Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 16th December 2021 in the Upstairs Room of the Wheel Public House, Leek Road, Longsdon at 7.00pm.
Contents
Meeting Details
Present:
Councillor J. Sargeant (Chair).
Councillors T. Beastall, J. Bode, S. Dickinson, C. Hawthorne, R. Lovell & K. Shaw.
In Attendance:
Two Members of the Public.
John Bourne, Clerk to the Council
67 / 21. Apologies for Absence.
Apologies for absence were received from District Councillor N. Hawkins.
68 / 21. Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interest at this point.
69 / 21. Chairman’s Address.
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting with the Compliments of the Season.
70 / 21. Public Comments.
There was no business under this item.
71 / 21. Approval of Minutes of Last Meeting.
The minutes of the meeting held on 4th November 2021 had been circulated and it was agreed that they be signed as a true and correct record after the deletion of two words.
72 / 21. Matters Arising.
(a) Closed Village Hall in Neighbouring Parish.
A short report was given that the closure of a Village Hall in an adjacent parish was due to the fact that a Disabled Access was unable to be provided due to excessive costs.
(b) Longsdon Memorial Hall.
A letter had been sent to the Memorial Hall Management Committee to enquire what progress had been made with the distribution of a letter to parishioners asking for volunteers to serve on the Management Committee but no reply had been received. Disappointment would be expressed in a further letter.
A letter from a neighbour of the Memorial Hall was produced to the meeting. It outlined various complaints and comments. A suitable reply would be sent.
Also produced were details from the minutes of a Management Committee meeting and an Ofsted Report regarding the establishment of an independent school in the Hall together with details from the Charity Commission on how to report a serious incident and also a copy of a Charity Commission document dated October 1975 regarding the administration of the Charity. Unfortunately most of the organisations mentioned to provide representatives on the Management Committee were no longer in existence.
Councillor Bode was thanked for her research into the matter.
Councillor Bode was elected as the Parish Council’s representative on the Management Committee. It was suggested that the Parish Council could publish the request for additional representatives on the Council’s website and possibly organise a public meeting if necessary.
(c) The Council’s contractor had been asked to carry out the tasks agreed at the last meeting. He had removed the disused map display stand and had used the metalwork to provide new support posts for the Sutherland Road street nameplate opposite Micklea Lane which was now complete.
73 / 21. Other Business.
(a) District Councillor’s Community Grant.
It was reported that a grant from the District Councillor’s Fund could be available. It was suggested that a grant be applied for and could be used to provide a memorial bench in the Parish in remembrance of the late long serving Parish Councillor Richard Weston. This was agreed. A motion proposed by Councillor Hawthorne and seconded by Councillor Beastall that the sum of £175.00 be applied for was CARRIED.
(b) The Old New Inn Site.
It was reported that the old New Inn site was now under new management and it was agreed to contact the new ownership to ask what plans were in the pipeline to resolve the longstanding problems with the site.
74 / 21. Correspondence.
Already distributed to Councillors:-
- Covid Welfare – Revival.
- Bulletin from Welfare Staffordshire
- Staffordshire Moorlands Partnership Board – Grants Leaflet.
- Premises Licence – Leek Show.
- Survey from Staffordshire Commissioner for Fire Rescue & Crime regarding the amount paid.
- Tree Removal – Western Power Distribution – no action as the tree is within Endon Parish.
75 / 21. Planning.
The following planning applications had been distributed to Councillors due to the time scale, and no objections were received:-
- SMD/2021/0724 Conversion of Detached Garage to Form Ancillary Accommodation at The Old Vicarage, Leek Road, Longsdon.
- SMD/2021/0740 Proposed Demolition of Existing Conservatory & Extension to Form Larger Living Room at Rear, Rebuild of Front Porch & Internal Alterations at Apple Tree Cottage, Sutherland Road, Longsdon.
The following planning application was discussed and it was agreed to forward no objections, subject to normal planning guidelines, to:
- SMD/2021/0781 Erection of Two Agricultural Buildings at St. James Chapel, School Lane, Longsdon.
However, it was agreed to add a rider that the buildings should not be for domiciliary use.
