Wentworth Parish Council

On Monday 15^th June 2009 at 6.30pm

2221. 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, Mrs M. R. Dickerson RMBC Councillor Mr F. Hodgkiss RMBC Ms. L Reader (Until 8.20pm), Mr R. Jackson (From 6.40pm to 8.07pm) SY Police Mr S. Tattershall (Until 8.07pm) A6135ARG Mrs C. Shaw (Until 8.20pm) Parish Plan Group Mr J. Morley (Until 8.20pm), Mrs S. Clayton, Mr P. Beedham, Mr E Strange, Mr J. Gelder (all until 8.07pm) Wentworth VCA Mr J. Daley, Mrs S. Daley (All until 8.07pm)

2222. Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 18th May 2009 were accepted as a true record and were authorised to be signed by the Chairman

Proposed Councillor Crawford

Seconded Councillor Lomas

Matters Arising

2223. The Hoyland Town JFC (HTJFC) have replied and accepted the terms of user for the Wentworth football pitch, it appears that they have agreed storage space with the cricket club, clerk to clarify the situation. There has been confusion subsequently about which of the HTJFC teams are to play on the pitch as they have several for different ages. Members stated that only the team lead by Mr Blackburn is to have use of the pitch and pavilion. Clerk to advise Mr Blackburn

2224. Members asked if the memorial plaque for Councillor Hardwick could be set in concrete.

Mr R Jackson, RMBC joined the meeting at 6.40pm, the Chairman welcomed Mr Jackson and made the introductions

Traffic Issues

2225. The Chairman stated that the parish council was disappointed that Mr Davey (RMBC) was unable to attend the meeting, most of the traffic issues could have been addressed by Mr Davey, but he had forwarded some information based on the agenda for the traffic meeting. The meeting discussed the report.

2226. Cortworth Lane/Stubbin Lane junction

The recent improvements in the area had made the traffic problems a little better, but a major problem is still the line of sight from Cortworth Lane. The main problem is caused by a wall built with retrospective planning permission which blocks the line of sight. Mr Jackson noted that the centre markings on Cortworth Lane have been offset to try and improve the sight line, but that it is difficult to substantially adjust an existing junction.

2227. Mill Lane/Burying Lane.

There is some confusion as to which borough is responsible for the problems on the junction, the RMBC report suggests contacting BMBC as it is there area, members considered the issue to rest with RMBC.

2228. Occupation Road/Harley Road

Most problems when exiting Occupation Road are caused by parked vehicles obscuring the line of vision along Harley Road towards the A6135. RMBC consider the matter to be one of enforcement for the police. SY Police to look at the matter when patrolling the area.

2229. HGV Problems

Members are concerned about the increase in HGVs on the parish roads and the congestion they cause around the Harley bends. RMBC are not aware of any increase in HGV numbers and have asked to be notified if it is believed numbers have changed since their last survey. Members believe both numbers and weights have increased and that many are simply passing through to avoid the Dearne Valley Parkway and its numerous traffic islands. An Origin and Destination survey is to be requested. The concerns regarding the strength of the Harley bridge have been forwarded to the relevant department within RMBC. Clerk to request an update.

2230. Members noted that the fencing along the Harley bridge has still not been replaced. Clerk to report again.

Speed limits and methods of enforcement

2231. RMBC reported that the improvements and reduction in speed limit along Cortworth Lane should begin in the next couple of months. They also noted that a borough wide review of all A and B roads is to be undertaken (a country wide Government initiative) and the speed limits to be reviewed by 2011.

2232. It was noted that a 20 MPH zone through Wentworth is the ultimate aim, but questions of enforcement would inevitably arise. The police are to request that the mobile cameras give the area greater attention. It was also noted that there are strict rules regarding the use of fixed speed cameras, but it was thought a suitable traffic sign would improve the situation. Clerk to contact RMBC regarding matched funding for signs. Members requested that RMBC supply accident statistic forms (stat 19 forms) for the parish.

Other Matters

2233. Members suggested improved signs and chevrons on the Mill Lane/Barrowfield Lane junction to try and prevent vehicles travelling towards Wentworth failing to negotiate the bend. This matter and the problems near the sawmill to be referred to RMBC.

2234. The issue of Harley parking and of vehicles obstructing the pavement is to be considered further on the local police patrols.

2235. It was noted that the recent inquest on the fatalities on the A6135 invoked rule 43 and that the local authorities now have a set time in which to respond to the coroner.

2236. Members reported that most of the drains in the parish are blocked, RMBC responded that they would attend to any drains reported as being blocked and that policy was to clear each gully once per year.

