Northowram & Shelf Ward Forum For more information, go to www.halifaxnorthandeast.com; email team@halifaxnorthandeast.com; or ring 01422 255402 M e e t i n g N o t e Date: Tuesday 17 June 2014 Venue: Salterlee Primary School, Kell Lane, Shibden HX3 7AJ Present: Councillor Peter Caffrey (Chair) Councillor Stephen Baines; Councillor Roger Taylor; PC James Boakes (West Yorkshire Police); Mark Brazil (CMBC SCG Team); Hayley Conlon (CMBC Neighbourhood Schemes Team); Matthew Scott Thompson (North Halifax Partnership); Rebecca Finch (West Yorkshire Trading Standards) and Heather Stout (North and East Halifax Neighbourhood Team) 18 Residents Apologies: Cliff Organ and Vicky McGhee 1 Welcome and introductions 1.1 Councillor Caffrey welcomed everyone to the meeting, adding it was nice to see another good turnout and some new faces. He introduced the officers and Councillors present 2 Updates from the last meeting 2.1 Lack of post boxes in Northowram Councillor Baines had spoken to Jonny Mitchell, postmaster at Northowram Post Office, who had informed him that he has held discussions with Royal Mail regarding a further 2 boxes in the area and where they could possibly be located. Updates will be given when available 3 Scams and Frauds Rebecca Finch West Yorkshire Trading Standards (WYTS) 3.1 There had been a rise in people responding to scams without realising it. Each year, 9 billion is lost in scams and fraud activities. WYTS has been working with the post office and as a result WYTS now have a list of 4500 individuals that they are contacting that may have been victims. 3.2 A lot of people don t report these scams and fraud because they feel a sense of shame. Some don t want to tell their families or can be worried that they will lose their home or go on a bad credit list. 3.3 Rebecca advised residents to report any suspicions about possible fraud to the police on 101 or to the Citizens Advice Bureau (who will pass the information through to WYTS) 3.4 The Scams and Frauds Toolkits includes a checklist for cold callers, including a caller checklist and useful telephone numbers, I.D information from service providers, a bus pass holder with useful telephone numbers on it, a door hanger with reminders and lots of other useful information
3.5 Some residents present said they had received scam telephone calls. Rebecca explained the various ways residents can block these calls, including the telephone preference service. She appreciated that this doesn t always work, but it definitely cuts down the number of scam calls. Residents can also contact their telephone providers about call barring. Some providers charge but others offer the service for free. Residents can also buy call blocking devises. These vary in price from 30 to 100. The government is looking at giving out free call block units and the WYTS can give these out for free too. Rebecca also advised NOT pressing 0 to delete future messages received by text on mobile phones and don t reply to the texts. Just delete as they come through. 3.6 Rebecca also showed some examples of charity bags that are put through letter boxes. Some are genuine she but advised reading the small print on the back of the bags. She also advised reading the small print on prize draw/lottery letters. 3.7 Rebeca then talked about medical scams. These can via letters or catalogues. Rebecca advised taking anything like this to the doctor to be checked out before buying. The same with health screening letters 3.8 The WYTS also have money advice workers who can give advice for free. They can help with advice on claiming benefits and other financial help. The WYTS also works closely with the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, who offer free home fire safety checks 3.9 It can be difficult to trace the source of the scams, especially if they are based abroad. Sometimes they lead to P.O boxes, which make it difficult to prosecute, because the scheme closes down quickly. That is why prevention works, as it cuts down the number of successful scams. Rebecca conformed that the Crown Prosecution Service gathers evidence on scams and the Information Commissioners Office prosecutes. If the call causes distress, the Information Commissioners Officers can act too. 3.10 Rebecca also informed the meeting about a new law that came out in April 2015 that means councils and companies cannot sell details from the electoral role if names are on the restricted list. 3.11 A resident raised concerns about the Government calling her about grants she may be entitled to. Rebecca confirmed that the Government does not call anyone about taking up grants. This is another scam 3.12 Rebecca advised all the residents to double check all I.D from service providers who call at their homes (meter readers, gas or electric engineers etc.) and if necessary call their own service provider to check the caller is genuine. 3.13 Action Heather to invite Rebecca to another Ward Forum meeting to discuss Doorstep Crime 4 5K Ward Forum Grants Updates Councillor Peter Caffrey 4.1 Councillor Caffrey explained what the grants are for and how they are decided. He also read out the list of bids that were approved last time around and explained possible reasons bids may be rejected. Page 2
