ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DENBY DALE PARISH COUNCIL 2005 - 2006
CHAIR’S OVERVIEW
Asked to be Chair after several years’ service as a Parish Councillor, I followed the lead of friends and colleagues all with very different styles and political interests. It was my wish to be accessible and pro-active across a wide range of topics and interests. I also intended to be non-partisan, indeed even inclusive in my approach to the job and readily available to the voters. With many Councillors having sat for many years around the council table I was keen to be a Chair of a ‘council of all the talents’, recognising the experience and expertise of the team from a wide range of backgrounds. What was important was to represent the views and needs of local people but also to be aware of the impact on the locality of local and national policies and events. We are all citizens.
Structurally and constitutionally we have made progress. All full council meetings now start at 7.00 p.m., not only when we have visiting speakers. Of these, we have had many. We made presentations to ex-MP David Hinchliffe and retiring Community Constable Steve Allen, each receiving a gift of books.
The planning component of council meetings has, in an attempt to improve the quality of service to the public, been moved to a separate meeting of the Planning Committee one week before full Council. Applications can now be given more time for consideration and will undoubtedly result in better informed decisions. This helps us deal with the undoubted boom in planning applications and development.
We have improved the professionalism and expertise of council members in two parallel developments. A contract has been drawn up between the Parishes and Kirklees M.C. designed to improve communication and practise between the two bodies, particularly in the business of getting things done ‘out in the sticks’. It is a code of conduct for both parties. Inevitably this has drawn us into a closer working partnership with Kirklees and has helped to shrink the geographical distance between Skelmanthorpe and Huddersfield.
However, a concurrent development has been the re-drawing of the Area Committee’s geographical brief to include Kirkburton and Mirfield! True power-sharing or partnership between the Committee and the Parish is simply not possible. We have colliding tasks and constitutions. Philosophies are opposed too. Area Committees are creatures of Kirklees. Parish Councils are local, independent and democratic; we are accountable to our own electorate who may, and do, attend our meetings.
In our independence we have worked towards an extension of our Quality Status, the charter presented to us last summer in Leeds Town Hall. We have attempted to spread the word and worked with neighbouring councils like Kirkburton to encourage their participation. We were invited to give presentations at the Parish Councils of Notton and Featherstone. Provided we can meet the current demand that we form a council that is 100% elected in 2007, we hope to be granted Quality Status on our next application. It must be remembered that currently we have many excellent councillors who came to us as co-optees. By current definition, these posts, though not necessarily the people, would have to go.
There has been real excitement at the advent of big issues locally with wider regional and national importance. We have become heavily involved in the issue of wind turbines at Pool Hill – an issue still rumbling on. Sustainable and affordable housing development has been at centre stage locally in Scissett over many, many months. Each has led to heated public meetings and acrimony in the local press. Each has dominated Parish meetings, and we hosted another of our own on the subject of school pupil transport which was set up in response to local demand and need.
Generally the Parish has had a good local press with a great volume of coverage and a considerable amount of favourable comment. The Chair’s year for me draws to a close with us being instrumental in re-energising the proposed building of sports facilities at Station Road, Skelmanthorpe on land leased to the community by Sunnybutton.
This year has been exhilarating and enjoyable. There is the potential for quite a social life too! In their current form I feel that the job of the whole Council and that of the Chair must in some way be more closely defined. Demands are made from too many directions of Councillors and Chair. You will notice that I make no mention here of constituency party politics. Voters are consistently made aware of their right to question public officials and public bodies. In the name of sanity and common sense, certain lines in the sand must be drawn.
Clr. Tony Barlow
Chair 2005/2006
SUMMARY OF COUNCIL MEETINGS - APRIL 2005 TO APRIL 2006
April, 2005
At the meeting in April, the Council were informed that they had been successful in achieving Quality Status. Inspector Barnett of the Neighbourhood Policing Team addressed the meeting and explained how this new initiative would work. Matters for discussion at the public meeting with Police were formulated. It was agreed to write to Kirklees M.C. expressing concern about the futre plans for Scissett Mount Care Home and the Assistant Director of Community Care Services was invited to attend the June meeting of the Council. Other matters under discussion included the agreement by the Post Office to erect a post box near the Village Hall in Birdsedge. The Plans Scrutiny Committee heard a presentation from Clr. Shaw regarding Rural Transport. This identified different schemes in operation throughout the country. Planning applications were also considered.
