CHIRK TOWN COUNCIL CYNGOR TREF Y

CHIRK TOWN COUNCIL CYNGOR TREF Y WAUN
MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING HELD 28th January 2009

Present
Mr Barry Evans (Chairman), Mrs H J Spragg, Mrs J Allen, Mr R Jones, Mr N James, Mr D Richards, Mr M Maxfield, Mr D Evans, Mr Vant, Mr J Pierce. Mr I' Hemmings.
Mr S A Hughes, Clerk to the Council. Cllr Terry Evans, Wrexham CBC local member.

Apologies
Apologies for absence were received from ClIrs J W-Jones, R Smith, C Gough and I Roberts.

113. MINUTES.
The minutes of' the Council meeting held the 26th November and 17th December 2008 were confirmed as a correct record.

114. MATTERS ARISING.
90. Community policing— Cars for sale at Whitehurst. It was reported that cars are still being parked and advertised for sale on the crass verge at the Junction of the A5/Newbridge Road. PC Cullen said that Streetscene are also able to deal with these matters.
109. Citizen of the Year Award. The Clerk informed the Council that he had prepared posters for putting up in the area and a press release item for the local press
110. Appointment of Representatives. The Clerk reminded the Council that representatives for the Council needed to be elected for the Chirk Environmental Liaison Group and the Chirk and Ceiriog Valley Partnership.
After discussion Cllr Mrs Jacqueline Allen was appointed to Chirk Environmental Group and Cllr John Vast to the Chirk and Ceiriog Valley Partnership.

115. COMMUNITY POLICING.
The Chairman welcomed PC Cullen, Community Beat Manager.
The following crime statistics for since the 26th November meeting were given to the Council, as follows: - To 31 December 2008 Anti-social behaviour 6; Burglary dwelling; 1; Assaults — 1(detected); Burglaries (other than dwelling) 0; Criminal damage — 3, Thefts from motor vehicle — 2 (both detected); Thefts 2. To 28 January 2009 Anti-social behaviour — 6; Burglary dwelling-1; Assaults-3 (all detected); Burglaries (other than dwelling) 1; Criminal damage - 3, Thefts from motor vehicle - 1; Thefts 0.
PC Cullen informed the Council that the PCSO's had been out and about with the speed camera targeting areas of complaint but no person was caught for a speeding offence.
PC Cullen mentioned that Sgt Whibberley and the Chirk officers had met with Cllrs Ian Roberts and Terry Evans with regard to bringing in policing routes for officers to follow particularly where hot spots occur. Officers would take camera shots to record evidence for their action and to highlight problems of littering, dog fouling etc for referral to the Streetscene Department, Wrexham CBC. The photographs would be down loaded to disk as a record.
Members mentioned what he perceived as a lack of communication between officers as a complaint reported about damage to Christmas Tree lights at St Mary's Church was unknown to a local officer. It was also drawn to attention that in other areas each residence in the community had received a card with details giving names and contact detail of police officers. PC Cullen in answering said that officers are to log on at the beginning of their shift to see what has been reported and going on in the area. With regard to information cards lie said these will be distributed in due course.
Speeding traffic along Shepherd's Lane and a general complaint in the area was mentioned again and PC Cullen said that the PCSO's would continue to monitor the problem areas from time to time. He also said that he was endeavouring to get the "Arrive Alive" team in the area.
PC Cullen was asked about the provision of "Speed Check Camera" signs as these are a deterrent to motorists.
He said that this was a matter for the Highways Authority but he and his officers would support such signs being provided. The Council agreed to write to the Highways Manager and ask for signs to be put up.

116. REPORT FROM COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES
a. Glyn Valley Tramway Trust.
Cllr Allen reported on her attendance at a meeting of the Trust when the working drawings and layout of buildings was presented and explained. She also mentioned that a high level study was being proceeded with and that a Public Visioning Event was being arranged at the Parish Hall on the February 28th and there will also he an Engagement Day arranged in Glyn Ceiriog.
Membership of the Trust had increased and volunteers had cleared a section of the track bed. The Trusts magazine will be out in March. Leaflets about the Public Visioning Event and Glyn Valley Tramway Trust Walks will also be available.
b. Police and Community Forum.
Cllr Allen reported on her attendance at a meeting of the Forum when it was announced that the police budget had been fixed showing an increase of 5%.
A "Fear of Crime" presentation was made and a question about partnership working and priorities and what success there had been with these.
The Chairman thanked Cllr Allen for her reports.

117. VACANCY.
the Clerk informed the Council that two applications had been received to fill the vacancy. The Council decided to arrange a meeting to interview both candidates.

118. REPORTS FROM LOCAL MEMBERS.
Mr Terry Evans informed the Council
a. That work on renewing the pavements at Maesywaun is about to commence.
b. That he has been working with Sgt Whibberley and PC Cullen to provide patrol routes in the area for the PCSO's to cover.
Cllr Evans' attention was drawn to the unsatisfactory state of the pavements in the area. He said he would take the matter up of sweeping with the department concerned.
The Chairman thanked Cllr Evans for his report.

119. APPEALS.
the Clerk reported receipt of the following appeals for financial aid that were given due consideration and dealt with as follows: -
a. Victim Support Wrexham Branch — approved donation of £50.00
b. MS Society Cardiff - lie on table.

120. PARISH HALL.
The Clerk informed the Council that the electricity contract for the Parish hall expired 31st December 2008 and as usual he had sought assistance from Power Quote Ltd and had been advised that SWALEC continue to be the lowest priced company in respect of the Parish Hall. As it was necessary to ensure continuance of he supply to the premises the Clerk said he had signed the contract on behalf of the Council. The Council confirmed the Clerks action in this matter.

121. GRASS MAINTENANCE RECREATION GROUNDS & CEMETERY.
The Clerk informed the Council that the contractor had provided his costs AMOUNTING TO £10,000 for carrying out grass maintenance etc for the coming year as allowed for in the contract. These showing an increase but also including for extra cuts as may be necessary during the cutting season because of grass growth. The Clerk said that the costs were within the budget agreed by the Council for the coming season. this information was noted by the Council.

122 THE ALL WALES CONVENTION.
The Clerk reported that receipt of letter with background information from the Committee and Member Services Manager, Wrexham CBC with regard to the "All Wales Convention's" plans to assess the level of public support for giving the National Assembly for Wales primary law making powers. In this connection a series of evidence gathering sessions and public events throughout Wales are being. undertaken. Such a session has been programmed to be held in Wrexham Guildhall on 23rd April 2009. This information was noted.

123
The Clerk reported receipt of letter from the Principal Housing Standards and Strategy Officer, Wrexham CBC informing the Council that in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government and Wales and V Housing Association, Wrexham CBC: has approved the recruitment of a Rural Housing Enabling Officer for a year period.
The employment of a Rural housing Enabler is said to be one of the most effective ways of increasing the supply of affordable housing. They are independent brokers who, in partnership with local authorities, housing associations and local communities, develop affordable housing solutions for village communities The Council is asked if there is an interest in the area being considered for an initial priority assessment. It was agreed to express an interest for a priority assessment to take place in Chirk.

124. TRAFFIC CALMING SCHEME - LODGEVALE PARK
The Clerk reported receipt of letter from the Principal Traffic Engineer, Wrexham CBC with a proposed traffic calming scheme for the upper part of Lodgevale Park. This was a condition of the granting of planning permission for residential development with a section 106 agreement being agreed with the developer.
The scheme includes
· two pairs of speed cushions -

1 pair situate before the Crogen junction with Sycamore Drive
1 pair before the junction of Offa and Linden Avenue and before the playground.
Hump warning signs will be placed at each cushion and a warning sign before the entrant the playground.
A raised junction will be formed at the junction of Crogen, Cilcoed and Offa.

