IPSTONES PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 6th October 2021 at 7.30 p.m. and was held in the Blore Suite at Ipstones Memorial Hall. This meeting had been re-scheduled following the postponement of the meeting that had been due to take place on 22 September 2021
Present: Councillors Mick Irwin, Leslie Jackson, Heather James, Linda Malyon (Chair), Brian Snow, Andrew Stevenson & Patrick Stimpson. The Clerk and one Member of the public.
Apologies: Councillors Mycock & Williams
Dispensations: None received
Declaration of Interest: To be taken as they arise
On proposal by Councillor Irwin & seconded by Councillor Jackson it was agreed unanimously that the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 24 August 2021 as being a true record.
90/21. Matters Arising
- Pothole near Churchside Barn – Councillor Stevenson reported that this had not been repaired. It was agreed to chase up on this.
- Millennium Arch: Standing Orders were suspended to allow for this to be discussed again. Councillor Jackson agreed to find out if the Arch can be ‘jet’ sprayed rather than sanded down.
- Public Toilets: It was noted that on Wed/Sat /& Sun mornings there is a Café open in the Hall and so the toilets would be available to the public during these times.
- Mayfair Avenue Open Space: The Clerk reported that she had spoken to the Assets Department at SMDC and they had said that there are various ways to achieve the parish council’s aims for the space without a formal lease which would incur costs to the parish council. He asked for the parish council to decide what it is that they wish to achieve and mentioned that if its extra maintenance there may be a way for the parish council to sponsors extra maintenance. Following discussion Councillor Malyon agreed to speak to the Portfolio Holder responsible and report back next time.
- It was noted that there had been no response to the letter asking when they will be returning the surgeries to the Memorial Hall. It was agreed to write again.
- Speed Watch Scheme: The Clerk reported that there are still only two people who have volunteered. It was agreed to advertise again to see if anyone else comes forward as need around six people for the scheme to run.
91/21. Any Other Business
The Chair suspended standing Orders to allow ZJ one of the organisers for Ipstones
Christmas Market to talk. Councillor Malyon declared a personal interest and asked
the Vice-Chairman to take the chair. ZJ said she had come along to ask if the parish
council would consider donating to/sponsor the event. She said they are
arranging the event to help lift people’s spirits following the last two years of
lockdowns etc. Councillor Stevenson asked what a donation would be used for.
ZJ explained that it would be mainly for the popup tents for the stalls. She added
that any profits made from the event would be divided between Douglas Macmillon,
Ipstones Tiny Tots, The Brownies and The Rainbows. Following discussion, it was
proposed by Councillor Snow and seconded by Councillor Irwin to donate the sum of
£500 under Section 137 Miscellaneous Payments, as the Christmas Market would
help village economy. This was carried by six votes in favour.
91/21. Plans: The following planning applications had been received: –
SMD/2021/0572 Change of use from holiday flat to tearoom at Froghall Wharf,
Whiston Bank, Froghall & SMD/2021/0573 Listed Building Consent for the same.
Councillor Jackson said he thought it is a good idea. Councillor Stimpson said he has
no issues with the proposal other than the safety of the access to the upstairs area
to the new proposed seating area and toilets as the access is via a door that is close
to the road next to the bridge and there would be a danger of someone exiting
stepping into the road. Following a discussion, it was proposed by Councillor James
and seconded by Councillor Stevenson to object to the application for safety reasons
as the access to the flat/proposed extra sitting area/toilets is onto the road next to
the Bridge and they are concerned that this poses a safety issue. It was agreed to
add that members think the proposed change of use is a good idea and agree to it in
principle if the access situation can be addressed and suggest that the planning
Officers have a discussion with the applicant to find a solution to the safety issue of
the access. This was carried by six members voting in favour and one member
abstaining from voting.
While discussing the above, planning application it was proposed by Councillor
Jackson and seconded by Councillor Malyon to write to the County Council and ask
improvements can be made to the Car Park at Froghall Wharf by extending the
whole of the area into car parking and fill potholes in. To also say that the area
further along the road than the Bridge would benefit from double yellow lines. This
was agreed unanimously.
SMD/2021/0595 proposed single storey extension to rear and sides together with
alterations to existing porch at front at The Mount, Church Lane, Ipstones. Following
discussion it was proposed by Councillor James and seconded by Councillor Irwin to
object to the application as it is an inappropriate development on an old building and
to request that as this is an important historical building in Ipstones to request that
steps are taken to ‘list’ The Mount. This was agreed unanimously.
