SILVERDALE PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular Meeting on Thursday 12 October 2023 at 6.30pm at Silverdale Library
Present:
Chair – Mr H Adamczuk (HA)
Parish Cllrs –Cllr C Jarrett (CJ), Cllr C Mrozicki (CM), Cllr J Avison (JA), Cllr J Crabtree (JC), Borough Cllr J
Brown (JB, part)
Parish Clerk – Ms D Powell (DP)
No members of the public were present
| 277/23 | Public Participation:
No members of the public were present. |
| 278/23 | To receive apologies (in writing to the Clerk)
Apologies were received from Cllr C Bennett (CB), Borough Cllr R Adcock (RA). Resignations had been received from Chris Spence and Lee Leighton. |
| 279/23 | To receive nominations and elect a Vice Chair
It was RESOLVED unanimously that Cllr C Mrozicki be elected as the Vice Chair. The Declaration of Acceptance of Office was signed and counter-signed by the Parish Clerk. |
| 280/23 | To resolve that the minutes of the Regular meeting held on 14th September 2023 are correct and for the Chair to sign at the meeting.
RESOLVED to approve. |
| 281/23 | Declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary interest in any item on the agenda
CM declared an interest in Acres Allotments, item ref. 297/23. |
| 282/23 | To note the written update from the Borough Councillors
Reports had been circulated and are attached to the minutes at Appendix D. In addition JB reported: An anti-social behaviour and fining system is to be put in place for those leaving the bins out. This is to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Those with legitimate reasons will not be affected. Bath Road development- the plans are ready for submission. A tree assessment is to take place on a tree in Tregrew Place. There are ongoing security issues at Victoria Court. Walley’s Quarry – JB attended a meeting hosted by the Environment Agency. 100 people attended. Simon Tagg and the MP want a statutory enquiry to investigate some of the extreme odour issues and the role of the Environment Agancy in monitoring the emission of hydrogen sulphide. A meeting has been rearranged for 17 October at 5.30 for those unable to log on. A carport without planning permission at Silverdale Sidings which is taking up three spaces had been reported to NBC. The meeting discussed Bonfiglio site. JB left the meeting. |
| 283/23 | To Review Sub Committee Membership
It was RESOLVED that: CM was to join the Finance sub-committee. The Planning sub-committee was suspended. Extensions to the deadline for comments would be requested for any planning application deadlines falling between meetings. JA and JC join the NDP Steering Group. CJ asked to be removed as a SPC representative for the Walley’s Quarry meetings. |
| 284/23 | To resolve to approve new bank signatories for the bank mandate
It was RESOLVED that Cllr C Mrozicki to be added to the NatWest Bank mandate as an authorized signatory. |
| 285/23 | Silverdale Parish Financial Policy (emails) Report of Chair
HA and CJ to meet regarding recent fraudulent emails. |
| 286/23 | To review the Social Media Policy
A copy had been received and the matter was rolled over to the next meeting to allow time for the Policy to be reviewed. |
| 287/23 | Community matters (Standing item)
a. Silverdale Bus Transport: To receive an update on the potential of a bus subsidy to enhance the existing service. No update. b. Dog waste bins: Update regarding new and replacement bins. New dog waste bins had been purchased and will be installed next week. c. To receive an update on bat and bird boxes. Bird and bat boxes had been purchased. JC had identified sites on the allotments. The boxes are to be installed on 23 October. Two boxes are to be placed at Park Road Allotments, two at Acres Allotments and two in the “Unnamed Wood” (surrounding the sheep field at Glenview Drive). d. To receive an update on streetlights – Silverdale Sidings See JB report at Appendix D. e. Remembrance Sunday DP to arrange a Poppy Wreath. HA to lay the wreath on 12 November. f. To receive an update on plans for the Christmas event 2023. i. CM had obtained a quote for Christmas tree lights which was subject to a site visit. Steve Hough is to remove the current Christmas tree lights as the quote provided was lower than that of Lite Ltd. The power supply in the cabinets below the Christmas tree needs to be checked by a qualified electrician. ii. CJ to arrange a second Christmas tree to replace the failing tree. CJ had obtained a price of £75 for a 12 to 14ft Christmas for the Lower Parade. RESOLVED to approve. HA to arrange solar powered lights. iii. HA to contact Aspire regarding the provision of Christmas lights for the canopy on The Parade. The lights are currently being stored at the Methodist Church. HA had asked Aspire to put the lights on the shopfront canopy but the previous contact had left the association and a new member was being sought. iv. The Lion’s Club will be providing a Santa and sleigh. The car parking area at the bottom end of The Parade by the railings is to be cordoned off. This had been arranged. HA to ask about selection boxes. CM to visit shops regarding involvement. v. To approve a donation to The Lion’s club. RESOLVED to approve a donation of £200. Gifts for children are to be arranged. JC to arrange sweets for the children. vi. LL to arrange the brass band. This had been arranged for 6.15 for the same time as the lights switch on. vii. CB to contact the two primary schools regarding carol singing. CB had contacted both schools for joint carol singing along with the brass band. |
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288/23 |
To purchase and install the final two pieces of outdoor exercise equipment at the Ilkley Place play area, completing the upgrade which was started using the energy saving scheme funding.
