FEATHERSTONE AND BRINSFORD
PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
held on Thursday, 13th February 2025 at 6.45pm
in Featherstone and Hilton Community Centre
Present:
F Beardsmore, R Tucker, J Smith, A Rowe, Z Webb, D Randell, T Smitheman,
J Brindle and D Betts
Also Present: Three Members of the Public
District Councillor R Cope
R Young – Clerk to the Council ————————————————————
1)
2)
3)
COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
No matters reported.
DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
a)
b)
J Brindle
J Brindle mentioned the following:
Devolution.
District/Borough Councils will be amalgamated.
Smaller Parish Councils could merge.
R Cope
R Cope gave a detailed update regarding the proposed Battery Sites in the
District, some being close to residential properties.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Provision of the Football Facility adjacent to Harvest Grove was discussed as follows:
Football Team want to use pitch.
Damage to grass surface.
Sports Funding available.
F Beardsmore said not happy with pitch – another inspection needed when work
completed.
Considering sharing the football pitch.
Need to agree location of goals.
Dog fouling needs to be monitored.
Security of Changing Rooms.
Security Fencing option to be considered.
Formation of a Management Committee.
F Beardsmore said the target was to have the football facility available this
Summer.
A full set of minutes are available for inspection at the Community Centre
Telephone: 07855 050424 www.featherstoneandbrinsfordparishcouncil.gov.uk
______________________
F Beardsmore, Chairman
4)
Reviewed age of teams.
Goalpost storage was reviewed.
F Beardsmore thanked members of the public for points raised.
POLICE MATTERS
The Clerk to raise the following with Tim Norbury:
5)
Can local PCSO attend a Parish Council Meeting.
Police visibility in the Parish.
Is it possible to receive incident reports.
Request face to face meeting.
APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence were received from K Berry, V Lockley and M Perks.
6)
7)
8)
MINUTES
It was proposed (T Smitheman), seconded (J Brindle) and agreed that the Minutes of the
Parish Council Meeting held on the 23rd January 2025 be approved as a true and correct
record.
Resolved:
That the Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on the 23rd
January 2025 be approved as a true and correct record.
DECLARATION OF INTEREST
Councillors R Tucker, J Brindle and T Smitheman declared an interest in all matters
relating to Featherstone and Hilton Community Centre.
MATTERS ARISING
a)
b)
c)
Ibstock Power Park
Councillors reported the noise issue appeared to have been
resolved.
Red, White and Blue
J Brindle agreed to enquire with Tom Cannon regarding the Water
Level Survey and whether any other information had been requested.
R Cope also to enquire with regard to any potential delays regarding
planning matters.
46 Cannock Road, Featherstone
Kate Evans at SSDC advised as follows:
I have discussed the case with Catherine and our Solicitor, and we have
concluded that we do not have any powers to take any action at this time.
The property has now been tidied and whilst the half-demolished building is
2
not ideal, there is no legislation we can act under to force the rest of the
demolition. The property owner did say that they intend to complete the
demolition and start the rebuild in Spring this year.
I will subsequently close the planning enforcement case. If the site becomes
untidy again, please let me know and I will reinvestigate.
9)
R Cope said any legal action would take two months. Agreed to put
pressure on the District Council.
J Brindle suggested contacting the Health and Safety Expenditure.
The Clerk to email Dave Heywood to confirm that after eight months
still outstanding.
HIGHWAY MATTERS
M Keeling reported the following:
Just to confirm there does not appear to be a task on our system to replace a disabled bay
marking outside the Opticians. Can I ask that someone from the Parish files a report either
through My Staffs app or via the Report it pages of our website: www.staffordshire.gov.uk.
Without a task on system, I cannot chase up any works.
With regards the Brookhouse Lane potholes, there are x 2 tasks pending (2317542 &
2222990; both on the junction of Brookhouse Lane and Malayan Way). These appear to be
older defects which I am happy to chase up. I am unable to provide dates currently,
however, I will raise the issue at our next operational team meeting. Clerk to request
timescale.
With regards to the cycle path at Brookhouse Lane, I have asked for a Highway Officer to
carry out a site visit and I will update you shortly.
There are various landowners on Featherstone Lane. Could someone mark on the plan
below which section is of concern. We will then arrange an inspection to determine any
highway safety issues before writing to the landowners. It is hedge cutting season at the
moment so there is a possibility this matter may be resolved.
10)
The Clerk to report potholes very bad Malayan Way to Brinsford.
