ALTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of Annual Parish Council Meeting
Monday April 6th, 2009
Alton Village Hall commencing at 7pm
Present: Councillor E Bailey
Councillor F E Brindley
Councillor P Ballard
Councillor A Snow
Councillor S Hollins
Councillor A Moult
Councillor A S Forrester
Councillor F Eyre
In Attendance: 9 parishioners
1 member of the press
Ms L Court, Clerk
Apologies: Councillor I Cope
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7pm and welcomed everybody. He explained the purpose of the Annual Parish Meeting.
Minutes of the meeting held 7th April 2008
The minutes were approved and signed as a true record.
Matters Arising
Councillor Eyre requested an update on the matter of overnight parking around the village. The Clerk explained that a letter had been sent to Alton Towers on the matter, and that they had replied that they had no facility for overnight parking on their site. Councillor Moult reported litter being deposited by cars parking on the pavement along Uttoxeter Road. The Clerk was asked to contact Alton Towers again on this matter. If they are not prepared to deal with this issue, the Clerk was requested to ask them to instruct the police to patrol the village for overnight parking and sleeping in vehicles. Councillor Ballard offered to speak to the local PCSO.
SatNavs are still a problem on the smaller country roads. There is still no signage at the end of Nabb Lane. Councillor Moult reported that this matter had been raised at a meeting with Staffordshire County Council regarding signage.
Report of the Parish Clerk was read and noted.
Any other item of business put forward by an Elector
Councillor Moult declared an open forum to allow parishioners present to raise issues/ask questions. He announced that the following monthly meeting would not be broken for an open forum in addition.
• A parishioner requested information regarding follow up meetings after the public meeting held earlier in the year. Councillor Brindley gave a summary of the actions taken so far regarding meetings with Staffordshire County Council. He reported that Staffordshire County Council maintain their stance that the solution to traffic issues within the village of Alton is an Eastern Access route to Alton Towers. Councillor Brindley has been assured that David Wilson of SCC will write to Alton Parish Council with views and comments on the suggestions put forward by Alton Parish Council. Of the matters already suggested, it seems to be a priority to erect two crossings operated by lights, one on Uttoxeter Road and the other at Smithy Bank. Both of these suggestions are awaiting technical studies. Councillor Brindley also reported that the Give way sign on Uttoxeter Road may be held up as all signage in the Tythe Barn area is reviewed. Councillor Mycock has agreed to look to fund a Community Speed Gun. Councillor Ballard felt that a follow up public meeting should go ahead with the possibility of contacting the local government ombudsman if necessary. Councillor Moult agreed but felt that the Council should wait to see what action is taken in the short term. The Clerk was asked to invite Councillor Mycock, Bill Cash M.P. and representatives from the Planning Department to the meeting to be held on May 11th. Clerk to action
• A parishioner publicised the meeting of the SRB group to be held on 7th April to discuss relevant action. This meeting was offered as a platform for people to air their views. Councillor Ballard pointed out that some businesses in the village did want the bypass as more and more of their trade is booked through the internet rather than passing trade.
• A parishioner commented on the workings of the planning committee at SMDC and asked whether the district councillor ever puts forward the Parish’s views to the planning committee. Councillor Forrester replied that the Parish’s views are put forward and that it is important to remember that not all of the village are in favour of the alternative access. Councillor Brindley felt that it was important to have a representative on the planning committee at SMDC. Councillor Forrester explained that if someone standing on the planning committee is lobbied on any application, then they must declare an interest and withdraw from discussions. The Clerk was asked to give a copy of the invitation to attend the meeting on May 11th to Councillor Forrester to insure that a representative from SMDC would be attending.
• A parishioner commented that the area around the Lord Shrewsbury had been cleared up. It was asked whether a letter could be sent to the Brewery for The White Hart asking them to tidy up the field area by their car park. It was commented that this space would make good community allotments. It was also commented that the level of cigarette ends on the pavement outside the White Hart was very high. Clerk to action
There being no other business, the Chairman thanked everyone for attending and declared the meeting closed at 7.45pm.
Signed…………………………………………………..Chairman, 6th April 2009
Signed…………………………………………………...Parish Clerk
