MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 9TH NOVEMBER 2011, COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.

AT THE AUCKLEY PARISH CENTRE

 

·        Present: -  Mrs. J. Worthington (Chairperson), Mr. S. Featherstone (Vice Chairman), Mr. G. Payne,

·        Mrs. J. Staniforth, Mr. I. Swainston, Mr. G. Warrender

·        District Councillor Mrs. P. Schofield

·        Mr. S. Laws and two colleagues from Hanson Aggregates Quarry

·        Two members of the public

1.   Report from Manager of Hanson Aggregates

      Unit Manager, Mr. Laws, and his colleagues outlined proposals to improve the site which include providing new machinery and siting it further back from the road which will reduce noise levels.  A new office block will be built and consideration will be given to employing a wheel wash to reduce the amount of sand deposited on Hurst Lane.  The changes will hopefully be in place by May 2012.

      A member of Council pointed out that deposits of sand continue to be a problem on Hurst Lane, blocking surface water gullies and raising the height of the grass verges.   Mr. Laws will investigate.

2.   Public Participation – Members of the public raised the following matters:

      a)   Mosham Footway – Encroaching vegetation has narrowed the path width and needs grubbing back.

      b)   Leaves on Footway – Leaves from a large ash tree are falling in profusion on the footway opposite

            the Ellers Lane car park.  After rainfall the leaves become wet and can be dangerously slippery for

            pedestrians.  This matter to be reported to the Area Officer.

c)      Car Parked To Rear of Church Close Bungalows – It was reported that the car has not been seen at this location for some time.   A resident enquired whether a collapsible bollard could be provided at the entrance to the gardens to prevent any further problems.   The Area Officer to be contacted.

3.   To Receive Apologies  - Received and accepted from:  Mr. I. Butterfield, Mr. J. Fletcher, Mrs. S. Platts.

4.   Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interests

      Mrs. Staniforth declared a personal interest in Item No. 27 (Review of Clerk’s Salary)

      Mrs. Caygill (Clerk), declared a personal interest in Item No. 23 (Planning application to build garage at

      No. 6 Ellers Lane, Auckley) 

      Mrs. Caygill declared a prejudicial interest in Item No. 27 (Review of Clerk’s salary) and left the room

      whilst this item was being discussed.  

5.   To Approve Minutes of the Previous Meeting Held on 12 October 2011

      The minutes were approved and signed as a true record.

6.   Community Police Report

      Sergeant S. Price writes to advise that he has been transferred from the airport to Rossington Police Station.   Regarding use of speed gun - recent organisational changes will allow more staff to conduct speeding operations on a regular basis than is currently possible.  The Special Constabulary are also being giving training to operate the speed gun provided by the community.  Figures for Speed Gun Operations are as follows:     Caution letters issued - 110.  Fixed Penalty Tickets issued – 11.  Arrests - 1absibH

      Members of Council reported that School Lane was blocked at 9.00 a.m. on 9 November due to vehicles

      being double-parked.   Mrs. Woodcock has been made aware of this problem, and Area Manager,

      Mr. Thomas will be sending a member of his staff out next week to discuss the situation with the school.

      RESOLVED – It was agreed to contact Parking and Enforcement Manager, Mr. Bidmead and ask him to

      deploy his team to monitor parking at School Lane and the Ellers Lane shops.

7.   District Councillor’s Report

      Mrs. P. Schofield reported on the following:

a)      New Chief Executive – Mrs. J. Millar has been appointed.

b)      White Rose Way Road Improvements – The largest crane in the country will be operating for 48 hours during the Christmas Day/Boxing Day period to build a new bridge over the railway at White Rose Way.

c)      Mosham Quarry – Mrs. Schofield has spoken with the quarry owner regarding the current state of the site and been advised that arrangements have been made for a team to clear up the site

 

 

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7.   District Councillor’s Report (continued)

d)      Data Protection – Mrs. Schofield has attended a Data Protection seminar when advice was given that organisations such as Parish Councils should be signed up for data protection.  Mrs. Schofield was informed that Auckley Council is registered with the Commissioners.

8.   Matters Arising From Previous Meeting Held on 12 October 2011

      a)   Supermarket Extension – The Planning Officer to be informed that the area to the rear of the building

            has not been improved as per the plan, i.e. a narrow tarmac path, soil either side and bollards.

b)      Dumped Rubbish, Eastfield Lane – DMBC’s Area Officer advises the area is not part of the

      Authority’s land.  He has noted that the waste is not significant, and wonders whether the Parish

      Handyman would be able to spread the material around.  The Clerk will speak to the Handyman.

c)       Conifer Trees at Avon Court – It was reported that the trees have now been removed.

d)      Damaged Wall, Hayfield Lane Adult Learning Centre – The Area Officer has been advised that the

coping stones have not been replaced, due them being repeatedly vandalised.  The Head of the Centre

will contact the repairs section to determine what is the most practical solution to the problem.

e)       Litter at A638/Hurst Lane Junction – Area Officer advises that the area is on a scheduled cycle for

litter picking, so any material will be collected at that time.  However, if there is significant litter

reported an order can be raised for the crew to attend between scheduled visits.

