Non-confidential items

25.11.1 Apologies and declaration of interest of councillors related to the agenda
Apologies had been received in advance of the meeting from Mrs Powis. 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.

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

25.11.3 Public speaking procedures document, public attendance sheet and public speaking (total 10 minutes)
From previous minutes, there has been no further update regarding the request for a memorial seat at Ecton.

One member of the public was in attendance, in her capacity as a member of the village hall committee and signed the attendance sheet. She provided information on a series of necessary expenses that have had to be undertaken for fire, health and safety reasons. The parish council has no legal responsibility to maintain or fund the village hall but members agreed that village hall is very important to the community. A number of suggestions were provided to the member of the village hall committee.

Resolved: the clerk to contact Staffordshire Parish Councils’ Association (SPCA) for clarity on the ability of the parish council to make donations to the village hall committee.

25.11.4 Casual vacancies (2 places) and possible co-option
The clerk continues to produce notices advertising the two casual vacancies on the parish council. Fortunately, there had been an expression of interest from one valid person. The person was unable to attend the meeting.

25.11.5 County Councillor update
County Councillor, Ms C Kelly was in attendance. A brief discussion took place regarding the proposed creation of unitary authorities which may cost towards £30 million. It is unlikely to be up and running until 2028. Staffordshire County Council’s (SCC’s) reporting system was discussed; the sole postcode for Wetton can create difficulties reporting issues. The County Councillor has experienced such difficulties with this and agreed that the clerk can send some reports directly to her for onward submission to SCC.

25.11.6 Playing field, pavilion, condition/restoration, zip wire, safety inspection
Members discussed possibilities to install the zip wire. Volunteers could have been used if the project was then signed off by ROSPA but for a number of reasons, this route is unlikely to happen. A profession installation is likely to cost at least £7,000. Members discussed the possibility of grants and lottery funding. The condition of the field needs to be attended to as soon as possible now that the ground is much softer. Restoration/Painting of the pavilion was raised by Mrs Noble

Resolved: The clerk to contact Mrs Powis to restore the field to a good condition.
Resolved: Mr Heaney to investigate grants and lottery funding for the play area and to possibly include the pavilion.
Resolved: the play area and pavilion to be a budget item for 2026-27.

25.11.7 Village Christmas Tree and Lighting
Mr Heaney had kindly investigated sources for Christmas lighting and had found a suitable battery-operated set.

Resolved: Mr Heaney to source the lights, sets of batteries, a storage box and some plastic baubles.
Resolved: Mr Heaney to be reimbursed for the above. Costs estimated to be £120.

25.11.8 Domains .gov.uk .org
Some investigations had been undertaken by Mrs Melville.

Resolved: The clerk to contact the present domain provider regarding this and to place the item on the January agenda.

25.11.9 Archive storage requirements
The clerk had obtained current details of the required periods of time for retention of parish council documents and these had been forwarded to members.

Resolved: Mrs Melville to continue sorting items stored at the village hall.

25.11.10 Discussion of precept requirements, prior to setting in January 2026
The clerk had prepared accounts to date and a projection of year end funds together with a first draft budget for 2026-2027 to support a discussion on precept requirements for the following financial year. Slight adjustments were made to some budget items. The tax base from Staffordshire Moorlands District Council (SMDC) has not yet been received. A council laptop has not been purchased.

Resolved: to approve the purchase of a laptop for use by the clerk to a value of approximately £700. The clerk to investigate.

25.11.11 2026 meeting dates
The clerk had prepared meeting dates for 2026-2027.

Resolved: to accept the meeting dates and publish accordingly.

25.11.12 Planning applications, appeals and enforcement)
A new planning application had been received for a single storey rear extension at Broad Ecton Farm NP/SM/1125/1101 and 1102.

Resolved: to support the above proposal as it is visibly very discreet.