Meeting Minutes - Feb 2008
PRESENT: Councillors Mrs. Brayford (Vice-Chairman in the Chair), Mrs. Bennett, Bevan, Brayford, Colclough, Mrs. Holmes, Mrs. Malvern, Mycock, Oxby, Taylor and Shaw (last part only). IN ATTENDANCE: County Councillor Parry, Borough Councillors Harp, Oldfield and Roycroft; M.J. Manley (Clerk) and 2 members of the public. APOLOGIES: Councillors Baggaley, Goodfellow, Lovatt, Shaw (early part) and Mrs Wheat. OTHER NON-ATTENDEES: Councillors Beasley and Mrs. Ralphs POLICE VISIT P.C. Paul Ryan and C.P.S.O. Mark Hallmark attended the meeting and verbally presented the crime statistics for the Parish for the period 1.11.2007 to 31.01.2008. The total number of incidents was 106 which included burglaries totalling 7, missing persons 7, thefts from vehicles 4, criminal damage 8 and anti-social behaviour 45. Members expressed their appreciation of the information and asked for regular such reports in writing if necessary. The policemen were asked to keep under examination the parking problems at Fulford School and were advised of the correspondence being considered later in the evening concerning parking problems outside Springcroft School, Blythe Bridge and speeding tractors on Balaams Lane, Moss Gate.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION The Council were advised that after some improvement in the position of anti-social behaviour on the Adamthwaite Drive Estate, the position had deteriorated with some damage to property. There were also still problems with access in Blythe Close and it was agreed to press Stafford Rural Homes to determine any scheme.
8/08 MINUTES RESOLVED - That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 10th January 2008, having been circulated, be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. 9/08 COUNTY AND BOROUGH COUNCILLORS' REPORTS County Councillor Parry welcomed the possible acquisition of the Creda Site by J.C.B. Engineering although it was stressed any negotiations had not been finalised. He was frustrated at the delay in carrying out the highway improvements in Stallington Village and there was not much hope of an early break through. The Stallington Speedwatch Scheme was now up and running. It was reported that the High Court judgement was to dismiss the appeal with regard to the gypsy site at Spot Acre and the appellant's had been given three months notice to leave the site. Members were acquainted with a planning application at Foxearths, Moddershall Lane (adjoining Parish) and the Clerk was asked to write to the Borough Council asking why the Council had not been consulted. ( copy application received 8th Feb2008). A report was given on the introduction of the revised and improved refuse collection system
10/08 FINANCE (a) Accounts for Payment RESOLVED - That authority be given for cheques to be issued in settlement of the invoices shown in the accounts for payment attached as an Appendix to the signed minutes. (b) Appeals for Donation Letters were submitted from Stafford Samaritans and the Donna Louise Trust seeking a financial donation to their funds for the current financial year. RESOLVED - That a donation of £70 be made to Stafford Samaritans and a donation of £250 be made to the Donna Louise Trust (the latter being agreed on the casting vote of the Chairman) (c) Appointment of External Auditor A letter was submitted from the Audit Commission advising that it was being proposed to appoint Jackie Bellard of the Commission's Limited Assurance Specialist Unit as the Parish Council's auditor for a five year period from 2007/8. The scale of fees covering this period was also disclosed. RESOLVED - That the position be noted.
11/08 PLANNING (a) Applications RESOLVED:- (1) That no objections be raised to the following applications:-
It was reported that the following application had been approved:-
It was reported that the following application had been refused:-
(c) Other Planning Issues A letter was submitted from Stafford Borough Council advising that with effect from 6th April 2008 the Government intended to introduce a mandatory standard national application form and associated information requirements for the validation of planning applications. A verbal report was given by Councillor Taylor on his attendance at the Borough Council seminar on the Borough's second initiative to produce a Local Development Framework.
