Town Council Meeting 9th October 2014

STOCKSBRIDGE TOWN COUNCIL

Minutes of a meeting of the Town Council, held in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, The ARC, Stocksbridge on Thursday, 9th October 2014

PRESENT : Cllr. N J Owen (Chair) ; Cllrs. S C Abrahams, P E Jagger, C Ward and M C Brelsford from Item 136

2 Members of the public

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133. To Receive Chairman’s Remarks and Apologies for Absence Apologies for Absence were received from Cllrs. J Clarkson and A E Brelsford.

134. Exclusion of the Press and Public There were no items for exclusion of the press and public.

135. Declarations of Interest Cllr. SCA declared a personal interest in planning application 14/02801/FUL – 1 Whitwell Cottages, Stocksbridge.

136. Public Questions and Petitions Members of the public, M Wetherall and N Kaye wished to note their concerns at the removal of the grit bin from Broomfield Court. SCC had stated that they would be cutting the Winter maintenance budget but had not publicly stated that they would be removing grit bins. Broomfield Court fits the criteria for a grit bin being located on a steep incline.

Cllr. M C Brelsford arrived at this point.

Broomfield Road has always had a grit bin due to the fact that there are no open gullies, there is no pavement and any water freezes making the road impossible to traverse. The removal of the grit bin would undoubtedly cause an accident when the Winter weather arrived. Cllr. PEJ suggested that the Town Council pass the petition to SCC with a letter of support. Cllr. NJO stated that the area should have a grit bin as it is a one way system and when the water trough overflows the water goes down Nanny Hill creating a dangerous situation. The Clerk reported that complaints had been received in the office at the removal of grit bins from Hillcrest Rise and Newton Avenue and she had requested a list of all bins to be removed and re-sited. Cllr. MCB stated that he understands the position regarding finances but noted that this was a paper exercise with no concept of the gradients of the roads in question. Cllr. JC had requested that the Town Council write to Cllr. Jack Scott to request a list of grit bins to be removed. Cllr. MCB requested that this letter also be sent to the Leader of the Council, Cllr. J Dore and J Mothersole, Chief Executive. Cllr. NJO noted that the Town Council had been informed at the July meeting that any roads not to be gritted would have a grit bin located on them. M Wetherall advised that he had written to A Smith MP several times but had received no response. Cllr. NJO noted that he had previously stated that people pay their taxes and have a right to expect services. Page | 1

Town Council Meeting 9th October 2014

It was resolved that the Town Council would contact M Wetherall and N Kaye when a response was received from SCC.

137. To Approve as a True and Correct Record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Town Council held on 11th September 2014 Minutes of the Town Council meeting held on 11th September 2014, copies of which had been circulated prior to the meeting were taken as read. Proposed by Cllr. S C Abrahams, seconded by Cllr. N J Owen and RESOLVED:- That the minutes be confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

138. To Receive Remarks from the Minutes of the Town Council meeting held on 11th September 2014 Cllr. PEJ reported his anger and annoyance regarding the failure to read out his correspondence at the last meeting, noting that he had accepted the apologies of the Clerk for this unfortunate oversight. Cllr. PEJ also stated that he was not happy with the complaints process which was currently being undertaken with respect to a complaint lodged against himself.

With reference to item 102 – Streets Ahead- Tree Survey. The Clerk reported that she had received correspondence from Streets Ahead advising that Amey have recently carried out an inspection of all the trees in Stocksbridge, any marked for removal will be forwarded to SCC for approval and then the trees to be removed will be noticed. The inspections do take into account trees that are causing damage. The Clerk reported that she had been advised by V Varnam that a full tree inspection had been undertaken but trees which required removal had yet to be considered by SCC. The Clerk had today received further correspondence from V Varnam providing an update on drainage issues on Park Drive causing flooding in The Venue car park and works proposed to alleviate the problems. VV also noted that SCC have now given approval for 40 trees to be removed and replaced in Stocksbridge which will take place prior to commencement of the first phase of the highway works scheduled for February 2015. VV undertook to provide a list of trees to be removed, locations etc. at the end of October.

