FEATHERSTONE AND BRINSFORD
PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
held on Thursday, 12th September 2024 at 6.45pm
in Featherstone and Hilton Community Centre
Present: F Beardsmore, R Tucker, J Smith, V Lockley, Z Webb, D Randell, T Smitheman,
J Brindle and M Perks
Also Present: County Councillor K Perry
District Councillor R Cope
PCSO T Nichol
Six Members of the Public
R Young – Clerk to the Council
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1) COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
K Perry mentioned the following:-
- Escalated boundary issue to Senior Legal Officer at County Council.
- A460/M54 Traffic Island – Planned for work to start on 18th September 2024 – Work will take three weeks with some night time working. Vegetation to be cut back with surface repairs onto A460.
The Chairman, F Beardsmore thanked K Perry for dealing with this matter.
2) DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
- J Brindle
J Brindle reported the following:-
- Attended Waste Management course.
- Two District Council Officers have walked around Harvest Grove and Featherstone Village.
- Attended Planning and Health and Wellbeing Meetings.
- R Cope
R Cope mentioned the following:-
- Attended Planning Meeting.
- Update regarding Solar Farm and Battery Site.
- Featherstone Battery Site – Environment Officer at South Staffordshire Council recommends refusal.
- Government have requested an increase in the number of houses to be built in the District. District Council need to look for a new settlement.
3) PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The following matters were raised by Parishioners:-
- Emergency vehicles could not get down The Avenue by the shops due to parked vehicles. Need yellow lines on opposite side of road to the shops. M Keeling to be asked about yellow No Parking lines when he comes to the next Parish Council Meeting.
- Three lights not working on Centre Car Park.
- Parishioner made statement that the County Council, District Council and Parish Council let Parishioners down regarding the boundary dispute with the County Council. Noise levels, debris, starting work before 7.00am and poor planning by the County Council and Contractors have had an adverse impact on residents. Problems regarding pavement width, continuous hard rolling and kerb stones. Vibration Test Monitor installed and fencing damaged. Need Staffordshire County Council to undertake vehicle speed checks and build a brick wall along boundary line.
F Beardsmore gave a summary of contact with Gavin Williamson and comments he has made. Need to contact Gavin Williamson with details of what has happened. The Clerk to forward a Schedule of issues provided to Gavin Williamson M.P.
- Battery Storage – Parishioner commented that the District Council seem to accept what the applicant states. Noise from the Battery Units is an issue and the District Council has a Duty of Care for Parishioners.
4) POLICE MATTERS
PCSO Teresa Nichols asked if there was anything to discuss. Councillors commented as follows:-
- J Brindle said there appeared to be a greater Police presence in the Village and asked if it was due to the prisoner early release scheme.
- T Smitheman asked if the Police Drop-Ins could resume at the Community Centre.
- Crime Statistics provided by Chief Inspector Norbury and Inspector L Walker as follows:-
Reported Crime Statistics
Overall, crime has decreased by 12% over the 12 month reporting period.
Burglary Residential Dwellings – Burglary offences remain low over the reporting period – There were 11 offences during the previous 12 month period and 10 offences over this period:
January = 0 offences
February = 0 offences
March = 2 offences – Near to Brookhouse Lane
April = 1 offence – Near to Brookhouse Lane
May = 0 offences
June = 1 offence – Near to Four Ashes
July = 1 offence – Near Brookhouse Lane
The above offences have occurred on the estate off the Cannock Road and between Brookhouse Lane and New Road.
Burglary Business and Commercial – Increase of 2% over the 12 month period which in reality is maintaining the standard.
January = 0 offences
February = 0 offences
March = 2 offences
April = 2 offences
May = 1 offence – Hilton Cross Business
June = 1 offence – Hilton Cross Business
July = 2 offences – Hilton Cross Business Park and a premises on the Cannock Road in Featherstone
Vehicle Crime – Theft from Motor Vehicle – Increase of 2% over the 12 month period. We are currently experiencing a decline in this offence type following a recent arrest.
January = 4 offences
February = 1 offence
March = 2 offences
April = 5 offences
May = 2 offences
June = 0 offences
July = 0 offences
Please KIV that nearly all of the offences listed above relate to offences relating to Lorries at the service station as opposed to member of publics personal vehicles.
Vehicle Crime – Theft of Motor Vehicle – Increase of 1% over the 12 month period. Numbers of offences are low, as presented below.
January = 1 offence
February = 3 offences
March = 4 offences
April = 5 offences
May = 1 offence
June = 4 offences – Cannock Road, Brookhouse Lane & services
July = 2 offences – HMP Featherstone and off ‘The Avenue’
We have experienced a spike in offending through April as has been seen Nationally – recent press releases have demonstrated some of the good work we have completed in arresting multiple offenders concerned in the offences of theft of motor vehicles.
Incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour
12 Month Change: 44% decrease
Significant decrease in Anti-Social Behaviour.
January = 1 report
February = 2 reports
March = 2 reports
April = 2 reports
May = 4 reports
June = 3 reports
July = 5 reports – expected in line with Schools breaking up and people enjoying time off of work
Recent reports include:-
- Neighbour disputes
- Off-road Bikes – known individual
News of Note:
We have worked intensively with our community safety partnership to encourage victims of domestic violence to have confidence to report. As a result of our work over the past 12 months, we have seen an increase in historic reporting but importantly, a reduction in repeat victims. We have also seen an increase in our success at bringing offenders to justice – something we are extremely proud of.
We continue to be aware of community concerns around the behaviour of individuals at the Community Centre – PCSO’s are aware and have been asked to patrol these locations.
Policing Operations/Engagement
- We have an ongoing operation relating to off road bikes and have suspects who we are presently managing.
- Our team will be present at Featherstone Post Office on the 30th August 2024 for a ‘drop in’ session and then at Essington Church on the 31st August 2024 for another drop in should any Featherstone resident be unable to attend on the 30th.
I’d like to thank you for your continued support – please remember that you can contact me by email, but ensure every effort is made to discuss issues or queries with your community team.
Kindest regards.
Cl Tim Norbury & Insp Lee Walker
Helpful Links
Volunteers are being sought for community Speed Watch Schemes in all areas, further information can be found by visiting: http://www.staffssaferroads.co.uk/my-community/community-speed-watch
Keep updated on what is occurring within your communities and receive regular Smart Alerts
Social media:
@Staffordshire Police & @South Staffordshire Police
@SStaffsPolice
Please feel free to encourage residents to report incidents via our ‘Live Chat’ service accessible on our website: http://www.staffordshire.police.uk this is an alternative to the 101 telephone reporting service where timely delays can often be experienced.
5) APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence were received from D Betts and A Rowe.
6) MINUTES
It was proposed (R Tucker), seconded (T Smitheman) and agreed that the Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on the 8th August 2024 be approved as a true and correct record.
Resolved: That the Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on the 8th August 2024 be approved as a true and correct record.
7) DECLARATION OF INTEREST
Councillors J Brindle, R Tucker, M Perks 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. Z Webb declared an interest in all matters relating to the Parish Handyman/Gardener.
8) MATTERS ARISING
- Website
- T Smitheman gave an update regarding the new Netwise Website.
- Used Tutorials.
- Prison Visits
- Brinsford Prison – 15th August 2024.
Brinsford Governor agreed to bring up matter of directional signs at the next meeting of the three prison Governors.
- Featherstone Prison – R Tucker to prepare Agenda.
- The Avenue
- Opposite 15 The Avenue – Bungalow with over twenty black bags of rubbish – Clerk to notify J Rhodes.
9) HIGHWAY MATTERS
- A460/New Road Traffic Light Junction
M Keeling had stated the Signs at this location are a sufficient size.
To review with M Keeling when he meets Councillors.
- HM Prison Signs on New Road
Brinsford Governor to enquire at the next Meeting of three prison Governors regarding Signage.
- Other Highway Matters
C Larvin (Highways) confirmed the following:-
New Road service road to the Kings Repose – the carriageway repairs are currently scheduled for 25th September 2024.
Old Lane link footway – works to strim back overgrowth from the footway both sides is currently scheduled for 19th September 2024 (I have utilised the opportunity of additional funding within highways this financial year to enable a team to attend to this).
Please be mindful that the weather does impact our works programmes, so these dates could alter slightly. I have been keeping an eye on the New Road service road works and I am aware these are a high priority for the Parish and the Operations Manager is also aware.
- Mark Keeling
The following were held in abeyance:-
- Could traffic calming be installed on Malayan Way.
- East Road, Brinsford – Traffic constantly exceeding speed limit – Could additional signage be installed.
The Clerk to enquire with M Keeling regarding the following:-
- Could the yellow lines by the Post Office be changed to red lines.
- Speed Humps on Brookhouse Lane – Could they be removed? Plus numerous deep potholes near 53 Brookhouse Lane.
10) REPORT – FEATHERSTONE AND HILTON COMMUNITY CENTRE
- Additional Bookings for Centre.
- Need Fire Doors to be checked – Clerk to request JNR Fire Doors to review.
- D Betts reported by email the following regarding waste skips:-
Just to inform you that after my meeting with Mel Webster from Jones Skips, there is a new skip with plastic type lids that can be easily lifted by the ladies at the centre. Ken the litter picker puts a stick in place for large items should they required it.
There is a bar across the lids that locks them down, but a padlock is needed, keys to be in the centre. Without it being locked, makes all this pointless.
