STOCKTON HEATH PARISH COUNCIL

STOCKTON HEATH PARISH COUNCIL A meeting of the Parish Council was held at The Sandy Lane Centre, Sandy Lane, Stockton Heath on Tuesday, 11 February 2014 commencing at 7:30pm. Present: Councillor G Roughsedge (Chair) Councillors S Barlow, S W Boggan, S L Dean, W S Emsley, C E Jones, C E Jordan MBE, & P Todd Councillors L Murphy, W J T Pole, & P J Walker Cllr. Roughsedge welcomed all to the Parish Council monthly meeting. 89. Apologies/Non-attendance Apologies received from Councillors H J Dutton, A Raymond, S H Taylor and M Timmins. 90. Declaration of Interests/ Requests for Dispensations No declarations of interest / requests for dispensations were made at the start of the meeting. 91. Barbara Parratt, South Area Manager, Neighbourhoods in Warrington, Families and Wellbeing Directorate, Warrington Borough Council The South Area Manager, Barbara Parratt (BP) thanked the Parish Councillors for the invitation to attend the meeting and her report included the following: BP, a Part Time Area Manager, explained that the Board is made up of Borough Councillors, Parish Councillors, Senior Council Officers, Police, Fire, Housing, Third Sector representatives and Residents adding that the South Area Board had indeed a very powerful voice. South Warrington faces particular challenges: - An ageing population - Social isolation - Fuel poverty - Graduate unemployment - Increasing pressure on Adult Social Care resources - Weak public transport system in certain areas - Limited activities for young people. Consequently the South Area Plan has five priorities: - Reduce Social Isolation - Increase Household Income and Reduce Child Poverty - To improve Health and Wellbeing - To Reduce Fear of Crime - To increase Community Capacity and Resilience The Board has a responsibility to spend money wisely and bring to account existing services. -1-

The Board works with the Public Health Team with promotional leaflets being placed on notice boards in community centres for campaigns that run for a 6 weekly period. Recent campaigns have included Falls Prevention and Cancer Awareness. Talks on Alzheimer s Disease or other dementia are to be held at St Werburgh s Community Hub on 7 and 14 March from 2-4pm. The Board manages an annual spend of 25,000 and can consider grant applications from the South Area Local Fund for community projects from 50 to 2000. Recently provided a grant for the Purple Flag campaign. Leaflets provided on: - The South Area Local Fund - Warrington Borough Council Community Chest Grants grants for community projects of up to 400. - Stronger Together Neighbourhoods In Warrington Community Connectors - Healthy ageing supporting information - Warrington Community Transport Dial A Ride BP explained the role of Community Connectors who assist anyone who is isolated and offer a personal brief befriending service. A Safe and Secure event is to be held on 27 March between 12 and 4pm at the Ex Servicemen s Club, Grappenhall and hopefully, if successful, the event will be rolled out in South Warrington over the coming year. Discussions ensued on the Dial-A-Ride facility and BP will clarify the requirements for using the service. Cllr. Barlow requested later in the meeting that a letter be sent to the General Manager of Dial-A-Ride to suggest that residents become members for 10 per annum to help with funding even if they don t require the service. BP advised that there was nothing to stop Dial-A-Ride applying for funding. Cllr. Murphy arrived at 7.55pm following attendance at a Warrington Borough Council meeting. 92. Public Participation a) Trees on land facing Chadwick Avenue / behind Willow Drive Mr. Broadbent, resident of Willow Drive, in attendance who enquired on the up to date situation of the trees. Cllr. Pole referred to the minutes of the Parish Council 14 January meeting - Min. No. 87 and advised that if external funding was to be sourced, a formal name for the group suggesting Friends of Lumb Brook and a constitution would be required. It was agreed by Members that a letter be sent from the Parish Council confirming the resolution at the 14 January meeting. Cllr. Pole had declared an interest as a resident of Willow Drive backing onto Chadwick Avenue. -2-

