NORTON CANES PARISH COUNCIL Minutes of Council Meeting Held On

Minutes of Council Meeting held on 20 July 2016 at Norton Canes Community Centre at 7pm

Present: J. Preece (Chairman) J. Beddows J. Bridgen J. Bernard Mrs A. Bernard Mrs. S. Harding J. Hampshire C. Preece M. Holder Mrs Z. Stretton M. Stretton

Also Present: 10 members of the public PCSO Neil Griffiths (to end of Police Report) Michelle Shaker, Community Speed Watch Co-ordinator (to end of her presentation) Mrs T. Williams, Temporary Clerk

Cllor Preece thanked everyone present for attending the meeting.

Cllor Mrs Harding asked the Chairman if he would call a minute’s silence in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks in France (recently in Nice) and also for Jo Cox, MP (for Batley and Spen), who was murdered (on 16 June 2016) in the line of duty.

A minute’s silence was held.

985/2016 Public Participation Michelle Shaker, Community Speed Watch Co-ordinator for Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership was welcomed to the meeting.

Michelle proceeded to deliver a presentation on the Community Speed Watch scheme and how it could assist in improving road safety in the community. She advised that the Safer Roads Partnership consists of Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and other agencies.

There are more than 40 Community Speed Watch groups in Staffordshire with another 17 groups in the process of setting up (waiting for equipment, training or funding). All people who make up these groups are volunteers. The vision of 1 the Partnership is to double or triple this number for the whole of Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent.

Training of volunteers consists of a 2½ hour session which includes some practical work in handling the radar devise. The local PCSO will undertake risk assessments to identify the speeding hot spots where the group will stand. After this, it is a case of operating the device and recording people who are caught speeding. The make and model of the vehicle, date, time and speed, are recorded and entered into a national data base which identifies the registered keeper. If it is the first time the keeper is caught they receive a warning letter (which works well and is often all that is needed). If the same person is caught again, another more strongly worded letter is sent as a final warning. In addition to this, a police officer will visit the keeper at home. No- one likes that happening and it is a huge deterrent.

The data collected is monitored over a period of time and provides very useful statistics. It highlights issues that can then be reported to county partners, and provides evidence for getting speed surveys done so traffic in particular areas can be monitored. It is a useful gauge of what vehicles are doing in the area.

It is important that the community engage with the Partnership and assist in identifying the hot spots. There are just six camera vans for the whole of the County and 222 yellow cameras by the roadside. Of these 222 cameras only 30 are live at any one time. Cameras are categorised as High, Medium and Low ‘Killed or Seriously Injured’ (KSI) and are switched on in accordance with these statistics. Cameras are not loaded in areas with low KSI statistics. Live cameras have to be kept rotating and it is a vast area to cover.

Norton Canes has a radar gun (which is shared with Heath Hayes) and hot spots for speeding are generally known, although there has been an issue getting risk assessments done.

Michelle asked the meeting whether there was a pattern for speeding in Norton – daytime, night time or throughout. Members of the public spoke one by one and shared their concerns about where speeding was a problem. Between the Old Yew Tree and the Sycamore was mentioned as well as the A5, Burntwood Road Norton Hall Lane, Brownhills Road, Walsall Road. People also expressed their disappointment that the cameras in Norton are not working.

Michelle said that data held on Norton Canes illustrated that accidents are of a minor nature and not speed related. However, hot spots for speeding have been identified as Betty’s Lane, Brownhills Road, Church Road and Hednesford Road. As Norton Canes is not a high priority for live speed cameras, the Community Speed Watch could play its part in collecting data that might raise its ranking.

Concerns were raised about motorist reactions to the speed guns in respect of confrontation and hostility. Michelle explained that conflict management is incorporated into the training although incidents are not common occurrences (in seven years Cllor Bernard has only had two people stop to 2 deliver verbal abuse). She suggested the group dial 101 when they start their session and the PCSO on duty will be alerted (and if possible attend some of the session). If motorists do stop, volunteers have a letter to show them confirming they have been legitimately appointed by the Safer Road Partnership. If the volunteer feels uncomfortable they can choose to just walk away. The incident should then be reported.

A member of the public spoke about a proposed road scheme involving a one-way system and speed humps but the work had not taken place. This was confirmed as being Staffordshire County Council work.

