BREWOOD AND COVEN PARISH COUNCIL
WITH
BISHOP’S WOOD AND COVEN HEATH
MINUTES
OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL
HELD
IN THE COUNCIL OFFICES,
ON
THURSDAY, 9 JULY AT 7.30PM
PRESENT:
Cllr A.
Ball, Mr F. Barrett, Mrs J. Carr, Cllr I. Clay, Mrs D. M. Holmes, Mrs L. E.
Jones, Mr G. Martin, Mrs A. Y. Millward, Dr R. C. H. Taylor, Mr M. Webb, Mrs J.
Wright.
Mr D.
Evans (work), Cllr M. Hampson (meeting).
MINUTES:
The minutes of the meeting of the Council
held on 25 June 2009 were approved as being accurate records and duly signed.
Mr G. Martin reported that the Police Report had been written by P.C. A. Smith,
not PSCO A. Price.
Dr R. C.
H. Taylor declared an interest in the item regarding the bollard outside the
Admiral Rodney and also the planning application at
Section
17 of the Crime and Disorder Act, 1998 places a duty on local authorities to
consider the crime and disorder implications when exercising its functions and
to do all that it reasonably can to prevent crime and disorder in its
area. Unless otherwise stated it is not
considered that the resolutions to be moved herein will have any adverse impact
for the purposes of the Crime and Disorder Act.
68. 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. Mr
S. Bennett of 4
Dr R.
C. H. Taylor advised that the bollard had been erected outside the Admiral
Rodney public house but in his opinion it was unsuitable and obstructed the
pavement for pedestrians. He also stated that he was concerned about the
planning application at
MATTERS ARISING:
288*** Coven Changing Rooms. The
Acting Clerk recommended that a meeting of the Committee be arranged as soon as
possible.
It was resolved that a meeting of
the Changing Rooms Committee be arranged for Monday 13 July 2009 at 10.00 a.m.
347*** Buildings
– scout hut and youth club provision. Mr M. Webb reported that there had
recently been a meeting of the steering group and that a meeting of the Project
Group was due to take place on 15 July 2009 when they would consider leasing
the land from the County Council. Dr R. C. H. Taylor reminded the Council that
the deadline for finding alternative accommodation was September.
Matter
of report.
72* / 151* Traffic management.
Parking in
It was resolved that the Acting
Clerk write to Mr N. Miller and request that parking restrictions be lifted
during school holidays and at weekends.
205**/250**
It was resolved that the Acting Clerk write to Mr Reid and advise him that the Council does not accept his apology and enclose the completed complaints form.
217** Proposals for a
Matter of report.
377** Affordable housing. A site visit
took place when Members met with Mr J. Lancaster to view potential sites.
Acting Clerk’s report referred. The Chairman reported that various sites were
under consideration. Mr Lancaster would
submit a written report.
Matter of report.
408** Croft House, Coven. The Acting Clerk’s report referred.
Matter of report.
412** The Bront. The Acting
Clerk had written to Mr S. Dores to ascertain if it was possible to retain the
silverbirch tree but keep it under control. Acting Clerk’s report
referred. Regarding the removal of the
It was resolved that the Acting Clerk write
to the resident concerned and advise that the hedge could remain until October
2009.
61*. BT review of red
phone boxes. Still awaiting reply from BT following their Red Phone Box consultation.
Matter of report.
74*. The Green Bus service. The Acting Clerk’s report
referred.
Matter of report.
279* Notice-board, Jubilee Hall. Mrs D. M.
Holmes had purchased the plaque and would arrange for it to be erected.
Matter of report.
281*. Sandstone bollard,
Matter of report.
306*. Lion Public House, Brewood. Email received
26 June from Punch Taverns acknowledging receipt of letter and notifying that
it had been passed on to Rob Hooper, Property Manager. The Brewood Civic
Society had forwarded a copy of the letter it had received from the Chief
Executive of Punch Taverns. The letter
noted that they fully intend to refurbish the building but not until a suitable
tenant had been found. Copy was enclosed.
Matter of report.
319*.
Road surface, Ball Lane, Coven
Heath. Mr F. Barrett reported that the area was the responsibility of
County Highways and a job number had been received. Work would commence
shortly.
83. Tapes
for people who are registered blind. M. Alden-Court reported that there were 24
partially sighted people in the Parish. The County Council had a database that
could be used by the Council. The cost of sending 4 Parish magazines per year
was £600.
356*.
Matter of report.
403*. Allotments,
Matter of report.
405*. Youth Forum, Brewood. Mrs D. E. Holmes reported that she had been to the Youth Forum meeting
and had been impressed by the ethos.
It was resolved that the Acting Clerk invite representatives from the group to address a future Council meeting.
