DRAFT Minutes from the Hope Community Council Meeting

For the purpose of communicating as soon as reasonably possible to our residents, these are the draft minutes taken from the meeting for your information.  These have not been passed to the Council for approval and therefore amendments may be made before submitting to the council for approval at our next meeting.


Hope Community Council

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Wednesday 4th December 2024

Present:  Councillors Mrs T Bowgett (Chair), Mrs C Cunnah, Mrs L Davies,
Mrs J Arnold, Mr B Hughes, Mr A Parsonage, Mr M Taylor, Mrs E Oldham,
Dr P Bevan and Mr A Parry

By Video:         Councillor Mr J Mead

Also Present:   Mrs S Hughes Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer and Cty Cllr D Healey

249.   To Receive the Signed Declaration of Acceptance of Office from Cllr Allan Parry

RESOLVED: Cllr Parry signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office which was witnessed by the Clerk.

250.   Apologies for Absence

RESOLVED: Apologies for absence were received and approved from Cllrs M Williams and Tilston.  Cllr Tilston also submitted her resignation with immediate effect.  The Vacancy will be included on February agenda.

251.   Declarations of Interest

There were no Declarations of Interest received.

252.   Chairman’s Announcements

The Chair welcomed back Cllr Parry and wished to thank Cllr Tilston for the work and commitment during her time on the council.

253.   Minutes of Council

RESOLVED: the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on 6th November 2024 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

254.   Minutes of Committees

RESOLVED: the minutes of the following standing committees be approved and adopted and confirmed as a correct record. 

i.      Planning and Highways – 6th November 2024

ii.    Leisure and Environment – 6th November 2024

iii.  Finance – 6th November 2024

255.   To Review any Matters Arising from the Minutes

Min 180 – correspondence received from Mr N Cockerton, Chief Executive regarding Hope Sports Centre.  Officers will resurrect discussions with the individual who previously expressed interest in taking this on.

With regard to the Local Authority Trading Company, it may be too early for this organisation to consider but it is likely that it may be explored by the management team in the future.

Cllr Bowgett will liaise with the individual expressing an interest and request to be kept updated with any progress.

256.   To receive any Public Questions/Correspondence

No public questions were received.

257.   To receive the County Councillor Report from Cllrs David and Gladys Healey

Cty Cllrs David and Gladys Healey provided a report which included information on:

Routine Issues - dealt with enquiries regarding issues involving Streetscene, Housing and the Environment.

National Park – submitted a proposal to Hope Community Council of a response to Natural Resources Wales for their consultation on a new National Park for Wales.

258.   Visitor – Cty Cllr D Healey

Cty Cllrs D & G Healey and Cllr Bevan prepared and submitted a response, ‘Comments on the exclusion of EA14 from the proposed Candidate Area of the new National Park in Wales’ and requested the council to consider endorsing and submitting to NRW.

Cty Cllr Healey gave an overview of the importance and benefits of our community being included within the National Park.

RESOLVED: members supported the prepared response which will be submitted to National Resources Wales signed by the council and both County Councillors requesting for areas of our community to be included within the National Park.

**7.00pm Cty Cllr D Healey left the meeting.

259.   Flintshire Tourism Feasibility Fund

The final report and recommendations were shared with members.  The Chair suggested that members fully review and consider the report over the winter recess and for it to be included on the February agenda where the council could then appoint members to a Working Group to explore specific recommendations further.

RESOLVED: members to review the report over the winter recess and it will be included on the February agenda for consideration.

260.   Delegated Powers

RESOLVED: The Council approved to authorise the Chair, Vice-Chair and Chair’s of Planning and Highways, Leisure and Environment and Finance Committees together with the Clerk to deal with any urgent matters during the winter recess subject to those matters being reported back to Council at the February meeting.

261.   Community Council Draft Estimates for 2025/26

The Council reviewed and considered the amended draft estimates for 2025/26.  In addition to the amendments made, the Clerk advised that the Groundsman had made a report regarding bench upgrades for Mill Gardens.  Estimates were provided to members together with how this would impact the budget and precept.

The Clerk advised that the 2025/26 Precept letter has been received from FCC and they have advised that the current Tax Base of equivalent Band D properties has increased slightly from 1836.54 to 1858.70.

