CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL

PRESENT Cllr Mrs I A Scott (in the Chair)

Cllr S J Danks

Cllr P A Dearden (from Item 14, Minute no. 107/05)

Cllr Dr J M Parker

In attendance: County Cllr S J M Clee

PC Baz Drury (standing in for PC Andy McGill)

R D Gurney, Clerk to the Parish Council

These were received and accepted from Cllr Whiston, Cllr Mrs Hayward and Cllr Pitt (on holiday), Cllr Mrs Thomas (in hospital) and Cllr Cairns (working).

None.

PC Drury was invited to address the meeting. He commented that there has been a reduction in crime in the area. Locally, there has been a shed break-in, there is a nuisance problem with youths in Sculthorpe Road and with youths drinking on the station; this latter matter is being dealt with by the British Transport Police. Beyond the parish there have been thefts of petrol from industrial premises at Rushock and Kidderminster; the police would be interested to know of petrol being offered from an unusual source.

ADJOURNMENT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

(No members of the public were in attendance).

County Cllr Clee was invited to address the meeting. He commented that the Conservative Group now has overall control at County Hall and he is the Cabinet member for Corporate Services, dealing with property, legal services and human resources and a budget of £40 million.

Cllr Clee also commented that WCC and WFDC are developing a hub at Kidderminster Town Hall as a one stop shop for all local authority services.

He also commented, first, that there is a serious waste disposal enforcement problem at Yielding Tree, which is being investigated by the Environment Agency; second, that WF Community Housing will arrange for the hedge between Wheatmill Close and Sculthorpe Road to be cut; and, third, that a new waste disposal recycling system is being introduced during the next three years.

It was proposed by Cllr Danks, seconded by Cllr Mrs Scott, and resolved that the Minutes, including the Confidential Minute, being a true and accurate record of the proceedings of the meeting, be signed by the Chairman.

(1) Parish Web site. There was no report as Malcolm Hall was not in attendance.

(2) Date for 2006 Annual Parish Meeting. The Clerk informed the meeting that the Parish Room was not available on the amended date proposed at the last meeting. It was agreed that the Annual Meeting be scheduled for Wednesday, 19^th April 2006.

(3) Blakedown Playground. Cllr Danks reported that the Committee is pursuing funding from several sources. The clearing up day had cost about £200 and it was agreed that the Parish Council would fund this as part of the ongoing maintenance. A letter itemising the details will be submitted.

(4) Consultation with Kinver PC. No response has been received.

(5) Parking agreement, The Old House at Home PH. No reply has been received from WFDC.

(6) Audit progress. The Clerk informed the Council that the papers, etc, are currently with Mr Hale, the Internal Auditor. The Annual Return will be sent to the External Auditor next week.

(7) Stream course adj. Churchill Lane. The Clerk confirmed that this is not the responsibility of WFDC, so he will be contacting the EA. It was suggested that the area be put forward for possible Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designation. County Cllr Clee agreed to raise this matter with the HPU.

(8) Street naming, Churchill/Crown Lane. The Clerk has not received a reply, and County Cllr Clee suggested that Cllr Marcus Hart should be written to on the matter.

(9) Police Community Consultative Group. The report from Mr Keys was received and noted.

(1) Applications received

WF/0520/05 Loft conversion to provide habitable room with access stair and 4 roof lights, Church Farm Cottage, Churchill

No objection

(2) Decision notices

WF/0352/05 Extensions, 2 Waterworks Cottage, Stourbridge Road, Ismere - GRANTED

WF/0382/05 Extension, 10 The Croft, Blakedown - GRANTED.

(1) The Clerk reported that the current account stands at £2,269.18p in credit and the Instant Access account stands at £11,751.42p, giving a total balance of £14,020.60p.

(2) It was proposed by Cllr Dr Parker, seconded by Cllr Mrs Scott, and resolved that the following accounts be approved for payment:

Staples UK Ltd, photocopying - May, £16.59 + £2.90 VAT £19.49

Worcestershire CALC - Clerk’s meeting, 09.05.05 £15.00

- Clerk’s training £50.00

CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes 15.06.05

This item was deferred to the next meeting.

This item was deferred to the next meeting.

It was recalled that this matter has been discussed previously, but no progress has been made. The Clerk was asked to write to the Parish Room Committee, asking for the disabled signs to be installed by a certain date.

A copy of the letter from WCC was circulated with the agenda. It is noted that a survey of the condition of the existing 40 street lights is necessary. The Clerk was asked to check with Pirelli and with Wolverley and Cookley PC.

The Clerk explained that he has been approached by a Mr Cotgrave, who wishes to plant a tree or site a bench as a memorial on bridleway no. 19, which links Churchill Lane with Waggon Lane, and adjoins the golf course. Apparently neither the Golf Club nor the adjoining landowner/farmer have any objection. Members had no objection to either suggestion, but their preference was for a rustic type bench. The Clerk will convey this to Mr Cotgrave.

The Clerk reported receipt of the booklet “Pointers to Good Practice”, which was received.

None.

The following items were noted:

1. NALC - receipt of Clerk’s Bursary Training Fund (£200)

2. WFDC - proposed electronic service delivery for planning applications

3. CPRE - notice of AGM

4. South Staffordshire DC - notice of Local Development Framework

5. Welcome to our Future - publicity for recycling (to be put on web site)

CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes 15.06.05

6. Premises Licence - Old Wagon and Horses PH, Ismere

Wednesday, 20^th July 2005 at Blakedown Parish Room.

The meeting closed at 9.42 pm.

Dated this 20th day of July 2005

………………………………............

Chairman