Meeting of Whittington Parish Council at 7:30PM on Tuesday 24th October 2023 at Whittington Community Hall, WR5 2RQ
Minutes 10/2023
Present: Steve Brooker (Chair), Richard Boase, Kevin Maguire, Helena Bennett, Katie Lambeth-Mansell, Chris Mayo
In attendance: David Hunter-Miller (Clerk), Richard Holroyd (Chair Community Hall Committee), Liz Turier (District Councillor), Rob Adams (District Councillor), David Ball (Brethren Church), Jayne Rayer (Whittington Church)
1. Chairman’s welcome and announcements
Steve Brooker opened the meeting and welcomed attendees.
2. Apologies for absence: To receive apologies and to approve reasons for absence
Apologies were noted from Adam Hooper.
3. Declarations of personal and prejudicial interest
3.1. Register of Interests: With reference to items on the agenda councillors are reminded of their responsibility to declare interests and to update their register of interests as required.
Noted.
3.2. Disclosable Pecuniary Interests: To declare any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests in items on the agenda and their nature.
Steve Brooker declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in item 4.6 (Whittington Community Hall).
Richard Boase declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in item 4.6 (Whittington Community Hall) and in item 4.8 (Whittington Events Group).
Helena Bennett declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in item 8.1.1 (Parkway new town development and South Worcestershire Development Plan) and in item 4.7 (Whittington Charities).
Kevin Maguire declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in item 8.1.1 (Parkway new town development and South Worcestershire Development Plan).
Katie Lambeth-Mansell declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in item 4.7 (Whittington Charities) and in item 4.8 (Whittington Events Group).
Chris Mayo declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in item 4.8 (Whittington Events Group).
3.3. Other Disclosable Interests: To declare any Other Disclosable Interests in items on the agenda and their nature.
Richard Boase declared an other disclosable interest in item 9 (Uffnell’s Allotments).
3.4. Dispensations: To consider any written dispensations from councillors who have declared an interest but wish to stay in the meeting during that time to aid discussion / speak / vote.
A dispensation had previously been granted to Steve Brooker to allow participation and voting on all matters pertaining to Whittington Community Hall.
A dispensation had previously been granted to Richard Boase to allow participation and voting on all matters pertaining to Whittington Community Hall.
A dispensation had previously been granted to Helena Bennett to allow participation, but not voting, on all matters pertaining to the Parkway new town development (part of the South Worcestershire Development Plan).
It was RESOLVED to grant a dispensation to Kevin Maguire to allow participation, but not voting, on all matters pertaining to the Parkway new town development (part of the South Worcestershire Development Plan) for a period of four years.
A dispensation had previously been granted to Richard Boase to allow participation and voting on all items pertaining to Uffnell’s Allotments.
4. Open Session:
The meeting was adjourned for the open session.
4.1. District Councillors
Liz Turier and Rob Adams provided a report as follows:
• There has been a change of Leader at WDC; Cllr Chris Day took over when Cllr Bradley Thomas stood down. Rob Adams retained position on the Executive Board for Stronger Communities, Culture & Sport.
• Attended Parkway consultation last Thursday at Norton Parish Hall. Next consultation, 12 – 5 on 4th November at Drakes Broughton Village Hall.
• Concerned at the amount of Planning applications regarding Parkway. Many PIP applications in Norton and Drakes Broughton.
• Planning Committees event for Parish and Town Councils: 6:30PM to 8:30PM (registration and refreshments will be available from 6PM) on 23rd November at the Civic Centre, Pershore.
4.2. County Councillor
Linda Robinson had forwarded apologies and sent a written report as follows:
Firstly I would like to give my apologies for your meeting this month as I shall be away from home this week. Please find my report attached.
Headline news is of course the consequences of Storm Babette over last weekend. As is now widely known the storm tracked much further south than the met office forecast which resulted in 48mm of rainfall for us locally which explains the rapid river response and flash flooding on many Highways. I was relieved to see pictures showing that the alleviation works on Church Lane by the village hall coped well. There were inevitably many road closures particularly from our main rivers, surface water runoff from fields and delays on the rail network. However compared to the North Midlands and above particularly in Scotland we were relatively fortunate.
