Great Ayton

PCM 7th November 2006

Minutes of a Meeting of Great Ayton Parish Council

held on Tuesday 7th November 2006 at 7.00 pm

Present

Councillors R Kirk, Chairman, Mrs F Greenwell, Mrs J Imeson, Mrs M Stevens, P Bell, J Fletcher and N Waters.  Messrs H Atkinson and P Suggitt, Sgt K Murray, and one member of the public also attended.

Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 10th October 2006 were approved and signed.

Police Business

Sgt Murray told the meeting that the recent accident at Tree Bridge had involved 3 vehicles and had exacerbated the already difficult conditions caused by road maintenance closures.  Registration plates had been taken from vehicles, particularly in the Hollygarth area, and were then being used for offences.  There had been an incident at Bells Store involving assault with baseball bats, which was being investigated.  Severe damage to the Methodist Chapel had been caused by youths.
Sgt Murray reiterated for the umpteenth time the necessity for the community to report every offence, either by telephone, letter, email or in person.
Councillors deplored the removal of the CCTV camera.  Sgt Murray said that it would remain at Stokesley because of the terrible problems they were experiencing there.  Councillor Mrs Greenwell said that she believed there was one available in Easingwold.  Sgt Murray would look into it.  Councillor Waters said that the reports of anti-social behaviour just went on and on, and most elderly people did not feel safe in their own village.  All that was required was two officers on the beat.  Sgt Murray said that staffing levels were unusually low due to illness.  She believed that they would be getting more staff. Councillor Bell said that NYP had huge reserves of money  which could be used to address all the problems.  More officers should be recruited.  Councillors made it clear that they did not hold the local officers responsible, but blamed senior officers who seemed to be unaware of the problems on the ground.
Letters would be sent to Tim Wood asking for the return of the CCTV camera; Sainsburys asking them to consider closing Bells Stores earlier in the evening; Ms J Kenyon, Chairman of the North Yorkshire Police Authority, Chief Constable D Cannings and Inspector Richardson expressing the Council’s and residents’ loss of confidence in NYP’s ability to maintain law and order.
It was agreed that it would be useful to hold a public meeting like that recently held in Stokesley, which had been very well attended.  Arrangements would be made for a meeting in January.  

Cemetery

Permission was granted for Mr Collins to store his digger at the cemetery over winter.  Mr Atkinson reported that rabbits were again causing a great deal of damage.   He was asked to take any reasonable steps to get rid of them.  Neighbours of the cemetery had complained about overhanging trees.  Mr Crombie would be asked to limb them.  It was agreed that the damaged flower tub would not be replaced.
Concern was expressed regarding the use of rat poison on the allotments.  Councillors were reassured that the poison came in sealed packets and did not need to be handled directly.  Mr Atkinson had it securely stored.

River

Mr Suggitt had cleared out rubbish from the river and cut back vegetation on the bank sides.  A resident had reported rubbish-bins being thrown in the river and suggested that they should be chained down.  Her comments were noted. 
Councillors Waters and Fletcher had met Mr Cooke from the Environment Agency to look at the possibility of floodwater storage at the Riverside.  Flooding was at its peak for 2 or 3 hours only.  The bund would have to be rebuilt and an Irish bridge installed at the upstream end of the plain.  Mr Cooke thought the idea had merit and would model it.  Councillors thought that it would be beneficial to have a local flood forum for Stokesley and Great Ayton, and a letter would be sent to Mr McGloyn of Hambleton District Council to this effect.

Matters arising from the minutes

Village Hall  - Minute continued
Highways matters - Tree Bridge junction –Wm Hague MP had sent a copy of a letter to him from Mr D Bowe of NYCC setting out the Council’s position.  He suggested continuing to lobby NYCC.  The white lines had been reinstated. Mr D Williams had written reporting another accident, and suggested improvements to the junction.  Letters would be sent to P Sowray and G Gresty of NYCC advising them of the most recent accident and saying that they should be aware that the Parish Council could hold them responsible, should another fatal accident occur, if no action had been taken to make the junction safer.  Any improvements would be regarded by the Parish Council as temporary pending the installation of a roundabout.  A letter from P Scrope regarding solar or wind powered signs would be forwarded to Highways for their attention; railings Waterfall Terrace, footbridges – minute continued; barrier Chapel steps – minute continued
Riverside Park – footpath – BTCV had carried out further work on the footpath.  Thanks were due to Councillor Waters for his assistance with storing and moving materials; copse - minute continued
Hedges – footpath to rear of Cliffe Terrace – minute continued
Yatton House lease – the terms were decided and would be conveyed to Mr Towler for incorporation into a new lease.  Minute continued
Replacement seat – Bartle Bridge – insurance company would cover cost of replacement seat to be manufactured by Mr Ward
Christmas - minute continued
Stokesley and Great Ayton Service Centre Transportation meeting – Councillor Mrs Greenwell reported that the meeting had taken all day to achieve very little.  There had been talk of “tweaking” the roundabout at the top of Newton Road, and an investigation into a school crossing at Stone Bridge was discussed.  Councillor Fletcher had been annoyed by the latter as it had been endlessly discussed in the past and been found to be unfeasible.  More money should not be wasted on further investigation.  Councillor Mrs Greenwell said it was a complete waste of time.
Litter bins – HDC had responded that the Parish Council would have to pay half of the cost of replacement bins and the total cost of installation.  The Council decided to take no further action as the initial complaint had come from HDC
RoSPA play area inspection – Councillor Fletcher reported that there were some items which required attention.  He would prepare a list for Mr Atkinson to action
Polling stations – Councillors had no opinion to offer as to the suitability  of the WI and Parochial Halls as polling stations
Grass cutting tenders – Three tenders had been invited as per Standing Orders.  Only one response had been received, from Mr E Harrison the current contractor.  As there had been no complaints, and the Council was satisfied with his work, it was decided to waive the Standing Order and  accept his quotation.

