Minutes of the Meeting of Eccleshall Parish Council held on 17^th November, 2021

A meeting of Eccleshall Parish Council was held at Eccleshall Community Centre on 17^th November, 2021 at 7.30pm. This meeting was followed by a meeting of the Planning Committee at 8.40pm.

The meeting opened with prayers

144/21). Present were:-

Councillor P. Jones  (Chairman)           Councillor L. Dale

Councillor R. Taylor                              Councillor J. Leather

Councillor G. Dale                                  Councillor S. Perren

Councillor R. Langford                          Councillor E. Amos

Councillor C. Wilkins                           Councillor S. Mifflin

Mrs Stacey Worden (Clerk)

2 members of the public

PCSO Gareth Higgins

Borough and County Councillor J. Pert

145/21.)  Apologies were received from Cllrs. Leather, Reid and Delanchy

146/21). To consider Declarations of Interest and Councillor requests for dispensation relating to     items on the agenda.

There were no requests to receive, and no declarations of interest were made.

147/21). Public Participation:

     A member of the public commented on the upcoming agenda item regarding the bench at the pump site,  noted that it is still functional and expressed thanks for its retention after an update from the Clerk indicated there will likely be no need to remove the bench after reinspection.

148/21). To approve the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on October 20^th, 2021.

The minutes, which had been previously circulated, were agreed and signed.

149/21). Co-option of Councillor to Town Ward vacancy

No applications were received for the vacancy and the co-option will be deferred to the next meeting.

150/21). To receive any reports from Borough and County Councillors and police representatives:

County Councillor Pert provided a verbal report. Updates included:

• Pert liaised with the Borough Council regarding a meeting for a potential Eagle location and hoped this has now taken place.
• The Borough Council has completed its inspection on the tree on the Stone Road land by the toilets and concluded it is healthy and does not require felling. Works are planned to remove some branches below 5m, to keep it healthy.
• The Borough Council is expected to provide a written response to recent watering issues by the end of the week.
• Preparatory work on the Newport Road pavement is expected before the end of the year, in advance of resurfacing works planned early next year as part of a pilot scheme for use of a new surface material.
• Unemployment figures for Staffordshire are 3.4% and Stafford 3%, below the national average of 4.9%. Work is needed on the skills agenda, to align people’s skills with vacancies.
• Covid cases are still rising and Eccleshall is one of the higher rate areas, driven in part by school aged children. All are asked to continue to take precautions.

Cllr. G. Dale noted that he is still chasing SBC for a site meeting on the Eagle, and it is hoped this will happen soon.

Borough Councillor P. Jones provided a verbal report. Updates included:

• He attended a number of SBC committees, including the planning committee and Audit and Accounts committee and will be attending further meetings on the 23^rd and 24^th
• The monthly surgery was held on the 6^th
• Other recent activities included attending a meeting of Chebsey Parish Council, the Borough remembrance service and representing the Parish Council at the Stone Liaison Group meeting.

Members noted the Remembrance service at Eccleshall was well attended and agreed that the newsletter will include thanks to all those who supported the poppy display around town.

PCSO G. Higgins provided a verbal report. Updates included:

• There were 38 incidents reported within the parish between 2^nd September and 15^th November, but none were of serious nature that needed to be highlighted. Incidents included 3 burglaries, 13 ASB’s (neighbour disputes), 16 transport issues, 2 criminal damage, 1 violence, 2 suspicious activity and 1 theft.

Members raised concerns regarding parking on pavements. It was noted that parking on pavements is not illegal, it is only illegal if causing an obstruction. Cross Butts/The Crescent and by Perry’s Butchers were highlighted as areas of concern for monitoring.

Members also noted a recent issue with dumping of bikes, presumed stolen and recovered by a resident but on reporting to the police, there was no interest in retrieving them. The bikes were later collected by Streetscene. PCSO Higgins agreed to contact Streetscene to find out what happened to them and advised in the future that he would be able to help with collection.

151/21). Committee Updates:

Traffic Management

There were no updates to report.

Footpaths:

• The minutes of the meeting held on the 3^rd November were noted.
• It was resolved to approve the recommendation to purchase a two way gate for Fp13/15 from Centrewire and to appoint Mr. Minshall for the installation at a total cost of £912.
• Concerns were raised regarding the condition of a property that backs onto the Eyeswell footpath, where there are exposed pipes adjacent to the Eyeswell footpath that may injure pedestrians. It was noted a land registry search may not be beneficial at this point as ownership of the property is in dispute. It was resolved to contact the County Rights of Way team to ask if there is any action the Parish Council is permitted to take to move the pipes or any other remedial action without legal repercussion.

