BRERETON AND RAVENHILL PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of a meeting of the Parish Council held at the Parish Hall, Ravenhill Park,
Brereton, on Thursday 2 March 2023.

Present
Councillors TA Jones [Chairman], Alderman R Easton, Alderwoman Mrs P Ansell,
Councillors K Ansell, Mrs DM Easton, Mrs J Brown, Clare Mr Paul Lee, Mrs Lilian
Thompson
Also present: Mr J Smith (Administrator and Caretaker) Ms A Oldbury (Clerk to the Parish)

1. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
No declarations were given at the commencement of the meeting.

2. APOLOGIES
Councillor Mrs L Johnson, Mr D Johnson

3. POLICE MATTERS
PCSO Chad Carrington in attendance, he talked about a Police Report dated
February 2023 – Antisocial behaviour reports are down, it is not known if it is due to
the weather but they do know there is still a knock on from Covid.
They have lost another PCSO Hannah Fearnall to Cannock, 3 now remaining.
Brief outline – things are not too bad, the Arches in Etchington has a problem with
taking of car keys.
Alderman Easton asked if we could see the Police more often and thanked him for
coming. PCSO Carrington advised if he could not attend he would ask a colleague to
in his absence, he has already reported he is not on shift for our meeting dates for the
remainder of this year.
Alderman Easton advised we treat burglary seriously but need to know if it is dwelling
or commercial property.

Bus shelter damage reported to the Police along with a bus shelter that has been
stolen.
Cllr Mrs Easton asked for an update on the Police Station – Police station has not
been sold but is also not open to the public, now only used for Police office space.
We thanked PCSO Carrington for attending and look forward to seeing a Police
presence going forward.

4. CO-OPTION OF NEW MEMBERS
Mrs Lilian Thompson and Mr Paul Lee were Co-opted by the Chair and Alderman R
Easton seconded. It was voted and accepted and the following paperwork is now
being completed.

5. MINUTES
RESOLVED
That the minutes of the meeting held on 5 February 2023, be approved and signed as
a correct record.

6. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Extra Car parking fund – no correspondence received, to be put on agenda and sent
to District Council asking why this situation has gone so quiet and why Officers
shelving this when we need urgent help. We have quotes but not getting any
satisfaction from District Council.

7. CORRESPONDENCE
A reply has been received from Amanda Millington advising she has forwarded our
email to a Minister and awaits their response.
Road Sweeper – This has not been used for over 2 yrs and voluntary drivers have
not been able to carry on due to illness. The electronic brain was not working and
because of high cost of repairs it was beyond financial repair. We also had problems
getting rid of the sweepings and the cost of free diesel being provided, enough was
enough. It was sold for spares or repairs as not a running machine. Sold to a
company in Lichfield.
The District Council were responsible for the cleaning outside St Michaels church.
Alderwomen Mrs P Ansell thanked Alderman R Easton for keeping the road sweeper
going at his cost at times, and whole heartedly supports all he has done.
The Chair – thank you Alderman Easton for all you’ve done on the road sweeper.
Sewage – The Chair to write to MP about the slow rate in time scales.

8. CO-OPTION OF NEW MEMBERS TO FILL PARISH COUNCIL VACANCIES
Still 2 vacancies – not worth starting a new process now until the May elections.

9. BUS SERVICES AND BUS SHELTERS
£2,000 has been given to us by Brereton Million and we need to say what has
happened to it.
The agreement was when we took over management of the bus shelters were we
would not take over the maintenance unless they paid us £4,000 – £2,000 up front and
remainder when needed.
Maintenance so far has been repairs with no charge or disbursements. Money has
been kept back after program of coating with Sadlin £1-2,000 currently on programme
of works. People take away wooden slats without permission, one repaired outside
the park on voluntary basis. One taken away in Settlefield Way via vandalism.
No discussion, agreement or debate about items being varnished. This will be done
in better weather – estimate approx. £1,500 in which case we will be asking for the
next instalment.
Mr Mann was taking missing slats to avoid further vandalism. Letter should be written
to Mr Mann advising this has been reported to the Police as being stolen.
2
All bus shelters belong to Brereton and Ravenhill BC. The Chair to draft a letter.
Following incorrect information on Facebook Alderman R Easton would like to invite
Mrs Karen Mann to a committee meeting.

10. BUS SERVICES INCLUDING FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
The Chair has been in touch with MP to improve buses it is Local Council’s
responsibility. D&G problem is viability – they have a right to appeal if their amount is
too low for bus pass users. Settlefield Way is suffering due to loss of buses, it was
agreed the Chair is to write a letter.
Alderman R Easton – advised Birch Lane was blocked off today, he asked workmen
how long it would be closed as no one had been notified. He was advised 3 days. He
advised he was going to take up with Parish Council tonight and was then advised it
was an emergency – no water supply to one house!

11. PLANNING COMMITTEE
RESOLVED
That the minutes of the Planning Committee held on 5 January and 5 February 2023,
be approved.
APPROVED

12. PARISH HALL AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
RESOLVED
That the minutes of the meeting of the Parish Hall and Property Management
Committee held on 3 February 2023, be approved.
APPROVED

13. FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
RESOLVED
That the minutes of the meeting of the Finance and Management Committee held on
3 February 2023, be approved.
APPROVED

14. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED
That the next meeting would be held on Thursday 6 April 2023, at 7.30 pm.
________________________
[Chairman]