76 / 21. Finance Matters.
(a) No further information had been requested from the Council’s bankers T.S.B. So it was agreed that the two new Councillors’ signatures be added to the Bank mandate together with the removal of the signatures of the two Councillors who had resigned.
(b) An acknowledgement had been received from the Douglas Macmillan Hospice for the grant of £100.00 to the Hospice.
(c) A request for the amount of the Precept for the coming year had been received from Staffordshire Moorland District Council. This matter would be discussed at the next meeting when the normal estimates had been prepared.
(d) Orders for Payment.
It was agreed that the following items be paid:
Recipient | Amount | Reason |
---|---|---|
John Sargeant (Chair). | £5.99 | Paid to Ionos for Website – Monthly Charge. |
J. A. Gibson. | £140.00 | Agency Work. |
The Wheel. | £25.00 | Room Hire. |
77 / 21. Public Comments.
The first member of the public re-iterated the comments regarding Longdson Memorial Hall’s website being out of date, no accounts published for the public and the siting of the Portacabin.
The second member of the public suggested that the Parish Council were doing a good job without much in return.
78 / 21. Items for Inclusion in the Agenda for the Next Meeting.
(a) Day and Venue for Future Parish Council Meetings.
(b) Clerk’s Salary.
79 / 21. Date of Next Meeting.
The date of the next meeting was arranged for Thursday 3rd February 2022 at 7.00pm in the upstairs room of the Wheel Public House, Leek Road, Longsdon.
- Details
- Category: Minutes2021
- Hits: 2480
Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 4th November 2021 in the Upstairs Room of the Wheel Public House, Leek Road, Longsdon at 7.00pm.
Contents
Meeting Details
Present:
Councillor J. Sargeant (Chair).
Councillors T. Beastall, J. Bode, S. Dickinson, C. Hawthorne, R. Lovell & K. Shaw.
In Attendance:
Two Members of the Public.
John Bourne, Clerk to the Council
54 / 21. Apologies for Absence.
Apologies for absence were received from District Councillor N. Hawkins.
55 / 21. Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interest at this point.
56 / 21. Chairman’s Address.
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.
He reported that the vehicle which had been parked near the entrance to Sutherland Road causing visibility problems was now being parked in an adjacent extended driveway.
57 / 21. Public Comments.
There was no business under this item.
58 / 21. Approval of Minutes of Last Meeting.
The minutes of the meeting held on 23rd September 2021 had been circulated and it was agreed that they be signed as a true and correct record.
59 / 21. Matters Arising.
(a) It was noted that the Remembrance Sunday Poppy had been fixed in the agreed locations.
(b) Longsdon Memorial Hall.
An email had been sent to County Councillor Gill Heath pointing out the proposed delay in the provision of “School” signage but asking her to provide some idea of the costs which could be involved. An acknowledgement had been received.
After some discussion it was agreed to write to the Chair of the Memorial Hall Management Committee to enquire what progress had been made with the distribution of a letter to parishioners asking for volunteers to serve on the Management Committee.
The subject of the closure of a Village Hall in an adjacent parish was raised. It was agreed to contact District Councillor Norma Hawkins on the current position there.
(c) Obstructed Pavements in School Lane.
It was reported that problem with the pavement on the North East side of School Lane being obstructed, in various places, by overgrowth of hedges and vegetation had been reported to Staffs. County Council but the problem had been dealt with privately within a few days.
60 / 21. Other Business.
District Councillor Norman Hawkins had reported that the issue with the new entrance gates and drive in Gratton Lane was now in the hands of Staffs. Moorlands Council’s Planning Department.
The Clerk reported that he had inspected the condition of the defibrillator at the Memorial Hall after a request from The Circuit, a national data base. The defibrillator was in full working order.
It was agreed to ask the Council’s contractor to:-
- Winter plant the village flower tubs.
- Remove the metal frame from the previously used map display stand opposite the old New Inn.
- Repair the supports of the Sutherland Road street nameplate opposite Denford Road.
A report was given of fly tipping in Devils Lane – This to be reported to Staffs. Moorlands D. C.
61 / 21. Correspondence.
