Wentworth Parish Council

On Monday 21^st May 2007 at 7.01pm

1459. Present

1Councillor Mr D. Hunton (Chair) Councillor Mrs L. Hardwick (Deputy Chair) Councillors Mr J. Jones, Ms L. Stevenson, Ms S. Hales, Miss B Sharp MBE, Mr I. Lomas Mrs M.R. Dickerson, Mr C. Woodcock RMBC Councillor Mr F. Hodgkiss

Appointment of Chair & Deputy Chair

1460. Nominations for the position of Chairman were received

Councillor D Hunton

Proposed Councillor Stevenson

Seconded Councillor Lomas

All councillors were in favour and Councillor Hunton retained the position of Chairman for a further term

1461. Nominations for the position of Chairman were received

Councillor L Hardwick

Proposed Councillor Lomas

Seconded Councillor Hales

Councillor J Jones

Proposed Councillor Sharp

Seconded Councillor Dickerson

A vote was taken on the two nominations, Councillors Lomas, Hales, Stevenson and Woodcock were in favour of Councillor Hardwick, Councillors Sharp and Dickerson were in favour of Councillor Jones Councillor Hardwick retained the position of Deputy Chairman for a further term

1462. Apologies For Absence

RMBC Mr M. Hill

Parishioners Mr J. Morley, Mr P. Beedham

Minutes

1463. The minutes of the meeting held on 16th April 2007 were accepted as a true record and were authorised to be signed by the Chairman.

Proposed Councillor Lomas

Seconded Councillor Jones

Code of Conduct

1464. Information on the new code of conduct had been previously circulated to all councillors. The code was accepted and adopted by the Parish Council, all councillors were in favour.

Matters Arising

1465. Mr Mettam of Occupation Road had written to the parish council, raising concerns about the car parking problems along Occupation Road. Councillor Hunton noted that things seemed to have improved as he frequently walks there. Councillor Lomas noted that two vehicles are parking fully on the footpath, completely blocking the pavement. Councillor Hardwick sympathises with the residents, but noted again that the parish council did not own any land in the area and so could not provide parking spaces, Councillor Stevenson commented that some space is available behind the allotments. Councillor Hunton thought the square could be utilised, Councillor Lomas noted that the square is already utilised for parking. Clerk to write to Mr Mettam. Councillor Hunton commented that there are problems parking all over the parish, even Nether Haugh suffers from thoughtless and poor parking. RMBC Councillor Hodgkiss is to prompt RMBC about the yellow lines in the area.

1466. Councillor Hardwick had read the Highways Scrutiny Review Survey, she thought it annoying that the survey seemed to suggest previous requests to highways had failed because the parish council did not know the right people to speak to. She noted that surveys, traffic monitoring and petitions have all been submitted previously.

1467. Councillor Lomas suggested that the survey should not be completed, but the Chief Executive and a representative from the Highways Department should be invited to the next parish council meeting. There has been constant liaison with RMBC regarding various Highways issues and no constructive help has been received.

1468. A reply has been received from RMBC to the question of extending yellow lines outside the Bistro. RMBC have visited the site and acknowledge that cars are parking on the road, but that it its not causing a problem and are therefore not prepared to extend the waiting restriction. They also confirmed that the lines are correctly marked within the terms of the original order.

1469. RMBC Councillor Russell had replied on the issue of bus service changes. The letter was read to the meeting, Councillor Russell disputes the inference that he knew and should have advised the parish council of the proposed cancellation of the 227 bus service. Councillor Lomas asked why he had nor attended the meeting to clarify his position.

1470. RMBC have been unable to answer the questions raised around the Kirby Lane extension. RMBC are now suggesting that if the parish council believes the building not to be as the granted permission they should contact the enforcement officer. They seem unwilling to answer the original question posed of how did such a proposal gain permission in the first place. Clerk to keep trying Councillor Dickerson noted that the original application for a stone cottage and wall had been refused by RMBC as they wanted any new building to be built around the existing bungalow, she also noted that shrubs have been planted in front of the wall.