     Enhancements:

• The minutes of the committee meeting on the 3^rd November were noted.
• It was agreed to retain the bench seat at the Copmere pump site as further inspection has noted it is sound and just in need of cleaning.
• It was resolved to approve the recommendation to purchase, install and maintain a defibrillator in the phone box at Fair Oak at a cost of £2,200, and the associated costs for ongoing maintenance.
• It was resolved to approve the recommendation to adopt the BT phone box on the washpits.
• It was resolved to approve the spring planting scheme for rhododendrons to be planted on Eyeswell land in lieu of the removed conifers at a cost of up to £150.
• It was resolved to approve the recommendation to dismantle the Ash tree at Shaws Lane due to a serious fungal infection and resulting health and safety issues. The Council resolved to appoint Alex Tree Services to undertake the work, at a cost of £2,300. The allotments have identified a potential location for planting a replacement tree and it was resolved for the committee to liaise with the allotments and arrange for a suitable replacement tree to be planted at a cost of up to £100.
• It was resolved to approve the quotation by Mr. Arblaster to clear the rill at Elford Pool to improve water flow at a cost of £500 and up to a further £130 for associated tree works for access to the area.
• It was resolved to approve the siting of a crab apple tree and commemorative plaque by the Eccleshall WI for centenary. The Clerk will advise the WI to proceed.

     Policy and Resources:

There were no updates to report.

     Events:

• The minutes of the committee meeting on the 3^rd November was noted
• An update was provided on the Jubilee event planning – an article will be in the newsletter to raise awareness and to encourage other organisations to run events. At present there are at least 15 events over 4 days and a further update provided in the new year.
• The Parish Council noted the correspondence from the Festival committee withdrawing the request to take over the running of the Eccleshall Festival from 2023.

152/21). To consider resident responses regarding ownership of land to the rear of Market Fields and to resolve next steps.

Resident correspondence and copies of  land registry documents indicate that the land adjacent to Stafford Road does not fall within the property boundary of the Market Fields properties. It was also noted that until recently, the County Council had been cutting the top of the wall and only recently stopped. Contractors on site advised residents this was due to health and safety issues. Adjacent verges are still being cut. It was resolved to refer this back to the County highways officer to request what action they will take, as it appears to remain their responsibility and requires resolution.

153/21). To consider a proposal from the Eccleshall Health and Wellbeing (Patient Participation Group) and resolve to approve use of Hartlands Road Jubilee field for the launch event.

It was resolved to approve the use of the Jubilee playing fields by the PPG in January 2022. The Council will require a date once confirmed and a risk assessment prior to the event. Public Liability insurance details are already on file.

154/21). To consider any response from SBC regarding the issues reported by Eccleshall in Bloom with regards to the Borough Council watering contract.

Cllr. P. Jones has spoken to the officer in charge of Streetscene regarding the issue, who is happy to come and meet representatives. Members noted that SBC has always provided an excellent service and it is hoped the meeting will be positive and reassure the Ecclians to continue with the purchase of plants for next year. It was resolved for Cllr. P. Jones to arrange a meeting with Mr. Mick Bailey, Cllr. G. Dale and Mr. Brian Freeman of the Ecclian Society.

155/21). To receive the Clerk’s report, containing liaison representative updates.

The Clerks report was received by the Council. The response from SCC was noted regarding the provision of hedgehog signage and the request for resident information to inform potential locations will be included in the winter newsletter.

156/21). Correspondence

• To note receipt of the consultation for the Police and Crime Plan, and Fire & Rescue Plan 2021-2024: Members noted the consultation and there were no comments made on the proposals.
• The response from SCC regarding the vacant seat scheme was noted. The Cabinet member had advised he felt it inappropriate to attend any meeting prior to a cabinet discussion on the issue but did not advise when this discussion is due to take place. It was resolved to request the date of the relevant cabinet meeting from Cllrs. Price and Pert and to be updated with regards to the outcome. The council agreed to continue supporting residents to consider alternative options, including the hosting of a discussion workshop arranged by Cllr. Reid.

157/21). Chairman’s Report:-

The chair attended the recent Stone Liaison Group meeting, which also raised concerns regarding the vacant seat scheme. A standard letter has been written and sent to neighbouring councils to submit to SCC and voice their concerns.

The chair will also be attending the upcoming Stone Town Council Trafalgar dinner and Carol Service.

158/21). Financial Matters

     To accept the Financial report and bank reconciliation to end October 2021:

     It was resolved to accept the financial summary, which includes the bank reconciliation up to and including the 29^th October 2021.

Payments made since the last full Council meeting were received and noted as follows:

To approve accounts for payment November 2021:-

Authorisation was sought for payment of the following accounts:-

All were in favour and the cheques were signed accordingly.

159/21). To pass a resolution to approve delegation to the Clerk for dealing with items of emergency and payment of accounts until the next Parish Council meeting, in consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman.

It was resolved to approve this course of action.

160/21). Items / Date and Venue for next meeting:-

The next meeting of the Parish Council is scheduled for 19^th January 2021, at Eccleshall Community Centre, 7.30pm. Agenda items can be forwarded to the Clerk for consideration.

There being no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 8.40pm.