DRAFT

MINUTES OF THE SWYNNERTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

     Held on Thursday, 28 November 2024 at Tittensor Village Hall

Councillors in attendance: Cllr Roy James (Chairman)

Cllr P Cheadle, Cllr P Marsh, Cllr D Bishop, Cllr J Deaville

Stafford Borough Council:  Cllr Roy James

Stafford County Council:  Cllr J Pert

In attendance:  L Davies (Parish Clerk)

Public Question Time

1. The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. To consider matters raised by members of the public
   • It was noted that Hanchurch Village Hall would be closing on 23^rd An AGM is being held on 4^thJanuary where it is hoped new trustees will take over.
   • Requests for bulbs were received from Tittensor and Swynnerton.

3. Reports from County and Borough Councillors
   • The temporary 40mph speed signs at Hanchurch still in discussion
   • SCC have not provided any feedback regarding petition for A34.
   • The gullies on Winghouse Lane are scheduled to be cleared out the week commencing 3^rd

Parish Council Meeting

1. Apologies for absence received

Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr E Mateu, Cllr Adams, Cllr N Leeson and Cllr T Love.

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

none.

3. Approval of the Minutes of the Parish Council meetings held on Thursday 24 October 2024

     The minutes of the last Parish Council meeting were considered, APPROVED and signed by the Chairman.

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

No matters were discussed.

5. Review of the planning committee observations

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

6. Receive the Clerk’s report – correspondence received and progress report on matters not on the agenda
   • The Clerk’s report was considered, and matters noted.
   • Cllr James has met with Borough regarding the additional play area in Tittensor. Initial feedback is that the area is outside of the settlement boundary and therefore any biodiversity taken from the site would have to be established elsewhere plus 10%. Cllr James to clarify further.
   • It was noted that new grit bins had been put in place on Main Road Swynnerton replacing the broken concrete pipes.
   • It was noted that Cllr Pert had spoken with Highways regarding outstanding quotes for the HGV sign and additional SID. It was also noted that additional “caution horses” signs cost £1,000 when last installed by Highways.

7. Financial Matters
   • The payments for November were presented for approval, duly APPROVED, and signed.
   • The financial statements and bank reconciliation to 31 October 2024 were considered and signed.
   • The Clerk highlighted that account balances were £83,624 – any amount over £80,000 is not protected by FCSC guarantee.
   • The 2024/25 local services pay agreement for the Clerk’s remuneration was AGREED. Increase to be backdated to April 2024.
   • The draft budget for expenditure the year 25/26 was considered and agreed. The Clerk highlighted that reserves were high and reducing reserves should be considered when setting the precept for 2025/26.

8. To agree frequency and locations of civic amenity visits for 2025

It was AGREED to request 9 visits throughout the year – 3 for Swynnerton, 3 for Tittensor and 3 for Hanchurch (to be confirmed with the Hanchurch village hall after the AGM in January).

9. To discuss quote for cutting back of hedges / trees at Tittensor play area

It was AGREED to continue with the quote of £225 +VAT for the work required at the play area.

• Discuss beacon lighting event for the commemoration of the 80^th Anniversary of VE Day, 8 May 2025

Cllrs were asked to enquire whether local communities would be supportive of marking the event with a beacon lighting.

• Update from the Parish Council Traffic Safety Working Group
  • Cllr Marsh provided an update from the community speed watch group and statistics regarding speeds recorded and letters sent by Staffordshire police.
  • The SID on the entrance to Swynnerton from the A51 is not working. The solar panel has been cleaned. Cllr J Deaville will remove batteries and recharge, however, if this is not successful new batteries at a cost of circa £160 plus VAT will be required. It was AGREED to purchase new batteries should the current ones be defective.

• The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 23 January 2025, 7.15pm at Swynnerton Village Hall.      

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