Burley Parish Council & Bradford Metropolitan District Council
Minutes of the Neighbourhood Forum meeting
held on Thursday 19th June 2008
at The Queens Hall, Burley in Wharfedale
Commenced: 7:30pm
Concluded: 9:30pm
Chair:
Cllr. Sylvia Tilford (Chair Burley Parish Council)
Ms Chris Flecknoe (Shipley Area Co-ordinator)
Clerk:
Mrs Jo Griffiths
Present:
District Councillor Dale Smith
Parish Councillors Keith Dale, Kath Forrest, John Horton, Caroline Jones, Peter Riley, Sylvia Tilford and Mike Walker
52 members of the public of whom 6 were attending a Forum for the first time
F01/0809 Apologies for absence
District Cllr Chris Greaves, Cllr Peter Jenkins, Dennis & Margaret Warwick.
F02/0708 Welcome and introductions
Cllr Tilford welcomed everyone to the Neighbourhood Forum and introduced the speakers for the evening. There would be one or two changes to the running order of the Forum to allow those speakers that needed to leave early to do so.
F03/0708 Minutes of the last Neighbourhood Forum
Proposed by Cllr Keith Dale and seconded by Cllr Peter Riley the minutes of the Neighbourhood Forum on Thursday 17th January 2008 were accepted as a true and accurate record.
F04/0708 Matters arising
There were no matters arising that were not already on the agenda or in the report back sheets.
F05/0809 Friends of Ilkley Moor
Nick Rochford, Treasurer for the Friends of Ilkley Moor reported on the work of the group. The group had been established as a result of the issues raised after the fire in 2006. A public consultation in July 2007 led to the establishment of a steering group and the first AGM of the group had been held in April 2008. The group has already made progress in fund-raising both through corporate sponsorship, applications to the Community Chest and membership subscriptions. Membership of the group is now at 120 and a committee has been formed to work towards the aims of the groups. In the short term there are four key priorities for the group:
1) Application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a freelance project officer who will work with schools and other community groups to raise awareness and provide education about the Moor;
2) to establish a website;
3) to gain assistance from the military through the Military Aid for Civilian Communities project in various projects on the Moor;
4) to become registered.
Question: Does the group's remit cover any of Rombalds Moor?
Answer: To date the group are looking just at Ilkley Moor but the project officer (once in post) would be looking to work with and share resources with neighbouring landowners and this would include Rombalds Moor.
Question: Cllr Riley noted that whilst very impressed with the work of the Friends of Ilkley Moor he urged the group to ensure that the natural history of the Moor and the uniqueness of the environment are preserved.
Answer: The group were aware that there were potential issues concerning the future of the Moor e.g. development of paths, and potential conflicts with the natural environment
Question: How could local residents become Friends of Ilkley Moor?
Answer: The website was not yet established but there was a PO Box Number (286) that the group could be contacted through and an email address: info@friendsofilkleymoor.net
Question: How many corporate members did the group have?
Answer: To date there were only two but it was hoped that more would join.
A small supply of leaflets on the work of the Friends of Ilkley Moor was available at the meeting and the Parish Council would copy more if necessary.
F06/0809 Crime and Policing Issues
Inspector Susan Sanderson, PC Stuart Hudson and PCSO Andrew Wade were in attendance at the Forum. Inspector Sanderson outlined recent changes to West Yorkshire Police and their impact in this area. From 1st April the Bradford area had been re-structured into two divisions. There were now 26 officers working out of Ilkley Police Station, one Inspector, one Sergeant, 6 PCs, 8 PCSOs and 10 response officers. These officers covered the three wards of Craven, Wharfedale and Ilkley. Officers were at Ilkley Police Station from 8am until 3am every day with response officers available 24 hours a day.
The Police were placing great emphasis on Neighbourhood Policing with officers having ownership and local knowledge of the areas they cover. Members of the public with concerns were encouraged to contact officers at Ilkley, consult them via the surgeries and contact point or when on patrol with concerns.
Inspector Sanderson gave a report on crime figures for the Ward from 1st April. There had been a total of 38 crimes, the most serious of which were: 6 burglaries to dwellings, 4 thefts from motor vehicles and 2 incidents of criminal damage. Inspector Sanderson reminded the meeting that this was one of the lowest crime areas in the District and that the Police were committed to keeping it this way in partnership with the local community.
The Police Contact Point at Queen's Hall is open Thursday evenings and Friday mornings for members of the community to report minor crimes and to draw issues to the attention of the police. The facility is currently under-used and those in attendance were reminded that this would place it at risk of closure.
Question: As this area has a low crime rate does this mean that there is likely to be a reduction in the number of officers working from Ilkley police station and in this area?
Answer: The Chief Superintendent had committed resources to a Neighbourhood Policing structure. Without the current number of staff the police station at Ilkley could not run as it does and there were no plans to reduce the number of officers in this area.
It was noted that the contribution the PCSOs made to the low levels of crime in the area were very much appreciated.
