Minutes of Meeting held on Friday 8th. May 2026 in the Longsdon Memorial Hall, Leek Road, Longsdon at 7.00pm.

Present: Councillor J. Sargeant (Chair).

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

In Attendance: Two Members of the Public.

Rachael Powell - Trustee of Longsdon Memorial Hall.

John Bourne, Clerk to the Council.

1/26 Apologies for Absence.

Apologies for absence were received from J. Cox & S. Dickinson.

2/26 Declarations of Interest.

There were no declarations of interest at this point.

3/26 Chairman’s Address.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

4/26 Public Comments.

There was no business under this item.

5/26 Approval of Minutes of Last Meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on 27th. March 2026 had been circulated, and it was agreed that the minutes be signed as a true record.

6/26 Matters Arising.

(a) Christmas Tree Power Supply.

A further discussion took place on whether the wiring for the Christmas tree lighting point should be overhead or underground to the exterior boundary wall. It was agreed to consult with a qualified local electrician for a suitable solution.

(b) Common Land.

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

(c) Longsdon Memorial Hall.

With the help of the trustee of the hall in attendance, the question of a public meeting to inform parishioners of the need for more support for the hall was again suggested. However, it was agreed to help publicise the forthcoming Annual General Meeting of the Management Committee to be held on 5th. June 2026.

7/26 Other Business.

Defibrillator Pads.

The Council had been informed that the Defibrillator Pads had reached their expiry dates.

It was agreed to purchase new pads at an approximate cost of £80-00.

Lengthsman Instructions.

Any instructions to be reported to the Clerk

8/26 Corresponence.

The following had already been distributed to Councillors: - SMDC – Emergency Briefing Screening Session.

Letter from S.P.C.A. to Staffs County Council on Gritting Bins.

Invitation to SMDC Local Engagement Workshop.

Invitation to Haydns Masterpiece – 30th.May 2026.

9/26 Planning Matters.

Application No. SMD/2025 had been superseded and Councillors had been asked to send further objections to the proposals at High View, Sutherland Road, Longsdon.

10/26 Finance Matters.

A copy of the Annual Accounts for 2025/2026 was distributed to Councillors.

No adverse comments were received.

As the Council’s turnover was less than £25,000.00 it was agreed to sign and forward the External Audit Exemption Certificate.

The Annual Governance Statement was approved.

The Annual Accounting Statements were approved.

The Annual Publication documents – Bank Reconciliation & Statement of Significant Variations were approved and signed.

The Internal Auditor’s report was received. She had mentioned one minor issue with an unpresented cheque.

It was agreed to investigate the setting up of internet banking.

TSB Bank had informed the Council that it was merging with Santander Bank.

The Council’s Risk Assessment Policy was reviewed and approved.

Orders for Payment.

It was agreed that the following items be paid:

11/26 Public Comments.

There was no business under this item.

12/26 Items for Inclusion in the Agenda for the Next Meeting.

None.

13/26 Date of Next Meeting.

The date of the next meeting was arranged for Friday 26th June 2026 at 7-00p.m.