423*. Methodist Hall,
It was resolved that Acting Clerk write to
the Women’s Institute and express concern about the loss of the car park and to
the Methodist church in Manchester and ask them to reconsider the proposals.
436*. Neglected hedge A449 at Coven
Heath. Mr S. Dores of South
Staffordshire Council had agreed to inspect the hedge and trees, together with
the local Member. Date to be arranged.
Matter of report.
439. New
play equipment at the playing field in Bishops Wood still to be pursued.
Matter
of report.
441*. Equality and Human Rights Commission
with regard to the duty of the public sector to meet the obligations under the
current race, disability and gender quality duties until such time as the
Equality Bill to combine the three into one equality duty. The Acting Clerk
reported that the document was lengthy and would take time to consider its implications.
Matter of report.
Matter of report.
36. Society
of Local Council Clerks regarding two courses ‘The Public Purse – Financial
Management’ and ‘Safe & Sound – Health and Reducing Risk’. It was resolved
that the matter be held in abeyance until the return of the Clerk from sick
leave.
Matter of report.
41. Playbuilder
applicants’ workshop. Mr M. Webb to pursue the application for funding.
Matter of report.
66. Grass
cutting at the A449 at Coven Heath. Mr F Barrett reported that the standard
of grass cutting on the A449 at Coven Heath was of superb quality. He had
commended Andrew Breet of Amey Michel on the work. The Acting Clerk has
written to Andrew Breet’s supervisor and passed on Mr Barrett’s comments.
Matter of report.
67. Replacement
windows at Brewood Tennis Club. It was reported that the work had not yet
been carried out on the Tennis Club windows. Acting Clerk’s report referred.
It was resolved that estimate A for
replacement windows be approved. See item 79 Finance Report.
69. Replacement
Sign for Parish Council Offices. The
Council considered the appropriate style of lettering and material to be used
for the replacement sign.
It was resolved that a sign writer be
commissioned to rewrite the existing sign to read Brewood & Coven Parish
Council.
70. Fencing
for Playing Fields. The Council considered replacement fencing at Brewood
and Coven Playing Fields. Funding is only available for a limited period of
time.
It
was resolved that sub-group meet to discuss and report back on the type of
fencing to be erected.
71. Playing fields’ closing times.
Mrs J. Jeffries reported that that the closing times for the playing fields was
9.30 p.m. or dusk, whichever is the sooner.
It
was resolved that the Acting Clerk advise the new Caretaker accordingly.
Letters, reports, and e-mails had been
received from:
72. Email
from Staffordshire Third Sector Network regarding the County Wide Safe Strong
and Cohesive Communities Reference Group which takes place on 27 July, 10.00 a.m.
– 12.00 noon at Rising Brook Baptist Church, Stafford. Copy was enclosed.
No Members wished to attend.
73. Email
was received from SCPA regarding the Chairmanship Skills Training Programme
2009, which runs from 22 July to 27 August 2009. Copy was enclosed.
It was resolved that Mr G. Martin would
attend on 22 July and 27 August 2009.
74. Letter
received from Mr P. Jackson of Brewood Ideas Group regarding a presentation to
South Staffordshire Council on 14 July 2009. Copy was enclosed.
It was resolved that
75. Letter
from Staffordshire Highways regarding Staffordshire Motorcycle Casualty
Reduction Project. Copy was enclosed.
It was resolved that the Acting Clerk write to
County Highways and advise that the Council favours the first option to make
76. West
Matter of report.
77. Letter
and maps from Craig Rowbottom, Planning Officer, Wolverhampton City Council
regarding Stafford Road Corridor Area Action Plan. Copies were enclosed.
Consultation paper was tabled.
It was resolved that the Acting Clerk write
to Wolverhampton City Council and ask for clarification as to how the Area
Action Plan will affect Brewood and Coven Parish Council and in particular
Coven Heath.
CORRESPONDENCE CIRCULATED:
Chase Policing Division Neighbourhood Watch
Newsletter
Notification of SLCC’s 35th national conference
LCR magazine (summer 2009)
Community Watchdog News (June 2009)
Clerks & Councils Direct magazine (July 2009)
SSHA News Extra magazine (summer 2009)
South Staffordshire Council list
of planning applications registered after 23 June 2009.
Minutes of Brewood Civic Society
meeting held on 29 June 2009.
Brewood Civic Society responses
to various recent planning applications.
Village News (July 2009)
78. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
The Council
received the report of the Chairman, Mrs D. M. Holmes and noted that she had
carried out a site visit at the Coven Heath allotments and attended the Youth
Forum meeting. She thanked Mr M. Webb
for inviting her to Brewood Junior Football Club presentations and stated that
it was pleasure and a privilege to present the prizes.