1471. Councillor Hunton asked if RMBC had been out to inspect the pavement in front of the building, Councillor Lomas noted that RMBC were going to advise him if RMBC land had been encroached upon, as no reply has been received he assumed that it was not RMBC land. Councillor Dickerson reported that the properties own the land up to the road, the public pavement is on the other side of the road.

1472. A letter had been received from RMBC advising that a fixed vehicle activated sign, similar to the one in Hood Hill is to be positioned at the entrance to Harley. The original idea of a movable one spending several months at each of the designated sites is now considered unworkable. Councillor Lomas had heard that a slightly different sign had been purchased, they now record the numbers of speeders as well as flashing the speed. Councillor Dickerson had learnt that it is a legal requirement that the signs should be on both sides of the road, covering vehicles travelling in both directions. Clerk to enquire. No objections were raised about the proposed Harley sign.

1473. The clerk had contacted BT regarding the issues with broadband in the area. BT are unable to respond to general queries and need dates and telephone numbers of lost connections.

1474. Councillor Hardwick reported that the road chippings on Harley Road are still causing problems, the sweepers had swept the road, but were of the wrong type to do the pavements. Councillor Hardwick asked if the pavements could be swept and weeded. Councillor Hunton asked if Barrowfield Gate could also be swept and weeded. Clerk to request.

1475. RMBC Councillor Hodgkiss reported RMBC are to arrange for the hedges along Coach Road and Harley Road to be cut, he also noted that Harley Road needed sweeping and is going to arrange it. Councillor Sharp noted that unless the road has a curb edge then the mechanical sweepers will not work and it has to be swept by hand.

1476. Councillor Hunton noted that Wentworth Estates are now seeking planning permission to alter the entrance to the park, he also noted that the farmer raised no objections at an earlier meeting with Wentworth Estate and the Parish Council.

1477. Councillor Hunton has spoken with Mr Richard Jackson of StreetPride who commented that the second phase of the street light replacement scheme would be starting shortly and the whole scheme should be completed by the end of the year. It was noted that a lot of parishioners have said that they are pleased with the new scheme.

Finance

1479. Authorisation of cheques and Direct Debit payments for May

Proposed Councillor Lomas

Seconded Councillor Jones

1480. Councillor Hunton noted that the rent review on the two Barrowfield Gate properties is due in May 2008 and thought that the increase should not be above the level of inflation as the parish council supports the campaign for affordable housing.

Councillor Woodcock declared an interest in the matter and refrained from the discussion and subsequent vote.

1481. The matter was proposed by Councillor Jones and Seconded by Councillor Sharp, the matter was agreed by unanimous vote.

Police Matters

1482. Councillor Hunton had received an email for SY Police requesting a contribution to fund 2 mountain bikes and equipment for community officers from the Safer Neighbourhood Team to use, this would enable officers to visit the Wentworth parish more frequently. Councillor Hunton went on to comment that it seemed as if the parish is being asked to fund what should be available as a matter of course when contributions have already been made towards two scooters , but noted that most parish councils have made some contribution towards bikes in their areas. He believed only one other parish council had not made a contribution. It costs in excess of £1000 to train an officer on a bike.

1483. Councillor Hunton commented that crime and policing were talked about at the recent parish plan meeting and that most parishioners would like to see more police presence in the area and the only way to get more police in the area was on bikes. Councillor Hunton has been assured that the bikes would be used fairly, a criticism of the previous scooters was that they were never seen in the parish. He noted that the SNT in Wath now had 8 community support officers and 6 police officers are now been seen in the area more frequently. Policing is now becoming a partnership, Wath now has two bikes and probably wont receive police funding for any more. Councillor Sharp noted that a police van with two occupants was used to deliver a letter advising of a neighbour- hood watch meeting and that they had others to deliver in surrounding areas.

