The Clerk had been in
contact with the Enforcement Officer Mr E.Owen at Stafford Borough Council over
the recent hedgerow removal at Apeton Manor Cottage. Mr Owen had been very
helpful and advised that a planning application was in the pipeline.
The Clerk had been contacted
by the Borough Council about receiving new planning application on line. After
a brief discussion, the Council were unanimous about continuing to receive hard
copies. The Clerk also suggested that she should, on receipt of new planning
applications, send an alert email to all Councillors. This suggestion was
accepted and it was agreed this should commence on receipt of the next
application.
All other email
correspondence had been circulated to all Parish Councillors.
The Clerk had looked into
the matter of obtaining Village Green status with regard to the Glebelands. In
essence if a an area of land had been used by local people for lawful sports and
pastimes as of right i.e. without permission for at least 20 years there would
be a good case. This was negated as there was an existing lease between the
Diocese and the Glebelands Sports Association.
Mr Harriman reported that
the two new troughs for Marston had now been built and would be installed.
Bulbs were proposed for planting.
Following a request from the
Village Institute towards refurbishment costs, the Clerk was asked to prepare a
budget for the next meeting to include financial arrangements to the end of the
current financial year.
AON had forwarded
information regarding both salting and gritting works for the winter months and
preparations for fireworks displays. The War Memorials Trust had issued
information about caring for memorials given next year’s anniversary. SPCA had
forwarded a newsletter and there had been information forwarded concerning the
Boundary Commission review. MP Bill Cash had asked for views from the Parish
Council relating to poly tunnels.
All other email
correspondence had been circulated to all Parish Councillors.
At the recent meeting of the Village
Festival Committee, the funds raised at this year’s event - £4,500 - were
distributed between Village organisations and some outside charities.
why they wished to be considered for the
two vacancies. After leaving the meeting, the Council unanimously co-opted both
parties following a proposal from Mr T.Houghton which was seconded by Mrs
K.Reeves. All were in favour. Following the Clerk informing Mr Bailey and Mr
Moore of this decision, they both returned to attend the meeting. The Clerk was
to inform the elections office at Stafford Borough Council about these two new
appointments.
Karen Reeves updated the meeting on the
recent Glebelands AGM where efforts were still being made to create a full
constitution. There was to be a meeting held in November.
Councillor Stamp briefed the Parish Council on the recent Parish Forum which had
been held on the 26th
September. The Clerk had received various information from the forum.
Nigel Bundy had begun re-painting the
Parish fingerposts and was hopeful to finish this work in October, weather
permitting.
It was also agreed that two planters for
Marston would be purchased at approximately £75 each. As above all were in
favour.
All other email correspondence had been
circulated to all Parish Councillors.
It was agreed that
following the co-option of two new members on to the Council that the review of
the Conservation Area document would resume. The village troughs had been
replanted and where necessary repaired.
Carla Whelton, Estate
Manager for the Bradford Estates, introduced herself and reported to the meeting
her aim to encourage a better relationship between the Estate and neighbouring
Parish Councils. Various matters were discussed including concerns over recent
planning matters, road drainage, allotments, developments at the moorings on the
canal and the Estate’s wishes to support local charitable concerns.
Carla also agreed to
forward to the Clerk a definitive plan of the land owned by Bradford Estates for
further reference. The Chairman thanked Carla for her attendance at the meeting
which was unanimously agreed as being very useful.
Mrs S.Dodd reported that
while the Borough Council had installed a dog poop bin as requested in Marston,
ironically it had been installed on the triangle and the plantings Mr Swift
carefully tends had been trampled! As a result the bin had been taken down and
it was agreed to site it in a more appropriate place.
The Clerk had contacted
Nigel Bundy to remind him about re-painting the Parish fingerposts and he was
hopeful, weather permitting to commence work in last week of September.
