Minutes of the Meeting of Denby Dale Parish Council held on Tuesday 6 November 2007 in the Civic Chamber, Council Offices, Skelmanthorpe
Members Present: Cllr G Turner (Chair), E Shaw (Vice Chair), J A Barlow, M Barlow, J C Birdsall, R Brook, H Cole, A Heaton, M Mills, C Rimmer, S Simpson, A Stimson, K Thursby, A Tribe
269 Open Session
No matters were raised by members of the public.
270 Apologies for Absence
Reasons for absence were submitted by Cllrs D Kaye, C Barnfield J E Birdsall, T Sigsworth, K Waites and N Wilson. It was RESOLVED that the reasons for absence from the above councillors be accepted as valid.
271 Declarations of Councillors’ Interests
Cllr Brook declared a personal interest in Item 12, Kirklees licensing policy review.
272 Minutes of Council Meeting
It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the council meeting held on 2 October 2007 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.
273 Minutes of Plans Scrutiny Committee Meeting
It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the Plans Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 23 October 2007 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Vice Chair of the Plans Scrutiny Committee.
274 Admission of the Public
It was RESOLVED that, in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 s1(2,) members of the press and public be excluded from the meeting for Items16. Denby Parish Community Action Group Bulletin and Item 17. Press Release by Cllr Bolt on the grounds that the Parish Council may need to seek legal advice on these matters. It was FURTHER RESOLVED that both items be moved to the end of the agenda to be discussed after Item 26.
275 Review of Parish Councils
The Clerk submitted Environment Circular No. 11/97 from the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions “Establishing New Councils” for information and explained out that this was the current legislation under which parish reviews were conducted but that this was likely to be superseded by the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill when it reaches the statute book. Members discussed the forthcoming review and agreed that, as a quality council, Denby Dale Parish Council looked forward to participating in the review. It was RESOLVED that the document be noted.
276 Active Road Signs
In relation to Minute No. 609 (April 2007), the Clerk reported that Kirklees Council had now completed its assessment of the two sites in Emley which the Parish Council had proposed as suitable for active road signs, but accident records and speed data did not put these areas above average and it was felt, therefore, that these signs would have little impact. However, the assessment of the A636 site was continuing and the Parish Council would be advised of the outcome in due course. Members raised questions about the method of calculating the accident records and speed data and whether the averages are based on a national figure or whether they are weighted to take account of the fact that the area is predominantly rural. It was RESOLVED a) that these questions be put to Kirklees Council and b) that a site visit to the two Emley locations be sought with Kirklees officers and Emley ward councillors during the morning rush hour.
277 Upper Denby Play Area
The Clerk reported that she had requested an update on progress in the refurbishment of the Upper Denby play area and that she had been advised that the work is due to be completed in approximately 6 weeks. Members were invited to visit the site to view the work in progress. It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.
278 Gib Lane/Station Road Parking Problems
Further to Minute No. 184, the Clerk submitted correspondence from Kirklees MC explaining that H bar markings would not be appropriate as an alternative to waiting restrictions. These markings are not used around junctions to prevent parking; rather they are used as advisory markings to highlight driveways, accesses and dropped kerbs, etc. It was RESOLVED that the correspondence be noted.
279 Bus Services
The Clerk submitted correspondence from the WYPTA confirming the outcome of various meetings, both public and with Ward councillors, namely that changes would be introduced to the Stagecoach timetables to improve punctuality and reliability, that new low floor high capacity buses would be introduced in December and that a Christmas bus service would be run between Huddersfield and Barnsley in November and December. WYPTA also confirmed that the Parish Council’s proposals relating to the routing of buses in Clayton West would be considered at a review meeting with local councillors in the New Year. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk write to WYPTA welcoming the review and seeking an assurance that the review will also cover the changes to Arriva bus services.
Cllr Brook presented a report from the Public Transport Working Party. Members had attended the Kirkburton Parish Council public meeting where both Metro and Stagecoach had been represented. Cllr Brook had passed on information from residents of the parish about difficulties they were experiencing following the changes to the bus services. He also submitted a written report to both Stagecoach and Metro requesting a) that the 81 bus service to Clayton West be reversed so that the whole of the length of the Wakefield Road going in the direction from Huddersfield to Clayton West is served by a bus route and b) that services 83 and 84 be re-timetabled so that they offer a better link with trains going to and from Sheffield and Huddersfield at Denby Dale Station. Both Cllrs Barnfield and Brook had also attended an Area Committee meeting at which the Chairs of both Kirkburton and Denby Dale Area Committees had met with Stagecoach and Metro representatives. Members also discussed complaints from residents of the Matherville Estate in Skelmanthorpe that since the beginning of September they have had no bus service during the middle of the day. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk write to both Metro and Stagecoach requesting a reinstatement of the bus service during the day time to the Matherville Estate.
