PCM 2nd January 2007
Minutes of a Meeting of Great Ayton Parish Council
held on Tuesday 2nd January 2007 at 7.00 pm
Present
Councillors R Kirk, Chairman, Mrs J Imeson, Mrs F Greenwell, Mrs M Stevens, P Bell, J Fletcher and N Waters. Messrs H Atkinson and P Suggitt, and one member of the public also attended.
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 5th December 2006 were approved and signed.
Police Business
Mr D McGloin of HDC had responded that the two mobile CCTV cameras owned by the Hambleton Community Safety Partnership were moved around the district to provide information in dealing with antisocial behaviour. The one in Great Ayton had served its purpose and had been moved to a more needy location. HHC had no plans to install a permanent CCTV system in Great Ayton at the present time because crime records did not justify it. Councillor Bell proposed that the Parish Council investigate the possibility of purchasing its own camera. This was seconded by Councillor Mrs Imeson and unanimously agreed. It was recognised that there were issues other than just the cost which would have to be investigated. The question was again asked as to why Stokesley had 5 cameras and Great Ayton had none. Chief Constable Cannings had responded to the Parish Council’s concerns regarding levels of policing in the village and the Force’s ability to maintain law and order. She would be thanked for her letter.
Cemetery
Mr Atkinson had little to report. The rabbits had gone. Mr Crombie would need to be reminded about the overhanging trees.
River
HDC would arrange a local flood forum meeting. The first week in February was good for Parish Councillors. It was agreed that Councillors Fletcher and Waters should certainly attend. Paul Suggitt also expressed an interest and asked if Peter Robinson, who was involved with angling on the river, could also attend.
Mr Suggitt reported that there had not been a great deal to do in the previous month. Flood waters had removed much of the rubbish, though there were a couple of logs in the river. It was pointed out that the Environment Agency would not remove them unless they were impeding the flow of the river. The river bank was collapsing near to the Methodist Chapel.
A letter would be sent to the Environment Agency advising that there was a considerable amount of material available following alterations to the football pitches, which could be used to build a bund.
Matters arising from the minutes
Village Hall The Parish Council would convene in private at 6.30 before the next Parish Council meeting to discuss financial matters relating to the hall
Highways matters - Tree Bridge junction – a letter from Mrs Swabey suggesting moving the slip road was read to the Council. This idea had already been investigated and the slip road had been moved as far as it could without disturbing the services. Minute continued; railings Waterfall Terrace – minute continued; footbridges – NYCC would inspect footbridges; barrier Chapel steps – two barriers were now in place Minute concluded; sign boards Rainbow Nurseries – Highways would investigate; tree planting to rear of 15 Easby Lane – Highways had responded that land did not belong to them and that it would be removed from the grass cutting schedule As they had been maintaining the grass for years they would be asked to reconsider. HDC Planning Department had been asked to investigate the tree planting.
Riverside Park copse – Minute continued
Hedges – footpath to rear of Cliffe Terrace – Minute continued
Yatton House lease – Minute continued
Replacement seat – Bartle Bridge – Minute continued
Christmas – report – Paul Suggitt was thanked for running with the float. He and Robert Wilson had done a first class job and collected £294. The collection boxes would be refurbished for next year.
The Police were also praised for keeping trouble at bay whilst maintaining a low profile. Refreshments provided by Rev Hutton had been very much appreciated. Peter Greenwell’s excellent efforts with the float were highly praised, as were his tree decorations. The new reindeer had been a great success. There had been more people out than usual. It was regretted that there had not been many Parish Councillors on the float and it was felt that more effort should be made. Councillor Mrs Greenwell proposed that the float tour should be held on the same date next year to give everyone time to make appropriate arrangements. As the 23rd December 2007 would be a Sunday it was thought the 22nd would be more appropriate. Carols round the tree could take place on Friday 21st. Councillor Kirk thanked to all those who had participated. The carol singing on High Green had been very well attended and had raised £447.90 for the Chairman’s chosen charity, NCH (plus a further £20 paid directly to NCH). Additional carol sheets would be printed for next year.
RoSPA play area inspection – Minute continued
Accounts
Sam Turner & Sons Ltd (barrow, battery) 59.65 Farmway (rat poison) 124.56 Northumbrian Water (allotment supply) 343.03 * Thompson’s Hardware (items for cemetery) 30.63 D I Holden (reimburse sweets for float £70.38, printer
paper and ink £23.48, phone account £14.11)107.97 BTCV (work to POS path) 1946.28 Bow House Ltd (tourism advertisement) 311.38 NCH (carol singing collection) 447.90 The Snilesworth Trust (Christmas tree) 88.13 The Royal Oak (drinks for bandsmen) 34.99 Richard Collins (grave digging) 160.00 H Atkinson (reimburse phone card, tyre weld) 16.45 Receipts F Golding (grave reservation) 60.00 J Wood (grave reservation) 60.00 F Hendry ( “ “ ) 60.00 G Leng ( “ “ ) 60.00 P Morrow ( “ “ ) 60.00 F Hatton ( “ “ ) 60.00 J Cook ( “ “ ) 60.00 Float collection 294.53 Carol singing collection 447.90 F M Scott (grave reservation) 60.00 Cemetery receipts 1813.0
* The water charge for the allotments was felt to be particularly high for the winter quarter. Northumbrian Water had been asked to look into it.
