CHIRK TOWN COUNCIL
CYNGOR TREF Y WAUN
MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING HELD 26th January 2011
Present
Cllr Mr T Evans, Wrexham CBC. Mr S A Hughes, Clerk to the Council.
86. MINUTES.
The minutes of the Council Meetings held the 1st and 15th December 2010 were confirmed as a correct record.
87.MATTERS ARISING.
76 . Local members Reports – Chirk Residential Home.
The Clerk referred to the letter (Members had received a copy) from the Director of Social Services , Wrexham CBC in reply to the concerns of the Council concerning proposals to accommodate EMI patients at Chirk Court and the loss of accommodation for local residential care elderly patients. Cllr Mrs Spragg said that people in the community as well as residents and staff at the home are not fully aware of these proposals and it should be made clear that accommodation must be maintained at Chirk Court for local residential care patients.
Cllr Terry Evans informed the Council that he and Cllr Ian Roberts were to meet Kevin Hughes from the Clwyd Alyn Housing Association and would take up the concerns of the Council and report back.
79 Black Park Colliery Monument.
The Clerk informed the Council that the s115 agreement with Wrexham CBC had been signed and that the monument would be installed at the entrance to Chirk Park (McDonald’s) very soon. The agreement included conditions including the need for insurance indemnity for Wrexham CBC and this would be taken up with the Council’s insurance company.
80. Chirk Playscheme.
The Clerk informed the Council that he had submitted an application for a grant for the Councils contribution to the scheme.
88.NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING.
The Clerk informed the Council that Inspector Iwan Jones had not attended the meeting due to the review of policing in North Wales is taking place. The review is to be completed by the end of the month and he would attend a meeting that had been arranged for Wednesday 9th February when he would be able to explain the new arrangements as affecting Chirk and the Ceiriog Valley. The Clerk also said that he had invited members from the three Ceiriog Valley Community Councils to attend the meeting. This information was noted.
PCSO Stephen Griffiths was welcomed to the meeting and gave the crime statistics for the two months as follows: -
To 31/12/10
Violence against person – 2; Thefts – 3; Youth related ASBO’s – 1:
To 26/1/11
Violence against person – 1; Theft – 1; Shoplifting – 1; Theft, motor vehicle – 1; Youth related ABS’s 3;
PCSO Griffiths also reported that over the bonfire/Halloween period 8 Youth related ASBO’s occurred compared to 14 the previous year. The operation by the police over this busy period to keep anti social behaviour to a minimum was considered a success. The number of incidents was lower than the majority of the other wards in the policing section with the exception of the Ceiriog Valley and the Bronnington/Overton section being predominantly rural areas.
The attention of PCSO Griffiths was drawn to the damage recently caused to the public toilets on Chirk Car Park and he was asked that officers visit the premises regularly particularly on Saturday afternoons when the damage was said to have occurred. PCSO Griffiths said residents had been visited and that he would apply for “talking signs” to be put up.
89.REPORTS – COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES.
Wales in Bloom & Britain in Bloom.
Cllr Allen informed the Council that Chirk that she had had information that Chirk could not be included in the Wrexham CBC application for these events (this also affected Llangollen Rural CC) so she did not attend the steering meeting at Wrexham. Cllr Allen confirmed that a submission was being made for Chirk as done in previous years and also to the Britain in Bloom Competition
REPORTS – COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES (cont).
One Voice Wales.
Cllr Allen also reported on her attendance at a meeting of the Wrexham/Flintshire One Voice Wales area committee when the new Executive Lyn Cadwallader gave an address and spoke about devolved services and double taxation. These were serious matters and needed careful attention and consideration as such could mean the community council taking on services from the Councils and having to increase the Community Charges to meet the additional costs that would be involved - also adding a heavier workload on to the Clerks of the community councils. Cllr Allen said
Mr Cadwallader is to write articles in the near future that will explain matters more fully.
Chirk Youth Football Club.
Cllr James reported that despite a quiet month due to the weather the football teams are doing very well.
Chirk Youth Centre.
Cllr James reported that while member attendances were on the low side more activities would be taking place that would encourage members after the Christmas period. He said a new television set had now been purchased and installed and passed on the thanks to the Council on behalf of the youth members for making the TV purchase possible.
Ceiriog Junior and Chirk Infants Schools.
Cllr Smith reported that at a meeting of the schools governors that the Education Authority had decided that the two schools should amalgamate having one Headteacher. Cllr Smith said the Council should be consulted in due course.
Chirk Environmental Liaison Group.
The Clerk informed the Council that he attended a recent meeting of the Group with Cllrs Jackie Allen and Cllr David Richards where the Chairman of Kronospan Ltd had given a report confirming the difficult circumstances the factory had to deal with in the present economic climate.
Few complaints had been reported to Kronospan and Wrexham CBC in the last quarter concerning dust, fume and noise and these had received due attention. An ongoing survey of noise from the factory was taking place with noise sources being identified and remedial action put in to place. The dust complaints mainly referred to one incident where a dust filter unit had malfunctioned causing emission of dust to atmosphere – necessary repairs had received quick attention. An investigation is ongoing to try and find a new system to control intermittent blue haze emissions from three scrubbing units with a report expected soon.