It may be possible to arrange this through the LAP. HA to discuss at the next LAP meeting. |
| 289/23 | Planning sub-committee feedback (Standing Item) and to approve comments for the following
Planning Applications
23/00744/FUL | Proposed single storey rear extension and internal remodel of existing detached property. | 25 Halfway Place Silverdale Newcastle Under Lyme Staffordshire ST5 6EQ (newcastle- staffs.gov.uk) Reviewed previously |
| 290/23 | Finance
a. To approve the payments, receipts and transfers – Appendix A RESOLVED to approve. b. To note and approve the bank reconciliation – Appendix B Rolled over to next month as the bank statement had not arrived in the post. c. To note and approve the budget report 2023/24 – Appendix C RESOLVED to approve. |
| 291/23 | Walley’s Quarry Ltd Landfill
a. Walley’s Quarry Liaison Meeting update The next meeting is scheduled for 17 October at 5.30pm b. Chair report on statutory investigation and information gathered during 2018-19 Ombusman’s Enquiry. There is no update and this item is to be removed from the agenda. |
| 292/23 | Neighbourhood Development Plan
a. To receive feedback from the Neighbourhood Planning Steering Group. Walking tours had been arranged to involve people in finding nature on the Golf Course to create woodland conservation areas and wetlands. Staffordshire Wildlife Trust forms to be completed. HA to speak to Staffordshire Wildlife trust about Jobs Wood. b. To discuss the next Public Meeting and Workshops covering headings in the Policy Mapping Document Another presentation is to be arranged at the Athletics Club and another walk is to be arranged. The meeting was extended at 8.30pm for a further 10 minutes. |
| 293/23 | For information only – Silverdale Gardens – Planning update regarding S106
Update earlier in JB report. |
| 294/23 | Mining Monument progress (HLF) Project and Miners Wheel
a. Quotes for external lighting for the Miner’s Wheel HA to obtain an update on a quote. |
| 295/23 | Parish jobs referred to the contractor
Nothing further at present. |
| 296/23 | Local Plan consultation and Keele/Silverdale Growth Corridor
a. Borough Council Plan Update No further update. b. Save Our Green Space update Update pending. c. Protect Audley Parish Greenbelt update A meeting is to take place next week. |
| 297/23 | Acres Allotments (no additional legal/site remediation/Knotweed costs)
a. To receive an update on the tenancy at will agreement. b. To receive an update on the appointment of Knights solicitors and negotiations over the tenancy with Acre Allotments involving the borough council and the condition of the land at the first extension of the 2015 lease c. To agree in principle that if the Borough Council clears the waste material on the council’s land beyond lane 4 then Silverdale Parish Council would negotiate a new lease for the whole site (previously known as Acres Allotments Nos 1-80) d. To consider appointing a consultant regarding the remediation of waste in the legal agreement to represent the parish council’s interest e. RESOLVED to approve a £500 charge from Knight’s solicitors to complete the schedule. |
| 298/23 | To consider any grant applications (SPC Grant Programme £2,000) None |
| 299/23 | GDPR (Standing Item) – INFORMATION ONLY
Subject Access Requests/Information Security/Data Breaches – None. |
| 300/23 | To receive an update on the noticeboard project
a. To receive an update on the Higher Horizons initiative for the noticeboard DP to contact AS for an update. |
| 301/23 | To receive an update on the purchase of benches for The Parade and the Park. To consider purchasing benches for Silverdale Parish (Bath Road and Parksite)
Three benches had been installed, two at the lower parade and one at Sneyd Terrace. Awaiting a response from Becky Allen about the remaining benches in Silverdale Park. There are seven benches in the park around the bowling pavilion. |
