Great Ayton

Minutes of a Meeting of Great Ayton Parish Council

held on Tuesday 31st January 2006 at 7.00 pm

Present

Councillors Mrs M Stevens, Chairman, Mrs J Imeson, Mrs F Greenwell, J Fletcher and R Kirk. Mr D Shields from Hambleton District Council, H Atkinson, P Suggitt, and one member of the public also attended.

Apologies

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor P Bell

Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 3rd January 2006 were approved and signed.
Mr D Shields addressed the Parish Council on the proposed closure of the Tourist Information Point. Councillors Mrs J Imeson, Mrs F Greenwell and J Fletcher declared an interest. Mr Shields explained that the proposed closure was due to the capping issue and the Tourism Department had to save £25,000. There were 4 TIPs in the area and it had been proposed that those in Great Ayton and Bedale be closed this year, and those in Easingwold and Northallerton next year. They would be replaced by information points which would be identified by the familiar tourist information “i” logo. It was envisaged that these would be located in local shops, pubs etc. Great Ayton’s TIP cost £2000 per annum to run which included heating, lighting and an honorarium for the volunteers. It was the only TIP which opened on Sundays. Councillors suggested that Easingwold be closed rather than Great Ayton. Or failing that, the Parish Council could consider funding the TIP for a year and observe how the new system woul d work in other towns. Mr Shields would take these suggestions back to HDC. There was no information on what would be done with the building in the event of closure. A copy of a letter sent by several of the volunteers to HDC expressing dismay at the proposal and their willingness to forgo their honorarium was received.
Mr Shields was thanked for attending the meeting.

Police Business

Sgt Sanderson sent apologies that no officers would be available to attend the meeting. She had been unhappy about the police report in the previous month’s minutes and Darlington and Stockton Times concerning response times. The misunderstanding which had arisen between Parish Council and police had been resolved. Sgt Sanderson had prepared a statement to be put out jointly but the Council preferred to give its own explanation of the incident, viz “a resident had a fracas with another car at Tree Bridge junction and telephoned the call centre to report it. The call centre did not know if the incident had occurred in North Yorkshire or Cleveland. The resident then telephoned Councillor Mrs Imeson who contacted the call centre. She was asked to send a letter, which she declined to do but said she would contact Sgt Sanderson on her return from leave. Sgt Sanderson called on the resident immediately on her return but as she was not at home, left a card asking her to call.” Councillor Mrs Imeson sai d that the criticism was, and is, of the call centre. Unfortunately, the report made it sound as if the Council was complaining about Stokesley police, which it was not.
The member of the public, a neighbour of the TIP car park, complained about antisocial behaviour there. He had contacted the police more than 30 times but a more permanent solution was needed. It was suggested that he write to the Chief Constable; the Council would also write to support his comments. Councillor Mrs Greenwell said CCTV might be provided for the area. A resident had also raised the problem of motorcyclists riding through the arcade. Councillors and police were working together to resolve the matter.
Councillor Kirk observed that there had been no police officer in attendance for the past four meetings. There had been problems again at the Chapel steps. These had been reported to the police but by the time they arrived the troublemakers had gone. A copy of a letter from Great Ayton Methodist Church to the Neighbourhood Policing Team had been received concerning property damage and lack of youth provision. Councillors were disappointed by some of the content, which they considered quite unfair. There were many organisations in the village which provided facilities for youth. Unfortunately there was a small group who did not want to be organised. The importance of reporting each incident to the police was reiterated.
Councillor Mrs Stevens reported that there had been a fracas outside the Tile Sheds and somewhere near the Buck. Youths had been caught stealing cars.
Councillor Mrs Imeson had received reports from residents, one saying that matters had improved in the arcade since the arrival of the community policemen, another complaining about the chewing gum, sputum etc in the arcade. Councillor Fletcher agreed with the latter comment and added that the mail sorting office had been vandalised, and the car park was in a disgraceful state. The shop tenants were afraid to complain to Mowden Park, the owners, as they just increased their rents. Hambleton would be asked if there was any legal requirement on the owners that could be put forward to make them improve the area.
The Parish Council had been invited to attend a meeting at Great Broughton regarding force mergers but had had to decline as it was on the same date as its meeting.

