2024 June

MINUTES OF THE SWYNNERTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

     Held on Thursday, 27 June 2024 at Hanchurch Village Hall

Councillors in attendance: Cllr Roy James (Chairman)

Cllr T Love, Cllr P Cheadle, Cllr P Marsh,

Cllr J Deaville, Cllr E Mateu, Cllr N Adams, Cllr N Leeson

Stafford Borough Council:  Cllr Roy James

Stafford County Council:  none

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
   • Three residents of Hanchurch provided an update on the formation of a new committee/trustees to take over the running of Hanchurch Village Hall.
   • Hanchurch residents also raised that no progress has been made on new 40mph signs on Newcastle Road.
   • The CSW team in Tittensor thanked the Parish Council for the SID signs which appear to be having a positive impact on traffic speeds on entering Tittensor from the direction of the A51.

3. Reports from County and Borough Councillors
   • No matters reported.

Parish Council Meeting

1. Apologies for absence received

Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr D Bishop and Cllr J Pert.

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 23^rd May 2024

     The minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting and the May 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 Clerks’ report was considered, and matters noted.
   • The SIDs have been installed in Swynnerton and Tittensor.
   • A gully has been installed on Beechdale Lane.
   • A resident has raised the spread of Himalayan balsam along the A34 and into Chase Lane. He has provided a poster regarding the plant and is working to raise awareness.

7. Financial Matters
   • The payments for June were presented for approval, duly APPROVED, and signed.
   • The financial statements and bank reconciliation to 31 May 2024 were considered and signed.

8. Update from the Parish Council Traffic Safety Working Group
   • Cllr P Marsh provided an update of the matters discussed at the last working group meeting.
   • The following points were raised by the working group. Clerk to forward comments to County Councillor / log a report with highways as appropriate.
     • There isn’t a “Not suitable for HGVs” sign on the northbound A34 at the junction with Chase Lane. There are signs on the southbound carriageway and at the junction with Winghouse Lane.
     • An additional 30mph sign after the bend on Winghouse Lane (in the direction of Swynnerton) would be helpful in reminding motorist that they are still in a 30mph zone.
     • Could double white lines be introduced on the bend at Winghouse Lane.
     • The central white lines through Tittensor are badly faded.

9. Review and agree draft publication scheme

The draft publication scheme was considered. It was AGREED to adopt the publication scheme as proposed. Clerk to display on website.

10. Discuss reoccurrence of flooding on Winghouse Lane
    • Cllr Marsh informed the meeting that during heavy rain in June, flooding on Winghouse Lane (opposite Beechdale Lane) had reoccurred. Cllr Marsh reported the flooding online but it had cleared by the time highways were able to inspect.
    • Cllr Marsh raised whether the gully could be cleaned by a third party contractor. The meeting discussed the cost of cleaning just one gully and it was AGREED not to progress with an additional gully cleaning at this time.

11. Discuss the design of proposed village gates in Tittensor
    • The Clerk reported that the highways department, in principle, would not object to village gates being installed close to the new 30mph signs on Winghouse Lane. This would be subject to conditions being met, including agreeing a design and ensuring it is an appropriate place to dig.
    • A proposed design and costings for the gates was presented to the meeting.
    • The costs vs benefits of the gates were discussed, noting that the new SIDs appeared to be effective in reducing speeds entering the village.
    • It was AGREED that the effectiveness of the SIDs should be assessed over a six month period, after which the requirement for village gates could be reassessed.

• Receive quote for refurbishment and installation of perches within Swynnerton bus shelters
  • The quote for the refurbishment of the bus shelters and installation of perches was received by the meeting, the cost for both shelters being £975.
  • It was AGREED to accept the quote and for the works to be undertaken. Clerk to action.

13. Discuss overgrown footpaths within Swynnerton
    • The footpath on Main Road, opposite the cenotaph, is being obstructed by nettles and weeds growing from the hedge. It was AGREED that the Clerk should write to the Swynnerton Estate office and request for the weeds to be cut back.
    • Several properties in Swynnerton have trees or hedges obstructing public footpaths/pavements. It was AGREED that the Parish Council should write to the property owners and request that the foliage be cut back.

• The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 8 August 2024, 7.15pm at Tittensor Village Hall.      

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

Authorised Payments June 2024