F07/0809 Services for young people and children
Pete Sims gave a report on Youth Service provision by BMDC in the Burley area. Currently the Youth Services do not offer any provision in Burley. Until the recent past there had been provision but the take-up rate had dwindled and the service had been withdrawn as it was financially unsustainable.
From mid July and for a six week period the Youth Services would be undertaking a consultation with young people locally on what provision they would like to see in Burley. If there is evidence of a real desire for the provision to be restored then the Youth Services would look at this closely to see what provision could be made and where. Resources are restricted and it was necessary to target provision where there is most demand. It was known that some young people were accessing Youth Service provision in Ilkley at the Ilkley Warehouse and at the Grammar School.
Question: As a rough estimate there are around 300 children aged between 11 and 16 in the village. Currently there are many well supported activities for children aged between 8 and 11. Surely the low take-up rate of the previous youth service provision indicates that the service provided was not of the right kind?
Answer: It is hoped that the consultation period will identify the interests of young people in the village.
Question: How will the consultation be carried out?
Answer: Through contacts at Ilkley Grammar School and via detached work in the village on Monday and Wednesday evenings with young people congregating in groups around the village.
Chris Rollings from Early Years and Childcare Services gave a report on the expansion of children's centres into rural areas.
Phase III of the Government's programme to support families with young children by providing children's centres was now being introduced. The earlier phases of the programme had largely concentrated on urban areas, typically the areas with the highest levels of child poverty. A consultation period would be held to identify what the needs are in the local area for the under 5s and to establish what a children's centre in the local area would provide. A children's centre in this area will concentrate on Burley, Menston and Ilkley. A possible location for a centre was being sought in this area. Outreach facilities will be provided across the three communities. A consultation session would be held at Menston and letters would be sent out locally asking for ideas and support.
F08/0809 Fair Trade in Burley in Wharfedale
John Anderson, Chair of Fair Trade Bradford gave an update on the work of the Bradford group and the importance of Fair Trade to communities across the world. Bradford is one of the best Fair Trade cities in the UK; each year a directory is produced of shops, restaurants, cafes etc. in the Bradford area that sell Fair Trade products. The Fair Trade mark indicates that an independent assessment of these products has been carried out and there are currently over 3,000 Fair Trade products on sale in the Bradford area. Hundreds of people in Bradford are involved in Fair Trade and Burley in Wharfedale like other communities in the Bradford area is seeking to gain the status of a Fair Trade village.
Cllr Keith Dale reported that the group established in Burley to work towards gaining Fair Trade status had submitted an application earlier this year. The result of the application was expected in the next few weeks and the group were hopeful of a positive response. A guide to Fair Trade establishments and retailers in the village was available and it was hoped would soon be widely distributed.
Question: How widely was the Burley Fair Trade guide being distributed? If funds were required to enable a wider distribution then the Burley in Wharfedale Community Trust would be prepared to offer financial support.
Answer: Thanks were given for this offer of support and it was hoped that the guide would be widely distributed.
F09/0809 Parish Council Update
The most recent newsletter had contained Cllr Jones' report on the work of the Parish Council over the last year and had given a comprehensive update. If anyone had not received a copy of the newsletter please inform the Parish Clerk or a member of the council. Thanks were offered to the volunteer distributors for their work.
The Village Handbook would be distributed in late July.
Cllr Tilford offered thanks to BWCT and Tom Sumner for the Duck Race on Sunday. It had been a most enjoyable afternoon and had been well supported. Thanks were offered to the Guides for providing Teas on the Green and to Mark Selby and others for organising the children's and adults' races.
The Parish Council was still seeking a permanent base but the need had recently become more pressing for even a temporary base. If anyone knew of any likely site or premises please contact a member of the Parish Council. Anyone with issues that need bringing to the attention of the Parish Council was invited to contact Jo Griffiths the Parish Clerk or one of the parish councillors. Every Tuesday morning at St Mary's Parish Centre Jo and a member of the Parish Council were present to ask questions or raise issues.
The Saturday morning working group continued to be well supported but could always use the help of additional volunteers. Anyone interested should meet on the Village Green at 10am on the last Saturday or the month. Any areas of the village that needed attention should be pointed out to the Parish Council.
Cllr Tilford noted that the Parish Council had been very pleased to see that the Planning Inspectors had dismissed the appeal for the retention of the new driveway on Green Lane. There were some issues still outstanding including an appeal against the time scale laid out by the inspectors but Green Lane will now be restored to as close to its former state as can be managed.
F10/0809 Burley Community Council AGM
Bruce Speed, Chairman of the Burley Community Council reported that BCC is still constituted in order to continue work on Burley House Field despite having divided the rest of its functions between the Parish Council and the Burley in Wharfedale Community Trust. Despite successfully petitioning Bradford Council to grant a lease on the field one has not been forthcoming and a third application for Village Green status has been submitted. It is understood that written applications will suffice and there will be no need for a public enquiry. The Community Council was formed in 1976 and a large number of people have contributed to its work over the last 30 years and continue to do so. It is hoped that once the issue of the field has been resolved then BCC will be wound up.
