CHIRK TOWN COUNCIL
CYNGOR TREF Y WAUN
MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING HELD 28th October 2009
Present
Mrs H J Spragg (Chairman), Mr J Vant, Mr D Evans, Miss J Win-Jones, Mrs J Allen, Mrs C Gough,
Mr N James, Mr D Richards, Mr R Smith, Mr F Hemmings, Mr M Maxfield and Mr S Dineen.
Cllrs I Roberts and T Evans, 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.
85. WORLD HERITAGE SITE.
The Chairman welcomed Dr Dawn Roberts and Del Roberts-Jones, Economic Development Department, Wrexham CBC who up-dated the Council following the recent World Heritage Site status given to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the Llangollen Canal from it’s start at the Horseshoe Falls in Llangollen through Chirk to Chirk Bank. Dr Roberts said that gaining WHS for Pontcysyllte and the canal was the first phase and the second phase has started with the signing on the Concordat and the Celebration Day event. The work in this second phase is to maximise the status of the communities along the corridor and this is being done setting up the Friends of the WHS groups working along side officers to quantify this aim. Management of the Site will be done by a group of Officers – (Mr Piers Warburton has already attended the Council to explain matters) there being 5 sub groups dealing with an action plan one of these being a Visitor management and transport plan but there is no money associated with the WHS Site and funds have to be generated.
Dr Roberts said that marketing of the WHS was imperative but this had been held back to ensure things were in place, such as providing car parking at the Chirk Estate Office, for visitors.
She said she was pleased that Wrexham CBC had agreed that the car park at the Council Officers can be used and planning permission is being sought to allow this to happen. Dr Roberts said that Wrexham CBC was in the forefront to help matters along and a meeting had been held with Denbighshire and Shropshire CC officers to promote use of public transport with new time tables to be made more amenable linking up with trains at Chirk and Ruabon. Wrexham CBC have agreed for Bus stops to have the WHS site logo on display and the new timetable will have “green” tourism initiatives. Dr Roberts mentioned the possibility of having a “Water Taxi” as another initiative for tourism.
Members were very pleased to learn more about the WHS Site and what is to happen and fully supported the efforts being made to promote matters to ensure the communities along the 11 mile corridor use the opportunities that the status will bring. Ensuring parking facilities were a major issue and needed to be created soon with the Council Office car park being a welcome start.
The Chairman thanked Dr Roberts and Del Roberts-Jones for taking time to talk to the Council and for their work in making the bid and gaining World Heritage Status for which we are all very grateful. Mrs Spragg said it is the intention to look forward to taking up the opportunities and for the communities to be involved in regenerating the area.
86.COMMUNITY POLICING.
The Chairman welcomed Insp Lisa Surridge and PC Cullen.
PC Cullen gave a report on crime statistics during the last few weeks that included: -
Anti-social behaviour – 4; Assault – 1; Burglary (dwelling) – 1; Criminal damage – 4;
theft (motor vehicle) - 1
PC Cullen mentioned “Operation Quiver” that is intended to counteract accident/damage associated with bonfires etc at this time of year. Schools and shops will be visited and posters put up as phase 1 with phase 2 being police patrolling the area during the evenings until after November 5.
Inspector Surridge told members that “Operation Twilight” is being undertaken again this year. This is an operation where officers visit vulnerable persons as burglaries increase during the darker evenings. Evening patrols will take place too in Chirk where there are some street lighting issues. Inspector Surridge also mentioned “Talking Signs” that have been trialled in the Ruabon area and which are be moved to Chirk.
86.COMMUNITY POLICING (cont).
With regard to staffing issues Inspector Surridge that during PC Cullen sick leave Ann Baxter from the Ceiriog Valley had offered support and while the PCSO of the Valley was also on long sick leave PCSO Cheshire had been helping out there. Inspector Surridge said that the PCSO at Glyn Ceiriog was now leaving the service and was to be replaced.
The Inspector said she was pleased to report that in Chirk reported crime has reduced as compared to the past year and that there had been a better crime detection rate too.
The Chairman said that she would like to see the officers around the area more often talking to and giving confidence to people especially the elderly and this was voiced by several other members though it was stated that police presence at the schools did happen and they were seen when the Tidy Town clearing and planting work was being done. Inspector Surridge said she was disappointed to have this comment as officers do visit the elderly in the area and also visited schools and have been interacting with the community. She said the recent environmental audit had seen a great improvement in Chirk and it was a nice place to walk around and praised those involved. Positive action had been taken with motor bikes at Canal wood and speeding was again to be looked at by officers using a speed gun especially around the school areas. With regard to parking issues, the Inspector confirmed that Wrexham CBC wardens have control of this but with issues of obstruction the police can be active.
The Chairman thanked both officers for their attendance and said she was glad to hear that crime figures were down and glad of help during the coming weeks. The Chairman also said that all members were pleased to have PC Cullen back after his recent indisposition.
