Meeting of Whittington Parish Council at 7:30PM on Tuesday 25th June 2024 at Whittington Community Hall, WR5 2RQ
Minutes 06/2024
Present: Steve Brooker (Chair), Adam Hooper, Richard Boase, Helena Bennett, Katie Lambeth-Mansell
In attendance: David Hunter-Miller (Clerk), Liz Turier (District Councillor), David Chestney (Whittington Church), Linda Robinson (County Councillor), five members of the public
1. Chairman’s welcome and announcements
Steve Brooker opened the meeting and welcomed attendees.
It was noted that Kevin Maguire had resigned and councillors extended their thanks for his work on the parish council.
2. Apologies for absence
Apologies were noted from Tony Fradgley.
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.
Richard Boase declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in item 8 (Uffnell’s Allotments).
3.3. Other Interests: To declare any Other Registerable Interests or Non-Registerable Interests in items on the agenda and their nature.
Richard Boase declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 4.8 (Whittington Events Group).
Steve Brooker declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 4.6 (Whittington Community Hall).
Adam Hooper declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 4.6 (Whittington Community Hall) and an Other Registerable Interest in item 4.8 (Whittington Events Group).
Katie Lambeth-Mansell declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 4.7 (Whittington Charities) and an Other Registerable Interest in item 4.8 (Whittington Events Group).
Helena Bennett declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 4.7 (Whittington Charities) and a Non-Registerable Interest in item 10.1.1 (Parkway new town development and South Worcestershire Development Plan).
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 Richard Boase to allow participation and voting on all matters pertaining to Uffnell’s Allotments.
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 Adam Hooper 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).
4. Open Session
The meeting was adjourned for the open session.
4.1. District Councillors
Liz Turier provided a report as follows:
• Willow Court Carpenter Opportunity – searching for former members of the UK Armed Forces to be part of a project to restore a historic Droitwich Spa farmhouse to its former glory.
• Hartlebury Dig – Wychavon District Council has joined forces with Dig Hartlebury to carry out excavations at Hartlebury Castle.
• Free PSA tests – Pershore Medical Centre is offering free prostate cancer checks for men over 40.
4.2. County Councillor
Linda Robinson had provided a written report as follows:
County Hall
WCC bosses have released a statement confirming County Hall was closed after legionella, the bacteria that causes legionnaires’ disease, was found in the water. County Hall, where Worcestershire County Council is based and RAAC has also been discovered was closed last week after the bacteria was found. County Hall is also where births, marriages and deaths are registered. Entry into the building was strictly controlled as council bosses say the closure was enforced as a precautionary measure. Paul Robinson, chief executive of Worcestershire County Council, said: “County Hall Offices which includes the Lakeview Café are closed today until further notice as sampling has returned a detection of legionella in parts of the water system. As a precautionary measure, I have instructed staff to work from home or from an alternative venue, while further investigations take place. The impact on council services is minimal. Weddings and ceremonies will continue as planned as control measures have been put into place and all non-urgent appointments will be rearranged.”
School Transport
The deadline to apply for school and college transport for the 24/25 school year is 31st July 2024.
Applications may not be assessed before the start of the new school year if they are received after this date. Visit our website to find out more and check eligibility www.worcestershire.gov.uk/SchoolTransportApplication
Potholes
County Highways say they have a duty to maintain adopted roads across Worcestershire but can only fill in potholes if they know about them www.worcestershire.gov.uk or call them on 01905 845676
4.3. Whittington C of E Primary School
The recent D-Day commemoration event had been a great success. A new Trim Trail opening event has been scheduled and parish councillors would be in attendance.
4.4. Whittington Church
The church was very pleased to be part of the recent D-Day commemoration event.
4.5. Brethren Church
David Ball (Brethren Church) had sent apologies.
4.6. Whittington Community Hall
No matters were reported.
4.7. Whittington Charities
The Charity Commission had accepted the proposals to merge the two local charities to form the ‘Elizabeth Stephens and Fanny Clifton Charity’.
4.8. Whittington Events Group
Preparations were ongoing for the Whittington Community Fayre to be held 11AM to 5PM on Saturday 13th July 2024.
4.9. Public participation
Members of the public raised the following matters:
• An update on rat-running traffic was requested (item 7.5); parishioners were encouraged to attend future police surgeries to raise the concerns.
• Concerns were raised regarding large HGVs becoming stuck on Old Road/Church Lane; Linda Robinson would make enquiries with Worcestershire County Council Highways.
• Missing public footpath waymarking and a damaged stile were reported; Steve Brooker would investigate and report to Worcestershire County Council.
The meeting resumed following the open session.
