Agenda item

Darton East – held on 13 September and 11 October 2022

Darton West – held on 20 September and 18 October 2022

Old Town – held on 13 September and 11 October 2022

St Helen's – held on 8 September 2022

The meeting received the notes from the Darton East Ward Alliance held on 13 September and 11 October 2022; Darton West Ward Alliance held on 20 September and 18 October 2022; Old Town Ward Alliance held on 13 September and 11 October 2022; and St Helen's Ward Alliance held on 8 September 2022.

Councillor Hunt provided an update regarding the work in Darton East. Mapplewell Park was subjected to ASB during the month of October, with wheelie bins set on fire. A recommendation was received from Safer Neighbourhoods to install CCTV and a £900 budget was identified to cover this. It was hoped the CCTV installation would help deter ASB and also identify suspects. A Health Event had taken place and was very successful. The first ever Darton East Making a Difference Awards took place, recognising volunteering and community groups, with thanks given to the Mayor for her attendance.

Councillor T. Cave provided an update regarding the work in Darton West. The Ward Alliance had managed to spend its budget well on appropriate projects. Remembrance decorations in Darton Village were particularly impressive thanks to the hard work of volunteers. Initiatives were taking place in the ward around community development. Work was being undertaken to get a Christmas tree for Kexbrough working with the Community Centre and also at Wood View, Gawber working with local schools. A third tree was to be located at Wilthorpe & Redbrook Community Centre. Councillor Cave commented that the community spirit lost for some time during the Covid-19 pandemic was slowly being built back.    

Councillor Newing provided an update regarding the work in Old Town. There was an issue with hanging baskets with the firm procured unable to complete the works. Works were rescheduled to 2023, which Councillor Newing acknowledged could have been disappointing for those who had paid for plaques. The Ward Alliance budget was being spent on projects such as a Halloween event, bulbs for planting and six Christmas trees. Events were being planned to celebrate the festive period around the trees.

Councillor Platts provided an update regarding the work in St Helen’s. The Ward Alliance budget was being spent well. Three Christmas trees were purchased – it was noted that one memorial tree at the chapel, being a blue spruce that cannot be relocated, therefore a tree for St Helen’s Church was being considered for Christmas 2023. On Sunday 4^th December 2022 a Santa Sleigh was to travel around the ward with a New Lodge event to coincide. A Cost-of-Living Event was to take place on 22^nd November 2022 at Laithes Primary School. A memorial bench had been fitted in the ward, with the unveiling event and confirmation of armed forces participation to be determined.

RESOLVED that the notes and feedback from the respective Ward Alliances be noted.