parish council newsletter · telltale signs are showing mostly on the play areas at Stallington Village and on Stallington Road. Please use the dog bins which are provided. Police

solution that will stop traffic to allowpedestrians to cross this busy road.

2. Speed calming measures (preferablyspeed humps) to be placed on Baulk Lane,Fulford. This is a very narrow lane;however this is not stopping someinconsiderate motorists using the lane atspeed. The lane is used by parents to walktheir children to school, so anything thatcan be done to restrict vehicles will be animprovement.

3. Action to install a roundabout at thejunction of Fulford Lane onto StallingtonLane. This roundabout was agreed by thedevelopers of Stallington Village and theBorough Council as part of the planninggain associated with the new housingdevelopment. Several years later we are stillwaiting for action.

In addition to the above, the Council hasaccess to 10 days of resource from theHighways’ Neighbourhood HighwaysTeam. This is a small team that does minorworks around the parish. This year theParish Council have asked them to clear

parish councilfulford newsletter

Autumn 2004 Issue 8

1

Chairman’s Report

Since the last newsletter I am pleased toreport that the Parish Council is again up tostrength with the recruitment of a newCouncillor, Mrs Wendy Jennings, torepresent the Meir Heath ward on theCouncil.

In this edition of the Newsletter I wouldlike to briefly outline some of the issuesthat your Council is presently pursuing withthe Borough and County Councils.

Highways – the Parish Council have askedthe County Council to pursue three keypriorities during the course of the nextfinancial year.

1. The introduction of pelican crossing onHilderstone Road. We have already beenpromised a Speed Indication Device(S.I.D.), which should have been in placebefore Christmas, but is now unlikely to beinstalled before the end of March; howeverthe Parish Council is of the view that this isinsufficient and requires a more radical

Parish Council News

Clerk to F.P.C.Stephen Beck01782 398090Office 01782 385187mailto:[email protected]

Spring 2010Issue 30

www.fulford-parish-council.org

ChairmanCllr. Kath Brayford01782 393157

2

Spring 2010Issue 30


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weeds etc. from pathways down GrindleyLane, along the verges in Fulford from thevillage green towards the church and inRough Close on Lightwood Road.

Planning – the Council will continue toraise objections with the Borough Councilon any planning applications it considers tobe inappropriate development for the parishand to help us make those decisions themajority of the Council recently receivedfurther training on the planning process.

With spring just around the corner, thecutting of the grass verges will begin inApril and continue 3-weekly through toOctober. This new regime of 3-weekly cutswas well received last year and there wascertainly a marked improvement incondition of the verges throughout theparish. As always please feel free to speakto your parish councillor if you think thereis anything further the Parish Council can doin trying to keep our parish neat, tidy and apleasant place to live and work.

Finally good luck to Fulford village withtheir entry to this year’s Best Kept Villagecompetition.

MSWMAINTENANCEDomestic and Commercial

Property Maintenance

Mark WalkerTel: 01782 394066 Mob: 07932 429073

4 Coombe Drive,Meir Heath, Stoke-on-Trent. ST3 7LB

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Spring 2010Issue 30

Mayfield Drive A notice board for Mayfield Drive has beenasked for by the residents who live in thatarea so that they are able to be made awareof what is happening on the estate.Information of activities taking place by thevarious organisations e.g. the Police can beput in the parish notice boards. We aresorry but we do not put commercial advertsin the Parish notice board.

Safer Routes to School Letters will have been sent out by theHighway Department to the residents ofRidgway Drive informing them when thespeed humps and double yellow lines willbe installed; weather permitting this shouldbe by the end of March. When this hasbeen completed work should begin on thenorthern side of Grindley Lane. Work willalso begin on Uttoxeter Road putting inplace road markings, etc. When all thework is completed, which will take severalmonths, our children will find it much saferto go to school.

Lighting Ridgeway Drive Residents have expressed concerns aboutthe poor quality of lighting in RidgwayDrive, and on most roads of the estate. TheParish Council have made the Highwaysdepartment aware of your concerns and wewill keep you informed when we havereceived their reply.

Parking on Ridgway Drive Parking on Ridgway Drive is getting worse.The area by Blythe Lodge is in a terriblestate. The verges are a mess and most if notall of this is caused by parents taking andcollecting their children from school. Pleasepark on the road and not on the pavement.

PavementsThe pavements on many of our estate roadsare in a very poor condition; this is nothelped by cars, vans, and lorries parking onthem. The parish council have asked thehighways department to monitor them andcarry out work to repair them wherenecessary.

