Minutes of the Meeting of Eccleshall Parish Council held on 18^th OCTOBER 2023

A meeting of Eccleshall Parish Council was held at Offley Hay Village Hall on 18^th October 2023 at 7.30pm. This meeting was followed by a meeting of the Planning Committee at 9.15pm.

146/23).  Present were:-

Councillor R. Taylor (Chairman)                 Councillor S. Perren

Councillor D. Hall                                       Councillor C. Wilkins

Councillor G. Dale                                     Councillor R Langford

Councillor B. Delanchy                               Councillor A. Reid

Councillor S. Mifflin                                  Councillor L. Dale

Councillor P. Jones

Mrs Stacey Worden (Clerk)

Three members of the public

147/23.)  Apologies were received from Cllrs. Kean, Hill, Ryan Bloor and Borough and County Councillor Pert.

148/23).  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.

149/23).  Public Participation:

The members of the public noted they were present to listen to the Severn Trent agenda item and questions relating to Castle Mews but did not wish to speak.

150/23). To approve the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 20^th September 2023.

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

151/23).  Co-option of Councillor to Slindon Ward vacancy

There were no applications for the vacancy, which will be deferred to the next meeting on the 22^nd November.

152/23). Representative from Severn Trent – Flooding and mapping system

The Council met with Mr. Steve Allmark from Severn Trent. Mr. Allmark demonstrated the live online system (GISST) which maps both waste and water networks and is updated when new information is available. Some key points of the discussion included:

• Eccleshall has a mix of separate and combined systems (storm and foul water mixed) which depends on when the property was built. Newer properties have separate systems which is more cost effective and the uncontaminated storm water can be discharged to other water courses or balancing ponds. Combined systems mean all water has to be treated.
• Castle Mews – Severn Trent confirmed there are no sewage outlets to the rear of that area or other assets that they are responsible for. Flooding in the area to the rear would fall under riparian ownership, where the landowner is responsible for the water courses on their land. Mr. Allmark suggested contacting the Environment Agency (who would have responsibility for the River Sow) to check if any of the streams also fall within their responsibility.
• Members asked what actions are planned to address flooding issues in Eccleshall town centre. ST advised that modelling works have been undertaken to identify issues and requirements. ST will be working with the County Council to improve the drainage system in the Stafford Street area.
• Allmark noted the need to prioritise where best to spend public money. Recent work at the pumping station and around Green Lane has resulted in improvements.
• Severn Trent is not a statutory consultee within the planning process, and properties have a ‘right to connect’ in law to the sewerage system. ST Developer Services department work with planning to understand the effect of a planned development and if increased capacity can be accommodated.
• In response to the question about the current capacity in Eccleshall, it was noted that this changes depending on which part of the area you are looking at. In any stretch of piping, there may be variable pipe sizes which result in ‘pinch points’ where capacity is lower. Monitors help to find these areas and identify where to invest funds to address this.
• Stone Road Closure. Mr. Allmark advised that after previous works to repair a collapsed sewer due to running sand, a CCTV survey was undertaken of that stretch of piping and no further issues were identified at the time. A recent CCTV survey has discovered one section that is now collapsing, hence the need for the urgent road closure and remedial works. Mr. Allmark is very aware of the disruption and impact on residents and businesses and ST team members will be working closely with concerned parties to support them as much as possible. In addition, the compensation team works with local businesses to determine if there is an impact on their business and can provide compensation for loss of business. The on site team will have further information on the works after tomorrow and the Clerk will be kept informed so that this information can be shared with residents.

Mr. Allmark was thanked for his time.

The members of the public left at this point.

153/23).  Report from the Borough Councillor, County Councillor, and police representatives

Borough Cllr. Jones noted the completion of Market Square in Stafford Town Centre and the planned reopening event on the 28^th October.

Members received a crime report from the local PCSO for the period 18/09/2023 – 18/10/2023 as follows:

Eccleshall Town – 45 Reports

Admin/ Misc – 18

Anti Social Behaviour  – 1

Concern for safety – 4

Crime  – 10 – this includes 1 x Burglary , 2 x Criminal Damage, 1 x Theft

RTC – 4

Suspicious incident – 2

Transport related – 6

Croxton  – 12 reports

Admin / Misc – 2

Crime  – 8  – this includes  – Burglary  – 5, Criminal Damage  – 1

Transport related  – 2

Slindon  – 18 reports

Admin  / Misc – 5

Crime  – 8 to include Burglary  – 1, Criminal Damage  – 1, Theft  – 2, Vehicle crime  – 1, Violence  – 1

Suspicious incident  – 2

Concern for safety – 1

Transport related– 1

Wildlife related incident – 1

Horsley  – 17 reports

Admin / Misc  – 1

ASB  – 2

Concern for safety – 1

Crime 8 – to include 1 x vehicle crime and 1 x public order incident

Suspicious incident  – 2

Transport related – 3

Members found the ward breakdown very helpful, and the Clerk will request the past 12 months of data for comparison. The Clerk will also ask if this is an increase in past months and if so, what actions have been taken to address this.

