MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 14TH OCTOBER 2009, COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.

AT THE AUCKLEY PARISH CENTRE

 

·        Present: -  Mrs. J. Worthington (Chairperson), Mr. S. Featherstone, Mrs. S. Platts, Mr. I. Swainston,

·        Mr. G. Warrender.

·        One member of the public

1.   Public Participation  - None.

2.   To Receive Apologies

      Received and accepted from Mrs. Allwood, Mr. Butterfield, Mr. Cockett and Mr. Payne.

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

4.   To Approve Minutes of the Meeting Held on 9th September 2009

      The minutes were approved and accepted as a true record.

5.   Matters Arising from the Above Minutes

      a)   Request to Install Memorial Plaque – Neighbourhood Manager confirms that DMBC has no

            objections to the request, but would ask for the plaque to be installed securely and preferably under

            the tree where it will not obstruct grounds maintenance works.

b)        Flower Tubs at Eastfield Lane – A resident of School Lane has offered to water and maintain the

3 flower tubs on the grassed triangle at Eastfield Lane if Council will provide plants and compost.

RESOLVED – It was agreed to ask the Gardens & Allotments Association whether they would be prepared to provide and plant flowers and compost for these tubs, in addition to those they currently

            maintain on the village green and in the pinfold.

c)         The Copse  - The Police were informed at the recent PACT meeting that vandals have been setting straw alight in the copse.  Since that time a Community First Officer and members of the Reparation Team have tidied the copse and spread the straw thinly amongst the trees. 

d)        Missing Seat, School Lane – The Neighbourhood Manager reports they have taken delivery of the bench and litter bin purchased through the flexible budget and hopefully it will be installed shortly.

e)         Bid For Funding to Provide Play Equipment – The Clerk reported that a bid to ‘Awards for All’ was unsuccessful, the reason given was that the project contains items or activities that they will not pay for under ‘Awards for All’ building/landscaping projects over £25,000. 

RESOLVED – It was agreed to contact the agent for ‘Record’ Play Equipment and ask her to meet with members to discuss the  provision of a smaller recreation area with the funds currently available from the Parish Council and Section 106.

f)          Untidy Grass, Rear of Nisa Store  - David Smith advises that Peel no longer has any responsibility for

       maintenance issues on the Nisa Store site.   The Clerk has subsequently written to the Nisa proprietor.

g)         Extension of Garden Onto Recreation Ground – Council’s solicitor advises that a Hearing at the County Court will take place on 27th November.

h)         Dogs on Leads Signs  - A third sign has now been erected on Riverside Park near the river. 

With regard to the Spey Drive play area - DMBC Legal Dept. advises that the Authority can only request dogs to be kept on a lead if Dog Control Orders are in place.   At the moment they are not, but there are plans to introduce them.  Therefore at this time a sign would be unenforceable.

i)           Potholes at Sycamore Crescent – The holes have been repaired.

j)          Litter Bin Near Pavilion – The Clerk reported that the bin is now being emptied.

k)        Poppy Wreath for Remembrance Day – Mr. Warrender is to attend the Remembrance Service and place Council’s wreath on the Blaxton War Memorial.

l)          Request to Trim Trees at Sandhill Rise – Mr. Hargreaves of ‘Need a Hand’ has trimmed trees to the rear of the town houses. 

A request has been received from the resident of No. 21 Sandhill Rise asking for trees at the rear of his property to be trimmed back to a suitable height in order to provide a longer term solution.  This is the second request in 2 years.

RESOLVED – ‘Need a Hand’ to be asked to submit a quotation to trim these trees and also undertake an annual check of all the trees on Riverside Park and advise Council accordingly.

 

 

 

 

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6.  Matters Arising (continued)

m)       Resident’s Letter Re. Path Near River – The resident who had earlier expressed concerns re. the path replies she is disappointed that access for those with dogs cannot be improved, but understands the financial implications of such alterations.  However, she does consider the issue of barbed wire across a path used by the public a more serious problem.

