Parish Council meeting 10th January 2022

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and wished them a Happy New Year.

Residents of Norton Bridge presented their objections to the Planning Application 21/35134/FUL Land adjacent to 10 New Street, Norton Bridge. It was noted that consultation letters have not been received by the Residents of New Street and a Public notice has not been displayed to date. The Chair thanked the residents and advised them their objections would be considered when the Cllr’s discussed the application at item 22/07

Cllr J. Pert wished everyone a Happy New Year. Cllr Pert gave an update on the Covid Pandemic asking the Cllr’s to promote the need for vaccinations and boosters and not to forget the flu jab.

Cllr D. Davis (Isolating), Cllr P. Jones (SBC) (Other commitments)

None.

Minute 1214 c/f Clerk to write in support for transport for O/16’s

Minute 1232 PAR 21/35298/HOU Old School House Park Lane, no objections Case Officer notified.

Minute 1233 Clerk notified J. Bellingham of the Precept request.

Minute 1236 Clerk notified The Play Inspection Company re next year’s inspection.

Minute 1237 Flyers completed ready for distribution.

Minute 1238 All correspondence responded to by the Clerk.

Resolved: The minutes of the meeting held on 6^th December 2021 were accepted as a true record of the meeting.

Kris introduced himself and discussed the advantages of Fibre Broadband. He advised the meeting of the Government Scheme which is available to rural communities. Details of the scheme are available at https:gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk .Kris explained that a survey of the area would need to be carried out by BT who would give a costing for the area. Residents and small businesses can get help via a voucher to assist with the cost. It was agreed for a flyer to be designed for distribution in the Parish to find out what interest there would be. Action: Clerk, Cllr B Jones and Kris Douglas

PAR 21/34769/FUL Land off Searchlight Lane. Clerk advised the Case Officer the Parish Council had no objections to the hard standing but did have concerns regarding the removal of the hedgerow.

PAR 21/35134/FUL Land adjacent to 10 New Street Norton Bridge 2 storey 4 bedroom house. The Councillors discussed the application taking into account the objections presented by the public. It was agreed unanimously to strongly oppose the application and request it should be rejected. Action: Clerk to write to the Case Officer.

To Approve expenditure for January 2022.

Nat west current account ( 24/12/21)                 £6313.65

Payment to HMRC paye for Oct-Dec 21                £29.60

Payment to HMRC overdue paye see letter         £281.57

Clerks salary plus expenses (£4 for paper)          £167.24

Cllr Davis for maintenance & fuel for the mower    £50.00

Un presented cheque Play Inspection Co              £90.00

Cold Norton Defibrillator cabinet still to be paid for. Clerk has been advised delivery should be during week of 24^th January 2022.

Balance of account                                          £5695.24    

Discuss budget for 22/23.

Future expenditure.   For consideration when VAT refund is claimed and received.   

Contact Stafford Borough Council regarding the state of the roads and request a road sweeper. Contact Staffordshire County Council to request the gullies are emptied.

Issue a reminder regarding the ditch that has not been repaired on Searchlight Lane Ref number 4264054. Action: Clerk

No new updates.

Funding ideas, requests for speed restrictions (Friends of Norton Bridge)

Defibrillator for Heamies/Hilcote.

It was agreed to request available dates for a meeting in March (Delay due to Covid) Action: Clerk.

Ideas for the celebrations were discussed. The flyers were given out to the Councillors for distribution to the residents of the Parish. Action: Councillors

The Chair gave feedback from the meeting held by Friends of Norton Bridge on 6^th December 2021.

Email from M. Wilson Friends of Norton Bridge regarding the donation for clearance of the Brickle. To await response from Friends of Norton Bridge.

Email request from Yarnfield and Cold Meece Parish Council for a meeting. It was agreed that a non urgent meeting is not appropriate at this time.

Email from Insignis regarding competitive rates for deposit accounts. Agreed no need for this service.  Action: Clerk to reply to correspondence.

Tenders for grounds maintenance for Norton Bridge Recreation area.

Jubilee Celebrations.

HS2 funding.

Update on Broadband.

There being no other business the Chair thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 21.00