Minutes of a meeting of
RAINFORD PARISH COUNCIL
held on Monday 27 January 2025 commencing at 7pm in the Council Chamber
at Rainford Village Hall
Present: Councillors: Bardsley, Bimpson, Bowden, Denton, Dodson (Chairwoman), Lee, Long,
Roberts, Robinson, Whalley
1. Apologies for Absence:
Councillor Reynolds (Business), Stockton-Pugh (Family)
2. Declaration of Acceptance of Office, of Interest, and Updating of the Register:
None.
3. Formal announcements from the Chairwoman:
Councillor Dodson informed the meeting that:
It had been a quiet time over the holiday season, but she had delivered flowers to residents celebrating their 60th Wedding Anniversary, which was always a pleasure.
Councillor Smith had resigned from the Council as other commitments currently mean she does not have the time required to be a Councillor.
Rainford Youth Council last met on 23.01.2025 and the group is going from strength to strength.
As it is Holocaust Memorial Day, at the request of Councillor Bardsley, a candle will be lit at 8pm.
4. To hear and respond to any questions/deputations by members of the public:
i. Anna Howard: Development of a Strategy for Flooding, following the incident in Kings Moss over the Christmas/New Year holiday period, along with confirmation of an investigation under section 19 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.
Anna Howard did not attend.
ii. Graham Jones: Telecommunication Distribution. Mr Jones wished to know if the Parish Council knew of any plans to erect telecommunication poles in Rainford. Internet access cables into properties can be buried or more cheaply from poles. How the cables are connected sometimes depends on the age of the house. Telecommunication poles have recently been erected in Billinge. Mr Jones was assured that there will not be any poles on the Miller Homes site, and that the Parish Council was unaware of any intentions to erect telecommunication poles in Rainford.
5. To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Rainford Parish Council meeting held on Monday 16 December 2024:
The minutes of the full Council meeting held on 16.12.2024 were agreed as a true and accurate record, proposed by Councillor Long, seconded by Councillor Bimpson and carried unanimously.
Action: The Clerk
6. Financial Matters:
Receipts and Payments for December 2024
See Appendix 1 for full details
Receipts £24,009.93
Payments £15,739.99
Bank balances @ 31.12.2024:
Current Account: £8,805.53
Business Account: £50,970.27
Transfers of £5000.00 were made from the Saver account to the Current account to make payments for invoices. However, staff costs for December are not included as the necessary documentation had not been received before the end of the month.
£246.61 interest was received in the Business Saver Account.
Budget 2025/26: The tax base for the financial year 2025/25 has been set at 3000 and this will be considered by the Section 151 Officer from St Helens Council, in consultation with the Cabinet member for Finance and Governance at some point this month. This will give a precept of £96,720.00. (3000 x £32.34 Band D equivalent)
There were no queries or comments regarding financial matters.
7. Clerk’s Report:
The following report was circulated as part of the agenda. Additions are in italics.
i. Work started on 08.01.2025 on the decorating of the hall, stairs and landing. The work is due to take approximately 3 weeks to complete.
ii. One of the caretakers has now returned to work following an extended period of sick leave.
iii. The Clerk & RFO vacancy has been advertised via poster, social media and the Parish Council and LALC websites.
iv. Paula Blellock has requested another EPC assessment for the Village Hall. The Energy Surveyor has not yet confirmed the date that this will take place.
v. Donna Mooney CPSO has supplied the following crime statistics for Rainford for December 2024. Donna is hoping to return to full duties by March 2025.
vi. Residents have contacted the Parish Council regarding flooding in Kings Moss, Eagle Crescent and on the Miller Homes site. St Helens Council, as the Local Lead Flood Authority (LLFA) have been contacted, and a response is awaited. See Item 4 and separate documents
vii. A resident informed the Parish Council that they had been waiting 2 months from a response from Kieran Birch, Head of Planning at St Helens Council. On 09.01.2025, Lisa Harris, Executive Director Place, at St Helens Council lodged a formal complaint with the Council’s corporate complaints team. No response has yet been received.
viii. A resident had contacted the Parish Council regarding an overgrown hedge on Church Lane. The details have been passed on the St Helens Council as the property appears unoccupied.
