Busy Parish Council meeting

There were few fireworks at what proved to be a business-like Audlem Parish Council meeting on Monday evening at Audlem St James' school.

The parish council heard from the police that issues had been raised by the public about tractors and trailers. A Shropshire-based contractor was named as the prime culprit, with comments that their drivers are showing little regard for pedestrians, cyclists and other users. The police say they will be following up on the comments. Elsewhere, little anti-social behaviour had been reported.

It appears that the painting of parking bays on the public car park may be getting nearer with Cheshire East council asking for a parish council representative to liaise with. Repair of the car park's CCTV was given the go-ahead.

Concern was expressed about the cost breakdown for second composting bins and the parish council will be chasing for more details from Cheshire East's Waste & Recycling manager, Mr Skipp.

There was an extensive debate on the need for a barrier outside the Co-operative Foodstore as a child, or indeed anyone, coming out of the store through the automatic doors could be hit by traffic, particularly as some vehicles mount the pavement at that spot.

Cheshire East's highways department have argued against a barrier – indeed, elsewhere it was said that barriers are being taken down. Alternative solutions aired were changing the parking to the Co-op side of Shropshire Street to create a barrier of vehicles, or to move the shop entrance to the side of the store (the side near to the Copper Beech tree). 

Concern was expressed about the current work affecting the Churchfields Conservation area, especially that the Parish Council had not been consulted about the work.

The council voted to ask the Interim Executive Board for St James school to attend its January meeting, by which time a meaningful report on progress at the school should be available.

It appears that ownership of the refurbished public toilets should be transferred this week from Cheshire East Council to Audlem Parish Council with the one remaining requirement being a signature by a Parish Council representative on the legal papers.

It was reported that the new weekly Coffee Mornings at Thornton House would be on Fridays and there would be a speaker at the weekly meetings.

Concern was raised about gritting the village centre in wintry weather conditions while it was also agreed that United Utilities would be chased over the village centre's sewers as there is a noticeable smell near to the Fire Station and questions were raised as to whether this could be a health hazard.

It was announced that two members of the Cheshire East cabinet will be visiting Audlem on 12th October – Cllr Roland Damleo (Adult Services Portfolio and pro tem Health and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder ) and Cllr David Brown (Performance and Capacity Portfolio Holder).

Please contact local councillor Rachel Bailey (rachel.bailey@cheshireeast.gov.uk" target="_blank">rachel.bailey@cheshireeast.gov.uk or phone 07825 436587) if you would like to meet the Cheshire East councillors during their visit.

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