May, 2005
The Council held its Annual Parish Meeting on the 17th May, 2005. 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. Clr. Tony Barlow was elected as Chair of the Council and Clr. John Birdsall was elected as Vice-Chair. Chairs and Vice Chairs of the Finance and General Purposes Committee and the Plans Scrutiny Committee were also elected, respectively Clrs. Graham Turner and Tony Weatherby and Clrs. Colin Watson and Terry Sigsworth. Members were appointed to serve as representatives on various Committees and organisations. The Clerk was appointed Responsible Financial Officer. 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 2004/2005 were accepted. The Annual Report for 2004/2005 was agreed. Other matters under discussion included the proposed amalgamation of Area Committees, the formulation of the Risk Assessment for 2005/2006, the possible provision of a flag at the Council Offices in Skelmanthorpe and the ordering of a further supply of Poop Scoop bags. The Council were also informed that Keith Smith, Assistant Director of Community Care Services and Clr. Dennis Hullock, Kirklees M.C. Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, would be attending the June meeting to discuss Scissett Mount Care Home.
June 2005
Clr. Dennis Hullock attended the June meeting of the Council and spoke about the review of services in local authority care homes, including Scissett Mount. The Council expressed the hope that a facility of this nature would remain in the area and that minimum disruption be caused to the residents of the home. Members of the public expressed concern about the rising cost of hiring school premises and the Council agreed to write to Kirklees, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education about this matter. It was agreed to obtain further quotations for the provision of a flag and pole at the Council Offices. Concerns were expressed about the amalgamation of the Denby Dale Area Committee with those of Kirkburton and Mirfield. Other matters under discussion included problems encountered because of the changes to concessionary travel and possible options to extend public consultation.
A Finance and General Purposes Committee meeting was held in June at which grants amounting to £3,000 were awarded to various village organisations.
July 2005
A representative from Northern College attended the July Council meeting. Details of various courses were distributed and it was agreed that members of the Council would attend courses dealing with community cohesion and the Parish Plan. The Council agreed to write to all School Governing Bodies asking them to hold any necessary increase in hire charges for school premises to a minimum because of the concern felt amongst many small organisations. It was decided not to go ahead with the proposal to install a flagpole at the Council Offices. Representatives of Kirklees and Metro have been invited to a future meeting to discuss concerns about the number of children who miss out on free transport to school. It was agreed to appoint three representatives to serve on the newly merged Area Committee. Other matters discussed included concerns about speeding traffic in Clayton West and Scissett and the consultation process of Kirklees Council’s Local Development Framework Strategy.
August 2005
At the Planning meeting held in August discussion centred around behavioural, highway and planning problems that had occurred within Clayton West. The Police, District and Parish Councillors had been contacted about this and action is being taken in order to address the problems. Other matters discussed included the appointment of a Trustee to the Clayton West Millennium Green and the Wakefield Local Development Framework.
September, 2005
At the September meeting of the Council, consideration was given to the planning application for 92 houses at Langley Lane / Wakefield Road, Scissett. After a casting vote, the Council placed an objection to the proposal. The opening up of public discussion and participation was discussed and it was agreed that the length of public discussion time be at the Chair’s discretion and not be restricted to agenda items. The Hepworth site visit had taken place on the 5th September and a report was given to the Council. It was agreed to write to Kirklees and Wakefield Councils about the recently implemented policy of only residents of the area being allowed to use council refuse sites. Other matters discussed included road safety issues in Skelmanthorpe, speeding issues in Clayton West and Scissett and the review of care services for the elderly, particularly in relation to Scissett Mount Care Home. Some Councillors visited the Textile Museum in Skelmanthorpe which was thoroughly enjoyed.
October, 2005
At the October meeting of the Council consideration was given to the planning application for Wind Turbines at Pool Hill in Denby Dale. After considerable debate the Council voted by a small majority in favour of the application but with a number of concerns. David Hinchliffe, the former M.P., attended the meeting, and Councillors presented him with a selection of books on local history. It was agreed at the meeting that Clrs. Birdsall and Weatherby attend a Cabinet Committee meeting at Kirklees where the future of Scissett Mount Care Home was to be discussed. Kirklees and Wakefield Councils both stated that no agreement had been reached with neighbouring Councils about cross border use of refuse sites. The Council agreed to write to Kirklees asking about progress at the new allotment site at the Windmill. Other issues included concerns about the future of Kirkburton Police Station and issues surrounding the formation of the new look Area Committee.
