Crofton Parish Council
Chairman’s Report for 2006 – 2007
It has been a great honour and a pleasure to be chairman during the previous year. It has also been gratifying to work with a group of councillors who have carried on day to day conscientiously and with enthusiasm to maintain the parish of Crofton. To those who were to think otherwise, all free of charge.
I wish also thank Peter Jaques for his chairmanship during the two years previous, much of his work we all appreciate although he would be too modest to allow me to list them all.
I wish also to note the passing of two previous parish councillors to whom we are indebted, those being Councillors Harold Stead and Lenny Coates.
This is our last year as the current council assembly, during that time we have seen the leaving of Councillor Graeme Jackson after 50 years distinguished service to recently welcoming Katherine Brown to the chamber. We all look forward to the next term in office whilst relishing in some of the challenges that confront us.
West Yorkshire Police Safe Scheme
Whilst anti-social behaviour has been a major concern for most parishioners, we have this year been able to divert some of the schemes funding towards road traffic safety management, especially along Slack Lane. I can also inform councillors that I have recently given consent to use some monies to work in cooperation with Operation DELI in order to remove unlicensed and unsafe vehicles from the streets of Crofton.
I wish to personally thank PC Colin Daley and PC McMahon for the work they have done.
Wakefield MDC District Councillors.
May I first of all express our pleasure to note the Cllr Isherwood is now getting over is period of ill health and is now back working with us.
I wish to thank all the District Councillors, Cummings, Isherwood and Manifield for their work done during the past year within our community. We were also pleased to note that Cllr Maureen Cummings has now progressed to becoming our third cabinet member.
The Parish Centre
After several meetings and some debate it was decided by the Parish Council to improve the facilities so they would become more acceptable for use. It is also the object of this council to improve facilities such that they will meet any future Parish demands.
I wish to thank both Councillor’s Kath and Shaun Duffy for the time and works they have given to the facility.
The Village
Association
We continue to take pride in the sporting facilities that we have provided to Crofton however, the association constantly reminds us that the Sidings building is available for more than sporting requirements.
After several attempts to make contact with PHS, it looks as if we now have a workable contract in order to provide effective toilet fittings.
Thanks to Councillor’s Gordon Makin and Simon Bennett for the time and efforts given with the association.
Village Allotments
During this council term the management of the allotments have been one of the greatest challenges to the parish. This past year has seen the setting up of a Village Allotment Committee comprising of councillors and allotment holders, my thanks go out to Councillor Bob Hewitt for the exemplary role he has achieved whilst acting as Chairman of the Allotment Committee.
Rat infestations have once again been a problem however; this now appears to be well under control through the efforts of the Allotments Committee.
It has been noted on numerous occasions, how much the allotments have improved.
Whilst the issues of the allotments at the Cock & Crown sites have become an emotional subject with both councillors and parishioners alike, I am sure that these sites will shortly and with good will be returned to managed and active allotments.
Parish Cemetery
In keeping with our past commitment, the Parish Council carried out two inspections during the past year. It was pleasing to see that as a result of the efforts of Councillors George Schofield and Peter Jaques the cemetery is looking tidy and pleasing to the eye.
Future works need to address the condition of the Memorial Garden and the security of the remaining burial area.
Burial costs have increased in line with WMDC rates for outsiders whilst remaining at a substantially discounted rate for residents.
Finance
Whilst the precept has again remained at £42,000, I am also happy to record that our finances has been audited and found to be in order. They have also been accepted by WMDC.
Local Government Act Section 137
In benefiting the community we have during the past year given financial assistance to the following groups:-
Remembrance Day Service
It was pleasing to see several members of the parish council along with representations of the district council and members of the public, to join with All Saints Church to remember those who fell for crown and country.
It is hoped that other community members and groups will take part at this year’s service at the War Memorial opposite the Cock & Crown.
I wish to thank Reverend Leon Collyer and his assistants for the service provided.
Christmas Lights and
Carol Service
To say that this was a last minute and very impromptu event would be an understatement. It was a fantastic achievement to celebrate Christmas in true fashion as over 200 people turned out on a foul night in December to sing carols whilst Crofton switched on the lights along High Street.
My thanks go to Michael Hunter and his choir from All Saints Church, the electricians of WMDC and Cllr Peter Jaques for the lighting at the Millennium stone. Special thanks to Crofton Silver Band for virtually dropping ever thing in order to provided us the music and finally the Royal Oak for the food and refreshments provided.
This year’s challenge will be to make the event even better!
Final Thanks
It would be unforgivable not to thank Jez Horsley, Pat Shepherd and Crofton High School for the use of their facilities.
Thanks also to Barry Riley for the assistance given me and the work he has done as Clerk for the parish of Crofton.
Trevor B Chalkley
Chairman