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 Tuesday, 4th April 2023.
Present
Alderman R Easton [Chairman], Mrs DM Easton, Mrs L Johnson and
Apologies for absence were received from Alderwoman Mrs P Ansell, Councillors K Ansell,
Ms C Hodgkiss and DR Johnson.

Mrs R Davies [Clerk to the Committee] and Mr J Smith [Administrator and Caretaker] were also
present.

1. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest given at the commencement of the meeting.

2. APOLOGIES
As listed above.

3. NEWMAN GROVE ALLOTMENTS
The Clerk to the Committee enquired about the current position with regard to Plot 2.
Alderman R Easton stated that the plot had been cleared and was now ready for Ms Claire
Gilbert to take over the tenancy. To obtain entry to the allotments, Ms Gilbert could obtain
the code for the padlock from Mr Jim Cusack [Allotment Superintendent].
Regarding the structure that had been erected by Mr Ghuman, this had now been removed.
Alderman Easton confirmed that he had attended a meeting with Mr A Simms [Cannock
Chase District Council] at the allotments to explain that the work done by the District Council
to improve the path outside the gate to the allotments was not suitable and required
hardstanding to enable allotment holders to take trailers up the path to remove rubbish.
The Clerk to the Committee would contact Mr Simms for an update on the position.

4. MINUTES
RESOLVED
That the minutes of the meeting held on 28th February 2023, be approved and signed as a
correct record.

5. MATTERS ARISING
Bus Shelters
Alderman R Easton reported that the graffiti had been removed from one of the bus shelters.
Regarding the staining of the wood on all of the bus shelters, this was imminent. The Clerk
to the Committee would get in touch with Karen Mann to request that the panels that had
been removed by her husband be returned to the Parish Hall so that these could be stained
along with the others.
Discussion took place regarding the bus services in Brereton. In view of the lack of services
in some areas of the Parish, three bus shelters needed to be taken down and put into
storage. It was suggested that two of the shelters could be used to replace the ones on
Main Road opposite Ravenhill Park and in Newman Grove. It was recommended that if the
position regarding bus services was not resolved within the next 6 months, the two bus
shelters mentioned be moved to the locations as set out above.
Permission would be needed from Staffordshire County Council to take this course of action.
All Councillors present at the meeting were in agreement to the above course of action.

6. PARISH HALL PROGRESS REPORT
Hire Fees
John Smith [Finance Officer] reported on the total amount of hire fees for the month of
March, which amounted to £1,453.91.
The total hire fees from 01.04.22. to 31.03.23. amounted to £15,209.26.
Discount for Mrs Ruth Hall
The Clerk to the Committee reported on a booking request that she had received from
Mrs Ruth Hall to hire the Main Hall and Kitchen on Carnival Day. The Clerk reported that a
discount was given to Mrs Hall last year [she would be raising funds for the Alzheimer’s
Society].
The Members agreed that a discount be given as last year.
General Bookings
The Clerk to the Committee reported on general bookings. There had been a steady
increase in the amount of bookings for children’s parties.

7. FINANCE REPORT
The report presented by Mr John Smith, showing the income and expenditure of the Parish
Hall as at 4th April 2023, was submitted for information and noted.

8. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
The application to erect the Christmas lights would have to be completed by July 2023.
The Members asked the Clerk to the Committee to contact the Clerk to the Parish with a
request for Christmas lights to be included on the Agenda for the full Council meeting. In
view of the increased cost of providing the Christmas lights, decisions needed to be taken
at full Council as to the way forward.

9. EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC – CONFIDENTIAL MATTER
Contract of Employment – Angie Oldbury [Clerk to the Parish]
The Clerk to the Parish was employed on a temporary contract for a period of six months
from 1st February 2023. The post would be made permanent if performance meets the
requirements of the Parish Council.

10. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED
That the next meeting be held on Tuesday, 2nd May 2023, at 7.30 p.m.
___________________
[Chairman]
2nd May 2023