Cemetery

The Council was asked to approve a £10 increase in the cost of digging a grave. The price had not been altered for two years. Councillor Mrs Stevens declared an interest. The increase was approved.

River

Northumbrian Water confirmed that the removal of the tree roots and debris from the sewer below Farm Garth would have a direct effect on reducing the possibility of the manhole at Farm Garth from surcharging in the future. It was still awaiting a report from the Environment Agency regarding the sewer pipe below Hollygarth bridge. Graffiti had been removed from the pumping station in Station Road.

Co-option of new Parish Councillor

It was agreed that the matter be decided by a show of hands. Councillor Mrs Greenwell proposed that Neal Waters be co-opted. Hw was very involved with various village activities, was relatively young, and a successful businessman. Councillor Fletcher seconded the nomination, and Mr Waters’ selection was unanimously agreed.A letter had been received from Mr D P Conroy offering to stand as Parish Councillor. There was no support from the Council for his selection. He would be thanked for his interest.

Matters arising

Footpaths – Riverside - Response received from BTCV that they would undertake the project. The estimate had been increased slightly but was still acceptable. BTCV would be asked to commence work
Village Hall Councillor Kirk had met the architect from Prohelp on site. A further visit, when a full survey would be carried out and a report prepared, would be made before the end of February. Possibilities for improvements inside the hall would be investigated
Alders, Low Green Minute continued
Frontage of Bells Store Minute continued
Highways matters - barrier for footpath, Chapel Steps; Tree Bridge junction Councillor Fletcher had ascertained from NYCC that drawings for a roundabout at Tree Bridge were on the table for approval. Councillor Mrs Stevens said that there was evidence of another bump and she suspected that many were not reported. Councillor Kirk said that the “No Cycling” signs at the top of the Chapel Steps were not legible. Minute continued
Play area safety inspection report Minute continued
Cycle racks A meeting had been held with HDC and three sites identified – Park Square near the disabled bay, near the Whitbread Bridge, and on Low Green near the information board. Two lockers would be provided at the station. The Community Fund would pay for them all. Minute concluded
Siting of post boxes Minute continued
Dog fouling – response from HDC that a plan of action was in place and improvements should be visible within 2 weeks. Councillors said that there had been no improvement and there was also a significant problem with litter. Several complaints had been received from residents and a lady had counted at least 16 dog deposits on Low Green. HDC would be so advised and also informed of a dark grey lurcher type dog which was frequently seen loose in the village.

Accounts

Correspondence

North Yorkshire Police Authority newsletter – request for views on proposed minor increase for police council tax; comment on police restructuring; praise from financial watchdog. With regard to restructuring, the Council would respond that whilst it agreed that certain issues needed co-operation between the different forces, unification was neither wanted nor required.
Great Ayton Methodist Church – copy of letter to police re antisocial behaviour. See Police Business above
Mrs R M Waterton – copy of letter to police re antisocial behaviour. The letter would be forwarded to Mowden Park for their attention
NYCC – North Yorkshire Minerals and Waste Development Framework: Statement of Community Involvement – further comments invited
HDC – Local Development Framework – Development Policies Preferred Options; questionnaire; notice of public meeting 13.2.06; LDF Progress sheet. Councillor Kirk to complete questionnaire
NYMNPA – Northern Parish Forum – notes of last meeting, notices for next, request for agenda items
HDC Justine Forrest – Section 106 monies – query re proposed usage. HDC to be advised that improvements to the village hall were still pending; expenditure on POS footpathNYCC – re request for new footway, Guisborough Road. The Parish Council was not convinced that there was sufficient demand to warrant the expense
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council – LDF Statement of Community Involvement and Draft Urban Design Guidelines SPD – comments invited. The Council would respond that it was pleased to be consulted and would like to be kept informed.
The following items of information were received:-
NYCC Pension Fund – copy of letter from DWP re section 50 of the Pensions Act 1995 – Internal Dispute Resolution; Pensions Focus newsletter
NYCC – notice of meeting of County Committee for Hambleton 23/1/06
Clerks and Councils Direct – magazine; play equipment brochures
Gary Brown – re invitation to parish dinner
NYMNPA – Planning Committee agenda 19.1.06
Wicksteed – play equipment brochure
Timberline – play equipment and outdoor buildings brochure
Glasdon – brochure
External Environment product review
HDC – re small business rate relief (applied for)
Mrs E Drabble – invitation to meeting with North Yorkshire Police re proposed merger of forces 31.1.06
RAF Linton on Ouse – re night flying 27.2.06 to 03.03.06, 1845 hrs to 2200 hrs
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council – LDF Annual Monitoring Report 2004/5NYMNPA – re Peer Review/Performance Assessment
NYCC – re Local Government Pension Scheme – copy of letter from Local Gov’t Minister to all MPsMrs J Brown – notification of intention to hold street collection for Alzheimers 8.7.06

