Present:
Cllrs Robinson (Chairman), Hailstone, Freeman, Rees, Bevan, Chown, B O’Meara, C O’Meara, Smith
Clerk – Daphne Robinson
PCSO Beale
County Cllr Watson
Mr Cameron Cashmore (BBV)
10 members of the public
Public Forum
A resident asked about the progress of the land between Plank Lane and Birmingham Road and if the project to make it an area of wellbeing was still going ahead. Cllr Robinson explained that the project had been shelved for the time being due to lack of progress with the land owners. A resident reported on a dog walker letting the dogs run around in the fenced off play area on the playing field. Concerns were raised by a number of residents over the size of the proposed play equipment project. Council advised that it was waiting for a decision on the planning application from NWBC. Concerns had been raised over the old school site. This was noted and would be addressed by Cllr Watson, WCC and the parish council.
- Chairman’s Remarks
Cllr Robinson advised of the sad passing of Mr John Warren and paid tribute to him for his tireless efforts in his work with Hs2. He gave the following statement:
I would like to record the recently sad passing of John Warren.
When the Route of HS2 was made public John was instrumental in the formation of the Water Orton Stop HS2 group. The former Parish Council were happy for John to represent the feelings of the Parish Council throughout the years. He regularly gave updates to the council on any developments or assurances that he had agreed with HS2. He secured 2 very important assurances, the construction of internal Haul roads to keep the majority of heavy traffic from need to enter the village during construction and his prize assurance was the inclusion of a noise barrier along the route behind vicarage lane.
The current Parish Council will take over the progress of these assurances as the construction phase ramps up.
He was also a great help in the completion of the application forms for various successful HS2 grant awards. John gained the respect, not only from the parish council, members of the SMZ but also from Hs2. He will be sadly missed.
Cllr. Robinson made a further statement concerning the recent complaint against the clerk:
During the monthly parish council meeting held on the 25th of November a heated exchange took place between a member of the public who was a past Parish Councillor and the parish council clerk.
One of the many duties of the clerk is to ensure that the meetings are conducted in line with council standing orders and recognised good practices. Unfortunately, there was a series of exchanges where the Clerks duties and competence were questioned, this led to the chairman having to call the meeting to order. Subsequently the council received a letter of complaint against the clerk, this correspondence was passed to the HR committee for investigation and recommendations for any actions.
Having spoken to both parties the HR committee have decided that no action needs to be taken. From this decision I have concluded that this was an unfortunate occurrence and should be closed down. Going forward as chairman strict compliance to the agenda and comments from the floor will not be permitted outside of the public forum.
I would also remind members of the public that any correspondence should be addressed to the Parish Clerk and not “to whom it may concern”
- Apologies for absence and reasons given
Cllrs Reilly and Macdonald
- Declarations of Interests and requests for Dispensation
Cllrs Robinson and Hailstone declared an interest in the planning application for the Cricket Club as they are both members of the committee.
- Report from Police
PCSO Beale reported of one vehicle damaged, car fire on Manor House Lane in a garage, report of 3 suspicious youngsters in balaclavas. The old school site is still causing issues with anti-social behaviour, regular patrols are still taking place on the site. Off roader bikers will still causing problems, the police were still dealing with this.
- To receive a report from Hs2
Mr Cameron Cashmore from BBV gave an update on the construction works. He advised that extended working hours in various areas had been approved and would be in place until December 2022. He reported that monthly drop in sessions for residents would be taking place. Residents should book a 20 minute slot and submit their question when booking so that the appropriate representative can be present at the appointment. All information regarding this would be available on the Hs2 website. Mr Cashmore reported that, although the majority of construction traffic was using the haul road, up to 40 HGV movements per day were still allowed through the village. However, he stressed that all measures were being taken to keep the numbers to a minimum.
- To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 24th February 2022
Proposed by Cllr Bevan, Seconded by Cllr Rees and Resolved that the minutes were a true record. The minutes were signed by the chairman.
- Clerk’s Report
Complaints about parking opposite the shops is increasing, especially of those parking on the pavement. The application for funding from Hs2 for the bowls club toilet block had stalled. It would be re submitted making the Clerk and the Chairman primary contact for the application.
