Wentworth Parish Council

On Monday 3^rd September 2007 at 6.27pm

1572. Present

Councillor Mr D. Hunton (Chair) Councillors Mr C. Woodcock, Mr J. Jones, Miss B Sharp MBE, Mr I. Lomas, Ms L. Stevenson RMBC Mr M. Cuff (Chief Executive), Nr N. Davey, Mr S. Marr Ms D. Hurst, Mr K. Battersby (until 8.20pm) Wentworth Estate Mr A Barber-Lomax SY Police Inspector S. Tattershall (from 7.01pm until 8.33 pm) Parishioners Mr J. Morley

1573. Apologies For Absence

Councillor Mrs L. Hardwick (Deputy Chair) Councillors Ms S. Hales, Mrs M.R. Dickerson RMBC Councillor Mr F. Hodgkiss RMBC Mr M. Hill

1574. Minutes

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

Proposed Councillor Lomas

Seconded Councillor Sharp

RMBC Issues

1575. Councillor Hunton formally introduced the parish councillors and the visiting members of RMBC, he continued to give a brief outline of the parish council and its relationship with RMBC. He noted that any members of the public present would not be invited to speak during this item on the agenda.

1576. The first point raised by the parish councillors was that RMBC response to problems seemed to have worsened over the past few years. Mr Cuff replied that resources are stretched, but that certain problems which deteriorate if left (such as graffiti) have published response levels (SLA) i.e. cleared within 24 hours etc. He noted other issues could take longer to be resolved.

1577. Councillor Hunton raised the issue of the street lights in Wentworth and that for years there had been problems with the old lights, it has now come to light that the wiring is substandard, but RMBC did not disclose the fact. He went on to comment that the new scheme has made a vast difference and most parishioners are extremely happy with the scheme. Councillor Jones asked if the scheme covered Barrowfield Lane, Councillor Hunton thought it did. Clerk to clarify.

1578. Councillor Hunton reported that the major concern in the area is traffic, and that this is linked to tourism. A recent meeting with the parish council, RMBC and SY Police had been very negative on finding ways of managing traffic in the area. Major concerns raised included the speed, volume and weight/size of vehicles in the parish and parking problems, often caused by inconsiderate drivers. Mr Battersby noted that increased vehicle volumes is a widespread problem, the main control is by development control, but there has been little new development in the parish. He went on to comment that there are limited funds available for road safety and that these funds have to be focused on areas where there are issues, not where an area is perceived as an accident waiting to happen. Mr Battersby commented that although parked traffic can be a hazard, it often helps to slow traffic and that the two factors needed to be considered. He went on to comment that speed cameras, often seen as a solution to traffic problems, also had to be sited according to strict criteria. RMBC do have mobile vehicle activated signs as static ones do tend to lose their effectiveness. However they are unattractive and the sensitivities of proposed sites have to be considered. Councillor Lomas commented that HGVs leaving the M1 are using the parish as a shortcut to the Dearne Valley, when the Dearne Way was built specifically for that purpose, but because the Dearne Way has numerous small roundabouts (presumably to slow traffic) they use the parish route instead. Mr Battersby is to look at weight restrictions for the area, but it is unlikely they would be implemented. Mr Cuff noted that the HGV volumes had not been counted for a few years and that another count would be carried out, if numbers are still low it is unlikely to warrant a weight restriction. Councillor Hunton raised the issue of thoughtless parking, blocking access and causing unnecessary hazards. He commented that the yellow lines had been successful near to the village car park, but that there are issues with vehicles parked on the opposite side of the road and further along Main Street towards the phone box. It was noted that the original waiting restrictions included provisions for extended yellow lined areas, but these had not been implemented. Councillor Woodcock commented strongly that he is not in favour of further yellow lines along Main Street, noting that many residents had nowhere else to park other than on the street. Mr Battersby noted that there is a good sized car park, Mr Cuff asked if there are any residents concessions, councillor Hunton replied that a parish parking permit scheme is in place. Mr Davey commented that incidents of dangerous or obstructive parking should be reported to the police, but that H-signs could be used on the road surface to alert drivers to the fact that there is a driveway. Councillor Stevenson noted that there is a problem exiting Clayfields Lane, vehicles are often parked opposite whilst the public telephone is used. Councillor Woodcock reported that the 30 signs in Harley near the A6135 junction are obscured by the Rotherham sign and as there are no street lights or housing it is difficult to realise there is a 30 limit. Councillor Lomas noted that the RMBC engineers have admitted the signage is incorrect, but the consultants engaged to look at the matter have not responded in over two years.

