ALBRIGHTON PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING
Thursday 24th November 2011 at 7.15 pm in the Red House
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 24th November 2011 at 7.15 pm in the Red House.
PRESENT: Cllrs. D Beechey (Chairman), M Pate (Vice Chair), G Beechey, R Blincoe, N Hester,
M Holden, P Illes, D Johnson, P Lusk, J MacLachlan, D Murray, S Pate (for the second half of the meeting), S Pledger.
In attendance: M Ward, Clerk to the Council.
PUBLIC SESSION:
One member of the public was in attendance who referred to an email relating to the possible relocation of the parish office at the Red House. He wished to make it clear that while the kitchen area on the ground floor was not be converted to another use under the phase 3 refurbishment, downstairs space would be available for a possible parish office.
The Chairman informed members that the Clerk had been successful in gaining the CiLCA qualification and he offered his congratulations and those of the Council on this achievement. It opened up the possibility of an application for the Council to be awarded Quality Status and obtaining the power of wellbeing.
He also regretted the relatively poor attendance by parish councillors at the recent Remembrance Sunday parade.
1. APOLOGIES:
Cllrs. S Brown (work commitments), J Nelson (family commitments).
All of the apologies were accepted by the Council.
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:
Personal:
Cllr. Holden declared a personal interest in agenda item 11.
Cllr. Lusk declared a personal interest in agenda item 18.
Cllr. Pledger declared a personal interest in agenda item 11.
Prejudicial:
Cllr. Hester declared a prejudicial interest in agenda item 11.
Cllr. M Pate declared a prejudicial interest in agenda items 11 and 12.
3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
Minutes of Parish Council meeting 20th October 2011:
Cllr. Lusk commented on the recording of comments regarding the Red House and the Parish Council. After discussion it was agreed that the minutes should not be changed. Cllr. M Pate proposed that the minutes were a true and accurate record which was seconded by Cllr. Blincoe and agreed by Council.
Minutes of Parish Council planning meeting 3rd November 2011:
Cllr. Illes proposed that the minute of agenda item 8 which read:
“Cllr. Illes said that the Council would need to accept that there would be no more funding available for this work although he would try to arrange another meeting with Network Rail”
should be changed to:
“Cllr. Illes said that the Council would need to accept that there was unlikely to be any more funding available for this work although he would try to arrange another meeting with Network Rail”.
His proposal was seconded and accepted by the Council.
Subject to this alteration Cllr. M Pate proposed that the minutes were a true and accurate record which was seconded by Cllr. Johnson.
Minutes of Parish Council finance meeting 10th November 2011:
Cllr. Blincoe proposed that the minutes were a true and accurate record which seconded by Cllr. MacLachlan and accepted by Council.
4. MATTERS ARISING:
Cllr. Murray regretted that his apologies for absence due to a prior meeting for 20th October 2011 and 3rd November 2011 had not been accepted by the Council. Cllr. Lusk agreed and Cllr. Hester reminded members that the vote had not been unanimous.
Cllr. Hester was disappointed that the Council had still not heard from the owner of The Old Smithy about development plans for the site and asked that there should an item on all forthcoming agendas until a report had been received. Council agreed to this suggestion.
There was further discussion on the parking problem at the junction of Shaw Lane and Station Road. Members were reminded that PC Morris was fully involved and had requested double yellow lines at the junction. Once they were in place the parking authority would need to be involved in booking any motorist who infringed the regulations.
Cllr. Hester reported that there were some irregularities with the bus taking rail passengers from Cosford station to Albrighton leaving some passengers stranded. Passengers needed to be given full information regarding pick up times and places.
5. PLANNING:
Planning applications:
11/04699/VAR Variation of condition 2 attached to planning permission ref. 09/03696/FUL (erection of a dwelling and construction of associated access) to allow for amended house type, 18 Cross Road, Albrighton.
Members were unable to reach a conclusion without details of the proposed variation. The Clerk was asked to investigate the matter.
Grant permission:
11/01793/FUL Erection of a dormer bungalow and creation of new vehicular and pedestrian accesses, Whitehays Cottage, Shaw Lane, Albrighton.
Received and noted.
11/03868/FUL Erection of a single storey extension to rear elevation and roof alterations to existing extension, 1 Lyncroft, Albrighton.
Received and noted.
Refuse permission:
11/04017/FUL Application under Section 73a of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 for the erection of boundary fencing (retrospective), 19 Bushfield Road, Albrighton.
