Present: Vice Chairman Mr S Gould (Acting Chair), Mrs J Nash, Mr M Wardman, Mr B Peach and the clerk, Mrs S Hampson. Also in attendance were Staffordshire County Councillor, Ms C Kelly and 8 members of the public.

Non-Confidential items

26.3.1 Apologies and attendance register
Unfortunately, Mr Moakes had tendered his resignation, in advance of the meeting. Apologies had also been received in advance of the meeting from District Councillor, Mr J Kempster. Mr Plant was not in attendance. The other members present completed the attendance register.

Resolved: The Vice Chairman, Mr S Gould to chair this meeting.

26.3.2 Declaration of interest of councillors related to the agenda
There was no need, by any member present, to record an interest in the register.

26.3.3 Minutes of the previous ordinary meeting
The clerk had forwarded the minutes in advance of the meeting and these had been posted on the website and noticeboard.

Resolved: To sign the minutes; these were signed by the Vice Chairman, Mr S Gould.

It was noted that a member of the public had questioned a sentence contained in the January minutes regarding a potential siting of a grit bin at Stacey Close.

26.3.4 Casual vacancy and possible co-option
Casual vacancy notices had been displayed but there had been no interest at the time of the meeting. The clerk had prepared a further legal notice which complies with the electoral procedures laid down by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council (SMDC). At the previous meeting, it was suggested preparing some additional information describing the role of the parish councillor. This had been prepared based on information from the National Association of Local Councils (NALC). A second vacancy will now be advertised following the resignation of Mr Moakes

Resolved: to continue to place casual vacancy notices until such time as the two vacancies are filled.

26.3.5 Public speaking procedures document
This was available but the members of the public were familiar with the document from previous attendance. The members of the public signed the public attendance register.

26.3.6 Public speaking
The members of the public completed the attendance register. One member declared he was wearing a body camera but advised that this was not switched on. Advance notice should be given to film proceedings.

Photographs, to indicate the preferred location for the proposed grit bin at Stacey Close, had been submitted to Staffordshire County Council (SCC). County Councillor Ms Kelly advised that a new grit policy will be available in approximately one month’s time. During the public speaking session, the discussion covered a previously shared opinion that the grit could adversely affect the future condition of the tarmac in Stacey Close and that grit could have been provided, free of charge, by a resident. Other members of the public commented on this. The funding for the grit bin and contents will be funded by the parish council, from the precept, as this grit bin does not meet the SCC criteria. The clerk had attempted to contact an officer of SCC by phone in addition to emails also sent regarding the proposed bin but a response had not been received in time for the meeting to confirm progress.

Resolved: County Councillor Ms Kelly to liaise with SCC regarding the grit bin and report to the clerk.

26.3.7 Update on grit bins (Warslow and Elkstones)
Two additional salt piles will be provided in Upper Elkstones; however, SCC state “works have been scheduled for delivery as and when resources will allow”. At the time of the meeting, no target date had been received.

26.3.8 Update from the County Councillor
County Councillor Ms Kelly advised that pavements are due to be redone in some areas. Members advised Ms Kelly of potholes on School Lane and near Little Brownlow gate towards Elkstones. A generalised inspection of pavements was requested.

Resolved: Mr Peach to send photographs to Ms Kelly of the School Lane pavement area.
Resolved: County Councillor Ms Kelly to forward the case reference numbers to the clerk.

County Councillor Ms Kelly left the meeting at this point in the proceedings.

26.3.9 Attendance by the District Councillor
District Councillor, Mr Kempster had forwarded his apologies for this meeting.

26.3.10 Speed devices
The District Councillor, Mr Kempster had forwarded some estimated costs if the parish council was to purchase a speed device. The estimate was approximately £5,000 for the device and £1,500 for the installation costs. Mr Moakes had forwarded some pros and cons regarding this. Some grants may be available but by no means sufficient to cover the estimate of £6,500. At present, the Community Highways Technical Support Officer had advised that the placement of speed devices (SIDs) is under review and there are delays in processing any application. Members thought that the most effective deterrent are speed humps. SIDs are effective in the short term but overtime, effectiveness may diminish. Data is required as evidence of speeding around all 3 entrances and the area of the school. Some members would be prepared to undertake training. It was agreed that vehicles are speeding through the village, particularly around 5 pm when some employees are leaving a local business. A CREST van can be requested and if motorists are observed speeding then a fine and points will follow.

Resolved: The clerk to investigate a request for a CREST van to undertake speed monitoring at around 5 pm on the different entrances to Warslow.

26.3.11 Burial Ground
The parish council has extensively explored acquiring land for the purpose of additional burial facilities when the churchyard in Warslow reaches full capacity. Exploration has also been undertaken, including some costings, to consider relocating a drain within the churchyard. These costs were prohibitive. The parish council needs to establish parishioner opinion on future burial facilities within Warslow. A draft of a public meeting leaflet had been circulated between the former Chairman; the clerk and members of the parish council and the clerk had obtained meeting dates from the village hall secretary. The formation of a burial ground sub-committee was discussed due to the parish council only meeting every 2 months.

Resolved: to contact County Councillor Ms Kelly as she also sits on the board of the Peak Park Authority in connection with possible land at Pump Farm for burial facilities.
Resolved: to place information on the church noticeboard, parish council noticeboard and an article in the Longnor Benefice Magazine.

26.3.12 Parish Council domain and email address; IT policy
The change of parish council domain name to .gov.uk or .org will form part of Assertion 10 within the forthcoming audit. The parish council will continue to work towards the achievement of this. Mr Moakes was going to investigate this but unfortunately, will not longer be a member of the parish council. Some organisations may offer this for free.

Resolved: the clerk will liaise further with the Staffordshire Parish Councils Association (SPCA) and the website provider.

26.3.13 Items for the Community Magazine and Longnor Benefice Magazine (if required)
Resolved: to place an article regarding the casual vacancies and also to raise awareness regarding future burial facilities in Warslow.

26.3.14 Planning, appeals, planning decisions
There were no new planning applications to consider. The clerk asked that comments be received on time.