SPRING NEWSLETTER 2012
Cllr Cindy Hinds
38 Berwyn Avenue
Pen-y-ffordd
Nr Chester
CH4 0HS
Tel: 01978 761354
Email: hdencin@aol.com
Dear Resident
I hope you all had a good Christmas and wish you well for 2012. Unfortunately some residents in the village have not had such a good start to the New Year because of bereavements and illnesses. I have never known it so bad, but let’s hope the spring will cheer us up and we can look forward to warmer days.
FLINTSHIRE COUNCTY COUNCIL
Managed Weekly Collections – In parts of Flintshire there has been real problems with the refuse collections and we have had a few in this ward. As Pen-y-ffordd ward was in the pilot scheme most of ours have been ironed out. Pen-y-ffordd ward is one of the best in Flintshire for recycling. Not many residents have reported problems but please contact me if you are still encountering any difficulties or phone 01352 701234.
Street Scene – Street Scene was launched on the 5th March and will be all under one Department. It will eventually be more efficient for residents and there is now one contact number – 01352 701234.
It covers – Cleansing issues – Abandoned vehicles: Dead animals on the Highway; Dog fouling; Fly posting: Fly tipping: Graffiti removal: Pest control; Discarded needles and syringes; Enforcement, e.g. Litter, Dog fouling; Letter and leaves collections; Waste – Recycling collections; Waste collection and disposal; Maintenance issues – Public conveniences; Car parks; Highways issues – Signs; Flooding on highways; Highway maintenance; Gritting and snow clearing; Street furniture, Fences; Street lights; Street name signs; Grass cutting;
Housing – If you are considering to be housed in Flintshire you must put your name forward as soon as you decide because there is a long waiting list. For further information please contact Karen Stevens on 01352 701504.
Affordable Housing for Pen-y-ffordd Ward – On the Wood Lane and White Lion sites there will eventually be gifted homes to make housing more affordable for local people. There is also in the region of £500k from both sites, which will be available to provide further affordable housing initiatives to local residents.
Gifted homes are given by the developer to F.C.C. for local residents to rent to buy in the affordable category. If the local allocation is not filled then it is open to neighboring wards. Residents have questioned the definition of “affordable homes” and F.C.C. answer is that they are “subsidized homes.”
As part of planning approval both developers are required to make affordable housing provision for local people. Flintshire County Council’s Housing Strategy Officer, Penny Storr and local members have worked with developers to ensure that the right affordable housing provision is secured for our village.
The affordable homes will be a mix of home ownership (Flintshire New Build Shared Equity Scheme which allows people to purchase a 70% share in the property) and New Build Rental where the Council is looking to pilot its new initiative “Rent to Save” where part of the rental goes into a deposit fund to allow the tenant to buy a home in the future. It is essential that anyone who wishes to be considered for either of these developments is registered on the Council’s Affordable Homeownership Register. For further information please contact Affordable Home Team, Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd, 54 Stryd Y Dyffryn, Denbigh, LL16 3 BW. Telephone 0345 230 3140.
Housing Stock Transfer – Tenants ballot is now taking place for a decision on housing stock transfer. I think it would be tragic if this were to happen as there is a necessity for Council housing and also F.C.C. would be losing a lot of its assets. If the transfer does get the go ahead from the tenants then that is it forever and your local councilor will not be as much involved with housing as is now.
A & B Roads – F.C.C. is carrying out a survey and reviewing all speed limits on A and B roads in the County.
North Wales Police Authority – The Coalition Government is removing all Police Authorities throughout England and Wales. North Wales Police Authority consists of Magistrates, Independent Appointments and Elected Members selected from the County Councils.
They are to be replaced by an elected Commissioner sometimes called a Police Tsar. Any person can put their name forward for the position and political parties are considering candidates as well.
The election for the North Wales Commissioner is on the 15th November and will be the same procedure as if electing an M.P. I do not agree with this change but it has happened and I now look forward to seeing who the candidates will be when announced before the election.
The cost of holding this election for one person will be considerable.
Traffic Calming Measures – I have contacted FCC over a number of years regarding traffic calming measures to be placed in various parts of the village. FCC Has included some of these in the Taith bid relating to road safety for next year. Whilst the bid has not yet been finalized, and indeed it does have to go through a number of approval processes, it is likely that this scheme will be included in the 2012 / 13 programme of work. Clearly, this is, as stated, subject to approval and FCC would not wish to raise expectations but at the moment all appears most favorable.
The new traffic calming measures are less invasive safety measures.
Council Tax Charges – At the County Council on Thursday 1st March, St David’s Day the budget was decided and an estimation was given for Band D for Pen-y-ffordd Ward – Community £27.83, FCC £932.39 and Police £214.83 = £1,174.78.
