It was with great sadness that at the time of preparing this report that we heard about the untimely death of
John Evans, our former Chairman. I am sure that we echo many, in feeling that this world is a somewhat more diminished place without him.

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MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON THE 4th SEPTEMBER 2007

PRESENT
: Ms M. Corser, Mrs S. Dodd, Mrs D. Jones, Mrs K. Reeves and Mr T. Houghton, Staffs Borough Councillor, Mr B. Stamp, one member of the public and the Clerk.

APOLOGIES

:
These were received from Mr I. Glover and Mr B. Thacker.

MINUTES
: These were deemed as a true record of the previous meeting and were duly signed by the Chairman.

MATTERS ARISING:
The Chairman confirmed that the new bench, co-funded by the Festival Committee and Parish Council had been installed in the High Street. The Clerk was asked to write to Mike Webb and his team at Staffordshire County Council to thank him for installing the bench. Councillor Barry Stamp informed the meeting that he had recently been appointed as a director of Rural Link. The Clerk confirmed that a letter had been sent to Staffordshire Council asking for information re the future funding of the Rural Link service and the timetabling and continuity of 482 bus service. The Clerk also confirmed that a letter had been forwarded to the owners of the Old Rectory querying works to reinstate the verge opposite the entrance to the Old Rectory.

OPEN FORUM
: was not requited ion this occasion.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH:
Ms Corser reported that she had been unable to attend the recent Neighbourhood Watch Forum as the letter containing information about this event was not delivered to her address in good time.

Ms Corser informed the meeting about ‘Immobilise,’ a new scheme that the police were now bringing in where property could be registered. Information had also been received regarding a recent spate of thefts whereby homes were being broken in to and car keys taken in order to steal vehicles parked outside properties. The Police had reiterated again about not leaving valuables in parked cars.

C.E.V.PLAYGROUND
: Haywood’s Fencing had replaced probably ¾ of the roadside fencing with new chain link fencing and had carried out a satisfactory job so far. Mr Houghton had received another quote for the fencing from Alexander Fencing but unfortunately, it had arrived too late.

Mr Thacker had carried out the weekly inspections since the last meeting and everything seemed in fairly good order. Mr Houghton took the inspection book for the forthcoming month and also agreed to look at strimming the weeds away from the new hedge.

There were reports that a straying dog was being found regularly in the playground and it was agreed that the owners should be spoken to.

MR Thacker had spoken to the Chairman about maintenance of the playground equipment following receipt of a manual from Wicksteed. As Mr Thacker was unable to attend the meeting it was agreed to discuss this at the next meeting in October.

PLANNING
: The Clerk had recently received three planning applications; the first a retrospective collection of plans concerning Shushions Manor Barns and the retention of oil tanks and other installations such as pergolas, dove cotes etc. The Parish Council while understanding the need for such planning controls in rural areas pertinent to barn conversions there were no actual objections made to these proposals.

The second application was for an extension to Number 20 The Oaklands and again there were no objections made to this proposal. The third application was for a two storey extension at The Cedars, Alleys Lane. The Parish Council were concerned about over development of the site and felt that the design of the proposed extension did not fit in with the existing property and also neighbouring properties.

HIGHWAYS
: The Clerk was asked to contact Mike Webb (assistant to John Sly) again, concerning the repair and refurbishment of the village finger posts. Mr Houghton reported concern over the poor state of part of the brickwork on the small bridge on the approach to Church Eaton at Apeton. Reports of excess road chippings along the Haughton to Gnosall road were also reported, which it was thought, might constitute a problem with blocking the roadside drains. The Clerk stated that she would report these problems to Clarence the helpline.

WELCOME PACKS:
Following on from the Clerk’s suggestions on what might be included in a Church Eaton welcome pack, Mrs Dawn Jones and Mrs Karen Reeves agreed to be responsible for compiling and overseeing the production of a welcome pack.

YOUNG PERSONS CHAMPION:
A brief discussion ensued about appointing a Young Persons Champion to represent Church Eaton.Mr Bob Thacker’s name was put forward, but in his absence, it was agreed that Mr Houghton would speak to him in the first instance to gauge his interest.

FINANCE
: The Clerk reported that the annual return was in progress and was unfortunately overdue but that the Clerk would contact the Audit Commission over this matter.

APPOINTMENT OF A TRUSTEE
: Mr Houghton asked to allow this extra item on to the agenda due to a recently received request from former Parish Councillor, Mr C. Byford. Mr Byford had contacted the Chairman about standing down as the Parish Council appointed trustee on the Glebelands Sports Association Committee. After a brief discussion, Mrs K. Reeves was nominated by Mrs D. Jones and seconded by Mrs S. Dodd to replace Mr Byford. All were in favour.

CORRESPONDENCE:
The Clerk had received confirmation of a Tree Preservation Order regarding a tree on the Glebelands from the Borough Council. A copy of the Members Digest was distributed for reading.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING
: It was agreed that the next meeting should take place on Tuesday the 2nd October 2007 in the village school at 7.30 p.m.

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MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON THE 5th JUNE 2007

PRESENT
: Ms M. Corser, Mrs S. Dodd, Mrs D. Jones, Mrs K. Reeves and Messrs I. Glover, T. Houghton and B. Thacker. Staffs Borough Councillor, Mr B. Stamp, two members of the public and the Clerk.