Inspector Tattershall Joined the meeting at 7.01pm

1579. Councillor Hunton raised the issue of street cleansing, he noted that the Barrowfield Lane area had not been swept for a long time and that it was only scheduled to be swept every six months. Mr Battersby noted that the gullys are on a nine month cleansing cycle, Councillor Lomas commented that 95% of local gullies are blocked and that this exacerbated the recent flooding problems.

1580. Councillor Hunton reported that the flagstones on the pavements of Wentworth are dangerously uneven in places and that there have been a couple of recent falls in the area. Mr Battersby recognised that the condition of the footpaths could be improved and is to pass the matter on to his colleagues to RMBC

1581. Mr Marr asked if there was a general problem with litter or refuse collection, noting that litter picks are scheduled for every nine weeks along Main Street. Councillor Lomas noted that the major litter problem is between the two villages, Councillor Hunton commented that this is a recognised problem between villages.

1582. Councillor Hunton requested that a litter bin be provided near the village shop, as no bins are provided at all along Main Street. He noted that the Parish Council had provided three litter bins for the area recently. Mr Battersby noted that bins could be provided through the WNAA devolved budget. Councillor Lomas to raise the issue at the next meeting.

1583. Councillor Hunton raised the issue of grounds maintenance and that the grass cutting had been particularly poor during the year, noting that a recently formed junior FC had had to use a hand mower to get the Wentworth football pitch to a suitable standard. Councillor Lomas noted that the gang mowers appeared to have been badly set this year with variable cutting heights, this meant that the cricket balls are not running evenly. He also noted that the edges of the field, traditionally mown by hand, had stopped being cut, leading to the gang mower leaving an ever increasing uncut edge around the field. Mr Marr reported that had been two issues compounding the grass cutting problems. The cutting season has been extended whilst the number of cuts has remained static leading to longer intervals between cuts. Secondly it is becoming increasingly difficult to resource machinery and the extremely wet weather over the summer had meant some cuts could not be made. He noted that out of the 26 proposed cuts scheduled to the end of August, 18 had actually been made. Councillor Lomas noted that the area managers are now never seen in the area to check that work is being completed properly. Mr Marr noted that there have been staff reductions over the past three years. Councillor Lomas asked where the resources used at the Wath pitch are being used since it was destroyed by the floods. He went on to ask if RMBC are still working to the best value principles, Mr Marr reported that they are and are delivering what they can afford. Mr Cuff commented that the grounds maintenance budget has been increased to try and attract more contractors into the market. He also noted that there had been a lengthy contractual dispute with a contractor which has now been resolved. He also noted that RMBC are trying to increase the grounds maintenance budget for next year. Asked if RMBC is considering returning to the use of direct labour, Mr Cuff noted that if this proved to be the best value, this is what they would do. However, outsourcing of services is currently seen to be the best practice in the way public services operate. Councillor Hunton asked if the grass would be cut during the winter, Mr Marr confirmed that the grass cutting season would end in October, but there is additional funding available to maintain active sports grounds during the winter.

1584. Councillor Lomas asked Mr Cuff why the parish council had had to contribute to the street light scheme, it had been accepted that the lights were substandard and should have been replaced by RMBC, he noted that there had been several new street lighting schemes in Rotherham town centre. Mr Cuff explained that borough wide there are several legacy issues, street lighting is amongst them. RMBC provide additional funds each year to try and catch up these legacy schemes, whilst continuing the budgeted yearly replacement/maintenance schemes. He went on to comment that when partnerships are formed such as the one to replace the Wentworth lights then projects are differentiated and often able to progress sooner that with RMBC only projects. Councillor Lomas noted the reply, but commented that the town centre residents did not have to work in partnership and that the outlying areas of the borough appear to get a worse service from RMBC that the town centre.

1585. Councillor Lomas asked Mr Cuff why consultants are so frequently employed by RMBC and if the management team are capable of making decisions without them. Mr Battersby replied that consultants are only used when specialist advices and resources are needed and that they are kept to a minimum.

