Albrighton Civic Society

Minutes of the Committee Meeting of the

Albrighton & District Civic Society

held at APC Office,82B High St, Albrighton,

on Monday 7^th March 2011 at 2pm

Present :

Peter Woodman - Chairman

Rod Smith – Secretary

David Hughes - Treasurer

John Bulmer

Ron Kidson

Peter Leigh

Mike Pitchford (MP)

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

David Murray – ex-officio, representing Tong PC

Michael Ward – ex-officio, representing Albrighton PC

1. Apologies received from Hugh Hughes, Malcolm G Pate (MGP)

2. Minutes of Meeting of 7^th February 2010 were approved with the correction that Glen McGrindle is McGrandle.

3. Main Current Issues

a. Eyesores PL reported on the meeting with Glen McGrandle who explained the SC system for dealing with the Street Scene. Brian Bennett is still on sick leave but his assistants are dealing with matters. MP had cleared up the weeds from the central reservation island at the junction of Station Rd/A41 and all expressed thanks for that.

MW reported that he had sent Forms to SC to enable the passing of responsibility (with funding) for some maintenance tasks from SC to APC and would follow it up. ACTION: DB/MW

b) Entrance Scheme. JB reported that 84 trees and shrubs have been planted at Kingswood Rd/A41 entrance but these will only show well after a couple of years. Snowdrops have been planted on Alb Village Green and PL to obtain more from Mr Hutchinson. The meeting recorded thanks to all involved especially JB. Everyone to take photos (before & after) for us to use in our displays at meetings and on Fayre Day. ACTION: ALL to take photos

DH will ask AustiD n Roses if they will prepare and plant at a site near their business as they promised. ACTION DH

It was noted previously that SC Planners had refused permission for D Austin Roses (DAR) to extend their water reservoir used for watering and this may mean they could relocate in order to grow their business. ADCS felt that losing a major employer would be bad for the local economy and DH will contact DAR to find out more and to see how we could support their plans. ACTION: DH to speak to DAR

c) School Civic Award Scheme. PW reported that all schools are participating.

4. Other items

a) Albrighton Station

Bridges and Platforms. Peter Isles to arrange a further meeting with Network Rai/LMT. DB to ask PI press Adam Checkley (NR) for the meeting

Station Building. PW’s pre-application to Heritage Lottery fund accepted in principle. ADCS to move to a full application after working up a full proposal. PW said English Heritage may fund the work to prepare a business plan. Veolia provided funds for the Shifnal Museum and PW will ask them. Sub-committee of PW, PL, RS, DH, DB (for APC) to oversee the task and to present proposals to Committee.

b) Village Green

PW said first part of the remedial work to the service road has been done. MW is trying to contact Graham Downes regarding the other parts.

c) Albrighton Traders Association. RS had attended their AGM and reported that they support our efforts to improve the appearance of Albrighton. They see two markets – a)local people and b)visitors. To encourage visitors they support the history walks being organised by Ernie Howells. They would support a Blue Plaque Scheme if we implemented it. They will issue another questionnaire on Fayre Day – we could suggest some questions if required.

d) SC Planning Questionnaires. RS suggested that the committee needed to have a method in place to review the voluminous documents sent to us by SC and suggested that a committee member should volunteer to read the documents and prepare a summary with proposed response for the committee to finalise. RK suggested that the volunteering member should be one with some knowledge or interest in the particular matter in each SC report as received.

ADCS as Consultee for local Planning Applications. ACTION: PW would chase up Cllr Stuart West again.

e) Leaflet drop by Walking for Health Group. MP said that we could have a leaflet put through letterboxes at the same time as they deliver the Fayre literature. ACTION: MP and RS to prepare a leaflet

f) Civic Day – PL to circulate a proposal ACTION: PL

g) Flower Show 2^nd July 2011. PW suggested that we provide a 1^st Prize Cup and Certificate and Certificates for 2^nd and 3^rd Prizes. ACTION: ??

i) Lea Hall Cottage. Steve Charteris (SC) had called PW to say they are considering a Compulsory Purchase Order

j) Planning Application Stroudley’s yard – 1 x 4 bed detached house

Alb Cllr Jonathan Nelson attended for this item to provide APC’s view of the Application. APC and ADCS will attend the Planning Meeting on 8 February and will oppose the Application.

5. AOB

a) LJC Grant. A Special Meeting is being called to settle the matter. Date yet unknown – RS to ask SC. ADCS will make a presentation.

b) Funding & Membership & Recruitment. To be discussed at next meeting.

c) Pride of Shropshire Award. Agreed to ask for Nominations by the public and to make a short list. The winner decided by vote at the AGM.

e) MP said that 30” x 20” signs at Entrances would cost £420 but this was thought to be too expensive.

f) Sat 11 June. Ernie Howells is organising a history walk and MP will display photos of the Enhancement Scheme in the Red House. ACTION: MP

g) PL noted that Historical Society has an excellent speaker from Acme Whistles on 4^th April.

Next meeting: 2 p.m. Monday 4^th April 2011

Following Meeting will be at 2pm on Tuesday 3^rd May 2011 as the first Monday is a Bank Holiday.

All Committee Meetings, unless otherwise noted, are at Alb PC Offices, 82B High Street, Albrighton WV7 3JA (T: 375455)