CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL 205
Minutes of the Meeting of Churchill and Blakedown
Parish Council held on Wednesday, 19th November 2008, in Blakedown Parish Rooms.
PRESENT
Cllr R J Whiston (Chairman)
Cllr Mrs S Cartwright
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:
Chief Inspector Jim Baker
PC Sarah Brooks
Gordon Stevens, Web master
Mark Jones, Handyman and Lengthsman
Roger Gurney, Clerk to the Parish Council
211/08
CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS
The Chairman welcomed all to the meeting.
212/08
CURRENT POLICING IN WYRE FOREST
Chief Inspector Jim Baker was invited to
speak. He has been in post for 3 years and
has 100 officers under his charge in Wyre
Forest district; some are assigned to specific
areas and some form a response team to respond
wherever there is a need. He commented that
Government-set targets are being replaced
with trust and confidence assessment. Performance
indicators can work in urban areas, not so
well in rural areas. He said that Churchill
and Blakedown is not an area of high crime. He stated that catalytic converter theft
is falling. Problems with legislation would
hamper the installation of CCTV in the village,
in spite of the Blakedown being between Hagley
and Kidderminster, both of which have CCTV.
Police Performance reports were requested
and Chief Inspector Baker volunteered to
supply quarterly reports to the Clerk via
email.
Members raised the problem of anti social
behaviour and under age drinking in Crown
Lane, New Wood Lane, Millennium Green and
the Sports field: Inspector Baker said this
is a matter for the response team and it
would respond to such complaints.
213/08
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
These were received and accepted from Cllr
Charman.
214/08
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None.
215/08
COMMUNITY POLICING
PC Sarah Brooks was invited to speak. She
reported that there been an increase in burglary
and vehicle crime, as well as disturbances
at the sports pavilion. A motor cycle and
a trailer had been stolen and there were
two reported thefts from vehicles.
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19.11.08
ADJOURNMENT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
(2 members of the public were in attendance.
Gordon Stevens, who is on the Community Housing
TCC, presented a cheque for £1,000 from the
TCC towards the Parish Plan. The Chairman
thanked him for the generosity of the TCC.
Mr Lorton expressed his concern about the
sensor at the pelican crossing;, the flooding
along Stoney Lane:the exposing of the gas
main along bridleway no. 23 (off New Wood
Lane); and the damaged street nameplate in
Sculthorpe Road).
216/08
REPORTS FROM COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS
Neither County Cllr Clee nor Cllr Williams
were in attendance and there were no reports.
217/08
CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING
HELD ON
15th OCTOBER 2008
It was agreed that amendments be made as
follows:
Minute 194/08(1), address of 08/0887 should
read “The Forge, Churchill”
Minute 203/08, line 2, delete “kits have”
and insert “kit has”
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 by the Chairman.
218/08
PROGRESS REPORTS FOR INFORMATION
(1) Parish Web site. Gordon Stevens was invited to speak. He commented
that he is now getting to grips with the
web site and aims to update within 48 hours.
He reported that the number of hits has varied
from 4736 in June to 1428 in August.
He raised the matter of charges for adverts
on the web site. After some discussion it was proposed by
Cllr Mrs Hayward, seconded by Cllr Mrs Swindells,
and agreed, that £52 be charged annually
for advertisers from outside the Parish.
After further discussion it was agreed that
the charge for Parish residents, community
organisations and businesses be considered
at the next meeting.
(2) Lengthsman/Handyman report. Mark Jones had reported problems with the
bench in Stakenbridge Lane (attempted theft)
and to the bus stop sign at the Kidderminster
bound bus shelter. It was agreed that Mark
Jones carries out the necessary concreting.
He also reported a raised drain cover in Churchill (near
Patricia Cottage) and a sunken drain outside
Drybridge.
(3) Blakedown Signal box listing. This has not progressed.
(4) Management of the Shoppers Car Park. The Clerk read from a letter from the Parking
Services Manager at WFDC, which asked for
details of amendments requested by the Parish
Council. Members commented that a camper
van has been parked here for about a month,
indicating the need for some restriction,
eg. size of vehicle or time limit, and to
seek advice from WFDC. The car park is in need for a clean up, hence the suggestion
that the PC takes this over from WFDC. There
remains the problem of the access/exit off
A.456, which should be resurrected now that
the road has been de-trunked. Cllr Mrs Hayward
agreed to speak to the officers.
(5) Street nameplates and signs. The Clerk reported that WFDC officers state
that discretionary spending on nameplates
can only proceed with the approval of the
Head of Service and whether there is a risk
to health and safety. The Clerk had asked
that the two nameplates requested at Churchill
crossroads should be considered in this category.
