Minutes May 2025
Present: Cllr Ralph Oultram, (Chaiman) Cllr Richard Thorne (Vice-Chair), Cllr Jenny Currie (JC) Cllr Sue Dolley (SD), Cllr Roger Hammond (RH), Cllr Kathryn Brennan (KB) Cllr Joel Rutter, (JR), Cllr Bob Stubbs (BS)
In Attendance: Clerk - T Whitlow (TW)
Ward Councillor & Lynn Stocks
25/01
Apologies for Absence were received & accepted from:
25/02
Declarations of Members’ Interests:
None
25/03
Public Participation:
None present
25/04
Approve Minutes:
The minutes of the last Parish Council meeting on Tuesday 8 April 2025 were approved & signed by the Chair.
25/05
PCSO Update:
Not present.
.
25/06
Ward Councillor reports:
Apologies received from Ward Cllrs Gillian Edwards & Phil Rimmer
Cllr Lynn Stocks reported:
Devolution - consultation period has now ended. Details of the deal are yet to be finalised.
Local Nature Recovery Strategy – this is currently out for consultation until 20th April 2025 (the date may be impacted by purdah).
Members Budgets are now open
Northwich Market – plans are being considered for a new market are, similar to the new one in Chester.
Members Budget- have contributed to the new classroom at Crowton School.
25/07
Matters Arising – from previous minutes (if not an agenda item)
None
25/08
Accounts/Financial:
Payments:
Clerks Expenses March – April £80.50 Approved
Refund clerk invoice for MG Bridge fittings £89.21 Approved
Receipts:
Precept £11000.00
25/09
Clerks Report:
Year end papers with the auditor. Audit will be completed before the next meeting.
25/10
Planning:
New Applications:
No new applications notified from LPA
LPA Decisions & appeals.
No new decisions or appeals received from LPA
TW to follow up several outstanding applications with LPA
25/11
Highways:
· Localised flood area on Kingsley Road still appearing during dry weather. TW to follow up.
· New potholes appearing in the recently dressed section of Station Road. TW to follow up with Highways
· Members of the public are encouraged to use the CWAC report-it app to report Highway defects.
25/12
Millenium Green:
1. The pathway still needs remedial work for drainage to stop further flooding in winter. RO to follow up with the contractor.
2. Volunteers: have completed the work to the bridge, The original plaque is to be replaced. They are continuing to dig out the bank. The PC wish to thank all the volunteers for their continued support.
3. Fencing: JR & BS still to do the new fence posts, but not possible at present due to extremely dry ground.
25/13
Asset Maintenance & Register:
1. Fingerpost – Norley Lane junction – work has started on the refurbishment.
2. Phone Box – Onston Lane: Refurbishment will follow the Fingerpost.
3. War Memorial Fence: Work in progress
4. Village Signage: Incorrect signs have been removed by signage company and will be replaced with the correct specification.
25/14
Information Open Event: JC in relation to the resilience plan is organising a drop in open event on the 8th July. Event to be used to communicate to the parish utility company information and emergency support, with representatives from many CWAC departments, community prevention, digital resources, flood hub, SP Energy, United utilities, BT & Fusion Fibre already accepting.
Ward and Parish councillors will be in attendance.
JC has asked a member of the village to produce leaflets. These will be delivered to all households and added to the website & noticeboard.
25/15
Volunteer Memorial:
Following resolution to purchase a RBL bench, it costs @ £800, a bench of similar quality from other suppliers is @ £600. Resolved to install the engraved RBL bench. RH to check dimensions of bus stop before TW orders.
25/16
Council Logo:
2 options were presented by RH, discussed, RH to ask for changes. RT to also ask a parishioner to produce an alternative.
25/17
VJ Day:
Discussed, as community groups did not organise a VE Day event of which the PC has reserves for. Resolved not to host a VJ Day event, but to consider a village event in conjunction with the Hare & Hounds, possibly August bank holiday. TW & RO to speak to the H&H manager
25/18
Community Resilience Group:
Working group have another meeting planned.
25/19
Items for next agenda:
Resilience Plan, CPC logo, further Defibs for the parish, AGAR. Village event. Drop in event.
25/20
Date of next meeting: Tuesday 10th June 2025 at Crowton Village Hall.