Present:
Cllrs Robinson (Chairman), Hailstone, Freeman, Rees, Bevan, Chown, C O’Meara, Smith
Clerk – Daphne Robinson
PCSO Beale
Cllr Reilly
5 members of the public
Public Forum
A resident raised the issue of not having a dropped kerb opposite the entrance to Orchard Nursery and the overhanging hedgerow on Birmingham Road from Mytton Road junction. She also raised the continued problem with parking on the pavement, especially on New Road, Vicarage Lane and Attleboro Lane. Cllr Robinson advised that County Cllr Watson was working with WCC highways to secure funding in this financial year to install a dropped kerb opposite the nursery. The hedgerow is the responsibility of WCC highways and, unfortunately, this would not be cut back until the end of the nesting season. He also explained that the police have the authority to issue tickets to drivers parking on the pavement, if they are causing an obstruction, this cannot be done by the traffic enforcement officer.
- Chairman’s Remarks
Cllr Robinson expressed his disappointment at the comments made on Facebook regarding the council’s decision not to proceed with securing the land between Plank Lane and Birmingham Road for an area of Wellbeing. He advised that those who persist in making derogatory comments and allegations towards the council should attend the council meetings to obtain the true facts.
- Apologies for absence and reasons given
Cllr B O’Meara – unable to attend due to illness.
Cllr Rees – on holiday
County Cllr Watson – previous engagement
This was accepted by the members
Cllr Macdonald
- Declarations of Interests and requests for Dispensation
There were no declarations received.
- Report from Police
The clerk read the following police report received from PC. Bird:
There had been a little more activity in the village than usual. The police are looking as preventative measures to combat this.
On 22nd March there had been 3 incidents that are believed to be linked where a car was stolen and attempts to steal another car and a motorbike. These incidents occurred at approximately 4.00am. On 15th March there were 3 incidents of 2 burglaries and 1 attempted burglary. The police are looking at enhancing patrols at the relevant times by patrol officers. Should this pattern of behaviour continue, the local team will look at shift changes to work nights and cover the most vulnerable times.
An incident on Plank Lane was reported by a member of the public that local youths were being abusive to a male in a wheelchair. This male was not located by the police so were unable to know who he was.
1 report of off-road bikes in the area. PCSO Beale is aware of this and had spoken to the residents. He is part of the off-road policing team, so will patrol the area when he is working on the bikes.
There had been 1 theft of a bicycle and theft of fuel from a construction site.
- To receive a report from Hs2
A one-to-one session for residents and representatives from BBV and Hs2 had taken place at the pavilion on Tuesday 26th April. These sessions were expected to take place on the last Tuesday of the month. To book an appointment, residents should visit the Hs2 website. There is a link on the parish council website. When booking residents should include details of their question so that the appropriate representatives can be present at the session.
- To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 31st March 2022
Proposed by Cllr Hailstone, Seconded by Cllr Freeman and Resolved that the minutes were a true record. The minutes were signed by the chairman.
- Clerk’s Report
Old School Site – County Cllr Watson had been emailed to request a meeting with the officers from WCC who are responsible for the site. Cllr Watson replied that he had put in a message to county to find the right contact and asked for an update. He was awaiting a response.
Dogs in the Fenced off Play area – A notice reminding residents not to allow dogs in the fenced off areas on both the Green and the playing field had been posted on the council’s Facebook page.
Neighbourhood Plan – Hard copies were available to read in The Link and The Library. It was also available to read on the parish council website.
Playground and maintenance – The plate had been put on the gate of the play area on the Green. Work on the lime trees on the playing field had been carried out. This was for safety reasons as there were broken branches hanging over the play area. A fire had been started in the litter bin by the tennis club. It was understood that groups of young people had started to congregate in the area again.
Platinum Project – No official acknowledgment for the planning application for the tower had been received, however the planning officer had emailed to say that permission would be granted with the recommendation that the colours used on the equipment for the scheme be more muted.
Garages in Maud Road – Complaint received regarding constant fly tipping and anti-social behaviour around the site of the garages. Emailed NWBC and borough councillors to make them aware. Both NWBC and the clerk had informed the police of the anti-social behaviour.
Electricity price increase – Although the council has a 3-year fixed rate contract which expired in September 2023, the energy supplier had increased the tariff effective from 1st June 2022. This is in line with their terms and conditions – 8.1 which reserves the right to increase charges due to circumstances beyond their control.
A £500 grant had been received from NWBC towards the Jubilee celebrations. This would be used towards the fete being organised by the carnival committee.
Garage Rent – The rental cost for the garage on Maud Road had increased. The clerk reported that having spoken to the two caretakers, it was believed that a small van would be more beneficial to them than the tractor.
- To receive reports from borough and county councillors
Cllr Reilly gave an update on NWBC’s legal challenge with Hs2 as to the lawfulness of the construction of the tunnel in Water Orton. The Act gave the authority for a cutting not a tunnel. NWBC is awaiting a decision regarding jurisdiction in respect of a Schedule 17 application where it pronounced themselves unable to approve the HS2 Bromford Tunnel extension application due to incomplete documentation. This decision will establish whether the Bromford Tunnel Extension as suggested, falls under the remit of the HS2 Act 2017. If found to be outside the remit of HS2 Act, then additional documentation will need to be submitted to enable planning permission to be granted and make it a lawful development. After this decision is reached sometime mid May, either party may take it to the High Court for a judgment. In the worst case scenario for HS2 the tunnel would start in Castle Bromwich and Water Orton will have the cutting.
- To receive an update on the Neighbourhood Plan (NP)
Hard copies of the Neighbourhood Plan available to read in the Link and The Library. Referendum will take place on 19th May 2022
- To receive an update from the maintenance committee including the Playground equipment.
Cllr Chown had carried out the monthly inspection, he asked if the plate on the gate on the Green could be fixed with locking nuts rather than ordinary nuts. A quote from Greyhound Leisure had been received and circulated to members of the maintenance committee. It was agreed that the committee should meet on Tuesday 3rd May to go through the quote and agree on the repairs that are a priority. Socket for the goal posts and the kick panels on the goal and hoop equipment by the tennis court, Cllr Robinson will contact the fabricator.
- To receive an update on the Platinum Jubilee Project.
Cllr Smith reported that the council had met to discuss the project and had decided that it would be reviewed and that the Tower or the zip wire would not be included. All elements of play would be incorporated in the scheme if possible, however, it was recognised that any scheme needed to be affordable and funding opportunities would need to be researched. A committee to lead the project would be approved at the annual meeting of the parish council. - Financial Matters
a) To approve electronic and future invoice payments.
Proposed by Cllr. Chown, Seconded by Cllr. Smith and Resolved to approve electronic and future payments. The chairman signed the invoices.
- Correspondence
There was no correspondence to report.