Cllor Bernard asked how much a radar gun would cost if enough volunteers could be recruited. He also informed the meeting that he had been successful in obtaining a quantity of wheelie bin stickers (marked up with 30mph speed limit) from the Safer Roads Partnership for residents of some of the roads highlighted. These would be hand delivered by him and fellow volunteers.

He also asked whether a camera van could visit Norton Canes from time to time and Michelle advised that its sitings was also dependent on KSI statistics. She said that an area could be set up as a ‘Community Care Site’ where local people provide the information on road safety issues (but this is dependent on information being put forward by members of the public).

The value of the Speed Awareness Course was stated by Cllor J. Preece and that it would be a good idea if the courses were made compulsory for all motorists.

Cllor Bernard asked whether it would be possible to get some signs installed saying ‘Slow Down’ or ‘Kill your Speed’. Michelle said that if a Speed Watch group shows commitment, after six months it would be possible to request Speed Watch signs (one for each side of the road) but these have to be paid for by the Parish Council or Staffordshire County Council. They cost about £350. Temporary LED signs were also mentioned.

PCSO Neil Griffiths acknowledged that there is speeding in the village but with a push on the Speed Watch scheme a lot of work can be done to knock this on the head.

The following Councillors offered to become Speed Watch volunteers: Cllor Bernard (already a volunteer at Heath Hayes), Cllor J. Preece, Cllor Holder, Cllor M. Stretton, Cllor Beddows.

Before leaving the meeting at the end of her presentation, Michelle was thanked by the Chairman for her time.

At this point (7.35pm) five members of the public also left the meeting.

Other issues Planning Application CH/16/191: Brownhills Road, Norton Canes

3 Residential Development for 39 Affordable Homes – Two local residents (Mark Cope and Matt Wilkinson), who had not been able to attend the previous meeting, thanked the parish council for its support with this planning application.

At this point the Chairman declared that he is a member of the District Council’s Planning Control Committee. He invited Cllor Mrs Stretton to speak about the application.

Cllor Mrs Stretton suggested that a meeting be set up between a number of the residents (perhaps ten), Councillors and the Development Control Manager of the Planning Department so that concerns about the planning application can be directly expressed in full. Sometimes plans can be changed in accordance with local people’s wishes. She asked the two men to leave their names and addresses.

Cllor Bernard said he had arranged a meeting with Mark Cope to discuss a response to the case.

Cllor Beddows asked Mr Cope and Mr Wilkinson to explain the progress that had been made since the last meeting. Mr Cope advised that local residents had: • submitted their objections in writing individually (there are five pages of consultation responses on Cannock Chase Council’s Planning Register for the application). • A collective document had been produced and attention given to ensuring the observations were properly and concisely compiled. The neighbours have signed to say they are in agreement with its content. • A request had been made to the Planning Department for the publicity period to be extended.

Residents were now waiting for the Planning Committee date.

Cllor Holder asked whether a site visit had been requested and suggested that objectors make their presence known on the day. He advised that a pre meeting discussion with the Planning Officer would be a good idea. Where officers recommend approval on a planning application, the committee must find very good planning reasons for going against this advice. He pointed out that the residents’ collective response (earliest version) contains a section that he found to be objectionable.

Mr Cope and Mr Wilkinson advised that the document had been improved since the early draft and none of the 40+ objectors have experience with responding to planning applications. He agreed that there were faults in how the objections had been presented – but at the same time the applicant was inviting some of the comments made because of the way the development had been designed.

No other questions were raised and Public Participation was closed. Three members of the public remained.

4 986/2016 Apologies No apologies had been received.

987/2016 Declarations of Interest Cllor J. Preece is a member of Cannock Chase Council’s Planning Control Committee.

988/2016 Minutes of previous meeting held on 15 June 2016 and matters arising Resolved: The minutes of the meeting held on 15 June 2016 were agreed as a true and accurate record.

Matters arising from the minutes:

Page 3 (Public Participation): drain blocked at the front of the Co-op – the defect had been reported and a follow up call would be made to find out whether the work had been done.

Page 8 (976/2016): traffic lights (junction of Brownhills Road and Burntwood Road) – the traffic lights have been repaired but had been damaged again recently.