1484. Councillor Hardwick stated that the parish council is responsible for tax payers money and that on past experience and the current lack of communication or attendance at meetings any request for funding should be considered carefully. She also noted that some parishioners are very negative toward the community support officers. Councillor Hunton asked why these parishioners did not attend the parish plan meeting with their concerns and proposals, he went on to comment that the funding could come from the Williston's Gift charity which aims for the betterment and upkeep of the parish, many parishioners want more policing. Councillor Hardwick responded that everyone wanted to see more policing, but why should it require extra funding when taxes are already being paid for it, in effect paying twice. Councillor Sharp asked if there were any guarantees that the bikes would be used for the parish and not simply in other areas considered more of a priority. Councillor Jones noted that he had some concerns about the proposal and asked if any other parish associations had been contacted to help with the funding. Councillor Hunton replied that he had contacted the Amenity Trust and the WVCA, the Amenity Trust had provided funding for the previous scooters. Councillor Sharp was also concerned that the bike patrol would simply pass through Wentworth. Councillor Woodcock noted that seeing them in the village would not stop crime and they could simply become the object of ridicule. Councillor Hunton stated that the police bikes are everywhere they gave the advantage of surprise, it is a return to the traditional bobby on a bike policing. Councillor Jones noted that original bobbies used bikes as a means of transport to definite locations, the new scheme could be seen as bobbies out for a bike ride. Councillor Woodcock stated that what was needed is a swift and effective response to problems.

1485. Councillor Hunton noted that the parish plan meeting had been a perfect opportunity to meet the police and discuss the benefits of the scheme, Councillor Hardwick was surprised that after the non-attendance at the Annual Assembly , the police could attend the meeting with such a presence. Councillor Hunton reminded the councillors that Inspector Tattershall would much rather see police doing their jobs than attending meetings unless there is a major issue to be discussed.

1486. Councillor Lomas sympathised with Councillor Hardwick's view on the matter, but asked if the councillors were looking at the matter from the wrong perspective, SY Police are asking for a contribution to the cost, not the full £5,000 cost. He commented that if no contribution was made the Parish Council would be seen as not supporting the police and the current increase in patrols may cease. He went on to comment that it had to be accepted that we already pay taxes, but the parish council needed to support the police and look after the parish. He proposed that a contribution of £750 be made. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Jones.

1487. Councillor Hunton proposed a contribution of £1,500, Councillor Hardwick proposed that no contribution be made until the current police commitment and presence could be monitored. Councillor Stevenson proposed that a contribution of £1,000. Councillor Dickerson asked that the decision be put on hold until the level of contributions from other sources could be ascertained. Councillor Lomas asked RMBC Councillor Hodgkiss if he could confirm that the bike was for use in the Hoober Ward or the Wentworth parish, he suspected the 2 bikes would be used for the whole of the Hoober ward. The clerk is to clarify if the contribution towards the bikes reflects the amount of time the bikes spend in the parish

1488. The decision was deferred until the next meeting.

1490. Councillor Hunton reported that there had been an increase in crime in the parish, there had been break-ins to vehicles and out buildings, Councillor Dickerson reported two garden statues had been taken.

Car Park

1491. Councillor Hunton had been approached by residents of the Hoober ward about the extension of the car park permit scheme, they still believe it unfair that they should be excluded form the scheme although they have never financially contributed to the upkeep of the car park. There had been issues when a polling station for the Hoober ward had been sited in the Mechanics Institute and voters had had to buy a parking ticket. RMBC Councillor Hodgkiss has proposed that the parish council contact Brampton parish council to ask if they would consider paying a premium each year for a defined number of parking permits for Hoober parishioners living in Wentworth. Councillor Lomas noted that there would be difficulty in fixing an appropriate charge for the proposal, Councillor Hardwick noted that for the short space of time required to vote every four years, other free parking places are available.

1492. The parish council rejected the proposal of an extension to the current parking permit scheme.

Correspondence

1493. Correspondence dealt with during the meeting

G Mettam Parking in Harley

SY Police Funding for mountain bikes

Cllr Russell Bus service changes

RMBC Waiting restrictions (yellow lines)

