Non-confidential information

25.3.1 Apologies and declaration of interest of councillors related to the agenda
Apologies had been received in advance of the meeting from Mrs Melville, Mrs Drummond and Mr Heaney. There was no need, by any member present, to declare an interest in the items on the published agenda. Members present signed the attendance register.

25.3.2 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.

25.3.3 Public speaking procedures document, public attendance sheet and public speaking (total 10 minutes)
The two members of the public in attendance completed the public attendance sheet. The first member attended regarding vehicles parking on pavements. This action appears to be happening following the erection of the advisory signs for no parking etc. She also enquired whether the Duke of Devonshire had been contacted regarding the parking problems associated with tourists visiting Thors Cave. She was advised that Mr Sharp had written a personal letter but no response had been received in time for the meeting. She was informed that signs erected by the Peak Park Ranger Service directing people to Thors Cave had been stolen. Mr Crawford further advised that he had recently attended a Roadshow meeting held by the Chief Executive of the Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) and asked if he would attend a meeting with the parish councillors regarding the parking issues associated with tourists visiting Thors Cave which is heavily promoted as a prominent tourist attraction. The Chief Executive suggested that he would be prepared to meet the councillors however, PDNPA has been subject to funding cuts, including staff redundancies. A piece of land for parking within Wetton would provide a solution.

A second member of the public attended with a request to use the playing field for an event on 19th July including a children’s sports day, bar, music etc and bunting around the village. In addition, a proposal for wells dressings and a scarecrow competition. The clerk advised of the need for public liability insurance to cover all aspects of the day; to approach the local public house regarding a licence; to ensure the field is clear of animal excrement for children’s safety and to keep the parish council informed. Litter picking was also discussed.

Resolved: a member of the parish council to meet with the member of the public to view the pavilion.

25.3.4 County Councillor update
The County Councillor had forwarded her apologies. County Councillor Mrs Heath is not standing again at the elections on 1st May but will continue to accept emails regarding Staffordshire County Council issues until this date.

Resolved: the clerk to contact the County Councillor with regard to the jetting service being requested to clear all village drains.

25.3.5 Traffic regulation order, residents’ parking signs, no parking signs, traffic cones
A resident had contacted the clerk regarding the acquisition of the parish council’s parking signs and had been advised that these had initially been issued to those residents without the benefit of off-road parking and a fair judgement had been carefully considered and applied with the distribution of signs. A list of these residents has been kept.

Unfortunately, it was reported that some residents had purchased additional advisory signs, incorporating the name of the parish council, without permission/authority which is totally unsatisfactory.

Resolved: The clerk will be supplied with details of those who have erected signs bearing the name of the parish council without permission to enable a letter to be sent for the removal of the signs or the removal of the portion bearing the parish council’s name.

In some places, heavy goods vehicles such as the milk tankers cannot get around. Mrs Melville had received and forwarded a positive letter of support from the Kids’ Camp regarding parking.

25.3.6 Highway issues
Some cones have been placed marking a deep pot hole/sink hole on Stable Lane. A further pot hole was reported in the vicinity of the playing field.

Resolved: The clerk to report the sink hole as dangerous and also to report the pothole near the playing field.

25.3.7 Playing field, pavilion, parking and grant funding
Mr Sharp had purchased a cover for the mower and obtained receipts for reimbursement. See items of account. The playing field grass been cut but the surface remains somewhat uneven. The gateway is an issue. The gate has been taken down and a new access required so the gates can be closed and locked.

25.3.8 Lighting for church path
Mrs Noble provided information about the lighting for the community path between the church and the village hall. Members discussed an appropriate contribution towards the cost due to the considerable health and safety benefit to the residents walking along a dark path. The contractor is not VAT registered. The members considered the use of Section 137 which is presently £10.81 per elector.

Resolved: The parish council to donate a sum of £1,000 towards the cost of the electrical work on the path and the cost of the new lights and fittings.

25.3.9 Lengthsman contract and pay award
As detailed in the previous minutes, contact made with neighbouring parish councils also using the same lengthsman had confirmed an increase in the hourly rate of pay for the lengthsman to £14 per hour. The clerk had prepared a revised contract to be sent to the lengthsman for signature and return at this hourly rate.

Mr Sharp will no longer be able to use the parish council’s ride on mower to mow the village playing field. This is a necessary task.

Resolved: the clerk to send a new contract, signed by the chair person, Mrs Noble. The clerk to also approach the lengthsman to consider using some of his hours regularly to mow the playing field using the ride on mower and to liaise with Mr Sharp regarding the requirements.

25.3.10 Defibrillator scheme
Staffordshire Moorlands District Council (SMDC) has awarded a contract to AEDdonate to check defibrillators within the area. The company has already attended the defibrillator in Wetton to check it and will continue to do so periodically. Mrs Noble has also checked the defibrillator and reported it to be fully operational.

25.3.11 Planning applications, appeals and enforcement
New applications had been received for Carr Farm NP/SM/0225/0147 and 0148.

Resolved: to approve the above applications.