ALBRIGHTON PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING
Thursday 17th February 2011 at 7.15 pm in the Red House
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 17th February 2011 at 7.15 pm in the Red House.
PRESENT: Cllrs. D Beechey (Chairman), M Pate (Vice Chair), G Beechey, R Blincoe, S Brown, N Hester, P Illes, P Lusk, D Murray, J Nelson, S Pledger.
Mr M Ward (Clerk).
PUBLIC SESSION: No members of the public were in attendance.
1. APOLOGIES:
Cllrs. M Holden, D Johnson, J MacLachlan, S Pate.
Each apology was accepted by the Council.
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:
Personal:
None.
Prejudicial:
None.
3. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting 20th January 2011:
Cllr. Blincoe proposed that the minutes were a true and accurate record which was seconded by Cllr. Lusk and unanimously agreed.
Minutes of the Parish Council planning meeting 3rd February 2011:
Cllr. M Pate proposed that the minutes were a true and accurate record which was seconded by Cllr. Murray and unanimously agreed.
4. MATTERS ARISING:
Cllr. Nelson to investigate the possibility of recruiting a suitable consultant to advise the Council on long term planning and report back to the Council.
Cllr. Nelson reported that he had received two suggestions regarding suitable consultants and he would be contacting both of them to establish their interest in the project and confirm the scale of any associated fees.
Cllr. D Beechey to initiate further discussions with Mr John Foster to enact the agreements in the working party report over the creation of extra allotments.
Cllr. D Beechey confirmed that he had spoken with Mr John Foster and agreed that there was no need for any further formal meetings. Mr Foster claimed that the allotments secretary had evidence of rent being paid for the land adjacent to 60 Loak Road and the land was registered to Albrighton Parish Council by Land Registry. Severn Trent Water had agreed to remove the earth bund when work resumed at the sewerage plant but they would not put in any gates or fencing.
Cllr. D Beechey asked for this matter together with the land behind Grange Park to be placed on the planning agenda of 3rd March.
Action: the Clerk to place this item on the agenda of the next planning meeting, 3rd March 2011.
The Clerk to contact DCAE Cosford to initiate discussion on the approbation parade to take place in September 2011.
The Clerk confirmed that he had written to Air Commodore Green and was awaiting a reply.
The Clerk to send the village green application for Patshull Green to Shropshire Council.
The Clerk confirmed that the completed application had been sent to Shropshire Council.
The Clerk to contact Santander and complete the application for a deposit of £50,000 into a new Fixed Rate Business Bond.
The Clerk confirmed that the paperwork for the transfer of funds into the account had been completed and was ready for posting. Cllr. M Pate proposed that the £50,000 should be transferred into the Santander Fixed Rate Business Bond as had been agreed and Cllr. Illes seconded the motion which was agreed by Council.
Cllr. D Beechey to contact Mr Glen McGrandle to investigate the possibility of employing a local toilet attendant in order to reduce costs once the contract with Healthmatic finished in 2013.
Cllr. D Beechey reported that he had contacted Mr McGrandle as agreed who had sent him the maintenance handbook for the toilet. It was clear that a local attendant would not be able to complete the full maintenance procedures as detailed in the report. Cllr. Pledger reiterated her desire to see the toilets retained, particularly in light of the moves that were being made by the Council to increase tourism in the area. She was of the opinion that better signage would increase the use of this facility and Cllr. M Pate agreed and moved that signs should be purchased and displayed at appropriate points. Cllr. Illes seconded the proposal which was agreed by Council.
Action: the Clerk to investigate the cost of purchasing and erecting signs and report back to the Council at the earliest opportunity.
Councillors were asked to complete Cllr. Murray’s form asking for the names of possible members of the new steering group and return it to the Clerk before the meeting on 17th February.
The Clerk reported that he had received three forms from Councillors. Cllr Murray and Cllr. D Beechey urged members to fill in the form and return it to the Clerk as soon as possible.
Action: members to complete the steering group form and return it to the Clerk.
Cllr. Murray to complete the Community Infrastructure Draft Charging Schedule in draft and make it available at the meeting on 17th February 2011.
