MINUTES OF A MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2015 AT THE RECREATION ROOM, CHURCH LANE, MIDDLETON

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1 MIDDLETON PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES OF A MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2015 AT THE RECREATION ROOM, CHURCH LANE, MIDDLETON Present Cllr Gill Keegan (Chair) Cllr Jack Everill (Vice Chair) Cllr Peter Rotherham Cllr Terry Cole Cllr Peter Rawlins in Attendance John Rowland Members of the public in attendance; Mr R Webb Police in Attendance; Sergeant Mitch Oakley, PCSO Jane Owen; David Reilly Police Safety Ambassador 17/15 Police Surgery. The meeting was suspended for the Police Surgery and an address by David Reilly 1 17/15/1 David explained that he reported to the Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Ball. He was a long serving now retired ex Chief Inspector. His remit was, working with the police and communities, to oversee police activity and efficiency and make recommendations to Ron Ball 17/15/2 He also wanted to build up a network of Key Individuals (KIN). The would see if people would be interested but initially agreed to be that person for Middleton. This was apparently the norm so far 17/15/3 An additional 0.01p per day per household was to be added to the North Warks. precept to provide additional cash for police activities. asked how much that would raise given the large budget cuts announce. This figure was not known by David as yet The Chair thanked David for his time 17/15/4 Sergeant Mitch Oakley introduced himself giving some of his background. He had wide experience in many forms of policing after serving in the Royal Navy for many years. He was committed to involvement of and with local communities in all policing matters. There were severe challenges in the police service with cuts in manpower and premises. However the North Warks force was now fairly well resourced. 17/15/5 explained that the community was most concerned as what would happen to the crime and vehicle accident rate when / if HS2 went ahead 17/15/6 The recent spate of oil thefts was discussed. Mitch stated that if there is a repeat incident the PC could request that certain strategic street lights are left on between 12 midnight and 5am instead of being switched off. 17/15/7. It was also agreed that information needed to be two way and that

2 would continue. Jane would send the contact details for Mitch The Chair thanked Mitch and Jane for attending. Jane was actually on leave that day but still came along! 18/15 Member of the public. Mr R Webb was asked if he wanted to address the Council. He stated that he did 18/15/1 Mr Webb stated that in his opinion the Parish Council had not conducted its affairs correctly in relation to the letting of Middleton Community Centre and had "lost" 100,000. This figure was based upon the difference between what the previous tenants had paid in rent and what he thought that the current tenants were paying. This figure was disputed by the Chair and 18/15/2 It was pointed out by the Chair and that the previous tenants had involved the then Parish Council in a long and very costly legal dispute and had then left a bad debt in rent of 18k which after many legal attempts had been unrecoverable even though the Courts had found for the Parish Council. Fortunately the current Parish Council had the services pro bono of a local solicitor. However barrister costs were still incurred 18/15/3 The pointed out that a very reputable agent had been appointed at the time to look for a new tenant from whatever field of work. The advice was that the market had changed and that a rent of c. 12k was appropriate for the property. In fact the tenants actually pay 14k. The change of tenants also meant that remedial work on the building in relation to asbestos had to be carried out prior to any tenant going in. 18/15/4 The Chair pointed out that the current tenants paid on time and had only just recently paid for two new storage radiators at a cost to themselves of some /15/5 There followed some discussion and also disagreement about what benefits the previous tenants had received. 18/15/6 Mr Webb pointed out that he had given the Parish Council some plans of what to do to improve Ramblers Rest. Cllr Cole said that he knew what was needed but had not had time to do or organise the work. This would be done. Mr Webb also pointed out a problem in Green Lane. This was known and again would be dealt with as soon as possible 18/15/7. Mr Webb stated that the floor in the Recreation Room had still not been addressed. Although this was not applicable to the Parish Council he was told that a qualified surveyor had certified, for MRRC, that the floor was safe and secure. If Mr Webb had any further issues he needed to take them up with the Chair of the MRRC. Mr Webb stayed on for the rest of the meeting 19/15 Apologies. None necessary 20/15 Declarations of Interest. None 21/15 Minutes of a meeting held on Signed by Cllr Keegan (Chair) as 2

