BREWOOD AND COVEN PARISH COUNCIL

WITH BISHOP’S WOOD AND COVEN HEATH

 

MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL HELD IN THE COUNCIL OFFICES, STAFFORD STREET, BREWOOD ON THURSDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER 2008

 

 

PRESENT

 

Cllr A. Ball (arrived 8:05pm – apologies had already been given due to prior meeting), Mrs J. Carr, Cllr I. Clay, Mr D. Evans, Mrs K.A. Holmes, Mrs J.C. Jeffries, Mrs L. E. Jones, Mr G. Martin, Mrs A.Y. Millward.

 

APOLOGIES:

 

M. Alden-Court (illness), Mr F. Barrett (holiday), Mrs D.M. Holmes (holiday), Dr R.C.H. Taylor (holiday), Mr M. Webb (holiday), Mr I. Westwood (prior engagement).

 

MINUTES:

 

The minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 11 September were approved as being an accurate record and duly signed.

 

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

 

Mr D. Evans declared a personal and prejudicial interest in item 89 Telegraph Pole, Engleton Lane and a personal and prejudicial interest in item 175 St Mary & St Chad’s Churchyard.  Mrs K.A. Holmes declared a personal interest in item 56 Bus Shelter, The Parade, Coven and item 135 Application for Premises Licence – Coopers Fine Foods.

 

CRIME AND DISORDER ACT

 

Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act, 1998 places a duty on local authorities to consider the crime and disorder implications when exercising its functions and to do all that it reasonably can to prevent crime and disorder in its area.  Unless otherwise stated it was not considered that the resolutions to be moved herein would have any adverse impact for the purposes of the Crime and Disorder Act.

 

167.            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 L.E. Jones, the Acting Chair, welcomed Mr John Blount (Staffordshire Branch Secretary to the SLCC) and Mrs Debra Bate (Clerk to Lapley, Stretton and Wheaton Aston Parish Council Clerk) to the meeting.

 

Members resolved the Clerk send a Get Well card to Cllr Rex Roberts following his recent stay in hospital.

 

Mrs J. Edwards of Bishops Wood thanked Council for the arrangements that were being made for a footpath across the playing filed at Bishops Wood.

 

168.            POLICE REPORT

 

Council received the written Police report from PCSO Price.

 

MATTERS ARISING:

 

288**    Coven Changing Rooms.

The necessary papers had been forwarded to the SPCA and it was understood that they had subsequently been forwarded to the DCLG for Borrowing Approval. Following approval of the tender by this Council Mr L. Beards, Project Manager had forwarded the tender report and supporting documents to the Football Foundation for approval. Clerk’s report referred.

It was resolved that as a resolution had already been passed approving that a loan of either £59,000 or £88,000 be applied for, subject to factors previously minuted, then it was acceptable to Members that the final loan application be approved by the Coven Changing Rooms Committee, on receipt of information from HMRC and more detailed information regarding the fencing proposals.

 

347**    Buildings – Proposal for New Development. Awaiting details concerning the ownership of Church House.

Matter of report.

 

347**       Buildings – Scout Hut and Youth Club Provision.

The Vice Chair, Mrs D.M. Holmes, Cllr A. Ball, Mr M. Webb and the Clerk attended the Youth Provision meeting organised by the South Staffordshire Local Strategic Partnership, South Staffordshire Council on 17 September at Brewood Jubilee Hall. Members received the report of the Clerk. Report received from Mr G. Bott, Staffordshire County Council with regard to the meeting held 3 September, circulated prior to the meeting. Clerk’s report referred.

It was resolved that the Clerk attend the meeting scheduled for 9:30am on September 26 2008.

 

72* / 151* Traffic Management.  Email received from Mr J. Pearce with regard to the problems caused by cars parking outside the SPAR and enclosing two suggestions for consideration. The Clerk had replied confirming the matter would be brought to the attention of the Traffic Management Committee in due course. Awaiting detailed drawings of the recommendation to construct two ‘build-outs’ in Sandy Lane, Brewood. Clerk to produce a report consolidating the concerns previously raised, recommendations made, actions agreed and taken to date. The Clerk’s report referred.

It was resolved that a decision on a future meeting date be deferred until more Members of the committee are available to agree a date.

