ILAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday 9 July 2024 @7pm Ilam School
Present C Sellers, L Oulsnam, (Clerk) N Taylor, V Nottage, R Wain, C Hibbert -Foy, Cllr E Wain,
L Hayward, (NT) A Chillingworth (NT) L Drew (Staffs Police)
B Gorman (Staffs Police) I Smith, H Allen
Apologies K Warrington
Minutes
Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 7 May 2024 were read and signed as true and correct.
National Trust
Ilam Updates
A big thank you to the parish council for their contribution towards the resurfacing of the driveway to the church – much appreciated.
We have been successful in our application to FiPL for funding to support the second phase of the accessible path works. NT Killingley have been appointed as contractors for the work which is scheduled to begin in early September. As before we will share a more detailed timetable of works with key stakeholders in due course. Whilst this work is being carried out, the same contractors will also be creating some additional parking at Home Farm for staff and volunteers. Planning permission for this has been granted. This will create approx. 6 more spaces on the grassed area in front of the entrance gate.
Beaver Bridges have now carried out the relevant surveys for the replacement bridge. A new planning application for this will need to be submitted to reflect some changes to the plans – the new proposed bridge will be a simplified design. Funding is also being sought for this project.
The planning application for the woodland play area has been approved. The Ranger team will be adding to the existing offer over the coming months.
The repair work to railings in and around Ilam is nearly complete – thank you to the PC for supporting this through agreeing to relocate the noticeboard, and to Warrington’s for moving the coach to enable to the work to take place.
There has been a small number of incidences of vandalism and theft from Ilam Park over the last few months. Incidents have occurred during the night and have included attempts to break into NT Car Parking machines and one break in at the NT Tea Room. Police have attended to investigate, provide advice, and have increased patrols of the area. NT and YHA teams remain vigilant and are ensuring good housekeeping is in place to reduce the likelihood of any repeat attempts.
C Sellers enquired about the planning withdrawal for the bridge application and felt that this had gone too long, approx. 6 years and when will it be finalised. The NT to update with further information.
Dovedale Updates
In conversation with DCC regarding repair of stepping stones now that water level has gone down. Will update as and when we know more.
The ranger team will be trimming the hedges along the entrance road to Dovedale
From 20th July to 3rd September, the car park at Dovedale will be staffed until the early evening (staff and weather dependent). Timings tbc but shifts will be split to ensure we have a presence from morning through to early evening on busy/nice weather days
Installation of an ANPR system at Dovedale scheduled for autumn. Planning permission will need to be sought for the infrastructure needed for this system to work. Once installed, this will enable our welcome team to spend more time engaging visitors with key messages around things like BBQs, dogs on leads, litter etc. as opposed to simply processing payment for parking.
Planning permission has been sought for the erection of a radio mast, solar panel and small wind turbine (to provide power for the mast) at Moor Barn. This is a joint project between NT and Mountain Rescue to ensure more reliable radio coverage across the area.
Upcoming events at Ilam Park
On 4th August from 7pm – 9.30pm we have outdoor theatre. This will take place on the tiered area in front of the hall. Ticketed event which will be stewarded by staff and volunteers on the night to ensure minimal disruption for residents.
Improving Village Environment
PCSO R Gorman and PCSO L Drew attended the meeting and answered questions and concerns raised by the Council and parishioners. They were very helpful, and we are encouraged to contact the Police to report any suspicious circumstances or crimes. Please report incidents through to Staffordshire Police Control Room on Telephone 101, for emergencies dial 999 or log report online.
PCSO R Gorman has visited the village and increased visits will occur throughout the summer and year where possible.
A poster will be displayed in the village notice board regarding contact numbers for reporting incidents to the police and who our community PCSO are in this area.
Bulbs to be bought later in the year and planted throughout the village.
A new Tommy figure and 2 Tommie’s for the church have been purchased for D Day 80 memorial from the D Day 80 grant. One is by the weeping willow by the river and 2 for the church. They were purchased from Royal British Legion Industries which supports veterans Every purchase directly contributes to the employment and support of vulnerable veterans and those with disabilities.
Highways
R Wain raised the white lines at the bottom of Ilam Hall drive to be repainted as this is dangerous.
This has been raised and reported on numerous times. L Oulsnam to report and resend letter to Highways.
C Sellers and L Oulsnam sent letter to Highways about Highway issues in the village. The letter has been sent twice and further letter to be emailed to Highways. Cllr G Heath who has been very helpful with the issues we have in the village. Cllr E Wain will raise issues discussed with Cllr G Heath and Highways.
Finance
Balance in account: £943.86p
AOB
Planning application NP/SM/0624/0619 Lower Damage Farm, Ilam was discussed.
Date of next meeting: Tuesday 10 September Ilam School 7pm