CHIRK TOWN COUNCIL
CYNGOR TREF Y WAUN
MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING HELD 28th February 2007
Present
Mr D Evans (Chairman), Mr M Williams, Mr M Fennell, Mr N James, Mr R Jones, Mrs H J Spragg,
Miss C Ashford, Mr G Roberts, Mr B Evans, Mr F Hemmings, Mr D Richards, Mr R Smith, Mr M Maxfield..
Mr S A Hughes, Clerk to the Council.
Three members of the public.
The Chairman proposed that agenda item 4 is dealt with first and this was agreed.
114. COMMUNITY POLICING.
The Chairman welcomed Inspector Firth and PC Cullen.
Inspector Firth informed the Council that the last 3 to 4 months had been a quiet period but the incidents that occurred last weekend were not pleasant. He was not pleased with the comments and reports made that he felt were not good for the town. He said that as last year when there was an upsurge in incidents additional patrols were brought in and he would be trying this action again.
With regard to personnel Inspector Firth confirmed that Chirk had lost one Community Beat Manager but now had a PCSO and another PCSO to be in uniform soon plus a PCSO for the Ceiriog Valley Area to be stationed in Chirk. Inspector Firth said that by the end of June this year through a partnership with Wrexham County Borough Council 3 PCSO’s will specifically look at Anti Social Behaviour in the area – part of a team of 12 PCSO’s to be used for this action.
Inspector Firth said that promises had been made to the police from other agencies to deal with anti social behaviour problems but little has been heard or happened from those agencies. He said he would be taking this matter up with those agencies concerned.
Inspector Firth referred to the CCTV cameras but said that night time images were impaired due to poor street lighting and to trees. Also at Chirk Station where the lights were turned off after 12pm.
Members expressed their concern at the irresponsible and damaging behaviour that occurred in Chirk affecting new businesses and visitor’s property. With regard to the meeting the Inspector was to arrange with other agencies concerned it was expressed that heads of service must attend to enable progress to be made in curbing anti social behaviour.
PC Cullen informed the Council that investigations into the incidents that had happened the previous weekend were on going and progressing.
Since his last report PC Cullen gave details of reported incidents: -
9 reported crimes
5 violent offences – none serious
6 thefts
2 thefts from vehicles
1 theft of a moped
1 drug arrest
24 incidents of anti social behaviour.
PC Cullen said he was to arrange a community police forum and would be looking at schemes with Chirk Youth Club, Chirk Youth FC and Chirk Junior Cricket Club to keep youngsters busy.
PC Cullen also reported he was looking after a trainee PCSO on a six weeks course.
It was pointed out that the worst time for incidents occurring was the evening and night time and asked if these hours are in the patrolling timetable.
The Chairman thanked the officers for their attendance and reports.
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115. MINUTES.
The minutes of the meetings held the 30th January 2007 were confirmed as a correct record.
116. MATTERS ARISING.
101. Youth Service in Chirk. The Clerk said he had not had any communication since the last meeting from
the officers.
104. Local Members Reports. The Clerk said Cllr Terry Evans would no doubt give a further report on
dog fouling assessment and the pedestrian crossing.
111/7. World Heritage Site. The Clerk reported that Dr Dawn Roberts would attend the next meeting of
the Council to explain the proposals for a World Heritage Status for Pontycysyllte Aqueduct and its
associated canal.
117. APPEALS.
The following appeals for financial aid were received and dealt with as follows: -
118. REPORT OF PLANS COMMITTEE.
Members received a copy of the Committee’s report of the meeting held the 14th February 2007.
Following discussion it was agreed to accept the report.
It was further agreed to forward a copy of the comments made regarding the draft Local Development Plan to the Chief Planning Officer, Wrexham CBC.
119. REPORT BY COUNCILLOR FRANK HEMMINGS – Members Interests.
Cllr Hemmings referred to the recent discussion regarding the disclosure of members interest in a matter subject of consideration by the Council. Cllr Hemmings said that he had spoken with the Monitoring Officer, Wrexham CBC Mr Trevor Coxon who drew attention to Statutory Instruments in force and to the recent publication “Good Councillors Guide”.
Cllr Hemming said that Mr Coxon confirmed that a councillor, who has been properly appointed to an organisation to represent the Council, can speak about that organisation in a matter under discussion by the Council but take no part in any resolution/decision to be made. Where a Councillor is not an appointed representative of the Council of an organisation he/she should declare an interest and leave the meeting taking no part in the discussion or decision involving the organisation.
The Council agreed to take note of the advice from the Monitoring Officer and to abide by and with the procedures concerning Declaration of Interest by Councillors.
