MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 12^TH NOVEMBER 2008 COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.

AT THE AUCKLEY PARISH CENTRE

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

· Mr. S. Featherstone, Mr. G. Payne, Mr. I. Swainston, Mr. G. Warrender

· Community Constable Brian Pyle, PCSO Maria Pratt

· Neighbourhood Manager Debbie John-Lewis

Before the meeting commenced the new Neighbourhood Manager, Debbie John-Lewis introduced herself to the Council and the following issues were discussed:

a) Hurst Lane Verges - Ms. John-Lewis advised that the Ward Members have agreed to part of the

flexible budget being used to reduce the high verges at Hurst Lane. The project will cost approx.

£12,245.00 to excavate the verges and re-seed, and hopefully will be undertaken before Christmas.

b) 106 Monies – Council was asked whether any progress has been made regarding the application

being made for funding towards Riverside Play Park scheme. Council reported that a bid has gone in to WREN and a response is expected before Christmas.

c) Untidy Verges and Roundabout, Hayfield Lane – Ms. John-Lewis has visited the area and made

enquiries as to who owns the roundabout and verges and will contact them regarding maintenance.

d) Resident’s Letter Re. Drainage - A resident has written to express concern that the Parish Council

has not taken steps to contact DMBC or the Water Authority regarding the flushing of drains

along the highways of the village. Ms. John-Lewis will make enquiries regarding this matter.

a) Contribution Towards Speed Camera - Council was asked whether any progress has been made in

respect of the speed camera. The Neighbourhood Manager was advised that a contribution of £300 has been agreed in principle by Council. Further communication is awaited from Police.

f) Lidgett Crossroads – Council reiterated its concerns regarding the busy Lidgett Crossroads.

Ms. John-Lewis is to ask Highways Officer, Mr. Worthington for results of recent traffic count.

1. Public Participation - None.

2. To Receive Apologies – Received and accepted from Mrs. L. Allwood and Mr. P. Cockett.

3. Declarations of Interest - Mr. Butterfield and Mr. Featherstone declared a personal interest in

Item No. 24 a (planning application relating to 18 Ellers Lane, Auckley)

and No. 24 b) (planning application relating to 33 Spey Drive, Auckley)

Mrs. Worthington and the Clerk declared a personal interest in Item No. 24 a (planning application

relating to 18 Ellers Lane, Auckley)

4. To Approve Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting Held on 8^th October 2008

The minutes were approved and signed as a true record.

5. Resignation of Parish Councillor – Council Member, Mrs. L. Hunter has tendered her resignation

to the Council. Council accepted the resignation and asked the Clerk to write and thank Mrs. Hunterunter

for her services to the Council and community. The Returning Officer to be informed that a casual

vacancy has arisen on the Council.

6. Matters Arising from the Previous Meeting

a) Public Footpath No. 7 – DMBC Footpaths Officer will be contacting Peel regarding the footpath

which is restricted by fencing in a number of places, and to ensure that the cross field is clearly

defined.

b) Unauthorised Trading at Main Street – DMBC has served an Enforcement Order on the occupier

of the property. The notice requires him to cease the use of the land for vehicle sales and remove

all such vehicles from the land. Members reported that most of the vehicles have been removed.

c) Retention of BT Kiosk – Council’s application to retain the kiosk has been received. BT advises

the cost of the electricity supply to the kiosk will be £17 per annum. Further details are awaited.

Encroachment of Recreation Ground – The residents’ solicitor has written to enquire who would

enforce the covenant. Council’s solicitor suspects this is to delay matters, but thinks it most unlikely that the covenant would be enforced.

RESOLVED – It was agreed to write and ask YLCA who would be likely to enforce the covenant.

