The following minutes are subject to Approval
IPSTONES PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 22 June 2022 at 7.30 p.m. in The Methodist Sunday School Rooms
Present: Councillors Mike Birch, Peter Hallam, Leslie Jackson, Linda Malyon (Chair), Heather Morris, Andrew Stevenson, Patrick Stimpson & the Clerk.
Apologies: Councillors Irwin & Snow
82/22. Dispensations: None had been received.
83/22. Declaration of Interests: It was agreed to take as they arise.
It was proposed by Councillor Stevenson and seconded by Councillor Jackson that the minutes for the AGM & Meeting held on Wednesday 25 May 2022 and the site visit held on 30 May 2022 as being true record. This was agreed unanimously.
84/22. Matters Arising:
- BKV Competition: It was noted that the judges had been around on Sunday for the second judging.
- Trees/shrubs growing from Lime Kilns at Froghall Wharf: It was noted that this is in Kingsley parish, but the Ipstones Action Group obtained funding towards the cost of renovating of the Lime Kilns. In the circumstances it was agreed to keep chasing on this matter.
- Replacement Boundary Post: It was agreed to monitor progression of this.
- Millenium Arch: The Clerk reported that there are several finishes available in the ‘‘Osmo’ Oil so didn’t know which to order. Councillor Jackson agreed to find out which would be the best.
- Proposed bench for Foxt: Councillor Hallam said this is in progress. Councillor Birch added that Foxt Village Hall have agreed to install a base for the seat.
- Unsafe trees: It was noted that the unsafe tree on the grassed area leading to Church Meadow had been cut down by SMDC, but there was a ‘stump’ that had been left. Councillor Malyon said she thought the stump needs removing. It was agreed to replace the tree in the autumn.
- Key for Foxt Noticeboard: The Clerk gave an update, and a spare key was given to Councillor Hallam.
- Damaged Posts top of PFP 102: It was agreed to obtain a quote before proceeding.
85/22. Plans: the following applications had been received: –
SMD/2022/0168 Proposed extension and alterations at 5 Froghall Road, Ipstones.
Following discussion, it was proposed by Councillor Stevenson and seconded by
Councillor Morris to support approval of the application. This was carried by 6
votes in favour with one member abstaining.
SMD/2022/0270 Demolition of existing bin stores and balcony to form new covered
games area, storage and balcony at Foxtwood Cottages, Foxt Road, Foxt. Following
discussion it was proposed by Councillor Stevenson and seconded by Councillor
Hallam to support approval of the application. This was agreed unanimously.
SMD/2022/0321 Proposed alterations and extension to form new kitchen living
areas and bedroom and en-suite over at Foxt & Whiston Vicarage, Shay Lane, Foxt.
Following discussion, it was proposed by Councillor Hallam and seconded by
Councillor Stimpson to support approval of this application. This was agreed
unanimously.
86/22. Correspondence
- St Leonard’s School Governors: It was noted that a parish council representative
can be invited as an Associate Governor, but would not have voting rights, have no
legal trustee responsibilities, and would be unable to participate in confidential
discussions. (This is set out in the Education Regulations). They therefore
welcomed Councillor Morris as an Associate member.
- Moorlands Partnership re grant for replacement Boundary Post: It was noted that
the second estimate had been accepted, but as it indicated that the amount could
fluctuate, the Moorlands Partnership Board confirmed that the amount of the grant
would not be increased and would be up to the maximum offered of £915.
- Well Street Medical Centre re Branch Surgeries at the Memorial Hall: It was noted
that the first part of the work to reinstall the secure IT line to the Hall has been
completed and that there is further work planned for 14 June, at which point they
are hoping to resume the branch surgeries shortly afterwards but will wait to
complete the checks before giving a definite date when branch surgeries will
resume.
- Churnet Woodland Crafts re Play Bus Made from Pallets: A reply and costing had
been received from an enquiry made by Councillor Malyon. Councillor Birch said that
pallets splinter easily so might not be suitable for a play bus and he thought that they
don’t like working with pallets. Information on some other designs in normal wood
had been attached. Councillor Birch took these to look at.
- County Councillor Heath re blocked grids: it was confirmed that a couple of blocked
grids had been reported and the references noted.
- County Councillor Heath re mowing: Maps were attached showing the areas in
Ipstones that are mown by County Highways.
