MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING HELD 27th FEBRUARY 2019

 

Present

Cllrs. Mrs Jackie Allen (JA), Mr Brian Colley (BC), Mrs Barbara Humphreys (BH), Miss Lynne Painter (LP),
Mr Mark Roberts (MR), Mr Terry Evans (TE), Mr Michael Maxfield (MM), Mr Frank Hemmings (FH),
Mr Newman James (NJ), Mrs Sarah Williams (SW), Ms Eleanor Burnham (EB) & Mrs Dot Griffiths (DG).
Mr Shaun Jones (SJ), Clerk to the Council.  Mr. Jack Butler (JB) – Press – NWN.  
1 Member of the General Public.

Apologies

Apologies for absence: Cllrs. Mr Gareth Baines, Mr Mark Holmes & Ms Kirsty Cottam.

Declarations of Interest
Declarations of Interest: Agenda item 14. Appeals for Financial Assistance – Cllr. Eleanor Burnham declared a personal interest but not prejudicial concerning an appeal from Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and completed a declaration form.  She will take part in the Council business.

 

131.    TO CONFIRM AND SIGN THE MINUTES AS A TRUE RECORD OF THE ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 30TH JANUARY 2019.

The draft minutes for the Council Meeting held 30th January 2019 are now put to the Council as an accurate record of proceedings.  The motion proposed FH and seconded EB was passed unanimously.

 

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

Minute 119 – EB made enquiry over CCTV in the vicinity of the Colliery Road Public Toilets (managed by Wrexham CBC).  This was confirmed.

 

133.    TO CONSIDER NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING MATTERS.

No PCSO present at this evening’s meeting.  Members noted that PCSO Dean Sawyer has been moved from Chirk to Gresford since our last monthly meeting which he attended.  NJ requested the Clerk to write a letter to PCSO Sawyer thanking him for his service while based in Chirk.  SJ to action.
PCSO Griffiths has sent in a report of Chirk Crime figures since our January meeting.  6 crimes are recorded and additionally 4 reported cases of anti-social behaviour.  Members noted these levels are the same or similar to ones reported in previous months.  Within categories of reported crimes it seems that assaults and burglaries are rising.  Where members know of a particular incident they were keen to verify that it was recorded on the Crime report presented.  SJ will raise on the next meeting with our PCSO team.

 

134.    TO RECEIVE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM STAFFING AND POLICIES COMMITTEE MEETING HELD 12TH FEBRUARY 2019.
 The draft report for the Staffing and Policies Committee meeting held 12th February 2019 is now put to the Council as an accurate record of proceedings.  The motion proposed BC and seconded FH was passed unanimously.
 Items 3, 4 & 5 contained recommendations to full Council which were each considered and the motion carried.  The final drafts of Model Standing Orders 2018 and the Bereavement/Compassionate Leave policy will be added to an upcoming General Purposes Committee agenda for final approval.

 


 

 

135.    TO RECEIVE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD 12TH FEBRUARY 2019.
 The draft report for the Finance Committee meeting held 12th February 2019 is now put to the Council as an accurate record of proceedings.  The motion proposed SW and seconded BH was passed unanimously.
 Items 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 & 11 contained recommendations to full Council which were each considered and the motion carried.
Matters arising :-

·         Item 6. A query over the Millennium Gardens being noted on Wrexham CBC Asset Register. SJ will try to gain clarity ahead of approving any of the spend already tabled.

·         Item 9. BC suggests taking up the offer of a survey by British Gas on possible improvements to our current heating installation.  SJ will follow this up.

·         Item 11. Concern over speed of vehicles coming up Trap Bank again expressed.  The use of fixed mirrors on junctions with poor visibility is not an option Highways allow.  It was confirmed the Speed Sign does work at night.

 

136.    TO RECEIVE ORAL REPORTS FROM COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES.

 

·         EB participated in the Dementia Awareness program when the Dementia Bus visited Wrexham Town Centre.  Not for the faint hearted.

·         EB attended an Aqueduct AONB event at Lion Quays.

·         BH attended a similar Aqueduct AONB event at Chirk Library.

·         FH reported that around 900 people had visited the Dementia Bus.  The biggest take up across the UK.  At a recent presentation given by FH to the Wrexham & District Scouts on Dementia Awareness use of an adapted pair of shoes with insoles to mimic walking on a pebbly beach and with pain was incorporated.

·         SW reported from a recent meeting of Chirk Youth football – all going OK.

