Annual report 2007 - 08

Page 1

Holme Valley Parish Council

ANNUAL REPORT 2007/2008 A look at the past year in the Holme Valley The Chairman’s report—Cllr Charles Kaye

The Chairman’s Charities

prudently and effectively.

One result is that the Council managed to achieve a 10% reduction in its precept for 2008-09 and there should be no diminution in the services offered next year. Its minibus services will continue to be supported, match funding has been gained for improvement works to war memorials, play areas will be improved in partnership with Kirklees Council, together with many other projects highlighted by the Committee Chairmen in their reports.

Time passes very quickly, especially as we all get older, and this has certainly been the case for me during my year as Chairman of the Parish Council.

This was a year of change, as we started with the number of Wards reduced from 16 to 12, and the councillors reduced from 31 to 23, each councillor on average representing 870 electors. Following the elections, there were many new councillors, including father/son and mother/daughter combinations for the first time, and it is most encouraging to see how well the ‘newcomers’ have settled down in their roles and are adding value in their new positions.

In a busy Council year, another key change was the retirement of our Deputy Clerk, Liz Hirst, after 24 years’ service with the Holme Valley Parish Council. Liz, with her always cheerful, bubbly personality and knowledge, especially on planning matters, will be sorely missed and we all wish her well in retirement. In her place we welcome Sally Barber as our new Administrative Support Officer, and wish her every success in her new career with the Parish Council. Thanks to Cllr Otterburn and the Staffing Committee for putting in place, and implementing, a new recruitment policy for the Parish Council.

Most of the Committees have had a busy year. One exception is the Strategy and Policy Committee, where we were unable to carry out the external survey work originally planned. With the revised Kirklees policies on the new seven localities and recent Local Government legislation, we now plan in 2008/2009 to work with Kirklees and other agencies to develop a future Four Year Strategy Plan for the Holme Valley. This will include surveys and questionnaires of residents in the Holme Valley.

With the changes in the Council’s structure, it has been a year of review and consolidation. Several of the Committees have taken time to review policies and practices, and made changes in some cases, or confirmed that current practices represent good value for the residents. This is a process which the Council must go through from time to time to assure itself and its electors that it is using its funds www.holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk

What has been most encouraging is the increased support and involvement from residents. The quarterly newsletters continue to generate much interest, and the Council website is also gaining in use, with increasing numbers taking part in our online polls and live discussions about the Parish Council. Recognition must go to Cllr Rhona Bratt, our editor and webmaster, for all the hard work she has put in over the last year.

We have also seen many residents attending our Planning and Council Meetings, now that we welcome opportunities for people to speak in public sessions at the start of our meetings. Planning continues to be a key activity for us all, as we remain concerned to preserve our Green Belt and utilise listed Brownfield sites for development.

Affordable housing in the Holme Valley continues to be a key objective and we will be pursuing opportunities in our strategy to support this objective. Thanks to Cllr Judith Roberts who has taken on the role of Chair of this Committee.

Another key priority policy area for us is rural transport, and over the year our General Purposes Committee councillors have spent many hours working (wrestling at some stages!) with members from Kirklees, Metro and First Bus, who coordinate and provide our rural bus services. Recognition goes to Cllrs Firth, Tom Dixon, Cropper and Cllr Sims of Kirklees Council who, with others, have worked hard to meet the needs of local residents during the changes.

The good news is that during the year I held my Civic Service at St Mary’s Church in Honley, and a Charity Dinner at Honley Cricket Club, which together with other donations, have enabled me to raise over £1,000 for my two charities, Honley Aid In Sickness and the Forget Me Not Trust. Thanks are due to Stotts who again generously donated the proceeds from the Boxing Day Bus Service to the Chairman’s Charity Appeal.

The Chairman Councillor Charles Kaye presenting cheques for £580 to Karen Dineen (left) of the Forget Me Not Trust and Miss Doreen Maude, MBE, of Honley Aid In Sickness at St. Mary's Church, Honley.

(Photograph courtesy Holme Valley Echo)

Chairman Charles Kaye (far right) and Mrs Diana Kaye with guests enjoying the entertainment provided by the magician (far left) at the Chairman’s Charity Dinner.

