ECCLESHALL PARISH COUNCIL – ENHANCEMENTS AND PRESERVATION COMMITTEE – Wednesday, August 13^th 2025

 DRAFT

A meeting of the Enhancements and Preservation Committee was held on Wednesday, 13^th August 2025 at Eccleshall Community Centre, after the Planning Committee meeting, at 8.45pm.

  Present were:-

Councillor R. Langford (Chairman)     Councillor G. Dale

Councillor R. Taylor                                Councillor C. Wilkins

Councillor A. Reid                                  Councillor D. Hill

Mrs S. J. Worden (Clerk)

No members of the public

1).    Apologies:-

Apologies were received from Cllrs. Perren, Hall, Ryan-Bloor and Jones.

2).    Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 4^th June 2025:-

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

3).   Asset inspections:-

• The Clerk provided an update on the asset inspections – all the reported works have been completed – it is urgent that the outstanding inspections are completed as soon as possible so that any refurbishment works can be completed during the summer. Mr. Cole will be asked to help with the kissing gate inspections. The Eyeswell lectern and seat were noted as in satisfactory condition. It was suggested for next year that outstanding items and responsibilities were listed as part of the agenda, for extra clarity.

4).   Refurbished BT boxes:-

• BT box on the Washpits:

Painting of the box is now completed and is an excellent piece of work. There are no further plans to repurpose the box at present.

5).   Croxton Play area and Outdoor Gyms:

• Inspection Reports:

The latest inspection had not been completed prior to this meeting. A number of minor tidying works that were identified on the last report have been completed by Mr. Sheard.

6).   Biodiversity Enhancements:

• Stafford Borough Council has given approval to plant English bluebell bulbs in the area by the toilets (to the rear so as not to disturb existing bulbs) and the scouts have agreed to help with the planting in the autumn. The Clerk will liaise with the scouts nearer the time to arrange dates plans for supervision and provision of tools. Cllr. Langford will be available for the planting dates/help to co-ordinate. 500 bulbs have been ordered. It was also agreed to plant some of the bulbs in the Eyeswell open space area, by the trees and information board.

7).   Beech Road Community Park:

• The opening event is planned for Friday 15^th August from 10am, to include an official opening conducted by the Stafford mayor, with refreshments provided for all in attendance plus goodie bags on a first come first served basis. Cllr. Hill will extend an invitation to the local PCSO.
• There have been some minor teething issues, including:
  • The siting of a large goalpost when the area is clearly marked no ball games. The persons responsible have been notified and it will be removed if they do not clear it from the area in the next few days.
  • The additional bin is now in place.
  • There were reports of dog fouling in the site, but we have not heard of any further reports in the last week or two. We plan to install additional signage to enforce the no dog fouling and to encourage reporting to the Borough Council.
  • The Chess board sticker has been removed from the games picnic bench. The Clerk will enquire into replacement options with Kompan.
  • The pathway is settling with some loose surface material. The Clerk has asked Kompan if this can be rolled to bed it down.
  • The access gates are currently being repainted, to be completed prior to the opening ceremony.
  • National Grid still has barriers and a dug-out area in the park – the Clerk will ask for an expected completion date.
• Phase two of the project, the design and installation of planted areas, will be from autumn onwards, with a working party meeting yet to be arranged.
• Inspection Rota – The Clerk will arrange for the park to be included in the annual and quarterly inspection plans, but it will also need regular visual inspections to check all is in order. The Clerk can include this in her two weekly inspections, and this can be discussed in the next working group meeting to obtain additional support for more regular checks.
• The Council has received a resident request to lower the height of the conifers on the boundary with Linacre Road properties. The conifers span three properties, all of which have expressed an interest in having the works undertaken, as they are of a considerable height. There is a lack of clarity on the boundary lines, as there is more than one physical boundary currently in place between the play area and the properties in question. The Clerk will look into costings but also have further discussions regarding the property lines, to bring back to the next meeting.

8).   Stone Road Cherry Tree:

A resident has requested a replacement columnar Cherry Tree along Stone Road near the Burgage as one has died. Members noted that the dead tree was itself a replacement for one damaged by a car in recent years. Concerns were raised that simply replanting the tree would produce the same outcome. It was also noted that future trees may need to be more drought resistant.  The Clerk will contact the Lengthsman to remove the dead tree and ask for their advice on if the ground may be suitable for another replacement.

9).   Lengthsman Scheme

Members were asked to forward any areas of work to the Clerk for consideration. All council members will also be emailed to see if they have any tasks for consideration.

10). Correspondence:

• There was no further correspondence for consideration.

11).  Items for next meeting:-

• Update on any feedback for the biodiversity planter voucher scheme.
• Alternative locations for goalposts.

Any other items for consideration to be sent to the Clerk.

12).  Date of Next Meeting:-

October 1^st 2025, following the Highways and Transport meeting.

There being no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 9.30pm.