Minutes of Meeting held on Friday 12th. October 2026 in the Longsdon Memorial Hall, Leek Road, Longsdon at 7.00pm.

Present: Councillor J. Sargeant (Chair).

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

In attendance: J. Bourne, Clerk to the Council.

28/26 Declaration of Interest.

There were no declarations of interest at this point.

29/26 Apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from J. Cox.

30/26 Chairman’s Address.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

31/26 Public Comments.

A lengthy email had been received from parishioners. This was dealt with under Matters Arising (a).

32/26 Approval of Minutes of Last Meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on 21st. August 2026 had been circulated. Under item 23/26 it was agreed to substitute the word “advised” for the word “instructed”. It was then agreed that the minutes be signed as a true record. .

33/26 Matters Arising.

(a) Sutherland Road Junction.

A lengthy email had been received from parishioners regarding the dangerous egress of traffic leaving Sutherland Road and joining the A53 Leek Road, Longsdon.

A recap of some of the many requests for improved road safety measures made to the County Council was read out. It included speed awareness signs, re-siting the existing speed camera, extending white lines, a 30mph speed limit through the village, a roadside mirror and larger signs for the pedestrian crossing.

The email received suggested that a Formal Junction Safety Assessment be undertaken, that to be an engineering assessment rather than simply an officers view. It also suggested requesting the evidence behind any previous decisions not to act.

After a very lengthy discussion it was agreed to ask the County Highways Department for these, together with details of what surveys have been undertaken at the junction

It was also suggested that a public meeting could be held to discuss any answers received.

(b) Christmas Tree Power Supply.

Two quotations had been received for the underground electricity supply cable for the Christmas tree.

One from AB Construction in the sum of £775.00 + V.A.T. for excavation, laying a 3 inch duct pipe to receive an electric cable, back filling and re-instatement of the surface.

A further quotation of £402.75 was received from the electrician for installing the necessary cable and the external connections.

It was agreed to accept both the quotations and to get the work ordered and done.

(c) Common Land.

No report was received but it was agreed that an annual check on the land should be undertaken.

(d) Remembrance Day Poppies.

The Chairman reported that three new poppies had been made with materials costing £28.50 + VAT.

(e) Condition of Notice Boards.

It was reported that the condition of the notice board in Sutherland Road was causing concern. There was ingress of water which needed notices to be attached inside a plastic folder and also the plastic windows were becoming obscured. A new notice board could cost approx. £350.

In the first instance an attempt would be made to replace the window and alleviate the water problem.

(f) Internet Banking.

Internet banking had been arranged with TSB Banking, the Council’s bank. It was agreed that two signatories would be needed to authorise any transactions.

34/26 Other Business.

A resident had asked the Council for assistance in getting a culvert under the A53 onto his land inspected again by the County Council. It had become blocked by tree roots two years ago and the inspection is requested to ensure the roots have not regrown. The County Council would be contacted.

35/26 Correspondence.

The following had already been distributed to Councillors: -

SMDC Local Plan Review.

LGR Announcement.

Dunwood Lane Road Closure – 13th. November 26.

Phoenix Singers Autumn Concert – 10th. October 26.

36/26 Planning Matters.

It was reported that the old New Inn had now been demolished.

37/26 Finance Matters.

A copy of the quarterly Bank Account details was distributed to Councillors.

38/26 Orders for Payment.

It was agreed that all the items be paid.

39/26 Public Comments.

There was no business under this item.

40/26 Items for Inclusion in the Agenda for the Next Meeting.

Regular report from the Memorial Hall.

41/26 Date of Next Meeting.

The date of the next meeting was arranged for Friday 20th. November 2026 at 7-00p.m.