Crofton Parish Council

 

                                                      Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on

                                                 Tuesday 16 July 2002 in The High School at 7.00 pm.

 

 

                 Present:                                    Councillors:                  I Beckett, S Bennett, L Coates, T Gomersall,

                                                                                                     G P Jackson OBE BEM JP, D Marshall,

                                                                                                     A Ripley & J Voros

 

                                                                 Residents:                     Mrs R Salt, Mrs P Walker, Mr Hewitt,

                                                                                                     Mr Hepworth, Mr Scott, Mr Jacques

                                                                                                     & Mr G Scofield plus three others

 

                                                                 West Yorkshire Police:  PC Hawcroft

 

                                                                 The Clerk:                    J F Shillitoe

 

                 Apologies:                                Councillors:                  P Beckett, G Scargill

 

                 The chairman, Cllr  Ripley, presided over the meeting.

 

02/116      Public Participation Session

 

1.      Yorkshire Electricity Sub Station – High Street

 

The clerk reported the he had received a reply from YE stating that, the matter and been passed on to contractors who would visit the site in the near future.

 

The clerk to follow up if no progress is made.

 

2.      Parish Cemetery

 

            It was reported that councillors had met with the contractors as planned and a schedule of work agreed which concentrated on tidying the whole area with particular emphasis on the garden of remembrance.

 

The waste bins to be fastened adjacent to the garage to prevent it being pushed into the beck.

 

The gravedigger to be asked not to use the bins for surplus soil from burials.

 

The wooden plinth to which the plaques are fastened in the casket area, to be replaced by stone at an approximate cost of £1500.

 

3.      Speeding

 

                 Nothing to report on this matter, PC Hawcroft to speak with traffic.

 

4.      Pontefract Road Flooding

 

Mrs Salt reported that works along Pontefract Road were now complete; the next heavy rain would show whether or not the project has been successful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.      Refuse in Gardens

 

            Residents of properties adjacent to the High School complained about the amount of rubbish, which is being thrown into their gardens by pupils of the High School.

 

Cllr Jackson agreed that he would take the matter to the school governors and headteacher to look at possible improvements to the perimeter fencing.

 

6.      Seat - Priory Ridge

 

            Messrs Hepworth and Scott, residents of Santingley Lane presented a case for having the seat at the junction of Priory Ridge with Santingley Lane removed. 

The seat has become a focal point attracting youths who make a nuisance of themselves.

 

It was agreed that the matter be placed on the agenda for the next meeting, in the meantime councillors would visit the site.

 

PC Hawcroft to include to area within the safe scheme.

 

7.      Hare Park Play Area.

 

            Mr Hewitt reported that raised the matter of youths vandalising the play area and driving cars onto the playing fields.

 

Cllr Ripley informed those present that a meeting is to be held on 21 July at the site to discuss redesign and refurbishment of the site.

 

8.      Crofton Community Centre

 

            Granville Marshall addressed the meeting explaining the state of play as regards fund raising for redevelopment of Nostell Miners Welfare.

 

In essence the project depends wholly on major organisation such as Sports Aid and the Lotto making significant contributions towards the costs, should these not materialise the project will fold.

 

However in support of all the applications for grants a set of accounts and a long term funding plan has to be included. It is thought that if an application is made without support from the Parish Council it would fail.

 

The Parish Council were therefore asked to consider making a pledge in the region of three to four thousand pounds. If the project fails, no funding will be required.  If successful, funds would not be required for at least eighteen months.   

 

This matter was discussed fully in private at the end of the meeting where councillors agreed that they were prepared to pledge £4,000.

 

 

 

 

 

02/117      Declaration of Interests in Items on the Agenda

 

                 No verbal declarations were made.

 

02/118      Matters to be Discussed in Private

 

                 It was proposed, seconded and agreed that the public and the press be excluded during discussions involving staffing and the financial status of outside organisations.

 

02/119      Minutes

 

                 It was agreed that the minutes of the meetings held on 18 June were a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

 

02/120      West Yorkshire Police

 

                 PC Hawcroft addressed the meeting.