4.2 He then went through the bids received so far for this round of funding. Anyone wanting to apply should contact Tony King at Tony.King@calderdale.gov.uk or telephone him on 01422 255402 5 Shelf Allotments Councillor Peter Caffrey 5.1 The application has been blocked by the Calderdale Housing Department because the land is wanted for housing. The group is now waiting for a decision, hopefully due next week, to find out if allotments will be allowed on any of the land. Councillor Caffrey confirmed that if the allotment application is rejected, the ward forum grant will go back into the Ward Forum Grant Fund. 5.2 Councillor Caffrey explained originally 36 plots were planned on the self-managed site, and off street parking or a car park would be required. If the group is only granted a small piece of land, the project may not be worth doing. 5.3 Councillor Caffrey explained that all applications are subject to planning approval and if permission is granted, a feasibility study and soil testing would have to be done before anything can happen. 6 Scarecrow Festival Councillor Peter Caffrey 6.1 Councillor Caffrey said that all the local shops and Northowram.org. have a list of the winners/updates. The net income from this year s event is 3000 6.2 Money is allocated to local groups applying for money from the Scarecrow Panel 7 Police Update 7.1 PCSO James Boakes introduced and gave an update on what is happening within the police service. PC Andy Bingham has been seconded to Bradford District to take part in a force review team. Andy will continue to be assigned to the Northowram and Shelf Policing Team until the review is complete, and will be supported by PC Shawn Hartley and PC Tracy Beckwith in his absence, who will continue to work towards the ward policing plan. Due to budget cuts, PCSO Sarah Conderson is now partly funded by Metro and therefore needs to spend some time with them. He advised that the police response team will also deal with any issues 7.2 Crime statistics 1 May 2014 to 1 June 2015: 2014 2015 Diff Arson 0 1 +1 Assault 6 2-4 Burglary House 3 1-2 Burglary Business 1 1 0 Burglary (SOG) 3 3 0 Criminal damage 2 5 +3 Drugs 1 2 +1 Public Order 2 3 +1 Robbery 0 1 +1 Theft (petrol) 3 2-1 Theft (from veh) 5 2-3 Theft (other) 7 4-3 Theft (shop) 0 1 +1 Page 3
7.3 PCSO Conderson recently visited St. Josephs Catholic Primary School and discussed the different types of drugs such as alcohol, tobacco and cannabis and the effects they have on the body. The children also learned how to get out of difficult situations and how to say no to drugs 7.4 A scooter was recently seized in the Shibden Valley. The rider was found to have no insurance or CBT 7.5 Residents can look at a crime map for their area by going to www.police.uk and putting in their postcode 7.6 Scrap metal thefts had dropped because the price of metal has gone down. Traders now need a license to deal in metal. Police do stop scrap metal vans but it is difficult to prove is the metal is stolen because it has to be traced back to the owners, the same with stolen stone. It is advised to mark expensive stone with a chisel or some other form of marking 7.7 Speeding Residents said they had been told that the average speed on Kell Lane is 27mph but residents find this hard to believe. Councillor Baines confirmed that N & S is due to have a 20mph zone implemented in 2017. The areas and dates were decided by the council. Schools are normally in built up areas and therefore are usually 20mph but he added that schools are looked at individually. Councillors will push for Kell Lane to be marked as 20mph because of the school. PCSO James Boakes confirmed it is difficult to enforce 20mph speed limits and the offence may not be speeding but possibly dangerous driving. 7.8 PCSO Boakes confirmed that the SID (Speed Indictor Device) gun can be loaned out to residents and supervised by the police. Action - James will follow up with PC Andy Bingham 7.9 Residents commented that the double lines on The Hough need redoing as well as the Right of Way sign for Kell Lane. They also asked why the yellow diamond at Kell Lane has been replaced by a Keep Clear sign. Action Councillor Peter Caffrey will look into all 8 Local Updates and Forthcoming Events 8.1 Northowram Historical Society and Village Society Updates Mike Beecham Due to depleted numbers it was decided to merge the Village Society updates with the ward forum meetings. The group had received a Ward Forum grant, as well as help from local traders to print 2000 Northowram booklets to be distributed to households in the village, with the rest going into the library. The booklet promotes local events and community groups and sport. There had been a small amount of interest from residents. The group is still interested in setting up a Local Development Group but they need at least 21 residents to sign for this. The Historical Society is currently carrying out a project on old shops in the village On the 18th June there will be a talk on British war registers 1914-18 An Evening Walk in the Upper Shibden Valley area is planned for the 16 th July Page 4
