Cotton Cemetery

Feb 22, 2017

Entrance Arch

Preparations for the New Entrance Arch are underway and should be completed within the next few weeks. Photos will be posted upon completion. We would like to thank Councillor Worthington and Councillor Lucas for their donations towards the cost of the ‘Arch’ and also contributions from the parishioners.

Disabled Access

After months of discussion and plans being passed, work will commence on the new Disabled Access entrance. It has been a long daunting task but well worth the wait. Cotton is also excited to receive a donation of £10,000 towards the cost of the disabled access which was granted by ‘Awards for All’ National Lottery who we owe a big thank you as without the help we were unable to meet the costs of the project. The groundwork is being carried out by JCB who continue to support the community for which we are most grateful. Another local company, Alpha Aggregates have kindly donated 15 tonnes of aggregate. All in all, we cannot thank enough, the businesses that are helping in enhancing our beautiful village.

Cemetery Wall

The Cemetery wall has recently been rebuilt in places as it had fallen down. The work was carried out by a local building mason, who did an excellent job.

 

 

 

January minutes 2017

Feb 3, 2017

COTTON PARISH COUNCIL                                                                 

A Parish Council meeting was held in Cauldon Lowe Village Hall on Tuesday, 3rd. January 2017.

Present were Cllr. Cooper (Chairman) Cllrs. Allerton, Bendall, Brindley, Dale, Lees, Withington-Hyde, SCC Cllr. Worthington (Local Member), SMDC Ward Cllr. Lucas.

Apologies: None.

Prior to the commencement of formal business, .SMDC Ward Cllr. Lucas announced the recent passing of former Ward Cllr. Josie Clowes, who had been a regular attendee at meetings of Cotton Parish Council during her time as Churnet Ward Councillor.  The meeting observed a moment’s silence in memory of Cllr. Clowes.

BUSINESS

17.01                                  PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

None present.

17.02                                  DECLARATIONS OF  INTEREST

Cllr. Cooper declared an interest in any matters concerning P.H. Wintertons.

       17.03                                 MINUTES OF LAST MEETING (Resolved)

Meeting held on 6th. December, 2016. These were approved and signed by the Chairman as a true and correct record…

17.04                                 MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES

  1. Dropped Kerb at Moorfields Close (16.165.B) Nothing concrete to report at this stage, although SCC Cllr. Worthington asserted that any work undertaken would be to enable disabled access rather than vehicular access.
  2. Withington-Hyde had kindly made certain calculations regarding Council’s income and expenditure during the year, with particular concern regarding Cemetery maintenance and discontinuation of SCC Lengthsman funding during the next financial year (See also Min. 17.05 below). Clerk to supply figures at next meeting.
  3. Transparency Fund (16.165.A). Clerk had purchased printer and carrying case for PC. Donation from SCC Cllr. Worthington’s LMIS fund received with thanks. Website: cottonparishcouncil.com

17.05                                  LENGTHSMAN SCHEME

Notification received from SCC of termination of SCC Lengthsman Agreement as from 31st. March 2017. Funding for current fiscal year will be forthcoming and Lengthsman funding from SMDC will not be discontinued during 2017-2018.

Advertisement to be placed in local press for a Lengthsman to undertake work to include cemetery maintenance and recreation mowing (Latter two tasks not included in current SCC or SMDC Lengthsman Agreements).

17.06                                 PLANNING MATTERS

Applications

None received.

Decisions

None received.                                                                                

Other Planning Matters

  1. Weekly lists – circulated to Cllrs. with email facilities.
  1. Reported that a planning application had been submitted for developmemt at Cotton Caravan Park, although no information had been received by this Council.  SCC Cllr. Worthington reported that Consall P.C. had received hard copy of plans, which had nothing to do with that Parish.  SCC Cllr. Worthington to make due enquiries with Case Officer.

17.07                                  RECREATION MATTERS

None reported.