The Chairman and Lady of Holme Valley Parish Council, Councillor Charles and Mrs. Diana Kaye, welcomed guests to their Civic Sunday celebrations held Autumn 2007 at St. Mary's Church, Honley.

Councillor contacts — 2007/2008 Ward

Name

Telephone

Brockholes

L.

Fulstone

D. M. Firth

01484 683735 34 Penistone Road, New Mill, HD9 7JP

Fulstone

D.

Hall

01484 686488 45 Sude Hill, New Mill, HD9 7BL

Hepworth

T.

Dixon

01484 685928 Wood Nook, South View, Jackson Bridge, HD9 7HT

Bailey

Address

01484 662398 4 Oakes Lane, Brockholes, HD9 7AR

Holmfirth Central

G.

Christofi

01484 682721 10 Oak Tree Avenue, Scholes, HD9 1SD

Our councillors are continuing to work to retain key services, and together with the Holme Valley Minibus Service we are committed to retaining and improving rural services throughout the Valley. This includes supporting the Holme Valley Patient Transport Scheme which operates a service for patients for all the Holme Valley medical practices.

Holmfirth Central

Finally I would like to thank all my fellow Councillors and Chairs of Committee for their hard work in the last year – all our Members continue to receive no payment for their time. A special mention to our Clerk, Marjory Bewick, who has patiently supported the efforts of the Councillors, old and new, and whose hard work and dedication is essential for our continued service.

Next year will be an exciting time for the Council and I would like to wish our new Chairman, Cllr Trevor Bellamy, best wishes for the year ahead.

Charles Kaye Chairman, 2007/2008

K.

Smith

Resigned

Honley Central & East M.

Bower

01484 661354 17 Woodroyd Avenue, Honley, HD9 6LG

Honley Central & East P.D.

Searby

01484 661980 10 Townhead, Honley, HD9 6BW

Honley Central & East B.

Smith

01484 689961 Southfield, Holmfirth Road, New Mill, HD9 7LX

Honley South

C.M.

Kaye

01484 666424 Springfield House, 7 Field End , Honley, HD9 6NE

Honley West

R

Oldfield

07909 740021 180 Roundway, Honley, HD9 6DG

Honley West

P.

Robinson

07769 905957 6 Lea Rise, Honley, HD9 6EZ

Netherthong

T.

Dearnley

01484 686034 Ashgrove Barn, Broad Lane, Upperthong, HD9 3JS

Netherthong

J.

Roberts

01484 684930 30 Wolfstones Road, Netherthong, HD9 3UU

Scholes

R. P.

Dixon

01484 685928 Wood Nook, South View, Jackson Bridge, HD9 7HT

Scholes

M.

Walker

01484 684927 43 Scholes Moor Road, Scholes, HD9 1SJ

Upper Holme Valley

T.

Bellamy

01484 683147 146 Woodhead Road, Hinchliffe Mill, HD9 2NL

Upper Holme Valley

J. M.

Osborn

01484 685068 Greengates Farm, Greengates Road, Austonly, HD9 3RG

Upperthong

G.

Cropper

07703 314313 Midgley Farm, Wickens Lane , Upperthong HD9 3RE

Upperthong

A. R.

Otterburn

01484 685437 1 Holme View Park, Upperthong, HD9 3HS

Wooldale

R.

Bratt

01484 689122 5 Millfold, Holmbridge, HD9 2TQ

Wooldale

J.

Greenwood 01484 222462 32 Bourn View Road, Netherton, HD4 7JZ

Wooldale

B.A.

Smith

Design & production by Cllr Rhona Bratt

April 2008

01484 689961 Southfield, Holmfirth Road, New Mill, HD9 7LX Printed by Walker Design and Print

Page 2

Holme Valley Parish Council Annual Report 2007/2008

Report from the Chairman of the General Purposes Committee - Cllr Donald Firth Vice Chairman - Cllr Joan Osborn

Report from the Chairman of the Finance & Management Committee - Cllr Paul Dixon Vice Chairman - Cllr Beryl Smith

Over the last year the Committee has discussed some contentious issues, including significant changes to commercial bus services in the Holme Valley. The General Purposes Committee, the whole Council and Members individually, pushed Metro and the bus operator strongly to retain the bus services that had been operating throughout the Holme Valley for many years.

