MEETING OF STOURPORT-ON-SEVERN TOWN COUNCIL

Tuesday 12th May 2026

Venue: Coroner's Court, Civic Centre, Stourport-on-Severn

Present

In the chair: The Town Mayor Councillor J Thomas

Councillors: T Berry, B Dawes, M Freeman, J Griffiths, P Harrison, K Henderson, B Jones, D Little, R Lloyd, N Martin, D Morris, C Rogers, I Schmeising-Barnes, T Schmeising-Barnes, H Williams.

Officers:Sue Saunders – Town Clerk, Sarah Harris – Assistant Clerk, Kate Gynn – Civic Support Officer,Kevin Terry – Parks and Cemetery Superintendent,Debbie While – Responsible Financial Officer

Minutes

  1. ELECTION OF THE TOWN MAYOR FOR THE YEAR 2026-27
    1. Councillor H Williams nominated Councillor T Berry to be appointed as the Town Mayor for 2026-27. Councillor D Morris seconded the proposal, and it was resolved that Councillor Berry was duly confirmed as Town Mayor.
    2. The Declaration of Acceptance of Office was duly signed. Councillor Berry thanked Council for their support.
    3. Councillor Berry confirmed Mrs Annette Berry as Mayoress for the Mayoral Year 2026-27.

  2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

    Apologies for absence were received from Councillor A Sutton.

  3. MINUTES

    It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 7th April 2026 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

  4. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

    Councillor Lloyd declared an Other Disclosable Interest in Agenda Item No. 8 as he was a trustee of the Elizabeth Mills Day Centre, Stourport-on-Severn.

    Councillor Little declared an Other Disclosable Interest in Agenda Item No. 8 as he was a trustee of the Elizabeth Mills Day Centre, Stourport-on-Severn.

    Councillor Henderson declared an Other Disclosable Interest in Agenda Item No. 8 as he was a trustee of the Elizabeth Mills Day Centre, Stourport-on-Severn.

    Councillor I Schmeising-Barnes declared an Other Disclosable Interest in Agenda Item No. 9 (Planning Application WF.26/0231/TCA – Lock House, 9 Parkes Passage, Stourport-on-Severn) as she owned a property on the same road.

    Councillor T Schmeising-Barnes declared an Other Disclosable Interest in Agenda Item No. 9 (Planning Application WF.26/0231/TCA – Lock House, 9 Parkes Passage, Stourport-on-Severn) as he owned a property on the same road.

  5. a) VOTE OF THANKS TO THE RETIRING MAYOR

    Councillor Griffiths proposed a vote of thanks to Councillor Thomas and his Mayoresses, Sarah Canty and Maria Thomas, for their outstanding efforts during their recent mayoral term.

    Councillor T Schmiesing-Barnes also expressed his thanks for the fabulous job that Councillor Thomas had done.

    Councillor Lloyd noted that members of the public have been highly supportive of Councillor Thomas in his role as Town Mayor of Stourport, with many people acknowledging his efforts.

    Councillor Berry expressed his thanks and added that Councillor Thomas had been an exceptional mayor, who had gone above and beyond for the town of Stourport-on-Severn. He added that he had acted as a great representative for Stourport. Councillor Thomas had both attended and hosted a significant number of engagements during the last municipal year.

    Maria Thomas, retiring Mayoress of Stourport-on-Severn, also noted her thanks.

    b) Statement by the Retiring Mayor

    Councillor Thomas expressed his gratitude and thanks to Members for the opportunity to represent both Stourport-on-Severn Town Council and the town. He offered his thanks to Councillor Tim Berry who had served as Deputy Mayor during the mayoral year. He extended his thanks to the officers of the council and also his daughters, who had shared the role of Mayoress. Councillor Thomas went on to thank the charities that he had fundraised for over the last twelve months, namely KEMP Hospice and Parkinsons UK. He expressed his thanks to all organisations, companies, residents and friends who had supported his events over the last year. He noted that he had completed 172 engagements during his mayoral term. He added that the 100th Stourport Carnival celebrations, Remembrance Sunday Parade and Three Kings Parade & Christmas Lights Switch-On events were particularly memorable. Councillor Thomas concluded by confirming that he had raised £3,350.00 for his two charities during his term of office, and that he was deeply grateful to all those who had contributed to this total.

  6. Appointment of Deputy Mayor for 2026-27

    Councillor Thomas proposed Councillor Lloyd for Deputy Mayor, this was seconded by Councillor Martin.

    Councillor Henderson proposed Councillor Harrison for Deputy Mayor, this was seconded by Councillor Rogers.

    Upon a vote, Councillor Harrison was duly confirmed as Deputy Mayor for the Mayoral Year 2026-27.

  7. MAYORS COMMUNICATIONS

    The Mayors engagements were circulated and noted.

  8. FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES - 5TH MAY 2026

    Councillors Henderson, Little and Lloyd left the meeting at this point, (6.52pm).

    The Chairman of the Finance Committee updated Council following the last meeting of the Finance Committee. Approval had been sought by officers to submit a project enquiry to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the band stand in War Memorial Park, Stourport-on-Severn, which was in need of considerable repair. It was also noted that the current lease between Stourport-on-Severn Town Council and the Elizabeth Mills Day Centre would expire during August 202 It was noted that Members of the Finance Committee wished to see the valuable work done by the centre continue. Finally, it was noted that the Riverside Toilets had not been cleaned to the expected standard but that officers had been working with contractors to address concerns. Members had recommended to delegate authority to officers regarding invoice payment negotiations. It was resolved that the minutes of the Finance Committee held on 5th May 2026 and the resulting recommendations, be approved.

