Neighbourhood Forum Minutes – 06 April 2006
Minutes of the Bradford MDC, Shipley Area Committee and Burley Community Council Neighbourhood Forum Meeting
1. Apologies:
Tony Burkitt; John Horton; Brian and Lib Spence; Brian Sayer; Gerry Shaper, Diane Smith
95 people attended.
2. Chairman's Welcome and Introduction
BS welcomed District Cllrs Chris Greaves, Matt Palmer and Dale Smith, parish councillors Caroline Jones, John Sparshatt and Sylvia Tilford, and speakers for the evening:
PC Stuart Hudson;
Ian Strong from Yorkshire Local Councils Association;
Keith Wadd from West Riding Ramblers Association;
Ian Whitlam, Consulting Engineer for the footbridge;
Chris Flecknoe, Shipley Area Coordinator.
He extended a warm welcome to any residents at a Forum meeting for the first time. It was very unfortunate that the venue had to be changed after the Bulletin went out, but we had done our best to pass the word round. Bearing in mind that these meetings have always been non-party political, he reminded everyone to keep politics out of their comments in this pre-election period.
The main themes for the evening were the changes arising from the new parish council for Burley and the proposed river crossing at the weir. BS began with a few notices and points of interest.
· He was pleased to see that a seat has been installed beside the new path up Moor Lane, and that it has been dedicated to the memory of the late Phil Sawley.
· He had announced at the last Forum that the presentation of the BCC petition about Burley House Field to Shipley Area Committee would be held in April. The hearing has been postponed until the Area Committee at the end of June because, being so close to the local council elections, it was thought that this controversial matter should not be heard at the meeting on 27th April.
· The local elections were to take place on 4th May. Those people who live south of Hag Farm Road will go to the polling station at Burley Woodhead, so will be able to rest on Phil Sawley's seat. Residents should look carefully at what it says on the polling card and go to the correct polling station.
· The BCC Committee resolved to send a donation to Tereli this year, and a cheque for £500 was presented on Monday evening at the Lent Lecture on Burley links with the Dogon people. The donation represents about 71/2p per resident, but such a small contribution converts into significant purchasing power in a community like Tereli, helping far more than you could imagine. The contribution is appreciated and the Friendship Agreement is much valued. The money is to be channelled through the Joliba Trust who work with the villages in that part of Mali to ensure sustainable support - a hand up rather than a hand–out.
· He was sure those present would like him to say when the "superloo" would be in use! The fourth promised deadline was 29th March to connect the electric power and we understand that this has taken place.
· The children's playground in Grange Park is to be refurbished in the summer, mainly to replace the large climbing frame and some equipment.
· He had been reading a book about travels through Britain in which the author acknowledges the debt he owes to the work of local historians whose lot is in many ways unrewarding and as he says, "…even the most assiduous, reliable and instructive writers may have little reputation outside their own territory. Despite all of which, they toil nobly and faithfully away, charting areas of our history and heritage whose record would have gone unpreserved without them." It was a pity he missed out on Burley where he would have found Dennis and Margaret Warwick working on the latest publication of the Local History Group, "Independent Burley: A Village, its People and it Councils", which is on sale now.
3. Minutes of the January Forum
Mike Harris proposed and Dorrit Southon seconded the acceptance of the Minutes which were duly signed.
4. Police report from Stuart Hudson
SH reported on crime figures for the period since the last Forum on January 19th. There had been 40 incidents compared with 40 in the same period last year (4000 in Keighley division as a whole). They included one burglary to an unoccupied house, thefts from cars (numbers down) and damage to cars (up from 6 to 8); violence (3), theft of computers from Queen's Hall; damage at allotments etc. As usual SH reminded residents not to create opportunities for crime. Leaflets on prevention measures against garden thefts were available (copies in the library). Our CPSO can be contacted by telephone. She was unable to attend this Forum meeting as it was her day off. BS expressed appreciation for her presence in the village.
5. Ian Strong, Yorkshire Local Councils Association (YLCA)
He began by congratulating Burley on achieving parish council status after a long campaign. The splitting of an existing council was less common than setting up a council where none previously existed. He said that parish councils worked best when they focussed on a coherent community. Ilkley Parish Council was an active member of YLCA. He explained the nature and purpose of this organization:
YLCA was set up by councils to service their interests and fitted into the national organisation.