Page 8 (976/2016): signage – Cllor Hampshire requested that a Projects meeting be held to discuss signage into the village (Welcome to Norton Canes/Welcome to the Village/Please Drive Slowly signs)

Cllor Mrs Harding reported that Janet Lee had commented on how lovely the flower troughs are, and asked for pictures to go in the newsletter. However, someone has signed the trough in Norton Hall Lane in felt pen. It was suggested that the lengthsmen might have an idea about how this can be removed.

Cllor Beddows reported that this flower trough had been vandalised.

Page 10 (977/2016): Miners benches – Cllor J. Bernard said the benches look very good and hoped that all councillors had been to see them.

Page 12 (981/2016): Veolia Environmental Trust – it was confirmed that contact had been made with Veolia Environmental Trust on two occasions to ask for feedback on the reasons the application was turned down. No responses had been received, but this may be because the letter (advising the Council that the grant had been declined) had said no feedback could be given (due to the large number of applications received).

989/2016 Police Report PCSO Neil Griffiths advised the meeting that everything was good in the village. There have been no incidents of anti-social behaviour to speak of and just one burglary where the perpetrator didn’t get away with it. Cllor Mrs Stretton said thank you to him/the Force for their work.

990/2016 Highways Issues 5 It was reported that a meeting will be held with the Community Highways Liaison Officer (Cheryl Larvin) tomorrow (21 July 2016) and members are welcome to attend. It was also reported that Cheryl had advised that the island on Blakeney Way (at the junction with Cley Road) was scheduled to be resurfaced during the August bank holiday weekend. The Highways Department recognise that the road surface in Norton Hall Lane/Church Road is in need of resurfacing but the cost of the scheme is estimated to be £250,000 and will not be done during the current financial year. The potholes will be repaired (if on the system). Cllor Holder asked whether Norton Green Lane was included in the scheme as the road surface here is in an even poorer condition. This information wasn’t known, but Cllor Hampshire confirmed that he had the defects logged on his highways list. The Community Highway Liaison Officer works from this list but some repairs still take a good deal of time to be completed. It was agreed that lack of funding was the issue. It was pointed out that when the housing development is built off Norton Hall Lane there will be some money invested into the road network. However, it was also thought that it might only involve installing an island at the junction.

A discussion took place about the role the District Council plays in safeguarding the condition of roads and Cllor Preece gave information on this. Cllor Hampshire was querying whether the District Council could play a part in highlighting the poor state of the roads directly to Staffordshire County Council at committee (or senior officer) level.

Action: That a meeting will be held with highways representatives on 21 July 2016 to discuss road repairs processes and the poor condition of some roads in Norton Canes. All members are welcome to attend.

991/2016 Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) A copy of a letter (dated 4 July 2016) from Clare Eggington, Planning Policy Manager at Cannock Chase Council had been copied to all members (along with a Cabinet report dated 23 July 2015 on Cannock Chase Community Infrastructure Levy Funding Decision Protocol).

The letter sets out the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) receipts 2015-16 local funds allocation process and advises that since June 2015 the District Council has not received any CIL receipts from development occurring within Norton Canes Parish. In view of the total receipts for the District being £9000 for 2015-16 Clare advised that the money will be held until the bidding process to allocate the funds to individual projects is undertaken. This is not expected to begin until the 2017-18 financial year.

Cllor Holder raised the point that it might be beneficial for the parish council to look again at the development of a Neighbourhood Plan. It might be good for the village as well as providing the opportunity to raise 25% of CIL receipts rather than the standard 15% (with the addition of a cap of £100 per existing dwelling). Norton Canes also has a large area of Green Belt land which is not sacrosanct. Both Brereton and Ravenhill Parish Council and Hednesford Town Council are in the process of developing their plans and Hednesford has used the services of John Heminsley. 6

Cllor J. Bernard advised that he has previously had a meeting with John Heminsley about Norton Canes developing a Neighbourhood Plan but at that time was advised that most unused land was protected by Green Belt status and the outlay in costs was not thought to be worth the gain of 25% CIL receipts when 15% was already available. Cllor Bernard did agree that it was a good time to look at the matter again.

The Chairman suggested that Clare Eggington and her colleague Sarah Jones are invited to attend a meeting with members to discuss these issues further. The officers could also be asked about the current situation with S.106 agreements and the impact this has on road maintenance.

