Minutes of a Meeting of Great Ayton Parish Council
held on Tuesday 15th August 2006 at 7.00 pm
Present
Councillors R Kirk, Chairman, Mrs J Imeson, Mrs M Stevens, Mrs F Greenwell, J Fletcher, N Waters. Sgt K Murray, H Atkinson and P Suggitt also attended
Apologies
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor P Bell
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 18th July 2006 were approved and signed.
Police Business
The statistics for July showed that there had been 1 violent crime, 6 autocrimes, 1 burglary, 1 injury accident, and a total of 99 incidents.
Sgt Murray had attended the meeting after the end of her shift as there was a shortage of officers due to holidays and sickness.
A reply had been received regarding the unsatisfactory handling of a call to the police made by Councillor Fletcher. It explained that it would be difficult for staff at the Control Rooms to know the location of every village and town within the North Yorkshire Police area and the operator had, quite rightly, asked the caller for the nearest large town in order to efficiently transfer the call to the appropriate control room. It recognised that the operator should have considered passing the call through the high priority line rather than the general line. A mistake had been identified and would be addressed. Sgt Murray said that there were huge issues with the control room and if a caller had to wait a long time on the 0845 number, he or she should call 999 if the matter was of reasonable urgency. NYP were trying to improve the system and the Parish Council were asked to be patient. Councillor Mrs Imeson asked if the control room answered calls “North Yorkshire Police, York”. Sgt Murray said they did not. Councillor Mrs Greenwell said that the Chief Constable was far too complacent and did not know what the problem was. Change needed to come from the top.
Councillor Mrs Stevens had received a complaint from a resident that youths had been riding mini motor bikes down the Chapel Steps. Councillor Waters observed that youths were still gathering on Low Green in their cars, wheel spinning etc. Sgt Murray said that a successful operation had been mounted two months ago but as soon as the police moved on to another problem the trouble-makers returned. Councillor Fletcher pointed out that the boy racers were not just a nuisance but very dangerous.
Councillor Waters asked if there had been any progress on the damage to the pavilion. Sgt Murray was not familiar with the case but would enquire. Councillor Fletcher expressed disappointment that, despite having identified to the police at the previous meeting the problems at the pavilion on Friday and Saturday nights, no officers were around on the night of the incident.
Councillor Mrs Imeson was furious that the CCTV camera had been removed and asked for an explanation. Sgt Murray said that there had been a particular problem in Stokesley requiring the camera, but it would be returned to Great Ayton as soon as possible.
Sgt Murray said that there had been another change of personnel. She was back to stay but Inspector Richardson had been moved to Control and Sgt Sarah Sanderson was acting inspector.
Councillor Kirk thanked Sgt Murray for attending.
Cemetery
Mr Atkinson had purchased the new hedge cutter. He had cut back overhanging branches as requested by Councillor Bell. He reported that the branch of a tree had partly fallen into the play area. Mr Crombie had been asked to deal with it. Councillor Fletcher said that the bank in Riverside Park needed strimming and a seat in Little Ayton Lane required attention. Mr Atkinson would deal with these matters.
River
Mr Suggitt had carried out his regular clearing out of rubbish. The recent spate had carried a lot away.
A copy of a letter from Mr Robinson to the Environment Agency had been received in which he complained about the silting up of the river and the resulting lack of fishing. The Council had received no response to its letters to the EA on similar matters. A further letter would be sent supporting Mr Robinson’s views.
Matters arising from the minutes
Village Hall Copies of the report had been requested and would be sent out.
Highways matters - Tree Bridge junction – a letter had been received from Mr C Vernon detailing an accident in which he had been involved at the junction. Copies of his letter would be sent to Councillors and Highways officers at NYCC. Councillor Fletcher said that would not take a great deal of engineering to put in a mini roundabout; railings Waterfall Terrace, footbridges – minute continued
Arcade – letter had been received from Mowden Park Estate Co expressing its intention to improve paving and remove broken bollard
Riverside Park – footpath; copse – an estimate of £1656.41had been received from BTCV for the additional work to complete the path. This was accepted.
Breathing Places – lottery grants programme Applications had closed. Minute concluded
Missing name, Stone Bridge It was agreed that it be left blank.
Advertising boards, Rainbow Nurseries – NYCC would investigate. Minute concluded
Accounts
Hambleton District Sports Council (affiliation fee) 3.00 Thompson’s Hardware (items for cemetery) 79.86 W Eves & Co Ltd (petrol, direct debit) 64.19 Dortec Industrial Door Services Ltd (repair to pavilion door) 696.78 Paul Suggitt (river warden contractor duties May,June, July 2006) 125.00 Eric Harrison (grass cutting) 400.00 Peter Thompson (grass cutting Riverside) 282.00 Sam Turner & Sons Ltd (hedgecutter, oil, repairs) 468.43 H Atkinson (reimburse phone card 10.00 D I Holden (reimburse phone bill) 64.41 Angel of Hope (donation to purchase tombola prizes or pay for
hire of hall for fund-raising dance)100.00 Receipts HM Customs and Excise (VAT refund) 1289.55 D Bailey (garage rent) 10.00 Cemetery receipts 398.00 Allotment deposits (Hutchinson, Frankish) 40.00 Cemetery receipts 465.70
Correspondence.
Patient and Public Involvement Forum for Hambleton and Richmondshire – invitation to public meeting 21.8.06, Stokesley Town Hall; poster
Dr P Shelton – complaint that litter in grass verges was not removed before the grass was cut. Councillors agreed with Dr Shelton’s observations
NYMNPA – Northern Area Parish Forum – request for agenda items
Bow House – invitation to advertise in Herriot Country magazine. It was agreed to renew the advertisement
HDC – re recovery of costs for Parish Council elections. This was an accounting exercise. The Parish precept from HDC would be increased to cover the cost and the money paid back to HDC in instalments
Mrs H Rumney – further letter re parking on fete day. Councillors denied that vehicles had been parked between the footbridge and Stone Bridge. It was not the Council’s responsibility to arrange for alternative parking for Mrs Rumney and her neighbour. Letter received.
Mrs F Ross – request for restricted parking sign for Friends Meeting House. The parking problem was believed to have been caused by boy racers parking three abreast. “No parking” signs would not have prevented this. Mrs Ross would be advised to put out “service in progress, no parking” signs such as those used by the Methodists, Catholics and Christ Church
R Speed – request for extension of lease on junior sports field. Damage to pavilion. The lease question would be considered. The pavilion door had been repaired and an insurance claim would be made for that and the damaged roof tiles and gutters. The Cricket Club would be advised that their lease with the Parish Council included a clause which made the club responsible for insurance. The Parish Council had paid this year’s premium and the Club would be required to take over from June 2007
BTCV – quotation for additional work to paths in Riverside Park. Estimate accepted
Charity Commission – annual information update. Councillor Kirk was appointed as second trustee
Mrs B Hawkins – invitation to Fairtrade Social Event on 29th September 2006
Mr and Mrs P Waterton – re planning request for fish and chip shop in arcade. Councillors were unaware of any such planning application
Mr C Vernon – re accident at Tree Bridge junction. See Matters Arising – Highways above
HDC – invitation to District/Parish Liaison meeting 18.9.06. Cllrs Mrs Stevens and Mrs Imeson would try to attend
Mrs J Walker – request for permission to hold picnics on High Green in aid of Angel of Hope on Bank Holiday Monday and 10th September. Permission granted
Mr R Speed – request for permission for Great Ayton Cricket and Football Club to sell raffle tickets for the Fun Day 12th and 19th August. Council had no objections and Mr Speed had been advised that he should apply to HDC for a licence
P Robinson – copy of letter to Environment Agency re condition of River Leven. See River above
North Yorks Cancer Research – request for permission to sell cards etc 6.10.06. Approved
P Torbert – indicated that there was a possibility that Guisborough and Great Ayton Rotary Club may be able to provide a replacement bench in Waterfall Park or kissing gate for the footbridge near Leven Court. After some discussion Councillors agreed that a gate at the end of the bridge would be most useful, and a simple bench with no back for Waterfall Park if funds permitted.The following items of information were received:-
