Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 12th. December 2024 in the Upstairs Room of the Wheel Public House, Leek Road, Longsdon at 7.00pm.
Present: Councillor J. Sargeant (Chair).
Councillors S. Dickinson, D. Hughes & R. Lovell.
In Attendance: John Bourne, Clerk to the Council.
One Member of the Public.
79/24 Apologies for Absence.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors J. Cox, C. Hogan & K. Shaw.
80/24 Declarations of Interest.
There were no declarations of interest at this point.
81/24 Chairman’s Address.
The Chairman gave a warm welcome and the Season’s Greetings to everyone.
He reported that the collection of Remembrance Day poppies were not entirely satisfactory this year. Eight poppies had been displayed but only six could be retrieved for future use. Both the poppy that was attached to the metal bus shelter opposite the derelict New Inn and that attached to the lamp post adjacent to the bus shelter were missing. A brief search of the surrounding area showed no sign of debris that could attribute the loss to stormy weather. Close inspection of the position on the bus shelter where the poppy had been revealed that the zip ties were still present but appeared to have been cut through. No remains were found on the lamp post.
If the poppies have been stolen it is a sad reflection on the perpetrators that they could stoop so low as to insult the memory of those lost to war.
Replacement poppies can be made next year The template and sufficient raw materials are to hand.
82/24 Public Comments.
The member of the public present reported on a large hedge which was restricting access on Public Footpath Longsdon25 on Leek Old Road. This to be reported to the Footpaths Authority.
83/24 Approval of Minutes of Last Meeting.
The minutes of the meeting held on 24th. October 2024 had been circulated, and it was agreed that the minutes be signed as a true copy.
84/24 Matters Arising.
(a) Christmas Tree.
The Memorial Hall had been contacted officially for permission to site the tree over the Festive Season and this had been agreed verbally. A Risk Assessment policy had been prepared.
The tree had been delivered and cut down to an appropriate size and a fixing socket had been fixed to the exterior wall at the Memorial Hall. Various sets of lights had been affixed to the tree.
Thanks were expressed to the Chairman for his efforts.
It was agreed that a working party be arranged for the 4th. January 2025 at 10-00am to dismantle the tree etc.
(b) Pedestrian Crossing.
The Clerk reported that the issues with the pedestrian crossing which had been reported to Staffs. County Council’s Community Highway Manager had now been forwarded to County Councillor Mark Deaville for his comments. An acknowledgement had been received, and a detailed reply was awaited.
A discussion then took place on the possible reduction of the 40mph speed limit to 30mph on Leek Road. This together with the possible installation of speed awareness strips would be on the agenda for discussion at the next meeting.
(c) Bush Shelter.
A report had been received from the Council’s lengthsman on the work involved to remove the rust and paint the metal bus shelter adjacent to the Memorial Hall with Green metallic paint.
85/24 Other Business.
Lengthsman’s Instructions.
It was reported that a holly bush was overhanging the pavement in Sutherland Road restricting headroom for pedestrians. This to be reported to the Council’s lengthsman for attention.
86/24 Correspondence.
The following had already been distributed to Councillors:-
In Touch Newsletter from S.M.D.C.
Information for Parishes from S.M.D.C.
Road Closure Notice for Devils Lane & Dunwood Road.
Making Effective Planning Representations.
Energy Support for Communities.
Have your say on Police, Fire & Rescue Services.
Notice of Diversion to Public Footpath No 9.
A letter of thanks had been received from the Douglas MacMillan organisation in acknowledgement for the grant of £200.00 sent after the last meeting.
86/24 Planning Matters.
A Notice of Appeal against a Refusal of SMD/2023/0523 – The Firs, Sutherland Road, Longsdon.
Councillors had already been informed of this notice.
87/24 Finance Matters.
(a) The additional information of signatories on the Council’s bank account had been forwarded to T.S.B. but had been returned for further information.
(b) Orders for Payment.
It was agreed that the following items be paid:
| Recipient | Amount | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| J. A. Gibson. | £ 168.00 | . Agency Work. |
| J. A. Gibson. | £ 120.00 | . Stripping & Painting Metal Bus Shelter. |
| The Wheel. | £ 25.00 | . Room Hire. |
| Ionos | £ 14.40 | Monthly Charge paid by direct debit |
| £7.20 11th.Nov 24. | ||
| £7.20 11th.Dec 24. |
88/24 Public Comments.