 

205*/250*    Coneybere Gardens. A reply had been sent to Mr G. Read of South Staffordshire Housing Association. Awaiting action from South Staffordshire Housing Association to repair the road at Coneybere Gardens as agreed October 2007.

Matter of report.

 

217*      Proposals for a Bowling Green in the Parish. Clerk to pursue lease with Council solicitors. Awaiting a reply from Mr A. and Mr P. Monkton with regard to the covenant on the land and the proposal to develop a club house / store room. The Council’s letter had been acknowledged by Mr A. Monkton.

Matter of report.

 

234*      Review of Standing Orders. New copies should be available in the next two weeks. Clerk’s report referred.

Matter of report.

 

307*      Canal Bridge (Br 14), Near The Bridge Inn, Brewood. Reminders had been sent to British Waterways (canal bridge) and Area Highways (south parapet, abutments and footbridge) regarding this matter and requesting an update as to what action they intend to take.

Matter of report.

 

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. Housing Needs Survey, emails received from Mr A. Williams and Miss H. Rowley raising concerns with regard to the objective of the survey and the feasibility of retaining property for local use. Copies enclosed.

It was resolved that the Clerk forward a copy of the email from Ms Rowley to Mrs U. Bennion of South Staffordshire Housing Association asking for clarification of the definition of a “Genuine local connection” and that the Clerk reply to the email from Mr Williams recommending he forward his concerns to South Staffordshire Housing Association and South Staffordshire Council also enclosing copies of previous minutes. The Clerk to also contact the Clerk at Essington Parish Council to seek any guidance on ‘local connection’.

 

408* Croft House, Coven. Further to the reply received from Mr D. Burton-Pye, Cllr M. Hampson had agreed to pursue the matter through the planning officers.

Matter of report.

 

424*   New Path, Bishops Wood Playing Field. Clerk’s report referred.

Matter of report.

 

56.        Bus Shelter, The Parade, Coven. Coven Members met 17 September to consider the two letters of concern received at the last meeting of the Council and the style, orientation and size of the bus shelter. Report enclosed. Clerk’s report referred. Mrs K.A. Holmes left the meeting while this matter was discussed.

Matter of report.

 

58.        The Bront. Coven Members met 17 September to consider the requirements of a Woodland Management Plan. Report enclosed. Cllr I. Clay reported that he had received assurances from Mr H. Medlicott that the laurel bushes behind 55 and 57 Moors Drive would be cleared within the next seven days – the Clerk had notified the householders.

It was resolved that the recommendations of the meeting held on 17 September be approved that is the Clerk: seek quotes for the required tree works and path; support of Coven residents be sought to form a community support group for the Bront; suitable grant opportunities and support from other organisations to be sought for implementing the Plan including display boards.

 

61.        BT Review of Red Phone Boxes. Waiting to hear the outcome of the BT review of the phone boxes at Ivetsey Bank Road in Bishops Wood and Deansfield Close in Brewood (BT insist on still including Heath Park in Ball Lane at Coven Heath). Should BT decide to remove the Bishops Wood kiosk then the Clerk to endeavour to arrange to adopt the kiosk – no action to be taken at this stage.  Matter of report.

 

63.        Bench, Deansfield Road. The Assistant Clerk, Mrs D. Poole had met with Mr Snell of South Staffordshire Housing Association and a suitable location for the bench had been agreed. Mr Snell to confirm the details in writing before proceeding.

Matter of report.

 

74.     Reduction of Green Bus Service. Council received the report of the Assistant Clerk, Mrs D. Poole and Car Scheme Co-ordinator Mrs C. Cumming with regard to the service that was available to the Parish and in particular Bishops Wood. Copy          circulated prior to the meeting. Letter received from Staffordshire Council listing the services that continue to serve Brewood, Bishops Wood, Wheaton Aston and Coven. Further letter received providing details of changes made to the operators of local bus services. Copies circulated prior to the meeting.

It was resolved that the matter be deferred to the next meeting to allow Members time to consider the implications of the changed timetable.  Copies of all correspondence received relating to the matter to be circulated to Members.  Mrs J. Jeffries to contact Mr David Kidney MP  with regard to organising a meeting with Members for Bishops Wood to discuss the matter.  Members thanked Mrs Poole and Mrs Cumming for their work in preparing the report. 

