Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 6th. January 2026 in the Longsdon Memorial Hall, 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.
90/25 Apologies for Absence.
There were no apologies for absence.
91/25 Declarations of Interest.
There were no declarations of interest at this point.
92/25 Chairman’s Address.
The Chairman wished Councillors a Happy New Year and hoped that this would be a good year for all.
He thanked everyone for attending on such a cold, damp evening for the Council’s first meeting in Longsdon Memorial Hall since September 2006. He commented that Clerk John Bourne was first introduced to the Council in this hall at the meeting of August 2006 and the current chair was co-opted on the same evening. It was a rather cold venue back then, conducive to quickly dispatching the business of the evening.
93/25 Public Comments.
There was no business under this item.
94/25 Approval of Minutes of Last Meeting.
The minutes of the meeting held on 20th. November 2025 had been circulated, and it was agreed that the minutes be signed as a true record.
95/25 Matters Arising.
(a) Defibrillator Cabinet & Christmas Tree – Report by the Chairman.
A heated defibrillator cabinet was installed at the Memorial Hall by AEDdonate in a different place from the original, part way around the corner of the hall. A new outdoor mains socket was installed at the same time.
The Vice Chair & Chair concluded that from the new location the wiring for the Christmas tree lights should be overhead and low voltage. Appropriate poles, conduits, and low voltage extension cables were installed.
The Chairman thanked the Vice Chair for ordering the Christmas tree, arranging delivery and assisting with its installation and lighting.
He also thanked the Vice Chair and Councillor Dickinson for their very great help in dismantling and disposal of the tree. Councillor Hughes was thanked for cleaning up the debris from the earlier installation.
The tree and lights were generally agreed to be good and particularly pleasant during the evenings.
(b) Common Land.
A representative of Staffs. Wildlife Trust had met the Vice Chair on site and had forwarded a long list of suggestions for the site. These suggestions to be discussed at the next meeting.
(c) Remembrance Day Poppies.
Three poppies were destroyed by storms whilst being displayed this year. More would be purchased for next year.
96/25 Other Business.
Lengthsman Instructions.
The lengthsman would be instructed to cut back an overhanging hedge in School Lane and to replant the village flower tubs when necessary.
(b) Longsdon Memorial Hall.
Questions were asked about the running of the Hall. Enquiries would be made.
97/25. Correspondence.
The following had already been distributed to Councillors: - SMDC – Proposal to Government on Local Re-organisation.
Road Closure – Dunwood Lane – 20th.January 2026.
Road Closure – Sutherland Road – 20th January 2026.
Planning - Speaking at Committees.
Invitation from New Vic Theatre.
SMDC Chair’s Letter to the Prime Minister.
98/25 Planning Matters.
There was no business under this item.
A report had been received that the SMDC Planning Committee had overruled the Officer’s Recommendations and given approval to the proposed demolition of the old New Inn and the proposed construction of a Farm Shop.
99/25 Finance Matters.
Orders for Payment.
It was agreed that the following items be paid:
| Recipient | Amount | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| J. A. Gibson. | £ 108.00 | . Litter Picking. |
| £ 108.00 | . County Type Job. | |
| John Bourne. | £ 350.10 | Clerk’s Salary & Expenses - Nett. |
| H.M. Revenue & Customs. | £ 88.40 | P.A.Y.E. |
| Longsdon Memorial Hall. | £ 25.00 | Room Hire. |
| Ionos | £ 7.20 | Monthly Charge paid by direct debit 12th. November 25. |
| £ 7.20 | Monthly Charge paid by direct debit 12th. December 25. |
The Chairman offered to pay the Memorial Hall by online banking and be reimbursed at the next meeting. This was agreed.
100/25 Public Comments.
There was no business under this item.
101/25 Items for Inclusion in the Agenda for the Next Meeting.
Common Land Plans.
Underground Cable & Electrical Socket for Christmas tree.
Spares for the Defibrillator.
Longsdon Memorial Hall
102/25 Date of Next Meeting.
The date of the next meeting was to be arranged.
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