Oulton Community Group

Meeting 24^th May 2010

Apologies; Gerry Lester, Pam Sinclair

Attendees. Cllr Peter Roberts, Madeleine James, Maureen Manley, Barbara Palmer, Martin Robinson, Elaine Robinson, Eileen Manley, Parish Clerk Richard Jarratt, Cllr John Russell, PC John Eccles, Sue Haine, Sylvia Burdon, Andy Burdon.

 The minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved as an accurate record of proceedings.

Items on the Agenda

1/ Village agent. The newly appointed Village Agent had not arrived at the start of the meeting. A discussion ensued as to the funding of the Village Agent Scheme by Stone Rural Parish Council. At this point in time it was unclear as the whether a new village agent had been appointed.

2/ New Community Police Officer. The group was introduced to the new Community Police Officer for Oulton, PC John Eccles.  PC Eccles will  cover Oulton, Barlaston, Blythe Bridge, Stallington, Meaford , Fulford and other outlying villages. During discussions  PC Eccles assured those present that , although Oulton had a very low crime rate he would  be regularly patrolling the village and saw his main role as being one of re-assurance to residents. He also took note of the date of the Village Fete in July and said that he would try to attend to meet residents PC Eccles direct telephone number is 07854775848.

3/ Secretary’s Report.  Nothing to report outside the main agenda

4/ Treasurers Report.  The account balance stood at £588.91

5/ Telephone Kiosk. Parish Clerk Richard Jarrett reported that  Stone Rural Parish Council had decided not to adopt the kiosk on Kibblestone Road because of ongoing maintenance and insuring costs. A discussion ensued on the possibility of retention of the kiosk as part of the village streetscene and possible used in the future. The future of the kiosk was left in abeyance at this stage.

6/ Best Kept Village 2010. The OCG thanked Cllr Peter Roberts for providing the Community Notice Boards at the Bus Shelters on Kibblestone Road and Church Lane. It was reported that these were already being well used by residents and community groups. Parish Clerk has organized SBC Streetscene to sweep the village streets. Cllr Roberts reported that the churchyard had been tidied up by contractors employed by the Church.

Flower containers are to be placed at the Parish Notice Board and the Village Hall, these to be funded by the OCG and WI respectively. Andy Burdon reported that he had spoken to Cllr Dave Scrivens who would place a planted container at another location in the village.

The litter picks had been successful in that not much litter was found.

Via email, resident Gerry Lester had raised concerns about the verges being churned up by the 250 Bus trying to pass parked vehicles on Church Lane. A discussion ensued about  liability for the maintenance of these verges. It was suggested that plastic  reinforcements could be put in place to protect the grass verges.

OCG is to email the Parish Council to contact Highways Division to see what can be done.

7/ Village Hall Monday Market. Maureen Manly reported that she and Barbara Palmer had done a leaflet drop in the village which had resulted in more people attending. Unfortunately some of the regular traders did not turn up due to other commitments etc

8/ Website. Andy Burdon reported that the Village website was still receiving around 400 visits per month. He also reported that we were now ready to take local advertising.

AOB

Neighbourhood Watch .  Rag and Bone Men. PC Eccles reported that , whilst many of these were law abiding, some were unlicensed to carry waste. He also reported that there had been case of metal garden ornaments disappearing from gardens. Residents are warned to be aware of this.

Kibblestone Road Footpath.  Some residents have expressed a wish for a footpath in Kibblestone Road between the Village Hall and Rock Crescent. Parish Clerk Richard Jarrett indicated that the County Council may fund this. OCG would canvass opinion and set up a meeting between the Parish Council and County Councillor Ian Parry to discuss the implication and feasibility.

Planning Application Oulton Abbey.  The Parish Clerk and Borough Councillor John Russell indicated that the plans had been “called in”

The meeting concluded at 9.10 pm an Chair Sue Haine thanked all those who had attended for their input

Next meeting was scheduled for Monday 19^th July at Oulton Village Hall Committee Room