Minutes of a Meeting of Great Ayton Parish Council
held on Tuesday 22nd June at 7.00 pm
Present
Councillors Mrs M Stevens, Mrs F Greenwell, Mrs J Imeson, R Kirk, P Bell, J Fletcher
Apologies
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor L Groves. In his absence Vice Chairman Councillor Mrs M Stevens chaired the meeting.
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 25th May 2004 were approved and signed.
Police Business
There was no police officer in attendance but a crime report had been sent. During the month of May there had been a total of 20 crimes which included 1 violent assault, 4 autocrimes, 4 burglaries. There had been 2 injury and 1 non-injury accidents. The total number of incidents was 101 of which 33 were antisocial behaviour.
A copy of a letter from Inspector Richardson to Mr G Hetherington had been received. Inspector Richardson had said that the reports of antisocial behaviour on Low Green did not support a “trend” of displaced disorder as Mr Hetherington had suggested.
The Parish Council expressed its disappointment with the dismal report received by North Yorkshire Police in the recent review, which did nothing to alleviate the concerns of Councillors. A letter would be sent to Inspector Richardson raising several items: why had there been no promised follow-up after a house burglary; what were the police doing when they were unable to attend people’s calls; the Parish Council supported the idea of zero tolerance - if minor incidents are dealt with, major ones do not happen; antisocial behaviour was affecting residents’ quality of life.
Sgt Allen had promised accident statistics for Tree Bridge junction. He would be reminded that these had not yet been received.The Clerk had received a report from a resident of Roseberry Court of fighting in the grounds. He had been advised to report each incident to the police.
Cemetery
The mower was still at the repair shop. There was some debate about the cost of a new engine versus a new machine. Sam Turner & Sons would be asked if there was anything which could or should be done to prolong the life of the mower.
Police had been patrolling and there had been no further incidents at the cemetery. The den had gone. The Clerk would write thanking the police for the noticeable improvement since patrols had been operating. There was now trouble in the allotments and they would be asked to make their presence felt there too.
Mr Atkinson had cut back the trees on the river-side to the best of his ability but a chain-saw was needed to do the job properly. Mr Crombie would be asked to do the work.
A quote of £250 had been received for removing the soil heap. Mr Atkinson was advised just to move it away from the resident’s fence.The resident whose settee had to be removed from the cemetery would be sent a bill for the cost of removal.
Matters arising
Footpaths - Thief Lane; Riverside Councillor Fletcher suggested that the Parish Council got on with completing the work at Thief Lane. Councillor Mrs Imeson objected to doing the work for other agencies. The Clerk would ask NYCC if they had an arrangement whereby the Parish Council could have the work done and NYCC would pay.
Village Hall Further meeting arranged for 5.7.04
Potholes, High Green - surface dressing/repair This item would be removed from the agenda until the work had been completed.
Repair to pavilion Hambleton District Council’s legal department had advised sending a letter to a Wimpey director, with a copy to their legal department, saying that the lease was not fit for the purpose intended. The clerk was advised to write to Mr M Drabble asking him to pass it to the appropriate person.
Village Fete The fete was judged a success. There was an over-spend of £150 which was deemed acceptable. Various suggestions were made as to how management of the event could be improved still further for the next fete.
Flooding, Dump Corner Highways had advised that they would do what they could from available resources. It was suggested that their inspector observe the problem on a wet day.
Hedges, various locations Two of the three had been dealt with, the third would be reminded. Two further problem hedges were identified and the owners would be advised to cut them back.
Potholes, various locations Highways had dealt with the problems identified.
Model T Fords A letter of thanks had been received from the organiser for the warm welcome given to the group. The Parish Council would respond that the village had much enjoyed their visit and hoped that the event would become an annual one. They would be invited to make a date.