- Ipstones Agricultural Society: Councillors Malyon & Stevenson declared an interest
in this item and did not take part in the discussion or decision. The vice Chairman
took the Chair. A letter had been received seeking sponsorship for the Annual
Agricultural Show, following a discussion it was proposed by Councillor Morris and
seconded by Councillor Stimpson to sponsor the Show for the sum of £500
authorised under S137 (Miscellaneous Payments). This was carried with 5 votes in
favour.
- 7. Lengthsman’s Report (April & May): Details of these were noted. The Lengthsman
reported an overgrown shrub that hangs over the road. It was agreed to write to
the householder to ask if they can trim this back.
- Other circulars, bulletins etc
The Community Foundation – BKV competition – Meet the headline sponsor
SPCA – weekly bulletins – 30/05; 6/06 & 20/06
87/22. Report on Cemetery Site Visit: Councillors Jackson, Stevenson, Birch, Hallam & the
Clerk attended the site visit. The following was reported: –
- The cemetery looked very tidy
- Following up on a report that rubbish from a couple of graves is being dumped by the wall – at the time of inspecting the area was found to look tidy.
- Request for a bench by the Cremated Ashes Section (near the Bier Shed). It was agreed that a bench could be placed in this location as there are no other benches in that vicinity and it is a long walk from the gate.
- Bier Shed – it was noted that the Bier Shed needs to be repointed. The wood/doors and paintwork seemed in good order. It was agreed to seek quotes for the repointing of the Bier Shed using Lime Mortar
- The Lime Trees had recently been thinned and the epicormic growth removed from the bases.
88/22. Mayfair Avenue Open Space (potential long-term lease): The District Council have
asked if the parish council minds being named as the organisation wishing to lease
the open space area when they place the advert for this in a local newspaper. It
was agreed that they may do this.
89/22. Land between 22 & 24 Froghall Road, Ipstones (potential long-term lease): Your
Housing have forwarded a draft lease (which is to be passed round all members to
read). A couple of queries have already been picked up on: –
The length of the Lease was stated as three years – it was agreed to write to ask if the Lease can be long term (15 years) as a short lease would not be worth investing in due to the cost that would be incurred in preparing the ground/hedges/fences and planting a community orchard.
That they have not mentioned any costs that would be incurred by themselves that the parish council would be responsible for.
90/22. Jubilee Mugs: Councillor Malyon reported that she still has 5 boxes left. Notices
have been displayed for people with eligible children to collect their free mug – but
many had still not done so. It was agreed to put notices up stating that mugs
should be collected by 31 July. After the 31 July any mugs remaining would be sold
as some people have made enquiries about buying them.
91/22. Report on Jubilee Events:
Ipstones – Councillor Malyon reported that the opening Service and lighting of the
Beacon had been successful with over 200 people attending.
The daytime events on Friday & Saturday had gone well with around 150 people
attending.
Saturday’s parade had gone well, being led by the Fire Engine and followed by
two vintage army vehicles.
The Civic Service on Sunday had been well attended.
An amount of £100 had been received in donations over the weekend which is
being held for future community event.
Councillor Malyon asked if anyone could suggest a suitable place to store the
Replica Queen’s Coronation Crown that someone had made for the event –
currently it is in someone’s loft for safe keeping.
Foxt
Councillor Birch reported that the events had started on the Thursday with Craft
Stalls and a Curry night at the Fox & Goose followed by the lighting of the Beacon
at 9.15 p.m. This had gone well. On the Friday around 200 people had attended
the events and that everything had gone according to plan
Jubilee Expenditure
The Clerk reported that the invoice from Foxt Village Hall for the expenditure on
the Jubilee Events was slightly over the budget by £36.55 it was agreed that as
Ipstones had underspent by approximately £200 (There may be 1 or 2 outstanding
expenses to be claimed for small amounts) to pay the Invoice for Foxt Jubilee
Expenses as overall there was still approx. £200 underspend on the amount
allowed for the Jubilee Events.
Councillor Stevenson thanked everyone who has been involved in organising the
Jubilee Events.
92/22. Consultation on Proposed addition to Double Yellow Lines (approx. 2 metres) on
High Street, Ipstones: The Clerk had drafted a letter. A few adjustments were
suggested. It was agreed to send the letter to properties between no 16 High Street
and No 22 High Street and to ask that any comments be made in writing by 31 July
2022.