RESOLVED – It was agreed to write to the Yorkshire Wild Life Park to report there is dangerous wire on and around fencing near the river and enquire whether the fencing is in their ownership,  

n)         Christmas Market – The Market Organiser replies she has been in talks with Doncaster Tourist

Business Manager, DMBC Neighbourhood Manager and the Police, and they are aware of the amount of visitors and traffic that will be seen at the market.  With regards to using a larger area – nothing is organised, but it is something they may look at in the future.

o)        Building Site, Fir Tree Avenue – Community First Officer reports that the site has been re-secured.

p)        Overgrown Hedges, Hurst/Hayfield Lane – Community First Officer is awaiting a reply from Urbani

q)        Poor Road Surface Outside Blaxton Quarry – The Clerk to send a reminder in 2 weeks.

r)          Driveway without Dropped Kerb – Highways Officer has sent a formal letter to the resident.

s)         Hurst Lane Highway Improvements – The Neighbourhood Manager reports that the scheme to lower the high verges was to be completed earlier in the year but was put on hold because the Highways Manager was in the process of applying for some additional external funding to re-surface the road and improve the footway.  The results should be known by the end of November.  If the application is not successful, work will still be undertaken to reduce the verges.

t)          Strimming of Vegetation on Riverside Park Near River Way – Veolia has informed the Clerk that work will be carried out in the near future.

u)         Dilapidated Building, Sycamore Drive – Pending.

7.  Community Police Report

     The Local Community Policeman did not attend.

     Mrs. Worthington gave a report on the PACT meeting held on 21 September 2009 at Branton School.

     Crime figures for the previous month were as follows:

            14 crime incidents

            A continuing nuisance occurring at Holly Road

            One incident recorded at Sandhill Rise

            Approx. 12 motorbikes being ridden on the old quarry land off Hurst Lane.

            Police continue to operate the speed camera in Auckley, Branton, Finningley and Blaxton.

            Eight warnings have been issued in Finningley.

      The next PACT meeting will be held on 22 October at Finningley.

8.  District Councillor’s Report - The District Councillor did not attend.

9.  To Approve External Auditor’s Report

     The Auditor had no comments to make – apart from pointing out that the balance had been incorrectly rounded up to nearest pound, and Council should ensure in future years that rounding errors do not occur. 

      RESOLVED – The Report was accepted by Council, and will now be displayed on the notice board.

10. To Approve 2009/2010 National Salary Increase for Clerks

      The National Salary increase is 1% backdated to 1 April 2009, an increase of 12 pence per hour.

      RESOLVED – Council approved the increase.

11. To Approve Increase in Handyman’s Wages

      The recommended increase in accordance with NJC rates is to increase the hourly pay to £6.312 per hour,

      backdated to 1 April 2009.     

      RESOLVED – Council approved the increase.

12. To Decide Whether to Provide Christmas Tree at Hurst Lane

      This item was discussed at length.   Members were aware that to provide the tree plus a new set of lights would cost approx. £1,000 and, in view of the vandalism that had occurred over the past two years,  concerns were expressed that this behaviour would be repeated.   The public had been invited in the

      recent ‘Arrow’ newsletter to comment on this matter, but no letters or messages had been received.

      RESOLVED – Mr. Featherstone proposed that Council remain with the decision made in February 2009 that a tree would not be provided this year, but the situation to be reviewed in 2010.  This was agreed.  

 

 

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13.  To Consider Quotation to Provide Christmas Tree

       Plevey’s quotes the sum of £490 to provide, deliver, erect and eventually remove one 20 foot high

       Norway Spruce.

       RESOLVED – Council agreed to order one tree.

14.  To Consider Quotation to Undertake Work on BT Kiosk

       ‘Need A Hand’ submits a quotation in the sum of £165 to supply and fit a shelf and re-seat a concrete

       slab that is preventing the door from being opened fully.    

       RESOLVED – Following discussion, Mr. Featherstone proposed that the quotation be accepted. 

       This was seconded by Mr. Warrender, and the motion was carried.  The contractor to be also asked

       whether he would be able to supply a pen on a chain that could be fixed to the shelf.

15.  To Consider Quotation to Clean Dyke

       Mr. Bichan quotes the sum of £190 + VAT to clean out the dyke.  Council accepted the quote.

16.  To Receive Report of Inquiry

       A Public Inquiry was held on 22 September at the Auckley Parish Centre to decide whether a public

       right of way subsists between Nos. 29 and 31 Sandhill Rise.  Council was represented by Mr. J. Harker.

       Eleven members of the public gave evidence in support of the Order, and there were two objectors.  

17.  To Discuss Public Footpath No. 7

       Council was informed that signs have been erected on land on both sides of the new airport road at the

       point where the road dissects the footpath. These state that the owners of the land have no intention to

       dedicate a public right of way and reserve the right to divert or close the pathway from time to time.

       RESOLVED  - It was agreed to write and ask the Footpaths Officer if the signs are permissible, and

       also enquire whether DMBC would be able to supply Public Footpath signs at these locations.

18.  To Discuss Highway Matters

       Council has received complaints regarding inappropriate parking of vehicles outside Auckley School

       which creates congestion along School Lane – particularly when the bus is parked near the school for

       pupils going to swimming lessons.  There have also been reports of parents driving up the school drive in

       order to drop their children off at school.