APOLOGIES

:
were received from Staffs County Councillor, M .Winnington.

MINUTES
: These were deemed as a true record of the previous meeting held in May and were duly signed by the Chairman.

MATTERS ARISING:
The Clerk reported that all register of financial forms had been completed and returned to the Borough Council. Mr Houghton had spoken with Mr M Evans from the P.C.C. about the recent letter from Smiths of Derby and maintenance of the church clock. It was agreed that the clock would be inspected and maintained on a yearly basis, as was the current arrangement. This decision had been conveyed to Smiths of Derby.

The Clerk had received a letter from the P.C.C. in response to the enquiry over recent landscaping matters in the churchyard. The Clerk was asked to read out the letter, which essentially explained the reasons for the recent radical landscaping. The Parish Council asked the clerk to reply to this letter to enquire about the replacement of trees and any future plans for a re-planting programme to be carried out.

Mr Houghton confirmed that Church Eaton had been entered in to this year’s Calor Village of the Year Competition.

OPEN FORUM
: It was noted, with some annoyance, that the Parish Council report was again missing from the Parish Magazine despite being forwarded through by the Clerk. It was agreed that Mr Houghton as Chairman would chase up this matter.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH:
Unfortunately, despite Ms Corser’s best attempts to get a member from the local police force to attend the meeting, because of a change in the police personnel at Gnosall, P C Andy Heritage was unable to attend.

Mrs Corser reported that there had been several ‘distraction burglaries’ reported; enough to warrant the setting up of an operation by Staffs Police Force to combat this problem. Mrs Corser reiterated the need for all householders to be aware of people posing as bogus officials and the need to check ID etc

C.E.V. PLAYGROUND
:

The entrance to the playground was discussed and it the Clerk confirmed that Mr John Hall had been contacted and was to telephone the clerk with a quote for the job. Mr I. Glover returned the inspection book and had noted that the playground with the exception of litter, which he had removed, was in good order. The front fence however, was not and as several months had elapsed and David Gough Landscapes had not carried out the promised work on the fence, it was unanimously agreed that other quotes should be sought for this work to carried as soon as possible.

Mr Houghton confirmed that the two benches were now ready for collection. The Clerk was asked to inform Cornhill Allianz (the insurance company) of their purchase and for them to be included on the current schedule of insurance. Mrs K Reeves asked for volunteers to assist in the hand weeding of the new hedge.

PLANNING
: The Clerk had recently received two planning applications; the first the proposed addition of a garden room at Church Farm Barn and the second, plans for an extension to The Sheiling, High Street. After inspection of the plans no objections were made.

The Clerk had also received planning permission for the proposed extension at Number 10 Malthouse Lane.

VILLAGE NOTICE- BOARD:
It was agreed that Mr Houghton would liase with Tony Lendon about refurbishment of the village notice board.

HIGHWAYS
: The Clerk confirmed that the finger post situated on the verge opposite John Clarke’s property had been removed for repair and refurbishment. Mike Webb (assistant to John Sly) was fully briefed on the matter concerning the repair and refurbishment of the rest of the village finger posts.

Mrs Dodd commented on the good response she had received from the Clarence help line.

BUS SERVICES
: Councillor Stamp confirmed that from his investigations funding for the Ruralink Bus Service would be available until August 2008. From further investigation, there would be no review of the current 482 bus services. However, Councillor Stamp did remind the Parish Council that Ariva could give notice to cut services at any time

BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION:
It was confirmed that the children’s posters were displayed around the village. Mr Houghton gave an update of the festival plans for this year.

FINANCE
: The clerk had received an invoice from Mr John Hall for grass cutting of the village playground amounting to £135.00, which was proposed for payment by Mrs S. Dodd and seconded by Mr I. Glover. All were in favour. Also agreed was a £100 donation towards the Village Festival Committee as previously arranged. The Clerk was to be forwarded the bench invoice directly from the company for payment and was authorised to pay this but would report next month.

The Clerk distributed a budget to all members of the Parish Council to 1st October 2007 and gave a brief resume of income and expenditure for that period.

The Clerk had also received a return from the Audit Commission to be completed shortly.

CORRESPONDENCE:
The Clerk had received the following items, which were distributed for reading amongst the Parish Council, namely a copy of Members Digest and a Ruralink Newsletter. A questionnaire from the Borough looking at sport and recreational facilities within the Parish was retained by the Clerk to be completed and returned. A letter appealing for funding towards the First Responders Organisation had also been received. It was agreed to consider this response at the end of this current financial year as was customary.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING
: It was agreed that the next meeting should take place on Tuesday the 3rd of July in the village school at 7.30 p.m.

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MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON THE 3rd APRIL 2007

PRESENT
: Mrs S. Dodd and Mrs J. Glover and Messrs C. Byford, I. Glover, T. Houghton, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator Mrs M. Corser,
Stafford Borough Councillor, Mr B. Stamp, Staffs County Councillor, Mr M. Winnington, two members of the public and the Clerk.

APOLOGIES:
These were received from Mr R. Howarth.

MINUTES
: These were deemed as a true record and were duly signed by the Chairman.

MATTERS ARISING:
The Clerk reported that she had one Minute Book in her possession (being the last completed book) however the Minute Book for the years 1967/84 is still unaccounted for. It was agreed that the Parish Council would endeavour to find it and then deposit it in the archive library in Stafford.

