Treeton Parish Council

TREETON PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD VIRTUALLY ON

MONDAY 29th March 2021

Present:       Councillor: T.W. Adair (Chairman)

Councillors: A. Badger, G. Cooper, D. A. Goy, E. Levin,

L.J. Pickford, D. Whysall.

In attendance: Mrs J. James Clerk to the Council

2021/31 Apologies for Absence

Apologies were received from Councillor Swift due to personal issues.

Resolved:      To accept Councillors Swift’s apologies

Proposed      Councillor Goy

Seconded     Councillor Pickford

2021/32 Public Question Time

There were no members of the public present at this point although 2 did join the meeting later and were permitted by the Chairman to contribute within the meeting.

2021/33 Declaration of Interests

There were no declarations of interest.

2021/34 Minutes of Previous Meeting

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held 22nd February 2021 were taken as read, copies having been circulated to all members of the Parish Council previously and with the agenda.

Resolved:      That the minutes are approved and signed by the Chairman.

Proposed:     Councillor Goy

Seconded:    Councillor Pickford

2021/35 Matters Arising

2020/59 c)    Replacement memorial plaque to Pilot Officer Douglas Edwards. The options for the commemorative plaque and for signage on the mine tubs were discussed.

Resolved:      To accept to lower quote and commission 3 commemorative plaques

Proposed      Councillor Pickford

Seconded     Councillor Levin

Resolved:      To accept the quote and commission 3 ‘Welcome to Treeton plaques.

Proposed      Councillor Goy

Seconded     Councillor Pickford 

2020/125 c)  Trees in the burial ground. The Clerk reported that the work that the trees was carried out on 26th March and it was looking much tidier.

2021/9 e)      Mill Lane 4x4 & motor cycle off roading. Councillor Goy reported that a meeting has been arranged with RMBC 7th April to try and gain a shared understanding of the problem and agree an effective solution.

2020/21        Litter on Treeton Lane. Councillor Goy reported that with the help of Councillors J & S Pashley from Catcliffe Parish a significant amount of litter picking had been undertaken and the whole road was looking much better. A community litter pick is planned for the coming weekend.

2021/22        Additional grit bin on Station Road – RMBC have declined the request but have agreed to increase the amount of salt put down at that point of the gritting route. The Clerk advised it is within the powers of the Parish Council to fund additional grit bins. Agreed the Clerk should explore permission of landowner and an estimate of costs  

2021/36 Clerk’s Report & Correspondence Received

The Clerk’s report previously circulated was noted. It detailed the following:

1. RMBC - Updates on Covid-19: Coronavirus and related matters across the Borough.
2. RMBC - Weekly traffic reports.
3. RMBC - Planning applications and decisions across the Borough.
4. RMBC - Licensing applications.
5. RMBC - Details of Ward Boundary changes & process for May elections.
6. RMBC - Draft Revised Joint Working Agreement with Local Councils
7. Rotherham Town Centre News
8. RMBC - News from your Neighbourhood
9. RMBC - Interest in continuance of the Parish Paths Partnership Scheme.
10. RMBC/Parish Council Liaison meeting 17th March, joined by the Clerk.
11. SYPTE - Home to School Transport, Consultation on a proposed Park and Ride Scheme, Planned Engineering Works
12. YLCA - White Rose updates.
13. On behalf of residents – concerns over the Parish Council’s decision to cease the sale of pre-purchase of burial plots. Addressed through the explanation in March village newsletter.
14. Resident - concerns over brambles growing from the garage site r/o Wood Lane over garden fence on High Hazels Court. Advised we will address to the extend access allows.
15. Resident - suggestion that a road on the new estate be named after the late Harry Richard Howell M.M., forward to RMBC
16. On behalf of residents - additional dog waste bins on the access routes to the pit top open space, requested of RMBC
17. Resident - lack of pram/disabled access through clapper gates on the rerouted footpath off Flatts Lane, reported to RMBC
18. Resident - questions over aspects of existing use of land r/o Wood Lane, information provided.
19. Resident - concerns over Well Lane playpark, reported to RMBC
20. Resident - overflowing waste bins, reported to RMBC
21. Resident - condition of Wood Lane as a result of Jones Homes development and the utilities work. Contact made with Jones Homes, RMBC and YWA.
22. Jones Homes - concern that residents are walking through their site to access trodden footpaths putting themselves at risk.
23. Resident - antisocial behaviour on Well Lane, reported to RMBC.
24. Resident via RMBC –fly tipping off Washfield Lane. Investigated and the site is Well Lane playfield so referred back to RMBC as landowner.
25. Resident - overgrown land Admiral Biggs Drive & Chandler Grove, referred to RMBC for their attention.
26. Resident - ivy overgrowing grave plots. Being addressed by our ground’s maintenance contractors.