SMD/2021/0619 Retrospective application for the erection of a single stable and a
field shelter at Pheonix Stables, Bottom Lane, Bottomhouse. Following discussion, it
was proposed by Councillor James and seconded by Councillor Snow to object to the
application as it is over development of the site and concerns over highway safety of
the access. This was agreed unanimously.
SMD/2021/0622 Erection of an animal shelter including crush area and fodder store
at 1 Railway Cottages, Consall Forge, Consall. Following discussion, it was proposed
by Councillor Snow and seconded by Councillor Stimpson to support this application.
This was agreed unanimously.
92/21 CONCLUSION OF ANNUAL AUDIT: The Annual Return had been returned from
the External Auditors and it was noted that the comments for Section 2 – External
Auditor report 2020/2021 stated: – ‘on the basis of our review of Sections 1 & 2 of
the Annual Governance and Accountability return, in our opinion the information in
Sections 1 & 2 of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return is in accordance
with proper practices and no other matters have come to our attention giving cause
for concern that relevant legislation and regulatory requirements have not been
met’.
Other Matters not affecting our opinion which we draw to the attention of the
authority: ‘Not applicable’.
The following was also noted (from the covering letter received from the Auditor): –
Minor Scope for improvement in 2021/22: The Internal Control Objective (M) ‘The
authority during the previous year (2019/20) correctly provided for the period of the
exercise of public rights as required by the Accounts and Audit regulations was ticked
‘not covered’ by the internal auditor. Given that the Council did meet the correct
public rights period, the box should have been ticked ‘yes’ or an explanation added as
to why the Internal Auditor had not tested compliance with this objective. In future,
the Council should ensure the annual return is accurate and complete’.
Accessibility Regulations: ‘We are aware that the Accounts and Audit Regulation
requirement for a physical ‘wet ink’ signature on the original AGAR, does not allow
parish council’s to fully comply with the Accessibility Regulations. The National Audit
Office is aware that the two pieces of legislation are not compatible, therefore
smaller authorities are advised to make it clear on their websites that the document
is a scan and will not be fully compliant with the Accessibility Regulations’.
93/21 Remembrance Service: It was noted that the Remembrance Service is due to take
place on Sunday 14 November 2021 at 10.15 am at St Leonard’s Church, Ipstones.
Councillors Malyon & Stevenson agreed to attend the Service and Councillor Malyon
agreed that she would do a reading if required. Councillor Stimpson agreed to lay
the wreath at Foxt. It was noted that wreaths had been ordered for all the inside
Memorials (The Memorial Hall, Ipstones Church & Berkhamsytch Church).
It was proposed by Councillor Irwin and seconded by Councillor Snow to give a
donation to the Ipstones & Foxt Royal British Legion for the sum of £300 (under S137
Miscellaneous Payments), toward the cost of the wreaths with remaining amount
for the Poppy appeal. This was agreed unanimously. Councillor Malyon agreed to
have a word with representative from RBL about the parade.
94/21. Winter Planting: A verbal quote had been received for planting the tubs with
Winter plants. Following discussion, it was agreed by five in favour and two against
to accept the quote and go ahead with planting this winter and monitor how the
flowers fair before considering winter planting in future years.
(NB the flowers will mainly flower in Autumn and Spring).
Daffodil Bulbs – it was agreed that if the Rambling Wombles decide to plant
some bulbs the parish council would pay for them.
95/21. Bus Shelter, Froghall Road: it was agreed to ask the Lengthsman if he would be
able to paint in the spring.
96/21. Mowing Quotes for 2022 & 2023 Seasons: It was agreed to seek quotes for the
two seasons and that the ‘specifications’ would be the same as in previous years.
97/21. SID Signs: it was agreed to find out if the price quoted is for one or two signs.
98/21. Correspondence
- Mr R re Himalayan Balsam: Comments of the email were noted, and it was agreed to advise that as the Himalayan Balsam is on private land it is not a parish council issue but a private matter.
- Mr R re Issues on Cart Lane: a copy of an email to County Highways had been received and comments noted.
- Rambling Wombles: An email had been received and comments noted.
- PDRH re garden at Old School Court: It was noted that their maintenance & estates are issuing a revised quote in next couple of weeks and depending on the quote they may have to look at a phased approach. They think realistically they are looking to get the work done by early 2022.