Resolved: To invite the Planning Policy Manager and Principal Planning Policy Officer to a future meeting of Norton Canes Parish Council (topics for discussion should be CIL, S.106 agreements and Neighbourhood Planning).

992/2016 Cannock Chase Dementia Friendly Community Cllor Mrs Harding advised that she will be attending an event at Cannock Fire Station on 29 July 2016. Chase Community Partnership has been working towards making Cannock Chase a dementia friendly place and wants to set up a local Dementia Alliance. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the way forward and to create an improved and safe environment for people with dementia, and their families and carers. Cllor Mrs Harding is hoping to get some advice and tips about what the village should be doing as a dementia friendly village/community. She is encouraging the use of yellow paper with black type for notices and avoidance of black mats and dark carpets.

She reported that Jean Hill had been put in touch with Daphne at the dementia group in Cannock. Jean is going to knit some worry blankets which have been very well received. They are much less restrictive than worry muffs.

It was resolved: Information on dementia friendly strategies and Chase Community Partnership looking to set up a local Dementia Alliance was noted.

993/2016 Reports from Councillors Cllor Bridgen raised concerns about the removal of a canal basin wall situated near the site of the old Holly Bush pub. Ground has been removed and soil banked up on a footpath (not thought to be a public right of way). Cannock Chase Council would be asked to investigate the matter. Cllor Mrs Stretton said she would ask an officer from Development Control to contact Cllor Bridgen.

Cllor Mrs Harding thanked the Chairman, Cllor Preece for agreeing to open a Water Colour Club art exhibition event at the Methodist Church being held on12 and13 August 2016. She also advised that she has had a lot of compliments about the planters

Cllor Hampshire advised that there is a need to address the overgrown condition of the hedges at the three schools in Norton Canes. The bushes and 7 trees in particular at the Wooden School are encroaching on the footpaths. Jerome School is aware of the need to cut the hedging. The individual schools/Staffordshire County Council should be contacted before they close for the summer holidays.

Cllor J. Preece informed members about the financial difficulties that were being encountered by Cannock Chase Council as a result of Rugeley Power Station closing. One million pounds of business rates has come out of the budget. The closure was planned to be phased but has suddenly and unexpectedly closed. It had been thought that the Mill Green Development would provide a business rates income stream to pick up from the loss of income from the power station but this has not happened. There is now a need to look at all service areas (except for the waste collection service). There might be an impact on some services in Norton Canes and Christmas lights is one area for which possible savings will be investigated. A letter is going to be issued to parish councils about this issue.

Cllor Mrs Harding reported that the Rugeley Power Station Band has been saved and is now the Colliery Club Band.

994/2016 Reports from Committees Planning It was suggested by Cllor J. Bernard and agreed that updates/information relating to planning matters in Norton Canes would be shared in an email after this meeting. A summary of the information is: Planning comments submitted to Cannock Chase Council

CH/16/201 DHL Supply Chain, Hickling Road, Kingswood Lakeside : Hazardous substances application for the storage of 10969 tons of dangerous substances (household bleach, flammable aerosols, toilet rim blocks, LPG and diesel) No objections (Cannock Chase Council notified on 29 June 2016)

CH/16/199 Norton Canes Motorway Service Area : Installation of stainless steel sculpture. No objections (Cannock Chase Council notified on 29 June 2016)

CH/16/180 7 Willow Road: Erection of garden store/shed ‘The following comment was submitted to the case officer on 13 July 2016: ‘As the adjoining neighbour at 5 Willow Road is in support of the proposal, the parish council is now willing to withdraw its objection to the height of the garden store’.

