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ESSINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of Essington Parish Council meeting held on Monday 8th October 2007 at 7-00pm
PRESENT:
Councillor D. Clifft J P(Chairman) Councillor M North (Vice-Chairman)
Councillor R Firmstone
Councillor J Macey
Councillor K Pace
Councillor J Rice
Councillor L Saunders
Councillor J Smallman
Councillor B Tarbuck
Councillor B Whitehouse
Councillor P. Whitehouse
Councillor S Wright
Also present County Councillor Kath Perry
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The Chairman Councillor David Clifft thanked the public for their attendance.
A resident commented on the safety rails erected outside the shop in Brownshore Lane and asked if the work was complete,
because the rails were not preventing vehicles parking on the hard standing outside the shop and also causing an obstruction.
The Chairman commented that he was not sure if the work was complete, the clerk had raised the query with the highways
department and was awaiting a reply. County Councillor Kath Perry commented that she would take the matter up on our
behalf.
A resident commented on any future proposed development at The Croft and also if there was any comments from South Staffs
Housing Association regarding the empty units. The Chairman commented that no planning application has been received at
South Staffs Council regarding any proposed development. He commented that the clerk will ask Councillor Pat Griffin to
contact the resident regarding any feed back from SSHA.
The Chairman asked Members permission to discuss highways issues items 14 & 15 now in the presence to County Councillor
Kath Perry who was leaving early due to another meeting commitment, Members agreed.
15. HIGHWAYS ISSUES
 Safety Fencing Brownshore Lane
Councillor Bryn Whitehouse commented on the position of the rails and considered it to be ineffectual, vehicles were still able to
pull on to the hard standing from either Brownshore Lane or Kingsway and alight from the other side, creating similar problems
to before the rails were installed. As previously discussed County Councillor Kath Perry will take up with highways.
 Broad Lane Road Improvements
Councillors Beryl Tarbuck & Mavis North(Vice-Chairman) thanked County Councillors Kath Perry and Mike Lawrence in his
absent for all their help and assistance in this matter.
 Flashing Bend Sign in Black Halve Lane
Members commented on the sign which was working when installed, but is not in operation now. County Councillor Kath Perry
will take up with highways.
 School Coaches
Councillor Bryn Whitehouse commented on the coaches dropping of children at will and not at designated stops. County
Councillor Kath Perry will take up with highways.
14. PARISH ISSUES
 Double Yellow Lines
Councillor Jim Rice commented on the need for lines at the junction of Kitchen Lane and Upper Sneyd Road to prevent vehicles
parking on the highway in a very restricted area. Members also commented on various locations in the parish were lines are in
need of repainting. County Councillor Kath Perry will take up with highways.
1. APOLOGIES
Councillors W Haddon, P Griffin,County Councillor Mike Lawrence, Community Support Officer Gareth Lloyd &
Community Beat Officer Darren Munnerley all tendered their apologies.
2. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Councillor Beryl Tarbuck completed the register in respect of item 6.
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3. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING of 4th September & 10th September 2007 to be approved
4th September 2007 Councillor Bryn Whitehouse proposed and Councillor June Smallman seconded that the minutes were a true
record.
10th September 2007 Councillor Beryl Tarbuck proposed and Councillor Jim Rice seconded that the minutes were a true record.
4. MATTERS ARISING(from the last meeting’s minutes)
None
5. ESSINGTON COMMUNITY CENTRE PROPOSED REFURBISHMENT
 Phase 2
No comments
6. PLANNING MATTERS
Planning Matters
a)Planning applications received during the month:
07/01001/COU Conversion of part of an existing detached garage to an aromatherapy treatment room 62 Broad Lane Springhill
– objections highways issues – conditions colour of paintwork – concerns parking issues
07/01012/FUL 2 storey front extension, porch and raised pitched roof with dormer windows to replace existing house roof 237
Cannock Road Westcroft – no objections
07/01082/FUL Extensions 2 Old Manor Cottages Bognop Road – no objections
b)Planning applications approved during the month:
None received
c)To note the following planning applications have been refused:
None received
7. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED THIS MONTH
A request from South Staffs Citizens Advice Bureaux for a donation, Councillor Bryn Whitehouse proposed £25 seconded by
Councillor Lionel Saunders and carried.
Notification from South Staffs Council regarding the forthcoming spring concerts and requesting a contribution. Councillor Jan
Macey proposed £25 seconded by Councillor Sylvia Wright seconded and carried.