2237. Members asked why the road sweeper did not clear Barrowfield Gate. RMBC responded that they are committed to sweep roads with kerbs four times per year , RMBC to look into the matter further

2238. Members queried the state of pavements in the area, the flagstones opposite the Rocking Arms are uneven and could be problematic for the visually impaired, it was also noted that this is the only non tactile dropped kerb in the village. Members also reported that a BT inspection cover on Cathill is broken and in a dangerous condition. RMBC noted that the flagstones are uneven, but they are below the intervention level, they are to pursue the matter of the BT cover further

2239. Members queried the fly tipping regulations and whether they are cost effective when the additional costs of dealing with fly tipping are taken into account. It was also noted that there are currently problems with fly tipping on Mill Lane and Burying Lane. RMBC responded that more work to prevent fly tipping has been carried out in the parish than in any other area of the borough. That unofficial lay-bys have been removed with the co-operation of Wentworth Estates and this has reduced the instances of fly tipping. RMBC commented that licences are available for household waste tipping by trailer, the general no trailer rule is to try and prevent businesses using the facilities. RMBC confirmed that none of the dump it sites in the borough operated a policy of postcode restrictions.

2240. A site meeting is to be arranged to discuss options for the Square at Harley

2241. The Wentworth street lighting scheme has now been completed, although it appears a bracket light at the Rockingham Arms has been knocked off the wall by a passing vehicle. RMBC are to look at replacing it with a post mounted light.

2242. A further traffic meeting is to be held at the October parish council meeting, the same individuals to be invited. A bonfire meeting is to be held at the September parish council meeting, WVCA and Police to be invited.

Mr Jackson, Inspector Tattershall, Mr Beedham, Mr Strange, Mr & Mrs Daley and Mr Gelder left the meeting at 8.07pm

Planning Matters

2243. No objections or comments were made regarding the application for Kirby Lane

2244. Objections were raised regarding the planning application for Harley Hall. The proposal includes solar panels, the parish council considers these to be inappropriate on a building dating back to the 16th century. Clerk to raise objection

Matters Arising

2245. The proposed adjustment to footpath #23 was noted.

2246. There have been complaints from the volunteers who empty the bins, that they are being used for household waste and dead flowers from the cemetery, rather than for just passing litter such as sweet wrappers. The situation to be monitored and consideration to be given to removing or relocating specific bins.

2247. There have been issues with parking at the school and the school has asked for parking permits, the request declined.

2248. Councillor Dickerson noted that hedges along Kirby Lane require trimming.

Mr Morley, Ms Reader & Mrs Shaw left the meeting at 8.20pm

The following matter was deemed private

Finance

2250. The annual return and Governance statement were accepted by the parish council

Proposed Councillor Lomas

Seconded Councillor Dickerson

Agreed by unanimous vote

2251. Authorisation of cheques and Direct Debit payments for June

Proposed Councillor Jones

Seconded Councillor Hales

Correspondence

2252. Correspondence dealt with during the meeting

L Whitelaw Hedges Barrowfield Gate

RMBC Planning Application Kirby Lane

RMBC Planning Application Dike Hill

RMBC Footpath 23

2253. General Correspondence

RMBC Planning List x 3

SY Fire & rescue Briefing note

RMBC Local development framework

HPG Play area insurance

YLCA Minutes & agenda

HMRC VAT re-claim

YLCA White rose update

RMBC Muse

RMBC Parish network meeting

RMBC Local development framework

RMBC Borough Standards Committee

Hoyland JFC Wentworth football pitch

2254. A further prompt is to be sent to Wentworth Estate regarding the hedges along Barrowfield Gate

Proactive Counciling

2255. The safe fitting initiative is moving forward, members are to approach local companies for any available discount. Members thought it would be more appropriate for parish councillors to discuss the matter with residents concerned rather the PCSO's discussing it

2256. It was noted that further tributes have appeared along the A6135 fatal crash site area.

Open Forum

2257. It was noted that articles are being collected for the next newsletter and any contributions should be forwarded to Councillor Hales

2258. There appears to be a problem with garden waste, particularly grass cuttings, being thrown into the woodland area on Back Lane. The quantities are large , thought to be in tonnes, there are also smaller amounts near the George & Dragon , the war memorial and near to the plantation. The situation to be monitored. It was thought this could be a suitable article for the newsletter

Next Meeting

2258. The next meeting was confirmed as the 20th July 2009 at 7.00pm at the Mechanic's Institute. Agenda to be distributed.

The Meeting closed at 9.10pm