The Clerk also submitted correspondence from Andrea Gill outlining efforts by group of residents to persuade Metro to reinstate the 935, as well as correspondence from “bringbackbackthe935” an online petition. It was RESOLVED that the correspondence be noted.
It was noted that a review of yellow buses headed by David Blunkett MP had been announced that morning and members RESOLVED to write to Mr Blunkett to ask if Denby Dale Parish could be involved in any trials of school buses. It was FURTHER RESOLVED that the council issue a press release outlining the nature of the discussion and action proposed.
280 Liaison with Local Businesses
The Clerk reported that she had written to local businesses with a questionnaire asking about interest in setting up a business association, sponsorship of hanging baskets and promoting alternatives to plastic bags. To date, 47 replies had been received and the Clerk presented an analysis of the responses. It was RESOLVED that given the substantial interest in the idea of a business association, as well as the other issues raised in the questionnaire, the Clerk invite local businesses to discuss these issues at an open session on a Friday late afternoon/early evening in January 2008. It was FURTHER RESOLVED that representatives of business organisations be invited to the meeting.
281 Flooding
Further to minute No. 189, the Clerk submitted correspondence from Mary Creagh MP confirming that she had raised the issue of affordable insurance with the Treasury and that she would report further when a definitive reply is received. It was RESOLVED that the correspondence be noted.
Further to Minute No. 230, the Clerk submitted correspondence from Kirklees Council detailing the Council’s responsibility for maintaining watercourses, confirming that an abridged version of the council’s previous response could be published on the Parish Council’s website and advising that it would not be appropriate to send a representative to the strategic flood meeting but that once the exercise has been completed, the information would be shared and local knowledge would be sought. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk write to Kirklees Council to ask when the work would be completed.
282 Hanging Baskets
The Clerk submitted a list of street lighting columns which Kirklees Council had approved for the Parish Council to use for hanging baskets. It was RESOLVED that the list be approved. Questions were raised about the provision of hanging baskets at Denby Dale Station and it was noted that this was the responsibility of the Penistone Line Partnership. Members also confirmed that in addition to hanging baskets, the possibility of other floral displays be explored and it was RESOLVED that the Clerk explore the possibility of using public spaces for such displays.
283 2008-2009 Budget
It was RESOLVED that the following items be considered for inclusion in the budget for 2008-2009: the purchase of a planter for the junction of Huddersfield road and Station Road; funding of a youth council; hanging baskets and floral displays; the Accident Prevention Committee; environmental improvements.
284 Supporting our Soldiers
The Clerk submitted correspondence from Support our Soldiers. It was RESOLVED that the correspondence be noted.
285 Kirklees Council Licensing Policy Review
The Clerk submitted correspondence from Kirklees Council requesting the Parish Council’s comments on its review of the Licensing Policy. It was pointed out that the Council was proposing only one key policy change which reflects the change in emphasis in Government guidance regarding licensing hours, namely, that there is no longer to be a general presumption in favour of lengthening licensing hours and achievement of the four licensing objectives should be paramount. Members discussed the issue and expressed the view that they did not believe residents were aware of their rights to complain when licensed premises were in breach of their licensing conditions. Members also pointed out that complaints had been received from local residents about problems with the Queen’s Head public house in Scissett. Specifically, there were accusations of underage drinking and excessive noise in the car park until the early hours of the morning. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk write to Kirklees Council advising them of these problems and asking that more publicity be given to explaining to local residents how they can complain about breaches of the licensing legislation.
286 Code of Conduct
The Clerk advised members that though they had agreed to adopt the revised Code of Conduct at the July Council meeting, the minutes did not reflect the fact that this included the adoption of Paragraph 12(2) which gives elected members with a prejudicial interest the same rights as members of the public to speak to a meeting on the issue, but then leave before the main discussion and the vote. It was RESOLVED that it be minuted that the Parish Council has agreed to adopt Paragraph 12(2) of the Code of Conduct.
