DENBY DALE PARISH COUNCIL

ANNUAL REPORT 2006/2007

CHAIR’S OVERVIEW

Chair of the Council is not something I have chased or coveted as others might. In fact, I had no designs on the position, but that said it is a great honour and privilege to be asked to accept the nomination. The position carries with it a duty to serve and also, considerable pleasure. I find Council meetings a rewarding experience and as Vice Chair for the last year was awarded the privilege of chairing two meetings in the then Chair’s absence. The first was daunting and the second worse with members of the public queuing up to speak. So, by the annual meeting and my election, I was well and truly christened.

As Vice Chair, I saw the great windmill debate come and go and watched the Chair wondering whether he would have to use his casting vote, and oh dear I should have kept quiet because I have been living this past year with the expected return, however it appears I am saved by a month.

The long running saga of Cumberworth Road Allotments, the issue which first brought me in contact with the Council has finally ended with a purpose built new site behind Windmill Crescent, Skelmanthorpe on land provided by Kirklees MC and the construction by Bovis Homes who have now started work on the former site. Although not the outcome we fought so hard to achieve, it must still be classed as a small victory.

Over the whole four year term of this Council, provision of facilities for young people has been a major theme. This year a request from the children of Lower Cumberworth has resulted in a brand new play ground, supported by the Parish Council in partnership with the Area Committee and Leisure Services. A similar project in Birdsedge should see an expansion in play facilities there too and the Upper Denby play area is being refurbished with financial help from the Parish Council. All the projects we have been involved in recently have been led by the young people themselves, I feel it important to provide what young people themselves want and not what we adults think they want.

The ever-recurring traffic and road safety problems have been a feature of most meetings with even a public meeting held in February, so at this point I stick my neck out, because unfortunately until we all use the roads more responsibly or the government tax us off the roads altogether the problems simply will not go away. I think we all, on the Parish Council, would love to find a magic solution, but unfortunately it doesn’t work like that and a lot of hard work occasionally results in a small improvement. However, on a positive note, the new footway from Skelmanthorpe to Cumberworth over Ponker Lane is one success after three years of pestering. This is an important link between our villages and is used by a surprisingly large number of people in the age of the car.

In January we allocated funds to allow a new Community First Responder’s unit to be established in Skelmanthorpe. These consist of small groups of volunteers equipped with and trained to use emergency life saving equipment. They are called upon to administer life saving first aid usually in heart attack cases, and living within the community can often get to the patient before the ambulance. This is, in my opinion, a very worthwhile scheme and one any one of us could be thankful of sometime in the future. I am pleased that the March meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee agreed to fund the scheme on an annual basis to train up to 24 volunteers. I hope the Parish Council can in future help set up more schemes in the more remote areas.

The past three years have seen a tremendous effort by Robert Allen in formulating a Parish Plan, this when published, hopefully by May, will be a document to guide the Council in its decision making and a document to help persuade other bodies in their decisions which affect the parish. It has been produced entirely as a result of consultation and therefore reflects the views of you the residents, not what we the Council think. I would like to thank every one who completed a questionnaire or attended one of the many meetings but especially Robert Allan for his energy and enthusiasm in bringing it all together.

Finally it gives me great pleasure to convey a warm welcome to Hazel Chowcat who has taken over from Gillian as Clerk to the Council. Gillian has served the Council and the community for nearly thirty-two years, which must be some kind of a record. She will be greatly missed and I would like to take this opportunity to wish her a long and healthy retirement.

John Birdsall

Chair to the Council

April 2007

SUMMARY OF COUNCIL MEETINGS – APRIL 2006 TO APRIL 2007

April 2006

At the April Council Meeting a discussion was held with a representative of Kirklees Leisure Services in regard to the allotment site in Skelmanthorpe. A petition was presented regarding the provision of a further car park in Skelmanthorpe. Other items under discussion included, new road signs on Penistone Road, Birdsedge, school transport and the provision of planings along the verge in Ponker Lane, Skelmanthorpe.

At the Plans Scrutiny Committee items under discussion included the conservation project at Birdsedge and a proposed school zone and speed limit at Penistone Road, Birdsedge.

