Page 1.
Crofton Parish Council
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held 18th December 2007.
Present; Councillors, Chalkley (Chair), Bennett, Brown, Duffy K, Duffy S, Hewitt, Makin, Schofield, Ripley, Towns, Voros and Wrigg.
In attendance; 7 members of the public
District Councillors; Cummings and Isherwood.
12/913 Receive
report from West Yorkshire Police
PC Daley presented his report for the Safe Scheme covering the month of November 2007. Cllr Chalkley asked what action had been taken against the continuing problem of Post Office delivery vehicles causing an obstruction, PC Daley stated they had now been advised of where to park, any breach of that condition would result in a fixed penalty notice being issued.
On behalf of the Parish Council, Cllr Chalkley wished PC Daley a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year, this was reciprocated by him.
12/914 Receive
briefing from Wakefield MDC District Councillors
Cllr Cummings informed members that she was aware of the financial problems being experienced at the Community Centre, they were in discussions regarding what assistance could be given. Members were informed that consultation meetings regarding school closures were taking place, WMDC Highways were assessing if the number of signs indicating the presence of a one-way system on Cock Lane was sufficient and a programme was underway to combat the problem of rats. On this issue Cllr Ripley commented that although the feeding of birds was acceptable it was important to remove any residue build up to help combat the problem, Cllr Chalkley asked that a further in depth report about the matter be sought by District Councillors and be given to members.
A resident asked if a further patrol by WMDC Environment could be implemented on the road leading to the Community Centre. They were informed that this was in fact a private road, if WMDC carried out any work on the road it may charge for its services, District Councillors suggested they would approach the Community Centre about conducting a litter pick. Cllr Chalkley asked if they would also approach the school about a litter pick as there was a build up of it caused by children using the shops on Ashdene Drive, Cllr Bennett suggested that it was the responsibility of the shop owners, the District Councillors were asked to investigate further if any other action or statutory enforcement could be taken.
Cllr Ripley had noted that the Local Development Framework document was not available in the local library, the Clerk would contact WMDC Planning to request a copy be forwarded to them. Cllr Schofield asked when the resurfacing of the roads on the Ashdene Estate was to commence, Cllr Cummings would enquire and contact the Clerk with information, he would then inform members. Cllr Brown commented that work had commenced on the provision of dropped kerbs.
Cllr Chalkley, on behalf of the Parish Council, wished District Councillors a Merry Christmas and happy New Year which was reciprocated by them.
Page 2.
12/915 Public
Participation session
A resident commented that he was pleased to hear that Cllr Cummings acknowledged that there was an infestation of rats. Information received now indicated that the source of the problem was in the area of the Community Centre. Cllr Chalkley informed those present that despite arranging a meeting with residents to discuss the rat problem no one had attended. Some residents were unaware that a meeting had been arranged, in view of this another meeting would be organised if requested. Residents commented that they appreciated the action taken by the Parish Council in responding to their concerns.
12/916 Apologies
for absence
District Councillor Manifield.
Councillor Jacques.
12/917 Declarations
of Interest
Cllr Bennett declared his interest with regard Planning and Highway matters
12/918 Minutes of the previous meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting held on 20th November 2007, were signed as a correct record by the Chairman.
12/919 Discuss
matters arising from previous minutes
Cllr Towns informed members that Ian Wiper of WMDC Transportation and Highways had been replaced by Graham West, he had contacted her to offer a solution to the soil left at Birkwood Hall Farm. Cllr Bennett had noted that in the November minutes (11/901) that trees had been planted on the Sidings, he wished to know if permission had been sought by the Scout Leader, Cllr Chalkley would speak to the Scout Leader and ask he had sought the necessary permission.
12/920 Community
Facilities
Report Parish Centre
Cllr Duffy(K) informed members that plastering of the interior was near completion, following that, the electricians would then complete their work. A new floor and kitchen area were now needed to complete the project, quotations were being sought by the Clerk at the present time. Members agreed that J.Jennings Electrical Contractors, be contacted and asked to conduct a survey of the completed electrical works and if acceptable issue certification.
Report Village Association
Cllr Bennett made members aware that the light recently installed above the entrance door was not working, he would contact the electrician about the matter.
Cllr Towns asked that a meeting be arranged to discuss the finances of the Association and duly asked the Clerk to place the request on the next Parish Council meeting agenda. Following comments from members, it was agreed to have a separate meeting, the date would be arranged at the next meeting. The Clerk would arrange to circulate to members, financial information received from the Association together with the financial information the Parish Council held.
Page 3.
Report Allotments
Cllr Hewitt informed members that he was pleased with the progress made during the allotment year. Cllr Ripley thought it would be more appropriate if the Parish Council made a decision on the allocation of a garden at the Pontefract Road site, as opposed to letting the neighbours resolve the matter. In view of the fact that there was to be an allotment committee meeting in January, both parties would be invited to discuss the situation further.
Report Parish Cemetery
Cllrs Schofield and Wrigg reported that there were no areas of concern at present.
12/921 Discuss
Traffic issues
Cllr Ripley informed members that the Road Safety Committee
were now looking for a new venue to hold their meetings. Cllr Schofield
suggested that the placing of a pedestrian crossing for the benefit of Shay
Lane Primary School should be given consideration, it was also suggested that a
pedestrian crossing be asked for on Doncaster Road at the point of the ‘Miners
Footpath’.
The Clerk was asked to approach WMDC about the possibilities.
12/922 Parish
Leases
Nothing to report.
12/923 Cleansing/Environment
It was generally felt that the drains/gullies around the village needed to be cleared of debris and cleaned, the Clerk was asked to enquire further about the matter.
12/924 Planning
Notifications
Cllrs Wrigg and Towns thanked members for their support in having the planning applications for both Hawthorn Avenue and Birkwood House Farm refused.
Cllr Ripley informed members that he had received documentation that identified the flood storage volumes (8000m3) required for Crofton. The Clerk was asked to retain the document but also to contact WMDC Land Engineering to enquire why the Parish Council was not contacted directly with the information.
12/925 Financial
matters
Members were in
agreement with the content of the monthly accounts.
The Clerk informed
members of invoices to be paid, Cllr Chalkley stated that the cost of the extra
lighting paid by the Parish Council, was not of a good standard, he asked the
Clerk to contact WMDC Facilities Management, who had provided the extra
lighting, to note the Parish Council’s displeasure.
12/926 Correspondence received
Members noted the content of the information received, in particular note 1; Cllr Ripley studied the document before handing it to Cllr Chalkley for his consideration to a response. Note 4; Members asked the Clerk to respond by inviting Mr Gray to a future meeting of the Parish Council but to inform him that funding for his organisation would not be possible. Note 5; The Clerk was asked to reply stating that members had no objections at this stage but wished to be informed of any intended planning application.
Page 4;
12/927 Parish
matters
Cllr Bennett enquired if the bulb
planting (minute 10/883), had taken place, the Clerk would enquire and notify
Councillors. Cllr Chalkley asked the Clerk to contact Metro, to ask if they
intended moving the Doncaster Road bus stop 20 meters further away from the
existing brick built shelter, as a result providing a reason for its removal.
12/928 Date
of next meeting
Resolved; that the next meeting to be held on Tuesday, 15th January 2008 at 7pm in Crofton High School, High Street, Crofton.
12/929 Members
of the public and press were to leave before agenda no.18
It was agreed
12/930 Matters
to be discussed in private
There were none.
Signed Date Chairman
Crofton Parish Council