Meeting of the Denby Dale Parish Council held on Tuesday, 6 March 2007 in the Civic Chamber, Council Offices, Skelmanthorpe
Members Present:
Cllrs J C Birdsall (Chair),
R G Allen, J A Barlow, Mrs. C Beal, Mrs J E Birdsall, Mrs M Clarke, Mrs S A Dellapuppa, Mrs G Hague, D W Kaye, R S Mottram, E I Shaw, T D Sigsworth, G Turner, C Watson, A N Weatherby
503 Declaration of Councillors’ Interests
No interests were declared.
504 Suspension of Standing Orders
It was RESOLVED that standing orders be suspended in accordance with standing order no. 79 in order to allow members of the public to address the meeting.
505 Public Discussion Time
A member of the public raised the issue of the pilot scheme involving the stationing of three paramedics at Skelmanthorpe Health Centre which is funded until 1 April this year. He pointed out that 373 emergency calls had been dealt with by the team in the first five months of the pilot and approximately 80% had been attended within 8 minutes or less, thus meeting the Government’s target. He asked the Council to write in support of continuation of the scheme. It was RESOLVED that the issue be placed on the agenda of the forthcoming Finance & General Purposes Committee.
506 Return to Standing Orders
It was RESOLVED that standing orders be returned to.
507 Apologies for Absence
Reasons for absence from the meeting were submitted from Cllrs Dr M Allen and R J Lockwood. It was RESOLVED that the reasons for absence submitted by the above Councillors be accepted as valid reasons.
508 Minutes
It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 6 February 2007 be signed by the Chair as a correct record.
509 Public Meeting – Traffic Concerns
Cllr Weatherby gave a report on the public meeting held on 13 February. The Clerk reported that she had issued a press release which had been reported in the Huddersfield Examiner. It was RESOLVED that the reports be noted.
510 School Transport
Further to Min. No. 468 (a), the Clerk submitted correspondence from Cllr Dodds commenting on the letter received from Kirklees Council. In discussion, members expressed their disappointment at the contents of the letter and the failure to address the issues originally raised. It was RESOLVED that the issue be placed on the agenda of the joint meeting between parish councils and Kirklees MC on 22 March 2007. With reference to Min. No. 468 (b), the Clerk reported that she had contacted the Neighbourhood Police Team, but that to date a response had not been received. It was RESOLVED that this issue be pursued. With reference to Min. No. 468 (c), the Clerk reported that to date travel plans had been received from three local schools and more were expected. It was RESOLVED that when the remaining plans are received, a sub-committee be set up to look at them in detail and formulate a strategic response. In relation to Min. 468 (d), the Clerk submitted correspondence from the Kirklees Governors Association confirming that the school transport problems raised in our letter had been discussed at their committee meeting on 19 February and that the issues raised would be investigated and we would receive a report back as soon as possible. It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.
511 Play Areas - Lower Cumberworth and Birdsedge
Further to Minute No. 469 (a), the Clerk reported that she was still awaiting costings for the sign. It was RESOLVED that the report be noted. In relation to Minute No. 469 (c), the Clerk reported that Kirklees MC had agreed to organise an official opening of the Lower Cumberworth play area during the Easter holidays and inviting Parish Councillors to attend. It was RESOLVED that Cllrs J C Birdsall and C Watson represent the Parish Council at the event.
512 Publicity of Children’s Recreation Facilities
Further to Minute No. 469, the Clerk reported that she was in the process of clarifying with Kirklees MC the type of publicity which the Parish Council would like to see advertising the range of play and recreation facilities available for children in the parish. It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.
513 Provision of Bus Shelters in Skelmanthorpe and High Flatts
Further to Minute No. 428, Cllr Mrs Birdsall reported that she had raised the issue of the provision of bus shelters at the Area Committee Planning Meeting on 8 February 2007, but that the Committee had indicated that it could not support the funding of the two shelters. It was RESOLVED that this item be placed on the agenda of the forthcoming meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee.
514 Scissett Mount Care Home
Further to Minute No. 471, the Clerk submitted correspondence from Kirklees MC confirming that when the Cabinet took the decision to close the home, it resolved that lifetime homes, housing with extra care and residential/sheltered housing be the first consideration for use of sites made available following closure of residential homes. The Council was in the process of exploring these options and would contact us with more information shortly. The Council has taken measures to ensure the protection of the site through the provision of three security visits per day, every day, the alarming of the building and the provision of limited lighting at night. It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.
515 Visit to Textile Heritage Unit, Skelmanthorpe
The Clerk invited members to indicate whether they were able to join the visit to the Textile Museum on 17 April at 7pm. It was RESOLVED that the Textile Museum be informed of the number of individuals who would be joining the visit.
