CHIRK TOWN COUNCIL
CYNGOR TREF Y WAUN
MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING HELD 25th November 2009
Present
Mrs H J Spragg (Chairman), Mr J Vant, Mr D Evans, Miss J Win-Jones, Mrs J Allen, Mr N James, Mr D Richards, Mr R Smith, Mr M Maxfield and Mr S Dineen.
Cllrs I Roberts, Wrexham CBC.
Mr S A Hughes, Clerk to the Council.
The Chairman recommended that item 4 on the agenda is taken first and this was agreed.
102. BLACK PARK CHAPEL.
The Chairman welcomed Dr Bridget Drukker who gave the Council a full verbal picture of what she proposes for the future use of the Chapel premises in association with the neighbouring Black Park Community Centre. The building is part of the heritage of this area being built by the miners of Black Park and it is intended to bring it back into use for the community with a diverse list of uses.
The Chairman informed the Council that Dr Drukker was making an application for a grant and the timetable had meant that a letter of support had been sent by the Clerk but confirmation of this support was still required.
Following discussion the Council decided to support Dr Drukker’s grant application and proposals for the Chapel.
103. COMMUNITY POLICING.
The Chairman welcomed PCSO Cheshire who gave a report on crime statistics during the last few weeks that included: -
Anti-social behaviour – 1; Burglary (other than dwelling) – 3; Criminal damage – 5; theft - 4 (3 from motor vehicle); Drugs – 1; Unauthorised taking of motor vehicle – 1. Also, one incident with an off road motorcycle was dealt with and taken away today (Wednesday 25th)
PCSO Cheshire mentioned that “Operation Quiver” had finished with no significant incident and that “Operation Twilight” and evening patrols are continuing and traffic speed (gun) monitoring is to take place shortly in Chirk.
He said exercises had been carried out at local schools, scouts and guides and local businesses. Another local initiative is to hold local neighbourhood policing meetings with representatives of Wrexham CBC.
The officer was asked about Operation Twilight in the Pentre area as a good number were elderly residents and it was also mentioned about the parking of vehicles for sale at Whitehurst Gate. PCSO asked for information about people who may need help and also that the police and others were dealing with the sale of cars – the Clerk confirmed he had passed the Council’s complaints to the Highways & Transportation Officer and read out a letter received form the officer concerned the contents of which were noted.
PC Cheshire informed the Council that his duties in the Ceiriog Valley would cease towards the end of January and he would again be full-time in Chirk.
103.MINUTES.
The minutes of the Council meeting held the 28th October 2009 were confirmed as a correct record.
103.MATTERS ARISING.
92. School Transport. The Chairman said she was pleased that the public meeting had been very well attended showing overwhelming support for the Council and rejecting the proposals not to allow free transport for children attending Ysgol Dinas Bran. She said the parents and families behaved very well in what was a very passionate meeting.
Councillor Ian Roberts expressed his thanks to everyone attending and showing dissatisfaction with Wrexham County Borough Council and wants the public backing for him and Cllr Evans to continue in their efforts to keep free transport.
Cllr Roberts said he was concerned that the Town Council was not on a list of stakeholders for the consultation and that it would not be useful consultation exercise without the Town Council and the community of Chirk taking part but there was a need to keep fighting for our rights. Cllr Roberts thanked the press for their coverage of this important community matter.
Members expressed opinion that continued pressure must be maintained on Wrexham CBC and agreed
the Committee should meet to draw up an plan of action.
103.PARKING AT CHIRK INFANTS SCHOOL.
Cllr Dineen drew the Council’s attention to the increasing difficulties in parking cars when taking children to and from the school. Parking takes place all down Chapel lane, in the library causing major problems and dangerous circumstances that will increase as the school intake grows.
All members agreed that the problems are severe and that an accident will happen. The Chairman pointed out that the Council had on many occasions voiced concern to Wrexham CBC recommending that parking provision be made on the area to the front of the library but to no avail.
PCSO Cheshire said that the police had no powers to deal with parking, as it is now a function of Traffic Wardens engaged by Wrexham CBC, but could deal with genuine safety issues and would monitor and deploy the speed gun over the 20mph speed restriction areas.
After discussion the Council decided to invite officers of Wrexham CBC to attend a meeting of the Council.
103.REPORTS – COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES.
Chirk Celebrations ands Lights Committee. Cllr James reported that the Mayor of Wrexham was to attend the coffee morning to be held at the Parish Hall on Saturday 5th December and to the “turning on” of the Christmas Lights in the evening that will be followed by a Carol Service at St Mary’s Parish Church. He invited fellow councillors to attend the events.
Four Council Annual Meeting. The Chairman said she had attended the meeting at Llanarmon DC with Cllrs Allen and Win-Jones when they were told about the wars of the Ceiriog Valley particularly the Battle of Crogen. This was rather interesting and complimented Deryn Poppitt and his colleague on their presentation.
Parking at Castle Road Chirk was again an item that was mentioned by the Valley members.
