Meeting of Whittington Parish Council at 7:30PM on Tuesday 26th July 2022 at Whittington Community Hall
Minutes 07/2022
Present: Richard Boase (Vice-Chair), Adam Hooper, Susan MacLeod, Helena Bennett, Katie Lambeth-Mansell, Steve Burrows
In attendance: David Hunter-Miller (Clerk), Linda Robinson, Rob Adams, member of the public
1. Chairman’s welcome and announcements
As Vice-Chair Richard Boase opened the meeting and welcomed attendees.
2. Apologies for absence
Apologies were noted from Steve Brooker.
3. Declarations of personal and prejudicial interest
3.1. Register of Interests
Noted.
3.2. Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
Richard Boase declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in all items pertaining to Whittington Community Hall.
Susan MacLeod declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in all items pertaining to Whittington Community Hall.
3.3. Other Disclosable Interests
Richard Boase declared an other disclosable interest in all items pertaining to Uffnell’s Allotments.
Susan MacLeod declared an other disclosable interest in item 11.3.
3.4. Dispensations
A dispensation had previously been granted to Richard Boase to allow participation and voting on all items pertaining to Uffnell’s Allotments.
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 Susan MacLeod to allow participation and voting on all matters pertaining to Whittington Community Hall.
4. Open Session
The meeting was adjourned for the open session.
4.1. District Councillor
Rob Adams provided a report as follows:
• Thanks were extended to everyone who supported the Queen’s Baton Relay.
• £1.2 million in Community Legacy Grants was available this year, with a further round of funding available next year.
4.2. County Councillor
Linda Robinson provided a report as follows:
Latest Heatwave update
On Tuesday last week a new record temperature of 37.1’ was reached in Worcester and thermometers hit 40.3’ in Coningsby in Lincolnshire which is a new UK record. The previous highest temperature was 38.7 set in 2019.
In Worcestershire an unusual red alert for extreme conditions carrying a risk to life was set and as the heat passes the Met office has issued warnings for thunderstorms which could bring 50mm. of rain in a short time together with a risk of flash floods. Happily these did not occur.
County Highways had their gritters on alert in case road surfaces started to melt. Fire services were kept busy dealing with wild fires on the Lickey Hills and Hartlebury common. Many schools were closed and advice to work from home where possible was issued. Transport was affected particularly on the railways where services were cancelled or delayed due to the high temperatures.
Rail Disruption
Planned industrial action is planned for this week affecting services on the 27th & 30th. GWR are advising customers not to travel unless absolutely necessary, to expect severe disruption and to plan ahead.
Covid-19 update as of 25th July
April saw the end of free testing and this has affected the reliability of infection data. While official testing rates have fallen significantly, information from other sources presents a different picture, although data is still patchy.
Infection rates are failing again nationally. The English average is 266 rising to 276per 100,000 in Wychavon with Worcester City at 291which is the highest in Worcestershire. Many people have been re infected and it is felt that the latest Omicron variant is more transmissible but with less significant symptoms. There are currently 124 people with Covid symptoms in our Acute hospitals in Worcestershire which shows a considerable increase since mid-June.
Vulnerable people have now been offered a fifth vaccination booster. As it stands 83% of people in Wychavon have received at least the first dose. View the latest vaccination data on the Worcestershire County Council website. It is suggested that up to one in 18 people in England are carrying the virus currently. We are all asked to ‘Play your part and keep Worcestershire safe’
Ukrainian situation
More families have arrived into our towns and villages currently numbering 1035 in 430 homes in our County. They are being supported by County & District agencies.2,400 residents have expressed an interest in hosting ¾ of which were in the south of Worcestershire. 331 visas have been issued for those intending to travel of these 231 have come into Wychavon to 136 hosts and 150 children are settling into our schools. Sadly, as the situation in Ukraine worsens so more refugees are expected to arrive as the conflict with Russia continues.
Cost of Living Crisis
This situation is also worsening together with increased energy costs. Current rail strikes are adding to the pressures felt by many. Concern has been raised re the extra cost of feeding children during the long summer holiday who normally are eligible for free school meals. Many Districts including Wychavon have offered help to families that are struggling as a consequence.
Food costs have also increased and we are aware of increased demand at our food banks. Wychavon and County are offering ‘Here to help’ schemes so please let me know if you know of any families that are struggling and we can signpost them in the right direction.
2021 Census Results
Wychavon has seen the second-largest population size increase in the West Midlands over the past ten years, according to the 2021 census. The population has increased by 13.3 per cent from around 116,900 in 2011 to 132,500 last year, while the overall population in England grew by 6.6 per cent.
This has seen Wychavon rise from the 185th to the 175th most populated area in England.
Despite this, Wychavon is the sixth least densely populated of the West Midlands’ 30 local authority areas, with around one person living on each football pitch-sized area of land. Just 200 people were living in each square kilometre of land in 2021, a slight rise from the 176 people in the same area in 2011. This was below the 434 residents per square kilometre in England last year.
