IPSTONES PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the AGM and normal meeting held on Tuesday 19 May 2015 at 7.30p.m.
in the extension of the Memorial Hall, Ipstones
PRESENT: Councillors P Barks, L Malyon, H Morris, S Richards, B Shuttleworth &
P Stimpson. The Clerk, 1 Reporter and 2 Members of the Public
APOLOGIES: Councillors H Mycock & A Stevenson
In the absence of the retiring Chairperson and Vice-chairperson it was agreed for Cllr L Malyon to take the Chair for the first agenda item.
63/15. TO ELECT CHAIRPERSON AND VICE-CHAIRPERSON: It was proposed by
Cllr P Stimpson and seconded by Cllr P Barks for Cllr L Malyon to be Chairperson. This
was agreed unanimously
It was then proposed by Cllr L Malyon and seconded by Cllr P Stimpson for Cllr B
Shuttleworth to be the Vice-chairperson. This was agreed unanimously.
DECLARATION OF INTERESTS: To be taken as they arise.
DISPENSATIONS: It was proposed by Cllr Shuttleworth and seconded by Cllr Stimpson “That a
general dispensation be granted to all serving members of Ipstones Parish Council,
under section 33(2) of the Localism Act 2011, for the setting of the Annual Precept up until
May 2019”. No other written dispensations had been received.
64/15. PUBLIC TIME: The Chairman invited members of the public present to raise any issues
they have concerns about.
Mr Dyer said he had concerns about the following:-
• The future of the Fire Station and how this could affect the local Police if the Fire Station was to go.
• That on going parking issues have not been resolved.
• Dog Fouling Bins – why had the ‘dog bin’ in High Street gone. The Chairperson advised that the District Council’s policy is that general waste bins can be used to dispose bagged dog faeces in.
• Millennium Arch – Mr Dyer thinks that it needs treating and that it has got ‘green algi’ growing on it.
• Flower Tubs – Mr Dyer enquired why there had been no plants in during the winter. He was advised that in previous years the winter plants had not done very well so the decision had been taken for summer planting only and that this is done late May/early June.
• Neighbourhood Watch Scheme – Mr Dyer asked if the parish council would support the scheme.
• Speed Watch – Mr Dyer asked if the parish council still want the speedwatch scheme to continue. He said that currently there are only three volunteers and that they can’t always get out when they want due to road works/weather etc.
The Chairperson advised that the issues raised would be put on a future agenda.
Mr Jackson asked if the state of the road going to Chedleton could be reported. It was
agreed to report to Highways and also write to Cheddleton PC.
The Chair welcomed the two new members to the parish council
65/15. MATTERS ARISING
a. Local Bus Service: It was noted that the local bus service has now been taken over by a
new company but there have been one or two problems in the initial weeks.
b. Summer Planting: It was noted that this is due to take place late May/early June and that
three new tubs have been ordered.
c. WW1 Memorial Tree: Cllr Shuttleworth reported that both trees that were planted have
been broken and that he has suggested that the trees are left as a reminder to the
Vandals as to what they have done. It was agreed to put as an Agenda item in the autumn.
d. Replacement Memorial Tree for Foxt: The Clerk reported that there hasn’t been any
response yet. Cllr Stimpson said he will ask around.
e. Blocked Grids, Froghall Bank: It was agreed to report that the grids need jetting.
f. Leek and Cheadle Hospitals: The Chairperson moved to invite the Chief Operating
Officer of North Staffordshire Clinical Commission to a future meeting.
g. Stones on Verge at Farley Cottage: It was agreed to write to the County Council and
advise them that some people are reluctant to drive to Chapel because of worry of damaging
their vehicles on the stones and to ask who would be liable if either a pedestrian hurt
themselves or a vehicle was damaged.
h. Snow Clearing Contractors: It was agreed to write again about this issue.
i Notice Board: The Clerk reported that this is moving forward and that she will apply for a
grant toward the cost.
j. Steps, Crowgutter Wood: The Clerk reported that the path through Crowgutter Wood is
not a definitive footpath. It was agreed to ask the County Council if they know who is
responsible.
k. Broken Stile on PFP11 (near Belmont Hall): It was noted that this has been reported.
The minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 29th April 2015 were agreed to be
a true record and signed by the Chairperson.
66/15. PLANS: The following had been received: –
SMD/2015/0263 Two Storey side extension at 1 New Cottages, Foxt. It was proposed by
Cllr Morris and seconded by Cllr Barks to support approval of the application. This was
carried unanimously.
