Enhancement and Preservation Committee Meeting

ECCLESHALL PARISH COUNCIL – ENHANCEMENTS AND PRESERVATION COMMITTEE – Wednesday, August 18th, 2021

A meeting of the Enhancements and Preservation Committee was held on Wednesday, August 18^th, 2021 at Eccleshall Community Centre, following the Planning Committee Meeting, at 7.38pm

1).   Present were:-       

Councillor L. Dale (Chair)      Councillor E. Amos

Councillor R. Langford       Councillor P. Jones

Councillor G. Dale                 Councillor A. Reid

Councillor R. Taylor              Councillor C. Wilkins

Councillor S. Perren

Mrs S. J. Worden (Clerk) and Mrs. B Partridge (Assistant Clerk)

Apologies:- No apologies to receive.

2).   Election of Chairman / Vice Chairman

Councillor P. Jones took the Chair and requested nominations for Chairman of the Committee. Councillor L. Dale was nominated and elected as Chair for the ensuing year.

Councillor Dale requested nominations for Vice-Chair of the committee and Councillor R. Taylor was duly elected.

3).    Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday February 3rd, 2021:-

The minutes, which had previously been noted by the Council, were agreed and signed. It was highlighted, in reference to minute 5, Cllrs. Taylor and Wilkins had also undertaken clearance of rubbish under the laurel bush on a number of occasions to ensure the area off the Eyeswells remained tidy.

4).    Risk Assessments and Assets Survey reports for 2021/22 and to re-allocate inspections when   needed:-

The Clerk circulated updated copies of the asset survey sheets in advance of the meeting, for updating by Councillors.

The allocations for the assets survey were reviewed and the following changes were made:

Cllr. Wilkins agreed to take on all areas relating to Elford Heath and has already completed the 6 month check.

Cllr. L. Dale agreed to take on the annual inspection of the benches at the top and bottom of Kerry Lane.

Cllr. Kean will be asked if he take up the inspection of Copmere Picnic site.

All other allocations remained the same.

In line with inspection results, it was agreed to repaint the blue bench by the crossroads and the bench on Green Lane.

The current signage at Elford Heath pool was discussed to consider whether it is fit for purpose or additional signage is needed to highlight potential hazards in relation to the pool now the water levels are stable. Current signage includes a warning about the danger of water, but members considered whether more detailed signage is needed and the appropriate wording. The Clerk was asked to contact the Parish Council insurance company to request advice on recommended signage, and report back to the committee.

5).   To discuss the pilot all in one banking hubs

A paper was circulated outlining the current pilot scheme being trialled in 6 areas of the UK. The hubs offer secure, private banking access via a counter service that supports customers of all major retail banks. The pilots are due to complete in October 2021.The scheme was of interest to members as it felt improved banking provision would be an asset to the Parish. It was agreed that the Clerk/ Assistant Clerk will obtain further information regarding the success of the Community Access to Cash Pilot schemes after completion in October 2021, and report back to the committee for further discussion.

6).   To discuss the condition of SCC owned cheshire fencing within the Parish

The cheshire fencing bordering Elford Heath is in very poor condition and requires refurbishment and repainting. The Clerk has requested 3 quotes. An initial quote has been provided of £1,350 for rubbing down, undercoat and topcoat. Another supplier does not wish to quote on this occasion, and a final quote is pending from County Council contractors. The County Council has confirmed the railings will not be painted as part of their routine works, as no funding is available. Highways has noted that due to road proximity, traffic lights are recommended for health and safety of workers. The permit to erect lights is free of charge, but the Parish Council will need to factor in additional hire costs for lights, which may need to be three-way. It was noted that due to the condition of the metal, rubbing down may not be sufficient, and it was agreed for the Clerk to research costs for machine sandblasting. However, if this was to be completed by a separate contractor, the two jobs must be completed with no delay in between or the metal will deteriorate further.

7).   To provide an update on refurbishing the BT phone boxes at Fair Oak and Croxton

The refurbishment of the box at Fair Oak has been completed apart from repainting. Glass has been replaced, locks installed and the inside is ready for repurposing.