Cllr. SCA noted that she was impressed with the works being undertaken by Amey/Streets Ahead on cleaning the leaves throughout the Valley, they were doing a good job. Cllr. NJO stated that the works undertaken by Amey/Streets Ahead had been excellent. Cllr. PEJ stated that it was a more structured organisation. Cllr. CW noted that they had attended site within a few days following the July Town Council meeting to fill in the hole on Lilac Avenue which she had reported.

With reference to item 104 second paragraph – Flood Defences. The Clerk reported that she had received correspondence from J Fletcher, Flood and Water Management, SCC advising of schemes registered onto a national investment programme running from 2015 to 2021. These include the Lower Don Valley Flood Protection Scheme. One of the new capital schemes registered was the Sheffield Upper Don Flood Alleviation Scheme from Stocksbridge to the City Centre. Initial designs and proposals will be submitted to the Environment Agency in Autumn 2016, as part of this preparation SCC intends to engage with communities and organisations that have a stake in the schemes. Copies of this correspondence had been previously circulated to members’.

With reference to item 107, final paragraph – Bus Service. The Clerk reported that she had received correspondence from J Young, Stagecoach requesting specific details of the unpleasant journeys referred to, noting that double-decker buses were used on almost all journeys plus extra buses at peak times, in order that further investigations can be made. This correspondence was noted.

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With reference to item 118 third paragraph – Hunshelf Road. The Clerk reported that she had been advised by V Varnam that re-surfacing of Hunshelf Road would be completed prior to the National Hill Climb, they were awaiting safety procedures with respect to overhead power cables being put in place.

With reference to item 123 c) Dementia Friendly Town. Cllr. SCA advised that a meeting had been arranged for 24th November from 1.30-3.30 p.m. at The Venue. There would be a speaker followed by an open workshop.

With reference to item 124 – Stocksbridge History Society. Cllr. MCB noted that the issue of continued grant funding for community groups within the Town Hall had been raised at a previous meeting. The Clerk advised that she had written to both the History Society and Community Care Group advising that the current grant funding was in place to the end of March 2015.

139. To Receive and Approve Balances and Comparison of Spending Against Budget The Clerk reported that the details of the Balances & Comparison of Spending Against Budget had been previously circulated. Proposed by Cllr. M C Brelsford, seconded by Cllr. P E Jagger and RESOLVED:- That the Town Council accept details of the balances and comparison of spending against budget for September 2014 as supplied by the Clerk.

140. Valley Project The Clerk reported that she had received a copy of the Chairman’s Report to the AGM of the Steel Valley Project, 10th September 2014. The Clerk had also received correspondence advising that SVP have been nominated for an award by Lloyds Bank Community Fund and were requesting votes to get to the final stage. This correspondence was noted.

141. Local Council Review The Clerk reported that she had received copies of Local Council Review for Summer and Autumn 2014. This correspondence was noted.

142. SYPTE The Clerk reported that she had received correspondence from SYPTE advising the completion of the tram track replacement works for this year with tram services resuming with effect from 13th September 2014. The next phase of the works will commence in Spring 2015. Copies of this correspondence had been previously circulated to members’.

The Clerk reported that she had also received correspondence from SYPTE advising of Stagecoach Supertram offers of discounted tickets as a thank you to customers for their patience during the rail replacement project works. Copies of this correspondence had been previously circulated to members’.

143. Walkers Are Welcome The Clerk reported that she had received correspondence from Walkers Are Welcome raising their concerns regarding the recent upsurge in the illegal use of high powered motorised vehicles in Wharncliffe Woods, in particular quad bikes which were causing a danger to both horse riders and walkers. Various barriers have been destroyed, gates have been damaged and stock has escaped. Although various calls have been made to 101 there appears to have been little, if any, action. This correspondence was noted.

144. South Fire & Rescue Authority The Clerk reported that she had received from the Fire & Rescue Authority a copy of their monthly report for October 2014, copies of which had been previously circulated to members’. This correspondence was noted.

