PCM 12th September 2006
Minutes of a Meeting of Great Ayton Parish Council
held on Tuesday 12th September 2006 at 7.00 pm
Present
Councillors R Kirk, Chairman, Mrs M Stevens, Mrs F Greenwell, P Bell, J Fletcher, N Waters. Messrs H Atkinson, P Suggitt, PC W Goldburn, and one member of the public also attended.
Apologies
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Mrs J Imeson
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 15th August 2006 were approved and signed
Police Business
The statistics for August showed that of a total of 21 crimes there had been 4 autocrimes and 4 burglaries. There had been 2 injury road traffic accidents and a total of 86 incidents.
Councillor Fletcher reported that there had been a fatal accident at the Tree Bridge junction. He had made further representations to NYCC regarding the installation of a roundabout and the matter would be revisited. County Councillor P Sowray would be advised of the fatal accident and of the Parish Councillors’ lack of confidence in the statistics used. Councillor Bell called for a 40/50 mph speed limit as an interim measure. PC Goldburn said he would discuss the matter with his supervisor and suggested a speed gun could be used at the location. Highways would be notified that the white lines needed to be repainted.
Other matters raised were complaints from residents of Linden Road/Avenue about youths causing nuisance on Friday and Saturday evenings, and little motorbikes being ridden around Arthur street/Whinstone View with one or two youths on them. PC Goldburn said that they should be caught but there had been very few officers available because they had been seconded to Drax Power Station. The local sergeant would be advised that the Council was extremely worried by the lack of officers.
Councillor Fletcher had prepared a risk assessment for the Remembrance Day parade. Copies would be sent to the vicar and to the police.
Mr Atkinson reported that there had been a lot of trouble at the play area with young children drinking. There had been 20 to 30 in the play area on a Saturday night and cans had been left littering the area. They had also caused damage. A resident had been unable to contact the police.
Cemetery
An undertaker had given Mr Atkinson incorrect measurements for a coffin which had resulted in it not fitting into the grave. Mr Atkinson had been very upset by this but was relieved that he had kept the instruction from the undertakers showing that they had been at fault.
The mower had had three minor breakdowns which had been repaired.
It was proving impossible to keep children out of the play area after hours. If the gate was locked they forced their way through the hedge or tunnelled under the fence. The Community Policeman would be asked to keep an eye on the area.
The Chairman said that the cemetery and greens were looking very good.
Mr Atkinson was asked to remove a wrecked bench from Yarm Lane. An insurance claim would be made to replace it.
River
Mr Suggitt had removed the usual collection of bottles, cans, bags etc from the river.
The Environment Agency had offered to meet the Council to discuss maintenance practices. It was suggested that a meeting be arranged half an hour before the next parish council meeting.
Mr H Petch, who was present at the meeting, had sent a letter thanking the Parish Council for putting into effect the clearing of the overhanging tree near the waterfall.
Matters arising
Village Hall Mr Kirk hoped to have a full report for the next meeting. Minute continued
Highways matters - Tree Bridge junction – A letter from Cllr P Sowray indicated that the cost of the proposed roundabout would be reassessed this year and the scheme re-prioritised given the current accident statistics. He could not give any commitment to the scheme. A further letter would be sent to him advising him of the recent fatal accident; railings Waterfall Terrace, footbridges – minute continued; barrier at top of Chapel Steps to be discussed at next meeting if not already installed
Arcade – the bollard had been removed. Minute concluded
Riverside Park – footpath; copse – minute continued
Junior Cricket and Football Club – insurance and lease Councillor Waters had dealt with the matters. The Cricket Club would take responsibility for insuring the pavilion which would be removed from the Parish Council’s policy after the recent claim had been settled. Minute concluded.
Rotary Club – information board; bench; gate – The Rotary Club would apply for funds for an information board for the Captain Cook Memorial Garden. Sufficient funds could be available locally for a bench and/or gate. Minute concluded.
Hedges – footpath to rear of Cliffe Terrace – the Footpaths Officer at Highways had been notified of the problem with overhanging trees, and that of vegetation obstructing the footpath to the rear of Hollygarth
Accounts
W Eves & Co Ltd (petrol, direct debit) 135.33 G Ward & Son (repair to seesaw, grinding to seat brackets) 50.53 C L Prosser & Co Ltd (hire of skip) 141.00 M L Holden (reimburse postage) 83.17 Eric Harrison (grass cutting) 400.00 C King (refund allotment rent) 11.25 Sam Turner & Sons Ltd (repairs to mower) 131.83 NSCA (bonfire leaflets) 10.00 S Arnold (refund allot deposit 10.00 Richard Collins (grave digging) 80.00 Receipts Great Ayton Dramatic Society (village hall rent 3rd qtr) 130.00 D Bailey (garage rent) 10.00 Cemetery receipts 85.00 Mrs M Miller (grave reservation) 60.00
Correspondence.
