Cheddleton Parish Council

Cheddleton Parish Council MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE WETLEY ROCKS VILLAGE HALL, WETLEY ROCKS ON TUESDAY, 20 th. SEPTEMBER 2016. ATTENDANCE Chairman Councillor H.J. Tunna. Vice-Chairman Councillor M.P. Worthington. Councillor M. Ahmad, J.G. Arnold, Ms. C.Y. Ball, M.T. Bowen, J. Carr, R. Gee, Mrs. D.A. Hartley, K. Harvey, Mrs. B. Hine, H.R. Jennings, Mrs. A. Oakden, S. Scalise. APOLOGIES Apologies for absence were received from:- Councillor Mrs. C. Latham, P.A. Latham, Mrs. C.M. Meyrick. 4022 MINUTES Following an amendment to Min. 4003 Presentation by Jo Hall, Healthwatch, to amend Hospital to Hospital Dept., the minutes of the meeting of the 16 th. August 2016, taken as read, were confirmed as a true and accurate record and signed by the Chairman. 4023 MATTERS ARISING Re. Min. 4020 Correspondence b. West Midlands Ambulance Service Councillor Harvey referring to an article in the local paper, questioned; in light of recent events and Councillor Sybil Ralphs actions, giving the o.k. to the new ambulance and seemingly the removal of the rapid response vehicle in Leek, did this mean that this sort of dangerous/ cost cutting exercise will continue around the Moorlands and would it be an idea to register this Council s dismay and concerns about what will happen in the future. Councillor Scalise reported that Sybil was disgusted and didn t agree, however from the meeting held the decision had already been made. The Chairman referred to two incidents in the parish and advised that in both cases the ambulance arrived in quick time. Following discussions it was agreed: to take no further action. Re. Min. 4020 Correspondence d. Re. the condition of Park Lane Councillor Gee advised of the debris left, from the tyres that had burst, on the lane and the need to have a length restriction rather than a weight restriction on the lane. Following discussions it was agreed to include the item on the Agenda for the next Planning & Amenities committee meeting. 4024 ANNOUNCEMENTS The Chairman asked the members of the Planning committee to stay behind at the end of the meeting to consider a Planning Application. 4025 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME Julie Arnold was in attendance and questioned if the Council were fully aware of the decision reached with regard to the Extinguishment Order and the fact that Mr. Rochfort at the S.C.C. had confirmed that the Order had not infact blocked Public Footpath IR2248. The Chairman advised that the Council were fully aware of all the facts. She asked if the Footpaths & Countryside committee could follow up the matter of the Fingerpost. The Chairman advised that the S.C.C. had the matter in hand and would install the fingerpost in due course. 4026 MEMBERS DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were none made at this time. 4027 MEMBERS SEC. 33 DISPENSATION REQUESTS None had been received. 1