 

89.        Telegraph Pole Engleton Lane. Letter received from S. Poxon, Development Control Manager, South Staffordshire Council reporting that the developer had replied that two poles had been erected to feed a temporary supply to the sales centres and that BT had now completed the underground works. The developer would now arrange for BT to re-route the overhead cables as soon as they could. He apologised for any misunderstanding.

Matter of report.

 

101.      Staffing Committee. Clerk to obtain details regarding the Council’s Sickness and Absence Policy and update draft contracts as per minutes of 14 August. Once these papers are available a further meeting of the Staffing Committee is to be scheduled to review the redrafted contracts. Clerk’s report refers. Clerk’s report referred. 

It was resolved that the Clerk follow up the matter concerning access to the ‘Green Book’ with the SPCA and/or South Staffordshire Council and that a date for a further meeting of the Staffing Committee be determined at the next meeting.

 

102.      Access to Council Offices, Hand Rail. Awaiting a quote from Ace Kind. Once a detailed specification was available the Clerk would seek written confirmation from South Staffordshire Council that planning approval was not required (ref. Conservation Area). Clerk’s report referred.

It was resolved the proposed materials and style of hand rail be approved. 

 

132.      ‘Closing the Gaps for Communities Fund’ Although this fund had been identified as inappropriate in this instance Mrs C. Cumming, Car Scheme Co-ordinator was investigating the feasibility of an alternative grant to provide a service similar to the ‘Ring and Ride’ previously requested. Matter of report.

 

135.   Application for Premises Licence - Coopers Fine Foods, 4 The Parade, Coven. Letter received from the Licensing Office, South Staffordshire Council notifying Members that the Hearing had been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances and the Hearing had been rescheduled for 29 September.

It was resolved that the Clerk advise South Staffordshire Council that this Council did not intend to attend or be represented at the Hearing, as was agreed before the Hearing was rescheduled.

 

146.   South Staffordshire Council with regard to the S.S.C. Local Development Framework Development Policies Consultation Paper – August 2008. An exhibition was held at the Council Office in Brewood on Tuesday 16 September. Comments were required by 26 September. Report enclosed with a copy of the recommendations made by Brewood Civic Society.

Members received and noted the recommendations made by Brewood Civic Society and made no further comments.

 

169.        St Mary’s Catholic Church Wall. In reply to a query raised by Mrs K.A. Holmes the Clerk reported that Father Michael Miners had indicated in May of this year that he was raising the matter of the Church boundary wall with the Highways Authority as the damage was presumably caused primarily by the gritting process.

It was resolved that the Clerk contact Father Michael to ascertain whether a letter of support from the Council would be of any assistance.

 

CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED:

 

Letters, reports, and e-mails had been received from

 

170.      Brewood Civic Society recommending that the name ‘Barnfield Sandbeds’ be retained for the site that had recently been taken over by South Staffordshire Council and asking that Members give due consideration to this recommendation.

It was resolved that the matter be deferred to the next meeting of the Council to allow Brewood Members not present to also consider the recommendation.

 

171.       Staffordshire County Council with regard to a request for a bus shelter they had received from Mrs J. Wright of Cross Green, Coven. Mrs Wright had also phoned the Parish Council to explain that school children caught the bus at the stop on the south bound of the A449 towards Wolverhampton (which then turned round for Wolgarston) and with dark mornings approaching she felt they were at risk particularly with the lay-by adjacent. Mrs Wright had raised this concern previously when she also caught the bus on winter mornings. Staffordshire County Council had advised that they had a polycarbonate bus shelter which, subject to the site being appropriate, could be erected if this Council were supportive of the proposal. Clerk’s report referred.

It was resolved that the Clerk confirm to Staffordshire County Council the Parish Council were in support of the proposal.

 

172.       Mr I. Gough requesting vehicle access to the Council Playing Fields at Engleton Lane to enable contractors to remove some trees from his garden which were causing him concern. The work would be undertaken week commencing 6 October.

It was resolved that the Clerk reply confirming that access would be made available, that should the ground be unduly wet then the contractors be liable for reinstating any serious damage that may be caused and that no damage be caused to the fencing in the area.

 

173.      Mr M. Nattrass, Church Warden, St John’s, Bishops Wood enclosing copy correspondence to Mr M. Blackstock, Roseclaim with regard to a grant being made available from the V Festival 2008 grant allocation towards their maintenance costs. Mrs J.C. Jeffries had already indicated that she would be contacting the Roseclaim representatives with regard to Bishops Wood receiving a grant once again this year.