| 302/23 | Silverdale Athletic Club Car Parking changes
No update |
| 303/23 | To receive an update on contact with NBC regarding use of the former Bowling Club Pavilion, including sharing the cost of the survey of the state of repair with the borough council
Awaiting a response from Becky Allen. |
| 304/23 | To note the Staffs Parish Council Assoc Bulletins and correspondence received – Noted |
| 305/23 | Western Communities LAP and Knutton Master Plan Consultation update – (HA/CJ)
HA to circulate the latest minutes. |
| 306/23 | Highways matters (Standing item)
Roadworks are to be placed at the crossroads again later in the month. The High Street will be closed for one week from 23 October for the repair of potholes. |
| 307/23 | To implement the maintenance agreement on the Mining Monument and obtaining a quote for the Mining Wheel from Plowden Smith
HA to specify the details. Foliage and rubbish had been cleared. The scouts have tidied the area. Garners had donated plants. |
| 308/23 | Feedback from residents and county councillor on the planning application process for the 16metre Mast in front of Silverdale WMC concluded in 2022
There is no update and this item is to be removed from the agenda. |
| 309/23 | Emergency Plan Risk Assessment (HA)
HA to complete. |
| 310/23 | Aspire House garage sale
Item to be removed from the agenda. |
| 311/23 | Britain in Bloom Award Ceremony Sept 2023
There had been six nominations for a community garden of which the Mining Monument was one. |
| 312/23 | New Benches/Dedications
HA to speak to the family concerned. |
| 313/23 | Siting of Defibrillator
JA to complete a bid with the British Heart Foundation. Any other business for future agendas Meeting closed at 8.50pm |
| THE NEXT MONTHLY MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE ON
9 November 2023 at 6.30pm To agree future dates to include, 14 December 2023, 11 January 2024, 8 February 2024, 14 March 2023 |
Appendices A to C – See the PDF version of the minutes
Appendix D
Borough Councillor reports October 2023
Ward Councillor report to Silverdale Parish Council Date of report 6. 10. 2023
Councillor: Jacqueline Brown No of cases: 49 No resolved: 43 ongoing: 6
NULBC Draft Local Plan: The consultation window closed on 14.8.23. I submitted a consultation
response as an individual councillor and as part of the Labour group of councillors. I contributed to the task and finish group of Loggerheads PC and was involved in the discussion and debate involved in Silverdale PC`s response. Cllr. Dave Jones, Keele ward, Labour group leader has requested a briefing with the Chief Officer Martin Hamiliton as soon as possible to look at the number/type of responses received etc.
It will be interesting to see how much the responses and objections raised by residents will shape the next version of the plan.
Silverdale Neighbourhood Plan The third public meeting for this is arranged by the P.C. for 25.9.23 at 6pm at Kent`s Lane Community building, Sutton Ave. I have sent apologies due to other commitments.
Planning & housing: Silverdale Sidings Section 106 money: I have contacted Rachel Kileen for the latest update on the court action on 6.8.23 and then followed it up. She got back to me last week and said she had no updates but was meeting with the new head of legal Barbara Beardmore. and would report back to me.
In the meantime, Julie Avison from the PC has been in touch about several issues on The Sidings, including lighting & drainage. I have arranged to walk the site with her on 27.9.23 and hopefully together we can get something done. I have now reported the car port that we suspect has been erected without planning permission to Rachel Kileen with photographs and she is looking into it.