It is with great pleasure that I give you my first report as Chairman of the Finance & Management Committee following the elections in 2007. We have been able, in our first year, to reduce the precept in 2008/09 by 10% with a target to reduce by 25% in the three years, 2008-2011. We are keen to attract match funding for projects which will benefit the residents of the Holme Valley.

with Kirklees Council, part fund. This programme has been running over a number of years, and most of the play areas have been improved. Improvements to the play area at Booth House should be carried out in 2008.

The General Purposes Committee agreed to look at necessary repairs and refurbishments to local War Memorials, following a survey carried out for the Parish Council during a Some success was achieved with some of the previous year. The Council successfully proposed services, but one significant problem applied to the War Memorials Trust and remained which meant the loss of a bus service English Heritage, and has gained grants from New Mill to Hepworth and Scholes. totalling £5,350 which will match fund repairs Following pressure by Parish Councillors and to three War Memorials. The work will be local public opinion, Metro agreed to fund new carried out during summer 2008. Further grant services, H8 and H9, to cover this gap. applications for other War Memorials in the Fortunately, up to press, that service is still Holme Valley will be considered. I would like running, but the Parish Council would urge you to express my thanks to the Members who to use these services more than at present, or served on the War Memorials Working Party they may be withdrawn. which prepared the successful applications.

Installation of covert cameras in areas where serious vandalism occurs was discussed A local company has offered, free of charge, two cameras for use over the next 12 months.

Discussions will be ongoing with the Police and Kirklees Council as to possible uses of these cameras, and to ensure that all relevant legislations and regulations will be met.

Other things discussed were play areas, improvements to which the Council, together

The annual Tidy Trader competition attracted more entrants than last year, although an extension of the scheme to the whole of the Holme Valley did not prove possible. The winner for 2007 was Harrow’s. My thanks go to Cllr. Bellamy, who acted as the Council’s judge for this competition which encourages all shopkeepers and businesses to keep their shop fronts, and the surrounding area, tidy.

After many years’ efforts by previous Parish Councils, we have now concluded the process of land registration of the awarded quarries held in trust by the Parish Council.

We are now working with the Charity Commission to agree a charitable scheme whereby the income generated from the quarries can be used prudently to benefit the residents of the Holme Valley.

The service given by our minibus operator again excels and we are working to ensure services remain in areas where the commercial bus services are being reduced.

During the year, grants have been awarded to community and voluntary organisations: All Saints Church, Netherthong Works to the Church Clock Holmfirth Camera Club Creation of Display Stands Hade Edge Band Work to Fire Exit of Building Hepworth Village Hall and Community Assoc.

Replacement flooring Purchase of new Chairs Wooldale Old Folks Treat Centenary Grant Holme Valley Business Association Christmas Lights Agbrigg Girl Guiding Support for attendance at Guide Events Holme Valley Piscatorial Association Rebuilding works Holmfirth Festival of Folk Street Theatre Holy Trinity Church, Holmfirth Calligraphy Exhibition Resurfacing of Paths in Cemetery Kirkroyds Pre-School Outdoor Play Equipment Holme Valley Brass Band Contest Prizes and general donation Financial Report from the Responsible Financial Officer - Marjory Bewick

Report from the Chairman of the Planning Committee - Cllr Judith Roberts Vice Chairman - Cllr Greg Cropper

Kirklees MC is empowered by law to consult with a number of groups on all planning applications and the Parish Council is one such consultee.

provided both applicants and objectors with an opportunity to have their say about particular applications. The Planning Committee is pleased that the number of people taking up this opportunity has increased during the year and As usual the year has been very busy with over Members welcome the extra information and 500 applications, many of which are insight gained, to assist them in formulating straightforward extensions. However, one or comments submitted to Kirklees Council two larger proposals have been contentious, regarding planning applications. some are not.