516 Play Facilities Skelmanthorpe
Further to Minute No. 474, the Clerk reported that correspondence had been received from Kirklees MC confirming that the play areas at Station Road and Cumberworth Road would be equipped play areas with an additional contribution from S 106 funding from the Cumberworth Road development to improve existing facilities at Commercial Road. This figure is yet to be calculated but is expected to be circa £20,000-25,000. It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.
517 Post Office Network Consultation
Further to Minute No. 478, members discussed their response to the Postwatch consultation into the future of the local post office network. Members agreed that while they opposed the closure of post offices in principle, they recognised that some closures were inevitable as their business declined and they became financially unviable. Nevertheless, it was felt that the closure programme could offer the opportunity for the Post Office to improve those offices which remained by changing opening times to meet the needs of local residents, by providing more and better trained staff and by introducing more mobile post offices to meet the needs of those in isolated areas. It was RESOLVED that these comments be submitted to Postwatch.
518 Footpath No. 77 Denby Dale
The Clerk reported on correspondence received from Kirklees MC confirming that a meeting had taken place with the landowner and that agreement had been reached on the works required to open up the blocked section past his house. These works will dovetail into works to be undertaken by the Public Rights of Way Unit and it is anticipated that both sets of work will be completed in approximately 2 months. It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.
519 Bromley Farm Household Waste Recycling Centre
Further to Minute No. 429, the Clerk reported that a reply had been received from Kirklees MC confirming that the Council’s views would be taken into account in the waste management forward planning. Cllr Allen raised the issue of opening hours at the recycling centre and indicated that members of the public would be encouraged to make more use of the centre if the opening hours were more flexible and if the centre closed at sunset, instead of according to a fixed winter and summer schedule which results in the centre closing during the later winter/early spring months when it is still daylight. It was RESOLVED that a letter be sent to Kirklees MC requesting a review of opening times. In discussion, members indicated that in view of the increasing risk to individuals of identity theft, it would be of great value to local residents if the recycling centre could provide paper shredding facilities. It was RESOLVED that Kirklees Council be asked to provide paper shredding facilities.
520 Future of Nurseries in Kirklees
Cllr Sigsworth drew members’ attention to the recent decision by Kirklees MC to close three nurseries in Huddersfield. Members discussed the future of children’s services in the area and it was RESOLVED to invite Francean Doyle, the manager of Denby Dale and Skelmanthorpe Sure Start to make a presentation to the next Parish Council meeting in April.
521 Windpower and Council Buildings
Cllr Turner raised the issue of wind turbines on Kirklees Council buildings and expressed concern that only two KMC buildings have wind turbines installed on their roofs. It was RESOLVED that Kirklees Council be asked to consider installing further wind turbines and other energy saving devices, such as solar panels on council buildings.
522 Upper Denby Play Area
The Clerk reported that Kirklees MC was planning to refurbish the Upper Denby Play Area at a total estimated cost of almost £30,000, however there was a shortfall of £5000 and we were being asked to contribute that sum to enable the works to be carried out. It was RESOLVED that the matter be put on the agenda of the forthcoming Finance and General Purposes Committee.
523 Street Lighting
Cllr Allen expressed concern that street lights remain illuminated throughout the night using valuable energy and contributing to light pollution. It was RESOLVED that Kirklees MC be asked to reconsider its policy of allowing street lights to remain lit throughout the night.
524 Street Naming Development Off Cumberworth Road, Skelmanthorpe
The Clerk submitted correspondence from Kirklees MC inviting suggestions for the naming of a street in the new development off Cumberworth Road, and advising that the developers, Bovis Homes, had decided to run a competition with local school children for new street naming ideas. It was RESOLVED that two options, Garden Close and Weavers Fold, be submitted to Kirklees MC.
525 Blackstone Edge Wind Turbine Cluster Project
The Clerk submitted correspondence from EON UK providing a progress report on the wind turbine project. It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.
526 Skelmanthorpe Health Centre Car Park
Cllr Turner drew members’ attention to the frequent problem of young people gathering in the health centre car park and leaving litter, including glass and plastic bottles, takeaway pizza boxes and cigarette ends. It was noted that the area had recently been cleaned up and it was RESOLVED that the Council write to the Health Centre asking them to monitor the problem and to install some litter bins.
527 Shelley Woodhouse Lane
Cllr Turner drew members’ attention to the poor state of the road surface on Shelley Woodhouse Lane. It was RESOLVED that Kirklees MC be asked to ensure the road is properly maintained.
528 Low Fold, Cumberworth
Cllr Turner reported that he had been asked by residents of Low Fold to establish whether or not the road could be adopted by Kirklees MC and that he had learned that the road adoption budget had been seriously reduced. It was RESOLVED that Kirklees MC be asked to indicate whether Low Fold might be adopted and to confirm the state of the appropriate budget.