Blythe Bridge Ward News

Cllr. RichardMycock

01782 396869

Cllr. Ken Brayford01782 393157

Cllr. KathBrayford

01782 393157Chairman

Cllr. Ellis Bevan01782 393140

Cllr. Shirley Wheat01782 395133


Spring 2010Issue 30

4

A50We have no information about what ishappening about the A50 after we had themeeting in Blythe Bridge Village Hall withBill Cash MP, CC Ian Parry and TheHighways Agency. Mr Odey came to surveythe area after the meeting. He said that hehad been delayed because of the weather,and that when he had finished his report theHighways Agency would look at it andanother meeting would be called to giveresidents his findings. We have had nosuccess in being able to speak to anyonefrom the Highways department for moreinformation. Councillor Ian Parry is going tospeak to Bill Cash about our frustrations atnot getting answers to the questions thatwere asked at the meeting. We will keepyou informed about when the proposedmeeting will take place.

Aynsley SchoolThe word “school” conjures up so manymemories for everybody. A world ofknowledge both learnt and experienced. Aplace where friendships were made and thejourney through life begins. So what haschanged since we last walked the corridorsof learning? Well a lot to be honest. Thecomputer brought the digital age to theclassroom. At Aynsley School it was decidedto take the next step and to create a virtualAynsley School. This is accessible by staff,students, parents and governors on theinternet. You may ask why? Well we mustprepare our children for the future andhaving the school and its resourcesavailable to our young people, staff, parentsat any time or place (with an internetconnection) will allow the journey tocontinue uninterrupted. So you may notrecognise the school of today, virtual or

otherwise Aynsley School is workingtowards one goal. To produce well roundedpeople with the talents and confidence toachieve economic, social and personalsuccess. If you would like more informationabout the ICT used At Aynsley Schoolplease contact Matthew Kendall who is thehead of ICT.

LitterPeople dropping litter in the Blythe Bridgearea is getting worse. I saw Mrs Freemanour litter picker collecting rubbish the otherday and when she had finished the arealooked neat and tidy. Two days later itlooked worse than ever. We have severallitter bins in the Blythe Bridge Ward, if youbelieve that we need more please contactour clerk and say where they are needed.

Dog FoulingWe have the same problem with dog foulingas every other ward in the parish, again aswith the litter bins - PLEASE use the binsprovided.

Stallington LaneFinally we seem to be coming out of thecoldest weather for thirty years. Generallywe have coped with it fairly well, althoughthe lack of gritting of our roads has causedsome unnecessary problems, particularlywith Stallington Village. This has caused theresidents to park on the highway near to thedangerous corner at Stallington Close. Onewonders what would have happenedshould an ambulance have been needed.The narrow bridge at the top of StallingtonRoad was the scene of a bad accidentresulting in the road being blocked for aconsiderable amount of time. It is aptlyreferred to locally as Judges Bridge, you


Spring 2010Issue 30

5

Fulford Ward News

Cllr. Martin Oxby01782 397629

Cllr. FrankColclough

01889 505325

Cllr. Tony Holmes01782 395250

Cllr. Grace Holmes01782 394525

BT Phone BoxesThe telephone boxes at Post Office Terrace,Fulford and at Saverley Green are underthreat of closure by BT. Under BT’s “Adopta Kiosk” programme, where communitiesdon't need their payphone service anymorebut want to protect the kiosk for heritagereasons, local authorities can apply to takeownership of the kiosk, minus thepayphone itself, ensuring it will remain insitu for generations to come. The box at

Post Office Terrace is being considered foradoption at the request of the Best KeptVillage group.

http://www.payphones.bt.com/adopt_a_kiosk/HTML/payphone/index.htm

Baulk Lane/Vicarage LaneCar drivers should be aware that these are“Access Only” roads – it has been noted thatdrivers are using this as a through route,

never know whether to go ahead or to giveway. The problems we were having by thebypass bridge seem to have gone away.Thanks must go to the vigilance of thepolice in dealing with this issue.

Dog Poo !!The snow now having melted again, thetelltale signs are showing mostly on the playareas at Stallington Village and onStallington Road. Please use the dog binswhich are provided.

Police WarningsPlease make sure that your doors are lockedeven when you are in the house as therehave been incidents in the Blythe Bridgearea of sneak thieves entering houses.

A REFUSE LORRY will be available for thecollection of household items between 9amand 11am at Mayfield Drive, Blythe Bridgeon 8th May 2010.