·         JA attended a Chirk & Ceiriog Valley meeting on Rights of Way.  Currently there are 2 live applications to convert footpaths to bridleways in the Ceiriog Valley.  There is more of a wish to downgrade rather than upgrade, miss-use by 4x4 vehicles still a problem.

·         BC mentioned that dog owners must take responsibility, having dogs off leads where livestock are present is irresponsible.  Seen within Chirk Castle grounds.

 

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

TE reported that there have been complaints over the current state of the roads – broken sections and pot holes.  It is proving hard to get remedial works done due to budget constraint within the WCBC Highways Dept.  The road sweeper has been through town.  Articulated lorries still causing issues at New Rhos y Waun.  The one way system there was introduced to allow better access for the bus services. The problem is lack of parking provision – on numerous occasions we have advocated using more of the green space to add more parking spots.

 

FH made mention of Wrexham CBC increasing Council Tax by 5.5% from April 2019.  The road junction at Whitehurst has recently been the site of another bad road traffic accident.  Someone was seriously injured – hit head on.  There is a Welsh Government trunk road meeting planned to look at improvements.  Regarding the general state of the roads, FH encourages the use of Fix my Street app – loaded on a smart phone.  Register with Wrexham CBC.  SW happy to support improvements at the Whitehurst junction.  Also a joint visit with FH agreed to see the impact on play space for children because of the site of a work depot (garden improvements) – Rhos-y-Waun.

 

138.    TO OUTLINE PLANS FOR THE CHIRK VISIONING EVENT – SATURDAY 23RD MARCH 2019 – CHIRK PARISH HALL.
 JA outlined the plans and that it is expected 25 – 30 participants will come along.  The timings are 9:30am for registration, 10am – 4pm with a light lunch.

 

139.    TO CONFIRM RENEWAL OF MEMBERSHIP OF ONE VOICE WALES.
 SJ outlined the membership renewal and it was proposed EB, seconded FH to renew our One Voice Wales membership for £536.00 – motion carried.

 


 

 

140.    TO PRESENT & ADOPT THE CHIRK TOWN COUNCIL MEMBER/OFFICER PROTOCOL.
 The Protocol on Member/Officer (Staff) Relations was agreed.  Proposed FH, seconded BC – motion carried unanimously.

 

141.    TO HEAR AN UPDATE FROM THE GRANT APPLICATIONS WORKING PARTY.

·         Kronospan – agreed to donate £500 towards the purchase of defibrillators for Pentre and Black Park.

·         Wrexham CBC Together in Wrexham Enabling Grant Scheme – we missed out but will try in the next round. – Funding proposal for Pentre Recreation Ground improvements.

·         North Wales Police & Community Trust grant scheme – 113 applications and we are included in the shortlist of 6.  This project is to add to the CCTV coverage in Chirk.  Online voting is underway and each household can vote 4 times.  Members encouraged to spread the word.  JB asked to promote through the press.

·         Fundraising for additional Defibrillators sites – Rhos y Waun and Lodgevale being considered.  CPR training opportunities also mentioned and all encouraged to participate.

 

142.    TO DECIDE UPON APPEALS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE RECEIVED.

·         Family Friends for 5’s to 11’s – a letter received has requested financial support.  Proposed EB, seconded SW to grant £100 – motion carried.

·         Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod – a letter has requested financial support.  Proposed TE, seconded SW to grant £250 – motion carried.

·         Conway County National Eisteddfod – request for financial support.  Members agreed to leave this request on the table – motion carried.

·         Welsh Air Ambulance – request for financial assistance.  Members agreed to leave this request on the table (as we have already made a donation in this financial year) – motion carried.

·         Urdd National Eisteddfod – request for financial support.  Members agreed to leave this request on the table – motion carried.

 

143.    TO RECEIVE THE ORAL REPORT OF THE CLERK – INCLUDES CORRESPONDENCE.
 Matters to note:

·         Bespoke One Voice Wales training courses to be run by Glyntraian Community Council.  Members were supportive of having courses run nearby but have an open viewpoint on take up as it depends on the courses being run.  Back in November 2016 a similar exercise took place in Chirk so their maybe overlap in similar modules being run. SJ to feedback.

·         SJ advised members that the Chirk Community Newsletter is due to be published soon.  Members are happy for SJ to submit copy for publication but written in the 3rd person.  This change being instigated after a review of Council protocols. 

·         Notification via an Advice Note from the Society of Local  Council Clerks that Website Accessibility rules are coming into force.  We have until 23rd September 2020 to comply.  This will probably form part of an overall review of the Chirk Town Council website.