The following correspondence had already been distributed to Councillors:-
- Moorlands Climate Change Action Group Apple Fest – 16th. October 2021.
- Information from the Douglas Macmillan Hospice.
- Copy of letter to C.E. of Staffs. County Council from Staffs. Moorlands Parish Assembly.
- 20mph Speed Limits.
- Policing, Fire & Rescue in Staffordshire.
- Manchester Airport Future Airspace Project.
- Moorlands Climate Action Newsletter.
With regard to the correspondence from the Douglas Macmillan Hospice it was agreed to forward a grant of £100.00 to the Hospice after a previously similar grant was made in November 2020.
62 / 21. Planning.
The following planning applications were discussed and it was agreed to forward no objections, subject to normal planning guidelines, to:
- DET/2021/0037 Application for Determination of Prior Approval – Change of Use of Agricultural Buildings to Dwelling Houses (Class C3) at
- Taylors Green Farm, Honeysuckle Lane Longsdon.
However, it was agreed to add a rider that the dwellings would serve a better purpose as holiday lets.
63 / 21. Finance Matters.
(a) An up to date quarterly financial report was distributed to all Councillors.
(b) The Council’s bankers T.S.B. had requested an update of all Councillors details. The Chairman has undertaken this onerous task on the internet and any feedback was awaited.
(c) It was agreed that the two new Councillors’ signatures be added to the Bank mandate together with the removal of the signatures of the two Councillors who had resigned.
(d) Orders for Payment.
It was agreed that the following items be paid:
Recipient | Amount | Reason |
---|---|---|
John Sargeant (Chair). | £11.98 | Paid to Ionos for Website – Two Monthly Charges. |
£2.76 | Paid to Screwfix for Plastic Ties for the Poppies. | |
J. A. Gibson. | £140.00 | Agency Work. |
John Bourne. | £327.90 | Clerk’s Salary & Expenses. |
H.M.Revenue & Customs. | £75.00 | P.A.Y.E. |
The Wheel. | £25.00 | Room Hire. |
64 / 21. Public Comments.
There was no business under this item.
65 / 21. Items for Inclusion in the Agenda for the Next Meeting.
There was no business under this item.
66 / 21. Date of Next Meeting.
The date of the next meeting was arranged for Thursday 16th December 2021 at 7.00pm in the upstairs room of the Wheel Public House, Leek Road, Longsdon.
- Details
- Category: Minutes2021
- Hits: 2577
Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 23rd September 2021 in the Upstairs Room of the Wheel Public House, Leek Road, Longsdon at 7.00pm.
Contents
Meeting Details
Present:
Councillor J. Sargeant (Chair).
Councillors T. Beastall, J. Bode, S. Dickinson, C. Hawthorne, R. Lovell & K. Shaw.
In Attendance:
Two Members of the Public.
John Bourne, Clerk to the Council
41 / 21. Apologies for Absence.
Apologies for absence were received from District Councillor N. Hawkins.
42 / 21. Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interest at this point.
43 / 21. Chairman’s Address.
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting including the two newly co-opted Councillors.
44 / 21. Public Comments.
One member of the public asked for information on the proposed School signage. She was informed that the matter would be discussed later in the meeting.
45 / 21. Approval of Minutes of Last Meeting.
The minutes of the meeting held on 5th August 2021 had been circulated and it was agreed that they be signed as a true and correct record.
46 / 21. Matters Arising.
Councillors Jacquetta Bode & Simon Dickinson had duly signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.
(a) Remembrance Sunday Poppy Locations.
The following locations were agreed as sites for the display of the poppies:
On “Longsdon” Signs (2), near the Memorial Hall (2), on the wooden Bus Shelters (2), Denford Road (1) & Outside St. Chad’s Church (1).
The purchase of a Remembrance Day wreath was also mentioned but due to last year’s donation to the British Legion not being accepted, and in the light of the displaying of the Council’s poppies, it was agreed not to purchase a wreath this year.
(b) Longsdon Memorial Hall (1).
A request had been received from the Memorial Hall Management Committee to ask if a programme of its events could be displayed n the Council’s notice boards. This was agreed.
Longsdon Memorial Hall (2).
