SILVERDALE PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular Meeting on Thursday 14 September 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 C Bennett (CB), Borough Cllr R Adcock (RA, part)
Parish Clerk – Ms D Powell (DP)
No members of the public were present
| 244/23 | Public Participation:
No one present. |
| 245/23 | To receive apologies (in writing to the Clerk)
Apologies were received from Cllr C Spence (CS), Cllr L Leighton (LL), Cllr J Crabtree (JC) and Borough Cllr J Brown (JB). |
| 246/23 | To resolve that the minutes of the Regular meeting held on 10th August 2023 are correct and for the Chair to sign at the meeting.
RESOLVED to approve. |
| 247/23 | Declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary interest in any item on the agenda.
None |
| 248/23 | To note the written update (to be circulated in advance) from the Borough Councillors
The reports had been circulated and are attached to the minutes – Appendix D In addition, RA advised: A Walleys Quarry meeting had taken place. A Category 2 breach relating to the clay capping had been reported. The monitoring station at Silverdale Fire Station No.6 MMF6 had been discontinued despite reservations from councillors. It is important to keep the remaining three monitoring stations for as long as possible. JB and RA had attended an event at the tennis court. Vegetation had been cleared by volunteers. A mini tournament is possible for next year during Love Your Parks week. The lines have been repainted and the court needs resurfacing. The meeting discussed the possibility of advertising the event at the library. CJ suggested a basketball tournament. Potholes had been reported. The traffic lights outside the pumping station were discussed. Side by Side Nursery is to take place in Newcastle town center. This relates to SEN children. Fly tipping at Ilkley Place had been reported and removed. RA is following up on complaints about bins being left out. The meeting discussed the off-road biking at Keele Golf Course. RA had spoken to Cllr Huckfield and the Head of Planning about a nature reserve at Keele Golf Course. The meeting discussed flooding on the Mineral Line. |
| 249/23 | To review the Social Media Policy
This was rolled over to the next meeting, but a draft had been circulated with suggested changes. |
| 250/23 | Community matters (Standing item)
a. Silverdale Bus Transport: To receive an update on the potential of a bus subsidy to enhance the existing service. This was rolled over to the next meeting. b. Dog waste bins: Update regarding new and replacement bins. The bins will be ready for collection and positioning during late September. c. To receive an update on bat and bird boxes. The boxes are to be installed in October 2023. d. To make plans for the Christmas event 2023. i. The Silverdale Parish Council Christmas on The Parade event is planned for 1 December 2023. ii. HA to obtain a quote for Christmas tree lights. iii. CJ to arrange a second Christmas tree to replace the failing tree. iv. HA to contact Aspire regarding the Christmas lights for the canopy on The Parade. v. The Lion’s Club will be providing a Santa and sleigh. The area at the bottom end of The Parade by the railings is to be cordoned off. vi. Gifts for children are to be arranged. vii. LL to arrange the brass band. viii. CB to contact the schools regarding carol singing. ix. A donation to The Lion’s Club is to be discussed at the next meeting. e. To receive an update on streetlights – Silverdale Sidings The groundwork has not been fully completed since the end of the contract and one out of three streetlights is working. JA to check the streetlights and to contact SCC about fixing the lights due to the vulnerability of residents during the dark nights. |
| 251/23 | To resolve 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.
Two quotes had been received but the councillor concerned was not present to discuss the requirements. This was rolled over to the next meeting. The position of Ilkley play area within Keele Parish boundary was discussed. DP to contact the Chair at KPC for written confirmation that no proposals are planned for the area. HA to send boundary map to DP. |
| 252/23 | Planning sub-committee feedback (Standing Item) and to approve comments for the following Planning Applications
23/00617/OUT | Proposed residential development consisting of 2 No. detached dwellings| 193 High Street Silverdale Newcastle Under Lyme Staffordshire ST5 6JZ (newcastle–staffs.gov.uk) Objection to be registered. |
| 253/23
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Finance
a. To approve the payments, receipts and transfers – Appendix A RESOLVED to approve b. To note and approve the bank reconciliation – Appendix B RESOLVED to approve c. To note and approve the budget report 2023/24 – Appendix C RESOLVED to approve d. SCC LGPS. This matter is ongoing. |
| 254/23 | Walley’s Quarry Ltd Landfill
a. Walley’s Quarry Liaison Meeting update. Next meeting 28 Sept. CJ and HA were invited. b. Chair report on statutory investigation and information gathered during 2018-19 Ombusman’s Enquiry This matter was covered earlier in RA’s report. |
| 255/23 | Neighbourhood Development Plan
a. To receive feedback from the Neighbourhood Planning Steering Group. b. To discuss the next Public Meeting and Workshops for September covering headings in the Policy Mapping Document. The next event is planned for 25 September 2023 at Silverdale Athletics Club. The meeting discussed the room hire charge of £30. This was RESOLVED by majority vote. The meeting discussed the event and the printing requirements. |
| 256/23 | For information only – Silverdale Gardens – Planning update regarding S106
The matter is covered in JB’s report Appendix D |
| 257/23 | Mining Monument progress (HLF) Project and Miners Wheel
a. Quotes for external lighting for the Miner’s Wheel A second quote is required. |
| 258/23 | Parish jobs referred to the contractor
The contractor is to be asked to fill the grit bins and weed the Upper and Lower Parade. DP to ask NBC about the paint required for the childrens’ play equipment. |
| 259/23 | Local Plan consultation and Keele/Silverdale Growth Corridor
a. Borough Council Plan Update Responses will be reported in a couple of months. b. Save Our Green Space update No further meeting had taken place. c. Protect Audley Parish Greenbelt update No further meetings are currently planned. |
| 260/23 | 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 A letter is needed from the solicitor to NBC. HA to contact the solicitor. There may be a further charge for legal fees. |
| 261/23 | To consider any grant applications (SPC Grant Programme £2,000) None |
| 262/23 | GDPR (Standing Item) – INFORMATION ONLY
Subject Access Requests/Information Security/Data Breaches – reminder. None. |
| 263/23 | To receive an update on the noticeboard project
a. To receive an update on the Higher Horizons initiative for the noticeboard No further update. |
| 264/23 | 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 will be due for collection and positioning later in September. Decisions are still required on other benches. DP to contact NBC about the benches in the park. |
| 265/23 | Silverdale Athletic Club Car Parking changes
No further changes to use of the car park. |
| 266/23 | 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
No further update. |
| 267/23 | To note the Staffs Parish Council Assoc Bulletins and correspondence received. Noted |
| 268/23 | Western Communities LAP and Knutton Master Plan Consultation update – (HA/CJ)
The next meeting is to be held on 4 October. HA will circulate the minutes. |
| 269/23 | Highways matters (Standing item)
None |
| 270/23 | To implement the maintenance agreement on the Mining Monument and obtaining a quote for the Mining Wheel from Plowden Smith
HA to pass details to DP. |
| 271/23 | Feedback from residents and county councillor on the planning application process for the 16metre Mast in front of Silverdale WMC concluded in 2022
No further update. |
| 272/23 | Emergency Plan Risk Assessment (HA)
No further update. |
| 273/23 | Aspire House garage sale.
