Tuesday 9th September 2008 at 7.15pm

Shenstone Village Hall,  Barnes Road,  Shenstone

Present

Councillors

D. Salter

Chairman

 

 

 

 

P. Hadley

Vice-chairman

 

 

 

 

Mrs. S. Beilby

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs. J. Coton

 

 

 

 

 

T. Cox

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs R Hancocks

 

 

 

 

 

C. Hollingsworth

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs. S. McGing

 

 

 

 

 

Cllr J. Mason

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs. E. Minchin

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs. V. Neale

 

 

 

 

 

Cllr. I. Sanderson

 

 

 

 

 

Cllr. Mrs. J. Summers

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs V Thomas

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs. J. Wilson

 

 

 

 

Clerk

Mrs Nelson

 

 

 

 

 

Cllr. Mrs. E. Bayliss

Staffordshire County Council

 

 

 

 

Dave Hughes

Senior Project Engineer

Highway Structures, Staffordshire Highways

 

 

 

 

Matthew Houghton

Principal Engineer

Staffordshire Highways

 

 

 

 

Councillor John Crowe

Chairman  Wall Parish Council

 

 

 

 

Mr. R. Catmur

Clerk – Wall Parish Council

 

 

Apologies

Police

PC Jon Ratcliffe

 

 

 

Members of the Public

19

 

Minute

 

Action

52

Up to 15 minutes Public Participation (if required)

 

52.1

i) Three Members of the Pathfinder Football Club in attendance gave brief history of the Pathfinder Football Club from 1968 to present date (please see report attached)

ii) Members were advised that in 2007 the football club was promoted to Birmingham AFA League division 1 and as a requirement of that league they had to improve changing rooms and provide a covered spectator stand on the pitch

iii) In 2007 the Shenstone Playing Fields Management Committee requested Planning permission from Lichfield District Council  (07/00841/FUL) for a temporary covered spectator stand – this permission was given on a temporary basis for a period of 12 months (permission ended 30th June 2008)

iv) A further planning application made in 2008 (08/00584/FUL)  and Lichfield District Council have refused planning permission quoting Policy QE3 which is a Central Government policy

v) The stand currently in situ is in breach of planning permission and therefore should be removed from the site – Lichfield District Council Planning Enforcement team are aware

vi) The representatives of the Pathfinder Football Club appealed to the Parish Council to support the retention of this stand

vii) A member of the planning committee advised that Lichfield District Council have, in accordance with Planning legislation, refused the retention of existing stand  and since 30th June 2008 the temporary stand is in Breach of Planning Consent

viii) The stand is an incongruous feature – Members not happy with the location, the way it looks, the safety of it and  how it is constructed and that it seems to promote anti-social behaviour in the area

ix)  A Member commented that the Playing Field is not a dedicated Football pitch and therefore it may be best course of action for the Pathfinder Football Club to locate a more suitable venue rather than continue to be in breach of Planning permission and in the first instance it may be in their best interests to remove the stand rather than flout Lichfield District Council guidance.

x)  Members of the Pathfinder Football Club thanked the Parish Council for giving them an opportunity to express their point of view in regard to this situation and left the meeting

 

53

Apologies

 

53.1   

i)  As listed above

ii)  Chairman pleased to see full compliment of  Parish Councillors in attendance following the August break.

 

54

Minutes of the previous meeting held Tuesday 8th July 2008 to be approved and signed

 

54.1

Members approved the minutes of meeting held on 8th July 2008 with one amendment

Minute 50.iii.iii )  amended to read ‘The Proposal was seconded’.

Clerk

55

Matters Arising from the Minutes (for information only)  

 

55.1

i)  Little Aston Councillor confirmed that dog litter bins have now been installed at Little Aston Recreation Ground

ii) Contractor has been made aware of the amended grass cutting and refuse clearance contract details for the LARGA site

 

56

Declaration of Interest on Agenda Items

 

56.1

i)  No declarations of interest were made on Agenda Items

 

57

Lynn Lane Embankment and Stabilisation Scheme

 

57.1

i)  Senior Project Engineers from Staffordshire Highways

Chairman welcomed Matthew Houghton – Principal Engineer and Dave Hughes Senior Project Engineer from Highway Structures Section of Staffordshire Highways who gave a presentation on the proposed works to address settlement problems with the approach embankments of Lynn Lane Railway Bridge scheduled for April 2009All present were issued with copies of the Proposed Embankment Stabilisation Scheme and maps showing location of works and proposed Diversion Route.   (copies attached)

