Minutes of the Meeting of Broughton Community Council
on Wednesday, 12 March 2025
Members
Cllr. F. Derbyshire (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. S. Feely
*Absent
- APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received from T. Williams, and Parry-Jones. Both apologies were accepted.
- DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL INTEREST
None.
- BELLWAY HOMES HOUSING DEVELOPMENT, GATEWEN ROAD, NEW BROUGHTON
As there were members of the public in attendance specifically for this issue it was agreed that this item be brought forward.
A planning proposal had been submitted to Wrexham County Borough Council by the developer for a second temporary entrance to the site.
The general consensus was that the community council oppose the application on the following grounds :
The Planning Department had concluded that, due to the fact that it is only a temporary access during construction, that public consultation is not required and the decision can be taken under delegated powers.
- Given the negative impact that the development is already having on residents and the additional impact a temporary entrance would have the community council strongly disagrees with this view.
- It was felt that such an approach by Wrexham County Borough Council greatly benefits the developers but at the expense of local residents. The community council feels that this is a totally inappropriate approach.
- The community council’s understanding is that a temporary entrance should only be in operation for a number of months. It is likely that this development could take up to four years to complete.
- Gatewen Road is relatively narrow. There is already a layby quite close to the proposed second entrance, with cars regularly parking there and also cars legally parked on the other side of the road. This results in there being no clear splay. It is therefore totally unsuitable for a second entrance. In addition there is a crossing used by pedestrians near to the proposed entrance which is heavily used by children and parents walking to and from the nearby school and by dog owners and children wanting to use the nearby play area and MUGA.
- Gatewen Road and the nearby Dale Road, which would also see a significant increase in traffic, is a prime walking route for children and parents to the nearby school. It would appear no consideration has been given to the dangers that such a proposal would create.
- Very soon another development on Berse Road, the other main thoroughfare through the village, is likely to start. This will further exacerbate the current problems, even without the temporary entrance.
- Bellway Homes are vastly experienced in developing such sites and should have foreseen such problems.
- The community council is extremely disappointed that the Highways Department has not been consulted, given the issues which may result from a second entrance.
- The community council would therefore request a site meeting with Officers from the Highways and Planning
It was agreed therefore that the Clerk write to both the Head of Planning and Head of Environment to notify Wrexham CBC of the concerns.
- YOUTH PROVISION
The Chair welcomed Mr. Gareth Stacey, Manager of Youth Provision at Wrexham CBC, to the meeting.
The following points were raised:
- Concerns about the value for money of the youth provision in Broughton, given the relatively low number of attendees and the fact that there seemed to be no impact on levels of anti-social behaviour.
- In addition Members had serious concerns about the amount of setting up time and putting equipment away. This was perceived as nonproductive time. Does it require all three staff to be involved in this ?
Mr. Stacey pointed out that this time was important and valuable in ensuring the delivery of quality services and that this was the delivery model used across the County Borough. He also pointed out that such time ensured that plans could be developed to ensure that provision is in line with what those attending actually wanted. In terms of attendance the target of 12 youths/children per session was the target used across the County Borough and was being achieved. Approximately 750 youths will have attended sessions this year.
- Mr, Stacey also stated the relation between the youths and staff was unique and not the same as, say, a PCSO.
Mr. Stacey was thanked for his attendance.
Further discussion then took place.
It was agreed :
That the Clerk be given authority to sign the Service Level Agreement at the proposed cost. However that one youth session be utilised for detached youth work.
In addition it was agreed to defer the decision on the siting of a container until a review of the service is undertaken in September 2025.
- VACANCY
The Clerk informed Members that only application had been received for the vacancy.
It was agreed that Ms. Lisa Speed be appointed.
- PCSO REPORT – Noted.
- MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 12 FEBRUARY 2025
The minutes were accepted as a true and accurate record.
Matters Arising
Page 2 – Community Agent
Members were informed that some monies had been allocated but there were still additional funds available for use by the community agent. Discussions were continuing amongst the Community House trustees.
Page 2 -Bus Shelter
The Clerk informed Members that Wrexham CBC had informed him that they was a waiting list for shelters and that the offer of a community council contribution would not affect that decision.
Page 2 – Back up Cemetery Registers
The Clerk informed Members that information relating to 1600 of the 1800 burials in the registers had been backed up on an Excel Spreadsheet.
He had received quotes of between £2000 and £3000 to photograph and back up the actual registers themselves.
It was agreed to review this further at in the future.