Accounts
| W Eves & Co Ltd (petrol, direct debit) | 103.59 |
| Cash (fete prize money) | 118.00 |
| The Royal Oak (fete lunch) | 166.10 |
| Lanbaurgh Brass (fete band) | 275.00 |
| D I Holden (reimburse phone bill £73.24, laminating pouches £10.99) | 84.23 |
| C L Prosser & Co Ltd (hire of skip, allotments) | 105.75 |
| Hambleton District Council (removal of settee - cemetery) | 65.15 |
| James C Pearson Ltd (fit seat, cemetery) | 80.78 |
| Farmway (items for cemetery) | 68.17 |
| M A Fletcher (planting village baskets) | 56.94 |
| Bloomarie Florist (bouquets for fete judges) | 30.00 |
| Mrs M Stevens (reimburse sweets for fete) | 9.38 |
| Northumbrian Water (cemetery £9.32, allots £40.35) | 49.67 |
| M L Holden (reimburse pho tocopying) | 6.40 |
| T Featherstone (flower tubs and signs) | 230.00 |
| Playground Management Ltd (play area inspection) | 92.83 |
| Eric Harrison (grass cutting, Highways £360, cemetery and greens £220) | 580.00 |
| Peter Thompson (grass cutting POS x 2) | 217.38 |
| Receipts | |
| D Bailey (garage rent) | 10.00 |
| C Hoggart (grave reservation) | 120.00 |
| J Watt (memorial seat) | 100.00 |
| L Monaghan, A Pearson (flower tub sponsors) | 30.00 |
| Allotment deposits | 40.00 |
| Conservative Club, Broadacres, Premier Collection (flower tub sponsors) | 45.00 |
| Fete stall and fair ride payments | 231.00 |
| Donation to fete funds from Cllr J Smith | 10.00 |
| Fete street collection | 144.62 |
| Ceme tery receipts | 165.00 |
| S Tighe (grave reservation) | 60.00 |
Correspondence
NYCC Eddy Hayward - copy of HCV survey report. Mr Hayward would be notified that Parish Council was as much concerned about length of large vehicles as their weight. The directional sign at Stokesley roundabout was obscured by vegetation
NYMNPA - 1. Views requested on the Planning Best Value Review. Received
Management Plan Review - consultation. Received
Northern Area Parish Forum - notes of meeting 28.4.04; request for agenda items for meeting 28.7.04David Williams - notification of accident at Tree Bridge 30.5.04. Councillor Bell suggested that a 50 mph limit be imposed either side of the junction. Councillor Fletcher said that such a request should be delayed until it was seen what Highways intended to do about the junction.
David Kenward - re rabbits on allotments. The Parish Council regretted that there was nothing it could do about the rabbits. Councillor Bell had sought advice from defra without success. Dr Kenward would be advised to fence off his allotment
H Stonehouse - re Cook Cottage Memorial Garden. Gate to be made safe
Monica Burns - housing needs survey form for completion. Councillor Kirk to complete
Jackie Cooper - re condition of Roseberry estate. It was reported that Transco had left the footpaths and a grassy area in an awful mess. Highways would be asked to ensure that Transco reinstated the footpaths and green properly when the 6 months grace was up.