3 correct record of that meeting 22/15 Matters Arising from meeting of (and prior where ongoing) 22/15/1 Council owned Garages Church Lane. had met(8.12) with engineer from NWBC. Work will be started now after April 2015 (new budget year). Asbestos was main issue. to contact NWBC at end of March 22/15/2 Project. Agreed that the Parish Council should start looking at a new project for the community. One example would be a play or rest area at Hill Lane/ Old Tamworth Road. Project to begin in Cllr Keegan would ask Vi Matthews to obtain soundings from residents. Ongoing for /15/3 PC Notice Boards. Agreed to take down that in Church Lane and store until a suitable site found. Action by Cllr Cole 22/15/4. BT Red Telephone Box Church Lane. to follow up correspondence. 3/15/4. MRR Future (following meeting with MRR representatives at MPC meeting It was agreed that nothing should be done in the short term until the results of advertising had been reviewed and a reply had been received from the Charities Commission. A meeting would be set up between the MRRC and the Parish Council after these actions had been finalised. Cllr Keegan Cllr Cole GK/NH 22/15/5 Previous MCC tenant. awaiting reply from Solihull BC. Chase 22/15/6 Middleton Lane Grit Bin. Purchased and now in Storage. Cllrs to decide where to be located, tell who would ensure that it gets filled and is put on gritting map. Cllrs / 23/15 Reports of Councillors Cllr Rotherham. 23/15/1 A4091 reparation work. Was highly critical of desolation left after "road" repairs. will write again to WCC asking why so many trees that did not impact on road safety were completely cleared 23/15/2 Service Road Closure Bassetts Pole. Stated that he thought this was unnecessary in view of the work carried out recently. to write to WCC 23/15/3 Traffic through Village. Stated that traffic between 6.30 am and 9am was building up to an unacceptable level and it was coming through the village at speed. to set up a meeting with NWBC / Highways on site to look at traffic calming measures. All agreed 23/15/3a Hill Lane and Old Tamworth Road. Discussion as to what could be done with the piece of land in the corner of Old Tamworth Road. Cllr Rotherham stated that it was partly owned by Satnam Holdings, part by Lichfield Borough Council, part by NWBC and he considered a small piece by the PC. These facts could be checked as may have changed. Residents should be asked for ideas for usage. Questionnaire with next MM? All 3

4 Cllr Rawlins 23/15/4 Mrs M Crowshaw; memorial bench. Mrs Crowshaw had requested permission to put a bench on the Village Green in memory of Arthur Crowshaw. Was agreed that this was acceptable. to write to Mrs Crowshaw asking what sort of bench and advising that once this information was received the PC could decide where it would go. Cllr Everill. 23/15/4. Crowberry Lane Ford. Blocked again. Nothing has happened in 10 years to introduce a permanent solution. to contact a higher authority (Jim Murray CE of WCC) after informing Jane Pritchard and Kevin Blount of problem 23/15/5 Oil Thefts and other incidents. Suggested positioning an infra red camera at junction of Church Lane and Coppice Lane. to get legal ruling from police or authorities. Cameras were fairly cheap to purchase Cllr Cole 23/15/6 Vicarage Hill and other road works including jetting. It was essential that before work began contractors / Highways met with Cllr Cole (and others) to make sure that items that needed to be done were done. This would save time and cost. to action 23/15/7 Coppice Lane just past Bryson's farm. Road surface deteriorating and drain blocked. to contact Highways 23/15/8 New Electricity Boards in MRR. These needed safety certification. One of the three was in place to service the storage area thus it was down to the PC to pay for that certificate. C /15/9. Leak in Middleton Lane. would contact South Staffs Water again as had not been repaired Cllr Cole 24/15 SWT, Cllr Keegan 23/15/10 Exercise equipment. Reported that the new items had been well received by the residents 23/15/11 Coppice Lane signs. Still not resited. to contact Mark Kennell 24/15/1 Cllr Keegan to arrange meeting with Chair, Heather Hill. to attend. This was important as the revision to the Trust Deed had not yet been reported to the PC which would be affected by a draft provision that would only allow one representative to be appointed by the PC instead of two. Cllr Keegan 25/15 HS /15/1 Petitioning etc. reported that he had attended the Federation

5 meeting recently and also the newly formed Kingsbury Railhead Action Group meeting. No response to the petition had formally been received. It was expected in March but stated that it had indicated that there would be no further horizontal or vertical re alignment for Middleton 26/15 Community Centre (MCC) Update with current situation 26/15/1 Tree. had advised tenants about the overhanging tree in the grounds that was dangerous. would get quotation from Will Jenkins and advise Andrew Kinson accordingly. Action required 26/15/2 Rent Review. Letter received from Tenant stating that the proposed increase was not acceptable. Options now were to jointly appoint an independent agent whose ruling would be "binding" but still subject to an appeal. Second option was to meet again with the tenants and negotiate for the one remaining year of the lease. Cllr Everill said that he would contact a commercial but would also contact the Valuation Office but stated that he did not see how they would be able to suggest a rent. Cllr Everill / 26/15/3. Internal roof repairs (just painting) still to be carried out Cllrs Cole / Keegan 27/15 Village Green Development 27/15/1 Cargo net. Cllr Cole had identified that the cargo net in the Susan Pallett playground had rot in the wooden posts. Cllr Rotherham said these were encased in concrete. It was agreed that this would be taken down and stored. A suitable replacement would be considered. Cllrs Cole Rawlins 28/15 Correspondence since and issues arising. (list below had been circulated prior to meeting) 5 1. Oil Thefts. s from to Warks. Energy and police notifying oil thefts 2. Road Repairs following A4091 issue. correspondence between and Kevin Blount (WCC Highways) on notification to affected residents of the works in Wishaw Lane, Vicarage Hill and Bassetts Pole. This to ensure a letter drop made to all those affected. received from Kevin a copy of the letter to be dropped. Notices put on boards. 3. Area Forum West. Agenda for and minutes of previous meeting received by who could not attend due illness. 4. Community Safety Ambassador. s from David Reilly asking if he could attend next PC meeting to introduce himself. He will attend on ( note; David is also the lead in the Railhead Action Group and on Kingsbury PC) 5. Belfry. Letter sent by re Winter Wonderland and Night Club events 6. Letter to WCC re "Assurances re HS2. Letter sent by clerk to WCC complaining that they had "agreed" assurances for Middleton without consultation 7. Road Closure A4091. Replies from Chief Executive and then WCC to letter sent by. Very apologetic. Will read out at meeting if required 8. WCC. Notes. On courses available. Being a good Cllr etc