Page 2

6. Matters Arising (continued)

d) Entrance to Public Footpath No. 2 – The Footpaths Officer has visited the site and found that the

gap between the gatepost and fence is 70 cm. This is narrower than the defined width of the

footpath of 3 feet (82cm). The gatepost is new but has been built in the same position as the

previous post. The Officer has taken legal advice and been informed that because a post has been

there for a considerable number of years, and there are no other changes in the circumstances

relating to the width, the obstruction to the width at this point would be considered de minimus.

She is therefore unable to take any action with regard to the removal of the post.

RESOLVED – The Clerk to write and point out that the width from the brick pillar to the original

wooden post is only 55cm. The Officer is to be asked to comment on this matter.

e) Untidy Land at Main Street – No reply received from the solicitor acting for the owner.

RESOLVED The Clerk to inform the solicitor that the land is in an untidy state and the dangerous chimney has not yet been removed.

f) Sports Pavilion - The Clerk reported that a large piece of wet plasterboard has fallen down from the ceiling. This could suggest that rain has leaked in through broken roof tiles.

RESOLVED - Council was informed that Mr. Hargreaves was planning to treat the shower heads the following day, and it was agreed to ask him to inspect the loft and roof to see what damage has occurred and, if necessary, undertake any essential repairs as soon as possible.

g) Dog Fouling – Community First Officer has asked the Safety Wardens to monitor.

h) Potholes, Hurst Lane – Community First Officer has spoken with Highways who can confirm that the rumble strip on the bridge is inspected every 3 months, and on the last inspection was found to be within safe limits. Highways have assured him that if the situation changes on next inspection then remedial work will be carried out. The pothole outside the quarry will also be inspected.

i) Bags of Rubbish on Hayfield Lane Building Site – This has been reported to Wright Investments who are responsible for the site.

j) Dilapidated Building Near Nisa – Pending.

k) Request for Lamp, Fence and Sign at Spey Drive Area – Pending.

7. Community Police Report

P.C. Pyle reported that crime figures for the previous month in the Parish were as follows:

Five burglaries

Seven thefts (including 1 sneak-in and thefts of petrol and diesel),

Two incidents of damage (a broken window and a damaged wing mirror),

One arson attack (damaged fence at Church Close)

Parking Outside Ellers Lane Shops – P.C. Pyle reported that the Enforcement Officer has visited the

site and given out tickets. The Police are unable to issue tickets but can send a warning letter and,

if this is ignored, a summons to court can then be issued. Police will continue to monitor.

Travellers’ Horses on Charity Land – Following reports that horses have been left on the charity

land, P.C. Pyle went to investigate but could only see horses on the towpath. However, he is due

to visit the area again later in the week and will continue to monitor the situation and liaise with the

local farmer.

Smartwater – P.C. Pyle advised some free supplies of ‘Smartwater’ are available for anyone

Interested.

8. District Councillor’s Report

District Councillor Allan Jones attended the meeting and gave Mrs. Schofield’s apologies.

Play Facilities at Hayfield Estate - Mr. Jones enquired whether any progress has been made with

regard to the recreation project at Hayfield Lane. Mr. Swainston advised that the scheme is

progressing - costings are being made, and it will be run as a business for the benefit of the

community. Part of the benefits will come from lettings, and Hill House has expressed an interest in

using the facilities.

Lack of Play Equipment

Mr. Jones was asked about the lack of play equipment on the Hayfield Estate, and suggested maybe

land to the rear of the demolished community centre might be suitable. However, it was pointed out

that the land in question belongs to the residents. Mr. Jones is to explore the matter further.

Page 3

9. To Receive External Auditor’s Report

The External Auditor reports there are no matters that have come to their attention which require

the issuing of an additional issues arising report.

RESOLVED – The report was accepted by Council.

10. To Receive Quarterly Internal Audit

The two delegated Members have checked the audit and signed it as correct.

RESOLVED - Council accepted the quarterly internal audit.

11. To Discuss Provision of a Megaphone for Use During Carol Singing

Mr. Warrender is hoping to construct a suitable system, and the Clerk is making enquiries regarding

the possibility of borrowing some equipment.

