ALTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of Council Meeting
Monday March 2nd, 2009
Alton Village Hall commencing at 7pm
Present: Councillor E Bailey
Councillor E Brindley
Councillor I Cope
Councillor P Ballard
Councillor S Hollins
Councillor A Moult
Councillor A Forrester
Councillor A Snow
Councillor F Eyre
In Attendance: 7 parishioners
Ms L Court, Clerk
1 member of the press
8.135 Apologies none
8.136 Minutes of the meeting held 2nd February 2009
The minutes were signed as a true record with one amendment to 8.155 changing the phrase to ‘by the end of March’. Clerk to action
8.137 Matters Arising
Councillor Brindley asked the Clerk for an update on the matter of a site meeting for Hurstons Lane. He asked that the matter be put onto the next agenda.
8.138 Alton Towers - feedback from public meeting on traffic
Attention was drawn to the list of suggestions made at the public meeting which was attached to the back of the agenda. Councillor Moult suggested that a meeting be requested with SCC. All agreed that this was a good idea. Councillor Ballard reported that members of the Parish wished to have representatives from SCC, SMDC and Alton Towers to answer questions from the floor on matters such as the Section 106 agreement and the Rollercoaster planning as well. She agreed that a public meeting after a meeting with the authorities in question may be the best way forward. The list was reviewed and consolidated to the following matters:
Suggestions made at the public meeting held on 23rd February 2009 and agreed to be carried forward by Alton Parish Council at the meeting on 2nd March 2009
1. Zebra crossing on Uttoxeter Road between junction with Cheadle Road and Shirley Drive
2. Push button crossings
3. An independent survey of the traffic levels
4. Investigate where the car park money has gone
5. Tackle SatNav routing via Nabb Lane
6. Ask for a sign like the one in Oakamoor to be placed at the Combridge end of the Nabb Lane route
7. Better signage at the Blacksmiths Arms end of Uttoxeter Road to prevent traffic going down Saltersford Lane
8. Repeat the consultation done by SCC that took place in 2002 to gauge public opinion
9. Speed cameras to slow traffic down
10. Handheld speed guns – and action group to run them
11. Investigate air quality during peak traffic times
12. Look for central government /European funding
13. Check the independent traffic survey carried out by Atkins for Merlin re road capacity
14. Parish Council could complain to the local government ombudsman over the Section 52 and 106 agreements not being monitored or fulfilled
________________________ ________________
Councillor Ballard felt that Councillor Barrie Mycock should have a month to look at these matters as he asked for at the Public Meeting. There was some discussion over the Section 52 agreement referred to at the meeting. Councillor Cope asked if a representative from SCC could come to a Parish Council meeting to explain this matter as he was aware that many of the parishioners and some councillors do not know exactly what this section contains and its implications. Clerk to enquire
It was noted that Alton Towers are in negotiation with SMDC for a new planning document and that public consultation is due soon.
8.139 Footpaths
Councillor Bailey reported that he had spoken to Paul Rochfort regarding the livestock on Saltersford Lane. Mr Rochfort has written to the farm in question but has had no reply as yet. Councillor Snow reported that after reporting the cows loose, they are now being kept confined and the condition of Saltersford Lane has been improved.
He also reported that the work to be done on Toothill has been given to contractors and will be completed by the end of March. Councillor Cope reported speaking to a local resident who observed photographs being taken of the condition, but unfortunately, the ground was dry at that point.
Councillor Bailey reported that a stile is missing on Footpath 15. This has been reported and will be looked at. This led to a discussion on the work done in Croxden Parish and the Clerk was asked to contact the Clerk for Croxden to ask how these new stiles etc were funded. Clerk to action
The Community Paths Initiative was explained to the meeting. Several suggestions for bids were made; The Staffordshire Way, Saltersford Lane and Toothill. Councillor Ballard suggested a board and leaflets of walking routes in the Parish. The matter was passed to Councillor Bailey to complete the appropriate forms.
Councillor Bailey to action
8.140 Village Hall
Councillor Snow enquired whether the Parish Council funds the CCTV. The reply was yes. The Village Hall committee are going to ask the provider for a price to change the system from CD recording to DVD in order to be able to record for longer. The price will come back to Alton Parish Council. Councillor Brindley pointed out that the annual service of the system was due soon.