ix. Several residents have contacted the Clerk’s office about mud on Higher Lane and Rookery Lane near the Miller Homes site entrances.
x. Replacements for the damaged replica Railway signs are being sourced.
xi. Councillor Denton was booked on to the LALC training session ‘Planning for Parish & Town Councils’ taking place on 22.01.2025. This was postponed at short notice. A new date is awaited.
xii. Councillor Helen Smith resigned on 14.01.2025 as changes to her work and caring responsibilities mean she is unable to fulfil her role as a Parish Council member. The vacancy has been advertised on the village centre noticeboard, social media pages and website. Councillors are requested to speak to possible candidates to join the Parish Council as there are now 3 vacancies: 2 for Junction Ward and 1 for Randle Ward.
xiii. There is on-going dialogue with Councillor Riley from Windle Parish Council regarding sharing information on Neighbourhood Planning.
xiv. The following planning application was received after the FPA Committee meeting for January 2025:
P/2025/0021/HHFP Ground Floor Garage Conversion and first floor side extension
51 Scarisbrick Road, Rainford
There were no objections to this application
xv. Various email scams have been received by on the Clerk’s, Event Manager’s and Councillor email addresses. These have been reported, and no email addresses have been compromised.
xvi. The Annual Meeting of the Parish Council will take place on 01.05.2025 at 6pm, and the Chairperson’s evening will take place on Friday 09 May 2025.
xvii. The flag for VE Commemoration has been ordered.
xviii. A letter has been received from the Valuation Office Agency. The information requested has been completed via the .gov website within the requested time frame.
xix. The notification of a consultation in relation to an appeal against a planning application refusal for 1 Maggots Nook Road, Rainford has been received:
Partial change of use of agricultural land to residential garden along with new vehicular access to the highway with associated boundary wall and hardstanding garage and summer house.
There was a short discussion, and the Clerk was asked to circulate the reasons why the original planning application had been refused.
Action: The Clerk
8. Committee & Working Party Reports:
Community Liaison Committee: See appendix 2 for draft minutes
Councillor Whalley informed the meeting of the following:
• It had been a good meeting of Rainford Youth Council on 23.01.2025. At the request of the CLC, the Youth Council had discussed an issue that is currently pertinent to the Parish Council. Each school had carried out a survey about the Miller Homes development. The results were contrasting, with most High School pupils questioned stating that they did not agree with the development because of the lack of infrastructure, and the houses being unaffordable. The primary school children were much more focused on the destruction of wildlife and farmland, and noise pollution. The meeting had also looked at the UN convention of the Rights of the Child.
• All 4 head teachers have been contacted to see how the Parish Council can liaise with, and work with the schools.
• Chris Holt had been in contact about the traffic on Higher Lane/Old Lane at the beginning of and end of the school day; he has been clipped by vehicles on more than one occasion, including by the school bus. Councillor Whalley has contacted Stagecoach regarding this. An article asking those dropping off and collecting children to be more mindful of pedestrians will go in the school newsletter. Councillor Lee will ensure that a similar article is in the Corpus Christi Newsletter. The CPSO, Donna Mooney will also be asked to attend each of the schools at dropping off and collecting times to speak to vehicle drivers.
Action: Councillor Lee
• The last meeting of the Community Hub was a success and numbers are gradually rising. The February meeting (20.02.2025) would be a Health & Well-being event with stands and stalls from a range of companies, organisations and societies. The event needs widespread advertising. Councillor Roberts offered to have a stall, in her professional capacity.
• The heritage memorial and stone will be unveiled on 31.01.2025 at Midday.
• The Blood Box for the North End Club has been put up.
• The Event Manager is working on a series of events for throughout the year, including the anniversary of VE day.
Finance, Planning & Administration Committee: See Appendix 1 for draft minutes
Councillor Long informed members that the FPA committee had met twice since the last meeting; the extraordinary meeting dealing with the vacancy for the role of Clerk/RFO.
As the Chairman had been unable to attend the ordinary meeting, Councillor Denton went briefly through the draft minutes of the meeting held on 08.01.2025 and informed the meeting that the main items of discussion are separate agenda items.
