Minutes of the Meeting of Broughton Community Council
on Wednesday 12 October 2022
Members
Councillor N Williams*
Councillor S Feely
Councillor G Davies Councillor C Lovett
Councillor Mrs B Parry-Jones Councillor N Davies*
Councillor T Alan Edwards* Councillor A Humphreys*
Councillor Mrs S Williams Councillor C Williams
Councillor Mrs E Jones Councillor A Lovett*
Councillor J Holland* Cllr K Jones
Councillor T Williams Cllr. J. Pettigrew*
- APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received form Cllrs. N. Williams. T. A. Edwards, N. Davies, A. Humphreys, A. Lovett and J. Pettigrew.
All apologies were accepted.
- MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ADDRESSING THE MEETING
A member of the public was given permission to address the meeting. She raised the issue of development going on at Stryt Y Bydden, New Broughton’?
She had been informed that a planning application for the construction of bungalows was likely to be submitted. She voiced the concerns of neighbouring residents that, if it was allowed, further development in the same area is likely.
However, it was pointed out that, as no application had yet been submitted, it was inappropriate for the community council to consider the issue at this stage, unless there was evidence of unauthorised activity on the site. The community council would, however, monitor activity at the site.
She was thanked for her input.
A member of the public submitted a series of letters for consideration by the Council :
(i)A query as why income and expenditure relating to the village of Lodge could not be supplied. The Clerk explained that records are kept on a service, rather than an area basis. The only exception to this the Environmental Budget, but even this is only expressed on a ward basis. Neither the community council nor the county borough council provide information broken down to this level.
(ii) An accusation that the council had not complied with Audit Regulation in relation to publishing its accounting return for 2020/21 or 2021-22.
The Clerk explained that notices had been published on the council’s website allowing members of the public to request access to the accounts.
He further explained the Audit Wales had not yet formally signed of the accounts for 2019-2020 or 2020- 2021. Audit Wales were currently auditing accounts for year 2021-22.
(iii) A request that gullies in Lodge be cleaned to prevent further flooding. It was pointed out that this is a County Borough responsibility.
(iv) A request for additional Remembrance Day poppies, Xmas tree and Xmas lights. It was pointed out that Xmas lights could only be erected on community council owned lighting columns. Unfortunately the majority of lights in Lodge were mounted on wooden BT and Scottish Power poles.
The member of the public was thanked for her questions.
- DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL INTEREST
Cllr. B. Parry-Jones expressed a personal and prejudicial interest in the issue regarding the cemetery bench.
- PCSO REPORT
PCSO Tim Peers presented the report.
He pointed that he and others support a much wider area than just Broughton. He emphasised
The following points were raised :
- how important it is that all incidents are reported.
- A recent incident of a van following women walking on their own.
- Concern that 101 calls were either not being answered or long waiting times in answering, up to as much as 30 minutes.
- Some of the call handlers do not know the local area in enough detail.
- Not everyone is able to report incidents online.
- The creation of an alternative phone line to 101 had never transpired.
- Not enough public visibility of Police Officers and PCSOs.
- PCSOs have done a lot of work to reduce anti-social behaviour, especially in Brynteg, as the data now shows.
- An additional PCSO would start work from 17 October 2022, with a hope to recruit even more in the near future.
- Community Alert – do you have to sign up to it ?
- Speedwatch needs re-introducing.
PCSO Tim Peers was thanked for his attendance and input.
- MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 28 SEPTEMBER 2020.
The minutes were accepted as a true and accurate record.
Gwalia Place
An email had been received from Paula Hayward, Wrexham CBC stating that Wrexham CBC is still considering the issue.
Cemetery Bench
It was agreed to discuss this issue at the end of the meeting as a Part II confidential item.
Cemetery Consecration
The Clerk reminded Members that they had agreed to pay a donation of £50 to the Church for refreshments relating to the consecration.
However, he had been informed that, given that refreshments had also been purchased for the two cancelled events, the total cost incurred had been £150
Agreed: To reimburse the Church members £150 upon receipt of a formal request.
Youth Provision
Members expressed frustration at the lack of progress with this issue by Wrexham CBC.
Bowling Club
No response had yet been received.
It was agreed that they be contacted again for a response to the issue of the hedge.
Cemetery Working Group
It was agreed that a meeting of the Cemetery Working Group be held on Sunday 23 October at 10-45 am.
Remembrance Sunday
- The Clerk would contact Brynteg School to check that they were still attending the above.
- The Clerk would also contact Mr. Phil Coops to find out when he was available for a meeting to finalise the Order of Service.
Xmas Fayre
It was agreed that this event and the outdoor Xmas tree at the Memorial Hall be cancelled for this year.
The Clerk would inform those who had expressed an interest in having stalls.
A discussion took place as to the feasibility of organising a Summer Fayre .
It was agreed the Working Group which had been set up to discuss Xmas Fayre Event now meet to discuss the Summer Fayre event.
- FINANCE
Summary of Payments made and Income Received during September 2022
Members agreed the payments made and the outstanding invoices.
They noted the level of balances.
- COMMUNITY AGENT
It was agreed to defer this issue until the November meeting.
- FUEL CRISIS
A discussion took place as to how the community council could best support members of the community, given the rising energy and fuel costs.
A number of organisations and projects were highlighted including:
- Warm Places
- Wrexham Underground
- Yellow & Blue Café
- Women’s Institute
- PLANNING APPLICATIONS
15 Hall View, Caego – Erection of Ancillary Accommodation
It was agreed to support this application.
- CORRESPONDENCE
(i) Letter from Cerebral Palsy requesting a donation – Noted.
(ii)Letter from Wrexham CBC Licensing relating to an application by the Cross Foxes, Pentre Broughton for variation to licensable activity under the Licensing Act 2003.
Members agreed to oppose the application on the grounds of the impact on local residents
The Clerk would respond accordingly.
(iii) Letter from Hope House requesting a donation. It was agreed to defer this item to find out how much the community council normally donates.
- MEMBER REPORTS
(i) A request for a defibrillator at the Cross Foxes Public House. This was not supported on the grounds that one was available at Roberts Bros, Funeral Directors, and outside Black Lane School.
(ii)Concern about changes to the 12/12A bus services and the impact on service users. It was felt that the response received relating to the issue was completely unacceptable.
(iii) Issues about potholes on School Lane, Southsea .
(iv) Concern about safety in terms of the location of the zebra crossing near the roundabout in New Broughton.
(v) Fencing issues at Alexandra House, New Broughton
- CEMETERY BENCH
It was agreed that this issue be discussed as a Part II Confidential item as there may be legal proceedings taken against the community council
The Clerk updated Members on the current position.
Signed …………………………………… (Chair)
Date …………………………
