Below are the minutes of the council meeting verbatim. Certain sections have been highlighted for clarity.
In brief: speeding issues, youth issues, local bus services, local area services adoption, skate park update, recycling.
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PEN-Y-FFORDD COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Minutes of the Meeting held in the War Memorial Institute on
Wednesday 2nd December 2015
Present: Cllr Dr DC Weed - Chair
Cllrs: Ms C Hinds, Mr D Williams, Mr T Jones OBE, Mrs E Davies, Mrs L Vidamour, Mr
S Davies Mr D Walker ; Mrs H Jones
In attendance: Mrs S Hughes, Clerk ; RFO to the Council
Mr J Pridden
PCSO Mat Gordon ; colleague
2 x Members of the Public
182.Apologies
There were no apologies received.
183. Declaration of Interest – Members Code of Conduct
There were no declarations of interest received.
184. Minutes of the meeting held on 4th November 2015
The minutes were approved as a correct record and proposed by Cllr T Jones and seconded by Cllr
Walker and were signed by the Chair.
185. Matters arising
Minute 161. Mr Jeff Pridden has been elected unopposed. His position on the Council will not
commence until after the date of 3rd December which would have been the polling day.
IT WAS RESOLVED for Mr Pridden to join the table this evening but would not be able to vote.
He will attend the January Meeting where he will sign the Declaration of Acceptance.
Minute 163. The Clerk has completed and sent the Stage 2 Application for the Play Areas.
FLVC advised the Clerk there seems to be an issue with FCC being able to advise any
Community Council of the breakdown costs of individual play areas.
A reply from Neal Cockerton has been received with regard to our request of clarification as to
why the Youth Club and Scout Hut now are only being offered a 5 year lease. His reply implied
that we had already been advised it was due to the land possibly being considered for a single
site school.
Cllr Walker asked the County Councillors to investigate as he believes that FCC are making it
compulsory for Community Councils to take on the Play Areas under the CAT’s.
Minute 164. Cllrs T Jones and Walker attended the meeting and felt on a whole it was poorly
attended. They were both impressed the way in which Cllr Shotton conducted the meeting.
There may be an opportunity for FCC to raise Council Tax to help with the care provision,
education and social services. Over the next 3 years FCC need to make a £58m saving.
Minute 170. Email from Brian McManus regarding Hope Recycle Centre. The Clerk had
replied however, there may have been a misunderstanding of his initial request. He replied
again simply asking whether the Community Council want this site to stay open?
IT WAS RESOLVED the Council support Mr McManus and do wish for the site to stay open but
is unable to offer any financial support. The Clerk will contact Mr McManus to offer an invitation
to attend a meeting early in the New Year.
Minute 171. The Clerk spoke with Aileen Williams, County Youth Officer and she actually
informed the Clerk that Penyffordd Youth Club is the only one in Flintshire currently operating
with a Management Committee. It is extremely difficult finding people willing to join the
Committee. She has been in discussion with the Treasurer to offer the same banking options as
other clubs use, which would be to bank via FCC.
IT WAS RESOLVED the Council are satisfied with the response from Aileen Williams and no
further action will be taken by the Council.
186. Public Questions
Mr & Mrs Morris informed the Council and PCSO Gordon of their
concerns of speeding on the A5104,
this is also making it extremely dangerous when pulling out of their driveway. PCSO Gordon confirmed
it has been identified and a survey had been done showing
the average as high 30’s. This is now a
‘Live Site’ and Go Safe will be attending.
Mrs Morris highlighted that the playing fields (near the new Redrow housing estate) has an entrance
direct onto the A5104 which does not have any barrier, fencing or railings. They also made reference
to the increased traffic on the road. Cllr Hinds is extremely concerned about the safety of the children
that could run straight out of the park onto a main road and that there should be some kind of barrier
installed, Cllr T Jones seconded this proposal. Cllr H Jones highlighted that on this section of road it is
actually a walking route to school and therefore should have barriers covering a larger section.
The Chairman suggested contacting FCC for a flashing speed sign to be installed. Cllr Williams
advised that this actually has been agreed under the Action Plan with FCC moving from the current
position of Corwen Road/Rhos Road.
PCSO Gordon informed the Council of the
Community Speed Watch. It would involve four or more
volunteers, training would be given by a member of the Go Safe Team, the volunteers would then be
given the necessary equipment. He will supply the Council with the necessary Application Forms.
Mr Morris asked who is responsible for emptying the bins in the park? Cllr Hinds advised that if the park
has not been adopted by the County Council (which it has not) it is the responsibility of the house
builder.
IT WAS RESOLVED Cllr Williams and Hinds will question FCC when the flashing speed sign will be
moved. PCSO Gordon will supply the Council with the Community Speed Watch Application Forms
and he will also provide a copy of the Speed Report for the A5104. The Clerk will write to Anthony
Stamford, Flintshire County Council with a copy sent to Mark Tami MP and Mr ; Mrs Morris requesting
safety barriers to be installed.