RESOLVED: the council approved to include a £5000 budget for the replacement of 3x benches at Mill Gardens.  Members fully considered the full budget and approved this Council’s precept requirement for 2025/2026 as £135,781 (one hundred & thirty-five thousand, seven hundred and eight one pounds) which equates to the Band D sum of £73.05 per year.  Compared to last year this is an increase of £4.39per year for a band D property (+6.39%).

The Chair and Clerk was authorised to sign the declaration of precept requirement for submission to Flintshire County Council.

262.   Appointment of Internal Auditor

RESOLVED: the Council approved the engagement of JDH Business Services Ltd as the Council’s internal auditor for the year ending March 2025 and confirm that the internal auditor is a suitable person to carry out the work in accordance with proper practice guidance. The Letter of Engagement was signed by both the Chair and Clerk.

263.   Personnel (Advisory) Committee

RESOLVED: the council approved to forgo the requirement of a meeting unless one is required.

264.   Agenda Proforma’s

Members considered a draft procedure for Councillors to use an Agenda Proforma should they wish to include a proposal onto the agenda.  It was considered how and when this should be used together with the benefits.

RESOLVED: the council approved for the Proforma to be used when a member wishes to submit a proposal for a project, general matters will not require the proforma.

265.   Clerks Report

The Clerk circulated the updated Issue Log detailing outstanding issues and details of progress. This report

is for information only and should any items require further discussion they will need to be included on a

future agenda (if not already on the current agenda).

A report was also submitted by the Groundsman on work undertaken and future works.  He asked the council to consider using the flowerbeds on the High Street as a community garden.

It was reported that the tarmac pathway around the Sarn is severely overgrown with soil and grass reducing the width and requires clearing.

Cllr Parry advised the he has requested for the Flintshire Footpath Strategy, which to date has not been received.

RESOLVED:  the report was received and noted and will be updated accordingly.   The Sarn pathway will be reported to FCC PROW and the Footpath Strategy will be chased and added to the Issue Log

The use of the flowerbeds on the High Street as a community garden will be included on the February agenda.

266.   Correspondence

The following correspondence was received and noted:

  • OVW & Planning Aid Wales Training Courses and events.

  • OPCC North Wales Newsletter - Special Edition – 25.11.24

  • Letter regarding the Appropriate Sum under Section 137(4) (A) of the Local Government Act 1972 - Section 137 Expenditure Limit for 2025-26. The appropriate sum for the purposes of section 137(4) (a) of the Local Government Act 1972 (the 1972 Act) for Community and Town Councils in Wales for increases from £10.81 to £11.10 per elector for 2025-26.

  • FCC Preparations for Winter.

  • Thank you email and photograph from 1st Hope Guides for last years grant.

  • Flintshire Connects consultation which is open until 15 December 2024.

  • House of Commons - Inquiry Launch: Community cohesion.

267.   Future Agenda Items

  • Nothing in addition to the above was requested.

The meeting of the Council began at 6.30pm and ended at 7.25pm


Hope Community Council

Minutes of the Finance Committee Meeting
held on Wednesday 4th December 2024

Present:  Councillors Mrs C Cunnah (Committee Chair), Mrs T Bowgett, Mrs L Davies,
Mrs J Arnold, Mr B Hughes, Mr A Parsonage, Mr M Taylor, Mrs E Oldham,
Dr P Bevan and Mr A Parry

By Video:         Councillor Mr J Mead

Also Present:   Mrs S Hughes Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer

268.   To Receive Apologies for Absence

RESOLVED: Apologies for absence were received and approved from Cllrs M Williams and Tilston.  Cllr Tilston also submitted her resignation with immediate effect.

269.   To Receive any Declarations of Interest

There were no Declarations of Interest received.

270.   Minutes

RESOLVED: the minutes of the Committee Meeting held on 6th November 2024, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

271.   To review any Matters Arising from the Minutes

There were no matters arising.

272.   Annual Financial Assistance

The Working Group met to review and consider all applications received and submitted a recommendation to the council.  All members were provided with a copy of the applications received and a copy of the recommendation.  The Chair provided explanations on how the recommendations were reached.

The Working Group also commented that the format of the current grant application limits information requested.  This could be improved upon with additional questions and information would be beneficial when awarding grants and suggested a review of the application.