OPEN FORUM
: Mrs K Mainwaring addressed the meeting with concerns over the size and windows of the new development at No10 Malthouse Lane. It was agreed that the Parish Council would refer to the original plans and, if so required, monitor the situation with the Borough Council Planning Department.

Concerns were also expressed over the cutting back of vegetation and the felling of trees in the churchyard. The Clerk was asked to write to the PCC to clarify what replanting and improvement works would be carried out in the future. It was also noted that pressure had been brought to bear on the PCC with the also most continuous break- ins and theft of church equipment resulting in the PCC having to improve the security of the site by making the site more open to observation.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH:
Mrs Corser reported two incidents locally, an attempted break in and in another incident the theft of property from outside the property.

C.E.V.PLAYGROUND
: Mr Byford returned the inspection book and noted that the playground fence was now practically on the floor. Mr Houghton stated that he would contact Mr David Gough to get the overdue work done. The Clerk had contacted the insurance company about the new equipment. Mr Houghton had ordered the two new benches from Green Oak as promised which would amount to £966.50. Once again, the high standard of grass cutting by Mr John Hall was commented on.

PLANNING:
The Clerk had recently received three planning applications, an extension to the property known as The Shieling, a rear extension to Little Oak and another extension to 10 Malt house Road. After deliberation of these plans, no objections were made to these proposals. Comments were made about the various development along the canal near to High Onn Wharf and it was agreed to monitor the situation.

HIGHWAYS
: Mrs Dodd had reported potholes along Birchmoor Lane to the Clarence Helpline. The poor state of the village fingerposts were commented upon; the Clerk is to chase up this matter with Mr John Sly at County Highways.

BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION
: Mr Houghton confirmed that the Best Kept Village Posters were now laminated and were being put up. Mr John Edwards suggested a sponsor for this year’s Hanging Baskets Competition and would endeavour to approach this person and notify the Clerk. The clerk had also approached a suitable person to judge this year’s competition and would report at the next meeting.

FINANCE
: The Clerk had prepared a VAT claim for the past eighteen months or thereabouts amounting to about £1,700.00.

CORRESPONDENCE:
The Clerk had received various election information, which had been dealt with. The latest Members Digest was circulated for reading. Smith of Derby had forwarded a letter re the church clock and maintenance contracts. Mr Houghton was to speak to Mr Michael Evans of the PCC over this matter.

Mr Houghton once again thanked the out going Parish Council for all their hard work and wished those standing for election or re-election good luck.

It was agreed that due to the forthcoming election on May the 3rd, the Parish Council would meet on Tuesday the 8th of May 2007 in the village school.

The meeting closed at 9.35 p.m.

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MINUTES FROM THE MEETING HELD ON THE 13th MARCH 2007

PRESENT:
Mrs S. Dodd, Messrs C. Byford, I. Glover, T. Houghton (Chair), Staffs Borough Councillor,
Mr B. Stamp, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator, Mrs M. Corser, two members of the public, and
the Clerk, Mrs D. M. Key.

APOLOGIES:
These were received from Mrs J. Glover and Mr R. Howarth.

MINUTES:
The Minutes from the previous meeting had been circulated to all members of the Parish Council and were deemed as a true record by those present and duly signed by the Chairman, Mr T. Houghton.

MATTERS ARISING:
Mr Houghton confirmed that he had posted the bus timetable on the Parish Council notice board. It was agreed that any other matters arising from the last meeting would be taken as they appeared on the agenda.

OPEN FORUM
: Mr Houghton reported that despite recent rumours that the new foot paths would be ‘dug up’ to accommodate new street lights, the emphasis would be on replacing the old lights with more energy efficient ones. However, works to replace lighting installations in the Oaklands might be carried out in twelve months.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH:
Mrs Corser reported that she had not received any reports of local incidents of crime that was deemed, as no news is good news!

Mrs Corser presented the local Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter.

C E V PLAYGROUND:
Mr Houghton returned the inspection book. Disappointedly he reported that the newly planted young hedge had in parts, been severely vandalised. Many of the bamboo casings enclosing the young hedge plants had been pulled up and then broken and left in the playground. The Parish Council felt very frustrated by this turn in events and as this project to improve local amenities was being undermined by a minority but ultimately spoiling it for the majority. It was commented on that this project had cost well over £100 and had only happened because of the goodwill of local people willing to give up some of their free time to attempt to improve this very important local amenity. Obviously the Parish Council would very much like to know who is responsible for this wanton act of vandalism. Please contact the Clerk on 01785 822723 (all calls will be treated confidentially).

Work had not yet commenced to refurbish the front fence.

Mr Houghton had contacted the County Highways Department re the proposed new bench on the High Street and there had been no objections.

Mr D Massie had discussed fencing his land along the back of the playground with Mr Houghton. It was agreed that any overhanging branches would be lopped off prior to new fencing being installed.

PLANNING:
The Clerk had received no correspondence concerning planning matters.

HIGHWAYS
: There was concern expressed over the recent spate of potholes appearing on local roads due to the recent poor weather conditions.

It was agreed to monitor the situation and report these problems to the County Council ‘Clarence’ help line as they arose.

