Minutes of the Meeting of Eccleshall Parish Council held on 15^th FEBRUARY 2023

A meeting of Eccleshall Parish Council was held at Eccleshall Community Centre on 15^th February 2023 at 7.30pm. This meeting was followed by a meeting of the Planning Committee at 8.30pm.

16/23).   Present were:-

Councillor P. Jones (Chairman)           Councillor B. Delanchy

Councillor R. Taylor                            Councillor C. Wilkins

Councillor S. Kean                              Councillor A. Reid

Councillor D. Hill                                  Councillor S. Perren

Councillor C. Ryan-Bloor                     Councillor R. Langford

Councillor G. Dale                              Councillor L. Dale

Mrs Stacey Worden (Clerk)

Borough and County Councillor J. Pert (until 8.05pm)

One member of the public

Mr. Jonathan Groom, Staffs Wildlife Trust

17/23.)    Apologies were received from Cllrs. J. Jones, Leather and Mifflin.

18/23).  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.

19/23).  Public Participation:

There was one member of the public in attendance, who did not wish to speak.

20/23).  To approve the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on January 18^th 2023

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

21/23).  Elford Heath:

• Great Crested Newt Project –Jonathan Groom, Staffs Wildlife Trust:

Mr. Groom outlined the project proposal which consisted of the creation of 2 additional ponds to encourage newts to inhabit the area. The new habitats will also encourage other populations and increase the overall biodiversity of the site. The pools will be located in areas where there is scrubland of low biological value. The project will be fully funded and completed in conjunction with the Newt Conservation Project. The Parish Council will receive funding of £250 per year per pond to fund essential maintenance. The minimum contract period for this provision is 5 years but can be negotiated with both parties for longer if required. Newts were not found in the large pond when initially tested but as the tests were conducted towards the end of the season when they were likely to have left the pond, it is planned to re-test around May to get a more accurate result. The new ponds are hoped to increase the likelihood of site population, but will also enhance the area for other invertebrates and plants. The project would commence after nesting season (late summer/autumn), which will give time to undertake detailed technical planning to deliver the project successfully. Members raised concerns about disruption to the site and damage to the ground from required machinery. It was advised that the ponds will not interfere with existing public amenity space and care will be taken with the habitat to reduce the short term impact from vehicle access. It is intended that the excavated soil can be incorporated into the design of the pool surrounds where possible and will create additional habitats.

Once completed Staffordshire Wildlife Trust will continue to support the project with yearly monitoring, reports and advice on management.

• To consider and approve the recommendation from the Enhancements Committee to proceed with the Great Crested Newt project at Elford Heath:

It was resolved to approve the proposal to create 2 new wildlife ponds. The Enhancements committee would be responsible for liaison with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, progression of the project provision of  updates to the Council.

• To note the response from the Staffordshire Bat Group with regards to bat populations at Elford Heath:

The response from the bat group was received. Whilst no specific records for Elford were held, 9 species of bat have been recorded in the Eccleshall area which is very positive. Members noted that bats have been seen at Elford and the ponds may provide additional food sources for them.

22/23).   Report from the Borough Councillor, County Councillor, and police representatives

Borough and County Councillor Pert provided a verbal report. Items included:

• The warm spaces are being utilised as a method of dissemination of useful information relating to housing issues such as heating, mould problems and volunteers are able to signpost people to sources of support.
• Staffordshire is noted as one of the top 3 authorities in England for its work on climate change.

Cllr. Pert was asked for his views on the proposed changes to the County electoral divisional boundaries. He noted that the new boundaries would not be in effect until the next county elections and that there were areas that have much larger population coverage than the average and do need addressing.

Borough Councillor P. Jones provided a report that was included in the Clerks Report. Additional items included:

• A recent public surgery flagged up ongoing concerns about on street parking and parking on double yellow lines. It was confirmed that there had been a recent visit by parking enforcement officers and a vehicle was booked for parking on double yellow lines.
• Concerns were raised about noise levels and drinking out of hours at a local pub. Cllr. P. Jones has asked the Borough Council licensing team to look into the issue.