Page 5 – Speed Sign, Broughton Road, Lodge
The Clerk informed Members that the speed sign had already been converted to mains.
- FINANCE
Members agreed income amounting to and payments amounting to £3,450 and £ 14,319.55 respectively.
SUMMARY OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE – FEBRUARY 2025
(Payments inc. VAT where Applicable)
Income –
| Date | Payee | Method of Payment
|
Amount
£ |
| 19 Feb 2025 | Roberts Bros – Burial Fees | BACS | 3450.00 |
| TOTAL 3,450.00 | |||
Expenditure
| Date | Payer | Method of Payment
|
Amount
£ |
| 5 Feb 2025 | Information Commissioner – Annual Registration | Visa | 40.00 |
| 10 Feb 2025 | AVOW – February salaries | BACS | 3,696.25 |
| 15 Feb 2025 | TWM – Speed Sign at Forge Road, Southsea | BACS | 2,814.00 |
| 15 Feb 2025 | Adam Badrock – Cemetery Work | BACS | 990.00 |
| 15 Feb 2025 | Mega Electrical – Removal and Storage of Xmas Lights | BACS | 3,465.00 |
| 15 Feb 2025 | Defib Sore -Defibrillator for Pleasant View, Pentre Broughton | BACS | 1,641.84 |
| 15 Feb 2025 | SLCC – Annual subscription | BACS | 190.00 |
| 17 Feb 2025 | Timpson – Office Keys | BACS | 21.90 |
| 24 Feb 2025 | SSE – January 2025 Energy Bill | DD | 1,255.57 |
| 25 Feb 2025 | HSBC – Bank Charges | CHG | 5.00 |
| 26 Feb 2025 | McAfee -Annual Subscription | Visa | 79.99 |
| 27 Feb 2025 | Mega Electrical – Remove damage Xmas Lights | BACS | 120.00 |
| TOTAL 14,319.55 | |||
Bank Balances at 28 February 2025 :
Business Account : £ 135,194.59
Deposit Account : £ 116,880.69
Total : £ 252,075.28
Members also authorised the Clerk to make payments amounting to £ 9,030.84
INVOICES FOR AUTHORISATION
FEBRUARY 2025 MEETING
(Copies Available for Inspection)
16 Jan 2025 TWM – Speed sign , Forge Road, Southsea £ 2,814.00
21 Jan 2025 Blue Ribbon Solutions (formerly Landscapers
That Care) – Weedkiller on paths, cutting rough
area and hedge cutting) £ 990.00
23 Jan 2025 Mega Electrical – Remove & Store Xmas Lights £ 3,465.00
23 Jan 2025 Defib Store – Defibrillator for Pleasant View £ 1,641.84
28 Jan 2025 Mega Electrical – Repairs to damaged
Xmas Lights £ 120.00
TOTAL £ 9,030.84
Financial Regulations
The Clerk presented a report relating to the Council’s Financial Regulations.
Members agreed the regulations.
Investment Strategy
The Clerk presented a report relating to the Council’s Investment Strategy.
Members accepted the strategy.
Statement of Internal Controls
The Clerk presented a report relating to the Council’s Statement of Internal Controls
Members accepted the report.
- PLANNING APPLICATIONS
P/2025/0056 – Formation of Vehicular Access at 53 Bryn Hedd, Southsea
Noted.
P/2024/1297 – Section 78 Appeal at 34 Millfields, New Broughton
Noted.
- CORRESPONDENCE.
- Letter from SSE informing of changes to unmetered street lighting
supply charges – Noted.
- Quote from JDP Landscaping for a concrete base for the proposed container. As it had now been agreed not to proceed with the container at this stage it was noted.
- Details of the recommendations from the Independent Remuneration Panel for 2025/26.
It was agreed not to pay Members a sum of £52 for the office consumables. However Members could claim by providing actual receipts.
The Clerk was requested to complete the questionnaire on behalf of the community council.
- A request from the Church for a donation towards grasscutting costs.
An amount of £500 was agreed.
- MEMBER REPORTS
- Concerns that the fencing which was put in place around the sink hole on Solway Banks was now dangerous.
- It was pointed out that names on the Mayor’s Ribbon of Office had not be updated since 2006/2007.
The Clerk was asked to try and identify those who had served as Chair since that date and to obtain quotes for a new ribbon and tags.
- It was agreed that the Clerk be authorised to obtain a quote for wind turbine / solar powered streetlights for the corner of Heritage Way and Bersham Road and on Southsea Road.
Signed …………………………………… (Chair)
Date …………………………
