MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 12TH DECEMBER 2007 COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.

AT THE AUCKLEY PARISH CENTRE

 

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

  • Mr. P. Cockett, Mr. S. Featherstone, Mrs. L. Hunter, Mr. G. Payne, Mr. G. Warrender.  
  • District Councillor Mrs. P. Schofield

1.   To Discuss Whether to Hold Public Participation at the Beginning or End of Meeting

      RESOLVED – Following discussion Mr. Cockett proposed that public participation be held at the

      beginning of the meeting, this was seconded by Mr. Butterfield, and the motion was carried.

2.   To Receive Apologies – Received and accepted from Mr. I. Swainston.

3.   Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interest 

      Mr. Cockett declared a personal interest in Item No. 10 (Application for donation towards lighting

      area around Christmas tree)

4.   To Approve Minutes of the Previous Meeting Held on 14th November 2007

      The minutes were approved and signed as a true record.

5.   Matters Arising from the Above Minutes

      a)   Public Footpath No. 2 at River Way  - Community First Officer reports that he visited the location

            on 19th November and can confirm that the hedge bordering the footpath has been cut back and

            offers no obstructions to pedestrians using the path, therefore he is not in a position to proceed

            with the enquiry.

            RESOLVED – It was agreed to write and ask what the statutory width of a public footpath is.

b)     Encroachment of Recreation Ground – It was agreed to send a reminder to solicitor.

c)     Conifers Trimmed at Rear of Sandhill Rise – It was reported that conifer clippings have been left on the recreation ground. 

RESOLVED – The Clerk to write and ask the resident in question to remove the material.

d)     Overgrown Hedges and Verges – It was reported that the grass has been cut on the verge in front

      of derelict land adjacent to the Church.  Community First Officer is investigating ownership of

      other overgrown verges and hedges around the village.

e)     Maintenance Work on Path and Round Copse – This has been carried out by ‘Need A Hand’.

f)      River Torne Footbridge Project – The Clerk was asked to write again to the Environment Agency

to enquire whether any progress has been made in this matter.

g)     Christmas Celebrations  - The carol singing round the tree collection raised the sum of £150.00

      towards the Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.  The Clerk to order 50 more carol sheets.

      The Christmas Market was successful and attendance was up by 1,000 on last year’s event.

      Council congratulated Auckley All 4 All on organising another very successful Market.

h)     Potholes, Hurst Lane  - Community First has referred this matter to Highways Dept.

i)      Hanson Quarry – Community First has been asked to arrange a meeting.

j)      Amenity Centre – The Clerk to check with Enforcement Dept.

k)     Bid For Funding to Provide Play Equipment – Pending.

l)      HGV’s Using Hurst Lane – Pending.

m)    Drainage Problems – Pending.

n)     Swedish-Type Houses – Pending.

o)     Derelict Land at Main Street – Pending.

6.   Community Police Report

      It was reported that the lights were stripped from the bottom of the Christmas tree at Hurst Lane and

      the transformer damaged within hours of installation.  The Police have been informed.  The Clerk is to

      check Council’s insurance.

      The Police to be asked to monitor Riverside Park following discovery of beer cans and burnt plastic

      bottles on the far side of the football field.     

7.   District Councillor’s Report

      Mrs. P. Schofield reported the following:

a)     Referendum to Change Mayoral System – A petition supported by all parties was sent to the

Government requesting a referendum to change the mayoral system, however, Local Authorities are only allowed one referendum every 10 years, and one has already been held during that time.   

 

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7.   District Councillor’s Report continued)

b)     Update of Waterdale Area – DMBC is to implement a Civic Cultural Scheme to update the Waterdale area from South Parade to Cleveland Street.  This will take place over a period of years  and include renovation of the old Girls’ High School and some other existing buildings.  

c)     Keepmoat Stadium – Discussions have been held regarding the future of the stadium.

            Mrs. Schofield was asked whether the Parishes would receive some of the funds allocated to Ward

            Members, and replied that she would look into the matter.

