Minutes of the Meeting of Broughton Community Council
on Wednesday, 11 September 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 / DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL INTEREST
Apologies were received from K. Robinson, T. Williams and A. Edwards . All apologies were accepted.
- DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL INTEREST
None.
- COMPLAINT MADE AGAINST Cllr K. JONES
The Clerk informed Members that he had received a complaint made against the above named. The Clerk then read out the details of the complaint, which concerned a comment made by Cllr. K. Jones on social media.
The Clerk informed Members that he had offered the complainant the opportunity to attend the meeting but, unfortunately he was unable to do so.
Cllr. Jones was then asked for his comments. He stated that he accepted that his comment was inappropriate and he had since apologised to the complainant.
At this stage Cllr Jones was asked to leave the meeting.
Councillors considered the complaint and decided that the complaint be upheld.
Cllr. Jones was advised of his future conduct.
In addition it was agreed to request the Clerk to arrange a training session for all Members on the Code of Conduct and the use of social media.
- PCSO REPORT
Unfortunately once again PCSO Lowri Jones was unable to attend.
Members expressed their concern that the information provided in the report was incomplete as Members themselves had reported some issues which did not appear to be included. In addition Members were extremely concerned about the apparent increase in anti-social behaviour in the area and that the report was not representative of the true picture.
The Clerk was therefore requested to contact the Police Inspector to arrange a meeting.
In addition he was also aske to obtain phone numbers for the appropriate Police Sergeants.
- MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 10 JULY 2024.
A Member requested that the following words be added to the minutes to reflect that a Member had stated in relation to Item 25 – Bus Shelter that “people could use umbrellas and raincoats”. Members agreed the change. The Clerk would make the appropriate change.
Other than this Members agreed the minutes as a true and accurate record.
Matters Arising
Page 1 – Youth Provision
The Clerk informed members that he had met with the WCBC Youth Provision Team to identify a proposed site for the container. He had also been in touch with Brymbo Lodge Football Club to discuss the feasibility of obtaining an electrical supply from the football changing rooms, who would get back to him.
He further stated that he had contacted Wrexham CBC Planning Department to attempt to find our whether planning permission would be required but that they stated that they needed more information.
Members were concerned that this container, along with the current football club one, was being used by youths for anti-social behaviour purposes. A suggestion was made that anti vandal paint be used to deter this.
The Clerk was requested to arrange a meeting with members of the Youth Provision Team to discuss the issue of anti-social behaviour and a general update on the work of the team in Broughton. PCSO Lowri Jones should also be invited.
Page 2 – Cemetery
The Clerk reminded Members that the previous contractor had not provided the necessary certification in terms of spraying and weedkilling and therefore a new contractor had been appointed.
Members agreed to request quotes for :
- reseeding the areas that had been killed off with weedkiller.
- strimming the rough area of the cemetery.
- weedkilling or strimming the verge along the church wall.
- A further cut of the hedge.
In the absence of the Clerk, who was taking annual leave, the Chair agreed to speak to the contractor.
Page 2 – New Broughton Roundabout
Members were informed that options were still being looked at.
Page 2 – Southsea Play Area
The Clerk informed Member that work on the construction of the path was due to start at the beginning of October.
In addition the Clerk reminded Members that a decision was still required for the relocation of village notice board in Southsea.
Page 2 – Retiring Road Sweeper
It was agreed that the Chair and Clerk present the monies collected to the road sweeper.
Page 2 – Defibrillators
The Clerk informed Members that a site had been identified outside No. 34 Broughton Road, Lodge and that he had spoken to the owner who was agreeable to cutting back a holly bush if required.
He was awaiting a quote from our electrical contractor.
Page 3 – Bellway Homes
The Chair and Clerk had met with representatives of Bellway Homes and Wrexham CBC and established that the lamp column in question was the responsibility of Wrexham CBC.
Page 5 Planning Application P/2023/0221
Members were informed that the application had been granted, despite opposition from local councillors and residents.
- FINANCE
Members agreed income amounting to and payments amounting to £ 57,521.33 and £61, 918.10 respectively.