The past decade has seen an increase in the number of households, with the amount of properties rising from 49,466 in 2011 to 57,400 in 2021. There has been a 51 per cent increase in the amount of 70 to 74-year-olds since 2011 compared to a 37 per cent rise in England. There has also been a 46 per cent increase in the number of 75 to 79-year-olds, whereas the national average in this age group is 22 per cent. Wychavon has seen a significant rise in the number of young adults, with a 29 per cent increase in those aged between 25 and 29, while there are 39 per cent more 30- to 34-year-olds than ten years ago.
The biggest decrease in population has come in people aged 40 to 44, which saw a decrease of 17 per cent. There was also a ten per cent drop in the number of people aged between 45 and 49. Overall, there has been a 31.5 per cent increase in people aged 65 and over and a 7.9 per cent rise in those aged between 15 to 64 years. There was also a 9.5 per cent rise in the number of children aged 14 or below.
4.3. Whittington C of E Primary School
An update on the dog fouling signage competition was received under item 15.
4.4. Whittington Church
It was noted that the new Elizabethan Room should be fully opened September 2022.
4.5. Brethren Church
It was reported that the Brethren Church had resumed services in-person. The Rapid Relief Team (RRT) supported by the Brethren Church were operating in Ukraine to provide support. The church makes donations every month to local foodbanks to support those living in hardship.
4.6. Whittington Community Hall
The following update was received:
• The Charity Commission had confirmed a formal change of name from Whittington Village Hall to Whittington Community Hall.
• The new electric vehicle charging point was due to become fully operational shortly.
4.7. Public participation
A member of the public reported that traffic was increasing at the Whittington Road/Crookbarrow Way and Swinesherd roundabouts making them more difficult to use safely.
The meeting resumed following the open session.
5. To consider and adopt the minutes from the Parish Council meetings on the 28th June 2022
It was RESOLVED to adopt the minutes as a true record and they were duly signed by the Chair.
6. Progress reports
6.1. Whittington Walk progress update
It was noted that construction litter on the estate had been reported to Persimmon Homes.
6.2. Whittington Walk parking issues
Wychavon District Council had confirmed that the double yellow lines on the new estate could not be enforced until the roads had been adopted.
6.3. Church Lane flooding
No update was available.
6.4. Church Lane damaged trip rail
It was noted that the damaged trip rail had been reported to Worcestershire County Council and was due to be repaired shortly.
6.5. Vehicular Activated Sign (VAS)
No substantive update was available.
6.6. A44 Whittington Road layby
It was noted that the littering had again been reported to Wychavon District Council.
Linda Robinson would continue to liaise with Worcestershire County Council regarding the removal of the noticeboard.
6.7. Village charity accounts
It was noted that a meeting had been arranged with the Charity Trustees.
7. Correspondence
7.1. Resident: Inconsiderate/obstructive parking at Admiral Place, St Peters.
It was RESOLVED to report the footway parking to the Police as repeated obstruction of the footway had been demonstrated.
7.2. Resident: Request to consider supporting the introduction of a ‘community fridge’.
It was RESOLVED to raise the suggestion of a ‘community fridge’ and to gauge interest at future Community Hall events.
7.3. The Local Government Boundary Commission: Consultation on further draft recommendations for ward boundaries in Wychavon.
It was RESOLVED to write in support of the revised proposals.
7.4. Wychavon District Council: Land drainage update.
It was RESOLVED to report the flooding at Church Lane to the new Land Drainage Officer to seek their advice and assistance.
7.5. Worcestershire County Council: Consultation on ‘Building Together’ Adult Social Care strategy.
The above survey was noted.
7.6. Police and Crime Commissioner: Town and Parish Council Survey 2022.
It was noted that a response to the survey had been submitted between meetings.
It was RESOLVED to invite the Police Safer Neighbourhood Team to attend a future Parish Council meeting and to see if they wished to use the Community Hall (potentially for free) for policing surgeries.
8. Community Hall
8.1. Community Hall Project: To receive an update.
It was noted that the final hall inspection had been undertaken and the snagging report would be actioned during August. The final payment to Interclass PLC was due in September.
8.2. Funding: To consider crowdfunding opportunities to support future Community Hall projects.
The above crowdfunding opportunity was noted.
9. Planning:
9.1. SWDP / Parkway Development: To receive an update and to consider actions.
It was noted that a public consultation had been scheduled for October for a period of six weeks; the Parish Council would consider and respond to the consultation in due course.
Katie Lambeth-Mansell stepped down as one of the representatives on the SWDP Joint Parishes Committee and it was RESOLVED that Helena Bennett would be appointed as replacement.
9.2. Planning appeal: To consider the planning appeal for 21/02272/OUT – land at (OS 8785 5314).
It was noted that the previous objections of the Parish Council had been forwarded to the Planning Inspectorate.
9.3. Planning consultations: To consider the following planning applications to be determined by Wychavon District Council:
9.3.1. Nil.
No planning matters.