Mention was made of the need for cleaning of the door of the notice board in Sutherland Road.
89/24 Items for Inclusion in the Agenda for the Next Meeting.
Speed limit and possible speed awareness strips in Leek Road, Longsdon.
90/24 Date of Next Meeting.
The date of the next meeting was arranged for Thursday 30th. January 2025 at 7.00pm in the upstairs room of the Wheel Public House, Leek Road, Longsdon.
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Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 24th. October 2024 in the Upstairs Room of the Wheel Public House, Leek Road, Longsdon at 7.00pm.
Present: Councillor J. Sargeant (Chair).
Councillors J. Cox, S. Dickinson, D. Hughes, R. Lovell & K. Shaw
In Attendance: John Bourne, Clerk to the Council.
66/24 Apologies for Absence.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor C. Hogan.
67/24 Declarations of Interest.
There were no declarations of interest at this point.
68/24 Chairman’s Address.
The Chairman reported that he had displayed the Remembrance Poppies around the village.
Thanks were expressed.
69/24 Public Comments.
There was no business under this item.
70/24 Approval of Minutes of Last Meeting.
The minutes of the meeting held on 29th. August 2024 had been circulated and it was agreed that the minutes be signed as a true copy.
71/24 Matters Arising.
Christmas Tree.
Contact had been made with a local garden centre which had quoted £140.00 for the supply of a 12ft. high tree with a £20.00 charge for removal after the occasion. It was agreed that this be accepted.
It was also agreed that the scheme, including the purchase of solar lighting, should go ahead within a maximum spend of £300.00.
The Memorial Hall had been contacted officially for permission to site the tree over the Festive Season and this had been agreed verbally.
The Council’s insurers had replied about sufficient insurance cover for the tree. Cover would only be for an artificial tree but public liability insurance would be in force.
Pedestrian Crossing.
The Clerk reported on the issues with the pedestrian crossing which had been reported to Staffs. County Council’s Community Highway Manager. These included a report by an Endon resident which stated that the beacons of the crossing were not working. The manager had replied that the problem would be inspected when a member of staff had returned from annual leave. At this the Chairman had checked the crossing and found that the beacons were flashing but one was faded in colour giving the impression that it was not flashing. This problem, together with an issue of overhanging adjacent trees obscuring this beacon for traffic approaching from Leek was reported to the Highway Manager. No action has been forthcoming.
Also mentioned to him was the suggestion that LED attachments to the beacons would be beneficial, as had been installed in adjacent Authority’s areas. A reply to this was that “The County’s Lighting Team” was not in favour of such a scheme. It was agreed to contact County Councillor Deaville who is Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways to ask for the reason for this and to give him the history of the above reports.
72/24 Other Business.
Lengthman’s Instructions.
It was reported that he Council’s lengthsman had painted the metal bus shelter adjacent to the Memorial Hall and would be painting the public seat at the junction of School Lane & Devil’s Lane.
73/24 Correspondence.
The following had already been distributed to Councillors:-
S.M.D.C. Chairman’s Curry Night.
Info on Beatrice Charity.
Cheddleton Top Lock 13 Event.
Pheonix Concert in Aid of Cancer Research.
Customer Survey from Police, Fire & Rescue.
Road Closure Notice for Dunwood Road.
Statement on Devolution.
Cheadle Lights Switch on Event – 16th. November 2024.
Information had been received from the Douglas MacMillan organisation. The last grant from the Council to them was £100.00 in 2020. It was agreed to issue a grant of £200.00.
74/24 Planning Matters.
There was no business under this item.
75/24 Finance Matters.
The additional information of signatories on the Council’s bank account would now be forwarded to T.S.B.
(b) Orders for Payment.
It was agreed that the following items be paid:
| Recipient | Amount | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| J. A. Gibson. | £ 168.00 | . Agency Work. |
| Parish Online. | £ 45.00 | . Renewal Fee. |
| John Bourne. | £ 349.04 | . Clerk’s Salary & Expenses. |
| H.M. Revenue & Customs. | £ 81.00 | . P.A.Y.E. |
| Dougie Mac. | £ 200.00 | . Grant. |
| The Wheel. | £ 25.00 | . Room Hire. |
| Ionos | £ 12.00 | Monthly Charge paid by direct debit £6.00 11th. Sept. 24. |
| £6.00 | 11th. Oct. 24. |
76/24 Public Comments.
