Non-confidential items

26.8.1 Apologies and declaration of interest of councillors related to the agenda
There were no apologies. However, subsequent to the previous meeting, Mr M Crawford had tendered his resignation. There was no need by any member present to declare an interest in any of the agenda items.

26.8.2 Casual Vacancies and co-option
Mrs G Howson completed the declaration of acceptance of office before the proper officer, Mrs Hampson and also the register of interest document.

Resolved: The clerk to continue to prepare a notice for three vacancies on the parish council.

26.8.3 Minutes of the previous meeting.
These were accepted as a true record of proceedings and signed, in the meeting, by the Chair Person,
Mr T Heaney.

26.8.4 Public speaking procedures document, public attendance sheet and public speaking (total 10 minutes)
There was one member of the public in attendance. She had kindly forwarded a photograph, in advance of the meeting, showing grafitti on what was discovered to be a Severn Trent Water cabinet. She also raised some issues with lighting in the village. One issue concerned a private residence. The other matter concerned Staffordshire County Council’s (SCC’s) street lighting columns being permanently on throughout the night. It was believed none is on a part-night scheme.

Resolved: the clerk to contact the county councillor who was not in attendance for a direct email address for SCC’s street lighting team to enquire about part-night street lighting after midnight.

Other items raised concerned graffiti on a Severn Trent Water Authority (STWA) pumping station cabinet together with an overflowing litter bin on the approach to Thors Cave and advisory signage against barbecues and camp fires near Thors Cave due to the risk of wild fires..

Resolved: The clerk to contact the lengthsman and a former parish councillor regarding possibility of the removal of the graffiti. Mr Vibert to also seek assistance with the matter. The clerk to contact the Ranger Service regarding the overflowing litter bin and

Pot holes on Buxton Road and Ashbourne road near the playing field were also discussed again.

26.8.5 Church Clock
A former parish councillor had liaised with the clerk in advance of the meeting regarding necessary repairs to the church clock which is of benefit to all residents of Wetton village. The professional company concerned advised that due to the amount of work required, this would costs £650. Members considered this work to be necessary.

Resolved: to approve the cost of the necessary works to the church clock.

26.8.6 Church footpath
Resolved: the clerk to contact the County Councillor to request SCC to visit the church path to assess any remedial works which need to be undertaken in the short term.

26.8.7 Playing field/Pavilionand grants
Mr Heaney advised that he had not yet contacted another professional playground company. It will not be possible to obtain a grant from local quarries as the distance is too far away. Another playground plan will be required along with 2 further quotes. National funding sources were also briefly discussed.

26.8.8 Bank signatories and mandate
Following a number of member resignations, signatories on the parish council’s cheque books are problematic. The clerk had liaised with the business banking centre and had obtained a paper mandate which was duly completed in the meeting. The clerk had also prepared an extract of the minutes which members signed in the meeting approving the new signatories

Resolved: to forward the completed mandate and signed extract of the minutes to the business banking centre.

26.8.9 Lengthsman duties
Members briefly discussed the duties of the lengthsman.

26.8.10 Review of policies
The clerk had reviewed the policies and added new review dates. These had been forwarded to the members in advance of the meeting.

26.8.11 Planning applications, appeals and enforcement
There were no new planning applications to consider