Correspondence
Mr G Hetherington re Development Plan Policies and Representations. His letter would be forwarded to HDC for its attention.
HDC – Hambleton Local Development Framework; Submission Development Policies Development Plan Document – comments invited. Site 079/B01 - the Parish Council supported English Heritage’s suggestion that the land to the south-west of Topcliffe House should be protected by new policy DP10 which is protection for Green Wedges and Areas of Townscape Importance. Site 079/B02 land outside development limits west of village protected under Policy DP10 – the Parish Council did not support Mr N Kitching’s suggestion that this protection should be removed. Site 079/B03 – land at Cleveland Lodge previously protected under Policy L8 of existing Local Plan but protection removed in Submission Development Policies document. The Parish Council did not want to go against the National Trust who had stated that the area should be protected by the new Policy DP28 Conservation of Historic Heritage.
HDC – notification of change of date for District/Parish Liaison meeting to 26.3.07
Ms A Howard – re complaints about Health Centre service. Ms Howard would be advised that the Parish Council had not received any complaints.
NYCC – North Yorkshire Minerals and Waste Development Framework Core Strategy Preferred Options and Supplementary Sites Issues and Options – comments invited
Mrs Kitson – request for memorial seat on Low Green for parents Mr and Mrs Caton. Approved
Local Works – Campaign for the Sustainable Communities Bill – request for Parish Council to write to MP and Minister urging support of bill. Request for help with funding. Parish Council had already given its support
C E Electric UK – Preparing for Winter – invitation to send for information leaflets and posters
CREST – newsletter. Does Parish Council wish to receive it in future? Councillor Mrs Greenwell expressed interest in receiving newsletter on behalf of Captain Cook Museum.
Amanda Madden, Rural Housing Enabler – request to attend PC meeting. The Council would respond that as there was no suitable land for building, there was no point in her attending meeting.
HDC – street naming and numbering – existing property – Mill Farm, Great Ayton
The following items of information were received:-
YRCC – Country Air newsletter; invitation to Parish Government Conference 2 – 4.3.07
Hambleton Community Safety Partnership – posters for Christmas Drink Drive Campaign 2006
HDC – posters for Christmas tree recycling
Glasdon – brochures
ASDA – request to identify development sites in North Yorkshire
Charity Commission – newsletter
Middlesbrough Council – acknowledgement of comments on LDF
NYMNPA – Planning Committee agenda 14.12.06; agenda for meeting 18.12.06
Great Ayton Cricket and Football Club - Christmas card and thanks for support
York and North Yorkshire Playing Fields Association newsletter
Hambleton Local Development Agencies – Community News; Hambleton and Richmondshire Rural Transport and Access Partnership – newsletter; Community Foundations – Local Network Fund for Children and Young People
NYCC Pension Fund – re effect of Job Evaluation on pension benefits; re early retirements
Planning applications
Plans approved
Application for construction of single and two storey extensions at 12 Dikes Lane
Application to vary condition number 3 of planning consent 06/01080/FUL – Whinstone View Caravan Park
Change of use of previous shop to tattoo studio – 7 Arthur Street
Conservatory extension to existing dwelling – 87 Roseberry Crescent
Alterations and extensions to existing dwelling – 11 Linden Avenue
Proposed works to eight trees – 63 High Street
Proposed works to an ash tree – 12 Rosehill
Plans withdrawn
Change of use of agricultural land for the siting of up to 39 mobile holiday cabins and creation of a new vehicular access – land adjacent Angrove Plantation, Yarm Lane
Councillors’ reports
Councillor Waters raised the issue of the portable accommodation at Mill Farm and was advised that HDC was investigating.
The floodlights from the new golf range near the overflow channel were atrocious. He felt that Great Ayton Parish Council should have been consulted. Representations would be made to HDC Planning Department.
He complained that the contractors had made a “pig’s ear” of the repairs to Yarm Lane. They had narrowed the road and had not removed the soil which was piled up on the verges causing them to be soft and soggy. The water could not get away and would run onto the road. The ditch had been dug out on the right-angled bend at Angrove North and had the effect of making the road narrower. Highways would be notified of the problems.
Rubbish had been dumped on the A173. Councillor Fletcher had notified HDC.
Councillor Waters had received good comments about how well the carol singing had been attended, the excellent hunt turnout on Boxing Day, and how well attended and organised the New Year’s Day run had been.
He had been disappointed with the recent correspondence in the Darlington and Stockton Times.
He asked if there had been any progress on the public meeting with the police and was advised that Sgt Murray was arranging it. It was proposed and unanimously agreed that Sgt Murray be asked if any date had yet been decided.
Councillor Bell suggested that the disabled parking bays should be in the centre of the village rather than outside the post office and in the TIP car park. The other Councillors did not agree that this would be more beneficial.
He expressed great confidence in the Darlington and Stockton Times reporter and raised again the question of free lunches for TIP volunteers. The Chairman ruled that enough had already been said on the subject and there should be no further discussion.
Councillor Bell announced that he would be giving up his position as Allotment Manager at the end of January 2007.
Councillor Mrs Stevens reported that it had been noted by residents of Park Rise that whilst the pizza shop was not open, and Bells and the Co-op were closing at 10.00 pm, it had been much quieter, there had been less litter and less antisocial behaviour.