There was a lengthy discussion about the recent flooding that had occurred in Kings Moss, Beech Gardens, Pasture Lane and on the Miller Homes development site, regarding responsibility and the involvement of St Helens Council. The Clerk read out an email received from Borough Councillor Mussell and also informed the meeting that St Helens Council had been contacted as the Lead Local Flood Authority asking if an investigation had been started. A reply has not yet been received.
Members also discussed the contentions from a resident that Councillors had not been visible or contactable on the day of the flooding, or subsequently. In fact, several Councillors’ mobile numbers are available on the Parish Council website, including that of the Chairwoman. There are also emergency contact details on the St Helens Council website. However, in order to provide a better response for any future occurrences, it was agreed that if there is a flood warning for the area, named Councillors will be on standby for moral support and to give out emergency contact details and appropriate numbers for St Helens Council. Additionally, the Clerk was asked to research the cost of sandbags, although this may not be a suitable solution.
Action: The Clerk
Health & Safety Committee: See Appendix 3 for draft minutes
Councillor Bimpson informed members that the meeting held on 07.01.2025 discussed the following:
The flooring in the back bar needs replacing. The company who said they would attend have not been. The current quote is £1k to replace the flooring. It was agreed that an alternative quote should be obtained.
New lighting is required in the Clerk’s office.
The Clerk and Event Manager have been given desk top work assessments to complete.
There is a stock of salt for use in freezing weather.
An inspection of the Village Hall was undertaken, with no other issues identified.
Councillor Lee raised concerns about one of the electrical sockets in the kitchen. This issue has been resolved.
VIP Working Party:
The Event Manager gave an update regarding the Beer Festival and some suggested events to be held during the year.
9. Parish/Neighbourhood Plan:
Councillor Roberts informed the meeting that the answers to questionnaire were still being collated. The next step will be to evaluate relevant parts of the Local Plan. A meeting with Councillors from Windle Parish Council will take place in the near future to share ideas and information.
Eccleston Homes (Lords Fold) have refused to provide or repair the basketball hoop on the Ormskirk Road Park.
10. Miller Homes Development:
Councillor Bimpson had contacted Miller Homes and St Helens Council following complaints from several residents regarding mud on the road and on the wagons around the site, and potholes on Higher Lane and Rookery Lane. Councillor Denton had requested an urgent meeting with Miller Homes to discuss this on-going issue.
11. VE Day Commemoration 08.05.2025:
There was a discussion regarding holding an event in the Village Hall to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May 2025.
RESOLVED: Councillor Denton proposed that an afternoon Tea Dance is held. Tickets will be priced to break even, as this is a community event. Local veterans will be contacted and Rainford Heritage Society asked to provide a display of WW11 artefacts. This was seconded by Councillor Whalley and carried unanimously.
The Event Manager was asked to provide costings for the next CLC meeting, including a cone of fish and chips for all those attending, and to ascertain which Councillors would be available to help on the day. The Clerk informed the meeting that a special commemorative flag had been ordered.
Action: The Clerk/The Event Manager/All members
12. Line Management of Parish Council Staff:
There was an in-depth discussion with opposing views being expressed.
RESOLVED: Councillor Lee proposed that a formal Annual Appraisal takes place for all staff members by their line manager and that an appropriate record is kept of the meeting. A member of the Finance, Planning & Administration Committee will conduct the Annual Appraisal for the Clerk. This was seconded by Councillor Roberts and carried unanimously.
Action: The Clerk/Members of the FPA Committee
RESOLVED: Councillor Lee proposed that in line with NALC guidelines, the Clerk remains responsible for all other staff, with the Event Manager being the line manager for all the bar staff. This was seconded by Councillor Robinson and carried by a majority of 6 votes for, and 2 against the motion.
The Chairwoman stated that there should be defined support and supervision for all staff members. Councillor Robinson requested that any necessary changes are made to the Standing Orders to ensure they are in line with Parish Council policies.
13. Local Life Newsletter:
There was a discussion and the following was agreed:
• Additional copies would be available at the Village Hall
• A copy of the newsletter would be posted on the noticeboards in the Village Hall and Village Centre
• The link to the online version of Local Life would be shared on the Parish Council website
Action: The Clerk
14. Use of the hall by organisations and societies:
Councillor Lee declared a non-pecuniary interest.
The Event Manager requested clarity over the arrangements for Rainford organisations and Societies using the hall without charge, once a year.
