Minutes of the Committee Meeting of the

Albrighton & District Civic Society

held at Lea House, Patshull Road, Albrighton,

on Friday 2nd July 2010 at 2pm

 

Present :    

Peter Woodman - Chairman

Rod Smith – Secretary

David Hughes – Treasurer

John Bulmer

Ron Kidson

Peter Leigh

Hugh Hughes

Malcolm Pate (part time)

David Beechey – ex-officio, representing Donington-with-Boscobel PC     

David Murray – ex-officio, representing Tong PC

 

1. Apologies received from Michael Ward, Paul Joseland.

 

2. Minutes of Meeting on 7th May 2010 were approved. There were no minutes from the special single topic meeting on 4th June 2010 as the output of the meeting was the Response to SC’s Planning Report questionnaire.

 

3. Review Progress on the main projects:-

a) Village Entrance Scheme. Task Group: JB/HH/PW

JB reported that three areas had received weed killer but no planting to be done until the autumn – dry weather had interrupted our programme. Volunteers will be needed then.

ACTION: PW to draw up a Disclaimer Letter which has to be signed by those organisations who carry out work on behalf of the Society – our insurance covers our members (up to 25 No. working) but does not cover “organisations” (such as RAF, Scouts, D Austin Roses, Heartwood etc)

 

Kingswood Rd/A41 – it was seen that some of the trees left from the first cutting phase are also in a dangerous condition. JB will obtain a quotation and report from Heartwood for the removal of these.

ACTION: JB to obtain quotation and MP to ask if SC will cover the cost of the removal of the additional trees.

 

Station Rd/A41 – JB has met with the RAF who expect to start clearing the ground on Monday next. JB had purchased six tools for use by the RAF and then by ourselves and others.

 

Cross Rd/Patshull Rd Pool – RK said that the pool and surroundings is being refurbished and new planting will take place in the Autumn by SC.

 

b) Civic Award Scheme for Schools. Task Group: PW/JB

PW reported that he and JB had reviewed all entries and awarded four book token prizes of £20 each. Next year the scheme will be more like that at Brewood and details will be issued to the schools at the start of the September term. ACTION: PW/JB

 

c) i) “Planning for a flourishing Shropshire”, issued by SC – ADCS had submitted the Society’s response to SC and had asked that ADCS be kept informed of progress and to be involved in any next steps if their procedures allow it. ACTION: MP to ask Stuart West to put ADCS on the list of Planning Consultees.

 

ii) Local Joint Plan. MP suggested that the Society’s work on producing a new Local Joint Plan could possibly have the help of a professional administrator funded and ADCS should consider applying to LJC18 for a grant. ACTION: all to consider

 

d) Other:-

 

i) 5 & 6 Cross Road

MP had not managed to have SC Highways look at the damaged footpath and it was agreed that we should invite Brian Bennett to come to a committee meeting on either 3rd September or 1st October. ACTION: PW (Post Meeting Note: BB agreed to come on 1st October – ACTION: All Members should come ready with their list of items. First is a walkabout to view items needing attention followed by discussion with BB at our meeting and hopefully he will agree to some action with a programme).

 

ii) The Old Smithy.

PW had written to David Thompson to ask him to make the site safe and repair the boundary fencing to seal off access, especially to children, and this work had been done.

 

e) Albrighton Station.

PW had written, in a personal capacity, to the owner of the station building who had called back to say he would sell for £250k or would lease it.

PL suggested that perhaps the police may be interested – they are understood to be looking to provide a new police station. Are any other similar organisations interested in it?

ACTION: PW to write to acting chief constable. (Post Meeting Note: Police replied to say not interested)

 

f) Lack of Parking :Provision in Albrighton

PL had made a presentation on behalf of the Society SC at the LJC meeting on 19th May. This identified several possible locations where additional public parking may be constructed – SC were to take a first look, check on ownership and practicalities and report back at next LJC meeting. RK had identified several more locations and would make an additional presentation at the LJC meeting on 12th July. It was suggested that a few disabled spaces could be made outside the Red House – MP said this could lead to the Red House then having the responsibility of the maintaining the access road. ACTION: RK.

Note: the LJC meeting on 28th Sept has two main items – Parking and Planning Procedures

 

g) Society Website. RS reminded members that they had offered to contact those voluntary organisations/clubs known to them and to ask if they would provide a page or two for putting on our website. ACTION: DB, PL, PW, PJ

 

h) Grants from LJC18.   The Society has submitted two applications for grants – first (£7500) from the “large LJC pot” for the Entrances Scheme and the second (£250) from the “small LJC pot” for a contribution to administration costs.

 

i) Fayre. Preparations were discussed. DH has a rota for minding the stall. ACTION: All

 

4. Actions promised at previous meeting were checked.

MW to provide the “List of Village Treasures” ACTION: MW

 

5. Any other business

a) Exchange visit with Brewood Civic Society. (Post Meeting Note: This is now to be 7pm on Wednesday 22nd September 2010. ACTION: PW is fixing the details).

 

b) Stables opposite The Horns. DH noted that the 2 metal posts and mound of earth blocking the second un-approved entrance on A464 had been removed and this access looks to be being used. ACTION: PW to write to SC Planning officer for explanation

 

c) RS reminded MP to arrange for the Head of Planning and Chairman of the Planning Committee to be at the LJC Meeting on 28th September to answer comments from residents, Albrighton Parish Councillors and ADCS. ACTION: MP (Post Meeting Note: MP has confirmed that Nick Taylor, Head of Planning, will come to the LJC meeting on 28th Sept. Will Chairman Stuart West also be there?)

 

d) It was understood that a Taxi Firm is interested in using the ex-Insurance company premises on the High St. It was felt that this was not a good idea as their parking would make matters even worse.

 

Date of next meeting: Friday 3rd September at 2pm at Malcolm Pate's

(Following meeting to be on 1st Friday in month ie Friday 1st October 2010 at John Bulmer’s)

 

Copyright (c) 2013 ALBRIGHTON and district CIVIC SOCIETY