CYNGOR COMMUNITY CYMUNED COUNCIL
12 September 2017 Dear Councillor
You are summoned to attend a MEETING of ACTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL to be held in the ACTON COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTRE, off Overton Way, Acton, Wrexham LL12 7LB on TUESDAY next 19 SEPTEMBER 2017 at 6:30pm.
Yours Sincerely
Carole Roberts
Clerk to the Council
AGENDA
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
2. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS: To receive disclosures of personal and prejudicial interests from Councillors on matters to be considered at the meeting.
The disclosure must include the nature of the interest. If you become aware, during the course of a meeting, of an interest that has not been disclosed under this item you must immediately disclose it. You may remain in the meeting and take part fully in discussion and voting unless the interest is prejudicial.
A personal interest is prejudicial if a member of the public with knowledge of the relevant facts would reasonably regard it as so significant that it is likely to prejudice your judgment of the public interest and it relates to a financial or regulatory matter.
3. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES: To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 18 July 2017 (Copy attached)
4. INFORMATION FROM THE MINUTES: 1. MINUTE 34.1 – Ffordd Garmonydd Play Area: To receive an update from the Clerk 2. MINUTE 34.2 – Drugs Dog Operation: To receive a progress update from the Clerk. 3. Minute 41 - Annual Accounts - 2016/17: To note the action taken by the Clerk in response to confirmation from the External Auditor of the Conclusion of Audit and the issuing of the Public Notice on 24 August 2017 to comply with the Accounts and Audit Regulations by 30 September 2016. 4. Minute 47 - Service Level Agreement to provide a Payroll Service: To receive an update from the Clerk
5. AUGUST RECESS MATTERS: To receive an update on action taken by the Clerk in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair during the August recess under delegated powers (Minute 42 July 2017 refers). Details attached.
6. COMMUNITY POLICING MATTERS: To receive the Monthly Policing and Operations Report from the Acton Community Police Officers. Chief Inspector Paul Wycherley will be in attendance at the meeting
Please contact Carole Roberts, Clerk to the Council on: 07913 071470 or E-Mail: [email protected] with any apologies or requests for further information. You can also write to the Clerk at Acton Community Resource Centre, Overton Way, Wrexham LL12 7LB
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7. PROCEDURAL MATTERS: To consider the attached report concerning the following procedural matters:
1. CASUAL COUNCILLOR VACANCIES: To consider any Expressions of Interest submitted, receive short presentations from Candidates in attendance and proceed to fill the Borras Park Ward casual vacancies by Co-option in accordance with Section 116 of the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011. Report from the Clerk attached. 2. VACANCY ON THE YOUTH COMMITTEE: To consider whether to fill the vacancy on this Committee following the resignation of Councillor Peter Jones.
8. KEY ACTON ISSUES: WCBC Members to report verbally on any new or Key Issues being considered by the County Bough Council that may affect the whole or part of the Community of Acton. (Item placed on the agenda in accordance with the decision contained in Minute 107 January 2011
9. ACTON PARK MATTERS - 2017 SEASONAL PARK RANGER: To consider the attached report from the 2017 Acton Park Seasonal Ranger and determine whether the Council wishes to fund a similar post in 2018.
10. CONSULTATIONS To consider details of Consultations and Guidance received since the last meeting in July 2017 and determine whether the Community Council wishes to submit a response:
1. Welsh Language Bill – White Paper: This Consultation was launched on 9 August 2017 and invites comments by 31 October 2017 on proposals for a Welsh Language Bill that relates to the arrangements to promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh language, and make improvements to the Welsh Language Standards system by: establishing a Welsh Language Commission responsible for promoting the Welsh language and monitoring and enforcing compliance with Welsh Language Standards simplifying the processes involved in making and imposing Welsh Language Standards removing the restrictions in the current legislation so Standards could be placed on any body, solongasitiswithintheAssembly’spowertodoso. . Click on this link to access the Consultation documents 2. Consultation on the proposed Autism (Wales) Bill: Paul Davies, Assembly Member for Preseli Pembrokeshire has invited comments by 20 November 2017 on his proposed Members Bill for a new Law in Wales. He has until 13 July 2018 to introduce a Bill that meets the policy objectives set out in an explanatory memorandum to his proposal. This Consultation seeks comments on the details that should be included in this Bill. The purpose of the Bill would be to make provision for meeting the needs of children and adults with autism spectrum conditions in Wales. The Bill would also give autism its own statutory identity. Click on this link to access the Consultation documents 3. Clustering: Funding to Support the Initial Setting up of Joint Arrangements: The Welsh Government Partnership has issued a guidance letter note and application form on 1 September 2017inrespectoftheWelshGovernment’ssupportforclusteringthatisavailablefor2017-18. The Closing date for submission of application forms by Councils who are interested in exploring clustering is Friday 13 October 2017. There is modest funding of £20,000 available to support the initial setting up of joint arrangements for 2017-18 only. The Welsh Government contribution of support for individual proposals will be capped at £5,000 as a one-off grant in order to be able to support a small number of clustering projects. All councils are eligible to apply using the guidance note and application form provided
11. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: To receive a report from the Clerk to the Council in connection with the making of any grants under Section 137 Local Government Act 1972. Details Attached.
12. REPORT FROM CLERK: Clerk to report on correspondence and other information that has been received since the last meeting. Details Attached.
2 13. PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS: To note details of any payments received and authorise any outstanding debtor or other payments.
14. PLANNING APPLICATIONS: To consider any comments the Council may wish to make on applications made under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (to be determined by Wrexham County Borough Council) and on the Town and Country Planning ( Trees) Regulations 1999.
Planning Applications
1.P/2017/0707 Two-Storey Side Extension 37 Elm Grove Wrexham 2.P/2017/0717 Extension and Alterations to entrance Lobby to Strathmore Surgery, 26-28 include new access ramp and steps Chester Road Wrexham 3.P/2017/0724 Erection of Fence on top of existing stone wall (in 188 Chester Road Wrexham retrospect) 4.P/2017/0753 Single Storey extension 8 Westminster Drive Wrexham 5.P/2017/0761 Conversion of Loft and installation of 3 No. Roof 12 Windermere Road Lights ( 2 to Rear and 1 to side) Wrexham
Tree Preservation Order: Comments required by 3 October 2017 6. TPO No 273/2017 Precautionary measure as the 13 trees are considered to Bryn Estyn Road Wrexham have a high level of amenity value enhancing and complementing the immediate area and are of such value to warrant legal protections from potential felling, excessive pruning, inappropriate management practices or unauthorised construction activities
*the plans and documents for these applications can be viewed online by clicking here and selecting the Community of Acton for the search. The Clerk has requested an extension of the 21 day consultation period where appropriate
3 AGENDA ITEM 3 CYNGOR COMMUNITY CYMUNED COUNCIL
Minutes of the Meeting of Acton Community Council held on Tuesday 18 July 2017 at Acton Community Resource Centre, Overton Way, Acton, Wrexham
Present: Councillor P Lloyd (Chair) Councillor R Hardy (Vice chair) * “ W Baldwin “ D Picken “ M Davies * “ Kevin Roberts “ Mrs A Evans * “ Ms A Waters “ P D Jones “ Mrs D Wallice P Jones * Ms L Williams G Lowe 3 Vacancies * Absent
Also Present:
Mrs Carole Roberts, Clerk to the Council
31 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mike Davies, Mrs Anne Evans, Ralph Hardy and Peter Jones.
32 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Declarations of interest were made at this stage of the proceedings by:
1. Councillor Geoff Lowe in respect of:- Agenda item 6 Community first Responding Scheme. He declared his intention to declare a personal and prejudicial interest in this item being a members of the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority; and Agenda 7 North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority – consultation inviting general views about future development before developing plans for 2018/19. He declared his intention to declare a personal and prejudicial interest in this item being a member of the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority; and 2. Councillor Paul Jones in respect of Agenda item 14 Planning Matters; he declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item being a member of Wrexham County Borough Council’s Planning Committee.
33 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
1. Minutes of the Acton Community Council meeting held on 20 June 2017: The Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 20 June 2017 were received.
RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Community Council held on 20 June 2017 be received and confirmed as a correct record.