Following a brief presentation questions were invited from Members and parishioners in attendance

i) Major concerns received from parishioners of Shenstone and Stonnall about the proposal to make Traffic Lights to provide control of traffic over the bridge a permanent fixture and Highways indicated that due to level of opposition alternatives would be considered.

ii) Concerns regarding the proposed one-way system location were raised and the effects of widening the road between Lynn Lane and Fighting Cocks in advance to accommodate the diversion  - confirmation was sought that historic hedgerows in this area will not be compromised.

iii) Confirmation was sought that the road would be narrowed again after the stabilisation work has been completed.

iv)  Parishioners requested if anything could be done to reduce the number of HGV’s utilising the road systems throughout the Parish and if weight restrictions could be put in place.

v)  A suggestion was made for a separate pedestrian bridge to be installed to alleviate the problems pedestrians encounter with HGV’s when walking over the existing bridge.

vi)  Assurance was sought about the length of time this work will take -  Engineers advised that 10-12 weeks had been estimated however there a no guarantees.

vii) Parishioners requested an up-to-date traffic survey to register the number of HGV’s using the roads in the parish – but to run from 6.00am to 10pm daily for an accurate record.

viii) A parishioner summarised that the work to be undertaken would need consultation between all concerned -  Railtrack/Highways  and Engineers -  however it seems that the fundamental problem in this area that has to be resolved is the reduction of the  volume of HGV’s using the area and could the authorities work together to come to a solution.  A round of applause was given in supported of this statement.

ix)  Details of a Public Meeting taking place in Stonnall Youth and Community Centre on Thursday 11th September at 7.30pm to further discuss the impact of this proposal were given.

x)  The representatives from Highways summarised that the work has to be done and that there will be some disruption however all comments raised at this meeting would be considered and proposals will be revised.

xi)  Chairman Shenstone Parish Council thanked all for taking the time to raise their concerns and attending and special thanks to Matthew Houghton and Dave Hughes for explaining the proposal and answering parishioners questions.

ii) Correspondence received from Wall Parish Council regarding Claypit Lane

Chairman Councillor David Salter welcomed Councillor John Crowe Chairman and Clerk Mr. Roy Catmur from Wall Parish Council who thanked members for the opportunity to participate in this meeting.

Concerns were raised from Wall Parish Council regarding the proposed re-opening of Ashcroft Lane and Claypit Lane towards Lichfield which has been closed for a number of months.

Historically these lanes have been used as short-cuts to Lichfield with many vehicles reaching high speeds causing accidents and danger for  other road users and pedestrians.

Wall Parish Council would like to make the closure of Ashcroft Lane and Claypit Lane permanent and appealed to Shenstone Parish Council Councillors and Residents to lend their support to this initiative.

Claypit Lane is a connection to the 700 new houses built in Lichfield and this additional traffic will also cause problems – with traffic flow backing up into Shenstone causing hold ups for traffic alighting from Pinfold Hill, St John’s Hill and from Stonnall and Lynn.

It was agreed that both councils should monitor the traffic situation once the roads re-open to provide evidence to Highways that speeds and delays could be avoided and that action is required.

 

58

Committee minutes, reports and recommendations

 

58.1

Planning

i) Little Aston Conservation Area Update  - Planning committee have responded on behalf of Shenstone Parish Council (all Members have been given copy of this response) and thanks given to Councillors from Little Aston for their extensive local knowledge.

ii) Members from Lichfield District Council Conservation Team will be  in attendance at the Shenstone Parish Council Full Council Meeting -  Tuesday 14th October 2008 at 7.15pm  - Venue: Little Aston Primary School and Little Aston Councillors were asked to promote this meeting to parishioners in the Little Aston Ward.

iii)  Little Aston Councillors agreed to meet and crystallise their reports regarding the Conservation Area Update prior the Full Council Meeting on 14th October and to ensure inaccuracies have been corrected and suggest Conservation Area extended to Forge Lane.

 

 

 

 

 

Action

Little Aston
Cllrs

 

58.2

Finance

 

 

See Finance Report attached

i)    Community Grants 2008

Following short discussion the Parish Council Members agreed to support the recommendations as made by the Finance Committee on Tuesday 26th August 2008

Ref 1  -  Shenstone Cares Elderly Support Group -  £2000.00  Transport and insurance

Ref 2 -   1st Shenstone Scout Group -  £500  -  for small mess tent and tables 

Ref 3 -   Little Aston Bowling Club  -  £350  -  for seating

Ref 4 -   1st Stonnall Scout Group  -   £500  -  towards activities and recruitment

Ref 5 -   St. Peter’s Church, Stonnall  -   £975.00 toward refurb of external church clock