A book launch of the Northowram Probate Records 1688-1700 is planned for the 25 th June 2015. Northowram Historical Society is proud to host this event on June 25th 2015 starting at 7.30pm at Heywood Church Lower Meeting Room, Heywood Close, Northowram. It is a special event that not only helps in the remembrance of Alan Petford as co-editor, alongside David Cant, but allows residents to buy a first copy of this important history book for only 10. 8.2 Shelf and District Community (including Coley and Stone Chair) Group Update Eileen Hoare The Shelf LAFF - Laughter, Activities, Friendship and Fun day at St. Michael and All Angels School in March was opened by Joe Duttine from Coronation Street. Around 400 visitors attended the event. Eileen then listed details on some of the events from the day: The Great Shelf Bake Off Shelf History Corner Shelf Children s Picture Competition what the park could look like Blender bikes Old fashioned photo booth Interschool football competition Halifax Rugby League and Halicat The Shelf Park Consultation was also completed at the event. Shelf and District now need to consult some groups in more detail with regards to the park and need to prioritise, plan effectively and work with partners. Key information from consultation is as follows: Playground improvements: o Accessible equipment for all ages o Safe play areas o Picnic benches near play areas Improve the natural environment so that more people can walk, run, cycle, play sport or just sit in comfort: o Clearer signage o More seats and benches o More walks and information on trails o Improve the tennis courts and the bowling green, consider reintroduction of the pitch and putt Environmental improvements: o Consider improvements to lighting/security o Public arts and tree sculptures o Bulb planting o Nesting boxes o Litter bins Community access to the park Talks will be held with partners to develop a plan. Page 5
Eileen particularly wanted to thank St. Michael and All Angels School and Shelf businesses and the participating organisations that helped make the day a huge success. The group received a grant from Calderdale Council for the day, and any surplus funds generated would go back into the community for community events. Finally, Eileen informed the meeting that the group is currently developing a new website The next meeting is on the 29 June, 7pm at the Duke of York Pub 8.2 Shibden Valley Society David Witcher The Society had retained a specialist consultant who had helped get refusals for large wind turbine applications on Pepper Hill (opposite Salterlee School) subsequently dismissed on appeal, and for two applications at Swales Moor. The Councillors had also been very supportive. A further application for 2 large turbines at Swales Moor was awaited. The Society supports green energy schemes where it can, but opposes them when they threaten the Valley environment. Using its own funds and a council grant, The Society has worked with Jan Gibson at CMBC to improve footpaths at Addersgate, Claremount and Milly's Meadow. The Society is also working with Mark Brazil to provide new waste bins in the Shibden Park play area and at key points around the Valley. The Society is holding a BBQ on Sunday 9 August at 1pm at Simm Carr Farm, Shibden. Entrance by advance ticket purchase only ( 12, see SVS website for details). 8.3 Friends of Shibden Park Anne Wynne The group was formed in 2011 to improve the environment and the facilities in the park. Thanks to a recent ward forum grant, the group match funded the 500 awarded to enable it to purchase a wood carving of a heron, which aesthetically improves the appearance of the park Visitors to the park can also buy duck food which is a good earner. The group has become proactive in writing to organisations asking for help with funding A survey last year highlighted that there is a big age range in children within families and that we also need to provide for the 14+ age range which is why we are looking into an outdoor gym which will also benefit older people Additional planned projects include a wild flower garden near the putting green and additional baby swings in the park (to be funded the group) The group are working with Calderdale Council, who they hope will provide some match funding A lot of families visit the park and there is a big age range of people using the facilities The group has created a website, which is directly linked to the Calderdale Council website, but it is free and the council updates the site for them. All Page 6