November, 2005
At the November meeting of the Council members of Honley Ambulance Station attended and concern was expressed about proposed cuts in cover for the Denby Dale area. Andy Wickham gave a brief presentation on the work of the Countryside Project. The Council heard that Kirklees had decided to close Scissett Mount Care Home and that residents would be given the option to transfer to the new facility at Newsome. Concerns were expressed about noise from grass track racing at Upper Denby and the Council agreed to write to both Kirklees and Barnsley Councils about this problem. Other matters under discussion included support for proposed extensions at Birdsedge Village Hall, the reduction in service at Kirkburton Police Station and a progress report on the Cumberworth Road allotments.
A meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee was held in November where the six month statement of accounts was received. It was agreed to look into the possibility of parish wide distribution of an annual newsletter. The estimates of expenditure for 2006/2007 were discussed and a recommendation in respect of the precept was put forward to Council. It was agreed to set up a sub-committee in order to address administrative procedures involved in the appointment of a new Clerk.
A Plans Scrutiny Committee was also held in November when various planning applications were considered and observations made.
December, 2005
At the December meeting of the Council, Mrs. Lucy Moore was co-opted to the Clayton West Ward of the Parish Council. Representatives from Kirklees Council and the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive attended the meeting to discuss problems and concerns relating to school transport. It was agreed that the Parish Council would facilitate a public meeting in the New Year in order that parents could express these concerns to Kirklees, the West Yorkshire P.T.E. and the Bus Companies. Further concern was expressed about traffic problems at the junctions of Station Road, Commercial Road, Huddersfield Road, Elm Street, Radcliffe Street and Cumberworth Road in Skelmanthorpe and it was agreed to ask Kirklees M.C. to undertake a review of the area. Estimates of expenditure for the year 2006/2007 were agreed and the precept set. It was agreed to give consideration to the publication of an annual newsletter which would be distributed to each household. Clr. John Birdsall was appointed Chair Elect of the Council for 2006/2007. Concerns were raised about changes to patients’ services in Calderdale and Huddersfield. The Chair reported on a visit made to Featherstone Parish Council to speak about Quality status for Parish Councils.
January, 2006
A presentation, marking his retirement, was made to P.C. Allen, the Community Constable. The Council were informed that the public meeting regarding School Transport had been arranged for the 21st February, 2007, at Scissett Middle School. It was reported that WYMAS had made a U turn on its plans for Honley Ambulance Station with no plans being put forward to reduce cover. It was agreed that a pilot scheme be put in operation in that a Plans Scrutiny Committee meeting be held every month, one week prior to the Council meeting. This scheme will be reviewed after two months. Other matters discussed included the decision that a further letter be sent to Kirklees M.C. regarding a review of road safety issues at the Grove junction in Skelmanthorpe.
The Plans Scrutiny Committee considered various planning applications and discussed submitted documents relating to the Local Development Framework.
February, 2006
Patrick Auterson of Kirklees M.C.’s Planning Services attended the February meeting of the Council. He gave an overview of the Local Development Framework and indicated when the various stages of public consultation would be undertaken. The Countryside Officer, Andy Wickham, and Debbie Lumb from Shelley College attended the meeting to give an update on the youth initiatives that were being carried out throughout the Parish. Members of the public expressed concern about the possible loss of the proposed community centre in Skelmanthorpe and the Council agreed to invite representatives of the developers concerned to the next meeting. Other matters discussed included speeding past Shelley College and road safety concerns in Skelmanthorpe. It was agreed to invite representatives from Kirklees Council to the April meeting.
The School Transport meeting was held in February which was attended by representatives of various bus companies, Kirklees Education Services and Metro. The meeting was well attended by parents.
The Plans Scrutiny Committee considered various planning applications and also received copies of the Consultation documents regarding the Local Development Frameworks of Barnsley M.B.C. and Wakefield M.D.C.
March, 2006
At the Council meeting in March it was reported that the Council had been successful in facilitating the re-opening of negotiations with the Skelmanthorpe Parkgate Trust and the Development Company in respect of the erection of the shell of the community building. Concerns were expressed about speeding traffic through Kitchenroyd and the proliferation of advertising signs in the district. It was agreed that a planning meeting be held once per calendar month.
