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.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Environment Sub-Committee held on 18 November 2025, Minute No’s ENV26/018 – ENV26/025 (attached)

To receive an update on the work being undertaken by the Council’s Grounds Maintenance contractor (update attached) and to consider any variations required.

To receive an update from the Chairman.

To consider the report of the Town Clerk (attached).

• • Environmental Working Group (Co-ordinator: Councillor R. Townsend)

Councillors: B. Kenney, R. Kenney and J. Metters

None made.

None received.

None received.

The minutes of the Environment Sub-Committee meeting held on 16 September 2025 (Minute Numbers ENV26/010 – ENV26/017), were approved as a correct record.

The Chairman drew the Sub-Committee’s attention to the Grounds Maintenance Works Update document which had been enclosed with the agenda for the meeting.

He advised the Sub-Committee that the Grounds Maintenance Contractor will be working on the town borders over the winter and early spring. As part of this work some Silver Birch trees will be subject to pollard treatment as a lot of them are shallow rooted and subject to wind damage.

It was suggested that an alternative and more robust tree species could be considered as a replacement for the Silver Birch (potentially through an initiative that provided free trees).

The Deputy Town Clerk has sourced a balanced lock arm/beam for Walton Roundabout from Canal and River Trust operatives working on Star Lock. The Grounds Maintenance Contractor will install it when it is available.

The footpath on Crown Meadow which is scheduled to be built up to prevent surface water flooding, will not be completed in the immediate term but should be completed before the end of the financial year, subject to weather conditions.

The Chairman reported that he and the Deputy Town Clerk had visited the allotment site in Mount Road and surveyed the Mare’s Tail which was noted to be prolific on a couple of allotment plots. The weed is known to spread like wildfire unless contained and is difficult to eradicate. The solution was considered to be allocating Plot 2A to a knowledgeable new allotment holder who was able to manage it. Plot 1A had a more serious Mare’s Tail problem which will need further consideration.

The Chairman provided the Sub-Committee with an update on Crown Meadow and the allotment sites:

Mount Road Allotments
The boundary wire fence was in need of repair and possibly replacement with old broken down concrete posts and tangled wiring. It was not known whether the remedial work would require a budget but a quotation would be requested from the grounds maintenance contractor.

Recording of Flora and Fauna
The Chairman will be visiting the allotments sites next week with David Emley, Photographer and recorder of wildlife, to consider the criteria and parameters for David recording the flora and fauna, starting next month with the goodwill of allotment holders. He said there was an awareness of the importance of the allotment sites in the ecological and natural world and publishing this information would be interesting and informative.

Crown Meadow (General)
The Chairman said he hoped to work on the development of a long term ecological and management plan for Crown Meadow with the Grounds Maintenance Contractor’s input. The plan would steer the improvement and future proofing of Crown Meadow; providing guidance on future budgets for tree planting, woodland maintenance, attracting wildlife, meadow flowers and the like. He has sought the advice of an authoritative body and secured their offer of help. The Chairman will continue to consult with the Ecology and Biodiversity Officer at Stafford Borough Council in moving forward with formation of a five year plan.

Environmental Working Group
The Chairman reported that the Environmental Working Group hadn’t met recently but would be considering the five year plan for Crown Meadow as its next project.

Stafford Borough Sustainability Panel Meeting: Councillor Kelt advised the Sub-Committee that he had attended a Stafford Panel Meeting on 17 November 2025. He said that things were starting to move with potential future impacts next year in the Borough (including Stone) in areas such as tree planting and educating schools. There was a lot of work and progress in East Staffordshire on biodiversity, more so than in Stafford Borough. Councillor Kelt said the Panel geographically covered Staffordshire although it was a Stafford Borough initiative.

Staffordshire Parish Councils’ Association has issued information about Regional Energy Strategic Plans (RESP), a nationwide initiative looking at local requirements for decarbonisation, growth and access to cheap and affordable low impact energy. The Plans will be looking at the way energy is generated, stored and distributed with findings/developments driven down to individual regions.

Councillor Kelt was not clear how RESPs will impact Stone and the Sustainability Panel in Stafford. The project has been going since 2023 and will start producing something in 2026. He has applied to attend a webinar to learn more and gain an understanding of the impact on Stafford borough and in turn Stone.

Details: Remove and dispose of asbestos. Asbestos survey confirmed issues as low risk and requires monitoring.

Current Status: MP has removed asbestos pile from plot 2A and stacked in a layby on the site. MP will add to the pile as he gradually clears asbestos items from other plots. MP will inform us when finished, and we will then obtain a quote to have asbestos professionally removed by a specialist. Raised borders on plot 13 to be dug out and replaced with sleepers as budget allows – MP is liasing with the plot holder on this, as they need to agree to the work. 30.08.24 MP confirms that the plot holder is going to give up the plot soon, and then work can commence on the removal. 24.10.24 Plot holder has renewed for another year. March 2025: Costs to STC to replace with gravel boards or sleepers is too great.

Details: Cut back/prune exisitng shrubs & ivy to promote new growth. Insert new shrubs where required.

Current Status: March 2025: Pruning and cutting back has been completed. Spaces left by dead shrubs and Formia have now been filled by new growth. Mick recommends that new plants are not necessary at this stage and other more pressing remedial work is required. Use remaning budget towards restoration of other town borders.

Details: Time sensitive. Cut back/prune exisitng shrubs & trees to promote new growth.

Current Status: 10.3.25 Town borders were visited and reviewed. Several areas for replanting were agreed. 7.11.25 work is ongoing, larger tasks are scheduled and will be completed in Spring 26.

Details: Replace damaged lock gate on Walton Roundabout.

Current Status: 7.11.25 – CRT have confirmed that they have sourced a balance beam and will deliver it soon.

Details: Raise the level of the diagonal foot path to alleviate against flooding.

Current Status: 7.11.25 – work is scheduled to be started soon and will be completed by Mar 26.

1. The purpose of this report is to determine the level of budget for services under its control that the Sub-Committee wishes to recommend to the General Purposes Committee.

2. The General Purposes Committee on 9th December 2025 considered the standstill budget for 2026-27 and indicative figures for the next two years based on a number of assumptions contained within the report.

3. The standstill budget was prepared on the basis that all Council services will continue at broadly their current level.

4. The standstill budget figures are:

• Grounds Maintenance (2026-27): £23,650
• Crown Meadow Improvements (2026-27): -£2,170
• Allotments: Provision for water, maintenance and competition, offset by estimated income of £4,700.

5. In respect of these figures, Sub-Committee Members should note that:

• a. The Grounds Maintenance budget figure includes regular maintenance (£22,650) an annual provision for bridge cleaning/painting (£600) plus a contingency for unforeseen events (£400).
• b. The Crown Meadow Improvements forecast includes the footpath (£2,560), replanting the town borders and Walton roundabout (£1,200) and replacing the Walton Roundabout “Lock Gate” (£400).
• c. The Allotments budget for 2026-27 includes provision for water charges (£850), general maintenance (£1,430) and the allotment competition (£250). Against this is set estimated annual income of £4,700.
• d. The Environmental Initiatives budget has currently spent £300 related to Crown Meadow articles. No budget provision has been made beyond the current year unless recommended.

6. Members of the Sub-Committee will want to review this standstill budget and the amounts provisionally included.

7. The Sub-Committee is asked to consider the standstill budget and any areas of growth or savings.

8. The Sub-Committee is asked to recommend their proposed budget for consideration by the General Purposes Committee.