Minutes of the Meeting of Denby Dale Parish Council held on Tuesday 6 July 2010 in the Civic Chamber, Council Offices, Skelmanthorpe
Members Present: Cllrs K Waites (Chair), G Coleman, A Hinde King, E Shaw, C Rimmer T Sigsworth, S Simpson, A Tribe, G Turner, M Watson (part of the meeting), A Weston,
In attendance: Hazel Chowcat (Clerk to the Council), Alison Cockayne (Kirklees Council), Andy Wickham (Countryside Officer)
1689 Declaration of Councillors’ Interests
There were no declarations of interest.
1690 Open Session
One member of the public asked about documents referred to in the agenda. The Clerk explained the procedures.
1691 Co-option of Councillor
Michael Watson addressed the Council in connection with his application to be co-opted onto the Council.
RESOLVED that Mr Watson be co-opted to the Council to represent the Denby & Cumberworth Ward, sign the declaration of acceptance of office and take his seats. Cllr Watson thanked the council and gave his apologies for the rest of the meeting.
RESOLVED that Cllr Watson’s apologies be accepted.
1692 Apologies for Absence
Reasons for absence were submitted from Cllrs R Brook, M Mills, M Watson, S Wild and N Wilson.
RESOLVED that the reasons for absence be accepted as valid.
1693 Chair’s Opening Remarks
Cllr Waites welcomed members to the meeting. He regretfully informed members that Cllrs Victoria Buyer and Alison Tribe had both had to tender their resignations because they had both moved out of the area.
RESOLVED that the Council’s thanks to both councillors for their contribution to the work of the council be recorded.
1694 Admission of the Public
RESOLVED that there were no items requiring the exclusion of the press and public.
1695 Alison Cockayne, Kirklees Council
Alison Cockayne, Team Leader Streetscene had been invited to address the council on a number of highway safety issues.
• She presented accident statistics for Denby Dale, with comparative figures for Kirkburton and Kirklees Council. Accidents in Denby Dale had gone down since 2005 and were lower than Kirkburton.
• In relation to safety cameras, she pointed out that the government funding had been cut and as a result, expenditure on safety cameras in Kirklees would be reduced, though if the Council decided there was a case for the introduction of cameras at a specific site, then funding might be found.
• She reported on a new initiative, the introduction of Vehicle Activated Signs. The Council will consult the parish council and others on suitable site for VAS installations.
• In response to the Parish Council’s concern about speeding on Carr Hill Road, she advised that a speed survey was to be conducted but traffic calming could only be introduced if criteria were met.
• She explained that it was proposed to install a crossing on Wakefield Road in Scissett near the swimming baths as requested by the Parish Council. A consultation exercise would be initiated soon.
• In response to the Parish Council’s request for a 20mph zone in Emley, she explained that Kirklees was currently developing criteria to determine where such zones might be effective. Schemes would be prioritised based on the greatest need.
• Questions were raised about the need for road signs to be installed identifying blind bends. She agreed to look at this issue.
RESOLVED that Ms Cockayne be thanked for her presentation.
RESOLVED that the statistics be circulated to members for discussion at the September meeting.
RESOLVED that members identify suitable sites for VAS and identify sites, which require blind bend signage to pass to the Clerk.
1696 Report from Andy Wickham, Countryside Officer
Andy Wickham presented a report on his recent work as Countryside Officer. The report included information on: Creation of the pond and hard landscaping at Denby First School; the wildlife garden at Kayes First School, raised beds at Scissett First School; progress in erecting the MUGA for YEAST in Emley; update on the footpath at Leakhall Crescent; EPIP funding for Walkers are Welcome and progress in carrying out the work; installation of interpretation boards at the Clapper Bridge by the viaduct and the Pack Horse Bridge in Clayton West; the possible use of Church Field in Denby Dale for allotments; finalisation of the agreement between Jones Homes and Kirklees Council in relation to East Hill Woods; the continued work of the Ten Villages Conservation Group, Enviroyouth and progress in pursuit of the Great Crested Newt Link Project. Andy explained that he was undertaking a Diploma in Management and Leadership and he gave details of changes in Kirklees Council involving the disbandment of the Countryside Unit and the movement of staff into Streetscene.