At the Finance and General Purposes Committee meeting it was agreed to match fund the sum of £5,500 in respect of the refurbishment of the play area at Lower Cumberworth. It was also agreed to award £2,000 to Scissett Middle School for the provision of seats in their quiet area. It was agreed to purchase a further supply of poop scoop bags.
At the meeting of the Plans Scrutiny Committee notification of the preferred options stage of the Local Development Framework was received. The consultation period would commence in June 2006. Planning applications were considered.
During March the Parish Council hosted two events for the Yorkshire Local Councils Association.
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.
DENBY DALE PARISH COUNCIL SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTS 2005/2006
The Parish Council in the year 2005/2006 precepted the sum of £82,000.
£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.
£7,500 was distributed in grant aid to the youth initiative in Clayton West. £5,500 has been pledged towards the refurbishment of the play area in Lower Cumberworth. £2,000 has been awarded to Scissett Middle School for the provision of seats in their quiet area.
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.
Unaudited Balance Sheet
1.4.2005 Balance b/f 42,025.58
Income 88,171.03
130,196.61
Expenditure 81,617.89
48,578.72
less earmarked reserves* 22,664.06
31.3.2006 Balance c/f 25,914.66
*earmarked reserves represent funds set aside for future expenditure
2003 - 2007 DENBY DALE PARISH COUNCIL
EMLEY WARD
Clr. Mrs. C. Beal 12 Wentworth Drive, Emley, HD8 9SL 01924 840062
Clr. Mrs. G. Hague 18 Church Street, Emley, HD8 9RW 01924 848711
Clr. D.W. Kaye 3 Chapel Lane, Emley, HD8 9SP
Clr. E.I. Shaw 15 Rectory Lane, Emley, HD8 9RR 01924 848364
CLAYTON WEST WARD
Clr. Dr. M. Courtney 95 Huddersfield Road, Skelmanthorpe HD8 9AR 01484 866131
Clr. Mrs. L.A. Moore 36 King Street, Skelmanthorpe, HD8 9DY 01484 863562
Clr. R.S. Mottram 62 Long Lane, Clayton West, HD8 9PR 01484 862737
Clr. T.D. Sigsworth 2 Dukewood Road, Clayton West, HD8 9HF` 01484 860534
DENBY & CUMBERWORTH WARD
Clr. J.A. Barlow 4 Greenside, Denby Dale, HD8 8QY 01484 862537
Clr. J.D. Carr 4 Miller Hill, Denby Dale, HD8 8RG 07941 039222
Clr. Mrs. M. Clarke 9 South Croft, Upper Denby, HD8 8UA 01484 861499
Clr. Mrs. S.A. Dellapuppa 65 Ings Mill Drive, Clayton West, HD8 9PW 01484 866097
Clr. C. Watson 7 Top Road, Lower Cumberworth, HD8 8PE 01484 863072
Clr. Mrs. V.M. Woodhead The Cottage, Park Head, Birdsedge, HD8 8XW 01484 606114
SKELMANTHORPE WARD
Clr. R.G. Allen 95 Huddersfield Road, Skelmanthorpe, HD8 9AR 01484 866131
Clr. J.C. Birdsall 12 Heather Fold, Skelmanthorpe, HD8 9LD 01484 860174
Clr. Mrs. J. E. Birdsall 12 Heather Fold, Skelmanthorpe, HD8 9LD 01484 860174
Clr. R. McSkimming 10a Station Road, Skelmanthorpe, HD8 9AU 01484 860070
Clr. G. Turner 20 Beechfield Avenue, Skelmanthorpe, HD8 9BZ 01484 864446
Clr. A.N. Weatherby 1 Saville Road, Skelmanthorpe, HD8 9ED 01484 863889
CLERKS OFFICE
Mrs. G. Wood - Clerk Council Offices, Skelmanthorpe ) Tel. & fax 01484
Mr. K. Haigh - Assistant Council Offices, Skelmanthorpe ) 222963
Email: denbydaleparishcouncil@kirklees.gov.uk
COUNTRYSIDE OFFICER
Mr. A. Wickham Council Offices, Skelmanthorpe 01484 222960
SUMMARY OF COUNCIL MEETINGS: APRIL 2004 TO APRIL 2005
April, 2004
At the April Council Meeting, officers from Kirklees Metropolitan Council gave a presentation on wind farms and explained how planning applications would be considered in the light of recent Government guidelines on how much wind power each region should be looking at producing. Kirklees officers were also in attendance to explain how the District Council was looking at introducing ‘front line service points’. Skelmanthorpe Council Offices has been picked as a pilot scheme which will mean the combination of Library and Cash Office services – thus enabling the public to access both services over longer opening hours. Other matters discussed included concerns about parking in King Street, Skelmanthorpe, speeding traffic in Emley, provision of road markings at Park Gate, Skelmanthorpe and at Shelley High School and litter on the A636.