4028 CUTTING BACK OF HEDGE CHEDDLETON LAWN CEMETERY Councillor Bowen reported that Steve Massey had met with the contractor to obtain a quote to significantly reduce the height of the hedge. This would involve a reduction from its present 3m+ height down to approx. 1.25m (this will be safely above the top of the old iron railings fence which is buried within the hedge) and to take back the side growth as appropriate to preserve a clear access along the hedge and prevent it encroaching on and obscuring the adj. headstones. All prunings/arisings to be removed off site. This will allow the hedge to be routinely trimmed in the future by their own grounds maintenance team after it has been reduced to a more manageable size. Initially the work will inevitably make the hedge appear rather bald and severely treated, but the Holly and Hawthorn of which it is mainly comprised will readily green up with new growth the total cost for the works would be 618. Following discussions proposed by Councillor Bowen and seconded by Councillor Jennings it was resolved:- to make a contribution of 50% - 309 towards the cost to carry out the work. The Clerk was asked to inform Mr. Massey of the Council s decision. 4029 CONDITION OF THE POUND Councillor Bowen reported that Mr. Massey had re-revisited the site and seen that there has been a marked deterioration in the condition of the Blue Atlas Cedar. It has notably sparse foliage throughout the crown now, rather than just on a few areas, as previously noted. He did take a few twigs off and whilst he will send them off for analysis he thinks that this would only be of academic purpose as the tree is clearly of very poor amenity value. He would therefore suggest that whatever the cause of its decline (Sirococcus tsugae is most likely) removal of the Cedar would, sadly, be appropriate. In this event there is perhaps more of a case to retain the bright green Lawson Cypress (T1) There would be a bit of an open view/gap to the rear and the Council may want to consider planting a replacement tree such as a Rowan. Copies of the report had been issued. Councillor Gee suggested that removing all the trees would be better. Councillor Bowen suggested planting a flowering cherry. Following discussions it was agreed to include the item on the Agenda for the next scheduled meeting of the Planning & Amenities committee, in the meantime the Cheddleton Ward members were asked to inspect the area and come up with ideas on how to progress the matter. 4030 BUTTERCROSS The Clerk reported that Mr. I. George had forwarded an email to ask: now that the vegetation from around the cross has been removed or, cut back can we arrange a further site visit to consider what needs to be done next? The Clerk advised that she had emailed Mr. George to suggest some dates but, no response had been received. 4031 PRODUCTION OF A PARISH NEWSLETTER It was agreed to leave the matter in abeyance and remove the item from the Agenda. 4032 CONTRIBUTION BULB PLANTING WETLEY ROCKS PLAYING FIELD Councillor Harvey referring to the proposed bulb planting on the Wetley Rocks P.F., advised that the Horticultural Society had offered a grant of 40 towards the purchase of a quantity of bulbs and he asked if the Council would also consider a contribution. Following discussions proposed by Councillor Ahmad and seconded by Councillor Mrs. Oakden it was resolved:- to make a contribution of 40 towards a quantity of bulbs. Councillor Harvey advised that he would need the help of a number of volunteers to plant the bulbs. 2

4033 QUOTES COUNCIL S INSURANCE COVER Two quotes had been obtained: one from Came & Co. through Ecclesiastical L.C. Insurance; advising that given the Councils excellent risk management they have agreed to review their premium. The revised annual premium including insurance premium tax is 3,175.28 and they have agreed a further 5% discount which makes the premium 3,016.28. Zurich which includes 12m public liability cover, 12m officials indemnity, personal accident cover 50,000 capital/ 200pw for employees, council members and volunteers, key personal accident cover for the Clerk 100,000/ 500pw fidelity guarantee cover is 250,00 and libel & slander 250.000 for a three year long term agreement 2,657.19 or one year 2,924.33. Following discussions proposed by Councillor Mrs. Hartley and seconded by Councillor Mrs. Hine it was agreed unanimously:- to renew the cover with Zurich for a three year long term agreement at 2,657.19 per. year. Cheque to be forwarded. 4034 DOUGLAS MACMILLAN HOSPICE REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE The correspondence was read; writing in the hope that the P.C. may be able to make a donation to the Douglas Macmillan Hospice this year, connecting the Hospice with the Community. Following discussions proposed by Councillor Ahmad and seconded by Councillor Jennings it was agreed unanimously:- to give a donation of 200. 4035 COMPLETION OF THE ANNUAL AUDIT 2015/16 Members were issued with a copy of the statements together with a copy of the report issued by Grant Thornton. Matters reported there were none. A copy of the other matters not affecting their opinion had been issued; this outlined the regulations relating to the period for the exercise of public rights and advising that the P.C. published its Notice indicating the period; commencing on the 3 rd. June 2016 and ending on the 15 th. July 2016 (this was one day more than the 30 working days as required by the Regulations). Advising that for any days over those 30 working days, a member of the public would have no formal rights in respect of objection, inspection and questioning of the external auditor. As the external auditor, this year they have withheld their certification of the Annual Audit until the end of the new period published by the P.C. in its Notice to ensure that the public rights are not perceived to be denied due to an incorrect Notice. The Clerk reported that she had rang Grant Thornton on four/five separate occasions to question the late return especially in view of the fact that their certification needed to be published by the P.C. on or before the 30 th. September 2016. Eventually, they did email a copy of the return which was received today. The Clerk reported that there were a number of Parish/Town Councils in the Staffordshire Moorlands that had not received their annual return had these also been withheld? Following discussions Councillor Bowen agreed to draft an appropriately worded letter to Grant Thornton expressing the Council s dissatisfaction. 4036 HIGHWAY INFRASTRUCTURE ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN CONSULTATION The email received, outlining the Council s strategy/plan, had been forwarded to members for their consideration. Following discussions the Council resolved:- to take no action. 4037 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND OUTSIDE BODIES The Council examined the reports of the following committees and adopted their recommendations:- a. Planning & Amenities Committee Meeting. Re. Min. 2165. Removal of Tree Stumps Cheddleton P.F. The Clerk reported that she had received a call from the resident asking if she could take the stumps out at her own expense. It was agreed to advise the resident that once she has moved the shed back away from the boundary line, she has the Council s permission to take the stumps out. 3

