ECCLESHALL PARISH COUNCIL – ENHANCEMENTS AND PRESERVATION COMMITTEE – Wednesday, October 5th 2022

A meeting of the Enhancements and Preservation Committee was held on Wednesday, 5^th Oct 2022 at Eccleshall Community Centre, at 7.50pm.

  Present were:-

Councillor L. Dale (Chair)                   Councillor C. Wilkins

Councillor G. Dale                             Councillor P. Jones

Councillor D. Hill                               Councillor R. Taylor

Councillor R. Langford

Mrs S. J. Worden (Clerk)

1).    Apologies:- Apologies were received from Cllrs. Perren and J. Jones

2).    Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday August 17^th 2022:-

The minutes, which had previously been noted by the Council, were agreed and signed.

3).   To consider any recommended remedial works arising from the assets inspections for 2022/23:-

Outstanding bench refurbishments are being progressed – some items were updated as inspections were complete. Members were asked to submit any outstanding inspections as soon as possible. Cllr. Taylor will ask footpath marshals to report on the condition of the kissing gates.

Cllr. Wilkins noted that the recycled picnic benches at Elford Heath would benefit from support underneath the middle of the bench to stop them from bowing in the middle. The Clerk will chase up action.

It was reported that the blue seat on the crossroads was flaking after being repainted earlier this year. This was observed to be a recurring issue due to the base metal of the bench, even though specialist primer is used.

The Clerk was requested to number the assets on the inspection sheet for ease of reference.

4).   To consider locations for the memorial bench that used to be situated in front of the Star Café:-

The Star Café has new owners and Cllr. Hill is awaiting a response to see if they wish to re-site the bench in its original location by the front window.

If not, an alternative option was suggested to place the bench along the Eyeswell footpath. It may be worth considering it as a replacement to the current seat which is deteriorating.

5).   Proposal from the Ecclian Society to decorate the Washpits BT box for the Christmas Period and to consider future uses:

The Ecclian Society has requested to use the BT box to site a Christmas tree and to decorate it with lights. It was resolved to recommend approval of this course of action.

An article will be placed in the winter newsletter to invite suggestions for longer term repurposing of the box and if any organisations would like to look after it.

6).   To agree the proposed tender specification for the grass cutting contract 2023-2025.

The Clerk provided an updated tender specification for the upcoming contract renewal, which includes the additional 3 trims of the wall on the Stafford Road as previously approved. All other elements remained unchanged. It was resolved to approve this document and commence the tendering process.

7).   To consider tasks for inclusion in the Lengthsman draft specification.

The specification will include a number of tasks no longer undertaken by other authorities and will enhance areas within the whole parish (not just the town) such as sign cleaning/clearing, weeding, sweeping and general tidying. The intention is to tender for a contractor who would undertake the tasks as and when directed and to submit an invoice for the work. There will be a budget allocated to the contract.

8).   To consider submission of a signage request for the River Sow where it runs beneath the Stone Road.

       At present there is only signage on one side of the road due to the previous sign being knocked over. It was agreed to submit a request for a new sign – Cllr. G. Dale will provide photographs to the Clerk to include with the request.

9).  Pavement Clearance works:

• There is a small stretch of overgrown footpath on the A519 Slindon Road from the Raleigh Hall junction up to Staffordshire Chickens. The Clerk is not able to obtain a quote for clearance at this time due to a lack of capacity with our current contractors, who already have the Newport Road and Stafford Road planned for winter clearance works. It was agreed to add the footpath to a list of future works for consideration when capacity allows.

10). Correspondence:-

• Members considered a resident request to restrict the Jubilee playing field off Hartland Road to dogs on leads, following a recent incident whereby a dog off lead tried to attack a dog on a lead. Options include submitting a proposal to the Borough Council to include the space as part of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). The PSPO could enforce a dogs on lead rule and fine those who do not comply. Other alternatives include erection of signage to request dogs must be on lead if they cannot be controlled, but this would not be enforceable. The committee was concerned about the attack but also noted that the space is enjoyed by a number of dog walkers who have never had any issues. It was agreed to research options in more detail, to consider further at the next meeting and to monitor for any other incidents.
• A resident has expressed concern about the condition of a tree on the eyeswells open space to the rear of their property. There is no immediate concern noted with regards to falling but the committee agreed to look into the issue.

11).  Consideration of activities and required budget for 2023/24

The Clerk was requested to contact the Borough Council to follow up on previous requests to take over the play area at Beech Road and to copy in the Borough Councillors for their support. It was agreed to add a further sum of money to the Earmarked Reserves to cover this project should opportunities arise.

12).  Items for next meeting

Any items for consideration to be sent to the Clerk.

13).  Date of Next Meeting:-  December 7^th, 2022, following the planning meeting.

There being no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 8.35pm.