About Wrinehill

 It has been noted in the Minutes of the meeting held on 27 June 2024 Minute 5 a statement made about this blog 'by a member of the parish council'- 'that  any comments submitted to the author of the blog which questioned the factual accuracy of the contents of its reports were ignored and not published'.  This is an assumption (yet another) not a fact.   It also seems to be yet another example of attempts to undermine the integrity of the blog (and its author). The blog, it has been noted, presents another view point which often differs from the 'standard'/'official' view presented via the Minutes particularly, where statements are made and treated as if they were universal truths rather than just  'a view' of a group of people. It needs to be pointed out here, therefore, that all comments received are read and considered, even though they come from a very small pool of anonymous, in the main, individuals, some with obvious agendas and with mali...

 The NBC is reviewing its local list of community buildings/structures which might not make nationally important Listed List but are still historically important to /hold some significance for the community.  this might be a signpost, a telephone box, a war memorial, bridge walls etc..  If you have a suggestion this can be submitted to the Clerk or to the Conservation officer at NBC.   If you can include the reasons why it should be listed, together with a history of the item, that would help the decision making process of the NBC.   Not all items submitted will be admitted to the list.  Items submitted to the NBC are adjudicated and selected for entry to the Register by a selected Panel of individuals.       

At the last Parish Council meeting, the Chair and Vice Chair presented a verbal summary of the Clerk's performance appraisal, as part of fulfilling the Council's annual requirement. However, the written report was not shared with members, prompting one Councillor to request its circulation. This request was declined by the Chair.  The Vice Chair expressed loudly, his strong objections to the question, stating that his integrity was being questioned, before leaving the meeting abruptly (slamming the door). During the public forum, three of the attendees read statements criticizing the local blog and Wrinehill residents' newsletter.  One being the former Clerk questioned the Councillor's vote on the end-of-year accounts. He also raised concerns about the Councillor's actions, suggesting that any queries about the Parish Council accounts should be addressed to him (rather than to the proper auditing authorities'. The statements, read out (which later became attache...

  In February 2024 a new Committee was introduced through which the Parish Council will now conduct its main areas of business: finance and audit.   This committee at its first meeting recommended/resolved that, additionally a Planning Committee be established.  Thus two of the main functions of a parish council are to be placed into the hands of  five councillors ( a quorum of  3 was recommended and approved).  From meeting twice a year the Finance and Audit Committee decided at its first meeting that it and the Planning Committee would meet consecutively and monthly (except for August and December), and the full Parish Council would meet only 4 times per year (including the Annual meeting).  The reason given was that this would lower the pressure/angst/mental stress/abuse etc of the full council meetings, where questions are asked and scrutiny and accountability are expected.  However, the Councillors who have expressed such symptoms are th...

Those living close to the new Wrinehill development on the main road,  will have noted work being undertaken on the verge and pavement outside the development.  These are improvements.  The gardens to the properties are also being turfed at the expense of the developer we are told.  The development has yet to be adopted by Staffordshire County council - and this includes the grass verge and pavement. The pavement outside the development has just been tarmacced and now puts other pavements in some parts of the parish to shame.  The verge has also been dug up and is being turfed.  Some residents have suggested that trees be planted on the verge to prevent random parking which could occur once the units have been occupied.  At the moment the developer appears to be financing this external refresh.  Trees could be planted if they are financed, we are told.  It is understood that part of the Section 106 agreement money, stated in  Parish Coun...

The nine affordable units in Wrinehill have now been completed and are ready for sale.  The prices range between £350,000 for the detached bungalow to £285,000 for the maisonettes (5 in all) and £235,000 each for the three flats.   None have yet ben sold, which is disappointing given that we have been assured that there is a housing crisis in rural areas and a need for affordable homes. If it is any consolation none of the other  50 odd (and rising) properties for sale in Betley and Wrinehill seem to be selling either, and despite price reductions on some.  These houses range in price from just under £200,000 (2) up to more than £1.4 million.  Are any of the houses for sale locally affordable any more given the turn in socio-economic events over the past few years.  And what do we mean by 'affordable' anyway?         

 Last week was Rural Housing week.   As part of the celebration, the Rural Housing Association launched its Design Guide for rural housing, which aims to 'transform' the perception of affordable rural housing.  The Guide, we are told will assist, and hopefully encourage, local communities to engage with the processes of development in rural areas and villages., which seems destined for the future. The Guide is well illustrated by Matthew Rice (from Stoke-on-Trent).  It guides users through the various aspects of housing, applications and other kinds of development which will face them and  their community, helping them to hopefully shape their built environment, in a way that enhances the character of place, and supports sustainable, flourishing communities, both socially and economically. The prospect of the Green Belt, the countryside and other protected land being used for future development, might prove challenging for some rural communities and particu...

 The notice board outside the Hand and Trumpet has been refurbished in that the smashed glass has been replaced and the noticeboard itself is about to be re-varnished - if that hasn't happened already. The work was undertaken by Dave Hales, and I am sure that Wrinehill residents would want to convey their thanks to him.