Minutes September 2025

The meeting noted that the three District Cllrs had offered apologies.

District Cllrs Ali and Cummings had indicated that they would be attending a meeting at Havercroft and Ryhill.

Cllr Cummings had sent a report, which the Chair read to the meeting.

Redbeck Planning Application- was underway, going to Planning shortly.

Lanark Rise- the ownership of the land was being investigated.

Bus Stop- Royal Oak- update- a bin wouldn’t be installed. The Parish Council would request that the area was cleared.

Hare Park Lane- the disabled bay had been refused.

20mph repeater signs in Village- a response to the request had not been received, it will be chased.

The Fun Day had been a great success, thanks to the Parish Council for their support.

Road works list had been circulated to all Parish Councillors.

The two Surgeries held in Crofton had been a great success.

Questions for Cllr Cummings-

Weeland Road- between junction of Doncaster and Pontefract Road. Overgrown with weeds, weeds in gutter, in cycle lane and also the footpath.

It was suggested that all ditches at the Sidings be cleared sooner rather than later.

Doncaster Road- Slack lane up to the Oakenshaw Bridge- you can’t see the kerb because of the mud and dirt. It needs to be cleared.

The Chair agreed to liaise with Cllr Cummings.

MOP 1 stated that they had attended this meeting to discuss the formation of an allotment association. An association had been set up with allotment plot holders and they wanted to meet with the Parish Council and discuss proposals. The association hoped to-

Bring the three sites together, as they are currently separated.

To be a liaison between plotholders and the Parish Council

Support plot holders during times of need, when people are ill etc.

Ensure proper management and maintenance of all three sites.

Input into allotment policies.

The Chair replied that Parish Council need adhere to requirements of Wakefield Council, as well as DEFRA and any other relevant agencies. The Chair confirmed that he was happy to work with the allotment association, but reminded everyone of the need to work with the neighbours of all of the allotment sites.

The Council agreed that representatives of the allotment association would be invited to the next Working Party Meeting.

Cllr Bennett requested proposals of how the association would work.

MOP 1 also requested permission to keep ducks on their allotment. It was requested that the normal process of writing in to the Council should be undertaken.

MOP 2 had attended the meeting to report an incident that had taken place recently, which had resulted in an injury. (See agenda item 116.) They reported that they were still receiving ongoing treatment and were concerned of the implications if someone older had fallen. The Clerk confirmed that she had compiled an accident report with the information provided, but asked for the further information, including the location of the incident be provided. MOP2 agreed that she would send through a location map of the location. She confirmed that her foot had slipped and she had put her hand out to stop herself from falling.

MOP1, 2 and 3 withdrew.

The meeting was pleased to meet with the two Police Officers that had attended.

Discussion took place concerning future attendance, with the Officers agreeing that consideration may need to be given to shifting other meetings in order that Officers can attend Crofton Parish Council meetings.

The Chair thanked the Officers for attending the meeting and stated that the main concerns in the Community were the recent machete attack, a road rage incident a few days later, then the fatal shooting that had taken place just outside of the Village on the main route into Wakefield. All of these incidents had left residents feeling concerned and unsafe.

The Officers acknowledged that residents would feel concerned by so many serious incidents in such a short period of time.

The Officers provided an update of the ongoing enquiries concerning the machete attack, but confirmed they weren’t aware of the road rage incident.

The Council asked whether Crofton were receiving additional Policing attention following the machete attack and the officers confirmed that they were making it a priority that they be seen in the area.

The suspicious activity at Coppers Lake was discussed- no recent reports had been received.

The Police were unaware of the recent damage to the window at the Parish Centre, Councillors were concerned about how the damage had been caused.

A discussion took place about how the roads were closed during incidents.

The meeting discussed the use of Upsnap- where people can upload footage to the website for reporting incidents to the Police.

To receive apologies for absence

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Carol Gee and Cllr Mark Gilbert.

To consider the reasons for absence given by Councillors.

RESOLVED- to accept the reasons for absence given by Councillors.

To receive declarations of interest in respect of items on this agenda in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 s32 and the relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012 from Members or Officers and to consider any dispensation requests received by the Clerk under the Localism Act 2011 s33.

None were declared.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting dated the 8^th July 2025 were agreed and signed.

The Chair took the opportunity to remind the Council that all correspondence sent out in the name of the Council should be undertaken by the Clerk. Decisions should be made by Resolution of the Council and minuted accordingly.

To receive applications for the office of parish councillor and to co-opt two candidates to fill the existing vacancies.

It was noted that there had been no applications. There were now two vacancies and they would be advertised through social media, as well as other avenues.

25/01390/TPO- 5 Church Hill Farm- T1 Sycamore- Crown Reduce.

There were no comments.

25/01590/FUL- 20 Ashdene Drive, Crofton- New pitched roof to existing flat roof to side of dwelling (attached) Conversion of attached garage to habitable room.

There were no comments.

To consider an application for a Grant from Crofton Silver Band.