The council were still waiting for a response from BBV regarding the community project to extend the width of the path from the car park to the green room. The electrical work required in the pavilion kitchen had been completed. Mr Martyn Harris from NWBC would be submitting a press release for posting on the website and the Coleshill Post explaining the referendum for the Neighbourhood Plan. The referendum will take place on 19th May 2022.
The carnival committee were asking for volunteers to help with setting up for the Jubilee Celebrations on Friday 3rd June 2022. Anyone interested should go to the carnival committee facebook page for contact details.
- To receive reports from borough and county councillors
Cllr Watson reported that funding for the following projects from the 2021/22 budget had been allocated by WCC highways:
Guardrails on Birmingham Road. Raised Kerbs on the junction of Marsh Lane and Minworth Road and the dropped kerbs in Vicarage Lane.
Money to be allocated for the following from the 2022/23 budget:
Clearing of footpath on Birmingham Road from Mytton Road to the parish boundary and the dropped kerb opposite the entrance to Orchard Nursery.
The ’20 is Plenty’ campaign was launched with the view to reduced 30mph areas to 20mph. It had been decided that this would not be practical countywide, but it would be considered around schools and care homes at certain times.
- To receive an update on the Neighbourhood Plan (NP)
Hard copies of the Neighbourhood Plan would be available to view at the Library and The Link prior to the referendum.
- To receive an update from the maintenance committee including the Playground equipment.
Cllr Chown had carried out the monthly inspection and referred to the Annual Inspection Report. It was agreed that the maintenance committee would hold a site meeting to go through the issues which needed to be addresses. The hole for the goal post needed to be covered or filled. Clerk to arrange.
- To receive an update on the Platinum Jubilee Project.
The clerk reported that she was still awaiting a decision from planning.
- Financial Matters
a) To approve electronic and future invoice payments.
Proposed by Cllr. Rees, Seconded by Cllr. Hailstone and Resolved to approve electronic and future payments. The chairman signed the invoices.
b) The clerk gave a report on the increase of the precept for 2022/23.
c) To consider the request from the PTA to help with funds to provide the children at the school with a memento to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee
After some discussion it was Proposed by Cllr Hailstone, Seconded by Cllr B O’Meara and Resolved that the PTA be awarded £700 to purchase a commemorative water bottle and a bin badge for the children at the school.
d) To agree the internal auditor for the 2021/22 accounts
It was agreed that Jane Barnett would carry out the internal audit for the 2021/22 accounts.
e) To consider the grant application from Coleshill Colts football team
Coleshill Colts had submitted a grant application to help with the 2022/23 season. They did not want cash but to use the football pitch free of charge for the next season. This would equate to £250. As this was in kind and not cash, it was Proposed by Cllr Bevan, Seconded by Cllr Smith and Resolved to allow Coleshill Colts to use the football pitch free of charge for the 2022/23 season.
- To agree the number and names of councillors to work with the WOCAG on the site by the car park.
Cllrs Bevan and Robinson were elected to represent the parish council on the WOCAG to discuss the project on the site by the entrance to the car park.
- Planning
PAP/2022/0073 Water Orton Parish Council – Replacement play equipment
PAP/2022/0113 Water Orton Cricket Club – Construction of 3.6m wide road
PAP/2022/0107 11 George Road – First floor extension and new front porch
The applications were considered and no objections were raised.
- Correspondence
Update from Libertas on the land on Marsh Lane/Plank Lane.
The Clerk read an update received from Libertas. Still awaiting a response from WCC who are responsible for the implementation of the Village Green exchange. Plank Lane had been surveyed and work would be carried out by the developer to replace and install the fencing around the area and install a kissing gate. The £20,000 cash offered by the developer to help towards the planting and maintenance of the new village green site, would be paid once the planning application for the development on Marsh Lane is approved.
Tennis Club – Proposed work to be carried out on the car park.
There was no representation from the tennis club, however the clerk reported that she had met with the tennis club and they wish to resurface the car park with gravel and increase parking spaces if possible.
- To discuss the format for the Annual Parish Meeting 30th April 2022
The clerk advised that she had put an article in the Bridge and The Coleshill Post advertising the Annual Parish meeting and already had a number of clubs wishing to give a presentation. The meeting would start at 11.00am and would be an informal meeting for residents to voice their views and ideas for the council to consider. Refreshments would be available.