The Clerk reported that he had already contacted the enforcement officer to ask what measures he intended to take now that permission for this application had been refused.
6. POLICE REPORT:
No police representative was available to present a report.
An update on the parking problem on the green at Albrighton was given and there had been two burglaries in Bishton Road and an attempted theft of lead from a property roof.
Cllr M Pate reported that West Mercia and Warwickshire police were working closely together on joint projects
7. DCAE REPORT:
No representative from DCAE Cosford was available to present a report.
8. UNITARY AUTHORITY REPORT:
Cllr. M Pate reported that 90% of the money raised under the Community Infrastructure Levy would be spent in the area of development although not necessarily by the Parish Council.
Shropshire Council was developing a Smartphone application that would allow respondents to notify the county computer, follow up a complaint and access other services. It was due to become active in the new year.
Shropshire Council does not propose to raise the council tax for the 2012/13 financial year.
9. FINANCE:
Parish Flyer income and expenditure for October 2011:
The report on the income and expenditure for the Albrighton Flyer for the month of October 2011 was received and noted.
Cheques for November 2011 for approval:
A list of 19 cheques for payment was presented for approval. There was discussion on the cheque relating to three months grass cutting at Clockmills and at the Patshull Green and the cheque related to Councillor training. Cllr. M Pate proposed that the cheques should be approved for payment which was seconded by Cllr Blincoe and agreed by the Council.
|
Date |
Cheque No. |
Payee |
Amount |
|
07.11.11 |
3086 |
Flyer contractor, bus pass refund |
248.00 |
|
14.11.11 |
3087 |
Flyer contractor, bus pass refund |
459.00 |
|
24.11.11 |
3088 |
Flyer contractor, bus pass refund |
323.00 |
|
03.11.11 |
3089 |
Shropshire Council, three invoices for grass cutting |
576.00 |
|
07.11.11 |
3090 |
Viking, envelopes, stamps and copy paper |
141.90 |
|
11.11.11 |
3091 |
ALC, Councillor training |
20.00 |
|
03.11.11 |
3092 |
Open Spaces Society, annual subscription |
40.00 |
|
07.11.11 |
3093 |
Officer Cleaner, 4 weeks cleaning to 7th Nov. |
40.00 |
|
17.11.11 |
3094 |
Clerk, November salary |
1107.85 |
|
17.11.11 |
3095 |
Village Warden, November salary |
104.16 |
|
17.11.11 |
3096 |
Litter Warden, November salary |
80.00 |
|
10.11.11 |
3097 |
Keith Gibson, Flyer valet Sept. and Oct. plus fuel |
491.99 |
|
10.11.11 |
3098 |
Shropshire Tourism, 50% of new website costs |
597.00 |
|
14.11.11 |
3099 |
Clerk, costs, mulled wine, refreshments for civic service |
133.66 |
|
14.11.11 |
3100 |
Regis fire extinguishers, new appliance & service |
139.80 |
|
14.11.11 |
3101 |
British Legion, poppy wreath & donation |
20.00 |
|
17.11.11 |
3102 |
Wellings Ltd., November compaction skip |
619.01 |
|
17.11.11 |
3103 |
ALC, AGM delegate fee |
20.00 |
|
24.11.11 |
3104 |
Open Spaces Society, enrolment fee |
12.00 |
10. UPDATE AND USE OF THE E.ON EMERGENCY PACK TO DEAL WITH POWER CUTS PREVIOUSLY DISCUSSED.
Councillors discussed the information about the E.On emergency pack that needed to be distributed to residents They agreed that an article needed to be placed in the Parish Magazine providing details of the package.
Action: the Clerk to write an article for the Parish Magazine in time for the next deadline.
11. FURTHER DISCUSSION AND ACTIONS BY THE PARISH COUNCIL REGARDING THE AGREEMENT FOR THE VILLAGE HALLS TRUST TO REPAY REPAIR/IMPROVEMENT COSTS FOLLOWING THE SALE OF THE OLD SCHOOL AT MARKET VALUE.
Cllr. M Pate said that this issue needed to be discussed with the Village Halls Trust in order for it to be resolved, a view that was endorsed by Cllr. Hester. Cllr Pate and Cllr Hester then left the meeting.
