CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL 78
Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Churchill and Blakedown Parish Council held on Wednesday, 19th May 2010, in Blakedown Parish Rooms.
PRESENT Cllr R J Whiston (Chairman)
Cllr S D Charman
Cllr Mrs P L Coley
Cllr P A Dearden
Cllr Mrs P V Hayward (from Item 13, Minute no. 84/10)
Cllr J W Long
Cllr B A Pitt
Cllr Mrs V J Swindells
In attendance: Mark Jones, Lengthsman and Handyman
Roger Gurney, Clerk to the Parish Council
73/10 CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS
The Chairman welcomed Members of the Council and the public to the meeting.
74/10 ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN
Cllr Whiston was proposed by Cllr Pitt, seconded by Cllr Dearden, and agreed.
75/10 CHAIRMAN’S DECLARATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE
Cllr Whiston completed and signed the Declaration and Acceptance of Office.
76/10 ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRMAN
Cllr Dearden was proposed by Cllr Mrs Swindells, seconded by Cllr Pitt, and agreed.
77/10 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
These were received and accepted from Cllr Mrs Cartwright.
78/10 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Members were reminded of the need to update their Register of Interests and to declare any personal/prejudicial interests and their nature.
Cllr Long declared a personal interest in Item 25, minute no. 96/10.
79/10 APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES (IF ANY) AND REPRESENTATIVES ON OUTSIDE BODIES
(1) Urgent Business Committee. Members agreed that, as there are monthly meetings, there would be minimal benefit for this Committee.
(2) Wyre Forest Area Meeting of CALC. There were no volunteers.
(3) Churchill and Blakedown Sports Centre Committee. Cllr Dearden to continue.
(4) Wyre Forest Police Community Engagement Group. Mr Roy Keys will be invited
to
continue..
(5) Blakedown Tenants Consultative Committee. Cllr Mrs Coley agreed to represent the Parish Council on this Committee.
(6) Emily Lyttelton and United Charities. Cllr Long agreed to continue as a Trustee.
80/10 PARISH COUNCIL INSURANCE
The Clerk reported that the annual premium for the same cover has increased from £1,221.36 to £1,305.62. It was resolved that this be accepted and to continue with the current insurers. .
81/10 MEETING DATES AND VENUES
A list of the suggested meeting dates based on the third Wednesday of each month, but amended in accordance with the decision at the previous meeting, was circulated at the meeting. It was agreed that, subject to the availability of the School, the July meeting be held on Wednesday 14th July. The confirmed list will be circulated at the next meeting.
82/10 CHEQUE SIGNATORIES
The Clerk reminded Members that the current signatories are Cllr Dearden, Cllr Mrs Hayward, Cllr Pitt and Cllr Whiston.
83/10 COMMUNITY POLICING
CSO Kate Easthope and PC Jayne Willetts were not able to attend. The Clerk had received two emails, one reminding the Parish Council of the PACT meeting on 25th May in the School and one reporting attempts to set up new Neighbourhood Watch schemes in the Parish.
Cllr Long had reported to the police that large lorries and a transporter have been parking in Station Drive, causing a disruption to local traffic.
ADJOURNMENT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
(2 members of the public were in attendance. Mr Lorton mentioned that the highway drain outside 108 Belbroughton Road is blocked; the 30 mph sign on the Kidderminster approach to Blakedown is still missing; the lights on the pedestrian crossing are still not set correctly; the car park is still full for most of the day; several other matters were noted by Mark Jones, who will attend to them.
Other matters raised related to parking in the Station Drive area and the large highway signs, which have appeared in connection with the road improvements on A.456).
84/10 REPORTS FROM COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS
County Cllr Clee and District Cllr Williams had sent their apologies and there were no reports.
85/10 CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON
17th MARCH 2010
It was proposed by Cllr Dearden, seconded by Cllr Charman, and RESOLVED that the Minutes, being a true and accurate record of the proceedings of the meeting, be signed by the Chairman.
86/10 CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE EXTRAORDINARY MEETING
HELD ON 21st APRIL 2010
It was proposed by Cllr Dearden, seconded by Cllr Pitt, and RESOLVED that the Minutes, being a true and accurate record of the proceedings of the meeting, be signed by the Chairman.
87/10 PROGRESS REPORTS FOR INFORMATION
Parish Web site. Gordon Stevens was not in attendance and there was no report.
Lengthsman/Handyman
report. Mark Jones
commented that this is a busy time of
the
year with overgrowing hedges a common problem.
The
Clerk reported that WCC has amended the formula for payment of the
lengthsman system. Instead of the maximum sum, each parish council
has been separately assessed and the annual payment is a flat rate of
£1,500 plus £20 per kilometre. This makes minimal difference to
Churchill and Blakedown.
(3)
Retention of
telephone kiosks. A
letter regarding the future of the kiosk at Ismere was circulated to
residents in the locality. The Clerk has received one response, but
has yet to make contact. It is hoped that this can be done before the
next meeting.