 

                 Three weeks ago whilst undertaking a covert operation in the Parish two plain clothes officers observed several 15-17 yr old youths smoking cannabis, two of which were arrested for possession.

 

                 A group of six youths all under twelve were also observed trying to demolish a porto-loo for which they were cautioned.

 

                 Off road motorcycles have not presented a problem until recently with the sighting of a car, trailer and two cycles on Hare Park.  Registration mark passed on to PC Hawcroft.

 

                 Cllr Marshall asked if Wakefield MDC have a facility for off roading. PC Hawcroft to enquire.  

 

                 It was agreed that council continue to support the safe scheme, a cheque fro £2,000 was drawn accordingly.

 

                 The priorities for August to be:

 

                 Foot Patrol – Friday/Saturday 9.30 pm to 1.00 am concentrating on the village centre, Post Office closing, windows rear of High School, Crofton Infants, Royal Oak etc.

 

                 Motorbicycles, Hare Park Lane. – PC Whitworth with off road bike.

 

                 Speeding along Harrison Road, High Street and Santingley Lane.  - PC Whitworth to radar.

 

                 Seat – Priory Ridge/Santingley Lane.

 

                 Observe property in Hare Park Ave – Excess noise and disturbance of neighbours

 

                 Visit schools early September to advise parents on the dangers of indiscriminate parking adjacent to schools.

 

 

 

 

 

 

02/121      Matters Arising 

 

                 1. Youth Services

 

                 The clerk was asked to arrange a meeting between Cllr Box, Cllr Jenkins, Ward Councillors and the Parish Council to discuss the provision of youth facilities in Crofton.

 

                 2. 20 MPH Zone

 

                 The clerk reported that Arriva Bus Company had indicated that they were not in favour of full size ramps adjacent to the schools. On the assumption that Arriva will formally object to full size ramps it is proposed to substitute the planned cushions with wider ones, which fall between private car and bus.

 

                 The clerk was asked to write back to highways reminding them that there are 1800 pupils at the High School alone and that their safety should be considered prior to the operating difficulties of Arriva.         The authority needs to positive, take control and introduce an effective traffic-calming scheme, to assume that the bus company would object is a negative approach.

 

02/122      Community Facilities - Convenors Report

 

                 1. Parish Centre

 

                 No report available.

 

                 2. Village Centre

 

                 Cllr Bennett reported that the association had experienced problems with the alarm system, probably due to BT work in the area affecting the red care system.  All seems well at the moment.

 

02/123      Allotments - Convenors Report

 

The clerk reported that he contacted Mrs Brown advising that all allotment should be tidied by the end of August.

 

The clerk to write to Cllr Feeney, over the use of three allotments for which, he collects the rents.

 

It was also agreed that councillors visit the Pontefract Road site on 10 August 2002, to assess future usage to the area.

 

02/124      Parish Cemetery - Convenors Report

 

                 This matter covered during the Public Participation session.

 

02/125      Special Services - Convenors Report

 

1.      Crofton Cougars ARLFC

 

            Minuted under item 02/134/03

 

 

 

 

2.      Wakefield Hospice

 

The clerk reported that he had received a request from the Crofton Support Group of Wakefield Hospice for a donation to Hospice funds.

 

It was agreed that this matter be placed on agenda of the next meeting.

 

3.      Crofton Cricket Club

 

                 The clerk reported that he had received a request from the Cricket Club for financial assistance.

 

It was agreed that this matter be placed on agenda of the next meeting.

 

4.      Amber Hemingway

 

The clerk reported that a member of Shay Lane J & I School’s staff had approached him, to asked if the Parish Council could provide any assistance for Amber.

Amber has been selected to represent Great Britain in gymnastics at an event in Germany early September.

Due to there been no council meeting in August it was agreed that the Chairman liase with Amber’s parents and arrange for an appropriate grant to be made.

 

02/126      Moorhouse Opencast Liaison Committee

 

                 Cllr Gomersall reported that sub group of the committee met on the 27th June to consider those applications received to date for grant aid.

 

                 As only three application had been received it was agreed that the deadline be extended to 30th August when the sub committee would meet again.