Matter of report.

 

174.      South Staffordshire Council Open Space Strategy, draft for consultation which details their thinking about how the vision for open space might become a reality and the mechanisms for achieving this. The document follows on from the Council’s recent Open Space Audit. Members’ views are sought on the strategy. Consultation ends 31 October 2008. The Strategy was tabled at the meeting.

It was resolved that the matter be deferred to the next meeting of the Council.

 

175.      South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust with regard to draft NHS Constitution and seeking the views of Members about the Constitution and how it would work. The consultation would end 17 October 2008. A copy of the Constitution was tabled at the meeting. A copy of the covering letter was circulated prior to the meeting.

It was resolved that Mrs K.A. Holmes review the papers available and report back to Council at the next meeting.

 

176.       Mrs J. Jackson, Secretary, St Mary and St Chad’s Parochial Church Council with regard to the proposed closure of the old part of the churchyard which was full and seeking the Parish Council’s confirmation as to whether the Council would take on the maintenance. Copy circulated prior to the meeting. The Clerk further reported that a letter had also just been received from Reverend David Baker of St Paul’s Coven also advising the Parish Council that he wished the Council to confirm whether as the old churchyard at St Pauls was closed would the Council take on the maintenance. The Clerk reported that Mr H. Medlicott, South Staffordshire Council had contacted the Council concerned that neither churchyard had been formally closed and neither request was therefore valid.

It was resolved that the Clerk reply to both churches advising them that no action could be taken until Formal Closure notices had been issued and the Clerk seek further clarification of the process to be followed.

 

177.      Staffordshire Playing Fields Association invitation to their AGM on 16 October, 2.00pm at Cannock Chase District Council Offices.

It was resolved that the Assistant Clerk Mrs D. Poole attend the meeting.

 

178.       EON with regard to unmetered electric supplies for Christmas Lights and requesting this Council supplies any details of any unmetered supplies we intend to make use of this year.

It was resolved that the Clerk forward details to the representatives of the Christmas Lights Committees.

 

179.       Mrs J. Gibbins, Secretary, Coven Memorial Hall on behalf of the Chairman and Committee, thanking the Council for the grant of £2,200 towards reducing the hall hire charges for local groups.

Matter of report.

 

CORRESPONDENCE CIRCULATED:

 

Agenda and reports for the meeting of South Staffordshire Council’s Regulatory Committee to be held on 23 September 2008.

 

Agenda and reports for the meeting of South Staffordshire Council’s Audit Committee held on 16 September 2008.

 

Agenda and reports for the meeting of South Staffordshire Council held on 16 September 2008.

 

Brewood Civic Society, copy correspondence to South Staffordshire Council: Local Development Framework Consultation; obtrusive signage at The Three Stirrups; illegal development between Brewood Bridge and Eskew Bridge; Brewood Conservation Area Appraisal; dwellings 5a to 7a Stafford Street; Horse Chestnut tree at Brewood Library; installation of handrails at Lloyds Pharmacy; planning application for a hanging sign at 12 Market Place; planning application at The Chantry, 8 Dean Street.

 

Brewood Civic Society Minutes of the 435th Committee Meeting held on Monday 15 September.

 

Staffordshire Village Halls Advisory Service Newsletter May 2008.

 

Campaign to Protect Rural England, Staffordshire Branch Newsletter.

 

Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Archive Service Newsletter.

 

International Components – Christmas Lighting Stock.

 

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust notice of AGM 11 September, raffle tickets and Magazine.

 

Dare to Wear Pink, breast cancer campaign fundraiser on 31 October.

 

180.      COUNTY COUNCIL REPORT:

 

Cllr R. Roberts was unable to provide a report due to illness.

 

181.      CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:

 

Mrs L.E. Jones, Acting Chair, reported that she, Mrs J. Carr and the Clerk had attended a Precept and Budget meeting on 15 September.  She reported that it was an excellent course, the Lecturer gave a very interesting and informative presentation and that they came away with some good ideas.

 

182.       FINANCE REPORT:

 

The Council received the Finance Report from Mrs J. Carr, as Mrs L.E. Jones was Chairing the meeting, and resolved the following matters:

·          The Financial Summary for the month of September be approved.