Planning Applications currently under consideration

CH/16/226 4 Waterside : Proposed single storey rear extension Final date for comments: 2 August 2016

8 CH/16/237 Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd, Voyager Drive : erection of retail concession pod and associated signage Final date for comments: 29 July 2016

CH/16/238 First Choice Plot, Blakeney Way, Kingswood Lakeside : advertisement consent for the erection of a temporary non-illuminated signboard Final date for comments: 29 July 2016

Planning Decisions

CH/16/199 Norton Canes Motorway Service Area Planning permission awarded on 19 July 2016

CH/16/180 7 willow Road Planning permission awarded on 18 July 2016

CH/16/193 28 Church Vale Planning permission awarded on 15 July 2016

CH/16/013 Land at Cley Road Planning permission awarded on 13 July 2016

Case to Planning Inspectorate The Chairman, Cllor Preece reported that the following case had been submitted to appeal:

CH/15/0396 Land to the rear of 58 Brownhills Road : residential development: two-bedroom bungalow and associated amenity

Copies of planning representations were forwarded to the Planning Inspectorate on 5 July 2016

Projects and Village Enhancement

Cllor Mrs Bernard reported that after the meeting at the Church earlier today (item 10 on the agenda) she and Cllor Mrs Stretton and Cllor Bridgen had visited the site of the proposed allotments (off the Brownhills Road) to take a look.

Cllor Holder had not known about the meeting at the Church and questioned the reason he had not been invited. Cllor Mrs Bernard said she had thought that just three members were involved with the cemetery project.

Allotments

Cllor Bridgen is looking at putting the terms and conditions together for allotment holders and has been investigating the management arrangements at other allotment sites. Cllor Mrs Bernard is looking at the legal 9 side in respect of the takeover from Cannock Chase Council. She has written to the Managing Director today to ask for an update as the project doesn’t appear to be moving forward. At a meeting in April with Leisure Services staff it had been thought that the takeover might be in September ready for the planting season to start in the spring of next year. There is a lot to be done before then, not least in attending to the soil which needs to be of an adequate condition for the planting of vegetables/crops.

Cllor Holder suggested getting advice from Staffordshire Parish Councils’ Association rather than the District Council. There are lots of legal issues and advice needs to be in the interests of the parish council.

It was confirmed that SPCA had provided some documentation and Cllor Mrs Bernard said that all information was in the process of being pulled together.

It was agreed to continue the process of investigation and research in preparation for reaching an agreement with Cannock Chase Council for taking on the management of the allotments (off the Brownhills Road).

Sports Hall Project

Cllor Mrs Bernard reported that back in 2009-10 the Parish Council had formed a partnership with the Community Centre to look at developing a sports hall on the side of the building. During the discussions with the District Council there were a number talks with John Heminsley. Then at the April 2016 meeting with Mike Edmunds and Tom Walsh the subject was raised again as there are a number of developments in Norton Canes that will generate S.106 money. Following the meeting, a letter came back stating that no-one knew about the project. Since then there has been work to find out if anyone knew anything about it and Cllor Mrs Bernard received a call this afternoon confirming that the project was still on the list but under S.106 funding and not under CIL.

Cllor J. Preece said that although the money is there, it should not be assumed that the money will automatically go to this development proposal. A project has to be devised and carefully prepared (incorporating statistics on need and usage) in order to make a strong case for the funding. If the Community Centre don’t make an application or make an assumption it is theirs, the money could go to another project. The funding is earmarked for a sports and recreation/leisure project in Norton Canes but not to a specific use or site.

There are two major S.106 agreements in Norton Canes: • Land south of Red Lion Lane – this includes an ‘Off Site Recreation Contribution’ of £187,477 to be used as a contribution towards improving, enhancing or providing indoor and outdoor sport and recreation facilities in Norton Canes. It is to be paid in two instalments (50% upon completion of the first dwelling on the site and 50% on completion of the 51 st dwelling on the site).

10 • Land off Norton Hall Lane and Butts Lane – this includes an ‘Off-site Public Open Space Contribution’ of £650,000 for the provision of formal sport and recreation facilities in Norton Canes and/or Heath Hayes Park. It is to be paid in two instalments (50% prior to completion of the 50 th dwelling and the balance prior to completion of the 300 th dwelling).

Cllor Holder recalled the meetings with John Heminsley and that the Community Centre had written to the District Council asking to meet to discuss the spending of that money. He said it is difficult to plan a project when it is not known how much money there is to spend. The development in Norton Hall Lane is showing no signs of starting and the planning permission will expire if not started within the required timeframe. The District Council could also take the view that a sports project would be better at the high school.

It was suggested that the parish council need to work in partnership with the Community Centre Association and the District Council. The need for the money has been proven but how to spend it hasn’t. Cllor J. Bernard said there might also be the option for a developer to build a community facility rather than pay S.106 monies. This might be cheaper.