Lastly but by no means least, the snowdropsare out and the birds are beginning to sing,Happy Easter Everyone.


Spring 2010Issue 30

and at inappropriate speeds. The HighwaysAuthority is being pressed to offer optionssuch as traffic calming and/or a one-wayrestriction, but until these are implemented,the police should be informed of offendingvehicles such that they can take actionagainst identified vehicles.

Police SurgeriesThese are held on a quarterly basis at theVillage Hall.The next date is Thursday 17th June.Drop in between 6pm and 8pm to meetyour local officers, raise any issues orconcerns and for general advice.

BKVThe group of local residents who teamedup to enter Fulford in the Best Kept Villagecompetition were pleased to be placed inthe 2009 finals - “Highly Commended”.Plans are in place for entering the 2010competition, and residents are encouragedto join the volunteers, and also to adopttheir own locations.

Marks are awarded in many categories,including publicity and notice boards,environmental awareness, tidiness ofcommunal buildings and their surrounds,and the general cleanliness of the village.Below is a summary of the judges’comments in 2009:

Best Kept Village publicity and children’sposters were plentiful and well displayed.The Best Kept Village team had maderesidents aware and invited help with thecompetition via newsletters and the websitein particular.

Notice boards were in excellent condition(especially at the village hall) with verygood local information.

Recycling and dog fouling awareness werevery good.The churchyard is a large area and was verywell looked after with an excellent noticeboard.The village hall surrounds were very cleanand tidy, with attractive planting at thefront.The public house surrounds were “quiteclean and tidy” in May, but were untidywith litter in June.The telephone box was in need ofattention, being rather overgrown with ivy. The seats and benches were excellent,having been varnished recently; and thevillage signs were in good order.The war memorial in the churchyard wouldhave benefited from a little more care. TheMay judges felt that the grass could havebeen better mown and daffodil stalks dealtwith.Public open spaces were well maintained,particularly the village green area. Private gardens were of a very goodstandard, with one or two exceptions; andgeneral cleanliness was also very good,apart from the pub car park. There was no dog mess and no litter.The children’s play area was in very goodcondition, with very good safety surfaces. Fulford is a well-loved village whichshowed good community involvement.

Village HallA Best Kept Village initiative has enabled aweekly badminton and table tennis eveningfor village teenagers to take place,supported by the Parish Council and by theCommunity & Learning Partnership of theCounty Council.

Fulford Primary SchoolFrom September 2007 schools are under anew duty to promote community cohesion.

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Spring 2010Issue 30

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By community cohesion, we mean workingtowards a society in which there is acommon vision and sense of belonging byall communities; a society in which thediversity of people’s backgrounds andcircumstances is appreciated and valued; asociety in which similar life opportunitiesare available to all; and a society in whichstrong and positive relationships exist andcontinue to be developed in the workplace,in schools and in the wider community.

Most schools already consider this as afundamental part of their role and alreadywork in ways which promote communitycohesion. Similarly, many local authoritiesare working to promote communitycohesion and should also regard this as anarea to support schools.

Fulford School has good links with thecommunity within which the school islocated: working with the Village Hall,Church and Parish Council, and hasestablished links with local businesses andother schools in the UK and Spain.

Methane gas exploration – Spot GrangePlans for permission to conduct exploratorydrilling for methane gas on green belt landare being considered near Spot Grange,between Hilderstone and Spot Acre. Whilstthe planned site is relatively small, concernsover the construction work which wouldinvolve road transport in the Fulford andMeir Heath areas, were addressed at thepublic consultation event held by thecompany.

Blythe Park Power StationThe issue around this proposal that couldparticularly affect Saverley Green, Fulfordand Cross Gate is the impact of the buildingprogramme when up to 1,000 workers are

used and also the likelihood of water supplyand effluents return pipes constructedbetween the site and the Severn Trent’sStrongford Sewage Works near Barlaston.

Gypsy Site The Planning Inspectorate has allowed theappeal, and has granted planningpermission for the change of use for thestationing of caravans for five gypsy pitches,with utility/ day rooms, access road andareas of hardstanding ancillary to that use,at Woodfield, Hilderstone Road, Spot Acresubject to several conditions. The full reportcan be viewed on the parish website under“Notices”.

At the end of five years, the use shall ceaseand all caravans, structures, materials andequipment brought on to the land inconnection with the use shall be removed.

The inspector did record that thisdevelopment would reduce the openness ofthe Green Belt in this part of the Borough,and also represents encroachment into thecountryside, which is contrary to one of thepurposes of including land in the GreenBelt, and also that the proposal representsinappropriate development in the GreenBelt.

