CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL

PRESENT Cllr R J Whiston (Chairman)

Cllr A J Cairns

Cllr P A Dearden

Cllr Mrs P V Hayward

Cllr Dr J M Parker (until Item 5 Minute no. 221/04)

Cllr B A Pitt

Cllr Mrs I A Scott

Cllr Mrs M Thomas

In attendance: PC McGill and PC Dury, West Mercia Constabulary

Mr D Giddings, Wolverhampton Airport Action Group

Malcolm Hall, web site keeper

County Cllr S J M Clee

R D Gurney, Clerk to the Parish Council

None.

None.

PC McGill was invited to address the meeting. He introduced PC Gaz Dury, who is now the Beat Officer for the area covering the parish. PC McGill reported that there had been no real problems in the parish during the last month. Regarding the recent spate of accidents on the A.456 it seems that these were caused by excessive speed on a road which was greasy owing to recent rain following a dry period. There will be a police presence in the area for the next few weeks.

ADJOURNMENT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

(Two members of the public were in attendance, but no issues were raised).

The Chairman introduced Mr David Giddings, Chairman of the Wolverhampton Airport Action Group (WAAG) and invited him to address the meeting. Mr Giddings circulated a copy of a plan and report. He reminded the Council that the planning application for the runway extension and an engine testing shed was submitted in June 2004. There has been a delay in presenting the application to the Planning Committee at South Staffs DC as the Planning Officer has been ill. Agents for WAAG have deduced that the application is flawed in 19 ways; these have been sent to SSDC. SSDC has appointed W S Atkins to undertake an appraisal for the DC and the revisions required cannot be supplied until Summer 2005. It is felt that this delay will also delay the “call in” to the ODPM.

There is a feeling within WAAG that the Airport authorities are backing down, as it is believed that there is a new owner and the new owner would push the development in a

different direction. Already this airport has the highest fees and it is known that other options for the land, eg housing, are being explored. Mr Giddings said that WAAG is fairly optimistic that the current scheme may be dropped. After answering questions from Members the Chairman thanked Mr Giddings for his presentation.

The Chairman invited Cllr Clee to address the meeting. He commented that the main issue at County Hall has been the education debate into the restructuring of schools in Wyre Forest. This has arisen through falling numbers which would mean that some schools would have to close - more if the existing system is retained. The question of a referendum being held is not considered to be satisfactory, as the closed register would have to be used; this would mean that only 61% of the electorate would have the right to vote. Furthermore the school catchment areas do not relate with the boundaries of Wyre Forest DC.

He also reported that speed cameras are likely to be used again in Belbroughton Road.

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

(1) Litter on the Shoppers Car Park. The Clerk has asked the Handyman to collect surplus litter from this area, if he has time, until the matter is resolve with WFDC. WFDC has now agreed to provide a larger bin at this location, so that it can still be emptied once a week; WFDC has also agreed to arrange for the car park to be tidied and for the borders to be replanted.

The Highways Agency noted that the access is narrow, but could be improved and extended by incorporating the adjoining area, ie the Green. After some discussion regarding the problems of widening and line painting it was agreed that no further action be taken on the access.

(2) Cheque signatories. The Clerk is discussing this matter with CALC.

(3) Parish Web site. The Chairman invited Malcolm Hall to update members. He reported that the number of hits has increased to about 700 per month. The Chairman commented that the news items are interesting and that there are other news items which are likely to result from this evening’s meeting.

(4) Warning signs for horses. The HPU has informed the Clerk that this request is being investigated and there will be a report back to the Parish Council.

(5) Damaged bus shelter, Birmingham Road. The Clerk reported that this is now with the insurance company.

(6) Shielding of 2 Street Lights. The Clerk reported that this work has been done and the Clerk has received a “thank you” email from one of the residents.

(7) Police Community Consultative Group. Mr Keys report of the meeting of 7^th October 2004 was circulated with the agenda and was noted.

(1) Applications received

WF/0583/04 Erection of two 4 bedroom detached houses and garages/access/parking arrangements (demolition of existing house), 32 Belbroughton Road, Blakedown (Revision to house types)

PC OBJECTS to this application, not because of the house types, but because this site remains in an ADR and the PC is not aware of any reasoned justification for any development to be allowed. Furthermore the PC wishes to state that before any housing development is granted on the nursery site a Master Plan for the whole site should be agreed. Until this happens the PC consider that this application is premature and piecemeal. The PC’s comments relating to the detailed concerns, expressed in the consultation reply dated 11.02.04 (WF/0051/04), are still relevant and should be addressed by WFDC before any development is considered. If WFDC is unable to agree with the PC’s views please let me know.