2. Minutes of the Youth Committee meeting held on 11 July 2017: The minutes of this meeting were received. Members considered the recommendations of the Youth Committee and
RESOLVED – that i) The Minutes of the Youth Committee meeting held on 11 July 2017 be accepted ii) The Terms of Reference of the Youth Committee be updated to make specific reference to the monitoring requirements for the Service Level Agreement with the Caia Park Partnership to
4 provide a Pilot Project until 31 March 2018 for one session of Youth Work per week at the Acton Community Resource Centre. iii) To endorse the Youth Committee’s recommendation that the Service Level Agreement with the Caia Park Partnership Ltd be extended by mutual agreement for the provision of a Youth Work Pilot until 31 March 2018 to permit further engagement and consultation with the younger 8-13 year age group with such costs being met from within the existing budget and earmarked provisions in 2017/18; iv) To endorse the Youth Committee’s recommendation and agree in principle to tasking the Youth Committee with commencing negotiations with the Caia Park Partnership Ltd to enter into a further Service Level Agreement for the particular cohort of young people aged 13 and over who are asking to access the Acton Community Youth Work service; subject to costings and budget provision being provided in 2018/19.
34 INFORMATION FROM THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 20 JUNE 2017 1. Minutes 20.2 and 24 - Ffordd Garmonydd Play Area: The Clerk reported that the Timber Tangle is now in place and the account for payment had been received. The remaining £100 of the grant will be used to purchase bulbs for planting in the autumn. Additionally Wrexham County Borough Council has notified that a recent inspection of the Ffordd Garmonydd Play area has identified a risk from rotten timber edging to the bark within the fenced area. A quote of £1,325.00 to remove and replace the edging has been obtained by Wrexham County Borough Council. The Community Council’sServiceLevelAgreementwithWCBCstates:“Anymaintenance,grass cutting and cleaning costs (if applicable) for the play area will also be charged to Community Council retrospectively once the costs have been incurred”. Members referred to other sustainable products manufactured locally that may be more durable than the proposed replacement wooden kick boards.
RESOLVED – that the Community Council gives authorisation and confirms in accordance with the existing Service Level Agreement with Wrexham County Borough Council, that the works to replace the rotten kick boards around the perimeter of the fenced area of the Ffordd Garmonydd Play area must be carried out ensuring all Health and Safety Standards and risks are met and mitigated and that the Community Council requests consideration to be given to the rotten wood being replaced with Eco Deck manufactured locally which may be more durable and if necessary a revised cost be notified to the Community Council before the works commence.
2. Minute 20.5 - Drugs Dog: The Clerk reported on correspondence received from Lucia Pritchard of North Wales Police confirming the other three town Community Councils have now agreed to fund the operation of a Drugs dog in each of the Town Communities. Members also noted that Police Officers would be supporting and running the operations with the dogs as they have done previously. A team of Officers will accompany the dog and handler on the night and will be present to deal with anyone caught in possession ofdrugs.Membersnotedthattherewasprovisionmadeinthecurrentyear’sbudgetfor useoftheCommunityCouncil’spowersinrespectofCrimePrevention. RESOLVED – to agree to the Police request for the Community Council to fund £125 towards the £500 cost of arranging for the Warrington Partnership to provide in the town centre communities for four or five visits by the Drugs Dog during the year, with the £125 cost of this support to be met from the current year’s budget for Crime Prevention.
3. Minute 22 – Casual Vacancy Process: The Clerk advised that the Statutory Public Notices had been issued on 7 July 2017 in respect of the Councillor vacancies for the Acton Park, Borras Park and Little Acton Wards and would expire on 24 July 2017. RESOLVED – that the Clerk in consultation with the Chair be authorised to act in respect of the subsequent notification from the Returning Officer in order to comply with the requirements of Section 116 of the Local Government (Wales Measure) 2011.
4. Minute 24- SLA Play provision in Acton – Acton Park Junior Play area: The Clerk read out a response received from Mr. Martin Howorth regarding a meeting he had held with an external play specialist to discuss the maintenance issues that are concerning the Community Council. The removal of
5 all the grass and safety mats from the site and replacing with a completely wet poured surface would cost an estimated £40,000 and there is no budget for this amount of work. It was decided the best option to improve the play area surface is to remove the existing tunnel, steps and mats and replace with a new spring see saw, new turf and safety mats in that vicinity, and to carry out improvements to the gradient of the access near the maintenance gate. This work would still provide the same play value as present but relieve the surface issues the tunnel is causing. It was noted that despite numerous attempts to improve the tunnel surface, due to the amount it is used and the space available, the tunnel surface is constantly eroding which is causing long term maintenance issues. It was proposed that if the Community Council is supportive of this approach the play area improvements will be carried out in the autumn months. The play area will need to be closed for approximately 4 weeks to allow the new turf to establish properly before it is re-opened.
The Council was mindful of its commitment to take over the funding of the Junior Play area at Acton Park once the Grant period expires but it did have ongoing concerns about the condition and deterioration of the surfaces. Members were in agreement that this scheme to resolve the condition and deterioration withinthePlayareashouldbetriedastheCommunityCouncil’spreferredoptionofcompletelyreplacing the existing play area surfaces with the wet pour replacement was too expensive. It was suggested that whilst the remedial works are taking place the whole area should be completely closed off with security fencing and the swings and other play equipment secured so they cannot be used so as to discourage any attempts to enter and use the play area and permit the groundworks to become established.
RESOLVED – that Wrexham County Borough Council be advised that the Community Council accepts the remedial proposals as outlined by Mr. Howorth are necessary and the proposed works should be carried out in the autumn and regard should be given to the Community Council’s suggestion to discourage and restrict access to the play area in order to permit the ground works to become established.
35 COMMUNITY POLICING MATTERS
The Chair welcomed PCSO Erin Shawcross who was in attendance and tabled a new format report for the last three months at the meeting. It was noted that the high level reports were drawn up every three weeks. However members found it difficult to interpret the data provided. Members referred to the funding provided by Wrexham County Borough Council for the provision of PCSO and the expectation of the Community Councillors within their wards. PCSO Shawcross then updated the Community Council on the preparatory work for Operation Bang running from September onwards, the Acton Policing team’s involvementwiththeTravellerswhohadnowlefttheStJohnChurchfieldandtheTeam’sdealingswith reports regarding traffic light failures and the roadworks being carried out by Virgin Media. There were no other issues raised by members and the Chair thanks PCSO Shawcross for her attendance.
RESOLVED – that the Clerk write to Inspector Wycherley asking for a colour explanation to be provided in future of how to interpret the new style reports so that the Community Councillors can gain a better understanding of the information for their wards contained in the Policing reports. The Community Council also wishes to receive a brief synopsis of the policing operations being carried out in the Acton Community with the Policing report each month so that they can be kept up to date with the work being carried by the Acton policing team.
36 VARIATION IN AGENDA
RESOLVED - that the agenda be varied and Agenda Item 9 be brought forward and taken at this time.
37 KEY ACTON ISSUES
Wrexham County Borough Council Members advised that the training and induction process following the full Council Elections was now almost complete. The following matters were highlighted by the Wrexham CBC Councillors: 1.Travellers’ Encampment on St John’s Church Field: Acton Community Council has no statutory powers in respect of moving Travellers on. This power is vested in Wrexham County Borough Council as the Unitary Authority and owner of this Fields in Trust land. The Local Member reported on the high number of emails and phone calls he had received from the Public and that every action possible to bring a prompt
6 and satisfactory conclusion was taken to ensure the removal of the Travellers from this land. He advised he had involved North Wales Police and Wrexham CBC's Legal and Housing Departments. After due legal process, assessments had been carried out and a Notice was served on the Travellers within five days and they had left the site by the next day. The Wrexham CBC Environment Department had cleared the area. Reference was made to some other rubbish in this area. The present position was noted.
2. Virgin Media: The continuing cable laying works were still causing disruption in several wards in Acton and residents have been complaining about the quality of the reinstatements work on completion of the cable laying. Council officers were dealing directly with Virgin Media in respect of coordinating road closures, the impact on motorists and ensuring reinstatement work was completed to the required standard The present position was noted.
