CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL 286 Minutes of the Meeting of Churchill and Blakedown Parish Council held on Wednesday, 16 th October 2013, in the Pavilion, Blakedown Sports Centre, Birmingham Road, Blakedown PRESENT Cllr P A Dearden (Chairman) Cllr Mrs S Cartwright Cllr Ms S E Fowler Cllr Mrs P V Haywood Cllr M R Keys Cllr J W Long Cllr R J Shade In attendance: Roger Gurney, Clerk to the Parish Council 226/13 CHAIRMAN S REMARKS The Chairman welcomed Parish Council members and members of the public to the Meeting. 227/13 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE These were received and accepted from Cllr Humble and Cllr Pitt. 228/13 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST None.. 229/13 COMMUNITY POLICING The September report was circulated with the agenda. There was little of criminal concern for the Parish. It was noted that changes to Local Policing means that PCSO Kate Easthope will not be covering this Parish. Under PC Sarah Brooks and PC Phil Green there are PCSO Niall Ryland and PCSO Deb Johnson who will cover the Parish.. ADJOURNMENT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT (Three members of the public were present John Lorton spoke about the following: (1)the flashing 20 mph sign from Hagley is obscured by the school sign; (2) where does the 20 mph limit finish in Blakedown; (3) trees opposite the school have been cut back by the residents, Mr and Mrs Brown; (4) noted that there was a disappointing attendance at the Neighbourhood Plan meeting. Andrew Yardley enquired about the whereabouts of the signal box sign and noted that the sign on the platform is in need of repair; Cllr Ms Fowler agreed to follow this up.) 230/13 REPORTS FROM COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS Apologies were received from Cllr Williams and County Cllr Clee and there were no reports. 231/13 PARISH COUNCIL PUBLICITY Lesley Brown was in attendance and was invited to address the meeting, to give her ideas on publicity for the Parish Council. Cllr Long had previously spoken to her and the Parish Council about possible advantages of a professional publicist for the Parish
Council. 287 CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes 16.10.13 She questioned what the Parish Council wants from publicity and what advantages there are for a parish council, eg increased attendance at meetings, to explain what the Parish Council can and cannot do. There will be a need to decide how to explain possible conflicting views. The format and layout of any newsletter and the frequency of preparation will need to be addressed. Presumably the Chairman would have the final comment on the content. The PC will have to justify the cost and assess value for money. It was agreed that the PC should have an informal meeting to discuss the many aspects mentioned by Lesley Brown. It was agreed that this would be held on Thursday 24 th October, in the Pavilion; the Chairman will circulate confirmation to Members when he has checked availability. 232/13 CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 18 th SEPTEMBER 2013 It was proposed by Cllr Long, seconded by Cllr Ms Fowler, and RESOLVED that the Minutes, being a true and accurate record of the proceedings of the meeting, be signed by the Chairman. 233/13 BLAKEDOWN SIGNAL BOX Cllr Long reported that he had heard from WFCH today that they have agreed to transfer the land for the reconstruction of the signal box to the Parish Council, at a peppercorn price. The Clerk reported that the money from Network Rail has not yet been received, although Cllr Ms Fowler reported that payment has been authorized. Cllr Long and Cllr Ms Fowler are currently completing the application for funding from Heritage Lottery. Awards are considered on a 6 weekly cycle and it is hoped that this will be successful, so that the reconstruction can start early in 2014. 234/13 BLAKEDOWN LEVEL CROSSING Cllr Long reported that this matter has not progressed in the last month. The Clerk confirmed that the information requested under the Freedom of Information Act was not forthcoming from the ORR, who suggested that the request be made to Network Rail, details of which were given in the email. 235/13 THE AVENUE The Clerk reported that he had not yet arranged a meeting with the WCC solicitor regarding aspects of rights over The Avenue. This will be followed up. Cllr Long confirmed that he will be seeking funding for some of the work suggested by Oakleaf. The Clerk reported that he has still not received a formal notice of the application for the proposed felling of one tree in The Avenue, but he as submitted an objection to WFDC. The Arboricultural Officer at WFDC will be recommending the application to be refused. 236/13 TRANSFER OF COMMUNITY ASSETS The Clerk confirmed that he has submitted the Parish Council s agreement in principle in taking over the car park, litter picking and mowing services. A response from WFDC regarding the level of the financial payment is awaited, and the Clerk was asked to follow this up.
CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes 16.10.13 288 237/13 GRASS CUTTING RESPONSIBILITIES Cllr Long has to obtain a map of the Parish from WFDC for the information to be recorded. The Clerk will contact WCC for information on their responsibilities. 238/13 NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN The public meeting was held on 9 th October 2013, at the School. This was useful, but not well attended. Maria Dunn, WFDC, attended. Some additional volunteers have come forward. It was agreed that another Steering Group meeting should be held and this was arranged for Wednesday 6 th November, at 7 30 pm, at 23 Belbroughton Road. 239/13 WFDC AFFORDABLE HOUSING SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING DOCUMENT The letter was circulated with the agenda. However, the main details were outlined in the leaflet and the Chairman agreed to scan this and circulate it to Members. Any comments should be sent to the Clerk for comments to be sent by 1 st November. 240/13 PROGRESS REPORTS FOR INFORMATION (1) Parish Web site. Gordon Stevens was not in attendance. (2) Lengthsman/Handyman. Mark Jones has submitted his apology. 241/13 PLANNING APPLICATIONS (1) Applications received WF/13/0486 Single storey rear extension, 4 The Croft, Blakedown No objection WF/13/0493 Single storey oak framed garden room, Broome Mill, Birmingham Road, Blakedown No objection (2) Planning decisions WF/13/0397 Removal of condition 1, KR/75/58, to allow unrestricted occupation, 1 & 2 Hurcott Kennels Cottages, Hurcott Lane, Kidderminster GRANTED WF/13/0401 Two dwellings, 22 Belbroughton Road, Blakedown WITHDRAWN 242 /13 DEVELOPMENT ON THE FORMER BLAKEDOWN NURSERIES SITE The Clerk read out a letter from WFDC which gave reasons for the District Council for not altering the name for this new road, although avoiding reference to the failure to adhere to their policy for deciding street names. The Chairman agreed to respond, and to refer also to the introduction of cottages on the development, instead of bungalows. 243/13 REQUEST FOR GRANTS (1) Blakedown and Churchill PCCs. The Clerk reported that WFDC has this year reduced to grants towards churchyard maintenance by 25%; this reduction will continue for the next 3 years, after which there will be no grant from WFDC. It was proposed by Cllr Dearden, seconded by Cllr Shade, and agreed that a grant of 300 be paid to each PCC. (2) Millennium Green Trust. The information requested had not been received and this was deferred.
289 CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes 16.10.13 244/13 FINANCE (1) The Clerk reported that the current account today stands at 50,531.50p and the Instant Access account stands at 4,152.27p, giving a total credit balance of 54,683.77p (2) The mid year budget comparison, at 30 th September 2013 was circulated with the agenda. This was noted. (3) It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Hayward, seconded by Cllr Ms Fowler, and resolved that the following accounts be approved for payment: Staples UK Ltd 20.83 + 4.17 VAT 25.00 P A Dearden (reimbursement) 7.04 + 1.41 VAT 8.45 N Power Ltd 194.09 + 9.70 VAT 203.79 Mark Jones Handyman 280.00 Lengthsman 120.00 Churchill PCC 300.00 Blakedown PCC 300.00 1,237.24 245/13 HIGHWAY MATTERS The Chairman reported that residents of Belbroughton Road had received notice or road works at the Birmingham Road junction, from 16 th October. The Clerk confirmed that he had not been notified of this. The Clerk reported the comments from Dave Hunter, WCC, which gave his reasons why a third speed warning sign in the Parish was not necessary. It was agreed that the Parish Council proceeds to purchase the sign which gives the actual speed of vehicles. The Clerk reported that he has received the WCC Winter Service newsletter and this will be forwarded to Members for information. 246/13 PROVISION OF CHRISTMAS TREE After some discussion it was agreed that the Clerk writes to Neville Cope asking if he would be willing to donate a 7 metre tall tree for erection on the Green for the Christmas period. The Chairman agreed to arrange to purchase additional lights. Members noted that the A board advertising dog grooming is still chained to a street sign and positioned on the Green. The Clerk was asked to tell the company to arrange for its removal. 247/13 WAR MEMORIAL Cllr Keys reported that he has discussed what might be needed at the memorial from the Kidderminster War Memorial Trust, and what grants might be available. Initial report indicated that it is in good condition, and Cllr Keys agreed to obtain a detailed quotation and possible grant in time for the next meeting. 248/13 ITEMS FROM CALC Cllr Long reported from the Area Meeting that WFDC is concerned with financial cut backs and that County Councillors have been asked to attend parish council meetings. Cllr Shade reported that the AGM heard a talk about the Leader project as a source of
funding. Discussion lead on to the additional duties that parish councils could be undertaking and the appointment of a Manager to oversee the additional work taken on by more than one parish council. CHURCHILL AND BLAKEDOWN PARISH COUNCIL Minutes 16.10.13 290 249/13 CORRESPONDENCE (for noting) (1) WFDC notice of Emergency Planning Forum, 20 th November, at 6 pm (2) Bromsgrove DC notice of proposed Submission document for Bromsgrove District Plan 2011-2030 (3) Mayor of Kidderminster invitation to Charity Supper, 22 nd November (4) Agendas Kinver PC, Bewdley TC, Chaddesley Corbett PC 250/13 ITEMS OR PARISH INTEREST/ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA None raised. 251/13 DATE OF NEXT MEETING The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 20 th November 2013, at 7.30 pm in Blakedown Sports Pavilion. The meeting closed at 10.45pm. Dated this 20 th November 2013 Chairman