The Clerk to request a Site Meeting with M Keeling – J Smith, R Tucker and J
Brindle to attend.
REPORT – FEATHERSTONE AND HILTON COMMUNITY CENTRE
11)
Windows repaired by Fire Door.
The Clerk gave details of a review of energy usage at the Centre plus the
outside lighting.
Hope 50% grant available for any changes or
improvements in the report.
Gates opposite Community Centre need lock. Clerk to contact Cheryl at
SCC.
REPORT – FEATHERSTONE FIRST RESPONDERS
No details received. Defibrillator case installed.
3
12)
REPORT – HOUSING ASSOCIATION
13)
Councillors to inform the Clerk of any bushes that need attention.
PLANNING
a)
Planning Applications Received
i)
ii)
b) Appeal
24/00116/LUP
Use of the dwelling house to provide care and support to a maximum of two
young persons (aged between 8 and 18 years) on medium to long term
basis.
The Clerk to enquire as to the sleeping arrangements for those in care and
staff.
25/00088/FUL
Installation of a new foul water storage chamber, pump station, valve
chamber and rising main.
Moseley Old Hall, Moseley Old Hall Lane, Featherstone
The Clerk to enquire with the District Council when the extension will be removed
to comply with planning Appeals Decision.
14)
15)
PARISH LITTER PICKERS AND PARISH MAINTENANCE PERSON
Meeting arranged for 17th February 2025 to review employment matters with
the three Litter Pickers. The following to be discussed:-
Working hours
Holiday form
Work schedule
Annual holiday
HARVEST GROVE DEVELOPMENT
J Smith mentioned the following:
Walking round site; nothing has changed.
No improvements with Football Pitch.
Changing Rooms deteriorating.
Play Area – Dogs should be kept out.
Waste bins not being emptied.
Noticeboard plus Bus Stop and location of bins need to be sorted.
Shrubs around Changing Room and Pool are dead.
D Harris said shrubs will recover in the Summer. More established shrubs to
be planted as replacements.
Car Park ready to be handed over but needs re-marking and clean up.
Bus Stop
History of Liaison Committee.
Two residents did say they did not want a Bus Stop but Parish Council
want it reinstated.
R Cope to check out whether a Footpath and Bus Stop were on plans.
4
National Highways – Closure of Junction 2 to 4 on M54 – 27th February 2025
21st April 2025.
17)
L Fowkes – Code of Conduct Consultation.
DCM Surfaces – Brinsford Play Area details.
SPCA – Local Highways News.
PARISH MAINTENANCE
18)
Replacement waste bin – East Road – J Davies confirmed existing to be
replaced.
Installation of Bench at Brinsford. D Randell declared an interest and left the
meeting.
It was proposed (J Brindle), seconded (A Rowe) and agreed to accept the
quotation of £600.00 + VAT.
Resolved:
To accept the quotation of £600.00 + VAT to install Bench at
Brinsford.
Pathway to Medical Centre – Martin Wallace at Homeplus pathway is
definitely a matter for SCC Highways – The Clerk to correspond with M
Keeling.
NEW PLAY EQUIPMENT
19)
DCM Surface
New Overlay Safety Surface for Brinsford Play Area.
It was proposed (A Rowe), seconded (J Brindle) and agreed to accept the
quotation of £9,000.
Resolved:
To accept the quotation of £9,000 from DCM Surfaces.
The Clerk reported a grant of £6,000 had been agreed towards the cost.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Parish Newsletter – Ongoing.
Community Gardening Club – Planted in front of Featherstone Sign.
Twinning – Ongoing.
Royal Ordnance Site – No development.
Devolution – Deferred.
5
20)
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
21)
Thursday, 13th March 2025.
FINANCE
a)
Cheque Payments
It was proposed, seconded and agreed to issue the following cheques:
Date
Cheque
No
Details
£
13/02/2025
004092
Right Contracts
2,825.70
13/02/2025
004093
Parish Clerk
1,166.10
13/02/2025
004094
Litter Picker
495.73
13/02/2025
004095
Litter Picker
495.73
13/02/2025
004096
Litter Picker
445.93
13/02/2025
004097
Maintenance Person
396.73
13/02/2025
004098
HMRC (PAYE) Feb 25
536.73
13/02/2025
004099
HMRC (PAYE) Jan 25
536.93
13/02/2025
004100
Clerk’s Expenses
77.60
13/02/2025
004101
Cancelled
0.00
13/02/2025
004102
Cancelled
0.00
TOTAL:
Resolved:
The meeting closed at …..
F Beardsmore
Chairman