BREWOOD
AND COVEN PARISH COUNCIL
WITH
BISHOP’S WOOD AND COVEN HEATH
MINUTES
FOR THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL
HELD
IN THE COUNCIL OFFICES,
ON
THURSDAY, 25 JUNE, 2009 AT 7.30PM
PRESENT:
Mr F Barrett, Mrs J. Carr, Mrs D. M. Holmes,
Mrs J. Jeffries, Mrs L. E. Jones, Mr G. Martin, Dr R. C. H. Taylor, Mr M. Webb.
M.
Alden-Court (sickness), Cllr A. Ball (family commitments), Cllr I. Clay
(meeting), Mr D. Evans (holiday), Mrs A. Y. Millward (family commitments), Mr
I. Westwood (meeting). Mrs J. Wright (sickness), Cllr M. Hampson (meeting).
IN ATTENDANCE:
Cllr R. Roberts O.B.E.
The
Chairman moved the suspension of Standing Order 1(c) to allow gentlemen to
remove their jackets.
MINUTES:
The
minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 11 June 2009 were approved as
being accurate records and were duly signed, subject to the following
amendments: ‘Mr M Webb had sent his apologies for the last meeting’ to ‘Mr M
Webb had sent his apologies from the last meeting.’ Item 28 on page 23 should
read
DECLARATION
OF INTEREST:
Mrs L.
E. Jones declared an interest in the item on the Finance Report regarding the
repainting of the outside of the Council Offices.
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.
27. 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.
A
member of the public raised concerns about noise nuisance from The Three
Stirrups Public House. Mr M Webb reported that the landlord’s tenancy would be
terminated on week commencing 29 June 2009.
Mr
Dakin of Deansfield Close raised his concerns about grass cuttings blocking
drains in the vicinity of
It
was resolved that Cllr R. Roberts would advise the County Council of the effect
on the drainage system and potential flooding in the area, and that the Acting
Clerk write to South Staffordshire Council and express concerns regarding the
disposal of grass cuttings.
A
member of the pubic raised concerns about a resident occupying a caravan at the
rear of a property in
It
was resolved that the Acting Clerk notify the Enforcement Officer at South
Staffordshire Council.
28. POLICE REPORT
The Council received the written report of PCSO Mr A. Price and expressed concerns about the number of anti-social incidents that had taken place in Brewood. Councillors were unable to comment due to the lack of information provided.
MATTERS ARISING:
288*** Coven changing rooms. It was agreed the opening ceremony
would take place on 17 July 2009 at 6.30 p.m. The Acting Clerk’s report
referred.
Mr C. Smith had been interviewed for the
post of Caretaker and would be appointed on a 3 months trial basis, subject to CRB
clearance and receipt of 2 satisfactory references.
Matter of report.
347*** Buildings
– scout hut and youth club provision. Mr G. Martin reported that a brief
meeting had taken place and there was nothing further to report.
Matter
of report.
72* / 151* Traffic
management.
Parking in
It was resolved that the Acting
Clerk write to Mr Poyser and ask for parking attendants to make out of hours
visits and issue parking tickets as appropriate.
205**/250** Coneybere
Gardens – Acting Clerk to write to South Staffordshire Housing Association and obtain details of their
Complaints Procedure and pursue an official complaint.
Matter of report.
217** Proposals for a
It was resolved that the matter be left in abeyance.
377** Affordable housing. Meeting of the
Building Committee was held on Monday 15 June 2009. Copy of minutes were
enclosed.
It was resolved that site visits be
arranged for 2 July 2009. Interested Members to meet at the Council Offices at
2.30 p.m.
408** Croft House, Coven. The Acting Clerk had written to the Chief Executive regarding concerns at the lack of action
by South Staffordshire Council. Awaiting reply.
Matter of report.
58*/412** The Bront. Acting Clerk’s
report referred.
It was resolved that the Acting Clerk write
to Mr S. Dores as a matter of urgency to ascertain if it was possible to retain
the silverbirch tree but keep it under control.
61*. BT review of red
phone boxes. Still awaiting reply from BT following their Red Phone Box consultation.
Matter of report.
63*. Bench, Deansfield
Close. Awaiting litterbin, which were still out of stock.
