2025 October

MINUTES OF THE SWYNNERTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

     Held on Thursday, 30 October 2025 at Tittensor Village Hall

Councillors in attendance: Cllr D Bishop (Chair)

Cllr P Cheadle, Love, Cllr N Adams, Cllr N Leeson

Stafford Borough Council:  Cllr Roy James

Stafford County Council:  Cllr S Bagguley

In attendance:  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
   • Trustees from Tittensor Village Hall and Tittensor Bowling Club provided an update on discussions regarding the path surrounding the bowling green.
   • A Tittensor resident raised the submission of a screening opinion to the Borough Council for a potential solar PV scheme on land south of Beechcliffe Lane. It was noted that the Parish Council had not been notified of the proposal as the application was for a screening opinion, the Borough Council would notify and consult with the Parish Council when a planning application was submitted.

3. Reports from County and Borough Councillors
   • Cllr Bagguley provided an update on the road safety changes in Beech. The schedule of works should be started shortly.
   • Cllr Baggulley continues to push for the feasibility study for a crossing across the A34 to be scheduled.
   • Requests for the Speed Camera vans to visit locations on Winghouse Lane and Main Street Swynnerton have been submitted. It has been agreed that cyclical visits will occur on Winghouse Lane (entering the village from the A51) and on Main Street, Swynnerton.
   • An update on the Local Government Reorganisation was provided from the Count Council’s perspective. Proposal to be submitted to central government by 28 November.

Parish Council Meeting

1. Apologies for absence received

Apologies were received from Cllr R James, Cllr P Marsh and Cllr T Love.

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

Cllr D Bishop and Cllr P Cheadle stated that they were trustees of Swynnerton Village Hall. Cllr P Cheadle stated that she was a member of the Tittensor Bowling Club.

3. Approval of the Minutes of the Parish Council meetings held on Thursday 25th September 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

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.

7. Financial matters
   • The payments for October 2025 were presented for approval, duly approved, and signed.
   • The financial statements and bank reconciliation to 30 September 2025 were considered and signed.
   • The draft budget for year ending 31 March 2027 was considered. Cllrs were asked to consider projects /capital expenditure that the parish council may wish to include in the budget. These items to be discussed at November’s meeting.
   • It was AGREED to schedule 9 civic amenity visits for 2026, 3 visits for each of Trentham/Hanchurch, Tittensor and Swynnerton.

8. Review draft communications policy and review and adoption of information technology policy and complaints policy

The communications policy was considered and adopted without amendment.

9. Consider updates and discuss request for a grant from Tittensor Bowling Club/Tittensor Village Hall towards repair and improvement of pathway around the bowling green
   • A representative for Tittensor Village Hall confirmed that the Committee wish to submit a grant request for repairs to the path.
   • Once repaired, the Bowling Club and Village Hall have agreed that maintenance of the path will become the responsibility of the Bowling Club. No other changes to be made to the terms of the lease.

10. Receive update on Trentham Heritage Project
    • The Heritage Group have met with Trentham Gardens representatives and a location for the information board has been proposed. Trentham Gardens to confirm costs.

• To agree on whether to undertake grass cutting at Swynnerton play area
  • The matter was discussed, and it was noted that there was very little alternative groundworks that the Borough Council could undertake to replace the hours scheduled for the park.
  • It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to approach the Borough Council and suggest that the Parish Council cuts the area between (and immediately surrounding) the goal posts and the Borough Council continue to cut the remainder of the area and perimeter.

• To consider requirement for surfacing at the base of youth shelter in Swynnerton play area
  • Sutcliffe have visited the play area and have asked whether the Parish Council require a concrete base under the shelter costing between £500 – £600. The matter was discussed, and it was AGREED to add a base to the quote for the shelter.
  • Sutcliffe also raised whether a post installation inspection will be required. For Sutcliffe to undertake this the cost would be £520. Clerk to enquire whether the Borough Council could provide this service.

13. To discuss collection of data from SIDs in Swynnerton

It was raised that the data from the SID in Swynnerton was no longer being collected as Cllr Deaville had previously undertaken this. It was unclear whether the TSWG were collecting data from SID in Tittensor. It was proposed to raise this matter at the November meeting when Cllr Marsh would be present.

• To consider supporting Swynnerton residents in purchasing an additional defibrillator for the community
  • Following defibrillator training in Swynnerton, it was highlighted that the village only has one defibrillator for the entire area. The community are considering fundraising for a further unit to be installed.
  • It was suggested that a proposal should be presented to the Parish Council outlining total costs, location, fundraising and grant requested.

• The date of the next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 27 November, 7.15pm at Hanchurch Village Hall

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

Authorised Payments