2025 June

MINUTES OF THE SWYNNERTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

  Held on Thursday, 26 June 2025 at Hanchurch Village Hall

Councillors in attendance: Cllr Roy James (Chairman)

Cllr P Cheadle, Cllr D Bishop, Cllr T Love, Cllr P Marsh, Cllr N Adams

Cllr N Leeson

Stafford Borough Council:  Cllr Roy James

Stafford County Council:  Cllr S Bagguley

In attendance:  Allison Gardner MP, L Davies (Parish Clerk), 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 Trustee from Hanchurch Village Hall addressed the meeting to provide an update on the running of the hall since new Trustees took on the responsibility at the beginning of the year.
   • Representative from the Trentham Heritage Project group provided a summary of their activities in the area. They are seeking funding towards an information board that displays details of the heritage walk the group has developed. The position identified for an Information Board is highways land. It was suggested that an alternative place be considered due to the costs and legal requirements for siting on the Highways. Once the group had costings for the board and a suitable location the Parish Council would be happy to consider a contribution to this heritage project.
   • A resident of Tittensor, who coordinates planting and displays in the village, provided a summary of how the funds donated by the Parish Council last year had been used and thanked the Parish Council.
   • A resident of Tittensor, who organised the petition for a pedestrian crossing, addressed the meeting to enquire whether any further actions could be taken to promote the request with County Council. Allison Gardner MP added her support to the initiative.

3. Reports from County and Borough Councillors
   • Cllr S Bagguley stated he would back the initiative for the crossing but could not guarantee the outcome. The first step would be to conduct a safety report on the area which he would investigate instructing.
   • Cllr Bagguely has also inspected the pavements in Tittensor and would provide feedback on Highways review of SIDs as this developed.
   • Cllr James provided an update of the Local Government Reorganisation from the perspective of the Borough Council.
   • Cllr James stated that the Borough Council expected to have a Local Plan in place by 2027. This has implications on planning, as a five-year land bank is not in place.

Parish Council Meeting

1. Apologies for absence received

Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr J Deaville.

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

Cllr D Bishop, Cllr P Cheadle and Cllr R James stated that they were trustees of Swynnerton Village Hall.

3. Approval of the Minutes of the Parish Council meetings held on Thursday 22 May 2025

     The minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council 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 further 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.
   • Highways have stated that all new requests for SIDs have been put on hold whilst the County Council reviews their processes for permitting new SID installations.
   • The Borough Council have in principle said that they will take over cutting the grass verge on Main Road in Tittensor, but the Highways department need to approve this. Once this has been agreed, a written agreement will need to be put in place with the Parish Council for cutting the grass at the Play area. An email has been sent to Highways Liaison Officer.
   • Cllr Marsh has approached Stone Rural Parish Council about replacing the not suitable for HGV sign at the top of Chase Lane. It will be considered at their July meeting.

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

8. To discuss and agree contribution towards plants and flowers for village displays.
   • It was agreed to provide £300 to both the Tittensor and Swynnerton communities for floral displays and planting in the villages.

9. To discuss further enhancements to the play area in Swynnerton
   • Cllrs from Swynnerton provided very positive feedback regarding the installation of the goal posts at the play area.
   • It was noted that the gate of the play area had been removed some time ago and not replaced. Cllr James to discuss with the Borough Council.
   • Swynnerton Councillors expressed that they would like to install a shelter for the children at the park as the shelter at the cricket club will be removed soon. It was AGREED to approach the Borough Council to enquire whether this additional piece of equipment could be sited within the play area.

10. To consider request for assistance from residents regarding fishing pond in Swynnerton
    • The fishing pond in Swynnerton has become overgrown and cannot be used safely. A group of residents in Swynnerton would like to take on the lease for the site and make repairs to the area and restart the angling club.
    • The Parish Council invited the group to provide a proposal of what they intend to refurbish, associated costs and what funding they were seeking from the Parish Council.

• Review and agree publication scheme
  • The publication scheme was considered, and it was AGREED to adopt the policy as presented.

• The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 7 August 2025, 7.15pm at Tittensor Village Hall

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

Approved Payments