Councillor Hawthorne, the Council’s representative on the Longsdon Memorial Hall Management Committee gave an extensive report of the last meeting of the Committee.
She gave further details of the use of the hall by the school which apparently had no formal contract and neighbours objecting to the noise etc. etc. She also reported that all the pupils at the school were brought in individually by private transport and deposited directly into the Memorial Hall building.
She stated that most of the Management Committee had resigned leaving just two persons looking after the running of the Hall, its bookings and finances etc.
She reported that District Councillor Hawkins was in discussions with Staffs. Moorlands District Council about various issues with the situation. In the light of this it was agreed to leave these matters to her for the moment.
At this point Councillor Hawthorne stated that she had resigned as the Parish Council’s representative on the Committee. In view of the forgoing information it was agreed not to appoint another representative at the moment.
The Chairman expressed sorrow that her experiences in the post had led to her decision.
Longsdon Memorial Hall (3).
Contact had been made with County Councillor Heath regarding the requests for “School” signage on the main A53 road. In a belated reply involving determining proof of ownership of the school, she had asked what signage the Parish Council wanted and would take it up on her DHP next year. However, after the foregoing discussion it was decided to try and determine the cost of any necessary signage but leave the matter in abeyance for the moment.
(c) Bus Shelter Painting.
An estimate for the painting of the two wooden bus shelters with two coats of green Cuprinol had been obtained from the Council’s lengthsman in the sum of £180.00. It was agreed to accept this estimate.
He had apologised for the delay in the painting of the benches in the parish.
(d) Post Box in Micklea Lane.
A letter had been sent to the manager of the Royal Mail local sorting office regarding the sealing of the postal box in Micklea Lane. A reply stated that this action had been taken due to a road closure in the area. The box was now in normal usage again.
(e) Publication of Dates of the Council’s Meetings.
A request had been received that the dates of the next Parish Council meeting be posted on the notice boards. While the Chairman pointed out that the relevant dates were always published on the Council’s website, it was agreed that the dates should be displayed on the notice boards.
47 / 21. Other Business.
There was no business under this item.
48 / 21. Correspondence.
The following correspondence had already been distributed to Councillors:-
- Get in Touch with Staffs. Commissioner’s Office.
- Update from Dougie Mac.
- W.A.R. Fly Tipping Campaign – SMDC.
- Manchester Airport Project.
- Staffsordshire Moorlands Climate Action Group.
Clerks & Councillors Direct Magazine.
49 / 21. Planning.
The following planning applications were discussed and it was agreed to forward no objections, subject to normal planning guidelines, to:
- SMD/2021/0576 Proposed Free Standing Orangery / Garden Room at Stonelowe Hall, Leek Road.
- SMD/2021/0577 Listed Building Consent for Proposed Free Standing Orangery / Garden Room at
- Stonelowe Hall, Leek Road, Longsdon.
50 / 21. Finance Matters.
(a) The Certificate of Registration had been received from the Information Commissioner’s Office.
(b) A refund of £513.13 from last year’s V. A. T. payments had been received. This was slightly less than had been claimed.
(c) Orders for Payment.
It was agreed that the following items be paid:
Recipient | Amount | Reason |
---|---|---|
John Sargeant (Chair). | £5.99 | Paid to Ionos for Website – One Monthly Charge. |
J. A. Gibson. | £140.00 | Agency Work. |
Parish Online | £45.00 | Online Mapping Fee. |
The Wheel. | £25.00 | Room Hire. |
51 / 21. Public Comments.
A member of the public reported that the pavement on the North East side of School Lane had become obstructed, in various places, by overgrowth of hedges and vegetation. This matter to be reported to Staffs. County Council.
52 / 21. Items for Inclusion in the Agenda for the Next Meeting.
There was no business under this item.
53 / 21. Date of Next Meeting.
The date of the next meeting was arranged for Thursday 4th November 2021 at 7.00pm in the upstairs room of the Wheel Public House, Leek Road, Longsdon.
- Details
- Category: Minutes2021
- Hits: 2710
Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 5th August 2021 in the Upstairs Room of the Wheel Public House, Leek Road, Longsdon at 7.00pm.
