Finningley Parish Council

Newsletter May 2008

FINNINGLEY PARISH COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT
1 APRIL 2007 TO 31 MARCH 2008

Cllr David Lindley has, once again, chaired meetings of the parish council. In 2007 it was resolved not to hold a meeting in August and that the situation be reviewed for 2008.

In 2007/08 three casual vacancies arose and the parish council co-opted local residents to fill these seats. There is now a full complement of 7 members. Some councillors have volunteered to represent the parish council on the Joint Playing Field Committee and Village Hall Committee. In addition other members were appointed to committees of outside bodies, ie Robin Hood Airport Community Sub Committee and DMBC Parish Councils Joint Consultative Committee.

On a regular basis a small group of councillors tour the village in order to report to the Highway Authority on areas of concern.

Model Code of Conduct
In May 2007 the parish council formally adopted the new model Code of Conduct in entirety. All members have to adhere to this Code and they have had various documents distributed to them explaining the Code’s requirements.

Planning
During the year the parish council submitted comments and observations on 40 planning applications. However, the DMBC, the Planning Authority, ultimately has the final say when determining applications.

Summer Activity Scheme
The parish council again contributed to Doncaster Council’s Summer Activities Scheme held in the village hall and donated the sum of £250 towards this event. It has not yet been finally decided whether DMBC will stage similar events in the borough for 2008.

Youth Club
Members of the parish council have, for some years, put forward the idea of having a youth club in the village and an appeal for volunteers was made in the 2007 community newsletter. With the help and assistance of a few residents who responded to the appeal, this became a reality in September 2007 with the launch of a 9-13 year old group meeting every 2 weeks. The group has proved very successful with a regular attendance of about 20. The parish council has supported the foundation and development of this group by obtaining leaders and providing donations for equipment. The council also support the recommendation of the Finningley Parish Plan Group for "the establishment of a club for 14+ age group" and will work with the leaders to try and make this a reality as soon as is practically possible.

Village Hall
Although the parish council owns the village hall, it is run by a Management Committee. Various donations were made during the year towards improvements of this listed building.

Parish Plan
In April 2007 the parish council submitted an application to the Yorkshire Rural Community Council for funding towards the launch of a Parish Plan. The sum of £2,500 was granted and, following publicity by the parish council a Parish Plan Group, comprising of local residents, was set up. Two members of the parish council also joined this group and all its members have been busy conducting surveys of residents, and a booklet analysing the results has recently been distributed to all households. The parish council is grateful to the group for all its hard work on behalf of Finningley residents and will take account of the recommendations in areas of its responsibility.

Village pond
Recently Anglian Water completed the task of connecting a water supply in order for the pond to be topped up as and when necessary. Improvements to the area are constantly being addressed and it is intended to update the crazing paving path around the pond in the near future.

Precept
The council conducted its budget exercise in January 2008 and it was resolved that there would be no increase in the precept, ie set again at £21k. Some of this sum goes towards the Clerk’s salary, grass cutting and general maintenance and donations to the Village Hall Committee etc.
Below is a summary of accounts for year ended 31 March 2008.

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT - YEAR ENDING 31.3.08.

Your parish councillors:

Other useful numbers:

DMBC Community First	736000
South Yorkshire Police	0114 220 2020
Local Police (non urgent)	624826
Airport noise complaints	623623

or email: environmment@robinhoodairport.com

Local MP:
Rt Honourable Caroline Flint, Meteor House, First Avenue, Hayfield Lane, Auckley DN9 3GA.
Tel: 01302 623330, Fax 01302 755099 or email: flintc@parliament.uk