CHIRK TOWN COUNCIL
CYNGOR TREF Y WAUN
MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING HELD 29th September 2010
Present
Cllr T Evans, Wrexham CBC. Mr S A Hughes, Clerk to the Council.
38. MINUTES.
The minutes of the Council Meetings held the 28th July 2010 were confirmed as a correct record.
39.MATTERS ARISING.
27/11 CCTV Camera. Cllr Hemmings reported that he had visited the CCTV office, Wrexham CBC and had noted from the screen pictures that the Millennium Garden area and other parts around were masked by the branches of the Oak Tree and therefore no usable images could be obtained. The Clerk mentioned that the oak tree had been pruned as far as was allowed by planning permission during last autumn/winter time and therefore there was need to consider removing the tree. In the meantime he would contact the Arboricultural Officer in the matter.
40.NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING.
PC Cullen and PCSO Sawyer were welcomed to the meeting and informed the Council the crime statistics since the last meeting as follows: -
Assaults – 5 (3 detected); Break-ins – 2 (1 detected); Criminal Damage – 9 (1 detected); Drugs – 1 (1 person arrested);
Shop lifting -2 (2 detected); Thefts – 5 (1detected); Anti Social incidents – 10 (1detected).
PCSO Sawyer reported that in relation to the mini motorbike problems 2 had been seized under section 59 measures and that no reports of incidents had been received since 10th August. PCSO Sawyer also informed the Council that no reports of anti social incidents at the Millennium Gardens had been received since 6th August.
In answer to a question PC Cullen said that the policing team would continue to deal with Anti Social issues as now – no changes were planned.
The officers were questioned about a break-in incident that occurred at Glyn Wylfa (the former Council Offices, Castle Road, Chirk) that had been reported to the Police with information but the response to the incident was very slow taking 3 hours for a response and no further reply. PC Cullen said he would look into the matter and report back.
The attention of the officers was brought to the canal basin at Chirk Aqueduct where youths congregate the other side of the canal in a dangerous place leaving beer cans, bottles and waste littering the area. PC Cullen said that the officers would visit the area and also draw the attention of British Waterway to the issue and for action to prevent access to the canal (west side).
The Council agreed to report the matter to British Waterways.
41.REPORTS – COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES.
Glyn Valley Tramway Trust.
Cllr Jacqueline Allen reported on her attendance at a recent meeting when the Trustees dealt with fund raising and visits
to other railways as well as getting ready to lay track.
42.REPORT – WREXHAM CBC MEMBERS.
Cllr Terry Evans reported that Chirk’s entry into the Wales in Bloom competition had gone very well being placed second to Tenby Town again but with the same points total. He also referred to Wrexham Tidy Town Competition where Chirk were nominated Best Kept Village in Wrexham for the second year running.
On the environmental improvements in the Town Cllr Evans reported that two new special type manhole covers had been installed in the foul sewer line at Queen’s Square and Chirk Royal British Legion that will hopefully prevent obnoxious smells emanating. He also reported that an additional waste recycling bin had been installed at the amenity site in the car park that will receive electrical items.
Cllr Evans informed the Council that he had been approached by Myttons Estates, the new developers of the
Plas Y Waun site, Chapel Lane with regard to the naming of the proposed development. Plas Y Waun was the name put forward by Myttons and this was unanimously agreed by the Council.
Members expressed heartfelt thanks to the Chirk Community Forum members and helpers who had done so much work in preparing, planting and maintaining the flower displays around the Town. The results of their extreme efforts have made a wonderful display and a beautiful town are a real credit to the few who have mastered the project and in gaining such wonderful results in the competitions again is a magnificent.
The efforts of the Friends of Chirk Station were also to be congratulated on making Chirk Station such a very pleasant and clean place for travellers and tourists arriving here. Again a lot of effort by a few has reaped rich rewards and grateful thanks were expressed by the Council.
43.COUNCIL’S ANNUAL RETURN FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING 30th MARCH 2010.
