2025 April

MINUTES OF THE SWYNNERTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

     Held on Thursday, 24 April 2025 at Tittensor Village Hall

Councillors in attendance: Cllr Roy James (Chairman)

Cllr P Cheadle, Cllr D Bishop, Cllr J Deaville, Cllr N Adams, Cllr T Love

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
   • A resident of Tittensor enquired whether the PC had received any further feedback on the petition for a crossing over the A34. It was confirmed that no further information has been received.
   • A resident presented a letter regarding the poor state of pavements in the village and along the A34 and highlighting the difficulties this presents to those with mobility issues – PC to forward this letter to the highways department. It was also noted that foliage was beginning to obstruct the pavement on the north bound side of the A34.

3. Reports from County and Borough Councillors

It was noted that County Council elections will take place on 1^st May.

Parish Council Meeting

1. Apologies for absence received

Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr P Marsh and Cllr N Leeson.

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

Cllr D Bishop and Cllr R James stated that they were trustees of Swynnerton Village Hall. Cllr Bishop also declared an interest for agenda item 12.

3. Approval of the Minutes of the Parish Council meetings held on Thursday 27 March 2025

     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

It was noted that the notification of Councillor Vacancy for the Swynnerton Parish had been posted. The period for residents to request an election expires on 2^nd May.

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 confirmed that Streetscene have declined the Parish Council’s request to add an additional bin at Hanchurch.

7. Financial matters
   • The payments for April 2025 were presented for approval, duly approved, and signed.
   • The financial statements and bank reconciliation to 31 March 2025 were considered and signed.

8. To consider grant request from Tittensor village hall committee for replacement door, windows and blinds.
   • The village hall committee have requested funds towards an external door, 3 high level windows and integral blinds for the high-level windows. The quotes for these items were considered. The quote from the preferred contractor totalling £5,671 inclusive of VAT.
   • The meeting considered the request having received the latest accounts as requested.
   • It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to provide a grant of £3,050 to the village hall towards the cost of these capital items.

9. To discuss benches for footpath Swynnerton 45 and receive a quote for installation
   • The meeting considered the type of bench to be installed on Swynnerton 45 (Tittensor) at the end of the pool. It was agreed that this would be a memorial bench for Cllr Brian Price and that a metal bench would be the most appropriate.
   • It was AGREED to purchase a bench costing £881+VAT+Delivery.
   • There is an existing bench placed on Swynnerton 45 by a resident. The bench is not fixed to the ground and is being thrown into the pool in an act of vandalism. It was agreed to fix this bench in place when installing the new bench.
   • Quote for installation to be considered at May meeting.

10. To consider installation of bench in children’s garden area in Tittensor
    • It was noted that the wooden bench in the children’s garden area had been vandalised and destroyed. It was raised whether the Parish Council could replace the bench with a metal bench.
    • The matter was discussed, and it was agreed to purchase a second metal bench – the same as previously agreed upon at 9.2.

• To receive additional grass cutting at Swynnerton play area
  • Quotes were requested for additional cuts at the play area at Swynnerton from 2 companies. One quote was received, at a cost of £120 +VAT per cut, with 2 cuts being required per month during the mowing season.
  • It was AGREED to approach the Borough Council to agree a way forward with taking on this additional service on a season by season basis.

• To consider request for grant towards Swynnerton’s VE Day celebrations
  • The Swynnerton Community are holding a VE celebrations event on the 5^th May and a beacon lighting event on Thursday 8^th Cllr D Bishop requested whether the Parish Council would provide a donation towards the cost of the event.
  • It was proposed, seconded and AGREED that a donation of £100 should be made towards purchases for the event.

• Employee Review
  • Due to the nature of the business being discussed the public were asked to leave the meeting.
  • After discussions and careful consideration, the Council unanimously agreed to increase the Clerk’s hourly rate of pay to level SPC18 with effect from 1^stMay 2025.  The Council would also like to put on record their sincere thanks for all the hard work carried out on behalf of the residents of the Parish and for the support given to the Council.

• The Annual Parish Meeting, the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council and the next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 22 May 2025, 7.00pm at Swynnerton Village Hall.

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

Authorised Payments