Contents
Meeting Details
Present:
Councillor J. Sargeant (Chair).
Councillors T. Beastall, C. Hawthorne, R. Lovell & K. Shaw.
In Attendance:
One Member of the Public.
John Bourne, Clerk to the Council
28 / 21. Apologies for Absence.
Apologies for absence were received from District Councillor N. Hawkins.
29 / 21. Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interest at this point.
30 / 21. Chairman’s Address.
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked Councillor Hawthorne for her attendance at the last meeting of the Longsdon Memorial Hall Management Committee.
31 / 21. Public Comments.
There was no business under this item.
32 / 21. Approval of Minutes of Last Meeting.
The minutes of the meeting held on 17th June 2021 had been circulated and it was agreed that they be signed as a true and correct record.
33 / 21. Matters Arising.
(a) Vacancies.
Four applications for the vacancies had been received from electors.
After one ballot Simon Dickinson & Jacquetta Bode were duly co-opted onto the Council
(b) Bus Shelter.
Contact had been made, again, with the suppliers of the new bus shelter regarding the delayed missing parts. These had now arrived and the contractor had fitted them and the shelter was now in use.
(c) Details of Remembrance Sunday Items.
The sheets of the red polypropylene had been purchased for the poppies. The Chairman had managed to obtain a template and produced an example for the meeting. This was accepted and the Chairman was thanked for his efforts.
(d) Longsdon Memorial Hall.
Councillor Hawthorne, the Council’s representative on the Longsdon Memorial Hall Management Committee gave an extensive report on the meeting of the Committee held on 3rd August 2021.
She gave details of the use of the hall for the school which was held in a secure situation, the Charity status of the hall, the daily usage of the facility and also a complaint from a neighbour of the school. The Committee had been reformed and would be holding monthly meetings in the future. An advertisement for more members would be published. There would also be more public consultation on matters in the future. The school was circulating an explanatory letter to all residents of the village.
It was agreed to continue with the requests for “School” signage on the main A53 road with County Councillor Heath and also to contact the school which it appeared would have to pay for any signs.
The Chairman thanked Councillor Hawthorne for her comprehensive report.
(e) Dog Waste / Litter Bin.
The Clerk reported on contact he had made with the Staffordshire Moorlands District Councillor with the Environmental Portfolio regarding a replacement litter bin on the canal towpath near Horse Bridge. After much discussion he was instructed to submit a litter bin request form to the Moorlands Council which was duly done. A telephoned reply, later confirmed in writing, gave various reasons why a bin could not be provided due to there being no agreement between the Moorlands Council and the Canals & River Trust etc. etc. It was agreed that no further action could be taken at present.
(f) Refurbishment of Parish Benches.
The Council’s lengthsman had been instructed to paint the public seats in accordance with his estimate. It was reported that the lengthsman had provided the additional flower tub next to the public seat in Denford Road and had also replanted all the village tubs.
(g) Late Highway Reports.
The Chairman gave details of a very belated acknowledgement of highway complaints that he had made some time ago. One of the faults had still not been completed successfully.
34 / 21. Other Business.
(a) The Chairman reported that he had been contacted by a member of the Leek Show Committee who had informed him that it was proposed to hold Leek Show 2022 in fields within the Parish.
(b) ) A report was given that the postal box In Micklea Lane had been sealed over to prevent its use. Royal Mail would be contacted for an explanation.
35 / 21. Correspondence.
Already distributed to Councillors :
Staffordshire Moorlands Climate Action Newsletter.
Micklea Lane Road Closure Notice.
Letter had been received from the Chair of Endon Parish Council asking for support for the provision of seats on the Caldon Canal from the City Boundary to Froghall. As this part of the canal did not pass through the parish and the Council has already provided seats on the Leek Arm of the canal no action would be taken.
36 / 21. Planning.
The following planning applications have been distributed to Councillors due to the time scale and no objections were received to:
- SMD/2021/0387 Replacement Single Storey Side Extension & Detached Single Garage at
- Greendale, Denford Road, Longsdon.
- SMD/2021/0433 Conversion of Existing Outbuilding to Form Single Holiday Unit at Lapwing Farm,
- Devils Lane, Longsdon.
