Non-confidential information

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

23.11.2 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.

23.11.3 Public speaking
There were two members of the public in attendance who did not wish to speak during the public speaking section and departed before the end of the meeting.

23.11.4 PCSO and Manifold Track
The local PCSO had been invited to attend the meeting but no response had been received; however, subsequent to the previous meeting, Mrs Drummond had met with two PCSOs to discuss some police related issues that have been occurring in the parish, some over a 3-4 year period. Mrs Drummond had asked about traffic cones which have been placed on grass verges by a number of Wetton residents. The PCSOs advised that they were not happy about the presence of the cones so close to the highway and they should be removed but they had no jurisdiction to remove them. They had; however, advised that if Staffordshire County Council (SCC) Highways department were notified of the presence of cones adjacent to the highway then SCC would remove them straightaway. The clerk reiterated that any object should be at least 450 mm away from the highway. The PCSOs also stated that if a traffic incident occurred, as a result of the cones being in place, then the homeowners who had placed them adjacent to their property could be liable. At this stage, the councillors could not suggest an alternative provision.

Once again, Mrs Drummond reported motorists driving down the pedestrian track which is highly dangerous, particularly to children. Members considered this action to be an accident waiting to happen. This matter has been reported to SCC, the Peak Park and PCSOs.

Resolved: to place some cones at the entrance to the Manifold track to deter motorists from driving down it.
Resolved: to draft a letter regarding the inappropriate use of traffic cones.

23.11.5 Planning applications, appeals; decision notices, enforcement
There was one new planning applications to discuss. Carr Farm, School Road, Wetton. NP/SM/1023/1187 S.73 application for variation on NP/SM/1105/1152. Members considered this to be a variation of access and curtilage.

Resolved: to support the above application.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council adopted ‘The Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document’ on 18th October 2023. This can be viewed on their website.

23.11.6 Website and transparency document
The clerk had contacted the new website provider to establish availability of a suitable domain name. The provider confirmed availability to purchase. Mrs Noble and Mr Heaney had visited the old website to change administrators; the provider had classed this as a malicious attack and it has now been closed down as it was not functioning.

Resolved: Mrs Noble to write to the previous clerk to request once again, a proper invoice from the website provider to consider payment as the previous clerk’s invoice was improper.
Resolved: The clerk to make contact with the new provider to instruct the purchase of the domain name and to commence a new website.
Resolved: the clerk to submit a number of documents to members for consideration to be uploaded to the new website.

23.11.7 Bank account and signatories
The clerk reported that she is now receiving bank statements and cheque books following numerous visits by the chair person, Mrs Noble to the former clerk’s previous address and different branches of Nat West to facilitate this in addition to time spent on line. There are now 3 valid signatories and additional signatories will now be achieved.

23.11.8 Policies
Mrs Drummond had kindly walked around the village to check the number of seats within the village of Wetton. There are three seats on the village green; someone periodically attends to one of these. Over time, these seats will present maintenance issues.

23.11.9 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. A significant amount appears for street furniture which will need to be checked.

Resolved: Mrs Melville to visit the Back of Ecton to view any assets and report back.
Resolved: Members to meet the Pavilion view the condition of the Pavilion and equipment within and Mrs Drummond to compile a list.

23.11.10 Lengthsman’s contract
A discussion about the number of required hours took place.

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. Mrs Noble to meet with the lengthsman for a discussion about parish requirements.

23.11.11 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 but an accompanied inspection was not granted. The invoice had been received but the report had not. Sheep had been permitted to graze on the playing field area for a short period.

Resolved: The clerk to send payment for the invoice and obtain the inspection report.

23.11.12 Consideration of budget items for precept
The clerk and responsible finance officer had prepared and submitted a budget to the councillors in advance of the meeting. Members gave due consideration to these figures. The precept will not be set until January; however, this will rise due to increases in expenditure and that during the previous financial year, the precept figure was nil. Residents will be advised.

23.11.13 Parish letter regarding traffic cones
Please agenda item 23.11.4