Ref 6 -   Friday Friends (Shenstone Day Care Centre) - £1300  -  Rental minibus

Ref 7 -  Shenstone Village Hall -  £2000 towards essential redecoration of hall

Ref 8  - Little Aston Pre-school  -  £500 towards physical education play equipment

Ref 9  - Lynn and Stonnall Conservation and Historical Society - £326 – printing and cups/saucers

Ref 10- Little Aston Tennis Club  -  £296.40 towards costs of wind breaks

Ref 12 –Stonnall Gardeners Guild - £651.00 – towards advertising and outings

Ref 13 – 1st Stonnall Brownies -  £343.00 towards outings

Ref 14 -  Little Aston Centre Management Committee  -  £1598 security to site

  • Grant Fund Request received from Pathfinder Football Club for £1000 towards refurb of existing dug outs – this was refused as the dug-out currently is contravening Planning legislation and once matter resolved Shenstone Parish Council will re-assess
  • Grant Fund Request received from Little Aston Centre for new kitchen -  request received late and therefore could not be considered at this meeting

ii)   Update Playing Fields Grants  

Each Playing Field (namely Little Aston, Stonnall and Shenstone) have been grant funded £4,000 for equipment and £1,500 for maintenance for 2008 to 2009.

Each Playing Field to provide proof of expenditure prior to annual donation being made

iii)   Policy regarding Charitable Donations

On a regular basis the Parish Council receive requests from National Charities for financial donations and the question was raised as to  whether the Parish Council should have a policy in place regarding  how to deal with these ad-hoc requests?

RESOLVED: Following discussion it was agreed that the best course of action would be to stay with the status quo i.e  to discuss these requests as and when they arise rather than have a blanket policy which seems excessive.

Councillors agreed that each request and subsequent donation should prove a direct benefit to the Parish and Parishioners.

iv)  Payments to be agreed and signed

A list of payments (attached)  was presented to Members for consideration –

All agreed and cheques signed in the presence of Council members.

 Member requested further clarification regarding the Finance Committee decision not to purchase a supply of sandbags  -  concerns had been raised about volume, quantity and expense and the problems with storing these items and it was decided that it was the responsibility of Lichfield District Council to ensure these were available for parishioners in case of emergency. 

 

58.3

Community Liaison

 

 

Update - The August 1-page Newsletter was a colour photocopied sheet which was distributed to local meeting places i.e library, newsagents,  village halls, pubs etc.

Thanks were given to councillors who distributed the newsletter door-to-door throughout Stonnall,  Shenstone Woodend and Court Drive Shenstone.

An appeal made to members for them to identify is they would be able to distribute the next newsletter to any areas of the parish.

i) Request for copy for November 2008 edition of Shenstone Parish Council Newsletter

ii) Appeal for details of Festive Events – December 2008 for inclusion in November Newsletter!

iii) Appeal for copy for web site  - website still in the process of being updated.

iv) Future Distribution  -  next edition due for distribution in November and is the 8 page edition -  it was agreed that the November newsletter should be distributed door to door and that if possible previous distributor (if available) be utilised.

v)  Draft copy of Newsletter to be prepared prior to Community Liaison Meeting to be held on Monday 6th October at 1000 am Parish Council Office for consideration at Parish Council Meeting to be held 14th October 2008.

All

Council

58.4

Property, Health and Safety

 

 

i)  Pathway – Shenstone Village Hall – Update

A road traffic accident on the Birmingham Hall demolished part of the  wall by the Bulls Head pub adjacent to Shenstone Village Hall – the location area is part of the proposed new pathway that the Parish Council and Highways are working together to provide.

Details of two quotes were presented to Council Members -  one further quotation to be received and be presented to Finance Committee to agree way ahead.

Staffordshire Highways have confirmed that they will finance and install a kerbside safety barrier

ii) Recommendation to purchase and install a bench and litterbin at Shenstone

    Bus Stop  (situated opposite Tesco Express)

Members requested that financial report of costs involved  be presented to Finance Committee for approval at meeting to be held on Monday 6th October 2008

iii) Village Planters -  Little Hay x 2 , St. John’s Hill x 1 , Footherley x 1

Village Planters already installed have received complimentary comments

£25.00 per annum for upkeep has been agreed for existing planters

Future upkeep needs to be considered – and it was suggested that the Parish Council contact local Gardeners Guilds to see if they would provide this service with the possibility of an annual competition for the best kept planter located in the parish

Clerk reminded Members the upkeep of the Planters could be included as a Lengthsman Duty.

iv) Costs for replanting Traffic Islands – Little Aston/ Shenstone/ Stonnall

Awaiting quotations.