An invoice amounting to
£84.00 for grass cutting in July had been received from JWH and an invoice was
presented by the Village Institute for the hire of the hall for September,
amounting to £20.00. These were proposed for payment by Ms J.Byford and seconded
by Mrs S.Dodd. All were in favour. The Clerk also confirmed that £72.00 had
been paid to the Borough Council for the last civic amenity visit.
The annual insurance
policy renewal had been received by the Clerk. This had been passed on to the
Chairman for review. Mr Houghton had rang AON and asked for a quote for the new
village troughs to be added to the policy. The total renewal premium was
therefore £907.70. This was proposed for payment by Mrs K.Reeves and was
seconded by Mrs S.Dodd. All were in favour.
First Prize – The Old
Rectory. An excellent variety of planting shown in symmetrical proportions of
baskets and tubs making a tremendous display.
Runner Up – Briar
Cottage. A very luscious looking yellow and red begonia planting basket display
set off beautifully against the character of the cottage.
Runner Up – Rose Villa. A
very pleasing display of hanging baskets, well cared for in co-ordinating
colours and with plenty of flowers and foliage.
Commendations:
Cherry Tree Cottage. A
very eye catching display of red geraniums in baskets and mangers all round the
cottage.
Heath Mynd. Front garden
awash with a swathe of yellow/orange petunias in various containers, very hard
to resist a glance towards.
The overall winner and
two runners up will receive National Garden Vouchers.
The Clerk was asked to
thank Mrs Marsh for judging this year’s competition.
Installing two planters
at Marston was discussed for next year.
All other email
correspondence had been circulated to all Parish Councillors.
Re-planting of the village troughs was
discussed. Miss Byford was to approach Swan Pit Nursery to obtain new plants
now that the pansies had gone past their best. Mr Houghton and Mr Harriman were
to meet to look at repairing the trough on the Gnosall road. Mrs Reeves stated
that she was happy to water the trough at Apeton this season.
The back fence was discussed and Mr Houghton had
spoken with Tom Alexander about the work that was required to replace/repair the
fence. He did show interest but would discuss this again with Mr Houghton.
The Clerk had also received a resignation from Mr
Ian Glover who was moving out of the area. The Parish Council was saddened to
receive Ian’s resignation especially given his good work during his many years
as a Parish Councillor. The Clerk was to contact Ian to thank him and to
acknowledge his resignation.
The Clerk was also asked to inform the elections
office at Stafford Borough Council over this latest resignation.
With regard to the Community Asset Register,
Councillor Stamp reported that the Borough Council did not have a formal way of
including assets on a register but they were willing to consider any assets a
community might have in mind, if a letter was sent to them.
The Clerk would contact Nigel Bundy to remind him
about re-painting the Parish fingerposts.
A cheque for £40 was raised for the charitable
donation Mrs Helen Bellamy was receiving in lieu of her work internally auditing
the accounts. This was proposed by Mr T. Houghton and seconded by Mr P.
Harriman. All were in favour.
An invoice amounting to £168.00 for grass cutting
(May and June) had been received from JWH and an invoice was presented by the
Village Institute for the hire of the hall during May, June and July for £60.00.
These were proposed for payment by Mrs K. Reeves and seconded by Mr P.
Harriman.
The Clerk had written to HMRC to confirm the new
tax collection details.
All other email correspondence had been
circulated to all Parish Councillors.
Return to top
Mr
Dave Mullard made brief comments regarding his recent re-submitted planning
application for the demolition of his existing garage which would then be
rebuilt with a new room above at his home Martins Hatch, High Street. This
re-submission had been due in part to concerns raised by the Borough
Conservation Officer over the size of the development proposed in his earlier
application, and the affect this would have on the conservation area. She was
now satisfied with the amended application’s proposals.
PRESENT:
Mrs S. Dodd and Mrs K. Reeves, Messrs P. Bailey, T. Houghton, and S. Moore,
Staffs County Councillor, MrM.Winnington, Stafford Borough Councillor, Mr B.
Stamp, one member of the public and the Clerk, Mrs D.M. Key.