Matter of report.
74*. The Green Bus Service. Copy email received from Adrian Hunt, Staffordshire County
Council regarding the legislation covering the operation of public transport
and stating that there were no restrictions regarding bus routes. Dr R. C. H. Taylor reported that the green
bus was travelling through a residential area, which was dangerous for children
playing.
It was resolved that the Acting Clerk write
to the bus company and request that they restore the original route.
279* Notice-board, Jubilee Hall. Mrs D. M.
Holmes pursuing the purchase of the plaque.
Matter of report.
281*. Sandstone bollard,
Matter of report.
306*. Lion Public House, Brewood. The Acting Clerk reported that
she had written to the Chief Executive of Punch Taverns enclosing the previous
letter and requesting a response as a matter of urgency. A copy had been sent to Mr D. Burton-Pye.
Matter of report.
319*.
Road surface, Ball Lane, Coven
Heath. Mr F. Barrett reported that
he had received a reply from Patrick Cormack M.P. who would pursue the matter.
In the meantime Mr P. Clare had written to the Land Registry and when a
response had been received the matter of ownership would be resolved. Cllr R.
Roberts reported that he would report back to the Parish Council once he had
attended a meeting with County Highways.
356*.
Matter of report.
403*. Allotments,
It was resolved that a site visit take place on Wednesday 1 July 2009 at 5.00 p.m. Acting Clerk to advise absent Members wishing to attend.
405*. Youth Forum, Brewood. A meeting had been arranged for 8 July 2009 at 7.00 pm. Acting Clerk’s
report referred.
Matter of report.
423*. Methodist Hall,
It
was resolved that the Acting Clerk write to South Staffordshire Council and
South Staffordshire Housing Association and ask them if either would consider
purchasing the car park from the Methodist church and also write to the
Methodist central church in Manchester and ask them to reconsider their
decision.
436*. Neglected hedge A449 at Coven
Heath. Mr S. Dores of South
Staffordshire Council had agreed to inspect the hedge and trees and to meet on
site with the local Member. Awaiting his views. Acting Clerk’s report referred.
Matter of report.
439. New play equipment at the playing field
in Bishops Wood. Still to be
pursued. Mrs J. Jeffries reported that there were overgrown nettles on the path
in the playing field.
It was resolved that the Acting Clerk speak
to the handyman regarding cutting back the nettles if not already done.
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 it would take time to consider its
implications.
Matter of report.
Matter of report.
32. Playranger
Service. Rachel Taylor, Community
Development Officer, South Staffordshire Council had advised that the rangers
had visited the Council’s playing fields over the last month.
Matter of report.
34. Patients’
Choice – The Quality & Excellence Awards’. Mr S. Poyner, Chief
Executive, South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust regarding Patients’ Choice –
The Quality & Excellence Awards’. Acting Clerk to nominate the First
Responders. The Acting Clerk reported that this had been done.
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.
38. Public
Policy Exchange regarding the forthcoming Public Policy Exchange symposium
on Wednesday 1 July 2009. Details circulated. No one had come forward.
Matter of report.
41. Playbuilder
applicants’ workshop. Assistant
Clerk’s report was enclosed.
It was resolved that a visit be made to the
site at Cheslyn Hay. Mr M. Webb to pursue the application for funding.
42. Footpath at Cross Green and
Matter
of report.
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED:
Letters, reports, and e-mails had been
received from:
57. Letter
received from Mr M. Jones of Staffordshire Police acknowledging the Council’s
letter regarding the good work of PCSO Mr A. Price. Copy was enclosed.
58. Letter
received from Cllr R. Marshall regarding the forthcoming Children & Young
People’s conference to be held on Wednesday 24 June 2009 at Wombourne Civic
Centre. Mr D. Evans had expressed a willingness to attend but was unable to.
Matter of report.
CORRESPONDENCE CIRCULATED:
Minutes
of South Staffordshire Council and reports presented to the Council meeting
held on 16 June 2009.
Email
regarding
SPCA
newsletter June 2009. Copy enclosed.
Minutes
of Brewood Parish Sports Association. 19 May 2009.
South Staffordshire Council list of planning
applications registered during the weeks up to 22 and 29 May 2009.
