Present: * Cllr L Turner (Chair)
* Cllr B Alldred
* Cllr V Allen (Vice Chair)
* Cllr P Campbell
* Cllr A Edwards
* Cllr S Fleming
* Cllr N Johnson
* Cllr J Seddon
* Cllr C Smith
* Denotes attendance
Also in attendance: T Noble (Admin Support)
Three Members of the Public
The Vice Chair, Cllr L Turner, opened the meeting, commencing with agenda item 1, Election and Appointment of Chairman for the remainder of the civic year 2024-2025.
1. Election and Appointment of Chair
Cllr L Turner was proposed by Cllr VAllen and seconded by Cllr C Smith, this was unanimously agreed.
2. Election and Appointment of Vice Chair
Cllr V Allen was proposed by Cllr P Campbell and seconded by Cllr N Johnston, this was unanimously agreed.
3. To Receive Apologies for Absence
There were no apologies.
4. 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 an interest in Croft Parish Council. Cllr P Campbell and Cllr S Flemming declared an interest in The Royal British Legion.
5. Procedural Matters
5.1 To Approve and Authorise the Signing of the Minutes of the Previous Meetings
The minutes of the meeting on 10th September 2024 were approved and signed. Cllr L Turner advised that item 9 be amended to Cllr J Seddon and not Cllr N Johnston.
5.2 Matters Arising from the Minutes of the Meetings
Cllr P Campbell provided the committee with a detailed report and costings regarding the Remembrance Day Parade on the 10th November 2024. A rehearsal will be held in the Church on Friday 8th November 2024 with the new Minister.
Resolved that the costings and report be accepted with Croft Parish Council contributing one-third of the total cost of £1558.00 net. Cllr P Campbell will order two wreaths from the Poppy Shop. Cllr B Alldred will find locations for the Tommy statues to be positioned.
6. Public Forum
There were three members of the public in attendance. The Parish Plan needs to be updated and will be added to the agenda for November. Concerns were raised about Shaw Street communal area and recently gas canisters have been found and fires have been ignited. This concern has been reported to the Police and the Borough Council.
7. Finance
7.1 To Agree Payments
List of payments was agreed.
7.2 To Receive an Update on the Banking Situation
Unity Bank signatures have been received. Cllr C Smith will keep the Parish Council up to date on when Unity goes live with a saving and a current account.
Noted.
7.3 To Receive any Update on the 2023-2024 Audit
None.
7.4 To Discuss an Outside Agency for 2024-2025 Accounting
This would be until a permanent Clerk is in position.
Resolved to appoint with a recommendation from the admin support.
7.5 To Appoint a Responsible Financial Officer
Cllr V Allen will act as the RFO until a permanent Clerk is in position.
Resolved.
8. To Consider Planning Applications
2024/01191/FULH78 Doeford Close, WA3 5DPSingle-storey rear extension
2024/01188/TPOCA4 Doeford Close, WA3 4DLFell tree x 1
2024/01070/FUL3 and 3a, WA3 5DLProposed change of use to dwelling
2024/01164/DISCONRadcliffe Meadows, WA3 4DJRoofing, landscaping, charging
9. Land and Environment
9.1 To Discuss the Community Day and Agree any Actions
The Community Day Date was decided on the first May bank holiday, the 5th May. A backup date will be the 26th May. was also decided for the 26th May. A working party will be formed after the Remembrance Day Parade event. To be added to the next agenda in November.
Noted.
9.2 To Discuss Purchasing Christmas Lights
The Chair would like to thank Cllr C Smith for all her work so far.
Culcheth Christmas Lights switch on will be on Saturday 30th November. Croft’s switch-on will be on Friday 29th November. Next year, going forward, the committee will look into renting lights from a reputable company that will also put up and take them down.
Resolved that Cllr C Smith will action.
The quote of £4,700.00 for repairing and adding new lights for Christmas 2024 is to be accepted.
Proposed by Cllr V Allen and Seconded by Cllr N Johnston, this was unanimously agreed.
9.3 Linear Park Update
Cllr B Alldred has received correspondence from Friends of Linear Park for a donation towards bird boxes and paint for the ranger office.
Resolved that a donation of up to £550.00 will be awarded. Proposed by Cllr N Johnston and Seconded by Cllr V Allen, this was unanimously agreed.
10. Clerk Vacancy
A staffing committee will be formed to conduct the interviews for the applicants. Croft Clerk will also attend for assistance.
Resolved that Cllr V Allen, Cllr J Seddon and Cllr P Campbell will be on the staffing committee.
11. To Consider Other Councillor Items
Cllr V Allen will check emails until a Clerk is in position.
Cllr C Smith has received notification from WBC that a possible by-election will take place due to the recent Cllr resignation.
Cllr P Campbell reported that on the 13th until the 15th December, New Church will have their Christmas Tree Festival and on the 30th November there will be the Christmas Market and lights switch on.
Cllr A Edwards received correspondence from a resident requesting an update on traffic calming measures on Warrington Road, Cllr N Johnson will look into the matter.
12. To Confirm the Date and Time of the Next Meeting
The next Parish Council meeting was confirmed as Tuesday 12th November 2024 at Glazebury Methodist Church.