Great Ayton

Minutes of a Meeting of Great Ayton Parish Council

held on Tuesday 20th July 2004 at 7.00 pm

Present

Councillors Mrs M Stevens, Vice Chairman, Mrs J Imeson, Mrs F Greenwell, J Fletcher, R Kirk. Two members of the public also attended.

Apologies

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors L Groves and P Bell. In the absence of Councillor Groves, Councillor Mrs Stevens chaired the meeting.

Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 22nd June 2004 were approved and signed.

Hedge, Langbaurgh Corner

Councillor Mrs Stevens invited Mr Eardley to speak. He had written a letter to the Parish Council suggesting that the hedge bounding the green area in front of his house be removed as it was uncared for and unsightly. People took advantage of the cover it afforded to allow their dogs to foul the green, and the grass on the road side of the hedge was uncut. The Parish Council advised him to send his letter to Highways. The Council would support his suggestion and make sure that the grass was cut. He was advised to report anyone who allowed their dog to foul the green.

Police Business

The police had sent a performance summary and crime statistics for Great Ayton. There had been a total of 14 crimes which included 6 autocrimes and 1 burglary. Seventy one incidents had been reported, of which 20 were antisocial behaviour. The Council had received a response from its letter to Inspector Richardson. The Clerk would reply that the call system had been a problem for well over a year. With regard to zero tolerance, the Council did not expect Inspector Richardson to go after children playing football in the street or taking short cuts through gardens. It did however believe that coming down hard on low level antisocial behaviour would prevent escalation to worse activities. The Council reiterated its intention to work with the police to solve problems.
Sgt Allen had provided accident statistics for Tree Bridge junction. Since 1.1.98 there had been 8 injury accidents, of which 3 had been serious. He expressed surprise that there were no reports of non-injury accidents at the location.
Councillor Fletcher had taken the Environmental Director of NYCC to see the new roundabout at Poole Hospital, which had been paid for by the developer. Engineers were preparing a draft improvement scheme for the A172/B1292 junction which could include bar markings and refuge islands. The traffic survey had indicated that the high volume of traffic from Great Ayton was such that it accounted for one third of the traffic using the A172. NYCC were therefore going to look at the feasibility of a roundabout as the junction came within the parameters. The Clerk would write to NYCC that Parish Council were delighted with the report and hoped that it would not take too long.

Cemetery

There had been no response to the request for payment for removal of the settee.
A price of £250 had been quoted at the previous meeting for removal of the soil heap. It was reported that it would cost as much to spread the soil around as to remove it. It was therefore agreed that the soil heap be removed and a programme of disposal, say every 2 to 3 years, be instigated.
The fence between Linden Close and the cemetery was non-existent or patchy. Broadacres would be asked to renew it.
Several headstones were leaning or falling down. The Cemetery Superintendent would carry out a survey, laying down any dangerous stones. Relatives would be contacted to carry out repair, or where relatives were unknown a notice would be put in the paper.
There was a serious problem with rabbits, about which the Parish Council could do nothing.
Mr Atkinson had removed the damaged gate from the Capt Cook Memorial Garden. The blacksmith would be asked to repair it.The signs on the cemetery gates were rotten. New wooden signs would be ordered.