    Councillors Henderson, Little and Lloyd returned to the meeting at this point, (6.54pm).

  9. PLANNING COMMITTEE MINUTES - 5TH MAY 2026

    The Chairman of the Planning Committee informed Council of the planning application recommendations to be made to the district council. Councillor Berry noted that Members had recommended to refuse application WF.26/0061/S73 following comments provided by the Highways Authority at Worcestershire County Council.

    Councillor Martin asked whether an update had been provided regarding planning enforcement action on the High Street, Stourport-on-Severn and it was resolved that an update would be requested ahead of the next meeting of the Council.

    The minutes of the meeting held on 5th May 2026 were approved.

    1. POLITICAL BALANCE

      The political balance was noted and it was acknowledged that the Local Government & Housing Act 1989 (s15) and the Local Government (Committees & Political Groups) Regulations 1990 only applied to principal councils.

    2. Appointment of members to serve on the following committees
      1. Finance Committee
        Councillor T Berry
        Councillor D Little
        Councillor J Thomas
        Councillor T Schmeising-Barnes
        Councillor H Williams


      2. Parks Committee

        Councillor P Harrison
        Councillor K Henderson
        Councillor R Lloyd
        Councillor C Rogers
        Councillor I Schmeising-Barnes

      3. Grants Committee
        Councillor R Lloyd
        Councillor K Henderson
        Councillor I Schmeising-Barnes
        Councillor A Sutton

      4. Planning Committee

        Councillor T Berry
        Councillor M Freeman
        Councillor R Lloyd
        Councillor D Morris
        Councillor I Schmeising-Barnes

      5. Human Resources Committee

        Councillor J Griffiths
        Councillor P Harrison
        Councillor R Lloyd
        Councillor C Rogers
        Councillor I Schmeising-Barnes

    3. Appointment of members to serve on the following
      1. Stourport Future Working Party
        Councillor T Berry
        Councillor J Griffiths
        Councillor D Little
        Councillor R Lloyd
        Councillor C Rogers
        Councillor T Schmeising-Barnes
        Councillor J Thomas

      2. Civic Hall Working Party
        Councillor M Freeman
        Councillor K Henderson
        Councillor N Martin

      3. Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS)
        Councillor B Dawes
        Councillor D Morris
        Councillor J Thomas

      4. Localism Working Party
        Councillor T Berry
        Councillor J Griffiths
        Councillor R Lloyd
        Councillor D Morris
        Councillor T Schmeising-Barnes
        Councillor J Thomas
        Councillor H Williams

      5. Contingency Planning Working Party 
        Councillor T Berry
        Councillor T Schmeising-Barnes
        Councillor J Thomas
        Councillor H Williams

      6. Events Working Group
        Councillor B Jones
        Councillor R Lloyd
        Councillor N Martin
        Councillor D Morris
        Councillor T Schmeising-Barnes

  11. Agree the Appointment of Members to serve on outside Organisations
    1. Stourport-on-Severn Civic Society - Councillor N Martin.
    2. Areley Kings Village Hall Trust – Councillor R Lloyd.
    3. Kidderminster and District Citizens’ Advice Bureau Management Committee – Councillor N Martin
    4. Hartlebury Queen Elizabeth 1 Foundation (Appointment of Nominated Trustee) – Councillor H Williams
    5. Wilden Village Hall Management Committee - Councillor T Berry
    6. Stourport Heritage Port – Councillor T Berry
    7. Elizabeth Mills Centre - The Mayor – Councillor T Berry and Councillor K Henderson.
    8. Stourport-on-Severn Carnival Society - Councillor D Little, Councillor R Lloyd and Councillor I Schmeising-Barnes.
    9. Stourport Forward – Councillor C Rogers.
    10. Wyre Forest District Council Local Plans Review Panel - Councillor J Thomas.
    11. Worcestershire CALC (Area Meetings) – Councillor T Schmeising-Barnes
    12. Worcestershire CALC Executive Committee - Councillor T Schmeising-Barnes
    13. Civic Hall – Councillor D Morris.
    14. Youth Network – Councillor R Lloyd.

  12. Dates for the 2025-26 Town Council Meetings

    It was resolved that the dates for the 2026-27 Town Council meetings would be as follows:

    Tuesday 16th June 2026
    Tuesday 14th July 2026
    Tuesday 1st September 2026
    Tuesday 6th October 2026
    Tuesday 3rd November 2026
    Tuesday 1st December 2026
    Tuesday 5th January 2027
    Tuesday 2nd February 2027
    Tuesday 2nd March 2027
    Tuesday 6th April 2027
    Tuesday 11th May 2027

  13. Annual Review of Standing Orders

    It was RESOLVED to adopt the following:

    1. Annual Review of Standing Orders.
    2. Equality and Diversity Policy
    3. Lone Working Policy and Buddy Form
    4. Training and Development Policy
    5. Clear Desk Policy
    6. Driving for Work Policy
    7. Menopause Policy
    8. CCTV Policy
    9. Social Media Policy
    10. Safeguarding Policy
    11. Whistleblowing Policy

  14. ADOPTION OF NEW POLICIES

    It was RESOLVED to adopt the following:
    1. Biodiversity Policy

  15. ACCOUNTS

    It was reported that Accounts for April 2026 totalling £57,149.37 had been paid since the last meeting and it was RESOLVED that the report be noted and approved. A Schedule of the Accounts paid was appended at the end of these Minutes, in the Council’s Minute Book, and was available for general inspection.

  16. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

    There was no further business.

Town Mayor

The meeting closed at 7.09pm.