(4)
Allocation of S.106 monies.
The reply form Mr Parker, WFDC, was circulated with the agenda. Cllr
Dearden offered to arrange a meeting with Mr Parker to obtain
clarification with the allocation of S.106 monies.
(5)
Repair of Parish Council notice boards.
Cllr Pitt reported that work is currently progressing with the notice
boards at Stakenbridge and Churchill and these should be completed
within the next week or so. The Blakedown notice board will then be
attended to.
(6)
Housing Need survey.
The Clerk reported that he has received, via email, the final report
compiled by Nigel Potter. It was agreed to invite Mr Potter to the
next meeting, so that he can present it to the Parish Council; he
asked that the report should not be circulated before the meeting,
but that parish councillors should have sight of this prior to the
meeting. The Clerk will arrange this.
(7)
Parish Plan. This is
now being printed.
(8)
Community Emergency Plan.
Cllr Mrs Swindells had sent a draft copy and the Clerk will now
submit the final version to Pam Hill at WFDC.
(9)
Seat at Station Drive/Birmingham Road.
At the Parish Meeting the Tenants Committee had offered to put a seat
at this location. This is welcomed by the Parish Council, but the
Clerk was asked to point out to the Committee that formal permission
cannot be given as this is not owned by the PC and, also, that it is
used by the Camera Safety Partnership.
(10)
RoSPA Play Area Safety report.
Copies of this report were circulated at the meeting. Cllr Dearden
agreed to present the report to the Sports Committee, for their
attention.
(11) The Big Tidy up. Cllr
Mrs Swindells reported that this was very successful, both
from the community involvement aspect and the resultant litter collected. WFDC were
helpful and there is a report on
the web site.
(12)
Police Community Engagement Group.
The minutes of the last meeting, submitted by Mr Keys, were
circulated with the agenda and were noted.
(13)
12th
Kidderminster (Blakedown) Scout Group.
A letter of thanks for the recent grant from the Parish Council has
been received,
(14)
Emily Lyttelton and United Charities.
Cllr Long gave an update of the activities.
88/10 PLANNING APPLICATIONS
It was resolved that the comments on the following applications, as detailed, be sent to Wyre Forest DC or, in the case of 10/0232, to South Staffordshire DC.
(1) Applications received.
WF/10/0226 Single storey rear extension and alterations, including conversion of
garage with rendered finish, Florence Mary Cottage, 14 Churchill Lane,Churchill
No objection
WF/10/0235 Erection of conservatory, Manderley, Churchill
No objection
WF/10/0264 Sun room and en suite extension, 110 Belbroughton Road, Blakedown
No objection
10/0232 Two wind turbines (132m high), plus underground cabling, access track, substation compound, temporary site compound and ancillary development, Roundhill Sewage Farm, Whittington Hall Lane, Kinver
Objection. This site is within the Green Belt and the proposal is not considered to be
appropriate development, as set out in PPG2 and the adopted local plan. The
development is, therefore, harmful to the Green Belt, primarily by virtue of its visual
intrusion.
(2) Planning Decisions - for information
WF/09/0677 Alterations and extensions and rebuilding of front entrance and boundary wall, Bissell Lodge, Deansford Lane, Blakedown – APPEAL DISMISSED
WF/10/0066 New extended roof including dormer windows to provide accommodation, 102 Belbroughton Road, Blakedown – GRANTED
WF/10/0134 Extensions, 22 Birmingham Road, Blakedown - GRANTED
WF/10/0138 Erection of 4 dwellings, Castle Ash, Birmingham Road, Blakedown - WITHDRAWN
89/10 GYPSY SITE, ROCKY LANE, CHURCHILL
The Clerk reported that the Parish Council’s representations had been submitted by the due date. The Hearing is confirmed for Tuesday, 13th July 2010, at Duke House, Clensmore Street, Kidderminster, when the Parish Council and residents will be able to attend and make contributions. Members were aware of the publicity given recently to unauthorized gypsy sites in Warwickshire.
90/10 FINANCE
(1) The Clerk reported that the current account today stands at £19,695.64p and the Instant Access account stands at £12,609.39p, giving a total credit balance of £32,305.03p.
(2) It was proposed by Cllr Charman, seconded by Cllr Mrs Swindells, and resolved that the following accounts be approved for payment:
Staples UK Ltd, photocopying, stationery (April)
£7.65 + £1.33 VAT (2 invoices) £ 8.98
Roger Gurney salary £629.88
reimbursement for renewal of domain name £5.98 +£1.05 VAT £ 7.03
Playsafety Limited £75.00 + £13.13 VAT £ 88.13
Worcestershire CALC subscription £527.56 + £80.85 VAT £608.41
Community First subscription £ 40.00
Worcestershire CC, room hire, 21st April 2010 £ 22.00
Vernon Rudge (April) £160.00
Mark Jones handyman £650.00
lengthsman £250.00
£2,464.43
(3) The Clerk reported that he had received the up-to-date accounts for the Millennium Green Trust just before the meeting. It was agreed that these accounts be presented to the Parish Council at the next meeting.
