Penkridge Parish Council
Minutes of the Recreation and Amenities Committee Meeting
held on 25th January 2024 at 7.00 pm at the Haling Dene Centre
Audio recordings will be made of all Ordinary and Special Council meetings and Committee meetings,
with the inclusion of confidential matters.
Present
Councillor Alan Smallwood [Vice-Chairman]
“ Mrs Helen Adams
“ Sam Harper-Wallis
“ Ron Kenyon
“ Gary Poston
“ Mrs Vivienne Smith
Non-Committee Members in Attendance were Cllrs Andrew Adams, Miss Luana Bills, Mrs Jo Chapman,
Mrs Petula Hughes, Victor Kelly and Anthony Minshall
Parish Administrator Lesley Hough
There was one member of the Public in attendance
Part I – Public Session
1643. APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from:
Committee Members – Cllrs Andrew Lenz and Chris Manton.
1644. VIDEO/AUDIO RECORDING
[a] Members of the Council and Public in attendance who declared they were video/recording the
meeting were Cllrs Victor Kelly and Gary Poston.
1645. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Cllr Mrs Helen Adams declared an interest in Item 9 – Allotments.
1646. DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTEREST (DPI)
DPIs had been submitted from Cllrs Mrs Helen Adams for Item 9 – Allotments
1647. MINUTES
Resolved that:
[a] The minutes of the meeting of 26th October 2023 be approved as a true and correct record and
signed by the Vice Chairman.
Cllr Mrs Helen Adams advised that the bench kindly donated by Penkridge Gentleman Spoofers had
been installed at the Horsefair Play Area and was officially presented to the Parish Council on
Monday 22nd January, photos are on their website.
Councillors thanked Cllr Kelly for helping the Handyman install the bench. Cllr Poston asked if the
photos could be placed on the Parish Council website too.
[b] The Follow Up Sheets were received for the October meeting.
1648. INCOME AND EXPENDITURE
[a] The Recreation and Amenities printouts for the year to date were received.
[b] The Burial Ground printouts for the year to date were received.
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Recreation & Amenities
1649. PLAY AREAS
[a] The PA advised that Kompan planned to commence the ground works and installation of equipment
at Heron Play Area on 29th January 2024.
[b] It was noted the new train had now been installed at Horsefair Play Area.
Councillors thanked Cllr Kelly for helping the Council’s Handyman install the train.
1650. HIGHWAY LIAISON
[a] An update was received from Cllr David Williams following the items raised at the October meeting.
Cllr Williams advised that there was currently no capital funding available.
Resolved that details of procedures and installation costs together with Speed Indicator device
Options be placed on the March agenda for information ready for consideration at the May
meeting.
[b] Cllr Lenz’s update following his survey of Haling Road would be presented to the March meeting.
[c] Consideration was given to a request from residents for a speed restriction on Filance Lane.
Resolved that:
[i] Cllr David Williams be asked for his thoughts on the above and this be placed on a future Full
Council agenda for further consideration.
[ii] Staffordshire Police be asked if they could undertake a speed check on the A449, Filance Lane
and Pillaton.
1651. ALLOTMENTS
[a] It was noted that nine allotment holders expressed an interest in forming an Allotment Association.
Councillors advised that if there were a majority of allotment holders who wished to form an
Allotment Association they would consider taking this forward.
[b] A quotation was received and considered from M Bissell Trees and Hedges to trim back trees and
hedges at Wolgarston Way Allotments.
Resolved that the quotation be approved and the work be undertaken. Council requested that the
waste be chipped and placed in the lane that runs alongside the allotments.
1652. GRASS CUTTING
[a] An email was received dated 24th October from Trent Grounds Maintenance giving notice on the
above Contract.
[b] Consideration was given to quotations for a new Contractor to undertake the above for a 12 month
period.
Resolved that the quotation from Midlands Ground Maintenance be approved at a cost of £8,400.
1653. VILLAGE TOILETS
[a] It was noted that the boiler in the above had been replaced at a cost of £500.
1654. PENKRIDGE COMMMUNITY MANAGED LIBRARY
[a] Consideration was given to if the Parish Council wished to host a meeting of Community Managed
Libraries in Staffordshire together with their representatives/volunteers in September, this would
include Room 16 and refreshments.
Resolved that the above be approved.
Burial Ground
1655. BURIAL GROUND TABLE OF FEES
[a] The PA advised that the repairs to the Burial Ground pond fence and decking would be undertaken
in March.
1656. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
Thursday 28th March 2024 at 8.30 pm.
The meeting closed at 8.20 pm
Chair: _____________________________ Date: _____________________________