b) PCSO/Police Report PCSO Ben Blandford in attendance and report as follows: 13 crimes (decrease from 15 - January 2013) and 11 incidents of anti social behaviour (increase from 10 - January 2013). Cllr. Todd enquired why the burglary on Chester Road was not included in the figures however BB suggested this may well be in the Grappenhall figures in error. BB subsequently advised in an email dated 13 February that the burglary was reported in December s figures. Cllr. Barlow questioned whether the Whitefield Road Homewatch Scheme was still in operation and BB agreed to investigate. 93. Minutes Resolved that: a) The minutes of the Monthly Meeting of the Parish Council held on 14 January 2014 be approved and signed by the Chair following the amendment at 84.7 to read: The Clerk was surprised by the report as she had not been contacted by anyone b) The minutes of the Planning, Finance & General Purposes Committee held on 4 February 2014 be approved, all the recommendations confirmed and signed by the Chair following the amendment below: PFGP 88. from Elmsley to Emsley 94. Matters arising from the Minutes for Updating and Noting Only Monthly Meeting 14 January 2014 94.1 Purple Flag Committee/Youth Provision Cllr. Jordan advised on a meeting held earlier in the day and suggested that perhaps Purple Flag should be a monthly agenda item. The issue of youth provision in Stockton Heath was being addressed by the Purple Flag Committee through contact with Bridgewater High School and Priestley College. 94.2 Stockton Heath Medical Centre/South Warrington News The Clerk reported on a telephone call from the Editor, South Warrington News advising that the December 2013 South Warrington News was the 250 th edition of the publication and that in 2014, South Warrington News is celebrating 21 years existence - July 2014 is the actual birthday / anniversary month. Cllr. Barlow advised that the Stockton Heath Medical Centre - Doctor 1 st was doing well and Cllrs. Boggan & Pole added that the service provided was very good. -3-

94.3 Cash for Gold Signage at the junction of Fairfield Road/London Road Councillors advised that the light above the sign was not lit prior to the Parish Council meeting on 11 February. 94.4 Christmas Lights Following investigation, the Clerk reported that staff at the Mulberry Tree Public House advised that the lights actually went off on New Year s Eve afternoon for an unknown period of time. The Clerk had not received any telephone messages/emails at the Parish Office reporting the matter however has subsequently given the Landlord the appropriate contact details for future reference. The Clerk also advised that two of the Victorian style lights were not working in the Square at the moment and these had been reported to Warrington Borough Council (WBC). 94.5 Grappenhall Road Email sent on 15 January to WBC Street Services regarding the street cleaning of Grappenhall Road however no response received to date. 94.6 Police & Crime Commissioner meeting on 4 February Cllr. P J Walker reported on his attendance at the Police & Crime Commissioner meeting on 4 February on behalf of the Parish Council adding that: - The Police & Crime Commissioner had a 100,000 fund for crime prevention initiatives. - The Police Chief Constable was retiring with a hand over expected in June. 94.7 Ackers Road Traffic Safety Scheme Email dated 17 January from the Traffic Management / Collision Investigation Assistant Engineer Road Safety, WBC advising of a proposed Local Safety Scheme on Ackers Road to include increased road markings, 160 bollards / posts on the verge adjacent to Ackers Pit and red warning bend signs. As a response was required by 29 January, the Clerk reported upon consultation with Members of the Lumb Brook and Latchford Without Wards, an email reply was sent 27 January advising that the Parish Council welcomes the proposed traffic management improvements. However concerns were raised on the visual impact of the proposal due to the excessive number of bollards, the difficulties of hedge maintenance and the proposal does not address the traffic / safety issues at the junction of the approach road to the Cantilever Bridge and Ackers Road. The Members had suggested that a separation distance of 1 metre rather than 500mm centres proposed may have the desired effect. Following discussion with Members and the WBC Engineer, email received dated 31 January advising: WBC feel that reducing the number of bollards could impact upon the effectiveness of the scheme as a whole but is sympathetic of the concerns raised by the Parish Council with regard to visual impact and difficulty in hedge maintenance. As such, WBC has reduced the number of bollards but maintained the extents and step down ratio of 100%. The bollards therefore will be spaced at 4m centres on each approach, reducing to 2m centres around the tightest part of the bend. -4-