There was a lively discussion, with differing views being expressed.
RESOLVED: Councillor Denton proposed that the timing of the once per annum, free of charge event for Rainford organisations and societies, follows the financial year of the Parish Council (1st April – 31st March). This was seconded by Councillor Dodson and carried unanimously.
Action: The Event Manager
RESOLVED: Councillor Long proposed that each society or organisation is entitled to one event without charge during the financial year of the Parish Council (1st April – 31st March), regardless of whether the event is shared with another society or organisation. Additionally, that a written policy to this effect is produced. This was seconded by Councillor Whalley and carried by a majority of 6 votes in favour of the motion, with 1 against and 2 abstentions.
Action: The Clerk/Event Manager
There being no other business, the meeting closed at 8.50pm.
_______________________
Councillor Liz Dodson
Chairwoman, Rainford Parish Council 2024/25
APPENDIX 1: Draft FPA Committee Minutes 08.01.2025
Present: Councillors Bardsley, Bimpson, Denton
In attendance: Sally Powell (Clerk)
In Councillor Long’s absence, Councillor Bardsley proposed that Councillor Denton chaired the meeting. This was seconded by Councillor Bimpson and carried unanimously.
1. Apologies for absence:
Councillor Dodson (Away), Councillor Lee (Business), Councillor Long (Away), Councillor Stockton-Pugh (Business)
2. Approval of the minutes of the meeting held on 11 December 2024
The minutes of the meeting held on 11 December 2024 were agreed as a true and accurate record, proposed by Councillor Bardsley, seconded by Councillor Bimpson and carried unanimously.
Action: The Clerk
3. Plans:
P/2024/0634/HHFP Demolition of the existing garage, single storey rear extension and 3no out buildings, and the erection of a part single storey part two storey side/rear extension, single storey side and rear wraparound extension, and alterations to the existing rear dormer roof front façade and driveway.
53 Heyes Avenue, Rainford
There were no objections to this application.
Lord’s Fold Update: There was a discussion about an increase in the number of storage containers on the site.
Miller Homes Update: There have been complaints from residents about the state of the roads around the site, and the flooding that has recently occurred. Water from the site has been diverted to flow into the culvert, which has been unable to cope with the volume of water. Residents have sent in photographs which the Clerk will circulate, along with emails sent to the planning officer. Councillor Denton will undertake a site visit.
Action: Councillor Denton/The Clerk
4. Financial Matters:
Income & Expenditure for December 2024: See appendix 1 for full details
Receipts £24,009.93
Payments £15,739.99
Bank balances @ 31.12.2024:
Current Account: £8,805.53
Business Savings Account: £ 50,970.27
Budget 2025/26: The tax base for the financial year 2025/25 has been set at 3000 and this will be considered by the Section 151 Officer from St Helens Council, in consultation with the Cabinet member for Finance and Governance at some point this month. This will give a precept of £96,720.00. (3000 x £32.34 Band D equivalent)
Renewal of Local Life Contract: The Parish Council use Local Life magazine for a bi-monthly newsletter. The contract is due for renewal and the price for a double page has increased by 2.5% to £450. This is equivalent to an increase of £66 for the year. There was a discussion.
RESOLVED: Councillor Denton proposed that Local Life magazine should be used for a bi-monthly Parish Council newsletter during 2025, at a cost of £450 per issue. This was seconded by Councillor Bimpson and carried unanimously.
The Clerk was asked to find out if additional copies could be made available that could be distributed by Councillors and/or left in public places.
Action: The Clerk
5. Clerk’s Report:
The following report was circulated with the agenda. Additions are in italics
i. Arrangements for the decoration of the hall, stairs and landing are currently being made. The date for starting has been confirmed as 08.01.2025. Work started this morning and the wallpaper on the wall alongside the stairs has been removed with the plaster staying intact. The work is due to take approximately 3 weeks to complete.
ii. The new vacancy for Randle Ward has been advertised. Councillors are requested to speak to possible candidates to join the Parish Council.
iii. One of the caretakers will be on sick leave until the end of January 2025.
xx. The proposed Tax Base per Band D equivalent is 3000
xxi. The Clerk & RFO vacancy has been advertised
xxii. There have been a lot of enquiries about hiring the Village Hall. There was a short discussion. Members suggested that photographs of functions and events are shared on the Parish Council’s website and social media pages.
