Finningley Parish Council

Newsletter June 2009

Chairman's report for the year

The budget was considered at the December 2008 meeting in order to set the precept for 2009/10 (the precept is the amount levied on each household). We are pleased to advise residents that the precept will remain at £21,000 for the sixth year running. Items on which the precept is spent include litter and dog bin emptying, upkeep of the village pond area, and contributions towards the upkeep of the village hall and playing field etc.

During 2008, a mains water connection was installed to allow topping-up of the village pond, the central feature of the village. Much of the algae in the pond has been removed and, during the early part of 2009, a large amount of rubbish and mud has also been removed.

Work on the village hall has continued and the old front door has been replaced, carefully keeping to the old appearance in accordance with the hall’s Listed Building status.

The old museum piece street lamp on the piece of council land at the end of Lindley Road has been repainted and has been fitted with a replica lantern in keeping with the column, with a low wattage light operating on a "dusk to midnight" basis. It should be mentioned that these old street lamps were designed to let people see where the footpath was and very little more, unlike today's lamps which attempt to replicate daylight, so the faint light which our lamp emits is fully in keeping.

Police presence in the village has continued and the additional visits by PC Brian Pyle and PCSO John Bellamy appear to be having the desired effect. The officers would be pleased to hear of any areas of concern.

Members of the parish council are involved with various organisations, e.g. the Playing Field Committee, Village Hall Committee, Airport Community Sub Committee and the Parish Councils’ Joint Liaison Group. My thanks are extended to them for the work they undertake on behalf of the community, and as always, thank you to our clerk for her expert help and guidance.

David Lindley, Chairman

Joint Meeting with Blaxton Parish Council

On 30th March, representatives of Finningley and Blaxton Parish Councils met to discuss a number of topics relating to the jointly owned playing field. Both councils confirmed support for the current Byelaws “Pick up or Pay Up” and “Dogs must be on Lead” and agreed that new notices be erected to make it clear to dog owners that failure to comply can result in penalty fines.

It was agreed that the tennis court fencing should be replaced and the Joint Playing Fields Association is seeking funding (with support from both Councils) to make this a safe “tennis only” area for use by both parishes. Anyone interested in using the courts please contact Roy Hattersley on 770067.

Village Pond

We are still concerned about the amount of litter deposited in or around the pond and would ask those responsible to put their rubbish in the litter bins provided, rather than spoil the area.

Neighbourhood Charter

You will have recently received a copy of DMBC Neighbourhood Charter. If you have any comments or complaints you can contact your Ward Councillor or Parish Councillors.

Your parish councillors:

Other useful numbers:

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

or email: environment@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

Ward members:

Cllr Mrs P. Schofield	Tel 770248	email patricia.schofield@doncaster.gov.uk
Cllr Mrs Y. Woodcock	Tel 536142	email yvonne.woodcock@doncaster.gov.uk
Cllr A. Jones	Tel 858075	email richard.jones@doncaster.gov.uk