There was discussion regarding whether the sale of the Old School was sold at market value which a majority of members agreed was the case. Cllr. Illes said that in the event of the parish office moving to the Red House perhaps it could have free rent up to the value of the loan while Cllr. Murray said it would be better for the Village Halls Trust to repay the loan which then could be then used to pay Red House rent. Cllr. Lusk proposed a meeting on the phase 3 refurbishment package of the Red House in which this loan could be discussed which was seconded by Cllr. Holden and agreed by Council. Cllrs. MacLachlan and Murray asked for their abstention on the above motion to be recorded in the minutes.
12. LOCATION OF THE PARISH OFFICE FOLLOWING RECEIPT OF THE LETTER FROM Ms. BOBBY MULHEIR, SHROPSHIRE COUNCIL.
Members felt that that there had been a misunderstanding by Shropshire Council about the use of an upstairs room at the Red House. There would be clear benefits to the Red House if the Parish Council and Shropshire Council established an office there and Councillors felt that the partnership that had been created at 82b High Street needed to be maintained if a move was thought to be necessary. Cllr. Lusk said it was necessary to enter into discussion with the Red House management committee and a meeting was urgently needed. He proposed a meeting between the Parish Council and the Red House Management Committee at 6.45 pm on 15th December which was seconded by Cllr. Holden and agreed by Council.
Cllrs. Hester and M Pate returned for the rest of the meeting.
Action: the Clerk to write to the secretary of the Red House management committee proposing a meeting between it and the Parish Council starting at 6.45 on 15th December 2011 at the Red House. The meeting was called to discuss the possible relocation of the Parish Office to the Red House and the loan agreement on the Old School.
13. REPLACEMENT OF THE NOTICE BOARD IN STATION ROAD FOLLOWING ATTEMPTS TO OBTAIN QUOTATIONS:
The Clerk provided details of various attempts to obtain estimates for this work which had failed to provide a reasonable quotation. Cllr. Blincoe volunteered to discuss this matter further with his colleague and ascertain whether he would be prepared to do this work.
Action: Cllr Blincoe to approach his contact to establish whether he would be prepared to accept this work.
14. FURTHER DISCUSSION ON THE RETURN OF COUNCIL LAND TO ALBRIGHTON ALLOTMENTS ASSOCIATION TO HELP MEET DEMAND FOR EXTRA ALLOTMENTS:
The Clerk outlined his discussions with the Chairman of the Allotments Association The Chairman made it clear that the Association would only accept the land back in a cultivatable condition and without any unresolved disputes concerning the ownership of the any part of the land. There was also discussion of the possible sale of land from the Sports and Social Club that could be rented to the Association for further allotments. Cllr. Pate urged members to get a solicitor to insist that the Council land be returned to the Council and the Clerk agreed to contact Cllr. Nelson and ask him to progress this matter at the earliest opportunity. Members were in agreement that the upgrading of the land to a condition suitable for allotments was likely to prove very expensive and there was still no reply from Severn Trent Water although the Clerk had written a second letter to a contact in Shifnal.
Action: the Clerk to write to the Sports and Social Club requesting consideration of the sale of land to the Parish Council for use by the Allotments Association.
15. APPLICATION TO REGISTER PATSHULL GRFEEN ALBRIGHTON AS A VILLAGE GREEN:
The Clerk reminded members of the need to establish that a significant number of local people had indulged in lawful sports or pastimes ‘as of right’ on the land for at least 20 years before it could be awarded village green status. Cllr. Holden informed Councillors that she had placed an advertisement in the Parish Magazine and distributed letters but had only received three replies. They confirmed that people had used the area for wildlife studies, children had used the pool to collect tadpoles etc and it had sometimes been used as a backdrop for wedding photographs. Unfortunately she had not managed to obtain any photographic evidence.
Cllr. Holden was thanked for her work in trying to establish the extent of the use of this area over past years.
Action: the Clerk to write to Shropshire Council providing the results of the Council investigation into the use of the area at the junction of Cross Road and Patshull Road.
16. UPDATE ON THE PARISH COUNCIL CHRISTMAS DINNER:
Cllr. G Beechey distributed a menu for December 2011 and January 2012 at the Horns of Boningale costing £17.95 per head. Members agreed that they should patronise this local business and suggested Thursday 12th January as a suitable date for the event. Cllr G Beechey agreed to follow up the suggestions and make a booking if appropriate.