RESOLVED that Andy Wickham be thanked for his detailed report
1697 Report from Ward Councillor
Cllrs Ward and Dodds had sent apologies and so, in the absence of a ward councillor, there was no report.
1698 Minutes of Council Meeting
RESOLVED that the minutes of the council meeting held on 1 June 2010 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.
1699 Minutes of the Finance & General Purposes Committee
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 15 June 2010 be confirmed as a correct record and that in the absence of the Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee, they be signed by Cllr Sigsworth as Vice Chair of the Council.
1700 Minutes of the Plans Scrutiny Committee
RESOLVED that the minutes of the Plans Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 29 June 2010 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair of the Council.
1701 Clerk’s Report
The Clerk submitted her written report.
RESOLVED that the Clerk’s report be approved and the following action taken on matters outstanding from previous minutes as arising from the report:
a) 1384a) Traffic Calming on Chapel Hill, Clayton West
The Clerk submitted the result of a speed count conducted on Chapel Hill in Clayton West. Members noted Kirklees’ comments on the results that there are drivers exceeding the 30mph limit but that this does not seem to be causing a safety issue. However, with a weekly average of 204.4 vehicles exceeding 40mph eastbound and 159.3 westbound, members still felt that some traffic calming was necessary.
RESOLVED that the results of the speed count be sent to Kayes First and Nursery school for their comments before proceeding further.
b) 1392 Parish Plan
The Clerk reported that she had had a meeting with Amanda Ray of Rural Action Yorkshire who had advised that there was no funding available to refresh the Parish Plan and that in any event, it was not usual to refresh a plan just three years after publication.
RESOLVED that no further action be taken on the Parish Plan.
c) 1393 Parking at Denby Dale Station
The Clerk submitted correspondence from Kirklees Council advising that it was unlikely to be feasible in the foreseeable future to use the old car because the cost of making improvements to the bridge to enable it to be used to access the car park would be approximately £1 million plus.
RESOLVED that the views of the Penistone Line Partnership be sought.
d) 1577 Adoption of Red Telephone Boxes
The Clerk reported that she had met with representatives of the Denby Ladies regarding the Upper Denby telephone box and she would be writing to Terry Rimmer regarding the Lower Cumberworth box. Meanwhile, the purchase contract was ready to sign.
RESOLVED that the contract with BT be signed by the Cllr Waites.
e) 1619 Subscriptions
The Clerk reported that the Finance & General Purposes Committee had deferred a decision about the subscriptions to Rural Action Yorkshire to seek the views of Cllr Shaw who felt the subscription of value to the council.
RESOLVED that the Council maintain its subscription to Rural Action Yorkshire.
f) 1653 Litter in Skelmanthorpe
The Clerk submitted correspondence from Kirklees Council confirming that dog waste should be deposited in ordinary waste bins.
RESOLVED that the report be noted.
g) 1654 Chain for Consort’s Badge
The Clerk reported that she had obtained a quote from Fattorini for a collarette ribbon at a price of £10.72.
RESOLVED that the Council purchase a purple collarette from Fattorini.
h) 1659 Bus Timetables
The Clerk submitted correspondence from Metro confirming that in response to the Parish Council’s representations changes would be made to the timetables for the 435/436 bus timetables.
RESOLVED that the report be noted.
i) 1662 20 mph Zone Emley
The Clerk reported that she had submitted the council’s request for a 20mph zone in Emley and the matter had been addressed to Alison Cockayne who had agreed to look at it further.
RESOLVED that the report be noted with progress to be monitored.
j) 1663 Building Schools for the Future
The Clerk submitted correspondence from Kirklees Council advising that the future of the BSF programme was not known. However, the correspondence had been overtaken by events and the clerk submitted details of the announcement by the Department for Education that the BSF programme was to be abandoned, with some exceptions and that only two of the Kirklees schools on the list which were both academies were listed as ‘for discussion’.