May, 2004
The Council held its Annual Parish Meeting on the 18th May. Reports were received from the Chair of the Council, School Governors and representatives of the Road Safety Committee, the Home and Leisure Safety Committee, the Environment Trust, the Denby Dale Community Association and the Clayton West Millennium Green Trust.
The Annual Council Meeting was also held in May. Clr. Robert Allen was elected as Chair of the Council and Clr. Tony Barlow was elected as Vice-Chair. Members were appointed to the Finance and General Purposes Committee and the Plans Scrutiny Committee. Representatives to other organisations were also appointed, as was the Responsible Financial Officer. 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 2003/2004 were accepted. Other matters under discussion included the youth initiative at Sunnybank, Denby Dale, where it was reported that play equipment would be ordered and installed on site, the acceptance of the Annual Report and the appointment of a School Governor to Nortonthorpe Hall School. It was also reported that a grant had been received from the Countryside Agency in respect of the production of a Parish Plan.
A Plans Scrutiny Committee meeting was also held in May and matters for discussion included the upgrading of footpath 111 at Thorpes Crescent, Skelmanthorpe to a bridleway. Observations were made on a number of planning applications.
June, 2004
At its Council meeting in June, John Laycock, the Community Liaison Officer gave a presentation on the work of the Community Liaison team. Members of the public attended the meeting and expressed their concern about the possible introduction of a wind farm in Denby Dale. A report of the Public Inquiry relating to Bridleway modification orders at Pilling Lane/Langley Lane, Scissett/Clayton West was given to the meeting. Other matters under discussion included concerns about drainage in Elm Street, Skelmanthorpe, the possible removal of B.T. phone boxes and parking on Commercial Road, Skelmanthorpe. The Hepworth site visit was arranged for 6th September, 2004 and it was agreed to meet with the District Ward Councillors and the Area Committee Co-ordinator to discuss issues relating to that Committee.
The Finance and General Purposes Committee held its meeting on the 22nd June and elected their Chair and Vice Chair for the Civic Year. Grant applications were considered and a total of £3,000 was awarded to local organisations. It was agreed that a further supply of ‘poop scoops’ be purchased for distribution around the community.
The Plans Scrutiny Committee met on the 29th June and appointed their Chair and Vice Chair for the Civic Year. Planning applications were considered and observations forwarded to Kirklees Planning Services.
July, 2004
Members of the Environment Trust attended the meeting to give a presentation on the Landscape Character Assessment. Members of the public expressed concern about the possible siting of wind farms in the locality and about the speed and volume of traffic through Emley. The Council agreed to facilitate a public meeting in order that the issue of wind farms in general could be discussed in the public arena. Kirklees were requested to hold a site visit in Emley to discuss concerns about the speed of the traffic through the village. Other matters under discussion included the meeting of criteria for the achievement of quality parish council status; lack of pavements at Ponker Lane between Skelmanthorpe and Lower Cumberworth; the completion of the Annual Return for Audit purposes.
August, 2004
The Plans Scrutiny Committee met to consider planning applications. Other matters under discussion included concerns about the flyposting of business notices on Wakefield Road between Durkar and the Kirklees boundary and notification of the site visit to Hepworth Quarries in September.
September, 2004
The newly elected Denby Dale Ward Councillors attended the Parish Council meeting this month. The Council was informed that money was available for spending on pavement improvements in the Denby Dale Parish and various suggestions were put forward as to which areas would benefit the most from this initiative. Council was reminded that the Parish Council facilitated public meeting on wind farms would take place on 21st September, 2004 at St. Augustine’s Church in Scissett. Observations were made on the West Yorkshire Police Consultation Strategy. A petition was received from young people in Skelmanthorpe who wished to see improvements at the skateboard ramp at Cross Lane. Councillors agreed that this site be put forward as another area that could benefit from the parish youth facilities initiative. Other matters under discussion included the green bin collection, speeding along Dene Road and Westfield Avenue in Skelmanthorpe and matters relating to achieving Quality status. Various reports were discussed relating to the Model Code of Conduct for Employees and the Future of Local Government.