RESOLVED – that Councillor Geoff Lowe as the local member for the affected area be thanked for the work he had undertaken to resolve and remedy the unauthorised Traveller encampment on the St Johns Church Field.
(Councillor Geoff Lowe left the meeting at this stage in the proceedings)
38 COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDING SCHEME
In accordance with Minute 28.9 June 2017, Mr Andy Williams who recently became a First Responder in the Garden Village area of Wrexham was in attendance and gave a presentation on the Community First responding scheme.
He advised that First Responders in Wales are volunteers who donate their spare time to attend appropriate 999 calls and provide first hand emergency care to people in their own community. When a patient faces a serious emergency, every second counts for them and a simple helping hand from a Community First Responder can make a vital difference to their lives and reduce anxiety in patients enabling breathing to slow and for them to stabilise. The volunteers are trained by the Welsh Ambulance Service (WAST) to administer basic first aid skills, oxygen therapy, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of a defibrillator for children and adults. When a 999 call is made, First Responders are alerted by WAST‘sthreecontrolcentresandaresenttocertaintypesofcallsthesametimeasanambulancesothey can provide essential care until the vehicle reaches the scene.
Mr Williams has been trained to deal with most medical emergencies and to take vital signs, the medical and medication history of Patients before the Ambulance arrives. He demonstrated the small Defibrillator and Oxygen/ Suction and other equipment such as trauma bandages contained in his First Responding kit that is used by all the responders and is provided at a cost of £1,000 each. Once purchased the WAST replenish and maintain the Responders kits.
He advised that some Responders in rural areas cover an area of over seven miles radius. However being town based he mainly covers a one mile radius and stays local. In the nine weeks of his being an on call First responder he has attended over 90 calls to the Town centre, Wrexham Maelor Hospital, local supermarkets, Glyndwr University at local ward areas in Garden Village, Grosvenor, Acton Borras, and Rhosnesni. He has turned down a similar amount of calls due to their Geographical location such as Bala but had attended other calls to Mold, Marchwiel, Rossett and Llay.
There is a high demand for the Community First Responder scheme and Mr Williams is assisting in the expansion of the scheme. A further two local volunteers are undergoing training and Rhosddu Community Council has already funded two of the three Responder Kits. Members expressed their gratitude to the volunteers willing to give their time to the Community First Responding Scheme and wished to support the scheme. It was noted that a financial donation of £1,000 using S137 Powers would enable the purchase of the third First Responder Kit which will be used by the Volunteer based in the Acton Community area.
RESOLVED – to make a £1,000 donation to the Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust Fund to enable the purchase of a third First Responder Scheme kit for use mainly in the Acton Community area. (Councillor Debbie Wallace left the meeting at this stage in the proceedings)
7 39 CONSULTATION - NORTH WALES FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY
Further to Minute 25.2 June 2017 Members were reminded that general views were invited about future development by the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority before it develops its plans for 2018/19 and beyond. A copy of the Consultation documents could be viewed online here. The Clerk advised that she had not received any Member responses or comments on this Consultation which must be submitted by 31 July 2017.
RESOLVED – that the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority be advised that Acton Community Council strongly urges the Authority to retain all of the existing Fire Tenders and actively look at other innovative ways of making efficiencies to its service. The Community Council recognises that the Prevention aspect of the Service is very good at reducing the incidence of Fire but it is important to have the existing level of Fire Tenders available for when things go wrong.
(Note: Councillor Geoff Lowe who had earlier declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item being a member of the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority had already left the meeting when this item was considered)
40 STANDARDS COMMITTEE – TOWN/COMMUNITY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE
The Clerk referred to an email dated 5 July 2017 from Jane Johnson, Committee Manager, Wrexham County Borough Council advising of a Standards Committee decision on 5 July 2017 to recommend that the current Town and Community Council representative be reappointed as a member of the Standards Committee for a further term subject to consultation with Town and Community Councils during the summer of 2017.
RESOLVED - to advise the Standards Committee that Acton Community Council has no objections to the reappointment of Town and Community Council representative on the Committee for a further term.
41 ANNUAL ACCOUNTS 2016/17
The Clerk gave an update in respect of the requirements for the ExternalAuditoftheCouncil’sAccounts for the year ended 31 March 2017. It was noted that the Annual Return to 31 March 2017 and supporting documents have been submitted to the External Auditor. Once the External Auditors report is received, the Council must finalise its accounts by 30 September 2017. In respect of the Vat issue raised by the Internal Auditor, the Clerk has been now resolved this issue with RBS, the Accounts Software provider and will now respond formally to the Internal Auditor to confirm that all his recommendations have been implemented. The Clerk was thanked for her timelyworktoensuretheCommunityCouncil’sInternaland External Audit requirements are met
RESOLVED – 1. to receive and note the present position and await the External Auditor’s letter confirming the Conclusion of Audit and the Clerk arrange for the Council to conclude the Audit and take the necessary action in respect of issuing the Public Notice to comply with the Accounts and Audit Regulations by 30 September 2017; and
2. to endorse the proposed action as outlined above.
42 AUGUST RECESS ARRANGEMENTS
RESOLVED - that the Clerk to the Council in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Community Council be authorised to deal with any urgent issues that arise during the August recess and report thereon to the September 2017 meeting of the Community Council..
43 REPORT FROM CLERK
The Clerk reported on information and general correspondence as set out below and was available for members’ perusal at the meeting. The Clerk also reported on her attendance at the following Conferences (Minutes 127.3 March 2017 & 12.1.5 May 2017 Refer):-
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1. OneVoiceWalesLargerCouncil’sConference on 5 July 2017 at Royal Welsh Showground Builth Wells. 2. Joint SLCC and One Voice Wales Conference on 12 July 2017 at Ewloe.
RESOLVED - that the Clerk be thanked for her reports.
ORGANISATION DETAILS AND ACTION TAKEN 1.Karen Benfield Urgent Request for HMO Policy review: Email received 23 June 2017 Clerk to Offa Community attaching a letter to Lee Robinson Executive Director Wrexham CBC Council requesting an urgent review of all aspects of control of HMO policy in Wrexham. RESOLVED to support Offa Community Council request for an urgent review of HMO Policy. 2.Melanie Salisbury Honouring our Veterans Preserving their memories – Project update: Partnership Support Officer Email dated 27 June 2017 advising that the restoration work to the Wrexham CBC Standards will be complete by September 2017. Once the Standards are in place in the Council Chamber, an unveiling event will be hosted for all who made a donation to make the preservation project possible. Information noted 3.Friends of Acton Park Nature Report and Summer Schedule: Email dated 28 June 21017 enclosing these documents and advising that a meeting will be held at the Bowling Pavilion at 10.30am on 25 July 2017 for the Committee and those interested in helping at the summer event and dog show. Information noted 4.North Wales Community News Release – Services fit for the Future; Quality and Governance in Health Council health and care in Wales: Email dated 29 June 2017 enclosing this document welcoming the intention to create a stronger citizen voice in health and social care, highlighting the importance of looking at the proposalscontainedintheWelshGovernment’sWhitePaper online. RESOLVED – that Councillors reply individually to this Consultation if they so wish. 5.Wrexham Allotment and Show Schedule and Tickets: Letter dated 30 June 2017 enclosing copies Leisure Gardeners of the schedule and complementary tickets in case any Council Association representatives wish to attend the show. Information noted. 6.AVOW 1.AGM – 21 July 2017: Email dated 3 July 2017 enclosing the Notice and Agenda for the AGM to be held in the Catrin Finch Centre Glyndwr University at 10.30am 2. Community Agents in Wrexham: Email dated 6 July 2017 advising of support from GPs across the respective areas for this initiative and asking those areas that do not have an Agent to consider employing one. Information noted. 7.Macmillan Cancer Drop in session – Wrexham: Email dated 6 July 2017 advising of this Support informal opportunity to find out about the work of Macmillan and how to become involved locally. Information noted 8.Tracy Gilmartin Revised Schools Organisation Code: Email dated 11 July 2017 advising of One Voice Wales a consultation closing on 30 September 2017 that the Welsh Government is undertaking on a revised School Organisation Code. The Consultation Document can be viewed here. RESOLVED – that Councillors reply individually to this Consultation if they so wish. 9.Wrexham County The Wrexham we want: Email dated 11 July 2017 advising of Wrexham Borough Council Public Service Board Consultation events being held in July 2017 to decide on the main priorities for all Public service organisations. More information can be viewed here Information noted
9 44 PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS Members noted no payments had been received during June 2017. The Clerk provided details of the progress against the budget during Quarter 1 for 2017/18 and requested authorisation for outstanding debtor or other payments.