93/22. Speed Watch: It was agreed that as the scheme is struggling for enough volunteers
to discuss other options to deter speeding through the village. This is to be placed
on a future agenda.
94/22. Highways
- Dead Rowan Tree, Froghall Road: it was agreed to report this to County Highways as it’s on the verge.
- Clerk’s Bank: Councillor Morris asked if we could ask for a sign at the bottom of Clerk’s Bank to state ‘Unsuitable for HGV’s’ as two walls have recently been taken out by HGV’s. It was agreed to ask County Councillor Heath about this.
- Parking near Park Side Cottage: It was noted that this sometimes a problem with vehicles parking in this location.
- Overgrown Hedge, Shaw Walls Lane: It is noted that the hedge is still overgrown and causing damage to larger vehicles. It was suggested that if someone writes in this could be forwarded to the County Councillor for attention.
95/22. Any Other Business
- Levelling up fund: Councillor Mayon reported that the District Council are preparing to submit a bid for a grant to improve facilities in Leek & Cheadle and asked fellow members if the parish council could send letter of support for the bid application. Councillor Malyon outlined details of the projects that have been planned for each town, which for Cheadle was a new swimming pool and leisure facility on the existing site and for Leek included investment in the Trestle Market, Butter Market & Nicholson institute. On discussion, Councillor Stevenson said that Cheadle has a top-class swimming club but doesn’t think that the swimming pool needs to be replaced, he said he would support investment in Cheadle but not for a new swimming pool. Councillor Birch added that he thought ‘levelling up’ is about bringing standards up and thinks it is more about creating more jobs, improving transport links, more GP’s etc. Councillor Malyon moved to forward a letter of support for both towns. This was carried with 5 votes in favour and 2 members abstaining.
- Grant for Rural Parishes: Councillor Malyon advised that there is another grant that will be available for rural parishes, but that there will only be a short window of opportunity to apply for the grant and asked if members could have a think about any projects for the parish.
96/22. Accounts for payment: The following accounts were agreed for payment: –
| £ | |
| Fegg Hayes Pottery Ltd (for 299 Jubilee Mugs authorised under
S 137 (Miscellaneous Payments) |
1496.20 |
| L Malyon to reimburse from Jubilee Fund – for expenses incurred authorised under S 137 (Miscellaneous Payments) for refreshments, cost of delivering flyers, thankyou gifts etc |
70.58 |
| Z Johnson to reimburse from Jubilee Fund – for expenses incurred for printing poster for Treasure Hunt, games etc for Jubilee authorised under S137 (Miscellaneous Payments) |
56.47 |
| J Chadwick to reimburse from Jubilee fund for purchase of Accident Book from Jubilee fund authorised under S137 (miscellaneous payments) |
6.99 |
| M R Coates (Fireaid) for first aid training authorised under S137 Miscellaneous Payments (from Jubilee Fund) |
160.00 |
| R W Worthington (Gold Top) for entertainment for the Jubilee authorised under S137 (Miscellaneous Payments) |
100.00 |
| Lengthsman’s Pay (Net) & Expenses | |
| Lengthsman’s Expenses (mileage) | 17.10 |
| Clerk’s Salary (Net) & Expenses | |
| Clerk’s Expenses | 63.37 |
| Staffordshire Farm Supplies Ltd – Paint & Equipment for painting finger post sign & repair to Foxt Strimmer
For tape to cordon round the Beacon authorised under S137 |
94.19 41.28 |
| £ | |
| James Perry for 2 x mows | 620.00 |
| Ipstones Methodist Church – donation for using Sunday School Room for meeting on 22 June 2022 & for using Sunday School room for a Jubilee meeting authorised under S137 Misc Payments |
40.00 |
| Foxt Village Hall – to reimburse from Jubilee fund for expense for the Jubilee Event authorised under S137 (miscellaneous Payments) |
881.55 |
| Ipstones Agricultural Society – Sponsorship of Annual Show authorised under S137 (Miscellaneous Payments) |
500.00 |
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
The date of the next meeting was set for Wednesday 13 July 2022
at 7.30 p.m. in Foxt Village Hall
It was agreed that the final items be treated as CONFIDENTIAL