The Boundary Committee for England - Periodic Electoral Review of North Yorkshire County Council - recommencement of consultation on draft recommendations; Local Government Review of the Two-tier Area in Yorkshire and the Humber: final recommendations - comments invited. The Parish Council would respond that it was opposed to a single unitary authority and would prefer to retain the district councils. The Parish Council also objected to the term “Yorkshire and the Humber” when the counties were still North Yorkshire and Humberside. The Clerk was instructed to write to the Chief Executive of Hambleton District Council stating the Parish Council’s objection to Great Ayton being addressed as Middlesbrough when councils which actually were in Middlesbrough were addressed as North Yorkshire.Yorkshire Cancer Research - request to sell cards etc on 1st and 23rd October 2004. Approved
R Lappin - request to sell raffle tickets for Christ Church PCC on 6, 13 and 20.11.04. Approved
The following items of information were received:-
HDC - invitation to clerk to attend presentation on change to wheeled bin refuse collection
NYCC Pensions Focus Newsletter for Active Members
NYMNPA - North York Moors Local Plan - adopted copy 7.5.03; agenda meeting 14.6.04; Planning Committee agenda 10.6.04
CPRE - Countryside Voice - magazine; Fieldwork magazine helping to protect and enhance the countryside
NYCC - notification of temporary closure of C25 Easby Lane 14 - 18.6.04
Shaw & Sons Ltd - catalogue
John Berry Great Ayton Methodist Church - thanks for donation
HDC - Engaging Arboricultural Contractors Workshop - 8.7.04. No-one from the Parish Council was able to attend. HDC would be asked to provide any literature from the workshop
Flora and Harry Collett - thanks for day at fete
Hambleton Sports Council - agenda for meeting 28.6.04; minutes of meeting 13.2.02; accounts and affiliations
HDC - street collection permits - Alzheimer’s Society 3.7.04. The date should be 10.7.04Northumbrian Water - acknowledgment of Parish Council letter, and guidance leaflets
J Fletcher - copy of NYCC press release re Little Ayton bridge
CPRE - invitation to annual picnic 27.6.04
Askham Bryan College - re part-time courses
North Yorkshire Police - Community Brief newsletter
External Review - product information leaflets
Planning applications
Proposal: alterations and extension to existing dwelling - 4 Rosehill. Minor amendment. Councillor Kirk declared an interest. No representations
Proposed works to 4 holly trees and 1 flowering cherry tree - 17 High Green. Councillor Kirk declared an interest. No representations
Alterations and side/rear extension to existing dwelling - 7 Angrove Drive. The Council felt that this was over-development of the site, and a very heavy development.
Application for construction of replacement garden rood at 8 Dikes Lane. No representations
Conversion of agricultural buildings comprising one storage unit, two holiday units and a single dwelling with an office as amended - Langbaurgh Farm. The Parish Council was still not happy re Highways issues
Listed Building Consent as above. As above
Single storey extension to existing dwelling - 10 Langbaurgh Close. No representations
Plans approved
Alterations and single storey infill extension to existing dwelling - 1 Marwood Drive
Alterations and single storey rear extension to existing dwelling - 77 Wheatlands
Alterations and single storey rear extension to existing dwelling as amended - 64 Wheatlands
Single storey extension to existing dwelling to form kitchen - 41 Marwood Drive
Change of use of art gallery to offices - 16 High Street
Proposed felling of Victoria plum tree - 5 High Green
Plans refused
Change of use of agricultural land for additional storage for caravans - Greenhow Moor Farm
Development Control Committee meeting 3.6.04
Conversion of agricultural buildings comprising one storage unit, three holiday units and a single dwelling with office as amended - Langbaurgh Farm
Letter from P Scrope re above development
HDC - copies of new planning application forms
Annual accounts 2003/4 for signature
The Chairman signed the annual accounts and statement of assurance.
Councillors’ reports
Councillor Fletcher reported that a river warden had been appointed at Stokesley. Paul Suggitt had offered to take on the job and Councillor Fletcher felt it would be a great asset to prettify the village. Terms and conditions were discussed and it was agreed to offer the position to Mr Suggitt.Councillor Fletcher said that the railings near the Buck and at the bottom of the Chapel steps, and the footbridges on Low Green, required a coat of paint. Highways would be asked if they would do it.
Councillor Kirk reported on overhanging hedges. He also queried whether it would be worth the Parish Council acquiring some traffic cones. It was thought that storage would be a problem.Councillor Bell had received requests that the playing field remain open later than 4 pm. Councillor Mrs Stevens said that it was not shut until 6 - 6.30 pm most evenings.Rumours had been heard that electricity was being put in at Bank Flow Farm. The Parish Council would express its concerns regarding unauthorised and random development at the site to Mr M Cann at Hambleton District Council.Councillor Mrs Imeson reported that a shop-keeper had requested disc parking. This would be very difficult to enforce as the land was owned by three different councils. Parking problems were aggravated by groups of walkers leaving their cars all day.
The village limits were checked on the map following a query from a resident about access across a field at the edge of the village.The cost of insuring the James Cook statue would be ascertained.
The date of the next meeting would be Tuesday 20th July 2004