It had recently launched a website. It brings members together and is managed by elected members. It carries out training and has an annual conference The new Burley council may value its advice and help. He emphasised that Burley should not lose the good work that has been going on to date - some of this will go to the parish council, the rest to BWCT. Burley Parish Council will conduct its business and account for itself as laid down by appropriate legislation. It can only do those things which it is empowered to do through the law but there is a long list of these. There are a number of duties plus a range of things that it may do. It should focus on doing those things which are right for the community. The Government has a benchmark 'Quality Parish Council Status' chart. He hoped that BPC would consider seeking quality status which also fits into the Bradford Charter. Some issues may be devolved down from BMDC to the local council, particularly those matters best dealt with at the most local level.
He invited questions;
Q Can those who don't want to be parish councillors stay involved as is currently possible?
A They can be involved in a number of ways which will become clear as the council establishes itself. There will also be a public participation period in the monthly parish council meetings.
BS thanked Ian Strong for attending the meeting and for his very useful contribution.
Proposed changes to BCC and BWCT
BS reported:
This was an historic moment for our village, comparable to the absorption into Ilkley Urban District Council in 1937 and the formation of Burley Community Council in 1976. We had 11 candidates for the 9 seats, which was very encouraging.
Now that we will have a parish council for Burley, the BCC committee recommends that the Community Council be wound up and its duties and responsibilities divided between the parish council and the Community Trust. It is intended to put a winding-up resolution to the AGM in June to that effect. That will give some continuity while the parish council becomes established. Its first meeting will be in May.
BWCT Changes
The Trust has charitable status and currently owns the Scalebor pavilion and parking area, and has a licence for use of the sports field. Its other asset is the pond in Cornmill Lane, looked after by tenants, Mr. and Mrs. Carruthers. Both assets are supported by funds and fundraising.
We are particularly keen to maintain the strong tradition of voluntary effort that is characteristic of this community, and the following are all successful because of that support. It is proposed that the Trust also takes on the following:
· The Christmas lights and market is very popular with residents, involves a lot of volunteers, support from the churches and businesses, and a team of people under Tom Sumner who know what they are doing. It fits well under the Trust, so at least for 2006, and probably for the future that will be a trust responsibility.
· Again, very popular with residents, and a big fundraising event involving a lot of volunteers, the Duck Race is a natural for the trust. Including the Children's Society with teas on the Green it is a notable village event.
· BCC lease the Pudding Tree Garden for a "peppercorn if collected", and we have recently refurbished the garden and benches. It lies adjacent to the pond in Cornmill Lane, so we hope to agree a transfer to the Trust on the same terms.
· The Roundhouse is leased from Bradford Council, and is another facility used widely by the community. It is run by Judith Hird and volunteers.
· The 100 Club provides a source of funds for BCC and would provide funds for the Trust.
· The monthly 100 Club draw takes place at the BCC Coffee Morning on the third Saturday every month. Although the contribution to funds is minimal, it provides a social forum and a venue for other groups to raise funds. There has been some drop off in groups taking the table, so we will review its continuation.
· The Village Website rightly comes in for considerable praise and, serving the whole community, will continue with support from the Trust. However, the Parish Council will probably develop its own site and establish a link in the future, but for now the present site will continue, and can provide non-political information for the parish council.
Projects have been a significant part of the BCC's work since its formation in1976 including the village green, Bradford Road staithe and so many others. In the future, without the BCC, the Trust could become involved jointly with the parish council or other voluntary groups. An example would be improvements to Burley House Field if we are successful in our quest.
Burley Parish Council
Ian Strong had given a good indication of its statutory powers and the scope of its responsibilities. It was not for BS to say what the parish council will or will not do, but the things that BCC has done in the past that are likely to transfer are:
· Village Handbook and Burley Bulletin or their equivalent, both of which rely on a substantial voluntary input to deliver to every household. We hope that support will continue.
· Notice boards.
· Joint Neighbourhood Forum meetings. He hoped there would be a slot for the Trust to report when it needs to.
· Liaison with Chris Flecknoe and her Area Coordinator's team.
· Liaison with service departments.
· Representing the village on outside bodies.
That left one remaining area: the Friendship Agreement with Tereli. While the parish council cannot donate funds, it could maintain the Agreement and is able to support fundraising events. Similarly, BWCT cannot give any money. It is important that the people of Tereli know there is continuity in the relationship and that we will continue to support them. It is therefore proposed to create a Friendship Fund administered by parish councillors or Trust Trustees, but financially separate from both.