91/10 APPROVAL OF THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDING 31ST MARCH 2010
Copies of the Accounts were circulated with the agenda. The Clerk explained the significant differences from the previous year. The approval of the Accounts was proposed by Cllr Mrs Swindells, seconded by Cllr Mrs Hayward, and agreed.
92/10 AUDIT ARRANGEMENTS AND COMPLETION OF THE ANNUAL RETURN
The Clerk reported that the Annual Return is due to be sent to the External Auditor, Clement Keys, by 14th June 2010, which is before the next meeting. Notice of the audit arrangements have been advertised on the notice boards. The Internal Auditor, Diane Malley, currently has the necessary documents for the Internal Audit.
A copy of the Accounting Statement and the Governance Statement from the Annual Return had been circulated with the agenda. These were discussed and agreed. The Clerk will arrange for these to be signed by the Chairman when the Annual Return is received from Diane Malley.
93/10 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE PARISH MEETING
A copy of the draft minutes of the Parish Meeting held on 21st April was circulated with the agenda. Several matters were already on this agenda and some had been dealt with. It was agreed that the Nursery site in Belbroughton Road be included on the next agenda, so that the latest position regarding development can be sought.
94/10 HIGHWAY MATTERS
Following the concerns with the new signage on A.456, it was agreed that this be included on the next agenda. The Clerk reported the details of the costs of the recent roadworks, which highlighted that some funding had come from non-WCC sources.
It was reported that there had been a fatal accident on A.451 at the Fiveways junction on the previous day and it is hoped that further information will be available by the next meeting.
Cllr Dearden agreed to report a blocked footpath gate leading to Churchill Hill to the WCC Countryside section. It was agreed that, to expedite this matter the PC may be willing to make a financial contribution towards the new gate.
95/10 SIGNAL BOX AND LEVEL CROSSING
The Parish Council agreed that an application for the listing of the signal box be made as soon as possible, as it is unusual for a signal box to be located in a village and there is a threat to it from Network Rail. Cllr Mrs Swindells agreed to obtain the necessary information and to forward it to the Clerk for submission.
96/10 THE AVENUE, CAR PARK AND VILLAGE GREEN
The Clerk now has the relevant information to submit the application for the registration of the Green as a village green. He is awaiting a reply from WFDC regarding the taking over of the maintenance and use of the Green. The Clerk will check with Prysmian about the necessary authorization for supplying lighting on a Christmas tree.
It was agreed to obtain advice from CALC regarding the acquisition of The Avenue by the Parish Council and that advice be taken and documents obtained from the Open Spaces Society regarding the registration of The Avenue. It was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Cllr Mrs Coley, and agreed, that the book “Getting Greens Registered” be purchased.
The Clerk was asked to report to the several examples of encroachment into The Avenue by residents of Lynwood Drive to the WFDC Enforcement Officer .
97/10 ITEMS FROM CALC
The next Area Meeting is on Wednesday 9th June in Bewdley. The Chairman reminded Members that this item is the opportunity to raise matters which had been reported in the weekly CALC Update.
98/10 CORRESPONDENCE (for noting)
(1) WCC Traffic Orders
(a) Temporary Closure Order, Mill Lane/Churchill Lane junction, for barrier repairs, 5 days from 24th May 2010
(b) Temporary Closure Order, Station Drive/Mill Lane, for essential rail maintenance works, 5-7 June, 7-11 June, 14-16 June, 26-27 July 2010
(c) Experimental Prohibition of Crossing Central Reservation and U Turn Order, A.456 Kidderminster to Blakedown, from 16th April 2010 for max. of 12 months
(2) WFDC – Notice of submission of Core Strategy Development Plan to Sec. of State
(3) WCC – Waste Core Strategy, consultation response document produced
(4) WCC – notification that Baxter College to become Educational Trust with Chantry
High School
(5) Open Spaces Society – newsletter and information documents
(6) CPRE Worcestershire Branch– notice of meeting (18th May) and AGM (27th June)
(7) Neighbouring Parish Council agendas and minutes (Kinver and Chaddesley Corbett)
(8) Magazines, including Clerks and Councils Direct, Worcestershire Partnership, CPRE
Fieldwork, Word on Worcestershire Community Greenspace Team Annual Report
99/10 ITEMS OR PARISH INTEREST/ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA
Cllr Mrs Swindells reported that the application for the Sports Pavilion is to be presented to the WFDC Planning Committee on 25th May 2010, with a favourable recommendation, but subject to a bat survey being undertaken. She also reported that the bid for LEADER funding has been unsuccessful.
100/10 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next Meeting will be on Wednesday, 16th June 2010 in Blakedown Parish Rooms.
The meeting closed at 10.27 pm.