4037 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND OUTSIDE BODIES continued.. b. Footpaths & Countryside Committee Meeting. Re. Min. 1744. Removal/Pulling of the Himalayan Balsam/Future Maintenance of the Open Space, Grange Banks It was reported that the Himalayan Balsam was growing all they way along the Canal side and this needed digging out otherwise any works proposed on the open space would be a waste of time. It was put that measures to try and prevent the growth on the open space would be included in the new management plan. The Clerk would speak to Julie Arnold at the Canal & River Trust to raise the issue. c. Reports of Outside Bodies 4

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4039 CORRESPONDENCE a. Mrs. B. Angel Extending sincere thanks to the Chairman and the Council for the beautiful flowers she received on the occasion of her 90 th. Birthday. b. Mrs. S. Mountford Extending sincere thanks to the Chairman and the Council for the beautiful flowers she received on the occasion of her Birthday. c. N.S. Combined Healthcare NHS Trust An invitation to the AGM on Tues. 20/9/2016. d. Heathwatch, Mr. M. Thomson Advising that they need help to reach their target of getting 750 pieces of feedback on their Experience Exchange platform. If you have accessed any health or social care services during August and September, Healthwatch Staffordshire would appreciate if you could share any new experiences you have had. e. S.M.D.C. Giving notice that P/App. 0488 43 Ostlers Lane, Cheddleton will be reported to the P/App. committee on the 15 th. September 2016. f. S.M.D.C. Sally Curley Forwarding an email from Mrs. Carnwell re. the access onto Cheddleton P.F. The Clerk reported that she had updated Sally Curley on the letter that had been sent to Mrs. Carnwell s daughter. It was agreed to take no further action. g. S.C.C. Giving notice that permission has been granted for a modular building to provide 2 additional classrooms at Moorside High School, Cellarhead. h. S.C.C. Weekly update of pothole repairs, September Issue. i. S.C.C., Emma Beaman Extending an invitation to find out more about the next stages of the Countryside Estate Review the information days will be held on Thursday, 6 th. October between 9.30am. and 12 noon at Chasewater Innovation Centre and on the 11 th. October between 1pm and 4pm at Apedale Visitor Centre, Newcastle. Councillor Harvey expressed an interest in attending the information day on the 11 th. The Clerk to book. j. Mr. A. Bell letting the Council know that they have fitted the post for George s memorial on Footpath 38, as suggested. Thanking the Council for giving them the necessary permission. k. Julie Arnold Update on the installation of a fingerpost on Footpath IR2248. l. Amey, Staffordshire confirming that the works in Heath Avenue have been completed. m. S.M.D.C. Giving notice of a delegated decision Community Right to Bid Nomination of a Community Asset (Auctioneers Arms, Caverswall) n. Mr. C. Marsh Asking if the Council can offer him support with his application for an extension at 45 Ostlers Lane. It was agreed to write to suggest he submits his application again for a free second time and to go to appeal if this is unsuccessful. 4040 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME There were no members of the public present at this time. There being no further business the Chairman declared the meeting closed. Chairman, 18 th. October 2016. 6

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