Tuesday 4th June 2024 6.30pm

Present

In the chair: The Town Mayor Councillor J Thomas

Councillors: T Berry; B S Dawes; M C Freeman; J Griffiths; P Harrison; B Jones; D Little; R Lloyd; N Martin; D Morris; C Rogers; A Sutton; I Schmeising-Barnes; T I Schmeising-Barnes; H Williams

Minutes

20. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Burnip and Henderson.

21. MINUTES

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 7th May 2024 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

22. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

23. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

There was no public question time.

24. MAYORS COMMUNICATIONS

The Mayor engagements were circulated and noted.

The Mayor thanked his Deputy Mayor for attending the events he had been unable to carry out and also thanked Councillors I Schmeising-Barnes and T Schmeising-Barnes for their help in delivering D-Day 80 posters to local businesses in the town.

He announced that his two daughters would share the mayoress role and that his charities were Breast Cancer and Parkinsons UK.

Members were reminded of the running order for the D-Day 80 celebrations on 6th June 2024 which commenced with the proclamation at 8am on the Mayors Balcony, Civic Centre, Stourport-on-Severn and culminated with the beacon lighting at 9.15pm in the War Memorial Park. They were also asked to advise Council staff if they wished to join him for the fish and chip supper.

Members were also reminded that the town council were holding the Armed Forces Flag Flying day on Monday 24th June 2024 at Stourport British Legion and hoped everyone would be in attendance.

25. INTERNAL AUDITORS REPORT

Members were informed that they needed to assess the adequacy of the internal audit arrangements. A discussion took place and it was agreed to add an item on the next agenda of the Finance Committee in order for Internal Audit to be reviewed and to discuss how town council staff are safeguarded.

26. ANNUAL GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 2023/24

The Treasurer presented the annual governance report and Members resolved that the Annual Governance Statement 2023/24 be approved.

27. ANNUAL ACCOUNTS FOR 2023/24

The Treasurer informed Members that burial income had fallen substantially for the year 2023/24 and this had been highlighted at the Finance Committee in January 2024. It was noted that the Riverside Toilets and land at Elizabeth Mills Centre did not appear on the list of assets and these would be added.

In response to a Member question, it was confirmed that new properties were calculated in December each year for precept purposes.

The treasurer was thanked for his work in preparing the accounts.

28. PLANNING COMMITTEE MINUTES - 28TH MAY 2024

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 28th May 2024 were approved.

29. VERBAL UPDATE FROM CHAIRMAN OF STOURPORT FUTURE WORKING PARTY

Councillor Griffiths informed Members that an online survey was being produced and Wyre Forest District Council were happy to assist. It was hoped that following the survey a report would be prepared by the end of March 2025.

A video conference call had been held with an expert from the High Street Task Force to ascertain if any additional help could be given. There was a suggestion that they could lead and facilitate a stakeholder event and a response was awaited.

30. UPDATES FROM REPRESENTATIVES ON OUTSIDE BODIES

Council received the following updates:

Areley Kings Village Hall

Councillor Lloyd advised Council that a new chairman had been appointed (Bev Hayward). Enquiries were being made to source new suppliers for utilities. The village hall were still looking to recruit new trustees

Stourport Forward

The Annual General Meeting had been held on the River King. A funding bid was being completed for Heritage Lottery money and conversations had been held with the Heritage Port committee to work together.

Wilden Village Hall Management Committee

Councillor Berry informed Council that the hall had been closed for some months due to a rotten floor. A local builder had carried out the work but money was now needed to proceed with other works A Just Giving page had been set up. Councillor Berry was advised to look at the Community Halls website which may be helpful.

Stourport Carnival

Councillor Little advised everything was on track for the carnival on 7th September 2024.

31. UPDATE FROM COUNCILLOR C ROGERS ON SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

There was no report this meeting. Councillor Rogers advised he would continue to chase PC Maher for an update.

He advised Council that the police had raided a property in Sandy Lane, Stourport-on-Severn and had impounded six vehicles.

Members were perturbed that reports were not forthcoming and asked for the local Inspector to be invited to the next meeting.

32. UPDATE FROM COUNCILLORS P HARRISON AND C ROGERS (STOURPORT COUNTY COUNCIL OUNCILLORS

Members were informed that a lot of road maintenance was ongoing. In response to a question, members were advised there was no further information on County Buildings, Stourport-on-Severn.

33. ACCOUNTS

The Town Clerk reported that Accounts for May totalling £39,199.63 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.

34. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

There was no other business.

35. EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC

Decision: "Under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of "exempt information" as defined in paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

36. 8A BRIDGE STREET, STOURPORT-ON-SEVERN

Councillor Berry updated Council with the latest information regarding 8A Bridge Street, Stourport-on-Severn and following a discussion, the following was agreed.

DECISION: That Kate Bailey and her team be thanked for their efforts to date on 8A Bridge Street, Stourport-on-Severn. Stourport-on-Severn Town Council to ask Wyre Forest District Council for their preferred term of the lease and the approximate monthly rental. Once this information is received, a final decision will be made.

37. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

There was no other business.

Town Mayor
The meeting closed at 7.34pm.