Wentworth Partnership
Meeting
11th January 2007
Held at Fitzwilliam (Wentworth) Estates, Estate Office at 6.00 pm
In attendance:
N Chaplin (NC) Chair – The Wentworth Village Community Association & Meeting Chair
D Hunton (DH) Chair – The Wentworth Parish Council
A Barber-Lomax (ABL) Agent – Fitzwilliam (Wentworth) Estates
G Smith (GS) RMBC 2010
L Stevenson (LS) Wentworth Parish Council/Fitzwilliam (Wentworth) Estates / The Wentworth Village Community Association
Apologies:
M Hill Community Planning Officer RMBC
F Hodgkiss Councillor
1.
Meeting Chair
ABL reminded those present that it was intended that the Chair should be rotated on an annual basis. DH pointed out that he was likely to have his hands full with the Parish Plan process. NC indicated that he was happy to adopt the role for the following 12 months and ABL handed over.
ABL then asked those present to review the progress of the partnership. There was unanimous agreement that it was serving a good purpose and functioning effectively.
2.
Minutes of the Meeting Held 12th
October 2006
Accepted as a true record.
3.
Social and Welfare Issues
a. Bonfire
Night
NC reported a successful night with a number of new volunteer helpers to whom he extended his thanks including Kath Brisland (Neighbourhood Champion RMBC 2010). NC highlighted that there were difficulties obtaining financial contributions from all attendees, with the takings for food making up for gate deficiencies. Discussion turned to ways of improving takings which will be considered further by the Community Association.
b. New
Years Eve Function
NC reported that no New Years Eve function took place due to difficulties encountered by those originally organising the event and there being insufficient time, when this was notified to the Association, to make satisfactory alternative arrangements.
c. Village
Day 2007
Date set for 15th July. Coincidentally this is the same day on which Harley will hold their own event, but it is too late to change.
d. Health
Visitor
DH reported that an approach had been received from a Wath based health visitor interested in establishing a clinic in Wentworth. Details have been provided to NC who will take this up with her. Likely to benefit babies, toddlers and OAPs.
e. Home
Fire Safety Visit
ABL referred to an initiative by the local Fire Service to undertake fire safety checks on private dwellings including provision of free smoke alarms where required. All occupiers on the Fitzwilliam (Wentworth) Estates have been contacted and their details provided to the Fire Service.
4.
Governance
a. Parish
Plan
DH reported that an inaugural meeting was held on the 30th November and a steering committee has almost been finalised including representation from Wentworth, Harley and Thorpe Hesley communities, the school, the church, the Community Association and the Estate as well as teenagers and OAPs,. DH outlined his proposals that initial meetings be closed but opened out later to encourage wider contribution. NC reaffirmed the Community Associations involvement and support for the initiative.
b. Street
Lighting
DH & ABL confirmed that the proposed replacement of existing street lighting with traditional alternatives is to go ahead and that a schedule of phased works should shortly be obtained from RMBC. The scheme is being co-financed by RMBC, Wentworth Parish Council and The Fitzwilliam Wentworth Amenity Trust.
c. Future
Initiatives
DH highlighted the Parish Council’s willingness to consider ideas for any future projects.
d. Friars
Croft Car Parking
Arising from the Estate’s recent approach to the Parish Council about replacing ‘No Parking’ signs at Friars Croft with more modest alternatives, it has come to light that the Friars Croft area is an adopted highway which, strictly speaking, should not restrict parking to residents only.
The Parish Council will continue to consider the Estate’s request and if on replacement of signage RMBC object, consideration will be given to a request for a change in legal status to restrict parking to residents and users of the Mechanics Institute.
e. Rural
Base Line Study
Various representatives from Wentworth Parish Council and the Estate received a presentation from consultants acting on behalf of RMBC who have prepared a rural base line study; an appraisal of the current status of the rural district of the borough including social, environmental and landscape features. This information will form the basis of future policy and rural initiatives within RMBC.
f.
Wentworth North Area Assembly
Representation
ABL reported that he had accepted an invitation to become a member of the Wentworth North Assembly Co-ordinating Committee. Whilst the position has been adopted in his role as Agent to the Fitzwilliam (Wentworth) Estates, he pointed out that he was more than happy to promote matters of interest to other partnership representatives, providing there were no conflicts of interest.
5.
Built Environment
a. Street
Signage
ABL reported that all street nameplates throughout the village had recently been refurbished and fixed directly to adjacent walls rather than on stilts. This work is being co-financed by RMBC’s Streetpride and The Fitzwilliam Wentworth Amenity Trust.
b. West
Hall Fold Car Park
Completed.
c. Wentworth
Park Entrance
Final plans for formal applications currently being prepared.
d. Private
Graveyard
Replacement iron railings installed.
e. Church
Drive – Trees
Conservation Area consent obtained for raising crowns and one felling.
6.
Any Other Business
a. George Smith pointed out that, although his role technically only relates to housing, he is more than happy to respond to wider community issues.
b. Doric Lodge Footpath – DH highlighted difficulties with identifying the route of the footpath following ploughing, a matter the Parish Council is likely to address with Tenant Farmer, David Pearson, directly.
7.
Date of Next Meetings
To be held at the Estate office:
· Thursday 19th April 2007 at 6.00 pm
· Thursday 18th October 2007 at 6.00 pm