FINANCE:
The Clerk had received an invoice from Stafford Borough Council regarding the forthcoming Civic Amenities visit for £43.01, plus this year’s entry into the Best Kept Village Competition amounting to £15.20. It was proposed that Mrs S. Dodd, seconded by Mr I. Glover to pay these invoices. All were in favour.

It was also agreed that this year’s section 147 payments should be set against grass cutting and playground insurance expenses.

The Clerk also informed the meeting that a new external auditor had been appointed by the Audit Commission. Four invoices to be paid, namely £43.01 for the last Civic Amenities visit, £100.00

BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION:
Mr Houghton reported that arrangements for this year’s entry were in hand. The Clerk suggested various individuals whom might be suitable to judge this year’s hanging baskets competition.

PROPOSED POST OFFICE CLOSURES:
Unfortunately, Mr Houghton was unable to attend the ‘Last Post’ meeting. Councillor Stamp filled the Parish Council in on the meetings he attended over this important issue which the Parish Council remained unanimous in opposing any Post Office closures.

CORRESPONDENCE:
Various items were distributed for reading among the Parish Council i.e. Members Digest.

It was agreed that the next meeting should be held on Tuesday the 3rd April 2007 plus the annual Parish meeting at 7.30 p.m. in the village school. The meeting closed at 8.55 p.m.

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MINUTES FROM THE MEETING HELD ON THE 7TH FEBRUARY 2007

PRESENT:
Mrs S. Dodd and Mrs J. Glover and Messrs C. Byford, T. Houghton, Mr R. Howarth , Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator Mrs M. Corser, Staffs Borough Councillor, Mr B. Stamp, one member of the public and the Clerk.

APOLOGIES:
These were received from Mr I. Glover, and Staffs County Councillor, Mr M. Winnington.

MINUTES:
These were read from the previous meeting, deemed as a true record and signed by the Vice Chairman after amending Mr Houghton’s signature of the minutes through absence.

MATTERS ARISING:
Items for discussion during Matters Arising would be taken as they appeared on the agenda.

OPEN FORUM:
This was not required on this occasion.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH:
Mrs M. Corser updated the meeting on Neighbourhood Watch matters.

C.E.V.PLAYGROUND
: It was reported that the new play equipment had now been installed and had already received some favourable responses. The planting of a replacement hedge along the back boundary of the playground was discussed. The inspection book was returned and Mr Houghton took charge of this for the forthcoming month. It was agreed that the Clerk should contact John Hall re grass cutting.

PLANNING
: The Clerk had recently received a planning application with respect to the proposed single storey extension at Church Farm Barn. The only major concern made by the Parish Council was that this development should not exacerbate car parking to the entrance to St Editha’s Court

HIGHWAYS:
The Clerk reported that John Sly was looking into refurbishment and repair of the village fingerposts.

With the recent wet weather, more incidents of flooding had been reported particularly in the Apeton area. These incidents had been further reported to Highways through the Clarence helpline.

Mr Byford had spoken with Mr Dodd, owner of the Old Rectory, who had confirmed that the verge opposite to the Old Rectory entrance would be re-instated once landscaping was completed at the Rectory. Concern was expressed over car parking on grass verges throughout the village. The Parish Council requested that car owners try to avoid parking on grass verges, which, due to the recent wet weather were now extremely soft and therefore prone to damage.

BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION
: Mr Houghton confirmed that he was to fill in the entry for this year’s competition and would have the entry completed before the February deadline.

FINANCE
: The Clerk had prepared a budget to the end of the this financial year (March 31st 2007) and for the following twelve months. featuring any fixed costs to illustrate finances for the forthcoming year. The budget was straightforward showing a slight deficit going into the new financial year due to playground equipment costs. Although the budget would be tight for the next twelve months, there was some flexibility in that Section 137 payments which could include some recent paid (no VAT) invoices for the playground and the traffic calming invoice, though included, was unlikely to be presented as the work to re-surface the Wood Eaton Road end was unlikely to take place for a while. The Clerk has also budgeted for election costs should the need arise in May.

It was proposed by T. Houghton that £200 should be earmarked for the planting of the new playground hedge. This was seconded by Mrs S. Dodd, all were in favour.

The Clerk had received an invoice from the Audit Commission for £141.00. This was again proposed for payment and all were in favour.

CORRESPONDENCE:
Various items of correspondence were distributed amongst the Parish Council for reading. It was agreed to respond to a letter from the Borough Council requesting Church Eaton’s requirements for civic amenities visits during 2007.

It was agreed that the next meeting would take place on Tuesday the 13th of March 2007 in the village school. The meeting closed at 9.35 p.m.

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MINUTES FROM THE MEETING HELD ON THE 9TH JANUARY 2007

PRESENT:
Mrs J. Glover, Messrs C. Byford, T. Houghton (Chair) R. Howarth, Mrs M. Corser, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator, Stafford Borough Councillor, Mr B. Stamp and the Clerk.

APOLOGIES:
These were received from Mrs S. Dodd and Mr B. Sharratt.

MINUTES:
These were read from the previous meeting, deemed as a true record and signed by the Vice Chairman after amending Mr Houghton’s signature of the minutes through absence.

MATTERS ARISING:
The Clerk confirmed that she had sent a thank you letter to Mr Gordon Kennerley thanking him for the use of his trailer and help with tidying up the playground. The Clerk had also written a thank you letter to John Sly of Highways to thank the department for the recent work carried out on the footpaths and also to report the poor state of the Village fingerposts.