Matters arising

Footpaths - Thief Lane; Riverside NYCC to arrange volunteers to complete works to Thief Lane path. Riverside - minute continued. NYCC to be asked to cut back vegetation in the Trod.
Village Hall The recent sub-committee meeting had established the need for a management committee in order to apply for grants. It was suggested that 2 members from each organisation and 3 from the Parish Council form the committee. A further meeting had been arranged for 13.9.04.
It was reported that the hall gutters needed attention. Quotes would be obtained for the work. Mr Rotheram would be asked to paint the inside of the hall. The Drama Society would be asked for the letting money to cover the cost of repairs. This would be requested at the September meeting.
Mr Atkinson would be asked to cut back the trees which overhang the hall.
Potholes, High Green, surface dressing/repair The work had been carried out but was unsatisfactory. Payment would be withheld until the Parish Council was satisfied with the quality of the repair.
Repair to pavilion There had been no response from Wimpey. A further complaint had been received from the Junior Football and Cricket Club. Wimpey would be given 7 days to acknowledge that they would carry out the work. The Pavilion was unusable because of health and safety reasons. If there was still no reply the Parish Council would have no alternative but to get the work done and charge Wimpey. An estimate for the repair would be obtained.
Highways matters Flooding, Dump Corner - The road would be patched. Reinstatement of pavements on Roseberry estate - Transco would be obliged to carry out work to required standards. Bridges and railings - Highways would paint the railings and supply materials for painting of bridges. The Bridges Department would be contacted directly to see if they would paint the footbridges. Highways would be asked to check the railings on Waterfall Terrace as they were corroding and there was a loose post.
Hedges, various locations All identified hedges had been cut back. Another hedge was identified as being in need of a cut and the owner would be notified.
HCVs survey; directional sign Stokesley roundabout NYCC had responded that the overgrowing branches would feature in the autumn treeworks programme.
Local Government Reiview of two-tier areas in the Yorkshire and the Humber Region Responses received from the Boundary Committee and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Minute concluded.
Addressing of correspondence HDC had replied that they would in future address Great Ayton as North Yorkshire rather than Middlesbrough.
Appointment of River Warden Councillor Kirk would go through the “roles and responsibilities” document to ensure that it did not compromise the Parish Council. As soon as it was approved, Mr Suggitt would be invited to take up the role.
Bank Flow Farm NYCC and HDC were aware of the situation and taking appropriate action. Minute concluded.
“No Golfing” sings for sports field Design and price of signs approved. Order to be placed. Minute concluded
Insurance for Captain Cook Statue The statue was covered by HDC’s insurance.

Accounts

Correspondence

RoSPA - play area safety inspection report. Councillor Fletcher had read the report and said that no action was required.
Environment Agency - Upper River Leven Flood Risk Management Strategy - Scoping Consultation - feedback requested. Councillor Fletcher had received the consultation document and was completing the questionnaire. The Parish Council would suggest that water storage at the public open space should be considered.
HDC Street naming and numbering - Bridge Street Mews; Blackmore Road. Approved
Ray Speed - request to sell tickets for Cricket Club Gala - 31.7.04 and 7.8.04. Approved
HDC - re Stokesley and Villages Community Regeneration GroupMr A Eardley and neighbours - re hedge in front of nos. 62 - 72 Guisborough Road. See “Hedge at Langbaurgh Corner”, above
NYCC Pension Fund - option form to be completed re preserved benefits. Form to be completed by clerk
Bow House - re advertising in Herriot Country 2005 - Short Breaks Visitor Guide. Parish Council did not wish to advertise in more than one publication. Councillor Mrs Imeson would seek advice from HDC.
Ian Merrett - re bushes and trees in Mill Terrace. Highways to be asked to cut back or remove trees/bushes
Mrs K Price - re grass verge, Angrove Close. Mrs Price to be advised to seek legal advice
HDC - review of local government - explanatory article for noticeboards
Mrs J McWilliam - request for permission for cubs to do “shoe shine” outside Bells on 14.8.04. Approved
The following items of information were received:-
NYCC - re temporary closure of C25 Easby Lane from 5.7.04 for approx 1 week
Marine Conservation Society - invitation to adopt a beach - leaflets
NYCC - poster advertising North Yorkshire Community Conference 17.9.04
HDC - minutes and attachments from Flood Forum meeting 29.4.04
Clerks and Council Direct - magazine
NYMNPA - Planning Committee agenda for meeting 8.7.04; notice of extraordinary meeting 8.7.04; North York Moors Local Plan (on disc)
NYCC - agenda for meeting of County Committee for Hambleton 12.7.04
HDC - Best Value Performance Plan 2004/5 (on disc)
NYCC - Local Government Review - summary of the Boundary Committee’s final recommendations

