DARNHALLParish Council
Next Parish Council Meeting is Tuesday 27 July
Your Councillors
Back Row : Laurence Jinks, Simon Gee, Marjorie Sherry, David Tomlinson, John Hignett
Front Row : Maggie Davenport, Helen Walker, Elizabeth Edwards
| Job Title | Name | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|
| Chairman | Mr Laurence Jinks | 01606 592309 |
| Vice Chairman | Mr David Tomlinson | 01606 558475 email : anneanddave@madasafish.com |
| Mrs Elizabeth Edwards | 01606 558806 email : flashesbetty@aol.com |
|
| Chairman of Village Hall Fundraising Group |
Mr Simon Gee | 01270 528385 email : simon@globalsessions.co.uk |
| Hall Caretaker | Mr John Hignett | 01270 528311 email : johnhignett@ymail.com |
| Mrs Helen Walker | 01606.592186 | |
|
|
Mrs Maggie Davenport | 01606.553533 email : m.dav@tiscali.co.uk |
| Parish Clerk | Mrs Marjorie Sherry | 01270 528367 email : marjoriesherry@btinternet.com |
Parish Council News
Parish Council Meetings
Meetings will be held on the following dates - all Tuesdays
27 July 2010
28 September
2010
30 November 2010
25th January 2011
29th March 2011
10th May 2011
Date for Parish Assembly :17th May 2011
These meetings commence at 7.30pm and are held in Darnhall Village Hall.
The minutes for the meetings can always be found on the Noticeboard on the Hall
All Parish Council Meetings are open to the General Public, and we welcome anyone who would like to come along.
DARNHALL PARISH COUNCIL:
MINUTES OF THE PARISH ASSEMBLY OF DARNHALL HELD IN DARNHALL VILLAGE HALL
Tuesday 18TH May 2010
Present Councillors: L Jinks
M Davenport
S Gee
J Hignett
D Tomlinson
H Walker
CW & C B Roberts
Mrs B Barker
Mrs A Hignett
Apologies Councillors E Edwards
Absent CW&C J Grimshaw
CW & C A Needham
Chairman's opening remarks
The chairman spoke about the events of the Parish over the last twelve months.
The Village Hall Opening event in August 2009 had some last minutes snags, but with feet paddling under water and appearing calm above, the event went off successfully, and was enjoyed by both residents and friends.
James Verdin had come along to open the event and unveil a plaque, whilst the Mayor of Winsford came along in his regalia with our representatives on CW & C Council. Sir and Lady Barlow (Lady Barlow had grown up in Darnhall and still takes an interest in the Parish) had also come together with representatives of the Funding Agencies. Robin Wood spoke about the highs and lows of the refurbishment of the Hall and thanks the Funding agencies for their help and grants. A 21 gun salute finished the opening and everyone enjoyed a BBQ and chatting well into the evening. Councillor Robin Wood having resigned from the Parish Council, two residents applied to be co-opted to the council and we now have Councillor Maggie Davenport on the council. Much action has taken place at the Knobs with the placing of the official directions signs for the Village Hall and the sign showing events at the hall. Unfortunately the events sign was removed early this year due to a breach in planning regulations. One side on The Knobs has been vandalised, but the Verdin Estate will rebuild it in due course. Our local police officer PC Giggs came to the March Parish council meeting and told the councillors that only 11 incidents had been reported in the parish in 6 months but encouraged residents to report any incidents in order that information is acted on.
At the Bi-monthly Parish Council meetings over the last twelve months matters concerning the Mobile Library, Boundary Commission, Road Repairs and a HGV limit had been major topics plus the compilation of a Risk Assessment and Standing Orders.
During the last twelve months various meetings have been attended including Cheshire Association of Local Councils, Cheshire Police Authority, Cheshire West & Chester Council and Cheshire Community Action. The Village has this year entered a team in the Cheshire Community Action Village Halls) Quiz - the team came sixth.
Minutes of Last Meeting
These were read by the Parish Clerk and agreed by Councillor Jinks as a correct record.
Report on Village Hall Fund Raising Group
Councillor Gee reported that in 2009 nine events had taken place including Table Top/Car Boots, Discos, plus a Turkey and Tinsel evening. This year one large and three small events are taking place. On the 17th July a Darnhall Village Day is planned - this will be an afternoon and evening event which will be widely publicised. The Women's Institute were thanked for their help at all the events.
Report on Village Hall Management Committee
Councillor Gee reported that most of the internal work is complete; however funds are still needed to finish both internal and external work. Regular users of the hall are the most important people and they were thanked for using the hall. The hall is now used on a more regular basis for Children's Parties, Dance Nights etc and a booking has now been taken for a week's usage in November. However increased usage means more costs in the form of Rates, and other standing charges. The grant from Cheshire West and Chester Council enabled the purchase of a number of small tables. Fund Raising enabled the purchase of a Chair Mover in order to facilitate cleaning and a Projector Screen was recently purchased to enhance the facilities. The Management Committee still need help with the Bookkeeping since Gail Ward retired from the committee, she had been a great help and is sorely missed. The 200 club is still one of the best sources of income.