17.08                                  BURIAL MATTERS

  1. A letter had been received from a Mr. and Miss Wood regarding damage to a memorial which had occurred over successive years. Council retains a watchful eye over Cemetery matters although this Council, whilst expressing regret, has noted correspondence but is not able to take retrospective action.
  1. Cllr. Withington-Hyde reported a memorial to Mildred and Mary Warrington is falling down and family has enquired regarding restoration. Clerk to refer family (via contact Mrs. Jennifer Lumley)  to Nettlebank Ltd., Momumental Masons, with a view to possible restoration

17.09                    HIGHWAYS MATTERS 

Issues reported through SCC Cllr. Worthington, SCC Cllr. Deaville, Mr. Webb, Mr Greatbatch and Mr. Steele Clerk had notified the above personnel of the following issues.

Anticipated NHT and other Projects:

  1. Various potholes/ blocked gully on westbound A52 (Weekly updates now available from SCC)..
  2. Damaged Cotton sign on Cotton Lane.
  3. Overhanging saplings on A52 near junction with Cotton Lane). Included in report. “In hand
  4. Blocked ditch to Cabbage Hall. Included in report.
  5. Overhanging trees at Three Lows crossroads. Reported that former landowner’s house has now been sold.
  6. Noted that verges on A 52 are considerably overgrown.
  7. Road sign near Star PH not replaced unlike others which have been replaced following recent work.
  8. Grit piles still required in Cotton Lane.

17.10                                  LIGHTING MATTERS

No issues reported.

17.11                                  REPORTS OF REPRESENTATIVES

No meetings of outside agencies had taken place since last meeting of Council.

17.12                                   CORRESPONDENCE

  1. SCC weekly pothole updates.
  2. SMDC Weekly Planning Lists.
  3. SPCA Newsletters.
  1. Letter from Mr. & Miss. Wood regarding gravestone damage (17.08.A).
  2. Letter containing information received from SCC regarding Precept 2017-2018 information.
  3. Letter from SCC regarding Termination of Lengthsman Agreement as from 31.03.2017.
  4. Letter from parishioner Mrs. Allerton regarding dog fouling in Cauldon Lowe.
  5. Letter from SMDC regarding adoption of red Heritage or standard telephone boxes which are to be decommissioned or removed due to low usage (none suitable for adoption in this Parish).

17.13                                              ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT

  1. Mr. J. W. Wood, Clerk – Salary & expenses (2 months)                £320.00

B.SMDC – Lease of land at Moorfields Close                                               £80.l00

  1. Interoffice Ltd. – Printer and carrying case                                  £129.35

17.14                                  PRECEPT 2017-2018

Having regard to the information and figures supplied, it was proposed by Cllr. Dale and seconded by Cllr. Allerton that the Precept for 2017-2018 be set at £5300.00 with additional  Council Tax Support Grant of £80.65).  Carried.  To be submitted to SMDC.

      17.15                                  MATTERS OF AN URGENT NATURE

  1. Resolved that Cllr. Allerton would obtain suitable card of sympathy to be sent to family of the late SMDC Ward Cllr. Clowes.
  2. Cllr. Bendall enquired as to whether the Millennium Committee should continue sitting, the Millennium having now passed.

Meeting rose at 9.25 p.m.

Date of next meeting Tuesday 7th.  February  2017, 7.30 p.m. Cauldon Lowe Village Hall.

December minutes 2016

Feb 3, 2017

COTTON PARISH COUNCIL                                                                 

A Parish Council meeting was held in Cauldon Lowe Village Hall on Tuesday, 6th. December 2016.

Present were Cllr. Cooper (Chairman) Cllrs. Allerton, Bendall, Dale,  Withington-Hyde, SCC Cllr. Worthington (Local Member), SMDC Ward Cllr. Lucas.  Two members of the public.

Apologies: Cllrs. Brindley and Lees, SMDC Ward Cllr. Fallows.

BUSINESS

16.162                                PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Members of the public Mr. & Mrs. Elliott of Cotton Bank Farm, Oakamoor, spoke of continuing problems associated with planning application no. SMD/2016/0408 (P.H. Wintertons). Cllr. Cooper declared a prejudicial interest and took no part in resolution. This retrospective application had been validated in June 2016 and had still not come before SMDC Planning Committee.  Issue on-going.  Noise from extractor fan had ceased for a while following dialogue.  Obtrusive lighting continued to present a problem.  Due process awaited, although SCC Cllr. Worthington would take matter up with Case Officer Mr. A. Swithenbank.