One of my concerns over the past year has been Town centre properties, some of which are still Affordable Housing within the Valley. We under construction, will provide new ventures must try to ensure that our younger generation for some, whilst other properties are still has the opportunity to remain within the Valley, awaiting planning agreement to satisfy both should they choose to do so. We realise it will parties. be difficult in this economic age, and the Parish RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS TO 31 MARCH 2008 2006/2007 We are always concerned to preserve our Green Council welcomes any comments from Kirklees Council regarding this. £ Belt and, as in past years, existing Brownfield 79,798.31 Sites must be utilised for development.

Opening Balances And finally, eco-power, which will affect us all in the coming years, has been touched on in the The Parish Council has once again welcomed past year, and will be looked into with great the public interest in the open sessions held at the beginning of Planning Meetings; these have interest in the future.

Report from the Chairman of the Publications and Communications Committee Cllr James Greenwood

It gives me pleasure to provide the annual report of the Publications and Communications Committee for 2007/8. Recognition should first go to a hard working team for meeting deadlines, working within a budget and for the production of excellent reading material which provides the community of Holme Valley with news about the Parish Council’s activities.

Receipts Precept Income Total Receipts Refund of VAT TOTALS:

was used to acquire opinion from visitors of the site. The Publications and Communications Committee is dedicated not only to providing information about local events, for the local people, but through future use of the Parish Council website we hope to make more opportunity for visitors to collaborate and interact with polls, discussion and 'Live' opinion about our Parish.

Payments Charities Civic Governance Consultation and Communications Corporate Governance Environment, Highways and Transport Arts and Recreation Reflecting on the 'year that was' there has been Planning and Economic Development a lot of activity, and content for the quarterly Alternative ways for our news to reach the local Total payments news letter has not been difficult to find. people are kept under review, although, having VAT during year Perhaps one of the highlights this year was the just renewed a contract with the Royal Mail and excellent work that Cllr Tom Dixon organised printing company for the next year, you can be Closing Balances TOTALS: in rallying support and campaigning against the sure that your copy of the Parish Council

2007/2008 £ 76,780.61

152,500.00 19,629.09 172,129.09 2,881.54 254,808.94

165,000.00 11,885.25 176,885.25 2,447.00 256,112.86

3,048.50 5,893.29 8,218.25 69,036.17 44,823.94 43,804.90 50.40 174,875.45 3,152.88 76,780.61 254,808.94

2,264.98 16,630.82 5,708.38 74,812.12 32,706.21 8,490.99 54.80 140,668.30 2,327.63 113,116.93 256,112.86

The accounts are subject to audit. Fuller details of the accounts are available on the parish council website and will be updated after the accounts are returned from the auditor.

The website also has financial information from previous years.

bus changes that affected many if not all public newsletter will be dropping through your letter transport users in one way or another. box at regular quarterly intervals.

Holme Valley Parish Council Telephone & Fax: 01484 222462 Council Offices, 49/51 Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth, HD9 3JP Clerk: Marjory Bewick Admin Support Officer: Sally Barber We are very pleased that the Council’s website Copies of previously published newsletters can E-mail admin@holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk is also growing in use. This was proved during be printed/ downloaded or viewed on-screen by the 'Bus Changes' campaign, as an online poll visiting the Parish Council website. Website www.holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk Report from the Chairman of the Staffing Committee - Cllr Andrew Otterburn

The last year has been extremely busy for the Staffing Committee as we have had to find a successor to Liz Hirst, our highly regarded Deputy Clerk who retired after 24 years with the Council. After much deliberation and discussion, the Council decided not to appoint www.holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk

a replacement Deputy Clerk for the time being. will, we hope, play an important role in the A new post was created of Administrative Council over the coming years.

Support Officer and Minute Clerk.

The Committee also carried out its first Annual Staff Development Review of the officers, after We were delighted to appoint Sally Barber to the successful trial run last year. This ensures this post. Sally has settled in very well, and Design & production by Cllr Rhona Bratt

that each year, a systematic review is carried out of the work, training needs and future plans of each member of staff. As well as input from the staff, all Councillors have the opportunity to contribute to the confidential review.

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