HOLYWELL TOWN COUNCIL

CYNGOR TREF TREFFYNNON

Minutes of the Meeting of Holywell Town Council held remotely on Tuesday, 15th December 2020 at 6.00pm. ______

PRESENT: Councillor L.A. Carter (Mayor). Councillors: K. Davies, S. Delaney, R. Dolphin, I. Hodge, P.A. Johnson, B. Scragg, A. Trumper and P.A. York.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Councillors J.M Johnson, S. Johnson, E.B. Palmer, M.D. Phelan, and S.E. Wallbanks.

IN ATTENDANCE: J. Baker (Clerk).

73. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – MEMBERS’ CODE OF CONDUCT

Minute Name of Personal Prejudicial Nature of Interest No. Councillor 81.2. I. Hodge ✓ Personal Friend of Resident.

74. INTRODUCTION TO DISTRICT INSPECTOR STEVE ROBERTS – NORTH AREA, POLICE

DI Roberts had sent his apologies as regulations prevented police attendance using Zoom video conferencing. The matter had been referred by the DI for further advice.

75. MAYORS REMARKS

The Mayor stated that it was a privilege for to switch on the Christmas Lights on the 27th November along with the Deputy Mayor, Rob Roberts MP, and Hannah Blythyn MS. The lights looked fantastic in the town and the virtual video had now received over 1,400 views on you tube. Thanks were given to all involved in the arrangements for this year, which was a unique and special event for the town.

Another eco clothes stall was held on the market on 10th December. The stall was once again very successful and just in time for Christmas. No child should be without a warm coat this winter. The market continued to show signs of growth with over 15 stalls present which was a positive turn out for this time of year. The Mayor also gave thanks to those members who

- 1 -

assisted with the pop up shop. Coats and winter clothes together with some toys had also been distributed at Erw Groes Hostel.

The Mayor provided an update from this month’s meeting with Rob Roberts MP. The Out of Hours GP service had been raised directly with the Chief Executive of Betsi Cadwaladr. The feasibility study was pending related to the proposed railway station. The mobile signal strength had been raised with the four main providers.

The Clerk had received confirmation that the election for the vacant seat in the Holywell Central ward would be held on Thursday 25th February, assuming there were the requisite number of nominations.

The Mayor closed her remarks this year by thanking all members and staff for their hard work and contributions through what had been a difficult year and wished everybody a very happy Christmas and prosperous new year.

76. PUBLIC SPEAKING

There were no such requests.

77. MINUTES & MEETINGS

77.1. Minutes of Meetings

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the following meetings be approved as a correct record. Minutes were to be signed at the council offices. Clerk to arrange with the respective Chairs.

• Holywell Town Council meeting held on Tuesday 17th November 2020; • Finance & Resources Committee meeting held on Wednesday 18th November 2020; • Chairs Advisory Group meeting held on Wednesday 25th November 2020; • Events Committee meeting held on Wednesday 25th November 2020; • Transport & Local Development Committee meeting held on Wednesday 2nd December 2020; • Town Centre Committee meeting held on Wednesday 9th December 2020.

- 2 -

77.2. Meeting(s) of Committees

Members received and noted the resolutions from the committee meetings as stated above. There were decisions required by the full council from the meeting of the Chairs Advisory Group and Town Centre Committee.

RESOLVED:

1) Chairs Advisory Group – a. That a Special Meeting of the Council be called in February 2021 to consider meeting protocol, committee structure, committee membership, meeting times and scheduling, and the additional planning working group. b. That the groups recommendations on correspondence circulation be approved.

2) Town Centre Committee – a. That approval is given to purchase the bandshell sides to support its use in the Council’s events area, at a cost of £1,650 + vat. (Council Reserves). b. That approval is given to the allocation of a £1,000 budget to support roll out of the voucher and raffle business support schemes. (Council Reserves).

78. PLANNING

78.1. New Planning Applications

Consideration was given to applications forwarded to the Town Council as part of the County’s planning consultation.

RESOLVED:

That the following responses be submitted to the County Planning Authority.