RESOLVED – that the following payments be approved: -
VOUCHER NO; PAYEE DETAILS AMOUNT 18 Wrexham County 2017/18 SLA Half Yearly instalment- Inspection & £2,037.00 Borough Council maintenance of play areas in the Acton Community area (VAT=£339.50) S19 Local Government (Misc Provisions) Act 1976 19 Ray Parry Provision and Installation costs for Timber Tangle at £5,880.00 Ffordd Garmonydd play Area (VAT = £980.00) S19 Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions Act) 1976 20. Wrexham & District SLA Quarter 1 Payment for Acton Outreach Service £1,536.54 Citizens Advice Bureaux S142 Local Government Act 1972 21 Caia Park Partnership SLA Payment for 1 April 2017-30 June 2017 for Detached £3,150.95 Ltd, Wrexham Youth Work Section 19 Local Government (Misc Provisions)Act 1976 22 Caia Park Partnership SLA Payment for 1 July 2017- 30 September 2017 for £3,150.95 Ltd, Wrexham Detached Youth Work Section 19 Local Government (Misc Provisions)Act 1976 23 Rialtas Business Alpha Financial Software; Annual support – single user, £139.20 Solutions ltd Section 112 Local Government Act 1972 (VAT=£23.20) 24 One Voice Wales Delegate Fee OVW Training on 6 July 2017 at Coedpoeth £60.00 for Councillor Lynne Williams S112 Local Government Act 1972 ( as amended) 25.Carole Roberts Clerks Expenses for July 2017 £ 199.58 Clerk to the Council Section 112 Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) (vat £ 9.29) 26. Welsh Ambulance One off donation to purchase a defibrillator and medical £1,000.00 Service NHS Trust Fund equipment for use by a trained volunteer first responder in the Acton Community S137 Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) 27.Clwyd Pension Fund Superannuation Payments for July 2017 As notified by Section 112 Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) Wrexham CBC Payroll section 28. Wrexham County Clerks Salary and office expenses for July 2017 paid by the NJC Rates Borough Council Council’sAgent:WrexhamCountyBoroughCouncilin accordance with Minute 99.1 December 2009 - Section 112 Local Government Act 1972 (as amended)
45 PLANNING MATTERS AND APPLICATIONS
The Council considered whether to make any comments on the following Planning Applications for developmentintheCommunityCouncil’sareathathavebeenreceivedsincethelastmeetingorthathad been made under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (to be determined by Wrexham County Borough Council).
RESOLVED - that the following observations be made on the applications set out below:
Application No & Address Details Observations
1.P/2017/0486 Display Of Signs - 1 Illuminated No comments to make Coop Stores 34 Borras Park Fascia, 2 Illuminated Projectors, 1
10 Application No & Address Details Observations
Road Wrexham Illuminated Logo, 6 Wall Mounted Panels And 2 Post Mounted Poles 2.P/2017/0494 Retention Of 12.5 Metre High No comments to make Telecommunications Mast Monopole And Komodo Cabinet Corner Of Caernarvon Road And Associated Development And Borras Park Road Wrexham 3.P/2017/0496 T1 - T14 : Trees Overhanging Road No objections provided the works to the Asda Superstore Holt Road Crown Lift Over Footpath And Trees are carried out under the directions Bodhyfryd Wrexham Highway To 5-6 Metres (Protected and to the satisfaction of the Council’s By Tree Preservation Order Wcbc Arboricultural officer 34) 4.P/2017/0508 Front Porch Extension No comments 23 Elm Grove Wrexham 5.3P/2017/0511 Demolition Of Existing Any extension should be in keeping with 130 Park Avenue Wrexham Conservatory And Annexe, Erection the character of the area. Of Single-Storey Rear And Two- Storey Side Extensions 6.P/2017/0527 Outline Application (with all To re-iterate previous objections as stated Land West of Wrexham Golf matters reserved apart from in the application documents and to Club Holt Road, Llanypwll, access) for roadside services express concern that adequate conditions Wrexham incorporating a petrol filling station should be imposed about the prevention with ancillary kiosk and associated of nuisance to nearby residential areas by car parking and works reason of emissions from cars idling at the proposed site if the application were to be approved 7.P/2017/0556 Single-Storey Extension No Comments 58 Ffordd Llywelyn Wrexham 8.P/2017/0578 Remove Limb On Field Side Of Lime No objections provided the works to the Sunnyside 10 Rhosnesni Tree (No 1) Trees are carried out under the directions Lane Wrexham and to the satisfaction of the Council’s Arboricultural Officer 9. P 2017/0463 Siting Of Shipping Container For The Community Council welcomes the Playing Field Westminster Storage Purposes (Amended Plan) amended plan that recognises the green Drive Wrexham ascetics of this important Open Space for Leisure use. The Shipping Container if permitted to be positioned on this site should have adequate and appropriate screening to ensure the visual and open aspect of this site is maintained. The Community Council wishes to reiterate that the position for siting of the Container should be agreed in consultation with the Council’s Arboricultural Officer to ensure no tree roots or canopies are damaged. (Councillor Paul D Jones declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item being member of Wrexham County Borough Council’s Planning Committee. He left the meeting taking no part in the discussion or voting on this item.)
11 46 EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC
RESOLVED - that the press and public be excluded from the Meeting during consideration of the following item of business as it is likely that, if they were present, there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in the Public Bodies Admission to Meetings Act 1960.
47 SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE A PAYROLL SERVICE
The Council was advised that a letter dated 27 June 2017 from the Head of Customer Services Wrexham County Borough Council had given a two month notice period of its intention to cease its Payroll Service Level Agreement with Acton Community Council on 31 August 2017.
The Council noted that its Payroll service had been outsourced to Wrexham County Borough Council for several years as part of its system of Financial and Internal Controls. As time is of the essence, the Clerk reported that she had identified several alternative providers and options for varying Payroll Services in the locality which included AVOW, Private Accountancy Companies/individuals and had received an approach from Shropshire County Council offering this service. Members considered the various quotes, levelsofservicethatcanbeprovidedtogetherwiththeircostimplications.TheCouncil’spreferencewas for the equivalent or an even better Payroll Service as the current Service Level Agreement through a Local Government Sector provider.
RESOLVED – that the Clerk approach both in Flintshire and Denbighshire County Councils to ascertain whether they can offer a Payroll Service Level Agreement and in the meantime Shropshire County Council be advised that its quote reported to the meeting is under consideration and subsequently the responses and any quotes received from the other County Councils, the Clerk in Consultation with the Chair be authorised to accept the most competitively priced quote according to the Service to be provided and agree and enter into a new Service Level Agreement for the provision of the Community Council’s Payroll Service with a Local Government Sector Provider.