Regulatory Committee details as of 2 June
2009.
59. COUNTY
COUNCIL’S REPORT
The Council received the report of the
County Councillor, Cllr R. Roberts and noted that the main items of the
manifesto are: Council Tax to be kept below 2%; major new investment to repair
the county’s roads and footpaths; 20 mph safety zones around vulnerable
communities; effective community policing; zero tolerance of all anti-social
behaviour; youth services that offer a new menu of choice for all young people
and a new young persons’ travel card. Mr M. Webb asked if there had been a
change in policy regarding the scout hut and youth club provision. Cllr R.
Roberts reported that the September deadline had been extended because of the
business plan and that the main objective was to postpone the sale of the site
until an alternative site had been found.
Mrs J. Jeffries reported that the extensions to the Library was in
conflict with the facilities already available at Brewood Middle School which
were perfectly adequate and asked Cllr Roberts how much the development of the
library would cost. Cllr Roberts advised that he would investigate the matter
and report back to the Council.
60. CHAIRMAN’S
REPORT:
The Council received the report of Mrs D. M. Holmes
and noted that she had attended a ‘Flying the Flag’ ceremony at South
Staffordshire Council Offices. A flag
was raised in recognition of the work of the armed forces. She had also attended the instruction and
induction of the new vicar of St Mary & St
It was resolved that the Acting Clerk write
to the vicar on behalf of the Parish Council welcoming her to the village.
61. FINANCE REPORT:
The
Council received the Finance Report from the Head of Finance, Mrs L.E. Jones,
and resolved the following matters:
·
The financial summary for the month of June 2009 be
approved.
·
Additional tree works at The Bront at a cost of £150
to also include the cutting back of the cherry tree in the council grounds be
approved. Acting Clerk’s report referred.
·
The quotation ‘A’ for £685 for the exterior painting
of the Council Offices be approved. *
*Mrs L. E. Jones
had declared an interest in this matter and duly left the meeting while the
matter was discussed.
The Council
discussed the possibility of repairing or replacing the front door at the
Council Offices, which would incur additional cost. The Council also considered commissioning a
new sign for the Council Offices. Dr R. C. H. Taylor suggested that Members
have a look at the new sign at the G.P. surgery to see if a similar sign would
be appropriate.
Mrs L. E. Jones rejoined the meeting.
·
The financial report for the annual accounts
for Brewood Voluntary Car Scheme be approved.
·
The fee of £235 for Quality Status be
approved. Acting Clerk’s report referred.
Mrs L. E. Jones requested that the matter of
fencing for Brewood and Coven be put on the agenda to be discussed at the next
Council meeting.
62. 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. Dr R.
C. H. Taylor reported that the ash tree in
63.
ACTING CLERK’S REPORT:
The Council
received the written report of the Acting Clerk and resolved that:
Quality Status. The Chairman thanked the Acting Clerk for her
commitment to Quality Status and her willingness to undertake an additional
module (Wellbeing) to enable the Council to gain re-accreditation.
It was resolved that the Council attempt to
gain re-accreditation and the Acting Clerk would begin to gather evidence in
order to support the application for re-accreditation, week commencing Monday
29 June 2009.
Contract of Employment for Acting Clerk.
It was resolved that the contract of
employment be agreed and was duly signed.
Leaflets on local walks. It was reported that Glen
Sibley would visit the Council Offices on 26 June 2009 with the new leaflets
for distribution.
Playing Fields closing times. Mrs L. E. Jones raised the
matter of closing times for the playing fields, as the new caretaker would need
to be advised of the protocol.
It was resolved that the Acting Clerk find
out what the closing times were and report back.
64. DISTRICT COUNCIL REPORT
No report given.
ANY OTHER MATTERS OF
REPORT:
65. Dr
R. C. H. Taylor reported that the Open Garden Weekend was scheduled for the
forthcoming weekend.
66. Grass cutting A449 at Coven Heath. Mr
F. Barrett reported that the standard of the grass cutting on the A449 at Coven
Heath was of superb quality. He had commended Andrew Breet of Amey Michel on
the high standard of the work.
It was resolved that the Acting Clerk write to
Andrew Breet’s supervisor and pass on Mr Barrett’s comments.