- 3 -

Application Proposal Details Number Erection of fence (retrospective). Location: Larkswood, Fron Park Road, Holywell, Flintshire, CH8 7UT. 061939 The Council had no objection to this application but did express their concern at the retrospective nature of the application. Installation of car park management system (ANPR system and associated signage). Location: Car Park, Well Street, Holywell, Flintshire. 061992 The Council had no objection to this application but did express their concern at some of the supporting documentation on the planning portal being inconsistent with the application e.g. the stated location in the heritage statement being elsewhere in the UK. Display of Car Park Management Signage. Location: Car Park, Well Street, Holywell, Flintshire. The Council had no objection to this application but did express their concern 061993 at some of the supporting documentation on the planning portal being inconsistent with the application e.g. the stated location in the heritage statement being elsewhere in the UK. Change of Use from A2 Office to A1 Retail use on Ground floor and C3 Residential on the upper floors, (comprising 2 self-contained apartments) with alterations to windows to the rear. 062125 Location: 49-51 High Street, Holywell, Flintshire, CH8 7TF. This application was deferred to the next council meeting. Case Officer to be contacted to query the change of use.

Erection of car port. 062056 Location: 139 Tan Y Felin, Greenfield, Holywell, Flintshire, CH8 7QA. The Council had no objection to this application.

NOTIFICATION - Erection of 9m pole with connecting overhead line. Location: Cairnton Crescent, Greenfield, Holywell, Flintshire, CH8 7EX. 062031 The Council had no objection to this application providing any electrical safety risks are addressed and there is compliance with the regulations associated with high voltage cables and their proximity to dwellings.

78.2. Flintshire Local Development Plan

Members noted the letter from Andy Roberts, Flintshire County Council regarding the LDP submission and examination. Nominations were required to attend a Pre-Hearing Meeting on 12th January 2021, and Hearing Sessions at a later date. The Council had been requested to participate as it had previously made a number of representations.

RESOLVED:

That Councillors I. Hodge and B. Scragg be nominated to attend the sessions. Clerk to make arrangements.

- 4 -

79. ACCOUNTS

79.1. Accounts for Payment

RESOLVED:

That payment of the following accounts be approved.

SCHEDULE OF ACCOUNTS – NOVEMBER 2020

Voucher Payment Creditor Name Payment Details Amount Power Number Method £ Key Carmel & Holywell Supply and Install New 8082 CHQ 800.00 **** Woodcraft Assoc. Mayoral Honours Board Flintshire County Summer Playscheme & 8083 BP 6,846.56 ^^ Council Snack Packs Replant Three Tiered 8084 BP Hartleys 100.00 ^^ Planters - Winter Bedding Website Technical Support 8085 BP Daydream Designs 94.80 **** - Nov20 Hampshire Flag Supply Town Council & RAF 8086 BP 88.87 **** Company Ensign Flag 8087 BP Viking 2 no. Mineral Water Bottles 46.78 **** Reimbursement of CE 8088 BP Flower Bowl 35.00 ^^ Award Vouchers Siân Jones Translation 8089 BP Translate Documents 16.72 **** Services Stamps - Remembrance 8090 BP C.S. Lowry 3.90 *** Sunday 8091 - BP Council Staff Staff Salaries - Nov 2020 4,706.47 *** 8093 8094 BP HMRC Staff Paye/NI costs - Nov 20 1,453.87 *** 8095 BP Clwyd Pension Fund Staff Pension Costs - Nov 20 1,531.37 *** Replace RCD Socket Panton 8096 BP BKB Solutions Ltd 58.80 ^^ Place Lights Christmas Lights Contract 8097 BP BKB Solutions Ltd 10,562.21 ^^ Payment Hire of Drinks Machine 8098 BP UK Vending 132.60 **** 10/11/20 - 9/2/21 Windows Cleaned - Bank 8099 BP DJB Window Cleaning 15.00 **** Place Offices 8100 BP Copyrite Systems Copier Charges 17/8-16/11 76.47 **** Supply 6 no. Shop Local 8101 BP Tadmark Ltd 181.30 ^^ Banners 8102 DD Plusnet Alarm Line Nov20 19.80 **** Water 12/13 Bank Place 8103 DD Welsh Water 50.05 **** May-Oct Water 14 Bank Place May- 8104 DD Welsh Water 65.50 **** Oct 8105 DD Plusnet Phone & Broadband Nov20 43.30 ****