Other Business
The Fishing Club will hold their annual event for Prostrate Cancer in August and the Prostrate Cancer Group are planning a Brass Band Concert in June.
Brownies and Guides still have full packs, with waiting lists and full itineraries
Darnhall Dancers are flourishing and will be dancing at various local shows over the Summer months, and are organising a show to be performed in the Village Hall on the 15th and 16th July and again at The Darnhall Village Day.
The Women's Institute are celebrating their 90th Birthday in both Darnhall and as a County Federation. More members are always welcome.
This meeting was followed by the Annual General Meeting and Ordinary Meeting of the Parish Council :
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF DARNHALL PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN DARNHALL VILLAGE HALL
Tuesday 18th May 2010
Present Councillors L Jinks
M Davenport
S Gee
J Hignett
D Tomlinson
H Walker
Cheshire West and Chester Councillor Barbara Roberts
Apologies Councillor E Edwards
Absent Cheshire West and Chester Councillor John Grimshaw
Cheshire West and Chester Councillor Andrew Needham
1 Chairman's opening remarks
Welcomed two members of the public Mrs B Barker and Mrs A Hignett.
The Chairman thanked all member of the council for their collective work has a team, and for various individual efforts. Most councillors and the clerk have attended external meetings over the last year.
Councillor Davenport new to the council had undertaken to do a training course at CHALC headquarters at Burleydam and this would help keep the council and clerk up to date on current issues.
Councillor Edwards had organised the BBQ for the Village Hall Opening Event.
Councillor Gee had taken over the Fund Raising and Management Committee of the Village Hall and is running these very efficiently.
Councillor Hignett had put much time and effort into looking into the matter of the flooding in Smithy Bank and which hopefully is now remedied. He together with the help of his family is also responsible for the caretaking of the Village Hall.
Councillor Tomlinson has continued to cut the grass and hedges around the Village Hall, and updates the council on issues relating to the Flashes.
Councillor Walker brings news of fishing events on the Flashes, and brings up to date information on Women Institute issues, especially since it is ninety years since Darnhall and Wettenhall Women's Institute was formed.
Cheshire West and Chester Councillors were also thanked especially Councillor Roberts since she as only missed meetings since her appointment due to post operative problems. She also enabled the Council to obtain a grant for new tables for the Village Hall and everyone who uses them is very pleased with them.
Last but not least the clerk was thanked for her efforts and involvement in both internal and external meetings.
2 Minutes
The minutes of the last meeting will be read. this is the last ordinary meeting.
Proposed Councillor Tomlinson
Seconded Councillor Gee
3 Appointment of Officers
A Chairman resolved that Councillor L Jinks remain in office.
Proposed Councillor Tomlinson
Seconded Councillor Gee
B Vice Chairman resolved that Councillor D Tomlinson remain in office.
Proposed Councillor Gee
Seconded Councillor Hignett
C Clerk resolved that Mrs M Sherry remain in this position.
Proposed Councillor Jinks
Seconded Councillor Tomlinson
4 Adoption of Financial Statement
The financial statement had been sent to councillors and the various questions were asked. The Chairman then verified the balance with the Bank Statement. Mrs Sherry to complete the forms for the external audit and return them.
Proposed Councillor Tomlinson
Seconded Councillor Davenport
5 Internal Auditor
It was agreed that Mr J E Grant should be asked to continue in the position.
Proposed Councillor Jinks
Seconded Councillor Tomlinson.
Dates for the Parish Council Meetings these dates should all be Tuesdays
27h July 2010-
28th September 2010
30th November 2010
25th January 2011
29th March 2011
10th May 2011
Date for Parish Assembly
17th May 2011
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF DARNHALL PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN DARNHALL VILLAGE HALL
Tuesday 18th May 2010
Present Councillors L Jinks
M Davenport
S Gee
J Hignett
D Tomlinson
H Walker
Cheshire West and Chester Councillor Barbara Roberts
Apologies Councillor E Edwards Who is recovering from major surgery.
Absent Cheshire West and Chester Councillor John Grimshaw
Cheshire West and Chester Councillor Andrew Needham
Member of the Public
Mrs B Barker
Mrs A Hignett
Chairman's opening remarks
These had been covered mainly in the preceding meeting i.e. The Parish Assembly and the Annual General Meeting The Chairman thanked the members of the public for staying following the Tea and Biscuits served by the clerk.
Declaration of Interests
Councillors declared that there had been no changes to their interests
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on the 30th March 2010 will have been read and approved at the A.G.M.
Appointment of New Councillor
Mrs Davenport had returned her Acceptance on Office and complete her Code of Conduct which the clerk will forward to CW&C Council.