Ivy House FarmThe planning application submitted torenovate Ivy House Farm at The Green hasbeen approved, and also approved is thatfor a new dwelling in the grounds betweenthe farmhouse and Dale View Court.

Crossgate Methodist Church The trustees of the church have beengranted planning permission for the changeof use into a two bedroom dwelling houseincluding provision for off road parking,and the property is for sale by auction.


Spring 2010Issue 30

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Grindley Park Adventure Playground(Playbuilder)

We had hoped to be able to report as towhether our bid for a grant for playequipment had been successful or not bynow. Unfortunately there has been a delayat County level due to uncertainty overfunding, so at the time of going to press weare still in the dark. As soon as we get adecision from the County Council we will ofcourse let you know the result; please checkour website for latest information.

Sorry for the delay, which is totally out ofour control!

Winter Weather ProblemsWe are all aware that the gritting of estateroads and salt and grit provision for the binshas been woefully inadequate during thewinter past, particularly where estates havesteep gradients to contend with, - such asthe main housing estate in Meir Heath.

Many of you have suggested that we havehad worse winters than this one, but have

been better served by the County Highwaysin the past. This view has been passed on toour County Councillor, Ian Parry.

We must remember however that estateroads are a low priority for the CountyHighways during prolonged severe weather,when the main commuter routes must bekept clear. When we have heavy snowfalland freezing we should try to clear estateroads ourselves, to keep our cars and othervehicles mobile. We must use our grit binswisely and unselfishly; use the grit on theroad and not on driveways for instance, andresist the temptation to put some in the bootof your car “Just in case”! Grit bins are sited where they are mostneeded, but if you feel that more bins arenecessary let us know, but remember thatthe siting of a grit bin must be in agreementwith those folk most affected by its position.

Finally, can we please help ourselves andothers by avoiding parking on the road orpavement during conditions of snow andice, to allow more room for vehicles tomanoeuvre, thus avoiding accidents?

Meir Heath Ward News

Cllr. Mrs. A. Weaver01782 394029

Cllr. Barry Shaw01782 394922

Cllr. Roy Taylor01782 392548

Cllr. Mrs. WendyJennings

01782 398784

Cllr. M. Baggaley01782 392385

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Spring 2010Issue 30

Dog FoulingOnce again we have to complain about thedisgusting practice of dog owners whorefuse to clean up after their dogs, and wemake no apologies for doing so.

May we firstly thank all of those responsibledog owners who do take the trouble toclean up after their dogs. We really doappreciate your efforts.

However, over the last year or so there hasbeen a great increase in the number ofirresponsible owners who leave their filthbehind them. This does seem to be worstduring the winter when mornings andevenings are dark, providing cover, wesuppose, for offenders.

May we remind those concerned that it isAN OFFENCE not to clean up after your dogwhen it fouls a public place, such as streetsand open spaces such as Grindley Park andRough Close Common. If you are notprepared to act responsibly in such mattersmay we suggest that you cease to own adog, or confine its defecation to your ownproperty.

We shall continue to work with StaffordBorough Council to try to improve detectionand reporting of offenders, and to takeaction against such people!

Meir Heath Primary School News(Happier Stuff)

The pupils of the school are now producingtheir own quarterly newspaper, “Meir HeathToday”, and they are currently working onissue No3, to be released this Spring.

The newspaper was the brainchild of MrSimon Mottram, a teacher at the school, andthe idea was taken up enthusiastically by thepupils. Each issue includes an editorial,interviews of pupils and staff, activitieswithin and outside of the school, a joke andquiz page, and a “recommended read”section where pupils write in to suggestsome good reading for their fellow pupils’enjoyment.

The newspaper is very professionallyproduced and is a credit to all concerned.

SAFTAs 2009.Year 4 children were successful in their entryto the Staffordshire Animation and FilmAwards (SAFTA), winning first prize. Notonly did they win another trophy for theschool, but also £1,200 worth of ITequipment.

Congratulations!

Boys ‘Under 11 FootballOn Wednesday 25th November the boys’under 11 football team won the six a side“Football League Community Cup”,organised by Port Vale FC. Remarkably thesquad, containing six year 6 boys and twoyear 5 boys, won all eight of their games.This included five Group matches, thequarter-final, semi-final, and the final. Thiswas from an entry of 24 schools.

The school will now represent Port Vale FCin the Regional Finals of this Nationalcompetition.

Again, well done to all!


