Present:

Cllrs Robinson (Chairman), Hailstone, Freeman, Rees, Bevan
Clerk – Daphne Robinson
PCSO Beale
Martyn Harris NWBC
B Cllr Reilly
C Cllr Watson
5 members of the public

Public Forum

A resident asked if the need to upgrade the play equipment on the Green was due to the high cost of maintenance or because it was out of date.  Cllr. Robinson advised that the main reason was that the equipment was very old and required updating.

  1. Chairman’s Remarks
    Cllr Robinson advised that parking enforcements were now in operation at the car park and that an enforcement officer would be out on patrol.  He hoped that the main area to be concentrated on would be opposite the shops as drivers were parking more dangerously, including parking on the zebra crossing outside the chemist.
  1. Apologies for absence and reasons given
    Cllrs B O’Meara, C O’Meara, Chown & Smith
    Reasons for absences were for personal reasons and work commitments.
    These was accepted by the council.
  1. Declarations of Interests and requests for Dispensation
    No declarations had been received by the clerk.
  1. Report from Police
    • PCSO P Beale was pleased to report that there had been very little crime reported in the village during the last month. He advised that the police were dealing with reports regarding off road motor cycles and nuisance motorcycles in the village.  Areas most affected were being targeted by the police.
    • There had been one vehicle theft.
    • A vehicle parked in the car park had been reported to the police. The car had been reported stolen from Staffordshire, however when the police arrived the car had gone.
    • PCSO Beale advised that the Save the Neighbourhood team and Neighbourhood Watch team would be at the Robert Lloyd room on Wednesday 2nd March from 7.30pm – 9.00pm to answer any questions and offer advice to residents.
  1. To receive a report from Hs2
    Cllr Watson reported that complaints from residents in Attleboro Lane regarding the noise which could be heard during the night was being investigated as no work should be being carried out at night.  A meeting would be taking place with Hs2 to discuss the final vegetation clearance, the dirt on the roads and the condition of the roads.
  1. To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 27th January 2022
    Proposed by Cllr Freeman, Seconded by Cllr Hailstone and Resolved that the minutes were a true record.  The minutes were signed by the chairman.
  1. Clerk’s ReportRegistration/Deregistration of the land on Marsh Lane and Plank Lane.
    The planning inspectorate had granted the deregistration of the land on Marsh Lane and approved the registration of the land on Plank Lane.Bowling Club Toilet Block – The application for funding from Hs2 had been submitted.

    Planning Application for the Tower on The Green – The planning application for the tower unit (part of the playground equipment) had been submitted to NWBC.  More information was required for the application to proceed.  The clerk was dealing with this.

    Hanging Baskets – Requests had been received from residents for hanging baskets to be put on the outside walls of the pavilion.  It was suggested that the WOIB group be approached to ask if it would supply these.

    Annual play equipment inspection report – Whilst the report did not show any high risk problems with the equipment, the clerk suggested a meeting with the maintenance committee take place to go through the report to highlight any action which may be required. Clerk to arrange.

    Electrical Installation Report – The cooker switch in the kitchen needed to be moved.  Clerk to arrange.

    Annual Parish Meeting – The annual parish meeting would take place on Saturday 30th April 2022 at 11.00am in the pavilion.  Articles will be published in The Bridge and The Coleshill Post to advertise this.

    Jubilee Celebrations – The newly formed carnival committee were organising a community style fete to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.  This would take place on Friday 3rd June on the playing field.  Owing to time constraints there would not be a parade this year.

  1. To receive reports from borough and county councillorsCllr Reilly advised that he and Cllr Macdonald had a small amount of funds available to allocate before the end of March and urged organisations/clubs to apply for funds before the deadline.  NWBC had agreed the council tax for 2022/23.Cllr Watson advised that WCC had set the 2022/23 budget which included a 3.75% increase.  He reported that the biggest spend would be on adult and children social care.  All necessary information including the cost had been agreed for the installation of the guardrails on Birmingham Road, Cllr Watson was now waiting for WCC highways to give a start date.  WCC highways had approved the installation of dropped kerbs on Vicarage Lane.  The request for a dropped kerb on Birmingham Road opposite the entrance to the nursery would be considered in the 20222/23 budget.  Cllr Watson urged residents to continue to send any Hs2 related complaints to Hs2 as these were monitored and would be actioned.
  1. To receive an update on the Neighbourhood Plan (NP)Head of elections Mr Martyn Harris from NWBC gave an explanation on the referendum process for the Neighbourhood Plan.  Poll cards will be sent to all electorates in Water Orton.  The polling station will be at the Methodist Church Community Centre.  The referendum will take place on 19TH May 2022 and normal election hours will apply, 7.00am – 10.00pm.  The question on the ballot paper will require a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer.  The count will be carried out at the polling station once the voting has closed.All normal regulations regarding an election will be in place, this means that the Parish Council cannot campaign for a ‘yes’ vote.  A campaign group can be formed to either support or object to the plan with the use of its own funds.  No parish council funds can be used for campaigning.  All costs for the referendum will be met by NWBC.  Hard copies of the plan will be made available by NWBC and placed in the library and the link.  If the referendum is a ‘yes’ result, the Neighbourhood Plan will be submitted to the full NWBC in June for approval.
  1. To receive an update from the maintenance committee including the Playground equipment.
    Cllr Chown had carried out the monthly inspection of the play equipment and passed it to the clerk.  There were no other issues raised on the report other than those still outstanding.
  1. To receive an update on the Platinum Jubilee Project.
    There was no further update other than that advised in the clerk’s report.
  1. Financial Matters
    a) To approve electronic and future invoice payments.
    Proposed by Cllr. Bevan, Seconded by Cllr. Hailstone and Resolved to approve electronic and future payments.  The chairman signed the invoices.
  1. To agree the number and names of councillors to work with the WOCAG on the site by the car park.
    Owing to 4 councillors unable to attend it was agreed to defer this item to the next meeting.
  1. Planning
    PAP/2022/0025 – 41 Watton Lane Single storey rear extension and replace existing lean-to with single storey including widening width of garage.
    There no objections raised.
  1. To consider the Hs2 Tracker document.
    After some discussion regarding this document, it was agreed to defer this item to the next meeting.
  1. Exclusion of Public and Press – That under the Public Bodies (admissions to meetings) Act 1960, the public and representatives of the press be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of the following items of business as publicity would be prejudicial to the public interest because of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.
    To receive a report from the HR Committee.

Cllr B O’Meara had reported to the clerk that a letter had been sent to Mr Stuart advising him of the HR committee’s decision regarding his complaint and that no further action would be taken.