2021/37 Borough Councillors Report

Item not taken

2021/38 Planning & Review of Progress on Projects through 2021

Suggestions for projects and activities from the Parish Council and residents along with a planner for potential actions over the year to move them forward and further opportunities for community engagement were discussed.

The Clerk reported that an order for flower baskets has now been placed.

It was agreed that the Clerk seek permission from RMBC & Jones Homes for the planting of spring bulbs in the autumn on public verges and banks across the Parish.

It was agreed that the Clerk seek quotes for the planting and maintenance of the mine wheel and mine tubs and for planting an area of the burial ground

Resolved:      To paint the mine wheel spokes red to improve appearance and visibility

Proposed      Councillor Pickford

Seconded     Councillor Goy

The Clerk reported on a conversation with Borough Councillor Walsh about the potential for Ward Budget funding and on her discussions with the Clerk at Aston with regard to their experiences with their outdoor gym. Councillors Cooper & Adair gave positive feedback from their visits to Aston. It was agreed to bring the project back for discussion in May.

The Clerk reported on the response to the item seeking views on the detail of the proposed wildflower/public open space project at the rear of Wood Lane and Councillor Adair on ideas given to him.

Resolved:      That Councillor Adair progresses the project within a remit of wildflower

meadow, community garden, public open space and that a budget of up to £1,000 is set aside.

Proposed      Councillor Goy

Seconded     Councillor Whysall

2021/39 Standing Items

1. Reading Room

Nothing to report, the Reading Room remains closed to the public.

2. Allotments/Garage sites
   1. The Clerk reported she had received a complaint regarding the condition of the garage site off Front Street. A member of the public in attendance added his concerns into the discussion.

It was agreed that Councillors Goy & Pickford should accompany the Clerk to look at the site, that an invitation also be extended to the member of the public with particular concerns and report to the next meeting of the Parish Council

2. The Clerk reported that following a complaint she had undertaken a check of compliance with the residency condition for allotment/garage tenancies and had identified 3 tenants no longer residing in the village.

Resolved:      That the Clerk write to the tenants/family requiring the return of these sites within the next 3 months.

Proposed:     Councillor Goy

Seconded:    Councillor Cooper

3. The Clerk reminded the Parish Council that it is a condition of tenancies that plots are turned and maintained and that there were 2 plots where there were outstanding issues.

It was agreed that Councillors Goy and Cooper should accompany the Clerk to undertake a review of the sites and report to the next meeting of the Parish Council

3. Burial Ground

1. The Clerk reported that Fowler Sandford have replied via Alexander Stafford MP that a Land Registry search shows the Parish Council already own the land in question and that it would appear the farmer has encroached as the land is unfenced.

Resolved:      That the Clerk provide an indication of the likely time frame by which an extension to the burial ground might be necessary and write to the farmer advising that they are farming Parish Council owned land and that whilst this is permitted at present, we give notice that at the point it is required to extend the burial ground it will be fenced and returned for use by the Parish Council.

Proposed:     Councillor Whysall

Seconded:    Councillor Goy

2. The Clerk reported that the health and safety checks on the memorials are planned to commence this week

3. The Clerk reported on a number of issues within the burial ground and advised that concerns raised over a tripping hazard gap in the footpath will be addressed by the Parish Council team next week and that she is exploring options to ‘slow close’ the entrance gate.

Resolved      That the further concerns discussed about more general uneven but

not unsafe paving and poor drainage be monitored.

Proposed:     Councillor Whysall

Seconded:    Councillor Cooper

4. Recreation Ground and Play areas

The Clerk reported that RMBC have offered continuance of the groundsmaintenance contract for cutting the Cowfield into 2021/22 at a cost of £1183.67 + vat.