Signed as a correct record this 19th day of September 2017
______Chair
12 AGENDA ITEM 5 CYNGOR COMMUNITY CYMUNED COUNCIL
Further to Minute 42 July 2017, set out below is a Summary of urgent issues that arose during the August recess. The Clerk to the Council in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Council agreed the issues should be dealt with as set out below:
ISSUE DECISION AND ACTION 1. Section 116 Local Government (Wales The resignation of Councillor Peter Jones for the Measure) 2011 Casual vacancy – Rhosnesni Ward: Rhosnesni Ward be accepted. The Clerk now Notification was received immediately after the Council proceed to arrange to fill this casual ward vacancy meeting on 19 July 2017 from Councillor Peter Jones and publish a Public Notice advertising the vacancy that he was resigning from the Council due to work & advising the public they may request an Election pressures and commitments. The Community Council within 14 days of the Notice date by contacting the must now arrange to fill the vacancy by Election. Returning Officer. Copies of the Notice to be placed ontheCommunityCouncil’snoticeboard,Website and a copy to be sent to the Returning Officer. 2. Section 116 Local Government (Wales The Clerk proceed to make arrangements for the Measure) 2011 Casual vacancies – Acton Park, Borras filling of the four casual vacancies by co-option and Park, Little Acton and Rhosnesni Wards: Notification further Public notices be issued to advertise the from the Returning Officer was received on 22 August four vacancies in the Acton Park, Borras Park , 2017 informing that no requests have been received to Little Acton and Rhosnesni Wards and inviting fill the four vacancies by election. The Community expressions of interest from suitably qualified Council must now arrange to fill the vacancy by co- members of the public by noon on Monday 18 option. (Minute 34.3 July 2017 refers) September 2017. Copies of the Notice to be placed ontheCommunityCouncil’snoticeboard,Website and a copy to be sent to the Returning Officer. 3. Planning applications for development or The following observations be made on the work to protected trees in the Community Council’s applications: area 1. Display Of 1 No Illuminated And 1 No Non- 1.No comments to make Illuminated Fascia Signs at Waterworld Bodhyfryd Wrexham (P/2017/0609) 2. Erection Of Detached Garage (Partly In Retrospect) 2. No comments to make at 20 Northwood Wrexham(P/2017/0661) 3. Demolition Of Rear Conservatory, New Single 3. No comments to make Storey Rear Extension And First Floor Rear Infill Extension at 21 Box Lane , Wrexham (P/2017/0668) 4. T8 Cherry – remove 5 identified secondary 4.No objections provided work is carried out under branches from over roadside, remove all branch stubs, the directionandtothesatisfactionofWCBC’s prune individual branches to provide 1m Clearance Arboricultural Officer from Utility line ( Protected by TPO WMBC No.21) at Copies of the electronic documents are available on The Cottage, 2 Maesydre Road, Wrexham Wrexham CBC Website. (P/2017/0688) 4 Payment of Accounts since 19 July 2016 Agreed the following payments/transfers be made : Replenish of HSBC Current Account from Deposit account £30,000 (internal transfer) 29 One Voice Wales - Training Cllr D Wallice at 29. £60.00 S112 LG Act 1972 Gresford on 13 July 2017 30 One Voice Wales - Training Cllrs L Williams & P 30. £120.00 S112 LG Act 1972 Lloyd at Coedpoeth on 25 July 2017 31 One Voice Wales - Training Cllr A Waters & L 31. £120.00 S112 LG Act 1972 Williams at Gresford on 27 July 2017 32.Carole Roberts -Clerks Expenses for August 17 32 £25.00 S112 LG Act 1972 /Continued
13 33 Clwyd Pension Fund: Superannuation Payments for 33. Amount as notified by Wrexham CBC Payroll August 2017 section: S112 LG Act 1972 34 WCBC 1st quarter SLA Payment for School Crossing 34. £2,305.00 S137 LG Act 1972 Patrols 35.WCBC: Employers expenses for August 2017 35. NJC Rates S112 LG Act 1972 5 Payroll Service Level Agreement from 1 1. To approve, endorse and sign off the Service September 2017: Further to Minute 47 July 2017, Level Agreement documents supplied by Flintshire and Denbighshire CCs had been Shropshire County Council to provide the Acton approached to provide this service via a SLA. The Community Council’s Payroll Service with effect response from Denbighshire CC was a negative one from 1 September 2017 and to pay the £350.00 and Flintshire County Council did not respond at all. (plus vat) fee. As time is of the essence, the Clerk in consultation 2.TheCouncil’sFinancialRegulationsbeupdated with the Chair and Vice Chair proceeded to ask as necessary to permit recovery by BACS/Direct Shropshire County Council to provide from 1 Debit by Shropshire County Council for the September 2017 the Community Council’s Payroll payments it makes under this Service Level Service as per the quotation reported to the July Agreement each month as per Clause 6 & C1.2. 2017 Community Council meeting and make 3 The Administrators of the Clwyd LGPS be arrangements for the relevant SLA to be drawn up. advised that Shropshire County Council is now administering the Payroll Service for the Community Council and will be making the monthly payments on its behalf. 6 SLCC Annual Conference 18 & 19 October The Clerk be authorised to book a place to attend 2017: Notification received from the SLCC of its early this event as part of her continued professional bird offer of £ 330 (+vat) for this two day Conference training and the delegate’s fee, travel costs and being held at the Hinckley Island Hotel Leicestershire. additional hours incurred by the Clerk attending this two day Conference be paid 7 Ffordd Garmonydd Replacement Kick Boards: The Clerk instruct Wrexham CBC to proceed as Further to Minute 34.1 July 2017) The Clerk had sought soon as possible and before the end of the clarification on a partial replacement of the worst summer with the like for like replacement and affected rotten boards. It was noted that the tanalised timber edging to Ffordd Garmonydd specification for safety in a Children’s play area was Play area at the quote price provided for the July very high and the risk had been highlighted by a Play 2017 Community Council meeting in order to Inspector. In respect of the eco deck, the maximum mitigate the risk identified by the Playground depth available did not meet the Playground safety Inspector. (Minute 34.1 refers) specification 8 Grant Thornton External Auditors: Letter The Clerk complete the relevant Statutory received 24 August 2017 enclosing the certified Annual Notices and place them on display on the Return for Acton Community Council for the year Council’s website and for 14 days on the ended 31 March 2017 and bilingual Notices of Community Council’s notice board in the Acton Conclusion of the Audit for completion. It was noted Community Resource Centre in order to comply that no matters of concern had been highlighted by the with the requirements of the Public Audit (Wales) External Auditor. Act 2004 and the Accounts & Audit Regulations 2014 9 Wrexham Community Grants: Email dated 31 The Clerk be authorised to endorse and co-sign August 2017 requesting the Community Council to the Application Form to meet the application endorse the application submitted by Unity Morris deadline and it be noted that if successful the Dancers for a £5,000 Enabling Grant to purchase new Community Council will be required to oversee costumes room hire for practice nights and transport expenditure of the Grant and confirm its for competitions & equipment - satisfaction in writing to Wrexham County Borough Council 10 Ffordd Garmonydd Play Area Equipment The lowest quote from Ray Parry Playground Extension for Older Young People: Further to Minute Services in the sum of £5,153.00 plus vat be 5.2/17 June 2017 consideration was given to 3 quotes accepted and the Clerk proceed to place an order obtained by Carla Hinde Wrexham CBC on the as per the quote provided and authorise Carla
14 Community Council’s behalf. It was noted that the Hinde Wrexham CBC to manage the work on the lowest quote had been provided by the Company that Community Council’s behalf and once it is installed the Timber Tangle. completed to extend the existing Service Level Agreement
The above decisions were taken by the Clerk to the Council in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair as it was considered that these issues were urgent and should be dealt with during the August recess and before the next full Community Council meeting on 19 September 2017. (Minute 42 July 2017 refers)
Signed: ______P J LLOYD ______Signed: ____CAROLE ROBERTS______Chair Clerk
Date: ______12 September 2017______Date: ______12 September 2017______
Signed ______R HARDY ______Vice Chair
Date : ______13 September 2017______
15 ACTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL – 19 SEPTEMBER 2017 AGENDA ITEM 7 PROCEDURAL MATTERS REPORT FROM THE CLERK TO THE COUNCIL
1. SECTION 116 LOCAL GOVERNMENT (WALES) MEASURE 2011: CO-OPTION OF MEMBERS
INTRODUCTION
The Community Council currently has one vacancy in the Borras Park ward following the resignation of Councillor Gareth Pearce. The necessary steps have been taken to fill the vacancy in accordance with Section 116 of the Local (Wales) Measure 2011
PURPOSE OF REPORT
To enable Members to consider any expressions of interest submitted to the Clerk to the Council by noon on the relevant date in accordance with Section 116 of the Local (Wales) Measure 2011. Any expressions of interest received will be circulated to Councillors before the meeting and the Candidates will be invited to give a short two or three minute presentation to the full Council on why they have expressed an interest and consider that they are qualified to be considered for co-option onto the Community Council.
DECISION REQUIRED
To consider the Expressions of Interest received and if appropriate, to proceed to fill the casual vacancy in the Borras Park Ward by Co-option in accordance with the requirements of Section 116 of the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011.