May 2006

The Council held its Annual Parish Meeting on 16 May, 2006. Reports were received from the Chair of the Council, School Governors, District Ward Councillors and representatives of the Road Safety Committee, Home and Leisure Safety Committee, the Environment Trust and the Clayton West Millennium Green Trust.

The Annual Council Meeting was also held in May. Cllr John Birdsall was elected as Chair of the Council and Cllr Tony Weatherby was elected as Vice-Chair. Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the Finance and General Purposes Committee and the Plans Scrutiny Committee were also elected. Members were appointed to serve as representatives on various Committees and organisations. It was agreed that subscriptions be paid to the Yorkshire Local Councils’ Association, the Society of Local Council Clerks, the Yorkshire Rural Community Council, the Council for the Protection of Rural England, the Open Spaces Society and the Penistone Line Partnership. The accounts for the year 2005/2006 were accepted. The Annual Report for 2005/2006 was agreed. Other matters under discussion included the Sports and Community Facility at Station Road, Skelmanthorpe and the transference of tenants to the new allotment site at Windmill Crescent, Skelmanthorpe.

At the Plans Scrutiny Committee, items under discussion included the conservation project at Birdsedge and documents and a video sent from the Environment Agency regarding flood risk and how to cope should such an eventuality occur.

June 2006

At its meeting in August the Council heard from Kirklees that negotiations were ongoing in regard to the provision of greenhouses and sheds at the new allotment site at Windmill Crescent, Skelmanthorpe. The Council agreed to invite Cllr Dodds to the meeting in September in order to discuss issues relating to School Transport and also to off-street parking requirements in Skelmanthorpe. Questionnaires in regard to the Parish Plan were to be distributed around the area.

At the Finance and General Purposes Committee meeting, grant awards were made to various organisations within the Parish. A representative from the Skelmanthorpe Youth and Community Centre addressed the meeting and informed the Committee of progress made regarding the provision of youth and community facilities at the proposed new centre. The Committee also agreed to give money towards the provision of extra play equipment at Birdsedge playground.

At the Plans Scrutiny Committee meeting discussions were held in regard to the Local Development Framework and the options that had been put forward. It was agreed that the Committee recommend to Council that option A be considered as the preferential option. It was also agreed to hold a public meeting during July to which Kirklees Council representatives would be invited.

July 2006

Representatives from Kirklees Highways attended the July meeting of the Council to discuss road safety issues in Skelmanthorpe and it was agreed that two spaces would be removed in the parking bay at the junction of Station Road and Huddersfield Road, that consideration would be given to the introduction of one way traffic in Radcliffe Street and Elm Street, that double yellow lines would be introduced on the Huddersfield Road side of the Triangle and the bus shelter would be removed or relocated from its present position. The Council confirmed that option A in the Local Development Framework consultation would be the most suitable option for this area and would fit the sustainability study carried out by Kirklees Council. The future development of the Countryside Project was also discussed. The format for the first annual newsletter was agreed and should be ready for distribution during July/August mostly via the Weekly News.

August 2006

Two planning meetings were held this month on the 1^st and the 29^th. Items discussed at the former included speeding traffic in the Clayton West area and the erection of a radio mast in Clayton West. At the latter meeting a number of residents attended the meeting expressing their concern about the erection of the radio mast in Clayton West. The Committee agreed to contact Kirklees Planning Services, the Minister of State for Planning, the MP, the Company concerned and Kirklees Legal Service in regard to issues raised about this matter.

September 2006

At the September Council meeting, Cllr Jim Dodds and Cllr Maggie Blanshard attended the meeting for discussions regarding school transport. It was agreed that the District Councillors make enquiries as to the provision of yellow school buses in the Denby Dale parish area and also explore the possibility of the employment of conductors on the buses. The planning application for 48 houses on Cumberworth Road Skelmanthorpe was discussed with objections in regard to density and road safety issues being put forward. Other matters included concerns about antisocial behaviour at Cross Lane, Skelmanthorpe and the lack of off street parking in Skelmanthorpe.