RESOLVED that Kirklees Council be asked to confirm its options for capital investment in education in this area and how the decision by the government concerning the BSF programme will affect the future of education in Kirklees.
RESOLVED that the issue be put on the agenda of the September meeting.
1702 Simon Reevell MP
Members were invited to identify issues to be raised with Simon Reevell MP at the September meeting.
RESOLVED that Simon Reevell be advised that the Parish Council wishes him to address the following issues:
• What will the government do to improve the status of Parish Councils
• Why have the Regional Spatial Strategy and the Local Development Framework been abolished and what will be put in their place?
• Explain the government’s environmental policy
• Explain the benefits of free schools
• Explain who will undertake the regulation of social housing with the abolition of the Tenant Services Authority and what training will be offered to tenants to carry out the proposed tenant led scrutiny and how will this be financed.
1703 Councillor Vacancy in Skelmanthorpe Ward
The Clerk reported that no request had been received for a ballot to fill the vacancy in Skelmanthorpe.
RESOLVED that the vacancy in Skelmanthorpe Ward be filled by co-option.
1704 YLCA Training and Development Programme
The Clerk submitted the YLCA training and development programme
RESOLVED that Cllrs Weston and Hinde King attend the Councillor Skills Training at Holmfirth on 27 October 2010 at a cost of £35 each that Cllr Coleman attend a session on a date to be determined and that Cllr Watson be asked to confirm whether he wished to attend and to approve his attendance if appropriate.
1705 Newsletter No. 23
The Clerk submitted a draft copy of Newsletter No. 23.
RESOLVED that Newsletter be approved for printing and distribution.
1706 Business Plan Sub Group
The Clerk reported that the Business Plan Sub Group had met on 22 June and had agreed a first draft of the council’s aims and objectives to include communities and heritage; health; environment; planning; transport; representation and communication. Some action points had been agreed and a further meeting would be held to flesh out the document.
RESOLVED that the report be noted.
1707 Reports from Working Parties
There were no updates to report from the working parties on heritage and public transport.
1708 YLCA Joint Annual Meeting 17 July 2010
The Clerk reported that because Cllr Shaw would not be attending the meeting as a delegate, there was no action to take.
RESOLVED that the report be noted.
1709 NALC Localism in Action Conference 9 September 2010
RESOLVED that Cllrs Hinde King and Sigsworth attend the conference at a cost of £90 +VAT per delegate.
1710 YHRTP Conference 24-26 September 2010 in Scarborough
The Clerk submitted information about the YHRTP conference to be held in Scarborough from 24-26 September.
RESOLVED that Cllr Hinde King attend on behalf of the Parish Council.
1711 Grant Application from Penistone Line Partnership
The Clerk submitted an application for a grant for £145 under the Community Grant Aid scheme from Penistone Line Partnership towards the cost of an interpretation panel at Denby Dale Station.
RESOLVED that a grant of £145 be awarded to the Penistone Line Partnership towards the cost of an interpretation panel at Denby Dale Station
1712 Review of Effectiveness of Internal Audit
The Clerk submitted a review of the effectiveness of the internal audit which had been approved by the Finance and General Purposes Committee for approval by the Council.
RESOLVED that the review of the effectiveness of the internal audit be approved and signed by the Chair.
1713 Purchase of Telephone Boxes
The Clerk submitted the contract for the purchase of the two telephone boxes as discussed under the Clerk’s Report (Minute 1701 above).
RESOLVED that the contract be signed and the boxes purchased at a cost of £2.
1714 Budget Outturn
The Clerk submitted the budget outturn to 30 June 2010.
RESOLVED that the budget outturn be noted.
1714 Orders for Payment
RESOLVED that Orders for Payment Nos 517 totalling £276.33 and 518 totalling £4,333.85 be approved.
1715 September Council Meeting
RESOLVED that Kirklees planting policy be included on the agenda of the September meeting.
1716 Dates of Next Meetings
27 July - Plans Scrutiny Committee meeting starting at 7pm
31 August - Plans Scrutiny Committee meeting starting at 7pm
7 September – Council Meeting starting at 7pm
Signed………………………………………
CHAIR
