2023 August

The June Financial Statements (authorised payments and bank reconciliation) can be viewed by clicking the following link:

August 2023 Financial Statements and Payments

Please contact the Parish Clerk should you require a format other than pdf

DRAFT MINUTES OF THE SWYNNERTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

       Held on Thursday, 3 August 2023 at Tittensor Village Hall

Councillors in attendance: Cllr Roy James (Chairman)

Cllr Pat Cheadle, Cllr Enrique Mateu, Cllr Peter Marsh, Cllr

Cllr Peter Marsh, Cllr Nicky Adams

Stafford Borough Council:  Cllr Roy James

Stafford County Council: None

In attendance:  L Davies (Parish Clerk), 4 members of the public

Public Question Time

1. The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. To consider matters raised by members of the public.
   • A resident asked for an update on the proposed new play area in Tittensor.
   • A resident raised concerns regarding parking along Winghouse Lane, particularly outside of the village hall.
   • Blocked gullies on Winghouse Lane near to Beechdale Lane were highlighted by a resident.

3. Reports from County and Borough Councillors
   • Cllr James provided an update on the decommissioning of HS2 sites and Meecebrook.
   • The Borough Council are currently undertaking a consultation on their Public Space Protection Order, which will be discussed later in the meeting.

Parish Council Meeting

1. Apologies for absence received

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr D Bishop and Cllr T Love.

2. Declarations of interest, to consider written requests from Councillors to grant dispensation (under S33, Localism Act, 2011).

No declarations of interest were received.

3. Approval of the Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Thursday 22 June 2023

The Minutes were considered, APPROVED and signed by the Chairman.

4. Discuss matters arising from the Minutes not covered in the Agenda

No matters were raised.

5. Consider expression of interest for co-option onto the Parish Council
   • The expression of interest from a resident of Tittensor to fill one of the two vacancies on the Parish Council was discussed.
   • It was proposed, seconded and AGREED that Mr J Deaville should be co-opted into the Parish Council.

6. Review of the planning committee observations

The planning applications received and decided since the last meeting were reviewed by the meeting.

7. Receive the Clerk’s report – correspondence received and progress report on matters not on the agenda
   • The Clerk’s report was received and progress on actions noted.
   • A quote for installing new matting under the swings at Tittensor play area was discussed. It was AGREED to proceed with the quote of £680 (plus VAT). This work will be undertaken in the Autumn – matting to be purchased by the Parish Council as previously agreed. Clerk to action
   • In June and the beginning of July, four complaints were received from residents of Tittensor regarding noise from material being moved onto agricultural land. The County Council Planning department have been contacted.
   • The SPCA will be running an “Understanding Planning” Course in October. It was AGREED that Cllrs on the planning committee or wishing to become involved in planning could attend. Cllrs to confirm interest to Clerk. Clerk and Cllrs to action
   • No notification has been received from The Lady Katherine and Sir Richard Leveson Charity that the Parish Council has been removed as a Trustee. It was agreed that the Clerk should send a further letter to request action. Clerk to action

8. Financial Matters
   • The payments for July and the start of August 2023 were presented for approval, duly APPROVED and signed.
   • The financial statements and bank reconciliation to 31 July 2023 were considered and signed.
   • No further feedback was received regarding the Five Year Plan. Clerk to re-circulate template.

9. To consider the response to Public Spaces and Protection Order (PSPO) Consultation

The PSPO consultation was discussed. It was AGREED that the Parish Council should request that the play areas at Tittensor and Swynnerton be included in the new PSPCO order and that dogs in children play areas, alcohol, tents and loitering should be prohibited.  Ferndown South play area is included in the current order for exclusion of dogs – Parish Council to request that this should be extended to include prohibiting alcohol, tents and loitering. Clerk to action

10. Consider areas for road sweeping and/or gully cleaning
    • The need for additional road sweeping and/or gully cleaning in the autumn within each ward was discussed.
    • It was agreed to get quotes for pavement sweeping along the Whitmore Road from the junction of the A519 to down to Parkway (Hanchurch), gully cleaning/road sweeping along Winghouse Lane from the A34 to Field Rise Road (Tittensor), gully cleaning/road sweeping along Main Street from Park View to Stab Lane (Swynnerton).

11. Speed indication devices
    • Discuss response from County Council regarding installation of poles and next steps

The County Council have re-iterated that they will install all 3 posts for the speed devices when the works are carried out for the change of speed limit in Tittensor takes place. They have also stated that they there will be no changes to the original scheme of works dated 25/04/2023.

• Discuss removal of foliage obscuring SID in Tittensor

A tree from a resident’s garden is obscuring the solar panel for the SID. A local resident present at the meeting undertook to speak with the owner and ask permission for the tree to be cut back.

• Progress on Community speed watch signs

The Community Speed Watch group has received the speed signs and have identified a contractor to install the signs. It was AGREED that the Parish Council would pay for the installation based on the quote of £65 per sign. Clerk to progress

12. Discuss continued flooding on Beechdale Lane, Tittensor

Beechdale Lane is still flooding near the junction with Winghouse Lane. An update on the trial hole dug by the County Council in June has been requested. Clerk to follow up.

13. Confirm the date of the next Parish Council Meeting

The next meeting will be on Thursday 28th September, 7.15pm at Swynnerton Village Hall.

There being no further business, the Chairman closed this Meeting.