·          The subscription to Staffordshire Playing Fields Association at a cost of £15 be approved.

·          The annual rent to be charged for the ‘Poor Lands’ to remain for the forthcoming year at £230. Rent was last increased in April 2003. The land was used for grazing and suffered from being particularly water-logged. It was also noted the tenant had, with the Council’s approval, made some improvements creating an area of hard standing at his own cost.

·          The request for payment of an invoice for a BKV advert (appertaining to Brewood and Bishops Wood) in the church newsletter Cross Talk, from Mrs J. Jackson of the Brewood BKV Committee, at cost of £24 be approved. The committees had not used all of the budget allocated to them for photocopying.

See also item 184.

Mrs L.E. Jones asked Members to consider how financial details relating to staff salaries were presented.  Although Members had a right to be able to view details of salaries they should not be made public.  Mrs L.E. Jones to report on the matter at the next Council meeting.

 

Mrs L.E. Jones recommended that due to the confidential nature of the business to be discussed the item concerning the gatekeeper at the playing field in Coven be deferred to the end of the meeting when members of the press and public would be asked to withdraw.

It was resolved the matter be deferred to the end of the meeting.

 

183.      PLANNING REPORT:

 

The Council received the Planning Report from Mrs L.E. Jones, in the absence of Mrs D.M. Holmes, and considered the planning applications received as set out in the attached schedule.

 

Letter received from South Staffordshire Council notifying Members that application 08/00793/FUL had been withdrawn. Matter of report.

 

Letter received from South Staffordshire Council regarding Hedgerow Removal Notification no. AL/49/2008/HRN.  Mr D. Breakspeare of Homestead Caravan Park had asked to re-site the original hedge to allow for delivery of twelve-foot wide caravans to the park. It was noted that Council had refused a similar application last year.

It was resolved that the application be refused on the grounds that the road as a whole was not suitable for transporting such wide caravans  - not just specific bends as defined by the application.  The Clerk to also refer to previous minutes regarding the matter.

 

Conservation Area Notification of an application for Tree Works received from South Staffordshire Council - Mrs A. Lamb, to remove self-set oak trees from her garden as they may cause damage.  It was resolved the Clerk request that Mr S. Dores, South Staffordshire Council review the matter.

 

184.      CLERKS REPORT:

 

The Council received the written report of the Clerk.

It was resolved the Clerk order bark to the value of £278 excluding VAT for the Tom Thumb play area at Coven playing field, any excess to be used under the aerial runway.

 

185.      DISTRICT COUNCIL REPORT:

 

The Council received the report of the District Councillor I. Clay.  He reported that Members were concerned about the issue of predetermination/bias and the Code of Conduct.  Members had to declare a personal and prejudicial interest in planning matters that had been considered by their Parish Councils and in some cases were not allowed to vote or speak on behalf of residents.  Members considered this to be wrong as they had great knowledge of local issues.  A seminar on the matter was due to be held at South Staffordshire Council on 21 October. 

 

Cllr Clay also reported that at the recent AGM of South Staffordshire Housing Association it was decided to apply for charitable status, as this would give more and better powers in the running of the Association.  The new Central Borders Housing Group had been awarded the Regional National Housing Federation Award in the project of Independent Living and the Gold Award for efforts in housing.  At present they had 700 housing units in the programme and were working in partnership with Bridgnorth, Cannock Chase, South Staffordshire and Stafford Borough to provide accommodation.  They were currently looking for areas on the edge of villages.  They were also providing extra care developments in Cannock and Essington.

 

ANY OTHER MATTERS OF REPORT: 

 

186. Brewood Library. Mrs K.A. Holmes reported her concern that she had heard library staff being verbally abused with regard to proposals to remove the Horse Chestnut in the car park. Mrs Holmes also reported that the library staff had provided an excellent reading event for children during the summer holidays.

It was resolved that the Clerk write to Sharon Pitt congratulating her and the other staff on the excellent reading strategy that had been implemented and thanking them for organising such an excellent event. 

 

187.   Grass Cutting. Mrs J. Carr reported receiving complaints about recent grass cutting in Coven.  Grass had been strimmed but not collected and had blown over pavements where it was both unsightly and dangerous.

It was resolved that the Clerk report the matter to Mr A. Cousins of South Staffs Council.  

