ILAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday 11 November 2025 @7pm Ilam School
Present C Andrews (Clerk), C Wilderspin, K Warrington, I Frith, H Allen, V Nottage, A Chillingworth (NT), J Moffatt (Staffs Police), A Andrews, K Tipper.
Apologies R Wain (Parish Councilor)
Appointment of Chair and Vice Chair
At the start of the meeting, members voted to appoint:
Chair: Mr. Ian Frith
Vice Chair: Mr. Clive Andrews
All PCC members voted in favour, agreeing this would best support the future of the PCC and the village.
Minutes
Minutes from the previous meeting held on the 9th September 2025 were agreed as accurate and signed by I. Frith.
Updates from the National Trust
The third phase of a project to resurface paths at Ilam Park started on Monday 10th November. This will help to improve accessibility to ensure people with a range of needs can explore further on this historic and picturesque site. For the next four weeks work will be taking place to improve the surface of paths in two areas:
Section 1: The path from St Bertrams Bridge to the steps which lead up to Hinkley Woods (the purple route)
Section 2: A section of path near Target Meadow from the 'Battle Stone' and up to the Manifold River bridge crossing (the orange route)
During the works there will be some path closures and changes to routes around the site. These will be clearly marked. The Visitor Welcome hut will also be temporarily relocated to the front of Ilam Hall.
We are aware that there is a large fallen tree along the path from St Bertram's Bridge to Wood Lodge, which we will be looking to clear up using a contractor.
With help from Ilam School, we recently reseeded the village green with a mix of local wildflower seeds.
The fountain is now in place in the Italianate Gardens. It is solar powered and operates on a timer during core opening hours.
A geophysical survey was undertaken by Derbyshire Archaeology Scouts around the church/St Bertram's Well to see if there were any indications of an earlier hall that would pre-date the Elizabethan Hall built by the Port Family. Mention of this hall (known at Little Hall) has been found in a newspaper article advertising the opportunity to rent it. The survey showed some possible areas for further exploration, and we are looking at undertaking some test-pit digs next year to see what we can uncover.
On 29th October we undertook a big litter pick of Dovedale and the surrounding areas. With help from 20+ staff and volunteers, we cleared litter not only from the valley, but in and around Milldale, Thorpe, Ilam and Blore. We hope to do another one in January and then plan regular sessions in for 2026.
The PCC expressed their thanks for this support.
Improving Village Life
C. Wilderspin confirmed there would be spare funds available for replanting around the village during Winter.
V. Nottage agreed to collect bulbs from around the village monument for drying and re-use in 2026. She also noted that R. Wain may have some older bulbs for use.
The National Trust will look into continuing the grass-mowing along the village pavement next year, as they kindly did in 2025.
The PCC expressed their thanks for this support.
Grass Verge Damage (Lodge Lane / Ilam Moor Lane Junction):
Large vehicles are churning up the grass verge.
The PCC agreed to investigate installing wooden posts and possibly planters to prevent further damage.
Highways
The stone posts and HGV signage at Blore crossroads have been struck again, this will be reported (again) to SCC Highways.
The bottom stone bollard at the village green has been struck; the National Trust is currently reviewing the issue.
Parking Issues at Easter:
PC Jim Moffatt (Staffordshire Police) will look into providing official police cones for use during peak visitor periods.
He also mentioned the possibility of using local cadets to assist with managing.
Village signs to discourage parking on Moor Lane causing obstruction to locals and lambing.
K. Warrington agreed to allow the cones to be stored in the village garage for easy access.
Finance
Balance in account: £1,999.09
AOB
Mr C. Andrews is exploring the creation of a new village website, which he has kindly offered to develop.
The website may include an advertising page for local businesses, with a small annual fee to help support village projects, the parish newsletter, and the reporting of local issues and concerns.
The PCC discussed encouraging greater resident engagement, including reaching out to households to promote attendance at meetings and to invite residents to share any local concerns. All residents would be warmly welcomed.
Date of next meeting: Tuesday 20 January 2026 @ Ilam School 7pm