Cllr. Murray reported that he believed the main concern was the size of the differential between the levy made on rural and urban dwellings and he suggested that the new rate should be £50/m2 for more urban areas and £100/m2 for rural areas. He proposed that his paper circulated to members embodying this change should be sent as the official council response to the consultation which was seconded by Cllr. G Beechey and agreed by members.
Action: the Clerk to send off the response produced by Cllr. Murray to Shropshire Council.
5. PLANNING:
Planning applications:
11/00063/FUL Formation of a rainwater sump; formation of extension to existing reservoir David Austin Roses, Bowling Green Lane, Albrighton.
No objections were made to the application.
11/00201/COU Change of use from A1 (retail) to D1 (Acupuncture Clinic) 87A High Street, Albrighton.
No objections were made to the application.
11/00318/FUL Erection of a single storey extension Cosford Grange, Albrighton.
No objections were made to the application.
11/00412/TPO Works to one mature Wellingtonia tree protected by Shropshire Council (land at and to the west of Church Lane, Albrighton) TPO 2010 36 Grange Park, Albrighton.
No objections were made to the application subject to the approval of Mr J Bulmer, the Tree Warden.
11/00448/LBC Internal and external alterations in connection with erection of a single storey rear extension affecting a Grade II listed building Cosford Grange, Albrighton.
No objections were made to the application.
Action: the Clerk to inform Shropshire Council planning department of the recommendations of the Council.
6. POLICE REPORT:
PC’s J Hindley and M Morris were present to give the report. The Council was thanked for inviting them to the meeting and they were pleased to be present to give a report. The officers had a number of priorities that they were working to achieve as follows:
· To gradually withdraw CSO J Fletcher from the drop in centre and have it manned by volunteers;
· To recruit volunteers to man the police station to be open at least one day a week;
· To change the venue for the PACT meetings so that a full range of people could attend the meetings;
· To visit the victims of crime and anti-social behaviour within 7-14 days of the offence;
· To take a page in the Parish Magazine to inform residents of current issues;
· To attend meetings of the Albrighton Traders and getting more radios in operation;
· To visit licensees and train all members of the Crime Prevention Panel to use the CCTV system.
Both officers reported that they had met with a good response from the public. The level of crime was low although there had been two vehicle break-ins recently. CCTV signs needed erecting and Cllr. Blincoe promised to take on this responsibility, Cllr. Murray was also concerned about the number of cyclists who were riding in the dark without lights.
PC Hindley and PC Morris were thanked for all of their efforts and the Chairman stated that any request for support to the Parish Council would be given a high priority.
Action: Cllr. Blincoe to oversee the erection of new CCTV signs in the village at suitable points.
7. DCAE COSFORD REPORT:
The Chairman informed members that the new Community Development Officer, Ms Jane Evans would attend the next meeting of the full Council.
8. UNITARY AUTHORITY REPORT:
Cllr. M Pate reported that Shropshire Council budget would not have a significant effect on Albrighton although more cuts will follow and there would be a fundamental change in the way the Council operated in the future with more voluntary efforts from residents. Many staff were in the process of leaving the Council.
Cllr. Pate was pleased to report that at present there was no threat to the future of Albrighton Library.
9. FINANCE:
Parish Flyer Income and Expenditure:
The report on the income and expenditure of the Parish Flyer for the month of January 2011 was received and noted.
Establishment of Internet Banking:
The Clerk reported that any facility for Internet banking with Lloyds/TSB would require that he be a signatory on the accounts. Cllr. Lusk felt that an Internet facility would be helpful with regard to the management of the Council’s finances and proposed that the Clerk be made a signatory and Internet banking be made operational. Cllr. D Beechey agreed and seconded the proposal which was approved by the Council.
Action: the Clerk to send off the necessary paperwork to Lloyds/TSB which would make him a signatory on the accounts and establish an Internet banking facility.