Mike Harris presented the accounts for the financial year 2007-08. There were few transactions to report but notable were two legacies left to BCC for the good of the village. Thanks were offered to Bruce Speed for his work as Chair of BCC and proposed by Bruce Speed and seconded by John Gundry the accounts were accepted.
F11/0809 Update from Burley Trojans Jnrs on Changing Room Project
Jed Smith, Secretary and Paul Cranley, Special Projects Officer for Burley Trojans Juniors Football Club gave an update on the club's proposal for a changing room on the recreation ground on Iron Row.
Burley Trojans Jnrs is one of the biggest clubs in the area with more than 300 children involved. New age groups and additional teams are being added each year. The club has nothing more than a storage facility at the current time and there is a very real need for changing rooms, toilets, first aid facilities etc.
The proposal includes: 4 changing rooms for players, 2 changing rooms for officials, a store, a kitchen, toilets and an education room. The site is in a corner of the recreation ground that is poorly drained and unusable for playing on for large parts of the year. The plans for the facility are in part dictated by the requirements of the Football Association and Football Foundation for a club of this size.
The provision of a changing room facility is supported by the Parish Council and by the local MP. The submission of plans in February 2008 led to 44 objections and the club withdrew the application in order to listen to objections, make changes and re-submit.
New plans are now available and it is hoped that these address the concerns raised: the overall facility is now 15% smaller, the car park is now restricted to a small area of hard standing for disabled and emergency vehicle access and the club seeks to reassure local residents that the facility will not be used on a regular basis for social events; some meetings and occasional fundraising events would be held there. Comments from local residents are invited.
Question: What are the successes of Burley Trojans Jnrs?
Answer: The club has a turnover of £16k-£20k per annum but the success of the club is in its work as a mechanism for children and adults of the village to meet and work together.
F12/0809 Reports from village organisations
Various voluntary organisations that work in the village were invited to give a brief update on the work they carry out.
Good Neighbours. Hazel Gundry reported that Good Neighbours had recently been the recipient of a Shipley Area Community Heroes Award. The scheme offers transport by car to the elderly or less mobile members of the community to hospital or doctors appointments in the area. Transport is provided by volunteers who are reimbursed for the petrol and car parking expenses. In the last six months Good Neighbours have carried out more than 80 journeys to appointments. If anyone wished to volunteer then they were invited to contact a member of the committee. Luncheon Club. Mrs Gundry also reported on the work of Burley Luncheon Club. For more than 30 years lunch has been provided at the Queens Hall for older members of the community. Supported by Bradford Social Services the facility used to provide more than 40 meals a week, numbers have dwindled and less than 20 lunches are now provided. Anyone knowing of someone who might benefit from this service was encouraged to contact Doris Followell, Secretary. Hockney Group. Valerie Tindall reported that for more than 20 years the group has provided services so the blind and partially sighted in Burley and Menston. A programme of talks, meetings and outings are held every fortnight. Transport and assistance are provided and anyone requiring further information was invited to contact Audrey Hall or Margaret Warwick.
Village Website Group. Steve King of the village website group reported that the website continues to grow in popularity with more than 200 hits per day. Run by BWCT the most popular sections are the Gallery (photos), Information, History and Home pages. The site also hosts the Parish Council's website. A village diary is operated on the site but currently not well supplied with information. Any groups or organisations with events were encouraged to inform the website so that details could be included in the diary.
Burley-Tereli Link. Mary Wood reported that funds continued to be raised for secondary school facilities in Mali. This was being done in conjunction with a French charity based in Le Havre. A recent visit by representatives of the French charity had been very successful. Working in co-operation had allowed for bigger projects to be achieved. Thanks were offered to everyone who had assisted in fundraising. Projects were still on-going and further fund-raising would be carried out.
Chris Flecknoe offered thanks to the voluntary groups who had given reports and congratulated them on the excellent work they carried out in the village.
F13/0809 January Neighbourhood Forum feedback
Attention was drawn to the green feedback sheets that provided responses to the issues raised at the last Neighbourhood Forum.
F14/0809 Open Forum
Question: What could be done about the trees lodged on the weir on the River Wharfe? The Environment Agency had been contacted a number of times but had not taken any action.
Answer: The trees were the responsibility of the Environment Agency. Chris Flecknoe would contact them for a status report on what they would be doing to address this issue.
Question: What action would be taken to address parking issues caused by the building at The Lawn?
Answer: Traffic & Highways would have been consulted at the planning application stage and obviously had not been sufficiently concerned to make any provision for work in this area. Once the project was completed and if there were problems arising at this time then it would be looked at again by Traffic & Highways Officers.
F15/0809 Any other business
None
F16/0809 Date of the next meeting
Thursday 16th October 2008 - Queen's Hall, Burley in Wharfedale
Shipley Area Co–ordinator's Office, Town Hall, Kirkgate, Shipley, BD18 3EJ Telephone: (01274) 43714 6 Fax: (01274) 532780
Burley Parish Council, 6 The Copse, Burley in Wharfedale, LS29 7QY. Tel: 07971 772181 Email: parishclerk@burley-in-wharfedale.org