16.163                                DECLARATIONS OF  INTEREST

Cllr. Cooper declared an interest in any matters concerning P.H. Wintertons as above (Min. 16.162).

       16.164                               MINUTES OF LAST MEETING (Resolved)

Meeting held on  1st. November, 2016. These were approved and signed by the Chairman as a true and correct record…

16.165                               MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES

  1. Defibrillator – (Min. 16.151..A) – Grand opening had taken place with press present. .

Clerk had arranged insurance for an asset value of £1650.00. (Security cameras are located nearby.

B  Transparency Fund: Site reported as operable.  Training meeting had taken place between Chairman, Cllr. Dale , Clerk and Webmaster.  Cllr. Allerton had purchased suitable laptop in the sum of £349.99.

Action: Clerk to arrange purchase of printer and carrying case.

Clerk reported that he had experiences serious computer security problems and had been forced to call in experts as means of resolution.  System belonged to Kingsley Parish Council.  This council offered interim sum of £100.00 towards cost of resolution.

  1. Dropped Kerb at Moorfields Close (16.151.C) Nothing to report at this stage.

16.166                                LENGTHSMAN SCHEME

Nothing to report at this stage.

16.167                               PLANNING MATTERS

Applications

None received.

Decisions

None received.                                                               

Other Planning Matters

  1. Weekly lists – circulated to Cllrs. with email facilities.
  1. Dust Emissions at quarries –   Nothing to report at this stage.

16.168                                RECREATION MATTERS

  1. Cllr Allerton reported some vandalism to fencing. No damage on Play Area to indicate Parish Council involvement.

16.169                                BURIAL MATTERS

  1. Memorial Re: Bold had been erected (16.155.C)
  2. Provision of disable access again mentioned. This would be very costly (£3000 – £4000) although Environmental Enhancement Grants may or may not be available.

16.170                                HIGHWAYS MATTERS 

Issues reported through SCC Cllr. Worthington, SCC Cllr. Deaville, Mr. Webb, Mr Greatbatch and Mr. Steele Clerk had notified the above personnel of the following issues.

Cllr. Allerton had prevuisly held site meeting with Mr. M. Webb, SCC, to discuss

main highways issues, which included:

Anticipated NHT and other Projects:

  1. Various potholes (Weekly update now available from SCC)..
  2. Drains at Cotton Crossroads understood to have been cleared.
  3. Algae discoluring signage at Cotton Crossroads. Understood to have been removed.
  4. Damaged Cotton sign on Cotton Lane.
  5. Overhanging saplings on A52 near junction with Cotton Lane). Included in report. “In hand
  6. Blocked ditch to Cabbage Hall. Included in report.
  7. Overhanging trees at Three Lows crossroads. Reported that landowner’s house has now been sold.
  8. Noted that verges on A 52 are considerably overgrown.
  9. Accident reported on A52 on frosty moring – insufficient salting had taken place. SCC Highways to look into matter.
  10. Reported that grit piles had appeared on Cotton Lane.

16.171                                LIGHTING MATTERS

No issues reported.

16.172                                REPORTS OF REPRESENTATIVES

Cllrs. Dale and Allerton provided several informatory brochures on various topical issues.

November Remembrance Service  held at Cauldon Lowe War Memorial, 13.11.16, 10.50 a.m. Highly successful.  Council thanked Cllrs. Dale and Allerton for their work.

16.172                                 CORRESPONDENCE

  1. SCC weekly pothole updates.
  2. Neighbourhood Watch – numerous items of information.
  3. PCSO Nettleton – request for dates and times of Council meetings.                                                              
  1. Other matters of a non-urgent nature (communicated to Cllrs. via email).