SUMMARY OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE – JULY / AUGUST 2024
(Payments inc. VAT where Applicable)
Income –
| Date | Payee | Method of Payment
|
Amount
£ |
| 31 July 2024 | Wrexham CBC – Precept | 57,521.33 | |
| Total £ 57,521.33 | |||
Expenditure
| Date | Payer | Method of Payment
|
Amount
£ |
| 1 July 2024 | B and Q – Bulbs, Plants & Topsoil – Env. Budget | Visa | 133.00 |
| 1 July 2024 | Grosvenor Garden Centre – Plants – Env. Budget | Visa | 194.75 |
| 3 July 2024 | TWM – Speed Signs | Cheque 202045 | 15,225.00 |
| 3 July 2024 | Post Office Counters Signed for Mail | Visa | 4.60 |
| 8 July 2024 | AVOW – July Salaries | BACS | 2,729.34 |
| 11 July 2024 | Wrexham CAB – Qtr. 1 & 2 Outreach Service | BACS | 4,500.00 |
| 11 July 2024 | Audit Wales – 2022-23 Audit Fee | BACS | 323.00 |
| 11 July 2024 | Wrexham CBC – Play Repairs & Inspection – April to Sept 2024 | BACS | 7,962.18 |
| 11 July 2024 | All Saints Church, Southsea – Room Hire | BACS | 120.00 |
| 11 July 2024 | Lee C Dunmer – Cemetery Grasscutting | BACS | 1,440.00 |
| 22 July 2024 | SSE – June 2024 Energy | DD | 1,215.07 |
| 23 July 2024* | Pretty Greenery – Cemetery Hedge Cutting | BACS | 250.00 |
| 25 July 2024 | HSBC – Bank Charges | DR | 5.80 |
| 29 July 2024 | B & Q – Plants (Env. Budget) | Visa | 44.00 |
| 5 August 2024 | Grosvenor Garden Centre -Plants (Env. Budget) | Visa | 128.92 |
| 9 August 2024 | AVOW – August Salaries | BACS | 4,241.34 |
| 19 August 2024* | Wrexham CBC – Office Rent (Sept 2024 to 20 Sept 2025) | BACS | 500.00 |
| 19 August 2024* | Wrexham CBC – Playground repairs – Gatewen | BACS | 193.78 |
| 20 August 2024 | Bellis Bros – Plants ( Env Budget) | BACS | 43.96 |
| 22 August 2024 | SSE – July Energy Costs | DD | 1,255.57 |
| 25 August 2024 | HSBC – Bank Charges | CHG | 5.00 |
| 26 August 2024* | Mega Electrical – Concrete Lamp Column Replacement | BACS | 9,000.00 |
| 26 August 2024* | Memsafe – Headstone Repairs | BACS | 3,229.20 |
| 26 August 2024* | Microsoft – Upgrade 365 Software | Visa | 79.99 |
| 28 August 2024* | Mega Electrical – Concrete Lamp Column Replacement | BACS | 9,000.00 |
| 29 August 2024* | House of Flags – Replacement Flag & Keys | BACS | 93.60 |
| TOTAL £ 61,918.10 | |||
Bank Balances at 31 AUGUST 2024 :
Business Account : £ 167,615.66
Deposit Account : £ 115,752.40
Total : £ 283,368.06
Members also authorised the Clerk to make payments amounting to £ 10.995.72.
INVOICES FOR AUTHORISATION
SEPTEMBER 2024 MEETING
(Copies Available for Inspection)
22 July 2024 TWM – Batteries for Speed Signs £ 769.92
27 Aug 2024 Memsafe – Repairs to 21 Headstones £ 3,767.40
27 Aug 2024 Memsafe – Repairs to 36 Headstones £ 6,458.40
TOTAL £ 10,995.72
- POLICIES
Capital Programme
The Clerk reminded Members that it was important to consider what they wish to include in the Capital Programme prior to setting the Annual Precept. He stated that the attached report attempted to highlight the main areas but that Members may have others that they wish to incorporate. However he did point out that the community council did not have the financial capacity to undertake them all in the short term and need to consider whether to remove some areas or at least plan for them in the longer term.
The following comments were made :
- Quotes had been obtained for additional lighting columns but the costs were far higher than anticipated, due largely to the cost of the excavation work required. It was suggested that solar/wind powered lights, similar to the ones installed in Station Road be considered.
- Issues with some existing lights covered by overgrown tree.
Members agreed the report.
- ANNUAL REPORT 2023/24
Members welcomed the report as it helped with better explaining the role of the community council to the general public.
Members accepted the report but asked the Clerk to insert sections relating to Environmental Clean Up Days and the Environmental Budget prior to its publication on the website.
- REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
The Clerk was requested to make the appropriate arrangements for printing the service programmes and a sound system.
In addition it was agreed to purchase two wreaths.
- CCTV
The Clerk reminded Members that the CCTV camera at Darby Road, Brynteg was currently not working and that he had reported it to Wrexham CBC. He explained that he had emailed Wrexham CBC in December 2023 with questions and clarification when it had been suggested that costs were to be increased. If the community council did not accept the cost increase the cameras would be de-commissioned.
He had finally received a response.
It was agreed to pay for the camera at Darby Road and Solway Banks at a cost of £1500 each per annum but that the one on Rockwood Road be de-commissioned.
- PENTRE BROUGHTON BOWLING CLUB
Members were reminded that a donation of £1500 had been agreed in 2023, with a review to be undertaken annually.
A request had been received from the club for another donation towards maintaining the bowling green.
It was agreed to invite a representative to the next meeting prior to any decision being made.
- CORRESPONDENCE.
- Email from Coedpoeth Football Club re. a request to take over New Broughton Recreation Ground on a 25 year lease. The Clerk explained that whilst the land is owned by the community council, the facility was currently maintained by Wrexham CBC. It was suggested that a meeting between the three parties involved be arranged.
- An email from Wrexham Community Gardeners for a donation towards the creation and maintenance of gardens at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.
It was agreed to donate £250.
- A quotation from ASAP Signs had now been received. Members were reminded that a quote from Signs of the Times had previously been considered’
It was agreed to commission ASAP Signs . However Members were reminded that Ward Members will need to agree the exact locations.
- MEMBER REPORTS
- Thanks were given for those who had taken part in the recent clean-up day.
- It was agreed to purchase an additional speed sign for Solway Banks.
- Arrangements need to be put in place for the erection of Xmas lights. In addition it was agreed to replace the two damaged last year.
Signed …………………………………… (Chair)
Date …………………………
