Minutes of Parish Council Meeting held Virtually, 4th March 2021 PRESENT Councillors Chairman – Mike Hearn Mark Bickley Penny Honeyborne Ian Munro Nicola Prince Gill Putnam Neil Ritchie Sue Willett Non-Parish Councillors CW&C Cllr Paul Roberts Public – 3

APOLOGIES All councillors present.

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS Cllr Willett’s dispensation was noted in regard to discussions on Hill Field. Cllr Hearn’s dispensation was noted relating to discussions on Brook Maintenance.

TILSTON VILLAGE STORES Joanna Hatton introduced herself as having taken on part ownership of the Village Stores before Christmas 2020. She stated the Village Stores had remained open throughout the pandemic despite a number of difficulties and had served as a community hub. The store was now carrying more stock that ever before but was still not used by a large number of people in the village and there was a need to promote the Stores in the village and surrounding area. It was reported there had been 173 transactions during today which included some residents, passing trade and those working in the village. It was hoped that all the different groups and facilities could work together, TPFA, the Hall, Carden Arms etc for the benefit of the village. It was reported that the Village Stores is offering a range of additional services including: Deliveries. Donating and delivering nutritious meals once a week to residents on their own. Veg Boxes which are now being delivered to Tilston, Stretton and Shocklach. Bedding Plants – ordered directly from the growers in Amsterdam. It is also planned to do Sunday lunches in the future when restrictions allow. Councillors congratulated the Village Stores for all they have done for the Village and residents.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Tilston War Memorial Hall A representative noted that they had received the draft Plans for the Car Park and that they would consider them at their next meeting on the 24th March. Interactive Speed Limit Signs It was asked if the interactive speed limit signs are working, particularly as the Inveresk Road one is still covered by the tree. It was agreed the Clerk would raise this again with the Highways department and it would also be asked if a review of the speed limits had been undertaken since the signs were installed.

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MINUTES RESOLVED 21/673– that the Chairman signs, as a correct record the circulated minutes of the Parish Council meeting on the 14th January and 11th February 2021 when possible.

MEETING ACTIONS The Council noted the actions as listed since the January meeting page 262 of the minutes.

BROOK MAINTENANCE The Clerk reported she had contacted representatives of the Environment Agency (EA) requesting a virtual meeting to discuss the issue of the Brook flooding and maintenance and that that the two possible dates would be circulated to the flood and highways officers for their preference. The Clerk reported she had attended the CW&C Flood Recovery Seminar on the 2nd March and that CW&C had appointed a consultant to undertake a Section 19 Report1 which is required by law following flooding. It was noted that the Brook through Tilston is classed as a main river and is therefore the responsibility of the EA and is shown as being in flood zone 3, an area with a high probability of flooding, classed as having a 1 in 100 or greater annual probability of the river flooding. It was agreed to submit a full account of the history of the flooding at the ford by the Old Bakery, including information about the damage caused on the 12th August 2020 and also during the flooding in January 2021 to CW&C. It was noted that land by Brook Cottage had flooded and that should also be included in the report.

HILL FIELD Trees for Climate It was reported a representative of Mersey Forest had contact the Clerk and confirmed that he would undertake a site visit of Hill Field and at the bottom section of the field was likely to be suitable for planting trees. If that proves to be the case they would draw up a planting scheme and planting would take place in autumn this year. He confirmed the field could be grazed until the planting took place. Grazing of Hill Field RESOLVED 21/674 – that the Council agreed that the local resident be give permission to graze sheep on the Hill Field with the following provisions: 1)That a copy of valid insurance for the sheep to cover any damage or accidents caused by the sheep be supplied. 2) That sheep owner is responsible for the fencing and security of the sheep to prevent them escaping. 3) That the owner responsible for the health and wellbeing of the sheep including daily checks and provision of water. 4) That the sheep be removed from the field including temporary fencing, water and feed troughs by a date to be agreed. 5) That the agreement is subject to monthly review and that if issues arise from the grazing the agreement can be terminated, and the sheep removed within 48 hours. 6) That access to the field is via Lane. That the agreement be considered a temporary trial period to establish the feasibility of grazing the field and as such no charge be made. It was agreed these provisions be included in a later to be signed by the Clerk and resident and that copies are retained.

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It was agreed to obtain ‘livestock in field’ warning sign to be put on the gate and also on the fence by the Hall.