Spring 2010Issue 30

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A spring litter pick has been arranged forSunday 28th March 2010 where it is hopedthat the community can join together toremove rubbish etc dropped by others.This event will give the local communitychance to get together to improve our localarea and meet one another. This has beenorganised by Stafford BC with equipment,rubbish removal etc being provided bythem. Subject to sufficient time andvolunteers, we also hope to includecleaning of the pond which is in our parish.If you can spare a couple of hours to getinvolved, please meet at the bottom carpark (opposite St Matthews school) at 10.00am wearing wellingtons or stout shoes andbring gloves, if you have them.

The cattle will be returning after Easter afteranother successful year last year. Theirpresence is helping to keep down thesaplings/weeds etc.

The recent snow has highlighted that dogowners are once again not cleaning up aftertheir animals whilst exercising them on andaround Rough Close and BarlastonCommons. The dog bins around thecommon, Lightwood Road, Hartwell Laneand at the A520 end of Leadendale Lane andthe three bins which are already installed

and labelled with orange signs (one by thepoint and one on each of the car parkingareas on the top common) are emptied byStafford Borough Council on a regular basis.Whilst we appreciate that dog walkers driveto our area to exercise their dogs, and notall the excrement is due to our residents,please endeavour, wherever possible, toclean up after your dog.

Apologies to all regarding the latereplanting of the planter on Windmill Hill –the weather was against our re-plantingwith the geraniums lasting well intoNovember before being hit by frost andsnow. The planter has now been re-stocked with pansies and bulbs and it ishoped that both will be replanted again inearly May for the summer. Any help withthe maintenance and planting of these itemswould be gratefully received.

At the time of going to press, permission forthe newest application for the demolition ofthe George and Dragon public house andbuilding of eight five bed detached homeshas still not been determined. Theapplicants have made wholly untrue claimsvia the Stafford Borough Council planningportal site that Councillors have given theirsupport for these amended plans – Rough

Rough Close Ward News

Cllr.Andrew Lovatt

Cllr. Joy Bennett01782 398688

Vice-Chairman

Cllr.Mrs. L. McPherson

01782 397103


Spring 2010Issue 30

11

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Close Parish Councillors, Fulford ParishCouncil Councillors, Stafford BoroughCouncillors and our County Councillor arestill objecting in the strongest terms to theseplans and have NEVER stated that 1) theywill push the plans through or 2) they feel

that a development of eight houses wouldbe suitable.

A REFUSE LORRY will be available for thecollection of household items between 9amand 11am at Common Road Lay by, RoughClose on 19th June 2010.


Spring 2010Issue 30

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QuarryWe have managed to push for a reassessment ofthe apportionment of sand and gravel in theRegion. This will mean a reduction in theamount that this area is expected to contribute,and for us here in Fulford, avoid the need toturn any of our countryside into a quarry. Ouraim is to continue pushing and negotiating forreduction so that Staffordshire’s contribution isreasonable.

RoadsThis has been the worst winter for forty years.Not in terms of the amount of snow, but in theprolonged freezing conditions. It has causedmajor issues for the gritting of the road networkand I know that many residents have beenconcerned that icy conditions have caused somehazardous road surfaces where gritting has notbeen possible.

The Government took control of the stocks ofsalt and are only allowing us sufficient to treatthe main A and B roads. This is far less thannormal, but it is outside the control of thecouncil.

Highway maintenance teamsA new Neighbourhood Highway Team schemehas started which will put maintenance teamsinto every parish to work on repairs andmaintenance. At the moment they areconcentrating on pot holes which were causedby the bad winter frosts. Soon they will be inthis area carrying our essential minor repairs.These NHTs are designed to work to a plan

agreed by the Parish Clerk and myself. If you seesomething that needs fixing please let us know.

Community FundThere is a fund available for local communitygroups to apply for small one-off grants. Youcan use this source of funding for anycommunity group, club or society to buyequipment, make repairs, hold events orcomplete a project.

Contact me if you need more information or anapplication form.

Windmill HillI arranged for more grass verge posts to beinstalled on Windmill Hill to protect these vergesfrom damage caused by parking. In the spring Ihave asked for some reinstatement work ofverges in the Meir Heath area to be repaired.

Speed humps in Ridgeway DriveI am not a fan of speed humps, so please don’tblame me for this one. As part of safer routes toschool, traffic calming in the RidgewayDrive/Adamthwaite Drive was proposed. I askedfor a consultation exercise but very few peopleresponded. I am pushing for more pedestriansafety at key crossing points and more to bedone to stop pavement parking.