86.MINUTES.
The minutes of the Council meeting held the 30th September 2009 were confirmed as a correct record.
86.MATTERS ARISING.
75. The Chairman said she was pleased to attend the Mayors Charity Evening that was good and enjoyable evening when £4,000.00 was raised for Hope House Charity.
86.CONDUCT AT COUNCIL MEETINGS.
Cllr Richards said that members should be mindful that these are Council meetings and not to be compared with other community meetings. Agenda items should be kept to without digressing from the point at issue and be mindful of the Chair. This was generally agreed by members commenting that discussion between members during debate was not good manners.
86.REPORT – CHIRK ESTATE OFFICE.
Cllr Roberts said that things have gone better that thought possible and following the public meeting when officers from Wrexham CBC reported that the authority had agreed after receiving a feasibility study that a Trust Board could be set up with the task of producing a Business Plan and that those who had shown interest had come forward and been elected members of the Board. He said there was a lot of work to be done by the board but an excellent opportunity for success for the town and the premises too.
The Chairman thanked Cllrs Ian Roberts and Terry Evans for their undying efforts in this important matter and on behalf of the Council gave support to Trust Board and wished them every success as she was sure they would make a good job of it.
86.REPORT – SCHOOL TRANSPORT COMMITTEE.
Members had received a copy of the report of the committee meeting held on 12th October 2009.
The Chairman referred to the Public Meeting that was to be held at the Parish Hall on the 3rd November when as many people in the community as possible will attend so that their views and comments can be heard and to support the Council in objecting to Wrexham CBC taking away free school transport for children attending Ysgol Dinas Bran.
This was a most important step for parents to show their unequivocal support and every effort will be made to ensure that parents know about the meeting by having leaflets distributed and visits made to local schools.
86.REPORTS – COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES.
Halton Wood. Cllr Hemmings reported on the public meeting with officers of the Forestry Commission and land owners when plans for Pentre Wood were discussed. It was pointed out that the public had access to the wood by way of the designated public footpath that ran through from Halton to Pentre – otherwise trespass can be an issue. Nevertheless, Cllr Hemmings said that improvements and repairs to the footpath are to be carried out. It was also envisaged that new kissing gates would be installed on the footpath from Pentre to the Hollow.
as well as renewing kissing gates.
86.REPORTS – COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES (cont).
Visit to the Senedd. Cllr Hemmings said he had visited the Senedd with the Chairman and Cllr Allen. Janet Ryder had escorted the party and was excellent making it was a really good day and a very worthwhile visit. The Chairman Mrs Hilary Spragg also said the visit was very interesting and Janet Ryder AM gave a good insight into the working of the Assembly. Cllr Spragg said that the opportunity had been taken to acquaint the AM about the school transport problem facing Chirk and found that Ms Ryder was supportive of the efforts being made by the Council and the community and would send her delegate to the public meeting as she would not be able to attend herself.
One Voice Wales. Cllr Smith reported on his attendance at the AGM and conference with Cllr Dewi Evans. He said that Dr Brian was the guest speaker and talked about the Proposed Local Government Order and the Welsh Assembly vision for Town and Community Councils and partnership working - though this would not be imposed on the Councils. Dr Brian referred to the partnership project being undertaken at Bala that involved a mini street scene type work.
(The Clerk referred to the consultation received on proposed Local Government Order and that due to timescale Cllr Smith had kindly given the matter consideration and a reply had been sent on the Council’s behalf to Martyn Jones MP as had been required).
Boundary Commission. Cllr Smith reported on his attendance at the Boundary Commission Workshop when a strategic plan for Wales was the topic, part of which referred to having better links between the Electoral Commission and the Boundary Commission. He mentioned that a review of the ward boundaries in Wrexham CB was due to be completed soon where the number of 1750 electoral names on a list would feature in determining the size of a ward though this will be somewhat flexible.
Glyn Valley Tramway Trust. Cllr Allen reported that the Trust had held its first AGM and all were pleased to learn that the Trust now had 170 members. Cllr Allen also said that the Trust had had visits from Eleanor Burnham AM and mark Isherwood AM to support the Trust in its work and endeavours. The Trust was also going forward and looking for cooperation from the Glyn Valley Tramway Group.
Wrexham Police and Community Forum. Cllr Allen reported on her attendance at the Forum meeting and referred to the police operation for Christmas, this being “Jingle Bells”. Bells will be handed out to the public for fixing to purses, handbags etc during December in an effort to combat bag snatching.
The Chairman thanked the representatives for their reports.
86.REPORTS – LOCAL MEMBERS – WREXHAM CBC.