 

02/127      Old Library Site

 

                 The clerk reported that David Brown had made contact.  He was unable to make progress, as he had not yet had firm substantive replies from Property Services and Highways.

 

02/128      Planning

 

1.      5 Dwellings – Hare Park View

 

The application was considered at length, after detailed discussions it was agreed that council had no objections to the proposed development.

 

2.      Grass Verge adjacent to 521 Doncaster Road

 

It was reported that the owner of 521 Doncaster had published the fact that he intended to adopt a piece of land adjacent to his property.

 

The clerk was asked to write to highways to ascertain if and to whom the land was registered.

 

3.      Other Applications

 

                 All applications received during the period were found to be acceptable.

 

02/129      Financial Matters    

 

a.       Accounts

 

                 The following accounts were submitted and approved for payment.

                                                                                         £

                 Mr J F Shillitoe                                850.45

                 Ms Reid                                                        96.00

                 Mrs Hardwick                                             249.60

                 Wakefield MDC                                          270.00

                 West Yorkshire Police                              2,000.00

                 Crofton Cougars                                          200.00

                 Firescreen                                                     84.61

 

b.      Internal Auditor

 

The clerk explained, that as part of the new audit arrangements, the Parish Council need to appoint an internal auditor to examine the accounts and certify them as a correct record.  The role will be ongoing looking into both systems and physical accounts.

 

The clerk proposed that Paul Taylor, the Clerk of Walton Parish Council be appointed as internal auditor for financial years 2001/02 and 2002/03.  The charge for the 2001/02 audit to be £12 per hour.

 

Council found this proposal acceptable.

 

c.       2001/2002 R & P Accounts

 

The clerk presented a statement of accounts for financial year 2001/02 on which the annual return to the external auditors is based.

 

Councillors noted the contents and agreed that the figures be used.

 

d.      2001/2002 Audit Return

 

The clerk presented the annual audit return to council.  Councillors found the return to be acceptable and the chairman signed it accordingly.

 

The clerk did raise one area of concern, that being risk assessments on council owned property.

 

It was agreed that the clerk would look into this matter, ask the Playgroup for copies of their assessment and obtain the necessary paperwork for the Village Association to carry out regular assessments of the Pavilion.

 

02/130      Casual Vacancy

 

                 Minuted under item 02/134/02.                                                            

 

02/131      Correspondence

 

                 Wakefield MDC                                   - Minutes

- Libraries Newsletter

- Horizons, Environmental Action Forum

                  

                

                 YLCA                                                  - White Rose Update

                                                                             - Internal Audit                                                            

- Conduct of Councillors

- NALC, Draft Development Strategy

 

02/132      Parish Matters

 

                 1. Trees – Springhill Drive

 

                 Cllr Bennett raised the matter of the trees alongside Ashdene Drive. 

 

                 The clerk to contact the arbouriculturist to ascertain what action can be taken to stop fruit falling on the verge, providing ammunition for wayward youths.

 

                 2. Harrison Road.

 

                 Cllr I Beckett informed council that Paul was endeavouring to persuade someone to take responsibility

 

                 for the banking between Harrison Road and the new Kingsway Homes.

 

                 The banking has become a disgrace, full of debris and is in desperate need of attention. 

 

02/133      Date of next Meeting

 

                 Tuesday 17th September 2002.

 

02/134      Matters Discussed in Private

 

1.      Crofton Community Centre

 

                 It was agreed that a pledge of £4,000 be made for the funding of the Community Centre Project.

 

2.      Casual Vacancy

 

The clerk reported that council now had the option to co-opt a replacement for Mrs Burnett. 

 

Three candidates were proposed;

Mr R West – Shay Lane

Mr Jacques – Ashdene Crescent

Mr Hewitt – Hare Park Lane.

 

After discussion it was agreed that Me Hewitt be co-opted on to council.

 

The clerk to write to all candidates informing them of the decision.

 

3.      Crofton Cougars

 

                 It was agreed that a grant of £200 be made towards the purchase of two open age playing kits

 

 

                 Chairman                                                                                                          17th September 2002