I was being sent constant updates and shocking photographs from across Worcestershire which reminds me of how vulnerable we are to such storms which happily are fairly infrequent. I hope no residents suffered to much damage.
Recent crashes on the A440:
I have added my concern to that of residents re recent crashes days apart. One was at the county hall roundabout and the other at Whittington. This was on Swinesherd Way when a van left the road and smashed through the metal safety barrier completely crushing the railings. This was close to the pedestrian crossing.
I know that safety for children walking to and from school was already a huge concern for parents and your parish council. I have been in touch with highways who tell me that they are waiting for information from the police investigations following these incidents which will inform their actions going forward. I have asked to be kept informed of developments and will inform you accordingly and make sure your voices are heard along with mine.
Highways Winter Maintenance Season Begins:
The winter maintenance season officially starts on 15th October.
You may start to see gritters out on test runs, and we will be topping up grit bins ready for winter!
If you have questions about our winter maintenance comment below and we will post the answers over the next few weeks.
Home Upgrade Grant 2
Applications have now opened for the Home Upgrade Grant 2 funding (which is being delivered by Worcestershire County Council) on behalf of Wychavon, Malvern Hills, Redditch and Bromsgrove as a consortium.
Applications can be made direct to Act on Energy by contacting them on 0800 988 2881. Eligibility criteria is a current EPC D-G, households who earn less than £31,000 per year or if they live in a IMD 1 – 3 postcode area and you must not be connected to the gas network (i.e. you would need to be using electric, oil or LPG as your main heating source).
Private landlords can apply if their property and tenants meet the above criteria, they also have to have less than 4 properties in their portfolio and would have to contribute up to 1/3 of the capital install costs.
Eligible households would have to undergo a retrofit assessment of their property to identify the relevant improvements to raise the EPC of the property, and funding is capped based on the current EPC of the property. The fabric measures such as Cavity Wall Insulation, Loft Insulation and External Wall Insulation (fabric of the building) will always be considered before other measures, such as heating, glazing and Solar Panels.
The County Council will be sending out direct contact to 1047 households in Wychavon who they believe are eligible for this funding.
4.3. Whittington C of E Primary School
An update was received as follows:
• Monthly meetings with the Headteacher were continuing.
• The school may look to use Whittington Community Hall in future.
• It was hoped that the school, church and parish council could work collaboratively to plan a commemorative event for D-Day 2024.
• Parking difficulties were being experienced by school lunch time assistants.
• Engagement with the school PTA regarding event planning (to avoid clashes) was being reviewed.
4.4. Whittington Church
An update was received as follows:
• A Remembrance Service is scheduled for the 12th November 2023.
• A ‘Spirit of Christmas’ lecture is scheduled for the 2nd December 2023.
4.5. Brethren Church
No matters were reported.
4.6. Whittington Community Hall
Richard Holroyd provided a report as follows:
The hall has been running well and is well used. We have been getting some good feedback from hirers, who really appreciate the cleanliness, and pleasant environment. Last weekend we were thanked for the use of the new Audio/Visual equipment which really enhanced their experience.
We had a visit from the Chairman of Wychavon District Council on Friday 22nd September. It was a pleasure to host this afternoon tea, to show off the hall, and see a presentation of the journey from the old village hall to the excellent facility we have today. This was appreciated by all who came along.
We have the Annual General Meeting at 7pm next Wednesday, to which all are invited. We look forward to welcoming new members to the management committee and to working for the good of the community in the year to come.
4.7. Whittington Charities
A suggestion was received for the charities to consider offering school uniforms/vouchers for those in need.
4.8. Whittington Events Group
An update was received as follows:
• Approximately £1,500.00 grant funding from the National Lottery had been secured and would be used to provide community cinema events next year.
• A Santa sleigh fundraising event was being organised for December 2023.
4.9. Public participation
No questions were received.
The meeting resumed following the open session.
5. To consider and adopt the minutes from the Parish Council meeting on the 26th September 2023
It was RESOLVED to adopt the minutes as a true record and they were duly signed by the Chair.
