Minutes

Minutes of the Stone Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 15 July 2025, commencing at 7.15pm at Stone Parish Rooms.

Present:

Councillors: Mr Derek Killingworth (Chairman), Mr Doug Hine, Mr Alan Wakeman, and Mrs Pauline Hill.

In attendance:

Mr S Clee (Clerk) and Councillor Ian Hardiman

Apologies

Councillor John Aston

498 Confirmation of the last parish meeting minutes:

The minutes of the last meeting held on 13 May 2025, as previously circulated, were approved and signed by the Chairman.

499 Declaration of Interest for a) The Meeting and b) Any changes to be notified to the Registers of Interests and Gifts and Hospitality.

1. None declared.
2. There were none.

500 Public participation

West Mercia Police attended and reported on one crime relating to a stolen car along Stanklyn Lane recently. They also informed Council CSOs that working times were being amended, so no Support Officers will work past 8pm.

501 Planning matters:

The Council noted the current list of Planning Applications approved and pending by Wyre Forest District Council (WFDC).

502 County and district reports:

Councillor Hardman represented the District and County Councillors tonight. Reports had been circulated and Cllr Hardman clarified several verbal queries. It was noted WFDC Full Council were meeting on 16 July 2025 and the recent Community Governance Review report would be considered. Cllr Hart asked the PC if they supported a tree being installed on land in Rectory Lane. Following discussions, the PC supported the request, and the Clerk to let Councillor Hart know accordingly.

503 Defibrillator:

The Clerk advised he had recently spoken with Mrs Hiliary Baxter who had agreed to carry on with the local roll of Guardian to testing and keeping an eye on the Defibrillator on St Marys Hall. The Chairman agreed to write to Hiliary and thank her for her continued support.

504 Parish Newsletter:

The Clerk showed a copy of the last time the PC had produced a Newsletter in 2016. It was agreed to discuss the further in September.

505 Parish bench at Captain's Pool:

Cllr Hine referred to a request for a Parish Bench around Captains Pool. The Clerk advised we have no committed budget for a Bench Cir £850. He suggested the Chairman approach the PCC at its future meeting to see if they could assist with funding and Cllr Hine agreed to approach the Phoenix Angling Club to see if they could assist with the installation of such a bench.

506 Parish Newsletter:

Cllr Mrs Hill raised a request form Kemp Hospice for a grant. The Clerk said most larger Parishes like Bewdley Town Council and Stourport Town Council give substantial support, but they have much larger budgets than our own for such projects. He suggested pointing the Organisation into the District Councillors who have support grants of £1,000 and local County Councillors who have £10,000 annual allowances for such organisations.

507 WFDC Planning Training:

Cllr Killingworth reported on the recent Planning Training session given to a Wyre Forest CALC Meeting (slides were circulated to all Councillors).

508 Finances:

1. It was noted the bank balance currently stands at £19,639.51 (Current Account) and £25,378.40 (Reserve Account). The Clerk had previously transferred £10,000.00 to our reserve account as agreed at the last meeting.
2. The council noted the current income and expenditure spreadsheets circulated with the agenda.
3. It was agreed for the Chairman to sign the Annual Certificate of Exemption for the AGAR 2024-25 Accounts, and the Clerk return it to Messrs PKF Littlejohn’s and post a copy on the Parish Website.

509 Date of the next meeting:

There being no other business, the meeting ended at 8.25pm. The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, 9 September 2025, at Stone Parish Rooms.

Chairman Tuesday 15 July 2025