ALVELEY AND ROMSLEY PARISH COUNCIL

COUNCIL MEETING 1st April 2025

MINUTES OF MEETING

Present: Councillor Isley Jakeman (Chair) and CouncillorsIan Braithwaite, Richard Narburgh, Russ Dowson, Christine Brown, and Colin Taylor.

Attending: Steve Kerry, Parish Clerk

2024/25.142	APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were recived from Councillors Sam Potter and James Cumiskey.

2024/25.143	DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

None.

2024/25.144	OPEN FORUM

Councillor Jakeman rasied the issue of her letter to the MP regarding the state of Church Lane. He has written to the responsible officer at Shropshire Coucnil to say it needs to be done as soon as possible. Repairs have been promised early in the new financial year, that is from today.

Although one youngster seems to have stopped using a powered scooter this is still an issue with a near miss between a car and a child dressed entirely in black with or reflective kit and no lights ridingn careslessly. The Clerk will maintain communuications with the local police on this issue.

On speed measurement Quatt have accepted our sugegstion of paying for half the cost of measurement on the A442 and we have accepted the suggested locations in Alvleley.

On the church clock, it was noted that this is maintained as a public clock and the cable on the striking mechanism is in need of replacement. We will fund this when it is done.

The outstanding safety issue on the play area, the footboard at the end of the cable run, has been fixed.

2024/25.145	MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

It was proposed by Councillor Brown, seconded by Councillor Jakeman and unanimously -

RESOLVED That the minutes of the meeting of 4th March 2025 be agreed as a correct record and signed accordingly by the Chair. 

2024/25.146	FINANCIAL MATTERS

The Clerk presented a report of financial transactions during March. The schedule was noted. It was also noted that the charge from Stev Burton was higher than usual because he had given an extra half day to do some additional necessary work.

2024/25.147	PLANNING MATTERS

Tree works at Orchard Cottage - no objection but memebrs felt it as important the work to the yew was carried out by a suitably qualified person as this was a fine tree and needed to be left in good order.

Church Barn - no objection but members felt it was important that the Conservation Officer made a site visit to ensure the works were carried out in compliance with the building's listed status.

2024/25.148	NEW BUS SHELTER

Members discussed the need for a shelter at this point and the balancing need to have something unobtrusive in the conservation area. It was agreed that something largely transparent such as the shelter at the Bridge Road/Daddlebrook Road junction woud be preferable. It might be a good idea to update the bench at the same time, although the current one was a nice piece of decorative wrought ironwork so it may be best to repair if necessary rather than replace. 

It was noted that throughout the village the timetable boxes on the shelters are in poor repair or missing entirely. Councillor Colin Taylor will provide a contact at Shropshire Council for the Clerk to follow this up. Meanwhile, the Clerk will seek out optoins for a lightweight transparent design for a bus shelter and obtain quotes. 

2024/25.149	PLAY AREA SAFETY REPORTS

Footplate on theh cable run - done

PIcnic benches - new ones installed

Benches by the conifer hedge are probably part of the recreation ground not the play area. If they need some minor maintenance or coating Nick will carry this out.

Councillor Dowson agreed to check the rusty spring under the jeep and clean and paint as necessary.

2024/25.150	UPDATES

Hampton Loade bus shelter - job done this can come off the updates list. 

National Cycle Route 45 - Councillor Colin Taylor is still working to get a clear plan of action from Shropshire Council. The Chief Executive instructed that it be resolved through Active Travel, however the new AT Co-ordinator has left! This will remain under rveiw.

Street bins - the poo bin is in, the general bin will go in opposite the Chapel where the footway is broader and level. The Clerk will advise Shropshire Council and pay the requisite fee for it to be added to the collection round. We will take no further action of now on possible additional poo bin for Butter Cross. 

Memorial plaque - the Clerk presented the plaque which was satisfactory, Councilor Dowson will install it as soon as he has time. 

VE/VJ Day Commemoration - noted that there are planend events for Quatt and Bridgnorth. The Clerk will continue to seek to enage with the school around a themed event for Alveley. 

Churchyard Flagpole - It was noted that the HIstorical Society haven't met since the last meeting of Council. They may well be interested in a new flagpole if the insurance and public liablity can be resolved. It was agreed that the parish council would be interested in funding this but would not initiate a proposal. This will come off the updates list until we hear from the Society.

2024/25.151	ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

After some disucssion it was agreed to hold the Annual Parish Meeting on Wednesday 14th May at 7 pm. That is, the formal meeting including the Chair's annual report and questions on parochial matters would start at 7 pm, there would be an opportunity for local groups to dislpay their material and for people to meet informally from 6 pm. 

Noting the shortness of time and the clash with upcoming elections and bank hoidays it was agreed to use the event as an opportunity to meet the new council and to do some live consultation about ideas and suggestions for local improvements using a board and post it notes. The Clekr would invite the P3 Group, the Strollers and Striders and the PCSO's to attend and contribute.

2024/25.152	SHROPSHIRE COUNCILLOR'S REPORT

The last council meeting of this administration had taken place, with a lot of blaming of the opposition parties for projects not delivered despite the large majority and total control of the cabinet by the leading party. The Leader and may others are standing down, several well beofre what might be regarded as their time. Some have joined a new group Shropshire First. It was noted with regret that one councillor has died in office.

2024/25.153	ROMSLEY MATTERS

Romsley Lane will be closed from 4th-14th April for the last stage of the Severn Trent pipe laying works. Some fly tipped tyres and a couple of wheels were stolen before they could be picked up by Shropshire's contractor. There is a barn on the alpaca farm which appears to be over height and might be beyond their temporary planning consents. There was some doubt as to when the temporary consents expire and whether some of the structures on this site are now due to be removed. Councillor Colin Taylor will ask some questions of the county's planning officers.

2024/25.141	FUTURE MEETINGS AND ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

Annual Council Meeting 13th May 2025 at 7.30 pm. The Clerk will be available at the Pavilion from 7 pm for members to make their declarations of acceptance of office so thay can take a full part in the meeting.

Items for discussion will include -

Election of Chair (which by law must be the first business) 
Co-option of new members if there are vacancies after the elections
Appoinments to committees 
Appointment of signatories for the bank accounts
Adoption of General Power of Competence (if the Council is in a position to do so)
Adoption of standing orders and financial regulations
Annual grant to P3
Annual grant to Strollers and Striders
New arrangments for play area inspection 
Final arrangements for the annual parish meeting 

Annual Parish Meeting 14th May 2025 at 6 pm for the informal meeting, 7 pm for the annual report and questions to the Council.

For the June Council Meeting
Adoption of accounts and completion of the Annual Governance and Accounting Report
Emergency Planning

Signed ........................................................

Date ....................................