APOLOGIES:
These were received from Councillors Ms J.Byford and Mr P.Harriman.
MINUTES:
The Minutes from the previous meeting were deemed as a true record by those
present and duly signed by the Chairman.
MATTERS ARISING
The Clerk confirmed that she had spoken with Gnosall
Parish Council to express concern over the recent spate of planning applications
for housing within Gnosall Parish. Mr M.Bennett gave a brief but very useful
overview of the planning system which had led to this position.
OPEN FORUM:
Mr M.Bennett gave a brief talk on the proposed
improvements to the Village Institute. These improvements included the building
of a new toilet block and enlarging the existing kitchen. It was hoped that
these much needed improvements would not only make better use of the building
but would attract more bookings. The Clerk had not yet received the planning
application for this project but had contacted the Borough Council and was
assured by the case officer that the application would be forwarded within
days. There was some discussion concerning the obtaining of grants for these
new works.
LATE ITEMS
There were no late items.
NEIGHBOURHOOD
WATCH:
The Clerk had forwarded to all Council
members recent Neighbourhood Watch bulletins. Fly tipping and poaching issues
were raised.
VILLAGE
PLAYGROUND:
Mr P.Harriman had returned the
inspection book which Mr S.Moore took for the forthcoming month. Work to the
back fence was briefly discussed. With regards to the proposed tree survey in
the playground, the Clerk had contacted Mr Terry Merchant to enquire as to
whether he would be able to do this. Mr Merchant had agreed to contact the Clerk
both to make an appointment to make the inspection and to give an estimate of
the cost.
PLANNING:
The Clerk had received some information regarding
public information sessions for the proposed wind farm at Knightley Hall.
HIGHWAYS
Mr Houghton asked County Councillor Mr M. Winnington for an update on the on
going highways issues. The poor road conditions at Marston were discussed for
some time including reports that in some areas roads were now becoming
impassable due to the deteriorating surface conditions. There were also concerns
expressed over a collapsed drain and worsening pot holes in Birchmoor Road. The
post supporting the Marston name plate located on the Wheaton Aston Road was
reported as being seriously corroded and virtually held up by ivy. Councillor
Winnington asked for the Clerk to email details of these concerns to him. Mr
Moore offered to send the Clerk references for these locations. A leaning tree
by the canal bridge at High Onn was also reported. The Clerk was asked to
contact County Highways about this as a matter of urgency.
TROUGHS:
The troughs at Marston had been replanted and Mrs Gibbs
had kindly helped out with this work. The Clerk had notified Ms Byford after
the last meeting that the Parish Council would prefer bulbs to be planted rather
than winter pansies.
FINANCE
The Clerk ran through the budget she had prepared which covered the period to
the end of the current financial year. Funds were fairly healthy but several
projects requiring financial input were looming. These included the play ground
fence, possible new play equipment and bulb planting. The Chairman reported
the receipt of a letter from the Village Institute Committee for financial help.
After some discussion it was agreed to donate £500 towards the cost of replacing
the front doors. This was proposed by Mr P. Bailey, seconded by Mrs S. Dodd.
All were in favour. Mrs K.Reeves declared an interest in the matter. Also
agreed was the payment of an invoice for the December hire of the hall amounting
to £20.
CORRESPONDENCE:
The Clerk had received a recent copy of the Members Digest.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the Parish
Council would be held on the
7th January 2014 in the Village Institute at
7.30 p.m.
The meeting closed at
9.05 pm.
Return to top
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON THE 5th
NOVEMBER 2013
PRESENT:
Mrs S. Dodd and Mrs K. Reeves, Messrs P. Bailey, P. Harriman, T. Houghton, and
S. Moore, Stafford Borough Councillor, Mr B. Stamp, one member of the public and
the Clerk, Mrs D.M.Key.
APOLOGIES:
These were received from Ms J. Byford and Staffs County Councillor, Mr
M.Winnington.
MINUTES:
The Minutes from the previous meeting were deemed as a true record by those
present and duly signed by the Chairman.