RMBC Vehicle Activated Sign - Harley

BT Internet connections

RMBC Kirby Lane planning application enquiry

RMBC Playing pitch strategy

YLCA Nominations for representatives

Communities & local Government Code of conduct

YLCA Code of conduct

1494. General Correspondence

Standards board for England Code of conduct

B Chivers Parking Permit

Clerks direct Subscription

RMBC Muse

YLCA White Rose

YLCA Effectiveness of audit

YLCA Minutes

YLCA Seminar for new councillors

SYPTE Holiday travel

RMBC Consultation on licensing applications

Mr Lidgett Parking Permit

E Beeson Parking Permit

RMBC Development plan

RMBC Bowls Competition

RMBC Training Session

RMBC Gambling Act proposed fees

RMBC Planning List

RMBC Planning List

RMBC Planning List

RMBC Planning List

RMBC Planning List

RMBC Planning List

B Sanderson Parking Permit

J Chester-Bristow Parking Permit

Friends of Rotherham Youth Music Donation Request

Pro Active Councilling

The Parish Plan

1495. Councillor Hunton reported that a grant from YRCC of £2250 had been received towards the administration cost of producing the plan. He also noted that YRCC papered very impressed with the enthusiasm of the Parish Plan Group (PPG) Councillor Lomas said the Parish Plan meeting had been very successful, but regretted that there had not been some sort of logging system to monitor how many people attended. Councillor Hunton commented that everyone had worked really hard to make the event a success, particularly Mr Hill of RMBC. Councillor Hunton reported that high rents had been discussed with YRCC at the meeting and they thought the parish council property policy was very good. Councillor Woodcock commented that people are still asking why they cant get bungalows in the village when they retire. Clerk to write to RMBC

1496. Councillor Lomas reported that two funding application for the Harley village hall have been submitted and that planning permission but not building regulations approval has been granted. Wentworth Estate are wanting to have the final approval on the exterior building design. He noted that any changes would affect the funding which has been applied for, so any changes would need to be cost neutral. He is to remind the Estate of this.

1497. Councillor Hunton advised that the parish newsletter had been recently delivered, but there had been some delays in getting it published which had caused problems with the PPG information flyer. He had looked at the Brampton parish council newsletter which has been professionally produced and well presented. Councillor Hardwick commented that when she asked for contributions for the newsletter, very few are usually forthcoming from the Wentworth councillors and the articles usually had to be based on the parish council minutes. Councillor Hunton asked that the councillors prepare articles earlier so the newsletter could be better planned. RMBC Councillor Hodgkiss explained that Brampton parish council had employed a consultant who prepared articles and found advertisers for the newsletter which helped to keep costs down. The consultants also distribute the newsletter. The cost is approximately £150 for 3000 properties.

Open Forum

1498. There had been some complaints about the parish council minutes appearing in the paper, they are too long names are mentioned etc. Councillor Dickerson noted that it was illegal to publish minutes before they had been formally authorised. RMBC Councillor Hodgkiss explained that the Brampton parish council minutes are not published in the press. Councillor Lomas proposed that the minutes should not be forwarded to the press, but they could attend the meeting and make their own notes.

1498. Councillor Lomas commented that the issue of 3 football coaches in the car park had been raised at the parish plan day. The coaches on the way to a match, had emptied the toilets in the car park. StreetPride had looked at the matter, but are not going to do anything as it is private land.

1499. It was noted that the recycling bins are still being emptied early in the mornings.

1500. Councillor Lomas reported that YRCC are making a grant for a range cooker for the Harley village hall and for carved village signs, StreetPride have no objections to the proposed signs as long as they are of the required height.

1501. The RMBC payment for the contribution to the re-roofing of the village hall has been received

1502. It was noted that the cricket boundary fence has still not been replaced, there is some problem obtaining the required quotes and it was decided to use the subcontractor who had quoted. Councillor Lomas to arrange for the work to be completed.

1503. Councillor Lomas noted that a contractor had been approached to tidy the car park verges and gardens, but that the parish council ought to look at some sort of contract for ongoing maintenance.

1504. Councillor Dickerson reported that a huge lorry carrying railway sleepers had been seen on Coach Road presumably sent in error by satellite navigation equipment. Councillor Stevenson commented that the Estate is trying to narrow the gate on to Coach Road to prevent future occurrences. Councillor Woodcock asked about access for farm vehicles. Councillor Stevenson replied that it would be narrowed wit a lockable gate

Next Meeting

1505. The next meeting was confirmed as the 18th June 2007 at 7.00pm at the Mechanic's Institute. Followed by the Annual Assembly at 8.00pm Agenda to be distributed.

The Meeting closed at 9.30pm