- 5 -

Electric 14 Bank Place 8106 DD British Gas 11.34 **** Oct20 Electric 12/13 Bank Place 8107 DD British Gas 59.27 **** Oct20 8108 DD British Gas Gas Bank Place Oct20 111.31 **** 8109 DC Tesco Stamps 16.92 *** 8110 DC 1&1 Internet Ltd Office Premium/Mail Pro 100.59 **** 8111 DC Tesco Refreshments 0.80 **** 8112 DC Oypla.com 3 x Clothes Rails 56.97 ^^ 8113 DC Tesco Refreshments 0.80 **** Reimbursement of CE 8114 DC C.M. Scott 50.00 ^^ Award Vouchers 8115 DC Royal Mail Postages 1.15 *** 8116 DC Tesco Refreshments 0.80 **** 8117 DC Tesco Refreshments 2.49 **** 8118 DC W Bevan Hose Clips 4.00 ^^ 8119 DC Zoom Video Monthly Pro Subscription 14.39 **** 8120 DC Tesco Refreshments 7.80 **** 8121 DC Tesco Refreshments 7.15 **** TOTAL 27,375.15

BANK TRANSFERS – NOVEMBER 2020

Date Debtor Name Details Amount £ 16/11/20 Mayors Allowance A/C Steamer (Credit) 104.48 TOTAL 104.48

Powers to Make Payments:

* Remuneration Panel for Wales (IRPW) Regulations for the remuneration of members and co-opted members of relevant authorities – Part 5 Community/Town Councils // Local Government Act 1948 S.33 /// Local Government Act 1972 S.34 ** Local Government Act 1972 S.137 *** Local Government Act 1972 S.112, 151 **** Local Government Act 1972 S.133 ^ Local Government Act 1972 S.111 ^^ Local Government Act 1972 S.144, S.145 ^^^ Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 S.19 ^^^^ Local Government Act 1972 S.143 *^ Local Government Act 1972 S.140 **^ Local Government Act 1972 S.176 **^^ Local Government Act 1972 S.13 *^^* Local Government Act 1972 S.34 **^* Local Government (Misc. Provisions) Act 1953 S.4 ^^** Local Government Act 1972 S.173, S.174 ^^^* Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 S.4 < Local Government Act 1972 S.124

- 6 -

# Local Government Act 1972 S.142 ## Representation of the People Act 1983 S.34 (repealed by Representation of the People Act 1985) ### War Memorials (Local Authorities’ Powers) Act 1923 - maintain war memorials #### Litter Act 1983 S.5-6 ***** Local Government & Rating Act 1997 S.31

79.2. COMPLETED ANNUAL RETURN 2019/20 YEAR

Members considered the council’s Annual Return. There were no issues reported by BDO, the appointed external auditor. The Clerk reported a very positive year end audit for the council, as the accounts were closed down in challenging circumstances this year.

RESOLVED:

That members approve and confirm their acceptance of the annual return for the 2019/20 accounts and financial year.

80. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

80.1. Monthly Report

Members had before them for consideration the latest report from the Projects & Development Officer. There were action points this month related to the youth council, bike repair station and report format. Members suggested that if a further grant was available in the new year, the building occupied by the local woodturners should be considered as a potential repair café.

RESOLVED:

1) That approval be given to appoint Rhiannon Barron as a Youth Councillor. Projects & Development Officer to arrange an informal chat with the Mayor and Chair of the Council Offices & Communications Committee. Second position to be readvertised in new year.

2) That the Projects & Development Officer takes the lead with the bike repair station project. Funding to be supplied by the County Council.

3) That the Projects & Development Officer be thanked for his report. Report format to remain as currently prepared in concise stye with relevant action points.

- 7 -

80.2. Electric Car Charge Activity

RESOLVED:

That the activity report presented by the Clerk be noted and received.

81. CORRESPONDENCE AND OTHER MATTERS

81.1. Tesco Trolley Management/Near Miss Incident

Members considered the letter from Roberta Owen concerning the trolley management at Tesco Holywell, and also the near miss from a trolley being pushed over the bridge onto the Greenfield Valley active travel walkway. Members were very concerned and suggested a coin operated system would aid better trolley management and noted the police had been contacted. Best wishes were sent to the person involved in the incident. Members stated Tesco had a duty of care to residents to manage its property is a safe and responsible manner.

RESOLVED:

That the Clerk write to Tesco Holywell to outline the council’s concerns. Mayor Lynda Carter to offer a virtual meeting following the initial letter.