Boundary Changes – The Coalition Government is reducing the number of MPs in Wales from 40 – 30. It will mean in North Wales that there could be a reduction of 3 or 4.
The present Alyn and Deeside Parliamentary Boundaries are proposed to be increased and include areas such as Leeswood, Gwernymynydd, Mold, Mynydd Isa, New Brighton, Northop, Northop Hall and Sychdyn which will increase the number of voters from approximately 62,000 to 81,000.
These boundaries are still being argued over and discussed at this moment in time. Whatever is decided upon will be at some considerable cost.
LOCAL
Dobshill – Work on the new ambulance station has now started on the former hospital site and is expected to be in service by October, replacing stations in Flint, Holywell, Mold and Queensferry. The Welsh Ambulance Service state that is would have no impact on the current service and it would improve care for patients. It is expected that the service will create 20 jobs to help clean and stock the vehicles. Some residents have asked if there could be a roundabout at the access to this new development. Flintshire County Council’s Highways said it would not be feasible and there are no future plans to do this.
Flintshire Highways Department has updated me on the proposed speed limit changes at Dobshill. The Legal Department informed Highways that the notice was advertised in the local press on Thursday 23rd February together with notices maintained on site. The consultation period will end on the 23rd March 2012, when they will consider any formal objections that have been received. FCC said it should be about April / May when the speed limits could be implemented.
I have emailed FCC Estates Department to see what is happening to the old Council Depot and their reply was that due to the economic climate the Police have not come back to them to say what their proposals are but have got till April 2014 to give their answer. If they do not want the land then it will be back to the drawing board for other suggestions.
Wood Lane and White Lion Developments - Since 2003 when my objections (which covered every angle you could possibly think of e.g. infrastructure, amenities etc.) first went to be heard before an Inquiry regarding the Wood lane and White Lion site it has been an uphill battle. After the Inquiry when the Inspectors granted both sites for planning permission, it was virtually impossible for Flintshire County Council’s Planning Committee not to give permission for both developments the go ahead unless there was something really serious. Both sites have been through Flintshire’s planning system and passed for development. I have had many meetings with Developers, Planners, Leisure, Legal, Highways, Utilities, etc to try and put forward residents and my own concerns relating to traffic, drainage, amenities, overdevelopment, etc and also voluntary organizations to prioritise what amenities are needed for the village under the Section 106 Agreement. From 2003 to now I have written, had many meetings with FCC and outside agencies and hit brick walls many times but we are where we are and have to move on. Also those who represent the village have really worked hard to try and get the most from Developers for the good of the community.
Hanson Cement – A meeting took place on the 6th December 2011 in the Legion regarding Hansom Cement. Various points were put forward from Health and Safety exposure: Health Protection Agency presented their review of oxides of nitrogen, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and metals from Hanson Cement plant and local air complaints received by Flintshire County Council, Environment Agency Wales and Hansom Cement from 2000 to 2010.
If you feel you want further information, please go on line to
Write to Hanson Cement Investigation, Public Health Wales, Preswylfa, Hendy Road, Mold, Flintshire. CH7 1PZ; or leave a message on the answerphone service on 01352 803686.
Drainage – Residents are still complaining about problems with drains. If you are having any trouble please let me know. Also you must contact Welsh Water straight away on 0800 085 3968..
Melwood Close Play Area – Flintshire County Council and the Community Council have agreed on match funding toward a small piece of play equipment. Hopefully we can make our play areas look more inviting by planting small trees and a few bulbs provided by PACA.
Dobshill Play Area – Match funding has also been given by Flintshire and the Community Council to replace the old piece of play equipment that was taken away.
Pen-y-ffordd Area Community Association (PACA) – The Association is working hard with other organizations to try and achieve the facilities that are needed for this village. These are the six priorities that have been given to us by local organisations.
- Something done for the Scouts / Cubs, Beavers and possibly brownies etc regarding premises.
- Pen-y-ffordd Junior Football Club would like to see a youth pitch in the village.
- Pen-y-ffordd Senior Football Club would like some assistance in funding for wet room and catch nets.
- General agreement that a skate park would be a much needed facility.
- Cricket facility.
- An area for BMX riding and outdoors adventure.
Both the Wood Lane and White Lion sites will offer a lot more land that will be utilized for the community (bringing us closer to the open space recommendations for our village) and with the correct approach monies will be gained reasonably easy as a contribution to these needed community projects. We can only work from land that is available to our community.
Christmas Carols – The Association had to have the carol singing in the Institute because of the weather and it went down very well. The amount of money raised was £80. When we do events it is very hard to get everything just right and hopefully we can achieve this, this year. We are always very grateful to those who volunteer to help out.
No community can do without volunteers, they are a must or we would not have all the organizations that are needed for different activities, helping the vulnerable etc.
If you have any other ideas for the carol service please contact me and they can be put forward to the committee.
