2025 January

MINUTES OF THE SWYNNERTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

     Held on Thursday, 23 January 2025 at Swynnerton Village Hall

Councillors in attendance: Cllr Roy James (Chairman)

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

Cllr N Adams

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 Tittensor resident addressed the meeting to share the County Council’s response to the petition for a crossing across the A34. The County Council has no plans to consider installing a pedestrian crossing at this time, the costs associated with providing a pedestrian crossing are high, with early estimations costing around £200k. The site would continue to be monitored.
   • Members of the Tittensor Community Speed watch team provided an update of their recent activity and raised areas of concern on the roads surrounding Tittensor.
   • A representative from Stone Cricket club requested information on any grants that may be available for the Swynnerton cricket club site. It was noted that the County Councillor may be able to provide information on funding streams within the area.
   • A representative from Tittensor Village Hall Committee enquired whether the Parish Council would consider providing funding towards replacing windows and a door at the village hall. The request will be considered at the March meeting.
   • The PSCO addressed the meeting to explain what actions her team are taking with regards to dangerous parking in Swynnerton and Tittensor. She explained that parking on double lines should be reported to the County Council, this can be done online.

3. Reports from County and Borough Councillors

     Cllr James provided a summary of the government’s plans for local government reorganisation.

Parish Council Meeting

1. Apologies for absence received

Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr E Mateu 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 28 November 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 continues to liaise with the Borough Council with regards to the planning application that will be required to secure a new recreational ground. It was highlighted that the deadline for securing the s106 monies is July 2026.

7. Financial Matters
   • The meeting considered the discussion paper presented and the Clerk highlighted the high free reserves position of the Parish Council. Potential projects which could be considered to employ the free reserves were debated. The Clerk stated that the determination of earmarked reserves would be agreed at the March meeting. [the meeting agreed to defer determination of the precept until items 13 and 14 were discussed]

Following the discussion on items 13 and 14 it was AGREED to increase the budget category for Parish Projects to £10,000. It was further AGREED to keep the precept at the same level as 2024/25 at £34,000.

• The payments for December and January were presented for approval, duly APPROVED, and signed.
• The financial statements and bank reconciliation to 31 December 2024 were considered and signed.

8. To receive quote for replacement part for play equipment at Tittensor play area

It was noted that the since the agenda had been issued, the piece of equipment has been tapped off as it has become unsafe. The replacement part will cost £146.98 (plus VAT and carriage), a quote for screw caps is outstanding but expected to be circa £20. The part will then need to be fitted by E Challoner. It was AGREED to move forward with the repairs.

9. To discuss heavy commercial vehicles travelling through Swynnerton

Vehicles not respecting the weight limits should be reported to the police. It was also suggested that residents contact Companies to report that their drivers are committing an offence for driving through a restricted area. Clerk happy to assist if information provided.

• To discuss dangerous parking at the exits of the public house carpark in Swynnerton

It was noted by the meeting that the PSCO had covered this item in the public questions part of the meeting.

• To receive an update on appointment of new trustees at Hanchurch Village Hall and consider dates to hold meetings at Hanchurch

New trustees have been appointed at Hanchurch village hall at the start of January and the hall is open for bookings to the public. It was agreed to request hiring the hall for the June and November meetings. Clerk to invite trustees to the June meeting to understand their plans for the hall.

• To provide clarification on annual payment provided to Tittensor village hall in September 2024
  • Cllr Marsh proposed that the rent for the play area (£200) should be in addition to the annual payment.
  • This matter was discussed. It was AGREED that the annual payment should include the payment, and no further amount should be provided.

• To consider the quotes and process required for additional SID in Tittensor and HGV signage
  • The quote for a HGV sign was at the bottom of Chase Lane with the A34 was not considered as the Traffic Safety Working Group expressed that is was the sign at the top of the road which is unsuitable. It was agreed to request a quote from highways for a larger sign at the top of Chase Lane.
  • The quote from highways for an additional SID on Winghouse Lane just after the junction of Beechdale Lane was considered. The design fee for the SID being £2,000. The installation of the pole and unit by Amey is estimated to be circa £2,500 (excl VAT) or £2,500 (including VAT by a third-party contractor – quote valid for 6 months). The cost of the SID unit itself is currently £2,250 (excl VAT). It was AGREED to move forward with the design survey and assuming the location is suitable to progress with the installation of the SID.

• To consider the installation of village gates on Winghouse Lane, Tittensor

The meeting considered installing village gates on Winghouse Lane at the start of the 30mph zone. It was AGREED not to progress with the village gates.

• To consider installation of road signage to warn motorists of horses in the road/crossing in Tittensor

Clerk to contact Cllr Pert to understand how to move this forward.

• To discuss flooding and deterioration of verge at junction of Beechdale Lane and Winghouse Lane.

Cllr Deaville stated that the gully on Beechdale Lane was blocked and vehicles driving on the verge was causing soil and debris to fall onto the road. It was noted that residents should continue to report this on the Highways online reporting system and to continue to raise this matter with Cllr Pert.

• Update from the Parish Council Traffic Safety Group

Cllr Marsh provided an update from the Parish Council Traffic Safety Group.

• The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 27th March 2025, 7.15pm at Swynnerton Village Hall.      

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