6. Parish matters for consideration and progress reports
6.1. High Park & Pershore Road
6.1.1. To consider an update on a gate/bollards at Pershore Road/J7 field entrance
It was noted that Worcestershire County Council were still investigating possible solutions and it was RESOLVED to remove the item from future agendas.
6.1.2. To receive an update on the Pershore Road Speed Indicating Devices
It was noted that Norton Juxta Kempsey Parish Council had agreed to rotate their Speed Indicating Device on a quarterly basis so that it also faces traffic heading towards Whittington.
6.2. St Peter’s
6.2.1. To receive an update
An update on the newsletter would be added to the next agenda.
6.3. Whittington Village
6.3.1. To consider an update on Whittington Road layby waiting restrictions
It was noted that Worcestershire County Council have ordered replacement road markings and signage.
6.3.2. To consider an update on Whittington Road layby restoration/removal of WCC noticeboard
It was noted that Worcestershire County Council were looking to refurbish the noticeboard but had encountered difficulty opening it.
6.3.3. To consider reported issues with rat-running traffic on Walkers Lane / Church Lane
It was RESOLVED to write to the Police regarding enforcement of the ‘prohibition of motor vehicles’ and to Worcestershire County Council to request consideration of a 20MPH speed limit through Whittington village.
6.4. Whittington Walk & Swinesherd
6.4.1. To consider an update on village names signs for Whittington/Swinesherd
It was noted that a meeting had been scheduled with Worcestershire County Council to review the location for the new signage.
6.4.2. To consider an update on bus service/community transport provision
It was noted that Worcestershire County Council had received £57,057.00 S106 contributions to be used in respect of upgrading the frequency of the Worcester – Pershore – Evesham bus route. A review of this funding, and bus services generally, was currently underway.
It was noted that Worcester Wheels were hoping to attend a future meeting and an invite would also be extended to Worcestershire County Council’s Community Transport Team.
6.4.3. To consider quotes and a location for a new noticeboard on Whittington Walk
It was RESOLVED to defer discussions until the next meeting.
6.4.4. To consider reported issues with pedestrian safety (traffic speeds and street lighting)
It was RESOLVED to report the nonfunctional lighting columns to Worcestershire County Council (item 10.3).
It was RESOLVED to report the traffic speeding concerns with the Police via their ‘contact contract’.
6.5. Wildmore, Walkers Lane and Whittington Road
6.5.1. To receive an update on the stopping up order consultation NATTRAN/WM/S247/5514
It was RESOLVED to defer discussions until the next meeting.
6.5.2. To receive an update on the relocation of the grit bin on Fleetwood Lane / Dalziel Drive
It was RESOLVED to ask the Lengthsman to relocate the grit bin (item 10.1).
6.6. Whole parish
6.6.1. To consider an update on anti-social behaviour issues raised with the Police and to consider appointing a Councillor liaison to the Police Safer Neighbourhood Team
It was noted that councillors had met with the Pershore Rural Policing Team to ask for a local surgery but it was confirmed that this wouldn’t be possible due to resourcing issues. However, a surgery was later held by the Police but it was poorly advertised and so had limited impact. It was RESOLVED to write to the Police Inspector to express disappointment with the recent poor communication and to ask how community engagement could be improved in future.
It was RESOLVED that a Councillor Liaison would not be beneficial and that communication with the Police would be maintained through the Clerk.
6.6.2. To consider an update on requested Tree Preservation Orders
It was noted that the Clerk had responded to Wychavon District Council to challenge their assertion that there needs to be an immediate, evidenced threat before a Tree Preservation Order can be made. It was noted that Rob Adams and Liz Turier would also support the request.
6.6.3. To consider developing links with other ‘Whittington’ Parish Councils nationally
No update was available.
6.6.4. To consider asking for a community governance review of the number of councillors representing Whittington parish
It was RESOLVED to request Wychavon District Council to undertake a Community Governance Review with a view to increasing councillor representation on Whittington Parish Council from seven councillors to nine councillors (in line with Local Government Boundary Commission guidelines).