A50 Sound barriersWe are still waiting, after much prodding, for theHighways Agency to get back on theircommitment to meet again with local residents.

REPORT FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR


Spring 2010Issue 30

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Highway ImprovementsI have recently gone through a prioritisationexercise with the parish council and the Countyhighway team to look at road safetyimprovements. We will be continuing andintroducing more SID/VAS type equipment inMeir Heath around Hilderstone Road, GrindleyLane and Windmill Hill. These are mobile (notfixed or permanent) facilities designed to

provide a regularly refreshed warning tomotorists. This will be reinforced by policespeed check as necessary.

Please contact me if you need information orassistance. [email protected] T.01782 398338

Bulletin BoardDelivering Key Information Quickly

Fulford Parish Council has a website whichis run and updated by the NewsletterCommittee of the Parish Council. Please logon to see and find the latest information!

www.fulford-parish-council.org

Contact via the [email protected]

Methane gas exploration – Spot Grange

Plans to drill for methane gas on green beltland have been submitted to StaffordshireCounty Council for permission to conductexploratory drilling at two farms nearTittensor. Greenpark Energy Limited is alsoconsidering submitting an application forsimilar work at Spot Grange, betweenHilderstone and Spot Acre near Fulford.

http://www.greenparkenergy.com/

Greenpark Energy is a coal bed methane(CBM) exploration and productioncompany which plans to develop its UKCBM licenses on an accelerated basis, withinitial CBM production as early as thesecond half of 2010. CBM occurs in deepunworked coal seams. A site is chosenbecause geological assessments indicatethat suitable coal seams for producing CBMoccur in the area. The specific location ofthe borehole is then dependent upon wherethe landowner may prefer to have it, whereaccess is suitable, and where there isminimal impact to local residents and thelocal environment.

Blythe Park Power Station -CresswellBlythe Park Power Limited (BPPL) isconsidering the development of a gas-firedpower station at a site next to Blythe ParkIndustrial Estate at Cresswell in Draycott-in-the-Moors, Staffordshire, on the border ofour parish.

http://blytheparkpower.co.uk

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Spring 2010Issue 30

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The basis of the proposal is that there is anurgent need for the development of newelectricity generating stations in the UK toprevent a significant forecast shortfall inelectricity supply, and the availability of themain gas distribution pipeline and electricitypower distribution close by the site.

A strong opposition group “Villagers VoiceStaffordshire Moorlands” is campaigningagainst the project.

http://vvsm.co.uk/

The Staffordshire Moorlands District Councilplanning committee has objected to thescheme which will be conveyed to theDepartment of Energy and Climate Change(DECC).

Meir Heath WindmillPreservation Group

Meir Heath Windmill (circa 1775) is a GradeII listed building.

In November 2009, after five years ofplanning, the Preservation Group Planningpermission, Listed Building consent, and allother details were negotiated with StaffordBorough Council’s Planning Officer, andConservation Officer.

The Group decided that Phil Hancock(Hodson’s Builders, Stoke), who hasexperience in working on listed buildings,was the right man for the preservationwork. £10,000, granted by “Awards for All”,was spent working to ensure the inside ofthe mill was in a safe condition, whilstretaining its historical features.

This magazine is delivered to over 2500 homes

in the parish.

If you would like to advertise,please contact

Martin OxbyOn: 01782 397629

Rates are from £20 to £80 per issue.


Spring 2010Issue 30

15

To stop water ingress, a boat cap wasrequired. This magnificent construction wasbased on the original, and was designed bythe architect Martin Levie (Harrison Wood).A technical analyst is to come and advisethe building sub-committee in March, with aview to lime rendering the outside of thetower in order to make it completelywaterproof. It is anticipated that this workwill cost in the region of £25,000. Thecommittee is grateful for the support ofFulford Parish Council, in granting us £250towards the cost of installing electricity.

There has been a lot of interest expressedby the public since the work on the boatcap has been progressing. In answer tosome of the questions asked, there will be

no sails erected in the foreseeable futurebecause of costs and technical problemswhich could arise. There will be no workinggear on the inside of the mill, althoughthere are plans to put on a display ofmemorabilia in the future.

Grass Cutting – Fulford Parish Council

As reported in previous newsletters theParish Council has now taken overresponsibility from the County Council forsome of the grass cutting in the parish. TheCounty Council will continue to cut grassverges mainly outside of the mainsettlements and of course the BoroughCouncil and Stafford and Rural Homesretain responsibility for some other areas ofthe parish.