The new railway sidings are being installed and will allow longer and more trucks to be brought into the factory site at one time hopefully reducing HGV lorry numbers.
The attention of the meeting was drawn to the HGV lorries that park outside the Co-op shop at Rhosywaun causing real hazard and danger to pedestrians and other road users. Whilst Kronospan make special reference to this problem to the HGV drivers and to the relevant contractors the company has no power outside the factory. The Clerk said that following discussion it was agreed that the Town Council should be asked to give further consideration to this matter while Wrexham CBC officers and Kronospan management would also deal with this issue.
90.REPORT – WREXHAM CBC MEMBERS.
Cllr Terry Evans reported that the road widening scheme at Bronywaun had been completed and work at Craig Close done. Cllr Evans said dog fouling was still a problem and incidents needed reporting to the dog wardens. He also said that some potholes had been attended to but there more needing attention.
Cllr Smith was concerned at the long delay in having the section of street lights from the Parish Hall to the Hand Hotel seen to over the Christmas period. The section was in darkness as was the Coronation Oak Christmas lights that did not function either and a great disappointment for the Committee and the community. Cllr Terry Evans said that the Street Lighting had attended but the fault was the u/grd that Manweb had to deal with for which they had 26 days so to do.
91.FOUR COUNCILS ANNUAL MEETING.
The Clerk confirmed that the meeting was now on Monday 31st January 2011 at the Ceiriog Memorial Hall.
92.CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD.
The Clerk reminded members that posters had been put up around Chirk and letters sent to local organisations for nominations for the 2010 year award that should be received by 23rd February. This information was noted.
93.CHURCH STREET, CHIRK.
Members had received a copy of a letter from the Network Policy and Road Safety Manager, Wrexham CBC advising that the “Zebra” crossing is to be removed and a new “Puffin” crossing is to be installed in the new financial year followed by the necessary road surfacing project. The Clerk said that the new crossing was traffic light controlled. Members were pleased to have this information
94.WREXHAM CBC PLAYWORK PROJECTS ANNUAL REPORT.
The Clerk confirmed the receipt of a copy of the report that gives information on the projects that are being run in several areas in the county borough by voluntary groups with help from the play development team. A steering group is being set up with representatives from each community that will oversee the development of all Wrexham CBC managed playwork projects. With regard to grant funding for the school holiday playscheme for Chirk the Clerk said he had submitted and application on behalf of the Council.
95.LLANGOLLEN BYWAY OPEN TO ALL TO ALL TRAFFIC 73.
The Clerk reported receipt of letter from the Divisional Manager, Environment Department, Wrexham CBC with regard to this matter that the authority has determined that an Order under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1891 should be made that will make the BOAT as referred to at the previous meeting of the Council into a public footpath. This information was noted.
96.CORRESPONDENCE.
The Clerk reported receipt of the under-mentioned correspondence that was considered and dealt with:
a.Thank you card from Mrs Judith Griffiths for the gift and the Council’s best wishes on her retirement as headteacher of Ceiriog Junior School.
b.Letter from the Chief Environment Officer regarding the County Borough’s Winter Service Policy. Noted.
c.Letter from Piers Warburton regarding recruitment of North East Wales Tourism Ambassadors. Noted.
d.Letter from M & B Contractors with costs for the new ground maintenance season. These were noted and accepted by the Council.
e.Letter from Phil Cope, Project-Co-ordinator “Following the Flame” Wales at the Olympic and Paralympic Games a major all-Wales exhibition project available for £350.00 for the Community Exhibition. Noted.
f.Letter from Theresa Burling, Wrexham CBC with regard to the Big Lottery Child’s Play Programme round 2 project that will allow a team of Playworkers to be introduced to a school on six monthly basis to support existing staff to enhance playground environments at play times. It is hoped to be able to offer this to one of the schools in Chirk. Noted.
g.Notice of meeting of the Chirk and Ceiriog Valley Partnership with minutes of the last meeting. Noted.
h.The Great British Fish and Chips Supper supporting Spinal Injuries Association Friday 20th May 2011. Fund Raising Packs available to those wanting to organise an event. Noted.
i.Letter from Mike Harriman OVW representative with notes from a Stakeholder Reference Group Meeting regarding the Betsi Cadwalladr Health Board. Of note was the fact that the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital has resumed normal services for North Wales patients. Noted.
j.A letter from the secretary of the Chirk Community Newsletter inviting members to the Annual General Meeting at the Parish Hall on Thursday February 10th at 7pm. Also inviting the Council to appoint a representative to the Committee. Noted.
k.Letter from the Head of Campaigns and Public Information with regard to the forthcoming Referendum on law-making powers of the National assembly for Wales. Noted.
l.Letter from the Local Government Board advising that the Section 137 Expenditure Limit for 2011/12 was £3.44 per elector. This information was noted.
m.Letter from the Local Government Finance Division with regard to borrowing by town and community councils in Wales. Noted.
n.Letter from the Regeneration and Tourism Manager, Wrexham CBC with a copy of the draft Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World heritage Site Tourism Development Plan. It was agreed that the Plans Committee should consider this document.
