Great Ayton

Minutes of a Meeting of Great Ayton Parish Council

held on Tuesday 29th March 2005 at 7.00 pm

Present

Councillors L Groves, Chairman, J Fletcher, Mrs M Stevens, Mrs F Greenwell, Mrs J Imeson, P Bell and R Kirk. Mr H Atkinson, Cemetery Superintendent also attended.

Minutes

Councillor Bell objected that an item he had raised at the previous meeting regarding the redevelopment of the ambulance hall had not been minuted. The other councillors responded that there had been no need for it to be minuted as it was not relevant to the Parish Council. Councillor Bell requested that his objection be recorded. The minutes were approved and signed without amendment.

Police Business

A letter from Inspector Richardson advised that the Parish Council had been notified of his move to Thirsk in the January Community Beat newsletter.
No officer was able to attend the meeting due to major structure change. Councillors expressed the hope that restructuring would include effective communication with the Council, ie the Council would prefer a police presence at meetings.
It was not possible for the police to provide crime statistics or newsletter for the council meeting when it was held so close to the end of the month.
The Council stated its preference for Sgt Sanderson’s style of newsletter.The police would be advised of various incidents of antisocial behaviour including: youths cycling on the pavement, and without lights at night: youths kicking balls at the windows of St Margaret’s Church and verbally abusing a lady who remonstrated with them; youngsters climbing into the play area after it had been locked for the night, and using foul language. The police would be notified that there was now a set of goal posts on the public open space.

Cemetery

It was agreed that cemetery fees be increased by 3% from 1.4.05.
Mr Atkinson reported that his hut roof had been repaired. There were 6 benches on the Low Green which required attention. He was instructed to repair those that could be mended and remove those beyond repair. These would be replaced by donation as and when.Play area Children were getting into the play area after it had been locked for the night. Mr Atkinson frequently experienced difficulty in ejecting children from the area when it was closing time, and even the police had trouble with them. It was suggested that the gate be left unlocked. Councillor Mrs Stevens said that the majority of children were very good - it was a small minority causing mayhem. Councillor Fletcher said that everything had been tried bar the removal of the hedge. It could be replaced by a fence if removal was found to worsen the situation. Councillors would consider closing the play area permanently if bad behaviour persisted. Councillors expressed their gratitude to Mr Atkinson for locking the gate. They were horr ified and dismayed at what was going on.

River

A request made by the river warden for waders had been approved by the Chairman. HDC had been asked if they could supply litter pickers. The tree in the river above the waterfall had been removed by the Environment Agency.

Matters arising

Footpaths – Riverside Minute continued
Village Hall Minute continued
Repair to pavilion Minute continued
Alders, Low Green Minute continued
Storage and inspection of sandbags Minute continued
Football posts for POS The goalposts had been installed. A letter had been received from a neighbouring resident complaining about the posts and asking for them to be removed. He would be informed that the area was designated public open space for play and recreation. This information had been in the public domain for over three years.
Licensing Act 2003 HDC would be asked for advice regarding licensing the village hall
World War II 60th Anniversary events. The vicar was in favour of a joint service but he would not be available for VJ Day. He would be asked if his deputy could conduct a service.
Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill - There were no volunteers to challenge and spot-fine irresponsible dog owners or litter droppers.