the group has to do is send in any updates and attachments. The group are included in the Council s What s On Calendar of events. The group tries to hold events at the same time as Shibden Hall. Trip Advisor has given the park the No.1 tourist destination for the area The lake does need cleaning of Canadian pond weed 8.4 Northowram Community Sports and Activity Club Andy Spence sent an update to be read out at the meeting: The club continues with its objective to provide a sporting hub for the local community. Through its sustainable development the club continues to have a bright future. Cricket Club - This season we are running 3 senior teams, 1st and 2nds on a Saturday and also a Sunday team. We have 10 junior teams represented this season at every age from U9 to U17 and new for this year we have established a girls youth team running as North Halifax Girls. Football Club - Last season we successfully ran 30 junior teams from U6 - U18 all represented in the Huddersfield league. Notable successes were, under 17s were Huddersfield Cup Winners, great season and narrowly missed out on league title. Under 11 Colts had a fine season winning their league and gaining promotion. Under 14s for the 3rd time reached the finals of the West Riding County Cup and all teams competed well in their respective divisions. We are currently In discussions with Northowram AFC senior team about re aligning the senior and junior clubs in the village to be based at the club. The senior team are now running 2 progressive teams that the junior club can see as a natural progression and feed in to. Running Club - Since the initial trial period the club is now firmly established and continues to grow. The club has just become affiliated to the Association of Running Clubs and has welcomed over 80 runners to the club since it started. We regularly now get 30/35 runners to each session. We are in the process of establishing some club colours for vests and running ware The club is available to be used by community organisations/groups and can also be hired at very reasonable rates for personal bookings. Such as Christenings, Funerals, Birthday Parties, Anniversaries etc. 9. Council Updates Councillor Roget Taylor - Planning applications all are on the council website. In the meantime, the Queen Vic application has been currently declined and no new application has been put in yet. Street lights Councillor Caffrey - priority for repairs is given to dangerous lamps first. The work is carried out by different contractors i.e. qualified electricians and separate contractors for the tarmac. Councillor Caffrey has brought it up at council that how the work is carried out needs reforming. A resident asked about the lamppost on Bridle Stile. The contractors have left one old fashioned lamppost and replaced the others with new ones. Also the new footpath on Marsh Lane leading to Upper Lane. How long until Page 7
finished? The diversion leads to nowhere and confuses drivers. Action Councillor Caffrey will find out Another resident reported that no action had been taken about some overhanging branches she reported 6 months ago to the council. They have now blown away in the heavy winds, which could have hurt someone. Mark Brazil said he will trace the original report back through the system. Action Mark Brazil Residents asked about the bus service on Kell Lane which is now every 2 hours instead of every 1. Councillor Baines confirmed the reduced service was because not many residents were using the service. Although the council doesn t decide on the bus services it does give a subsidy to bus companies through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. If residents feel the bus companies are not complying to the bus timetable then Councillor Baines can do something about that, but he needs dates and times. Residents disagreed that the service was being underused. Hayley Conlon from the Neighbourhood Schemes Team informed the meeting about a new community group she is helping to set up and informed residents that there would be a meeting at Shelf Village Hall on the 30 th June at 7pm. All are welcome. Hayley stressed that she doesn t want to duplicate what the Shelf and District Community Group already does in the community, and has signposted residents to that group. Hayley is to meeting with Shelf and District Community Group to discuss the way forward. Residents reported that the grates on Kell Lane, The Hough and Brow Lane need clearing. Residents have reported but not all were cleaned out. Action Councillor Peter Caffrey will report 10. Date of the next meetings Tuesday 22 September at Northowram Community Sport and Activity Club, Westercroft Lane, Northowram. 5.30pm for 6pm start Tuesday 1 December. Venue to be confirmed Actions for next meeting Responsible 3.13 Invite Rebecca to discuss Doorstep Crime Heather Stout 7.8 SID gun can be loaned out to residents and supervised by the police. James to follow up with PC Andy Bingham PCSO James Boakes 7.9 Double lines on The Hough need redoing and the Right of Way sign for Kell Lane. Also why the yellow diamond at Kell Lane has Councillor Caffrey been replaced by a Keep Clear sign? 9 How long until the new footpath on Marsh Lane leading to Upper Lane is finished? Councillor Caffrey 9 Report about overhanging branches Mark Brazil 9 Grates on Kell Lane, The Hough and Brow Lane need clearing. Residents have reported but not all were cleaned out. Councillor Caffrey Follow us on Twitter @hxnorthandeast finds us on Facebook! Hxnorthandeast Page 8