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Crofton Parish Council

 

Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held 18th March 2008.                             

 

Present;          Councillors,    Chalkley (Chair), Bennett, Duffy K, Duffy S,

Hewitt, Jacques, Schofield, Voros and Wrigg.

           

In attendance;                       5 members of the public

 

03/967             Receive report from West Yorkshire Police         

PC Daley presented his report to those present. He commented on changes to how the Police would respond to incidents of crime and the involvement of Neighbourhood Police Teams, boundaries had been changed which he felt would have a favourable impact in reducing crime. The Clerk was given a letter which explained how changes to the Safe Scheme were to be introduced.

Cllr Hewitt commented on an incident involving youths on Hare Park Lane, it was reported to the Police, however the person taking the phone call stated that no police were available to respond. PC Daley was also made aware that the occupant of a black Fiat Punto car, which had been parked on Rose Garth, appeared to be acting suspiciously, unfortunately the registration number had not been noted.

He was also asked to take action concerning parking problems on Smithy Close, residents had made the Parish Council aware that parents of pupils at Crofton Infants School, were parking on the road and blocking access, the Headteacher, Helen Padwick, had also been contacted, she stated that parents had been sent letters and the Police had been contacted in an effort to resolve the matter, PC Daley stated that a Traffic Regulation order would be needed to resolve the matter, however Cllr Bennett requested that action be taken prior to the introduction of statutory enforcement.

PC Daley was asked if he had any further information on the introduction of an alcohol free zone, he did not, but would seek an update an inform the Clerk.

Cllr Voros made PC Daley aware of the problem of traffic congestion on High Street resulting from cars parking in the lay-by opposite the shops, he duly noted this comment. A member of the public asked if there were any plans to introduce traffic calming measures on Ashdene Drive, PC Daley said that consideration was being given to the matter but no decision had yet been made.   

 

03/968             Receive briefing from Wakefield MDC District Councillors

In the absence of District Councillors, Cllr Chalkley read aloud a report that had been sent via the Clerk, which updated members on previous matters.

 

03/969             Public Participation session

Members listened to comments from the representative of the Carnival Committee who informed those present, that stalls were still available for the Carnival which was being held on Saturday 21st June. It was also hoped to be able to use the Parish Centre for some future events, the Clerk gave his contact e-mail address to facilitate this. Another resident voiced his concerns over the amount of litter being left on the streets particularly Pot Noodle cartons discarded by schoolchildren, he enquired if more bins could be provided.

 

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The Clerk was asked to contact the Headmaster of Crofton High School, the WMDC Head of Education and District Councillors to also make them aware of the situation.

Residents of Hawthorn Avenue made it known to members that a family that had recently been housed in the area, were causing a nuisance and asked if the Parish Council could suggest a solution. That they had attended the meeting, enabled them to voice their concerns to PC Daley. The Parish Council, via the Clerk, would also make representation to WDH.

 

03/970             Apologies for absence          

District Councillors; Cummings, Manifield and Isherwood

Councillors; Brown, Makin, Ripley and Towns,

 

03/971             Declarations of Interest

Cllr Bennett declared his interest with regard Planning and Highway matters

 

03/972             Minutes of the previous meeting

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 19th February 2008, were signed as a true record by the Chairman.

 

03/973             Discuss matters arising from previous minutes

The Clerk informed members that he was still awaiting answers from those he had contacted, he would hopefully have a response for the next meeting.

 

03/974             Community Facilities

Report Parish Centre

All interior works were now complete, members agreed to accept the quote received for the replacement/relaying of paving flags to the existing path. It was agreed that an open day would be held on Saturday 05th April from 10.00am. The smoke signal and Barbara Holden, who writes the newspaper column for Crofton, would be asked to advertise the event.

Report Village Association

Due to the problems encountered with PHS, members agreed that their services should be terminated, the Clerk would write to the company to confirm this, he was asked to seek a new supplier.

Report Allotments

All allotment tenancies were now paid, the next meeting of the allotment committee was scheduled for 6pm on the 20th April at the Parish Centre.

Report Parish Cemetery

Nothing specific to report.

 

03/975             Discuss Traffic issues

Nothing to report.

 

03/976             Parish Leases

Nothing to report.

 

 

 

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03/977             Cleansing/Environment

Members expressed their disappointment at the work carried out by WMDC Environment with regard to the planting of bulbs, some areas that had been requested had not received any planting. Fly tipping had occurred to the rear of the Post Office but the debris had now been removed. The Electric sub station adjacent to the Oak Public House was once again in need of cleaning, the Clerk was asked to contact the company responsible and request they address the situation.

 

03/978             Planning Notifications

With regard to minute 02/995, the Clerk confirmed to members he had now placed an objection against application 08/00350/FUL; and an acknowledgement had been received from WMDC confirming this.

 

03/979             Financial matters

The Clerk having informed members of invoices to be paid received no objections,

Members were in agreement with the content of the monthly accounts.

                                                                                   

03/980             Correspondence received

Members noted the content of the information received, in particular note 3; see minute 03/967, note 8; members agreed that Police meetings and Elections that were to be held at the Parish Centre would take precedence over other hire arrangements, the Clerk would ensure this was a condition to be included in the hire agreement.

 

03/981             Parish matters

Members agreed that a decision to adopt the amended standing/financial orders be deferred to the Annual Parish Council meeting.

 

03/982             Date of next meeting

Resolved; that the next meeting to be held on Tuesday, 15th April 2008 at 7pm in                               Crofton Parish Centre, High Street, Crofton. In view of the change of venue the Clerk would duly inform Crofton High School and the Caretaker.

 

03/983             Members of the public and press were to leave before agenda no.18

It was agreed

 

03/984             Matters to be discussed in private

The Clerk would offer the Parish Centre as an alternative, invite them to the open day and ask for the accounts covering the financial year 2007/08.

The Clerk would re-schedule payment for the Safe Scheme.

The Scout Hut would be added to the insurance schedule.

 

 

 

Signed                                                                         Date                                               Chairman Crofton Parish Council