Minutes of a meeting of MEETING OF STOURPORT-ON-SEVERN TOWN COUNCIL

Held on TUESDAY 11TH JULY 2023 6.30PM at THE CIVIC HALL, NEW STREET, STOURPORT-ON-SEVERN

Present

In the chair The Town Mayor Councillor M C Freeman

Councillors T Berry, E Burnip, J Griffiths, P Harrison, K Henderson, B Jones, D Little, R Lloyd, N Martin, D Morris, C Rogers, I Schmeising-Barnes, T I Schmeising-Barnes, A Sutton, J Thomas and H Williams

Minutes

34. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor B Dawes.

35. MINUTES

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 6th June 2023 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

36. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

37. MAYORS COMMUNICATIONS

The Mayor engagements were circulated and noted.

38. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

There was no public question time.

39. MOTIONS SUBMITTED UNDER STANDING ORDERS

A motion from Councillor Martin was submitted. Councillor Martin reminded Council that the paths were very narrow on Mitton Street and how busy the junction of Tesco, Severn Road and Mitton Street was. Over the past 6/7 weeks, the Manager at Tesco had to close the store car park because the area had become gridlocked. A robust discussion took place and it was agreed that the following motion would be submitted to Worcestershire County Council Highways Department. “Council requests Worcestershire County Council Highways Department to consider looking at the Stourport-on-Severn town road infrastructure and in particular for the requirement of a “Keep Clear” sign at the junction of Severn Road/Mitton Street to alleviate congestion from the Tesco car park. As there are currently 8 housing developments in Stourport-on-Severn currently under construction or due to commence, the town is becoming gridlocked and it is perceived this will only get worse.”

40. PARKS COMMITTEE MINUTES OF 10TH JULY 2023

The minutes of the Parks Committee held on the 10th July 2023 were agreed. Councillor T Schmeising-Barnes left the meeting at this point, (6.55pm).

41. PLANNING COMMITTEE MINUTES OF 27TH JULY 2023

The Chairman of the Planning Committee informed Council of the planning application recommendations to be made to the district council. The minutes of the meeting held on 27th July 2023 were approved.

42. CILCA (CERTIFICATE IN LOCAL COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION) GENERAL POWER OF COMPETENCE

Councillor Williams advised Council that the Town Clerk had passed CILCA. The Town Clerk was congratulated on her achievement. He explained the benefits of this for the Council and the General Power of Competence. It was agreed that Councillor Williams and the Town Clerk would meet to look at the Local Council Award Scheme and report back. Councillor T Schmeising-Barnes came back to the meeting at this point, (7.03pm).

43. TO RECEIVE A VERBAL REPORT FOLLOWING A MEETING WITH THE HIGH STREET TASK FORCE EXPERT

Following a meeting with the High Street Task Force Expert, Council received the following update:

  • A presentation had been made and a report was due in approximately two weeks with his suggestions for Stourport Town Centre.
  • The basin area had potential but it was perceived need was for shops in to town centre.
  • It was hoped to reinvent the old “Town Centre Forum” as shop owners would need to be on board. Further updates would be provided at a future meeting.

44. UPDATES FROM REPRESENTATIVES ON OUTSIDE BODIES

Council received the following updates:

  • Councillor Lloyd had attended a Carnival Committee meeting and things were progressing but more people were required for the land parade.
  • Councillor Williams advised that the next Worcestershire CALC meeting would be on 24th July 2023 in Droitwich. The updates were noted.

45. UPDATE FROM COUNCILLOR MRS B DAWES ON SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

There was no update this meeting.

46. UPDATE FROM COUNCILLORS P HARRISON AND C ROGERS (STOURPORT WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL COUNCILLORS)

Councillor Rogers advised Council of the locations in Stourport he was currently dealing with:

  • Lower Lickhill Road (by community centre) – much better markings required.
  • Lower Lickhill Road (near shops) – looking at lay-by and possible yellow lines.
  • Baldwin Road – Yellow lines have been missing for nearly 3 years and needed resurfacing.
  • Wilden Top Road – Gas main had been completed.
  • Discovery Road – Two VAS machines were located here but trying to establish the ownership of them.
  • Kingsway –
  • Vernon Road – Residents asking for permit parking.

47. ACCOUNTS

The Town Clerk reported that Accounts for June totalling £55,355.41 had been paid since the last meeting and it was RESOLVED that the report be noted and approved. A Schedule of the Accounts paid was appended at the end of these Minutes, in the Council’s Minute Book, and was available for general inspection.

48. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

There was no other business.

The meeting closed at 7.35pm