8.141 Lengthsman
Councillor Bailey requires surgery and has sought someone to take over the Lengthsman’s work in the short term. Chris Cope has been approached. The Clerk was asked to enquire regarding the cost of public liability insurance in order to cover this.
Clerk to action
8.142 Highways and Road Safety
Councillor Cope reported that many grids are blocked and covered. Sweeping has taken place but unfortunately whilst the ground was frozen and therefore was not effective. Councillor Forrester agreed to enquire about the sweeping of the footpaths.
Councillor Forrester to action
Councillor Brindley will enquire about unblocking the grids.
Councillor Brindley to action
Councillor Brindley has spoken to the Highways department. The budget is not completely finalised as yet for next financial year, but the postponed work on Battlesteads is allocated to be done. There is no other work in the Parish scheduled.
The fingerpost has been installed. Councillor Brindley asked for the Council’s opinion. All agreed that it was very good.
The signs for the PCT are still pending.
The sign for Station Bank/New Road is due to be installed.
The triangular warning Give Way sign on Uttoxeter Road will be sited on a column before the bus stop. The fitting is awaiting confirmation as to whether the lamp posts are due to be replaced.
Councillor Snow asked whether the no through road sign at the entrance to Saltersford Lane could be replaced with an official one. There was some discussion over this and it was agreed to tackle this matter through the list of ideas gained from the Public Meeting.
Councillor Brindley reported that the Gladstone Terrace name plate has been removed. This is causing confusion for the Post Office staff. Councillor Forrester agreed to look into the matter. Councillor Forrester to action
Councillor Forrester asked whether there had been any correspondence received regarding street lighting on Knight Lane. The Clerk replied not. She was asked to contact the department again and to ask for clarification of a suitable site for the light.
Clerk to action
Councillor Bailey reported that there had been two accidents outside Prescot House in one day. Two cars had overturned on the corner. It appears that the road is breaking up. Councillor Brindley agreed to follow this matter up. Councillor Brindley to action
Councillor Eyre asked whether there had been any response to the various letters regarding democratic process. He felt that if there had been no reply by next month, he would resign over the matter. He felt that the Parish Council is just an inconvenience to Staffordshire County Council. He asked whether a decision made by a democratically elected council could be over ruled by an individual. He noted that the Council had not even received a holding letter. The Clerk reported that she had contacted Bill Cash on the matter. She was asked to contact the Chief Executive and Barrie Mycock at SCC again.
Clerk to action
A letter received from the Highways department acknowledging a letter sent on Alton traffic management measures was noted.
8.143 Parish Cemetery and St Peter’s Churchyard and Alton WI
Councillor Forrester reported that there were no issues this month regarding the cemetery or churchyard. Alton WI has asked that a handrail be installed at the steps to the War Memorial. Councillor Forrester felt that this request should be supported. All councillors agreed in principle pending full detail of the proposal. It was agreed that it would need to be a very narrow rail.
8.144 Best Kept Village Competition 2009
Responsibility for co-ordinating BKV was discussed and volunteers sought. The Clerk was asked to advertise this in the notice board and in the local shops. Councillor Forrester explained the role. He feels that it is not onerous but there is a lack of support. Councillor Cope mentioned the planters around the village and how these are cared for. It was felt that a group of people working towards this would be better than an individual. Councillor Hollins offered to contact Sandra Venables to discuss the matter.
Clerk to action
8.145 SPCA Correspondence
Nothing to be raised this month.
8.146 Planning and Licensing Applications
WJOHNS/09/00030/FUL, Erection of two dwellings, Town Head Farm Barn, Alton
No objections
AHOPLY/09/00094/FUL, Covered shelter in rear playground, St Peter’s Church of England First School, Alton
Councillor Forrester declared an interest and withdrew from the discussion.
No objections
SLW/09/00097/FUL, Two storey rear and first floor side extensions, Peakstones Farm, Cheadle Road, Alton
Councillor Forrester declared an interest and withdrew from the discussion. It was felt that this is a very prominent building and any alteration would stand out.