The Clerk had emailed Councillor Mark Winnington about this matter and asked him to look at the recent spate of flooding on both the highways and outlying village areas.

Clarence had also been alerted to the various incidents of floods on the roads.

OPEN FORUM:
This was not required on this occasion.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH:
Mrs M. Corser updated the meeting on the delivery of Neighbourhood Watch household information packs, of which 173 had been delivered around the Parish. Mr Howarth confirmed that most of the new Neighbourhood Watch signs had been erected.

Mrs Corser reported that she had heard of one incident in the last few weeks where a generator had been stolen from a farm in Marston.

C.E.V. PLAYGROUND
: Mr Howarth returned the inspection book for signing and had reported no major problems although he had cleared up quite a bit of rubbish from the site. Mrs J. Glover took the book for the forthcoming month.

Mr Houghton confirmed that a representative from Wickstead had met him on site and as a result an order for new equipment had been placed, amounting to £7,946.00 which would cover the purchase of the equipment plus installation. The date for installation had provisionally been booked for the first week of March or maybe sooner.

Purchase of the two new benches was also discussed and it was hoped that these would be purchased together once permission to install the joint funded festival bench had been sought.

A discussion then ensued concerning the old tree by the fence in the playground and whether it would need removing. It was agreed to inspect the tree and gain some expert advice. Also discussed was the proposal to plant a new hedge along the back fence.

PLANNING
: The Clerk reported that a planning application for renewal of temporary planning permission for a mobile home at Manor Farm, Marston had been received. There were no objections made to this application.

HIGHWAYS:
The Clerk confirmed again that Highways had been contacted over the poor condition of the Village finger post. Mr Houghton had spoken with Mr John Evans, Chair of the Foundation Governors, about flooding on the fields by the Glebelands. There was concern express over the slow moving water in the brook. Mr Houghton is to keep an eye on this matter and will report.

Mrs Glover mentioned the eroded verge opposite the Old Rectory. It was agreed that Mr Byford would make some general enquires about the verge being reinstated when landscaping works finished at the Rectory.

BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION
: The Clerk had received the entry form for this year’s competition. The Parish Council felt that Church Eaton should enter again on the back of such a good result last year. Unfortunately Mr Howarth was unable to supervise this year’s entry due to other comments. As a result it was agreed that the Parish Council would coordinate the entry.

FINANCE
: The Clerk had received a request from the Borough Council requesting confirmation of the precept and functions allowance for the forthcoming year. Following discussion the Parish Council agreed that, in line with current inflation figures, a precept figure of £4,425 should be requested i.e. resulting in an increase of £125.00 on last year’s precept. It was also agreed that the full functions allowance, set at £802.00, should also be requested. This was proposed by Mr T Houghton, seconded by Mr C Byford, all were in favour.

The Clerk’s half yearly fee and expenses were due and Mr Houghton, proposed an increase of £50.00 on the Clerk’s current fee, mounting to £850.0 for this half year’s payment. The Clerk also presented expenses of £40.97 for payment. Both these were proposed for payment by Mr T. Houghton, seconded by Mr C. Byford. All were in favour. The Clerk thanked the Parish Council.

An invoice for £20.00 towards part funding of the Christmas tree and lighting with the Village Institute was also presented for payment.This was also authorised for payment.

CORRESPONDENCE:
Various items of correspondence were distributed amongst the Parish Council for reading

It was agreed that the next meeting would take place on Tuesday the 6th of February 2007 in the village school. The meeting closed at 8.55 p.m.

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MINUTES FROM THE MEETING HELD ON THE 5th DECEMBER 2006

PRESENT:
Mrs S Dodd and Mrs J Glover, Messrs C Byford, I Glover, T Houghton (Chair), R. Howarth, Staffs Borough Councillor, Mr B Stamp, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator, Mrs M Corser, three members of the public, and the Clerk, Mrs D Key.

APOLOGIES:
These were received from Mr B Sharratt and Staffs County Councillor, Mr M Winnington.

MINUTES:
The Minutes from the previous meeting had been circulated to all members of the Parish Council and were deemed as a true record by those present and duly signed by the Chairman, Mr T. Houghton.

MATTERS ARISING:
The Clerk had contacted Highways about the official pick up point for bus travellers which was by The Royal Oak. Adrian Hunt confirmed that he would look into having a bus stop sign installed. Mr Houghton reported that the bid to secure funding for Christmas lighting from Central Networks had not been successful.

OPEN FORUM
: During Open Forum the recent problem with flooding in the High Street especially by the school was discussed as well as the flooding on the Haughton to Church Eaton road. Councillor Stamp informed the meeting that Haughton Parish Council had reported this to Highways. Also the poor state of pretty well all the wooden finger posts in the Parish. The Clerk was asked to convey these concerns to the Highways Department.

Installation of the village bench was discussed again and Mr Houghton echoed comments that the footpaths in the village had been very satisfactorily re-surfaced.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH:
Mrs Corser as promised had delivered about 150 household security packs. Mrs S Dodd offered to deliver packs around Marston.

The Clerk confirmed that Mrs and Miss Bennett were happy to display a Neighbourhood Watch sign at Malt Shovel Farm. Mr Howarth also confirmed that the church would also display a sign. Mr Howarth offered to oversee the installation of these signs. Mr Houghton offered to contact Ian Nixon about displaying a sign at Little Onn.

