Annual Meeting of Whittington Parish Council at 7:30PM on Tuesday 28th May 2024 at Whittington Community Hall, WR5 2RQ
Minutes 05/2024
Present: Steve Brooker (Chairman), Kevin Maguire, Katie Lambeth-Mansell, Helena Bennett, Richard Boase, Adam Hooper
In attendance: David Hunter-Miller (Clerk), Linda Robinson (County Councillor), Liz Turier (District Councillor), Dormston Cook (Worcester Wheels), David Ball (Brethren Church), six members of the public
1. Election of a Chairman and signing the Declaration of Acceptance of Office
It was RESOLVED to suspend standing orders and undertake a ballot for the election of a Chairman.
It was RESOLVED to elect Steve Brooker as Chairman for the 2024/25 municipal year and the Declaration of Acceptance of Office was duly signed.
2. Election of a Vice-Chairman
It was RESOLVED to elect Adam Hooper as Vice-Chairman for the 2024/25 municipal year.
3. Apologies for absence: To receive apologies and to approve reasons for absence
Apologies were noted from Tony Fradgley.
4. Declarations of personal and prejudicial interest
4.1. 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.
4.2. 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 9 (Uffnell’s Allotments).
4.3. 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 5.9 (Whittington Events Group).
Steve Brooker declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 5.7 (Whittington Community Hall).
Adam Hooper declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 5.7 (Whittington Community Hall) and an Other Registerable Interest in item 5.9 (Whittington Events Group).
Katie Lambeth-Mansell declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 5.8 (Whittington Charities) and an Other Registerable Interest in item 5.9 (Whittington Events Group).
Helena Bennett declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 5.8 (Whittington Charities) and a Non-Registerable Interest in item 10.1.1 (Parkway new town development and South Worcestershire Development Plan).
Kevin Maguire declared a Non-Registerable Interest in item 10.1.1 (Parkway new town development and South Worcestershire Development Plan).
4.4. 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).
A dispensation had previously been granted 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).
5. Open Session
The meeting was adjourned for the open session.
5.1. Worcester Wheels: Briefing session on Community Transport.
Dormston Cook (Worcester Wheels) was in attendance to answer questions on community transport provision. It was noted that the Norton and Littleworth bus service cost approximately £65.00 per day to run, with Worcestershire County Council contributing funding towards the project. The service was primarily used for shopping and medical appointments and Tuesdays and Thursdays were most popular.
5.2. District Councillors: To receive a brief report.
Rob Adams (District Councillor) had sent apologies.
Liz Turier thanked Adam Hooper for attending the recent Wychavon Planning Committee meeting. It was noted that councillors would shortly be entering the purdah pre-election period.
5.3. County Councillor
Linda Robinson provided a report as follows:
New Secondary School update
In last year’s report I mentioned a proposal to build a new Secondary School between the hospital and Newtown Road. At last week’s Council meeting it was agreed to go ahead with the plans as secondary school provision was much needed despite rising construction costs. The original estimate of £50 million has increased to £59.9m. and will provide 600 places. It is on track to open in 2026 and reach full capacity by 2030.
County Hall Update
As many of you may be aware County Hall remains partially closed in its upper storeys due to the presence of defective concrete known as RAAC was discovered in the upper floors. Surveys and quotes are being undertaken to assess repair costs. Currently half of the building sits empty. Obviously, we cannot afford the risk of re opening with any danger of collapse.
Worcestershire Royal Hospital’s critical care improves after concerns
‘Immensely proud’ staff are celebrating after the critical care service at the city’s hospital has improved according to the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Inspectors found improvements in the critical care service at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, run by Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, following an inspection in December.
This inspection was carried out as part of CQC’s continual checks on the safety and quality of healthcare services.
Critical care’s overall rating improved from requires improvement to good, which is the same for being safe, responsive and well-led. It was again rated good for being effective and caring.
Worcestershire Royal Hospital’s overall rating remains requires improvement
The trust’s rating has not changed since the inspection, remaining requires improvement overall. Charlotte Rudge, CQC deputy director of operations in the midlands, said: “When we inspected the critical care service at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, we found a service where leaders and staff were working together well to ensure people received good care and there was a positive culture within the service. “We found staff treated people with compassion and kindness. They took time to support people and their relatives and to understand what was important to them, ensuring they retained what was special in their lives. “Staff should be extremely proud of the care they’re providing to people using the service and their families. Other providers of similar services should look at this report to see if there’s anything they can learn.”
Our grass cutting season has now started
We have over 6 million metres squared of rural verges and over 320 thousand metres squared of central reservations along Worcestershire roads. Our primary responsibility for roadside verges is one of safety, keeping roads visible for motorists, but our programme also helps support the recovery of pollinator populations in Worcestershire. To support pollinators and maintain safety, when road junctions are mowed, only one metre or two metres of grass is cut back from the carriageway, leaving significant uncut areas available for wildlife.