f)        Barrier at Entrance to Spey Drive Play Area – Area Officer to ask colleagues if they can paint barrier

g)       Signs on Footpath No. 7 – Mrs. Schofield was reminded of this matter.

h)       Renovation of Football Pitch – Veolia Grounds Manager advises that the fertilizer to be used is safe

      for humans and animals.  It is a granular fertilizer which they will apply at the beginning of the week

      to give it time to disperse before the weekend football.

i)         Mosham Quarry – In response to Council’s query on what operations are permitted on site, the Planning Investigation Officer has sent a copy of the Inspector Decision for the site and this covers

      most uses from storage and distribution of hardcore rubble/minerals to car repairs, etc.

j)        Untidy Building Site, Fir Tree Avenue – It was reported that some attempts have been made to clean up the site.

k)      Provision of Bollards for Frontage of Shops – The bollards have been delivered.  Mrs. Worthington is

to contact the Highways Officer regarding the installation of the bollards.

l)         Christmas Trees – One tree has been ordered from Plevey’s to be sited at Hurst Lane.  Mr. Cockett

advises that the existing tree on the village green is less robust than the Norway pine supplied by Plevey’s and will probably only take 54 bulbs as opposed to the 80 bulbs normally festooned on the larger tree.  The cable leading to the tree may need to be extended. 

m)     Dirty Bus Shelter, Hayfield Lane  - SYPTE will attend to this matter.

n)       Charity Land – Clerk’s correspondence including a copy of the tenancy agreement has not been received by YLCA, so a second set has been sent.  Letters from Finningley Drainage Board and YLCA dated 1988 clearly state that liability for repair of the bridge is with the owner of the field. 

Mr. Swainston has asked a contractor to supply a quotation to repair the bridge. 

      o)   Advertisement Boards at A638/Hurst Lane Junction – A reminder to be sent to DMBC.

9.   To Approve Quarterly Internal Audit and Budget Statement

      The quarterly internal audit has been checked by the designated Councillor and signed as correct.

      Council approved the audit and budget statement.  Current bank balance is £54,545.18.

10. To Report Progress With Regard to Play Equipment

       The draft Funding Agreement has been perused and sent back to DMBC, together with a copy of SMP’s

       insurance details.  Mr. Thomas reports that Legal now have all the information they require so will

       finalise the Agreement and send it direct for signing by Councillors.  Once this is done he will sort out

       the money transfer.  The Clerk to ask SMP what is their timescale.  

11.  To Report Progress With Regard to Bus Shelter

       Council’s solicitor advises the completion of the land transfer took place on 28 October and he is now in

       the process of registering the land with the Land Registry and will provide Council with the title 

       information as soon as this is to hand.

       Mr. Gaffney reports he is hoping to commence work on the bus shelter on 21 November, weather

       permitting. Estimated time for completing the shelter will be 2 weeks, again subject to weather

       conditions, as this might affect the drying time.  SYPTE is to supply a temporary bus stop.

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12.  To Discuss N Power’s Admin Charges for Light in BT Phone Kiosk

 The Clerk reported that, further to the increased charge of £280.97 for period 1 February to 30 June 2011

 two more invoices totalling £174.24 have been received for the period 1 July to 30 September. Following

 a number of telephone calls and emails, the Senior Complaints Advisor has emailed Council to advise

 that N Power is currently negotiating a gesture of goodwill to be applied to the account once the admin.

 charges are in place.   Northern Power Grid quotes the price of £430.25 to disconnect the supply.

 RESOLVED – It was agreed to await N Power’s reply before making a decision on this matter.

13.  To Discuss N Power’s Admin. Charges for Christmas Tree Lights at Village Green

       The Senior Complaints Advisor informs that they are currently processing a change to the admin. charge

       on the account for Christmas lights at the village green.  The admin. charge will change to an annual

       payment of £18.00.  A re-bill of the account will be supplied once the admin. charges are in place.

RESOLVED – Council to await N Power’s reply.

14. To Decide Items for Newsletter – The following items to feature in the Council’s newsletter page:

      ‘Carols round The Tree’

      Improvements to Hanson’s Quarry

      Application to make Eagle and Child a listed building

      An update on progress of bus shelter

      Irresponsible parking outside Auckley school and shops

15. To Discuss Application To Make Eagle and Child a Listed Building

      Members of the public to be asked in the December newsletter for any photographs and memorabilia

      relating to the Eagle and Child which could be used as part of the application.

16. To Discuss Issues Relating to 106 Agreements for Developments at Hayfield Lane

      Council has concerns that some Sect. 106 funds allocated by Annington Homes for recreation projects at  Hayfield Lane might be utilised elsewhere.   A meeting has been arranged with Dennis Kirsten, the

      3 Ward Councillors and 2 representatives from each of the Councils in the Finningley Ward.

      RESOLVED – It was agreed that Mrs. Worthington and Mr. Swainston represent Auckley Council.

17. To Discuss Highway Matters

      Removal of Hedges, Bell Butts Lane – It was reported that hedges have been removed from the parcel of land where garages originally stood on Bell Butts Lane and been replaced with fencing, with the public  footpath sign being enclosed within the fencing.  There are currently 2 vehicles and a large skip on site.

