Minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting
held at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 11th February 2025 Culcheth Library
Present: * Cllr L Turner (Chair)
* Cllr V Allen (Vice-Chair)
* Cllr B Alldred
* Cllr P Campbell
* Cllr A Edwards
* Cllr S Fleming
* Cllr N Johnson
* Cllr S Mitchell
* Cllr J Seddon
* Cllr C Smith
* Denotes attendance
Also in attendance: B Kingston (Clerk)
64 Members of the Public
Meeting opened with statement from The Chair reminding Councillors that the Council Meetings are the place to discuss matters and offer opinion, NOT social media.
1. To Receive and Accept Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received and accepted from Borough Cllr M.Smith
2. Declaration of Interests
Members were reminded of their responsibility to declare any personal or prejudicial interest that they may have in any item of business on the agenda no later than when the item is reached.
Cllr V.Allen declared that she is also Chair of Croft Parish Council.
3. Public Forum
There were 64 members of the public in attendance. Statement from Charlotte Nichols MP was read out by Cllr J. Seddon re update regarding eviction notices served on upstairs Traders at CPS Centre. There followed a lengthy discussion on the CPS Centre with many Traders expressing their shock and huge upset at the eviction notices from the Landlord who had since not responded to any communications. It was suggested the Clerk invites Charlotte Nichols MP to attend a meeting with Parish Councillors and Traders.
4. To Approve and Authorise the Signing of the Minutes of the Previous Meetings
The minutes of the meeting on 14th January 2025 were approved and signed. Proposed by Cllr P.Campbell and seconded by Cllr A. Edwards.
5. Matters Arising from the Minutes of the Meetings
Clerk had emailed Mark Tune (WBC) re possible crossing between Bents and A580, awaiting response.
6. Finance/Banking Update
Clerk gave update on opening Barclays “Two to Sign” current account.
Finance Working Group meeting confirmed for Tues 25th Feb 2025. Members are Cllrs: P.Campbell, V.Allen, B.Alldred, S.Fleming, C.Smith
6.1 To Agree Payments
Payments were agreed.
7. To Consider Planning Applications
Planning applications have been circulated to all Cllrs.
8. Warrington Youth Zone
Presentation by Kyle from WYZ proposing Youth Club on Shaw St two nights per week. Highlighted youth taking cannabis, nitrous oxide, drinking alcohol in Culcheth. Suggested starting 1st Apr 2025 at cost of £33110.00 per annum, PC voted to investigate further.
9. Land and Environment
Borough Councillor Stuart Mann thanked 3 Councillors for attending Consultation re proposed Severn Trent Green Energy Plant North of Winwick and gave update. PC against any planning application that may ensue and Cllr Mann will contact PC again should planning application be submitted.
ILP North Strategic Rail freight Interchange Nr Newton Le Willows – Consultation Event Sat 1st Mar 2025 and PC will discuss further if planning application is submitted.
10. Local Police Report
Noted that the current report had been circulated.
11. Litter Picking Review
Alex West wished to terminate his litter picking contract on 31st Mar 2025 due to his father’s ill health, Council agreed to this and would look for volunteers in future. Cllr J. Seddon suggested National Litter Agency and questioned insurance for volunteers. Cllr S. Fleming stated he has contacts for around 12 volunteers and suggested a WhatsApp Group.
10. Christmas Lights Review
Referred to Finance Committee for review of current costs.
11. Defibrillators Review – Clerk
New Guardians now in place for Defibs at Scout Hut, Culcheth, Newchurch Parish Hall and Victorian Tea Room, Glazebury. Cllr N.Johnson agreed to be Guardian for Defib at Esso Garage, Culcheth.
12. Borough Councillors Report
Cllr J. Seddon had visited Twiss Green Oaks Development following complaints from residents on Doeford Close. Gardens now being lowered, renewing soil with work completed in 3 weeks. Enforcement File had been opened.
13. Community Day/VE Day 80th May 5th 2025
Further Working Group meetings to be held with posters advertising the event to be displayed. Invites to all potential stall holders to be sent 12th Feb. More in depth update to be given at next PC Meeting.
14. Part Two Confidential – To exclude the public on the grounds that publicity would be sensitive by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.
15. To Consider Other Councillor Items
Cllr V, Allen suggested Clerk to email WBC re cleaning up Children’s Play Area on The Common.
Cllr C. Smith had received numerous complaints re Culcheth Medical Centre elderly patients either not using or having trouble using online and will speak to their management.
Pollution & Parish Plan Update moved to March PC Meeting Agenda.
16. To Confirm the Date and Time of the Next Meeting
The next Parish Council meeting was confirmed as Tuesday 11th March 2025 at Glazebury Methodist Church.