Chebsey Parish Council meeting 6th March 2023

Sue Wardle from Friends of Norton Bridge gave feedback on the Norton Bridge bus survey.

The results of the survey show there is a need for a bus service through Norton Bridge. It was agreed to send the results of the survey to Cllr J Pert and Cllr P Jones to see if they can advise of the best way forward. Action clerk. 

Cllr J Lawson (Holiday) Cllr B Samra (Working away) Cllr S Edge Cllr P Jones (SBC)

Cllr M Ainsworth-Hickman IRO Old Mill Farmhouse

Item 23/008 The unveiling of John Green and Dave Davis’s commemorative bench featured in this month’s Gazette.

Item 23/023 All items reported by the clerk, the fly tipping has been removed, the hedge has been trimmed. Amey have replied regarding Parsons Bank stating no action can be taken due to major works due to be undertaken. It was requested for the road sweeper to visit Parson’s Bank. Action clerk 

Item 23/027 The clerk wrote to the planning dept and included T. Clegg, Cllr Pert & Cllr P Jones in the correspondence. C Jordan did send a response.

A request was made for more information on the decision at the Old Mill Farmhouse; no reply has been received to date.

The clerk sent a reply to S Bramall.

Everyone present agreed the minutes of the meeting held on 6^th February 2023 were a true record of the meeting.

Nat West Current Account at 24^th February 2023                         £6199.46

Payment to B Stokes (The Fab Man) for work carried out on the

Norton Bridge Notice Board  Cheque no 977                                        £25.00

SPCA Clerks training course Cheque no 978                                       £36.00

Clerks salary March 2023 Cheque no 979                                          £281.52

SBC Civic Amenities Mar 23 – Nov 23 Cheque no 980                      £777.00

Friends of Norton Bridge Bee Project Cheque no 981                        £204.88

Account                                                                                            £4875.06                                                                           

All above payments approved by everyone present.

Budget review.

A full analysis of spend against budget will be prepared for the April meeting covering the whole year to 31st March 2023.

No policies for discussion this month.

Tenders received for grass cutting at Recreation Area Norton Bridge.

P. Crooke P C Facilities £1750.00.( Not VAT registered)

J Green Landscapes £1512.00 (£1260.00 plus VAT £252.00)

SJL Landscapes Ltd £1176.00 (£980.00 plus VAT £196.00). The tenders were all discussed. The councillors asked the clerk to clarify if SJL included the cost of spraying the paths and maintaining the boundary. Action clerk.

After discussion it was agreed that if SJL Landscapes tender was below the other tenders with the inclusion of spraying the footpath and maintaining the boundary, SJL would receive the contract. Documentation provided by SJL Landscapes satisfied the councillors the correct insurance requirements are covered.

Feedback from bus questionnaires.(covered in item 23/030)

The Norton Bridge village green meetings have taken place. Friend of Norton Bridge will evaluate the feedback and decide on the next steps.

Cllr Foster-Birks asked if the Parish Council could contact the Civic Amenities Team to express their thanks to the driver of the wagon. The driver was extremely helpful during the visit on 4^th March .Action clerk.

It was agreed that Cllr Foster-Birks would be present at the next visit to observe the use of the facility.

Warm Spaces will continue till the end of April. “Family Action” will be doing a workshop at the meeting on 16^th March 2023. They will be covering money saving recipes, ideas and wellbeing.  Everyone who attends will receive a Morrison’s £10 food voucher.

Monday 13th March – HS2 Meeting

Wednesday 15^th March – Clerks Election Briefing

Saturday 20th May – Civic Amenity Visit

Saturday 17th June – Civic Amenity Visit

Monday 12th July – HS2 Meeting

Saturday 29^th July – Civic Amenity Visit

Monday 11th September – HS2 Meeting

Saturday 23rd September – Civic Amenity Visit

Saturday 28th October –Civic Amenity Visit

Saturday 25th November – Civic Amenity visit

Report made to Highways regarding pot holes on the island by Norton Bridge report number 4312910. Reply received no action to be taken because work is due to be carried out in due course.

There has been much press coverage of growing concern by several leading MP’s about the ever increasing cost and the reducing rate of return of HS2. Whilst it appears that the Prime Minister seems determined to have HS2 delivered as originally planned, there also appears to be questioning about the efficiency of the construction phases resulting in a number of possible alternative options bring voiced for phases 2a (through Staffordshire) and 2b.
The SRCG has submitted, for consideration by the Dft, an alternative option for HS2a that utilises the West Coast Mainline instead of a new line being built. As more information becomes available then CPC will update its notes.

The clerk discussed with the Councillors ways of improving communication. It was agreed that when the clerk sends emails if a reply is needed it should be noted REPLY NEEDED in the subject box. Urgent matters should be chased in the closed What’s App group. It was agreed to monitor the situation.

The Chair asked if anyone would like to attend the Mayor Making Ceremony in May.

From the Electoral Commission website: LGE election timetable 4 May 2023 (electoralcommision.org.uk)

Local government elections in England: 4 May 2023

NB This timetable has been edited to show only Parish/Town council elections taking place.

The days which are disregarded in calculating the timetable are Saturday, Sunday, bank holidays and any day appointed for public thanksgiving or mourning. Please be aware that the timetable may change in the event of days being appointed for public thanksgiving or mourning.

This timetable has been developed based on the legislation as it currently stands and so it may be subject to change. The Electoral Commission will update and re-publish the timetable as appropriate if further legislation is made.

The clerk is attending the Election briefing meeting on 15^th March 2023. The councillors will meet after this date to discuss and complete nomination forms to ensure they are completed and returned to the Election Office on time. (Meeting provisionally booked for 21^st March 2023 7pm at Cllr Ainsworth- Hickman’s address.)

22/36936/PTEL installation of monopole etc at land NW of Hammer House Farm Smithy Lane Allowed 16/02/23.

22/36140/FUL 1 & 2 Hilcote Cottages. Allowed 7/02/23

21/35298/HOU & 21/34838/LBC Old School House Park Lane Withdrawn

21/34302/LDC Rose Tree Farm Refused 15/02/23

22/36456/FUL Rose Tree Farm awaiting decision.

Election update. End of year arrangements.

With no further business the Chair thanked everyone for their attendance and closed the meeting at 8.55pm.