MR JOHN CLARKE:
The Parish Council were saddened to record the recent
death of John Clarke. John had been very active on the Council both as a
Councillor and for a time as Clerk. Condolences were expressed to John’s family.
MATTERS ARISING
The recent housing applications at Gnosall were discussed. The Clerk had
emailed Gnosall Parish Council to request updates on these applications and to
express concern over these matters. The Clerk had not received a response from
Gnosall Parish Council but would chase this up.
CO-OPTION OF TWO
NEW MEMBERS:
Mr Paul Bailey and Mr Simon Moore both
signed the declaration of office ledger as is customary. They also both signed
the Parish Council Code of Conduct forms and presented their financial and
pecuniary interest forms for the Clerk to forward to the Borough Council
OPEN FORUM:
The removal of hedgerow at the Ancient Cottage at Apeton was
discussed. It appeared that County Highways may want more of the hedgerow to be
removed to service off road parking. It seemed that Bradford Estates were not
happy about this request and that the Parish Council should further support
these concerns. To this end, Councillor Reeves was to contact Carla Whelton,
Bradford Estate’s manager to ascertain who the planning case officer was so he
or she could be lobbied on this matter.
LATE ITEMS
There were no late items.
NEIGHBOURHOOD
WATCH:
The Clerk had forwarded to all Council members
recent Neighbourhood Watch bulletins.
VILLAGE PLAYGROUND:
Mr P.Harriman was to keep the inspection book for the forthcoming month. Ms
Byford was continuing to research a new piece of play equipment for the
playground. It was agreed that a tree survey should be carried out on the trees
in the playground. Mrs K Reeves was to forward a contact number for a potential
tree surgeon. There was no update on the repairs to the playground fence.
DOG FOULING
There was no update on this matter although the new dog poo bin at Marston had
been reinstalled.
PLANNING:
The Clerk had received one planning application for development of a garage at
Apeton Byre, Church Eaton. Councillor Stamp remarked that the application
would be called in. The Parish Council thought that the proposal was in keeping
and well designed but did have concerns that it was against planning policy.
The Clerk was asked to convey these comments to the Borough Council.
HIGHWAYS
Mr Houghton reported on the work carried out by the Neighbourhood Team. Some
potholing had been carried out. There had been some reports of spilt slurry
emanating from farming operations at Marston. This had been reported.
FINANCE
An invoice amounting to £168.00 for grass cutting for the last couple of months
had been received from JWH and an invoice for £72.00 was presented by Stafford
Borough Council for the last Civic Amenities visit; Mr Nigel Bundy had forwarded
an invoice for re-painting the village finger posts which amounted to £468.00.
Mr P.Harriman forwarded an invoice for £144.40 which related to the new Marston
troughs. Finally the Village Institute had forwarded an invoice for letting fees
which amounted to £40. These were proposed for payment by Mrs S.Dodd and were
seconded by Mrs K.Reeves. All were in favour.
CORRESPONDENCE:
The Clerk had received a recent copy of the Members Digest; an invitation to the
annual gala performance of the Borough Council pantomime and a newsletter from
the Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Archives Service.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the Parish
Council would be held on the 3rd December 2013 in the Village
Institute at 7.30 p.m. The meeting closed at 8.50 pm.
Return to top
MINUTES OF THE MEETING
HELD ON THE 1st OCTOBER 2013
PRESENT:
Ms
J. Byford, Mrs K. Reeves, Messrs T. Houghton, and Mr P. Harriman, Stafford
Borough Councillor, Mr B. Stamp, three members of the public and the Clerk, Mrs
D.M. Key.
APOLOGIES:
These were received from Mrs S. Dodd.
MINUTES:
The
Minutes from the previous meeting were deemed as a true record by those present
and duly signed by the Chairman.
MATTERS ARISING
The Clerk had received a map from Bradford Estate’s Manager, Carla Whelton
depicting the land belonging to the estate. The Clerk gave the Chairman two
hard copies of this. Ms Whelton had also been advised by the Chairman as to the
area of flooding risk near to the turn over bridge by the canal and was looking
into this matter.