CAR PARK PLANS It was noted the draft car park plans had been circulated to Councillors and to neighbouring residents and the War Memorial Hall Committee. As a result, Council had received a comment of support from one resident as well as concerns regarding the screening to the west of the car park. Another resident had asked if the design would include a water drainage system or rely on the attenuation provided by the grasscrete. He had stated that the grasscrete was an excellent system but require considerable vehicle movements to keep growth manageable. It was agreed to make the following amendments to the plans: Widen the linear screening on the western edge of the car park possibly including a dog leg avoiding loss of any spaces. To increase depth of free form screening on the eastern edge of the car park up to 2m including curved edges It was believed the introduction of the grasscrete would not damage the existing trees roots but this will be checked, and an alternative may be to install gravel in these areas. It was noted that the grasscrete will provide adequate draining. Once the plans had been amended these would be forwarded to the Wildlife Trust for comment before submission to Jones Homes and CW&C.

EASTER The council agreed to run an Easter Egg Hunt from Friday 2nd April until Friday 9th April where a number of eggs will be hidden in the village each with a letter which will make up an easter word, which can be submitted at the Village Stores in return for an Easter Egg. It was reported a resident had offered to purchase the eggs a donation to the village. RESOLVED 21/675 – That the Council order 60 Easter Eggs for the Trail that will be restricted to children 0 to 11 who have family in the village to be paid for by the anonymous donor.

PLANNING The Council noted the planning register as circulated; no further application had been received.

CW&C WASTE CONSULTATION RESOLVED 21/676 – That the Council submit the following comments: Tilston Parish Council would strongly object to any plans to close the Recycling Centre in unless it was replaced with an improved facility in the area. The Council objects to any proposal to charge for the collection of garden or green waste as this is likely to result in residents putting garden waste in their black bins/general waste which would compromise the waste if it was to go to an energy waste plant. The introduction of charges would result in more fly tipping which is already prevalent in the rural areas. It should be noted that CW&C does not currently record fly tipping on private land and therefore does not have a realistic understanding of the amount of fly tipping taking place, Cheshire West also does not remove fly tipping on private land which has to be undertaken at the expense of the landowner. The introduction of charges for garden waste will result in increased journeys by residents to recycling centres and bonfires both of which will be environmentally damaging. Charging would unfairly penalise those living in more rural areas compared to those in urban areas with smaller or no gardens and would be without doubt a retrograde step. The Parish Council would support the opening of a landfill recycling shop in the southern part of Cheshire West to serve this area.

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OLDER PERSONS DAY Due to the on-going pandemic, it was agreed that rather than hold an Old Persons’ Day as had been planned the Council look to produce a guide to services and well-being to be printed and distributed to every home in the Parish. It was agreed to seek information from as many agencies as possible and look for sponsorship for the printing of the guide. Cllrs Hearn, Munro and Prince agreed to work with the Clerk to develop the guide.

PAVEMENT GRITTING It was reported gritting had taken place 3 times and that 5 bags of grit had been used to date, although further gritting may be required over Easter. It was thought the gritting undertaken this year was cheaper than the charges paid last year but that this could be confirmed at the next Council meeting in May. It was agreed once the gritter was not needed it would be clean and oiled and could be stored with the oak. The Council recorded its thanks to Cllrs Bickley and Prince for doing the gritting,

QUALITY STATUS It was noted that the Council’s Quality Status will send on September 2021. It was agreed not to renew the certification at this times but to continue to work to best practice.

DESIGN CODES The Clerk had circulated a number of Design Codes with the agenda and it was noted that these are replacing Village Design Statements (VDS). Although not planning policy they are planning guidance. It was reported that the Government in their recent white paper had stressed the importance of good or beautiful design and at the end of January had published a Model National Design Code. The Clerk reported a number of Councils who she worked for are now looking at replacing their VDS with a Design Codes which will be part of their Neighbourhood Plans and that a Design Code seemed an appropriate document for Tilston and as such the item had been include on the agenda. She reported that she had raised whether a village could produce a design code without a neighbourhood plan and had not really had a clear answer, although VDS could be produced by any village regardless of having Neighbourhood Plan. It was agreed not to pursue creating a design code at this time.