Action: The Clerk
xxiii. The Clerk informed the meeting that there had been some difficulties with a regular hirer regarding the hall floor.
6. Any Other Matters
None.
There being no other business, the meeting closed at 7.25pm
___________________
Councillor John Long
Chairman, Finance, Planning & Administration Committee
Rainford Parish Council 2024/25
APPENDIX 1: Receipts and Payments for December 2024
APPENDIX 2: Draft Community Liaison Committee Minutes 06.01.2025
Present: Councillors: Reynolds (arrived 6.40pm) Robinson, Stockton-Pugh,
Whalley (Chairwoman)
Sally Powell (Clerk)
Lisa Roxby
Absent: Councillor Bowden
1. Apologies for Absence:
Councillor Dodson (Away), Councillor Roberts (Family)
2. Minutes of the meeting held on 02.12.2024:
The minutes of the meeting held on 02.12.2024 were agreed as a true and accurate record, proposed by Councillor Robinson, seconded by Councillor Stockton-Pugh and carried unanimously.
Action: The Clerk
3. School Liaison Officer’s Report:
Councillor Whalley informed the meeting that she had sent festive greetings to all the schools.
The next Youth Council meeting will be held on 23.01.2025. It was suggested that members of the Youth Council could be given items from the Full Council meeting to discuss.
Councillor Reynolds proposed pitching for a grant from the Borough Councillors, but this would have to be done through a local charity as the funds cannot be given to the Parish Council.
4. VIP Report:
Councillor Stockton-Pugh stated that there was not much to report following the Christmas Fayre. The next VIP meeting will take place on 08.01.2025. The possibility of grants will be looked into.
5. Updates:
Community Hub: Councillor Denton informed the meeting that 80 people had attended the Community Hub Christmas Party, which had been good fun. Hopefully, it will encourage more people to attend on a regular basis. A list of dates with activities is needed by the Event Manager.
Action: Councillor Denton
Heritage Memorial: Councillor Reynolds informed the meeting that the stone is now in place. Many people have helped to get the project this far. The plaque will be fitted by the stonemason and the unveiling ceremony will take place on 31.01.2025 at midday. Councillor Reynolds gave a list of people he would like invited to the unveiling ceremony on an invitation from the Chairwoman of the Parish Council.
The ceremony will be as follows:
• Opening welcome by the Cllr Dodson, Chairwoman of the Parish Council
• Short speech by Ray Waring and/or Saron Scott (Chairperson of the Rainford Heritage Society)
• Blessing by a member of the Clergy
• Closing speech by Councillor Reynolds
Councillor Reynolds is looking into the possibility of a mural on the wall near to where Rookery Station was.
Knifesavers: In Councillor Bowden’s absence, the Clerk informed the meeting that the Blood Box for the North End Club had not yet been put up. Gyles Charnock who has offered to do this will be contacted.
Action: The Clerk
Rainford Youth Council: Councillor Whalley stated that this heading had been included in Item 3
6. Neighbourhood/Parish Plan:
Councillor Roberts was not able to attend the meeting, but had sent the following update via email to the Clerk:
Councillor Danny is helping with adding on the paper copies of the survey responses to the spreadsheet file Lisa helped to create. The plan is to have all the residents responses on one spreadsheet and check it against the local plan and focus on how we can use the neighbourhood plan to help create what’s not covered in the local plan.
7. Beer Festival 28.02 – 02.03.2025:
The Event Manager gave the following information:
Friday 28.02.2025 6pm – 10pm with an acoustic music set around 7.30pm – 8pm Burgers available from the kitchen.
Saturday 01.03.2025 Noon – 10pm with 2 live music performances: Buzzard at around 4pm and Tony on the Strings at approximately 8pm.
Garden to Gate Ploughman’s grazing boxes available all day and Little Italy Pizza Van
Sunday 02.03.2025 2pm – 6pm (could this be extended to 8pm?) Family day with some sort of children’s entertainment and a face painter.
Hotpot available from the kitchen.
There are no sporting events on that could be shown on the screen except the Wigan vs Castleford Rugby match.