- For this application it was agreed that a rider should be added that the Holiday Unit should not be used as a permanent residence.
- SMD/2021/0449 Application for Variation of Conditions1 & 6 following Grant of SMD.2018/0698 on
- Land adjacent to Whitehaven, Leek Road, Longsdon.
- SMD/2021/0455 Erection of Twin Span Polytunnel at Proctors Nursery, Leek Road, Endon.
37 / 21. Finance Matters.
(a) The Exemption Certificate for an External Audit had been submitted and the Annual Accounts information had been posted on the Council’s Website.
(b) The Clerk had written to the Chief Executive Officer of the Moorlands Council to ask for an explanation regarding the late payment of the half yearly Lengthsman invoices. A lengthy reply with apologies had now been received and the £400.00 due had been paid into the Council’s bank account. The purchase order for the current year had also been received.
(c) A quarterly Finance Statement was distributed to Councillors.
(d) Orders for Payment.
It was agreed that the following items be paid:
Recipient | Amount | Reason |
---|---|---|
John Sargeant (Chair). | £11.98 | Paid to Ionos for Website – Two Monthly Charges. |
J. A. Gibson. | £140.00 | Agency Work. |
J. A. Gibson. | £120.00 | Supply New Planter, Compost & Renew All Plants. |
John Bourne. | £369.95 | Clerk’s Salary & Expenses (nett). |
H. M. Customs & Excise. | £75.00 | P.A.Y.E. |
The Wheel. | £25.00 | Room Hire. |
38 / 21. Public Comments.
The member of the public suggested that the two wooden bus shelters should be painted green to match the new metal shelters. It was agreed that this matter be investigated and an estimate obtained for the work.
39 / 21. Items for Inclusion in the Agenda for the Next Meeting.
Determination of positions for the display of the Remembrance Poppies.
40 / 21. Date of Next Meeting.
The date of the next meeting was arranged for Thursday 23rd September 2021 at 7.00pm in the upstairs room of the Wheel Public House, Leek Road, Longsdon.
- Details
- Category: Minutes2021
- Hits: 3588
Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 17th June 2021 in the Upstairs Room of the Wheel Public House, Leek Road, Longsdon at 7.00pm.
Contents
Meeting Details
Present:
Councillor J. Sargeant (Chair).
Councillors T. Beastall, C. Hawthorne, R. Lovell & K. Shaw.
In Attendance:
Two Members of the Public.
John Bourne, Clerk to the Council
15/21 Apologies for Absence.
Apologies for absence were received from District Councillor N. Hawkins.
16/21 Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interest at this point.
17/21 Chairman’s Address.
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.
18/21 Public Comments.
There was no business under this item.
19/21 Approval of Minutes of Last Meeting.
The minutes of the virtual meeting held on 6th. May 2021 had been circulated and it was now agreed that they be signed as a true and correct record.
20/21 Matters Arising.
(a) Resignations.
The Electoral Officer had been informed of the two Councillor resignations and had issued the normal statutory notice which had been published. As this had attracted no responses the Officer had informed the Parish Council that it was now at liberty to co-opt any electors to fill the vacancies. It was agreed that these vacancies be advertised on the notice boards and the Council’s website with applications for the vacancies to be discussed at the next meeting.
(b) Bus Shelter.
The delivery of the new bus shelter had again been delayed but has eventually arrived and had been erected but there were numerous parts missing but delivery of these had been promised. The contractor had agreed to fit these on arrival at no extra cost.
(c) Details of Remembrance Sunday Items.
Information had been obtained about the manufacture of the large poppies from the local volunteer who had agreed to provide a template. It was agreed to purchase four sheets of the material required at an approx cost of £4.50 per sheet.
It was reported that the cheque for £20.00 sent as a donation to the local branch of the British Legion in November had still not been cashed. The cheque could no longer be presented.
(d) St. Chad’s Church Clock.
The Church Administrator had again been contacted and had now reported that the appeal had been officially launched, the Church of England will not pay for any repairs or maintenance to St. Chads and for the clock to be operated electrically there would be a need to seek out a faculty from the DAC office which was likely to be refused as St. Chads is listed.