No further update. |
| 274/23 | Britain in Bloom Award Ceremony Oct 2023.
CM to attend the ceremony on 30 September 2023 on behalf of SPC. |
| 275/23 | New Benches/Dedications
SPC had been approached about the possibility of a commemorative bench. HA to speak to the family concerned. |
| 276/23 | Any other business for future agendas
The possibility of positioning of a defibrillator at the Library.
The meeting closed at 8.55pm |
| THE NEXT MONTHLY MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE ON
12 October 2023 at 6.30pm To agree future dates to include, 9 November 2023, 14 December 2023.
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Appendices A to C – See the PDF version of the minutes
Appendix D
Cllr. Rupert Adcock Silverdale Parish Council Report September 2023
Walleys Quarry
We heard at Health, Environment and Wellbeing Committee how odour and complaints had remained low this summer but with multiple spikes. I urged that the council should insist that the EA monitoring stations must be kept in place especially over the winter period when odours may become worse.
We are disappointed by not surprised to see that Walleys recorded another CAT 2 permit breach related to inadequate clay capping. I will be discussing with Aaron Bell colleagues what further pressure we can put on the EA and the operator to get answers as to why this occurred and I’m sure this will add further evidence in the long running EA investigations. I will also be asking the EA why it took nearly 3 months from the site inspection to the findings being made public.
Silverdale Tennis Courts
Cllr. Brown and I organised a clean up of Silverdale tennis courts at the end of August. We managed to clear many of the weeds and bushes that were taking over the court. We held a mini tournament and a local child received the coveted trophy. We asked about new lines being painted and I’m glad to see some new lines have been painted. We will keep asking about the possibility of resurfacing in the future.
Highways
I continue to report both old and new potholes and some have been fixed including one made
known to me by an elderly resident that was causing her a trip hazard outside her home.
Side by Side Nursery
The nursery reached out to me to help them get in touch with County Council to ask questions about their bid to use the premises at Newcastle Children’s Centre in their hope to expand their number of SEN children they care for. I was pleased that we were able to make contact with the correct officer and they had all their questions answered. I hope to find a time to visit the nursery soon.
Fly tipping
I reported an incident of abandoned tents, a firepit and rubbish on Ilkley Place which had been
there for several days. They have now been removed by the council.
Ward Councillor report to Silverdale Parish Council Date of report 8. 9. 2023 Councillor: Jacqueline Brown No of cases: 48 No resolved: 41 ongoing: 7 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 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.
Planning & housing: Silverdale Sidings Section 106 money: I have contacted Rachel Kileen for
the latest update on the court action on 6.8.23 but I am still waiting for a response.
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 this week confirms the bungalows will be demolished and the Brightons development is still a `building site`.
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.
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 am still waiting to get any information on the findings of the report and have chased this up. In addition, Aspire have not so far undertaken any of the security measures agreed with myself, residents and Nicola McMillan. Residents on that side of Victoria Court feel neglected by Aspire.
Walley`s Quarry I have been asked by the Labour group leader to join the Walley`s Quarry
Liaison group in place of Cllr. Steph Talbot but I have yet to be informed if this is acceptable to Red
Industries. The Labour group leader said he would chase this up as the next meeting is 28.9.23. At the Health, Well being & Environment committee on 7.9.23 I asked a question in response to a NULBC report
- Is there a correlation between spikes in complaints e.g. 26 on the 12th June and incidents/reports of activities undertaken on site by Red Industries.
- We have looked at this but have not seen definite correlations. The correlations between complaints and raises in hydrogen sulphide levels is much more definite.
I also asked that elected members have sight of the `tree maintenance plan` mentioned by officer Andrew Bird at the last committee meeting. 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.
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.
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 has been arranged in the Parade Park area by Aspire for 13.9.23 at 1pm.
Anti-social behaviour:
No updates on the noisy mopeds have been received, but Cllr Adcock may have news. 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. From Mon 2nd October my surgeries will take place at Silverdale Library 12.30-1.30.
That afternoon I will be aiming to re start the toddler story sessions and baby rhyme time.
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.
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