Page 1.                                  Crofton Parish Council                                                Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held 20 Sept 2011.                             

Present;    Councillors, Chalkley, Bennett, Dart, Kimbley, Makin, Towns, and Wrigg.

           

In attendance;                5 members of the public

                                                District Councillor Manifield

 

Cllr Chalkley introduced Cllr Dart to her first meeting and informed members of the resignation of Cllr Jacques, thanks were offered for the service given by Cllr Jacques to the Parish.

09/074             Report from W.Y.Police Officers working on Crofton Safe Scheme PS Day presented his report covering 16 July to 19 Sep 2011.                                                      Cllr Towns commented on a large Police presence in the village on the 14 September which concerned a youth in handcuffs being led from the High School by Police, however it had not appeared on the Police report.                                                                       Cllr Bennett commented on the fall in the ASB calls concerning nuisance youths, but despite this there was still a persistent problem, PS Day stated that efforts were still being taken to eradicate the problem, such as alcohol being seized.                                        With regard the well documented problems around Hare Park Lane, it was suggested that that Safe Scheme patrol times be extended beyond 1am.                                              Cllr Towns had attended a recent PACT meeting, she informed members that there was concern about youths creating dens to have bonfires near the Community Centre. She asked that the Safe Scheme also patrol the area. PS Day duly noted the request and would contact WMDC Street Scene so action could be taken to remove the dens.                       Cllr Chalkley informed PS Day he had received a letter regarding the requirement of  the Police at any parades, he felt that such a presence was not needed and the attendance of PCSO’s would be sufficient.

09/075                         Wakefield MDC District Councillors Report                                         Cllr Manifield updated members on previous matters raised and provided information to enquiries made individually by Parish Councillors.                                                     Following an enquiry from Cllr Dart, Cllr Manifield had contacted WMDC Highways and confirmed action would be taken to complete the painting of white lines in the Springhill area.                                                                                                                                  He had contacted WMDC Highways to ensure that the Parish Council was informed of road works to be carried out in the village.                                                                     Improvement work to the boundary wall between the Church grounds and Rose Garth had started.                                                                                                                                     The cutting of hedges at Rectory Crescent would be actioned by the WDH Estate Impact team.                                                                                                                     Tenders had now been issued in order for work to commence on the Hare Park play area, Cllr Makin raised his concern about when the work would be started as he thought it should have already been completed. There was also concern about tyre swings being used as they were considered a danger, Cllr Manifield would make further enquiries about such concerns.                                                                                     With regard to recent correspondence received concerning proposed changes to the Bus services (see correspondence note 11) and Library provision (public consultation due Sept – Nov 2011), Cllr Manifield was asked to inform members of

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any developments and their impact on Crofton.                                                                                      Cllr Kimbley commented on a previous report of a damaged bungalow on Holly Close, as there appeared to be no progress he had made further enquiries and had received confirmation that WDH had agreed to deal with the matter forthwith.                                Cllr Bennett had noted that the promised slow sign markings for Doncaster Road had yet to be done.                                                                                                                He had received a report concerning Coppers Lake (which District Councillors had received from the WMDC Highway Manager Graham West), Cllr Bennett was concerned about the responses received to questions such as the continued dredging and flood alleviation works. Despite a promise to attend a further meeting this had not occurred. The Clerk was asked to contact Mr West to address such concerns and to request that he attend a meeting of the Parish Council.                                                      Cllr Dart asked if there was an update available concerning the Nine Lakes project and if the recent enquiry from the Workers Coal Mining Co-Operative was connected with the project. Cllr Manifield was asked to contact the Project Managers; Spawforth Associates, to seek further information and request a further meeting with the Parish Council. Cllr Manifield duly noted the request and informed members that he had spoken with Mr Birch (from the Co-Operative) who had stated that he was not aware of any such project.                                                                                                                  Cllr Kimbley informed members that Crofton Fishing Club had now been launched and had already more than 20 members.                                                                         He had made further enquiries about the location of the missing bench removed by WMDC (see minute 07/070), however it could not be established where it was, Cllr Manifield was asked to make further enquiries with regard this issue.                                  Cllr Wrigg informed members that the former shop at Hawthorn Avenue was now much improved and internal works had been commenced, however there were reports of fires being held in the back garden which had resulted in the fire brigade being called.

09/076                         Public Participation session                                                                      A resident informed PS Day that the problem of youths congregating in the bus shelter on Rectory Crescent particularly between the hour of 8pm -10 pm, was still evident, PS Day duly noted the information for action to be taken.                                             A resident handed in an application for the position of cleaner for the Sports Pavilion.

09/077                         Apologies for absence          

District Councillors; Cummings, none received for Cllr Lodge.

Councillors; Affleck, Hewitt, Jacques, Ripley, Schofield and Voros.                                          

                                                                                             

09/078                         Declarations of Interest                                                                      None declared.

09/079                         Minutes of the previous meeting                                                               The minutes of the previous meeting held on 19 July 2011, were signed as a true record by the Chairman.

09/080                         Discuss matters arising from previous minutes

The Clerk reported that;                                                                                                               Having contacted WMDC Neighbourhood Action about the condition of the ginnels between Churchway and Slack Lane, action had been taken to clean them.                                  