The Clerk was asked to draw the District Council’s attention to the problems currently at the site, viz bonfires and the boundary fence.

(2) The following decision notices have been received and are noted.

WF/0914/04 Erection of 2 houses, 17 Mill Lane, Blakedown - GRANTED

WF/0927/04 Erection of a 3 bedroom house with parking off Belbroughton Road, off street parking with access from A.456 Birmingham Road, and conversion of 44 and 46 Birmingham Road to one property, land between 7 and 9 Belbroughton Road, Blake down - GRANTED

(1) The Clerk reported that the current account stands at £1,316.78p in credit and the Instant Access account stands at £12,640.34p, giving a total balance of £13,957.12p.

(2) The Receipts and Payments Account for the period 06.06.04 - 05.11.04 was received.

(3) It was proposed by Cllr Dearden, seconded by Cllr Cairns, and resolved that the following accounts be approved for payment:

Staples UK Ltd, photocopying, postage stamps - October

£18.46 + £1.02 VAT £ 19.48

R D Gurney - salary, October/November £492.54

- expenses, July - October £ 40.28

- rental for 3 years for computer £300.00

Mr V Rudge, grass cutting, October £ 80.00

Worcestershire CALC - Clerk’s meeting, October £ 15.00

The Clerk informed Members that he has received a reply from the Highway Partnership Manager regarding Churchill crossroads. He has commented that the HPU has replaced

existing signs with larger ones and that it may be possible for vehicle activated illuminated signs to be installed if the prove to be successful elsewhere in the County. A more drastic solution would involve major works through the rock cutting. The HPU

Manager also commented that an inspection to the surface to Belbroughton Road will be carried out and that a report will be made back to the PC.

It was agreed that the Clerk writes to the HPU Manager to press for the activated illuminated signs at either end of Churchill ie at Brakemill and west of Rocky Lane, that the road markings in the area be refreshed and that the HPU be pressed for a reply regarding the problems of the deteriorating surface of Belbroughton Road. County Cllr Clee agreed to ask the County Council to set up speed trips at the Churchill crossroads.

Cllr Danks reported that there had been meetings of the new Committee, but it was still in its early stages and there is no information available.

A request has been received from WFDC for suggestions of a suitable name for the new apartments on the site of the former garage. After some discussion it was agreed that, because of the local significance with the parish church, the name “St James Court” was put forward.

The Chairman reminded the Council that the Handyman is now keeping tidy the area around the Pound. The Clerk reminded the Council that this is a listed building. It was noted that the plaque has recently been replaced and, therefore, there is no need for any further action. The Chairman asked that details of the Pound be included on the web site.

A new booklet from the Countryside Agency was circulated to each Member with the agenda. This set out the main criteria for establishing a Quality Parish Council. It was agreed that, although the Parish Council is unable to qualify at present, it is good practise to work towards QPS, possibly after the next election. It was noted that the Clerk is able to apply for a bursary towards the cost of training and the Clerk was asked to find out details.

The updated list was circulated with the agenda and was received. Further update were made and the Chairman reminded Members of the need to agree contact details in time for the Annual newsletter.

The November edition of the MAIL was circulated with the agenda and the Clerk informed Members of the meeting of the Area Committee at Wolverley on 1^st December.

1. WCC planning issues and options for managing waste in Worcestershire - invitation to attend workshop on 30thNovember at Bromsgrove - no one able to attend

2. WCC public rights of way, parish improvement programme - Chairman to consider

3. Network Rail invoice for street light at viaduct - for next agenda

The following items were noted:

1. ODPM, New Ethical Framework Regulations in force from 04.11.04

2. Community First, presentation of work, 25^th November, at Bishops Frome

(1) Speaker for Annual Parish Meeting in April

(2) Progress Report on Handyman

(3) Parish Councils and ASBOs

(4) Traffic problems, Lynwood Drive/Station Drive

This is confirmed for 15^th December 2004, in the Blakedown Parish Room.

Dated this 15th day of December 2004

………………………………............

Chairman