
Barton-under-Needwood
Parish Council
Annual Open meeting Minutes
Page last update on
07 June 2011
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL OPEN
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON
THURSDAY 7th APRIL 2011 AT
BARTON UNDER NEEDWOOD VILLAGE HALL.
Present: - Chairman Cllr. Mr. V. J. Trigwell,
Vice Chairman Cllr. Mr E. Sharkey,
Cllr. Mr A. Kennedy , Cllr. Mr. B.
Bartram, Cllr. Mr P. Jepson, Cllr. Mr. I. Gilbey, Cllr. Mrs P. Fisher, Cllr. Mr.
D. G. Sherratt, Cllr. Mr J. Pattison, Cllr. Rev. Preb. A. Wood, Cllr. Mr. A.
Wedgwood, Clerk – Mr G. J. Peck, P.C. G. Jones & PCSO S. Smith (Staffordshire
Police), Mr David Elgood (Midlands Co-operative), 30 Members of the Public.
1.
CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME AND OPENING REMARKS
The Chairman
welcomed all those in attendance.
2.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2010 – 2011.
Cllr. V.
Trigwell spoke about the key points in his Annual Report, copy included with the
Minutes - (Addendum 1).
3.
RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED MARCH
2010.
Clerk tabled
these Accounts and added that copies were available for parishioners to peruse
at their leisure. (Addendum
2).
4.
VILLAGE HALL CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Chairman, Mrs
Pauline Fisher presented the written report and Accounts for the year ended 31st
December 2010. Copies of both were available for those present and would be
included with the Minutes -
(Addendum 3).
5.
VILLAGE HALL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST
DECEMBER 2010.
In the absence
of the Treasurer, Chairman Mrs P. Fisher included this report as already stated
in Item 4.
6.
PARISIONERS QUESTIONS
Mr John Costley,
a resident of Collinson Road, commented on the absence of the second fence as
part of the Collinson Park improvements. He added that trees had been cut down
unnecessarily and access to new planting was undesirable.
It was confirmed
that the second fence had been ordered and was due to be erected the following
week.
Mr Costley
continued by highlighting the excessive noise made by youths especially at
night, since the opening of the new play area. He believed the park should be
closed at night. The Chairman had already spoken with him – the police are aware
of the problems but need to be telephoned when each incident occurs. No drinking
or alcohol is allowed. Cllr Sharkey has been involved in advising on shrubs
which would ultimately baffle noise.
Chairman added
that youngsters need to be trained to be aware that neighbours live in close
proximity. He would attend a meeting of the residents the following day to get a
greater understanding of the problems.
Mr Karl Upton
felt that many empty promises had been given. He added that there was a
considerable noise issue. He mentioned an incident which occurred at 2300hrs the
previous weekend – PC Guy Jones asked if he had contacted the police at the time
to which Mr Upton answered ‘no’.
P.C. Jones added
that officers would visit the park on a regular basis, but had limited
resources.
Chairman felt
that as the new play area was in it's infancy it was presently vastly popular.
He nevertheless felt that the current level of interest would decline.
Ms Caroline
Casey commented on a very busy Sunday afternoon in the park, where there were
issues. She felt that the schools and police should be involved with the
students as to how the students should behave. There should be time limits on
usage of play equipment. She added that two 'heavy' children had been seen on
less than strong equipment.
Cllr. D. Sherratt felt that the Abbots Bromley Play
Area model should be considered.
One member of the public thanked
the Parish Council for introducing the new equipment and enhancing the play
area.
Cllr. A. Wedgwood reminded the
meeting that the 'Special Charge' on the recently received Council Tax
information was for the Oak Road play area and not for any area of land this
Council was responsible for.
Ms Linda Percival, representing
'Stop the Plot' asked whether after the result of the 'Consultation', would the
Council be minded to change it's position and resolve not to 'support in
principle' the proposed housing development in Crowberry Lane. She was informed
that a proposal on the subject was to be considered within the main meeting
which would follow this meeting. She also added that the recent new play area in
Collinson Park was a great for the children of the village and a credit to those
who had been responsible for making it possible.
7. ANY
OTHER BUSINESS
Cllr. A. Wood mentioned that as himself, Cllr P.
Fisher and others would not be standing for election in May, he wanted to praise
the recent Chairmen, Cllrs. Brian Bartram, Adrian Wedgwood and Vic Trigwell for
their leadership over the recent years.
8. A REPORT BY MR DAVID ELGOOD, Operations
Manager & Director of Midlands Co-operative.
Chairman introduced Mr Elgood and added that the
garage site was soon to be demolished and a temporary car park created to
counter the loss of village hall car parking space while building of the new
store was taking place.
Mr Elgood indicated that his
roots were in the retail side of the business, he along with his colleagues,
were excited and looking forward to the planned opening early next year. The new
rebranded store would be bright, modern in design, have ergonomic lighting and
comply with the 'green' agenda. Waste levels would be zero to landfill, all
recyclable and lighting would be centrally controlled. There would be security
cameras and a £300,000 car park with sixty four spaces. Improved delivery
processes would quicken unloading and between four to ten extra staff would be
employed ideally from the local area within the village. All current staff would
be transferred to the new store.
The store would have an in-store
bakery, a larger range of fresh food products plus wines and spirits.
It is planned for Introductory
Evening Tastings and the Co-operative would want to be more involved with the
community with grants and sponsorship offers.
Ms M. Naylor enquired about the
lorry impact on the village to which Mr Elgood responded that deliveries would
be on a timed basis and thus should not involve vehicles queuing on the highway.
All vehicles would access the store from the A38 direction. An average of six
lorries per day plus a few smaller suppliers. Bread would be delivered in the
early morning period.
Mr Elgood reminded the meeting
that the Midlands Co-operative was a Community Retailer, owned by customer
shareholders – thus they have a responsibility to comply with local agreements.
He added that there would be a trolley system.
There would be security gates
which would be opened for each delivery and closed at all other times.
Regarding the old (current)
store there are no future plans yet but unlikely to be for an additional branch
of local funeral directors.
It was confirmed that demolition
of the garage would take place in late April.
Meeting concluded at 1917hrs.
Chairman – 12th May 2011
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Page last update on
07 June 2011