Minutes of the Meeting of the Denby Dale Parish Council held on Tuesday, 6th December, 2005 in the Civic Chamber, Council Offices, Skelmanthorpe
Members Present:
Clr. J.A. Barlow – Chair
Clrs. R.G. Allen, Mrs. C. Beal, J.C. Birdsall, Mrs. J.E. Birdsall, Mrs. M. Clarke, Dr. M. Courtney, Mrs. S.A. Dellapuppa, Mrs. G. Hague, D.W. Kaye, Mrs. L.A. Moore, T.D. Sigsworth, G. Turner, C. Watson, A.N. Weatherby, Mrs. V. Woodhead.
320 Declaration of Councillors’ Interests
Clr Turner declared an interest in planning application no. 2005/95001.
321 Appointment of Co-optee
It was proposed by Clr. Sigsworth, seconded by Clr. Weatherby and RESOLVED unanimously that Mrs. L.A. Moore be elected as a co-optee for the Clayton West Ward of the Denby Dale Parish Council and also be appointed to the Finance and General Purposes Committee. Mrs. Moore thereupon signed the declaration of acceptance of office and took her seat.
322 Suspension of Standing Orders
It was proposed by Clr. Allen, seconded by Clr. Watson and RESOLVED that standing orders be suspended in accordance with standing order no. 79, in order that members of the public and representatives of Metro and Kirklees M.C. could address the meeting.
323 Public Discussion Time
Two issues were raised under this item
a) School Transport - a member of the public spoke about problems that occurred on school buses from Clayton West to Scissett Middle and Shelley High
b) Land at
324 School Transport Issues
Sharon Weavill from Kirklees M.C. and Chris Davis from Metro were present to answer questions regarding school transport.
Ms. Weavill informed the Council that whilst Kirklees were concerned about the safety issues involved, the buses were a commercial service put on by the Bus Company who register the service on a commercial basis. Kirklees M.C. have developed a ‘safe mark’ scheme which will train drivers, children and parents in responsibility of usage of school transport. Mr. Davis reported that the new ‘yellow bus’ scheme would only replace services that are subsidised by the Local Authority. As the new scheme comes under the remit of Metro there will be more control in respect of policing the service. Many suggestions were made to try and make the buses safer, one of which was the return of the conductor. In many areas parents draw up a rota and take turns to travel with the children.
Questions were asked about the three mile limit particularly in the case of Emley and other rural outlying villages. Ms. Weavill responded by saying that the three mile limit is a legal requirement in respect of children over 8 years of age. There is however, a right of appeal against the three mile limit, if it can be shown that the three miles to school does not meet the ‘walkable’ criteria. The new Transport Bill is asking all Councils to look at different ways of assessing pupils for free travel.
Other matters raised included concerns about overcrowding and the policy on some routes that fare payers were given priority over those children with passes.
Mrs. Weavill and Mr. Davis were thanked for their attendance.
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325 Apologies for Absence
Reasons for absence from the meeting were submitted by Clrs. J.D. Carr, E.I. Shaw, R. McSkimming and R.S. Mottram. It was proposed by Clr. Sigsworth, seconded by Clr. Weatherby and RESOLVED that the reasons for absence submitted by the above Councillors be accepted as valid reasons.
326 Minutes
It was proposed by Clr. Weatherby, seconded by Clr. Sigsworth and RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 1st November, 2005 be signed by the Chair as a correct record.
327 Honley Ambulance Station
Further to Min. No. 253, the Clerk submitted a number of letters regarding the above, including the Department of Health, WYMAS, Skelmanthorpe Family Doctors, Mary Creagh and other Parish Councils. It was proposed by Clr. Watson, seconded by Clr. Courtney and RESOLVED that a public meeting be arranged with representatives of WYMAS and / or other appropriate agencies, and that the Clerk and the Chair be given authority to contact other Chairs and Clerks in regard to the setting up and location of such a meeting.
328 Change of Agenda Item
It was proposed by Clr. Barlow, seconded by Clr. J.E. Birdsall and RESOLVED that item no. 8.10 on the Agenda be brought forward for discussion.
329 Alleged Breach of Planning – land at Birdsedge Lane
It was proposed by Clr. Watson, seconded by Clr. Sigsworth and RESOLVED that Kirklees Planning Enforcement Officer be asked to investigate the above alleged breach of planning permission.
330 Permit Dumping
Further to Min. No. 263, the Clerk reported that Mary Creagh M.P. would be writing to the appropriate Ministry regarding this matter.
