CHIRK TOWN COUNCIL CYNGOR TREF Y WAUN MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING HELD 25th March 2009 Present Mr B Evans (Chairman), Mrs H J Spragg, Mrs J Allen, Mr R Jones, Mr J Vant, Mr F Hemmings, Mr D Evans, Mr M Maxfield, Mr S Dineen., Mr N James. Mr S A Hughes, Clerk to the Council. Mr I Roberts and Mr T Evans, Local Councillors Wrexham CBC. ApologiesApologies for absence were received from Cllrs Mrs C Gough, Mr R Smith, Mr D Richards, Mr J Pierce andMiss Jacqueline Win-Jones.148. TRAFFIC MONITORING. The Chairman welcomed Mr Paul Williams, Arrive Alive Education Research and Speed Management Officer.. Mr Williams informed the council that Arrive Alive was not part of North Wales Police but a partnership of several organisations and authorities and the Police. He then gave a brief description of his work as Education Officer visiting schools, colleges public meetings etc to inform and to give advice on all matters concerning traffic together with the dangers associated and preventative measures. And as Speed Management Officer dealing with all complaints of speeding, bad driving etc that occur in the area. He works within Dept of Transport Guidelines locating hot spots particularly for the Arrive Alive monitoring teams although 10% of his work can be dealing with discretionary issues, speed issues etc. Members asked several questions and made comments on traffic and speeding issues : - Speeding fines – Mr Williams said that monies raised from fines goes to central government – Arrive Alive is grant maintained. Local Black Spot – the A5/A483 Gledrid/Chirk Green to locate camera unit/signage to make drivers more aware rather than pursue them. Education – to be more proactive. Signage – more use of the “Flashing 30mph Speed Signs” Only 8 of these types of interactive signs have been funded in the Wrexham Arrive Alive area. The Chairman thanked Mr Williams for his attendance and the information given to Councillors on traffic issues. 149. COMMUNITY POLICING. The Chairman welcomed PC Cullen to the meeting and the officer gave an update on crime statistics since the February 25th meeting as follows: - 4 Criminal damages; 1 Burglary (rural) ; 2 Burglaries (other than dwellings); 3 Thefts; 1 Drink driving (1 person caught); PC Cullen confirmed that a one way traffic system was to be trialled for the next four weekends at the Ley Farm Car Boot Sales to try and prevent traffic queues arising on the main routes to the location. The scheme had been agreed with the Police, Wrexham Highways and the land owner. A traffic Order has been made and full signage will be in place. PC Cullen said that a Nominated Neighbour Scheme is to be run in Chirk to give protection to the elderly or vulnerable residents against bogus callers. PC Cullen mentioned that the two PCSO’s had been out and about with the “speed gun” but no offenders caught. An environmental audit had taken place with the Neighbourhood Policing Team, Inspector Surridge and Council members with areas of litter etc noted for attention. Prior to the meeting he had dealt with three youngsters at Chirk Recreation Ground caught breaking up a kiddie’s scooter. The youths had been warned about their behaviour and had then collected up the broken pieces and put into refuse bin. PC Cullen said that he would also visit their parents and make them aware in the matter. Members expressed their concern on the following issues for the officer’s attention: - Underage drinking – asking for visits to be made to shops. Anti-social behaviour by gangs of youths mainly at weekends – drinking alcohol, smashing glass and littering etc and generally being intimidating. PC Cullen said their was police presence at weekends and staff have different rotas. Identity Cards – PC Cullen said that these were to be delivered to all households in April. 150. MINUTES. The minutes of meetings of the Council held the 25th February 2009 were confirmed as a correct record. 151. MATTTERS ARISING. 138. Street Lighting – Craig Close Pensioners The Clerk said he had not heard from the Street Lighting Engineer as yet. 152. REPORT OF FINANCE COMMITTEE. Members received a copy of the report and following consideration thereof it was decided to accept the report and to the recommendations made. The Clerk advised members that the Presentation Evening would be Wednesday 22nd April 2009 at the Parish Hall. 153. REPORT OF BURIAL COMMITTEE. Members received a copy of the report and following consideration thereof it was decided to accept the report and to the recommendations made. 154. REPORT OF STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE. Members received a copy of the report and following consideration thereof it was decided to accept the report and to the recommendations made. 155. REPORTS – COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES.
Cllr Jacqueline Allen reported that at a recent meeting the Trust received a report from Mr Philimore on the survey that had been carried out where problems with the removal of trees had been encountered due to the being in the path of bats. Mrs Allen also mentioned the Public Engagement Day that had been held at Chirk and Glyn Ceiriog which had been well attended. Membership has increased to 71 and support is needed to clear the line.
