CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL

PRESENT Cllr R J Whiston (Chairman)

Cllr A J Cairns

Cllr P A Dearden

Cllr Dr J M Parker

Cllr B A Pitt

Cllr Mrs I A Scott

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

R D Gurney, Clerk to the Parish Council

These were received and accepted from Cllr Mrs Hayward and Cllr Mrs M Thomas.

The Clerk declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Item 17 (Minute no. 214/04(1)).

PC McGill was invited to address the meeting. He commented that the two vehicle accidents today on the A.456 towards Kidderminster followed three similar accidents during the last 4 weeks. Whilst speed was an obvious contributory factor an assessment of the road in this location is to be undertaken. PC McGill reported that a white transit type van has been seen several times in the area, often close to the school; similar incidents have been reported in Stourbridge and are being investigated. There have been two recent cases in Blakedown where property has been seen loaded into the boot of a car; there was an excess, which was dumped in the stream. He commented that the sports pavilion has been affected by a small fire and graffiti. Recent changes in legislation with fireworks and firework parties means that the police are having a higher profile.

PC Gaz Dury is the newly appointed Beat Officer to cover the parish; this will be a smaller area than his predecessors, so this should prove to be more effective.

ADJOURNMENT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

(One member of the public (Mr Long) was in attendance. Concern was expressed at the amount of litter on the Shoppers car park in Blakedown and the question of responsibility was raised. Concern was also expressed at the access to/exit from this car park).

There was no report from County Cllr Clee.

Subject to the substitution of “Cllr Dearden” for “Cllr Mrs Hayward” in the second motion in Minute no. 188/04, it was proposed by Cllr Pitt, seconded by Cllr Mrs Scott, 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. Following the discussion at the last meeting it was decided that some attention needs to be given to improving the environment of the car park. As a result the Clerk will ask the Handyman to collect the litter when he is in the area; to enquire when WFDC collect the litter and, if necessary to provide an additional litter bin; and to ask the Highways Agency if they could inspect the access and make suggestions for safety improvements. Also, WFDC to be asked when the boundaries are to be planted or to supply them to the Parish Council for planting.

(2) Street Light no. 10 Brookside Way, Blakedown. The Clerk reported that this street light is now functioning properly.

(3) Cheque signatories. Before additional Members are added to the mandate the Clerk was asked to inform CALC of the difficulties and to enquire if other parish councils also have this problem.

(4) Disabled parking at Blakedown Parish Rooms. The Clerk reported that he has not received a reply to the letter regarding disabled parking provision at the Parish Rooms.

(5) Parish Web site. The Chairman reported that he has received good feedback from residents who have viewed the web site and have read the articles written by Malcolm Hall. The Clerk confirmed that the earlier problem with the minutes has been resolved.

(6) Warning signs for horses. The Clerk was asked to see if the HPU is able to erect signs in Churchill warning motorists of horses being ridden.

(7) Overhanging trees, Mill Lane. The Clerk reported that the resident of Mill House has stated that none of his trees are overhanging the highway. In responding he commented about the leaves on the road at the junction, the damaged railing and the obscured street light.

(8) Wolverhampton Airport proposal. The Clerk reported that Mr Giddings will speak to the Parish Council at the meeting on 17^th November.

(9) Parish Forum. The Clerk reported that an update of the proposals for the Wolverhampton Airport application was circulated at the recent meeting and this is to be attached to the next agenda.

(1) No applications had been received

(2) The following decision notice has been received and is noted.

WF/0693/04 Two storey and single storey extensions, 62 Belbroughton Road, Blakedown - GRANTED

The Clerk reported the comments received from the Internal Auditor, Mr Hale, on the 2003/2004 accounts. The four items were (1) some small amount of VAT had not been claimed - these related to the fuel element on mileage claims, (2) the discrepancy regarding the direct debit to Network Rail, (3) the need for an analysis of the “administration” element in the accounts, and (4) consideration of the accounts being kept in a spreadsheet format.

(1) The Clerk reported that the current account stands at £2,512.73p in credit and the Instant Access account stands at £12,621.24p, giving a total balance of £15,133.97p.

(2) The mid year financial summary to 30^th September 2004, as set out in the Receipts and Payments account which was circulated with the agenda, was agreed and noted. (Members commented that there had been no sale of the Pictorial History so far this year and it was agreed that this be advertised on the web site)

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

Staples UK Ltd, photocopying, postage stamps, stationery - September

£34.56 + £3.26 VAT £ 37.82

David Hale £105.00 Mr V Rudge, grass cutting, August, September £270.00

Central Networks West plc £267.00 + £46.73 VAT £313.73 G H Playground Services £848.00 + £148.40 VAT £996.40

The Clerk informed Members that he had now received a reply from the Highways Agency regarding matters on A.456. Many of these matters appear to be ongoing or are in hand and updates on the progress are promised. (It was agreed that a copy be sent to Cllr Danks). No response has been received from the HPU regarding the overhanging hedges and the breaking up of the Belbroughton Road surface, although the Clerk has spoken to the office on the matters. It was agreed that the Clerk pursues these items and keeps County Cllr Clee informed.

It was noted that, during work by British Gas near the Churchill crossroads, traffic speeds were reduced considerably. The Clerk was asked to write to WCC for a progress report on action being taken at this location.

The public meeting was held on Wednesday, 13^th October 2004 at the School. It was chaired by Cllr Whiston and minutes were taken by Cllr Cairns. It was considered to be successful with many matters raised and questions asked. It was felt that many of the rumours had been quashed. A Committee, to be known as “The Friends of Blakedown Playground”, consisting of 5 volunteers was formed; this is to be a sub committee of the Sports Centre Committee, but it will need to work out how it is to progress and raise funding. The Chairman has agreed to attend the next meetings of both the Sports Centre Committee and the Playground Committee.

It was noted that the play equipment has now been repaired, and paid by the Parish Council.

Some members felt that the work of the Parish Council was not understood by some of those attending the meeting and it was felt that this could be explained by an article in the magazine and on the web site.

The Clerk is awaiting receipt of two quotations for the insurance company, one for a replacement wooden shelter and one for a non combustible shelter. The Clerk was asked to speak to Cllr Clee and the Clerk to Clent PC regarding further types of shelter. Members felt that they would prefer that a wooden shelter is the most appropriate in this location.

The Clerk circulated a list for updating details of telephone number and email addresses. It was confirmed that this would be for internal use only and would be circulated at a subsequent meeting.

The Clerk reminded members of the AGM on 23rd October 2004, at County Hall.

The following items were noted:

1. DEFRA - Clean Neighbourhoods

2. The National Association of Councillors, AGM

3. Cllr Maureen Aston, WFDC Cabinet member for Housing, Health and Rural Affairs 4. WCC - Free composting clincs

5. WCC - Wyre Forest Schools Review update

6. N power - change of account number and invoice format

7. Regional Action West Midlands newsletter

8. Community First Newsline

It was proposed by Cllr Dearden, seconded by Cllr Mrs Scott, and agreed that the press and public be excluded from the room during the discussion of the following item (Minute 214/04(1), in view of the personal and financial nature of the business. (The Clerk left the room and Cllr Dearden took notes of the proceedings).

(1) Financial contribution towards the Clerk’s computer

It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Scott, seconded by Cllr Dr Parker, and agreed that a one-off payment of £300 for rental for a three year period be paid.

(1) Provision of plaque, The Pound, Churchill

This is confirmed for 17^th November 2004, in the Blakedown Parish Room.

Dated this 17th day of November 2004

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Chairman