331 Cumberworth Road
Further to Min. No. 264, the Clerk reported that allotment holders had now been informed of the progress to date in respect of the move to the new site at
332 Waiting Restrictions – Skelmanthorpe
Further to Min. No. 266, the Clerk submitted a letter from Kirklees M.C. which stated that there are no resources available to carry out a study of traffic problems in Skelmanthorpe but that the Accident Investigation Section will be looking at the junction of Wood Street and Cumberworth Road along with the existing pedestrian crossings to determine whether improvements are required. It was proposed by Clr. Turner, seconded by Clr. Allen and RESOLVED that clarification of some points raised in the letter be sought and that Kirklees be asked to reconsider a review in the light of the new development in Station Road.
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333 Speeding Traffic – Huddersfield Road
Further to Min. No. 268, the Clerk reported that the police were carrying out regular checks in this area. It was proposed by Clr. Turner, seconded by Clr. Allen and RESOLVED that the police be asked for a progress report on the situation.
334 Provision of Water Butts
Further to Min. No. 269, the Clerk reported that water butts could be obtained through recycle Kirklees on 0845 130 60 90 at a subsidised cost of £15.
335 Provision of Grit Bins
Further to Min. No. 271, the Clerk reported that five additional bins have been offered to each Ward in Kirklees and that Denby Dale Ward Councillors have been asked to submit suggestions for the placing of the bins. It was proposed by Clr. Turner, seconded by Clr. Allen and RESOLVED that Councillors inform the Clerk of any sites that may benefit from the provision of a bin and that these sites be passed on to the District Councillors.
336 Grass Track Racing – Upper Denby
Further to Min. No. 276, the Clerk reported that both
337. Remembrance Sunday
Further to Min. No. 267, it was reported that there had been a problem with access to the memorial at Denby Dale due to the presence of a large wagon in the car park. It was proposed by Clr. Watson, seconded by Clr. Sigsworth and RESOLVED that Kirklees M.C. be asked to reinstate the height restriction barrier at Denby Dale car park in order to preclude the parking of large wagons, and that Kirklees M.C. be also asked to give consideration to the possible banning of parking during the time of the Remembrance Day service.
338 Lower Cumberworth Play Area
It was proposed by Clr. Watson, seconded by Clr. Sigsworth and RESOLVED that Kirklees be asked to replace and / or repair pieces of equipment in the above play area that have deteriorated and become unusable. A petition regarding this was also handed in and it was agreed to forward this to Kirklees M.C.
339 School Transport Issues
After further discussion it was proposed by Clr. Allen, seconded by Clr. Mrs. Hague and RESOLVED that
a) a public meeting be called in the New Year with the Heads of Shelley High, Scissett Middle, Primary Schools, representatives of West Yorkshire P.T.E., Kirklees M.C. and the Bus companies being invited to attend.
b) The Clerk and the Chair be authorised to liaise with the above in order to arrange a date and a venue.
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340 B.T. Phone Boxes
Further to Min. No. 117 (2004-5), the Clerk reported that B.T. had agreed to retain the payphones at Long Lane, Clayton West,
341 Changes to Patients Services Calderdale and Huddersfield N.H.S. Trust
Concerns were expressed about the changes to patients services in the area and a general discussion took place on this issue. It was proposed by Clr. Turner, seconded by Clr. Sigsworth and RESOLVED that the N.H.S. Trust and P.C.T. be informed of the Council’s concerns and that Kirklees M.C. be also asked to give consideration to the holding of a referendum on this issue.
342 Sports and Community Facility – Station Road
It was proposed by Clr. Allen, seconded by Clr. Turner and RESOLVED that Kirklees Planning Services be asked whether the Section 106 agreements relating to education facilities and affordable housing had been met, and that the Contractor and the Chair of the Parkgate Trust be asked what their position is on the provision of the community facility.
343 Bus Shelter, Grove Corner, Skelmanthorpe
It was proposed by Clr. Turner, seconded by Clr. Sigsworth and RESOLVED that Metro be asked to replace the shelter at the above location as soon as possible.
344 Cumberworth Road
It was proposed by Clr. Turner, seconded by Clr. Birdsall and RESOLVED that Kirklees M.C. be informed of the poor condition of the above road.
345 Street Light, Lidgett Lane
It was proposed by Clr. Turner, seconded by Clr. Sigsworth and RESOLVED that Kirklees M.C. be asked to reposition the lamppost located opposite Ponker Nook Lane in order to facilitate easier access by public vehicles.
