MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 8^TH APRIL 2009 COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.

AT THE AUCKLEY PARISH CENTRE

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

· District Councillor Mrs. P. Schofield

· Neighbourhood Manager, Debbie John-Lewis

· Playground Officer Mr. Parker

· Three members of the public

1. Neighbourhood Manager to Advise Council on the ‘Playbuilder Scheme’ and Other Matters

Debbie John-Lewis advised on the ‘Playbuilder Scheme’ operated by ‘Play England’. Eleven sites in the Doncaster Borough have been chosen for the first year, with the sum of £48,000 being allotted for each site in the first year and £52,000 for the second year. The scheme provides play equipment in a natural setting and is targeted for children aged 6-13. Detailed discussion will be required at every stage, and a public consultation will be held on the ground itself. Riverside Park has been identified

as a suitable location for the scheme.

RESOLVED – Following discussion, Council agreed to being considered for the scheme in the 2010/2011 financial year. Debbie also reported on the following matters:

Street Audit - Members of Council will have the opportunity to accompany Community First Officers when they inspect various areas of the Parish in the near future.

Fly Tipping – Talks are currently being held with landowners to address the problem of fly tipping on

Common Lane.

Mosham Quarry – Temporary drainage work has been carried out with more to follow. The road is

inspected daily and any material spread on the road is cleaned away and the quarry is charged.

Dog Fouling – There appears to have been a reduction in this problem.

Footway on Mosham Road – The footway is currently too narrow for the sweeper to gain access, and

therefore arrangements are being made to grub back the vegetation.

Hurst Lane Near Quarry – Drains have been jetted and three are due to be dug out. No problems

currently observed regarding flooding or sand on the road. News is awaited on whether funds will

be made available for improvement works.

Bus Stop, Mosham Road – Discussions are still ongoing.

Hayfield Recreation Project – Stephen Racjan has met with the committee.

RESOLVED – It was agreed to write to the Director of Neighbourhoods and Communities to

commend the Neighbourhood Manager and her team for the pro-active way in which they deal with

issues in the Parish.

2. Public Participation – None.

3. To Receive Apologies – Received and accepted from Mrs. L. Allwood, Mr. I. Butterfield,

Mr. G. Payne and Mr. G. Warrender.

4. To Receive Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interests

None received.

5. To Approve Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting Held on 11^th March 2009

The minutes were approved and signed as a true record.

6. Matters Arising From the Above Meeting – There were no matters arising.

7. To Approve Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting Held on 11^th March 2009

The minutes were accepted and signed as a true record.

8. Matters Arising from the Above Minutes

a) Bid for Funding - Mr. Hawley enquires, prior to his application to ‘Sport England’, whether there

will be any coaching initiatives put in place for the new facility. The Clerk has advised him that

Auckley Football Club is prepared to provide some coaching.

b) Entrance to Public Footpath No. 2 – DMBC’s Footpaths Officer has provided a Definitive Map but this does not show the footpath in relation to adjoining properties. A resident has sent Council a photograph showing a laceration to his chest that he sustained whilst accessing the narrow entrance to the footpath.

RESOLVED – It was agreed to write and inform DMBC of this injury and again point out the narrow width of the entrance.

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8. Matters Arising (continued)

c) Sandhill Rise Footpath Modification Order – The Planning Inspectorate advises that a Public

Inquiry will be held on 22^nd September. Details to follow.

d) Dilapidated Building, Hayfield Lane – A reminder to be sent to Enforcement Dept.

e) Modification of Access Gate to River – Gavin Holloway of Environment Agency has spoken with the adjacent landowner and he feels that they have reached an agreement which will allow the land owned by the E.A. to be opened for public access within two weeks. The landowner intends to fence the boundary between his and the Agency’s land to satisfy his security concerns.

f) Mosham Quarry – Traffic Management and Road Safety Police Officer reports that the quarry owner was called into DMBC offices to discuss his operations on site and the associated problems they were causing on the highway in respect of mud and detritus deposited on the highway. Since that meeting the owner has put wheel-washing equipment on site and is employing a full-time sweeper to remove any deposits. DMBC Highways are presently taking action to address problems associated with the roadside drainage adjacent to the entrance. The Parish Council is urged to continue dialogue with Highways and the Neighbourhood team, both of whom are equipped to gather evidence, suspend operations and, if necessary, prosecute as appropriate.

g) Purchase of Speed Camera – The Clerk reported that Ward Members have agreed the sum of £1,000 will be made available from the flexible budget towards the purchase of the speed camera to be operated in Auckley, Blaxton, Branton and Finningley. The 3 Parish Councils of Auckley, Finningley and Cantley with Branton have all agreed to make a donation to cover the shortfall. The proposal is to operate the speed camera for 3.5 hours per month in Blaxton and 9 hours per month each in Auckley, Finningley and Cantley with Branton district. DMBC advises that the cost of the camera is £1,995, therefore Auckley’s contribution will be £332.