The above scheme will be monitored for a 12 month period and should no improvements be witnessed following scheme completion, consideration will be given to installing additional posts to assist in collision reduction; this of course will be consulted upon with the Parish Council and local members prior to any works commencing. Regarding the Parish Council s comments relating to the safety of the junction of Ackers Road and the service road to the high level bridge, WBC is actively investigating the introduction of a Local Safety Scheme (LSS) at this location for delivery in the 2014/15 financial year. WBC is approaching full LSS spend for the 2013/14 financial year and as such are unable to allocate any further work until budgets have been renewed. 94.8 Ackers Pit The Clerk advised that tree maintenance / safety works had commenced and that a meeting of the Working Party would be arranged once the trees maintenance works had been concluded to include the Secretary, Warrington Anglers Association. The meeting was required to discuss a number of issues including maintenance to the paths around the Pit and at the entrances with quotations to be obtained. A notice dated February 2014 advising of the tree works and other maintenance works had been added to the Parish Council website on the Ackers Pit webpage and pinned on the notice board to replace the November 2013 notice. Progress is being made to reduce the pile of wood chippings adjacent to the path near Mill Lane. It was agreed that residents and Councillors are welcome to remove any chippings they require. Discussion ensued on the logs left on site and it was recommended that the issue be referred to the Working Party. 94.9 West Avenue Street Name Plate The Clerk advised that an email request had been sent on 15 January to the Highways Inspector, WBC. 94.10 Footways - Grappenhall Road Cllrs. Jordan and Walker advised that the pavement had been repaired however the pavement in other areas on Grappenhall Road also required attention. 94.11 Parking at Church Farm Car Park The Clerk reported on several telephone calls with the owner of the Church Farm Car Park, Fortlands Ltd on 15 & 16 January advising that there are 10 large Euro Car Parks signs in place advising of the following: Car Park is camera controlled, 1 ½ hours maximum stay and operational Monday to Saturday 6am to 10pm and Sunday 9am to 10pm. Sign also details: We are using cameras to capture images of vehicle number plates and to calculate the length of stay. Failure to comply with the following will result in a 90 parking charge notice. However one sign at the entrance to the car park states: Private Property Euro Car Parks accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to vehicles once entered onto this car park and refers to the terms and conditions to be found on the other signs. -5-

PF&GP 4 February 2014 94.12 Statement Precept 2014/15 The Clerk provided all Members with the Budget Schedule for 2014-15 / Comparison for 2013 14 including the Projected Year End Figures to 31 March 2014 with an agreed statement to be made if any queries raised. 95. Clerk s Report On 21 January, Cllr. Dean and the Clerk attended the village to primarily inspect the planters. The winter bedding appeared mostly in order and a few issues were directed to the Parish Ranger to complete. The following communications were noted and resolutions made where appropriate: a) Letter dated 17 January from Stockton Heath Festival Trust Coordinator advising of the proposed dates: Thursday 3 July to Sunday 6 July and requesting formal permission of the Parish Council for the Festival to use the Mill Lane Diamond Jubilee Field. Members agreed, as in previous years, to give permission for the use of the Field and a request be made for a copy of their Risk Assessment for any events on the Field, which should include insurance details, to be forwarded to the Clerk. b) Email dated 31 January from the WBC Public Rights of Way Officer attaching minutes of the Rights of Way Forum meeting held 15 January. Next meetings have been scheduled for 7 May and 14 August. c) Letter dated 31 January from WBC Public Realm Manager (Asset & Flood Risk) advising of the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy Consultation which is available for public consultation from 3 February until 31 March at www.warrington.gov.uk/floodrisk. It was agreed that Cllr. Taylor should review the document on behalf of the Parish Council. d) Neighbourhoods Monthly Bulletin February 2014. 96. Standing Orders At 4 February PF&GP meeting see Min. No. PFGP 93, it was suggested by Cllr. Pole that if there was a guest speaker, meetings could be brought forward to 7pm for the speaker s presentation with the usual Parish Council meeting commencing at 7.30pm. The Clerk advised that at the Annual meeting of the Parish Council held in May the dates and times of meetings are resolved and at the May 2014 meeting, this should be agreed. Resolved that the revised Standing Orders be approved and a copy of the amended pages of the Standing Orders would be issued to Members in due course. -6-

