Minutes of Meeting held on Friday 27th. March 2026 in Longsdon Memorial Hall, Leek Road, Longsdon at 7.00pm.

Present: Councillor J. Sargeant (Chair).

Councillors S. Dickinson, D. Hughes, R. Lovell & K. Shaw.

In Attendance: John Bourne, Clerk to the Council.

103/25 Apologies for Absence.

Apologies for absence were received from J. Cox & C. Hogan.

104/25 Declarations of Interest.

There were no declarations of interest at this point.

105/25 Chairman’s Address.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

106/25 Public Comments.

There was no business under this item.

107/25 Approval of Minutes of Last Meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on 6th. January 2026 had been circulated, and it was agreed that the minutes be signed as a true record.

108/25 Matters Arising.

(a) Christmas Tree – New Outdoor Electrical Socket

The position of the electrical socket installed alongside the new defibrillator cabinet was agreed not be ideal for illuminating a Christmas tree in the spot used for the last two years. Discussion commenced on the feasibility of having a mains socket on the stone wall adjacent the pavement. It was discovered that an underground cable would need to be at least 14 inches (36 centimeters) below the surface and enclosed in a conduit. It was felt that the groundwork for this would be prohibitively expensive. It was agreed to consider alternative methods of supplying power for the tree lights, potentially alternative places for the tree and also alternative types of tree which may be lighter and allow loftier locations. This to be discussed again at the next meeting.

(b) Common Land.

A further discussion took place on the matter and it was agreed to discuss ideas again with the representative of Staffs. Wildlife Trust.

(c) Longsdon Memorial Hall.

Information was received that a meeting between a member of the Memorial Hall committee, an interested parishioner and a member of the Council had been arranged for the following Monday. It was agreed to postpone further discussion until any results from that meeting could be reviewed. It was understood that the intention of the hall meeting was to convey assurance that people were willing to help in its management and reduce the strain on the existing very few members.

109/25 Other Business.

Lengthsman Instructions.

Any instructions to be reported to the Clerk

110/25 Correspondence.

The following had already been distributed to Councillors: -

SMDC – Local Government Re-organisation Consultation.

Update from Stoke on Trent City Council.

Invitation to SMDC Chairman’s Charity Ball – 17th. April 2026.

SMDC Dementia Friends Session – 22nd April 2026.

111/25 Planning Matters.

Councillors had been consulted on the following Planning Application:

SMD/2026/0063 Replacement Garage with Gym & New Games Room at Mollatts Wood Road, One adverse comment received. A report was sent in with a majority no objections.

SMD/2026/0051Listed Building Consent for New Windows at Dunwood House Farm.

No objections were received.

112/25 Finance Matters.

Orders for Payment.

Endon Christmas Tree Farm. £120.00.Already paid as agreed.

It was agreed that the following items be paid:

113/25 Public Comments.

There was no business under this item.

114/25 Items for Inclusion in the Agenda for the Next Meeting.

AGAR details, Exemption certificate, Annual governance statement.

115/25 Date of Next Meeting.

The date of the next meeting was arranged for Friday 8th. May 2026 at 7-00p.m.