120. LIVING LANDMARKS PROJECT.
The Clerk referred to a recent meeting he had attended held at the Hand Hotel Chirk regarding the participation of Wrexham CBC with other Local Authorities across Wales in the Living Landmarks Project. The Clerk said that Chirk Park had been put forward as one of three chosen potential sites in Wales for a Land Mark Project. An open competition is underway for designers, artists and architects to submit proposals for the site. The project is looking to secure funding from the BIG Lottery.
Members generally agreed that the project would be good for the area and looked forward to viewing the winning proposal.
121. HOMES FOR LOCALS CAMPAIGN.
The Clerk reported receipt of letter from the Chief Executive of Cymuned asking the Council to support for their policy suggestions calling on all County Councils in Wales to follow the lead of councils in England by declaring that they will not permit new residential build except in cases where there is proven local need. After discussion it was decided to leave the matter on the table.
122. ONE VOICE WALES.
The Clerk reported receipt of letter from the Chief Executive with regard to membership of the association for the coming year. It was agreed to renew the membership the fee being £428.00.
123. RURAL WALES DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2007 -2013.
The reported receipt of the draft Local Development Strategy Plan for Rural Wrexham drawn up following consultation events held in the autumn of 2006.
It was agreed that the Plans Sub-Committee should peruse the document.
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124. BORROWING BY COMMUNITY AND TOWN COUNCILS IN WALES.
The Clerk reported receipt of details and guidance from the Welsh Assembly Government Finance Division for the making of applications for borrowing for the coming financial year also stating that the Public Works Loan Board has increased the maximum loan repayment period available to 50 years.
Included with the communication were details for the appropriate sum under section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972 – this being raised to £5.64 per local government elector.
This information was noted.
125. CORRESPONDENCE.
The Clerk reported receipt of the following: -
1 Notice from the Rev Rees concerning house to house collections by local churches during Christian Aid Week 13-19th May 2007. Noted.
2 Document from the Welsh Assembly Government “The Strategy for Older People in Wales”. This strategy includes spending £13million during the period 2003 – 2008 to improve housing health and transport as well as helping to raise incomes for older people. Noted.
3 Letter from the Welsh Assembly Government together with a copy of the Fire and Rescue National Framework (Wales) 2005 (Revisions) Order 2007 and Intervention Protocol. Noted.
4 A guide from the Welsh Assembly Government regarding the new Smoke Free Law. Noted.
5 An invitation to attend a meeting at the Hand Hotel Chirk on Wednesday March 21st with regard to the work being carried out by Denbighshire CC, Wrexham CBC and the CCW to establish the special qualities and features of the landscape of the Dee Valley and Ceiriog Valley. Noted.
6 Notice of SP Manweb public exhibition regarding the proposed 132k overhead line route between Legacy Substation and Oswestry Substation. Noted
7 Copy of letter to Wrexham CBC regarding the removal of obstructions to the footpath the former Black Park Colliery Railway Line. It was agreed for Cllrs Hemmings and Jones to report on the situation.
126. PLANNING MATTERS.
The Clerk gave a verbal report on the following: -
P/2007/0149 Single storey side/rear extension comprising bedroom and kitchen –
20 Maesyparc, Black Park, Halton, Chirk. No objection
P/2007/0160 Conversion of existing outbuilding into annexe for dependant relative –
Canalside Cottage, Pentre, Chirk. No comment.
P/2007/0188 Single Storey Extension to side of dwelling – 31 Offa, Lodgevale Park, Chirk.
No objection.
The following certificates of decision were received and noted: -
P/2005/0877 Planning permission granted for the use of land and buildings, conversion, construction, car parking and service facilities for B1 work space – Estate Yard and Walled Garden, Brynkinalt Estate.,
P/2006/1452 Planning permission granted for the formation of new vehicular access to 9 Bronywaun, Chirk.
P/2006/1493 Listed Building Consent granted for the replacement of foyer doors with glass doors at the Parish Hall, Chirk.
P/2006/1506 Planning permission granted for off street parking at Coronation Drive, Chirk.
The Clerk reported receipt of the Chief Planning Officer reports to his Planning Committee on the following applications : -
P/2007/0069 Retention of 2 single Mobile Classroom units – Pentre Controlled School.
CPO’s Recommendation – that temporary permission be granted till 2012. Noted.
P/2007/0028 Erection of 89 no. dwellings, garages, and associated works – Ley Farm off Sycamore Drive, Chirk.
CPO’s Recommendation –that permission be refused. Noted.
113. ACCOUNTS.
1. Payments.
A list of invoices and payments amounting to £17,589.05 were presented to the Council and were agreed.
Signed Dewi G Evans Chairman 28th March 2007
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