8. FINANCE
A. To note the Councils Bank balances at 30.09.07 as Current Account £3272.28, Deposit Account £10149.85, Reserve
Account £59.15, Charity Account £281.57 and Petty Cash £100 – less unpresented cheques £66.78
Reconciliation : Balance B/fwd 12488.82
Plus receipts
6793.63
Less payments
5486.38
Balance c/fwd 13796.07
B. To RESOLVE that the following cheques be issued:Chq No. Payee
Details
Nett (£)
VAT (£)
Total
(£)
97.36
102061
C E Gracey
Petty cash reimbursement
90.06
7.30
Donation re inter parish games
35.00
-
35.00
102063
South Staffs Sports
Council
Upper Sneyd Road R/A
Donation re fun day out for children
25.00
-
25.00
102064
Playsafety Ltd
200.00
35.00
235.00
102065
Hodges Electrical
Course fee for clerk for play equipment
inspection – 6th November 2007
Electrical repairs at Teddybears Nursery
578.00
-
578.00
102066
Veolia
Refuse collection ECC August 2007
150.88
26.40
177.28
1191.25
208.47
1399.72
27.53
4.82
32.35
8865.50
1551.46
10416.96
338.80
59.29
398.09
4153.29
-
4153.29
102062
st
102067
South Staffs Council
Grounds maintenance 1 quarter
102068
Abbachem
Cleaning materials
102069
Everitt Construction Ltd
2nd payment refurbishment of hall
102070
ACP
Architect services phase 2
nd
102071
South Staffs Council
2 payment rates ecc 3385.50 teddybears 767.79
102072
South Staffs Council
Padlocks x 2
42.22
-
42.22
102073
Allianz Cornhill
Additional premium for play equipment
26.02
-
26.02
102074
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The cheque payments were proposed by Councillor Beryl Tarbuck and seconded by Councillor Jim Rice.
A statement of Income & Expenditure against budget up to 30th September 2007 was presented; this was proposed by
Councillor Peter Whitehouse and seconded by Councillor June Smallman.
A statement of Income & Expenditure for the refurbishment of the community centre up to 30th September 2007 was presented,
proposed by Councillor Bryn Whitehouse seconded by Councillor Bob Firmstone.
9. WALSALL F C
Councillor Beryl Tarbuck commented on the ongoing works and how they are progressing. Councillor Mavis North(ViceChairman) commented that she had visited the site today and that someone was sweeping the paths and generally tidying up.
10. OVER 50’s CLUB
Councillor June Smallman commented on the ongoing success of the club.
11. FUND RAISING EVENTS
Councillor Jan Macey asked Members to consider fund raising events, a race evening was discussed and also a cabaret evening
and a St. Valentines Dance. The Chairman commented that a group should be formed to discuss proposals.
12. YOUTH CLUB 13 – 18 years
The Chairman commented on the association with LifeLong Learning and the prospect of funding for young people, if they
organise themselves and apply. Councillor Jan Macey commented on the interest in a boxing group and County Councillor
Kath Perry commented on a boxing club in Great Wyrley.
13. Drs. SURGERY
 Mail shot to residents
The Chairman commented on the forthcoming public meeting on the 7th November at Essington Community Centre with South
Staffs PCT in attendance and asked Members to approve a mail shot to all households advertising the event, Members agreed.
14. PARISH ISSUES
 Double Yellow Lines
Already discussed.
 Rubbish & Litter
Councillors Jim Rice & Lionel Saunders commented on the rubbish around the parish, the residue to flying tipping and litter,
they raised concerns about vermin. The clerk will report the areas to environmental services.
 Mail shot – Temporary Meteorological Mast Warstones Road
The Chairman commented that residents should be informed about the issues of concerns regarding the installation of the mast,
Members agreed that a list of the bullet points would be useful in keeping residents informed.
15. HIGHWAYS ISSUES
 Kitchen Lane Fingerpost
Councillor Bryn Whitehouse commented on the condition of the fingerpost, County Councillor Kath Perry will discuss with
highways.
 School Coaches
Already discussed
 Kill your speed signs
Members agreed to locate the signs in the same locations as previously with the exception of Bursnip Road, which is affected by
the road improvements, the clerk will arrange
 Flashing speed sign – Black Halve Lane
Already discussed
 Broad Lane Road Improvements
Already discussed
 Safety Fencing in Brownshore Lane
Already discussed
16. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
 St. Johns Church
The Chairman outlined the costs to repair and reset the existing lights. The cost was proposed by Councillor June Smallman and
seconded by Councillor Jan Macey and carried.
 The Lakes Newtown
The Chairman outlined the costs to provide and dress a tree. The cost was proposed by Councillor June Smallman and seconded
by Councillor Jan Macey and carried.
 Essington Community Centre
The Chairman outlined costs to repairs the existing lights around the front of the community centre. The cost was proposed by
Councillor June Smallman and seconded by Councillor Jan Macey and carried.
17. HOUSING NEEDS SURVEY
The Chairman commented on the findings of the survey and asked Members to approve the next 3 steps as outlined in the report.
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Members discussed the findings and Councillor Lionel Saunders proposed approval seconded by Councillor Bryn Whitehouse
and carried.
18. COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORT
Already discussed.
19. DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORT
District Councillor David Clifft distributed his report outlining his visit, meetings and contacts during the month, he commented
on the Community Learning Partnership and County Councillor Kath Perry spoke on the ongoing work and the benefits to all
communities.
The Chairman spoke of the ongoing help from Sir Patrick Cormack for Essington namely the Doctor’s Surgery, he commented
that a letter of thanks would be in order as Sir Patrick has arranged meetings with people who otherwise would not have met
with the parish council, this was agreed.
Councillor Sylvia Wright commented on any forthcoming meetings with Ibstock Brick and raised points about the proposed
mast. Councillor Mavis North(Vice-Chairman) commented that there was already 4 councillors on the liaison committee and
that all the relevant points would be raised at the next meeting on Thursday.
20. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting would be Monday 12th November 2007 at 7.00 pm
21. CLOSURE
This completed the business before the Council.
CHAIRMAN
DATE