12/08 CORRESPONDENCE AND OTHER MATTERS REQUIRING A DECISION BY THE COUNCIL (a) Item the notice of which was given at the last meeting As instructed at the last meeting, the Clerk included the following matter on the agenda for this meeting and the topic was then discussed by members:-
RESOLVED - That the individual case referred to at the last meeting having been amicably resolved, the Area Highways Surveyor be asked to install bins on the road to Fulford Church and at the junction of Long Lane and Fulford Road. (b) Replacement Clerk Further to Minute 5/08(b) of the last meeting, the Clerk reported that five applications had been received and interviews would be held on Thursday, 21st February 2008. Members would be asked to consider at the next meeting, measures to facilitate more regular use of the Parish Office and, in this connection, it would be necessary to have discussion with representatives of the Village Hall Management Committee. RESOLVED - That the Vice-Chairman and Councillor Oxby be authorised to meet representatives of the Village Hall Management Committee. (c) Provision of Bus Shelter at Stallington Further to Minute 87/07(b) of 13.12.07., the Clerk reported that the base for the bus shelter at Stallington had now been completed and Garrick Outdoor Shelters were in a position to erect the shelter in accordance with the order placed. However, whilst the base works were being undertaken, representations were made about the siting of the shelter and Councillor Beasley requested that the shelter not be erected until the matter had been further considered by the Council. The Area Surveyor had no objections to the agreed siting from a highway safety point of view and Members were reminded that the site had been negotiated with the Stallington Resident's Association. RESOLVED - That Garrick Outdoor Shelters be asked to erect the shelter on the agreed site. (d) Parish Maintenance - Work by Community Gangs Further to Minute 5/08(e) of the last meeting, Members gave details of schemes to be included in the list of works required under the new initiative and Members were asked to make any other suggestions to the Clerk within the next two weeks.. (e) Proposed Play Equipment at Grindley Park A letter was submitted from Awards for All, Big Lottery Fund advising that the application for funding for the play scheme at Grindley Park, Meir Heath had been rejected since the Council had requested money for a project that involves capital costs over £25,000. RESOLVED - That the decision be noted with regret and the matter considered by the Grindley Park Working Party in due course. (f) Stafford Borough Twinning Organisation A letter was submitted from the Stafford Borough Twinning Organisation thanking the Council for providing sponsorship for two young people from the Parish to join the International Camp being held at Shugborough from 19th to 26th July 2008. RESOLVED - That authority be given for the sponsorship of £300 to be made available. (g) Matrix Signs Further to Minute 87/07(d) of 13.12.07., the Clerk reported that the Council's request to the Staffordshire Casualty Reduction Partnership for the provision of matrix signs on Grindley Lane, Hilderstone Road and Windmill Hill had been referred back to the Area Surveyor since they were not in a position to make any positive contribution to the process. RESOLVED - That the position be noted. (h) Stafford Borough Council Community Awards There were no suggestions from Members for individuals or organisations who may be suitable for consideration under the Stafford Borough Council Community Award Scheme for 2008.
(i) Parking near Springcroft School, Blythe Bridge A letter was submitted from the occupier of 232 Grindley Lane, Blythe Bridge drawing attention to problems caused to householders in close proximity to Springcroft School from parents dropping and collecting school children. This matter was raised with the Police earlier in the meeting who were aware of the situation but under the revised statutory requirements could only take action where entrances to driveways were obstructed. The Borough Council had been approached to enforce the parking on double yellow lines. Proposals contained within the 'Safer for Schools' Initiative were outlined by Councillor Mrs. Malvern. RESOLVED - That a suitable response be made. (j) BALAAMS LANE, MOSS GATE A letter was submitted from the occupant of number 19 Balaams Lane complaining of the speed of tractors using the lane and drawing attention to the poor condition of the highway. The Police confirmed that they would investigate the complaint re tractors but pointed out that unless they exceeded the statutory speed limit there was very little which could be done unless they were driving dangerously or recklessly. RESOLVED - That the Area Surveyor be acquainted with the concerns regarding the state of Balaams Lane. 13/08 MATTERS OF REPORT AND ITEMS FOR INFORMATION Receipt of the following correspondence/reports was noted:-
14/08 ITEM(S) FOR THE NEXT MEETING The Clerk was asked to include on the agenda for the next meeting:- -
DATE OF NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the Council is to be convened at Meir Heath and Rough Close Village Hall on Thursday, 13th March 2008 at 7.15 p.m. CHAIRMAN
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