Councillor A. Best in the Chair and
Councillors: J. Battrick, L. Davies, J. Powell, N. Powell and C. Thornicroft

Officers: L. Trigg (attended the meeting virtually on Teams), R. Edwards, L. Fleetwood and T. Williams

By Chairman’s invitation: J. Davies and R. Townsend

Councillors: I. Fordham, J. Hood, R. Kenney, J. Metters and A. Mottershead

Councillors: I. Fordham, J. Hood, R. Kenney, J. Metters and A. Mottershead

None made.

None received.

None received.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the Estates Sub-Committee meeting held on the 18 March 2025 (Minute Numbers EST25/027 – EST25/034), be approved as a correct record.

The Sub-Committee considered the parking arrangements at the Frank Jordan Centre.

The Town Clerk advised the Sub-Committee that a short term parking issue had arisen at the Frank Jordan Centre (which was likely to soon be resolved) prompting questions about longer term parking efficiency on the car park.

The installation of parking lines had been investigated as a solution and a cost of £650 obtained (not including pre sweeping) for the parking of 32 cars. This was more than the number of cars that parked there currently, by a reasonable margin. However, the poor condition of the car park surface was an issue with this course of action as the lines would wear away quickly, estimated to last for twelve to eighteen months.

The Chairman suggested installing signs on the surrounding walls to mark the position of the parking bays and enable motorists to use the car park to maximum effect.

The use of reflective strips screwed to the walls was also suggested as well as a combination of reflective strips and professionally printed and purchased signs (that make clear parking is reserved for customers of the Frank Jordan Centre).

The Chairman and the Vice Chairman agreed that they would undertake some research on different parking systems, in time for the next meeting of the Sub-Committee in January 2026.

The Town Clerk advised them that at least a provisional costing would need to be available at the next Sub-Committee meeting if it was to be considered for inclusion in next year’s budget.

The Sub-Committee considered the Town Council’s street lighting provision.

The Chairman advised the Sub-Committee that he was aware that a report had been prepared some years ago detailing the lighting that needed to be refurbished, refitted or updated.

The Town Clerk advised the Sub-Committee that the Town Council had responsibility for two separate sets of lights in the town. He was aware that a group of lights near the war memorial had had their bulbs updated to LED.

The Deputy Town Clerk advised the Sub-Committee that she had made an enquiry to Eon about eight sets of lights and was awaiting advice. The lights are located: in Adies Alley (x2) St Michael & St Wulfad’s Church (Hemp Butts) (x2), Newcastle Road (x1), Lamb Lane (x1) and Trent Hospital (x2).

The Chairman said he would like reassurance that the lighting was being maintained and the Town Council were receiving value for money.

The Deputy Town Clerk confirmed that a maintenance payment was made to Eon as well as a payment for the electricity supply. The outcome of her investigation would be made available to the Sub-Committee when Eon’s report had been received.

Pursuant to the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960, that the Public and Press be excluded from the meeting whilst the next items of business are discussed on the grounds that publicity would be prejudicial to public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the debate.

RESOLVED: To exclude the Press and Public from the next item of business.

RESOLVED:

That the Confidential Minutes of the Estates Sub-Committee meeting held on the 18 March 2025 (Minute Numbers EST25/027, EST25/033, EST25/033 and EST25/034), be approved as a correct record.

The Town Clerk provided an update on Stone Station in respect of the extended use of the lease.

He advised the Sub-Committee that a meeting had been arranged with Council representatives, representatives from Network Rail and Sir Gavin Williamson CBE MP on Friday 21 November 2025 which will include a discussion about the Stone Station lease.