Pontcysyllte and Canal Heritage Sub-Group. The Chairman informed the Council that she had attended a recent meeting when she mentioned the need for improvements to the tow path from Chirk to Whitehurst but was told it was not a matter for the Group but would be reported further on by the British Waterways officer.
Glyn Wylfa Development Trust. Cllr Allen informed the Council that following the public meeting with regard to the former Estate offices, Castle Road, Chirk interested persons from the area had agreed to be Trust Board Members and this was being set up. Officers had been elected and meetings were being held to follow this through to get the Trust registered by March 2010. Also to produce a Business Plan to present to the County Borough Council in due course.
The Chairman thanked members for attending meetings and for their reports.
103.REPORTS – LOCAL MEMBERS – WREXHAM CBC.
Cllr Ian Roberts referred to the recent meeting of Wrexham CBC that he attended regarding Street/footway lighting when a report was presented with regard to the present condition of the service and costs where some community councils paid wholly for the lights in their area, some paid a percentage towards and others such as Chirk did not pay anything. Cllr Roberts said that Wrexham CBC cannot force the Town Council to take on the responsibility in Chirk. The matter was to be discussed further.
Cllr Roberts mentioned that new curbing was being installed on the length of road from Chapel Lane to opposite the Co-op Shop and would be completed soon.
The Chairman thanked Cllr Roberts for his reports.
103.PROPOSED GUIDANCE FOR THE WALES PROGRAMME FOR IMPROVEMENT FOR THE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITIES IN WALES.
The Clerk reported on receipt of the document that particularly concerned the Fire and Rescue Authorities with the majority of the guidance remaining consistent with the guidance proposed for Local Authority and National Park Authorities. This information was noted.
103.APPEALS.
The following appeals for financial aid were received and dealt with: -
Chirk Branch Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal – Agreed a donation of £150.00 (to include payment for poppy wreaths).
Chirk Court Residential Home – Agreed a donation of £100 for providing entertainment and social outings.
Hope House Hospice – Agreed a donation of £100.00 towards funds for the care of terminally ill children.
North Wales Deaf Association – Agreed a donation of £25.00 towards the funds that provide a range of services for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru – Agreed a donation of £100.00 towards the Eisteddfod.
Dynamic – Agreed a donation of £50.00 towards the centre that caters for children and young people with disabilities.
103.CORRESPONDENCE.
The Clerk reported receipt of the under-mentioned correspondence that was considered and dealt with: -
1.Letter from the Chief Finance and Performance Officer, WCBC regarding the Council’s precept for the coming financial year. It was agreed discuss the matter at the next meeting of the Council.
2.Letter from the Play Development Co-ordinator WCBC regarding play schemes for 2010 -2011. The Chairman said she was not able to attend a meeting on this issue but had asked for a report of the meeting to be forwarded to the Council.
3.Letter from the Head of Local Government Policy Division, Welsh Assembly regarding the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2009 – Statutory Guidance. Noted.
4.Notice of meeting of the Chirk and Ceiriog Valley Partnership and copy of the minute of the previous meeting. Noted.
5.Letter from the Chief Learning and Achievement Officer, WCBC with a copy of the guide of the County Borough’s “parents and Carers” Guide to Education Services in Wrexham. This was noted.
103.PLANNING MATTERS.
a.The Clerk reported on the Plans Committee held 25th November that received copies of applications for planning consent received from the Chief Planning Officer, Wrexham County Borough Council Planning Authority under the consultation procedures. They were dealt with as follows: -
P/2009/0900 Erection of detached dwelling – Glenwood, Station Avenue, Chirk.
The Council wishes to point out that Station Avenue is a busy trafficked public road including HGV’s servicing local factories and beyond and public service vehicles travelling their route to the Ceiriog Valley.
There is no pavement to the front of Glenwood and the adjoining terrace houses. The Council has concern about parking and turning about and egress of vehicles from the site on to Station Avenue.
P/2009/0907 Use of existing car park as public car park repositioning of access and provision of pay and display machine – Glyn Wylfa, Castle Road, Chirk.
The Council approves the principle of the proposed public car park. However, the Council consider s that provision should also be made for a coach drop off/pick-up bay at the site. The site is close to the Chirk aqueduct and canal part of the Pontysyllte Aqueduct and Llangollen Canal World Heritage Site and without doubt will attract large numbers of tourists including coach tour visitors. The Council considers the provision of such a facility near to the WH Site is essential and strongly recommends its inclusion in the proposals.
P/2009/0934 On Street Parking Bay – opposite 45 to 50 Princess Avenue, Chirk.
No objection.
P/2009/0884 Single storey rear/side extension and alterations – 2 Linden Avenue, Chirk.
No objection.
b.Certificates of Decision.
The following certificates of decision have been received from the Chief Planning Officer, Wrexham CBC.
P/2009/0774 Permission Granted for a two storey extension – 8 Maes Y Berwyn, Chirk.
103.ACCOUNTS.
a.Accounts.
A list of invoices and payments amounting to £6667.18 were given to the Council and were passed for payment. (See addendum).
Signed Hilary J Spragg Chairman 16h December 2009.