Croxton phone box will be refurbished shortly and Mr. Eaton will quote for repainting both. Prior to painting the Croxton box, additional work will be needed to cut back the hedge and dig off surrounding soil. Cllr. Langford agreed to facilitate this with the adjacent property who is keen to help.

Members discussed various uses for the phone boxes – including information points, book swaps, geocache locations, to house a defibrillator (Fair Oak only, as Croxton had a unit at the nearby service station). Local community members are happy to complete the required internal works once this has been decided.

It was noted that the Pillar Clock has now been repainted and the bins are in progress. Cllr. G. Dale will obtain a quote for repainting the crest detailing on the clock.

8).   To provide an update on Eyeswell tree works and consideration of any replacement planting.

The quote for removing the conifers at the entrance to the open space was approved by the Parish Council in July and a date is awaited from Keyzors. The residents in the immediate area of the conifers have been consulted and are happy with the proposed works.

9).   To provide an update on Croxton Play area

The approved contractor has been unable to obtain the tall posts for the log walk repairs due to supplier shortage. In order to avoid delays in completion of the works and any health and safety issues, it was agreed to advise the contractor to reduce the overall length of the obstacle and add a new small post as the starting point, filling any leftover holes.

10). To discuss the scoping exercise for outdoor gym provision and any feedback to date.

A site visit to the Community Centre, Bishops Court Open Space, and Elford Common was undertaken by committee members and the Assistant Clerk, in order to consider the feasibility of the locations for installation of outdoor gym equipment. Photos and measurements were obtained. It was suggested that 2 pieces of equipment could be sited at Elford, 3 at the Community Centre, and 3 on Bishops Court, which might a location suitable for those with less mobility. Members discussed other options to include siting individual pieces to form an exercise trail with the provision of information boards. The current locations are all on Parish owned land, so this would avoid delays in gaining approval/licences from landowners in other areas. The equipment aims to improve fitness as well as encourage social interaction. Next steps include collation of quotations, for further committee discussion.

11). To provide an update on pavement clearance activities within the parish.

An update was provided as follows:

Completed works:

• Chester Road footpath from opposite Kerry Lane to path end – £525.00 – November 2020 (TGM).
• Castle Street to Swynnerton Road Junction – from the bus shelter on the dentist/Smithy pub side of the road, up to where it ends opposite the junction – March 2021 (SBC)
• Croxton pavement digging off – August 2021 (TGM).

Pending completion:

• Stone Road – Blurtons Lane end to Fletchers – £705.00 (TGM)
• Stone Road – Badgers Croft to Fletchers – £475.00 (TGM)
• Newport Road (A519) from Cross Butts to the junction with Wootton Lane. To be completed once capacity is available (SBC)
• Swynnerton Road to Sturbridge crossroads – start of Swynnerton Road to the junction. Part Completed.  Swynnerton Road HMP car park to Parish Boundary – from car park up to boundary at Cold Meece, near the war memorial is yet to be completed, when resources allow. (SBC)

The above works have been delayed due to staff shortages and reallocation to seasonal jobs. Expected completion is now autumn (Newport Rd/Swynnerton Rd)  and winter 2021 (Stone Rd).

Waiting quotation:

Stafford Road – Bovis to Blurtons Lane – £1075.00

Capacity issues with the original contractors has meant the above works needs to be re-tendered. SBC noted the quote will be considerably higher than previously due to a reassessment of the man hours required.

12).  Correspondence:-

• To consider resident correspondence regarding gutter cleansing.

Streetscene provide street and gutter cleaning services and are willing to work with the Parish Council to undertake street sweeping within the town centre, at a time when the Parish Council is able to ensure the street is cleared of cars to allow clear access. It was noted this could be achieved by the use of leaflets on cars, social media and possible use of cones on the kerb edge as a reminder the day before. However, members noted this would only be a very short term solution and the ongoing issues need to be addressed. A large part of the issue is discarded cigarette butts.