67. Replacement windows at Brewood Tennis
Club. It was reported that the work
had not yet been carried out on the Tennis Club windows.
It was resolved that Mr M. Webb pursue the
matter.
There
being no other business the meeting closed at 9.15 p.m.
ACTING CLERK’S
REPORT FOR THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL HELD 25 JUNE 2009
32. Playranger Service. I have contacted Rachel Taylor, Community
Development and she has confirmed that the Rangers have been visiting our
playing fields over the last month or so.
54. Quality Council. An e-mail has been received from the
Parish Councils Association confirming that NALC will allow a, “little time” for
the application to be made. There will
be a fee of £235, which is inclusive of VAT.
It has also been confirmed that the application can be made using by AQA
qualification but I will have to submit a further module - “Power of
Well-being”. I am advised that this is
not onerous. The submission would be a
team effort and all members of the staff have indicated that they are willing
to be involved. Caroline has already
downloaded forms and read through the Guide.
Given that Council approves the expenditure I am proposing to set Monday
aside to make a concerted effort for us all to work on the submission.
30 & 42. Community
Gang and Highways Matters. The Area
Inspector has confirmed that the maintenance work on the Council’s list will be
undertaken by the Community Gang and that any work remaining will be placed on
the normal maintenance schedule. This
also includes the work raised by the resident of
217*
Proposals for a
288**
Changing Rooms.
Vacancy for a Caretaker
A Mr Charles Smith has expressed an interest in the vacancy for
Caretaker and he has visited the office this morning accompanied by Lorna
Jones. He is an ex-authority worker
employed in grounds maintenance. He was
CRB checked but is now retired and would be happy to be checked again and to
also supply references. He lives locally. CRB checked.
Opening Ceremony The Secretary at the Wolves is still trying
to arrange for a celebrity to perform the Opening Ceremony. I have sent her some details regarding
sources of funding soccer school, etc.
A guest list has been drawn up on the computer ready for printing.
Youths
have been kicking the ball against the wall and as a result have broken the
ventilator grid. David is to repair
it. The changing rooms have been
subjected to vandalism.
403. Coven Heath Allotments. The tenant visited the office today
unannounced accompanied by her agent.
She is objecting strongly to the Council’s letter asking for an
alternative access to be formed and is claiming, amongst other issues, that she
has an established right of way. The
Chair was present at the meeting when they were advised that they should make
their complaints in writing.
405.
Youth Forum, Brewood. Julie Jones, Youth Worker, has advised
that 7.00pm would be the best time
to visit the Youth Club.
58/412*
The Bront. The laurels have now been cut back but I
received a call from the Contractor yesterday afternoon to say that the cutting
back had revealed several overhanging branches and that he had been approached
by several of the residents to cut these back.
Steve Dores, SSC’s Arboricultural Officer had been on site and inspected
these, together with the silver birch tree that a resident had requested be
felled. Steve has sanctioned the cutting back of the overhanging branches but
recommends that the silver birch be crown lifted. He is concerned that once a precedent is set
for the removal of trees other requests will follow. As the contractor wished to carry out all
additional works whilst on site I gave the go ahead at a cost of £150 to also
include the cutting back of the cherry tree in the Council grounds.
Today I have received a phone call from the
resident regarding the silver birch (the crown lifting has been carried
out). He is insistent that it should be removed
on the grounds that the roots are running across his garden and it is taking
all the moisture and the nourishment from out of the ground. He is concerned that the tree will eventually
grow another 20’ or more taking it to 60’ and that this situation can only
worsen. As he had been advised that the
tree was to be felled he asked that the Council stick to its decision and that
the tree be taken down.
436.
Hedge and tress at Coven
Heath. Steve Dores has confirmed his
willingness to visit the site but has asked that he be accompanied by the local
member. The matter has, therefore, been
delayed pending Mr Barrett’s return from holiday.
Police Public
Meeting. Notice has been received of a public meeting
to be held on Wednesday 22 July
Youths accessing
the Coven Playing Field after Closure. It was reported that youths were accessing the
playing field via the gate from Lilliput Nursery and the Acting Clerk was asked
to write. A response has been received
which has been tabled. (arising from the
meeting of the Changing Rooms Committee)