       RESOLVED – P.C. Pyle to be asked to monitor the situation.

19.  To Discuss Recreation Matters

       Mr. Payne has been in contact with the Neighbourhood Manager to see whether there is a suitable

       building in Auckley which can be used for Youth Club activities.   The Neighbourhood Manager has

       been in touch with the Hayfield Adult Education Centre, and Mr. Payne is to meet with her shortly to

       discuss this matter.

20.  Report of Meetings

       a)   Charity Meeting – The Land Agent has reviewed the rents of land at Common Lane and Hurst Lane

             and recommended an increase in both rents.  The rent for land used by the Garden and Allotments

             Association has also been increased.  Enquiries are to be made at the bank to change the two

             Charity accounts from ‘Auckley Parish Council’ to ‘Charity of Richard Metcalfe’.

b)      Hayfield Lane Recreation Project – It was reported that the project is still looking for funds.  The

committee has applied to Yorkshire Forward as there is the possibility of small businesses being sited on the ground which could attract funding from this organisation.  There is a need to cost out the building project.  A decision is to be made regarding which organisation will take over the project if it proves to be unsuccessful.

c)       Airport Consultative Sub-Committee

            Mrs. Worthington has been elected onto the Airport Consultative Committee.

            A complaint regarding aircraft noise has been received from a resident of Wroot.

            The Community Fund was discussed – it would appear that many local organisations are not

            Applying for grants.

            Litter Picking has been organised for dumped rubbish at Old Bawtry Road, Finningley.

            Telephone number for complaints regarding noise is:  01302 623499

 

 

 

 

 

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21. To Make Comments on Planning Applications:

      a)   No. 09/01346/FUL – Installation of roller shutters, fluorescent lighting and signage to front elevation

            of hot food takeaway and installation of extraction system

            Adjacent Post Office, Hayfield Lane, Auckley        

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

b)      No. 09/01674/FUL – Erection of conservatory extension to rear of dwelling

26 Nene Grove, Auckley

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

22. To Report Decisions Made by DMBC Planning Committee

      The following planning applications have been granted planning permission:

a)      Erection of 14 detached houses on approx. 0.37 ha of land

            Land off Hayfield Lane (former St. Saviour’s Community Centre), Auckley

b)      Change of use from Class B1, B2 and B8 to physiotherapy practice class

Unit 8, Hayfield Business Park, Field Lane, Auckley

c)      Installation of 5 roof lights to front elevation, one roof light to each side elevation and erection of

attached pitched roof garage to side of detached dwelling

Vulcan House, 1 Cedar Close, Auckley

23. To Sign Cheques

      Cheque no. 002048 – HM Revenue & Customs (Employees’ tax, employer’s Nat Ins)              £199.74      

      Cheque no. 002049 -  Veolia ES (UK) Ltd. (Grounds maintenance for September)                    £150.33

      Cheque no. 002050 – BD Stoy Hayward (External Auditor’s fees)                                            £327.75

      Cheque no. 002051 – Jubb Signs (Supply and erect 2 x ‘Dogs on Leads’ signs                          £276.00

      Cheque no. 002052 – Arrow Publications (One page advert. In newsletter)                                  £95.00

      Cheque no. 002053 – N Power (Light in BT kiosk)                                                                       £7.21

      Cheque no. 002054 – Yorkshire Water (Allotments water rates)                                                  £45.80

      Cheque no. 002056 – N Power (Light in BT kiosk)                                                                         0.39

      Cheque no. 002058 – Auckley New Parish Centre (Hire of room for meeting)                             £24.00

      Cheque no. 002059 – Yorkshire Water (Pavilion water rate)                                                          £7.21

24. To Receive Correspondence

      a)  The Standards Board advises that a Parish Council representative has resigned from the Parish

           Councils sub-committee, and therefore all the previous nominees are to be asked whether they are still

           interested in being considered.  Council’s nominee, Mrs. Allwood, is to be approached.  In the event  

           of Mrs. Allwood being unable to serve on the sub-committee, then Council members agreed they

           would nominate Mrs. McCarron of Blaxton Parish Council.

b)      Information from ‘First’ Transport regarding proposed industrial action

c)       Information from SY Fire Service regarding proposed industrial action.  

d)      Community First/Neighbourhood Consultation – It was noted that Auckley residents’ main dislikes are problems relating to dog fouling and speeding traffic.

25. To Confirm Date and Time of Next Meeting

      It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Wednesday, 11th November 2009, commencing at 7.00 p.m.

      at the Auckley Community Centre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                  Chairperson …………………………………..