ALTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of Council Meeting
Monday July 2nd, 2007
Alton Village Hall commencing at 7pm
Present: Councillor E Bailey
Councillor P Ballard
Councillor I Cope
Councillor A S Forrester
Councillor A Moult
In Attendance: 4 parishioners
Ms L Court, Clerk
Apologies: Councillor F E Brindley
Councillor F M G Eyre
7.42 Minutes of the meeting held 4th June 2007
Councillor Cope requested clarification of the discussion on the Water Ride application which resulted in a vote being taken at the last meeting. The minutes were amended to reflect this.
7.43 Matters Arising
It was reported that work was progressing on the Doctor’s surgery area.
Clarification had been received from SCC regarding the grass cutting.
7.44 SMDC Revised Code of Conduct – a copy of documentation for all councillors to study prior to discussion at the next meeting of the Parish Council was given out with the Agenda in June. There was some discussion and clarification of the changes and most forms were returned to the clerk for processing.
7.45 Alton Towers Relief Road A letter received from SCC Area Highways Office acknowledging receipt of Alton Parish Council’s letter was read.
Councillor Moult reported back on the outcome of a meeting held with Farley Parish Council and representatives of Alton Towers on 27th June. Councillors Brindley, Forrester and Mould attended on behalf of Alton Parish Council. It was felt that the meeting had been very good and informative. Minutes will be circulated once cleared by Mark Kerrigan.
7.46 Footpaths Letter of thanks received from Mr and Mrs Shenton re APC’s support of Diversion on Footpath 62.
Councillor Moult reported that he was still trying to get copies made of the larger map of the area. Councillor Bailey said that he may be able to organise this.
7.47 Lengthsman’s equipment A suggestion re a ride-on mower was postponed to be put on the agenda at the next meeting.
7.48 Highways and Road Safety A letter received re Junction of New Road and Malthouse Lane was read to the meeting. It was agreed that work is needed to this area and there was some discussion regarding replacements for the rose bushes.
Councillor Ballard raised the issue of the accident that had taken place the previous day on the corner by the Village Hall. After discussion regarding past issues, it was agreed that a strong letter should be sent to SCC regarding the need for a sign on the corner of Uttoxeter Road to slow traffic down Clerk to action
7.49 Parish Cemetery and St Peter’s Churchyard A letter received from SMDC re St Peter’s Churchyard was read to the meeting. Councillor Forrester reported that the Contractor who had been given the job had been in touch regarding the insurance required. The Contractor had agreed to start the work within the next fortnight and should therefore be in progress before the next meeting. The position with the diocese was clarified and Councillor Forrester undertook to follow up this matter with the Contractor.
Councillor Forrester also reported that the Parish Cemetery is in better condition than for many years.
Councillor Ballard queried the whereabouts of the water butt in the cemetery. Councillor Bailey agreed to check.
7.50 Best Kept Village Competition 2007 An invitation to Announcement of Results Monday 30th July was communicated to the meeting.
Councillor Bailey asked whether the hedge on the corner of the playing fields was the responsibility of the Village Hall. It was agreed that the Lengthsman should hire a petrol strimmer to cut this back.
7.51 SPCA Circular 34 and application forms for training were noted.
7.52 Planning and Licensing Applications
Two storey rear extension with pitched roof , Poachers Cottage, 1A Town Head TE/07/00783/FUL
Councillors had no objections
Erection of two dwellings, Town Head Farm Barn, /07/00521/FUL
Councillors had no objections
Appeal against decision by Freedom Farm /06/01200/FUL_MJ
Clerk was requested to reiterate objections to the Planning Inspectorate at Temple Quays
Licensing Act 2003 – Premises licence application Car Park G, Alton Towers
The Councillors had no objections
Licensing Act 2003 Revised Statement of Licensing Policy for comments from APC
Clerk was asked to study Clerk to action
7.53 Planning decisions
Two storey rear extension, Springfields, Bradley Lane, Threapwood, 07/00621/FUL – granted
Conservatory, Wyndham, Cedar Hill, 07/00344/FUL – granted
Erection of single dwelling, 1 The Dale, Alton, 07/00257/OUT – refused
Upgrade of Telecommunications Installation from 2G to 3G, Flag Tower, Alton Towers, 07/00566/FUL – refused
These were communicated and noted
7.54 Dog Bins
Councillor Bailey reported that these had been sited - one by the Lord Shrewsbury and the other by The Hurstons. Both are being used but there are still issues with fouling around the village.
7.55 Village Agent
Councillor Cope commented that since the meeting in February, there had been no contact from the village agent. After some discussion, it was agreed that the Clerk should invite the Village Agent to the next meeting to discuss funding for the pump and New Road work. The possibility of a snooker room being added to the Village Hall facilities was also discussed. Clerk to action
Councillor Moult declared an open forum to allow parishioners present to raise issues/ask questions.
A parishioner commented on the Village Agent’s involvement with the Alton Regeneration group. This led to a discussion about roles of organisations.
A parishioner commented on the tarmac on Denstone Lane by the 30 mph sign.
Clerk to report
A parishioner noted that the grid on the Hurstons is blocked. Clerk to report
7.56 Correspondence
Requiring response
1. Phone conversation with SPCA re liability for Drainage Easement was reported to the meeting
2. SM Parish Assembly – agenda for forthcoming meeting on Thursday 5th July at Moorlands House
For information only
1. Reply to letter to SCC re grass cuttings
2. Neighbourhood Recycling Centres – payment from SMDC of £334.94
3. Letter from Safer Community Staffs Moorlands District Partnership re rural car park motor vehicle crime
4. Letter from SCC re Amenity signs for Doctor’s surgery
5. Letter from Safety Scene for funding help
All correspondence was noted.
7.57 Finance
1. Parish Council Accounts to be examined and signed off to go to Audit Commission
This was studied by the meeting and duly signed. Clerk to action
2. Review of Standing Orders and Financial regulations
A copy of the previous regulations was passed to the Clerk by Councillor Bailey for her to study. Clerk to action
3. Accounts for payment
Gross Net VAT
Liz Court Expenses 65.80 65.80 0.00
Jackson’s Nurseries April/May/June – mowing of Cemetery and Churchyard 2785.71 3273.21 487.50
Lengthsman Expenses and Wages 353.77 364.58 10.81
Lapsett Play Equipment maintenance 498.50 585.74 87.24
Cheadle and Tean Times Advert for Councillors 34.00 39.95 5.95
These were proposed for payment by the Councillor Forrester and seconded by Councillor Moult. Clerk to action
Any other business
There had been no response to the advertisements placed in the local press for new councillors. However, a parishioner has put her name forward for consideration. It was agreed that she should be formally invited to attand the next meeting and be sent an agenda and a copy of the current minutes. Clerk to action
There being no other business, the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 8pm.
Signed…………………………………………………..Chairman, 2nd July 2007
Signed…………………………………………………...Clerk
Please note Clerk’s Change of Address from 2nd July 2007:
Liz Court
Fox House,
Tythe Barn
Alton ST10 4AZ
Phone numbers remain the same: Phone/Fax: 01538 702077
Mobile: 07746 833910
Email:
Barabarani@aol.com