There was no business under this item.
77/24 Items for Inclusion in the Agenda for the Next Meeting.
There was no business under this item.
78/24 Date of Next Meeting.
The date of the next meeting was arranged for Thursday 12th. December 2024 at 7.00pm in the upstairs room of the Wheel Public House, Leek Road, Longsdon.
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Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 29th. August 2024 in the Upstairs Room of the Wheel Public House, Leek Road, Longsdon at 7.00pm.
Present: Councillor J. Sargeant (Chair).
Councillors S. Dickinson, C. Hogan, R. Lovell & K. Shaw
In Attendance: John Bourne, Clerk to the Council.
53/24 Apologies for Absence.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors J. Cox & D. Hughes.
54/24 Declarations of Interest.
There were no declarations of interest at this point.
55/24 Chairman’s Address.
The council received an email from Easy Websites Ltd touting their ability to produce sites for parish councils which conform to the government’s Accessibility Regulations.
These regulations came into force in 2018 and require all government bodies including parish councils to have a website which passes the success criteria of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 Level AA.
Each website by law has to include an Accessibility Statement which indicates to what degree the site is compliant with the guidelines and where it is not fully compliant what steps are being taken to make it so.
There is a disproportionate burden clause in the regulations where councils can say that for them, the cost to attain the standard in certain areas is too great but that must be stated in their Accessibility Statement.
Longsdon Parish Council’s website has an Accessibility Statement and very largely complies with WCAG 2.1 Level AA but as a result of the email message, a review of the regulations seemed appropriate and it revealed that as of October 2024 websites must pass the success criteria of the newer guidelines WCAG 2.2 Level AA.
Our Accessibility Statement has been updated to reflect a recent review and acknowledge the change to WCAG 2.2.
Most of the differences between WCAG 2.1 and 2.2 revolve around making input of data easier and clearer. Fortunately our website is simply concerned with information dissemination and therefore has no need of user input other than to navigate the site.
Given that the government’s own website’s Accessibility Statement says that it is not fully compliant indicates the complexity of the review, fixing and testing task.
The WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation tool has been used to test our website and it reports no errors which is good in itself but it does generate alerts for potential problems like links to pdf’s and missing HTML headers where we jump from H1 to H3 without including H2.
If the spotlight should fall upon our site it’s unlikely that we will be hauled over the coals for those transgressions.
56/24 Public Comments.
There was no business under this item.
57/24 Approval of Minutes of Last Meeting.
The minutes of the meeting held on 11th. July 2024 had been circulated and it was agreed that the minutes be signed as a true copy.
58/24 Matters Arising.
(a) Christmas Tree.
Contact had been made with a local garden centre which had quoted £140.00 for the supply of a 12ft. high tree with a £20.00 charge for removal after the occasion.
The Memorial Hall would be contacted officially for permission to site the tree over the Festive Season and the Council’s insurers would be contacted to see if we had sufficient insurance cover.
(b) Pedestrian Crossing Lights.
Email had been sent to County Councillor Heath informing her of the Council’s determination to improve the visibility of the pedestrian crossing, explaining the details to date regarding LED lighting attachments, asking for any information on available grant aid and requesting where permission to install a safety mirror at the junction of the A53 and Sutherland Road could be obtained from.
(c) Steps from Sutherland Road down to the Canal Towpath had been repaired.
59/24 Other Business.
Lengthsman’s Instructions.
The Council’s lengthsman would be instructed to cut back overgrown vegetation over the pavements in School Lane and Leek Road, and also to paint the public seat at the junction of School Lane & Devil’s Lane.
60/24 Correspondence.
The following had already been distributed to Councillors:-
Anniversary Picnic Notice from Moorlands Climate Action.
Updated Safety Bill from Chair of Staffs Moorlands Parish Assembly.
Footpath No. 9 Diversion Notice.
Community Customer Survey from Staffs. Police.
Road Closure Notice for Dunwood Lane.
