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The Parish Precept is the amount of money we ask Doncaster Council to collect on our behalf. Apart from football fees this is Council's only source of income, and all monies are spent on matters supporting the residents of Auckley. The Parish Precept has remained at £22,000 since 2003. This year it has been increased to £23,000 to allow for inflation.

The Christmas Market was held for the third year running and was very successful with approximately 1,000 more visitors attending than last year. As before there was a variety of goods for sale including fresh meat, toys, jewellery, handicrafts, Christmas decorations, cards, etc.

The carol singing round the tree was well attended and a collection raised the sum of £150 in aid of the Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice. A big thank you to everyone who contributed.

We are indebted to the Armthorpe Elmfield Band who accompanied the singing, and Santa who gave out sweets to the children.

The Christmas Market 2006

POLICE REPORT

P.C. Brian Pyle is the new Safer Neighbourhood Team Police Officer for Branton, Auckley, Hayfield Estates, Blaxton and Finningley.

Brian attends some of our Council meetings when his duties permit, and members of the public are able to ask him questions and report any matters whichn are causing them concern.

If you wish to report a crime please contact South Yorkshire Police on: 01142 20 20 20, and in an emergency call 999.

When your children are not in the house do you know where they are and what they are doing? I am receiving alarming numbers of complaints regarding children/youths drinking alcohol in public places. I am sure that it is just a small number of youths who are causing minor damage to other peoples property.

On the subject of drinking, I would like to know who is buying drink for them and indeed who is selling the drink. I really do need the help of all parents and members of the community on this subject. Together with the Community First Wardens we hope to vastly reduce the number of problems caused by youths drinking.

Please come to Parish Council meetings and voice your opinion. My view is Fresh faces have fresh ideas.

There have recently been incidents of young people smashing bottles on Riverside Park, particularly on the small wooded areas and near to the football field where tents were pitched some time ago. This is a particular hazard for those who use the football pitch, to young people and to dogs. We are also aware of a similar situation in the Copse off Eastfield Lane. We have passed on names to the Police as this type of behaviour is totally irresponsible.
Another serious incident occurred in May when we discovered vandals had broken and removed the cast-iron cover and surround from a large surface water drain on Riverside Park, revealing a 15 foot drop. Doncaster Council has carried out the necessary repairs but, as in all cases of vandalism, you the ratepayers will eventually foot the bill. The Hayfield Lane Community Centre has also been the target for vandals.
Residents who observe any anti-social behaviour should report this to the Police – telephone:01142 202020

The web Site address is: www.auckleyvillage.co.uk
Information currently displayed includes:

Names and addresses of Council Members and Clerk Details of Council meetings, i.e. agendas for forthcoming meetings, minutes, general information
Links to local schools
A list of activities
A short history of the village

We would welcome any suggestions for items and information relating to the village, e.g. historical items, local news, local organisations, etc. Details may be sent to the Clerk or any ember of the Council.

Progress is continuing to be made on the matter of dog fouling. New signs have been erected and ‘Clean It Up’ doggie signs painted on footways to remind the public that it is an offence to allow dogs to foul the highway and footways. Please remember the public rights of way along the River Torne bank, Eastfield Lane and Bell Butts Lane, etc. are NOT excluded from the dog fouling regulations. Community First Wardens regularly monitor the village and will fine offenders. If a resident identifies a problem please contact Community First (tel. 01302 736000), or a Parish Councillor.

Responsible dog owners always carry a plastic bag with them and deposit dog waste in one of the bins provided. A new bin for dog waste has been installed on the path leading from Common Lane to Rossmoor Close, and there are a further three bins on Riverside Park. At the Hayfield Estate bins are provided at Oak Tree Avenue, Fir Tree Avenue, and the area between Apple Grove and Lime Avenue.

This is an ongoing problem, particularly along Common Lane. The ‘Flag It’ scheme (Tel 736050) generally responds quickly to a call to remove such items. Community First Wardens are obviously keen to trace any offenders and have them prosecuted. However, their advice to the public is – do not remove any evidence of names/addresses found amongst dumped rubbish, please phone ‘Flag It’, and their staff will deal with it as soon as possible.

‘Action For Auckley’ has analysed the report from consultations carried out amongst Auckley residents and have drawn a number of conclusions and recommendations which have been compiled into a report. Issues of traffic, crime, social, environmental and leisure are all well represented. In addition, there are survey results carried out amongst pupils at Hayfield School who are residents of Auckley. The report itself, which identifies all the issues raised is available for members of the public to study. Anyone wishing to borrow a copy should contact the Secretary, Mr. Chris Gibson or the Parish Council Clerk.
New active members are welcome to join the Action for Auckley Group.
Action for Auckley Chairperson - Ron Fletcher Secretary Chris Gibson

Now is the time of year when trees and bushes begin to grow vigorously and may overhang and obstruct pedestrian footways.
We would be grateful if residents with properties adjacent to footways would ensure that any overhanging vegetation is trimmed back.