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145. Yorkshire Local Councils Associations The Clerk reported that she had received correspondence from the Yorkshire Local Councils Associations including:- - Advice Note 21 – Gypsy and Traveller issues - White Rose Update – September 2014 - Copies previously circulated to members’ - White Rose Update – October 2014 – Copies previously circulated to members’ The Clerk noted that the October WRU referred to changes to the Local Council Award Scheme, this was the first the Clerk had heard about it and would await further information. The Clerk reported that there was also reference to the case for local authorities to pass on council tax support funding with the request made that the funding be identified in the financial settlement or statutory guidance be given to billing authorities. The Clerk noted that a meeting had been arranged for Monday, 20th October at 10 a.m. with C Mansell, SCC to discuss budgets/precept for 2015/16. Councillors were invited if they were able to attend.

146. High Speed Rail College The Clerk reported that she had received correspondence from SYPTE advising that the Government had announced that the new National College for High Speed Rail will be spread between two locations in Birmingham and . The college will provide specialist vocational training to the next generation of engineers working on the High Speed 2 (HS2) project and beyond and is expected to create as many as 2,000 apprenticeship opportunities, with around 25,000 people expected to be employed during construction. Copies of this correspondence had been previously circulated to members’.

147. National Park Authority The Clerk reported that she had received from the Peak District National Park Authority a copy of Planning Services Parishes Bulletin 08, October 2014. This correspondence was noted.

148. Remembrance Day The Clerk reported that she had received correspondence from St Matthias Church asking if the Town Council would be again be providing the refreshments following this year’s Remembrance Day Parade which will be held on Sunday, 9th November. The Clerk undertook to add this item to the next Finance Committee agenda in order for authority to be approved.

149. Sheffield Budget Conversation 2015/2016 Event The Clerk reported that she had received correspondence from SCC enclosing an invitation from the Leader of SCC to be part of a Budget Conversation event to be held on Tuesday, 21st October from 6.00-7.30 p.m. at Sheffield Town Hall. This correspondence was noted.

Cllr. MCB noted that this event had eventually been cancelled last year. 150. Bus Service Changes The Clerk reported that she had received correspondence from SYPTE advising of bus service changes effective from 25th October 2014. Changes effective in this area being to the 23A – Stocksbridge – , the Sunday 0900 journey from Barnsley running 10 minutes earlier. This correspondence was noted.

151. North Neighbourhood Action Group The Clerk reported that she had received an agenda for the North Neighbourhood Action Group meeting to be held on 9th October at 10 a.m. at Oxspring Bank. This correspondence was noted.

152. North Health and Wellbeing Area Partnership The Clerk reported that she had received correspondence from O McClean advising that she was in the process of mapping the Lunch Clubs currently being held in the North of Sheffield in order that all Clubs can access support from Voluntary Action Sheffield should they need it. Copies of this correspondence had been previously circulated to members’.

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Cllr. SCA advised that she had invited O Mclean to the dementia friendly meeting she had arranged for 24th November at which she would be able to obtain the information she required.

153. National Hill Climb 2014 The Clerk reported that she had received correspondence from Stewart Smith advising that he had received 270 entries from countrywide for the National Hill Climb event on 26th October and he can only accept 180 plus 15 reserves. The Clerk noted that a trophy had been purchased and Cllr. NJO would be attending the event to present awards. This correspondence was noted.

154. Christmas Illuminations The Clerk reported that she had met with D Briggs on 7th October regarding the future of the Christmas Illuminations contract and outlined various options put forward for consideration. DB would be forwarding costings for these options and the Clerk undertook to add these to a future Finance Committee agenda for budgetary discussion. Cllr. MCB raised his concerns that due to the elections next year there may not be the same people sitting round the Council table, noting that 4SLC had stated they had been informed by Cllr. JC that the Christmas Illuminations contract was due to expire and it could be that the Town Council could have a look at the costs and that 50% could be paid to 4SLC if voted on. Cllr. SCA requested that the Town Council write to Dransfield Properties asking if they would make a contribution to the lights. The Leisure Centre serves a small proportion of the community whereas the Christmas lights appeal to the whole of the community. There was a need to have a debate to discuss the way forward. Cllr. PEJ suggested that the funds be incorporated into the budget, although it may become a future issue, and let the electorate express their views. Cllr. NJO stated that he would be very disappointed if the lights did not go ahead and noted that businesses were very quiet at present. The Clerk suggested that the Town Council needed to look at the contract early 2015 in order that consideration could be given to putting in place a contract for a 12 month period.