1586. Councillor Hunton commented that Rotherham town centre is considered by many to be unkempt and unsafe. Mr Battersby noted that part of the reason for the current regeneration is to address these issues. Half of the town is to be regenerated in phase one, the rest following, the whole scheme to be completed in the next seven years. Councillor Hunton asked about funding and if Wentworth parish council taxes are being used to fund the regeneration. Mr Battersby noted that a large amount of private funding is being used. Councillor Lomas commented that there may be expensive town centre makeovers, but that the gateways to Rotherham town centre are a disgrace. Mr Cuff agreed that both the town centre and the gateways are in need of renewal, but it appears that RMBC are failing to get the information about the regeneration schemes to the public.

1587. Councillor Hunton raised the issue of affordable housing in the parish and that senior citizens are being forced onto housing lists outside the area whilst non parishioners appear to be offered local housing. Mr Battersby commented that RMBC are looking at providing local housing strategies and issues for first time homes. He noted that new developments now have to provide an element of affordable housing, but that there had not been much development in the area. Councillor Hunton reported that there is no warden scheme in the area and senior citizens are left without support whilst neighbouring parishes have a warden scheme. Mr Cuff replied that there is a mobile warden scheme and he will check if it covers the Wentworth parish. Councillor Hunton commented that the parish is in an area deprived of services. Councillor Lomas commented on the recent cases of two Harley residents trying to get bungalows in the area, both went to tenants from Sheffield who had sold private residences to move to the parish. Mr Cuff is to look at recent lettings in the area. Ms Hurst noted that is important that local residents understand the system and how to use it to the best advantage.

1588. Councillor Hunton noted that the parish is now moving forward, the parish plan is being complied, there are two active community associations and funding has been raised for the local police mountain bikes. Mr Cuff agreed that the communities are active and appreciated being given to opportunity to attend the meeting and learn more about the parish.

1589. Councillor Hunton thanked Mr Cuff and his colleagues for attending the meeting and listening to the concerns of the parish council.

Mr Cuff, Mr Battersby, Mr Marr and Mr Davey left the meeting at 8.20pm.

Police Matters

1590. Inspector Tattershall gave an update on recent police activity in the area. There have been 9 police patrols in both June and July, there had also been 5 patrols up to the 16th August. The police have been involved with parking issues on Main Street, attended the Harley gala, made cold calls in Friers croft, crime prevention work in Harley and made reassurance visits after a recent speight of car crime in the area. Inspector Tattershall went on to report that the biggest single problem is still the theft of lead from roofs in this and surrounding areas. He noted that there had been some issues with tenanted properties in Harley, but those had now been resolved.

1591. Inspector Tattershall reported that he had now received enough funding to purchase two mountain bikes for the ward, £750 has been donated by Wentworth parish council, £1,250 by the Fitzwilliam charities and £2,500 from RMBC 2010. The bikes can now be ordered and the police officers have already been trained. Ms Hurst commented that the funding from Rotherham 2010 has come from the housing budget, approved at a recent Housing Department meeting. Councillor Hunton took the opportunity the thank RMBC Councillor Hodgkiss for the work he has done in lobbying for the funding.

1592. Inspector Tattershall reported that a recent IMPACT operation in the area had been one of the most successful in the borough, 10 warrants have been issued, 13 cars removed for compliance issues using the ANPR system which identifies any problems with the vehicle from scanning its registration plate. The system is so successful the Rotherham district is to purchase its own system.

1593. Councillor Stevenson asked if the police had been approached about cones for the forthcoming Wentworth village day, Inspector Tattershall confirmed they had and that police officers would be in attendance at the event.

1594. Councillor Hunton formally handed over the parish council's donation to the mountain bikes and thanked Inspector Tattershall for his perseverance in securing the necessary funding

Inspector Tattershall left the meeting at 8.33pm

Finance

1595. Authorisation of cheques and Direct Debit payments for September

Proposed Councillor Sharp

Seconded Councillor Jones

Matters Arising

1596. The Wentworth cricket boundary fence has been replaced, but the cricket club reported they had been stopped from painting it. Councillor Hunton noted that this had been part of the contract to replace the fence and the cricket club mist paint it or the parish council would arrange for it to be don and recharge the cricket club. Clerk to write.

1597. Councillor Hunton asked that the lease on the playing field be reviewed and if necessary YRCC legal advice be sought about its status. He also noted that the cricket club are pleased with the new fencing.

