Notes on recent APC Meeting

Audlem Online thanks Chris Briggs for taking these notes at Thursday's meeting

APC MEETING 20.3.25
All councillors present.

Public session: question re missing monies. CD read statement from police, material still being reviewed to ensure integrity of the case. No charges yet.

Memorial for Dr Thornton, discussion about a wildflower meadow in TPF possibly tree to be planted.

Discussion re precept increase. CD read a statement outlining parish costs. TPF 11K pa repayment, maintainance 8-9k pa. Other costs include repair of the monument, G2 listed. So the APC decided to increase precept to cover additional costs. If the figure can be reduced it will be. It give a contingency of about 10k. The increase for a band D property is 9.52 pa.

Planning:

All approved, except Moorsfield Avenue. Discussion about possible scenarios. APC to write to CE requesting that and Environmental Impact Assessment is required. Led to discussion around the Neighbourhood Development Plan which needs to be reviewed. Should be reviewed every 5 years. Ours runs out in 2030. Need to start the process for a new one in 2028, there will be a financial cost. From government figures there may be an increase of 12% in the number of houses in Audlem.

Banking:

Working on projected figures the APC may be 10k better off at the end of the financial year.

Internal audits:

The internal audits have not been signed off because of the missing funds because in accounting terms until there is a court case it s not regarded as missing! Rest assured our current accounts are in order.

Payments:

Approved. APC to buy flags and bits and pieces needed for the village, to a budget of 550.

Turnpike field:

• 23-27 May music and arts festival parking and camping – approved
• 28-29 June POP overflow parking for ASET
• 27 July Transport festival overflow parking

Both require risk assessments before approval

Co-option: advertised

Parish matters: (refer to agenda for full details)
a) PB & DL to respond
b) WP & CC to respond
c) works previously agreed, paperwork can t be found. ADAS to provide copies and to arrange for works to be carried out (trees trimmed by tree surgeon) cost est 1200. Approved
d) part of above
e) Quotes in range 4 – 20 depending on work done. No work till possibility of grants have been explored, they cannot be obtained retrospectively
f) off the table now
g) RJ to review the lease
h) Should include; drugs use, anti social behaviour, speeding, parking
I) Response from CE , it is an amber problem, 6 month review after parking changes so June 25..
j) approved

Rachel Bailey

• spoke about devolution and that rural areas could be marginalised under a new mayor, a risk funds may go to more populated areas.
• Mobile household waste collections are proposed to save trips to the tip in Crewe.
• Traffic lights at the old railway bridge whilst inspection takes place.
• Sarah Hemings at CE is the lead for lighting and flooding.
• Gulley emptying will take place on Woodhouse Lane.

A bus service for Audlem should start in April. We may lose the Go Too bus.Present
Phillip Baker,
Charles Cavill,
Carl Dovey,
David Jones,
Ryan Jones
Paul Smart
David Lambourne,
Will Pearson
Tim Brooksbank

In Attendance:
Lee Jakeman (Locum Clerk)