To: Members of Rainford Parish Council
Date: 18.03.2025
You are summoned to attend a meeting of
RAINFORD PARISH COUNCIL
on Monday 24 March 2025 commencing at 7pm in the Council Chamber
The Press & Public are invited to attend
AGENDA
1. Apologies for Absence
Councillors are reminded that they must contact the Clerk in writing, prior to the meeting, to give
a valid reason for their absence.
2. Declaration of Acceptance of Office, of Interest, and Updating of the Register
Members are reminded to make any new Declarations of Interest.
3. Formal announcements from the Chairwoman
For information
4. To hear and respond to any questions/deputations by members of the public:
Paul Melling, Rainford Table Tennis Club re: new club house.
5. To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Rainford Parish Council meeting held on Monday 24 February 2025
See separate document. For information and approval.
6. Financial Matters
For information
Income & Expenditure for February 2025:
Receipts £10,551.96
Payments £10,868.12
Bank balances @ 28.02.2025:
Current Account: £1,403.75
Business Savings Account: £48,970.27
Payments do not include staff costs but do include most of the expenses from the Beer Festival. The income does not include the receipts from the Beer Festival over the weekend.
See separate document for figures relating to the Beer Festival.
Quotes had been received for replacing the carpet in the entrance hall, stairs and landing.
7. Clerk’s Report
i. The decorating of the hall, stairs and landing is complete, and the new noticeboard has been installed. At the February FPA committee meeting there was a short discussion about whether the curtains should be put back up. It was agreed that the curtains should not be replaced.
ii. A quote has been received for decorating the Clerk’s office for the ceiling walls and all woodwork £560 plus VAT.
iii. At the FPA Committee meeting on 12 March, it was agreed to purchase carpet at the cost of £2201.26. Since the meeting it has been determined that this was not of sufficient quality for the area. A quote for £3100 excluding VAT was also received for Carpet Tiles. There is a possibility of a donation to cover the cost.
iv. Paula Blellock has requested another EPC assessment for the Village Hall. The Energy Surveyor has suggested that this is not appropriate. Steve Littler, Head of Estates at St Helens Council has requested to see works carried out. At meeting on 27 February with Steve Littler, Paula Blellock, and members of the FPA Committee, Councillor Long, Councillor Bimpson, Councillor Bardsley and Councillor Denton, there was a discussion about the possibility of a 99-year lease, as the energy surveyor advised that it would not be possible to achieve the EPC standard required for a 25-year lease. Currently no further information is available.
v. The Annual Meeting of the Parish Council will take place on 01.05.2025 at 6pm.
vi. The Annual Parish Meeting will take place at 6pm on 19.05.2024 before the Full Council meeting at 7pm. This meeting has been brought forward due the bank holiday.
vii. A resident with a waste management company has approached the Parish Council about taking over the contact. This would be a cheaper and more flexible option.
viii. A trial planter for Rainford In Bloom is now in situ outside Eve’s of Rainford.
ix. An invitation for Councillors to take part in the Walking Day procession 21 June has been received, please inform the Clerk if you are planning to attend.
x. A battery box has been ordered. People can drop off spent batteries and the box will be emptied free of charge.
xi. Donna Mooney CPSO has supplied the following crime statistics for Rainford for February
xii. Merseyside Police rent remains outstanding for the current year. Discussions are on-going, for payment to be made before the end of the financial year.
8. Committee & Working Party Reports
Borough Councillors
Community Liaison Committee: Councillor Whalley
Finance, Planning & Administration Committee: Councillor Long
Health & Safety Committee: Councillor Bimpson
VIP Working Party: Councillor Stockton-Pugh/The Event Manager
10. Parish/Neighbourhood Plan: Cllr Roberts
For information and discussion
11. Miller Homes Development: Cllr Bimpson/Cllr Denton
For information and discussion
12. DBS Checks for members of the Parish Council
For information, discussion and decision.
Some Councils insist that members have a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before taking office, to ensure that a candidate does not have unspent convictions and in case their role as a Councillor brings them into contact with young and/or vulnerable members of the community. A DBS check is not a statutory requirement, but good practice.
DBS checks are a cornerstone of safeguarding in public services, ensuring the integrity of those entrusted to care for the vulnerable, including children and adults. The fact that all councillors are checked can strengthen public confidence, showing that the council is committed to safeguarding and protecting the community.
13. Rainford Youth Council: Cllr Whalley
For information, discussion and decision.
Rainford Youth Council have designed logos for Councillors to choose from.
Councillor Whalley would like to confirm arrangements for purchases for the Rainford Youth Council.
14. Library Service in Rainford:
For information, discussion and decision.
Paula Blellock has provided information relating activities previously carried out at Rainford Library. This averages approximately 148 per year, averages at 4 hours per week. Potential lost revenue for this use would be approximately £2220.00 per annum. Additional costs would also be incurred for Caretaker time and utilities.
15. Village Hall Air Conditioning/Heating:
For information, discussion and decision. See separate document
16. Free Use of the Village Hall Policy:
For information, discussion and decision. See separate document
17. Village Christmas Tree Lights: Cllr Allan
For information, discussion and decision.
To discuss enhancing the Village centre Christmas tree.
18. Police Liaison Councillor: Cllr Allan
For information, discussion and decision.
To discuss the creation of the role of Police Liaison Councillor.
Clerk & RFO to Rainford Parish Council