Cheques for February 2011 for approval:
A list of 16 cheques for payment was presented for approval. Cllr. M Pate proposed that the cheques should be approved which was seconded by Cllr. Lusk and agreed by Council.
|
Date |
Cheque No. |
Payee |
Amount |
|
07.02.11 |
2880 |
Flier contractor, bus pass refund |
424.00 |
|
03.02.11 |
2881 |
RBS Software, payroll January 2011 |
5.40 |
|
03.02.11 |
2882 |
Npower, street lighting charge Ashgrove |
479.58 |
|
14.02.11 |
2883 |
Flyer contractor, bus pass refund |
428.00 |
|
21.02.11 |
2884 |
Flyer contractor, bus pass refund |
220.00 |
|
03.02.11 |
2885 |
E.ON, 6 month maintenance charge |
457.97 |
|
03.02.11 |
2886 |
Keith Gibson Cars, Flyer service, repairs, fuel |
479.48 |
|
17.02.11 |
2887 |
Viking Direct, file paper, laminating supplies |
95.29 |
|
09.02.11 |
2888 |
Veolia, waste sacks and collection charge |
106.80 |
|
09.02.11 |
2889 |
E.ON, street light repairs, Beamish Lane, Bush pub. |
132.22 |
|
17.02.11 |
2890 |
Clerk, February salary |
1036.79 |
|
17.02.11 |
2891 |
Village Warden, February salary |
104.36 |
|
17.02.11 |
2892 |
Litter Warden, February salary |
78.80 |
|
28.02.11 |
2893 |
Flyer contractor, bus pass refund |
|
|
28.02.11 |
2894 |
Cleaner, office cleaning |
40.00 |
|
17.02.11 |
2895 |
Alb. Footpaths Group, Shropshire grant |
200.00 |
10. REPORT BY CLLR. MURRAY ON THE DRAFT SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING DOCUMENT PRIOR TO THE COUNCIL RESPONSE IN FEBRUARY 2011:
A report by Cllr. Murray produced for a different council had been previously circulated. It was suggested that the final paragraph of the report relating to travellers’ sites should be deleted as it was not relevant to Albrighton. With this one alteration Cllr. Hester proposed that the report be accepted and sent to Shropshire Council as the Albrighton response. The proposal was seconded by Cllr. M Pate and agreed by Council.
Action: the Clerk to send the report to Shropshire Council as the Albrighton Parish Council response to the consultation.
11. CONSULTATION ON THE COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE DRAFT CHARGING SCHEDULE:
This item had been dealt with under agenda item 4 - matters arising.
12. DISCUSSION ON THE COMPACTION SKIP PROVISION FOR 2011/12:
A copy of the estimate of costs for providing a compaction skip for the 2011/12 financial year had been provided. Cllr. Illes noted that the costs were likely to rise but Councillors had misgivings about substituting the compaction skip with an open skip that was left overnight. Cllr. Illes agreed to convene a meeting of the Compaction Vehicle Working Party (Cllrs. D Beechey, G Beechey, P Illes and M Pate) and report to the next meeting of the Council.
Action: the Clerk to place this item on the agenda of the next meeting of the Council.
13. PARKING PROBLEMS IN ALBRIGHTON HIGH STREET AND THE USE OF TRAFFIC WARDENS:
A letter from Mr and Mrs Richards had been circulated to all members regarding the issuing of a parking ticket to a motorist in the High Street. Cllr. M Pate pointed out that the traffic wardens had very little discretion with regard to parking fines although it was obviously desirable that wardens visited the village on different days and they should visit other areas of the village and not always concentrate on the High Street. A visit to Newhouse Lane at the end of the school day was an area with parking restrictions which might benefit from occasional warden visits. Councillors agreed with these observations and asked that a letter be sent to the parking enforcement authority to be copied to Mr and Mrs Richards.
Action: the Clerk to write to the parking enforcement authority requesting visits on days throughout the week and covering additional areas away from the High Street. The letter to be copied to Mr and Mrs Richards.
14. DISCUSSION ON THE SEVERN TRENT WATER CLOCKMILLS LEASE AND ITS POSSIBLE CONTINUATION FOR 2011/12:
The Chairman spoke against the renewal of the lease on the Clockmills football pitch for 2011/12 as there was no evidence that any organisation wished to use the land. The council was paying rent and maintaining the pitch and receiving no benefit for its money. Cllr. Hester asked whether the Albrighton Fayre Committee had considered using the land for the annual Fayre and it was agreed that a letter should be sent to the committee making this suggestion. Cllr. Nelson said that there was no requirement on the Council to pay the extra charges, including legal fees, for the coming year and proposed that Severn Trent Water should be challenged on these issues and reminded again that the frequent break clauses in the contract meant that investment in the facility was almost impossible. Cllr. Illes seconded the proposal but Cllr. D Beechey suggested an amendment that the Council should do nothing and defer the matter indefinitely. The amendment was seconded by Cllr. Blincoe and agreed by the Council.