(e) Planting of the Village Tubs.
It was reported that the Council’s lengthsman had already re-planted the village flower tubs. It was agreed to ask him to provide and plant an additional flower tub next to the public seat in Denford Road.
(f) New Gateway off Gratton Lane.
It was re-iterated that this matter was now being investigated by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.
(g) Refurbishment of Parish Benches.
An estimate had been received from the Council’s lengthsman in the sum of £175.00 to paint the seats woodwork with wood stain and Hammerite to the metal parts. It was agreed that this estimate be accepted.
21/21 Other Business.
(a) Fly Tipping at the old New Inn Site.
District Councillor Hawkins had sent a report that the hoarding at the old New Inn site had been broken into and some fly tipping had taken place. This had been reported to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and the hoarding had now been reinstated.
(b) School in Longsdon Memorial Hall.
A resident had contacted the Council asking for information regarding an alleged school being held in Longsdon Memorial Hall. A reply had been forward to say that the Parish Council had no input into this matter and suggested contacting the Memorial Hall Committee.
However an approach had been received from a member of the Memorial Hall Committee asking if the Parish Council could help to get “School” signs erected on the main road. It was agreed that as this was a matter for the County Council, County Councillor Gill Heath be approached.
(c) Dog Waste / Litter Bin.
A request had been received for a Dog Waste / Litter Bin to be sited near to Horse Bridge in Sutherland Road, Longsdon. The Chairman gave the history on this matter when Staffordshire Moorlands District Council refused to replace one which it had removed in error despite the Parish Council offering to purchase a replacement but the Moorlands Council wanted £300.00 per year to service the said bin.
It was agreed to contact the Moorlands Council again stating that there was now more footfall and health hazards due to the Covid emergency.
22/21 Correspondence.
Live & Local Indoor & Outdoor Performances. ) Already
Staffordshire Moorlands Climate Change News. ) Distributed
Hug Green Arts Festival – 26th. June 2021. ) to Councillors.
Information had been received that the Dougie Mac & the Donna Louise Trust Charities were now united.
23/21 Planning.
Councillors discussed the following planning application and agreed to forward no objections, subject to normal planning guidelines, to:
- SMD/2021/0538 Proposed Replacement Conservatory with Orangery & Link Section to Garage at Churnet Croft,
- Wood Lane, Longsdon
24/21 Finance Matters.
(a) Half yearly Lengthsman invoices together with a statement had been submitted to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council but no re-imbursement had been received. It was agreed to contact the Chief Executive Officer of the Moorlands Council to ask for an explanation.
(b) The Clerk confirmed that the Council’s insurance had been renewed with Zurich Municipal.
(c) The Council’s internal auditor, Chris Neufeld, had completed the Annual Internal Audit Report 2020 / 2021 without any adverse comments.
Copies of the necessary documents connected with the following three minute items had already been distributed to Councillors.
(d) As the Council’s turnover was less than £25,000.00 it was agreed that the Exemption Certificate for an External Audit be signed and submitted.
(e) It was agreed that the Annual Governance Statement 2020 / 2021 be approved and signed.
(f) It was agreed that the Accounting Statement 2020 / 2021 be approved and signed.
(g) Orders for Payment.
It was agreed that the following items be paid:
Recipient | Amount | Reason |
---|---|---|
John Sargeant (Chair). | £5.99 | Paid to Ionos for Website – Monthly Charge. |
£14.38 | Paid to Zoom – Final Monthly Charge. | |
J. A. Gibson. | £120.00 | Agency Work. |
Neufeld Accountancy Services. | £70.00 | Internal Audit Fee |
E. W. H. Construction. | £755.00 | Erection of Bus Shelter. |
25/21 Public Comments.
There was no business under this item.
26/21 Items for Inclusion in the Agenda for the Next Meeting.
There was no business under this item.
27/21 Date of Next Meeting.
The date of the next meeting was arranged for Thursday 5th August 2021 at 7.00pm in the upstairs room of the Wheel Public House, Leek Road, Longsdon.
- Details
- Category: Minutes2021
- Hits: 3928