To consider representations from members of the public on items to be considered at this meeting, in accordance with the Council’s scheme of public participation.

Minutes of the meeting held on 4 November 2025, Minute Numbers C26/055 – C26/064 (attached).

• a) General Purposes Committee meeting held on 4 November 2025, Minute Numbers GP26/079 – GP26/091 (attached).
• b) Planning Consultative Committee meeting held on 4 November 2025, Minute Numbers PC26/031 – PC26/036 (attached).

To receive gifts from Carthage, USA, in recognition of the friendship between our towns.

Before the meeting began, Reverend Paul Kingman, led prayers.

Apologies were received from Councillors: J. Battrick, K. Dawson, I. Fordham and R. Townsend. Apologies were also received from Officers: L. Trigg and R. Edwards

None made.

None received.

None

RESOLVED:

• a) That the minutes of the meeting of the Town Council held on 7 October 2025 (Minute Numbers C26/045 – C26/054), be approved as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

• a) The draft minutes of the General Purposes Committee meeting held on 7 October 2025 (Minute Numbers GP26/063 – GP26/078), were noted.
• b) The draft minutes of the Planning Consultative Committee meeting held on 7 October 2025 (Minute Numbers PC26/025 – PC26/030), were noted.

The Town Mayor reminded the Town Council that at its meeting on 7th October 2025, the Town Clerk had reported that the accounts for 2024-25 had been approved by the Auditor, except in one relatively minor area where the Auditor claimed that the Council had not fully complied with the regulations regarding the public inspection period. The Town Clerk had reported that he did not agree with the Auditor in this respect and had challenged the audit findings.

He said that the auditor had responded to the Town Clerk and now agreed that the Council was in full compliance with the regulations. The auditor has amended the completion letter to reflect this and has sincerely apologised for the matter being raised. The revised audit completion letter has been posted on the Council’s website, and was enclosed with the agenda.

The Town Mayor invited the Chairman of the General Purposes Committee, Councillor R. Kenney, to read a statement from the Town Clerk who provided more details in relation to the 30 day inspection period for the audit and apologised for not being able to attend the meeting due to medical treatment received on this day.

RESOLVED: The Council accepted the update on the findings of the auditor for the Council accounts 2024-25.

The Information for Quarter ending 30 September was noted.

The Civic Announcements, which had previously been circulated, were noted.

The Town Mayor’s and Deputy Town Mayor’s reports of engagements, which had previously been circulated, were noted. The Town Mayor and the Deputy Town Mayor provided the Town Council with additional verbal reports on the details of their engagements.

Apologies were received from Councillors: J. Battrick, K. Dawson, I. Fordham and R. Townsend. Where a reason for absence is given, this reason was approved for the purposes of Section 85(1) of the Local Government Act 1972. Apologies were also received from Officers: L. Trigg and R. Edwards

None

There were none

County Councillor Jill Hood: Councillor Hood informed the Committee that the County Council’s Cabinet had met to confirm its East West proposal for Local Government Reorganisation. The Eastern Unitary authority will serve an approximate population of 689,784 residents. The Western Unitary Council will serve an approximate population of 487,794 residents.

Councillor Hood advised the Committee that the Deputy Leader had spoken about this split being the best option for delivering quality services. The County Council would be submitting its proposal to the Government by the deadline of 28 November 2025.

County Councillor Andrew Mynors: Councillor Mynors was not in attendance at the meeting.

Councillor Rob Kenney: The Chairman said the North South proposal for local government reorganisation had been analysed and was proven to be the best arrangement.

Councillor Jon Powell: Councillor Powell informed the Committee that he had called in planning application 25/41057/OUT (Land at Marlborough Road, Walton).

The Chairman invited PCSO Neil Moffatt to deliver his report. PCSO Moffatt shared information on:

• • Homelessness in Stone – individuals offered accommodation.
• • Anti-Social Behaviour – reduction in instances at Westbridge Park.
• • Anti-Social Behaviour – group of children issued with community protection warnings at Morrisons.
• • Attempted burglaries in Walton targeting high spec vehicles.
• • ‘Hot Spot’ patrols following government funding.
• • Traffic Regulation Order enforcement on the High Street.

Town Councillors expressed concern about the proposed change in PCSO shift patterns from a 10pm finish to a 9pm finish.

RESOLVED: That the Engagement with Young People Working Group be disbanded due to limited resources.

Application Number – 25/41057/OUT
Location – Land at Marlborough Road, Walton
Development – Outline application for residential development of up to 140 dwellings.

Observations: The Town Council strongly objects to this planning application on the following grounds:

• • Strain on existing infrastructure including roads, schools, and healthcare.
• • Significant increase in traffic congestion and pollution on Eccleshall Road.
• • Potential for flooding and pollution into the River Trent.
• • Insufficient information regarding drainage strategies.
• • Impact on neighbourhood amenity and safety near schools.
• • Overdevelopment of the Walton side of Stone.

• Mon 1 to Wed 24 Dec: Christ Church Advent Window Openings
• Wed 10 Dec: Stone Stroke Club Christmas Party
• Thu 11 Dec: Stone Choral Society Christmas Concert
• Sun 14 Dec: Ashbourne Town Council’s Civic Carol Service
• Mon 29 Dec: Texas Flag Raising in Stone High Street
• Thu 12 Feb: Town Mayor’s Valentine’s Charity Fundraising Evening

Remembrance Sunday (9 Nov): Extremely well attended service in the High Street and moving tributes at Walton Community Centre.

Christmas Lights Switch On (20 Nov): Harmonious carols and community spirit despite the cold; meeting with the Christmas Card Competition winners.

Stafford Borough Mayor’s Curry Evening (23 Nov): Fundraising event for the Borough Mayor’s Charity at Bengal Lounge.

Crown Wharf Turkey Trot (30 Nov): 5km race to support the Theatre funding; festive outfits and medals for participants.

Edward Jeavons’ Art Exhibition (6 Nov): Exploring the artistic processes used by the artist.

Opening of Christ Church Garden (11 Nov): Joined by Reverend Kingman and local pupils for the garden opening.

Shoemaker Place Lights Switch-On (28 Nov): Festive celebration with the Yarlet school choir.