Meeting 14 July 2009
Meeting held on Tuesday 14 July 2009, at 7pm in the Parish Hall.
PRESENTATION – Jonathan Brown: ReaVen; the ‘hunt’ for suitable land for allotments continues; Tony Potter has introduced a Food Co-operative that is proving to be very successful. ReaVen is working towards developing a tourist trail walk on the Old Railway land, with the aid of a grant.
PUBLIC FORUM – Report from PC Jon Summerfield: delivered by the clerk.
SHROPSHIRE COUNCIL: Councillor Bebb delivered a short report on the progress since 1 April.
PRESENT:
Councillor Leeson, Chairman, Councillor Rogers Vice Chairman
Councillors Taylor, Mrs Brown, Brown, Allen, Bebb.
Louise Walsgrove, clerk to the council
MINUTES
Chairman, Councillor Leeson sent his apologies; he may be a little late as he is delayed at work.
Vice Chairman took the chair:
1. Apologies with reasons
Councillor Potter – another appointment
2. Declarations of Interest
Councillor Rogers – As an employee, allmatters relating to Shropshire Council
Councillor Bebb - As a Shropshire Councillor, all matters relating to Shropshire Council in particular ‘Planning’
Councillor Leeson joined the meeting; Vice Chairman Councillor Rogers stood down;
Councillor Leeson took over the chair.
3. Minutes of the Council - To confirm and approve the 9 June 2009 minutes as being a true and accurate report.
4. Clerk’s report - See appendix 1 attached
5. Parish Matters
a) Highways & Traffic – the re-routing of HGV’s from B4387 to a more appropriate route B4499; following discussion, Councillor Bebb will arrange a meeting with Phil Edwards to discuss the problem. Concern was raised that the defective surface on the Grove has yet to be rectified in spite of a site visit by Phil Edwards. In addition, a Traffic survey will be requested for Horsebridge Road. Irregular parking at the top of the Grove will be referred to the local police.
b) Public Rights of Way – The public seat facing the Toll House is being ‘swamped’ by the overgrown hedge to such an extent that it cannot be used. Clerk will report the matter to the appropriate SC officer. In addition, the overgrown hedge opposite the Parish Hall is causing concern to walkers of the path; a complaint has been received from the resident of Barytes Mill Cottage.
c) Other Shropshire matters –
Co-option of Tudor Bebb: Nominated by Councillor Leeson, seconded by Councillor Rogers
Unanimous agreement to invite Councillor Tudor Bebb to join Minsterley Parish Council; Councillor Bebb graciously agreed to the appointment but did explain that it was not possible for him to attend all the monthly meetings due to his commitment to Shropshire Council.
Co-option of Norman Allen; Nominated by Councillor Leeson, seconded by Councillor Rogers
Unanimous agreement to invite Norman Allen to join Minsterley Parish Council.
Norman Allen graciously agreed to the appointment.
Chairman welcomed the two new councillors on to the Parish Council
LJC MEETING
Chairman reported on the recent meeting; two young people were present at the meeting and requested that young people should benefit from reduced bus fares. The Youth Club has been most successful; the Young Officer is planning Youth projects for the summer vacation. Matthew Mead has reported that money is available for local works i.e. the refurbishment of the Parish Hall car park area.
d) and Registry – Registration of Council owned land is now complete. Documents are now deposited with solicitors, Turnbull Garrard. Letters of thanks have been sent to Anna James, Turnbull Garrard for the work done, Mark Trow and Peter Woolley, Land Registry for their help and guidance and Mrs Bronwen Evans for all the hours of dedication in this project. Councillor Rogers informed the meeting that Mrs Bronwen Evans had handed him the keys to the safe.
6. Planning
a) Report ref Old Bus Depot; application Minsterley Garage – permission granted to change a storage area to retail.
Members are concerned that they have not been notified of the conditions under which the NISA garage was given permission to erect an extension for ‘office premises’ on what was parking space; Clerk will seek confirmation again from the Planning Department. Concern was raised at the evident haphazard parking arrangements on the forecourt; the present situation may well cause a severe accident.
b) Applications –
21 Ash Lea, reduction of an Oak Tree with TPO.
No objections made as this application has been before the council several months ago.
3 Station Road – following demolition of the existing building, the erection of a two storey building for residential/commercial purposes. General agreement for the revised plans especially the changed site of the parking area.
4 Longfield Terrace – sub division of one dwelling to provide two dwellings. No objections as this application has been considered by the council twice before.
7. Parish Property
a) Parish Hall – the Secretary has confirmed that a report will be forwarded to the Clerk following every meeting. A complaint has been received that the bar in the Parish Hall is charging very high prices for bottles of wine e.g. £12 per bottle. This information will be passed to the committee for its consideration.
c)Play Areas – there is a possible grant available for refurbishing the Callow Lane Play Area; the council is aware of possible complaints from neighbouring residents if the users of the play area become too noisy.
d)Street Furniture – public seat opposite the Toll House as previously discussed.
e) The Square – Mr Ruff is aware that the planting of spring/summer plants may have to be delayed due to the Minsterley Bridge works.
8.Statutory Business –
a) Clerk informed the council that during the present financial situation, she would not be applying for an increase in the hourly rate. However she did report that unfortunately her computer has had to be completely replaced due to overheating in the tower. She tabled a receipted invoice for £575 and requested that the council considered a contribution to her costs. Considering Louise Walsgrove has never claimed an allowance for use of her home as a parish office, it was unanimously agreed that the sum of £250 be paid as a contribution.
b) The bank balances at 30 June 2009 stood at £29,272.48, Clerk reminded members that the total includes the £5,000 lottery grant together with the total of this year’s precept.
c) Authorisation of the following payments was requested:
1)SALC cheque 331 £50.00
Clerk’s training
2)Louise Walsgrove cheque 332 £514.01
Clerk’s June salary & expenses
3)Ron Edwards cheque 333 £595.92
Caretaker’s 13 weeks wages
4)Turnbull Garrard cheque 334 £379.50
legal fees ref Land Registry
5)NWP Power Systems cheque 335 £347.30
Lighting & light repairs Jun 09
6)HMRC cheque 337 £249.04
1st quarter PAYE £349.04
7) Lexis Nexis cheque 338 £59.05
Arnold Baker reference book
8) Npower cheque 339 £771.69
Quarter elec supply
9) G T Ruff cheque 340 £35.00
Striming bus shelter area
10)Louise Walsgrove cheque 341 £250.00
Contribution towards replacement computer
TOTAL £3,251.51
Power to pay the above LGA 1972 s111
Resolved: Authorise payment of the above
There being no further business,the Chairman thanked the members for their attendance and closed the meeting at 9.45pm
Signed by the CHAIRMAN 11 AUGUST 2009