Cllr Ian Roberts referred to the recent meeting held at Black Park when the Chirk Car Boot Sales were discussed with the police, Council Officers and the site owners the main point being traffic problems and control thereof. A new traffic management scheme is to be introduced next year and monitored to see if the scheme is working better with less disruption to the local community.
Cllr Roberts’ attention was drawn to the siting of the exit signs at the car Boot Site that are obstructing drivers view - two serious accidents had occurred.
Cllr Roberts informed the Council that a new bus shelter is to be installed at Pentre and that Dee Valley Water had started work on mains renewal at Pentre to be completed in six weeks.
Cllr Roberts mentioned that he and Cllr Evans had attended the Halloween Party at Craig Close Community Centre that was enjoyable and that a community Christmas Party is to be held there on December 16th.
Cllr Terry Evans informed the Council that new kerbing etc was to be installed to the pavement from West View to Chapel Lane and would cause some disruption.
Cllr Evans also said that Welsh Water were to investigate the foul smell emanating from the foul sewerage system in several places in Chirk.
He reported too that the local police had visited local schools and the elderly at the Craig Close Community Centre and that the Traffic Wardens had recently visited the area handing out ticket fines for dog fouling and car parking offences.
Cllr Evans referred to the “Welcome to Wales” sign and the planting of daffodil bulbs for a good spring show.
The Chairman thanked the two members for their informative reports.
86.RURAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2007/2013.
The Clerk reported on receipt of a letter from the Northern marches Cymru Manager that informed members this the plan setting out how Wales will deliver the activities supported by the Rural Development Regulation and will secure European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development for Wales. It will support four objectives and the focus for Rural Funding for Wrexham will be “axis 3” i.e. “Improving the Quality of Life in Rural Areas and the Diversification of the Rural Economy”. Chirk is one of the 22 communities in Wrexham that will be eligible for the new funding and in the Bid preparation process the Council is invited to send two representative to a meeting on 4th November at Gresford. The Chairman and Cllr Allen agreed elected to attend.
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86.REMEMBRANCE DAY.
The Clerk reminded members of the arrangements for the parade and service at the Cenotaph. He said that the Service will be led by Rev Ben Parry, Chaplain Chirk Branch Royal British Legion and assisted by the Vicar of Chirk Rev Rees.
86.APPEALS.
Appeals for financial aid were received from Victim Support Cymru and the British Heart Foundation and these were noted.
86.CORRESPONDENCE.
The Clerk reported receipt of the under-mentioned correspondence that was considered and dealt with: -
1.Letter from Dr B Drukker requesting that she present her business plans for the use of the formed Black Park Methodist Chapel. It was decided to ask Dr Drukker to provide a summary of her business plan for perusal by members.
2.Letter from the Clerk of Ceiriog Uchaf Community Council with notice of the Annual Four Councils Meeting to be held at Llanarmon DC on the 16th November. This was noted by members.
3.Letter from the Chief Planning Officer and the Operational Manager Traffic and Transportation, Wrexham CBC with regard to the Council’s complaints about the parking of cars for sale at the toll bar Whitehurst and on the road to Bryn yr Eos and at the Halton Roundabout on the A5/A483 bypass. The Operational Manager said that action would be taken to have the owners remove the vehicles.
4.Leaflet regarding the Rural Housing Enabler. It was decided to invite the officer for Wrexham to attend a future meeting of the Council.
5.Letter from the Policy, Information and Research Manager, Denbighshire County Council with regard to the public consultation of the Denbighshire Local Development Plan 2006 -2021. This was noted.
6.Letter from the Operational Manager (Transport & Road Safety) Wrexham CBC with regard to the proposal to install a bus shelter at Pentre. This information confirmed Cllr Roberts’ report and was agreed by the Council to show support for the proposal.
7.Communication from Piers Warburton, Community Development Manager Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal Project advising of the de-watering of the Aqueduct on Monday the November 2009 and inviting members to attend. It was noted that the “plug” was to be “pulled” at noon.
8.September/October Newsletters of AVOW Health & Social Care and Well-being Issues and the Autumn Newsletter of the Carers Issues. Noted.
9.Notice of meeting of the Wrexham Town and Community Forum on Tuesday 8th December 2009. Noted.
86.PLANNING MATTERS.
a.Certificates of Decision.
The following certificate of decision was received from the Chief Planning Officer, Wrexham CBC.
P/2009/0752 Permission GRANTED for the erection of Black Park Colliery Monument.
86.ACCOUNTS.
a.A list of invoices and payments amounting to £3196.91 were given to the Council and were passed for payment. (See addendum).
b.Accounts.
The Clerk handed out sheets that gave details of the Council’s accounts to the end of September 2009. These showed payments amounting to£53,844.00 as against the estimate for the whole year to 31st March 2010 of £113,337.00.
This information was noted and the Clerk thanked for providing the report.
Signed Hilary J Spragg Chairman 25th November 2009.