hampson’s
letter on this matter. Ms Bennion suggested that she attend a future meeting of
the Council with John Lancaster (rural housing enabler) to explain how they
might help develop affordable housing for local people via the ‘rural exception
site’ policy. This pre-empted the letter from the Parish Council which was
subsequently redrafted to acknowledge her letter in addition to this Councils’
original queries (reference Mrs J. Evans and Mr G. Martin). Members were asked to
set a date for Ms Bennion and Mr Lancaster to attend a meeting of the Council.
It was
resolved the Clerk propose several future Full Council meeting dates with a
view to meeting at 7.00pm.
386. Barnfield
Sandbeds. Reply awaited from Mr Rolf Levesley, Chief Executive, South
Staffordshire Council with regard to the plans of South Staffordshire Council
for the sandbeds.
Matter of report.
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED:
Letters,
reports, and e-mails have been received from:
413.
Staffordshire
Police seeking to use Coven Memorial Hall for the Watling Street Police
Consultative Committee meeting on Thursday 17 July. The Clerk had referred the
matter to the bookings secretary for Coven Memorial Hall, Mrs L.E. Jones.
Clerk’s report referred.
Matter of report.
414.
South Staffordshire Council offering 2 additional
Summer Sussed sessions for the Parish at no extra cost, available as a result
of funding from the Staffordshire Children’s Fund. They would be aimed at
children between the ages of 5 and 12. The Community Activities Officer had
advised that from their records events were shown to be best attended in
Bishops Wood, which get fully booked, and Coven. Confirmation required by 14
March.
It was resolved the two sessions
be accepted for Bishops Wood and Coven.
415.
Mr John Bibb enclosing a copy of information with
regard to the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 as supplied by South
Staffordshire Council with their covering note confirming the Police had the
power to enforce this Act.
It was resolved the details be
forwarded for the attention of WPC Mitchell.
416.
Central Networks with regard the need to register
the unmetered electricity connection for the Christmas Lights at Coven Heath.
It was noted that Brewood and Coven Parish Council were deemed to be the
customer within this agreement.
It was resolved the Clerk sign
the agreement to enable Central Networks to authorise the unmetered supply.
Each year it would be necessary to register the equipment used from the supply
with Central Networks. The Clerk to also copy the papers to the Coven Christmas
Lights Committee for information. It was further resolved the Clerk write to Mr
Ryan Price and Mrs A.Y Millward and her helpers congratulating them on their
successful fundraising for the Christmas Lights in Coven.
417.
South
Staffordshire Sports Council with regard to the Inter Parish Games which
started on 24 February through to June. We were advised that Mr Paul Guest had
once again volunteered to act as our village representative.
It was resolved the Clerk write
to Mr P. Guest thanking him for acting as village representative.
418.
Miss R. Tweedie, St Dominic’s School requesting once
again Year 6 children visit the Council Offices as part of their PSHE lessons
on local government. Dates suggested by the school were 11 March 11.00am or
1.20pm, 12 March 11.00am, 17 March 11.00am or 19 March 11.00am. Similar
arrangements had been made over the past two years with the Chair hosting a
question and answer session. Arrangements had subsequently been made, in
writing, for St Dominic’s to attend at 11.00am on 17 March. Mrs L.E. Jones and
Dr R.C.H. Taylor would meet them. Matter
of report.
419.
Staffordshire County Council enclosing their Rights
Of Way Improvement Plan for Staffordshire. This was be tabled at the meeting. Matter
of report.
420.
West Midlands
Regional Spatial Strategy Phase Two Revision, Draft Submission, interim advice
on the extension to the Formal Consultation 7 January 2008 to 30 June 2008 to
allow an independent study to ultimately determine further options to deliver
higher housing numbers. This matter had previously been brought to Members’
attention by Cllr R. Roberts.
Matter of report.
CORRESPONDENCE CIRCULATED:
Agenda and reports for the meeting of South
Staffordshire Council’s Direct and Support Services Scrutiny Panel Meeting held
on 4 March; South Staffordshire Council’s Executive Meeting to be held on 11
March; South Staffordshire Council’s Regulatory Committee to be held on 11
March.
Brewood Civic Society copy correspondence to British Waterways
with regard to mooring restrictions.
It was resolved the
Clerk write to British Waterways requesting they be more vigilant in the length
of time boats using the moorings in Brewood.
SPCA March Newsletter – copies will be
tabled for each Member at the meeting. The Brewood and Coven, with Bishops Wood
and Coven Heath montage appears in this issue.
Sustainable Staffordshire Spring newsletter.
Open Spaces Society – training needs
analysis and Spring Newsletter.
South Staffordshire Housing Association
Spring Newsletter.
South Staffordshire Review.
Cross Talk.
421.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
The
Council received the report of the Chair, Mrs L.E. Jones who had attended a
meeting with Sir Patrick Cormack and Chief Constable Sims to discuss policing
in
Council
ratified the decision of the Staffing Committee to appoint Mrs Poole.