Action: the Clerk to write to the Albrighton Fayre committee suggesting the possible use of the Clockmills site for the annual Fayre.
15. FUTURE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ALBRIGHTON PARISH COUNCIL TRANSPORT GROUP:
A paper prepared by Cllr. Lusk had been prepared and circulated to members. Cllr. Lusk went through the report after which Cllr. M Pate proposed the removal of item 6 and a transport committee of at least three members. Cllr. Murray seconded the proposal which was agreed by the Council.
Cllr. Illes informed members of a visit by a vehicle provider on 18th February at 2.00 pm in the Crown car park. Any Councillor who was available was welcome to attend.
Cllrs. Illes, Lusk, Murray and M Pate volunteered to sit on the new Albrighton Transport Committee and Cllr. Pledger proposed that they should be accepted as members of the new group. Cllr. G Beechey seconded the proposal which was agreed by Council.
Cllr. M Pate agreed to approach Shropshire Council to enquire if a used vehicle was available for purchase.
Action: Cllr. M Pate to ask Shropshire Council about the possibility of a purchase of a used vehicle from them.
16. TO AGREE ON A SMALL NUMBER OF POSTERS ON DOG FOULING FROM A SELECTION PRODUCED BY PUPILS AT HIGHFIELDS SCHOOL, WOLVERHAMPTON FOR DISPLAY IN THE VILLAGE:
It was agreed that the Clerk would display posters produced by pupils at Highfields School, Wolverhampton and write and thank them for their efforts. Cllr. Lusk suggested a small donation of £25.00 be made payable to the school in appreciation of their efforts which was seconded by Cllr. Hester and agreed by Council. The Clerk was also asked to write to local schools asking them to enter a poster competition on the subject of dog fouling.
Action: the Clerk to display posters as appropriate and write to Highfields School thanking them for their efforts in support of the Council campaign. The Clerk to write to local schools asking them to enter a poster competition on the subject of dog fouling.
17. PURCHASE OF A PICNIC TABLE AND CHAIRS FOR PATSHULL GREEN:
The purchase of a circular picnic table and chairs to be located at the new Patshull Green was agreed by members subject to it being suitable for wheelchair users.
Action: the Clerk to purchase the table and chairs once its suitability for wheelchair users had been established.
18. CORRESPONDENCE:
For information only:
Securasound Ltd – options for security for public toilets.
Received and noted.
ALC Courses for February to June 2011.
The Chairman read out the list of courses available. Cllr. Brown asked to be enrolled on the course Fundamentals for Councillors on 28th March.
Albrighton Traders – Newsletter January 2011.
Received and noted.
Shropshire Council – proposed changes to car park charges in Albrighton.
Received and noted.
HM Prison Service – letter to Cllr. Pledger regarding park benches.
Received and noted.
Ministry of Justice – letter to Cllr. Pledger regarding park benches.
Received and noted.
ALC – whole council training events.
Members agreed that it would be useful for the Council to have training on the new powers of competence.
Action: the Clerk to contact ALC and enquire whether such a course could be made available.
ALC – Area Committee meeting agenda Tuesday 1st March plus minutes.
Received and noted.
Nicenstripy – letter offering grounds maintenance work.
Received and noted.
For action:
Idsall School – letter from Idsall School Governors requesting support, copy enclosed.
This matter had already been taken up and acted upon by Cllr. M Pate.
Shropshire Council – ICT support for Parish and Town Councils.
This matter to be deferred to the next meeting.
Action: the Clerk to study the document and report to Council on the preferred option.
19. DATES AND TIMES OF FUTURE MEETINGS:
· Parish Council planning meeting Thursday 3rd March 2011 at 7.15 pm in the Red House.
· Parish Council meeting Thursday 17th March 2011 at 7.15 pm in the Red House.
Cllr. Hester asked that the use of the vacant land in Beamish Lane be placed on the next agenda.
An item on a Youth Shelter should be placed on the agenda of the meeting on 17th March.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.40 pm.
Signed........................................................................Date.....................................................
Chairman