346 Land at the Scout Hut, Skelmanthorpe
It was proposed by Clr. Turner, seconded by Clr. Sigsworth and RESOLVED that Kirklees M.C. be asked to investigate the possibility that the Scouts only be charged for the amount of land that they occupy.
347 Planning Appeal – Change of use of stables to one dwelling at Elmleigh Farm, Stringer House Lane, Emley.
The Clerk submitted notice of appeal in respect of the above.
348 Reports
The Clerk submitted the following documents for consideration: Kirklees Rights of Way Forum – Agenda and Minutes; C.P.R.E. Fieldwork magazine; Penistone Line Partnership; Highway Maintenance report.
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349 Finance and General Purposes Committee
It was proposed by Clr. Turner, seconded by Clr. Mrs. Clarke and RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee held on 15th November, 2005 be signed by the Chair of the Committee as a correct record.
350 Provision of Seats
Further to Min. No. 295(b) the Clerk submitted details of cost of provision of seats and informed the Council that Kirklees M.C. no longer supply or maintain seats that are provided by other authorities. It was proposed by Clr. Turner, seconded by Clr. Sigsworth and RESOLVED that this matter be debated further at a future meeting.
351 Estimates of Expenditure 2006/2007
It was proposed by Clr. Turner, seconded by Clr. Mrs. Beal and RESOLVED that estimates of expenditure for 2006/2007 totalling £92,278 be accepted.
352 Precept
It was proposed by Clr. Turner, seconded by Clr. J.C. Birdsall and RESOLVED that the sum of £85,000 be precepted for the year 2006/2007.
353 Newsletter
It was proposed by Clr. Turner, seconded by Clr. Allen and RESOLVED that a sub-group comprising Clrs. J.C. Birdsall, Mrs. J.E. Birdsall, J.A. Barlow and D.W. Kaye be formed in order to progress the publication of an annual newsletter to be distributed to each household.
354 Appointment of Clerk
It was proposed by Clr. Allen, seconded by Clr. Mrs. Clarke and RESOLVED that a sub-group comprising Clrs. J.A. Barlow, G. Turner, A.N. Weatherby, Mrs. C. Beal and T.D. Sigsworth be formed to consider the administrative procedures involved in the appointment of a new Clerk.
355 Plans Scrutiny Committee
It was proposed by Clr. Watson, seconded by Clr. Sigsworth and RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 22nd November, 2005 be signed by the Chair of the Committee as a correct record.
356 Appointment System
It was proposed by Clr. Turner, seconded by Clr. Weatherby and RESOLVED that an appointment system be introduced in respect of information / administrative queries and requests in order to minimise disruption to office procedures.
357 Chair Elect
It was proposed by Clr. Barlow, seconded by Clr. Sigsworth and RESOLVED that Clr. J.C. Birdsall be appointed as Chair Elect of the Council for the year 2006/2007.
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358 Appointment of Governor to Scissett First School
Discussion regarding the above was deferred until the next meeting of the Council on the 3rd January, 2006.
359. Parish Plan
Clr. Allen reported on the progress of the Parish Plan and a draft will be produced in the New Year for consideration by the Council.
360 Quality Status
a) Clr. Weatherby gave a report on the meeting held between representatives of Kirklees M.C. and the Quality Status sub group on the 14th November, 2005. The draft individual Parish Charter was submitted and it was proposed by Clr. Allen, seconded by Clr. Sigsworth and RESOLVED that the Charter be approved and Kirklees M.C. be asked to progress this initiative.
b) Clrs. Barlow and Weatherby gave a report on the visit to Featherstone Parish Council.
361. Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act
The Clerk submitted the Draft Guidance on the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act
362 Denby Dale/Kirkburton/Mirfield Area Committee
a) The Clerk submitted a letter from the Democratic Support Service, which stated that the Planning Meeting of the Area Committee is merely an Agenda Briefing meeting and therefore requires no minutes. Similarly it would not be appropriate for members of the public to attend.
b) Minutes of the 13th October, 2005 meeting and notice of meeting for the 24th November, 2005 were submitted.
363 Yorkshire Local Councils’ Association
The Clerk submitted a copy of the White Rose Update and Country Air to the meeting.
364 Orders for Payment
It was proposed by Clr. Sigsworth, seconded by Clr. Birdsall and RESOLVED that orders for payment on schedule no. 432, totalling £1,945.14, be authorised.
365 Date of Next Meeting
The next Full Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, 3rd January, 2006 at 7.00 p.m.
Home and Leisure Safety Committee: Tuesday, 13th December, 2006 at 7.30 p.m.
366 Planning Notifications
Planning notifications were considered and observations made thereon.
CHAIR