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Cllr Dart had contacted the Clerk to comment on the condition of the surfaces, having contacted WMDC Highway Maintenance, the Clerk was informed that the ginnel from Churchway to Slack Lane was adopted and would therefore be inspected. However the ginnel from Slack Lane to Pinfold Drive was not adopted, The Clerk was asked to make enquiries to have it adopted                                                                      Following the further information received concerning the trees in the Cemetery, after due consideration members agreed that the pruning of them be actioned.

09/081                         Community Facilities                                                                     Report Parish Centre                                                                                                        Cllr Dart informed members that Cllr Jacques had informed her that if a cleaner was appointed the necessary work could be achieved in 1 hour per week.                                                                                                                                             Report Village Association                                                                                                         Cllr Bennett reported that;                                                                                                                     The sensor for the light in the disabled toilet was not operating correctly.                                 The interviews for the position of cleaner were to be arranged before the end of the month. Having reviewed the condition of the equipment needed to do the work, it was felt that this would need to be replaced in the near future.                                                         Plastering work was still needed, following the escape of water earlier in the year.                  Cllr Dart asked if there were any dates available to hire the facility, Cllr Makin stated it was available most times from Monday to Friday for most activities but it was felt that the location was a problem resulting in reduced use.                                                     Report Allotments                                                                                                                 Following the recent inspection conducted by members, it was felt that the suggested removal of Elderberry trees was not necessary as long as tenants attended to them.                   Other observations made were the condition of some of the fencing and the general condition of the area, but the removal of animals other than those permitted needed to be acted on. It was agreed that a letter giving 3 years notice to tenants that the animals would need to be removed was to be issued with the next Tenancy Agreement                           Report Parish Cemetery                                                                                                        Following the recent inspection conducted by members, action was needed to be taken to improve the condition of the memorial garden  It was agreed that a quote would be sought to commence the works and subject to cost, work would commence as soon as possible. It was noted that there were ashes interred in the soil which would need to be considered when work commenced (see also minute 09/091).                                                                             The resident who had contacted the Clerk about the damaged wooden fence had been seen repairing it.                                                                                                                          Cllr Bennett had noted that some graves had sunk and needed attention to bring them level.                                                                                                                                                  With regard to the status of a resident and the revised application for a memorial stone (see minute 07/063), these were discussed in private matters.

09/082                         Discuss Traffic issues                                                                           Cllr Kimbley commented on which type of speed platform would be used at the junction of Slack Lane and High Street, Cllr Cummings was to be asked to seek clarification.                                                                                                                                    Cllr Bennett commented on the boundary sign dispute with Sharlston PC which had occurred recently, due to WMDC not willing to commit any funding to resolve the matter he suggested that the Parish Council should purchase two signs and have them

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placed so that to the boundary was correctly identified. The Clerk was asked to contact WMDC Highways and make further enquires.

09/083                         Parish Plan                                                                                            Cllr Chalkley commented on the cost of printing to produce the plan, it was intended to produce 100 copies with the expected cost being £750. After due consideration members agreed to the cost.

09/084                         Cleansing/Environment                                                               Members were still concerned about the condition of the former betting shop site on Slack Lane and that action could not be taken to improve it.

09/085                         Planning Notifications                                                                       Members offered no comment to the applications received.                                                    Members noted the appeal against the refused application for the double garage at 523 Doncaster Road.                                                                                                                              Cllr Bennett commented on the LDF timetable. He asked if members wished him to make further representation about the two development sites previously mentioned Priory Estate and Bedford Farm, Members were agreeable to the suggestion.

09/086                         Financial matters                                                                                       Due to the fact that cheque signatories were not available at the meeting, the Clerk sought permission from Members to cancel the cheque payable to the SLCC and pay the invoice by bank transfer, this was agreed.                                                                        Members were in agreement with the content of the monthly accounts.                                        The Scout Group leader in attendance was informed that the Accounts for the last financial year were required before a decision on funding would be given.

09/087                         Correspondence received                                                                Members noted the content of the information received, in particular                                               Note 9; The letter received was given to Cllr Dart for further consideration.

09/088                         Parish matters                                                                                   With regard to the funding of training for new Councillors, it was agreed that funding would be approved should training be required.                                                                             The Scout Group leader who was in attendance informed members of the improvement works that had been carried out at the Scout Hut                                                    Cllr Makin asked if there were any future plans for the premises and what the building was being used for, it was confirmed that the concrete plinth to the entrance would be removed and replaced with paving flags, increased security measures (due to recent vandalism) and an electrical inspection was to be arranged. The building was used for the storage of equipment belonging to the Crofton Scout group.                                              Cllr Bennett had observed that the rear of the building was still in a poor state and asked that this be attended to and that the discharge of water was considered when laying the paving flags.                                                                                                                       Cllr Dart asked if there had been any further suggestions received from Mr Peacock (see minute 06/052), the Clerk said there had not been.

09/089                         Date of next meeting                                                                                                      Resolved; that the next meeting would be held on Tuesday, 18 October 2011 at 7pm in Crofton Parish Centre, High Street, Crofton.

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09/090             Members of the public and press were to leave before agenda no.18     It was agreed

09/091                         Matters to be discussed in private                                                 Members agreed to fund the works to the memorial garden up to a cost of £250. If more funds were needed the Clerk would inform members before action was taken.                                                                                                                                      Members agreed that the status of Mr Yates was that of resident.                                         Members voted as follows: 4 Against; 0 For; to accept the application for a memorial from E.Rayner &Son.

 

Signed            ………………………………                        Date………………….. Chairman Crofton Parish Council