CO-OPTION OF TWO NEW MEMBERS:
Mr Paul Bailey from the High Street, Church Eaton and Mr
Simon Moore from Marston, both gave brief presentations to the Council. These
presentations contained both work and relevant experiences, and
OPEN FORUM:
There Councillor Stamp reported that Stafford Borough Council was still awaiting
a planning application for the removal of a hedgerow to create a parking area at
a property in Apeton. The recent flooding at Joan Eaton’s Cross was discussed.
It appeared that Severn Trent Water was dealing with a burst water main.
LATE ITEMS
Concern had been expressed over plans to build 600 new houses on eight sites in
Gnosall which could have implication for Church Eaton in terms of traffic
generation. This matter was discussed for some time and as a result the Clerk
was asked to contact Gnosall Parish Council to reiterate this concern and ask
for updates. The Clerk was asked to notify County Highways and Stafford Borough
Council of these concerns.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH:
There had been no update received over the recent theft of grass cutting
equipment from the churchyard. The Clerk had forwarded to all Council members
recent Neighbourhood Watch bulletins.
VILLAGE PLAYGROUND:
Mr P.Harriman took the book for the forthcoming month. Ms Byford was
continuing to research a new piece of play equipment for the playground.
DOG FOULING
The Parish Council were still receiving reports that some dog owners were still
not picking up after their dogs. The Chairman had spoken again with Saul Hocking
from Stafford Borough Council. Mr Hocking was keen to pursue speaking about this
matter in the school to widen awareness of this problem. Mr Houghton was to ring
the school headmaster to this effect.
PLANNING:
The Clerk had received one planning application for the removal of a lavatory
in the eighteenth century wing of the Old Rectory, Church Eaton. There were no
objections made to this proposal.
REGISTER OF COMMUNITY ASSETS:
Councillor Stamp confirmed that the Borough Council had now started a register
of community assets. A short discussion followed about having the Glebelands
considered. No decision was made. The Clerk was to look at the issue of
Village Green status.
HIGHWAYS
Mr
Houghton outlined the jobs tasked for the next Neighbourhood Team visit
scheduled for November.
FINANCE
The
Clerk had now received the signed off annual return from Grant Thornton and that
there would be no fee due. A notice advertising the completed return was to be
posted on the Council notice board. The Clerk confirmed the balances from the
two bank accounts. An invoice amounting to £84.00 for grass cutting in August
had been received from JWH and an invoice for £20.00 was presented by the Clerk
for the garden vouchers for this years hanging baskets and tubs competition.
These were proposed for payment by Mr P.Harriman and seconded by Mr T. Houghton.
All were in favour. It was further agreed that replanting of the Village troughs
would be set at around £100. The Clerk was given a cheque amounting to £517.47
for her quarterly fees.
CORRESPONDENCE:
The Clerk had received a recent copy of the Members Digest and an invitation
from Stafford Borough Council to attend the Remembrance Day service on November
10th.
It was agreed that the
next meeting of the Parish Council would be held on the 5th November 2013 in the
Village Institute at 7.30 p.m. The meeting closed at 9.20 pm.
Return to top
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON THE 3rd
SEPTEMBER 2013
PRESENT:
Ms J.Byford, Mrs S.Dodd, Mrs K.Reeves, Messrs T.Houghton, and Mr P.Harriman,
Stafford Borough Councillor, Mr B.Stamp, Staffs County Councillor, Mr
M.Winnington, Bradford Estates Manager, Carla Whelton, two members of the public
and the Clerk, Mrs D.M.Key.
APOLOGIES:
None were received.
MINUTES:
The Minutes from the previous meeting were deemed as a true record by those
present and duly signed by the Chairman.
MATTERS ARISING
Mr Houghton had spoken with Mick Easter regarding CERS maintenance of the new
equipment. It was noted that a safety inspection for the new equipment would
take place later.