I heard from Graham Nolan (development officer at Aspire) on 7.8.23. The Brighton should be complete in early 2024 and they were just agreeing designs for St Lukes. They have demolition approval so will be commencing this as soon as possible. Sentinel article in August confirms the bungalows will be demolished and the Brightons development is still a `building site`.
Parksite is now without a shop of any kind during the year or so the new development will be constructed. The leaseholder left in mid August and since then I have been trying to find out if we can get a temporary shop. This included discussions with NULBC about using the car park. They said they had no objections to this, but I would have to find someone willing to set one up and run it. I then researched mobile shops but it seems there are no longer any of these in the area. If branch members know of any such business please let me know. I have also thought about approaching the Co-operative society about this. I have a working relationship with the manager of Silverdale Co-op and he may have some suggestions.
Travellers arrived on Silverdale AFC car park on 1/9/23. I met Marko from the club in the library and gave him PCSO Neil Moffat`s number. I also advised him to report it to the borough council. The next day I received an email from Marko saying that they had managed to persuade the travellers to move on and by 2/9/23 there were no signs of them on the car park.
Environment: Trees continue to occupy much of my time as a ward councillor. A new case came in this week at Tregew Place where a large conifer at the back of a house is causing damage and concern. Once again, I will have to establish ownership. I am on a 50:50 success rate with NULBC/Aspire agreeing to deal with troublesome trees.
Aspire went out to do a tree assessment at Victoria Court on 29.8.23 after I reported it due to residents complaints. The tree is very tall for the small courtyard garden. It blocks light and drops vegetation throughout the year. I was notified this week that the tree will be felled. So far Aspire have not undertaken any of the security measures agreed with myself, residents and Nicola McMillan. I chased this up on 18.9.23 and asked Nicola to send an Aspire report to the LAP if she was not able to attend the meeting. I finally got a response this week and Nicola said no progress has been made. She asked me to start meeting her and PCSO Neil Moffat once a month to work on issues.
Walley`s Quarry I have been asked by the Labour group leader to join the Walley`s Quarry
Liaison group in his place but I have yet to be informed if this is acceptable to Red Industries. Cllr. Rob
Moss has been elected in Knutton and will replaces Cllr. Talbot on the committee. At full council on 20.9.23 I asked the leader Cllr. Simon Tagg a question in relation to 2 non compliance breaches at WQ following an unannounced inspection 19.6.23. The EA stated that `there could be a significant impact on quality of life if not addressed promptly and adequately.` However Red Industries said they did not accept these findings and would be challenging them directly with the EA. I thought this was a return to the attitude of denial and the habit of disputing the findings of the regulators. The leader shared my concerns and admitted that it would be more difficult to take further legal action following the agreement reached last year. To see his full response please follow this link.
Agenda for Council on Wednesday, 20th September, 2023, 7.00 pm – Newcastle–under–Lyme
Borough Council (newcastle–staffs.gov.uk)
At the last Health, Well being & Environment Committee 7.9.23 I asked to see NULBC`s tree maintenance plan. This is because residents are still reporting to me significant `die back` on new trees planted this year by NULBC. The portfolio holder Cllr. David Hutchinson apologised that this had not been circulated and promised to do so. However, I am still waiting and need to follow this up.
As I write this report a press release was issued saying that the E.A. have admitted that their monitoring arrangements have not been accurate and that the odour nuisance has actually been at higher levels than reported. I will provide a verbal update at the PC meeting.
Streets & Highways:
A disabled military veteran living on Parksite contacted me about the refusal of D&G bus company to carry him on his class 2 mobility scooter. The number 1 bus goes right past his door on Peebles Road. I have taken up this case with the bus company after researching current legislation. I am waiting for a response to an official letter I sent after conversations with D&G management. I followed this up with a phone call on 15.9.23 and was promised a written response. As this has not been forth coming I am planning a visit to the depot and possibly involve the press when I return form the Labour conference.
