FEATHERSTONE AND BRINSFORD
PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
held on Thursday, 13th June 2024 at 6.45pm
in Featherstone and Hilton Community Centre
Present: F Beardsmore, R Tucker, J Smith, Z Webb, D Randell, J Brindle, D Betts, A Rowe and T Smitheman
Also Present: County Councillor K Perry
One Member of the Public
R Young – Clerk to the Council
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1) COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
K Perry mentioned the following:-
Taken Mark DeVille to the A460/M54 traffic island to explain problems. Issue elevated to James Bailey at Staffordshire County Council who will come back to K Perry. M Keeling had confirmed he was fully aware of issues.
Business case to be submitted as repair work will cost £120,000 and will need to go to Cabinet for approval.
Featherstone Lane – No funding allocated at present time. The Chairman, F Beardsmore, commented Bernard Williams had arranged a Survey. A costing for the one-way option was needed.
The Chairman, F Beardsmore, thanked K Perry for attending the Parish Council Meeting.
The Clerk to ask K Perry if she could request SCC to undertake a clean-up by the Post Office on the A460.
2) DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
J Brindle confirmed he had attended a Scrutiny Committee Meeting at South Staffordshire Council.
3) PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Member of the Public confirmed details of donation (£741.00) paid into the Parish Council’s bank account towards the cost of Keep Fit Equipment.
4) POLICE MATTERS
The Chairman reported that procedures for reporting to the Parish Council were under review.
At the meeting held on the 6th May 2024, Inspector Tim Norberry said he can be emailed directly. Agreed there was a need for improvement with regard to PCSO’s.
5) APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence were received from V Lockley, M Perks and R Cope.
6) MINUTES
It was proposed (D Betts), seconded (A Rowe) and agreed that the Minutes of the Annual Parish Council Meeting and the Annual General Meeting held on the 9th May 2024 be approved as a true and correct record, subject to the following amendments:-
Annual Parish Meeting – Delete D Randall – Include D Randell.
Annual General Meeting – Delete D Randall – Include D Randell.
12f) – Delete 17 The Avenue – Include 15 The Avenue.
Resolved: That the Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting and Annual General Meeting held on the 9th May 2024 be approved as a true and correct record, subject to the above amendments.
7) DECLARATION OF INTEREST
Councillors J Brindle, R Tucker and T Smitheman declared an interest in all matters relating to Featherstone and Hilton Community Centre. D Randell and Z Webb declared an interest in all matters relating to Featherstone Chapel.
8) MATTERS ARISING
a) Website
T Smitheman to liaise with M Perks regarding development of the new site. D Randell asked if meeting dates could be included.
b) Prison Visits
Brinsford Prison – to be arranged.
Featherstone Prison – R Tucker to prepare Agenda.
c) 15 The Avenue
R Cope progressing matter regarding the untidy state of this property and grounds.
9) HIGHWAY MATTERS
a) Hilton Road
Potholes filled except one on Hilton Road.
b) A460/New Road Traffic Light Junction
Mark Keeling replied as follows:-
On the A460, Advanced Direction Signs and signal warning signs are present in both directions, from Dark Lane we have an advanced signals warning sign and advanced lane sign on New Road, all junctions have relevant road markings.
I understand there are historic issues with the No Right Turn from the A460 into Dark Lane; however, the lane is clearly marked as straight on, accompanied by the ADS (with No Right Turn Sign) an additional lane indication sign, No Right Turn Lane markings, and No Right Turn sign on the signal heads.
I think some drivers are perhaps looking at Sav Nav or are just ignoring the signs which is difficult to manage.
The Clerk to reply that the Parish Council consider signage needs to be larger.
c) M54/A460 Traffic Island
K Perry and the Parish Council waiting for response from James Bailey at SCC regarding his priority assessment.
d) HM Prison Signs on New Road
The Clerk to enquire with C Larvin at SCC Highways as to who installed the small HM Prison Signs.
e) Malayan Way Sign
The Clerk to enquire with C Larvin regarding progress.
f) Road from Featherstone Farm to Kings Repose
The Clerk to enquire with C Larvin regarding progress.
g) National Highways
Clerk to request National Highways to undertake a clean-up from the M54 to Dark Lane.
10) REPORT – FEATHERSTONE AND HILTON COMMUNITY CENTRE
The following matters were mentioned:-
Meeting cancelled – To be re-arranged.
Roof quote to undertake repairs – Referred to Private and Confidential.
Broken Window and Guttering damaged.
Playground Swings damaged – Replacements ordered.
At meeting with SSDC, it was mentioned funding may be available for CCTV at the Community Centre.
11) REPORT – FEATHERSTONE FIRST RESPONDERS
No matters reported.
12) REPORT – HOUSING ASSOCIATION
Email of thanks to be sent from the Parish Council regarding the installation of electric gates. The Clerk reported the email sent had been deleted.
