Minutes of the Meeting of Broughton Community Council
on Wednesday, 11 December 2024
Members
Cllr. K. Jones (Chair)
Cllr. F. Derbyshire (Vice Chair)
Councillor C Lovett Councillor Mrs B Parry-Jones
Councillor N Davies Councillor T Alan Edwards*
Councillor Mrs S Williams MBE* Councillor Mrs E Jones
Councillor C Williams Councillor A Lovett
Councillor T Williams* Cllr. J. Pettigrew
Cllr. J. Williams Cllr. N. Williams
Cllr. K. Robinson* *Cllr. S. Feely
*Absent
- APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received from K. Robinson, T. Williams, S. Williams MBE and A. Edwards. All apologies were accepted.
- DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL INTEREST
Cllr B. Parry-Jones declared a Personal and Prejudicial Interest in Item 7 as the Wrexham County Borough Lead Member for the Library Service.
- PCSO REPORT
Members considered the report which had been distributed to Members prior to the meeting.
The Clerk had emailed the new Inspector but had not yet received a reply.
- MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 13 NOVEMBER 2024.
A couple of Members felt that the minute on Page 2 and 3 relating to complaints made about the removal of wreaths on Remembrance Day did not accurately reflect what was said.
The Clerk suggested that the Members concerned email him the proposed changes which he would bring to the meeting on 8 January 2025.
Members agreed the proposal.
Other than this the minutes were accepted as a true and accurate record.
Matters Arising
Page 1 -Bowling Club
The Clerk had requested a quote for the cutting of the hedge surrounding Pentre Broughton Bowling Club at a cost of £800.
Members agreed the quote.
Page 2 – Youth Provision
Members had concerns about whether they were getting value for money, given the perceived limited numbers of youths attending the sessions. In addition concern was expressed about the amount of time the community council was paying for on administrative functions, picking up equipment etc.
The Clerk informed Members that he had invited WCBC Officers of the Youth Provision Team to a future meeting prior to agreeing the 2025/26 Service Level Agreement.
Page 3 – Cemetery
- A quote had been received from the community council’s grasscutting contractor relating to moss removal on paths, hedge cutting and mowing a 3 metre wide strip along the edge of the rough area at a total costs of £990 including VAT.
Members agreed the quote.
- The Clerk shared photographs of a kerbstone which, it was alleged, had been damaged. However, no damage was evident. It appeared that the grave had suffered natural subsidence and this had resulted in the pieces of the kerbstone becoming separated.
Page 3 – Southsea Play Area
The Clerk informed Members that the relocation of the village notice boards at Southsea and Brynteg had been completed.
Page 3 – Defibrillators
The electrical supply and column for the defibrillator on Broughton Road, Lodge had been installed. The defibrillator itself was still awaiting installation.
It was agreed to purchase an additional defibrillator for Pleasant View, Pentre Broughton.
Page 4 – Planning Application P/2023/0593
The Clerk informed Members that he had submitted a response on behalf of the community council.
Page 6 – Lamp Column Replacement, Windsor Road, New Broughton
The Clerk had informed Mega Electrical that the quote had been accepted. He would chase them up to find out a timescale for the work which, because of its location, would require a road closure application and the work to be undertaken at a weekend.
- FINANCE
Members agreed income amounting to and payments amounting to £ 500.00 and £ 15,695.27 respectively.