12. To Consider Show Committee’s Suggestions To Level Entrance to Riverside Park

Council is awaiting a letter from the committee.

13. To Consider Making a Donation to CPRE

The Campaign to Protect Rural England has mounted a campaign to extend the green belt east of

Doncaster. At the moment, without green belt status, there are plans to build large industrial units

near Armthorpe which blight the landscape.

RESOLVED – Following discussion, Mr. Payne proposed that a donation in the sum of £100 be

given to CPRE to support this campaign. The proposal was seconded by Mr. Butterfield, and the

motion was carried. The donation is made under Section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972.

14. To Discuss Proposal to Modify Access Gate to Riverbank

A member of Brindley’s staff has measured the existing gate and drawn a diagram to modify the gate

by incorporating a stile within the structure. The plan has been sent to the Environment Agency for

approval, and a reply is awaited.

15. To Confirm the Clerk’s Salary Increase

The employers’ side of the Local Government Services has made a final pay offer of a 2.45% rise.

with effect from 1^st April 2008, but this has not been agreed and it has gone to arbitration. YLCA

recommends that this interim payment be accepted.

RESOLVED – Council accepted YLCA’s recommendation.

16. To Confirm Handyman’s Wage Increase

DMBC confirms that a 2.45% pay increase has been awarded to their craft workers with effect from

1^st April 2008. This will mean an increase of 14.7 pence per hour.

RESOLVED - Council accepted the recommended increase and decided to round it up to 15 pence

per hour backdated to 1^st April 2008.

17. To Decide Items for Newsletter

It was agreed to feature 3 items:

a) Carols round the tree

b) Vandalism of Christmas trees

c) A thank you to Marilyn Cockett and her helpers for organising the Christmas Market

18. To Discuss Fund Raising to Provide Play Equipment

Mr. Hawley has been recommended to approach an organisation called ‘Play England’ to provide an

additional quotation. The firm is local and may well be more competitive which would ease the

pressure on funding.

WREN has requested letters of support to be sent as part of Council’s application for funding. The

Chair and Clerk have contacted a number of people and approx. 20 letters of support have been sent.

Mr. Hawley is looking for additional funding and has been steered to an organisation called

Community Spaces. However, to use this organisation Council would have to establish a friends’

group who would agree to take responsibility for the play equipment, rather than the Parish Council.

Enquiries have been made but without success.

RESOLVED - It was agreed to write and inform Mr. Hawley that the Parish Council is a responsible

body that is well established and will not suddenly disappear, whereas some groups tend to disband

over time. He can be assured that e can be assured Council will be totally responsible for the maintenance of the

equipment, and regular inspections will be carried out by DMBC Playground Inspectors.

Page 4

19. To Consider Model Code of Conduct Consultation

The consultation invites views on proposals for revising the Model Code of Conduct for local

authorities.

RESOLVED - Question 10 asks whether consultees agree with the addition of a new principle,

applied specifically to conduct in a Member’s non-official capacity where the Member’s conduct

would constitute a criminal offence. Members did not consider it was necessary to introduce a new

principle to be applied specifically to conduct in a Member’s non-official capacity. The majority of

elected members act responsibly and abide by the rules of the land outside of meetings and do not

need to be constrained by this proposal which they consider to be an infringement of Members’

privacy and individual freedom.

20. To Consider the Model Publication Scheme

The Information Commissioner has now developed a new scheme which replaces the 2003 scheme.

This commits an authority to make information available to the public as part of its normal business

activities. The model scheme document will list the information a local Council holds and specify

how the information can be obtained and the cost if applicable. A template is to be completed.

RESOLVED – Council agreed to follow the guidelines laid down for charges, i.e. a charge of

10 pence per sheet will be made for an A4 size copy or for a long report £10 per hour pro rata.

Council agreed to adopt the Model Publication Scheme.