5. To consider and adopt the minutes from the Parish Council meeting on the 28th May 2024
It was RESOLVED to adopt the minutes as a true record and they were duly signed by the Chair.
6. Correspondence
6.1. Worcestershire County Council: Proposed extinguishment and dedication of public rights of way
It was RESOLVED that the parish council had no objections or concerns with the proposed extinguishment order, but would ask for confirmation that all other Rights of Way in the vicinity would not be affected by the proposals.
6.2. St. Philip & St. James Church: Grant request for the upkeep of the Churchyard.
It was RESOLVED that the parish council would offer a grant of £750.00 as a contribution towards maintenance of the churchyard.
It was RESOLVED to review the budget available for grants and donations at the November council meeting.
7. Highways, Transportation and Public Rights of Way
7.1. To consider any items for the Lengthsman’s work schedule
It was RESOLVED to report brambles overhanging the footway on the Whittington Road (towards The Swan roundabout) to Worcestershire County Council.
7.2. To consider an update on bus service/community transport provision
It was RESOLVED to approach Worcester Wheels for firm proposals and costings for a community bus service covering Whittington Walk. It was considered that a community bus service for Wildmore was not necessary at this time.
7.3. To consider issues with pedestrian access/safety at M5 J7 traffic island
Linda Robinson would arrange a meeting with Worcestershire County Council Highways Officers and the Cabinet Member to review this item, and other outstanding highway matters.
7.4. To consider maintenance issues on the A4440
It was RESOLVED that councillors would report maintenance issues to Worcestershire County Council Highways.
7.5. To consider an update on rat-running traffic on Walkers Lane / Church Lane
It was noted that larger, repositioned ‘except for access’ signs had been installed at the entrance to Walkers Lane.
It was noted that several police surgeries had been scheduled and residents were encouraged to raise their concerns regarding speeding traffic with the police.
7.6. To consider requests for double yellow lines on Wildmore
It was RESOLVED to prepare a short report for Worcestershire County Council requesting double yellow lines at critical locations on Wildmore.
7.7. To receive an update on road adoption on Wildmore
It was noted that the roads on Wildmore had been adopted; Linda Robinson would make enquires with Worcestershire County Council Highway Searches to obtain plans showing the extent of the adopted highway.
7.8. To receive an update on the priority chicane at Wildmore (visibility/fencing concerns)
It was noted that the revised ‘stopping up order’ was still being processed; Linda Robinson would make enquires with Worcestershire County Council Highway Searches for an update and Liz Turier would review the height of the fencing with Wychavon Planning Enforcement.
7.9. To receive an update on previously reported highway issues
It was RESOLVED to ask Worcestershire County Council to review lane markings/signage for the eastbound approach to the Swan roundabout to encourage proper lane discipline.
8. Allotments
8.1. To receive an update/consider the future of the Allotments Working Group
It was RESOLVED to arrange a Zoom meeting with all councillors to review future management of the allotments.
8.2. To consider the allotment maintenance contract
It was RESOLVED to ask the contractor for a breakdown of what work had been undertaken on the allotment site (most recent invoice).
9. To review appointment to committees, working groups and external bodies (deferred from annual meeting)
9.1. Allotments Working Group
It was RESOLVED that all councillors would be members of the Allotment Working Group as a temporary measure until the management arrangements for the allotments had been agreed.
9.2. Whittington Community Hall representative(s)
It was RESOLVED to appoint Adam Hooper and Steve Brooker as Whittington Community Hall representatives.
9.3. Whittington C of E Primary School representative(s)
It was RESOLVED to appoint Helena Bennett and Richard Boase as Whittington C of E Primary School representatives.
9.4. Joint Parishes Committee (SWDP) representative(s)
It was RESOLVED to appoint Steve Brooker and Helena Bennett as Joint Parishes Committee (SWDP) representatives.
10. Planning
10.1. To consider the following planning matters to be determined by Wychavon District Council:
10.1.1. South Worcestershire Development Plan / Parkway: To receive an update and to consider actions
No matters were reported.
10.1.2. W/24/01066/HP: Shrubbery Cottage, Old Road, Whittington, Worcester, WR5 2RL. Removal of existing single-storey extension and erection of two-storey rear extension
It was RESOLVED that the parish council had no objections to the proposals.
10.2. To consider and approve a S106 ‘wish list’ in relation to possible future contributions
It was RESOLVED to approve a ‘wish list’ for possible future S106 contributions. The document would continue to be updated in future as appropriate.
11. Parish matters for consideration and progress reports
11.1. High Park & Pershore Road
11.1.1. To receive an update
No matters were reported.