79. FINANCE REPORT:
The
Council received the Finance Report from the Head of Finance, Mrs L.E. Jones,
and resolved the following matters:
·
The
accounts for payment as at 9 July 2009 be approved
·
The
progress of payment No. 6 for Coven Changing Rooms, in the sum of £23,624.51 be
approved
·
The
payment to Nicol Thomas for Employers Agent services, following Practical
Completion of Coven Changing Rooms, in the sum of £2,515.80 be approved
·
The
payment of £1,170 Essential User Car Allowance to the handyman (lump sum per
annum) be approved
·
The
payment of £255 to Mr Sibley for the cost of colour leaflets of 20 local walks,
50 leaflets per walk be approved. Sample leaflets were tabled.
·
The
payment of £406.68 to Allianz Insurance for the additional premium on Coven
changing rooms be approved
·
The
payment of £36 fee for Criminal Records Bureau check on new caretaker be
approved
·
Application
for a member of staff to join the Pension Scheme be approved
·
The
Statement of Final Account from Nicol Thomas for Coven Changing Rooms be
approved. Copy had been circulated.
·
Estimate
A from A. P. Fulford Home Improvements for £1250 for replacement windows at
Brewood Tennis Club be approved
·
The
cost of £13.55 for a cable for the new printer be approved
·
Confirmation
of the permanent appointment of a member of staff be approved
·
Subscription
fee of £13.50 for the Local Council Review be approved
·
Cost
of additional work to the inside of the kitchen window at the Council Offices
be approved. Clerk’s Report referred
·
Refreshments
up to a maximum of £200 for Opening Ceremony – Coven Changing Rooms be approved
·
Fees
for a referee for the football matches at the Opening Ceremony £20-£25 be
approved
·
£15
cost of plaque for the notice-board at the Jubilee Hall be approved
·
A one off additional payment for marking out
of the football pitches at Coven for the Caretaker be approved
80. PLANNING
REPORT:
The Council received the Planning Report
from the Head of Planning Dr R.C.H. Taylor and considered the planning
application received as set out in the attached schedule. Cllr
I. Clay left the meeting while planning matters were discussed. Dr R. C. H.
Taylor left the meeting while the planning application at
Notification of Public Enquiry in to the
appeal against enforcement notices issued at 4 Club Cottages,
Consultation on removal of trees at
81.
PLAYING FIELDS REPORT:
The Council received the reports of:
·
Bishop’s Wood playing field and skateboard park, no
report was received.
·
Brewood playing field and
·
Coven playing field and skateboard park, basketball
post to be moved, pitches need marking out and strimming is required prior to
the Opening Ceremony. Assault course in need of seeding, additional painting of
equipment required. Mrs Y. Millward would liaise with Acting Clerk regarding
maintenance.
82. ACTING
CLERK’S REPORT:
The Council
received the written report of the Acting Clerk and resolved the following:
Councillors
Training Course- joint sessions.
It was resolved
that the joint training course would be held at Brewood & Coven Parish
Council on Wednesday 29 July 2009. Time to be confirmed.
Bookings
for Coven Changing Rooms – Wolves Community Trust. The
Acting Clerk reported that more publicity was required as the number of those
enrolling for the
It
was resolved that Mr M. Webb would circulate more leaflets.
BKV
announcement of results. The
results would be announced on 3 August 2009 at 7.30.
It
was resolved that Dr R. C. H. Taylor would attend and The Chairman Mrs D. M.
Holmes would attend if possible.
Vacancies
on the Board of Governors. Mrs
L.E. Jones reported that she intended to stand again as a governor at
It
was resolved that the Acting Clerk would complete the appropriate nomination
forms.
Public
Conveniences in Sandy Lane Brewood. It was reported that there were some repairs
necessary to the pipe work on the outside of the building.
It
was resolved that the Acting Clerk ascertain if there was a guarantee on the
work.
ANY OTHER MATTERS OF REPORT:
83.
Tapes
for the registered blind.
M Alden-Court wished to speak on the matter and reported above.
56. Village
Halls – year-end accounts. Mrs L. E. Jones requested that the Acting Clerk
write to the Jubilee Hall, Brewood and Bishop’s Wood Village Hall requesting copies
of their year-end accounts.
28. Police Report. Mr G. Martin reported
that the previous Police Report was incorrect and there were only 2 incidents
of anti-social behaviour in Brewood, not 9 as reported.
There
being no other business the meeting closed at 9.25 p.m.
Acting
Clerk’s Report for the Meeting of the Council held 9 July 2009
Matters Arising:
Councillors
Training Course – Joint sessions. The Clerk of Lapley,
Stretton and Wheaton Aston Council has e-mailed to advise that it would be convenient
for her Councillors to have the joint training course arranged for Wednesday 29
July. She apologises for the delay in
responding but has been waiting for Councillors to return from holiday.