422.
FINANCE REPORT:
The
Council received the Finance Report from the Head of Finance, Dr R.C.H Taylor and
resolved the following matters:
·
the Accounts for payment as at 13 March 2008
be approved.
·
the purchase of a new heavy-duty strimmer,
including attachments for hedge trimming, at a cost of £415 (£353 exclu. VAT)
be approved – parts were no longer available for the old strimmer. Deferred
from the previous meeting while the Clerk ascertained whether this was a
reasonable price.
·
the cost of the four annual playground
inspections, as organised by South Staffordshire Council with
·
the payment of the charges submitted by Mr
Frank Humphries, copy circulated prior to the meeting, be deferred to allow the
matter to be investigated further as Members understood there was to be no
charge.
·
the allotment charges for the year 2008/2009
be increased to £16 for one allotment and £26 for two allotments from £15 and
£25 respectively. There had been no increase from Dallow and Dallow in
November.
·
the renewal of this Councils’ Membership of
the SPCA at a cost of £627 be approved.
·
the payment to Mrs A.Y. Millward, for
gatekeeper services, from 14 March to 23 March inclusive be approved. Clerk’s
report referred.
·
the payment to Mr M. Webb, for janitor
services, from 15 March to 22 March inclusive be approved. Clerk’s report
referred.
·
the £38 remaining in the collection following
the payment of all expenses for the Clerk’s retirement party be paid to Mrs
D.E. Drury.
·
£714.89 be transferred from the donations
account to the normal Council account as per the original minutes to cover the
cost of planters in Bishops Wood (2007).
Also note items 167
(Roseclaim) and 217 (Bowls Club).
423.
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. The
Chair read planning item 08/00249/FUL in view of Mrs D.M. Holmes having
declared a personal interest – Mr I. Westwood chose not to vote on this item.
Notice of appeal, Mr R. Davis re
walk in bay window at
424.
PLAYING FIELDS REPORT:
The Council received the reports
of:
Mr I. Westwood – Bishop’s Wood
Playing Field and
It
was resolved the Clerk investigate the request for a path further.
Mr M. Webb – Brewood Playing
Field – confirmed that he has agreed a suitable stain for the timber equipment
and fencing at the playing field. Mr Webb was also still pursing the additional
play equipment.
Mrs A.Y. Millward – Coven Playing
Field – reported that Mr D. Barker had done an excellent job in repairing the
gate to the courts, requested Mr Barker
weed between the safety tiles and paint some of the play equipment. The
Clerk confirmed that the tiles had been weeded prior to refilling at
425.
CLERKS REPORT:
The
Council received the written report of the Clerk, Mrs S. Groom and resolved the
following matters:
·
Dr
R.C.H. Taylor to supply the Clerk, if possible, with the name of the landowner
whose field was adjacent to the bus shelter on The Pavement to enable the Clerk
to write with regard the damage to the shelter and to avoid any further
occurrence
·
The
letter of Mrs M. Wootton be deferred to the next meeting of the Council to
allow Members to consider the matter further
·
The
Clerk be allowed to carry forward up to 7 days annual leave in to 2008/2009.
The Chair thanked the Clerk - Mrs
S. Groom, the Assistant Clerk - Mrs V. Turner and the Car Scheme Co-ordinator -
Mrs C. Cumming for all their hard work while the Council was under staffed.
ANY OTHER MATTERS OF REPORT:
426.
Road Surface,
It
was resolved the Clerk write to the owner, Mr John Holt, of the Nurseries and
the planning enforcement officer at South Staffordshire Council requesting they
use the wider gate that was nearer the A449.
427.
Grass Cutting, A449. Mr F. Barrett reported that Coven
Heath Community Association were still endeavouring to obtain extra grass cuts
for the A449 and that Amey Mouchel were discussing the matter with South
Staffordshire Council. It was further noted that the first cut for the A449 was
not scheduled to take place until 20 April, many areas of
Matter
of report.
There being no further business
the meeting closed at: 9.10pm.
Clerk’s Report for the meeting of the
Council held 13 March 2008
Staffing Committee To receive the report of the
staffing committee and ratify the appointment of Assistant Clerk to fill the
position vacated by Mrs S. Groom.
Coven Changing
Rooms
Old changing rooms – following the site
visit to discuss the proposed design of the sheltered area, Ace Kind have been
asked to submit a revised quote based on the changes discussed which in summary
included an L shaped sheltered seating area cutting away the corner of the
building that overlooked the playing fields, no front railings or wall, open
aspect with a supporting column remaining in the outside corner, no rendering
and raised paving across the front of the shelter – they have since recommended
concrete across the front of the sheltered area which they can slope more
effectively and reduce or remove the need for us to slope the ground up.
