CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL 13
Minutes of the Meeting of Churchill and Blakedown
Parish Council held on Wednesday, 18th March 2009, in Blakedown Parish Rooms.
PRESENT Cllr R J Whiston (Chairman)
Cllr Mrs S Cartwright
Cllr S D Charman (from Item 5, minute no.
51/09)
Cllr P A Dearden
Cllr T A Gardiner
Cllr Mrs P V Hayward
Cllr J W Long
Cllr B A Pitt
Cllr Mrs V J Swindells
In attendance:
CSO Kate Easthope
Roger Gurney, Clerk to the Parish Council
47/09
CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS
The Chairman welcomed all to the meeting
and thanked Cllr Dearden for chairing the
previous meeting.
48/09
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
None.
49/09
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None.
50/09
COMMUNITY POLICING
CSO Kate Easthope was invited to speak. She
reported that the number of burglaries has
fallen, although there is a rise in the number
of reports of anti social behavior (ASB).
She emphasized that in these cases it is
important to make contact by ‘phone, rather
than email, so that details can be taken
staightaway and followed up speedily. Following
the kerbing work at Station Drive the police
had received several ‘phone calls, but no
offences had occurred as there was no obstruction
and there are no yellow lines. There will
have to be a meeting with PC Julian Turner
to discuss what restrictions may be necessary
to control parking.
The CSO reported that a PACT meeting will
be held on 20th April, 11.00 – 12.00 noon.
Replying to a question there is money available
for work to deter ASB, eg gates at the Parish
Rooms. It was reported that there have been
fires behind the BT building next to the
station.
Members were pleased to receive the Alerts
from the police, but asked if emails could
be sent blind. CSO Kate Easthope requested
that Members do not forward emails to others.
ADJOURNMENT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
(5 members of the public were in attendance.
Ian Murray introduced himself as the agent
for the owners of the former Nursery site
in Belbroughton Road. Before submitting an
application to WFDC he would be pleased to
know what the PC’s “shopping list” for a
14
CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes
18.03.09
S.106 Agreement might be. Members referred
to the Parish Plan and the consultation replies
and said in general terms that a comprehensive
plan would be helpful, rather that piecemeal
developing. Mr Murray is prepared to meet
the PC again, when the scheme proceeds. Mr
Lorton commented that the Station Drive work
did not seem to be completed, the Village
Green needs to be reinstated, the stile in
Sandy Lane has not been repaired, the pelican
crossing light is wrongly orientated and
a new drain has been put in the field between
New Wood Farm and Ladies Pool (the Clerk
to report this to WFDC). One resident asked
whether the bollards, which were once across
The Avenue, can be reinstated about half
way along its length, and there is a considerable
amount of rubbish being deposited. It was
reported that trees in the station yard have
been lopped; Cllr Long commented that this
was not part of the planning permission and
WFDC were not able to take any action. Judy
Doust commented that the parking problems
in Roxall Close and Lynwood Drive, following
the Station Drive work, anticipated at the
previous meeting, had occurred).
51/09
REPORTS FROM COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS
County Cllr Clee sent his apologies and there
was no report.
52/09
CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING
HELD ON
18th FEBRUARY 2009
It was agreed that amendments be made as
follows:
Minute no. 29/09, line 4, delete “licensed”,
insert “unlicensed”
Minute no. 31/09, application no. 09/0058,
delete ”Cottage”, insert “House”.
Subject to these amendments it was proposed by Cllr Dearden, seconded by Cllr
Gardiner, and RESOLVED that the Minutes,
being a true and accurate record of the proceedings
of the meeting, be signed be the Chairman.
53/09
PROGRESS REPORTS FOR INFORMATION
(1) Parish Web site. Gordon Stevens had submitted an apology and
there was no report.
(2) Lengthsman/Handyman report. Mark Jones was invited to speak. He reported
that
fly tipping continues along Waggon Lane and
there is much litter on the Sports Field,
eg tape, water bottles and polystyrene cups.