There was no report or attendance by police representatives.

(Cllr. Pert left the meeting at this point).

23/23).   Committee Updates:

  Traffic Management:

• There were no updates to report.

Footpaths:

• The minutes of the meeting held on the 1^st February 2023 were noted.
• The circular walks project is ongoing and proposed walks are being checked by volunteers.

Enhancements:

• The minutes of the meeting held on the 1^st February 2023 were noted.
• It was resolved to approve the recommendation to the recommendation to undertake remedial works to the Ash tree on the Jubilee Playing field at a cost of £250 plus VAT.
• It was resolved to approve the recommendation to undertake repairs to reinstate the parish milestone between Pershall and Sugnall at a cost of £85.

  Policy and Resources:

• There were no updates to report.

  Events:

• There were no updates to report.

24/23).   To provide an update on the proposal to provide a joint reflection space consisting of a bench and tree with Holy Trinity Church.

The bench to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II has been delivered and is awaiting installation. Once it has been installed the church will advise and arrangements will be made for photographs. The tree and plaque will be organised by the church in the spring.

25/23).   Update on the decision from Stafford Borough Council regarding the Eagle Street Art location.

The Council is awaiting an update from Stafford Borough Council. There was no evidence of discussion in recent cabinet meetings so it may have been postponed. The Clerk will chase for an update.

26/23). To provide an update on trialling a hearing loop system to improve meeting accessibility.

A trial of the ‘Roger On’ portable hearing loop system has been arranged for Thursday 2^nd March at 11.30am in the Jubilee Room. Members were encouraged to attend in order to replicate a meeting situation.

27/23). To provide an update on the Community Lounge joint project and to propose a repurposing of the unspent grant funding.

Members considered a proposal to continue with the Community Lounge for the rest of the year in a slightly different format. The first Thursday of each month would be a session running 2-4pm in a  similar format to the current provision and the third Thursday of the month will be a ‘community interest afternoon’ where speakers are invited to come and present a particular topic, finishing off with a question and answer session, a hot drink and a chat. A number of speakers have already committed to support the sessions. The Council originally ringfenced £800 for the project and estimated expenditure for this financial year is £200. It was resolved to approve allocation of the £600 balance into next years budget to support the extension of the project if approved by the lounge management committee.

28/23).  Clerk’s report, containing liaison representative updates.

The report was received and noted. Members discussed the ongoing issue with blocked gullies in Croxton – streetsweepers have been requested but not attended. However the silt may also sit below the grids which can’t be cleared by sweeping. The Clerk advised that a meeting is being arranged with Highways and this can be raised at the meeting.

29/23).   Correspondence

• A resident has written to the Council with concerns in relation to the negative impact of tree felling on climate change. A number of documents were provided to highlight these concerns and also how potential changes to housing targets may reduce the requirement for raw materials. Photos of the current state of Bishops Wood have been provided and members noted these will be very useful for the upcoming site visit.
• A date of the 21^st April has been arranged for members to attend a site visit to Bishops Wood by Forestry England, and a time will be set nearer the date.

30/23).   Chairman’s Report:-

• The Chair attended the recent Stone Parish Liaison meeting.

31/23).  Financial Matters

• To accept the Financial report and bank reconciliation to 31^st January 2023:

       It was resolved to accept the financial summary, which includes the bank reconciliation up to and  including 31^st January 2023

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

• To approve accounts for payment February 2023:-

Authorisation was sought for payment of the following accounts:

All were in favour and the accounts will be paid accordingly.

32/23).  Items / Date and Venue for next meeting:-

The next meeting of the Parish Council is scheduled for 15^th March 2023, Eccleshall Community Centre at 7.30pm. Agenda items can be forwarded to the Clerk for consideration.

There being no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 8.30pm.