Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 19th. June 2025 in the Upstairs Room of the Wheel Public House, Leek Road, Longsdon at 7.00pm.

Present: Councillor J. Sargeant (Chair).

Councillors S. Dickinson, C. Hogan, R. Lovell & K. Shaw.

In Attendance: John Bourne, Clerk to the Council.

One Member of the Public.

40/25 Apologies for Absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor D. Hughes.

41/25 Declarations of Interest.

There were no declarations of interest at this point.

42/25 Chairman’s Address.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

He reported that the end of year Financial Statements would be discussed later in the meeting.

43/25 Approval of Minutes of Last Meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on 8th.May 2025 had been circulated, and it was agreed that the minutes be signed as a true record.

44/25 Matters Arising.

Dangerous Window.

Further information regarding the problem with the dangerous window in a building at the junction of the A53 Leek Road & Sutherland Road had now been received from an Empty Homes Environmental Officer stating that the property had been inspected but it did not meet the criteria for the serving of any notice. However the owner of the property had been contacted and made aware of the concerns and had indicated they are willing to undertake remedial works.

Pedestrian Crossing and Speed Watch.

Information had been received regarding a Community Speed Watch system from the Police Community Speed Watch Co-ordinator who would visit the site and then arrange a site visit. It was agreed to arrange to meet with her.

Contact had been made with the newly elected County Councillor to welcome him and update him regarding the issue with the pedestrian crossing and the proposed speed watch.

45/25 Other Business.

(a) Lengthsman Instructions.

The lengthsman had been instructed to replant the village flower tubs and this had been done.

It was agreed to ask him to remove overgrowth from the pavement near to the old New Inn site.

(b) Defibrillator Cabinet.

An offer of a heated defibrillator cabinet to replace the existing one at the Memorial Hall had been received. This would be free of charge but would require an electrical connection from the Hall. A letter would be sent to the Hall Management asking for its permission.

(c ) Staffs Parish Councils Association.

An invitation to join this Association had been received with an offer of the first years’ fees free.

This to be included on the agenda for the next meeting.

46/25 Correspondence.

The following had already been distributed to Councillors:-

Moorlands Climate Action – Spring Newsletter.

St. Leonards Church, Ipstones- Flower Festival – 7th./ 8th. June 2025.

Caverswall Histortical Society- Event – 20th.June 2025.

47/25 Planning Matters.

There was no business under this item.

48/25 Finance Matters.

Bank Signature Mandate.

TSB had agreed to the requested bank signature changes.

To receive a report from the Internal Auditor.

This was received with no adverse comments.

Annual Returns – 2024 / 2025.

The following documents were perused and accepted:-

Annual Governance Statement.

Accounting Statement.

Significant Variations Report.

Bank Reconciliation.

Annual Accounts.2023 / 2024.

A slight amendment had had to be made to these accounts due to two cheques being unpresented.

(e) Orders for Payment.

It was agreed that the following items be paid:

49/25 Public Comments.

The member of the public reported overgrowth over the pavement in School Lane . This to be reported to the lengthsman.

50/25 Items for Inclusion in the Agenda for the Next Meeting.

Invitation to join Staffs. Parish Councils Association.

51/25 Date of Next Meeting.

The date of the next meeting was arranged for Thursday 7th. August 2025 at 7.00pm in the upstairs room of the Wheel Public House, Leek Road, Longsdon.