Accounts

Correspondence

Mr Ray Speed (Great Ayton Cricket and Football Club) - copy of letter sent to NYP; request for grant for practice nets; request for help with rent; invitation to AGM 23.3.05. Mr Speed would be advised that Section 106 money was not available for revenue and could therefore not be used to help with increased rent. The Parish Council was appalled by the massive rent increase and suggested the Cricket Club used publicity to get the village up in arms. Mr Speed would be advised to apply to HDC Leisure and the County Committee for Hambleton for help with funds for nets. The Parish Council may be able to assist with any shortfall.
H Stonehouse (Tourist Information Centre) - re Captain Cook Memorial Garden. Mr Stonehouse would be thanked for removing litter from the garden and advised that the bin had been removed because it was being misused. He would also be informed that the garden was being maintained and that improvement works were planned.
Hambleton and Richmondshire Rural Transport Partnership - invitation to meeting 18.4.05. Received
Rotary Club of Guisborough and Great Ayton - request to hold Stroke Awareness Day on High Green 9.4.05. Approved provided weather conditions suitable.
Copy of email sent by J Fletcher to NYCC re footpath Easby Lane. Highways to inspect flooded path.
NYCC - Local Transport Plan 2006 - 2011 Consultation Draft and Strategic Environmental Assessment poster and leaflets. Comments invited. The Parish Council liked their ideas but wondered how NYCC were going to implement such high ideals.NYCC - request for comments on winter service. The Parish Council had no complaints about this winter’s performance except that the pavement show-clearing machines appeared to make the footpaths more dangerous. They left a thin layer of snow/ice which was then more slippery to walk on. A resident of Spence Court had been notified by NYCC that there was a grit bin at the end of her road. This did not appear to be the case and NYCC would be asked to provide one for next winter.
The following items of information were received:-
NYCC - Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan - North Yorkshire - response to survey
Yorkshire and Humber Assembly - Consultation of Pre-Draft Regional Spatial Strategy - list of additional topic papers
Hambleton and Richmondshire NHS Primary Trust - invitation to meetings at Thirsk Racecourse 15.3.05 and Richmond Town Hall 31.3.05. Further meetings to be arranged for Northallerton and Wensleydale
HDC - confirmation of TPO 2004 No. 9
CPRE - Fieldwork newsletter
Clerks and Councils Direct magazine; play equipment and signs brochures
defra - Partnership in rolling out broadband to rural communities - CD-ROM
CPRE - Countryside Voice magazine; questionnaire; House and Garden guide
NYMNPA - Moor Access - newsletter re open access
Thomas Fattorini - re new sales manager
Mrs H Clough-Smith - invitation to training event 21.3.05
NYCC Local Government Pension Fund - information re Unison strike; agenda for NYPFOG meeting 6.4.05
HDC - notice of County Council electionsdefra - re Quality Parishes and Parish Planning

Planning applications

Alterations to existing dwelling and installation of 2 dormer windows as amended - 3 Wainstones Drive. No representations
Proposed felling of 2 Scots pine trees - Firbeck House, Easby Lane. Councillors requested a tree surgeon’s report. There was no plan showing location of trees. If they were to be felled, they should be replaced.
Alterations and extensions to existing dwelling to form first floor accommodation as amended - 14 Wainstones Drive. The dormer was still coming forward to the detriment of the neighbour. The building line should be the same.
Additional plan showing front elevation - 3 Low Green
Demolition of domestic garage and construction of two storey extension to existing dwelling - 11 Romany Road. The extension was out of keeping with adjacent properties in a long established road, and would spoil the appearance of it. If HDC were minded to approve the application, the Parish Council would like a site visit.
Demolition of domestic garage and construction of two storey extension to existing dwelling as amended - 11 Romany Road. As above
Application to carry out works to horse chestnut trees, the subject of TPOs - further information - Ayton Hall. Insufficient information received.
Change of use from tea rooms to residential - 7 - 9 Bridge Street. No representations
Sub-division of dwelling to two dwellings and alterations to existing dwelling - 16 - 18 Arthur Street. No representations
Construction of a detached domestic double garage - Stanley House, Yarm Lane. HDC to be asked for explanation as building already in existence
Plans approved
Alterations and extension to existing dwelling to form conservatory - 3 Byemoor Close
Councillor Fletcher complained about the lack of response from the planning department. Representations had been made about the earth moving activities at Langbaurgh Farm but nothing had been heard from Hambleton.

Councillors’ reports

Councillor Fletcher reported that there had been campers in Suggitt’s field. He had removed four bags of rubbish with the help of Geoff Smith, to whom a letter of thanks would be sent.
Councillor Mrs Stevens had been told by Mr Featherstone that several flower tubs were in poor condition. Replacements would be purchased.
Councillor Mrs Imeson gave her apologies for being unable to attend the Annual Parish Meeting.
Councillor Mrs Greenwell asked Councillor Fletcher to use his influence with NYCC to speed up the repairs to the footpath in Linden Road. She reported that the gas board had left holes in the trod behind Cliffe Terrace. They would be asked to rectify the matter.
Councillor Groves reported that the Trod behind Wheatlands was in a terrible state again. There was a great deal of rubbish including a broken TV, a very large bone and a traffic cone. Hambleton would be asked to tidy it up.
The meeting was then closed.

The date of the next meeting would be Tuesday 26th April 2005.