There is also a notice on the front of the skip saying: “recycled waste only”. This needs to be removed as the skip is for general waste.
- Centre to support Remembrance Day with refreshments.
- Use as a Blood Donor Centre may be difficult to re-start. Clerk to enquire.
11) REPORT – FEATHERSTONE FIRST RESPONDERS
- No reports obtained.
12) REPORT – HOUSING ASSOCIATION
- V Lockley to check if branches cut back from around Lamppost No. 4 on Hilton Road.
13) PLANNING
- Planning Applications Received
- 24/00616/FULHH
54 Hilton Road, Featherstone
Erection of two storey side and single storey rear extension.
- 23/01031/OUTM
Outline application for a 100MW Battery Energy Storage System and associated infrastructure, planting and drainage. All matters reserved, apart from access.
Amended Plans (August 2024).
Proposed Battery Storage Facility, New Road, Featherstonre
14) REVIEW OF PARISH LITTER PICKERS AND GARDENER
- Meeting to review to be arranged.
15) HARVEST GROVE DEVELOPMENT
Site Meeting on 12th September 2024.
R Tucker commented as follows:-
- Changing rooms satisfactory.
- Football Pitch – Not fit for purpose. Audit of pitch to be undertaken.
- Who is going to use the pitch?
- Eight weeks to solve issues.
J Smith mentioned the following:-
- Manhole, gas and roadworks issues need resolving.
- Important to get a Work Schedule from Contractors showing what they propose to do.
Other matters discussed:-
- Clerk to enquire with K Harris as to how much funding will be provided and for how long for the football pitch.
- R Cope gave details of ransom strips in the ownership of Taylor Wimpey.
- T Smitheman said there was a need for a Management Committee to administer the football pitch. This needs to be advertised.
16) CORRESPONDENCE
- SSDC – Community Centre Premises Licence Fee outstanding.
- Playsafety Limited – Notification regarding alteration needed for Swing – Fixtures loose or missing – Needs shackles, bushes and associated parts.
It was proposed (V Lockley), seconded (M Perks) and agreed Playdale Limited be asked to carry out repair.
Resolved: To ask Playdale Limited to undertake repairs needed.
- SSDC Locality 3 Breakout Sessions – 28th November 2024.
- SSDC Candidate Open Day for the County Elections next year.
- SPCA – News Update.
- SSDC – 50th Anniversary Celebration – Tuesday, 1st October 2024 – Codsall Community Hub.
- SPCA – Better Health Staffordshire. VCSE Scheme.
- SPCA – NALC Newsletter.
- SCC – Staffordshire Warmer Homes Scheme.
17) PARISH MAINTENANCE
- Request K Perry to enquire with SCC School Transport Section regarding the following:-
- Small Bus Year 7 children left stranded.
- Bus Drivers very rude to children.
- House with half a roof on A460 – Owner states he is too busy to rectify/ complete. Clerk to inform Catherine Gutteridge.
- Clerk to obtain costing for smaller trolley for Litter Pickers.
- V Lockley asked if the Defibrillator at the Community Centre could be installed.
- First house on A460 adjacent to Post Office now in worse condition – Clerk to notify Catherine Gutteridge.
- Red, White and Blue – Owner asked to install security fencing due to Health and Safety concerns.
- Litter and Waste Bins in the Parish – The Clerk to contact Mark Moore again regarding his statement at the Meeting in June 2024 that he would arrange to analyse usage of waste bins in the Parish.
18) NEW PLAY EQUIPMENT
Meeting needed to decide on play equipment and age group.
19) ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
- Parish Newsletter
- T Smitheman said another issue will be available just before Christmas.
- Community Gardening Club
- Z Webb gave update of areas of Village where work undertaken.
- Website
- T Smitheman said Website looking ready for launch. Sent draft to M Perks to review.
- Royal Ordinance Site – No development.
20) DATE OF NEXT MEETING
- Thursday, 10th October 2024.
21) FINANCE
- Cheque Payments
It was proposed, seconded and agreed to issue the following cheques:
Date | Cheque No | Details | £ |
12/09/2024 | 004031 | Playsafety Limited | 201.60 |
12/09/2024 | 004032 | SSDC (GM) | 762.19 |
12/09/2024 | 004033 | HMRC (PAYE) | 536.93 |
12/09/2024 | 004034 | Parish Clerk | 1,165.90 |
12/09/2024 | 004035 | Litter Picker | 495.73 |
12/09/2024 | 004036 | Litter Picker | 495.73 |
12/09/2024 | 004037 | Litter Picker | 445.93 |
12/09/2024 | 004038 | Handyman/Gardener | 396.73 |
12/09/2024 | 004039 | Jones Skips | 490.60 |
12/09/2024 | 004040 | Litter Picker (Additional Hours) | 57.20 |
TOTAL: | £5,048.54 |