MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING HELD 26th SEPTEMBER 2018

 

Present

Cllrs. Mrs Jackie Allen (JA), Mr Brian Colley (BC), Mrs Barbara Humphreys (BH),
Mr Frank Hemmings (FH), Ms. Eleanor Burnham (EB), Mr Terry Evans (TE), Mr Gareth Baines (GB),
Mrs Sarah Williams (SW), Mr Newman James (NJ), Mrs Dot Griffiths (DG), & Mr Mark Roberts (MR).
Mr Shaun Jones (SJ), Clerk to the Council.  Mr. Jack Butler (JB), Press – NWN. 

 

Not Present: Cllr. Ms Kirsty Cottam.


Apologies

Apologies for absence: Cllrs. Mr Michael Maxfield, Mr Mark Holmes & Miss Lynne Painter.

Declarations of Interest
No declarations of interest noted based on the published agenda.

 

66.      TO CONFIRM AND SIGN THE MINUTES AS A TRUE RECORD OF THE MEETING HELD ON 25TH JULY 2018.

The draft minutes for the Council Meeting held 25th July 2018 are now put to the Council as an accurate record of proceedings.  Under minute 49, EB asked the record to show her concern over the triage practice that appears to place serious cases lower in priority over others which many question why they are treated ahead.  The motion proposed TE and seconded EB was passed unanimously.  EB made a request for minutes to be published within 10 days of the meeting as previously agreed to.

 

67.      TO CONFIRM AND SIGN THE MINUTES AS A TRUE RECORD OF THE SPECIAL MEETING HELD ON 21ST AUGUST 2018.
 The draft minutes for the Special Meeting held 21st August 2018 are now put to the Council as an accurate record of proceedings.  EB requested her title be corrected.  The motion proposed GB and seconded SW was passed unanimously.

 

68.      TO CONSIDER ANY MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES RECEIVED ABOVE NOT REPORTED ELSEWHERE.

Minute 49 – FH advises that another meeting with Welsh Ambulance Trust is to take place.

Minute 62 – FH has updated his view on the work undertaken and removing the trees has made a good deal of difference.  TE commented that the Contractor Aled Lewis has done an excellent job.

Minute 65 – members request that Highways are invited to a meeting to hear the case concerning the effect of increasing the number of HGV movements.  A letter included in correspondence from Sam Heyward was brought up now because of direct relevance.  See minute 79 for more detail.

 

69.      TO CONSIDER NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING MATTERS.

There is no PCSO present so members took time to look over the Chirk crime reports for August and September.  For August 3 crimes are recorded and September 6.  In addition, anti-social behaviour statistics for August were 7 and September 4.  Under ASB there is an instance of a drugs related matter in the vicinity of the Tavern (formally the British Legion).  EB expressed her concern but other members were confident that the licensee is making best efforts to ensure there is no drug taking on the premises.  EB added her frustration over the fact a representative of the Police force is not present at tonight’s meeting.  Members were sympathetic but understand that Insp. Owens had explained there would be some instances where attendance at our monthly meeting would not always be possible.  BC touched on the lack of credibility related to the 101 non-urgent contact number for the Police.  Mention of the Crimestoppers line as another channel was made.  He attended a recent presentation from a member of the Police drug squad where mention of these shortcomings were raised.

 


 

 

70.      TO RECEIVE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM FINANCE SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING HELD 21ST AUGUST 2018.
 The draft report of the Finance Sub- Committee meeting held 21st August 2018 is now put to the Council as an accurate record of proceedings.  The motion proposed BC and seconded BH was passed unanimously.

Matters arising: –
Item 3 – TE commented the House now looks nice after the remedial works have been completed.  New tenants move in on October 1st 2018.  SJ advises that photos have been taken to form part of inventory record.

 

71.      TO RECEIVE REPORT FROM GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE MEETING HELD 12TH SEPTEMBER 2018.
 The draft report of the General Purposes Committee meeting held 12th September 2018 is now put to the Council as an accurate record of proceedings.  The motion proposed GB and seconded BH was passed unanimously.

 Matters arising: –
Item 3 – Sub water meter being installed.
Item 10 – An update on water leak at Fron Isaf.  Plans in place for temporary road closure and repair works to be undertaken.  TE thanked for his assistance.  It is not clear who will be asked to contribute towards the costs of this repair.
 Item 7 – NJ raised the recent contact from Chirk Youth Football over a fixture clash which meant they could not use the AAA Club facilities for a training session – he agreed to the use of Chirk Recreation Ground at short notice.  SW still believes there is some confusion over Chirk Rec use.  GB understood Council had considered issuing a pre-emptive press release to provide clarity.  NJ agreed that there is a need to be clearer.  JA and SJ to progress and liaise with JB.