Sponsorship packages are available for:
• The Bar
• The Entertainment
• The Cider Table
• The Spirits Table (profit for the Chairwoman’s Fund)
• Barrels of Beer
The Event Manager has the list of previous sponsors and will be encouraging them to get involved again. Miller Homes will be approached to sponsor the bar, which is the biggest expense.
Support is needed:
n to get the Beer Festival promoted as much as possible with posters in as many shops as will take them
n approaching any contacts who may sponsor a barrel
n to help run the event
Other possibilities discussed were:
• Rainford Youth Council getting involved on the Sunday
• Having a theme on the Sunday, such as Harry Potter
• Providing an activity on the Sunday such as biscuit decorating
• Showing an historic sports event
• Having a banner outside the Village Hall in the run up to the Beer Festival and having feather banners outside the doors when the festival is open.
• Match funding.
Action: All Members
8. Events:
The Event Manager informed the meeting that she had met with the Managers from the Labour Club and Rainford X Club to swap dates, to ensure there are no clashes for events. She suggested organising the following for events for 2025:
1. Eurovision Event 17.05.2025
2. Sip & Paint Event, organised in house x 2, dates tbc
3. Tea Dances 2pm – 6pm every quarter, dates tbc; we have someone to do the music
4. Country Night, date tbc – more interactive than the last one
5. Easter Community Cinema, 13.04.2025 – ‘Peter Rabbit’ with an Easter Egg Hunt
6. Halloween Rocky Horror themed night, 25.10.2025
7. Christmas Community Cinema, 30.11.2025
8. Christmas Fayre 06.12.25
9. Christmas Party Night, 20.12.2025
There was a discussion about holding another SWISH event. It was agreed that the provisional date of 14 March 2025 would not go ahead, and if it is tried again, it should be moved from a Friday to a Thursday evening.
On 08.03.2025 there is a Chairwoman’s fundraising event; a band concert. This needs promoting.
Action: All Members
A date for the Chairperson’s evening needs to be set.
Action: The Clerk/The Event Manager
9. Solar System on the Linear Park:
Councillor Reynolds reiterated the details of his initiative as a reminder for members; local youth organisations would get involved in making a papier mâché version, which if successful could be replaced by a permanent outdoor exhibition. A response is required to questions and queries posed by the planning department.
Action: Councillor Reynolds
There being no other business, the meeting closed at 7.32pm
______________________
Councillor Carol Whalley
Chairwoman, Community Liaison Committee
Rainford Parish Council 2024/25
APPENDIX 3: Draft Health & Safety Committee Minutes 07.01.2025
Present: Councillors: Bimpson (Chairman), Long, Stockton-Pugh
In attendance: Sally Powell (Clerk)
7. Apologies for absence:
Councillor Dodson (Away).
8. Health & Safety Policy:
The policy document was discussed. The Clerk was asked to circulate the document.
Action: The Clerk
9. Health & Safety Matters relating to staff:
i. The Clerk raised concerns about the flooring behind the bar, which is a trip hazard. A local company came been in to look at the issue some months ago, but the work has not been completed. Councillor Long will call in and speak to them to ascertain when the work will be done. In the meantime, the mat from the kitchen will be moved to cover the flooring in the bar, and a new mat ordered for the kitchen.
Action: Councillor Long/The Clerk
ii. The layout of the Clerk’s office was discussed, along with the position of the monitors on the desks, and the lighting. Councillor Stockton-Pugh will provide a Display Screen Equipment assessment for the Clerk and the Events Manager to complete.
Action: Councillor Stockton-Pugh/The Clerk/The Event Manager
The Clerk was asked to get a quote for upgrading the lighting to LED.
Action: The Clerk
10. Health & Safety Matters relating to the Village Hall:
i. The safety of pedestrians visiting the hall during very cold weather was discussed. It was established that there is currently a good stock of rock salt.
ii. The Evacuation plan for the Village Hall was discussed. This has not been reviewed for some time, and needs to be prominently displayed. The Clerk was asked to circulate a new draft procedure for discussion at the next meeting.
Action: The Clerk
iii. Members went through the Health & Safety checklist (See Appendix 1)
There being no other business, the meeting closed at 6.28pm
______________________
Councillor John Bimpson
Chairman, Health & Safety Committee
Rainford Parish Council 2024/25
Appendix 1