Cllr John Vant reported that he had attended the Annual General Meeting when all officers had been re-appointed. He said a new information leaflet is being produced by the Partnership and will be distributed in May this year through the area and also be available on the Partnership’s website. 156. REPORTS – LOCAL MEMBERS. Cllr Ian Roberts expressed grateful thanks for the terrific turnout by parents and members to object to the proposal concerning school transport issues affection school children from Chirk travelling to Llangollen. He said the Co-Chairs of the meeting had commented on the excellent way the supporters had conducted themselves. Cllr Roberts said that the issue had been considered by the Councils Executive Committee when no decision had been made but had been returned to the Scrutiny Committee for more information regarding results of an Impact Assessment Study and the financial position. These issues would now be taken on board by the Task and Finish Group. Cllr Roberts also said that the Co-Chairs of the Scrutiny Committee will endeavour to get the issue of Chirk as a one item on the agenda and to involve Chirk Town Council in the meeting. Cllr Roberts again congratulated everyone who attended the meeting and for supporting him and Cllr Terry Evans. He also asked the “pressure is kept on” and a public meeting arranged in due course. The Chairman Cllr Barry Evans informed the Council that he had contacted Martyn Jones MP and Karen Sinclair AM in the matter and they have worked behind the scenes finding out various issues regarding the finance relating to the transport situation and agreements made at the time of re-organising local government when Chirk was taken into the Wrexham Authority from the former Glyndwr District Council. Other matters mentioned by Cllr Ian Roberts included: - Work continuing on Chapel Lane speed bumps and pavement in Lodgevale Park. The Environmental Audit of the area he and Terry did with Sgt Whibberley identifying places needing attention for the removal of litter etc. Whitehurst Gate – condition of yard including burnt out workshop Pentre School – wall crudely opened up for vehicle access. Sun Hill, Pentre road works are to start in August this year. 156. REPORTS – LOCAL MEMBERS (cont). Members mentioned several matters for attention: - Dog fouling – Cllr Ian Roberts asked that all such complaints are phoned in to the Streetscene office for attention. Penybont Landfill Site – Cllr Roberts recommended that a meeting of the Penybont Liaison Committee is arranged. Whitehurst Gate – condition of yard including burnt out workshop Pentre School – wall crudely opened up for vehicle access. It was agreed to take these matters up with Wrexham CBC. Cllr Terry Evans thanked Cllr Roberts for all the research he had done in the matter of the schools transport issue. 157. APPEALS. The following appeals for financial aid were received and dealt with: -
158. CHIRK COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER. The Clerk reported receipt of letter from Rev AJ Rees informing the Council that the Newsletter may run into financial difficulties by the end of the year as it is felt that advertising charges cannot be increased in this time of recession. In the ensuing discussion, members expressed how good the Newsletter is and what benefits it has for the Community and it was decided to make a contribution of £400.00 to edition costs. It was also agreed that a report from the Council would be made when possible for future editions. 159. TIDY TOWN GRANT AIDED PROJECTS. The Clerk informed the Council that the Chairman and he had met with members of the Chirk Community Forum and a Tidy Town Scheme for Chirk 2009 had been agreed. The Clerk mentioned items included in the scheme with an estimated cost of £12,000.00 of which £7,500.00 was for new fencing at Chirk Cemetery. The Council agreed to accept the scheme and make an application for a grant. 160. BEST KEPT WREXHAM VILLAGE/COMMUNITY. It was agreed that the Council should enter Chirk for this competition. It was noted that Chirk Community Forum would be entering Chirk into the Wales in Bloom Competition. 161. PROPOSALS ON THE FUTURE OF COMMUNTIY HEALTH COUNCILS IN WALES. The document had been perused by the Consultations Committee. It was felt that the decision had already been made but there was concern of members about the moving away from local representation. It was recommended that when the local area committee is to be formed the Council should take note and recommend a representative. 162. CORRESPONDENCE. The following correspondence was received and dealt with: - a. Contract for Commercial Waste Collection, Chirk Parish Hall at £318 per annum. It was agreed to accept the terms of the contract and for the Clerk to proceed. b. Notice of the AGM Chirk and Ceirog Valley Partnership and copy of the minutes of the previous meeting. Noted. c. Letter from the Chief Environment Officer with regard to the Temporary Closure of the Plas Madoc Household Recycling Centre. It was agreed to write and ask the officer to re-instate the skip at Colliery Road, Chirk. d. Wrexham Draft Parks Strategy. The Clerk mentioned that Brynkinalt Park was mentioned briefly in several parts of the document. Member mentioned that this site had developed over the years and was a good recreation area. e. Letter from Northern Marches Cymru asking for permission for volunteers to carry on with the transcribing of gravestones in Chirk Cemetery having finished in the Church Yard. It was agreed to grant permission. f. Invitation from the Independent Review Service to Social Fund Workshop at Wr4xham Football Club on 23rd April, 2009. Noted. g. Invitation to visit the national assembly Senedd Building, Cardiff. Noted. 163. PLANNING MATTERS. 1. Planning Applications. The Clerk gave a report on the following applications received from the Chief Planning Officer in accordance with the consultation procedures that were dealt with by the Plans Committee: - P/2009/0148 Two storey extension to form lounge and a bedroom – 8 Middleton Terrace, Chirk. No Objection. P/2009/0121 Amended application -Construction of ramped approach to store entrance with handrail and forming no parking area together with other works at rear of the premises – Co-op Shop, Holyhead Road, Chirk. No objection but recommend that bollards are installed to prevent any vehicular access.
P/2009/0063 Permission GRANTED for single storey extension – Westwood, Holyhead Road, Chirk.
An appeal against the refusal of planning permission for the use of land at Coed y Gelli, Pentre for the stationing of a mobile home for a period of 3 years is to heard at the Guildhall Wrexham on the 6th may 2009. The Clerk said that the comments made by the Council on the application will be given to the Inspector. It was agreed not to comment further. 147. ACCOUNTS. 1. Payments. A list of invoices and payments amounting to £7,254.32 were given to the Council and were passed for payment (see addendum). Signed R Barry Evans Chairman 29th April 2009 |