97.PLANNING MATTERS.
.The Clerk a report of a Planning Applications received from the Chief Planning Officer Wrexham CBC under the consultation procedures, namely: -
P/2011/0021 Rooftop enclosure – Cadbury Ltd, Station Avenue, Chirk.
The Council had No Objection to the application.
.Certificates of Decision.
The Clerk reported receipt of the following Certificate of Decision from the Chief Planning Officer for information: -
P/2010/0817 Consent granted for erection of new 100 seat grandstand at Chirk AAA’s Football Ground.
P/2010/0829 Permission granted for the erection of 3 No Single Storey Lock-up Shops, on land at Colliery Road, Chirk.
P/2010/0796 Listed Building Consent Permission granted for alterations and extension to agricultural building at
Halton Farm Chirk.
P/2010/0837 The application relating to the construction of three single storey extensions to create additional
bedrooms at Chirk Court Care Home has been withdrawn.
.Planning Committee Report.
The Clerk reported receipt of the Chief Planning Officer’s report with regard to the application in connection with the proposed Welsh Dragon at Chirk Park, Chirk. This was noted.
98. ACCOUNTS.
.Payments.
A list of invoices and payments amounting to £9222.34 were given to the Council and were passed for payment.
see addendum).
.Accounts.
The Clerk provided details of expenditure to the 31st December including details of bank reconciliation. These showed expenditure of £72,644.11 and receipts of 112,566.59. This information was noted.
99.WREXHAM CBC – FUNDING FOR FOOTWAY LIGHTING.
The Clerk referred to the letter from the Chief Environment Officer, Wrexham CBC together with a copy of the minutes of the Wrexham CBC Executive Board meeting of the 14th December 2010. Members had received copies of these that advised the Council that with regard to Footway Lighting Wrexham CBC had resolved: -
i.A basic principle be adopted that all community councils meet the actual cost of footway lighting in their area, which would include repair, replacement and energy costs.
ii.That the arrangement by which those community councils who are willing to fund the cost of footway lighting through the community council precept continues.
iii.That community councils be requested to take responsibility for the footway lighting in their communities and that it be funded through the community council precept.
iv.A Special Expense on Council Tax, based on the actual cost of footway lighting in each community, is levied on those communities who refuse the above arrangement.
Members noted that there were said to be 286 footway lights in Chirk and that the cost for each light had been estimated at £54 per unit per annum in Chirk’s case an annual amount of £15,444.00. This meaning a £9.37 rise in the annual Community Charge and an estimated 18% increase on Band D charges for Chirk.
Members also noted that if Wrexham CBC took on the whole responsibility for footway lighting throughout the County Borough the annual increase in the Band D charge would only be £4.44.
Members also noted that the proposals only affected the communities of Chirk, Glyn train, Llansantffraid Glyn Ceiriog, Ceirog Ucha and Llangollen Rural in the former Glyndwr District Council area and also the four town centre communities in Wrexham. All other communities in the former Wrexham District Borough Council do pay for their footway lighting either to their own contractor or to Wrexham CBC as in ii above.
Cllr Terry Evans said that he and Cllr Ian Roberts had fought the proposed changes over many months of meetings but to no avail. He pointed out that the information on the state of the lighting stock said that it was serviceable for 10 years! but pointed to the high cost of replacing standards and repairing faults particularly of underground electricity cables as had been necessary in two instances in Chirk in the past few weeks that would add to the costs.
Cllr Evans referred to the problem of concurrent functions and double rating issues that had not received consideration of the Executive Board in this matter. He said that while Chirk has the responsibility and pays for the Parish Hall, the Cemetery, the Recreation Grounds and the Cenotaphs other community councils do not and have such facilities provided by Wrexham CBC and paid for through the general rates. Some communities also receive funding towards their community halls. This shows the unfairness of the situation existing and that concurrent functions and double rating issues should be ironed out to give a level playing field for all community councils.
Cllr Jackie Allen said that she had received a copy of DEFRA’s Guidance Notes of 2002 and still relevant that said it was intended for Principle and Community Councils to avoid double rating. She also pointed to a paragraph in the Flintshire’s Community Charter that included for funds to be transferred to the community councils who take on functions and services previously provided by the County Council as is included in DEFRA’s Guidance Notes. Cllr Allen said that what Wrexham CBC are intending amounts to bullying tactics.
Cllr Smith recommended that the Council seek advice from One Voice Wales and the Clerk said he had recently spoken to and written to Lyn Cadwallader, Chief Executive of One Voice Wales as had Cllr Allen and a reply was awaited.
The Chairman referred to the number of footway lights that are said to be in Chirk but no detail or information had been given as to where they were. There is confusion as to what are footway lights and what are street lights.
After a lengthy discussion the Council decided to set up a Footway Lights Committee to pursue matters. Cllrs John Vant, Jackie Allen, Barry Evans and County Borough Cllrs Terry Evans and Ian Roberts were elected to the Committee.
Signed John Vant Chairman 23rd February 2011.