1599. Thorpe Hesley Community Association had contacted the clerk requesting that Councillor Hunton attend their next meeting to discuss forming a parish council. Councillor Hunton is unable to attend the next meeting but would be pleased to attend the following one, or a rescheduled one. Clerk to advise THCA

1600. Further quotes have been obtained for the Harley playing field fence and clearing of the undergrowth surrounding the field. Councillor Lomas to advise the relevant contractor. It was noted that there was difficulty in getting quotes.

1601. The PPG group has asked that a free standing notice board be purchased for Nether Haugh and positioned near to the post box. The parish council agreed, but had some reservations about the proposed location, near the telephone box was considered more appropriate. Clerk to ask that the site be confirmed and permission from RMBC to be sought before the notice board is ordered.

Correspondence

1602. Correspondence dealt with during the meeting

Lightwood landscapes Harley fence quote

Lightwood landscapes Harley playing field clearance quote

Select Services Harley clearance & fence quote

RMBC Traffic issues

RMBC Grounds maintenance

SYPTE Compliant - 227 service

1603. General Correspondence

YRCC Village of the year competition

Yorkshire forward Leader events

RMBC licensing act - consultation

Atisreel Orgreave restoration

RMBC Flooding & rights of way

RMBC Parish council liaison meeting

SYPTE National concession passes

RMBC Bowls competition

RMBC Parish council liaison meeting

RMBC Non traditional properties

YRCC Membership certificate

YRCC AGM 03/11/07

Charity commission The essential trustee

SYPTE Service Changes

RMBC Training - new code of conduct

RMBC Planning list x 6

Sports Pitches

1604. It has been noted that Wentworth cricket club have been allowing other teams to use the pitch without notifying the parish council. Councillor Hunton noted that the cricket club used the facilities free of charge and it is not in the best interests of the parish to allow others to play free of charge as large amounts of parishioners percept contributions have had to pay for its upkeep over the years. It was agreed that any future visiting teams must have parish council permission and perhaps pay for the facility. Clerk to write to the cricket club

1605. Councillor Hunton reported that the Wentworth Villa JFC team had spent the last couple of days hand mowing and marking out the pitch, it was noted that this would benefit the forthcoming Wentworth village day. Councillor Hunton went on to report that the WVCA have proposed a fee of £30 per match for the team to use the pavilion, not including use of the pitch. Councillor Hunton thought this level of fee high and would hardly promote sports in the area. The parish council proposed a fee of £25 per match for the use of pitch and pavilion, the money to be divided equally between the WVCA and the parish council. Clerk to write asking for an urgent reply.

1606. Councillor Hunton advised the meeting that there is a possibility of an amalgamation of the Wentworth and Wath cricket teams. A second Wath team has also expressed an interest in playing on the Harley pitch. Councillor Lomas noted that a substantial expense will be incurred in repairing the recently flooded Wath pitch and that the second team usually plays at a Cortonwood pitch, but they are having problems with glass on the pitch. It was noted that fees for the better pitches can be as high as £70 per match. Councillor Hunton commented that the Wath team had suggested that they may be able to help with grounds maintenance, he went on to congratulate Councillor Lomas and the Harley team on the pitch at Harley, commenting that "Harley looks an absolute picture"

Pro Active Councilling

1607. Ms Hurst commented that the contribution to the police bikes would make an interesting article for the newsletter Councillor Lomas thought it a good idea to include the Wentworth Estate contribution as it is not fully appreciated that they are involved in many initiatives in the parish.

Harley Village Hall

1608. Councillor Lomas reported that the HVP group had now achieved charity status, but the application for funding from the lottery fund had been turned down. However, the Coalfields Regeneration Trust are to allow the group to increase the funding bid in an attempt to compensate. It was noted that the increased bid would not fully cover the shortfall from the failed lottery bid. It was also noted that any funding from the CRT would have to be utilised by March 08, meaning that the timescales are now incredibly tight. The architect has contacted the preferred contractor who believes that the project can be delivered within the new timescale. Councillor Hunton commented that the parish council meetings would be held alternately at the new village hall, once completed.

1609. Councillor Hunton thanked the parish councillors for their participation in the meeting with RMBC and asked that a letter of thanks be sent to Mr Cuff for attending the meeting and listening to the issues in the parish

Next Meeting

1610. The next meeting was confirmed as the 1st October 2007 at 7.00pm at the Mechanic's Institute.

Agenda to be distributed.

The Meeting closed at 9.10pm