The Clerk reported the return of the Draft Annual Return from the appointed auditors UHY Hacker Young in accordance with new procedures. The auditors state that “We have now substantially completed our audit work on the Annual Return for the year ended 31st March 2010. There are no issues arising which we believe the Council should consider prior to approval of its Annual Return in accordance with the Accounts and Audit (Wales) Regulations 2005
(as amended) (the Regulations)”. The auditors also state in regard to the Proposed Audit Certificate and opinion……. “It is our intention to issue an unqualified audit certificate and report with no other matters which we wish to draw to your attention”.
The Clerk informed the Council that he will re-certify Section 1 of the Return in accordance with Regulation 8B of the Regulations and in order to complete matters the Council need to approve the Annual Return and for the Chairman and Clerk to sign Section 1 and 2 of the Return.
The Council duly considered the details contained in the letter from the appointed auditors UHY Hacker Young and resolved to approve the Councils Statement of Accounts for the year ending 31st March 2010 as presented. The Chairman and Clerk then signed the Sections 1 and 2 of to complete the Return as required.
The Chairman thanked the Clerk on behalf of the Council for dealing with the audit and achieving an unqualified report from the auditors.
44.REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY.
The Clerk informed the Council that he had spoken to the Honorary Secretary to Chirk Branch of the Royal British Legion who said that the Branch had agreed to keep to the same parade and service at the Chirk Cenotaph as done in recent years. The Council also agreed to carry on the as previously.
45.APPEALS.
The Clerk provided members with details of donations made to the various organisations over the past seven years. It was agreed that members would consider how to proceed with appeals for financial aid for the next financial year.
The following appeals for financial aid were received and dealt with as follows: -
.Black Park Community Centre – Agreed to make donation of £250.00.
.Chirk AAA’s Bowling Section – Agreed to make donation of £200.00.
.Chirk Hospital Circle of Friends Scanner Appeal (Cllr J Allen declared an interest and left the meeting) –
Agreed donation of £500.00.
.Urdd Gobaith Cymru Wrecsam/Fflint – Agreed donation of £100.00.
.British Red Cross - agreed to let lie on the table.
.One Generation Project – the Clerk informed the Council that he had advised the applicant to submit an application when the proposed use of premises to run the project from to be available.
46.A5/A483 CHIRK BYPASS
Members had received a copy of letter from the Network Manager, North Wales Road Agency advising the Council that is not appropriate to carry out remedial measures to the road until NWTRA’s investigation; the West Mercia Police Report and the Coroner’s Report have been made available”. Cllr Mrs Hilary Spragg said that the Council should keep a close eye on the situation to ensure that the investigation and remedial works are not delayed.
47.ONE VOICE WALES
Members had received a copy of letter a with details of motions that will be discussed at the forthcoming conference. These motions were noted by the Council deciding that the two representatives would vote according to what the further information from the floor of the conference brings.
The Clerk mentioned that Mr Lyn Cadwallader had been appointed as the new Chief Executive of One Voice Wales and would be at the conference.
48.THE QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE.
The Clerk reported that he had been reminded by the Chair and Secretary of the Chirk Celebrations Committee that the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee will take place in 2012 and asked the Council whether things should be put in motion to celebrate the event that will take place over 4 days starting on the 4th June – the Queen’s official birthday. Following discussion the Council decided this prestigious event should be celebrated by the community and that preparation should be commenced. It was also decided to invite the Chirk Celebrations Committee and all other local organisation to a meeting and join in with the organising and taking part in the event to ensure that Chirk has a good memorable and enjoyable day(s).
49.PROPOSED LOCAL GOVERNMENT MEASURE.
The Clerk referred to a letter from the Chief Legal and Democratic Services Officer, Wrexham CBC with information about the proposed measure and reported that at a recent meeting of the Wrexham Community Council’s Forum the officer informed the meeting that he had made a report to his Council on the matter and the authority had replied to the consultation. The Clerk said that Wrexham CBC had concerns about some of the issues in the proposed document and were in fact working with some of the points included therein. The Forum was generally in agreement with the content of the reply by Wrexham CBC.