187. Litter Picker Vacancy
Following the advertisement of the vacancy the Clerk had received interest from two applicants
however one being a Contractor which the Council did not wish to pursue. Interviews had been
arranged but unfortunately due to personal circumstances of the candidate he had to withdraw.
The Clerk has since received a further application.
The Clerk asked the Council to consider whether filling this position could wait until early next year
when the bad weather had passed.
IT WAS RESOLVED the position needs to be filled as soon as possible as complaints have been
received and the work undertaken by the Streetscene Operative is invaluable. It was proposed by Cllr
Jones and seconded by Cllr Walker for the Clerk to arrange an interview undertaken by The Chairman
and Vice Chairman. If they feel the candidate is suitable he will commence in January.
188. Theatre Clwyd Meeting – 19th November 2015
The Chair and Clerk attended the above meeting where Theatre Clwyd were requesting to work with
Community Councils in publicising the theatre’s events through various options such as links on our
website or community car shares.
IT WAS RESOLVED the Council will arrange for the link to be included on the Council’s website
189. Standing Orders – 14. Execution and sealing of Legal Deeds
With regard to the above and in relation to the Cory Environmental Grant they have requested
signatories for the Funding Agreement.
IT WAS RESOLVED In accordance with Standing Order 14b a resolution was passed for Cllr Clive
Weed and Cllr Cindy Hinds to be named as the signatories for this project.
190. Millstone Playing Field
Cllr Williams advised the Working Group is meeting with Ludos at the Youth Club Thursday 3rd
December to review the plans and
refine the skate park plans.
.
191. Transport
Cllr Walker advised GHA run two services running twice Monday - Saturday; Ruthin to Chester and
Chester to Ruthin (both via Penymynydd).
The Clerk received and read the reply from Kate Wilby, Transport and Logistics Manager, FCC:
With regard to the recent changes to bus services by Arriva, these are commercial bus services, which
denotes that the bus company is free to operate services which it considers to be commercially viable.
The bus company decides which type of vehicle to provide, which route to follow and which stops to
serve, how frequent the service will run and how much to charge in fares, and the County Council has
no direct influence or control over such services.
The bus company does not need to seek authority to start, alter or withdraw part or all of such services,
nor is there any authority to oblige them to run services or sections of service, which they believe to be
unprofitable. Additionally, operators of commercial services are free to alter or withdraw such services
without consultation and can make changes to their services by giving eight weeks' notice to the Traffic
Commissioner.
The Council has provided a new bus stop outside the Medical Centre in Buckley and several bus
services already serve the stop (X4, SP1/SP2, 21A/B) with connections available from Buckley Cross.
As a local transport authority, we can write to Arriva and request that they consider diversions to their
services and the provision of new or additional journeys; however, we have no jurisdiction over
commercial services unfortunately.
Cllr Walker has taken this matter up with Carl Sargent AM who is looking in to this further.
IT WAS RESOLVED Cllr Walker will report any progress made with Carl Sargent AM.
192. War Memorial Institute
IT WAS RESOLVED for this item to be carried forward to be discussed at the next meeting.
193. Play Area Community Grant Scheme & Summer Playscheme Programme
The reported to the Council correspondence that has been received from FCC advising the following:
Play Area Community Grant Scheme: In 2016/17 the equipped play match funding scheme will be
replaced by the Play Area Community Grant Scheme. Details of this scheme are as follows:
Where a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) of a play area is agreed the local authority proposes to
make a ‘one off’ payment of up to £5,000 per play area transferred with a maximum of £10,000 per
community per year. This funding can be used to either enhance these play facilities or be put aside to
support future replacements costs.
For 2016/17 a fund of £105,000 will be available for the ‘Play Area Community Grant Scheme’ Any
unallocated funds will then be made available on a match funding basis for the enhancement of
children’s fixed play areas as follows:
Match funding will only be available to town and community councils or community groups where the
fixed play facility has transferred out of local authority control; and/or match funding will be available to
improve those play areas retained by the Council and agreed as a priority for retaining or developing.
In such instances, match funding will be based upon a maximum contribution of £10,000 from the
authority per Town and Community Council making a total investment of £20,000 i.e. £10,000 from the
local authority and £10,000 from the town or community council.
If the fund is under-subscribed it will then be determined on a priority basis and in accordance with the
findings of the Play Survey, with investment targeted to strategically important sites.
FCC Summer Playscheme Programme 2016 - Flintshire County Council is currently awaiting
confirmation of the level of grant funding it will receive in 2016 from Families First. We have been
informed that it will be February/March 2016 before any confirmation from Welsh Government is
received. This funding part funds the summer playscheme programme which helps to keep the
contribution from Town and Community Councils to a minimum.
We have been advised that there is likely to be a further reduction, possibly severe, in the level of grant
awarded generally and we have no indication as to how the reduction would be achieved across the
projects in Flintshire. As in 2015, our aim is to forewarn all town and community councils of the
potential deficit for councils to prepare for a worst case scenario, of there being no match funding being
available for 2016. The summer play scheme programme, in partnership with local town and
community councils, is highly valued by children, families and communities.