Notification of the following ‘refusal’ had been received: –
SMD/2015/0133 Advertisement consent for x 3 fascia signs, x 3 window graphics,
x 1 projecting sign and manifestation (DDA) over exposed windows and doors at Ipstones
Post Office, 2 Froghall Road, Ipstones.
67/15. CORRESPONDENCE
a. SMDC re Election results: This was noted.
b. Jane Fleet: The letter stated that she was disappointed that she had not been elected to the
parish council and congratulated everyone who had been elected. She went on to say that
she would like to be considered for the Vacant seat for the Foxt Ward.
c. Lengthsman’s Report (April): Details of the report were noted.
d. SMDC re planning application No SMDC/2014/0679 Demolition of existing stables and
erection of log cabin with office/information room, change of use of land for 6 yurt style tents, wooden shower building and 6 small wooden earth toilet closets on land off Foxt Road, Foxt: The reply stated that they have noted that if the above application goes to appeal that there is a Public Hearing because of all the interest that has been shown from the people of Foxt. The Chairperson pointed out that it is actually an ‘Informal Hearing’. Another letter is to be sent.
e. CVLLP Community Grant Scheme: An e-mail had been received advising that the parish
council is now eligible to apply for for a grant under the scheme again as twelve months had
elapsed from the receipt of the last grant.
f. Staffordshire Police Commissioner re ‘Fighting Crime’ and ‘Reinvigorating the
Neighbourhood Watch Scheme’: These e-mails were passed around for members to read.
g. NALC ‘Open letter to Councillors’: Receipt of this e-mail were noted.
h. SPCA re ‘Chairmanship Skills Training Course’ & ‘Councillor Training Courses’:
Details of these were noted.
i. Other Circulars, Newsletters etc.: –
SPCA Bulletins for 1st May, 7th May & 14th May
Clerks & Councils Direct – May 2015 Issue
Grant Thornton – Newsletter – Spring 2015 Issue
SMDC – Outside, Active & Healthy leaflets
68/15. TO AUTHORISE ANNUAL ACCOUNTS (INC INDEPENDENT
INTERNAL AUDITOR’S REPORT & SIGN SECTION 1 –
ACCOUNTING STATEMENTS OF THE ANNUAL RETURN
FOR THE YE 31/03/2015: The statement from the Independent Internal Auditor was read
out. Each Member had had a copy of the Annual Accounts and figures for the Annual
Return and a copy of the ‘Receipts and Payments’ were available for inspection. It was
proposed by Cllr Morris and seconded by Cllr Richards to accept the Annual Accounts as a
true record. This was agreed unanimously. Section 1 of the Annual Return was then signed
by the Chairperson and the Clerk/RFO. The Chairperson thanked the Clerk for completing
the Annual Accounts.
69/15. TO ANSWER THE STATEMENTS AND COMPLETE SECTION 2 –
ANNUAL GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 2014/15 OF THE ANNUAL
RETURN FOR YE 31/03/2015: –
Each member had received a copy of the statements.
The Chairman read each statement out from 1 to 9 and each statement
was answered as ‘yes’. Section 2 – Annual Governance Statements 2014/15
was then signed by the Chairman and Clerk/RFO.
70/15. VACANT SEAT FOR FOXT WARD: It was agreed unanimously for an advert to be
placed in both the Leek Post and the Cheadle & Tean Times and for Posters to be put up in
Foxt. It was agreed that interviews should take place immediately before the June meeting
and that a short meeting take place prior to the June meeting to discuss questions that are to
be asked to the candidates.
71/15. TO APPOINT REPRESENTATIVES FOR OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS,
FINANCIAL MONORITING OFFICER AND CHEQUE SIGNATORIES: The
following was agreed: –
School Trustees – Cllrs Sandy Richards and Philip Barks
School Governor – Cllr Heather Morris (Cllr Morris can now vote as she is
also the LEA representative). (No change)
Memorial Hall Committee – Cllr Heather Morris (No change)
Foxt Village Hall Committee – Cllr Patrick Stimpson (No change)
Foxt Village Hall Trustees – Cllrs Howard Mycock, Patrick Stimpson & one vacant place
Ipstones Parish Action Group – it was agreed that as the Action Group is
not active at the moment there is no need for a representative
Staffordshire Moorlands Parish Assembly – Cllr Sandy Richards (Voting
representative) and Cllr Philip Barks
Ipstones Common Good Trust – Cllrs Andrew Stevenson, Patrick Stimpson,
Heather Morris and Linda Malyon
Speed Watch Monitoring Officer – The Clerk
Financial Monitoring Officer (for checking cheques/invoices) – It was
agreed for Cllr Barry Shuttleworth to carry out this duty.
Cheque Signatories – It was agreed unanimously for the following:-
Councillors Linda Malyon, Heather Morris, Andrew Stevenson,
Patrick Stimpson, Sandy Richards and the Clerk.
72/15. IPSTONES FIRE STATION: Cllr Malyon advised that the final date of the consultation
was 20th May 2015 and she showed fellow members a map of one of the possible scenarios
for the reduction of the number of Fire Appliances for Staffordshire which indicated that the
Fire Appliances for Ipstones, Longnor and Biddulph may go if this scenario is chosen.
Following a discussion it was proposed by Cllr Morris and seconded by Cllr Malyon to start
a petition to state along the lines that ‘we the undersigned strongly object to the reduction
of the number of Fire & Rescue Appliances in Staffordshire (and in particular the local Fire
Appliance in Ipstones’. Copies of the petition is to be given to each member and is to be put
in the local shop, pubs etc.
73/15. UP DATE ON ‘IPSTONES VILLAGE YOUTH SOCIETY’: Cllr Morris advised that
there are currently around 18 young people attending each session. It was noted that the
Committee have completed an 18 page form for the Bank and that they hope that the Bank
Account should be open shortly.
74/15. UPDATE ON THE MEMORIAL HALL PROJECT: Cllr Shuttleworth explained that he
has been to see the Architect and that they are preparing another set of plans which should
be ready in two weeks following which all plans will be available for the public to inspect at
a Public Meeting. Following a short discussion Cllr Shuttleworth said that if anyone has any
questions to please ask him.
75/15. IPSTONES LUNCHEON CLUB – it was agreed to defer this to the next meeting and to
ask if a representative could attend to explain the current position.
76/15. HIGHWAYS: The following issues were discussed: –
a. Repairs to rear of 20 High Street: The Chairperson explained that the owners of 20 High
Street needed to do some work to the side of their house that would involve erecting
scaffolding on the verge in Cart Lane. They had applied to the County Council for
permission to do this and been told that they would have to pay for a ‘road closure order’ that
would last 5 days and if the work was not completed in 5 days they would have to take the
scaffolding down and then apply and pay for another ‘road closure order’. As the work is
reliant on good weather the job could work out very expensive for the owners. Following a
discussion it was proposed by Cllr Malyon and seconded by Cllr Morris to write to the
County Council to voice the Parish Council’s concerns about this situation and to say that
they think that the owners should be able to carry on with the work come rain or shine until
it is completed.
b. Overgrown trees/bushes at Park Nook: It was agreed to ask if the Community Team can
trim these when they visit at the end of May.
c. Speedwatch: Standing orders were suspended to allow Mr Dyer to update members on
how the scheme is performing. Mr Dyer reported that on the last Speed check out of 160
vehicles 15 were reported to be travelling over the speed limit, which is 10% this used to
be in the region of 20%, so things are improving. Standing Orders were resumed.
77/15. ANY OTHER BUSINESS DEEMED URGENT
a. 90th Birthday: Cllr Morris advised of a forth coming 90th Birthday. Cllr Malyon agreed to
take flowers to the lady.
78/15. CEMETERY FEES: An e-mail had been received from the Vicar concerning the recent
interment of a still born child and pointed out the the C of E and the Undertaker had not
made any charges (they do not charge for the funeral of a baby under the age of one). The
interment was into an existing reserved plot. It was proposed by Cllr Shuttlworth and
seconded by Cllr Malyon for the interment fee to be returned It was then resolved
that in future (a) no charge is to be made for the interment of a child under the age of one
and (b) no charge will be made for the plot if the plot is to be used solely for the child being
interred. This was agreed unanimously.
79/15. ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT: the following accounts were agreed for payment: –
£
Lengthsman’s Payment (Net)
Lengthsman’s Expenses (Fuel for Strimmer) 6.77
Clerk’s Salary (Net)
Clerk’s Expenses inc. Ink Cartridges, Files etc. 61.07
Elizabeth Thompson (Independent Internal Audit Fee) 90.00
Staffordshire Farm Supplies Ltd (Protective Trousers for Lengthsman) 26.00
Mr J Hooley (2 x Mowing) 560.00
Zurich Municipal (Annual Insurance Premium) 960.17
Whittaker’s of Leek Ltd (4 x Skips for 06/06/15) 198.00
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
The date of the next meeting was set for Wednesday 24th June 2015 at 7.30p.m.
in the extension at the Memorial Hall, Ipstones
A meeting to discuss questions to ask candidates for
the Vacant Seat was set for Tuesday 9th June