Matter Arising
12/2007 The Village Hall Support Group
Councillor Gee had given an update on the Funding Group at the Parish Assembly.
27/2008 Formation of a Management Committee for Village Hall
Councillor Gee had given an update on the Management Committee at the Parish Assembly.
06/2009 Clerk's Comments
Changing the Bank Accounct, Councillor Tomlinson took the forms to the bank, and we have more to complete - hopefully this will bring the matter to a close.
33/2008 Residents Complaint (Mobile Library)
CW&C Councillor Roberts assured everyone that the matter was still on going.
13/2009 Telephone Kiosk
No more news.
20/2009 Heavy Goods Vehicles using Hall Lane
The response to the survey is below.
We have now received the results of the automatic traffic count which was recently undertaken on Hall Lane, Darnhall. I will have to send a copy of the classification survey separately as the email system would not allow me to attach it.
Looking at the results, the average of the eastbound and westbound HGVs (bins 3 and 4) equates to 7.7% of the total number of vehicles. This figure includes refuse and fire appliance vehicles and as such is not considered to be excessive.
When assessing weight limits, it is important to try to maintain a consistent approach across the Cheshire West area and assess both the needs of the freight transport industry and the impact of lorries on the community. An objective assessment must always be made of requests for lorry controls and there are a number of issues which need to be considered before deciding whether to proceed with a Traffic Regulation Order.
The wider effects of all schemes need to be assessed to ensure that localised problems have been alleviated and not merely displaced elsewhere. Consultation with various outside bodies, notably the police is vital, as regular enforcement is required to ensure effectiveness.
If a weight restriction was made it would have to be an area wide restriction and include all of the roads leading to Darnhall. The restriction would have to extend from the junction of Darnhall School Lane to Hickhurst Lane, to enable HGV drivers to find an alternative route. The alternative route would be lengthy and would run through Eaton and Little Budworth via C and A classified roads, which would generate objections and further complaints from these Parishes.
The order would have to include an exemption or 'except for access' to allow vehicles to make deliveries and gain access to properties. To enable the police to enforce the order, they would have to follow vehicles along the full length of the restriction which would make it difficult to enforce.
For the above reasons, we would not be able to support the introduction of a weight limit on this road at the present time, although we will keep the situation under review.
Regards
Jerry Gibbs
Senior Traffic Engineer
Cheshire West and Chester Council
Planning and Transport Service
Winsford Area Highways Office
Phoenix House
Clough Road
Winsford
Cheshire CW7 4BD
Tel: 0300 123 7036
Email:
The Clerk was asked to inform the resident of the response received following the meeting.
21/2009 Payments
The clerk would like to request that the Broadband Payment is paid Annually, this would save writing cheques for small amounts.
It has also been requested that the Parish Council pay rent Quarterly rather than bi-monthly for the same reason.
Amount Cheque Number
Clerks' Payment 75.00 270
Clerks' Annual Expenses 100.00 271
Cheshire Community Action 20.00 272
CHALC 52.79 273
Insurance 295.45 274
Proposed Councillor Tomlinson
Seconded Councillor Walker
Clerks Comments
Should start looking for a speaker for next year's Parish Assembly NOW.
Councillor Edwards has a contact in the environmental agency.
22/2009 Verdin/Woodford Lodge Schools
Following the last meeting a resident of Winsford had contact the clerk regarding the above and asked how the council had reacted to the merger into an Academy. The Chairman contacted councillors regarding this and the clerk sent the following email to CW & C Council
I have been asked to contact you on behalf of Darnhall Parish Council.
They understand that the merger would bring better facilities and teachers to the area; this in turn would hopefully encourage parents to educate their children in Winsford. This would also help with reductions in travelling etc. The council trust that should a new building be built to replace the two existing sites that the building will be built to a standard that will include solar power, heat exchange units etc. Maybe some of the materials from the existing buildings can be reused. It would be expected that the two existing sites which will become brown field sites will be used for community projects i.e. low cost housing, cinema etc.
Therefore the council would be in favour of the merger.
Planning Application.
Village Hall sign in the field at Knobbs Corner.
Councillor Jinks will have this removed by now and the necessary forms should have been received to apply for planning permission.
This will need the consent of the landowner and a fee of £47.50.
It was suggested that maybe the would be better placed at another location.
Reports on Meetings etc.
Both Councillor Gee and Councillor Jinks had attending meetings organised by CCA and had felt that the matters raised at these meetings had been very informative.
Councillor Davenport had attended at Training Evening at CHALC headquarters at Burleydam and had found it very useful.
Any Other Business
It was thought that the Council should produce a newsletter this year.
Correspondence
This was passed round, but this is much reduced due to the fact that more is being sent via email.
Meeting Closed at 21.45 hours
Next Meeting: to be. 27th July 2010
NB : CW & C is Cheshire West and Chester Council