      RESOLVED  -  Agreed to inform Planning Dept. that some ancient hedgerows exist on Bell Butts Lane, and enquire whether the demolished hedges were part of these ancient hedgerows.

18. To Discuss Recreation Matters

      Pavilion – It was reported that bags of rubbish have been stored in the pavilion and the water heater switch has been left on.   The Clerk will remind Handyman to turn the heater switch off.   Rubbish left inside was due to the outside litter bin being too full on that particular week.

      Footballers Driving to Car Park – It was reported that on the morning of Sunday, 6 November it was noticed that footballers arriving for the match in several vehicles were driving at more than normal speed through the Ravenswood Estate.  The Clerk to ask the Football Manager to have a word with teams.

19. To Discuss Clerk’s Membership of SLCC

      Mr. Featherstone proposed that Council fund the Clerk’s membership of the SLCC at a cost of £116.00

      Mr. Payne seconded the proposal, and the motion was carried.

20. To Consider NHS Consultation on Proposals to Change Some Services at The Mexborough Montague and Tickhill Hospitals  - Noted.

21. Letter Received From HMP Hatfield

      A member of the Outwork Department of Hatfield Open Prison is writing to Parish Councils and other organisations looking for potential employers who might be able to offer any volunteer or paid placement work to prisoners prior to their release.  The prisoners are able to undertake various duties which include: litter picking, basic DIY, painting buildings and fences, gardening, tidying graveyards, etc. 

      RESOLVED – It was agreed to write and make enquiries as to what supervision is given, whether tools are supplied, etc.  

 

 

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22. To Receive Reports on Meetings:

      a)   PCJCC Meeting – Mrs. Worthington reported that a number of issues were discussed, these included

            election charges, the Localism Bill and the following:

            Dog fouling - DMBC Officer, Mark Benton, advised that Parish Councils are now able to receive

            training in order to deal with owners who allow their dogs to foul.

            Policy 13 – A large number of objections to the Policy have been received.

            Quality Councils – DMBC will contact all Councils regarding the benefits of Quality Councils.

b)      ‘What Councillors Need to Know’ Seminar – Mrs. Staniforth reported the seminar was generally

      good but the administration information was more appropriate for Clerks.  14 members attended.

c)      Hayfield Lane Recreation Project – Mr. Swainston reported that a pre-planning consultation is to

be undertaken to discuss the plans.

d)      YLCA Branch Meeting – Mrs. Worthington and Mrs. Staniforth attended the meeting held at Branton.  Travellers’ sites were discussed, and it was also reported that Rotherham Council is now billing local Councils for services that were once provided free. 

23.  To Make Comments on Planning Application

       No. 11/02972/FULFT – Erection of detached garage to side of detached bungalow and erection of 1.8m

       high side/rear boundary wall   6 Ellers Lane, Auckley

       Council’s comments were that the 1.8 metre high wall would restrict sight lines and be a hazard for the

       neighbour at Myrtle Grove and pedestrians.   Garage would be out of proportion with existing dwelling.

24.  To Report Decisions of DMBC Planning Committee  - Planning permission granted to following:

a)      No. 11/02622/FUL – Erection of pitched roof conservatory to rear of detached house

21 Comet Court, Auckley

       b)   No. 11/92651/FULFT – Erection of ground floor extension to side to encompass existing detached

             garage including new pitched roof overall  -  38 Spey Drive, Auckley

b)      No. 11/02734/FUL – Erection of two storey pitched roof extension to rear of semi-detached house,

Following demolition of existing garage (resubmission of application)  3 Chestnut Drive, Auckley

25.  To Sign Cheques and Authorise Banking Transactions  

       BACS 21  inv. 1477554 –  Bridge Sanderson Munro (Legal expenses re. bus shelter)         £1,377.00

       BACS 22  Nov meeting  -  Auckley Parish Centre (Hire for meeting)                                       £24.00

       BACS 23  inv. 1372011 -   Veolia ES (Grounds maintenance Sept.)                                      £163.20

       BACS 24  inv. 65942883    DMBC (Emptying dog bins)                                                       £313.20

       BACS 25   WRZ277100     Staples Direct (Supply stationery and cartridges)                          £72.64

       BACS 27  Membership       SLCC (Membership of Clerk)                                                    £116.00

       BACS 28  inv. 1374458      Veolia ES (Grounds maintenance October)                                 £322.90

       BACS 29  inv. 082676        Broxap (Supply 2 x bollards)                                                      £348.00

26.  To Receive Correspondence

       Notice of Public Rights of Way Forum 24 November.  NALC Legal Topic “Data Protection”

27.  To Review Clerk’s Salary

       Pursuant to Section 1 (2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960, Council by resolution

       requested that members of the public and press leave the meeting during discussion of the above, due to

       the confidential nature of the item to be discussed.

       The Clerk’s salary was reviewed.

28.  To Confirm Date and Time of Next Meeting

       It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Wednesday, 14th December 2011, commencing at 7.00 p.m.

       at the Auckley Parish Centre

 

                                                                                           

                                                                                                       Chairperson ……………………..