INFORMATION
1. Further to the August 2017 Recess decision taken in respect of filling by Co-option the four casual vacancies for the Acton, Borras Park, Little Acton and Rhosnesni Wards, the Clerk to the Council has accordance with the requirements Section 116 of the Local (Wales) Measure 2011 advertised the four vacancies by Public Notice. Copies of the brief resumes about the personal background of any potential candidates will be circulated prior to the meeting for Members consideration to assist with the filling of the vacancy by co-option at the Meeting on 19 September 2017
CO-OPTION PROCEDURES – (ADVICE GIVEN BY THE RETURNING OFFICER)
2. The Returning Officer has given the following advice in respect of the Co-option Procedure:
1 “Apersonmustbequalified,andnotdisqualified, to serve as a councillor in order to be co- opted. The person co-opted must receive an absolute majority vote of the councillors present and voting. The council may have Standing Orders which relate to the co-option of Members. Where there are more than two candidates for the vacancy, it would be best practice, for example, to run a series of votes, each time removing the candidate who has the least number of votes until one candidate secures an absolute majority. 2 The usual rules on voting apply. Provided that the meeting has a quorum, the decision must be made by a majority of members who are present and voting. The person presiding over the meeting may vote, and if there is an equality of votes he may exercise his casting vote. Members must vote by show of hands unless the council has standing orders that provide otherwise. 3 TheCouncil’sdebateandvoteontheco-option must be conducted in the public section of its meeting. It follows that the candidates, as members of the public, will be entitled to be presentduringtheproceedings.”
1. VACANCY ON THE YOUTH COMMITTEE: There is now one vacancy on this Committee following the resignation of Councillor Peter Jones. Members INSTRUCTIONS are requested upon whether they wish to fill this vacancy at the meeting given that there is a meeting of the Youth Committee planned for Tuesday 10 October 2017.
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ACTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL -19 SEPTEMBER 2017 AGENDA ITEM 9 Laurence Maxwell, Seasonal Ranger Acton Park
Acton Park Seasonal Ranger Report
Background I was employed as a seasonal ranger at Acton Park for a period of 15 weeks - from 22nd May until the 3rd September 2017. The post encompassed a wide brief; including maintenance, conservation, organisational, social and educational roles. Based both in the Cunliffe Bowling Club at Acton and in the Alyn Waters Visitor Centre, Gwersyllt, I was able to complete both practical and office based tasks. General duties Throughout my period of service I was able to carry out a number of tasks. These included; Warden patrols - carried out at least once weekly, recording and recovering any dead wildfowl found on the lake. Site safety check - carried out monthly from June until September Weeding - under and around benches, all car parks, the tennis courts, pathways and the Rose Garden. Cleaning - all signs in the park and polishing the brass poems in the park. Pathways - cut back and pruned along all pathways. Pathways were also swept with a brush or blown periodically to keep the park looking clean. Tidied and pruned fishing pegs. Patrolling the park each day, am and pm and performing a litter pick if required. Weeding and edging flower beds. Repairing fence panels and paths where disturbed by vandals or BMX jumps. Installation and maintenance of park furniture. Wildlife surveys.
Extra Duties Throughout my tenure I planned and carried out educational activities for the local schoolchildren at Barkers Lane and Borras primary schools (Acton were invited but declined to take up the offer). Overall, 128 schoolchildren visited the park (for 4 individual sessions) and feedback was positive. The visits included an interactive nature trail around the different habitats of Acton Park followed by a selection of practical activities designed to develop interest and knowledge of conservation issues. Activities included making birdfeeders from unwanted fruit, nature quizzes and games of habitat tag. I was able to tailor activates in line with recommendations from teachers and the national curriculum requirements.
Throughout my time at the park I was able to promote events in both Acton and the wider Wrexham area by handing out informative booklets, flyers and leaflets detailing specific events/promotions taking place throughout the year. All events and activities requiring safety assessment were not carried out until an individual risk assessment had been completed for each task. Conservation work completed during my tenure included bird feeding awareness campaigns and a continual butterfly survey. I was aided in these tasks by volunteers Jack Houghton, Gill Stevens and Carolyn Large. Park Events
27/06/17 Tree Walk. Attended by 33 people
25/07/17 Tennis coaching. Attended by 27 people.
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02/08/17 Nature Trail. Attended by 38 people.
08/08/17 Nature crafts. Attended by 26 people.
17/08/17 Acton Park Fun Day. Attended by over 800 members of the public, raising £462.00 for the Friends of Acton Park.
29/08/17 Family Fun Dog Show. Attended by over 80 members of the public, raising £130.00 for the Friends of Acton Park.
In addition to the above events, there were also monthly community clean up days, friends of the park meetings and school visits.
Alongside Richard Aram and the Friends of Acton, I was responsible for planning the fun day, dog show, nature crafts, nature trail and school visit activities together with securing funding/prizes and promoting/hosting the events. Promotions were made through the local press, posters, flyers (distributed to local schools, shops and community centres) and by word of mouth.
Suggestions
Community gardens – A community garden (overseen by the seasonal ranger and funded via donations from local businesses) would offer local residents the chance to develop gardening and skills, develop relationships and learn more about healthy living. A range of charities/organisations exist offering more help e.g. https://www.growwilduk.com/content/about-community-projects .
Orchard – The installation of an orchard in Acton Park would benefit pollinators and provide interest for visitors and the wider community. Park users already benefit the many fruit and nut trees in Acton and the development of a community orchard would benefit wildlife and community alike. More information on community orchards can be found at https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=8&cad=rja&uact =8&ved=0ahUKEwja_uqw8YjWAhXMJMAKHb02AyoQFghyMAc&url=https%3A%2F% 2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fgovernment%2Fpublications%2Fcommunity-orchards-a-how-to- guide&usg=AFQjCNEtRnNWPDAshNbTkNgjx5InjPMPqA https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=7&cad=rja&uact =8&ved=0ahUKEwja_uqw8YjWAhXMJMAKHb02AyoQFghtMAY&url=https%3A%2F% 2Fwww.theorchardproject.org.uk%2Fwhat-we-do%2Fplanting-new-community- orchards%2F&usg=AFQjCNExEv73NS96jtihv8PK7Xp2M_AE9Q.
Access to office materials and services at Acton Park would enable a ranger presence for more of the summer, as I regularly had to travel to Alyn Waters for office related activities.
Related documents
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19 20 21 22 Acton Butterfly Survey 2017
Background Butterflies play an important role in pollination (Bloch et al. 2006) and the dispersal of plants to new environments (Eriksson 2013). Numerous well documented threats to pollinators include; habitat disturbance, climate change and disease (c.f. Daszak et al. 2000, Van Swaay and Warren 2003). Therefore it is important that butterfly communities be investigated in order to assess current populations and revise management plans. Methods Acton Park lies in the geographical centre of Acton, Wrexham. The site of a former country house (Acton Hall), the park now consists of 64 acres of public parkland and is composed of four main habitats – lake, woodland, meadow and urban. As per methods highlighted by Pollard (1977) suitable transects were chosen and walked weekly for a period of ten weeks. A description of the transects can be found below.
Transect General description Vegetative diversity 1 Planted border adjacent to Low Cunliffe bowling club 2 Footpath between field and Low road border 3 From rose/wildflower garden High to Japanese garden 4 Wildflower meadow High
Figure 1 Map of survey transects within Acton Park. (Maxwell 2017)
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Results In total 215 individuals and 15 different species were recorded across 10 weeks between June and September 2017. Surveys were only carried out in good conditions (c.f. Pollard 1977).