11.2. St Peter’s
11.2.1. To receive an update
It was noted that a leaflet for events at Whittington had been delivered to residents.
11.3. Whittington Village
11.3.1. To receive an update
No matters were reported.
11.4. Whittington Walk & Swinesherd
11.4.1. To receive an update
It was noted that Worcestershire County Council would relocate and lower the new ‘Whittington’ village sign.
11.4.2. To receive an update on the new noticeboard for Whittington Walk
It was RESOLVED to ask Persimmon Homes to expedite preparation of the land so that the noticeboard could be fitted.
11.5. Wildmore, Walkers Lane and Whittington Road
11.5.1. To receive an update
No matters were reported.
11.5.2. To consider issues with anti-social behaviour
It was noted that several anti-social behaviour issues had been reported to the police.
11.5.3. To consider supporting a Wildmore Family Fun Day
It was noted that the proposal to make this a formal parish council event had been withdrawn.
11.5.4. To consider benches and play equipment
It was noted that residents had been surveyed to gauge interest in installing additional benches at Wildmore, but this had not received sufficient support to pursue.
It was noted that Linda Robinson would consider a possible donation for additional play equipment.
11.5.5. To receive an update regarding ongoing drainage/flooding matters
It was RESOLVED to apply to Severn Trent water for a new connection to an existing storm water sewer to allow drainage of the allotment site.
11.5.6. To receive an update on the proposed community orchard
It was noted that there had been a very positive response regarding a new community orchard at Wildmore. Unfortunately, an additional community orchard site near to the allotments was not possible due to the proximity of underground services apparatus. It was RESOLVED to write to allotment tenants with an update.
It was noted that proposals for a community orchard at Whittington Walk were progressing well and it was RESOLVED that the parish council would support the necessary application for planning permission.
It was RESOLVED to brief the Parish Tree Warden on the community orchard proposals and to invite them to attend a future parish council meeting.
11.6. Whole parish
11.6.1. To receive an update on the Community Governance Review
It was noted that the Community Governance Review had successfully concluded and two new councillor vacancies would be available for co-option from the 1st July 2024.
It was RESOLVED to advertise the vacancies when available.
11.6.2. To consider community WhatsApp groups
It was RESOLVED that community WhatsApp groups would not be pursued at this time.
11.6.3. To review inventory of keys for noticeboards, allotments taps etc.
It was RESOLVED to draw up an inventory for noticeboard and allotment keys.
11.6.4. To review actions and timescales on future council resolutions
It was RESOLVED that the Clerk would circulate an update on previous and current council resolutions.
11.6.5. To review progress on the Parish Council’s Action Plan
It was RESOLVED that councillors would review progress on the Action Plan ahead of the next meeting.
11.6.6. To consider and adopt the NALC New Model Financial Regulations
It was RESOLVED to adopt the latest New Model Financial Regulations.
11.6.7. To consider and adopt a Social Media Policy
It was RESOLVED to adopt a Social Media Policy.
11.6.8. To review and update the Grant Awarding Policy
It was RESOLVED to adopt an updated Grant Awarding Policy.
11.6.9. To review and update the Councillor and Clerk Training Record
It was RESOLVED to update the training record ahead of the next meeting.
12. Finance
12.1. Budget expenditure: To consider and approve
It was RESOLVED to approve the budget expenditure.
12.2. Bank reconciliation: To consider and approve
It was RESOLVED to approve the bank reconciliation.
12.3. Invoices: To approve the following invoices for payment:
12.3.1. David Hunter-Miller (salary and expenses)
12.3.2. HMRC (PAYE)
12.3.3. Worcestershire County Council Pension Fund (pension)
12.3.4. David Hunter-Miller (ID lanyards): £16.50
12.3.5. S Joyner (Lengthsman): £165.00
12.3.6. S Joyner (allotments): £50.00
12.3.7. Whittington Village Hall (room hire): £90.00
12.3.8. Steve Brooker (gardening vouchers donation): £30.00
12.3.9. Andy Loos Limited (summer event): £216.06
It was RESOLVED to settle the above invoices.
13. Councillors’ reports and items for the next agenda
It was noted that the police had scheduled a number of surgeries to be held at Whittington Community Hall:
• 11:00AM Sunday 30th June 2024
• 3:00PM Thursday 18th July 2024
• 3:00PM Friday 23rd August 2024
It was RESOLVED to add the following items to the next agenda:
• Review of Action Plan
• Update training record
• Consideration of acquiring land for parish use
14. Date of the next meeting
The next scheduled meeting is at 7:30PM on Tuesday 23rd July 2024.
The meeting closed at 10:51PM.