At the Plans Scrutiny Committee meeting matters discussed included the erection of the radio mast in Clayton West.

October 2006

At the October Council meeting matters relating to school transport were discussed and it was agreed that a sub-committee look into the issues of safety on school buses. Other items discussed included neighbourhood policing, speeding in Emley and the future of the Council Depot in Skelmanthorpe. The Council were also informed that a petition had been presented to Kirklees MC in regard to a request for a review of the parished area.

An officer from Kirklees MC attended the Plans Scrutiny Committee meeting in order to give a presentation on permitted development rights. Other matters discussed included concerns about the naming of residential developments. It was also reported that the new allotment site at Windmill Crescent, Skelmanthorpe was well on the way to completion.

November 2006

The Countryside Officer attended the November meeting in order to give a report on the projects being carried out with the assistance of the Countryside Project. Matters relating to recycling facilities at Birdsedge and the provision of play equipment at Birdsedge were discussed. It was also reported that the allotment site at Windmill Crescent, Skelmanthorpe was now officially ready for occupation. Other matters discussed included the condition of the footway between Ponker Lane and Bedale Avenue, Skelmanthorpe, the future of the Council Depot at Skelmanthorpe and Speeding traffic in Emley.

A meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee was held when the six month statement of accounts was received. The estimates of expenditure for 2007/2008 were discussed and a recommendation in respect of the precept was put forward to Council. The Council were informed that the Road Safety Committee was being disbanded and it was agreed that the Parish Council would continue to support the annual Road Safety calendar competition. It was also suggested that the Home and Leisure Safety Committee be asked to consider taking on board some aspects of the Road Safety Committee’s workload.

A meeting of the Plans Scrutiny Committee considered issues relating to the Local Development Framework. Concerns were expressed about speeding traffic along Commercial Road and Busker Lane, Skelmanthorpe.

December 2006

At the December meeting of the Council, Sgt. Hardy from the West Yorkshire Metropolitan Police answered questions on a variety of topics of concern to the community such as the role of Police Community Support Officers, ASBO legislation, problems in regard to speeding through villages and use of police resources. During public discussion time members of the public raised issues about traffic through Denby Dale village – particularly heavy lorries. The Council agreed to call a public meeting to be attended by representatives from Kirklees and the Police in order that traffic issues can be discussed in an open forum. It was agreed that the appropriate authorities be informed of the Council’s concerns in regard to safety issues on school transport. The Council were informed that work would shortly commence on the refurbishment of the play area in Lower Cumberworth and on the provision of new play equipment at Birdsedge, both of which have been funded, in part, by the Parish Council. Congratulations were expressed to Scissett C.E. (A) First School and Birdsedge School which have both received outstanding reports from their Ofsted inspections. The Council also agreed that there would be no increase in the precept for 2007/2008,

The Plans Scrutiny Committee met to discuss planning applications. It was reported that Kirklees could take no action in installing repeater signs along the 30mph speed limit through Skelmanthorpe.

January 2007

At the January meeting of the Council, the new Clerk, Dr. Hazel Chowcat was introduced to the members. Matters under discussion included an addition of a public footpath from Busker Lane to Footpath 47 Denby Dale and the re-establishment of the school crossing on Wakefield Road, Denby Dale. Concern was also expressed about the length of time it had taken to renovate and refurbish the play area at Lower Cumberworth. It was reported that Metro had indicated that suggested sites for bus shelters at Pump Row, High Flatts and on Commercial Road, Skelmanthorpe did not meet their criteria. The public meeting regarding traffic issues was scheduled for Tuesday, 13 February, 2007 and would be held at St Augustine’s Church, Scissett. Public meetings were also scheduled in February in respect of the draft Parish Plan.

The Plans Scrutiny Committee met to discuss planning applications. Matters discussed included modification of the footpath map to correct an anomaly that occurred on Footpath 77 in Birdsedge during the map review in 1985, a new street name for a development in Emley and parking problems at the junction of Holmfield Road and Church Lane, Clayton West. During January the Yorkshire Ambulance Service were presented with a cheque for £954.66 towards the setting up of a Community Responder Scheme in the area.