27. Grass Cutting. The Grounds Maintenance
Officer has acknowledged the Council’s complaint regarding the grass cutting in
27. Mobile Home The Enforcement Officer has
advised that a notice will be sent out within the next few days regarding the
occupancy of the mobile home at the rear of
29.
Fencing at
61.
Finance Report – Painting of the
Exterior of the Council Chambers. The
Council has approved the quotation for the exterior painting but I have noted
that the paint on the window in the kitchen is peeling. Can Council sanction this to be added to the
Contractor’s schedule?
72*151*
Parking Attendants. The Clerk to Kinver Parish has asked for any
information regarding this Council’s experience of the new parking attendants
and, in particular, whether this Council has asked for extended hours. I have e-mailed her accordingly.
377**
Affordable Housing. The Chairman is proposing to report briefly
on this but John Lancaster will be submitting a full report of his findings.
58*/412*.
Silver Birch at the Bront. A response has not yet been received from the
Arboricultural Officer.
71. Closure Times of the Playing fields. The Job Description states that the fields
are to be closed at dusk or to the Council’s instruction. This applies to all three playing fields.
74* Green Bus Service. A response has not yet been received from the
Green Bus Company. However the e-mail
sent to a complainant from Adrian Hunt, Staffordshire County Council, states
that, “ legislation covering the operation of public transport allows an
operator of a commercial service to run along any road where it is legal to do
so at whatever frequency and timetable the operator determines. As the service is operated commercially by
the Green Bus Service the company could introduce the route variation along
403. Allotments, Ball Lane. The Assistant Clerk (Mrs Turner) and I were to
visit the allotments last Monday but the weather was such that we were unable
to and the visit has been postponed to this week. The intention is that we identify which
allotments are not being cultivated and send out appropriate letters to the
tenants asking them to observe the conditions of their tenancy agreement or to
vacate their allotment. We should then
be in a position to re-allocate and reduce the waiting list. There are currently 16 people on the waiting
list for Coven Heath.
423* Methodist Hall, Coven. The Chief Executive has acknowledged receipt
of the letter, which will be dealt with in due course.
63.
Quality Status. I have asked Viv Evans of the Parish Council’s Association to
seek NALC’s definition of a “little time” for the re-accreditation to be
submitted.
SID Unit at
Matters of
General Report
Grass Cutting in
Notice boards for
Bishops Wood. These have now arrived and the Handyman will
fix them to the rear wall of the bus shelter.
However, because of the size and weight, he will need assistance and he
is to arrange with a neighbour to accompany him, subject to Council’s approval.
Opening of the
Changing Rooms. Arrangements are in place for a
match to be played between Brewood Old Boys and Coven FC immediately after the
opening ceremony. This is to take place
on the large pitch and arrangements are also being progressed for junior teams
to play on the small pitch. The grass cutting
and marking of the pitches are in hand but, as there are several other issues
that need to be finalised prior to the opening, I would like to suggest that a
meeting of the Committee be arranged for Monday morning. The Council needs to sanction the additional
expenditure for the marking out of the pitches.
Appointment of Caretaker. Two references have been received and the paperwork for the CRB
check is ready for submission, subject to the Council authorising payment of
the administration fee of £36. Can
Council please sanction this expenditure.
Bookings for the
Changing Rooms. A request has been received from Wolves
Community Trust to book the pitch and changing rooms for Thursday 29 and Friday
30 October for the
Best Kept Village
Competition. Notice and invitation to the
Announcement of Results has been received.
This is to take place at 7.30pm on Monday 3 August in the Council
Chamber,
Community
Development Scheme. Ann Farrin has e-mailed to advise
that she is leaving her post as Watchdog Advocate Support Worker. She thanks the Council for the support and
commitment it has given to the scheme and wishes it every success in the
future.
Society of Local
Council Clerks – CPD Course Notice has been received
of a full day course called “Fresh Air and Exercise” that is being held on
Monday 27 July at
Proposed 30 mph
Speed Limit,
Local Council
Review. NALC has advised that the Subscription
(£13.50) for the Local Council Review is overdue and should have been paid at
31 May 2009. Can Council please sanction
this expenditure.
Printer Cable.
When the Council approved the purchase of a new printer for the
Assistant Clerk’s computer it was not known that it would be necessary to
purchase a compatible parallel printer cable at the cost of £13.55 inclusive of
VAT. Can Council please sanction this expenditure.
South Staffordshire
Council. Minutes of the Council and reports to be
presented to the Special Meeting of the Council to be held 14 July have been
tabled.
Vacancy on the
Board of
Vacancy on the
Board of
Public Conveniences
in