Details of the areas the Parish Council hasnow taken from the County Council are setout in a table (on our website – Notices)and maps showing precisely the areasoutlined are available to view at the parishoffice.

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Spring 2010Issue 30

1. Turn your thermostat down. Reducing yourroom temperature by 1°C could cut your heatingbills by up to 10 percent and typically savesaround £55 per year. If you have a programmer,set your heating and hot water to come on onlywhen required rather than all the time.

2. Is your water too hot? Your cylinderthermostat should be set at 60°C/140°F.

3. Close your curtains at dusk to stop heatescaping through the windows and check fordraughts around windows and doors.

4. Always turn off the lights when you leave aroom.

5. Don't leave appliances on standby andremember not to leave laptops and mobilephones on charge unnecessarily.

6. If possible, fill up the washing machine,tumble dryer or dishwasher: one full load usesless energy than two half loads.

7. Only boil as much water as you need (butremember to cover the elements if you're usingan electric kettle).

8. A dripping hot water tap wastes energy and inone week wastes enough hot water to fill half abath, so fix leaking taps and make sure they'refully turned off!

9. Use energy saving lightbulbs. They last up to10 times longer than ordinary bulbs, and usingone can save you around £40 over the lifetime ofthe bulb. This saving could be around £65 overits lifetime if you're replacing a high wattageincandescent bulb, or one used for more than afew hours a day.

10. Do a home energy check.(www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/proxy/view/full/165/homeenergycheck) Just answer some simple questions about yourhome and get a free, impartial report telling youhow you can save up to £300 a year on yourhousehold energy bills.

Barlaston & Rough Close Common, Rough Close

“SPRING LITTER PICK”To be held on

Sunday 28th March 2010Commencing at 10.00 am

Following the success of last year’s event, we are holding another“Spring clean” of the Common and, time permitting, surroundingarea to include the pond on Cocknage Road.All equipment/Rubbish Bags etc will be provided by StaffordBorough Council.Please meet on St Matthews School car park(stout footwear or Wellington bootsrecommended!)Your participation is much appreciated

Top Ten Tips from the Energy Saving Trust


Spring 2010Issue 30

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HOME HOLISTICS

ANGELAKIMBERLEY

F.I.C.H.T

MOBILE HOLISTIC THERAPISTAROMATHERAPY, REFLEXOLOGY,

INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE,HOPI EAR CANDLES, FACIALS, REIKI

YOGA & MEDITATION CLASSES

Gift Vouchers & Hand Blended Oils

07887 818028www.home-holistics.com

DAVE WHEAT

Paving & GardeningMaintenance

Driveways & PatiosMowing & Painting

Telephone01782 394837

or 07813 606574


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Professional Driving Tuition WithMartin Williams BSc. (Hons) A.D.I.

(Associate Franchise to B.S.M)

Offering

Simulator Lessons Theory SupportPass Plus Courses Mock Practical TestsTrack Record of Progress Motorway TuitionHazard Perception TrainingPlus Much More

Grade 5 Assessed InstructorFor further information call:

01889 505571 or 07811 527054

Enjoy all the convenience and benefits of having a local instructor with national backingPROMOTING SAFE DRIVING FOR LIFE.

APB PLUMBING & TILINGProfessionally trained in:

Domestic PlumbingWRAS Water Regulations

BPEC Part P ElectricalWall & Floor Tiling

From dripping tapsto full Bathroom refits

Call Paul Twigg on 01782 641882 or 07811844807

for free estimates, no hidden chargesand competitive rates.

Agents forLotus, Grenson, Loake, Van Dal, Gabor, Hotter,

Rieker, Padders, Josef Seibeland Richard Draper Sheepskin Slippers & Boots

Also Main Stockist forRadley and Tula Leathergoods

Gardener and all round Handyman

Mowing, Fencing, Painting etc

Ring Ian on 07836 360650


Spring 2010Issue 30

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Members of the Council

Finance and General Purposes CommitteeBarry Shaw, Ellis Bevan,

Frank Colclough, Roy Taylor, Andrew Lovatt,Chairman and Vice-Chairman ex officio

Grindley Park Management GroupMartin Oxby, Kath Brayford

& all members of Meir Heath & Rough Close Wards

Parish Newsletter Working PartyRichard Mycock, Martin Oxby, Barry Shaw,Roy Taylor, Andrew Lovatt, Kath Brayford,

Joy Bennett.

