Apologies were received from Councillors W Richards, Mrs S Richards and C Poole.

Apologies were also given on behalf of District Councillor G Isherwood who is currently in Hospital.

Declarations of interest were expressed by Cllr G Booth in connection to any jobs for the Caretaker – Mr Derek Booth

Councillor Beevers expressed an interest in relation to work carried out by G Bank Builders who are her relatives and Cllr Wood expressed an interest in connection to discussions on planning applications concerning 88 Mill Lane, Ryhill.

RESOLVED. That the minutes be accepted as a true and accurate record.

Councillor Manifield reported that Station Road, Lafflands and Nostell Lane had been experiencing electrical faults and these were currently under investigation with Yorkshire Electricity.

Councillor Manifield raised his concerns about the state of the highway at Nostell Lane and promised members that he and his colleagues were pressing WMDC to re-surface.

Cllr Cummings reported that District members have put a letter into the Planning Inspectorate supporting the Parish Council on the Ryhill Pitts Wood appeal.

Cllr Cummings has been assured by WMDC Property services that they will be contacting the Parish Council very shortly re: Old Station Site.

The Clerk reported that she had still not been given a reply by Ian Garratt (Enforcement Officer) re: Station Road planning applications (various).

The Clerk was requested to contact Mrs Kathy Sykes and ask her to send in a tender for 2008/09 maintenance at Ryhill Park.

The Clerk was further asked to respond to Mrs Lloyd request to erect a Conservatory at her Allotment site. RESOLVED. The Parish Council did not agree to this request and asked the Clerk to point out to Mrs Lloyd that any erections must be temporary and must not exceed 8 ft by 6 ft in size.

Cllr Burnage asked if the Clerk would contact Amey and ask them to confirm in writing that they are now installing four strengthened lamp columns at a cost of £1600.00 (approx).

Applications seeking approval:

Enforcement Applications-

07/03251/ENFAPP, Ryhill Pitts Wood, Station Road, Ryhill. Appeal against enforcement notice ref 07/640. Application for change of use for storage of steel container and stationary caravan on the land. Not a breach. Steve Gammon

08/00100/ENFAPP, Ryhill Pitts Wood, Ryhill. Appeal against enforcement notice application for erection of wooden gates, garden area, seating and paraphernallia. Not a breach. Lesser steps. Steve Gammon

Applications refused:

07/03149/FUL 7 Mayfield Rise, Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Dormer to rear. Mr Fieldsend

Cllr Bashforth praised Lisa Blezard at WMDC Planning dept for her responsiveness to Parish Council requests and queries and asked the Clerk to send a letter showing the Parish Councils appreciation.

This item was raised and discussed under 523.0. Cllr Wood also reported that a piece of land above the Station Site was registered CROW and could be accessed by members of the public.

Cllr Whitford reported flooding at Greenacre Walk and raised the fact that many old people resided at this area and therefore the matter needed addressing immediately.

Cllr Manifield said that one of the problems the area faced was due to the culvert. It was noted that Yorkshire Water is looking at inserting a dish type of mechanism at East Street, which will allow water to move more freely at Greenacre Walk. The District members also thought the pumping system is not adequate and needs to be looked at. The District members believe that once these matters are rectified this problem will be rectified. The Clerk was also asked to contact Peter Davies at Wakefield MDC and express the Parish Councils concerns.

Cllr Whitford reported on rumours he had heard that there was to be no further funding for the Community transport bus.

Cllr Manifield said it was hoped all three community buses belonging to Hemsworth, Havercroft with Ryhill and South Hiendley and South Kirkby plugged together they could apply for joint funding and this was likely to be granted until 2009. The future of the bus was uncertain after this time.

RESOLVED. That the following items would appear on the 2008/09 rolling programme and would be discussed at each meeting unitl a resolution is found.

The Annual Parish Meeting was set for Tuesday 8^th April 2008 at 7.00pm until 7.30pm

RESOLVED. The Parish Council agreed to donate a further £5k precept to the sports centre as Havercroft Parish Council had done in the previous year. Cllr Beevers asked if the £5k donation received from Havercroft PC had been a loan or a donation?

RESOLVED. The Parish Council agreed to pay the sum of £10,302.98 for the month of February 2008. The Parish Council also agreed to pay the Clerks salary when it became due rather than one month in arrears in accordance with the request from Inland Revenue to prevent surcharges on outstanding PAYE.

To confirm the minutes of the monthly Council meeting held as follows and to discuss any matters arising therefrom:-

Replies to all correspondence received following the meeting of 12^th February 2008

Members to form a working party to research Quality Parish Status for Ryhill Parish Council

Cllr C D Bashforth to report

Cllr L Whitford to report

Members to instruct action on items for March 2008 from Rolling Programme