 

72.      TO RECEIVE ORAL REPORTS FROM COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES.

BC as well as SJ attended the quarterly meeting of the Town & Community Council forum hosted by Wrexham CBC at the Guildhall in Wrexham on September 20th.  The main item was an informative but disturbing presentation on County Lines.  This relates to the method of distributing drugs within a community orchestrated by organised crime groups.  In our geography these mostly are based on Merseyside.  There are many young people forced to become involved and the Police see them as victims.  There is a You Tube video that members are encourage to watch that better explains.  Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLhGpS1f-F0   BC did raise his frustration over where to properly report drug crime as the 101 service is extremely poor.  He suggested a dedicated line but the response from the presenter non-committal.

FH recently attended a meeting of the The Chirk Relief In Need Charity.  The initiative to set up a Befriending Scheme in Chirk was tabled and the Trustees are supportive of this.  GB added that leaflets about two upcoming recruitment meetings are being circulated.  This is being brought about with support from Nightingale House Hospice and the Community Agent in Chirk.

JA attended (along with SJ) the presentation of the report to be presented to Welsh Government - Review of the Community and Town Council Sector that has been undertaken across the country in the last year. The link to the report will be sent to members by SJ.

A Chirk Environmental Liaison Group meeting (held quarterly) was held on September 10th 2018 in the Council Chamber.  Up to 5 Members are invited to attend as well as the Clerk.  As part of the presentation by Kronospan Ltd was a report on the recent fire on site. 

An event held at Chirk Parish Hall hosted by Natural Resources Wales took place on September 19th where the public could attend and learn more on the recent permit application made by Kronospan Ltd and how NRW will become a the single body overseeing the operations.  Many members attended and EB expressed her view that it was informative.  Mr Ian Oakes of NRW as well as his line manager are directly involved in the permit issuance were both present.

A mention of a future event where the Black Park Dementia Group will be represented at the Ty Pawb – International Older Peoples Day event on October 1st.

Both FH and SW request that the PCSO team in Chirk are contacted to draw attention to problems associated with a resident(s) in the Coronation Drive flats – drug related.  SJ will raise when next speaking to either Martin or Dean.

 

73.      TO RECEIVE ORAL REPORTS FROM LOCAL MEMBERS – WREXHAM CBC.

FH recently attended a WCBC training session on School Curriculum changes as well as alterations on how best to make comparison between the performance of schools in Wales. The current league tables are to be dropped.  Also attended a meeting on the process of drawing up a Local Development Plan (LDP) where he notes there is contention over the provision of suitable sites for Travellers in the County Borough.  Mention of the use of the site opposite Chirk Airfield was also made, there is a legal process underway to ensure the terms of the planning approval given are adhered to.  Only 7 permanent pitches have been approved and the recent occupation by visiting Travellers is outside of this.

TE reports the following:-

·         Street lights on Trap Bank have been repaired.

·         The recent work to paint (or repaint) double yellow lines on Colliery Road/Station Ave and other areas.

·         Noted the instance of some blocked drains after recent poor weather.  These have been reported.

·         The recent storm that saw a tree blown down and hitting the bus shelter opposite Chapel Lane Recreation Ground.  Serious structural damage but thankfully no personal injury.  This stone shelter is one of 3 built in the1970’s which should be reinstated.  All parties are looking at how this can be undertaken, WCBC and Kronospan Ltd particularly and whether there is insurance cover to pay for the repair.

 

SW mentioned that the style down “The Glen” has been damaged.  A report has been submitted to Wrexham CBC. 
NJ noted reports of recent flooding on Maes y Waun.  Probably due to blocked drains.
SW reported a heavy stench in parts of the town – TE will contact Welsh Water.

 

74.      TO DECIDE UPON APPEALS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE RECEIVED.

·         Dynamic – Centre for Children and Young People with Disabilities – proposed TE, seconded DG to grant £100 – motion carried.

·         Marie Curie Nurses – proposed EB, seconded SW to grant £100 – motion carried.

·         Sqn. 856 ATC, Chirk – members agreed to leave in abeyance and for the appeal to be represented in the new financial year beginning April 2019.

·         Friends of Chirk Station – have been successful in securing a grant to receive 8 silhouettes of WW1 soldiers as part of the There but not There commemoration, 100 years ago of the cessation of hostilities on 11th November 1918. They are holding a community event on 27th October 2018 initially at Chirk Railway Station with refreshments to be served at the Parish Hall.  The request is for the Council to donate the usual hire fee.  SJ calculates this as £31.50.  Proposed GB, seconded TE to waive the hire charge – motion carried.

 

75.      TO CONSIDER THE INSTALLATION OF PLAY EQUIPMENT DESIGNED FOR CHILDREN WHO ARE CONFINED TO A WHEELCHAIR AND ESTABLISH A GRANT APPLICATIONS SUB-COMMITTEE TO SOURCE THE REQUIRED FUNDS.
 Members were wholeheartedly in favour of this project.  GB advises that approx. £1,400.00 has already been raised.  This is around 10% of the fund raising target. Tesco have agreed to include our appeal in their Bags for Help scheme which will result in donation of £1,000, £2,000 or £4,000.  The following members agreed, JA TE & GB, to form a sub-committee to work on securing grants towards this worthwhile project.  Proposed NJ, seconded SW – motion carried.