OPEN FORUM:
Councillor Stamp confirmed that Stafford Borough
Council was still investigating the removal of a hedgerow to create a parking
area at a property in Apeton.
NEIGHBOURHOOD
WATCH:
The Chairman reported the recent theft of
grass cutting equipment from the churchyard. Although the last theft of such
items took place several years ago, this news was greeted with frustration and
anger. As a result the PCC are considering several options to try and improve
security further. To this effect a bulletin is to be placed on the village
notice board to gauge opinion as how best to proceed. Obviously if anyone has
any information about these recent thefts please contact the local police.
LATE ITEMS
Justin Doherty had reported an incident to the Chairman regarding his neighbour
who had a bag full of dog mess thrown from the Glebelands into his garden. The
Parish Council is to again look at preventative measures concerning dog
fouling.
VILLAGE
PLAYGROUND:
Ms Byford returned the inspection book
and while there had been a lot of litter present, the playground appeared in
good order. Mr P.Harriman took the book for the forthcoming month.
PARISH
COUNCILLOR VACANCY
The Parish Council had received
interest from two parties with the Clerk awaiting a response from another two.
It was agreed that all interested parties would be invited along to the meet the
Parish Council at the next meeting, with co-option of two members following
this.
PLANNING:
The Clerk had received one planning application for the conversion of a
redundant farm building into residential use. There were no objections made to
this proposal.
HIGHWAYS
The Council addressed Staffs County Councillor Mr M.Winnington regarding future
road dressing proposals. The general feeling of disappointment was expressed
that roads in Marston were not mentioned in future proposals. Councillor
Winnington described the pressures that the County Council were under following
both a severe backlog of work emanating from last winter and budget cuts. Mr
Houghton outlined the jobs tasked for the next Neighbourhood Team visit
scheduled for November.
FINANCE
The Clerk reported that the annual return to Grant Thornton had been queried
concerning a figure relating to the annual precept. This has been dealt with.
VILLAGE FESTIVAL
There was to be a meeting held on the 23rd September to discuss the
festival and distribute the funds raised by the event.
HANGING BASKETS
AND TUBS COMPETITION:
The Clerk reported that Mrs
Fiona Marsh from Penkridge had judged this year’s competition and the results
and judge’s comments were as follows.
CORRESPONDENCE:
The Clerk had received a recent copy of the Members Digest and an invitation for
the local Parish Forum which Mrs S.Dodd and Mr P.Harriman would try to attend on
the 26th September.
It was
agreed that the next meeting of the Parish Council would be held on the 1st
October 2013 in the Village Institute at 7.30 p.m. The meeting closed at 9.15
pm.
Return to top
MINUTES OF THE MEETING
HELD ON THE 9th JULY 2013
PRESENT:
Mrs K. Reeves, Messrs T. Houghton, and Mr P. Harriman, Stafford Borough
Councillor, Mr B. Stamp, one member of the public and the Clerk, Mrs D. M. Key.
APOLOGIES:
These were received from Parish Councillors Mr I. Glover, Mrs S. Dodd and Miss
J. Byford.
MINUTES:
The Minutes from the previous meeting were deemed as a true record by those
present and duly signed by the Chairman.
MATTERS ARISING
Mr Houghton had not yet
spoken with CERS regarding maintenance personnel for the new equipment but would
chase this matter up shortly.
OPEN FORUM:
Concerns were
expressed from the one member of public regarding the surface dressing signs
that were still in place in Bradley Lane. The Clerk is to contact Highways.
NEIGHBOURHOOD
WATCH:
The Clerk
had received several bulletins from OWL relating to cold callers.
LATE ITEMS
There were no late items on this occasion.
VILLAGE
PLAYGROUND:
As
Miss Byford was not present at the meeting she would be keeping hold of the
inspection book and therefore carrying out inspections for the forthcoming
month.