Objection on the grounds of overdevelopment
RSIMPK/09/00103/FUL, Change of use of brick byre to residential. Partial demolition and refurbishment of existing barns, Freedom Farm, Cheadle Road, Alton
The background to this application was discussed. Councillor Brindley raised the issue of access. Councillor Eyre felt that the fact that the buildings are derelict does not equal a right to convert the usage to residential.
Objection on the grounds of overdevelopment
AHOPLY/09/00130/FUL, Detached double garage, Ashley House, Saltersford Lane, Alton
No objections
There followed a discussion on development at 11 Battlesteads. The Clerk was asked to contact the Chief Planning Officer to ask if this work is permitted.
Clerk to action
8.147 Planning Decisions
Notification of a delay in decision on the Replacement Rollercoaster at Alton Towers until March Committee meeting at SMDC - noted
8.148 Annual Parish Meeting and AGM
Dates were set as 6th April and 11th May respectively. The Clerk was asked to advertise as appropriate. Clerk to action
8.149 Completion of acceptances of office
All councillors completed these in order to update the Clerk’s records.
Councillor Moult declared an open forum to allow parishioners present to raise issues/ask questions:
1. A parishioner asked for clarification on the work required on the Toothill footpath.
2. A parishioner informed the meeting about progress with gates on the East Staffs Bridal Path. This led to a discussion on the matter.
3. A parishioner asked why candidate were not being sought yet to replace Councillor Moult. Councillor Moult replied that he was still considering his position.
4. A parishioner discussed the background to why the WI are involved with the upkeep if the War Memorial. There is some complication over who should fund any work. Councillor Forrester to investigate
5. A parishioner thanked the Council for the work in felling the Eucalyptus tree.
6. A parishioner asked if the concrete bollard at the end of Hurstons footpath could be replaced with one more in-keeping. The Clerk was asked to contact SCC Highways to request this. Clerk to action
7. A parishioner reported that the Cemetery wall is bulging. It was agreed that this is a PCC matter.
8.150 Correspondence
• Requiring response
• SMDC – Housing Needs Surveys Clerk to request visit
• SMDC – Informal briefings for Parish and Town Councils on ethics and standards, codes of conduct and general governance issues
Clerk to request visit
• Letter from William Cash MP regarding local funding for charitable projects Clerk to give copies to various organisations
• Correspondence from a parishioner on the subject of the Eastern Access
Clerk to invite parishioner to attend meeting to discuss
• Correspondence from a parishioner on Alton Parish Road Safety
Clerk to invite parishioner to attend meeting to discuss
• Copy correspondence from a parishioner regarding the Replacement Rollercoaster planning application
Clerk to invite parishioner to attend meeting to discuss
• Correspondence from a parishioner on Section 106 and car parking fees
Clerk to invite parishioner to attend meeting to discuss
• For information only
• James Hall Contracting
• Community Council of Staffordshire News and Views
• Photoprint of Leek – marketing
• Electoral register alterations
• Staffordshire Moorlands Parish Assembly – change of date of meeting
8.151 Finance
Review of Clerk’s hours and wages
Councillor Brindley reported to the Council that the contracted hours are out of sink with other local clerks and NALC recommendations. He thought that eventually the hours should be raised to 8.5 per hour. Councillor Forrester agreed that in the meantime, the hours should be raised to 7.5 per week and then reviewed again. Councillor Forrester proposed 7.5 hours from 4.5 hours immediately. Councillor Cope seconded this proposal and all agreed. The Clerk requested monthly payment which was also agreed.
Invoices for payment
Supplier Details Gross £ VAT £ Net £
Cheadle and Tean Times Advertisement for public meeting 21.90 3.29 25.19
Liz Court Clerks wages 1012.31 0.00 1012.31
Liz Court Advertisement placed in Uttoxeter Advertiser for public meeting 51.50 7.73 59.23
E Bailey Lengthsmans wages 80.00 0.00 80.00
E Bailey Expenses 36.90 5.54 42.44
Councillor Forrester proposed payment, Councillor Snow seconded and all were in favour. Clerk to action
8.152 Any Other Business
There being no other business, the Chairman declared the meeting closed.
Signed…………………………………………………..Chairman,2nd March 2009
Signed…………………………………………………...Clerk