To report a grass cutting issue, please visit: www.worcestershire.gov.uk
5.4. Whittington C of E Primary School
The following update was received:
• The current Headteacher was leaving at the end of term
• The school were advertising for a Chair of Governors
• Plans were progressing for a D-Day commemoration event organised by the School, Church and Community Hall
• Community litters picks would be undertaken every Friday until the end of term
• Grant funding for building improvements and maintenance work had been secured
It was RESOLVED to purchase parish councillor ID cards and lanyards for future events.
It was RESOLVED that the Chairman would write to the Headteacher to thank him for his work with the school over many years.
5.5. Whittington Church
No matters were reported.
5.6. Brethren Church
No matters were reported.
5.7. Whittington Community Hall
It was noted that the hall was continuing to run well and bookings remained consistently strong.
5.8. Whittington Charities
The following update was received:
• The two charities had been merged into one charity, combining to form the new ‘The Elizabeth Stevens and Fanny Clifton Charity’.
• The charity would be reviewing the first tranche of donations later this year.
5.9. Whittington Events Group
The following update was received:
• The most recent film night screened ‘Wonka’ and very positive feedback had been received.
• The second Whittington Summer Event is scheduled for Saturday 13th July 2024.
5.10. Public participation
Several members of the public were in attendance to raise concerns regarding the increasing volume and speed of traffic using the Walkers Lane/Church Lane. It was suggested that the new Parkway Town would increase pressure on the Whittington roundabout and would exacerbate traffic issues in the village. A suggestion was received to make the road system one-way. Councillors considered these issues under item 8.3.
The meeting resumed following the open session.
6. To consider and adopt the minutes from the Parish Council meeting on the 19th March 2024
It was RESOLVED to adopt the minutes as a true record and they were duly signed by the Chair.
7. Correspondence
7.1. Worcestershire County Council: Town & Parish Councils Conference, Wednesday 12th June 2024
The above invite was noted.
7.2. NALC: Funding for moving website to a .gov.uk domain
The above grant funding was noted.
7.3. Worcestershire County Council: Workshop for Phase 4 of A4440 SLR dualling scheme
It was noted that Adam Hooper had attended to promote the issues and concerns relating to Whittington.
7.4. Parishioner: Road safety concerns, Whittington Village
Concerns relating to rat-running traffic were noted and were discussed under item 8.3.
7.5. Wychavon District Council: Social Media Guidance for Councillors
The above guidance was noted.
8. Highways and Public Rights of Way
8.1. To receive an update on the Lengthsman Scheme
No matters were reported.
8.2. To consider any items for the Lengthsman’s work schedule
A section of overgrown hedge at Whittington and an overgrown path near the school would be reported to the Lengthsman for attention.
8.3. To consider an update on rat-running traffic on Walkers Lane / Church Lane
It was RESOLVED that Linda Robinson (County Councillor) would arrange a public meeting with the WCC Cabinet Member for Highways, Highways/Active Traffic Officers and the Police.
8.4. To receive an update on previously reported highway issues
An update was received on various outstanding highway matters.
It was RESOLVED to ask for ‘H bar’ markings to highlight the pedestrian crossing points at the M5 J7.
It was RESOLVED to report an abandoned car near to the Whittington Walk entrance.
It was RESOLVED to liaise with Worcestershire County Council regarding the new village sign for Whittington Walk, which had been installed in the wrong place and on posts that were far too high.
It was RESOLVED that councillors would continue to report maintenance issues relating to the dual carriageway (broken signs, barriers and cones) that detract from the area.
9. Parish matters for consideration and progress reports
9.1. High Park & Pershore Road
9.1.1. To receive an update
It was RESOLVED that Kevin Maguire would download the data from the Speed Indicating Device.
9.2. St Peter’s
9.2.1. To receive an update
No matters were reported.
9.3. Whittington Village
9.3.1. To receive an update
No matters were reported.
9.4. Whittington Walk & Swinesherd
9.4.1. To receive an update
A short update was received.
9.4.2. To receive an update on the new noticeboard on Whittington Walk
It was noted that the noticeboard had been ordered/delivered and the installation site would be prepared by Persimmon Homes so that it could be installed.
9.5. Wildmore, Walkers Lane and Whittington Road
9.5.1. To receive an update
The following update was received:
• Various anti-social behaviour issues had been reported on Wildmore; paint had been spilled on the road and dumping had been reported to the housing authority
• Family fun day during August/September was under consideration
• A monthly mobile Fish and Chip service was visiting Wildmore
• An application to the King’s Living Heritage fund was being explored for a possible Community Orchard at Wildmore
9.5.2. To receive an update regarding road adoption on Wildmore
It was noted that the roads on Wildmore had now been adopted by Worcestershire County Council.