8.  To Consider Budget and Decide Precept for 2008/2009

     The Clerk reported cash in the bank and on Treasury Reserve at 1 December      £52,591.38

     Predicted expenditure 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008                                         £34,000.00

     Predicted income 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2007                                                £26,083.00

     It was pointed out that predicted expenditure for 2007/2008 was considerably higher than normal due

     to several “one off” items including provision of gate and fencing, and additional grounds maintenance

     work at Riverside Park, plus a donation towards the construction of the Parish Centre car park.  

     RESOLVED  -  Following discussion Mr. Cockett proposed that the precept be increased from

     £22,000 to £23,000, this was seconded by Mr. Featherstone, and the motion was carried.

9.  To Consider Quotations to Carry Out Maintenance Work at Riverside Park

     Two quotations received to carry out substantial trimming of a large number of trees and the clearing

     of nettles, vegetation, etc. on the recreation ground.

     ‘Need A Hand’ quotes the sum of  £2,850.00

     Veolia ES (UK) quotes the sum of £1,995.00 + VAT

     RESOLVED – Following discussion, Mr. Payne proposed that Council accept the quotation from

     ‘Need A Hand’ even though this is a higher quote, due to the known quality of past work and

      reliability of the firm.  Mr. Cockett seconded the proposal, and the motion was carried.

10. To Consider Application For a Donation Towards Lighting Costs To Illuminate Christmas Tree

      The Chairperson of the group organising the Christmas Market, (‘Auckley All 4 All’), writes to

      advise that the electrical hire company providing lighting for the market stalls is willing to site two

      tower lights to illuminate the area round the Christmas tree to enable carol singers to read their carol

      sheets - approx. cost £95.00.  The total cost of lighting the market is £952 inc. VAT, and the group

      wonders whether Council would consider making a donation towards the lighting. 

      RESOLVED – Following discussion, Mr. Payne proposed that Council make a donation of £95.00

      towards the lighting, this was seconded by Mr. Butterfield, and the motion was carried.

11. To Discuss Purchase of Seat for Parish Centre Frontage

      The Chatsworth Bench from ‘Plant Scape’ will cost £675.00 including a plaque, delivery and

      installation.  The Clerk is to check whether the cost includes the construction of a concrete base.

12. To Discuss Sale of Charity Land

      Pursuant to Section 1 (2) of the Public Admissions and Meetings Act 1960 it was resolved that the

      public and press leave the meeting during discussion of the above, due to the confidential nature of

      the item to be discussed.

      Council’s Land Agent reported on progress, no response received as yet from solicitor. 

13. To Discuss Highway Matters

      a)  Bus Stop, Hurst Lane – Council to ask DMBC whether it would be possible to remove the concrete

           hardstanding from the old bus stop in front of Mulberry Park.

           Mosham Quarry – Complaints have been received regarding vehicles taking mud out onto the road

           and also water ponding at the entrance to the plant following heavy rain.  

b)     Footpath No. 2, Auckley Plantation – Residents have complained that the farmer has replaced the

      stile with a gate and is keeping horses in the field.  The Footpaths Officer to be asked whether this

      is an acceptable option for a public footpath.

     c)   Leaves on Path Leading from Nene Grove to Play Area – Community First to be asked to remove

     wet and slippery leaves from the path.

14. To Discuss Recreation Matters

      a)   Daffodil Bulbs – ‘Need A Hand’ to be asked to plant bulbs on Riverside Park.

      b)   Right of Way, Sandhill Rise – A letter to be sent to Footpaths Officer asking whether any

            progress has been made in this matter.

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15. To Complete Annual Return for Charity Commission

      The names of new trustees were added to the Annual Return.  Total in charity account is £1,509.76.

16. Report of Parish Centre Meeting

      It was reported that the car park has been completed and new covers have been fitted to the radiators.    Committee members have organised a cleaning rota to keep the centre clean and tidy.  The committee is pleased to accept the Parish Council’s offer to provide a seat which will be sited near the footpath.

