PRESENT Cllr R J Whiston (Chairman)

Cllr A J Cairns

Cllr P A Dearden

Cllr Mrs P V Hayward

Cllr Dr J M Parker

Cllr B A Pitt

Cllr Mrs I A Scott

In attendance: PC Phil Green

R D Gurney, Clerk to the Parish Council

These were received from County Cllr S J M Clee.

Cllr R J Whiston declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Planning Application no. WF/05/1083.

The Chairman invited PC Green to speak. He apologised for the absence of PC McGill. It was reported that the records of crime in the Kidderminster East division show a fall of some 26% (some 463 incidents) over the last year. This decline covered all aspects of crime. In the last month there were 2 suspicious incidents in the Parish, neither of which needed any action.

It was reported that the West Mercia force is one of the key performing areas in the UK and that there is a move to neighbourhood policing.

ADJOURNMENT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

(No members of the public were in attendance).

County Cllr Clee had submitted his apology and there was no report.

(1) Parish Web site. Malcolm Hall was unable to attend, but he had sent the Clerk details of the recent usage of the web site. These show that the number of visits continues to be high. He also indicated that he would create an Environmental page as soon as possible and is keen to link in with other web sites.

(2) Handyman report. The Chairman introduced Mark Jones, the Village Handyman, to the meeting and invited him to speak about the work he has undertaken since taking up the duties. Members expressed their appreciation of the work done. Mark Jones indicated that he was happy to take on the additional duties of the lengthsman and accepted that he would have to attend a meeting with the HPU.

(3) Blakedown Playground. There was no report.

(4) Stream Course, adj. Churchill Lane. The Clerk reported that the Environment Agency officers are planning to undertake a survey of the stream course, between the viaduct and Mill Lane towards the end of November 2005. A report will be made at a later meeting.

(5) WCC Assistance with Street Lighting. The Clerk reported that the survey result from Pirelli should arrive within the next few days and a report will be made to the next meeting.

(6) Request for footway along A.451, Iverley. The Clerk has informed the Clerk to Kinver PC that their suggestion of a cycleway along the A.451 is supported.

(7) Repair to Street light no. 13, Lynwood Drive, Blakedown. This has now been completed and the account for payment has been received.

(10) Planning permission at 21 Birmingham Road, Blakedown. A reply is awaited.

(11) Police Community Consultative Group. Mr Keys’ report, which was circulated with the agenda, was noted.

(1) It was resolved that the comments on the following applications, as detailed, be sent to Wyre Forest DC.

WF/05/1064 Change of use from garden nursery to wholesale fruit and veg. Suppliers, Bringstye Nurseries, Birmingham Road, Blakedown

No objection.

WF/05/1074 Single storey sun room, Park Hall, Birmingham Road, Blakedown

No objection.

WF/05/1077 Two storey rear extension, 2 Belbroughton Road, Blakedown

No objection

WF/05/1083 Re-pollarding willow trees, Drybridge, Churchill

(having declared his personal and prejudicial interest Cllr Whiston left the room, during which time the chair was taken by the Vice Chairman, Cllr Mrs Scott)

No objection

WF/05/1107 Demolition of dwelling and erection of 2 detached dwellings, 6 Churchill Lane, Blakedown

Considers that, before any decision is taken, the problems caused by drainage run-off from the golf course, etc, are fully assessed and measures taken to control the problem. The prominent location of this site deserves bespoke designs, which would not be the case, as the siting indicates two standard houses (and siting is not a reserved matter). Could this be made in to a detailed application?

(2) That the following decision notice be noted.

WF/05/0919 Extensions, 30 Mill Lane, Blakedown - GRANTED

A copy of the letter from the Treasurer of the Millennium Green Trust was circulated with the agenda. It is required to cover the insurance. It was proposed by Cllr Pitt, seconded by Cllr Dearden, and agreed that a grant of £230, as requested, be paid.

(1) The Clerk reported that the current account stands at £1,238.94p in credit and the Instant Access account stands at £15,137.34p, giving a total balance of £16,376.98p.

(2) The Receipts and Payments Account for 06.09.05 - 04.11.05 was received.

Staples UK Ltd, photocopying, stationery, stamps - October

£15.86 + £2.15 VAT (3 invoices) £ 18.01

R D Gurney - salary, October/November 2005 £525.60

- expenses, 01.07.05 - 31.10.05; £40.02 + £0.29 VAT £ 40.31

Worcestershire CALC, Clerk’s training 19.10.05 £ 20.00

Central Networks East plc £348.00 + £60.90 VAT £408.90

C&B Millennium Green Trust £230.00

Mark Jones 4 weeks to 11.11.05, plus materials £389.88

£1,632.70

A copy of the Charter was circulated with the agenda. The Chairman explained those sections of the Charter which related to the work of the Parish Council. After some discussion it was unanimously agreed not to sign the Charter, as it is not seen as being of significant benefit to Churchill and Blakedown PC.

Members were reminded that Mark Jones had spoken earlier in the meeting giving his views on becoming the lengthsman (minute no. 202(2)/05). The Chairman explained the extent of the duties required and that he would have no responsibilities on the A.456 nor any road with a speed limit of 40 mph and above. Cllr Dearden confirmed that the Parish

Council has £5,000,000 public liability cover. It was agreed unanimously to proceed with the scheme. The Clerk will liaise with Mr Broome (HPU) and Mark Jones.

The Chairman informed the Council that this footpath, which goes over the railway line, has been narrowed by the erection of a fence and that the finger post has been removed. It was agreed that the Clerk write to the Countryside Section at County Hall asking for action to be taken for the re-instatement.

The Chairman reported that he had been invited to this meeting, but was unable to attend. Cllr Mrs Hayward agreed to attend in is place.

The Clerk had not yet been able to contact Mr Parker. Mark Jones has said that he would be able to attend and there remains the offer from the Hurcott Wood Ranger.

The Area Meeting will be held on 8^th December 2005 at 7 pm at the Town Hall, Bewdley.

(1) WCC notice of temporary closure of C2126 Crown Lane - maximum 5 days from

05.12.05

(2) WFDC Wyre Forest Schools review newsletter (enclosed)

(3) WCC Free composting clinics (leaflet enclosed)

(4) WCC Worcestershire Wardens newsletter

(5) Central Networks: how to win Christmas lights for the Parish

(6) Clerks and Councils Direct magazine

(7) WCC notice of temporary closure of Mill Lane - 1 day, 14.12.05

1. WAAG update

2. Invite to John Farmer to speak at next meeting

3. Replacement of dead oak tree at The Pound with Black Poplar

4. Land at Station Drive/A.456

This is confirmed as 14^th December 2005 at Churchill Village Hall.

The meeting closed at 9.44 pm.

Dated this 14th day of December 2005

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Chairman