The Clerk will report this to the Sports
Committee. Mark Jones commented on the need
for additional litter and dog bins at the
Sports Field; this is being taken up by the
Parish Plan. Members agreed that the annual
contract with WCC be renewed.
(3) Registration of the Village Green and
The Avenue. Cllr Dearden continues to work at this.
(4) Trees in The Avenue. The Clerk reported that the Tree Officer
at WFDC, Richard Kingston, has inspected
the chestnut trees and considers that some
work is required. As there is no known owner
of The Avenue, he will arrange for the work
to be done by WFDC, in the next financial
year.
(5) Offer of Items of Needlework. It was reported that there may be interest
to set up a Craft Circle in the village, which would
take over the various items. This will be
publicized on the website.
(6) War Memorial. The Clerk and Chairman will liaise to arrange
for a presentation to Mr Trow. The Clerk
needs to confirm with Mark Jones that he
will take over the grass mowing and will
register with WFDC that some maintenance
may be needed.
CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes
18.03.09 15
(7) Annual Meeting and Newsletter. The arrangements for the meeting at the
School were confirmed; the Chairman’s annual
report has been agreed and will be emailed
to Cllr Gardiner for inserting in the newsletter;
printing and distribution are in hand.
(8) Street Name Plates. The Clerk reported that he had received
a telephone call from WFDC, requesting that
they meet with a representative of the PC
to agree the exact location of the various
signs. The Chairman agreed to attend the
meeting
(9) Local listing by WFDC. A letter from WFDC was enclosed with the
agenda. It was noted with disappointment
that WFDC will not start surveying in Churchill
and Blakedown for at least a year. Cllr Long
and Cllr Mrs Hayward had met with the Planners,
who confirmed the position, stating that
there was no list, so it could not be added
to. It was agreed that, following the Parish
Plan comments, a list would be drawn up and
sent to WFDC.
54/09
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
(1) It was resolved that the comments on
the following applications, as detailed,
be sent to Wyre Forest DC.
Applications Received
WF/09/0102
Extensions and alterations (including refacing
existing brickwork),
13 New Wood Lane, Blakedown
No objection, but there is a need to ensure
that quality materials are used which are
sympathetic to the surroundings.
WF/09/0130
New vehicular access and raised decking to
rear, 10 Churchill Lane, Blakedown
Object, as it is considered that the access
(which appears to have been constructed
already) on this narrow stretch of road is
inadequate and its use would be a danger
to
other road users.
(2) Planning Decisions - for information
WF/08/0698
Removal of agricultural occupancy condition,
Sunset Nursery, Waggon
Lane, Ismere – APPEAL DISMISSED
WF/08/1081
Replace front walling and gates, and frontage
ground works, Woodland
House, 2 New Wood Lane, Blakedown - GRANTED
WF/08/1099
Demolition and replacement with one house
and twin garage, Duckpen
Cottages, Birmingham Road, Blakedown - REFUSED
(3) Update
WF/08/0839
Erection of 3 dwellings, access and turning
area, rear of 5 Mill Lane (off Mill Close),
Blakedown
Cllr Mrs Swindells had attended and spoken
at the WFDC Planning Committee. A
decision on the application was deferred
to enable a site visit to be made.
16 CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes 18.03.09
55/09
FINANCE
(1)
The Clerk reported that the current account
today stands at £145.92p and the Instant
Access account stands at £10,402.92p, giving
a total credit balance of £10,548.84p.
(2)
The Receipts and Payments account for 06.01.09
– 06.03.09 was received.
(3)
It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Hayward, seconded
by Cllr Mrs Cartwright, and resolved that
the following accounts be approved for payment:
Staples UK Ltd, photocopying (February) £8.91
+ £1.34 VAT
£ 10.25
R D Gurney salary
£621.84
expenses (Nov/Feb) £69.52 + £3.83 VAT
£ 73.35
Freda Griffith (for Parish Plan)
£ 49.00
Blakedown Parish Room Committee (for Parish
Plan)
£ 60.00
Mark Jones
handyman
£360.00
lengthsman
£200.00
£1,374.44
56/09
HIGHWAY MATTERS
The Clerk reported that he has written to
WCC asking for updates on the footway repair
at The Dingle, gritting procedures, 20 mph
speed limit outside Blakedown School, completion
of work at Churchill cross roads, the cost
of the recent traffic count in Churchill
and control of parking in Roxall Close and
Lynwood Drive.