21. To Discuss Highway Matters

a) Letter From Resident – A resident writes to complain that the Parish Council has not taken steps

to contact DMBC or the Water Authority to ensure that highway drains are regularly flushed to

prevent further flooding in the village. The Neighbourhood Manager and the Chairperson are to

reply to the resident.

c) Traffic Lights at Hurst/Hayfield Lane Crossroads – Motorists have complained that the lights at the crossroads are changing too quickly and not allowing enough time for traffic to safely turn from Hurst Lane into Hayfield Lane and from Hayfield Lane into Hurst Lane before the lights change back to red.

RESOLVED – Community First to be asked whether the time lapse could be increased to allow traffic to proceed safely.

d) Unauthorised Advertisement Signs - Community First to be informed that three unauthorised signs advertising Angelo’s Restaurant have been placed on highway verges at Hurst Lane.

e) Manhole at Ellers Lane – The Clerk to ask DMBC to inspect a manhole at Ellers Lane which is full of water and might possibly be due to blocked drains.

22. To Discuss Recreation Matters

a) Cleaning of Dyke – It was agreed to ask Mr. Bichan to clean out the dyke at Riverside Park at a

cost of £190.

b) Sweets for Santa to Distribute – Members contributed towards the purchase of sweets.

c) Rubbish at Copse – Mr. Baker has reported that two large heavy pieces of carpet have been dumped in the copse which are too heavy to be removed by wheelbarrow. ‘Flag’ to be asked to remove this material.

23. Report of Meetings:

a) Parish Councils’ Joint Consultative Committee Meeting – Mrs. Worthington reported that

Mayor Winter has appointed 2 Cabinet Members and 1 Labour Councillor to serve on the PCJCC.

b) Charity Trustees’ Meeting – Mr. Swainston reported that a constitution is being considered by

the Trustees.

c) Clerks’ Finance Training Seminar – The Clerk reported on a very instructive Seminar which included an interesting talk given by a member of the Audit Commission.

Page 5

24. To Consider Planning Applications:

a) No. 08/02968/FUL – Erection of pitched roof porch extension to front, single storey pitched roof

extension to side and two storey pitched roof extension following demolition of existing to rear of

detached house - 18 Ellers Lane, Auckley

Council had no objections to make in respect of this application.

b) No. 08/02982/FUL – Erection of single storey pitched roof extension to front/side of semi-

detached house - 33 Spey Drive, Auckley

Council had no objections to make in respect of this application.

25. To Report DMBC Planning Decisions

No. 08/02478/ADV – Display of several internally, externally and non-illuminated signs of various

sizes - Ramada Hotel, First Avenue, Auckley

Advertisement consent granted.

No. 08/03153/TPO – Consent to remove deadwood and torn branch stubs from one Ash tree (being

subject to G8 of Doncaster Rural District Council Tree Preservation Order No. 16 Auckley 1971)

7 Maple Drive, Auckley

Exempt Works.

26. To Sign Cheques

Cheque no. 001934 - Yorkshire Water (Pavilion water rates) £4.37

Cheque no. 001435 - Yorkshire Water (Allotments water rates) £26.61

Cheque no. 001436 - BDO Stoy Hayward (External Audit) £334.88

Cheque no. 001437 - Auckley Parish Centre (Hire of room for meeting) £24.00

Cheque no. 001438 - Neat ideas (Supply stationery) £58.67

Cheque no. 001439 – Veolia ES (UK) (Grounds maintenance) £74.57

Cheque no. 001440 - DMBC (Emptying dog waste bins) £165.39

Cheque no. 001441 - CPRE (Donation) £100.00

27. To Receive Correspondence

a) Public Consultation on Joint Waste Development Plan

b) Draft Tram and Train Strategy.

28. To Confirm Date and Time of Next Meeting

It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Wednesday, 10^th December 2008, commencing at

7.00 p.m. at the Auckley Parish Centre.

Chairperson …………………….