Planning applications

Application for the change of use and conversion of Chapel of Rest workshop and office to two flats and extension of existing building – 15 Station Road. No representations
Application for Listed Building Consent as above. No representations
Alterations and extensions to existing dwelling – 16 Yarm Lane. No representations
Alterations and extension to existing dwelling to form a conservatory – 3 Linden Road. No representations
Alterations and extension to existing dwelling to form a conservatory – 13 Marwood Drive. No representations
Alterations and extension to existing dwelling to form a conservatory – 9 Wheatlands. The Council reiterated concerns expressed by the neighbour regarding the proximity of the brick wall to her house
Conservatory extension to existing dwelling – 9 Roseberry Avenue. No representations
Alterations to roof of existing building – 7 Arthur Street. No representations
Proposed works to trees – Low Green, Great Ayton Parish Council
Application to carry out works to two trees and fell two trees the subject of TPO – 5 Richardson Hall. HDC would be asked to confirm that the condition of the trees was as stated. They would be asked to inspect the trees
Single storey extension to existing dwelling – 4 Cliffe Terrace. No representationsAlterations and extensions to existing dwelling – minor amendments – 38 Wheatlands. No representationsSingle storey extension to existing dwelling – minor amendments – 16 Wainstones Close. No representations
Plans approved
Alterations and extension to existing dwelling to form a conservatory – 1 Sunnyfield NurseriesApplication for Listed Building Consent for alterations to one window and new entrance door to existing building – 3 Low Green
Application for Listed Building Consent for internal alterations to existing dwelling – Rosehill Lodge
Two storey extension to existing dwelling – 9 Mill Terrace
Application to carry out works to four trees the subject of TPO – Holmlea, Great AytonAlterations and extensions to existing dwelling to form a conservatory – 30 Angrove Close

Fete

The theme for the fete would be “Mediaeval”.

Councillors reports

Councillor Mrs Imeson had received several complaints from Mr B Winn. He was believed that 4 x 4s should not be allowed to park with 2 wheels on the grasscrete path near the river and he would be willing to put notices on those which did. He also thought that bollards should be erected near the Rosehill theatre to prevent cars parking with two wheels on the pavement. Councillors agreed that it was up to the police to move them on as they would be causing obstruction. He complained about the state of the arcade (see Police Business). He approved of the mini roundabout at the bottom of Roseberry Crescent, which he said `was the best thing that had ever happened.
Councillor Mrs Greenwell had received a magazine in which the Council was invited to advertise. Councillor Mrs Imeson declared an interest. It was thought to be an advertising scam and the Council would not get involved. She asked if a footpath could be installed between Leven Court and the kissing gate near the bowling green as the verge was very muddy. This was thought by the other councillors to be unnecessary.Councillor Fletcher had received a request from a resident for the yellow lines round Stone Bridge junction to be extended. The Council was not in favour of increasing yellow lines in the village. She had also requested that a pavement be installed at the bottom end of Low Green as people had to walk on the grass which could be muddy. Councillors said that there was no place for a path and it would not go anywhere.Councillor Fletcher reported that Stokesley Traffic Study would look at the whole area – traffic flow, bus stops etc. The Parish Council would be invited to participate.
Councillor Mrs Stevens had received a letter and donation from Guisborough and Great Ayton Rotary Club, who had raised the money to assist with the provision of flower tubs in the village. They would be thanked for their generosity.
It was decided that, subject to his agreement, Neal Waters would take Len Groves’ place on the Museum Trustees Management Committee as Parish Council representative.

The date of the next meeting would be Tuesday 28th February 2006.