The public meeting regarding Wind Farms was held on the 21st September. The meeting went very well and different points of view were put forward and discussed.
October, 2004
At the meeting in October, the Council agreed that the Police be invited to a public meeting facilitated by the Council. Concerns were expressed about the dis-establishment of the school crossing in Denby Dale. Council was informed that a trial collection of glass was to be undertaken in the Skelmanthorpe area by Kirklees M.C. The Youth Facilities Provision initiative is also progressing well. Other matters under discussion included speeding traffic along Manorstead, Meadow View and Thorpes Crescent in Skelmanthorpe and the provision of parking restrictions along Wakefield Road, Scissett.
November, 2004
At its meeting in November it was agreed that members visit the Recycling facility at Kirklees M.C. It was agreed that Kirklees M.C. be informed of the Parish Council’s concerns regarding possible flooding and water quality conditions at the development site in Station Road, Skelmanthorpe and that Huddersfield University be contacted regarding quality of the soil at the site. Other matters discussed included waiting restrictions at Station Road, Skelmanthorpe, Quality Parish Council status and the formulation of a draft charter with Kirklees Council. The Council also appointed Clr. Barlow as Chair Elect for 2005/2006.
The Finance and General Purposes Committee met in November and made recommendations in respect of the estimates of expenditure and the precept for the year 2005/2006.
The Plans Scrutiny Committee also met and considered planning applications. Other matters under discussion included concerns about the diverted footpath at Lower Busker Farm and the footpath leading to Scissett Middle School.
December, 2004
At the meeting in December, the Council agreed the estimates of expenditure, and set the precept, for 2005/2006. Highway representatives from Kirklees M.C. were asked to attend a site visit at Station Road, Skelmanthorpe in order that road safety issues in the vicinity of the Station Road / Huddersfield Road junction, could be addressed, as well as discussing the problems encountered at the new roundabout. The Council also agreed to support Emley residents in their fight for a speed limit of 40mph from Jagger Lane to the village boundary. Other matters under discussion included the proposed closure of Bretton Hall College and the progress of the Quality Status initiative.
January, 2005
At its meeting, the Council agreed to support residents and users of Bedale Drive and Bedale Avenue in Skelmanthorpe in their campaign to have these roads gritted in bad weather. The Council was informed that a decision had been made to close Bretton Hall College. It was also noted that in respect of the dis-establishment of the School Crossing Patrol on Wakefield Road, Denby Dale, Kirklees M.C. had agreed to carry out further surveys in January and September, 2005. Other items discussed included a progress report on the Quality Status initiative and consideration of planning notifications.
February, 2005
The meeting in February saw the co-option of Clr. Jane Birdsall, who has filled the vacancy on the Skelmanthorpe Ward. Members reported on their visit to the Vine Street Recycling Facility and on the site visit at Station Road, Skelmanthorpe. In the latter case, Kirklees M.C. have agreed to extend restrictions on Station Road to include the entrance to The Foldings and also between 2 and 10 Huddersfield Road, Skelmanthorpe. Markings at the roundabout will be altered to make the approach more user friendly. It was reported that the Police had agreed to attend a public meeting on 27th April, 2005 at which members of the public can put forward their concerns about police related issues. Public meetings relating to the formulation of the Parish Plan would also be held, over the coming months, in villages across the district. Quality Status and related issues were also discussed.
March, 2005
At the meeting in March it was agreed that the public meeting with the Police would take place on Wednesday, 27th April, 2005 at St. Augustines Church, Scissett. Public meetings had been held in the district to further the progress of the Parish Plan. A number of issues had been raised at these meetings including concerns about road safety through Birdsedge and the lack of post box facilities in Birdsedge. Other matters discussed included road maintenance problems in Emley and update reports on the Quality Council initiative.
The Finance and General Purposes Committee met in March and discussed allocation of grant aid for the year 2005/2006. Grants were made to two youth based projects – the provision of an all weather multi-court facility in Emley and renovations and extensions of the Skelmanthorpe Skate Park.