16.173                                            ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT

  1. Argos – Purchase of laptop £349.99
  1. Kingsley Parish Council – Donation towards computer repair              £100.00

C.J.E. Allerton – Reimbursement re; Remembrance Service expenses     £9.72

  1. G.Bendall – reimbursement RBL for poppy wreath £28.00

      16.174                                MATTERS OF AN URGENT NATURE

  1. Cllr. Dale had made enquiries regarding fire hydrants in the Parish.
  2. Cllr. Bendall ,mentioned the distribution of Christmas Cards from the Millennium Group.

Meeting rose at 9.15 p.m.

Date of next meeting Tuesday 3rd.  January  2017, 7.30 p.m. Cauldon Lowe Village Hall.

November minutes 2016

Feb 3, 2017

COTTON PARISH COUNCIL                                                                                    

A Parish Council meeting was held in Cauldon Lowe Village Hall on Tuesday, 1st. November 2016.

Present were Cllr. Cooper (Chairman) Cllrs. Allerton, Bendall, Brindley,  Dale, Lees, Withington-Hyde, SCC Cllr. Worthington (Local Member), SMDC Ward Cllr. Lucas.

Apologies: SMDC Ward Cllr. Fallows,

BUSINESS

16.148                                PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

No members of the public present.

16.149                                DECLARATIONS OF  INTEREST

Cllr. Cooper declared an interest in any matters concerning P.H. Wintertons.

       16.150                               MINUTES OF LAST MEETING (Resolved)

Meeting held on  4th. October, 2016. These were approved and signed by the Chairman as a true and correct record.         ..

16.151                               MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES

  1. Defibrillator – (Min. 16.137.A) – Chairman displayed device to Councillors. Precise location has had to be adjusted slightly nearer to hotel entrance and no hard standing is now required. Turnout for training session had been disappointing although further training may be offered at no cost. Interested parties to contact Mrs. W. Bendall. Cllr.Dale has found a suitable directional sign and a canopy type porch is also available if required.

Form to indicate regular inspections to be downloaded.  First Responders to carry out initial and periodic inspections and Cllr. Allerton to carry out bi-monthly inspections on behalf of Council, recording such inspection in writing on form as above.

Re ordering system required should device be used.  £100.00 required annually to run same.

Lafarge to pay for any electricity used.

Grand opening to be organized with press present.  Millennium Committee to provide refreshments.

Action: Clerk to arrange insurance for the sum of £1650.00. (Security cameras are located nearby.

B  Transparency Fund: Site not yet operable.

Action: Chair to contact webmaster Mr. Smith and arrange meeting of webmaster with himself, Cllr. Dale and Clerk

  1. Dropped Kerb at Moorfields Close (16.134.A) – Housing Association specified that no cars are allowed on grassed areas which may be made accessible by dropped kerbs. Two disabled personnel affected by difficulties occasioned through raised kerbs.

Action:  Mr. Morgan of Housing Association and Mr. Steele of SCC Highways to inspect situation.  SCC Cllr. Worthington also to speak with Mr. Steele.

  1. Cllr. Withington-Hyde asserted that she requires hard copies of minutes. On this occasion Clerk had experienced problems with printer.
  1. Cllrs. Bendall and Dale welcomed presence of Clerk following his recent spell in hospital.

 

16.152                                LENGTHSMAN SCHEME

COTTON PARISH COUNCIL                                                                                    

Final invoice received from H & H Gardening Services.  Following customary practice, position to be advertised and put to tender in January 2017.

16.153                               PLANNING MATTERS

Applications

None received.

Decisions

None received.

Other Planning Matters

  1. Weekly lists – circulated to Cllrs. with email facilities.
  2. SMD/2016/0408 – (P.H. Winterton) Nothing further to report.
  3. Clerk reported that SMDC intends in future to distribute planning application details electronically. Dale reported that this matter had been considered at SMPA and may not be implemented.
  4. Dust Emissions at quarries –   Allerton and Dale had reported complaints from residents and had received one letter of complaint regarding dust, noise and smell. From Aggregate Industries, Cauldon Works.  Action: Letter to be sent to Aggrgate Indsutries regarding such complaints with copies to SMDC Environmental Health and Waterhouses PC.
  5. Cotton College: Dale pointed out that planning application proposed by Amos Developments had appeared on weekly lists. Chairman had investigated and discovered that original application was never determined.  SMDC had invited applicant to withdraw application as refusal  will probably be recommended, although applicant had as yet taken no action.