Transect 1 Species Survey Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Large White 1 1 1 1 Small White 1 Green Veined White Marbled White Brimstone Large Skipper Gatekeeper Meadow Brown Ringlet Speckled Wood 2 3 2 Comma 1 1 Painted Lady Small Tortoiseshell Red Admiral 1 Peacock 1 Common Blue 1 Holly Blue Small copper Other/unidentifiable
Table 1. Butterflies observed at transect 1
Transect 2 Species Survey Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Large White 2 2 1 1 2 Small White 2 1 Green Veined White 2 1 Marbled White Brimstone Large Skipper Gatekeeper 1 Meadow Brown 1 1 1 1 Ringlet Speckled Wood 1 2 2 3 2 Comma Painted Lady Small Tortoiseshell Red Admiral Peacock Common Blue 1 2 1 1 Holly Blue Small copper Other/unidentifiable
Table 2. Butterflies observed at transect 2
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Transect 3 Species Survey Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Large White 2 4 3 5 2 2 3 Small White 1 2 3 3 1 Green Veined White Marbled White Brimstone Large Skipper Gatekeeper 1 3 Meadow Brown 1 2 1 Ringlet Speckled Wood 2 2 2 5 6 3 4 8 5 Comma 1 2 1 Painted Lady Small Tortoiseshell Red Admiral 1 3 1 Peacock Common Blue 1 2 2 1 1 Holly Blue Small copper 1 1 3 Other/unidentifiable
Table 3. Butterflies observed at transect 3
Transect 4 Species Survey Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Large White 1 3 5 2 1 Small White 1 2 1 1 Green Veined White 2 Marbled White 1 Brimstone Large Skipper Gatekeeper Meadow Brown 2 Ringlet 4 2 Speckled Wood 4 6 5 1 2 1 2 Comma 1 2 1 1 Painted Lady Small Tortoiseshell 1 Red Admiral 2 2 1 1 Peacock Common Blue 1 1 2 1 Holly Blue 2 Small copper Other/unidentifiable
Table 4. Butterflies observed at transect 4
25 Figure 2 Graph showing total butterfly numbers recorded for each species at each transect.
Figure 3 Graph showing total butterfly populations across all transects.
26 Figure 4 Graph showing average butterfly populations at transects with high or low vegetative diversity.
Figure 5 Pie chart showing total butterfly populations at each of the four transects.
27 Figure 6 Bar chart showing species richness across all transects.
Discussion Butterfly numbers for all species were observed to be significantly higher at transects with greater vegetative diversity (figure 4). Similarly, butterfly diversity was also found to be higher in transects with greater vegetative diversity (figure 6). Numerous studies have found a positive relationship between butterfly populations and vegetation diversity, (Collinge et al. 2003) (Blair and Launer 1997), and it would appear that areas of greater plant diversity result in larger availability of nectar for adults and plant fodder for caterpillars. Most abundant species were speckled wood (75), large white (45) and small white (19) whereas the least abundant species were small tortoiseshell (1), marbled white (1) and peacock (1). Butterfly numbers could be improved by establishing a larger population of plants containing amino acid rich pollen (c.f. Gardener and Gillman 2002). Such plants include lavender, eucalyptus and numerous brassica species (Bousetta et al. 1996,) The largest populations of butterflies were observed at transect 3 (figure 2) whist transect 4 had the richest diversity (figure 6). Transect 1 had the lowest population of butterflies. Again, the greater diversity of vegetation would appear to be responsible for these results, although disturbance from nearby roads and car parking facilities may also have a negative effect on populations at transects 1 and 2 (c.f. Kitahara and Fujii 1994, Fahrig and Rytwinski 2009). Butterfly species that appear to be absent from Acton Park are brimstone, painted lady and large skipper. The planting/encouragement of food plants such as thistles (painted lady), buckthorn (brimstone) and purple moor grass (large skipper) would encourage populations into Acton Park (c.f. McKay 1991, Nesbit et al. 2009, Nakasuji 1987).
Acknowledgements The author would like to thank Carolyn Large for her help in the gathering of data and the identification of species.
References
Blair, R.B. and Launer, A.E., 1997. Butterfly diversity and human land use: Species assemblages along an urban grandient. Biological conservation, 80(1), pp.113-125.
Bloch, D., Werdenberg, N. and Erhardt, A., 2006. Pollination crisis in the butterfly‐pollinated wild carnation Dianthus carthusianorum?. New Phytologist, 169(4), pp.699-706.
BOUSETA, A., SCHEIRMAN, V. and COLLIN, S., 1996. Flavor and free amino acid composition of lavender and eucalyptus honeys. Journal of food Science, 61(4), pp.683-687.
28 Collinge, S.K., Prudic, K.L. and Oliver, J.C., 2003. Effects of local habitat characteristics and landscape context on grassland butterfly diversity. Conservation biology, 17(1), pp.178-187.
Daszak, P., Cunningham, A.A. and Hyatt, A.D., 2000. Emerging infectious diseases of wildlife--threats to biodiversity and human health. science, 287(5452), p.443.
Eriksson, O., 2013. Species pools in cultural landscapes–niche construction, ecological opportunity and niche shifts. Ecography, 36(4), pp.403-413.
Fahrig, L. and Rytwinski, T., 2009. Effects of roads on animal abundance: an empirical review and synthesis. Ecology and society, 14(1).
Gardener, M.C. and Gillman, M.P., 2002. The taste of nectar–a neglected area of pollination ecology. Oikos, 98(3), pp.552-557.
Kitahara, M. and Fujii, K., 1994. Biodiversity and community structure of temperate butterfly species within a gradient of human disturbance: an analysis based on the concept of generalist vs. specialist strategies. Researches on Population Ecology, 36(2), pp.187-199.
McKay, H.V., 1991. Egg-laying requirements of woodland butterflies; brimstones (Gonepteryx rhamni) and alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus). Journal of Applied Ecology, pp.731-743.
Nakasuji, F., 1987. Egg size of skippers (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) in relation to their host specificity and to leaf toughness of host plants. Ecological Research, 2(2), pp.175-183.
Nesbit, R.L., Hill, J.K., Woiwod, I.P., Sivell, D., Bensusan, K.J. and Chapman, J.W., 2009. Seasonally adaptive migratory headings mediated by a sun compass in the painted lady butterfly, Vanessa cardui. Animal Behaviour, 78(5), pp.1119-1125. Pollard, E., 1977. A method for assessing changes in the abundance of butterflies. Biological conservation, 12(2), pp.115-134.
29 ACTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM 11 Report of the Clerk to the Council 19 SEPTEMBER 2017
APPLICATIONS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
INTRODUCTION
In September 2009, the Community Council determined its procedure to deal with requests for financial assistance from Organisations that work or are based in the Acton Community Area; this report summarises the applications received to date and reminds members of the Grants/ donations that have been awarded during the previous financial year.
PURPOSE OF REPORT
To consider the two applications for financial assistance submitted in accordance with the Policy agreed at the September 2009 meeting of the Council.
DECISION REQUIRED
To determine the two applications for financial assistance included in this report submitted in accordance withtheCommunityCouncil’sPolicyagreedinSeptember2009.
INFORMATION
1. Members may recall that in September 2009 the Community Council agreed its process and Policy for considering applications for Financial assistance made under the provisions of Section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended). (Minute 48 September 2009 refers). At that meeting, a standard financial application form was approved and is now circulated for completion to all persons and organisations seeking financial assistance from the Community Council. This ensures that the information from each applicant is received in a consistent format and all questions frequently asked by members are answered.
2. ToeasepressuresontheCouncil’sbudget,itsPolicyistoconsiderapplicationsonaquarterlybasis with the budget apportioned equally to each quarter to allow the Community Council to be more focused and equitable when determining financial assistance applications. The emphasis and focus of financial assistance is on providing pump priming to help local community groups to be become self- financing rather than providing a regular guaranteed grant income year on year that may preclude other new local groups from being established to the benefit of the community. The quarterly meetings are March, June, September and December each year.
3. The Local Government Act 1972 sets out in Section 137, the powers and scope for a Community Council to make expenditure that benefits the local Community. Additional powers are also contained in Section 145 of the Act. A sum of £3,250 has been set aside in the estimates of Income and Expenditure for the year ended 31 March 2018 for this purpose.