 

Mrs L.E. Jones then asked members of the press and public to leave the meeting in order that matters of a confidential nature could be discussed.

 

182.            Staffing. Members received the verbal report of the Clerk with regard to the gatekeeper at Coven playing field and provided details as to the guidance obtained from South Staffordshire Council.

It was resolved a one-week compassionate leave payment be made to Mr D. Nicholls, that he be allowed to take unpaid compassionate leave for the foreseeable future, to be reviewed every four weeks, and the longer term position to be reviewed in March 2009.

 

There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.55pm.

 

CLERKS REPORT FOR THE MEETING TO BE HELD 25 SEPTEMBER 2008

 

288**  Coven Changing Rooms Following a phone call to HMRC on the morning of 24 September a formal reply was received later that day to the Council’s query regarding VAT that was originally submitted in writing on 18 July. Fortunately this arrived hours before I attended the SPCA course on VAT that evening so provided useful input. I need to query part of the reply as two paragraphs appear to be inconsistent in their advice. I have also received a phone call from the DCLG confirming our application for Borrowing Approval has been successful. Once this is received in writing and assuming the query on VAT is clarified it will be necessary to call a meeting of the Changing Rooms Committee to determine what loan should be applied for. As a resolution has already been passed approving that a loan of either £59,000 or £88,000 be applied, subject to certain factors, then is it acceptable to Members that the final decision be made by the Committee in the light of information from HMRC and more detailed information regarding the fencing proposals.

 

347**  Youth Provision. I have found out this morning that there is another meeting scheduled for 9.30am on 26 September to discuss the production of a business plan regarding the provision of facilities for the youth club and Scouts in the Parish. This follows up on the meeting held 3 September, Chaired by Cllr Drinkwater and attended by Mr M. Webb on behalf of the Parish Council. Neither Mr Webb or Mr Evans, who also expressed an interest, are available to attend Friday's meeting. Are there any other Members who wish to attend; alternatively the Clerk can attend on this occasion?

 

72*/151*  Traffic Management The Assistant Clerk, Mrs D. Poole has produced a draft report consolidating the proposals and actions of the Traffic Committee to date. I need to review this before a meeting is called. Recommended resolution: a decision on a future meeting date be deferred until more Members of the committee are available to agree a date.

 

234*  Standing Orders The work on the Standing Orders has now been completed and approved. Mr Arnold has advised the cost will now be £310 (from £290) in view of the additional printing. Matter of report.

 

424*   New Path, Bishops Wood Playing Field. Further to the resolution of 12 June, that with the agreement of Bishops Wood Members an order be placed for the construction of a path at a cost of £1,100, I will provide Mrs Jeffries and Mr Westwood with a copy of the proposed specification and report then, subject to their approval, place an order for the work. Matter of report.

 

56. Bus Shelter, The Parade.  The preferred supplier for the bus shelter has offered to send an engineer to site to assess the proposed siting of the bus shelter. Mr Colin Barber will be on site at 10.00am 30 September. Mrs Poole will attend on behalf of the Council, other Coven Members are invited to attend if they wish. Matter of report.

 

58.        The Bront. Mr H. Medlicott has agreed that South Staffordshire Council will carry out the required work on the laurels to the rear of 55 and 57 Moors Drive. I have informed Mr Robb to this effect but have been unable to speak to Mr Brown – Mr Robb has agreed to inform Mr Brown. With regard to the stream that needs clearing, Howard Medlicott has advised that I should contact the Environment Agency as it may be necessary to seek their permission for any work. Matter of report.

 

74.   Bus Service The report circulated prior to the meeting was updated on 19 September to include the latest information available. Four working days later it is already out of date following further changes to the Saturday and week day Green Bus Service – it is not surprising that we are receiving at least 5 detailed enquiries per day regarding the service and the community are confused as to the service available. Further to this Mr F. Barrett has forwarded copy correspondence for Members information with regard to the A2Z Number 3 Sunday Service from Penkridge to Wolverhampton: on 14 September the 19:45 from Penkridge did not arrive in Brewood where three residents of the Parish were waiting for it. As a result Mr Barrett hired a taxi to transport those waiting (including himself) to Coven, Oxley and Coven Heath and has subsequently submitted a claim to A2Z Travel for the £15 fare to be refunded. On 21 September the driver ‘got lost’ and required the assistance of a local resident to direct the driver to Penkridge and back to Brewood. Recommended resolution: the Clerk write to Ms McKinnon, Staffordshire County Council supporting the concerns of Mr Barrett and the issues raised in the Parish Council report.