Planning applications

Alterations and rear dormer windows to existing dwelling - 43 Bridge Street. No representations
Listed Building Consent as above. Concerns expressed that proposals were appropriate for Listed Building
Application for Listed Building Consent to install two burglar alarm bell boxes to existing building - 22 Bridge Street. No representations
Single storey side extension to existing dwelling - 5 Roseberry Road. No representations
Application for consent to carry out works to trees subject to TPO - Cleveland Lodge. Remedial work approved. The Council did not wish to see the deletion of any trees.
Alterations and extension to existing dwelling to create additional bedroom - 57 Wheatlands. The Council felt that the proposal was overdevelopment. The view from the landing window of No. 59 would be blocked. The street scene in that area of Wheatlands would be altered. It was thought it would be a shame to create a precedent.
Alterations and replacement single storey rear utility and construction of a timber detached garage to existing dwelling - 79 Newton Road. No representations
Alterations, single storey side/rear extension and a rear dormer window to existing dwelling - 24 Romany Road. The Council thought that the extension would be very obtrusive. They did not approve of the modern extension on an old house
Alterations and two storey side extension to existing dwelling - 17 Newton Road. The Council suggested that the extension be set back further from the front to match the house at the opposite end
Proposed works to sycamore tree - 83 High Street. No representations
Plans approved
Alterations and side/rear extension to existing dwelling - 7 Angrove Drive
Application for Listed Building Consent to replace 2 windows and front and back doors and repair works to one window - 4 Bridge Street
Alterations and rear conservatory to existing dwelling - 9 Sunnyfield Nurseries
Development Control Committee meeting 1.7.04
Conversion of agricultural buildings comprising one storage unit, two holiday units and a single dwelling with office as amended - Langbaurgh Farm
Copy of letter from P Scrope re above development
Plans withdrawn
Alterations and two storey rear extension to existing dwelling - 27 Rosehill

Annual accounts 2003/4 approved by auditor. Comments

The internal auditor had approved the accounts. He had queried the purchase of the Christmas lights, and the installation of the CCTV camera without going to tender. It was explained that the lights were a special purchase, and the CCTV had been arranged in conjunction with HDC and paid for from a charity fund. This explanation was accepted. A perceived small discrepancy in the allotment deposit book was satisfactorily explained. He had queried the amount of money in the Public Open Space fund and was advised that discussions about the refurbishment of the village hall were ongoing and the money may be required for that. There were also plans in hand for improvements to the Riverside. This also was accepted.

Councillors’ reports

Councillor Mrs Imeson reported that a resident had suggested a one way system for Bridge Street. Councillor Kirk said that a report was expected and it was agreed to take no action until the report was received.
Councillor Mrs Greenwell asked if the waste bin at the corner of Linden Avenue could be moved back as it obscured vision. Mr Atkinson would be asked to move it.Councillor Kirk commented that the grassed area near the stone bridge was looking very scruffy and untidy. Councillor Mrs Greenwell said she rather liked it. It was agreed that its care would be included in the duties of the River Warden.
He commented on the new entrance to the Grange, Yarm Lane. It was recalled that there had been a planning application. The clerk would look it up.Councillor Bell had raised various items by telephone: trees in Yarm Lane were overhanging the road, and the willows on Levenside needed cutting back. Highways would be notified. A resident had asked why the sewage works were expanding - did it mean more houses? The Council agreed that this was not necessarily the case. An allotment holder had requested permission to keep three rare breed pigs on his plot. The request was denied.Councillor Fletcher reported that one of the two conifers planted in Waterfall Park when the park was handed to the Parish Council had been bark stripped and would die.
He reported that many of the flower tubs were coming to the end of their life and suggested asking for a grant from Hambleton Area Committee to replace them.
The beech tree on Low Green appeared to be dying. Mr Crombie would be asked to inspect it.

The date of the next meeting would be Tuesday 17th August 2004.