61/24 Planning Matters.
The following Planning Notice had been received:
SMD/2024/0362 Existing Side Attached Garage to be Replaced with Single Storey Side Extension at Dunwood Mount, Dunwood Lane, Longsdon.
It was agreed to forward no objections to this application.
62/24 Finance Matters.
(a) A request for additional information of signatories on the Council’s bank account had been received from T.S.B. This would be returned in due course.
(b) An update on the bank account was distributed to Councillors.
(c) Orders for Payment.
It was agreed that the following items be paid:
| Recipient | Amount | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| J. A. Gibson. | £ 168.00 | Agency Work. |
| Information Commissioner. | £ 40.00 | Data Protection Fee (Renewal) |
| The Wheel. | £ 25.00 | Room Hire. |
| Ionos | £ 12.00 | Monthly Charge paid by direct debit £6.00 12th. July 24. |
| £6.00 12th. Aug. 24. |
63/24 Public Comments.
There was no business under this item.
64/24 Items for Inclusion in the Agenda for the Next Meeting.
There was no business under this item.
65/24 Date of Next Meeting.
The date of the next meeting was arranged for Thursday 24th October 2024 at 7.00pm in the upstairs room of the Wheel Public House, Leek Road, Longsdon.
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Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 11th. July 2024 in the Upstairs Room of the Wheel Public House, Leek Road, Longsdon at 7.00pm.
Present: Councillor J. Sargeant (Chair).
Councillors J. Cox, S. Dickinson, D. Hughes, R. Lovell & K. Shaw
In Attendance: John Bourne, Clerk to the Council.
40/24 Apologies for Absence.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor C. Hogan.
41/24 Declarations of Interest.
There were no declarations of interest at this point.
42/24 Chairman’s Address.
The Chairman made reference to the change of government last week with the new regime wasting no time in announcing changes to encourage house building aimed at creating 1.5 million new homes over the next five years. It is likely that we shall see the opening of the floodgates for new house build planning applications in the Green Belt. Let us hope that doesn’t destroy the fabric of our neighbourhood.
43/24 Public Comments.
There was no business under this item.
44/24 Approval of Minutes of Last Meeting.
The minutes of the meeting held on 16th. May 2024 had been circulated and it was agreed that the minutes be signed as a true copy.
45/24 Matters Arising.
(a) The names of the Council’s Staffs. Moorlands Assembly Representatives had been sent in.
(b) The name of the Council’s representative on the Memorial Hall Committee had been sent in.
(c) Sites for Christmas Tree.
The details of the proposed Christmas Tree were again discussed especially the size of the tree etc. Contact would be made with a local garden centre regarding this and the possible supply.
(d) Pedestrian Crossing Lights.
Fixed prices had now been received for the “supply only” of the products needed to install the LED flashing lights on the crossing but with no idea of the fixing charges.
An approach had been to find out the total cost of a similar crossing in an adjacent Authority’s area but this had yet to be determined. This would be awaited in the short term.
(e) Steps from Sutherland Road down to the Canal Towpath.
The Canal & Rivers Trust had again been been approached about the matter and had replied accordingly.
46/24 Other Business.
Wild Flower Seeding.
The lengthsman had been instructed to seed an experimental area at the junction of Denford Road and Micklea Lane.
He had painted the wooden bus shelters but there was still some work on the metal bus shelter.
47/24 Correspondence.
The following had already been distributed to Councillors:-
Moorlands Climate Action Newsletter – Spring 2024.
Parliament Visit from Dame Karen Bradley M.P.
Message from Chair of Staffs. Moorlands Parish Assembly.
Staffs. Moorlands District Council Events Update – Summer 2024.
48/24 Planning Matters.
There was no business under this item.
49/24 Finance Matters.
(a) The External Audit Exemption Certificate had been sent in and acknowledged.
(b) Annual Governance and Accountability Return Approval
The Annual Governance Statement 2023/2024 was perused and the conditions approved.
Approval was also given to the Annual Accounting Statement 2023/2024 and Bank Reconciliation.
(c) Orders for Payment.
