Non-confidential information

23.9.1 Casual vacancy and Declaration of acceptance of office of new councillor
Mrs Powis had applied in writing, prior to the deadline of the latest casual vacancy notice, expressing interest in the one casual vacancy on the parish council. She duly completed the declaration of acceptance of office form before the proper officer, Mrs Hampson.

23.9.2 Register of interest document of new councillor
Mrs Powis completed her register of interest document.

23.9.3 Apologies and declaration of interest of councillors related to the agenda
There were no apologies and no need, by any member present, to declare an interest in the items on the published agenda. Members signed the attendance register.

23.9.4 Minutes of the previous meeting.
These were accepted as a true record of proceedings and signed, in the meeting, by the Chair Person,
Mrs D Noble.

23.9.5 Public speaking
There was one member of the public in attendance. She did not wish to raise any issues for the attention of the parish council. The agenda item of public speaking was clarified to her.

23.9.6 PCSO and Manifold Track
Mrs Noble had contacted the PCSOs for the area but unfortunately, they could not attend the meeting. The members had some police issues to discuss concerning the parish and also regarding the Manifold Track reported in the previous minutes.

Within Wetton village, a number of cones have been placed on verges. The PCSOs had advised that these cones have no legal enforcement; they are not police traffic cones; they cannot be purchased only ‘acquired’ from elsewhere. In addition, items such as cones and stones cannot be placed within 450 mm of a highway. The members discussed the removal of all such unauthorised cones/stones. Parking issues were also discussed.

Resolved: Mrs Noble to contact the PCSO team again to request a day time meeting by the PCSOs which parishioners may also attend. This would enable parishioners to be fully advised on the inappropriate use of cones on verges.
Resolved: The parish council to compose an advisory letter regarding the removal of cones.

Both Mrs Drummond and the clerk had reported previously identified issues at the Manifold Track. Whilst Staffordshire County Council (SCC) had in turn reported the completion of some of the reported issues, some serious problems remain. SCC had advised Mrs Drummond that the issues are classed as ‘non-urgent’. The signs have not been reinstated and motorists are driving along the pedestrian track to get to Thors Cave. The safety of children who can easily get onto the road at the moment, remains a serious hazard.
Resolved: the clerk to contact the Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) to request support to get the advisory signs reinstated as soon as possible before an accident happens.

23.9.7 Planning applications, appeals; decision notices, enforcement
There was one new planning applications to discuss. NP/SM/0823/0921 New House Farm, Wetton. Conversion of barn to dwelling, demolition of 2 existing portal frame buildings and replacement storage building. Members considered it a little odd to take down existing substantial storage areas to replace with one large barn on bigger footprint and more visible. It was acknowledged that the Kids’ Club needed storage. Access was also discussed which may be problematic for coaches and also impact on immediate neighbours. Members thought the barn conversion to a dwelling was a positive move.

Resolved: to support the above application but to submit comments referred to above.

A legal appeal had been received and a Lawful Development Certificate granted for Carr Farm, Wetton.
The PDNPA Monitoring and Enforcement Team will investigate camping at Yew Tree Farm. It was reported that the original 28 day rule has been extended to 60 days.

23.9.8 Website and transparency document
From the previous minutes, the former clerk had been contacted to produce an invoice from the website provider. He had failed to do this. The website is not functioning properly and needs to be taken down and a replacement set up.

Resolved: Mrs Noble and Mr Heaney to liaise to try to access the original website to take matters forward for the next meeting.
Resolved: to create the required transparency document, relative to the new website.
Resolved: Members agreed to proceed with the provision of a new website based on the quote above. The clerk to contact the new website provider to establish availability of the chosen domain name.

23.9.9 Bank account and signatories
Mrs Noble reported that new signatories had been completed, the correspondence address had been changed; however, the clerk reported that she had not received any bank statements.

Resolved: Mrs Noble to visit the Leek Branch to resolve this.

23.9.10 Policies, financial regulations and standing orders
The clerk had prepared and forwarded to members in advance of the meeting, a number of policies, financial regulations and standing orders to be considered for adoption.

Resolved: to defer the seating policy until the November meeting.
Resolved: to accept the financial regulations and standing orders.
Resolved: to accept the policies for Vexatious and Repeated Requests, Complaints and Co-option

23.9.11 Insurance items and asset register
Members took a copy of the insured items list to assist with the compilation of the asset register at the next meeting.

23.9.12 Lengthsman’s contract
The lengthsman had forwarded details of his public liability insurance figure. Some amendments were made to the draft of his new contract.

Resolved: Members to consider any new items or amendments to the contract for the 2024 season, including any requirements at the Back of Ecton and to discuss at the next meeting.

23.9.13 ROSPA inspection report and action points
Mrs Noble had requested an ‘accompanied inspection’ to enable her to be present. Cut and paste inspection reports from the previous year are not acceptable.

Resolved: to try to obtain an alternative inspection company.

Members discussed the possibility of sheep being permitted to graze the playing field and the impact on children playing on the field. The period of time for the field to left clear should be 3 months prior to children reusing the field. Members also discussed the erection of fencing to keep the playground area safe from animals and their excrement.

Resolved: to advise the enquirer that sheep may be permitted from 1st October to 31st December 2023.
23.9.14 External audit outcome
Members thanked the clerk and responsible finance officer (RFO) for the work conducted in the preparation of last year’s accounts and the external audit. The audit had been concluded with no further work required. The auditors will not contact the RFO again until March 2024.