At a
meeting of Penistone Town Council
Held on Monday
21st November 2005
The
Town Mayor, Cllr Mrs B Hinchliff and Cllrs A Simon, R Hinchliff, A Rusby, GJ Punt, D Harrison, N Collett,
P Hand-Davis, C A Bradbury, RN Gregory, J B Lucas, EA
Elders, D Lofthouse, P Starling, J Unsworth and the Clerk. Two members of the public present.
MINUTES
The
minutes of the following meetings were confirmed
Penistone
Town Council dated 17th October 2005
Planning Meeting dated 17th
October 2005
Paramount Meeting dated 9th
November 2005
Road Safety Meeting dated 14th
November 2005
MATTERS ARISING
Moved
by Cllr Harrison seconded by Cllr Gregory and RESOLVED that the recommendations
of the Road Safety Committee be acted on.
DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL INTEREST
Cllr
P Hand Davis declared an interest in item 6, Surf and Snack Shack and item 9, Shopmobility Service – relating to his employment.
REPORT OF BARNSLEY MEMBERS
Cllr
Punt reported on the work commencing at Springvale
School. Asbestos has been found on the site where the old club is to be
demolished. This area has been sealed
and will be removed safely. Further
tests are to take place but there is no danger to the children. Cllr Simon declared an interest as a governor
of Springvale School and reported that the car park
has been closed with no alternative offered which has resulted in chaos. Cllr Hinchliff is to assess this. She added that the proposals to extend the
cemetery would encroach on the area used for Penistone
Show and that this land is rocky and unsuitable.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP UPDATE
Cllr Unsworth reported on the new committee structure. Yorkshire Forward are dealing directly with
the Community Partnership for the managed workspace project. The four sites
being considered for the managed workspace project remain the subject of
commercial confidentiality. All other projects are going through Barnsley
MBC. There is to be a cabinet report,
including the projects with the Penistone
Regeneration Group. The Community Safety focus group is holding a safety
evening at the Community Centre.
SURF AND SNACK SHACK PHASE III
Cllr Lofthouse was invited to meet the team from the Youth
Centre and was impressed with the facilities.
The Barnsley Youth Service with People United Against Crime have created
an excellent venue that the young people are proud to maintain. Phases I and II
introduced the Computer facilities and the Surf and Snack Shack in Penistone. Phase III is to extend this service using the Shopmobility unit and take it out to the hinterland ie Hoylandswaine. It is aimed not
only at Youth groups but all ages that don’t have local facilities. It can become a social activity for all to
enjoy. It was moved by Cllr Lofthouse seconded by
Cllr Unsworth and RESOLVED that the Town Council
support and encourage this valuable community project.
YORKSHIRE DAY CO-ORDINATOR REPORT
Cllr Bradbury presented an update on the Plans for Yorkshire Day
in Penistone. There is a lot of positive local
support and enthusiasm for the day. Cllr
Elders is co-ordinating sponsorship for the additional funding required for the
day. The Yorkshire Society has agreed to underwrite any shortfall for the venue
cost. A Traffic Co-ordinator is needed
for the day and the committee is looking for a volunteer to take on this
important role.
PENISTONE SUPERMARKET PROPOSALS
Cllr
Elders spoke against the new supermarket development as this could be damaging
to existing businesses. Much discussion followed. Cllr Punt stated that the new
development would stem the loss of income to Penistone
businesses and the redevelopment was much needed. Cllr Unsworth added
that the restrictions in the Planning brief were to protect the smaller
specialist shops which will enable them to thrive. Cllr Rusby
raised concerns that the most derelict parts of Penistone
were not included in the redevelopment.
SHOPMOBILITY SERVICE
The Shopmobility Service is keen to combine its service with
One Stop Shop facilities to the rear of the Town Hall building and is looking
for confirmation of the Town Council’s continued support for the project. Moved
by Cllr Punt, seconded by Cllr Hinchliff and RESOLVED
that the council support this service.
It was further suggested that the hook up point be located at the cellar
entrance.
NATIONAL SCHOOL VANDALISM
Over
the last couple of years there has been an increase in the youths gathering
under the shelter to the rear of the National School adjacent the Community
Centre. Unfortunately, their behaviour
has included drinking, window smashing and drug taking. Many of the user groups are finding their
presence intimidating and despite support from the police the problem
continues.
The
clerk requested agreement for the purchase of materials to close off this
sheltered area. It was moved by Cllr Starling seconded by Cllr Punt and agreed
that this work may be carried out by our staff and the area closed. A further discussion followed as to how the
future of the building could be progressed and possibly incorporated into the
Community Centre before further dereliction.
PARAMOUNT REPORT
As
the Paramount meeting had been held the week before there is little to add to
the Paramount minutes. The small capital
fund from the Film Council will enable the Paramount to explore the possibility
of a second screen. The delay in showing
this years blockbusters has been due to the live events programme which a
second screen would alleviate.
The
Public Notice regarding the recent Standards Board hearing involving Cllr
Elders has been received. The final
paragraph was read by the Clerk:
‘It
was further noted by the Committee that the complainant had submitted a
significant number of previous complaints about other matters with reference to
members of Penistone Town Council. None of these
complaints had been considered to warrant investigation by the Standards Board
for England and the Committee was concerned that there appeared to evidence of
the making of vexatious complaints by one or more individuals in respect of the
affairs of Penistone Town Council. The Committee expressed its expectation that
the making of such complaints without justification should cease as such
behaviour was not in the interests of the local community neither did the time
and expense in dealing with such complaints represent a proper and effective
use of local taxpayers money.’ The full
notice is to be published in the next Barnsley Chronicle.
EXPENDITURE ITEMS
Cllr
Martin Davis of Stocksbridge Town Council has
suggested that minor authorities in the new constituency group meet together to
discuss pooling of resources, rather than duplication of services, to ascertain
the way forward for Rural Regeneration. Moved by Cllr Collett,
seconded by Cllr Starling and RESOLVED that someone attend when the meeting is
organised.
A
consultation document has been received giving just ten days to collect opinion
on the proposals. Cllr Hand Davis spoke on the new larger ‘strategic’ Police
Forces which would give gains in specialism but less
and less locally. The two choices are a
combined force of Humberside and South Yorkshire, or a whole Greater Yorkshire
force. Cllr Hand Davis recommended the smaller Humberside partnership. Each
Councillor was given their own form to complete.
In
view of the confidential nature of this business it was moved by Cllr Rusby, seconded by Cllr Punt and RESOLVED that this matter
be moved into committee, to be discussed with the exclusion of public and
press.
SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS
A
member of the public asked about the rumour of a 40% increase in hire charges
at the Paramount. The Clerk reassured him
that no increase has been made whatsoever. Penistone
Cinema Organ Trust have been requested to pay the same rate as other users for
any concerts over and above the monthly subsidised concerts they enjoy,
(including nine free and three reduced rate concerts).