ECCLESHALL PARISH COUNCIL – ENHANCEMENTS AND PRESERVATION COMMITTEE – Wednesday, February 1st 2023

A meeting of the Enhancements and Preservation Committee was held on Wednesday, 1^st February 2023 at Eccleshall Community Centre, at 7.55pm.

 Present were:-

Councillor L. Dale (Chair)                   Councillor C. Wilkins

Councillor G. Dale                             Councillor P. Jones

Councillor D. Hill                               Councillor R. Taylor

Councillor R. Langford                       Councillor S. Perren

Mrs S. J. Worden (Clerk)

1).    Apologies:- Apologies were received from Cllr. J. Jones

2).    Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday January 4^th 2023:-

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

3).   To update on any outstanding remedial works:

The Clerk has received an update and it has been agreed to prioritise the bench repairs where slats are broken and reinforcement of the benches at Elford Heath. The bench repairs are weather dependent as the new wood will need varnishing. Minor repairs to the roof of the Croxton play shelter will also be undertaken.

The verge markers for Copmere picnic site have been delivered and are also part of the upcoming works.

4).   To receive feedback on re-siting of the memorial bench that used to be situated in front of the Star Café and replacement of the Eyeswells seat.

The owners of the memorial bench that used to be at the Star Café have decided to keep the bench at their own property.

It is possible that the Eyeswell footpath location may suit the residents who contacted the Council to request siting of a bench on Elford Heath, and the clerk is awaiting their response.

5).   Refurbished BT boxes:

• To receive an update on the refurbishment of the BT box on the Washpits and agree plans for its repurposing.

It was agreed to send an email to local groups to ask for suggestions as to the use of the box and if they would be interested in looking after the box. All maintenance costs will still be within the remit of the Council.

• To advise any updates to the work at Croxton and Fair Oak.

The repairs to the door mechanism and panes of glass to the Croxton box were imminent. The painting of both boxes will be completed as soon as the weather is suitable, which is expected to be April/May. It is hoped the boxes will be completed and in use ready for the Well Dressing in July.

6).   Update on signage request for the River Sow on the Stone Road.

The clerk logged a request for a replacement sign and County Highways has issued a non-urgent work instruction for its replacement.

7).   To provide an update on planned pavement clearance works.

The Clerk has confirmed work to the Newport Road and Stafford Road will commence as the weather improves and will continue to chase to obtain updates.

8).   To provide a report on the Carols around the Christmas Tree event

The event is jointly funded by the Parish Council and the Ecclian Society – the carol sheets and the band are funded by the Council and refreshments provided by the Ecclians. The event has been running for over 25 years. This year continued to be successful with over 120 people in attendance. The band and church have already been booked for the 18^th December 2023.

9).  To consider a quote for remedial works to a tree on The Jubilee Playing Field and an update on the resident concerns regarding a tree on the Eyeswells.

The council received and approved a quote previously for remedial works to a tree on the Eyeswell open space. Unfortunately the site location on the quote was in error and is in reference to a tree requiring works on the Jubilee Playing Fields. The tree on the Eyeswell was inspected at the same time and concluded that no work was required at this time.

It was resolved to recommend approval of the remedial works to the tree located on the Jubilee field at a cost of £250 plus VAT.

It was agreed that the Ash tree on Eyeswell tree will be reinspected once in full leaf, to address any ongoing concerns from a nearby resident and the Clerk will provide an update to the resident as they were previously informed that remedial work was required in line with the original quotation received.

10). Correspondence:-

• No correspondence has been received.

A member advised that one of the parish milestones, adjacent to Lower House Farm Road between Sugnall and Pershall on the B5026 has been knocked over and needs resetting in the verge. It was resolved to recommend for the Clerk to appoint a contractor to undertake the work and approve up to a limit of £100.

11).  Items for next meeting

Any items for consideration to be sent to the Clerk.

12).  Date of Next Meeting:-  April 5^th, 2023, following the planning meeting.

There being no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 8.15pm.