10. Allotments
10.1. To receive an update
It was RESOLVED to ask the allotments contractor to clear the footpaths of weeds.
It was RESOLVED that if there was a hosepipe ban the hoses would be locked away and a notice installed advising allotment holders to use watering cans.
10.2. Monthly inspection: To consider the inspection report and any actions or proposals generated.
It was noted that all of the plots had passed the recent inspections. It was RESOLVED to write to plots 2, 6, 7, 10, 12 and 16 to raise minor maintenance concerns.
It was RESOLVED that Katie Lambeth-Mansell would attend the next allotment inspection.
10.3. Clerk’s delegated authority: To consider the arrangements for dealing with matters identified following the August and December allotment inspections.
It was RESOLVED that the Clerk could act under existing delegated authority arrangements to deal with matters identified following future August and December allotment inspections.
11. Highways and Public Rights of Way
11.1. Whittington Road and Crookbarrow Way: To consider concerns regarding pedestrian/highway safety and to request the installation of safety barriers.
It was noted that Worcestershire County Council were not supportive of the installation of new barriers as it was felt that the risk of secondary accidents would be too great.
11.2. Whittington Walk: To consider concerns raised regarding junction layout.
It was noted that the issue was still under review by Worcestershire County Council.
11.3. School Walk: To consider issues with obstruction and damage to private property on School Walk/footpath WT534.
It was noted that the skip that had caused the obstruction was unlicenced and had now been removed accordingly.
11.4. Lengthsman Scheme: To receive an update and to consider any items for the Lengthsman’s work schedule.
It was noted that a number of highway maintenance issues had been reported to Worcestershire County Council for attention.
It was RESOLVED to ask the Lengthsman to attend to the following matters:
• Walkers Lane and Old Road, cutting vegetation around signs
• Cut back vegetation at entrance to bridleway 510 on Whittington Walk estate
12. Parish matters for discussion/decision
12.1. Smart Water: To receive an update on the Smart Water scheme and the distribution of kits to parishioners.
It was noted that the remaining kits have been delivered and the SmartWater project had been completed successfully
12.2. Engaging with parishioners: To review options for increasing engagement with residents across the parish.
It was RESOLVED to make enquiries with neighbouring parish councils to see how they have increased engagement with parishioners.
12.3. Jubilee celebrations donation: To approve a donation of £180.00 to Whittington Village Hall in support of the recent jubilee celebrations.
It was RESOLVED to approve a donation of £180.00 (item 13.4.8).
12.4. Clerk’s delegation: To note change of website host approved under delegated authority. Provides SSL certification, larger email inbox and reduced cost.
The above delegated decision was noted.
13. Finance
13.1. Bank account: To receive an update on the move to Lloyds Bank (with online banking).
It was noted that the new account paperwork had been prepared and this would be signed and returned in due course.
13.2. Budget expenditure
It was RESOLVED to approve the budget expenditure.
13.3. Bank reconciliation
It was RESOLVED to approve the bank reconciliation.
13.4. Invoices
13.4.1. David Hunter-Miller (July salary and expenses)
13.4.2. HMRC (July PAYE)
13.4.3. Worcestershire County Council Pension Fund (July pension)
13.4.4. Sam Joyner (Lengthsman): £300.00
13.4.5. Sam Joyner (Lengthsman): £420.00
13.4.6. Paul Probert (allotments): £279.00
13.4.7. Eyelid Productions Ltd (website): £50.00
13.4.8. Whittington Village Hall (jubilee celebrations donation): £180.00
It was RESOLVED to settle the above invoices and cheques were duly signed.
13.5. Direct Debits
13.5.1. 21/07/22 HSBC (business banking charges): £15.00
13.5.2. 15/07/2022 Information Commissioner (registration): £35.00
The above Direct Debit payments, made between scheduled meetings, were noted.
14. Councillors’ reports and items for the next agenda
It was queried when the grass cutting would take place on the central reservations and it was RESOLVED to raise this with Worcestershire County Council.
It was RESOLVED to add the following items to the next agenda:
• Anti-social behaviour, Wildmore estate
• Littering, Leslie Walk
• Engagement with residents
15. School signage competition: To approve the winning sign design and to approve costs up to £75.00 to cover the purchase of a suitable vouchers for prize winners and to cover the manufacture of the signs.
It was RESOLVED to approve expenditure up to £100.00 for this project to cover the purchase of vouchers for prize winners and to cover the manufacture of the signs.
The competition entries were discussed and a number of winning designs were chosen.
16. Date of the next meeting
The next scheduled meeting is at 7:30PM on Tuesday 27th September 2022.
A resolution was passed to exclude members of the public due to the confidential nature of the following item.
17. Pensions Regulator: To consider re-enrolment duties.
It was noted that the third anniversary of the Parish Council’s staging date was December 2022 and the re-declaration deadline was May 2023; the Clerk would complete the re-enrolment duties accordingly.
The meeting closed at 10:22PM