7. Correspondence
7.1. Police: Update to ‘contact contract’ and policing priorities
It was RESOLVED to highlight concerns regarding the lack of Police communication and engagement and to raise the following policing priorities:
• Acquisitive Crime
• Anti-Social Behaviour
• Road safety/rat running/speeding
7.2. Worcestershire County Council: Tree Warden Scheme
It was RESOLVED to obtain further information from Worcestershire County Council and to advertise a vacancy for a Parish Tree Warden.
7.3. Worcestershire County Council: Parish Winter Newsletter
The above newsletter was noted.
7.4. Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities: Community Ownership Fund
The above funding scheme was noted.
8. Planning
8.1. To consider the following planning matters to be determined by Wychavon District Council:
8.1.1. South Worcestershire Development Plan / Parkway: To receive an update and to consider actions
It was noted with concern that planning permission may have been applied for in relation to the Parkway town development, ahead of the Planning Inspector’s review of the South Worcestershire Development Plan.
It was RESOLVED to write to Wychavon District Council to seek reassurance that any such applications will not be determined until the South Worcestershire Development Plan has been fully adopted.
It was noted that the Worcester News had asked the Parish Council for comment. It was RESOLVED to respond that:
• The Parish Council’s comments to the Planning Inspectorate are available online.
• The Parish Council had understood from Wychavon District Council that applications relating to the Parkway town development would not be considered until the Planning Inspector’s review of the South Worcestershire Development Plan had concluded.
• The Parish Council had not yet been consulted on any planning applications relating to the Parkway town development and so could not comment on the particulars.
9. Allotments
9.1. To receive an update
It was noted that a reminder had been sent to all tenants regarding the need to undertake winter maintenance.
It was RESOLVED to contact Worcester City allotments to advertise the Whittington allotment vacancies (eligible to Worcester residents within a mile of the Whittington parish boundary).
9.2. To consider the latest inspection report and any actions or proposals generated
It was noted that following recent reminders to tenants, one plot still required winter maintenance to be undertaken.
9.3. To receive an update on the offer of free soil conditioner for tenants
It was noted that delivery of the free soil conditioner for tenants would be arranged for Saturday 11th November 2023.
10. Highways and Public Rights of Way
10.1. To receive an update on the Lengthsman Scheme and to consider any items for the Lengthsman’s work schedule
It was RESOLVED to relocate the grit bin at the corner of Fleetwood Lane and Dalziel Drive.
10.2. To note and report damage to highway barriers following a traffic incident at the Whittington Road / Swinesherd Way roundabout
It was noted that the damaged highway barriers had been reported to Worcestershire County Council.
10.3. To note and report nonfunctional street lighting on Swinesherd Way (A4440)
It was RESOLVED to report the nonfunctional lighting columns to Worcestershire County Council.
11. Finance
11.1. Budget expenditure: To consider and approve
It was RESOLVED to approve the budget expenditure.
11.2. Bank reconciliation: To consider and approve
It was RESOLVED to approve the bank reconciliation.
11.3. Invoices: To approve the following invoices for payment:
11.3.1. David Hunter-Miller (October salary and expenses)
11.3.2. HMRC (October PAYE)
11.3.3. Worcestershire County Council Pension Fund (October pension)
11.3.4. Mr S Joyner (September Lengthsman): £165.00
11.3.5. Mr S Joyner (allotments and noticeboard): £790.00
11.3.6. Whittington Village Hall (room hire): £60.00
11.3.7. Whittington Village Hall (donation towards music workshop): £200.00
It was RESOLVED to settle the above invoices.
12. Councillors’ reports and items for the next agenda
The following Police matters were noted:
• Attempted horse stealing and break ins, Pershore Road (already reported to the Police).
• Burglary, Dalziel Drive (already reported to the Police).
It was RESOLVED to add the following items to the next agenda:
• 2024/25 budget and precept
• Newsletter
• Noticeboard for Whittington Walk
• Bus service/community transport provision (Whittington Walk and Wildmore)
• Stopping-up order consultation NATTRAN/WM/S247/5514
13. Date of the next meeting
The next scheduled meeting is at 7:30PM on Tuesday 28th November 2023.
The meeting closed at 10:06PM.