Mr Howarth confirmed that the police had now made arrests over the bogus parcel collection scam as discussed at the last meeting.

C E V PLAYGROUND

:
Mr B Sharratt had returned the inspection book and had checked the suspension. Mr Houghton read Mr Sharratt’s comments and then signed the book which Mr Howarth took for the forthcoming month. Mr Gordon Kennerley had very kindly taken away the rubbish that the litter picking team of Mr Byford and Mr Houghton had collected.

Following a sub committee meeting to discuss the purchase of new play equipment, a decision was eventually made to order from, play equipment specialists Wicksteed, a suitable slide and a small play mobile. Mr Houghton informed the meeting that he would be having a site meeting with a representative from Wicksteed to discuss the new equipment prior to the order being placed. It was proposed that with the Parish Council’s own funding combined with the funding from the Borough council that £8,000 would be allocated for purchase of the new equipment.

A further £200 was earmarked for the joint purchase of a village bench with the Village Festival Committee and a new playground bench would also be purchased at the same time. Mr Byford seconded by Mr Howarth proposed this. All were in favour.

PLANNING:
Planning permission had been granted for a detached a garage at Keepers Cottage, Malthouse Lane.

A proposed new garage and storage facility at Home Farm had now gone to appeal over the recent planning refusal

FINANCE:
The Clerk confirmed that the Audit Commission had now signed off the accounts for the previous financial year and had received the signed return.

CORRESPONDENCE:
Various items were distributed for reading among the Parish Council. Mr Howarth had received a letter from the Big Lottery Fund, which disappointingly recommended that the Parish Council should not proceed with a full application. Mr Houghton thanked Mr Howarth for all his endeavours

It was agreed that the next meeting should be held on Tuesday the 9th January 2007 at 7.30 p.m. in the village school. The meeting closed at 9.05 p.m.

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MINUTES FROM THE MEETING HELD ON THE 7th NOVEMBER 2006

PRESENT:
Mrs S. Dodd, Messrs C. Byford, I. Glover, T. Houghton (Chair), R. Howarth, Staffs Borough Councillor, Mr B. Stamp, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator, Mrs M. Corser, two members of the public, and the Clerk, Mrs D.M .Key.

APOLOGIES

:
These were received from Mrs J. Glover and Staffs County Councillor, Mr M. Winnington.

MINUTES:
The Minutes from the previous meeting had been circulated to all members of the Parish Council and were deemed as a true record by those present and duly signed by the Chairman, Mr T. Houghton.

MATTERS ARISING:
Mr Houghton confirmed that he had posted the bus timetable on the Parish Council notice board. It was agreed that any other matters arising from the last meeting would be taken as they appeared on the agenda.

OPEN FORUM
: During Open Forum Mrs K Reeves made the valid point about ‘dog proofing’ the playground in order to prevent dog fouling.

Mrs Reeves, on behalf of the Festival Committee reported that with the remaining funds, a seat or bench was the best option rather than a bus shelter. Mr Houghton confirmed that the Parish Council would certainly donate some funds towards this project but due to the imminent purchase of new play equipment, the Parish Council would not be able to match fund. As a figure from the Festival Committee had not yet been received then a decision on the amount was deferred.

During Open Forum the Clerk was asked to contact Arriva or the County about the official position of the bus stop in the High Street, as recently there seemed to have been confusion from drivers over where to stop.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH:
Mrs Corser as promised had prepared some excellent household packs containing loads of information re crime prevention, Neighbourhood Watch and useful safety tips etc. The Neighbourhood Watch signs had been received and seemed ideal for the purpose. A short discussion ensued about where to display them and it was agreed that permission to display these signs in prominent positions and obtain permission where necessary from private landowners would be sought by various members of the Parish Council.

Mr Howarth reported that a bogus parcel retrieval scheme was currently operating whereby householders received a card through the door informing that they had a parcel to collect and a telephone number to ring to obtain more information. Unfortunately anyone not suspecting this was a scam would ring the number on the card immediately incurring a £15.00 charge! As Christmas is fast approaching the Clerk was asked to make Parishioners aware of this scam in the Parish Magazine.

C E V PLAYGROUND

:
Mr B Sharratt still has the inspection book and the clerk was asked to contact Mr Sharratt to return it for the next meeting for signing.

Mr Houghton reported on his bid to obtain further funding from the Borough Council. There was money available amounting to around £4,000 but obviously a clear direction concerning budget and scheme of works was necessary so as to provide the Borough Council with accurate details on how the money had been spent.

The Clerk had received three different quotations concerning the repair or replacement of the playground roadside fence. David Gough Landscapes at £480.00 quoted repairing the fence. Metal railings had come in at around £6,000 from a company Mrs Reeves had spoken to and a split oak rustic type fence would be in the region of £3,000 from a fencing company Mr Reeves had contacted. Following a short discussion where it was generally agreed that priority should be given to installing new play equipment, with a mind to replacing the fence later on, Mr I. Glover proposed that the repair option should be taken. This was seconded by Mr R Howarth, all were in favour.

It was further agreed that a meeting should be held on Tuesday 21st of November to discuss further the purchase of new equipment.

Mr Howarth was currently waiting to hear how his bid, to gain substantial funding for the playground was progressing and Mr Houghton had completed and returned Councillor Winnington’s Membership Initiatives fund form.

