Non-confidential items

25.9.1 Apologies and declaration of interest of councillors related to the agenda
Apologies had been received in advance of the meeting from Mr M Murdoch. Mrs L Powis was not in attendance. The date had been changed and readvertised as it would not be possible to be quorate on the previously agreed date of 10th September. 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.

25.9.2 Minutes of the previous meeting.
These were accepted as a true record of proceedings and signed, in the meeting, by the Chair Person,
Mrs J Melville.

25.3.3 Public speaking procedures document, public attendance sheet and public speaking (total 10 minutes)
One member of the public had contacted the clerk in advance of the meeting to express concerns about parking issues, such as camper vans parking overnight and vehicles parking on corners, causing potential hazards for heavy goods vehicles in the village (photographic evidence had been supplied). She also suggested trying to get another bin at the start of the path towards Thors Cave. These points were discussed by the members who agreed that there was little that could be done about the campervans but the resident could contact the police if parking of such campervans results in traffic issues. Staffordshire Moorlands will not supply any additional litter bins. A village litter pick could help. Excess bags of litter deposited against the existing bins are being collected by the refuse collection service. Volunteers within the community would help reduce the waste concerns.

Mrs Melville had liaised with the member of the public who had contacted the parish council regarding the possibility of a memorial seat at the Back of Ecton but she will be away until the end of September. Mrs Melville had viewed the site suggested and considered it to be unsuitable.

25.9.4 Casual vacancies (2 places) and possible co-option
The clerk continues to produce notices advertising the two casual vacancies on the parish council. There have been no expressions of interest to date. Interested parties should contact the clerk. Members discussed further ways to publicise the vacancies, in addition to the legal notices which comply with the Electoral Services team.

Resolved: the clerk to confirm the length of parishioner residency for eligibility to apply to fulfil a casual vacancy.

25.9.5 County Councillor update
The new County Councillor, Ms C Kelly was not in attendance

25.9.6 Playing field, pavilion, condition/restoration, zip wire, safety inspection
Following the July meeting, payment had been forwarded to join Staffordshire Playing Fields Association for £20 per annum. There had not been much progress since the July meeting. Mr Heaney advised that a mechanical means will be required to remove old foundations representing at least a day’s work. Additional machinery would be required to dig holes for posts. Mrs Noble suggested not compromising the football pitch area. The field will need to be chain harrowed and rolled which Mrs Powis may undertake. Members also gave some consideration to hiring a professional playground team for installation of equipment but this will be quite costly and influence precept costs. Members also thought a mowing programme for the playing field would be required in the future. The playing field gate is now back in place and locked.

Resolved: Mr Heaney to liaise with two people during the following week regarding some of the points raised above.

25.9.7 Review of policies
The policies were reviewed without amendment and new future review dates added.

25.9.8 Village Christmas tree
The village hall committee had approached some members of the parish council for funding of a village Christmas tree and lighting. Members considered this, along with the following: requirement for risk assessments, insurance, public liability, ongoing checking of such a tree for the complete duration it would be erected, purchase costs involved, distance from the highway. Members also considered that the existing tree on the village green and shrubbery could be illuminated, if appropriate lighting was purchased. The community could be involved with this. The clerk advised other parishes also involve children’s lantern parades and local houses having illuminated windows.

Resolved: Mr Heaney to investigate suitable lighting and costs to be discussed at the November meeting.

25.9.9 Planning applications, appeals and enforcement)
There were no new applications to consider. As a Section 106 agreement condition (local occupancy clause) imposed, the owner of Weages Cottage had advised the clerk of it being marketed for sale