Accounts

Signs and Plastic Products Ltd (signs for greens)	159.80
A Foster (refund allotment deposit)	20.00
Thompson’s Hardware (items for cemetery)	19.70
Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal (wreath)	16.50
Yorkshire Cancer Research (Captain Cook lunch)	278.93
P Suggitt (River Warden Contractor duties Aug, Sept, Oct 06)	125.00
Richard Collins (grave digging)	80.00
Kevin Dale (refund allotment deposit 32B)	20.00
D I Holden (reimburse phone bill)	51.60
Peter Thompson (grass cutting)	211.50
Roseberry Decorating (planting tubs and signs)	333.00
Receipts
Allotment rents	2190.00
Cemetery receipts	1728.00
Allotment rents	95.00
Allotment rents	80.00
Allotment rents, deposits	320.00
Allotment rent	20.00
Allotment rents	105.00
Allotment rents, deposit	70.00
Allotment rents, deposit	120.00
Allianz Cornhill (insurance for pavilion door)	468.00
D Bailey (garage rent)	10.00
Allotment rent	5.00
Cemetery receipts	556.50

Correspondence

HDC – re savings in budget for Great Ayton Tourist Information Point.  The Parish Council decided that as it was taxpayers money any surplus should be put towards next year’s running costs, or returned to the Parish Council
NYCC – invitation to attend County Council budget consultation meeting on 11.12.06 at Thirsk; leaflets
Mrs Linbrick – request for memorial seat on Low Green for her parents, Mr and Mrs Armstrong.  Approved
Local Works – re adoption of Sustainable Communities Bill – request for support.  The Parish Council would ask Wm Hague to support the bill
Petition from residents of Rosberry Road/Roseberry Crescent re youths playing football on grassed area.  Residents would be advised that there was no by-law preventing ball games.  The land belonged to Highways.  All incidents of damage or nuisance should be reported to the police.
NYCC – request for help delivering NY Times monthly newsletter.  Denied
HDC – likely costs to Parish Council for May elections.  Councillors said that charging the Parish Council for the election was an accounting exercise as the cost would be covered by increasing the precept
Countryside Alliance – request for help to save rural post offices. 
Northumbrian Water – reinstatement of entrance to allotments – request for site meeting.  Councillor Bell would arrange to meet engineers to discuss repairs
HDC – re temporary road closure for Remembrance Day parade
The following items of information were received:-
 NYMNPA – Planning Committee agenda – 9.11.06
 Clerks and Councils Direct – magazine
 Broadacres – notification of change of address
 Wicksteed – play equipment brochure
 CPRE - Countryside Voice magazine
 External Environment – product review
 W Eves & Co – notification of change of company name
 Matta Products (UK) – safety surfacing leaflet
 HDC – minutes of District/Parish Liaison meeting 18.9.06

Planning applications

Single storey extension to existing dwelling to form garden room – 20 Skottowe Crescent.  No representations
Single storey extension to existing dwelling – 2 Farm Garth.  No representations
Construction of four dwellings – 11 and 13 Bridge Street.  No representations
Application to vary condition no 3 of planning consent 06/01080/FUL – Whinstone View Caravan Park.  Council unable to comment as insufficient information supplied
Dormer windows to front of existing dwelling – minor amendments – 38Waintsones Close.  No representations
Proposed felling of a sycamore tree – 3 Mill Terrace.  No representations
Change of use of agricultural land for the siting of up to 39 mobile holiday cabins and creation of new vehicular access – land adjacent Angrove plantation, Yarm Lane.  Councillors objected strongly to the proposal.  It would be an isolated and very large commercial operation in the middle of North Yorkshire countryside.  Yarm Lane was not suitable for walking, being very busy with traffic, and the entrance was not good.  Many letters of objection had been received from residents
Single storey extension  to existing dwelling as amended – 12 Bridge Street.  No representations
Retrospective application for the construction of a garden shed as amended – 35 Addison Road.  No representations
Plans approved
Revised application for alterations and extensions to existing dwelling as amended – 15 Easby Lane
Single storey replacement extension to existing dwelling – 34 Linden Avenue
Letters from residents against development at Angrove plantation
Planning Committee meeting – application for the construction of single and two storey extensions at 12 Dikes Lane

Councillors’ reports

Councillor Mrs Greenwell had been asked by a resident if the 30 mph signs on Yarm Lane could be moved out to the village name sign.  Councillor Fletcher said that it did not meet Highways’ criteria.  The resident had also said that the hedge on the south side of Yarm Lane should be cut down to improve sight lines.  Councillor Waters said that there were rules stipulating the height of hedges.
Councillor Waters said that the footbridges on Low Green should be inspected by Highways for safety.
Councillor Kirk had been asked if Hambleton District Council put out any information regarding re-cycling.  Councillor Mrs Imeson said that it did and the resident should contact Eric Kendall.