16.154                                RECREATION MATTERS

  1. Cllr Allerton reported that RoSPA annual report revealed that timber surrounding swing is technically to close to swing. Otherwise no major issues highlighted.

 

16.155                                BURIAL MATTERS

  1. Redundant wooden cross had been properly disposed of.
  2. Christmas wreaths to be removed by 31.March 2017.
  3. Memorial application re: Bold approved.

16.156                                HIGHWAYS MATTERS 

Issues reported through SCC Cllr. Worthington, SCC Cllr. Deaville, Mr. Webb, Mr Greatbatch and Mr. Steele Clerk had notified the above personnel of the following issues.

Cllr. Allerton held site meeting with Mr. M. Webb, SCC, to discuss

main highways issues, which included:

Anticipated NHT and other Projects:

  1. Various potholes (Weekly update now available from SCC)..
  2. Drains at Cotton Crossroads not cleared.
  3. Algae discoluring signage at Cotton Crossroads.
  4. Damaged Cotton sign on Cotton Lane.

 

COTTON PARISH COUNCIL                                                                                    

  1. Overhanging saplings on A52 near junction with Cotton Lane). Included in report. “In hand”. Vehicle activated signs at this location – “in hand”
  2. Blocked ditch to Cabbage Hall. Included in report.
  3. Overhanging trees at Three Lows crossroads. Reported that landowner’s house has now been sold.
  4. SCC – School Bus Services. Reported difficulties under review by SCC.
  5. Noted that verges on A 52 are considerably overgrown.
  6. Withington-Hyde reported wooden pallet on Cotton Lane.
  7. Dale reported that discontinuation of SCC Lengthsman Agreements discussed at SMPA. Community Highways Liaison Officer will remain available to facilitate work.
  8. Lees reported breakdown of coach containing children on Whiston Bank, where children allegedly alighted. Personnel rang non emergency 101 number but experienced a 25-20 minute delay prior to receiving any reply. Action: Clerk to notify Staffordshire PCC.

16.157                                LIGHTING MATTERS

No issues reported.

16.158                                REPORTS OF REPRESENTATIVES

Cllr. Dale submitted brief report on meeting of SMPA, 13 November 2017, held under the excellent Chairmanship of SMDC Cllr. J.D. Bull (Chairman of SMDC). Principal topics considered were Staffs Smart Alert and Rural Internet provision.

16.159                                 CORRESPONDENCE

  1. SMDC – Various items of routine correspondence as emailed to Cllrs
  2. Smart meters press release
  3. SPCA Weekly Bulletins
  4. Clerks & Councils Direct November 2016
  5. SCC Weekly Pothole Updates
  6. DMH – Request for presentation by speaker. To be considered in 2017.
  7. Staffs Fire & Rescue – information regarding faulty electrical equipment.

16.160                                            ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT

 

  1. Mr. Jamie Hill

Cemetery maintenance   £85.00

Recreation mowing        £75.00                                                  £160.00

  1. J.W. Wood, Clerk

Salary (2 months)          £200.00

Expenses                     £50.00              £250.00

C.Interoffice – Ink supplies                                                                    £13.86

D.Playsafety Ltd. – Annual Playground Inspection                                  £92.40

E.J.E. Allerton – Reimbursement for items purchased                             £119.02

      16.161                                MATTERS OF AN URGENT NATURE

November Remembrance Service to be held at Cauldon Lowe War Memorial, 13.11.16, 10.50 a.m.  Temporary closure of Main Road desirable.

COTTON PARISH COUNCIL                                                                                    

Cllr. Dale had made all necessary arrangements for service.

Meeting rose at 9.00 p.m.

Date of next meeting Tuesday 6th.. December  2016, 7.30 p.m.Cauldon Lowe Village Hall.