287 Rural Development Programme for England Leader Funding
The Clerk reported that the Council had been invited in October by Lynne Richardson of Sheffield Council at very short notice to attend a meeting to discuss an application for RDPE Leader funding available via Yorkshire Forward. In September, communities of Rural North Sheffield and Penistone had met to discuss this funding opportunity and agreed to broaden out the geographical boundary to include Denby Dale. Cllrs J A Barlow and N Wilson, as Chair and Vice Chair of the Finance and General Purposes Committee, had attended the meeting. The deadline for the application to be submitted was extremely tight, i.e. the end of October and the Parish Council was asked to decide whether or not it wished to be associated with the bid. Success in the bid would bring in funds of around £300,000 for the whole area, and it was anticipated that the area itself would be divided into 5 bidding groups who, with the assistance of a researcher, would be required to develop projects for funding. It was RESOLVED that the Parish Council agree to be associated with the application.
288 Election Expenses
The Clerk submitted correspondence from the Electoral Services Manager clarifying the detail of the £1000 which Kirklees MC had charged the Parish Council for administering the election this year. It was RESOLVED that the correspondence be noted.
289 Calendar of Meetings 2008-2009
The Clerk submitted a timetable of council meetings for the civic year 2008-2009. It was RESOLVED that the timetable be approved.
290 Issues Raised by Members
a) Refuse Bins Left on Pavements
Cllr Tribe drew members’ attention to the problem of refuse bins being left on the pavement after they had been emptied and then causing an obstruction to pedestrians. She mentioned, in particular, Dearne Terrace in Scissett, but it was noted that this problem is evident in other parts of the parish. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk write to Kirklees Council asking for this issue to be addressed.
b) Dog Fouling
Cllr Rimmer raised the issue of dog fouling in many areas of the parish. It was felt that one solution to this perennial problem would be to expand the number of outlets used for distributing the council’s dog waste bags and it was RESOLVED that the Clerk contact local vets and pet food outlets to ask them to distribute the bags.
291 Reports from Meetings
a) Picture of Kirklees Conference11 October 2007: Cllr J A Barlow presented a report of the Picture of Kirklees Conference which he and Cllr M Barlow had attended. It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.
b) West Yorkshire Rural Transport Partnership Meeting 4 October 2007: The Clerk submitted draft minutes of the WYRTP meeting. It was RESOLVED that the minutes be noted.
c) Yorkshire Rural Community Council AGM 3 November 2007: Cllr Tribe gave a report of the YRCC AGM and conference. It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.
d) Standards Committee 10 October 2007: Cllr J C Birdsall gave a report of the Standards Committee meeting. It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.
292 Representation
a) Kirklees Public Rights of Way Forum: In the absence of any other volunteers, it was RESOLVED that Cllr J C Birdsall continue to be the Council’s representative on the Kirklees PROW Forum.
b) Yorkshire Rural Community Council conference March 2008: It was RESOLVED to defer this item until the December 2007 meeting.
c) YLCA Quality Council’s Conference 23-24 November: It was RESOLVED that the Clerk attend the YLCA conference.
293 Finance Matters
a) NJC Pay Scales: It was RESOLVED that, following the agreement between the employers and the trade unions on the revised salary scales with effect from April 2007, the Clerk’s salary be increased accordingly.
b) Orders for Payment: It was RESOLVED that orders for payment on schedule No. 460 totalling £10,512.01 be authorised.
294 YLCA
The Clerk submitted YLCA Bulletin for the week ending 12 October together with information from YLCA concerning the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill. It was RESOLVED that the documents be noted.
295 Items of Information
The Clerk submitted the latest highway schemes, Open Space and the Local Councils Update October 2007. It was RESOLVED that the documents be noted.
296 December Council Meeting
It was RESOLVED that the following items be placed on the agenda of the November council meeting: Rescission Resolution (Cllr J A Barlow); filling of vacancy following Cllr Cole’s resignation; establishment of a publicity sub-committee, use of noticeboards for public information.
297 Dates of next meetings
Plans Scrutiny Committee at 7.30pm on 27 November2007
Council Meeting at 7pm on 4 December 2007
Finance & General Purposes Committee 13 November 2007 at 7.30pm
The Council resolved to exclude the public and press from the meeting at this point prior to consideration of the following items by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted, i.e. matters on which the council may need to seek legal advice.
298 Denby Parish Community Action Group Bulletin
Members discussed the DPCAG September Bulletin. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk write to the Yorkshire Rural Community Council which had funded the Denby Parish Community Action Group. During the discussion concern was expressed that the agenda for this meeting had been sent to the noticeboard keyholder in High Flatts but had not been displayed in the noticeboard which had been paid for by the Area Committee. It was RESOLVED that delegates to the Area Committee raise this issue at the next meeting.
299 Press Release from Cllr Bolt
Members discussed the press release issued by Kirklees Council on behalf of Cllr Bolt. It was RESOLVED that the issue be referred to the Standards Board on the grounds of misuse of Council resources.
Signed……………………………………….
CHAIR