The Clerk informed the Council that Cllr Raymond Smith had made some observations about the proposal with regard to having a different scheme adopted for the whole estate including perhaps a roundabout at junction mentioned. He had concerns also about surface water run-off.
Members agreed traffic calming measures are needed on such residential estates and that the concerns mentioned should be forwarded to the Principal Traffic Engineer for his further consideration and also too that residents In Lodgevale Park are given a chance to give their opinions about the proposals.

125. WREXHAM PLAY STRATEGY WORKSHOP.
The Clerk reported receipt of a copy of the strategy and an invitation to attend a workshop on the 29th January and said that he had reserved a place and would attend the workshop to he held in Wrexham. The information was noted.

126. WREXHAM CBC — CIVIL PARKING ENFORCEMENT.
The Clerk reported receipt of a document from Alison Smallwood. Community Safety Team with regard Wrexham CRC's role in Civil Parking Enforcement. The Welsh Assembly Government made an Order transfer the powers of parking enforcement from the North Wales Police to Wrexham CBC from March 2008.
The Council's Civil Enforcement Officers (6 No. employed) issue Penalty Charge Notices to drivers of vehicles who have parked in contravention of any regulations in force at the time. The officers visit rural areas at least 2-3 times a week.
The Clerk said that members could, if they wished, have a copy of the document. This information was noted.

127. CORRESPONDENCE.
The following correspondence was received and dealt with: -
a.         Letter from the Shropshire County Council with regard to the Local Development Framework Shropshire. Noted.
b.         Notice of meeting of the Chirk and Ceiriog Valley Partnership and minutes of the previous meeting. Noted.
c.         Notice of vacancy for a North Wales Development Officer for One Voice Wales. Noted
d.         Notice of meeting of Chirk Newsletter Annual General meeting 12th February. Noted

128. PLANNING MATTERS
1. Planning applications.
The Clerk gave a report on the following application for planning permission received from the Chief Planning Officer, Wrexham CBC under the consultation procedures was dealt with by the Plans Committee:
P/2008/1204 Erection of an Attached Dwelling — Glenwood, Station Avenue, Chirk, Wrexham.
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 adjoining terrace houses and the Council has concern about the parking and turning about and egress of vehicles from the site on to Station Avenue.

P/2008/1175 Porch Extension and erection of a detached double garage with hobby room above — Llety Yr Eos, Whitehurst, Chirk, Wrexham.
No objection.

2. Certificates of Decision.
The (Mowing certificates of decision were received:
P/2008/1193 Permission refused Outline application for erection or 10 affordable dwellings — Plas Offa Farm, Chirk
P/2008/0073 Permission granted for Primary Care Centre, Colliery Road, Chirk.
P/2008/0287 Permission granted for conversion of coach store into residential unit— Bryn Coed. Castle Road. Chirk
P/2008/0289 Permission granted for conversion to 2 residential units and extension — Bryn Coed, Castle Road, Chirk.
P/2008/0622 Permission granted for extension for 3 dental surgeries — Old Post Office, Chirk.
P/2008/0960 Listed Building consent granted for alterations etc Parkgate Lodge, Chirk.
P/2008/1166 Permission granted for single storey extension 17 West View, Chirk.

3. Planning Appeal.
The Clerk reported receipt of notice of appeal made to the Welsh Ministers in respect of Land at Coed Gelli, Pentre, Chirk. This was noted.

4. Planning Committee Report.
The Clerk reported receipt of a copy of the Chief Planning Officers report on the application for an attached dwelling at Glenwood, Station Avenue, Chirk. The contents of the report were noted.

129. ACCOUNTS.
1. Payments.
A list of invoices and payments amounting to £14,918.87 were given to the Council and were passed for payment. (See addendum)

Signed R Barry Evans Chairman 25th February 2009