AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

CHAIRPERSON’S ANNUAL REPORT – MARCH 2010

 

Highway Matters

Important issues raised during the year:  

·        Requesting DMBC to introduce a to 20mph limit on roads near and outside schools

·        to raise aware of safety implications for pupils crossing Main Street and Hurst Lane

·        to co-operate with residents of The Green with regard to serious problems with blocked drains and sewerage.   A meeting was convened with officers from the Water Authority and we have also been liaising with DMBC and ward members

·        flooding problems on Main Street and outside the Little Manor House

·        dog fouling; we continue to highlight this nuisance and urge anyone who witnesses anyone allowing their dogs to foul without clearing up to let us know the details, as we would wish to prosecute where necessary.  We thank the majority of dog owners who are responsible and who always clear up after their pets

·        maintaining public rights of way

Path Along Riverbank

Auckley, together with Cantley with Branton Parish Council, lobbied the Environment Agency and DMBC, as a result of which an obstruction was removed and now residents are able to walk along the path parallel to the river bank.   The possibility of providing a bridge across the river has been shelved for the foreseeable future due to lack of funding.

Precept

We are mindful that the precept should remain as low as possible, thus not increasing the burden on rate payers, although the parish council does not shy away from spending money where it is right to do so.    We have recently increased the Precept to £28k which is a very small rise per annum on each household and we felt it necessary to do so as the play equipment on Riverside Park – taken away by DMBC some time ago due to its unsafe condition – can be replaced.     Unfortunately efforts to obtain funding from Sports for England, Peoples Millions, South Yorkshire Community Foundation and Awards for All have all met with negative responses.  We have monies available via a section 106 agreement, and we thank our ward members for agreeing – for 2010/11 – to allocate Government funding delegated to local authorities for play resources.    Not all parishes in the ward are as lucky, and we are most grateful for this initiative.     Negotiations are continuing and we hope to have the equipment in place later this year.

Bus Services

Members met with the External Relations Manager of SYPTE to discuss issues relating to bus services and this proved very informative.      

BT Phone Box – Ellers Lane

We have acquired the old style red phone box from BT and organised a competition with pupils from the local schools to put forward suggestions for its use.  The winning suggestion was for a shelf/pen to be provided so that anyone purchasing cards from the adjacent shop could utilise the facility to write their messages.  

Trimming of Trees

We engaged a contractor to trim the trees at the rear of Sandhill Rise which were overhanging and obstructing the light of neighbouring properties.

Police

We have liaised with the Police and contributed towards a speed camera, together with most other Parish Councils - the sum being £332.

We have been in contact with the Police regarding anti-social behaviour – particularly on the play areas and the copse along Eastfield Lane.

Proposed Gating of Common Lane

We have been consulted by DMBC – as a land owner of Charity Land along Common Lane – with regard to a gating order to prohibit vehicular access because of the amount of litter and poaching.   This issue will be discussed again at our normal monthly meeting.

 

Blocked Public Right of Way

A Public Inquiry decided that a path leading from Sandhill Rise to the Riverside Park recreation ground is a public right of way and all restrictions must be removed to give access to members of the public.  Thanks are due to everyone who gave evidence to the Inquiry, and a member of the Ramblers’ Association for representing Council at the hearing.

Council Representation

Some members of the council serve on various bodies:

  • Parish Councils Joint Consultative Committee
  • Airport Community Sub Committee
  • Airport Consultative Committee
  • Parish Councils Airport Liaison Group (although this hasn’t met for over year)
  • Poors Land Charitable Trust
  • Hayfield Lane project
  • Parish Centre Committee

Council Web Site

We continue our aim to communicate with residents and our website is regularly updated.

Web Site: www.auckleyvillage.co.uk   We also have regular items printed in the ‘Arrow’ newsletter

Resignation of Councillor

We were sorry to lose the services of Peter Cockett recently.  Pete has done such much for the youth of the village over many years in terms of football and as a parish councillor, and we thank him for his efforts – he will be missed.    It is hoped to fill this casual vacancy at our meeting in April – so if anyone is interested, now is the time!

Carol Singing

We recently decided to include a questionnaire in The Arrow to gauge residents’ views as to whether the Carol Service should continue to be held on the night of the Christmas Market or whether it should be held on a separate night.  This issue will be discussed at our normal March meeting.

Thanks From the Chair

Thank you to residents and local groups who continue to support us.

We would like to thank Mr & Mrs White for tending the tubs on the grassed triangle at Eastfield Lane.  Previously this work was undertaken also on a voluntary basis over a number of years by a resident who sadly passed away last year.

Thanks also go to:

Marilyn Cockett and her team for staging the wonderful Christmas Market

Auckley Garden & Allotments Association for planting tubs on the large green and pinfold

Auckley Gala Committee for the annual event and disco which are very well attended

PC Pyle, Sgt Price, PSCO Maria Pratt who attend our meetings and report on local issues

The Neighbourhood Manager and her team

Ward Councillor Patricia Schofield

Our Handyman, Mr Baker who continues to do a sterling job and never complains when it is cold and raining

Geoff Payne for his efforts in getting the Youth Club – housed in the Centre at Hayfield Lane – off the ground

 

In conclusion, I would like to say that it is a pleasure to be part of such a dedicated, professional and friendly team.    I hope the members of Council enjoy our meetings, as I do, and the work of the Parish Council.  Thanks to all of you for giving your time so freely for the benefit of the parish and its residents

Finally, as I have mentioned in past years, no council can function properly without a pro-active and hard working clerk – so thank you to Marjorie for her sterling efforts.  We may not always say so but her commitment is greatly appreciated.

 

 

 

Jennifer Worthington

Chairman