February 2007

At the February meeting of the Council, school transport issues were again discussed. The Council were informed that the play area at Lower Cumberworth was completed and it was agreed that enquiries be made as to the cost of a provision of a direction sign to the play area. Other matters under discussion included concerns about the future of Scissett Mount Care Home, the apparent blocking of footpath 77 at Birdsedge and the provision of new and the upgrading of existing play facilities in Skelmanthorpe. The Council was also informed that a review of parish arrangements over the whole of the metropolitan area should be initiated once the outcome of the current Local Government Bill is known.

The Parish Council held a public meeting, to address traffic concerns, at St Augustine’s Church in Scissett on 13 February. This was attended by representatives of the Police and Kirklees Highways and approximately 50 members of the public. The Plans Scrutiny Committee considered issues relating to parking near Kayes First School in Clayton West and also considered planning applications.

March 2007

At its March meeting, the Council agreed to pursue their concerns about the whole issue of school transport within the parish. It was decided to contact the Kirklees Governors Association and the Neighbourhood Policing Team as well as giving consideration to this issue at the joint meeting between Parish Councils and Kirklees MC. A report was received in respect of the public meeting regarding traffic concerns which was held on the 13 February 2007. The Council was informed that the site of the former Scissett Mount Care Home was being considered under the lifetime homes initiative which provides housing with extra care and/or residential/sheltered housing. Play areas were also on the agenda with an official launch being planned for the newly refurbished site at Lower Cumberworth which has been jointly funded by the Parish Council, the Area Committee and Kirklees MC.

The Council was also informed that additional play facilities would be made available in Skelmanthorpe due to Section 106 funding from both the Cumberworth Road and Station Road developments. It was agreed to invite the manager of Denby Dale and Skelmanthorpe Sure Start to the April meeting of the Parish Council in order to discuss the future of nursery education within the Parish. Other items under discussion included the expansion of the use of renewable energy in council buildings, various highway concerns and consideration of Government documents relating to the Review of the Quality Town and Parish Council Scheme and the review of the Code of Conduct.

At the Finance & General Purposes Committee meeting, various requests for funding were submitted. It was agreed that the application submitted by the Skelmanthorpe Youth and Community Centre be approved in principle, the amount to be determined by the next Finance & General Purposes Committee meeting in June and that the application from the Parkgate Trust be considered at the April Council meeting. It was agreed to award £5000 towards the renovation of the Upper Denby play area. Discussions were also held in regard to the Yorkshire Ambulance Service’s community responder scheme and it was agreed to ward £300 on an annual basis towards the cost of training 24 people – this to be reviewed annually by the first meeting of the Finance & General Purposes Committee.

At the Plans Scrutiny Committee, planning applications were considered and those relating to major developments were deferred to the April Council meeting.

DENBY DALE PARISH COUNCIL

SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTS 2006/2007

· The Parish Council in the year 2006/2007 precepted the sum of £85,000.

· As a co-funding partner, the Parish Council’s contribution to the Denby Dale Parish Countryside Management Project was £25,000

· Nearly £3,000 was distributed in grant aid to organisations within the Parish.

· £2,500 was allocated to the Environment Trust for the environmental small grant scheme.

· £5,500 has been donated towards the refurbishment of the play area in Lower Cumberworth.

· £3,500 has been pledged towards the refurbishment of the play area in Birdsedge

· £5,000 has been pledged towards the refurbishment of the play area in Upper Denby

· Nearly £1,000 has been donated to the Yorkshire Ambulance Service for their Community Responder Scheme

· The Parish Council has also supported, by grant aid, the Primary, Nursery, Special and Middle Schools within the Parish and the Road and Home and Leisure Safety Committees

· Donations were also made to the Royal British Legion, the Textile Museum in Skelmanthorpe and the Skelmanthorpe Chrysanthemum Society

Unaudited Balance Sheet

1.4.2006 Balance b/f 48,575.22

Income 90,855.77

139,434.49

Expenditure 86,021.81

53,412.68

less earmarked reserves* 31,159.96

31.3.2007 Balance c/f 22,252.72

*Earmarked reserves represent funds set aside for future expenditure