81.2. Traffic Order – Brynford Street, Holywell

Members considered several letters from residents that opposed the County Council’s traffic order to form a one way system and prevent a left tun into Brynford Street from the town centre. The Clerk had also received letters of support from nearby business owners that had been forwarded on to members. The Clerk also read out a statement from Stephen Jones, Chief Officer – Streetscene and Transportation, Flintshire County Council that outlined the background and business case for the scheme from a Highways perspective.

This and other planned traffic interventions had formed part of a wider consideration of traffic flow in and around the town centre as a result of the depedestrianisation of Holywell High Street. Members had previously supported the interventions at a meeting of the Transport and Local Development Committee meeting last year. Members felt that the County Council, as the Highways Authority, should respond to residents and address their concerns.

- 8 -

RESOLVED:

That the Clerk informs the County Council of the objection letters, and also advises the residents of the Council’s action in respect of their enquiries.

82.3. Proposed Defibrillator Unit, Pen y Maes Shops

Members considered the letter from Neal Cockerton, Flintshire County Council that set out the terms and conditions to allow installation of the defibrillator at Pen y Maes Shops.

RESOLVED:

That the conditions are accepted, and approval is given to proceed with the install. Clerk to wite to the County Council and confirm arrangements.

82.4. North and Mid Wales Association of Local Councils Response to Transport Consultation

Members considered the draft response prepared by the Association, to the Transport Study. The Clerk had previously circulated the link to the full consultation document. A response was required by 31st December 2020.

RESOLVED:

That the Clerk write to the Association to confirm the council’s support and make reference to public transport support for rural communities, the importance of the Chester-Holyhead rail connection including the council’s aspirations for a new station at Greenfield and the Green Agenda.

82.5. Reports Received

Members were informed that the following items had been received and were available for perusal from the Clerk. A copy was enclosed where the item is marked *, or ** if already circulated to Members:

Ref Item Status Date Circulated A Flintshire County Council Daily Updates ** Various Dates B FLVC Daily Digest Updates ** Various Dates C Welsh Government Updates ** Various Dates D Hannah Blythyn MS ** Various Dates E Rob Roberts MP ** Various Dates

- 9 -

F Courier Fraud – Fake Police Calls ** 12th Nov 2020 G Letter from David Hanson ** 13th Nov 2020 H Fron Park Tree Carving Works ** 17th Nov 2020 I Change of Police Inspector – Flintshire ** 23rd Nov 2020 North J North and Mid Wales Association of Local ** 24th Nov 2020 Councils – Election Bill Updates K North and Mid Wales Association of Local ** 24th Nov 2020 Councils – Train Timetables L Letter from Thomas Pennant Society ** 27th Nov 2020 M £2 Christmas Club Leaflet ** 30th Nov 2020 N Visit Wales Business Funding ** 1st Dec 2020 O Christmas Window Displays in the Valley ** 2nd Dec 2020 P Police Survey – Council Tax Precept ** 3rd Dec 2020

83. ANNUAL REPORT

Members considered the annual report prepared by the Clerk, which was now a mandatory requirement for the council. The report covered the council’s response to the Well-being of Future Generations Act (Wales) 2015.

RESOLVED:

That the report be approved for publishing. Clerk to arrange.

84. POLICY UPDATES

Members considered the following new policy for approval by the council:

• Long Service Awards

RESOLVED:

That the policy be approved; Clerk to arrange publishing.

85. REPRESENTATIVES’ REPORTS

Councillor I. Hodge provided an update on his work with the Age and Dementia Society.

Councillor L.A. Carter provided an update on her work with the Kids Bank.

Generally, Councillor P.A. York expressed his concern about the rise of cuckooing in the region. Councillor K. Davies thanked the £2.00 food club for

- 10 -

their efforts in providing such as important service to the local community. The Mayor had also provided a donation from the Mayoral Allowance funds.

RESOLVED:

That the Clerk writes to Fr Dominic Cawdell to thank the St Peters Church staff for all their efforts.

86. COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORTS

Councillor P.A. Johnson updated members on the County Council’s budget setting plans. A briefing was to take place late December that covered the settlement from the Welsh Government.

87. CLOSE OF MEETING

The Mayor closed the meeting at 8.20pm.

……………………….…………..…..…….. Mayor

- 11 -