Members expressed concern that the lack of
street nameplates could hamper the
CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes
19.11.08 207
efficiency of the Emergency Plan.
(6) Registration of Village Green and The
Avenue. The Clerk reported that he has received
5 letters from residents giving detailed
information about The Green and it was agreed
that an application for the registration
of the Green proceeds.
(7) Emily Lyttelton Trust. Cllr Long explained that he had recently
attended a trustees meeting. There is a need
to know of residents who would benefit from
some help from the trust. It was agreed that
details be included on the web site.
(8) Community Emergency Plan. Cllr Gardiner circulated Version 1during
the meeting to Members. It was agreed that
Cllr Gardiner be the Co-ordinator, with several
names suggested to become members of the
Team. It was agreed that this be updated
and reported to the next meeting
(9) Updated Standing Orders. These were circulated with the agenda and
were received.
(10) Street light no. 15, Lynwood Drive, Blakedown. The Clerk informed the Council that the
overhanging trees were obscuring the light.
Mark Jones had cleared back as much as he
could, but the matter has been reported the
County Council, as these trees are within
the highway.
(11) Wyre Forest Police Engagement Group.
Mr Keys had sent the minutes of the previous
meeting, which were circulated with the agenda,
and noted.
(12) Grant to Sports Committee. The Clerk has received a letter of thanks
for the grant and for the help given by Mark
Jones.
219/08
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
(1) It was resolved that the comments on
the following applications, as detailed,
be sent to Wyre Forest DC.
Applications Received
WF/08/0943
Extension to provide two additional bedrooms
at first floor, Park Hall Lodge, Birmingham
Road, Blakedown
No objection. There is a need to ensure that
the materials used on the extension match
those on the existing dwelling.
WF/08/0974 Change of use from 4 flats to one house,
erection of extensions and
replacement double garage, Duckpen Cottages,
211A & B and 212A &
B, Birmingham Road, Blakedown
No objection. Please ensure that materials
to match those on the existing building are
used on the extension. The PC considers this
to be a most satisfactory scheme and welcomes
the approach taken by the officers to achieve
this.
(2) Planning Decisions - for information
WF/08/0254
Hay and implements barn, Field 2, Glebeland,
Churchill – APPEAL DISMISSED
WF/08/0430
Change of use to car park, plus landscaping,
Station Yard, Station Drive, Blakedown – GRANTED
WF/08/0725
Extensions, Ismere Grange, Ismere – GRANTED
WF/08/0739
New stable block on site of coachman’s cottage,
Park Hall, Blakedown - GRANTED
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CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes
19.11.08
WF/08/0740 & 08/0741 (LBC)
Extend former squash courts and form office
suite and cinema room, Park Hall, Blakedown
– GRANTED
WF/08/0665
New access and front wall, 30 Mill Lane,
Blakedown – WITHDRAWN
WF/08/0737; WF/08/0738; WF/08/0742; WF/08/0743;
WF/08/0744 and WF/08/0745
These applications at Park Hall, Blakedown
have been WITHDRAWN
(3) Appeal notification
WF/08/0698
Removal of agricultural occupancy condition
(no. 2, WF/0285/80), Sunset Nursery, Waggon
Lane, Churchill
It was agreed that the Parish Council’s view
of “no objection” be confirmed.
220/08
UPDATE ON PLANNING APPEALS/APPLICATION
(1) 07/1260 and 08/0451, Little Champson, Roxall
Close. There is no information on these appeals.
(2) 08/0839, rear of 5 Mill Lane (off Mill Close). No information has been received from CALC
regarding the interpretation of the covenant.
The application has not yet been reported
to Committee and it is understood that amended
plans are to be submitted.
221/08
DISTRIBUTION OF PARISH GAMES PRIZE
It was agreed to defer this item to a subsequent
meeting.
222/08
FINANCE
(1)
The Clerk reported that the current account
today stands at £717.93p and the
Instant Access account stands at £14,193.77p,
giving a total credit balance of
£14,911.70p.
(2)
The Receipts and Payments account for 06.08.08
- 06.11.08 was received.
(3)
The mid Year financial summary was circulated
with the agenda. The Clerk explained the
Section 136 grant and highlighted where income
has still to be received and spent. The summary
was received.
(4)
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, stamps, stationery
(October)
£43.83 + £5.23 VAT (2 invoices)
£ 49.06
R D Gurney salary (Oct/Nov)
£589.62
expenses (July/Oct) £66.84 + £0.64 VAT £ 67.48
Churchill Village Hall Management Committee
(for 12.12.07)
£ 15.00
Clement Keys £135.00 + £23.63 VAT
£158.63
A Trow
£100.00
Mark Jones
handyman
£410.00
lengthsman
£205.00
SPE Architecture Ltd (for parish plan)
£120.03
Freda Griffith (for parish plan)
£ 64.30
£1,779.12
(5)
WCC payments by Bacstel. This was agreed.
CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes
19.11.08 209
223/08
HIGHWAY MATTERS
PC Sarah Brooks had put some notices on cars
parked in Station Drive and it was felt that
advisory notices issued by the Parish Council
(after advice from the Police, etc) might
be used. It was agreed that this be discussed
at a future meeting.
It was reported that the footway at The Dingle
on A.456 is subsiding and that two drain
covers outside the school gates are bent
(from traffic). The Clerk was asked to report
these.
224/08
ALLOCATION OF FUNDS TOWARDS ROAD WORKS IN
STATION DRIVE
This item arose following comments by County
Cllr Clee at the previous meeting. The Parish
Council wish to support Cllr Clee in achieving
this essential work but, before making a
decision, it is necessary for the full cost
to be known The Clerk was asked to find this.
225/08
POSSIBLE TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS IN BLAKEDOWN
VILLAGE
There is concern about traffic through the
village, particularly when there are alternative
routes which avoid Blakedown. However, it
was agreed to await the outcome of the Parish
Plan responses before considering weight
restrictions or similar on A.456. The Clerk
was asked to find out from County Cllr Clee
the up to date position on the 20mph limit
outside Blakedown School.
226/08
PARISH PLAN WORKING GROUP AND NEWSLETTER
The Group is awaiting the validation of responses.
Additional volunteers have come forward to
help with the distribution of Parish Plan
consultations and the newsletter.
Cllr Gardiner circulated the draft of the
Quarterly newsletter at the meeting, for
updates; these will be incorporated and Cllr
Gardiner will email the final copy to the
Clerk, to arrange printing and to return
ready for distribution.
227/08
EMAILS RECEIVED VIA PARISH PLAN CONSULTATION
Seven emails were circulated with the agenda,
raising several matters. The following action
was agreed:
(1) Allotments. Clerk to acknowledge and enquire
of suggestions for suitable land.
(2) Litter picking. Cllr Gardiner to lend Mr
Knowles litter picker from Big tidy up kit.
(3) Car parking, dog mess, traffic speed, vandalism.
Discussed by PC
(4) The Avenue. PC already considering courses
of action.
(5) Green waste. Cllr Mrs Hayward will discuss
this with WFDC staff.
228/08 BIG TIDY UP
Cllr Gardiner reported that there is still
a need for co-ordination and the need for
additional volunteers from Churchill. Details
will be given on the web site.
229/08
SPEAKER FOR ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
It was agreed to consider this at the next
meeting.
230/08 FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES
It was reported that a resident has offered
to chair a Steering Group for fundraisers
in the village and it was agreed to discuss
this further at the next meeting.
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19.11.08
231/08
REVIEW OF THE CLERK’S SALARY
(The Clerk and members of the public left
the room during discussion of this item,
during which time notes were taken by the
Chairman).
Following discussion it was proposed by Cllr
Gardiner, seconded by Cllr Mrs Swindells,
and agreed that the Clerk progresses to SCP
23, and this would be backdated to 1st April 2008.
232/08
ITEMS FROM CALC
The Clerk reported that the next Area Meeting
is on Thursday, 4th December, at the Swan Inn, Chaddesley Corbett.
233/08
CORRESPONDENCE FOR ACTION
(1) Dept. of Communities and Local Government
– consultation on revised Code of
Conduct. No comment
(2) WFDC – training on breaches of the Code
of Conduct. Include on next agenda
(3) WFDC – planning training. Cllr Long may
attend
(4) WFDC – request for support in opposing
closure of the Driving Test Centre. Clerk
to
respond supporting view of WFDC
(5) WFDC Development Control Audit. Clerk
to complete
234/08
CORRESPONDENCE (for noting)
(1) WFDC – report of Parish Forum, 21st October
(2) WCC – Children and Young People Strategic
Partnership, open meeting, 3rd
December 2008, at 2 pm
(3) Kinver PC – agendas and minutes
(4) Magazines, including Worcestershire Warden,
Community First Newsline, CPRE
Voice, Clerks and Councils Direct
235/08
ITEMS OR PARISH INTEREST/ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA
No additional items suggested
236/08 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
This is scheduled for Wednesday, 10th December 2008 in Blakedown C of E Primary
School.
The meeting closed at 10.33 pm.
Dated this 10th day of December 2008
………………………………............
Chairman