RESOLVED - Authorisation was given for the cheque to be signed before the next meeting, once the invoice is received.

h) Missing Bus Timetables in Shelters – SYPTE advises that one carousel was vandalised and burnt.

A new one has been ordered and a timetable will be placed in the next few weeks.

i) Unlit Street Lamp – The Clerk to remind DMBC that the lamp on Main Street is still unlit.

j) Dog Fouling – The Neighbourhood Manager advises that byelaws do not cover dog fouling on

public footpaths. DMBC’s dog fouling byelaws do include Riverside Park.

k) Molehills on The Green – A reminder to be sent to DMBC.

l) Damaged ‘Myrtle Grove’ Sign – a reminder to DMBC.

a) Highway Potholes – Pending.

n) Traffic Lights – Hurst/Hayfield Junction and Airport Entrance – Pending.

9. Community Police Report

No Community Policeman was available to attend the meeting.

Council had no matters to bring to the attention of the Police.

10. District Councillor’s Report

Mrs. P. Schofield reported there have been concerns that the bus service from Wroot, which is routed

through Armthorpe, is to be cancelled. HHHowever, she has been advised that the service will continue

because the North Lincolnshire Authority has agreed to fund it.

Mrs. Schofield also assured the meeting that, contrary to rumours, there will be no alteration to the

No. 91 bus service timetable which operates between Doncaster and Finningley.

11. To Consider Gala Committee’s Application for Funding Towards Cost of Marquee

Accounts for the 2008 Gala have been received and considered by members. The Gala’s biggest

expenditure is the cost of the marquee, and Council is asked whether it would consider supporting the

Gala with a payment in the region of £900 towards the cost of the marquee.

RESOLVED – Following discussion, Mr. Swainston proposed that a donation in the sum of £900 be

given towards the cost of the marquee. The proposal was seconded by Mrs. Platts, and the motion

was carried. This donation to be made under Section 137 (4) (a) of the Local Government Act 1972.

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12. To Consider Update on Plans to Improve Entrance to Recreation Ground

Further to the March meeting, members of the Gala committee have identified suitable removable

polyurethane bollards reinforced with steel at a cost of £195 each plus £70 carriage supplied by

Broxap. It may be possible to reduce the carriage cost if the bollards are delivered with an order for

Bawtry Council.

RESOLVED – It was agreed to order the bollards.

13. To Discuss Future Management of BT Telephone Kiosk

It was agreed to write to Auckley School and ask the children for their suggestions on the future use

of the kiosk.

14. To Discuss Advice From Solicitor Regarding Encroachment of Recreation Ground

This matter has been referred to the Thorne branch of Bridge Sanderson Munro, and they recommend

that a Leeds-based barrister is engaged to deal with the case. His charges will be £160 per hour for a

maximum of 5 hours – this could be less, but he is unable to confirm the amount of time he will

require until he has seen the documentation.

RESOLVED - Following discussion Mr. Cockett proposed that Council accept the solicitor’s

advice and engage the recommended barrister to take on the case. Mr. Swainston seconded the

proposal, and the motion was carried.

15. To Consider Council’s Insurance

Council reviewed the insurance currently provided by Zurich Insurance and agreed that the insurance

cover should include all items already on the Policy. The Fidelity Guarantee cover should remain at

£58,000. A quotation to be requested in time for the May meeting.

16. To Discuss Highway Matters

Hurst Lane Speed Limit – Council has received a copy of a letter sent to Mayor Winter by

Caroline Flint, M.P. regarding the speed limit at Hurst Lane in front of the Hayfield School. This

matter to be discussed in June when a new Mayor has been elected.

urst Lane

17. To Discuss Recreation Matters

a) Football Fees – To be considered at the May meeting.

b) Liner for Pitch – The Clerk was instructed to order ‘Indolene’ pitch liner or its equivalent from

‘Pitchcare’.

c) Football Posts – Veolia to be instructed to remove the posts after the match played on 19 April.

d) Dogs on Leads – It was reported that some dog owners are allowing their dogs to run on the Riverside Park without being on a lead. This matter to be discussed at the next meeting.

e) Dog Waste – The Clerk reported that some dog owners are depositing dog waste in the litter bin

near the pavilion, even though there is a dog waste bin close by, and a sign has been put on

the bin advising owners. It was agreed to monitor the bin

18. To Approve Internal Auditor for Council’s Accounts

Council agreed to engage Mr. J. Hutchinson to carry out the Parish Council’s annual internal audit.