17. To Consider Planning Applications: ,

      a)     No. 07/03680/FUL – Erection of four detached dwellings, one detached double garage 1.8m high

              boundary walls, alterations to door/window to 16 Main Street, and formation of vehicular access

              to 18A Main Street, all on 0.45 ha of land,

              Land to Rear of 14, 16 and 18A Main Street, Auckley

              Council raised objections to the application for the following reasons:

              Traffic hazard – there is restricted vision accessing and egressing the complex due to a bend in

              the road, and the development will generate more traffic.

              Infill development.

              Additional dwellings will have a detrimental effect on services and resources.

b)     No. 07/03749/FUL – Erection of 2.3m high brick piers with railings to match existing,

 Land at Hayfield Court, Auckley

 Council had no objections to make regarding this application.

c)     No. 07/03773/FUL – Erection of extensions to Service Bay 2 (approx. 2.1m x 4.9m) and to

      Service Bay 3 (approx. 8.2m x 5.6m), and to raise roof heights of existing Service Bays 2 and 3,

      Cross Road Garage, 122 Main Street, Auckley

              Council had no objections to make in relation to the application.

18.  To Report Decisions Made by DMBC Planning Committee

       No. 07/03373/TPO – Consent to fell and remove the Ash Tree (being subject to T21 of DRDC Tree

       Preservation Order No. 16 Auckley 1971),     10 Ellers Lane,  Auckley.     Permission to fell granted.

19.  To Sign Cheques

       Cheque no. 001824 -  Mrs. L. Hunter (Travel expenses to attend conference)                                                                                                                                                                £89.50

       Cheque no. 001825 -  H.M. Revenue & Customs (Employees’ tax, employer’s N.I.)                                                                                                                                                   £225.29

       Cheque no. 001826 -  Mrs. M. Caygill (Clerk’s salary, backdated rise & expenses)                                                                                                                                                 £1,957.69

       Cheque no. 001827 -  G & P Plevey (Supply, deliver, erect & remove 2x Christmas trees)                                                                                                                                          £975.25

       Cheque no. 001828 -  Veolia ES (UK)  (Grounds maintenance)                                                £129.67

       Cheque no. 001829 -  N. Power (Pavilion electricity charges)                                                      £50.36

       Cheque no. 001830 -  Auckley New Parish Centre (Hire of hall for meeting)                                £24.00

       Cheque no. 001831 -  ‘Need A Hand’ (Clear path and copse)                                 £375.00

       Cheque no. 001832 -  Arrow Publications (Publish items in newsletter)                   £55.00

       Cheque no. 001833 -  SLCC (Annual membership)                                                  £102.00

       Cheque no. 001834 -  YLCA (Supply 3x copies of ‘Standing Orders’)                      £18.70

       Cheque no. 001835 -  Mr. H. Baker (Handyman’s wages, backdated increase, travel allow.)                                                                                                                             £208.94

       Cheque no. 001836 -  Auckley All 4 All (Donation towards cost of lighting round tree)                                                                                                                                           £95.00

20.  To Receive Correspondence

       a)   Temporary Order   Temporary Order to prohibit foot passengers from using Public Footpath

             No. 4 and No.10 Cantley.  This is due to the unsafe barrier bank.  The Order is likely to be in

             force until March/April 2008.

b)     Information on ‘Smartwater’ – Mr. Szlamp of Doncaster’s Safer Neighbourhood Team writes to

offer Council the opportunity to obtain ‘Smartwater’ at a reduced cost.  It was agreed to invite

             Mr. Szlamp to attend the January in order to give more information on the product.

c)     Doncaster Local Development Framework  - Applications and Detailed Policies Options

Consultation.  To be circulated to Council Members.

21.  To Confirm Date and Time of Next Meeting

       It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Wednesday, 9th January 2008, commencing at 7.00 p.m.

       at the Auckley Parish Centre.