Wentworth Parish Council

On Monday 18^th May 2009 at 7.00pm

Election of Chair & Deputy Chair

2193. Councillors Hunton and Jones resigned as Chairman & Deputy Chairman respectively

2194. Councillor Hunton was nominated for the role of Chairman

Proposed Councillor Lomas

Seconded Councillor Stevenson

Agreed by unanimous vote Councillor Hunton was elected Chairman for a further term

2195. Councillor Jones was nominated for the role of Deputy Chairman

Proposed Councillor Lomas

Seconded Councillor Stevenson

Agreed by unanimous vote Councillor Jones was elected Deputy Chairman for a further term

2196. Present

Councillor Mr D. Hunton (Chairman) Councillor Mr J. Jones (Deputy Chairman) Councillors Mr R. Clamp, Mr I. Lomas, Mr C. Woodcock, Ms L. Stevenson, Mrs S. Hales, Mr W. Crawford RMBC Ms. L Reader PCSO Mr P. Gray, Mr D. Wright A6135ARG Mrs C. Shaw Parishioner Mr J. Morley

2197. Apologies For Absence

Councillor Mrs M.R. Dickerson RMBC Councillor Mr F. Hodgkiss

Minutes

2198. The minutes of the meeting held on 20th April 2009 were accepted as a true record and were authorised to be signed by the Chairman

Proposed Councillor Clamp

Seconded Councillor Crawford

Police Matters

2199. Councillor Hunton thanked the PCSO's for attending the meeting and invited them to the traffic item on the agenda for the following parish council meeting. It was noted there had been several accidents in the parish since the last meeting and further parking problems.

2200. The recent problems with the football coaches were noted, it was thought that a repeat of the incident was unlikely and that it had passed with no real problems, although upsetting, the incident could havebeen far worse. It was understood several arrrests were made later at the football ground.

2201. There have been further fuel thefts in the area and the lead has been taken from the church roof. It was noted that earlier incidents with youths in Wentworth car park have been resolved with police intervention. It was also noted that there had been reports of a prowler in Wentworth and a camper van has been reported burnt out in Harley.

2202. The PCSO's are launching a couple of initiatives in the parish, they are currently rolling out a no cold calling zone in an attempt to reduce the number of rogue traders on doorsteps. It is also hoped this will help with the problems of bogus officials attempting to gain entry into properties. They went on to highlight a campaign they are championing to put small safes into properties with vulnerable residents. The PCSO's are working with local organisations to provide safes and fitting at discounted rates. Members are keen to see the scheme introduced in the area and it was proposed that the parish council would fund a small pilot scheme in the area, with consideration given to extending the scheme within 3 months of the pilot scheme completion. However, it was thought the safes could be sourced more cheaply . Members to source safes & fitting and give consideration to eligibility criteria if the scheme is extended

Proposed Councillor Crawford

Seconded Councillor Stevenson

The pilot scheme proposal was agreed by unanimous vote.

2203. The PCSO's are also to hold a coffee morning to publicise the no cold calling initiative if a venue can be found, it was thought that a much larger event could be held later in the year .

PCSO's Wright & Grey left the meeting at 7.40pm.

Matters Arising

2204. A request to use the Wentworth football pitch has been received from a junior football club. It was noted that the current team appeared not to have used the pitch recently and has not approached the parish council with regard to the coming season. Members agreed the new request should be granted at the rate of £25 per match, but they could not use the pitch for practice on Mondays. It was also agreed that Wentworth Villa FC be invoiced for nine matches as per the previous year and a request be made to return the keys.

2205. A parishioner has contacted John Healey MP regarding a parking ticket received in Wentworth village car park, the resident was not displaying a parishioners parking permit. Members agreed there was little to be done as RMBC are responsible for enforcement, but the clerk should email the resident to ask if a parking permit was required for future use. It was noted the details for obtaining a permit are frequently advertised on notice boards and newsletters.

2206. The agenda for the traffic issues meeting was finalised and is to be issued to invitees.

2207. The Harley Parents Group have confirmed that hey do not have the ongoing funding for the insurance of the play equipment and have restated that they did not want to take out insurance cover. Councillor Hales stated that the Harley Activity Group is to contribute to the insurance premium to a maximum of £250 each year. Members agreed to continue with the insurance cover for the play equipment.

2208. Rothercare leaflets have been received, outlining the personal alarm scheme. Members thought the scheme should be publicised along with the home safe scheme and an article for the PCC magazine could include the information. Leaflets to be left in the Post Office and local shops.

2209. The wording for the memorial plaque has been agreed and prices are to be obtained for various materials.

Finance

2211. Authorisation of cheques and Direct Debit payments for May

Proposed Councillor Stevenson

Seconded Councillor Woodcock

2212. It was noted the internal audit was underway and the members financial review would need to be undertaken after the next meeting

Correspondence

2213. Correspondence dealt with during the meeting

RMBC Rothercare

Rural action subscription

SYPTE Service 227

2214. General Correspondence

Equality Commission Public sector duties

RMBC Polling stations

RMBC Bowls competition

Link Rotherham local network

RMBC Borough Standards Committee

RMBC European election

Rural action Country Air

RMBC Planning List

RMBC Planning List

RMBC Planning List

SY Fire & rescue Safety watch

Proactive Counciling

A6135

2215. It was reported the inquest of the previous year's fatalities had been held in early May and that there had been coverage in the Yorkshire Post, the Star and the Barnsley Chronicle as well as an interview to be broadcast on radio Sheffield. The Coroner stressed that something had to be done about the problem and that he would be writing to all officials concerned. It was also noted that BMBC have made further repairs/improvements to the crash barrier near the junction with Occupation Road.

Open Forum

2216. There have been further issues with the 227 bus service, SYPTE noted there are roadworks on the route and will be liaising with Stagecoach about the issues.

2217. There have been complaints about vehicles on Coach Road, it was thought better signs at Harley would deter vehicles. Clerk to write to Wentworth Estate.

2218. There are issues with children moving into the parish who can not get a place at Wentworth school, the resident concerned has appealed, but the appeal was turned down. A letter to be sent to RMBC Director of Education asking for the reasons for non acceptance of local children.

2219. The request for funding for the parish clean up initiative has now progressed for cabinet approval

Next Meeting

2220. The next meeting was confirmed as the 15th June 2009 at 6.30pm at the Mechanic's Institute. Agenda to be distributed.

The Meeting closed at 9.10pm