BRERETON AND RAVENHILL PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of a meeting of the Parish Hall and Property Management Committee held at the Parish Hall, Ravenhill Park, Brereton, on Wednesday, 14th October 2020.
Present
Alderman R Easton [Chairman] and Councillors Mrs DM Easton, Mrs L Johnson and DR Johnson.
Apologies for absence were received from K Ansell, Mrs P Ansell, Mrs G Harvey and JC Harvey.
Mr PG Davies [Parish Clerk] was also present.
- DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
No declarations of interest were given at the commencement of the meeting.
- MINUTES
RESOLVED
That the minutes of the meeting held on 2nd September 2020, be approved and signed as a correct record.
- PARISH HALL – PROGRESS REPORT
- Brownies
The Brownies, although anxious to return, had been advised by Girl Guiding that they should not do so until November at the very earliest.
They had undertaken to keep the Parish Council informed.
- Gas and Electric Renewals
The Committee noted that the existing contracts did not expire for a further twelve months. The Clerk would liaise with the Chairman in due course when obtaining quotations for the next period.
- Cathedral Hygiene
RESOLVED
That the existing contract with Cathedral Hygiene be renewed for a further twelve months at the current price of £499.00, including VAT.
- PAT Testing
The Clerk reported that the annual PAT testing of electrical equipment had been undertaken. Only one item had failed, namely the lead to the buffer.
The Chairman kindly undertook to carry out the necessary repair to the cable.
- Vandalism
The Clerk updated Members on the vandalism caused to the sign entitled ‘Lea Hall Colliery 1960 – 1990’ in front of the Parish Hall. The Parish Council’s CCTV had captured the image of the youth causing the damage and both the Clerk and the Caretaker had given statements to the Police.
- FINANCE REPORT
The Report of the Clerk showing the income and expenditure for the Parish Hall as at 31st August 2020, was received for information and noted.
- ALLOTMENTS
The Parish Council had obtained two quotations for the control of rats on the allotment site. The lowest price received was from Mr N Johnson in the sum of £300.00.
Being cognisant of the amount of rent received from the allotments, Members considered that the primary reason for the increase in these pests was the presence of chickens on some of the allotment sites.
RESOLVED
- That the quotation from Mr Johnson be accepted for a period of twelve months, after which the matter would be reviewed.
- That the Clerk seek the views of the allotment holders on the following options, which would be examined by the Parish Council:-
- increasing the rents in respect of those plots with chickens;
- a more critical review of future requests for permission to house chickens on the remaining plots.
- TENNIS COURT – CHRISTMAS FEATURES
The Chairman indicated that arrangements would be made this year to display two features on each side of the tennis court. This would be in addition to the very popular Father Christmas which would once again stand proud in the centre of the court.
The tennis court would be closed to the public on 2nd November 2020.
- BRERETON CARNIVAL
The Parish Council noted that next year’s carnival would be held on 17th July 2021,
BRACE had contacted St. Michael’s Church and the Landor Society requesting them to arrange the booking of the Parish Hall with the Parish Council.
- SEATS – BUS SHELTERS
Brereton Million had sought the Parish Council’s permission to provide seats in the new bus shelters.
RESOLVED
That in giving its approval, the Parish Council thank Brereton Million for arranging this additional, much needed, facility.
- ROAD SWEEPER
The Committee noted that road tax on the sweeper had not been renewed as the vehicle was not operational.
If the situation changed, the Clerk would arrange for the SORN declaration to be updated.
- DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED
That the next meeting be held on 4th November 2020, at 7.30 p.m.
______________________
[Chairman]