The meeting noted an application for a Grant from the Crofton Silver Band in the sum of £600. The meeting noted that they performed for free for the Crofton Christmas Light Switch on event.

The Clerk informed the meeting that the Parish Council did not hold a budget for Charitable Grants, as it had been absorbed into the Remembrance/PR/Events budget, which was now mainly committed. Following discussion, Council agreed that a donation be made to the Crofton Silver Band for the full amount of £600, which would result in the Remembrance/PR/Events Budget being exceeded.

RESOLVED the Clerk to arrange the payment of £600 to the Crofton Silver Band.

To receive an update from the Finance Working Party.

Cllr Robinson reported that the completed Internal Controls form had been circulated to all Councillors, following the Finance Working Party meeting on Tuesday the 2^nd September. The Finance Working Party had reviewed the reports for July and August and everything was in order.

A few items were raised-

Christmas Lights 2025- this year the budget was set at £3800, but there would be an overspend against the budget. It was agreed to authorise the Clerk to pay the invoice, without bringing back to Council.

CIL monies- some of the funds were approaching their expiry date, so commitment was required. Following discussion it was agreed that the funds could be spent on refurbishing the war memorial or on work on the Sidings as these were both on the list of recommendations.

IT changes were discussed, mainly around accessibility of the Website and gov.uk email addresses. It was agreed that the Parishioner who was undertaking the majority of the work on the website should be approached to ask whether he required recompense.

To receive a summary of receipts and payments for July and August.

July Payments- £9284.50

July Receipts- £715.00

August Payments- £4256.64

August Receipts- £1415.00

To receive the bank reconciliation for July and August.

The bank reconciliation to the 31^st July had been circulated to all Councillors.

Community Current Account- £69,941.76

Business Savings Account- £268,407.17

The bank reconciliation to the 31^st August had been circulated to all Councillors.

Community Current Account- £66,955.85

Business Savings Account- £268,407.17

To receive a schedule of accounts paid by the Clerk during August.

At the Parish Council meeting, dated the 8^th July 2025, the Clerk received authorisation to pay invoices for August, reporting back to the Council for this September Meeting. The following were paid-

To approve accounts for payment in September.

RESOLVED that the Accounts for September were approved for payment.

To receive the balance of reserves.

The Clerk reported that the total funds held at 31^st August 2025 were £335,290.02

There was a balance of £206,358.25 which was not earmarked or allocated.

To receive a report concerning the Community Infrastructure Levy.

It was noted that funds totalling £339.67 and £241.85 would be spent.

RESOLVED that the Clerk liaise with the Chair to obtain process for the renovation work.

RESOLVED remaining CIL funds be spent on the Sidings.

To note that budget planning for 2026/27 will commence shortly.

The Chair asked for any budget proposals to be raised at the next meeting.

Consideration will be given to the S106 funding ending this year.

Cllr Bennett suggested that the Parish Council go out to Tender for the grass cutting.

RESOLVED that CVA Representatives will raise the matter at their next meeting and report back to the Clerk.

To consider the salary increase of 3.2%, agreed by the National Joint Council, in accordance with the Clerks Contract.

It was noted that the National Joint Council had reached a settlement of 3.2% backdated to the 1^st April 2025.

RESOLVED that the increase be applied to the Clerks salary, with backpay as calculated by the Payroll Agent.

To consider the 2024/25 AGAR Section 3 External Audit Report.

The Clerk confirmed that the External Auditor PKF Littlejohn LLP had now returned the AGAR and had found that all information submitted was in accordance with Proper Practices. No matters had come to their attention.

RESOLVED that the Parish Council receive the External Audit Report.

Annual Governance and Accountability Return.

The Clerk provided a report on Assertion 10, which would be included in the 2025/26 Annual Governance and Accountability Return.

There would be a number of areas to be updated in order that the Parish Council can confirm compliance.

The implementation of new policies.

The introduction of Gov.uk email addresses.

Website accessibility compliance.

The Clerk was working on all of these areas.

A meeting had been held earlier in the day between Martin Walker and Councillor McNicholas and the Clerk, where a number of Website and Email matters were discussed. The Clerk would report back at the next meeting.

Any Councillors that were experiencing issues with the Gov.uk email addresses were invited to contact Mr Walker, using the details on the email that had been sent out, as he was happy to provide assistance.

Following discussion, it was agreed that the Policies should be adopted, with a review date set as the May 2026 meeting, where any amendments or adaptions could be incorporated.

To receive and adopt the Parish Council’s IT Policy.

RESOLVED that the IT policy be adopted.

To receive and adopt the Parish Council’s Data Protection Policy.

RESOLVED that the Data Protection Policy be adopted.

To receive and adopt the Parish Council’s Records Management Policy.

RESOLVED that the Records Management Policy be adopted.

To receive and adopt the Parish Council’s Social Media Policy.

RESOLVED that the Social Media Policy be adopted.

Cllr Tucknott proposed the adoption of all policies, which was seconded by Cllr Walker.