·         Welsh Government support for Initial Set-up of Joint Arrangements.  A letter has been received that provides for applications in this financial year and 2019/20 for funding on offer.  Maximum of £5,000 as a one off grant.

·         SJ outlined the progress to date over the appointment of a new contractor for Grass Maintenance services covering all green spaces and the cemetery managed by Chirk TC.  3 quotations have been received, only one covered both the recreation/play areas and cemetery and SJ requests delegated powers to work with this bid on a preferred supplier basis and see if agreement can be reached.  It was proposed by FH and seconded EB that SJ is permitted to proceed on these lines.  All agreed, motion carried.

·         Planning application P/2019/0075 has been circulated via email – merely confirming that the Council has no objection – Members agreed and SJ will respond accordingly.

 
 Correspondence:-

·         Sue Wyn Jones – Digital, Brand and Communications Lead – Wrexham County Borough Council– Email outlining a review of Bilingual Signage across Wrexham County Borough. Signs erected after 30th March 2016 must comply with current standards.  Residents asked to report signs which are believed to be non-compliant using steps described. Noted.


 

 

·         Christine Ashford – Friends of Chirk Station – Email advising of nomination of their group in the Community Awards – Group category organised by the High Sheriff of Clwyd.  In addition a forward notice of an event in October to mark the groups 15th Anniversary since being station adopters.  Noted.

 

144.    TO RECEIVE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM PLANNING SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING HELD 5TH FEBRUARY 2019.
 The draft report for the Planning Sub-Committee meeting held 5th February 2019 is now put to the Council as an accurate record of proceedings.  EB noted as having given apologies – with this update the motion was proposed LP and seconded BH and passed unanimously.

 

·         On a related planning issue, members were advised that a meeting has been called for 12:30pm on Monday 4th March 2019 to finalise the statement Chirk Town Council wish to be presented at the Wrexham CBC planning meeting being held later that day at 4pm.  The application relates to the proposed addition of Oriented Strand Board production at Kronospan and residents are encouraged to fill the public gallery.  Our view is that this application should be refused.

·         NJ has been approached by the proprietor of a Taxi business in Chirk with a query over consistent treatment of planning applications to operate taxis in the town.  Members outlined the Town Council are statutory consultees and each application is considered within planning rules – Wrexham CBC make the final decision.

 

145.    TO APPROVE PAYMENTS TO BE MADE AS ON LIST ATTACHED.
 A list of invoices and payments (to 27.02.19) amounting to £8,455.79 & £216.56 (using pre-paid creditcard) was given to the Council and were passed for payment (see addendum).  The motion proposed FH and seconded LP was passed unanimously.

 

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

To note:

·         TE would like consideration to be given on inviting the group Flicks in the Sticks to show a program of films that might appeal to younger residents.  Members agreed to put this on a future General Purposes Committee agenda.

·         DG railed over the large number of complaints she personally has been receiving over the Contractor installing renewed water main pipes to many properties in Longfield and Bron Y Waun.  It is claimed householders were leafleted but it appears patchy and not seen by all.  The state of the roads after work is completed is poor.  A residents meeting was understood to take place on Wednesday at 3pm but then moved to the day before at 2pm – no residents were notified of the change and therefore were not present.  Chirk Town Council are being kept in the dark over these works undertaken by WCBC Housing.  CTC should be notified as a courtesy of meetings being arranged in Chirk.  NJ also has received similar complaints and has a query over works to both Council and Private houses under this program of works – how can this be ?  Heard of stop tap repairs, omissions and rude WCBC Officers.  Not good.  FH and TE attended a meeting today and report that renewal of supply is inconsistent.  LP has knowledge that issues at the top end of Highfields are equally bad. 

·         On the matter of Housing, a further letter to be sent to Steve Bailey at WCBC on the subject of being consulted over allocations in Chirk North and South wards.  SJ and JA to action.

·         LP wishes for the highway enforcement issues to be discussed, including the presence of the Wrexham CBC officer.  To be added to a future General Purposes Committee meeting agenda.

·         SW asks that members think out of the box for the youth provision in Chirk.  This will be incorporated into the Visioning event.

·         SW also asks when will new signage be erected to deter dog fouling ?  This is a very important matter.

·         TE advises that Mark Evans the new Chair of Chirk Youth Football is looking into raising funds to improve the changing facilities at Chirk AAA Sports and Social Club.

 

Meeting closed 8:45pm.

 

 

 

Signed                                    Chairman                                                                                    27th March 2019