He wanted to conclude by saying that he hoped that the high level of support shown when the suggestion for a separate Burley parish council was first discussed, will be given to the members of the new council.
He asked for questions and comments:
Cllr Chris Greaves asked whether BCC should be retained as another body that could lobby on behalf of the village when necessary. He asked whether the Trust could, for example, object to planning applications. MH replied that we had come to the conclusion that if BCC were to be kept going it would need to have an AGM, funds etc. The Trust will be able to do anything in the village that is charitable but it would be necessary to check if lobbying could be included in its activities. He hoped that the Trust would work in cooperation with the Burley Parish and that some parish councillors would also be Trustees.
DW asked about the future of Burley-Menston Charities which was currently under the aegis of Ilkley Parish Council. Rather than splitting up between the new Burley and Menston parish councils could some formula be found to keep the Charities together? Cllr Chris Greaves replied that he believed that Menston Community Association had a different viewpoint.
8. Chris Flecknoe: report back and Open Forum
CF took the chair.
Note: this item was taken before item 7
CF began by giving thanks to BCC for the long period of partnership with the Shipley Area Committee which for her, had lasted 10 years. She had enjoyed the involvement very much. She noted the good relationships with the BCC chairs and other officers and the expert administration of BCC. She saw a lot of community groups but didn't see many as good as BCC in meeting needs within their contexts. This was the last Forum to be run jointly with BCC but she hoped Forum meetings would continue in the future in partnership with the new Burley Parish Council.
The blue report back sheets had been circulated to all present (copies in the Library). CF provided update comment on one item:
Toilets:
the electricity was now installed. A date of April 10th had been given for commissioning the computer system for the door.
At the last Forum meeting those present had completed a short questionnaire, as individuals or as small groups, on community relations in Bradford. People were asked about the things most liked/least liked about living in the Bradford district and any improvements needed. There were 46 completed responses. Full details of responses were available at the meeting. Responses were diverse and included:
Liked most:
Rural areas - access to countryside(38); good rail services/public transport (16); racial and cultural diversity (8); good city/country mix (6); community spirit (6); central to get to other towns (6); industrial heritage(4); good museums and galleries (3) etc
Liked least:
City centre(6); poor transport lack of bus links to Guiseley and Bradford; Bradford is poor relation of Leeds (5); poor race/community relations(4); over-development of rural areas(4); traffic problems(4) unwelcoming and unsafe rail stations - particularly Shipley and Forster Square (3); issues surrounding Burley House Field(3); too much litter/dog fouling (3); safety issues at night in city centre; gap between rich and poor etc
Actions to improve community relations
Contacts between school and youth groups from different cultures; more multicultural festivals; creation of partnerships between diverse communities; intergenerational projects; faith community links; sharing of expertise and experience between communities; encourage ownership of rural area by people living in city centre; more balanced media; promote heritage etc etc
Practical proposals
Improve public transport; safer access to rail stations; improve links to Bradford centre from Burley; impose more speed restrictions; reintroduce good market hall in Bradford; increase disability awareness; better shops in the city; encourage children to walk to school etc etc.
Cllr Matt Palmer commented on traffic issues raised. Council officers have agreed to review parking in Burley. Issues should be brought to his attention.
Open Forum
Only one issue was raised from the floor:
The problems in Prospect Road and Rosebank arising from parking of cars by rail users. CF replied that this matter was in hand.
7. Keith Wadd, Ian Whitlam and John Sparshatt: proposed river crossing at Greenholme
Pictures were available at the meeting of the proposed bridge and can be viewed in the library.
KW, West Riding Ramblers, said that the campaign for a bridge across the Wharfe went back 100 years and he had been involved for 10 years as a member of the Burley Bridge Committee and the Burley Bridge Association. (BBA) The BBA plans for a bridge across the weir had received planning assent but there was no movement on getting the bridge because of objections. He said that the crucial question was whether a bridge was needed. For the Ramblers Association the answer was a clear 'Yes'. It was not just a Burley matter but also a regional one for Bradford and Leeds. A bridge would create a year round safe crossing to enable ramblers to gain access to Nidderdale and the Washburn valley. The Ramblers Association has developed initial plans for a bridleway bridge across the existing stepping stones more or less on the existing right of way. These plans are likely to get the support of funders. Choosing the new line for the bridge and suitability for a range of users will get more support from local authorities. KW said that the bridge appeared to be quite large but it had to be the proposed height above the water to exceed maximum flood levels. The solid sides were necessary to avoid horses seeing water but the viewing terraces would provide excellent views of the river. To the objectors to the bridge KW said that the bridge will benefit many people in Burley and beyond for the current and for future generations. He sincerely hoped the plans would be accepted.