April, 2005
At the meeting in April, the Council were informed that they had been successful in achieving Quality status. Inspector Barnett of the Neighbourhood Policing Team addressed the meeting and explained how this new initiative would work. Matters for discussion at the public meeting with the Police were formulated. It was agreed to write to Kirklees M.C. expressing concern about the future plans for Scissett Mount Care Home and the Assistant Director of Community Care Services was invited to attend the June meeting of the Council. Other matters under discussion included the agreement by the Post Office to erect a post box near the Village Hall in Birdsedge. The Plans Scrutiny Committee heard a presentation from Clr. Shaw regarding Rural Transport. This identified different schemes in operation throughout the country. Planning applications were also considered.
DENBY DALE PARISH COUNCIL SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTS 2004/2005
- The Parish Council in the year 2003/2004 precepted the sum of £63,000
- As a co-funding partner, the Parish Council’s contribution to the Denby Dale Parish Countryside Management Project was £23,000.
- £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 together with an allocation of £5,000 towards further works on the landscape character assessment initiative.
- The Parish Council also supported, by grant aid, the Primary Schools within the Parish and the Road and Home and Leisure Safety Committees.
- Donations were also made to the Open Spaces Society and the Royal British Legion.
Unaudited Balance Sheet:
£
1/4/2004 Balance b/f
41,209.47
Income
92,690.03
133,899.50
Expenditure
91,873.92
42,025.58
less earmarked reserves
17,048.37
31/3/2005 Balance c/f
24,977.21
2003 - 2007 DENBY DALE PARISH COUNCIL
EMLEY WARD
Clr. Mrs. C. Beal 12 Wentworth Drive, Emley, HD8 9SL 01924 840062
Clr. Mrs. G. Hague 18 Church Street, Emley, HD8 9RW 01924 848711
Clr. D.W. Kaye 3 Chapel Lane, Emley, HD8 9SP
Clr. E.I. Shaw 15 Rectory Lane, Emley, HD8 9RR 01924 848364
CLAYTON WEST WARD
Clr. I.D. Bowie 21 Riverside, Clayton West, HD8 9QN 01484 862479
Clr. R.S. Mottram 62 Long Lane, Clayton West, HD8 9PR 01484 862737
Clr. T.D. Sigsworth 2 Dukewood Road, Clayton West, HD8 9HF` 01484 860534
Clr. G. Smith 25 Cliffe Street, Clayton West, HD8 9NR 01484 864254
DENBY & CUMBERWORTH WARD
Clr. J.A. Barlow 4 Greenside, Denby Dale, HD8 8QY 01484 862537
Clr. Mrs. M. Clarke 9 South Croft, Upper Denby, HD8 8UA 01484 861499
Clr. Mrs. S.A. Dellapuppa 65 Ings Mill Drive, Clayton West, HD8 9PW 01484 866097
Clr. J.D. Carr 4 Miller Hill, Denby Dale, HD8 8RG 07941 039222
Clr. C. Watson 7 Top Road, Lower Cumberworth, HD8 8PE 01484 863072
Clr. Mrs. V.M. Woodhead - The Cottage, Park Head, Birdsedge, HD8 8XW 01484 606114
SKELMANTHORPE WARD
Clr. R.G. Allen 95 Huddersfield Road, Skelmanthorpe, HD8 9AR 01484 866131
Clr. J.C. Birdsall 12 Heather Fold, Skelmanthorpe, HD8 9LD 01484 860174
Clr. Mrs. J. Birdsall 12 Heather Fold, Skelmanthorpe, HD8 9LD 01484 860174
Clr. R. McSkimming 10a Station Road, Skelmanthorpe, HD8 9AU 01484 860070
Clr. G. Turner 20 Beechfield Avenue, Skelmanthorpe, HD8 9BZ 01484 864446
Clr. A.N. Weatherby 1 Saville Road, Skelmanthorpe, HD8 9ED 01484 863889
CLERKS OFFICE
Mrs. G. Wood - Clerk Council Offices, Skelmanthorpe) Tel. & fax 01484
Mr. K. Haigh - Assistant Council Offices, Skelmanthorpe ) 222963
Email: denbydaleparishcouncil@kirklees.gov.uk
COUNTRYSIDE OFFICER
Mr. A. Wickham Council Offices, Skelmanthorpe 01484 222960