It was agreed that the objective is not to lose the S.106 project. Cllor J. Preece will bring the matter up at the next Community Centre Committee meeting at the end of the month.

Audit and Governance Cllor J. Bernard reported that a meeting hadn’t taken place but one would probably be held in September.

995/2016 New Cemetery Cllor Mrs Stretton reported that Cllor Mrs Bernard, Cllor Bridgen and herself had met with members of St James’ Church PCC (on 20 July 2016) and it was now possible that the Church would give permission for the pathway to be used where the wall is located (the most favoured and first route looked at).

During their meeting a man came along and protested about the project negatively and two PCC members were in support of the Council. It was a very good meeting and it was agreed to go forward on this project.

The wall is in need of repair as it is leaning in part. There was a suggestion made to dismantle and rebuild it with the same bricks. It was also suggested that the Council could ask English Heritage for advice about the wall or the Lichfield Diocese could be asked for advice about who to approach in terms of restoration specialists.

The path is wide enough as it is the width of three two foot slabs with edges. Members don’t know whether the hedge can come out (Hawthorne and a small amount of Holly). If permission is given for the hedge to be removed a rail would be needed in its place. There is a slope but the path does not have the problems of the first route. The wall is going to cost a lot of money. There is a special charity/group that refurbishes church grounds and it might be 11 possible to obtain assistance including financial support as they do look after existing church grounds. There is also a need for the parish council to ensure that its obligations are known about the planning approval. The plans were for the first footpath and it is necessary to know what the impact of the alternative route will have on them. There is also a need to compare costs against how much needs to be borrowed (to resolve health and safety issues with the wall, and pay for a handrail). If the Diocese is currently responsible for the wall, they could be asked to share some of the costs of restoring it. Approximate costings should be obtained.

A resident complained about the poor condition of the old church yard in one corner. Cllor Mrs Stretton said that on the members’ inspection of the graveyard it was noticed that two or three graves were covered in overgrowth/weeds which felt disrespectful. The graves should be cleared of vegetation.

A local resident has raised the issue of flooding and the Environment Agency will assess the suitability of the land to be used as a cemetery. He claims that water runs down through the proposed cemetery site and would become contaminated upon its exit from the graveyard. However, there is a ditch and it was suggested that the water runs into the ditch. This is the reason tests are required. It is necessary to prove the land is suitable for a cemetery and burials.

Members felt during their meeting that the PCC representatives were in favour of the middle pathway, but father Hibbins wished to formally seek approval from the Church Council. The decision will hopefully have been made by the September parish meeting. If agreed, at that point the process will start all over again. The rising costs have been highlighted and the wall in particular will be costly to rebuild. Consultancy services won’t be needed at this stage and members of the church might know about building developers that would give advice and information about the wall.

An ‘Intend to purchase’ agreement for the land – legal option was mentioned. There should be a letter on parish records about this. It was suggested that an agreement couldn’t have been made as the land had been let out.

It was agreed that some points need to be worked on if the Church come back sooner than September. If this is the case it was agreed that the projects Committee could go ahead without the need to come back to Council. It was thought that the Church would not come back until September but if the go ahead is given, avenues for funding (and costs) should be investigated.

Cllor Beddows said we mustn’t lose sight of the reason for doing this. The village wants this project and needs an additional graveyard. The new proposal makes more sense than the previous one and members should keep in mind that it is what the village wants.

It was agreed that members would look at costs and funding opportunities if it is agreed by the Church PCC that the middle path be used to connect the church yard with the new graveyard. 12

996/2016 Staffordshire County Council’s Library Provision Cllor J. Bernard reported that four volunteers are operating from Norton Canes Library but are working more hours than should be necessary. The names of the volunteers from last month have been put forward (Cllor Mrs Hopley, Cllor Beddows, Cllor J. Preece and Cllor Bernard). Increasing the number of volunteer recruits will serve well in sharing the workload.

Heath Hayes Library have volunteers but they are struggling. One or two of the volunteers have gone through the training but haven’t attended the library to run it. Hednesford Library went live three or four weeks ago and have seven volunteers who are working well.

Cathy at the County said there will be some more training in August. Staffordshire County Council has handed over the service to South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust for four years and a review will not be taking place for twelve months.