50.PROPOSED LOCAL GOVERNMENT MEASURE (cont).
The Clerk pointed to a particular area of the proposed measure that dealt with Town and Community Councils and the proposal for them to take on services for their community but there was some confusion as to whether the measure will mean that Community and Town Councils must take on these new services and responsibilities or whether they will be allowed their discretion to accept them or not. This was a very important issue as generally Town and Community Councils only employ a part time Clerk so there could be a need to employ additional staff and expertise and training for councillors and staff. The expense would have to be met by the Councils and would add very much to the costs that the councils would need to cover through the local council tax.
After consideration the Council decided to reply to the consultation in line with the report and comments that the Clerk has made.
51.WREXHAM YEAR OF CULTURE 2011.
The Clerk reported receipt of letter from the Events Team Co-ordinator, Wrexham CBC that as the National Eisteddfod is coming to Wrexham in 2011 the Council has decided to make 2011 the “Wrexham Year of Culture”.
Events are to be organised through out the period and the authority wishes all communities in the County Borough to be involved. The Year of Culture will be launched early in January 2011 with a programme of the first quarters events and so details of events that will take place during the first quarter are being asked for from the communities so that they can be included in the programme of events.
52.PROPOSED EXTENSION OF THE CLWYDIAN RANGE AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY.
The Clerk reported receipt of an invitation to attend a meeting at Llangollen when the proposals for the extension of the Clwydian Range are to be explained. It was agreed that the Chairman and Vice Chairman should attend if possible.
53.CORRESPONDENCE.
The Clerk reported receipt of the under-mentioned correspondence that was considered and dealt with:
a.Letter from Ferelith Smith with congratulations for the terrific flower displays around Chirk this year and thanks to those who have done all the work.
b.Leaflet regarding the ON WATCH LINK (OWL). This is part of the Neighbourhood Watch and an extension facility to obtain information of what is happening in areas of the County Borough. It is available on-line, email, fax, print, phone and text messaging and persons are able to sign up to this valuable service. The project administrator is Jackie Lee – telephone number 10352 708118.
c.Newsletter from the Shrewsbury/Chester Rail User’s Association with note about membership. It was agreed to renew the Council’s membership.
d.Notice of meetings of the Community Buildings Network. Noted.
e.Newsletter Wrexham CBC Strategic Housing Services Summer issue. Noted.
f.Notice of meeting of the Chirk and Ceiriog Valley Partnership and minutes of the previous meeting. Noted.
g.Newsletter AVOW “Health, Social Care and Well-being” September/October Issue. Noted.
h.Letter from Wrexham CBC regarding “Discounted Senior Railcards” being available to County Borough Residents. Noted.
i.Notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Chirk Celebrations and Lights Committee on 12th October at the Parish Hall, Chirk with minutes of previous meeting and reports from the Chairman and Secretary. Noted.
j.Invitation to the Mayor of Wrexham’s Charity Dinner. Agreed for the Chairman and lady to attend as the Council’s representatives.
k.Invitation to attend the Annual Standards Conference to be held in Cardiff on the 14th October 2010. Noted.
l.Information about the forthcoming 2011 Population Census. The Clerk said that lots of information will be published and received about the Census. Forms will be sent to all households and will need to be completed and returned during a six week period starting in March 2011. Jobs are available and information can be had on-line at www.censusjobs.co.uk .
m.Confirmation of the Booking by the Council of the CINDERELLA at the Parish Hall on the 24th November 2010. The Clerk reminded members that this was a community project and needed the support of all councillors.
The Clerk also drew attention to the fact that the date is the usual date of the November meeting of the Council.
The Council therefore decided to defer the Council meeting till them 1st December 2010
54.PLANNING MATTERS.
Plans Committee.
The Clerk gave a report of the Plans Committee held 29th September as follows: -
a.Planning application dealt with by the Clerk and Chairman during recess.
P/2010/0660 Erection of 33KV Overhead Line –Adjacent to Penywaun, Castle Road, Chirk.
