THE MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING OF AUCKLEY PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON WEDNESDAY 14TH MARCH 2007 COMMENCING AT 7.00 P.M.

AT THE AUCKLEY PARISH CENTRE

 

  • Present: - Mrs. J. Worthington (Chairperson), Mrs. M. Cockett, Mr. P. Cockett,
  • Mr. S. Featherstone, Mr. I. Swainston.
  • District Councillor Mrs. P. Schofield
  • Community P.C. Mark Sowerby and Margaret (PCSO)  
  • Seven members of the public

1.  To Receive Apologies – Received from Mr. I. Butterfield and Mrs. L. Hunter

2.  Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interest  - None received.

3.  Matters Arising from the Last Annual Parish Meeting – None of note.

4.  Chairperson’s Report

     Mrs. Worthington reported on the following issues:

     May Election – The number of Parish Councillors will be increased from 7 to 9 at the May elections,

     however, the number of Councillors on the Notice of Election poster is printed as 7.  The Clerk to

     clarify this matter with the Electoral Dept.

     Traffic Speeds – Community Wardens have undertaken speed checks on Hayfield Lane and found

     some drivers over the 30 mph.  The Parish Council and Mr. Storey have requested a reduction in the

     speed limit on Hurst Lane outside the Hayfield School.

     Traffic Lights, Hurst/Hayfield Junction – Council has reported several problems associated with the

     lights.  DMBC has carried out monitoring at the junction.

     Hanson Quarry – Meetings between Parish Council, Community First and Hanson Management have

     taken place to address problems associated with sand deposits.

     Flooding, Main Street – This is still ongoing and Council is pressing DMBC to find out why the

     flooding occurs.  DMBC has promised to treat tree roots.

     Blocked Sewers – Following incidents of sewage leaking into gardens, Severn-Trent has used cameras

     down the sewers and carried out a cleanse.

     River Torne Footbridge Project – The cost of the footbridge has doubled.  The sum available for the

     project stands at £38,000.  DMBC and a Ward Member suggested a path on the other banking, but

     Council objected to this proposal.    

     Main Street Land – The solicitor acting for his client will not gift the land to the Parish Council.

     Play Equipment – Damaged play equipment has been removed and Council has contacted a firm who

     manufactures play equipment.  Council has applied to YRCC for a grant towards the equipment.

     Sale of Alcohol – The Police have targeted local shops to see if anyone is serving alcohol to under-age

     teenagers.  Auckley shops were found to be adhering to the rules.

     Senior Citizens’ Outing – An outing to Whitby in June 2006 was very successful.

     Christmas Celebrations – The ‘Carols Round the Tree’ raised the sum of £126.50 in aid of Doncaster  

     Royal Infirmary’s Neo-Natal Unit.  The Christmas Market was again very successful.   

     Mr. and Mrs. Cockett were thanked for their efforts in organising the Market.

     Christmas Tree – The Christmas tree sited at Hurst Lane was badly vandalised in December 2006, and

     Council is undecided whether or not to fund at tree at this location in December 2007. 

     Flower Tubs – Members of Auckley Garden and Allotments Association have planted tubs on

     The Green and the pinfold.

     British Legion – A donation of £50 was given to the British Legion – for funds and provision of a

     poppy wreath.

     School Anniversary – Council funded a bouncy castle to be used as part of the celebrations to mark the

     130th anniversary of Auckley School.

     Double Taxation – Council has been awarded the sum of £370 as a Double Taxation Grant.

     Precept  - The precept remains at £22,000 for the 2007/2008 financial year.

     Post Offices  - Council has supported DMBC’s campaign to halt the closure of Post Offices.

     Boundary Review – There is a proposal to change Auckley’s boundary on Mosham Road and also on

     part of the airport.

     Application for Dispensary – Council made objections to the application.

     Coat of Arms on Signs – This is ongoing.

    

 

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4.  Chairperson’s Report (continued)

     Thanks From the Chair

     Mrs. Worthington thanked all members of Council for their interest in the community and their work

     to improve the environment.  Apart from attending Parish Council meetings members also serve on

     various committees, e.g. the Airport and Parish Centre, etc.

     Thanks were also given to Ward Councillor Mrs. Schofield for her continued support, Mr. Baker for

     his sterling efforts to keep the village tidy, and the Clerk for her work and interest in the village. 

     Members of the public were thanked for attending meetings.

     Mrs. Cockett thanked Mrs. Worthington for her excellent chairmanship over the past year.

5.  Issues Raised by Members of the Public

     Anti-Social Behaviour -   Residents expressed concerns regarding acts of vandalism that have taken

     place in recent weeks – these include damage to the Hayfield Community Centre, boundary walls at

     Spey Drive and Maple Drive, bus shelters at Hurst Lane, and wooden blocks on the play area.

     There was also a report of threatening behaviour to local householders.  Several residents reported

     there are problems again on the Riverside car park where older teenagers have been seen driving in

     and out of the car park at speed before parking window to window with radios blasting out.  Some

     drivers are meeting at this location in the early hours of the morning, and this has led residents to

     wonder whether illegal substances are being used or traded.  The Parish Council was asked whether it

     would be prepared to install a gate across the entrance to the car park which could be locked in an

     evening to deter this sort of behaviour.

     P.C. Sowerby is to speak with Inspector Payling concerning residents’ concerns and arrange a meeting

     between the Police, Parish Council and residents.  

     Unlit Street Lamps – It was reported that two street lamps are going on and off intermittently at

     Nene Grove.   DMBC is to be asked to investigate.

     Markers on Charity Land  - A resident reported that wooden markers for the new access road were

     earlier sited on the charity land and then removed.  The Chairperson and the Clerk are to speak with

     the tenant regarding this matter. 

     Dog Fouling – A resident reported that dog fouling of footways is a problem throughout the village.

     Community Wardens are to be asked to monitor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                 Chairman …………………………………..