Cllor Hampshire asked about the role of the library volunteer and Jess Bullock gave him an account of the duties. These include: manning the desk (two people have to be in work at any one time), operating the computer system, and dealing with events and activities that are held there. The Library is open from 9am to 7pm (Thursday) and volunteers are doing their best to keep the library open for the full hours advertised.

It was agreed that an item about the library: a call for volunteers and a description about the role, be put in the next village newsletter. Cllor Mrs Harding will arrange for this to be done with information from Julie/Jess.

997/2016 Chasewater Issues Cllor Preece reported that a bin located opposite Lakeside Drive on Norton East Road hadn’t been emptied. The bin was installed by the Parish Council and needed to be queried with the District Council to ensure it is on the emptying round.

Action: That the Clerk contact the District Council to ask for the bin to be emptied, and check it is on the emptying round.

998/2016 Chairman’s Report and Correspondence The following, and previously circulated, incoming and outgoing correspondence was noted. This included:

Mrs Nora Rutter – letter with compliments and appreciation for the public gardens, islands, hanging baskets and flower troughs at the entrances to the village. Grateful thanks were given to all people concerned with the planting and care of the displays.

Mr John Lee – email (dated 18 June 2016) highlighting damage to the Cema field around the area of the goal posts and asking whether he might repair

13 them for the benefit of children who will be playing here during the summer holidays.

The email was forwarded to the Parks and Open Spaces Department at Cannock Chase Council, who have responsibility for grounds maintenance. Mr Lee was advised of this action.

No Mans Bank Bridge, Burntwood Road – Notice from Staffordshire County Council that culvert replacement works are scheduled to take place from 25 July 2016 for seven weeks. This will involve part closure of Burntwood Road and a diversion route for traffic.

Veolia Environmental Trust – following grant funding being declined for a path around the Cema the Executive Director has been asked (in a letter dated 20 June 2016) if he would provide feedback on the application and how it might have been improved.

Community Council of Staffordshire invitation to Best Kept Village Presentation Evening – the results will be announced on Monday 1 August 2016 at Eccleshall Community Centre at 7pm.

Heath Hayes Network – meeting scheduled on 15 August 2016 at Heath Hayes Library from 10am – 12 noon. There will be a presentation by Paul Dadge of Community First Responders on the use of public access defibrillators.

Volunteering at the library – the Senior Campaigns Officer at Staffordshire County Council is asking for volunteers to work at Norton Canes Library and advises on the introduction of an accreditation/training programme.

Neighbourhood policing – Letter to Chief Inspector Geoff Knight (dated 28 June 2016) advising that the PCC has agreed to attend the September meeting and contact would be made again later in the year should a meeting with the Chief Inspector be required.

Conversion of Gating Order to Public Space Protection Order – Letter from Environmental Protection Manager at Cannock Chase Council (dated 4 July 2016) advising that new powers had been introduced in tackling anti-social behaviour including expiry of some existing measures (Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Police Act 2014). Comments are sought on a proposal to convert the Gating Order in School Lane, Little Wyrley.

Draft Neighbourhood Plan for Hednesford – viewable on Hednesford Town Council’s website. Closing date for responses is 31 August 2016.

Resolved: To note incoming and outgoing correspondence

999/2016 Authorisation of Accounts A list of accounts for payment in July had been circulated to members prior to the meeting. The total value of the payments is £5642.87. The value of the late cheque added to the June account payments was £770.69.

14 The total value of income received in July is £925.88 (Community Fund Grant for Fun Day, newsletter income, money from Ice Cream man at Fun Day and bank interest on savings account).

Annual Interest on Santander Bank Bond at maturity was £463.25.

Cllor Bernard asked if he could have the Council’s approval to authorise salaries during the month of August and this was given.

Resolved: To approve the accounts for payments totalling £5642.97 for the month of July.

Proposed: Cllr J. Beddows Seconded: Cllr J. Bernard

1000/2016 Date of Next Meeting It was agreed that the next meeting would be held on Wednesday 21 September 2016. The venue will be Norton Canes Community Centre.

1001/2016 Items for Information and Future Agenda The Chairman thanked all present for their attendance.

The meeting closed at 9.30 p.m.

SIGNED: …………………………………. DATED …………………………….