9.5.3. To receive an update regarding ongoing drainage/flooding matters
Thanks were extended to a parishioner on Wildmore who had undertaken a free drainage survey of the allotment site; further details were awaited.
9.6. Whole parish
9.6.1. To receive an update
No matters were reported.
9.6.2. To consider an update on bus service/community transport provision
It was RESOLVED to explore grant funding opportunities and to consult with parishioners.
9.6.3. To consider a contribution towards the D-Day commemoration project
It was RESOLVED to approve a donation of £40.00 to Whittington Community Hall and up to £40.00 to Whittington Primary School, to support the D-Day commemoration project.
9.6.4. To consider a donation to Whittington C of E Primary School for gardening vouchers
It was RESOLVED to approve a donation up to £30.00 to Whittington Primary School to enable the purchase of gardening vouchers/seeds in support of community litter picks (item 9.6.5).
9.6.5. To consider supporting community litter picks
It was noted that the school were undertaking community litter picks in Whittington.
9.6.6. To consider community WhatsApp groups
It was RESOLVED that Richard Boase, Katie Lambeth-Mansell, Adam Hooper and Kevin Maguire would explore the possibility of community WhatsApp groups and present their findings to the next meeting.
9.6.7. To consider approving an audit training course for the Clerk (PIALC)
It was RESOLVED to approve the above training course for the Clerk.
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
The following update was received:
• It was noted that the transport planning reports had delayed the South Worcestershire Development Plan
• Concerns were expressed regarding proposed sewerage arrangements for the new Parkway Town
• It was hoped that a dialogue could be opened with St Modwen Properties, a future developer for the Parkway Town
10.1.2. W/24/00788/HP: Langlands, Church Lane, Whittington, Worcester, WR5 2RQ. Side single storey three bay garage.
It was RESOLVED that the parish council had no objections, but would recommend that the planning authority satisfy themselves that the proposed new building does not encroach onto adjacent highway land or significantly reduce visibility at the bend in the road.
10.1.3. W/24/00907/DEM: Whittington Hall, Whittington Road, Whittington, Worcester, WR5. Demolition of 3 storey office block with flat roof, single storey entrance lobby and canopy to the north/west elevation.
It was RESOLVED that the parish council had no objections.
10.2. To note attendance at Wychavon District Council’s Planning Committee meeting in respect of:
10.2.1. W/24/00107/FUL: Harkaway, Pershore Road, High Park, Whittington, Worcester, WR5 2RP. Change of Use of a Dwellinghouse to form a 6-bedroom HMO.
It was noted that Adam Hooper had represented the parish council at the above planning committee meeting.
It was noted that parishioners had continued to raise concerns over this application. It was RESOLVED to write to the Head of Planning at Wychavon District Council to express disappointment about this application and to raise parishioner concerns (including lack of sewerage provision).
10.3. To consider compiling a S106 ‘wish list’ in relation to possible future contributions
It was RESOLVED to compile a S106 ‘wish list’ between meetings for endorsement at a future meeting.
11. Allotments
11.1. To receive an update from the Allotments Working Group
It was noted that there had been one meeting of the Allotments Working Group and the meeting notes were considered.
It was RESOLVED to schedule a further working group meeting.
11.2. To note repairs to allotment taps instructed under delegated authority
The above repair work, authorised under delegated authority, was noted.
12. Annual business as per Standing Orders
12.1. General Power of Competence: To review eligibility.
It was RESOLVED that the parish council still met the eligibility criteria for the General Power of Competence.
12.2. To review the following policies and procedures
12.2.1. Action Plan
12.2.2. Allotment Working Group Terms of Reference
12.2.3. Balances and Reserves Policy
12.2.4. Biodiversity Policy
12.2.5. Civility and Respect Pledge
12.2.6. Clerk, Parish, Councillor Protocol
12.2.7. Code of Conduct (LGA)
12.2.8. Community Engagement Strategy
12.2.9. Complaints Procedure
It was RESOLVED that no changes were required to the above policies.
12.2.10. Delegation Policy (Urgent Decisions of the Council)
It was RESOLVED to adopt a standalone policy (previously part of the Standing Orders) and to increase the Clerk’s delegated authority authorisation limit to £2,500.00.