Resolved:      To accept and continue the contract

Proposed:     Councillor Goy

Seconded:    Councillor Levin

5. Environment

1. RMBC have advised they will be undertaking ‘Blitz Days’ across the Borough to address overgrown/littered sites and asked for locations in Treeton. It was agreed that r/o Nicols shop, the bottom of Mill Lane, Cider Bottle Farm and the woods beyond the nursing home on Wood Lane be put forward.

2. The Treescape Fund for which applications should be made via RMBC was discussed, agreed there are no Parish owned sites suitable.

3. The Great British Spring Clean is planned for 28th May – 13th June, agreed that the Community Centre provide the lead for this.

6. Planning Applications

The weekly lists of planning applications and planning decisions in the Borough were circulated by email to all Parish Councillors.

There is an application at 4 Dale Croft, Wood Lane for a garden outbuilding.

2021/40 Report from Representatives on External Bodies

1. RMBC/Parish Council’s Liaison Committee

Nothing to report.

2. YLCA Branch Representatives

Nothing to report.

3. Treeton Youth Club

The Chairman reported that the youth club was aiming to restart on 12 April, that numbers would be limited and sessions would be in activity bubbles and hosted outside to comply with COVID guidance.

4. Community Centre & Playing Fields Memorial Committee

The Chairman reported on issues with quad bikes and that fencing and gates had been erected as a deterrent.

Clerk reported that Treeton memorial Playing Field Trust via the Chairman have sought the Parish Council’s agreement as freeholder of the land on which the football pitch stands for a joint application to the Football Foundation for grant funding for drainage works.

Resolved:      That the Parish Council gave their full support for an application but would require full details to check any potential liability should they be required to be a joint applicant.

Proposed:     Councillor Whysall

Seconded:    Councillor Goy

2021/41 Community Centre

The Chairman reported that the second pagoda was now in place as was fencing and that he was seeking funding for turf. He anticipated that the whole of the Treeton Community would benefit from these developments and thanked Godfrey Gardens and the Ward Councillors for their contributions of plants and funding for PPE/sanitation equipment respectively.

He further advised that the college will be returning on 12th April to the centre and that various other regular groups were looking forward to returning to resume their activities in the near future.

The Chairman reported that the Trustees of the community centre have received a Recognition Award for the support and protection of the local community over the difficult last 12 months.

2021/42 Chairman’s Review

The Chairman welcomed the success of the COVID vaccination programme but also reflected that we should not loose sight that the country is still in the middle of a pandemic and that we must all adhere to guidelines. He thanked the litter picking volunteers for their work in the village, commented that the new gates for the burial ground were well received and expressed concern at the ongoing quad bike nuisance

2021/43 Finance and General Purposes

Budget 2021/22

The Clerk presented a detailed budget by cost centre for the forthcoming financial year, recommended a policy of holding 75% of precept in general reserves and specific increases and additions to earmarked reserves. She asked that the Parish Council determine its interest in continuing with the Parish Paths Partnership with RMBC for which the grant for 2021/22 will be as in previous years £850pa

Resolved:     To accept the budget report, adopt the recommendations with regard to general and earmarked reserves and to continue with the Parish Paths Partnership

Proposed:     Councillor Goy

Seconded:    Councillor Whysall

Budget Monitoring & Approval of Accounts for Payment

The Clerk outlined the accounts to date, presented a monitoring statement of expenditure against budget and an up-to-date financial statement of the Parish Council’s affairs. These were noted.

The following accounts were approved for payment.

Receipts                                                                                                              £

Payments

Proposed:     Councillor Pickford

Seconded:    Councillor Cooper

Bank & Cash Book Reconciliation

28th February 2021

                                                                      £

Balances at bank:    Current account      16,051.80

                               Instant account        58,131.39

Cambridge Building Society                    60,000.00

Total                                                    134,183.19                                  

2021/44 Any Other Urgent Business

Councillor Whysall expressed his sadness in being unable to volunteer and support the work of the Parish Council to the extent he would wish due to ill health.

2021/45 Date of the Next Meeting

The date of the next meeting was arranged for Monday 26th April 2021 at 6.30pm and to include the Annual Parish Meeting. In line with current regulation and guidance this will be held remotely.

The Clerk reported that the powers to hold virtual meetings expires on 7th May and have not been extended therefore meetings after that date will be held in person but will be required to be held consistent with Public Health messages, Safe Workplace legislation and any lockdown rules that apply at the time.

The meeting closed at 8.35pm

Chairman:

Date: