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Crofton Parish Council

     Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held  19th December 2006.                             

 

Present;                                  Councillors, Chalkley (Chair), Bennett, Duffy K, Hewitt, Jacques, Makin, Ripley, Schofield Towns, Wrigg.

 

In attendance;                        No members of the public were present.

                                                District Councillor Cummings

 

Apologies for absence           District Councillor, Isherwood, Manifield.

Councillors, Duffy S, Voros.

 

12/720             Receive report from West Yorkshire Police           

PC Daley presented his report for the Safe Scheme covering the month of November 2006, Cllr Chalkley commented on an assault that had taken place by youths outside Sainsburys and noted it was not on the report, however Cllr Makin pointed out that the reason was because the assault had occurred during December. Cllr Makin asked about deployment of officers for the Safe Scheme, in response Cllr Towns noted that PC Paul McMahon was seen regularly around the village. Cllr Towns also took the opportunity to inform members that the Youth Club was only opening two nights a week for a total of five hours, this was felt to be insufficient, the Clerk was asked to write to the Head of Education for WMDC to bring the matter to his attention for comment. Cllr Chalkley informed members, that Royal Mail vans visiting the Post Office, were parking on the double yellow lines on Slack Lane which was adding to the already problematic area, the Clerk was asked to write to the Royal Mail to ask them to not do so, following the meeting he would also remind PC Daley about the problem. Cllr Duffy(K), commented on the path from Springhill Avenue through to the Priory Ridge estate which was mentioned last month (minute 11/703), she asked if PC Daley would patrol this area.

 

12/721             Receive briefing from Wakefield MDC District Councillors

Cllr Cummings offered apologies for Cllr Manifield and Cllr Isherwood, the latter was making progress with regard his health. Members were informed that a’cul-de-sac’ sign had been ordered for Sandown Avenue, the Weavers Green public house was under observation from the Neighbourhood Patrollers and The Slipper public house was for sale. Cllr Cummings had approached and received approval from the Community Centre with regard the siting of the bench from Bedford Close.

Cllr Bennett asked if there had been any response from a previous request about alterations to the former library site, now the Car Park, there was not, but she would enquire further and let the Clerk know in due course. Cllr Ripley asked Cllr Cummings about the litter bins missing from the Metro bus stops, it was made known to her that June Rothwell the Neighbourhood Environment Manager was aware of this, Cllr Cummings would ascertain an answer for the Parish Council. Prior to the meeting the Clerk had received from Cllr Manifield, plans to instigate speed restrictions on Pontefract Road, members observed the details and following a brief discussion were agreeable to the proposals subject to the Clerk seeking clarification that the width of the footpaths would not be reduced.

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12/722             Public Participation session

No residents were in attendance.

 

12/723             Declarations of Interest

Cllr Bennett declared his interest with regard Planning and Highway matters.

 

12/724             Minutes of the previous meeting

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 21st November 2006, were subject to amendment before signing as a correct record by the Chairman.

 

12/725             Discuss matters arising from previous minutes

The Clerk informed members that his efforts to arrange a meeting with MP Jon Trickett was proving difficult, he felt that the response from the MP’s advisor were gestures rather that a genuine desire to achieve a meeting. Members agreed that a letter should be sent to him at his House of Commons address. The Clerk had not received a response from the Community Centre with regard to the road leading to the premises, it was suggested that the Clerk should seek information from the original planning application. Following the response from Mark Cropley WMDC Environment Services, members asked the Clerk to arrange a site meeting to discuss concerns about the results of the Sidings improvement works, it was agreed that this should be in February 2007. The Clerk informed members that June Rothwell WMDC Neighbourhood Environment Manager had replied and confirmed that the request to clear the rubbish from the Sidings play area would be actioned.

 

12/726             Community Facilities

Report Parish Centre

The Clerk informed members that work was still on-going with regard the exterior alterations, this should be finished early in the New Year. It was agreed by members for Cllr Duffy(K) to seek a quote for obtaining blinds for the new windows, consideration would also be given for a replacement sign, the Clerk would obtain a brochure with proposals for members to discuss.  

Report Village Association

Nothing to report

Report Allotments

Members duly noted the date for collection of rents, Cllr Hewitt informed members that people were tipping rubbish instead of using their domestic wheelie bins, as the new tenancy agreements were due to be issued this would be a timely reminder for them to refrain from doing so.

Report Parish Cemetery

Following a meeting of the working party, changes were recommended to some of the wording in the rules and costs, members were agreeable to the changes, but decided that the Non –Resident costs should be the same as that charged by WMDC. The Clerk would implement these changes and distribute to all Councillors and cemetery funeral service companies.

 

12/727             Discuss Traffic issues

Cllr Makin commented on the parking of cars on Slack Lane still being a problem, the Clerk was asked to request enforcement of legal parking via PC Daley.

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12/728             Parish Leases

Nothing to report

 

12/729             Cleansing/Environment

Cllr Ripley commented that there was a visible presence of litter pickers in the village

 

12/730             Planning Notifications

Members raised an objection to planning application number 06/02304/FUL, for Birkwood House Farm, the Clerk was asked to submit the request to WMDC Planning

 

12/731             Financial matters

The Clerk informed members of invoices to be paid, it was decided not to issue the payment to PHS for services to the Sports Pavillion until a meeting had been arranged. The attached monthly accounts were submitted and approved.

It was agreed to have a finance meeting to discuss next years budget and precept request, on the 04th January at 7pm in the Parish Centre.

                                                                                   

12/732             Correspondence received

Members noted the content of the information received, in particular Note 3; members wished the bin to be located on the grassy knoll, off Harrison Road adjacent to the entrance of Rose Garth. Note 10 members raised no objection to the works. Note 14 members approved the proposals.

 

12/733             Parish matters

Members duly noted the date of the presentation by YRCC. Cllr Jacques asked if any further information was available about the boundary issue (minute 07/657), it was felt that retrospective planning for a change of use would be the likely outcome.

Cllr Ripley made members aware that there was a potential change of land from green belt to residential development in two areas of Crofton, the Clerk was asked to submit an objection should this proposal reach the planning stage.

 

12/734             Date of next meeting

Resolved; that the next meeting to be held on Tuesday, 16th January 2007                               at 7pm in Crofton High School, High Street, Crofton.

 

12/735             Members of the public and press were to leave before agenda no.18

It was agreed

 

12/736             Matters to be discussed in private

There were none

 

 

 

Signed                                                                          Date                                         Chairman Crofton Parish Council