Waste & Litter I am pleased to say that I have not had to report fly tipping this month. However, I am still battling to get `Homes England` to remove some fly tipping from Baxter Croft on Heritage Park.
They have accepted responsibility but told me their workers could not locate it. I will not give up.
A Community litter pick that had been arranged in the Parade Park area by Aspire for 13.9.23 at 1pm was cancelled.
Anti-social behaviour: Cllr Adcock passed on an update form PC Scott Swan on moves to tackle the nuisance off road mopeds in the area. A traffic operation looking at multiple areas for enforcement and will take place from 9am on Friday 22nd September. This includes: Joint working with DVLA targeting untaxed vehicles across Newcastle including Silverdale, a dedicated drone operator in response to calls and complaints relating to off road bikes and both CMPG officers and 4 police patrols from the road crimes unit being deployed across Newcastle.
The operation itself is in the main looking to target vehicle related ASB and the residents should see some lasting impact from the operation. Should the operation be successful a further day of enforcement will take place and a third day of action on the run up towards Christmas as part of the drink drive campaign.
No other incidents of anti social behaviour have been reported this month. I am pleased that there has been less of a problem over the school holidays with children climbing on the pavilion. I am hoping the work I have done in schools on respecting your park is having some effect. Certainly, there was no examples of this on my visits to the Parade Park or at the mini tennis tournament on 23rd August.
General Comments: I held my surgery on Sat. 2nd September at 10am. This was the last surgery taking place at Silverdale Methodist church. On Mon 2nd October my surgeries started to take place at Silverdale Library 12.30-1.30.That afternoon I re started the toddler story sessions. Reception children from Silverdale primary enjoyed another Shirley Hughes stories and some Autumn songs. Despite advertising on FB we did not have any babies for the later baby rhyme time session so the library staff have kindly offered to make posters and promote this.
As part of the Love your Parks initiative Cllr. Adcock and myself, organised a clear up of the Parade tennis court followed by a mini tennis tournament on 23.8.23. A group of 5 volunteers undertook the work. Although we made a difference to the surface it was clear the lines need remarking. I have submitted a request to Andrew Arnott for this, but he said it was a job for street scene. Again, I will have to keep chasing this and I fear this will not be done until the Spring if at all.
The tournament was won by an 11 year old pupil from Silverdale Primary and he was presented with a small trophy. Next year councillor Adcock and myself will make this a bigger event and publicise it more widely. Weekly updates available F.B. page Councillor Jacqueline Brown in Silverdale.
Cllr. Rupert Adcock (Silverdale) report for Parish Council
Residents Q and A with Aaron Bell MP
Aaron and I held a residents meeting at Silverdale Library on Tuesday 26th September. Lots of residents turned out and there were questions on local issues like the local plan and highways and national issues like HS2 and the NHS. Aaron’soffice will be in contact with those who raised questions to provide even more detailed responses.
I have also been out delivering surveys from the MP to residents in Silverdale.
Walleys Quarry
There have been more CAT 2 breaches at Walleys Quarry which I intended to ask about at the Liaison Committee meeting but it was hit by technical problems and has been rearranged for 17th. Since then, the shocking news from the Environment Agency and their misreading of data came out.
I attended the public zoom meeting on Monday with the EA and UK Health Security Agency. I asked a question about how the corrected historical data could have big implications for long term health effects on residents and what will be done to investigate this urgently. The reply was that this could indeed be the case but we would have to wait for the data and how reliable it is. The council, MP and myself are calling for an inquiry into the failings of the EA in the handling of this case.
Local Plan
I attended the Parish Council’s Neighbourhood plan meeting and heard a presentation about the future of the former Keele Golf Course.
Police action against mopeds/quads
Cllr. Brown and I have been pushing for action against illegal moped use on parks in Silverdale for a long time. I wrote to Borough Commander John Owen about the issue. His colleague PC Swann got in touch with me to let me know that a special action day was being launched on Friday 22nd September to target illegal vehicle use including use of police drones.
Whilst this focused also on illegal car use I’m assured that future operations targeting off road vehicles are being planned.