Members asked the Clerk to report the poor
state of Stakenbridge Lane and asked for
the length of highway from Stoney Lane to Churchill
cross roads can be resurfaced. The Clerk
was asked to find out whether the work in
Station Drive has been completed.
Members were concerned at the continuing
nuisance caused by large vehicles using Stakenbridge
Lane/Rocky Lane and asked for signs to be
displayed at either end stating “weight limit
of 7.5 tonnes” and could the PC make a contribution
towards these.
It was noted that there is no sign indicating
Blakedown from Hagley and the Clerk was asked
for this to be attended to.
57/09
SHOPPERS CAR PARK
After the talk at the previous meeting the
promised follow up letter from Susan Winmill
has not been received.
58/09
COMMUNITY EMERGENCY PLAN
There was nothing to report.
59/09
PARISH PLAN WORKING GROUP
The two public meetings, held on 13th March in Blakedown and 14th March in Churchill, had been well attended
and had proved useful. There will be Press
releases. The Chairman thanked all who had
helped, and praised the publicity.
60/09 BIG TIDY UP
Posters advertising Saturday 21st March as the date for the Churchill Tidy
Up were circulated. The Blakedown Tidy Up
will take place on Saturday, 25th April: it will be led by Georgina James
from Blakedown School and will concentrate
on The Avenue, and the Village Green.
CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes
18.03.09 17
60/09 FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES
A meeting has been arranged for next week.
Comments received indicate that the PC’s
idea for a facilitating meeting is a good
idea.
61/09
PROVISION OF DOG WASTE BINS AND LITTER BINS
This will be part of the Parish Plan report.
The Clerk will need to liaise with WFDC for
collection of waste. Cllr Mrs Swindells will
report back to the next meeting.
62/09 THE AVENUE, CAR PARK AND VILLAGE GREEN
Before taking over ownership Members were
made aware of cost of maintenance of the
trees (see 53/09(4) above), lack of drainage,
current rights of access and public liability
cover (probably covered by existing policy,
but the Clerk to check). There is already
a sewer and substation. Members have to consider
if the PC is prepared to take over ownership
of The Avenue.
The Clerk was asked to seek advice from CALC
on what procedures are needed if the PC were
to acquire this land and for this to be discussed
at the next meeting.
63/09
BLAKEDOWN NURSERY LAND
Mr Murray had spoken during the Public Forum
and it was agreed that there was no urgency
to supply him with a “wish list” of items
to be included in a S.106 Agreement. In the
meantime it was agreed to pass the information
to the Parish Plan Group.
64/09
ITEMS FROM CALC
The Area Meeting had been held in Bewdley
on 5th March but, unfortunately, the speaker from
the Environment Agency was unable to attend.
65/09
CORRESPONDENCE (for noting)
(1) Wolverhampton Airport Action Group newsletter
(2) WCC – Tenbury & Teme Valley Walking
weekend, 9th/10th May
(3) Kinver PC – agendas and minutes
(4) Standards Board newsletter; Worcestershire
Partnership; West Mercia Constabulary, mission
and aims; Clerks and Councils Direct: CPRE
Fieldwork
66/09
ITEMS OR PARISH INTEREST/ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA
The Clerk was asked to report to WFDC the
extension at 19 Brookside Way.
67/09 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The Parish Meeting will be held on Wednesday,
15th April 2009, in Blakedown School and an Extraordinary
Meeting of the Council will follow.
The Annual Meeting of the Parish Council
will be held on Wednesday, 20th May 2009 in Blakedown Parish Rooms.
The meeting closed at 10.30 pm.
Dated this 20th day of May 2009
………………………………............
Chairman