ACCOUNTS & PAYMENTS 1) Accounts & Payments RESOLVED 21/677– that the Council accept the accounts and payments as circulated on page 6 of the Cash Book including the following payments: - Date To whom paid Particulars Amount 08 02 21 Via Della Emilia Ltd Tree works – Hill Field 864.00 19 02 21 Via Della Emilia Ltd Planking of Oak 162.00 RESOLVED 21/678 – that the Council reimburse P. Hearn £109 for purchase of an automatic hand sanitiser and sanitiser refill for St Mary’s. RESOLVED 21/679 – that the Council approve a grant of £353 to Tilston Village stores for a hand sanitising station and sanitiser and anti-viral paint to be paid from the Covid funding grant the Parish Council had received.

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2) Appointment of SPS Shires RESOLVED 21/680 – That the Council agree SPS to continue to provide payroll services for 2021-2022. 3) Membership of Cheshire Association of Local Councils The Council agreed not to join the Cheshire association of Local councils. 4) Advertising of Community Grants RESOLVED 21/681 – That the Council advertise for smaller grants applications to be considered at the Councils May meeting.

REPORTER ARTICLES April 2021 – Mike Hearn May 2021 – Neil Ritchie

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION A number of comments were made regarding the proposed car park: It was asked if the car park would be for Hall use or accessible 24/7. It was noted the car park has always been for use by the hall and could be open for special events in the village e.g. The Wakes. It was noted no gate had been shown the plans. It was agreed this would be included in the amendments. A query was raised regarding the fence at the eastern edge of the car park which had been aligned with Hall rather than the fence. It was asked if the screening planted would be full height or small trees which would not provide any screening for a number of years. It was noted that some of the hedging removed had been cut back lower than request, however it was felt this was likely to grow back quickly and be thicker than before. It was asked who would own the car park, it was suggested it was likely to be owned by the Parish Council and be rented to the Hall at a peppercorn rent but this had not yet been agreed.

Signed ……………………….. Dated ………………………..

The meeting closed at 8.36pm. Ann Wright 05/03/2021

The next PARISH COUNCIL MEETING will be the Annual or First Meeting of the Council & will be held on Thursday 6th May 2021 7.00pm.

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January Meeting Actions Action Date Comments Completed Asset of Community Value 20 01 21 Emailed D Morgan about application 27 01 21 Carden Arms – submitted application Bin Stickers – 20mph 13 11 20 Tried to order left message 16 11 20 Order placed and payment made 18 11 20 Include in Reporter 21 11 20 Delivered 25 11 20 Availability posted on FB & emailed Brook Meeting 22 02 21 Requested meeting with EA.

Christmas Lights Highways – Speed 06 03 20 Assessment requested Assessment 06 03 20 Response sent to resident 24 08 20 Requested update 09 11 20 SB confirmed site visit and review Hill Field Car Park 19 02 21 Requested Plans update. 24 02 21 Circulated draft plans to Cllrs. Agree plans Plans to Neighbours, TWMH & Website CWLT CW&C Jones Homes Lloyds Bank – Payment Authorisation Key - Cupboard Issue key to NP Malpas Minibus Fuel 15 01 21 Confirmed £100 plus additional and Donation request booking info Older Peoples Day Consider date at May Meeting March Contact possible exhibitors agenda Reporter 19 02 21 Submitted March article April May Request white lines Church No action – awaiting outcome of Road school application. Speed Limits Survey 15 01 21 Circulated to Councillors Completed 20 01 21 Circulated reminder to Councillors 27 01 21 Submitted Survey (5) Precept Report 19 02 21 Included in Reporter Article Completed Precept Request 15 01 21 Submitted by email. Completed

Rookery Road – Blocked 06 11 20 Forwarded info to PR. Drain 18 11 20 advised no drain outside no. 8 confirmed no.6 18 12 20 Reported blocked drain again - HW285564440. Emailed Highways & PR with above 21 12 20 reference inc. photos.

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Eng. advised to report above online – despite online report reference in email! Speed Gun Training Speed & Parking Issues Ask school to publicise in newsletters Inc in Annual report Signatures Documents for signing: Acceptance of Office – MH, NP Minutes - MH Other: 04 02 21 Reported landslide at Rock Holes 29 01 21 HW304362999 Reported raised grids – flooding wet 27 01 21 lane HW302106603 27 01 21 Verge damage Malpas Road - Ref HW301168344 29 01 21 Verge damage Duckington Lane – Ref HW301171357 Checked above Status- competed - 05 01 21 submitted report not completed and photo larger pothole. Potholes reported – Flags SY14 7DY - HW291717317

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