For 2015, The Flintshire Families First grant enabled the council to offer match funding for schemes of
three weeks duration in each town and community council area, at a cost of £900.00 per location.
Councils were also able to purchase additional weeks four or five, at a cost of £260.00 per week per
location. If the Families First grant is withdrawn then the costs to each council would be doubled at a
cost of £1,800 for a three week scheme and the costs for additional weeks would remaining at the
current level.
We have engaged with all communities during the delivery of this year’s summer playscheme and have
involved a number of volunteers successfully in their delivery. Can I take this opportunity to thank those
town and community councils who encouraged and supported community members to involve
themselves with the playschemes this summer. Those communities will undoubtedly benefit from local
expertise. As part of preparation for the summer, I attach details of accredited playwork training
courses available in January 2016, for volunteers from communities to gain a valuable qualification in
playwork.
These courses are free of charge and funded by the Welsh Government. Communities will undoubtedly
benefit from having local people who attend then having the confidence and knowledge to support and
provide play opportunities within their own locality.
It is likely that the local authority will need to work very closely with local communities to continue to
provide this valuable service for children in the county for Summer, 2016.
.
IT WAS RESOLVED the Clerk will invite Neal Cockerton and Mike Welsh to attend the January
meeting to request them to supply and discuss finance costings of the play areas. The Clerk will
advertise the courses available for Volunteers with regard to the summer playscheme.
194. Youth Representative
The Clerk provided the Council with the criteria and procedures required for recruiting a Youth
Representative. In accordance with the Local Government Measure 2011 it enables Town/Community
Councils to appoint up to two individuals to act as a Community Youth Representative.
Cllr Walker proposed and T Jones seconded that the Council advertise this vacancy. The Chairman
strongly opposed.
IT WAS RESOLVED the Clerk will advertise this vacancy on the Council’s website and will write to the
local High Schools, Youth Club, Scout Group and Guides with applications to be received by the end of
January to be reviewed in the February meeting.
195.
Police Report
PCSO Gordon advised the following:
1 x report of noise from the Youth Club at Hawarden Road.
1 x report of children being in someone’s garden late at night
1 x report of door to door salesman offering tarmacing services
Surveillance will shortly be active for the Allotment area
Cllr Williams informed PCSO Gordon of a report he had received of groups of children from the Youth
Club blocking pathways and intimidating residents. PCSO Gordon will continue to work with the Youth
Leaders regarding this issue. He advised that Youth Leaders are not actually allowed to leave the
premises during Youth Club which obviously prevents them from monitoring this issue.
Cllr Williams asked whether he was aware of the CCTV camera installed on Penymynydd Road? The
police have no knowledge of this camera.
They are aware of the continued issue of the Access Only on Penymynydd Road. Once the old sign
has been removed and the new installed this will be monitored and tickets will be issued for offenders.
Cllr H Jones advised of parking issues on the junction of Penymynydd Road and the Redrow estate.
The Police are aware of this and have spoken to residents. He feels there should be parking
restrictions due to traffic being diverted through this road.
** 7.05pm Police and members of the public left the meeting**
196. Planning Applications
The Clerk advised the Council that this application had initially been received by email, she had made
the request for all applications to come via post however FCC advised that most applications are now
issued via email due to financial cute backs.
i. Ref: 054596. Henffordd Farm, Old Hope Road, Penymynydd. Reconfiguration of commercial
unit to create service area between units No objections.
197. Notification of Planning Decision
i. Ref: 054294. 7 Poppy Field Drive, Penyffordd. Erection of single story rear extension.
Approved
198. Correspondence
All correspondence was received and noted.
• Emails received and circulated to all Councillors re:
o Statement of Licensing Policy Review – Consultation.
o Draft Local Government (Wales) Bill.
o Vacancy notice for the appointment of Chair to Career Choices Dewis Gyfa (CCDG)
• The Police and Crime Commissioner, North Wales will be holding a public consultation on 11th
January 2016 at 6pm in the Daniel Owen Community Centre.
• FCC are holding a Code of Conduct Training Course on Tuesday 26th January 2016 at 6pm on
the Cymau Community Centre, Cymau, Nr Wrexham.
IT WAS RESOLVED Cllrs Walker, Pridden and the Clerk will attend.
• One Voice Wales will be holding a Local Government Finance training course on 9th December
2015. The Clerk also advised the Clerk that OVW are offering a 50% discount on Annual
Membership and asked the Council to consider making an allowance for training requirements
when considering the budget.
IT WAS RESOLVED that no one will be attending.
• The Chairman had asked the Clerk to ascertain where the Council/individual Councillors stood
legally with regard to financial implications when taking on CAT’s. She spoke with John Gray,
FLVC and he has spoken to the Legal Dept in FCC and Solicitors and unfortunately is not able
to offer an answer.
199. Any Other Business
•
The meeting was closed at 9.15 pm.