RESOLVED: the following grants will be awarded and included on the December Accounts for Payment.

1st Hope Brownies                                 £600.00

1st Hope Rainbows                                £600.00

1st Hope Scouts                                     £350.00

Castell Alun Bowling Club                    £500.00

Castell Alun Friends Assoc                   £350.00

Hope Dragon Youth FC                        £350.00

Hope Parent & Toddler                       £450.00

Hwb Caergwrle                                     £500.00

Ysgol Estyn - HAS                                  £450.00

Castell Alun colts                                   £300.00

Hope Craft Group                                £500.00

Nightingale Hospice                             £250.00 (Chairs Charity)

The Working Group and Clerk will prepare an updated draft of the Grant Application which will be submitted to council in February.

273.   Payments

i.            To authorise accounts for payment up to and including 4th December 2024.

Payable to                           Details                                                              Amount

HSBC                                        Monthly Bank Fee                                                     £5.00

StreetMaster                           4x benches for play areas                                       £3,531.60

Mega Electrical                       Installation Xmas Light Sockets 3 - Hawarden Rd    £1,008.00

Mega Electrical                       Installation Xmas Light Sockets 5 - Porch Lane   £1,680.00

Mr J Ferrari                              Equipment, Travel etc (inc plants)                        £97.34

Staffing Cost                           Nov-24                                                                      £2,319.65

Mrs S Hughes                         Stationery, Postage, Equipment, Travel  etc       £255.69

Mrs S Hughes                      Tesco Mobile - Monthly data package               £10.00

Defib Store Ltd                      2x Defibs and 2x cabinets                                     £3,283.20

1st Hope Brownies               Grant                                                                          £600.00

1st Hope Rainbows              Grant                                                                          £600.00

1st Hope Scouts                    Grant                                                                          £350.00

Castell Alun Bowling Club   Grant                                                                       £500.00

Castell Alun Friends Assoc  Grant                                                                        £350.00

Hope Dragon Youth FC       Grant                                                                   £350.00

Hope Parent & Toddler      Grant                                                                £450.00

Hwb Caergwrle                    Grant                                                                      £500.00

Ysgol Estyn - HAS                 Grant                                                                     £450.00

Castell Alun colts                  Grant                                                                    £300.00

Hope Craft Group               Grant                                                               £500.00

Nightingale Hospice            Grant                                                                   £250.00

ii.            To authorise delegated powers for payments during the winter recess.

RESOLVED:

i.            The above payments be approved.  In accordance with the Financial Regulations, the schedule for payments was signed by the Chairman of Finance and/or the Chairman of the Council and countersigned by two bank signatories.

ii.            The council authorised delegated powers for payments to be made during the winter recess. The Clerk will obtain the required two bank signatories in accordance with the bank mandate for payments, these will then be reported in the February Meeting.

The meeting of the Committee began at 7.25pm and ended at 7.38pm


Hope Community Council

Minutes of the Planning & Highways Committee Meeting
held on Wednesday 4th December 2024

Present: Councillors Mrs L Davies (Committee Chair), Mrs T Bowgett, Mrs C Cunnah,
Mrs J Arnold, Mr B Hughes, Mr A Parsonage, Mr M Taylor, Mrs E Oldham,
Dr P Bevan and Mr A Parry

By Video:         Councillor Mr J Mead

Also Present:   Mrs S Hughes Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer

274.   To Receive Apologies for Absence

RESOLVED Apologies for absence were received and approved from Cllrs M Williams and Tilston.  Cllr Tilston also submitted her resignation with immediate effect.

275.   To Receive any Declarations of Interest

There were no declarations of interest received.

276.   Minutes

RESOLVED: the minutes of the Committee Meeting held on 6th November 2024, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

277.   To review any Matters Arising from the Minutes

Min 239 – both the Evangelical Church and FCC - Heulwen Close Community Centre have given permission for defibrillators to be fitted to their buildings.  The Clerk is due to have a site meeting on 9th December with the owners and electrical contractor to determine exact location and installation costs.  Should the costs significant vary from the initial estimate of £500 each she will liaise with the Chair, otherwise the defibs will be ordered and installed as soon as possible.

278.   Planning Applications

i.     The following planning applications received for the Committee to consider.