Planning CommitteeCllrs. Colclough, Holmes, Mrs. McPherson, Mycock,Taylor & Chairman & Vice Chairman as ex-officio

Highway Maintenance Liaison GroupCllrs. Holmes, Oxby, Shaw, Taylor

& Chairman & Vice Chairman as ex-officio

Representatives to outside bodiesFulford Primary LEA Governor:

Frank ColcloughMeir Heath Primary School:

Cllr. Barry Shaw

Meir Heath/Rough Close Village Hall:Cllr. Joy Bennett

Fulford Village Hall:Cllr. Shirley Wheat

Springcroft Primary School LEA Governor: Cllr. Kath Brayford, Cllr. Richard Mycock

Cllr. Shirley Wheat

Staffordshire Parish Councils Association: Cllrs. Mrs. Brayford, Holmes and Mrs. McPherson

Sustainable Committee: Cllr. Frank Colclough,Cllr. Martin Oxby

Staffordshire County Council - Stone Rural Councillor:Ian Parry 01782 398338

Stafford Borough Council - Fulford Ward Councillors: Andrew Harp 01889 505400

Richard Oldfield 01782 392307Peter Roycroft 01889 505240

Dates for 2010Parish Council Meetings

Thursday 8th AprilLocation:Meir Heath & Rough Close Village Hall

Thursday 13th MayLocation: Fulford Village Hall

Thursday 10th June Location:Meir Heath & Rough Close Village Hall

Note: All meetings start at 7.15pm with anopportunity for any local government electorfrom the Parish to ask questions of the ParishCouncil relating to any Parish issue. At the formalmeeting, which follows at 7:30 pm, these matterswill then be considered; the public may alsoattend but are not usually invited to join thedebate. Alternatively, write to the Clerk such thatthe matter can be raised.

SHELLTECH SERVICES

Electrical, Plumbing, Joinery, Landscaping,

Drains, Roof work, General Maintenance.

Kitchen, Bedroom & B th i t ll ti

SHELLTECH SERVICESThe complete support team

Bathroom installations.

Alarm Systems

Appliance Repairs.

See www.ShellTech.co.uk for more details or call

Tel: 01782 398693 Mobile: 07768 307482

Domestic, Commercial & industrial Maintenance

Big jobs, Small jobs, Odd jobs – We do them all.

Civic Amenity Visits: A REFUSE LORRY will next be available for thecollection of household items between 9 a.m. and11 a.m. on these Saturdays:

Fulford Village Hall:24th April.

Mayfield Drive, Blythe Bridge:8th May.

Common Road, Rough Close:19th June.

Household Recycling CentreStone - The recycling centre is on Beacon Road,Stone Business Park, off the A34 Stafford Road atthe roundabout with the A51 Butterhill BankRoad - about 1 mile from Stone Town Centre.This centre is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Cheadle - The centre is on New Haden Road,Cheadle, off the road to Draycott, and is closedon Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Police Contact numbersIn an emergency, where life is in danger or a crimeis in progress, call 999.

For non-emergency calls and general enquiriescontact us on 0300 123 4455.

PC 5550 Neil Massey based atStone Police Station is theCommunity Beat Officer for ourarea: Airwave No. 05550

PCSO 6643 Emma Kempson isour Police Community SupportOfficer: Airwave No. 06643

Call Crimestoppers -Telephone 0800-555-111

The CRIMESTOPPERS telephone number canbe used to pass specific information about crimeor criminals without fear or reprisals or directcontact with the police. Calls are FREE from landlines and most mobile phones. The service isanonymous and rewards of up to £1,000 areavailable for information which leads to an arrestand charge.

Stafford Borough CouncilCustomer Contact CentreOpen 8.00 am - 5.00 pmMonday - FridayTel: (01785) 619000 or www.staffordbc.gov.uk

Planning queries 01785 619337 [email protected]

Staffordshire County CouncilGeneral Enquiries Tel: 01785 223121www.staffordshire.gov.uk

CLARENCESafety Defect, such as potholes, ice, flooding andbroken street lighting should be reported directlyto the Highways Hotline Freephone 0800232323 email to [email protected]

STREET SCENEONE phone call, one solution – The specialhotline means that a wide range of environmentalissues, such as littering, graffiti, dog mess, sharps,fly tipping and problems with children’s playareas, can all be reported with just one phone call.

You can contact the Streetscene team in thefollowing ways:Phone the contact centre on 01785 619000Text in with your problem on 07781 471023Email [email protected]


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Documents

parish council newsletter · telltale signs are showing mostly on the play areas at Stallington Village and on Stallington Road. Please use the dog bins which are provided. Police