 

101. Sickness and Absence Policy The Council’s Sickness and Absence Policy is, I believe, as defined by the Green Book – the National Agreement on Pay and Conditions of Service from the National Joint Council for Local Government Services. Our copy of this was last updated in 2003. Having contacted the SPCA and subsequently the LGE who supply the book (electronic format only now) I am advised that we have to pay for an annual subscription of £399 (excl. VAT) although on querying this they have now offered a 10% discount. I have now managed to obtain a copy from our Regional Assembly but this will not secure updates. With Council’s approval I would like to take up the matter with the SPCA and/or South Staffordshire Council to determine whether a formal arrangement, with the agreement of the LGE, could be defined whereby Parish Council’s do not have to pay and either the LGE or District Council send us the updates. The Staffing Committee need to meet to review the updated contracts and receive he information regarding the sickness and absence policy – recommended resolution: a date be determined at the next meeting of the Council.

 

102.   Access to Council Offices, Hand Rail. Ace Kind have provided details of the materials proposed for the hand rail – copy tabled to Members. He is to confirm whether the rail can be obtained powder coated. Can members confirm they approve of the proposed materials and a preferred colour if it can be sourced powder coated – I will then arrange for Ace Kind to come to the office to confirm the actual positioning/fitting to meet Access criteria.

 

135. Application for Premises Licence – Cooper Fine Foods, Coven. Letter received that the Hearing has been rescheduled for 29 September. Can I advise South Staffordshire Council that this Council does not intend to attend or to be represented at the Hearing, as agreed before the Hearing was rescheduled.

 

166.   Flooding Coven Heath. Mr F. Barrett has received a reply from South Staffordshire Council which states that previous correspondence (1994) indicated that clearance works on the adjacent ditches was to be undertaken by Penk Ltd. Mr S. Poyser undertakes to arrange for an investigation into the current problem with the aim of getting suitable maintenance work carried out by the responsible parties. Matter of report.

 

170.   Staffordshire County Council – Bus Shelter. I have now managed to speak to the local resident who made the original request for a bus shelter at Cross Green – the recommendation is for a shelter on the south bound carriageway, towards Wolverhampton, where school children for Wolgarston catch the school bus which then travels down to the island at the junction with the M54 and comes backup the A449. A bus shelter has previously existed at this location but was not replaced when it was knocked down by a car some years ago. There will be no charge for the erection of the shelter or its maintenance, assuming approval is given by this Council and Highways. Members’ views are sought on the agenda.

 

175.   Maintenance of Closed Church Yard. A letter has also been received, too late for the agenda but appropriate to this matter, from Rev Baker of St Paul’s Church, Coven “formally requesting the Parish Council take over the running and maintenance of the Old Churchyard at St Paul’s Church, Coven. Clerk to report further. Members’ views are sought on the agenda.

 

Gatekeeper, Coven Playing Fields. This matter is of a confidential nature relating to Staffing matters and should be taken in confidence at the end of the meeting having requested Members of the Press and Public to leave. Clerk to report. Members’ views.

 

Playing Fields

- In the light of recent events I realise that although the Heads of Playing Fields make monthly reports to Council the frequency with which the Clerk then reports back as to progress made on these matters is somewhat irregular. To improve this the Assistant Clerk will, prior to the first meeting of the month, provide Heads of Playing Fields a written update as to progress made.

- With Council’s approval I will proceed with an order for bark chippings to be delivered to the play area at Coven for the Tom Thumb play-area as previously reported, at a cost of £278 excluding VAT. Any remaining bark will be used to top up the aerial run-way.

- I met on site with Mr M. Webb at the Engleton Lane playing field earlier this week and identified 20 items requiring action. Some of these have been picked up by South Staffordshire Council who confirmed the contractors had not done all they are contracted to do. Others items will be actioned by the Handyman.

 

VAT Training, SPCA. As referenced earlier – this was an excellent course, again by Alan Topliss (trainer for the precepts and budgeting training) who highlighted a number of areas that need further consideration and possible action. I will report further on this in due course. Matter of report.