The Council considers that the new 33KV line should be placed underground to meet with the existing
underground cable in the field north of the GVTT rail track and the public right of way. This will remove
any danger to the public that walk this well uses footpath and to the steam train that is to use the rail track.
53.PLANNING MATTERS (cont).
P/2010/0694 Outline application for erection of Agricultural Workers Dwelling and
installation of septic tank – land to the East of Forge Farm, Pontyblew,Chirk, Wrexham.
P/2010/0695 Extension to dwelling for kitchen and dining area – 26 Crogen, Chirk, Wrexham.
The Council has no objection to the proposed development.
P/2010/0568 Cultural and Visitor Centre with Central Feature Tower topped with a sculture of the
Welsh Dragon within landscaped grounds with car and coaching parking –
Chirk Park adjacent to A5/A483 and Green Lane, Halton, Chirk.
The Council has no objection to the proposed development
b.Planning Applications received from the Chief Planning Officer Wrexham CBC under the consultation procedures and dealt with as follows:
P/2010/0720 Outline application for erection of single storey dwelling (previously granted under code No.
P/2007/0630) – plot 8 Land opposite New Houses, Pentre, Wrexham.
The Council has no objection to this application
P/2010/0724 Erection of 1.8m high wall – 8 Maesywaun, Chirk.
The Council has no objection to this application.
P/2010/0736 Variation of condition 2 of 5/04/6846 to allow workshop to be used in conjunction with picture framing business – 10 Station Avenue, Chirk.
P/2010/0771 Conversion of roof space and extension to dwelling – 5 New Bungalows, Pentre.
The Council has no objection to this application.
P/2010/0796 Listed Building consent for alterations to existing agricultural building –
Halton Farm, Chirk.
The Council has no objection to this application.
P/2010/0978 Removal of existing factory entrance sign and erection of new sign with internal LED
illumination – Kronospan Ltd, Chirk.
The Council has no objection to this application
c. Certificates of Decision.
The following Certificates of Decision have been received form the Chief Planning Officer for information and noted: -
P/2010/0450 Listed Building consent granted for alterations at Chirk Castle.
P/2010/0589 Permission refused erection of dwelling on land at Ridgeway Lodge, Chirk.
P/2010/0596 Permission granted for construction of silage clamp at Halton Farm, Chirk.
P2010/0597 Consent granted for raising of pole sign etc at McDonald’s, Chirk.
P/2010/0603 Permission granted for extensions and alterations at McDonald’s Chirk.
P/2010/0604 Permission granted for new signage at McDonald’s, Chirk.
P/2010/0612 Permission granted for single storey bedroom and shower room and kitchen extension to
15 Princess Avenue, Chirk.
P/2010/0620 Permission refused for erection of welfare shelter at Coed Gelli, Pentre, Chirk.
c. Certificates of Decision.
P/2010/0621 Permission granted for single storey extension to Tanycoed, Chirk.
P/2010/0628 Permission granted for Road Improvement (widening and on street parking lay-bys)
opposite 117-133 Bronywaun, Chirk.
P/2010/0645 Permission granted for two storey extension to 2 Castle Walks, Chirk.
P/2010/0647 Permission granted for alterations etc at Ty Maen Farm, Pentre, Chirk.
P/2010/0660 Wrexham CBC has no objection to the erection of 333KV Overhead Electricity Line on land
adjacent to Penywaun, Chirk.
P/2010/0695 Permission granted for extension for kitchen and dining area at 26 Crogen, Chirk.
d.Planning Officers Report.
This report refers to two applications referred to at 1 above, namely: -
P/2010/0570 Plot 8 opposite New Houses, Pentre and P/2010/0724 8 Maesywaun, Chirk
In both cases the Chief Planning Officer recommends approval of the planning applications to the Local
Authority Planning Committee. This information was noted.
54. ACCOUNTS.
.Payments.
A list of invoices and payments amounting to £14,453.56 were given to the Council and were passed for payment.
see addendum).
Signed John Vant Chairman 27th October 2010