529 Crossing Refuge Huddersfield Road, Skelmanthorpe
Cllr Turner reported that he had been asked by a local resident to explore the possibility of creating a pedestrian crossing refuge in Huddersfield Road, Skelmanthorpe. Other members pointed out that if the bus stop is, as previously indicated, to be moved, then there would be no need for a refuge at this point in the road. It was RESOLVED that clarification be sought concerning the plans to remove the bus stop and that if it is established that the bus stop is not to be moved, then Kirklees MC be asked to consider the creation of a refuge.
530 Campaign for the Sustainable Communities Bill
The Clerk submitted correspondence from the Campaign for the Sustainable Communities Bill which included a model letter to MPs. It was RESOLVED that the model letter be sent with some minor amendments to Mary Creagh MP.
531 Denby Delf
The Clerk submitted correspondence from Kirklees MC advising that following the advice of Natural England which incorporates English Nature, it had been decided by the Treasury Solicitor to lease the Denby Delf site to the Garganey Trust for 999 years. According to Natural England, the Garganey Trust has the relevant skills and capacity to manage the site and is keen to involve interested residents from Denby Dale Parish in the active management of the site It was RESOLVED that the proposals contained in the correspondence be welcomed.
532 Reports
The Clerk submitted the following documents for information: Local Councils Update; Countryside Voice; Highway Reports; Penistone Line Express. It was RESOLVED that the reports be noted.
533 Plans Scrutiny Committee
It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 27 February 2007 be signed by the Chair, Cllr Watson as a correct record.
534 Parish Plan
Cllr Allen gave an update report on the Parish Plan. Following the receipt of written comments and those made at the public meetings, a number of changes had been made to the draft plan. A detailed letter criticising the plan had been received from a resident and it was RESOLVED that this letter and a draft reply be placed on the agenda of the forthcoming meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee. Cllr Allen reported that he and the Clerk were finalising the final version and it was proposed to print some 500 copies of the full report as well as an A4 leaflet summarising the recommendations which would go to all residents
535 Government Review of Quality Town and Parish Council Scheme
The Clerk submitted correspondence from DEFRA on the Government’s review of the quality town and parish council scheme. As a result of this review, at the end of this year, the electoral mandate percentage for quality status will be reduced from 100% to 80%. It was RESOLVED that the correspondence be noted.
536 Model Code of Conduct for Local Authority Members
The Clerk submitted the Defra Communities and Local Government Consultation on amendments to the Model Code of Conduct for Local Authority Members. Cllr Weatherby reported that through his membership of the Standards Committee he had been involved in responding to this consultation exercise and submitted a copy of the Committee’s response. It was RESOLVED that no further response was necessary.
537 Area Committee Meeting
The Clerk submitted the minutes of the Area Committee meeting held on 14 December 2006. Members expressed concern that the minutes took so long to be circulated and it was RESOLVED that Kirklees MC be asked to explain the delay and to request that minutes be circulated earlier.
538 Standards Committee
The Clerk submitted correspondence from the Standards Committee confirming that the term of office of parish and town council representatives to the Standards Committee were to be extended from 2 to 3 years. It was RESOLVED that the Council had no objection to this change. Cllr Weatherby gave a report on the Standards Committee meeting held on 22 February 2007. It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.
539 Yorkshire Local Councils Association
(a) The Clerk submitted the minutes of the South Pennine Branch meeting held on 8 November 2006 and the agenda for the meeting to be held on 7 March 2007. It was RESOLVED that the minutes and agenda be noted. The Clerk asked members to suggest items for discussion at the June meeting of the South Pennine Branch and it was RESOLVED that the issue of school transport be submitted for the agenda.
(b) The Clerk submitted correspondence from the Deputy Chief Officer of YLCA advising that they had been approached by a group of residents from High Flatts who wished to create a separate parish and wished to discuss parishing with the Association. The purpose of the letter was to ask whether the Parish Council was happy for the YLCA to give information and advice to the High Flatts group. Members indicated that, in line with their decision at last month’s meeting to welcome Kirklees MC’s review of parish councils, they were in agreement with this proposed course of action and it was RESOLVED that the YLCA be advised accordingly.
540 Orders for Payment
It was RESOLVED that orders for payment on schedule No. 449 totalling £7584.07 be authorised.
541 Date of Next Meetings
- Finance & General Purposes Committee at 7.30pm on 20 March 2007
- Plans Scrutiny at 7.30pm on 27 March 2007
- Environmental Trust 7.30 on 27 March 2007
- Full Council Meeting at 7pm on 3 April 2007
542 Planning Applications
No major applications were submitted.
543 Vote of Thanks to Gillian Wood
The Parish Council unanimously RESOLVED to place on record it thanks for the almost 32 years of loyal service given by Gillian Wood as Clerk to the Council.
Signed……………………………………..