13) PLANNING
a) Planning Applications Received
i) 24/00459/DEM
HM Young Offenders Institution, Brinsford
New Road, Featherstone
Prior Notification of proposed demolition of Wooden Building only.
ii) 24/00432/FULHH
Single storey side extension
23 Olde Hall Road, Featherstone
iii) 24/00414/FULHH
Two storey and single storey rear extension and front porch
58 Hilton Road, Featherstone
b) Other Planning Matters
i) Chip Shop, Featherstone
The Clerk to enquire with Catherine Gutteridge regarding progress of Enforcement action.
ii) Property with Half Roof – Cannock Road
D Heywood had replied that Enforcement had stated no rules had been broken. The Clerk to enquire with Enforcement as to the adverse visual impact.
iii) Red, White and Blue Public House
R Cope making enquiries as to what is being proposed for the Red, White and Blue.
14) REVIEW OF PARISH LITTER PICKERS AND GARDENER
Meeting arranged for 27th June 2024.
15) HARVEST GROVE DEVELOPMENT
Work on internal roads to start on the 17th June 2024. Work on external roads to follow.
Meeting with D Heywood.
The following issues were raised at the meeting:-
• Proposed Brick Changing Room now a Portakabin.
• Football Pitch preparation and condition.
• Nets not installed due to concerns regarding Bats.
• D Heywood said not to accept responsibility unless completely happy with all aspects, including Play and Park area.
Additional Comments
• J Brindle – Car Park not tarmacked.
• R Tucker – Changing Rooms may not be fit for purpose.
• Completion of roads on development site and external roads.
• Sports Field – Many outstanding issues.
• Completion of Car Park.
• Availability of Football Pitch.
• Ponding.
• Section 166 Agreement for 10 years – Need confirmation of how much for how long.
• Can we have key for Changing Room.
Clerk to enquire with D Heywood on points outstanding.
16) CORRESPONDENCE
SSDC – Landywood Family Hub Launch Event.
SSDC – General Election Work plus Poster.
Scottish Power – Welcome Pack.
SPCA – NALC Star Council Awards 2024.
SSDC – South Staffordshire Council – Chairman’s Civic Sunday – 30th June 2024.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue – Community Newsletter Summer Edition 2024.
Netwise – Adoption of Government Domain.
17) PARISH MAINTENANCE
a) Play Area Swings
It was proposed (J Brindle), seconded (D Betts) and agreed two replacement Swing Seats and Chairs should be purchased.
Resolved: To purchase two Swing Seats and Chairs for the Featherstone Play Area.
b) Dog Waste/Litter Bins
D Randell had produced a survey of bins in the Parish. Need to determine where additional bins are needed or existing not used to be relocated.
F Beardsmore commented there were no waste bins at Harvest Grove with possibly two needed.
A Rowe also commented two were needed at Brinsford.
Mark Moore from SSDC had said at the meeting on the 6th June 2024, if any waste bin is not used then he would arrange to move to a new location.
18) NEW PLAY EQUIPMENT
Meeting to be arranged to discuss and decide on specification of new play equipment.
19) ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
a) Parish Newsletter
Newsletter could update Parishioners regarding Meeting of the 6th June 2024.
b) Community Gardening Club
Z Webb reported the following:-
Little Garden by Featherstone Sign when coming off the M54 onto A460.
Planting options by Shops.
c) Website
No further comments.
d) Ground Maintenance
Deferred until next month.
Clerk to enquire as to how many grass cuts were missed.
e) Speed Indication Devices
The Clerk to confirm not as a cost to the Parish Council and should be a County Council responsibility.
f) Royal Ordinance Site
No update received.
20) DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Thursday, 11th July 2024.
21) FINANCE
a) Cheque Payments
It was proposed, seconded and agreed to issue the following cheques:
Date Cheque No Details £
13/06/2024 003989 Litter Picker 495.73
13/06/2024 003990 Litter Picker 445.93
13/06/2024 003991 Litter Picker 495.73
13/06/2024 003992 Parish Handyman/Gardener 396.73
13/06/2024 003993 Parish Clerk 1,166.10
13/06/2024 003994 HMRC (PAYE) 536.73
13/06/2024 003995 Gallagher Insurance 4,133.40
13/06/2024 003996 Playdale Playground 1,012.56
13/06/2024 003997 Cancelled 0.00
13/06/2024 003998 K Blair 207.71
13/06/2024 003999 Cancelled 0.00
13/06/2024 004000 Cancelled 0.00
13/06/2024 004001 Featherstone Senior Citizens Club 250.00
TOTAL: £9,140.62
Resolved: To issue the above cheques.
b) Annual Return 2023-2024
The Clerk gave details of the Receipts and Payments for the year 1st April 2023 – 31st March 2024 and details of any variances.
It was proposed, seconded and agreed the Chairman and Parish Clerk should sign the Annual Return.
Resolved: The Chairman and Parish Clerk to sign the Annual Return for 2023-2024.
c) Bank Account
The Clerk gave details of the current Bank Balance.
d) Timesheet
The Parish Handyman/Gardener provided a Timesheet for the period 2nd April 2024 – 30th April 2024 and 1st May 2024 – 29th May 2024.