BRERETON AND RAVENHILL PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of a meeting of the Parish Hall Management Committee held at the Parish Hall, Ravenhill
Park, Brereton, on Wednesday, 7th March 2018.
Present
Councillors R Easton [Chairman], K Ansell and Mrs DM Easton.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mrs P Ansell, Miss IJ Brown, H Farnath,
Miss C Harvey, Mrs G Harvey,GN Molineux and Mrs HJ Southwell.
Mr PG Davies [Parish Clerk] was also present.
1. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
No declarations of interest were given at the commencement of the meeting.
2. MINUTES
RESOLVED
That the minutes of the meeting held on 7th February 2018, be approved and signed as a
correct record.
3. DOG FOULING
The Chairman welcomed Mr Mike Walker [Environmental Protection Manager], Cannock
Chase District Council, to the meeting.
Mr Walker outlined the provisions to be included in a Public Space Protection Order. The
Order would include reference to both dog fouling and it would identify areas such as the
enclosed Ravenhill Park play area where dogs would be banned. Non-compliance with the
Order would result in a standard fine of £100.00. The Order would be reviewed every three
years. The Committee asked for the first review to consider fenced tennis courts being
included in the Order.
Mr Walker advised that the District Council would welcome the support of local residents in
identifying the relatively small number of irresponsible dog owners who failed to pick up after
their dog has fouled. Such information as days, times, locations, descriptions of dogs and
owners would be beneficial so that resources could be targeted to the relevant areas at
times when they were most likely to catch offenders.
If any resident was willing to provide a witness statement in relation to a fouling incident that
they had observed, officers would be prepared to issue a Fixed Penalty Notice to the dog
owner, provided that the report was credible and not malicious or vexatious. He emphasised
that whilst residents might be reluctant to provide such statements, being concerned about
court appearances and retaliation, he could assure them that all complaints would remain
confidential and complainant’s details would not be disclosed without permission.
Furthermore, in the vast majority of cases, Fixed Penalties were paid by the offender and
only a very small proportion progressed to court hearings.
The Committee advised that if metal dog fouling warning signs could be made available, the
Parish Council would arrange for them to be erected at key ‘hot spots’ in the parish.
Mr Walker indicated that the District Council would be producing banners promoting
responsible dog ownership. Members indicated that they would like to see these banners
displayed near the three primary schools in the parish.
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The Chairman thanked Mr Walker for attending the meeting.
4. PARISH HALL – PROGRESS REPORT

Hire Fee Income – Update

The Committee noted details of hire fee income for February 2018.
Seating Fronting Parish Hall
Following further reports of anti-social behaviour, the Clerk invited the Committee to again
consider the possibility of either removing or relocating the table and chair feature
immediately in front of the Parish Hall. Such action would deter instances of nuisance and
anti-social behaviour, including the unlawful drinking of alcohol in an area immediately
fronting the building.
The Chairman kindly undertook to arrange for the feature to be removed from the front of the
Parish Hall.
Paper Towel Dispenser
The Committee placed on record its thanks to Councillor Mrs G Harvey for donating a paper
towel dispenser for use in the kitchen of the Parish Hall.
5. FINANCE REPORT
The report of the Clerk on the financial position of the Parish Hall as at 7th February 2018,
was submitted for information and noted.
6. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED
That the next meeting be held on 4th April 2018, at 7.30 p.m.
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