REVIEW OF
CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISALS
The Clerk had received a response
from the Chairman concerning the draft document which the Clerk had circulated
to the Council. It was agreed that the Clerk and Chairman would hold a meeting,
probably in the autumn, to discuss the draft and to look at expanding the
information further. .
PARISH
COUNCILLOR VACANCY:
The Borough Council had not received any nominations for the
current vacancy and as such an election would not be held. The Parish Council
had therefore been given permission to co-opt a new member.
PLANNING:
The Clerk had received
an enquiry from a Parish resident as to whether the Chase Model Aircraft Flying
club had appropriate planning permission. The Council would look into this
matter. Stafford Borough Council were also looking into the unauthorised access
which been created at a cottage in Apeton, following concerns at the last
meeting. One planning applications had been received which comprised a new
extension at 5 Smithy Croft. Following examination of the application the
Parish Council made no objections to the proposal.
HIGHWAYS
The Clerk reported on an email she had received from Staffs County Councillor Mr
M. Winnington regarding future road dressing proposals. The Parish Council felt
very disappointed that roads in Marston were not mentioned in these future
proposals. The Clerk was asked to convey this disappointment. The Clerk was
also asked to speak with Mr Steve Cox about the curbing proposals at the
triangle at Marston given that no funding would be available from County
Highways. Mr Houghton outlined the jobs tasked for the next Neighbourhood Team
visit.
FINANCE
The Clerk reported that the annual return to Grant Thornton had been posted back
by the requested posting date. It was noted that the Clerk had received another
quarterly cheque for £517.50.
VILLAGE FESTIVAL
The festival arrangements had all gone well.
HANGING BASKETS
AND TUBS COMPETITION:
The Clerk reported that Mrs Fiona Marsh from Penkridge was to
judge for this year’s competition and judging was arranged to take place in mid
July.
CORRESPONDENCE:
The Clerk had received a recent copy of the Members Digest and an invitation for
afternoon tea with the Mayor. A newsletter from SPCA had also been received. A
membership request from the Community Council had also been received.
It was
agreed that the next meeting of the Parish Council would be held on the 3rd
September 2013 in the Village Institute at 7.30 p.m.
There would be no meeting in August. The meeting closed at 9.05 pm.
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON THE 4th
JUNE 2013
PRESENT:
Ms J. Byford, Mrs S. Dodd
and Mrs K. Reeves, Messrs T. Houghton, Stafford Borough Councillor, Mr B. Stamp,
Staffs County Councillor, Mr M. Winnington, PC Karl Green, PCSO Diane Lutwyche,
three members of the public and the Clerk, Mrs D. M. Key.
APOLOGIES:
These were received from
Parish Councillors Messrs Mr S. Caplan, and Mr P. Harriman.
MINUTES:
The Minutes from the previous
meeting were deemed as a true record by those present and duly signed by the
Chairman.
MATTERS ARISING
Mr Houghton had
obtained and attached the replacement instruction labels for the new playground
equipment.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH:
PC Karl Green
gave a brief talk on recent local policing matters including speeding heavy
machinery through Marston. PC Green had met with several local farmers and had
useful discussions with them about speed reduction and safer driving. It was
acknowledged however that some of the issues raised were the result of
contractors operating from outside of the area. PC Green was to continue
monitoring the situation. PSCO Lutwyche briefed the meeting on the relatively
low local crime figures for the Parish. She also pledged to visit the Village
more often and keep an eye on parking in the High Street and speeding traffic.
Both PC Green and PCSO Lutwyche were thanked for their attendance.
OPEN FORUM
Concern was expressed over
the removal of a large section of hedge to service an access at a property at
Apeton. Councillor Stamp was asked to look into this matter. Miss J. Bennett
enquired about the working practices of road repair workers. Councillor
Winnington explained how the contracts were arranged. It was also agreed that
the Clerk should write to Councillor Winnington so that he could provide
information regarding future road dressing dates and the classification of pot
holes. The Clerk confirmed that the last two pot holes she had reported had been
attended to.