After discussion, it was agreed:

• Members to identify the main areas of concern and consider a targeted approach in tackling problem areas for discussion at the next meeting.
• It was resolved to recommend that the Parish Council writes to the head office of the Co-Op to request enforcement measures in relation to the cigarette butts discarded by the tenants in flats above the Co-Op, (photographs to be supplied). Cllr. Reid will provide contact details and requested to be copied in due to his work with the Central England Co-op’s Membership Community Council.
• To consider resident correspondence regarding siting of bench on land at top of Kerry Lane.

A former resident has contacted the Parish Council to ask if she can site a memorial bench on the small triangle of land at the top of Kerry Lane, in memorial to her late husband. It was noted that the land is SCC owned and whilst the PC has no authority to approve/refuse the request, support of the PC in adopting/maintaining the bench would be an asset. There is already a memorial bench in situ on the triangle but there is space for another. It was noted that a nearby resident objects to this proposal as they have concerns it will increase antisocial behaviour, as young people already congregate in this area.

The committee resolved to recommend an alternative suggestion to the former resident – that she may like to consider purchasing a bench to be sited on Elford Heath, near the pool. As it is on PC land, there would be no requirements to apply for permission from the County Council, and the PC will adopt and maintain the bench.

• To consider resident correspondence regarding tidiness of the town in a number of areas and concerns re. loss of volunteer support.

Concerns included strimming of vegetation along the top of the wall along the Stafford Road and required structural repairs to the wall. The wall lies behind properties 8,10 and 12, Market Fields. The Clerk will contact Highways to clarify ownership of the wall, in the first instance. If it is the responsibility of the property owners, it was resolved to recommend that the Parish Council writes to residents to request cutting back of the vegetation and repairs to the wall.

It was noted that the Clerk is chasing up a number of other issues raised – including the replacement of the Oak posts within the High St/Castle St (SCC notes they are on order); Verge cutting (SCC scheduled works, to be completed); removal of contractors fencing on the Stone Road (County Cllr. Pert actioned the removal); hedge on the corner of Bishops Court/Stone Road (SBC request logged to cut back); Verge outside the BT exchange (BT owned, maintenance request sent to facilities team and completed); Sancerre Grange/Badgers Croft Open Space (awaiting a date from Vistry to undertake landscaping works so the area can be reseeded and maintained as a grassed area).

• Verge cutting at Wincote Lane.

A resident contacted County Cllr. Pert to request that the verges along Wincote Lane were only cut once a year, or not at all, to preserve the wildflowers and natural habitats. This was referred to the PC to obtain its views and whether this applies just to Wincote Lane or other areas may wish a similar approach. It was noted that opinions on verge cutting can vary widely and is also dependent on location as to the practicalities of what is needed for road safety. Some residents may support wildflower verges and preservation of a natural habitat whilst others prefer a well maintained area with regular cuts. The committee agreed that a ward councillor will be asked to contact residents along the Lane and obtain wider opinion and bring this back to the next meeting.

• Request from Eccleshall WI regarding planting of a tree to celebrate its centenary year.

The committee were supportive of the WI request and discussed a suitable location. The blue circular bench on the Stone Road used to have a tree in the central location but it had died. The committee felt this could be a suitably visible location, but the area would need to be inspected by the WI to ensure the previous tree did not die due to unsuitable ground conditions. The Clerk had mentioned the idea to Eccleshall Mercia Rotary, who own the circular bench, and whilst formal approval would need to be granted, they were in support of the idea in principle. If the ground was not suitable, another location for consideration could be the Eyeswells open space. The Clerk will contact the WI to consider if the location will be suitable.

• Consideration of additional bins for Elford Heath.

The increase in visitors has resulted in insufficient capacity of the current bin. It was resolved to ask SBC if they would consider either a replacement bin of a larger capacity, an additional bin in the vicinity of the car park, or if there is the opportunity to empty the current bin more regularly.

12).  Items for next meeting:-

Please forward any items for consideration to the Clerk.

13).  Date of next meeting:-

Wednesday 3^rd November 2021, after the planning committee meeting.

There being no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 9.00pm.