A member requested clarification as to why the sponsorship received from advertisements on Traffic Islands is not allocated to the upkeep of the Traffic Islands in question – it was requested that this be considered by the Finance Committee.

v)  Allotments

Councillor Mrs. R. Hancocks Chairman of Property, Health and Safety Committee reported that possible sites have been brought to her attention at Bulls Head off the Birmingham Road, Lynn Lane and Ashcroft Lane - discussion followed and it was agreed that in the first instance ownership of these sites should be investigated .and the appropriate landowners contacted. Cllr Hadley volunteered assistance.

vi)  Work required at cut-through situated on the Service Road,  Birmingham Road,  Shenstone to Bus Stop – requests received from parishioners to make safe this cut through - Full proposal details to be given to Property Health and Safety Committee on Monday 6th October meeting

 

Cllr Salter

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance

 

 

 

Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clerk

 

Finance

 

 

 

 

Cllr Mrs.

Hancock

/Cllr Hadley

58.5

Employment Committee

 

 

i)  Date of next meeting to be arranged -  it was agreed that the next meeting of the Employment Committee will be held on Friday 10th October 2008 at 10.00am in the Parish Council Office.

Members were requested to advise the Chairman of the Employment Committee of any areas of concern or improvements to be made regarding the employment of the clerk,

Chairman of Employment will then report back to Full Council on the 14th October 2008

Cllr Mrs. J. Summers

59

Community Gangs / Lengthsman Scheme 

 

59.i

i) Update of work undertaken w/c 1st September 2008

Shenstone Parish Council were the first Parish to benefit from the trail frun of the Community Gang Scheme (w/c 1st September) 3 gangs (of 2 Staffordshire County Council Highways employees)  will be doing a circular tour of the county undertaking non-emergency jobs identified by Parish Councils.

Meetings have been held with Highways staff to identify jobs which would be covered by the scheme and job sheets provided .

Update sheets have been received to identify which  tasks have been completed and what has not been done and the Chairman confirmed he would visit sites to assess the work undertaken.

Member requested that the hedge on Church Lane Stonnall needs to be cut back as a matter of urgency at junction with Cartersfield Lane hedge at left of junction impairing visibility.

Chairman

60

Stonnall shops and surrounding areas

 

60.i

i) Update  - Members have raised concerns about the area which has now lost 3 shops due to rent increase and request for longer lease.

ii)  The site around the shops remains unkempt and request made for letter to be sent to landlords to request their attention to this matter.

iii)  Member requested if the bins at this location could be emptied more regularly to prevent litter being dropped around the location.

Clerk

61

Members Item -  Little Aston Station

 

61.i

Members were issued with a report from Councillor I. Sanderson from Little Aston who reported major concerns about Pedestrian and road users safety around Little Aston Blake Street Railway Station and requested that action be taken to improve the area for pedestrian use.

Members requested clarification of which Council is responsible for this area – the majority felt this area falls outside Shenstone Parish Council boundary.

It was agreed that clarification of responsibility for the area should be sought prior to further discussion/action being taken.

 

 

ONGOING

 

 

Cllr IS /

Clerk

62

Relocation Bus Stop – Little Aston

 

62.i

Correspondence received from Staffordshire County Council regarding 366 bus stop opposite to Spire Little Aston Hospital on the Aldridge Road Little Aston which has been removed. 

The removal of this bus stop is causing difficulty for residents, patients and staff who work unsociable hours.

Parish Council assistance sought to find alterative location.

Following discussion no alternative location was identified however the suggestion that perhaps the existing bus stop on the opposite side of the road could be serve both sides of the road, a practice which is used in Rural Areas where space at a premium.

Recommended:  Parish Council contact Staffordshire County Council to arrange site meeting and discuss alternatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clerk

63

Revision of Standing Orders to comply regarding Planning Late Items

 

63.i

Due to time constraints it was agreed to defer this item to next Full Council Meeting.

ONGOING

64

Update – Claim Little Holms, Shenstone

 

64.i

i) Clerk working with Insurers and members of the Lammas Land Management Committee to provide information required.

ii)  Member advised that DeFRA and NUF had been contacted for additional information.

ONGOING

65

Correspondence

 

65.1

For attention  (report attached)   -  E-ON letter to Cllr. P. Hadley for attention

 

65.2

For general information (report attached)  copies of all correspondence made available to all members.

 

66

Date, Time and Venue of Next Meeting

 

 

.   Tuesday 14th October 2008 – 7.15pm Little Aston Primary School

.   Tuesday 11th November 2008  -  7.15pm Stonnall Youth and Community Centre

.   Tuesday 9th December 2008 – 7.15pm Shenstone Village Hall

 

 

 

 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------   Signed    Chairman 14th October 2008