154/23). Committee Updates:

    Traffic Management:

• Members noted the minutes of the meeting held on the 6th September 2023.

Footpaths:

• There were no updates to report.

Enhancements:

• Members noted the minutes of the meeting held on 4th October 2023
• It was resolved to approve the following recommendations in relation to benches and tree on the Stone Road
  • To approve the quotation of £500 for full strip and refurbishment of the blue bench by the Stone Road roundabout
  • To wait and see if the dead tree inside the Rotary Club circular bench is removed by National Grid, which is pending inspection due to its proximity to the power line.
  • It was resolved to request that the Parish Council adopt the circular bench from the Rotary Club
  • It was resolved to approve the costs of £700 for strip and refurbishment of the circular bench (if adopted), and the cost of £465 to remove the tree prior to commencement if not removed by National Grid.
• It was resolved to approve the recommendation for replacement of logs on the trim trail and smoothing of posts in place at Croxton Play area at a cost of £380.
• It was resolved to approve the recommended quotation for clearance of pavement overgrowth along the Newport Road to Wootton at a cost of £2000 plus the cost of traffic management for the duration of the works, estimated at £1440.
• It was resolved to approve the recommended quotations for Christmas trees and associated works as follows:
  • £2248 for the supply of Norway Spruce trees, quantities 71 x 4.5ft trees, 1 x 25ft tree and 1 x 20ft tree, including delivery and installation.
  • £251 ex VAT for the supply of cherry pickers for light installation and removal.
  • £900 ex VAT for the installation and removal of lights on the two large trees.
• It was resolved to approve sending second letters to relevant residents in relation to the hedges encroaching the pavement along the Newport Road.
• It was resolved to approve the recommendation to apply for a community cash review to determine eligibility for a banking hub.
• It was resolved to approve the recommendation to write to a resident to request hedge cutting in Pershall which is encroaching onto the highway.
• It was resolved to approve the cost of £94 for a replacement sign at the Eyeswells open space, including artwork design.
• It was resolved to approve the cost of £1,184 for purchase of the defibrillator at Fairoak BT box. The Clerk was approved to have delegated powers to negotiate and approve installation costs and alternative electricity supply arrangements if the supply is not available in the box.

    Policy and Resources:

• Members noted the minutes of the meeting held on the 6^th September 2023

    Events:

• Members noted the minutes of the meeting held on the 6^th September 2023

155/23).  Forward Plan – Update and discussion on the proposed updates as per the working group meeting minutes of 4th October 2023:

Members reviewed the draft revisions to the current Forward Plan as listed in the working group minutes. With regards to the suggestions for Britain in Bloom and Best Kept Village, it was noted that they are included for further exploration and research. The Clerk raised some points with regards to amendments to the proposed Earmarked Reserves, which the Business Plan working group will take back for consideration and liaise with the Clerk.

156/23).  Clerk’s report, containing liaison representative updates.

The report was received and noted.

157/23).  Correspondence

• No correspondence has been received.

158/23).  Chairman’s Report:-

• Thanks were expressed to all who supported the Community Forum on Monday 16^th All the groups and organisations have also been thanked and asked for feedback via a brief online survey. The clerk noted that receipt of feedback and planning for next year will be on the November agenda.
• Members were reminded that the Civic Service is this Sunday at St. Chad’s Church Slindon and all are invited.
• Councillors were invited to take part in the annual Remembrance Parade on Sunday 12^th Any participating are requested to meet at the Stone Road roundabout at 9.30am. Cllr. Langford advised there is also a service at Croxton which she will be attending.

159/23).  Financial Matters

• To accept the Financial report and bank reconciliation to 30^th September 2023:

       It was resolved to accept the financial summary, which includes the bank reconciliation up to and  including 30^th September 2023.

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

• To approve accounts for payment October 2023:-

Authorisation was sought for payment of the following accounts:

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

160/23). Discussion relating to community resource:-

It was resolved to pass a resolution in accordance with Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 s.1 to  exclude the public and press for discussion of confidential matters relating to potential parish council involvement in a community resource:

Members undertook a discussion relating to Eccleshall Library and it was resolved to approve Cllrs. Taylor and Wilkins, on behalf of the council, to undertake initial discussions with relevant groups and authorities relating to possible parish council involvement in Eccleshall Library. Any resulting formal proposal will be brought back to the Council for its consideration in due course.

161/23).  Items / Date and Venue for next meeting:-

The next meeting of the Parish Council is scheduled for 22^nd November, 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 9.05pm.