To receive an update from the Safe Scheme.

The report was noted.

To note that the next PACT meeting is Tuesday the 21^st October at 19.00.

The date of the next PACT meeting was noted.

To receive and discuss an update concerning the planning application at the Sidings.

The meeting noted this had been resolved.

To receive quotes for the Electrical Certification

The meeting noted the submission of a quote in the sum of £1290.

RESOLVED- that the Clerk accept the quote, with the testing to take place later in the Year. The Chair will confirm the date to the Clerk.

To receive an update concerning Legionella Testing and Risk Assessment.

The Chair reported that the last visit didn’t go ahead, so the testing had been re-booked

For the 13^th October.

To consider and approve the development of a strategic plan for the management of the Parish Centre Project.

RESOLVED that a strategic plan should be drafted for the management of the Parish Centre project.

Cllr Gilbert to provide a report for the next Parish Council meeting.

The Clerk stated that the asset register would need to be reviewed before accurate quotes could be obtained.

RESOLVED the Clerk to revise the asset register in order that accurate quotes could be obtained.

RESOLVED the Clerk to obtain up to three quotes from suitable Insurers.

To consider a proposal from Grow Wakefield to take on the existing polytunnel for community use. The proposal includes renting out the space as mini allotment plots, with the polytunnel to be refurbished as part of the project.

Cllr McNicholas confirmed that the polytunnel would be too expensive for the Parish Council to re-cover. A solution would be for Grow Wakefield to take over the area as mini allotment plots. They would assist people in setting up the allotments.

The following queries were raised-

The Parish Council would need to be advised the length of time that a partnership agreement would be made between Grow Wakefield and the Parish Council.

The ownership of the repaired tunnel in the event of the partnership ceasing was questioned.

It was agreed that the Parish Council needs re-assurance.

Grow Wakefield would manage the collection of the £3 charge to their tenants and they had insurance. Grow Wakefield would need a specific tenancy.

It was agreed that this would be a good way forward for the polytunnel.

It was noted that Grow Wakefield had an extremely tight deadline for applying for a grant to undertake the work.

RESOLVED to approve the project in principle to allow Grow Wakefield to apply for the grant, but the final tenancy agreement would be subject to contract negotiation between Crofton Parish Council and Grow Wakefield.

To consider a request for the erection of a shed on the allotments.

RESOLVED that the request for the shed be approved. The Clerk to reply accordingly.

To consider the removal of asbestos from the Allotments.

It was noted that asbestos on two plots had been located, one shed had a hole in it and falling apart. The meeting discussed having it analysed.

RESOLVED- The Chair would arrange to visit the site, record the locations and photograph it, in order to arrange an estimate for the removal.

To discuss a proposal for the implementation of the Scribe allotments package and consider a quote for the installation.

Following discussion, it was agreed that the on costs of the Scribe Allotment package outweighed any benefits of the system. It was suggested that the proposal be shelved for now, with consideration being given for the next years budget.

Floral- a sponsor had now come forward for a basket on the Old Doncaster Road, which may hopefully encourage others.

CVA- Cllr Bennett was looking at possibility of the CVA opening their own bank account as it would resolve issues. Cllr Bennett was obtaining details, so that it could be bought back to a future Parish Council Meeting for a decision.

Cllr Tucknott reported that he had an industrial grate and cover for the Sidings, however as it was too big, the Chair did not feel that it was suitable.

Clerk has emailed the police, but no response had been received as yet.

RESOLVED that the Clerk to order two wreaths and one cross.

RESOLVED that the Chair will investigate fresh service sheets, due to the VE Day Commemorations.

The meeting discussed the format of service and who could undertake readings.

The meeting viewed the plan from LIVE Crofton and it was noted that-

The Band had been booked

Santa had been booked

Santa’s transport booked.

Cllr Hewitt was arranging the Christmas Tree for November.

RESOLVED that the Clerk submit applications for the Alcohol licence and the Market licence. The Chair will assist the Clerk with liaison with the Safety Advisory Group (SAG)

The Clerk reported that the repairs on the barrier were due to commence shortly. The repairs would be undertaken by Contractors provided by the Insurers working on behalf of the individual who damaged the barrier.

Noted that this had been discussed at the start of the meeting. Once the information requested by the Parish Council was provided, the matter could be investigated.

It was agreed that this should be discussed at the next meeting.

An email concerning telegraph poles being erected on Hall Park Avenue had been received and was discussed. It was requested that the Clerk refer the correspondent to Wakefield Council.

The Clerk reported that the Yorkshire Local Council Association were meeting in Walton, Wetherby on the 27^th September 2025. The Council had been asked to send representatives. Any interested Councillors should contact the Clerk for further details.

Royal Oak- it was agreed that the Clerk should contact Yorkshire Electricity. The Chair will confirm the number on the box for her.

Cllr Bennett confirmed that he would be writing to the Housing Minister as an individual opposing all development in Wakefield, specifically Crofton.