John Sparshatt, Burley Bridge Association, reiterated a number of points made by KW and provided additional details on the proposed bridge. He stressed that although the footbridge over the weir was technically the best footbridge solution it did not follow the existing right of way and in the light of objections from landowners and little support from the two local authorities progress on this scheme had stalled. The Rambler's Association proposal is one to which NYCC will give significant support and BMDC have indicated support, in principle. The feasibility study had been carried out by a local consultant engineer, IW and a package of drawings and supporting information has been prepared in readiness for submission of a planning application. The bridge follows the general line of the footpath over the stepping stones and then the line of the bridleway towards Askwith. Preliminary discussion with NYCC suggest that the redefining of the right of way should be relatively straightforward. The current guidelines on size suggest 3.5 metres wide with no separation of people and horses. The sides need to be 1.4 metres high for pedestrians and 1.8 metres for horses. The design team have produced a proposal which is technically undemanding, aesthetically attractive and appears to offer a good compromise for all users. The bridge follows a regular curve from a point above the level of the stepping stones and extends to the gate on the north bank. JS provided full details on the size and materials to be used. The bridge will be galvanized steel and clad externally in hardwood, possibly oak. This will have minimal treatment and allowed to weather giving an extended time to first maintenance The bridge deck will be in timber. The British Horse Society is positive about the proposal.
Questions were invited from the floor and KW, IW and also JS responded
Q. How much will the bridge cost
A..The order of cost would be between £800,000 and £1million
Q. What was the objection to a footbridge.
A. There is a need to respond to needs of a wider range of users.
Q. What plans are there to prevent motorcycles using the bridge. Have the safety issues in Leatherbank for residents and children using the sandbanks been considered?
A. At this point these had not been addressed. The fact that a small number of people abuse facilities is not in itself a reason to stop a development.
Q. What is the view of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural beauty (AONB) about the plans. Have they been informed.
A. No, not yet
Q. If the bridge is a bridleway one some horses wouldn't cross. The ford is not impassible - will it still be available.
A. The bridleway across the ford would not be closed.
Q.What would be the cost of a footbridge over the stepping stones.
A. This would be longer than one over the weir so would cost more. If not a bridleway bridge about 40% of the cost could be saved.
Q. Do you have a copy of the definitive rights of way map
A. It is our understanding that there is a right of way and the attempt has been made to keep close to the bridleway but some small adjustments will be needed to the right of way
Q. Will there still be access to the beach.
A. Yes, we have tried to provide access by steps. However the beach is not public and a balance has to be created between various interests.
Q. Why couldn't the bridge be at Greenholme
A. This had been considered but was not a possibility.
Cllr Greaves clarified that any discussions with BMDC had been preliminary ones with some officers.
Peter Riley, Burley Wildlife Group asked to make a brief statement. He had noted some hostility in the meeting to the proposed bridge but it would open up bridleways and would be a considerable amenity. He was given a round of applause.
BS thanked the speakers. He emphasised that there were only about 100 from 7000 residents from the village present at the meeting. It was important that the views of the village were heard and recommended a box for comments next to the display in the library. Once planning application went in there would be opportunities to respond formally.
9. Any other business
· A resident raised the point already brought to a BCC Committee meeting about litter in the park near the youth shelter and asked if the shelter could be relocated. Members of Salem Church and others are regularly clearing up the litter. The matter had been raised with PC Hudson and with the Youth Service. Both will speak to the young people. Relocation wasn't an option since the site was chosen as the best possible after extensive consultation
· The temporary toilets are being tipped over late at night. This would be resolved as soon as the superloo was finally in use.
· Dennis Warwick asked to propose a vote of thanks to Chris Flecknoe for her contributions to the Neighbourhood Forum meetings and support to BCC. This was seconded by Dorrit Southon and there was a round of applause.
Date of the next meeting:
BCC Annual General Meeting on June 15th. In addition to the resolution to wind up BCC and bring everyone up to date on the changes, Mike Harris will present a visual summary of 30 years of BCC achievements.
The meeting closed at 9.30pm
Sylvia Tilford, Hon BCC Secretary.