Mr Reeves had inspected the playground bench and felt it might not be practical to refurbish. It was agreed to consider options for this following the equipment purchase and outcome of funding.

PLANNING:
Planning permission had been refused for the retrospective change of use and extension of curtilage at Apeton Byre. Plans to build a pre-fabricated garage at Number 7, High Street, Church Eaton had also been refused planning consent.

The Chairman reminded Parish Councillors to check whether the Councillor they were passing planning applications on to, in the rota, were not away.

HIGHWAYS
: There was still concern being expressed over the poor condition of the verge outside the entrance to the Old Rectory. It was agreed to wait until building works had finished before approaching the owners about reinstating he verge..

FINANCE:
The Clerk had received four invoices to be paid, namely £43.01 for the last Civic Amenities visit, £100.00 from JWH Ground for playground grass cutting, £225.00 for repair of the village map from Oaklands Framing and finally £43.01 for the new Neighbourhood Watch signs. These were proposed for payment by Mr C. Byford and seconded by Mr R Howarth, all were in favour.

Mr Howarth confirmed that rental for letting the school for meetings would remain at £15 per session for the next financial year.

The annual cheque for way leave in the village playground amounting to £1.20 had been received.

CORRESPONDENCE:
Various items were distributed for reading among the Parish Council i.e. Members Digest. The Clerk reminded the meeting that the SouthWest Area Forum would be taking place on the 16th of November and that a meeting with Stone Police would be held on the 6th of November.

Mr Houghton had received information about claiming a Xmas lighting grant from Central Networks for £250.00 and would send a claim form in on behalf of the Parish Council.

It was agreed that the next meeting should be held on Tuesday the 5th December 2006 at 7.30 p.m. in the village school. The meeting closed at 9.20 p.m.

MINUTES FROM THE MEETING HELD ON THE 3RD OCTOBER 2006

PRESENT: Mrs S. Dodd and Mrs J. Glover, Messrs C. Byford, B. Sharratt, Mrs M. Corser, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator, 3 Members of the Public, PC Ash Connor the local Community Safety Officer and the Clerk.

APOLOGIES: These were received from Messrs T. Houghton, and R. Howarth, Staffs County Councillor, Mr M. Winnington and Staffs Borough Councillor, Mr B. Stamp, PC Danny Lyons and PCSO Mark Halmorack.

MINUTES: These were read from the previous meeting, deemed as a true record and signed by the Vice Chairman after amending Mr Houghton’s signature of the minutes through absence.

MATTERS ARISING: It was agreed to discuss any Matters Arising as they came up on the agenda.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH: Mrs S. Dodd invited PC Mr Ash Connor, the local Community Safety Officer to address the meeting about Neighbourhood Watch. PC Connor began by explaining that the three main aims of Neighbourhood Watch were preventing crime, reducing the fear of crime and promoting community values. He explained that the scheme began in 1982 modelled on the American scheme, with well over 900 schemes in the Staffs/Stoke area alone. PC Connor described the various ways Neighbourhood Watch could help in the fight against crime and how individuals could make their own property and possessions safer. He had also brought along a great deal of interesting leaflets and household stickers to illustrate these issues and the Neighbourhood Watch scheme in detail. Mrs M. Corser added that she was hoping to prepare a pack of this information and other crime prevention information to be delivered to all homes within the Parish.

PC Connor also gave valuable information concerning the forthcoming November the 5th celebrations and a helpline number for any incidents connected with fireworks -08454020334.

The Clerk had received the latest police report from Gnosall police and which showed only two reported incidents both connected with car break-ins.

Mrs Corser confirmed order of the new Neighbourhood Watch signs.

OPEN FORUM: Mrs K. Reeves was concerned that no timetable was displayed within the Village. The Clerk explained that this was in hand as she had only received the new timetable a couple of days ago and that Mr Houghton was working on displaying the relevant times etc for Church Eaton on the notice board.

The commemorative bench was discussed. Mrs Dodd asked Mr Thacker to establish from the Festival Committee the exact figure they would like to earmark for funding the bench and then the Parish Council would endeavour to match fund this amount.

C.E.V.PLAYGROUND: Mr Houghton had spoken to Mr David Gough about quoting for the repair of the front playground fence, which was now in a very poor state. This was discussed further and it was also felt that quotes should be sought for replacement fencing in the form of either railings or split oak however, cost could be prohibitive but it was well worth investigating these various fencing options.

Mr Houghton had also met a representative from Stafford Borough Council’s Open Spaces Department who had met Mr Houghton on site and was agreeable to Church Eaton applying for further funding.

Mr Sharratt read from the inspection book and offered to keep the book for the forthcoming month. The Clerk is to contact Mr J Hall to see whether he might be able to remove the wood shavings.

PLANNING: The Clerk reported that the planning application for a new bungalow at Number 6, Smithy Croft had been refused again. A new planning application had been received for dropped kerbs for car parking at Dolphin House, High Street to coincide with the current footpath resurfacing. There was no objection made to this proposal, indeed, the Parish Council felt that the applicants should be applauded for helping to alleviate the nuisance car parking which was regularly occurring in the High Street. Similarly, there were no objections made to the proposed side extension at 22 The Oaklands, to help with special needs assistance.