It was agreed that the following items be paid:
| Recipient | Amount | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| J. A. Gibson. | £ 192.00 | Agency Work. |
| £ 200.00 | Repairing & Painting Bus Shelters. | |
| £ 140.00 | Planting of Village Flower Tubs & Replacing Compost. | |
| John Bourne. | £ 334.00 | Clerk’s Salary & Expenses (nett). |
| H.M. Revenue & Customs. | £ 81.00 | P.A.Y.E. |
| The Wheel. | £ 25.00 | Room Hire. |
| Ionos | £ 12.00 | Monthly Charge paid by direct debit £6.00 10th. April 24. |
| £6.00 14th. May 24. |
50/24 Public Comments.
There was no business under this item.
51/24 Items for Inclusion in the Agenda for the Next Meeting.
None other than previously mentioned.
52/24 Date of Next Meeting.
The date of the next meeting was arranged for Thursday 29th. August 2024 at 7.00pm in the upstairs room of the Wheel Public House, Leek Road, Longsdon.
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Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 16th. May 2024 in the Upstairs Room of the Wheel Public House, Leek Road, Longsdon at 7.00pm.
Present: Councillor J. Sargeant (Chair).
Councillors J. Cox, S. Dickinson, C. Hogan, D. Hughes, R. Lovell & K. Shaw
In Attendance: John Bourne, Clerk to the Council.
One Member of the Public.
27/24 Apologies for Absence.
There were no apologies for absence.
28/24 Declarations of Interest.
There were no declarations of interest at this point.
29/24 Chairman’s Address.
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.
30/24 Public Comments.
It was reported that the planning application for the New Inn would be discussed again by SMDC Planning Committee next week.
31/24 Approval of Minutes of Last Meeting.
The minutes of the meeting held on 28th. March 2024 had been circulated and it was agreed that the minutes be signed as a true copy.
32/24 Matters Arising.
(a) Site for Christmas Tree.
An unofficial approach had been made with a representation of the Memorial Hall but no decision on the suggested site had been made.
Solar lighting of the tree had been investigated and a suggestion of sponsorship for the tree was mentioned.
(b) Wild Flower Seeding.
The lengthsman had been approached and he was familiar with this method. It was agreed to seed an experimental area at the junction of Denford Road and Micklea Lane.
(c) Pedestrian Crossing Lights.
No further update on the cost installing a Pelican style crossing had been received.
The LED flashing lights on a crossing in an adjacent Authority’s area had been viewed and it was agreed that the costs etc be investigated.
(d) Denford Road Speeding.
The matter was still ongoing after the local P.C.S.O’s had been approached.
(e) Steps from Sutherland Road down to the Canal Towpath.
The Canal & Rivers Trust had been approached about the matter and had apparently erected safety barriers but it was reported that these had been placed to one side. The trust to be informed of this.
33/24 Other Business.
It was reported that the lengthsman had the paint and would be painting the bus shelters shortly.
34/24 Correspondence.
The following had already been distributed to Councillors:-
Staffs Police Surgery.
Moorlands Climate Action – What’s On.
Moorlands Climate Action Newsletter – Spring 2024.
Parliament Visit from Dame Karen Bradley M.P.
35/24 Planning Matters.
There was no business under this item.
36/24 Finance Matters.
(a) To receive a copy of the Annual Accounts for 2023 / 2024.
(b) Appointment of Internal Auditor.
(c) Submission of External Audit Exemption Certificate.
(d) Orders for Payment.
It was agreed that the following items be paid:
| Recipient | Amount | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| J. A. Gibson. | £ 168.00 | Agency Work. |
| Zurich Insurance. | £ 395.24 | . |
| John Bourne. | £ 405.92 | Clerk’s Salary & Expenses (nett). |
| H.M. Revenue & Customs. | £ 81.00 | P.A.Y.E. |
| The Wheel. | £ 25.00 | Room Hire. |
| Ionos | £ 12.00 | Monthly Charge paid by direct debit £6.00 10th. April 24 . |
| £6.00 10th. May 24. |
37/24 Public Comments.
There was no business under this item.
38/24 Items for Inclusion in the Agenda for the Next Meeting.
None other than previously mentioned.
39/24 Date of Next Meeting.
The date of the next meeting was arranged for Thursday 11th. July 2024 at 7.00pm in the upstairs room of the Wheel Public House, Leek Road, Longsdon.
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