4. The current Budget Allocation is much less than the limit permitted by Section 137(4) (a) of the Local Government Act 1972. For Parish and Town Councils in England and Wales, an amount of £7.57 per personoftheCommunityCouncils’populationispermissiblefor2017/18. The Acton Community Tax base for 2017/18 is 5768. An extract will be available at the meeting of the powers contained in Section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972 that enables the Community Council to incur expenditure, which in their opinion is in the interests of, and will bring direct benefit to their area or any part of it or all or some of its inhabitants. Attached at Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 for information is a summary of the Financial Assistance Grants awarded during 2015/16 and 2016/17
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5. In the current financial year, the Community Council has awarded the following grant totaling £100.00:
Organisation Details Decision
1.Friends of Bellevue Park Financial support to provide a £100.00 memorial in the Park to remember all who served and died in WW1
6. To ensure equal distribution of the budget, it has been apportioned equally between the quarterly meetings. This equates to £812.50 per quarter for 2016/17. I have circulated several application forms in response to general requests for financial assistance together with a standard letter setting outtheCouncil’spolicyandthedeadlineforreceiptofapplicationsforthismeeting.Ihavereceived only one completed form and together with the further financial information request from the Vic Studios at the June 2017 Grant meeting. The two applications to be considered in the current quarter are listed below. The full application forms are is attached to this report and a copy of the supporting accounts and any other supporting information will be available at the meeting. Members are requested to determine the following application for financial assistance:
Organisation Details Decision
2.The Vic Studios Seeking Financial assistance to help with therepairandmaintenanceoftheStudio’s facilities in a bid to retain the quality of service currently delivered by this music project. Members are reminded that this application was deferred at June 2017 meeting. Additional Financial information will be available at the meeting 3.Unity Morris Dancers This is a new Group run by Volunteers that will be based in the Acton Community Resource Centre and is seeking financial support for start-up costs
End of Applications received in time for September 2017 meeting.
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APPENDIX 1 SUMMARY Of FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE GIVEN DURING THE 2015/16 FINANCIAL YEAR:-
Name Detail Amount
1. Gate Hangs High AssistancetowardstheClub’srunningcostsand £400.00 Bowling Club unexpected repairs to the mowing machine. 2. Friends of Acton Park Assistance towards the purchase of secure storage £120.00 unitsfortheGroup’sequipment 3. North Wales Police Assistance with cost of planning, organising and £100.00 delivering a Haunted Walk in Acton Park in October 2015. 4. Royal British Legion Poppy Wreath & Donation £100.00 S137 Local Government Act 1972 5. Cunliffe Bowling Club Assistance towards the purchase of new mowing £400.00 equipment 6. FamilyFriendsfor5’sto Assistance with cost providing this Volunteer service £500.00 11’s to families in the Acton Community area 7. Rhosnesni Residents AssistancetowardstheAssociation’sfestive £150.00 Association activities for its seniors and children. 8. Wrexham County Assistance towards the project to Honour our £100.00 Borough Council – Veterans and Preserve their memories Crowd funding 9. Llangollen International Financial assistance to support the costs of staging £100.00 Musical Eisteddfod the 2015 Urdd National Eisteddfod to be held in Caerphilly. 10. K2 Explorer Scout Unit Financial assistance towards the cost of youngsters £250.00 from the Acton Community area participating on the Group's Expedition to the Czech Republic in the summer of 2016
11. Wrexham Allotment Request for £50 donation to sponsor a group of £50.00 and Leisure gardeners classes at the Annual Flower and Vegetable Show Association 12. Home Start County Assistance towards supporting new and existing £500.00 Borough of Wrexham vulnerable young families and their volunteers living in the Acton area of the County. 13. Eisteddfod Gendlaethol Financial assistance to support the costs of staging £50.00 Cymru the 2015 Urdd National Eisteddfod to be held in Caerphilly.
TOTAL £ 2,820.00
Budget for 2015/16= £3,250 + c/fwd from 2014/15 of £1,500
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APPENDIX 2 SUMMARY Of FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE GIVEN DURING THE 2016/17 FINANCIAL YEAR:-
Name Detail Amount
1. Tenovus Cancer Care Financial assistance to continue to support cancer £100.00 – North Wales patients and their loved ones in their local community+ 2. Nightingale House Financial assistance to support the work of the £500.00 Hospice Hospice in the delivery of Palliative care from within theCommunityCouncil’sarea 3. St John’s Church financial donation towards the costs of the planned £500.00 Rhosnesni refurbishments and modernisation of the Church Hall which is now 25 years old 4. Shelter Cymru Assistance with cost of providing its housing needs £100.00 Subject to the services to people in the Acton Community. I monies being expended for confirm that the monies will be expended for services that are provided in the Acton Community services that are provided in the Acton Community area. area. 5. Royal British Legion Poppy Wreath & Donation £100.00 Poppy Appeal 6. Mayor's Charity Tickets for Acton CC attendance at Mayor's Charity £70.00 Fund Wrexham CBC Dinner Dance 7 October 2016 7. Llangollen Financial assistance towards the substantial general £100.00 International Musical running costs of this annual event Eisteddfod 8. Anglesey National Financial support towards this annual festival which £50.00 Eisteddfod 2017 costs a total of £1.4m 9. Wrexham Family Contribution towards the cost of supporting four £500.00 Friends for 5’s to families currently disadvantaged in the Acton 11’s Community 10. Cunliffe Bowling Financial assistance towards the costs of installing an £100.00 Club environmentally friendly automatic watering system 11. Wrexham Allotment Financial donation towards the costs of the Annual £50.00 & Leisure Open Flower, Vegetable and Home Produce show Gardeners’ Association 12. Bobath Children’s Financial assistance to enable provision of extra £100.00 Therapy Centre therapists to treat more children across Wales who have Cerebral palsy 13. Home Start County Assistance towards supporting newly referred young £400.00 Borough of families who are vulnerable and disadvantaged and Wrexham their volunteers who live within the Acton Community 14. Borras Park Albion Support towards the cost of youngsters from the £300.00 Youth Football Club Borras/ActonareatogoontheClub’s37th Exchange of Football and Friendship in Germany in April 2017 15. Acton Park Primary Financial Assistance towards the costs of an No Grant made – School improvement and renovation project for the applicant referred to wooden building in the school grounds LEA 16. Barkers Lane Play Financial assistance towards the cost of purchasing a £280.00 Group range of IT resources to promote ICT development and skills for the children Total Grants to 31 March 2017 £3,250.00
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ACTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL – 20 SEPTEMBER 2016 AGENDA ITEM 12 INFORMATION AND GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED SINCE THE LAST MEETING
Set out below are the details of information and general correspondence received since the last meeting:-
Organisation Details Comments
1. Civic Support Officer Mayor’s Charity Dinner Dance - Friday 7 October 2016 at 7:15pm at the Ramada Wrexham CBC Plaza: Email dated 24 August 2016 inviting the Council to send representatives to attend this event at a cost of £35.00 each. The closing date for ticket application is 21 September 2016 2. Wrexham County Borough 1. Wrexham Town and Community Council Forum – Thursday 21 September 2017 Council at 4:00pm: Email dated 23 August 2017 inviting the Council to send 2/3 1.Marie Russell, Member representatives to this meeting to be held in the Council Chamber at the Guildhall, Services Wrexham.
2. Mark Parry Housing 2. Action Day at Acton: Email dated 8 September 2017 regarding arrangements for Officer this event and the intention to provide two skips on the day at the Acton Community Resource Centre at the end of September 2017. Wrexham CBC will be funding a skip for Council Tenants but have asked the Community Council if it would be prepared to fund the second skip at a cost of £220 plus £125 for every extra tonne collected. 3.Jane Johnson , Committee 3. Code of Conduct Training: Email dated 11 September 2017 advising that the Manager Monitoring Officer for Wrexham CBC has arranged for two training sessions for all Town & Community Councillors on 3 & 16 October 2017 at 4:00pm in the Council Chamber at the Guildhall Wrexham. The closing date is 27 September 2017 4 Jay Davies Play 4. Youth Service Strategy Revenue Grant – Proposed Application by Ffordd Development Team Garmonydd Young People: Email dated 13 September 2017 asking the Community Council to consider supporting Lauren and the Group applying for this Grant and to agree to being the Grant Body to hold this money if the application is successful. 3. Barbara Jones, Chair of Opening of WW1 Memorial Garden: Email dated 11 September 2017 inviting Friends of Bellevue Park representatives from the Council to this event being held on Sunday 22 October 2017 at 2:30pm in the Park. The service will be followed by refreshments at the Community Centre. A response with number is requested by 30 September 2017.
Any Items shown in grey type will be tabled at the meeting on 19/09/17 39