- Mr & Mrs L: A letter of thanks had been received for the card and gift presented on their Golden Wedding Anniversary.
- Lengthsman’s Report (July & August): Details of the reports were noted.
- S S-B re moles in the Cemetery: Councillor James said that she knows someone who would catch the moles for a small token. It was agreed for her to ask the person.
- West Midland Ambulance Service/ Karen Bradley MP & Sir Bill Cash MP: It was agreed to give each Member a copy the report forwarded by the West Midlands Ambulance Service and discuss at the next meeting.
- District Councillor Porter re Community Orchards: An email had been received regarding details of the land/how many fruit trees would be needed. The Clerk had informed him that we are still waiting on a Lease Contract from Your Housing and would let them know as soon as we have something.
- County Councillor Heath re Pavements: it was noted that Councillor Heath was copying the parish council in on a letter she had received from an Ipstones resident about the condition of the pavements/ narrowness of some pavements and lack of dropped kerbs in the village. This was noted. Following discussion, it was agreed to report the condition of the pavement between the shop and the Grove and between Daisy Avenue and Church Meadow.
- SPCA: A reply had been received and comments noted.
- Mr S re letter dated 31 August 2021 re previous letter of 22 August 2021: Comments were noted.
- Mr S (letter of 20/09/21) re request Under Freedom of Information: it was agreed to respond that it was the County Council who held the site visits to look at the path and the parish council are not aware of the points he has requested information on. The Clerk had checked through the minutes and had not found reference to the points he raised. Members agreed that they would sign the letter.
- SMDC re SMD/2017/0822 new dwelling in garden at Rose Cottage, Foxt: A reply had been received to concerns raised and comments noted.
- Mr & Mrs S, re Freedom of Information request: It was noted that the Clerk had responded to this request.
- SCC re Section 53 Application – Upgrading of Public Footpath 35, Ipstones: Details of this were noted.
- SCC re Grit Piles: An email advised that the deadline for the extra grit piles had been missed.
- Other bulletins/circulars/newsletters etc: –
SPCA – Weekly Bulletins – 26/08; 02/09;09/09; 16/09; 23/09 & 30/09
Clerks & Councils Direct – September Issue
SPCA – various training courses & Webinars
The Community Foundation – funding available for Sports Clubs
Came & Company – Change of brand name to Gallagher
99/21. Highways
- Hedges, Shaw Walls Lane: The Clerk reported that someone has reported that the hedges along Shaw Walls Lane is overgrown. Councillor Stimpson said that the ‘hedge cutters’ are about now. As most of Shaw Walls Lane is in the Cotton Parish it was agreed to advise them about the hedges.
100/21. Any Other Business
- NHS Signs: It was agreed to ask the Lengthsman if he can take the NHS sign down now.
- Councillor Jackson reported that he has the map that shows that the parish boundary in Froghall follows the stream and that the junction is in Kingsley Parish.
- Speed Signs (both ends of Ipstones): It was agreed to ask the Lengthsman if he will clean the signs.
- Cemetery Notice Board: It was agreed to ask the Lengthsman if he would clean the Notice Board in the Cemetery.
- Councillor James advised that she wishes to be known as her previous name as most people know to her as that. The Clerk will speak to the SMDC.
101/21. Accounts for payment: it was agreed unanimously to authorise the following
accounts for payment: –
| £ | |
| Lengthsman’s payment (Net) | 235.20 |
| Lengthsman’s Expenses | 23.64 |
| Clerk’s Salary (net) | 629.00 |
| Clerk’s Expenses | 25.74 |
| To reimburse Clerk from Chair Allowance for gift for a Golden Wedding Anniversary |
30.00 |
| James Perry (2 invoices) for 4 x mows | 1280.00 |
| Staffordshire farm Supplies Ltd for weed spray & starter cord | 49.80 |
| Mazars – External Audit Fee | 240.00 |
| L Malyon to reimburse from Chair Allowance re card & gift for a Diamond Wedding Anniversary |
32.09 |
| Staffordshire Farm supplies Ltd for Strimmer Head | 25.00 |
| HMRC – PAYE | 1.00 |
| Ipstones & Foxt RBL donation for Wreaths & Poppy Appeal authorised under S137 – Miscellaneous Payments |
300.00 |
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The date of the next meeting was set for Wednesday 27 October 2021 at 7.30 p.m.
In the Blore Suite at Ipstones Memorial Hall