The Clerk noted that letters to local businesses requesting donations towards the Christmas Illuminations would be sent out at the beginning of November and asked if Councillors wished to include information that this would be the last year of the current contract and possible future implications.

155. To Receive Verbal Reports from Members’ a) Cllr. SCA reported that she had attended a meeting regarding supporting vulnerable adults the outcome of which was that Housing would be issuing a questionnaire asking what people want and how they would want it doing. The next meeting would be held on 12th November. Cllr. SCA confirmed her understanding that Housing were re-categorising Stocksbridge due to the change of demand for housing noting that women with children, not working, were homeless as there were no properties available. Cllr. MCB stated that the majority of properties available were one bedroom flats which could not be given to women with children. There were only 13 two bedroom properties available in Stocksbridge for social housing. Cllr. SCA had attended the Valley In Bloom presentation event on 5th October when a presentation by Phil Hirst, the award winner for the best garden in show at Tatton Park, had been given. Cllr. SCA noted that PH had been commissioned for the garden at the Sanctuary Homes site. Cllr. SCA had also attended the Event Committee meetings.

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156. To Receive a Verbal Report from the Mayor The Mayor, Cllr. N J Owen reported that he had attended the following events since the last meeting:- 15th and 29th September - Events Committee meetings 21st September – Penistone Town Council Civic Service The next Events Committee meeting would be held on Monday, 13th October at 7 p.m.

157. To Consider Planning Applications and Receive the Decisions of the Sheffield City Council North West Planning Board 12/01705/COND1 Miners Arms, Bracken Moor Lane, Application to approve details in relation Stocksbridge to Conditions Nos. 3/4. Highway improvements; 9. Risk Assessment; 10/11/12. Remediation Strategy Report; 13. Car parking accommodation; 14. Redundant accesses; relating to planning permission no. 12/01705/FUL. 14/03464/NMA Ivanhoe, More Hall Lane, Application to allow minor alterations to location of garage, lower ground floor layout, amendments to window in west elevation and general di minimis amendments to incorporate aspects of detailed design (amendments to previously approved scheme no. 14/00550/FUL). Cllr. MCB raised his concerns with respect to the undermentioned planning application noting that he was against any amendment if the condition referred to a green roof as the property was located within the green belt. The Clerk undertook to investigate and report back. 14/00550/COND2 Ivanhoe, More Hall Lane, Application to approve details in relation Ewden Valley to condition number 8. green and brown roof relating to planning permission 14/00550/FUL. 14/03592/NMA Newton Grange 599 Application to allow alterations to render Road, Stocksbridge colour (amendments to approved scheme 13/01452/FUL). 14/03500/FUL 1 Whitwell Cottages, Whitwell Two-storey side extension to Lane, Stocksbridge dwellinghouse.

158. Planning Applications – Decisions The undermentioned planning applications have been Granted Conditionally:- 14/02801/FUL Home Improvements, Single-storey front extension to building 247 Manchester Road, Stocksbridge including demolition of front conservatory (retrospective). 14/01528/FUL 1 Pot House Farm Cottages, Pot Single-storey extension to House Lane, Stocksbridge dwellinghouse. 14/02761/FUL 49 Victoria Road, Stocksbridge Conversion of existing workshop to form garage and habitable accommodation including raising the roof height and a single-storey rear extension.