12.2.11. Disciplinary Procedure
12.2.12. Equal Opportunities Policy
12.2.13. Financial Regulations
12.2.14. Freedom of Information Guide
12.2.15. GDPR Data Privacy Policy
12.2.16. GDPR Data Protection Policy
12.2.17. GDPR Data Security Incident Procedure
12.2.18. Grant Awarding Policy
12.2.19. Grievance Procedure
12.2.20. Health and Safety Policy
12.2.21. Press and Media Policy
12.2.22. Publication Scheme
12.2.23. Retention Policy
12.2.24. Standing Orders
12.2.25. Training and Development Policy
It was RESOLVED that no changes were required to the above policies.
12.3. To review insurance, risk and assets
12.3.1. Risk Management Policy and Risk Register
It was RESOLVED to adopt an updated Risk Management Policy and Risk Register.
12.3.2. Insurance cover
It was noted that the current policy was part way through a 3-year long term agreement and it was RESOLVED that the level of cover was adequate.
12.3.3. Inventory of Assets
It was RESOLVED to adopt an updated inventory of assets, with the following corrections:
• Parish noticeboard is at Old Road (not Church Lane)
• Add Whittington Walk noticeboard to inventory
12.4. To review appointment to committees, working groups and external bodies
12.4.1. Allotments Working Group
It was RESOLVED to defer until the next meeting.
12.4.2. Whittington Community Hall representative(s)
It was RESOLVED to defer until the next meeting.
12.4.3. Whittington C of E Primary School representative(s)
It was RESOLVED to defer until the next meeting.
12.4.4. Joint Parishes Committee (SWDP) representative(s)
It was RESOLVED to defer until the next meeting.
12.5. To review the meeting schedule for the year ahead
It was RESOLVED to continue to hold scheduled meetings at 7:30PM on the fourth Tuesday of each month (except August, December and April when no meetings are scheduled).
13. Finance
13.1. 2023/24 Accounts: To consider and approve the end of year accounts and bank reconciliation.
It was RESOLVED to approve the 2023/24 end of year accounts and bank reconciliation.
13.2. External Auditor: To note the appointment of an External Auditor and to consider any interests
The appointment of the external auditor was noted.
13.3. Annual Internal Audit Report: To consider and approve
The Internal Audit Report was considered and it was noted that there were no recommendations requiring attention.
13.4. Annual Governance Statement: To consider and approve
The Annual Governance Statement was considered and it was RESOLVED that each statement had been achieved and it was duly signed.
13.5. Accounting Statements: To consider and approve
The Statement of Accounts was considered and it was RESOLVED to approve it and it was duly signed.
13.6. Bank mandate: To review bank signatory arrangements
It was RESOLVED to remove Chris Mayo as signatory and to add Tony Fradgley and Adam Hooper as full-power signatories.
13.7. Budget expenditure 2024/25: To consider and approve
It was RESOLVED to approve the current budget expenditure.
13.8. Bank reconciliation 2024/25: To consider and approve
It was RESOLVED to approve the current bank reconciliation.
13.9. Invoices: To approve the following invoices for payment:
13.9.1. David Hunter-Miller (salary and expenses)
13.9.2. HMRC (PAYE)
13.9.3. Worcestershire County Council Pension Fund (pension)
13.9.4. S Joyner (Lengthsman): £165.00
13.9.5. Zurich Municipal (insurance – LTA): £395.46
13.9.6. Worcestershire CALC (subscription): £1,159.54
It was RESOLVED to settle the above invoices.
13.9.7. S Brooker (parish meeting refreshments): £13.23
It was noted that S Brooker asked for the £13.23 reimbursement to be donated to the Whittington Charities.
13.9.8. Elgar Plumbing & Heating Limited (allotments tap repair): £247.20
13.9.9. Iain Selkirk (internal audit): £120.00
It was RESOLVED to settle the above invoices.
13.10. Clerk’s Delegation: To note the following payments made between meetings:
13.10.1. 12/04/24 David Hunter-Miller (noticeboard purchase): £1,937.60
13.10.2. 23/04/24 David Hunter-Miller (salary and expenses)
13.10.3. 23/04/24 HM Revenue and Customs (PAYE)
13.10.4. 23/04/24 Worcestershire County Council Pension Fund (pension)
The above payments were noted.
13.11. Direct Debits: To note the following payments made between meetings:
13.11.1. 01/05/24 Public Works Loan Board (repayment): £9,507.26
The above direct debit payment was noted.
14. Councillors’ reports and items for the next agenda
It was RESOLVED to add the following items to the next agenda:
• Wildmore drainage improvements
• Community WhatsApp groups
• S106 ‘wish list’
• Regular review of action plan (quarterly)
• Review of noticeboard keys
• Update on progress of Community Governance Review
• Appointment to committees, working groups and external bodies
15. Date of the next meeting
The next scheduled meeting is at 7:30PM on Tuesday 25th June 2024.
The meeting closed at 22:41PM.