SUMMARY OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE – NOVEMBER 2024
(Payments inc. VAT where Applicable)
Income –
| Date | Payee | Method of Payment
|
Amount
£ |
| 21 Nov 2024 | Marcher Stone – Headstone Fee | CR | 250.00 |
| 28 Nov 2024 | W R & R Thomas – Headstone Fee | Cheque – 404726 | 250.00 |
| TOTAL 500.00 | |||
Expenditure
| Date | Payer | Method of Payment
|
Amount
£ |
| 4 Nov 2024 | Bellis Bros – Plants (Env Budget) | Visa | 108.60 |
| 11 Nov 2024 | Morrisons – Refreshments | Visa | 27.57 |
| 12 Nov 2024 | Asda – Gifts (Remembrance Sunday) | Visa | 50.00 |
| 17 Nov 2024 | Wrexham CBC – Cemetery Trade Refuse | BACS | 1,133.00 |
| 17 Nov 2024 | C J McClean – Cemetery Grass Cutting | BACS | 1,908.00 |
| 17 Nov 2024 | Memsafe – Headstone Repairs | BACS | 5,023.20 |
| 17 Nov 2024 | Donation – National Eisteddfod | BACS | 750.00 |
| 17 Nov 2024 | Donation – Nightingale House | BACS | 500.00 |
| 18 Nov 2024 | Bellis Bros – Plants (Env. Budget) | Visa | 279.13 |
| 18 Nov 2024 | Grosvenor Garden Centre – Bulbs & Hanging Baskets (Env Budget) | Visa | 73.44 |
| 19 Nov 2024 | Memsafe – Headstone Repairs | BACS | 3,408.60 |
| 19 Nov 2024 | Wrexham CBC – Cemetery Trade Refuse | BACS | 629.00 |
| 19 Nov 2024 | Donation – Welsh Air Ambulance | BACS | 500.00 |
| 22 Nov 2024 | SSE – Energy Costs | DD | 1, 255.57 |
| 25 Nov 2024 | HSBC – Bank Charges | CHG | 5.00 |
| 27 Nov 2024 | B & Q – Batteries, Postcrete & Cable Ties | Visa | 44.16 |
| TOTAL £ 15,695.27
|
|||
Bank Balances at 30 November 2024 :
Business Account : £ 118,253.55
Deposit Account : £ 116,318.03
Total : £ 234,571.58
Members also authorised the Clerk to make payments amounting to £ £ 7,859.64
INVOICES FOR AUTHORISATION
DECEMBER 2024 MEETING
(Copies Available for Inspection)
? Ferndale Garden Centre – Xmas Tree £ 48.00
11 Nov 2024 Lumalite – Xmas Motifs £ 464.64
13 Nov 2024 JDP Landscaping – Move Notice Boards £ 1,152.00
20 Nov 2024 Mega Electrical – Erection of Xmas Lights £ 3,135.00
22 Nov 2024 Mega Electrical – Installation of post and
Defibrillator at Broughton Road, Lodge £ 1,200.00
2 Dec 2024 Digital Issue Publishing – Website Maintenance
& Website Housing Fee £ 1,860.00
TOTAL £ 7,859.64
Precept Report -2025/26
The Clerk presented the report which attempted to inform Members of the estimated projected income and expenditure requirements for 2025/26. He highlighted in particular the fact that the final loan payment to Salix Finance for the upgrading of street lighting to LED was due on 1 April 2025. He further went on to explain that expenditure was likely to considerably exceed income in the coming year, with any shortfall being covered from balances.
It was agreed to an increase on 10% on the 2024/25 figure i.e. to £189,820.
- POLICIES
Complaints Made Against Councillors
Given the fact that two complaints had been received in the past few months the Clerk suggested that the current process be reviewed. He therefore presented a procedure to be followed where such complaints are received.
A Member commented that there could be Human Resources implications.
However Members agreed the procedure, with one amendment that point 6. to read “The subject of the complaint will then be given the opportunity to respond”.
In addition Members agreed to undertake a review in March 2025 and the Clerk to compare the procedure with .other community councils
- CONSULTATION ON THE FUTURE OF THE LIBRARY SERVICE
At this point Cllr. B. Parry-Jones left the meeting, having declared a Personal and Prejudicial Interest as the Wrexham County Borough Council’s Lead Member for the service.
It was highlighted that it appeared that Wrexham CBC were targeting savings of £185,000 across the service.
A Member who had attended a recent meeting regarding the above was disappointed that very little information had been forthcoming and that it appeared to be simply a consultation as to what people wanted from the service.
It was highlighted that the Broughton community covered seven villages and this is the only community facility remaining in the area. It was also emphasised that the facility is valued and well used.
It was agreed to revisit the issue when more information, specific to the Brynteg facility, becomes available.
- PLANNING APPLICATIONS
No applications had been received.
- MEMBER REPORTS
- A Carol Service is to be held at Saint Paul’s Church
A budget of £150 for refreshments was agreed.
- A Member informed the meeting that the AGM of the Bowling Club was to take place on Sunday 15 December 2024.
- A request was made for an additional lighting column on New Road, Brynteg. It was highlighted that there were a number of areas with such an issue.
It was agreed to review this when a more comprehensive review is undertaken.
Signed …………………………………… (Chair)
Date …………………………