17. DISCUSSION ON FUNDING PRIORITIES FOR 2012/13 AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR CONSULTING THE PUBLIC TO ENSURE OWNERSHIP OF THE SUGGESTIONS:
Cllr. Lusk agreed to produce a draft of funding priority outlines after appropriate consultations and make the draft available to the planning meeting on 5th January 2012.
A meeting between Cllr. MacLachlan and the Clerk already arranged would be expanded to consider priorities for funding for 2012/13 and proposals would be forwarded to Cllr. Lusk for inclusion in his draft document where appropriate. Members agreed that the Annual Parish Meeting should be used to discuss suggestions with the public and receive feedback before a list of priorities was agreed.
Action: Cllr. Lusk to bring a draft list of funding priorities to the Council planning meeting on 5th January 2012.
18. PROPOSALS TO ESTABLISH AN ALBRIGHTON YOUTH COUNCIL AND THE SUGGESTED ESTABLISHMENT OF A YOUTH SHELTER ON THE GRASSED AREA BEHIND TALBOT ROAD:
Cllr. Lusk explained his involvement with the Say Yes organisation and Mr Graham Phillips. He said a number of young people wished to establish a Youth Council and investigate the possibility of a youth shelter being placed on the grassed area behind Talbot Road. An email had been sent to Cllr. Pate outlining the proposals. Cllr. Illes said that all those concerned should be encouraged and supported and the use of CCTV was discussed in relation to the youth shelter to provide a monitoring service. Cllr. M Pate proposed that the initiatives should be approved in principle and further investigations and consultations would need to take place with local residents. A full report would need to be made available to Council once the investigations were completed. Cllr. Illes seconded the proposal which was agreed by Council.
Action: the Clerk to write to the members of the Youth Council outlining the Parish Council’s views and asking for a report once further discussions were completed.
19. REQUEST FOR FUNDING TO FINANCE THE ISODAQ TELEMETERY FLOOD WARNING SYSTEM (DETAILS CIRCULATED FOR THE PLANNING MEETING 6TH OCTOBER 2011) BETWEEN DONINGTON AND ALBRIGHTON PARISH COUNCILS:
Members had previously received budgetary details of the scheme which would be conducted in partnership with Donington Parish Council, Shropshire Council and the Environment Agency. Members agreed to fund the project in principle depending on the satisfactory conclusion of further discussions.
20. DEVELOPMENT OF LAND AT THE JUNCTION OF ELM ROAD AND PATSHULL ROAD:
Members agreed that this item had been covered under agenda item 15.
21. ITEMS FOR THE AGENDA FOR THE APC MEETING 15TH DECEMBER 2011.
It was agreed that a discussion on the recent Albrighton Traders’ Christmas Extravaganza should be included on the next agenda plus discussion of arrangements for the 2012 event.
22. CORRESPONDENCE:
For information:
· Shropshire Council – details of consultation meetings with sheltered housing tenants across the Bridgnorth and Oswestry areas.
Received and noted.
· Albrighton Traders – acknowledgment of grant for the Christmas Extravaganza.
Received and noted.
· Albrighton Traders – acknowledgement of grant for Enhancing the Visitor Economy and Revitalising the Town project.
Received and noted.
· Joy Durrant, Community Arts and Festival Team – Olympic Torch relay.
Received and noted.
· Shropshire Housing – annual report for 2010/11.
Received and noted.
· Shrewsbury/Wolverhampton Rail Users Association – arrangements for the AGM.
Received and noted.
· Countryside Voice magazine – winter 2011.
Received and noted.
· PC Morris – parking at the junction of Shaw Lane and Station Road.
Received and noted.
· Citizens Advice Shropshire – letter asking for continued support.
Received and noted.
· Mr P Richards – objection to proposal to sell alcohol at 65 High Street, Albrighton.
Received and noted.
· Mr P Joseland and Mrs J Joseland – objection to proposal to sell alcohol at 65 High Street, Albrighton.
Received and noted.
For action:
· Shropshire Council – annual street cleansing survey.
Clerk to return the survey form.
23. DATES AND TIMES OF FUTURE MEETINGS:
· Civic Service Sunday 11th December 2011 at 6.30 pm.
· Parish Council meeting Thursday 15th December 2011 at 7.15 pm in the Red House.
· Parish Council planning meeting Thursday 5th January 2012 at 7.15 pm in the Red House.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.33 pm.
Signed........................................................................Date..........................................................Chairman