RESOLVED:

a)   FUL/000960/24.  New Hand Car Wash & Valet to land to rear of Ocean Bangladeshi Restaurant and associated works.  Ocean Bangladeshi Restaurant And Takeaway, Hawarden Road, Hope.  Supported on the proviso of: The drainage system (including surface water)is scrutinised to ensure satisfactory coupling to mains and flooding risks avoided (including protection of water/flooding to The Willow). Only eco friendly car wash products to be used in order to protect the environment and ensure no harmful chemicals reach our watercourses

b)   FUL/000996/24.  Application for removal or variation of condition No. 5 following grant of Planning Permission 061751.  Prospect House, Stryt Isa, Hope.  Supported

c)    FUL/001019/24.  Erection of a 3 bedroom single storey detached dwelling - The design is for a sustainable passive house using modern construction method to achieve the ne outcome. Haledon House, Gresford Road, Hope.  Supported

d)   FUL/000973/24.  Business storage to land to rear of Ocean Bangladeshi Restaurant and associated works.  Ocean Bangladeshi Restaurant, Hawarden Road, Hope.  Objection due to potential overdevelopment of the site, close proximity to the railway line and concerns of the risk if hazardous products were to be stored.

ii.     To report on applications received which have been determined by Flintshire County Council.

a)   ADV/000800/24.  Erection of a community noticeboard (metal) for council and community information to be displayed.  O/S rear of 77, Wrexham Road, Caergwrle.  Approved

279.   Road Signage – Hawarden Road, Abermorddu

Cllr Parry questioned whether FCC Highways can provide ‘slow down’ signage along Hawarden Road, Abermorddu due to continued speeding issues?  The Chair advised that with all the work the Officers are undertaking on the 20mph review, the response to requests are very limited.

Cllr Bowgett advised that the issue of speeding in the villages was raised at a recent meeting with the police and they advised to report any issues of speeding, the more it is reported will increase the chance of Go Safe attending.

RESOLVED: the council will request if FCC Highways can install a Slow Down sign on Hawarden Road, Abermorddu.

280.   Highway Matters

  • Weeds and overgrowth require cutting back at the bus stop by the Medical Centre.
    RESOLVED: this will be reported to FCC Transportation and Streetscene.

  • Cllr Bevan asked whether the council will be responding to the current 20mph review on the section of road near Porch Lane, Caergwrle which they are reviewing to revert back to 30mph?  Members and the Clerk advised that notification of this had not been received.
    RESOLVED: the council will submit an objection to the increase to 30mph - A541 Mold Road, Caergwrle: From a point 159 metres north west of its junction with Porch Lane, for a distance of 288 metres, in a south easterly direction.

The meeting of the Committee began at 7.38pm and ended at 8.15pm


 

Hope Community Council

Minutes of the Leisure & Environment Committee Meeting
held on Wednesday 4th December 2024

Present: Councillors Mrs T Bowgett (Chair of Council), Mrs C Cunnah, Mrs L Davies,
Mrs J Arnold, Mr B Hughes, Mr A Parsonage, Mr M Taylor, Mrs E Oldham,
Dr P Bevan and Mr A Parry

By Video:         Councillor Mr J Mead

Also Present:   Mrs S Hughes Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer

281.   To Receive Apologies for Absence

RESOLVED: Apologies for absence were received and approved from Cllrs M Williams and Tilston.  Cllr Tilston also submitted her resignation with immediate effect.

282.   To Receive any Declarations of Interest

There were no declarations of interest received.

283.   Minutes

RESOLVED: the minutes of the Committee Meeting held on 6th November 2024, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

284.   To review any Matters Arising from the Minutes

There were no matters arising.

285.   Play Areas

It was asked whether any information has been received from FCC regarding the sink ole on The Willow?  The Clerk advised that this has been chased, but no information has been received.

RESOLVED: this will be followed up again with FCC.

286.   Caergwrle Castle

Cllrs Williams, Bowgett, Hughes, Parsonage, Arnold and the Clerk met with Cadw and Flintshire Countryside Services on 29th November to discuss the Draft 2025-2030 Castle Management Plan.

Cadw have confirmed they are happy with the costings and to continue the annual financial contribution.

RESOLVED: once the amendments to the plan have been made by FCS, the Draft will be presented to full council for review and approval.

 

The meeting of the Committee began at 8.15pm and ended at 8.25pm