97. Stockton Heath Parish Council Members Allowances Scheme Further to the PF&GP meeting on 4 February - Min. No. PFGP 92 - a copy of the recommended Members Allowances Scheme was provided to Members with the agenda. Resolved that the Stockton Heath Parish Council Members Allowances Scheme be approved and adopted. Cllr. Barlow suggested that at the Annual Parish Meeting, the Chair provides a breakdown of the expenditure of both the Chair and the Council Members. Cllr. Emsley added that this information could be added to the Parish Council Newsletter. 98. Annual Parish Meeting and Annual Parish Council Meetings 2014 Resolved that: a) The Annual Parish Meeting be held on Tuesday 8 April 2014 commencing at 7pm prior to the Monthly Parish Council Meeting. b) The Annual Parish Council Meeting be held on Tuesday 13 May 2014 commencing at 7:30pm. 99. Councillors Reports a) Cllr. Barlow advised that the 20mph speed limit zoning was being implemented with completion expected in 2014. The Clerk reported that the WBC Traffic Management & Road Safety Manager had been invited to attend the March meeting to discuss the issue however no reply had been received to date. b) Cllr. Boggan referred to the parking on Fairfield Road causing congestion not only on Fairfield Road but backing onto London Road and raised concerns due to access by emergency services and that the road was a bus route. Councillors referred to previous attempts by WBC to install double yellow lines on the Manchester Ship Canal side of the road however the residents of Fairfield Road opposed the plan. Cllr. Boggan suggested a trial period and the Clerk was requested to make enquiries with WBC. c) Cllr. Jordan advised of the following: i. A parked Range Rover at the junction of Heath Street/Walton Road causing congestion already reported to PCSO Ben Blandford. ii. An article in the 6 February edition of the Warrington Guardian reporting on Peel Ports including the increased swinging of the bridge by 40% from 2012 to 2013. Discussion ensued by Members and it was agreed that the item should be placed on the agenda for the next Parish Council meeting when consideration would be given to the formation of a Committee to meet with other Parish Councils to discuss the issue further. Cllr. Pole suggested that the media should get in on the news. Further to the Mersey Ports Master Plan consultation and the Parish Council s subsequent response on 21 November 2012, the Clerk was requested to obtain an update from WBC and Peel Ports. -7-

d) Cllr. Dean referred to an email dated 21 January from the Apprentice - Democratic Services, WBC on plans to commemorate World War I and it was suggested to make enquiries with the Royal British Legion. The Clerk had already made contact with Reverend Ridley, St. Thomas Church however no response had been received to date. Cllr. Roughsedge stated that the Remembrance Sunday event was linked to St. Thomas Church as part of their service. Mrs. Helen Curwen, a resident in attendance, advised that consideration was being given to the lighting of the War Memorial, planting poppies by the school children and planting poppies in the flower troughs on the wall behind the War Memorial. The Clerk added that the wildflower mix at Mill Lane Diamond Jubilee Field would include red poppies. e) Cllr. Murphy referred to an item discussed at the WBC Parking Forum meeting of pavement parking and the organising of a policy across the town when pavement parking should be allowed. Discussion ensued between Members and it was agreed to await the consultation. The meeting ended at 9.35pm. -8-