HDC – Hambleton Local Development Framework Submission of Development Policies Document – invitation to make formal comments; Hambleton LDF: Submission Development Policies Development Plan Document – formal representations invited; Hambleton LDF Sustainability Appraisal of Submission Development Policies, Development Plan Document
North Yorkshire Police Authority – recruitment of 4 new independent members to join the authority from April 2007. There were no volunteers
NYMNPA – review of car park charges – comments invited
Mr R Colwell – request for reimbursement of interment fee. Mr Colwell would be advised that the Cemetery Superintendent had correctly applied the Cemetery Regulations and regretfully a refund would not be possible. The Parish Council remembered the late Mr Colwell with affection
M Voikhjanskaya, CPRE supporter – request for sponsorship. Denied in accordance with parish council policy
C Darcy – request for replacement bench at Bartle Bridge. Insurance claim to be made
Great Ayton Dramatic Society – funds available for urgent repairs to Village Hall. The Dramatic Society would be advised of any urgent work required
HDC – re charges for pest treatments on allotments. A charge of £45 per hour would be made in future. Councillor Waters said that he had an annual contract with Hambleton Council which was more cost effective. The Parish Council would enquire whether it could take advantage of such an arrangement
North Yorkshire Cancer Research – request for permission to sell cards etc on High Green on 21.10.06 as well as 6.10.06. Approved
H Petch – re overhanging trees in Waterfall Park - see “River” above
Yatton House – request for details of increase in rent. Yatton House would be advised that the Council would adjust the rent when reviewing the lease and would let them know as soon as possible of any increase. The lease documents would be retrieved from the solicitor.
The following items of information were received:-
CPRE – Fieldwork newsletter
External Review – product information cards
NYCC Pension Fund – New Look LGPS Consultation; agenda for NYPFOG meeting 20.9.06
NYCC – brochure re North Yorkshire Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership
NYCC – The North Yorkshire Minerals and Waste Development Framework Adopted Statement of Community Involvement
Thirsk Community Care Association – Tutor Resource Directory to help local groups set up their own learning opportunities
NYCC Pension Fund – re early/flexible retirement policies
A Hill & Sons Ltd – Horticulture Today newsletter
YRCC – Country Air newsletter; Footsey 100 – invitation to social economy trade fair 19.10.06; The Playing Field newsletter
NYMNPA – Northern Area Parish Forum – notes of meeting 17.8.06; notices for next meeting 23.11.06; request for agenda items for next meeting; Planning Committee agenda 14.9.06
Clerks and Councils Direct – magazine
SMP Playgrounds – brochure
HDC – street naming and numbering – confirmation of address, merging of 1 and 2 High Green to become 1 High Green, alias name Dixon House
HDC – appointment of parish council representative to HDC Standards Committee – Edward Dennison appointed
HDC – agenda for district/parish liaison meeting 18.9.06
Glasdon – news sheet and brochure
Planning applications
Revised application for alterations and extensions to existing dwelling – 15 Easby Lane. The Council objected that the extension was too big for the site and represented over-development
Conservatory extension to existing dwelling – 47 Wainstones Close. No representations
Change of use of existing opticians to a fish and chip shop. Siting of an extraction unit on the roof – 3 The Arcade, High Street. Councillors J Fletcher and Mrs F Greenwell declared an interest. The Council objected that no opening hours had been specified. Councillor Mrs Imeson had sent a letter stating that neighbouring residents already suffered from noise and nuisance. The existing hot food takeaway attracted trouble and a considerable number of man-hours had been expended trying to improve the area. The Planning Officer would be asked if he had consulted Tim Woods, the ASBO Liaison Officer. An additional takeaway would result in a further deterioration of quality of life for residents. The Council requested that the application be referred to the Planning Committee if the Planning Officer was minded to allow it.
Single storey replacement extension to existing dwelling – 34 Linden Avenue. No representations
Retention of Vic Hallam prefabricated unit 1525 at Roseberry CP School. Councillors R Kirk, J Fletcher and Mrs M Stevens declared an interest. No representations
Plans approved
Construction of eleven holiday units and a sewage treatment plant at existing caravan park – Whinstone View Caravan Park
Conservatory extension to existing dwelling – Greenhow Moor Farm
Siting of new refrigeration/air conditioning condensers to existing shop as amended – 115 High Street
Proposed felling of 11 trees – Ayton House East, Easby Lane
Revised outline application for the construction of a dwelling – Chartersmead, Easby Lane
Porch extension to existing dwelling – 35 Roseberry Avenue
Alterations and extensions to existing dwelling – 17 High Green
Conservatory extension to existing dwelling – 18 Roseberry Crescent
Planning Appeal – by Mr and Mrs Illingworth at OS Fields 5890 and 6300, Great Ayton
Appeal decision - Conservatory to rear at 9 Wheatlands – appeal allowed
Notification of Development Control Committee Site Visit 21.8.06, and Development Control Committee meeting 24.8.06 re outline application for the construction of a dwelling at Chartersmead, Easby Lane
Grass cutting tenders
Estimates for grass cutting for the next three years would be sought from three contractors
Allotment rent increases and date for rent collection
Rents would be collected on Tuesday 3rd October. In order to cover increased costs for skips etc. it was agreed to increase the standard rent by £5 to £20 per annum.
Dates for Christmas
The Father Christmas float would tour the village on Saturday 23rd December, and carols round the Christmas tree would take place on Friday 22nd December.
Councillors reports
Councillor Kirk commented on the outstanding success of Great Ayton Cricket team. A letter of congratulation would be sent. It was felt that youngsters had an image problem but the Council recognised that there were in fact a tremendous number of really good young people, and adults who supported them.
The date of the following meeting would be Tuesday 10th October 2006