 

76.      TO DECIDE IF FURTHER PRESSURE CAN BE BROUGHT ABOUT TO FIX BROADBAND NOT-SPOTS IN CHIRK.
 GB explained that in Fron Isaf broadband download speeds are just 1MBs and currently this example is by no means the only one where speeds fall below the USO (Universal Service Obligation) – a legally binding commitment to provide a minimum of 10MBs to all.  For this area the percentage of connections falling below the USO is up to 70%.  EB commented that she thought Ofcom as the regulator have not performed well and that BT have been the main beneficiary of the public money ploughed into Superfast Cymru yet there remains a significant number of households and business’ missing out.  Members request the assistance of the press journalist present to publish/highlight this issue in an attempt to keep up the pressure to deliver better speeds for all.

77.      TO NOTE THE FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT FOR THE 2018 REVIEW OF PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCIES IN WALES.
 Members noted the particular proposals for Wrexham and South Clwyd and North Montgomeryshire parliamentary constituencies.

 

78.      TO RECEIVE ANNUAL RETURN 2017/18 – EXTERNAL AUDITORS REPORT.
 It is noted that we are yet to receive the report from the External Auditors – Grant Thornton.  The deadline is the month-end so SJ has been chasing this matter up.  As soon as we hear the Notice of Conclusion of Audit will be posted on community notice boards and our web site.

 

79.      TO RECEIVE THE ORAL REPORT OF THE CLERK – INCLUDES CORRESPONDENCE.
 SJ outlined recent attendance at various meetings/events:-

·         Town and Community Councils Review Findings – Llandrindod Wells August 15th 2018

·         Chirk & Ceiriog Valley Partnership – met at Glyn Wylfa, September 19th 2018.

·         Wrexham Town and Community Council Forum – Guildhall, Wrexham September 20th 2018.

·         Society of Local Council Clerks – Llangollen September 20th 2018.

 

          Additional matters to note:

·         The July report from Kingdom Security was shared with members.  They are engaged by Wrexham CBC to issue penalty notices for littering and dog fouling/control transgressions. 

·         JA and SJ have been invited to attend a Thank You Concert at Chirk Methodist Church in celebration of the completion of the replacement roof project. 

·         The Secretary of the Chirk History Society, a regular user of Chirk Parish Hall for 28 years has a request to members.  He recollects a ramp at the front door and requests whether a temporary ramp could be available to assist him accessing the Hall.  He appreciates that there is a ramp allowing access to the side entrance but this is a long way round.  SJ will make some enquiries.

·         Estimates for improvements to both Offa and Black Park Play Areas have now been received from 2 suppliers.  These will now be considered in more detail by the Finance Committee and they will bring forward proposals to Full Council in due course. 

Correspondence:-

·         Thomas Robinson – Crest Leisure Ltd T/A The Boathouse – Letter seeking Council support for the reinstatement of a pedestrian bridge across the Llangollen Canal adjacent to Chirk Marina & The Boathouse. Noted and members agreed to support a formal request to Kronospan Ltd to grant permission for such a bridge to be built as well as exploring funding options.  Add to the next General Purposes Committee agenda to look at in more detail.

·         Sam Heyward – STOP Kronospan Pollution – Letter requesting a Public Meeting with all relevant parties along the lines of the meeting hosted by Chirk Town Council in 2016.  Noted and members request that the Clerk write to the Chairman, Mr Mike McKenna, of Kronospan Ltd inviting their participation.  It was suggested that the 3rd or 4th week of October be targeted for the meeting to take place.

·         Chirk AAA Ltd – Notification of an Organised Bonfire Night on Monday November 5th. Noted.

·         Nightingale House Hospice – Letter of thanks for £200 donation. Noted.

·         Home Start – Letter of thanks for £50 donation. Noted.

·         Chirk Gardeners’ Club – Letter of thanks for £100 donation. Noted.

·         Wales Children’s Air Ambulance – Letter of thanks for £100 donation. Noted.

 

80.      TO RECEIVE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM PLANNING SUB-COMMITTEE MEETINGS HELD 25TH JULY & 7TH AUGUST 2018.
 The draft report of the Planning Sub-Committee meeting held 25th July 2018 is now put to the Council as an accurate record of proceedings.  The motion proposed GB and seconded EB was passed unanimously.
The draft report of the Planning Sub-Committee meeting held 7th August 2018 is now put to the Council as an accurate record of proceedings.  The motion proposed GB and seconded EB was passed unanimously.

 

81.      TO APPROVE PAYMENTS TO BE MADE AS ON LIST ATTACHED.
 A list of invoices and payments (to 26.09.18) amounting to £26,841.95 & £392.40 (using pre-paid creditcard) was given to the Council and were passed for payment (see addendum). The motion proposed FH and seconded GB was passed unanimously.

 

82.      TO PRESENT ITEMS FOR INCLUSION ON THE NEXT AGENDA.

·         To note: FH after attending a Chirk Charities meeting extends an invitation to Chirk Councillors to participate in an upcoming Dementia Friends session.

 

Meeting closed 9:02pm.

 

 

 

 

Signed                                    Chairman                                                                            31st October 2018