ALTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of Council Meeting
Monday November 2nd, 2009
Alton Village Hall commencing at 7.00pm
Present: Councillor I Cope
Councillor F Eyre
Councillor E Brindley
Councillor A Moult
Councillor A Forrester
Councillor A Snow
Councillor E Bailey
Councillor P Ballard
In Attendance: 8 parishioners
Ms L Court, Clerk
2 members of the press
Apologies: Councillor S Hollins
9.86 Minutes of the meeting held 5th October 2009
These were accepted and signed by the Chair as correct.
9.86 Matters Arising
• Drainage easement
Councillor Forrester reported that this matter would be raised later in the meeting.
• Lengthsman
Councillor Forrester told the meeting that this matter would be dealt with later in the meeting.
9.88 Alton Towers
The proposed extension of the Churnet Valley Railway Line to Alton was discussed. All Councillors were asked their opinion with no Councillor being against the idea. There were several practical obstacles raised and it was agreed that the Clerk would approach the company behind the idea and ask them to present their proposal to the Council at a future meeting. The Chair summed up the Council’s opinions on the matter as no one being against the idea in principle, but the practicalities for walkers and people getting from the station to Alton Towers as being worrying.
Clerk to action
Councillor Moult asked whether anyone was aware of the cause of the traffic problems on Saturday 30th October. No one was aware of a specific issue and the Clerk was asked to contact Alton Towers to ask. Clerk to action
9.89 Footpaths
Councillor Bailey reported that work on Saltersford Lane would be done by Countryside Volunteers to clear the stone sets this month and with a long term view to expose the slabs.
Councillor Cope reported that the track from the Red Road towards Wood Farm is being used by quad bikes travelling at excessive speeds. The gravel track with very steep banks means that there is little refuge for walkers trying to get out of the way and this is creating potential danger. Councillor Bailey is to confirm whether this is part of the Staffordshire Way.
Councillor Snow reported a concern from Councillor Hollins regarding horse manure on Toothill track. It appears that it is being thrown over from one of the fields. Councillor Moult suggested that the County look at this area due to the narrowness of the path. The stile to the left of the pigeon loft off Hurstons Lane was also mentioned as needing attention. Councillor Bailey will investigate these matters.
9.90 Village Hall
Councillor Snow reported that a review of the security system is due. Technology is now cheaper and better quality.
Councillor Brindley asked the Parish Council to write to the Village Hall committee regarding the price of the insurance for the play area. He suggested that the Village Hall look for some more competitive quotes for the next renewal as he was aware that neighbouring parishes had saved money by doing this. He offered to give details to the Clerk for inclusion in the letter. All agreed that the Clerk should contact the committee on this matter. Clerk to action
9.91 Lengthsman
Councillor Forrester reported that work on the step by the playing field would be prioritised. The lengthsman has also been asked to look at the slippery paths and to look to keeping drains clear of fallen leaves as much as possible. Some work has been completed in the Churchyard, there is still some to be done. Work is also scheduled in the Cemetery. The bushes down Limekiln bank will also be looked at.
Councillor Moult also drew the Council’s attention to a small Ash tree growing through one of the walls which is lifting the stones. The ivy has also lifted the coping stones and work will be needed on the walls.
9.92 Highways and Road Safety
• Temporary Road traffic regulation Order for New Road/Smithy Bank/Uttoxeter Road was read to the meeting. Councillor Brindley reported on the commitment from SCC towards the local roads.
• Grids – Councillor Brindley has spoken to the contractors who clean the gullys. The company will come to Alton and make a concerted effort to clear any issues. Councillor Brindley asked all to contact him with any specific grids that need attention.
• Councillor Brindley also reported that the culvert on Town Head and Back Lane was overflowing again and that he will report this again.
• Street Lighting. An email from Glynn Hook was read to the meeting. It was agreed that the Clerk should reply asking for a costing for Kirk House and to ask again for lighting on Knight Lane. Clerk to action
• Councillor Atkins’ reply to his invitation to attend the October meeting was read to the Council. The Clerk was asked to invite Councillor Atkins to the next meeting.
Clerk to action
• Councillor Brindley gave feedback on the meeting held with representatives of SCC regarding pedestrian crossings on Uttoxeter Road and Smithy Bank. The crossings will not happen due to lack of visibility. One suggestion has been for a VAS on Smithy Bank. Councillor Moult also noted that a crossing on Smithy Bank would restrict parking for the shops. Double yellow lines and warning signs were also discussed as possibilities. It was agreed to ask Councillor Atkins about these matters when he attends a parish council meeting.
9.93 Parish Cemetery and St Peter’s Churchyard
This matter had been covered fully under the Lengthsman agenda item.
9.94 Planning and Licensing Applications
Enforcement appeal documentation for building without planning permission at Toothill Lane, Alton - Noted by the Council
9.95 Planning Decisions
09/00739/FUL The Caravan, Cheadle Road, Alton – proposed detached bungalow Refused – Noted by the Council
Councillor Eyre declared an open forum to allow parishioners present to ask questions/raise issues:
A parishioner raised the matter of accesses from properties requiring planning permission. Councillor Forrester confirmed that he has spoken to the planning department on this particular matter. This led to a discussion regarding the temporary nature of this access in order to facilitate the works going on at this property for which full permission has been given by SMDC.
A parishioner clarified the situation regarding horse manure on Toothill track.
A parishioner mentioned litter in the vicinity of the station and the parking area opposite, asking whether a bin could be put in. It was agreed that this is a matter for Farley Parish Council. Clerk to action
A parishioner asked whether there had been any feedback after the monitoring of traffic. It was suggested that this is something that could be discussed with Councillor Atkins.
A parishioner gave an update on the possibility of a Christmas tree by the Roundhouse. It seems that the only way to make it stable would be to sink a tube into the cobbles as has been done in other local villages. It was agreed to ask SCC about this possibility.
Clerk to action
9.96 Correspondence
1. Requiring response
• Correspondence regarding sewerage issues. Clerk to action
• Correspondence regarding agreements between AT and SMDC. The Chair gave a précis of the legal advice gained through NALC and SPCA.
• Request from Moorlands Housing re storage shed. There were no objections to this plan.
• A letter from a parishioner regarding planning for The Bungalow on Cedar Hill. It was agreed that these representation would be taken into account when an application is discussed and that the Clerk should reply to the parishioner concerned. Clerk to action
2. For information only
1. Invitation to Rural Forum 4th November 2009
2. SPCA- New Planning Framework 26th November 2009 -Clerk informed the Council that this does affect the Council’s representations on planning matters.
3. SMDC – Corporate Plan consultation
9.97 Finance
Invoices for payment
Supplier Details Net £ VAT £ Gross £
Liz Court Clerks wages 274.17 0.00 274.17
Jacksons Grounds maintenance 560.00 84.00 644.00
Royal British Legion Wreath and Donation 40.00 0.00 40.00
A H Brookes and Co Solicitors fees 9.00 0.00 9.00
Peter Hill Lengthsman’s wages and expenses 157.96 0.00 157.96
Tippers Materials for Village Hall 453.20 67.98 521.18
Gentworks Village Hall toilet refurbishment 1170.00 175.50 13455.50
Councillor Moult proposed payment, Councillor Forrester seconded and all were in favour. Clerk to action
Councillor Moult asked about caravans and a motor home on the Village Hall car park overnight on 23/24th October. The Clerk was asked to write to the Village Hall to ask about the matter. Clerk to action
There being no other business, the Chairman declared the meeting closed.
Signed…………………………………………………..Chairman,2nd November 2009
Signed…………………………………………………...Clerk
