MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 11^TH MARCH 2009, COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.

AT AUCKLEY PARISH CENTRE

· Present: Mrs. J. Worthington (Chairperson), Mr. I. Butterfield (Vice Chairperson), Mrs. L. Allwood,

· Mr. S. Featherstone, Mr. G Payne, Mrs. S. Platts, Mr. I. Swainston.

· District Councillor Mrs. P. Schofield

· One member of the public

1. To Receive Apologies – Received and accepted from Mr. P. Cockett and Mr. G. Warrender.

2. Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interests – None declared.

3. Matters Arising from the Last Annual Parish Meeting – None of note.

4. Chairperson’s Report

Mrs. Worthington reported on the following issues:

New Member

Mrs. Hunter resigned as a member of the Parish Council in November last year. A big welcome is

extended to Mrs. Sue Platts who was co-opted onto the Council in February 2009 to fill the vacancy.

Drainage and Flooding Issues

There have been problems during the last two years and Council has been in constant touch with

DMBC and Severn Trent Water. The new Neighbourhood Manager, Debbie John-Lewis, is also now

involved. An extensive sewage cleanse was undertaken in January and it was agreed that if excessive

levels of fat were found in the sewers, leaflets would be issued advising what should and should not

be discharged into sewers.

Thanks are due to the Neighbourhood Manager and her team for the very pro-active way in which

issues are being dealt with. This helps to bring matters to a conclusion more quickly and is greatly

appreciated.

Safety Issues

Council has been in correspondence with DMBC Highways regarding concerns of pupil safety when

walking to and from schools. A 20 mph speed limit has been requested but DMBC advises there is an

order of priority and Auckley is not currently near the top of the list. Efforts will continue.

Quarries

A slight delay in capital funding to reduce the height of the sand-filled highway verges at Hurst Lane

has now been resolved, and hopefully work will commence in the near future.

Gatehouse Lane Quarry – Council has been constantly in correspondence with DMBC regarding the

poor state of the road surface, and problems of ponding and sand. The Authority is to create two

dykes at the rear of the verge area either side of the entrance and create a ditch to allow water to drain

away. Following these measures the highway surface will be repaired.

Dog Fouling

This anti-social behaviour is regularly highlighted in the ‘Arrow’ newsletter. DMBC Enforcement

Officers were recently in the village for one day to issue fixed penalty notices to offenders caught

dropping litter or allowing their dogs to foul. Council would like to thank the majority of dog owners

who act responsibly and do not allow this to happen or who clean up after their dogs.

Red Telephone Kiosk

After some considerable time the Parish Council has managed to purchase from BT – for £1 – the

old-style red telephone box at Ellers Lane. This is only one of a few still remaining in the Borough.

Finance

This year the precept was increased slightly in order for Council to carry out its project to provide

new play equipment at Riverside Park. A company has been engaged to obtain funding from third

parties, and an application is shortly to be submitted to ‘Sport England’. Some monies have been

made available from a Section 106 Planning Agreement, but other funding is needed as the cost will

be in the region of £100k

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Website

Council’s website: www.auckleyvillage.co.uk is regularly updated and details of agendas, minutes

etc. can be found on the site. Council has adopted a Racial Equality Policy, this and details of the

Freedom of Information Act can be viewed on the website.

River Torne Project

Unfortunately the proposal to provide a bridge across the river has been shelved for the foreseeable

future because of the rising costs involved. Recently Auckley and Cantley with Branton Councils

jointly funded modifications to the access gate to provide a stile to allow residents to access the path

to the river as they have done for decades. Currently there is a wooden barrier which blocks access

along the path and hopefully, following ongoing discussions, access will be available once more.

Land Adjacent to the Church

Council is still in contact with solicitors acting for the owner of land adjacent to the Church. This has

been a very protracted issue and, to date, no firm conclusion has been reached. Although Council

funded the fencing, the solicitors have advised that any attempts to remove the fencing would be

viewed as trespass, and therefore it is assumed that the land owner will take responsibility for the

condition of the fencing/land. Further details are awaited.

Planning Application – Robin Hood Airport

A number of Councils in the area were given the opportunity to comment on the application to vary

the Section 106 Agreement to allow freight to fly at night. Auckley did make some observations,

these included noise and problems with increased traffic on the roads at night and in the early hours,

and it was felt that the infrastructure was not in place to cope with additional HGV’s on village roads.

It is anticipated that the Planning Authority will determine the application in mid April.

Thanks from the Chair

Mrs. Worthington concluded by thanking the following:

The Gala Committee for once again organising a very successful gala. This is a community event

and thanks go to all concerned for their hard work.

Thanks to Marilyn Cockett and those residents who organise and assist with the Christmas Market.

Thanks to:

Mr. Baker – Council Handyman who continues to do an excellent job in clearing litter and rubbish in

the village.

Mr. L. Credland – who plants the tubs on the corner of Eastfield Lane, and members of the Garden &

Allotments Association for planting out the other tubs on The Green and Pinfold.

PC Pyle and his colleagues, who regularly attend meetings. Their pro-active approach and assistance

is greatly appreciated.

Ward Counillor Mrs. P. Schofield who regularly attends meetings - she updates Council on various

matters and takes forward any issues of concern. Her involvement is greatly appreciated.

A big thank you to all Councillors who give their valuable time to work to help the community and to

make Auckley a nice place to live. They represent the Parish on various committees and charitable

trusts and work hard on behalf of the community.

Finally a thank you to Mrs. Caygill, Clerk, who continues to be extremely dedicated and efficient.

5. Issues Raised by Members of the Public

Dog Fouling - A resident reported that dog fouling is a real problem on grass verges, public footpaths

and recreation grounds. He was advised that Enforcement Officers are monitoring the situation, signs

and stencils have been renewed, and the problem will be highlighted in the next newsletter.

Mosham Quarry – Complaints of mud being spread on the road. The resident was informed that

Council is currently corresponding with DMBC Highways and the Police regarding this matter.

Hanson Quarry - A resident complained of sand blocking drains on Hurst Lane. This leads to water

ponding on the road and school children being splashed with water when walking to and from school.

Council advised that discussions are being held with DMBC, and highway improvements are planned.

Chairperson ……………………………