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14/02984/FUL 5 Ellorslie Drive, Stocksbridge Erection of single-storey rear extension and pitched roof over existing garage (resubmission of 13/03566/FUL). 14/02813/FUL Curtilage of 2 Bank Farm, Extension to existing general purpose Bank Lane, Ewden Valley agricultural building. The undermentioned planning application has been given Condition Application Decided:- 14/02273/COND Stocksbridge Works, Hunshelf Application to approve details in relation Road, Stocksbridge to condition numbers 27 (i) boundary treatments; 34 (i) details of roofing slates; 35 samples of external materials; 36 samples of masonry and 38 (i) appearance of freestanding walls and retaining walls and (iii) details boundary treatments relating to planning permission 11/02480/FUL. 14/02253/COND Land East of Stocksbridge Steel Application to approve details in relation Works, Manchester Road, to condition No. 39; Remedial Method Stocksbridge (Sites 3 And 4) - Statement and Materials Management Application B Plan; relating to planning permission 11/00384/FUL.

159. Recreation & Environment Committee Members discussed notes of the Meeting of the Recreation and Environment Committee of the Town Council, held on 30th September 2014, copies of which had been previously circulated. Proposed by Cllr. S C Abrahams, seconded by Cllr. M C Brelsford and RESOLVED:- (i) That the report of the Recreation and Environment Committee be accepted.

With reference to Recreation and Environment Committee meeting of 1st July - Item 4 Ridal Avenue. The Clerk reported that she had received correspondence from M Cowley providing information on the number of ASB incidents in the area over the past five years as requested by Cllr. MCB. Copies of this correspondence had been previously circulated to members’. Cllr. MCB noted that the incidence of ASB’s was getting better overall with incidents increasingly rare. This area was a good place to live in comparison with other areas.

With reference to item 8 – Grit Bins. The Clerk reported that Cllr. JC had requested that the Town Council write to Cllr. Jack Scott asking for a list of removals/re-siting of grit bins following numerous complaints from residents. The Clerk advised that she had also asked Streets Ahead for this information following complaints received in the office, in particular regarding Newton Avenue and Hillcrest Rise.

With reference to item 10 – Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre. Cllr. SCA referred to a letter in Look Local regarding the Leisure Centre funding. It was agreed that a photograph with the Mayor handing over a cheque to 4SLC be sent to Look Local for a future edition. Cllr. PEJ stated that the funding would be given on the understanding that when the money is gone it is gone, there is no guarantee that it will happen again. Cllr. MCB stated that the Town Council have a moral obligation to assist 4SLC if they are able.

160. Finance Committee Members discussed notes of the Meeting of the Finance Committee of the Town Council, held on 30th September 2014, copies of which had been previously circulated. Proposed by Cllr. S C Abrahams, seconded by Cllr. M C Brelsford and

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RESOLVED:- (i) That the report of the Finance Committee be accepted. (ii) That the Town Council approve a grant of £300 to the Valley Tai Chi Club for funding assistance towards the cost of tutor fees. (iii) That the Town Council:- a) Accept the Auditors certificate and opinion b) Instruct the Clerk to display the documents required on the Town Council notice board (iv) That the Town Council approve the following expenditure for the Senior Citizens Christmas Party, being:- Hire of Hall - £250 + VAT Catering - £10.50 per person + VAT Entertainment - £150 Bingo and raffle prizes to the value of £200 (v) That the Town Council approve the expenditure of up to £100 for sweets for the Christmas Illuminations Switch On event. (vi) That the Town Council, following receipt of the information requested from 4SLC, authorise the clawback of £5,000 of Town Council funds from the ARC Management account for revenue funding for the wet side facility at Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre for the period January to March 2015.

With reference to item 10 - Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre. The Clerk reported that she had received correspondence from G Silverwood recording the essential components of the request made by 4SLC at the Finance Committee meeting, copies of which had been previously circulated to members’ plus costing proposals from A Clarke, copies of this correspondence had also been previously circulated to members’.

The Clerk reported that she had received today a letter of intent from Swimbabes as requested at the Finance Committee meeting, copies of which had been previously circulated to members’.

161. Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre The Clerk read out a Special Resolution requested by five Councillors in accordance with Standing Order No.11. Proposed by Cllr. M C Brelsford, seconded by Cllr. S C Abrahams and RESOLVED:- That the Town Council amend the decision made at Minute No.95 (iv) on 10th July 2014 to award up to £10,000 grant funding, on receipt of invoices, to 4SLC for capital costs for the wet side facility at Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre for the financial year 2014/15.

162. Effective Management of Recording at Council Meetings The Clerk tabled information received from the Government regarding the effective management of recording at Council meetings as amended by the openness of Local Government Bodies Regulations 2014. Proposed by Cllr. M C Brelsford, seconded by Cllr. S C Abrahams and RESOLVED:- That the Town Council adopt the policy of Effective Management of Recording at Council Meetings as tabled by the Clerk, with immediate effect, subject to an amendment to the third sentence of number 16.

163. Co-option of a Councillor for the South Ward The Clerk tabled letters of interest received for the position of Councillor for the South Ward for consideration by members’ and noted the co-option process to be followed. The Clerk noted that it had been agreed that a new Councillor would be voted on at the November Town Council meeting once Councillors had had the opportunity to review the nominations.

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164. Accounts Proposed by Cllr. P E Jagger, seconded by Cllr. M C Brelsford and RESOLVED:- (i) That the cheques be paid in settlement of the under mentioned accounts. Made Under Power Salaries/Tax/NI/Pensions £2526.97 LGA72(S111) Facility Maintenance Solutions toilets water temp £ 10.00 PHA1936(S87) monitoring – Sept 2014 Yorkshire Water Boslterstone public toilets £ 151.78 “ T H Bisatt Mileage expenses £ 5.87 LGA72(S111) T H Bisatt Reimbursement for purchase £ 29.94 “ of trophy for National Hill Climb T H Bisatt Reimbursement for hire of £1410.00 LGA72(S145) Market stalls Clerk’s Petty Cash Account Petty Cash £ 300.00 LGA72(S111) R U Safe Annual PAT testing £ 168.00 “ BDO LLP Audit of Annual Return £ 480.00 “ Sheffield Community Transport Balfour House – t/port grant £ 79.50 LGA76(S19) Sheffield Community Transport Balfour House – t/port grant £ 79.50 “ Sheffield Community Transport Balfour House – t/port grant £ 40.51 “ Sheffield Community Transport Valley React – t/port grant £ 112.00 “ Phoenix Gymnastics Academy Grant Aid £ 500.00 “ Deepcar Village Community Assn Grant Aid £1000.00 “ (ii) That cheques be paid in settlement of the undermentioned accounts in respect of The ARC:- NRC Services Ltd Cleaning – Sept 2014 £ 557.40 LGA72(S111) Firths Window Cleaning Services Windows cleaned – Oct £ 55.00 “ Facility Maintenance Solutions Water temp. monitoring – Sept £ 20.00 “ Facility Maintenance Solutions Town Hall roof maintenance £ 650.00 “ Facility Maintenance Solutions Correction to July invoice £ 27.00 “ Siemens Financial Services Ltd Photocopier rental £ 304.87 “ Micro Alarms Ltd Replacement keypad Rm 6 £ 154.56 “ Arena Group Ltd Photocopier usage £ 56.49 “ Yorkshire Water ARC supply £ 211.12 “ (iii) That authority be given for Direct Debit payments made in October 2014:- Bolsterstone Toilets (STC) Business rates £ 53.00 LGA72(S111) ARC – Communal Area “ £ 495.00 “ ARC – Rooms 4 & 5 History Society £ 34.00 “ Moorepay Payroll – monthly charge £ 34.85 “ Veolia Euro bin rental/lift - Aug £ 78.54 “ Veolia Euro bin rental/lift – Sept £ 64.08 “ (iv) That approval be given for cheques signed in settlement of the undermentioned accounts on the Clerk Petty Cash account:- C Ward Mileage expenses £ 8.80 Sheffield Markets (SCC) Licence for Xmas market £ 12.00 Licensing Service (SCC) Temporary Event Notice £ 21.00 For Xmas market

Chairman

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