6 9. Temp Closure. London Road Bassetts Pole. Notice received for publication on Notice Boards. 10. Grit Bin Ordered and received for Middleton Lane 11. MCC Tenant. Letter from Tenant. See under Community Centre Matters. Costs breakdown given to Cllr Everill as requested 12. from CPSO Jane Owen. Asking if OK to bring her new Sergeant Mitch Oakley to PC meeting. accepted invitation (Should be lively with Safety Ambassador as well!) 13. s from to Mark Kennell re signs at end of Coppice lane (Junction with A446) Promised to move them. As of no movement!) See reports from Cllrs 14. Flytipping. reported fridge in Coppice lane 15. Elections. Notice re elections put on Notice Boards. April edition of MM too late for more notification. 16. Fresh Air Fitness. from to Company expressing sincere satisfaction at way in which order and fitting was carried out. has "maintenance instructions and one copy in storage facility 17. s from to Lorraine Whiteman WCC Highways.(this followed generic notification received by clerk) This stated that residents had to be told of closures by WCC and NOT have it left to contractor as happened with the A4091. This spawned action from Kevin Blount (see 2 above) 18. WCC Newsletter/s. Points raised. Electronic communication of Agendas etc now legal/ Audit changes for councils with a turnover of less than 25,000 (not applicable to Middleton)/ Neighbourhood Development Plans / other matters. Cllrs can have this to read if request. 19. ICO Registration Certificate (Data Protection) received until from Jason Tombs (Warks CC) to following receiving a call from Crowberry Lane Stables (Tim Marsland) re fence allegedly pulled down by A4091 work. gave Jason contact for resident. 21. WALC with Election Timetable.(will be available at meeting) 22. Annual Meeting of NWBC and Parish Councils. and Cllr Keegan attended. HS2 Community fund stated to be 30m for whole of phase 1. Elections discussed briefly as was road traffic increases 23. Post Box Closure. s to and from (plus telephone calls) relating to extended closure of Royal Mail post box as GPO thought road closures were still in place. (Communication!?) 24. Water Leak Middleton Lane. reported this to SSW and promised it would be dealt with. Check? See Reports from Cllrs. 25. Defibrillator. sent to Sara Richardson and Sarah Brooke Taylor telling them that the PC had decided not to go ahead at this stage with installing a defibrillator 26. Fill of grit bin Crowberry Lane. Reply from Kevin Blount (WCC) to 's stating that it would be filled 29/15 Planning. PAP Applicant; Mr G Rawlins Site; Ash End House Children's Farm 6

7 Detail; Proposed single storey side extension and new porch to existing manager's house Agreed No action required Adopted Core Strategy and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Letter plus copious documents relating to this delivered to who will endeavour to read them! PAP Applicant; Mr Heath Site; The Chalet; London Road Detail; Certificate of lawfulness for the existing use of the chalet as a dwelling Agreed no action required 29/15/1 Bed and Breakfast Coppice Lane. asked to follow up planning application for this business 30/15 Finance (The had previously distributed a summary) 31/15/1 Balance of funds after all cheques and deposits below This included the VAT refund of still be received Cheques J Rowland Salary c/n HMRC re above c/n G Keegan Step ladders c/n Wybone Grit bin c/n Fresh Air Fitness Exercise Equipment c/n Prontaprint MM Feb c/n Gardeners World re VG c/n (receipt to come from Cllr Rawlins Jim Ellis MPC website domain (2 years) c/n All approved 31/15/2 Next income Rent from MCC Precept / grant /15/3. Bank Mandate. The mandate was in process of being updated to include Peter Rawlins Terry Cole and the John Rowland. This was agreed. 31/15 Public Questions; None apart from Mr Webb (above) 32/15 Meeting finished at pm 33/15 Date of next meeting at 7.30 pm 7

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