Meeting 6th June 2022

DRAFT MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

Meeting of the Parish Council

held on Monday 6th June 2022

at 7.30 pm, at Edingale Village Hall

Members present:

Cllrs Startin (Chair), Cliffe, Dhillon, Lacey, Mason, Meikle and Purkess

Present: Mrs M Jones, Clerk to the Parish Council, 10 members of the public and representatives of Staffordshire County Council Highways.

30/22.  To receive and approve apologies

None received.

31/22. To receive any Declarations of Interest

None received.

32/22. To approve the draft Minutes of the meeting of 5th May 2022  The Minutes were approved and were signed by Cllr Startin.

33/22. To adjourn the meeting, hold the public session, to reconvene

John Dixon and Steve Woodcroft, structural engineers working for Staffordshire County Council Highways, had attended to explain the recent report findings on Chetwynd Bridge. An inspection had found that an independent concrete deck put in place 25 years ago to protect the historic bridge had sagged onto the 200 year old cast iron ribs and braces, causing cracking of these. In the interim traffic lights and bollards had been installed to prevent vehicles hitting the sides but more needed to be done to ensure public safety and an 18 tonne weight limit was proposed. A new bridge was being planned and government funding would be requested, it was hoped to be able to construct this by 2025.                   Various suggestions were made by members of the public and Councillors; they pointed out the effect of the weight limit on local farms and businesses, Catton Hall Festival traffic and school buses. There would also be a negative effect on local roads. Moving farm vehicles and vehicles over 18 tonnes would involve a diversion to cross the river at Tamworth or Burton, a possible journey of 18 miles via Ventura Park or the narrow lanes of Whittington. Councillor Amy Wheelton of South Derbyshire pointed out that an alternative route through Walton would not be possible until the bridge there had been replaced. It was suggested by those present that removing the concrete bollards and replacing them with lighter structures to protect the sides would reduce the dead load, in addition to a lower speed limit of 10mph this could mean a higher live load could cross the bridge so the weight limit could be increased.                                                            Everyone was thanked for attending and invited to the next meeting on July 4^th.

34/22. To receive the Clerk’s Report

Mowing enquiry – Village Gardeners were still trying to resolve the query made by a resident earlier in the year regarding the need for a number plate on the mower.

Taxi – the weekly Tuesday taxi service to Tamworth was still appreciated by those who used it and others should get in touch if they wished to use it.

35/22. To consider any planning matters

Following the concern raised at the last meeting about the verges in Mill Lane where a new drive was being constructed, the Clerk had circulated the approved plan and the works appeared to be in conformity with it. It was agreed that there was no need to contact Enforcement.

36/22. To consider Chetwynd Bridge

Following the discussion during the public session it was RESOLVED that the Clerk would summarise the suggestions made and send these to Mr Dixon. Those who had been previously informed of the proposed weight limit would be contacted to update them on the proposals, including County Cllr Alan White, C. Pincher M.P. and District Cllr Yeates, and local Parish Councils would be informed. English Heritage would be informed of the concerns. Details would be sent to the local press and residents informed about the possible impact of such a limit. A further public meeting could be held on a night when the main hall was available.

37/22. To consider progress on village name signs

The National Forest Grant Form had been submitted; it was likely that they would only pay for the signs with their logo, not the associated costs such as the gates and permits. The quote from Highways contractors for installation had not yet been received. Cllr Mason suggested obtaining installation quotes from other contractors if there was further delay.

38/22. To consider the Best Kept Village Community Competition

The second round of judging had taken place on 1st June, with a possibility of a third round in July. Information had been submitted by Cllr Meikle on community activities in Edingale; the Community Spirit section could gain many extra marks. Cllr Meikle was thanked for his hard work and in turn he thanked all the residents who had helped provide information for the competition and kept the village tidy.

39/22. To consider a query regarding the children’s Play Lodge

It was confirmed that the Play Lodge was owned by the Parish Council and should be included in its insurance. It would continue to be inspected for safety along with the Village Hall’s equipment and a copy of the Annual Report would be forwarded to be kept with the Parish Council’s records.

40/22. To consider parking near Village Hall entrance

Concern had been raised by the Village Hall Committee regarding parking in the turning area next to the car park barrier which could prevent access to the Village Hall car park. This could also risk emergency vehicles being unable to reach the Village Hall. Improved signage could help. An enquiry had been made to Highways about how to deal with this matter and this would be considered at a further meeting when a response was received from them.

41/22 To consider the Internal Auditor’s Report and to appoint an Internal Auditor for the financial year 2022-23.

It was RESOLVED to note the Internal Auditor’s Report and to appoint Kim Squires of Toplis Associates as Internal Auditor for 2022-23.

42/22 To approve the Annual Governance Statement.

It was RESOLVED to approve the Annual Governance Statement for 2021-22.

43/22 To approve the Annual Accounting Statements.

It was RESOLVED to approve the Annual Accounting Statements for 2021-22.

44/22 To approve Certificate of Exemption from Limited Assurance Review.

It was RESOLVED to certify that Edingale Parish Council was exempt from a limited assurance review for 2021-22.

45/22. To receive Councillors’ Reports

Cllr Mason raised the issue of the poor state of the County Council owned land near the school and adjacent to the Village Hall field. This would be considered at the next meeting.

46/22. To receive correspondence

Staffordshire Parish Councils Association; bulletins

Resident regarding new recycling arrangements – forwarded to Cllr Yeates and advised resident to contact Lichfield District Council

National Forest – H.M. Queen’s Green canopy scheme – enquiring if Edingale Parish Council wishes to plant a tree under this initiative – for future consideration

Lichfield City Centre digital survey https://communities.createstreets.com/LichfieldCityCentre

Staffordshire County Council – data protection service available if required

Lichfield District Council Licensing Dept – street trading policy consultation

47/22. To receive a Financial Report

The current account stood at £22,343.

RESOLVED to approve the Financial Report, see Appendix 1.

48/22.To approve the payments on the payment schedule

Mrs M Jones, salary and expenses, £373.05;

HMRC, PAYE, £14.20

Acorn Taxi, May £170.63

Village Gardeners, mowing £539.50

Gallagher, Insurance premium £404.41

Toplis Associates, Audit fee £156.60

Lichfield District Council, litter and dog waste bin emptying £992.16

Anthony Mason, plants for tubs £92.38

It was RESOLVED to approve the payments; Cllr Dhillon would authorise these.

49/22.Date of next meeting

Monday 4^th July 2022, 7.30 at Edingale Village Hall.   The meeting closed at 21.20.