Revised quote still awaited but we are hopeful the cost will reduce. Recommendation: Members approve that the Chair, Head of Finance and Clerk accept the
revised quote if it is for less than the previously approved quote (£11,355
plus Vat and excluding any variations or extras) and arrange for the work to
proceed?
New changing rooms – prior to signing the
grant acceptance form, required before 7 April, I have raised a query with the
Football Foundation with regard their Terms and Conditions in respect of
“Security” and their right to be “permitted to enter a restriction in respect
of the relevant property at HM Land Registry in respect of the registered
title; and/or be granted or cause to be granted to the Foundation a legal
charge over the relevant property in such form as the Foundation may require.”
I am waiting for a call back from their legal advisor and will sign the grant
acceptance forms with the Chair subject to a satisfactory response. A meeting
has been scheduled for 4 April with Leon Beards, Kevin Twigger, the changing
rooms committee and the Clerk to discuss the project and responsibilities. Do Members have any recommendations for
companies to be approached to tender – Ace Kind have indicated their interest
if the project is under £250,000 and Mark Jenkinson has recommended Niken
Construction who did some work for Wyrley Football club.
Roseclaim V2007
Grant
Mrs J. Jeffries has submitted
recommendations from the Bishops Wood Members for the distribution of the V2007
Roseclaim grant to local organisations: Neighbourhood Watch (speed control
initiative £1,500), St John’s Out of School Club platy facilities (£600),
Friends of St John’s timber trail and place of peace (£1,000), BKV / Christmas
Lights Community Fund (£200), Bishops Wood playing field (£500), Village Hall
community project (£250) and St John’s Church
maintaining the structure (£750) – leaving £200 contingency funds. With Members approval, Bishops Wood Members
recommend the grant be distributed as soon as possible.
A feasibility Study has this morning been
received from Mr Rothery. Recommendation:
copies be made available to Mr M. Webb, Mr C. Spencer of the Bowls Club and Mr
J. Morley, Development Officer (Bowls Association) for consideration while we
wait to see the level of response to Mr Spencer’s request for committee and active members.
Satellite Dish
Guidelines have been circulated. I am further
advised that dishes can be erected in the Conservation Area but advice needs to
sought for the preferred location.
Police Consultative
Committee
For information Coven Memorial Hall was not
available on 17 July for the Watling Street Police Consultative Committee
meeting. An alternative date has been offered.
St Dominic’s
From observations received and my own walk
round the village I believe St Dominic’s had a very successful Citizenship Day,
planting and tidying the village today.
Recommendation: a letter of thanks be sent acknowledging their contribution to
the community.
Item 418.
The year 6 children (18) will be visiting the Council Chamber and
meeting with the Chair on Monday 17 March at 11.00am.
Gatekeeper and
Janitor Services
Mrs Y. Millward and her grand-daughter Liz
Millward have agreed to cover the gatekeeper services at Coven Playing Field
while the existing gatekeeper is on leave
and the bus shelter while the handyman is on leave. This would cost in the
region of £60. Mr M. Webb has agreed to cover the janitor services at the
toilets in
Bus Shelter, The
Pavement, Brewood.
This appears to have been recently damaged
by a hedge-trimmer being used to cut the pavement side of the hedge from the
field. Photos tabled. The damage to the paint work can be repaired but the
shelter has been shifted slightly out of line forcing one of the panels to
buckle outwards. The cause of the damage can only be assumed. Recommendation: as there are no witnesses
as to the cause of the damage, I suggest I write to the landowner pointing out
the possible cause of the damage and requesting more care is taken in future.
Do Members know who the land owner is?
Recognition to
Community Groups
Letter received from Margaret Wootton of
Coven asking that the Council consider “honouring the volunteers who work with
children in our villages eg. Mothers and Toddlers group, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts,
Rainbows, Brownies and Guides…… to show that we really appreciate all their
efforts.” Recommendation: Members
consider this matter prior to the next meeting of the Council and the letter be
included on the next agenda.
End of Year
Accounts
It has come to our notice that the planters
purchased for Bishops Wood in Spring 2007 was funded from the Councils general
funds. This should have been from the donation account and the money now needs
to be transferred as per the original minutes. With Members approval I will get
the appropriate signatures to transfer the money from the donations account to
the Parish Council account (£714.89).
Annual Leave
The Assistant Clerk, Mrs V. Turner has
kindly agreed to attend the Council meeting of 27 March in my absence in order
that I may take a weeks leave. Due to the Council Office being closed from Good
Friday to 25 March for Easter (in line with South Staffordshire Council) this
gives a shorter week than normal to be covered – the office will therefore be
open to the public 9.30 to 12.30 on 26, 27 and 28 March of that week. This
leaves me with 7 days annual leave. Recommendation:
with Members’ approval the Clerk be permitted to carry over 7 days annual leave
into 2008/2009, it being inappropriate to currently take much leave while I am
working additional hours.