There was also an application for a new detached garage at Keepers Cottage, Malthouse Lane and while in principal there was no objection made to a garage being built there was concern over the size, as the plans gave no real idea of how tall this proposed development might be

HIGHWAYS: The Clerk confirmed that work would re-commence on resurfacing the village footpaths in early November.

CALOR VILLAGE OF THE YEAR COMPETITION: The Clerk was delighted to report that Mr Houghton and Mr John Edwards had attended the Community Council of Staffs AGM where it was announced that Church Eaton was a runner up in this year’s competition. As a result, the Village was awarded a certificate, which will be displayed in the Institute plus a cheque for £125.00.

FINANCE: The Clerk had received an invoice amounting to £2,286.50 from David Gough Landscapes for the recent works carried out in the playground. This was proposed for payment by Mrs S. Dodd and seconded by Mr C. Byford. All were in favour.

The Clerk reported that the National Post Office Savings passbook had just had the interest added for this year. After a short discussion, it was agreed that it should be closed and the balance paid into the bank account. Mrs J. Glover, seconded by Mr B. Sharratt, proposed this. All were in favour.

CORRESPONDENCE: Various items of correspondence were distributed amongst the Parish Council for reading

It was agreed that the next meeting would take place on Tuesday the 7th of November 2006 in the village school.

The meeting closed at 9.20 p.m.

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MINUTES FROM THE MEETING HELD ON THE 5th SEPTEMBER 2006

PRESENT: Mrs S. Dodd, Messrs C. Byford, R. Howarth, Staffs Borough Councillor, Mr B. Stamp, Mrs M. Corser, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator, PC Danny Lyons and PCS Officer, Mark Almorack
4 members of the public and the Clerk.

APOLOGIES: These were received from Mrs J Glover, Mr T Houghton, Mr I. Glover and County Councillor Mr M. Winnington.

MINUTES: The Minutes from the previous meeting had been circulated to all members of the Parish Council and were deemed as a true record by those present and duly signed by the Vice Chairman, Mrs S Dodd.

MATTERS ARISING: All items for Matters Arising were featured in the current agenda so it was agreed to take these as per agenda list.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH: P C Danny Lyons addressed the meeting concerning local policing matters. He highlighted the recent spate of bogus cold callers as being a problem but reported that the police were currently investigating a number of these schemes. The allocation of Police Officers in the area was discussed and PC Lyons introduced PCS Office Mark Almorack who also addressed the meeting with a report concerning recently reported incidents in the Church Eaton area. These included the telephone box robbery in the High Street, a burglary damage to a car parked by the canal.

Speeding in the High Street was also discussed and PC Lyons mentioned that he was shortly to receive training to operate a speed visor.

Mandy Corser gave an update on Neighbourhood Watch. Mandy had arranged for Community Safety Officer, Ash Connor to attend the next Parish Council meeting. Mandy had also researched the supplier of Neighbourhood Watch signs, but it was agreed to discuss this further at the next meeting when Ash Connor would be in attendance.

OPEN FORUM: During this item a request was made by Mr Bob Thacker for the Parish Council to consider match funding proceeds from the Village festival to provide either a seat, bus shelter or planted tubs. This request was received favourably but it was agreed to discuss this at the next meeting.

C.E.V. PLAYGROUND: Funding for the continuing improvement of the playground was discussed. The Clerk now in the position to provide audited accounts for the last two years is to pass on copies to Mr Howarth who will endeavour to pursue DEFRA for funding. It was also agreed to contact Councillor Winnington to enquire on the progress of his Local Members Initiative for further funding.

PLANNING: The Clerk had received a planning application for a prefabricated garage at No 7 The High Street. While there was no objection in principal to the erection of a garage it was generally agreed that it would be more in keeping with the rural street scene if it had a brick fascia.

Planning permission had been refused for a garage at Keepers Cottage, Malthouse Lane and Unit 1 at Home Farm, Little Onn.

HIGHWAYS: Work on the footpaths was commented on although there seemed still a long way to go until the work would be finished.

FINANCE: An invoice for £188.00 re maintenance of the church clock had been received. Mr Ralph Howarth declared an interest in the payment of this. Also received was an invoice for the last civic amenities visit amounting to £43.01 and an invoice for £100.00 for grass cutting. Mr C. Byford seconded by Mrs S Dodd recommended these for payment. It was also unanimously agreed that that £250.00 should be earmarked for renovation of the village map.

ELECTRICITY SUBSTATION AT THE ROYAL OAK: There had been concerns over the proposal to base a sub station at The Royal Oak. It was felt that this would need to be carefully screened however at the time of the meeting the idea had been decided against.

HANGING BASKETS COMPETITION: Mr and Mrs Plant from Derrington had forwarded their winners for this year and submitted a short report, which recommended several households for their lovely baskets.

However, the three overall winners were:

1st Place – 3 Swan Court, “ a truly award winning display and the plantings were still fresh and colourful with no sign of them coming to an end”.

Joint 2nd Place, Keswick Cottage and Heathmynd.

They will each win a gardening voucher kindly sponsored by Mr and Mrs Howarth.

CORRESPONDENCE:

Various items of correspondence such as Members Digest, were distributed among the Council for further reading

DATE OF NEXT MEETING: It was agreed that the next meeting should be held on Tuesday the 3rd October 2006 at 7.30 p.m. in the village school.

The meeting closed at 8.45 p.m.

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