Charity Walk – There will be a Family Charity Walk on Sunday 1st April at 11 am.
All Day Breakfast – On Sunday 13th May we will be holding our annual All Day Breakfast starting at 9 am.
The Association is hoping to finish the Community Garden this year. Groundwork is making good the lawn, borders need doing, more trees planted and two bases for two activity tables to be laid.
Pantomime – I always enjoy the pantomime and this year is no exception. So much hard work goes into preparing these events, learning lines, singing, dancing, lighting, music etc and the costumes. I thought the three little pigs pink dresses were fantastic, look out all you famous Designers. Well done, actors, actresses and organisers.
Carnival – The Carnival is to be held on Saturday 16th June at 1 – 4 pm. The committee is always very grateful for any volunteers on the day. These events take a lot of hard work and all voluntary so please support them.
War Memorial Institute – If you want to book the Institute the number is 07887752793. Web site - www.penyfforddwmi.co.uk
Email – postman21@penyfforddwmi.co.uk
Queen’s Jubilee – This year will be remembered for two things the Queen’s Jubilee and the Olympics.
Royal British Legion and the Institute are hoping to have a joint celebration on Monday 4th June for the Queen’s Jubilee.
Bob Oldham is the main organizer for this event and he will need volunteers and support from the community to make it a success and also he would welcome your ideas. He can be contacted on 01244 759426. Bob is also at the Legion organizing the Line Dancing on a Thursday evening.
Along with Cllrs. Linda Vidamour, Edwina Davies and Nigel Jones, Clerk to the Community Council, I have helped in choosing celebratory mugs for all the schools – St. John the Baptist, Pen-y-ffordd Junior and Abbots Lane Infants. I would like to thank the Community Council for their sponsorship.
Police – It was sad to see the window smashed in our local Pharmacy. The Pharmacy does well for this village and gives an excellent service.
There, also, have been several thefts of heating oil from villagers. I do hope the police quickly catch the perpetrators but in the meantime could everyone keep a close watch on their property.
Please be careful when answering your front door because there are bogus Water Board officials still active in the Flintshire area.
Contact nos. Police Headquarters 0300 330 0101 and 101 for Anti Social Behaviour.
Hedges – Some residents have contacted me over people cutting hedges (especially of the hawthorn variety) and just leaving the cuttings on the roads and pavements. This can cause people to slip and also the thorns can cause damage to bike and even car tyres. Could I ask anyone who is thinking of cutting their hedge to please bear these points in mind. Thank you.
Dog Fouling – I am still receiving complaints about dog fouling. FCC has a dedicated team where they patrol areas (if they have been alerted to the issue) and fine the person who is committing the offence. Those witnessing the offence, please take not of days, times or descriptions. Contact nos. 01352 703366 (Enforcement) and 01352 701234 to report where there is any unsightly dog mess in the village.
Local Businesses
It is easy to forget when we do our shopping in places like Broughton Park, which is only five minutes away that there are a number of businesses in our community that need our support. We have a very well run and friendly Post Office, an excellent prize winning butchers, a very popular and well organized Spa, excellent garage, pharmacy, and hairdressers. Also there is the British Legion and the opportunity to book their excellent entertainments room. There has been a change on the Committee with your people bringing fresh ideas. The Red Lion, which has new proprietors in Claire and Rob. The Millstone has also changed hands and there have been good reports about the atmosphere and their food. With new housing coming to the village and an active volunteer sector, if we support our local businesses then our communities will thrive and prosper.
N.B. If there are any other businesses in the village, to my shame I may have left out, please contact me if I am fortunate enough to be elected on May 3rd and I will do my best to include you in my next Newsletter.
M.P. and A.M – Thank you to the Royal British Legion for allowing the M.P. Mark Tami and A.M. Carl Sargeant for their surgeries (about three times a year on a Friday afternoon). The lounge is used as a waiting room and residents are seen in private in the entertainments room. Their next surgery is 16th March 2012 3 – 4 pm.
Their contact nos: are Mark Tami M.P. 01244 819854 tamim@parliament.uk
Carl Sargeant, A.M. 01244 823547 carl.sargeant@wales.gov.uk
COUNTY AND COMMUNITY COUNCILS ELECTIONS 3RD MAY 2012 – Residents will be given the opportunity to vote for up to 2 County Councillors and 10 Community Councillors. I have been selected by my Part to once again stand for both County and Community.
Over the last four years I have been proud and privileged to represent you all and have done my best to carry out my duties in a diligent and professional manner. I believe I have kept many people informed through my Newsletter giving everyone an opportunity to comment or make contact.
HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A LOVELY EASTER
Printed and produced by Cllr. Cindy Hinds, 38 Berwyn Avenue, Pen-y-ffordd. CH4 0HS.
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