Wentworth Parish Council

On Monday 23^rd November 2009 at 6.30pm

2358. Present

Councillor Mr D. Hunton (Chairman) Councillor Mr J. Jones (Deputy Chairman) Councillors Mr I. Lomas, Mr C. Woodcock , Ms L. Stevenson, Mrs S. Hales, Mr R. Clamp Mr W. Crawford (From 6.55pm) RMBC Councillor Mr F. Hodgkiss (From 6.45pm) Parishioner Mr J. Morley

2359. Apologies For Absence

Councillor Mrs M.R. Dickerson RMBC Ms. L Reader

2360. Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 19th October 2009 were accepted as a true record and were authorised to be signed by the Chairman

Proposed Councillor Lomas

Seconded Councillor Stevenson

Matters Arising

2361. Wentworth Estates have received a request to fell a small, self set Oak tree on Occupation Road, members considered the tree could cause problems in the future, no objections were raised.

2362. Wentworth Estates have responded to the concerns regarding parking and access raised in response to the proposed park entrance improvements. The response was noted by members.

2363. Members proposed a token of thanks be sent to the local children who placed the Remembrance day wreath. A book token to be purchased.

2364. Wentworth Cricket club have replied regarding the concerns raised about the proposed purchase of a mower. The letter was read to the meeting. It was noted that RMBC are now proposing to take responsibility for grass cutting back to their own workforce after complaints about the standard of work of the contractors in previous years. Concerns were raised that if RMBC constantly see the pitch has been cut they will no longer keep it on the cutting schedule. A letter to be issued to the cricket club noting the concerns. It was noted that planning permission has been granted for the new Wentworth sports pavilion.

2365. The adoption of the telephone kiosk is progressing and a request has been received regarding the electricity supply. Members agreed that the kiosk be disconnected.

2366. The Parish Clean up initiative has been very successful clearing 6.5 tonnes of unwanted and recyclable items. Councillor Lomas wrote to RMBC regarding two issues, the provision of a green waste recycling vehicle and the option of RMBC operatives being able to assist with the lifting of heavy or difficult items. RMBC noted that the green waste vehicle was an oversight and that a small rebate was due on the overall charge because of it. However, it was noted that because of the timing of the initiative, very small amounts of green waste had been collected. the matter of lifting heavy /bulky items is unfortunately covered by health & safety rules, but for future reference a specialist team can be on hand, but at a premium cost.

2367. The poppy appeal account showed in excess of £3000 has been raised in this and surrounding areas, a 50% increase on the previous year. A letter of thanks to be issued and an article for the newsletter is being prepared by the agent.

2368. It was noted that the paved area around the Cenotaph is in need of resetting, members are to inspect the area before reporting to RMBC. RMBC had cleaned the area before the Remembrance service.

2369. A reply has been received from the school trustees regarding concerns raised about the recent school admission policy. The matter is to be discussed more fully at the next meeting and an update to be forwarded to the parish Council. Members stated that the parish council will support every child in the parish who fails to get a place at the school.

2370. A letter of thanks to be issued to the garden centre for the recent preview of the new coffee shop and thanks that they are continuing to support the local economy and provide local jobs.

Financial Matters

2371. Authorisation of cheques and Direct Debit payments for November

Proposed Councillor Lomas

Seconded Councillor Stevenson

Boundary Review

2372. RMBC Councillor Hodgkiss declared an interest in the following item and took no part in the discussion

2373. The RMBC boundary proposals have been considered by members and the following proposals are to be submitted to RMBC for consideration as part of the consultation exercise.

1. The existing 4 wards of the parish to be rationalised into 2 wards, Wentworth with 5 members and Harley with 4 members. The whole of Nether Haugh polling district to be incorporated into Wentworth, the majority of the Barley Hole polling district to be incorporated into Harley.

2. A reduced area of the Brampton parish to be incorporated into Wentworth, the new proposal incorporating the outlying properties of Wentworth, but not including the large area of agricultural land proposed be RMBC. The proposed area hatched orange on the map supplied by RMBC.

3. Part of the Barley Hole polling district including Strafford Place and Northfield to be incorporated into the newly forming Thorpe Hesley Parish

2374. Members noted that some suggestions could be contentious, but the matter had to be resolved a the November meeting as per the agenda as the consultation period closes on the 27th November

Traffic Issues

2375. A further meeting is to be arranged by the A6135 ARG if nothing is seen to be done about the actions raised at the recent inquest. The group are expected to invite the media to attend.

2376. Members noted that little appears to have progressed following the site meeting with RMBC regarding other traffic matters in the parish.

Police Matters

2377. There have been a few incidents of burglary and reports of a prowler in Wentworth. A letter to be issued to Inspector Tattershall noting concerns about the recent increase in crimes and asking if someone could attend the December meeting to discuss the matter

Correspondence

2378. Correspondence dealt with during the meeting

RMBC Planning application The Square

RMBC Planning application Harley car park

Cllr Hunton Boundary review

W/W Estate Oak tree occupation Rd

W/W Estate Entrance improvements

W/W Cricket Club Mower

YEDL Telephone kiosk electricity

J K Payling Poppy appeal accounts 2009

2379. General Correspondence

HPG Play area

RMBC Planning List

RMBC Planning List

RMBC Planning List

RMBC Grounds maintenance proposal

RMBC Borough standards committee

RAY AGM

RAY Country air

RMBC Tourism forum

2380. It was noted that the planning application for the car park at Harley has been slightly modified to give a more rural aspect with changes to the lighting and kerb edges.

Pro Active Councilling

2381. No reply has been received regarding the inadvertent disclosure by the police that safes have been fitted to local named properties. The next phase in Harley is to be discussed in the new year.

2382. Councillor Hunton is to liaise with the police about an article for the newsletter.

2383. The memorial plaque has been finalised, Councillor Clamp to contact Wentworth Builders to set it in place.

2384. The street light outside the shop has been put back in the wrong place, Councillor Hunton to progress the matter

Open Forum

2385. A few complaints have been received about leaves on the pavements in Wentworth. A request to sweep the pavements to be made to RMBC

2386. Parking outside Wentworth village shop appears to still be a problem, passing trade can not easily park to use the shop due to people parking vehicles there for a considerable time as they visit the village.

2387. It was noted that copied of the local free paper are not being received in the area, RMBC are having issues with the distribution company.

2388. There have been issues with youths in the area, theft and general anti social behaviour have been reported, it is thought that the police have been involved in the matter. Members thought that there should be more engagement with the youths of the area to find out what recreational facilities are needed. An article is to be included in the Newsletter.

2389. A dog bin has now been provided along Kirby Lane.

Next Meeting

2390. The next meeting was confirmed as the 21st December 2009 at 6.30pm at the Mechanic's Institute. Agenda to be distributed.

The Meeting closed at 8.55pm