North Yorkshire Police Authority – newsletter; leaflet re NY Policing Thrust 2006/09
NYCC Pension Fund – re salary sacrifice schemes; circular regarding consultation on new look LGPS; summary of consultation options currently under consideration
Hambleton Community Safety Partnership – notification of removal of CCTV camera
Wicksteed Leisure – play equipment brochure
North Yorkshire Criminal Justice Board – newsletter
HDC – street collection list – 5.8.06 Cleveland Search and Rescue Team
NYCC Pension Fund – LGPS (Amendment) (No 2) Regulations 2006 SI
Encams – Local environmental quality – a town and parish council guide
NYMNPA – Northern Area Parish Forum – agenda for meeting 17.8.06; Planning Committee agenda 10.8.06
Farmway – notification of amalgamation with F Peart and Co Ltd
RoSPA – notification of inspection of play equipment to be carried out in September
HDC Justine Forrest – re renewal planning applications; Design and Access Statements – important information regarding the submission of planning applications
NYCC Pension Fund – Circ 189 New Look LGPS
NYMNPA – re changes to the Planning System and Changes to Staffing in the Planning Team
NYCC – reminder re Pension Fund meeting for employers 20.9.06
External Environment - brochure
Planning applications
Proposed felling of eleven trees – Ayton House East. No representations
Conservatory extension to existing dwelling – 18 Roseberry Crescent. Concern was expressed about the impact of the extension on the neighbouring property
Alterations and extensions to existing dwelling – 17 High Green. No representations
Single storey extension to existing dwelling – 4 Easby Lane. Councillor Kirk declared an interest. No representations
Construction of a dwelling and creation of a new vehicular access – land adjacent Chartersmead, Easby Lane. No representations
Conservatory extension to existing dwelling – 35 Roseberry Avenue. No representations
Single storey extension to existing dwelling – 15 Greenacre Close. No representations
Application for Listed Building Consent for two replacement windows at existing dwelling – Ayton Hall. No representationsPlans approved
Conservatory extension to existing dwelling – 2 Stanley House
Proposed felling of a conifer tree – 85 High Street
Dormer windows to front of existing dwelling – 38 Wainstones Close
Single storey extension to existing dwelling as amended – 20 Sunnyfield
Alterations to existing dwelling to form two dormer windows – 17 Greenacre Close
Proposed felling of a sycamore tree – 3 High Street
Two bay window extensions to existing dwelling – 6 Yarm Lane
Construction of a car port and a replacement domestic garage as amended – 37 Byemoor Ave
Application of construction of a two storey side extension and a single storey rear extension – Rye Hill Farm Cottage, Station RoadPlans refused
Two storey extension to existing dwelling as amended – 3 Stanley Houses
Appeal decision - 1 Low Green – appeal dismissed
Letter from planning officer re 37 Byemoor Avenue
Copy letter from Mr A Corry to HDC Planning re proposed dwelling, Chartersmead, Easby Lane. Mr Corry expressed concerns about the effects of new buildings on drainage, and the rising water table
Councillors reports
Councillor Mrs Imeson said that there was insufficient information in the minutes and asked that more detail, particularly of correspondence, be included in future.
She reported that the landlady of the Buck had complained that people other than her customers were using the toilets and would like public toilets on Low Green. It was suggested that she hire portaloos for her car park. A sign directing people to the public toilets in the village would be erected on the wall of the pub.
Councillor Mrs Imeson asked if some of the Chairman’s Allowance could be used to help the “Angel of Hope” appeal. It was agreed that a sum of £100 be given for the provision of tombola prizes or for the hire of a hall for a fund-raising dance.
Councillor Kirk said that the hedges on the footpath to the rear of Cliffe Terrace needed cutting. Ownership would be investigated.
The date of the following meeting would be Tuesday 12th September 2006