Mr. Hutchinson is Parish Council Clerk for Misson and Cilca qualified. He is completely

independent of the Parish Council.

19. To Receive Reports of Meetings

a) Airport Consultation Sub-Committee – Grants from the Community Funds have been made to

both the Tickhill District Walking Group and Blaxton Village Hall Committee.

Airport car park security is now controlled from Liverpool.

b) Hayfield Recreation Project – The recreation field has been cut and rolled and will be ready for use later this year. .Marr Flatts was also mentioned at the meeting.

c) Charity Meeting – The Charity Commission considers the draft constitution submitted is not

appropriate. The Chairman is to look into this matter in time for the next meeting in May. ayfield

d) Parish Councils’ Joint Consultative Committee – Ian Strong of YLCA spoke on conservation and

also the cost of elections which can leave some Councils with a very heavy bill, although these can be paid in instalments. There have been some discussions on whether to abolish election costs for Parish and Town Councils.

20. To Consider YLCA’s Training and Development Events

It was agreed to fund Mrs. Worthington to attend the training course at Askern on 29 July.

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21. To Nominate Officers for YLCA’s South Yorkshire Branch Committee

It was agreed to nominate Mr. Derek Liddle for the position of Chairman.

22. To Consider Planning Applications:

No. 09/00406/OUTM – Outline application for Mixed Use Commercial and Industrial Development

on approx. 9.6 ha of land - Blaxton Quarry, Mosham Road, Auckley

Council made the following comments:

Design and Access – The existing hedgerows are not in a good condition. The proposal for an

emergency access onto Gatehouse Lane could create a safety hazard.

Aims of Travel Plan - Council considers that people will continue to use their vehicles, particularly in

view of the current bus service which cannot directly access neighbouring villages without

passengers having to change over.

Hours of Working – There does not appear to be any reference to hours and days of working. Council

considers there should be no working on Saturdays and Sundays (including bank holidays), and that

the hours of operation should not commence prior to 7.30 a.m. nor extend beyond 5.30 p.m. in

the evening because of traffic in/out of site and close proximity of residential properties.

Highways/Traffic – Additional traffic including HGV’s on road could create a safety hazard for

children walking to and from school and residents living in close proximity to the site. The current

state of the road is very poor and ponding of water has been a source of concern for some months.

These issues should be fully addressed prior to any operations at the site.

If application is approved, there should be regular monitoring of air quality and noise.

Council also wishes to point out that the application is for a mixed development and therefore not

ideally situated at this location. The plant is currently operating as a working quarry and has never

been a light industrial unit, storage site or lorry park. Presumably it is currently operating under the

old minerals planning permission, and therefore it is assumed that new regulations will be required for

a change of use.

23. To Report Decisions Made by DMBC’s Planning Committee

The following planning application has been approved:

No. 09/00117/FUL – Erection of ground floor conservatory extension to rear of semi-detached house

15 Nene Grove, Auckley

24. To Sign Cheques

Cheque no. 001980 – Amy Computer Boost (Computer & scanner checked) £43.70

Cheque no. 001981 - Auckley New Parish Centre (Room hire for March meeting) £24.00

Cheque no. 001982 - Auckley New Parish Centre (Room hire for April meeting) £24.00

Cheque no. 001983 – YLCA (Annual membership) £563.00

Cheque no. 001984 - Mrs. M. Caygill (Purchase two padlocks for gates to field) £23.25

Cheque no. 001985 - Armthorpe Elmfield Band (Accompany carol singing) £150.00

Cheque no. 001986 - Arrow Publication (Items for newsletter) £95.00. Baker

Cheque no. 001988 - HM Revenue & Customs (Tax and National Insurance) £243.90

Cheque no. 001989 - YLCA (Councillor to attend Skills & Training Event) £35.00

Cheque no. 001990 - DMBC (Donation towards purchase of speed camera) £332.00

25. To Receive Correspondence

a) Street Audits – The Neighbourhood Team are to introduce a series of street walks to look at issues

such as dog fouling, litter, street lighting, etc. Members of Council are invited to attend.

b) Freedom of Information Act – A compact disc has been provided by the Information

Commissioner’s Office. To be circulated to members.

c) Employment Briefing – NALC has provided a publication on the Employment Act 2008, with

most of the key provisions coming into force on 6 April 2009. To be circulated to members.

26. To Confirm Date and Time of Next Meeting

It was agreed to hold the Annual Parish Council meeting on Wednesday, 13^th May 2009, commencing

at 7.00 p.m. at the Auckley Parish Centre.

Chairperson ………………………..