PCM 30th January 2007
Minutes of a Meeting of Great Ayton Parish Council
held on Tuesday 30th January 2007 at 7.00 pm
Present
Councillors R Kirk, Chairman, J Fletcher, N Waters, Mrs M Stevens, Mrs F Greenwell, Mrs J Imeson. Messrs 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 2nd January 2007 were approved and signed.
Police Business
There was no police officer present. Crime statistics for December had been received, as had the NYPA newsletter.
A report had been received of drunken behaviour involving a man near James Cook’s statue dropping his trousers as the school buses were arriving at High Green.
A shop window had been broken – the police suggested that the owner install CCTV.
A report had been received of a motorbike being ridden in the play area at night. Attempt had been made to contact the police but the caller had given up when unable to get through. The police would be notified that a known youth had been observed riding a scooter in the play area.
Cemetery
Mr Atkinson reported a near miss when the sides of a grave had collapsed after the shuttering had been removed. The weather had been extremely wet and there had been a foot of water in the grave. He had asked the undertaker to notify the family that it would be impossible for the interment to take place but had been dismayed when the funeral party arrived. The service had taken place at the graveside but it had not been possible to inter the coffin until the evening. A letter would be sent to the funeral director expressing dismay at the awkward position in which the Cemetery Superintendent had been placed, and pointing out a previous embarrassment when he had been given the incorrect dimensions of a coffin. Investigations would be made into the availability of more effective shuttering and advice would be sought from Guisborough cemetery. The Parish Council strongly reminded Mr Atkinson that he should not put himself in danger and that if conditions were bad he should always have someone with him.
Trees overhanging cemetery – minute continued.
Arrangements had been made to have the mower and other equipment serviced.
River
Mr Suggitt reported that there was little rubbish in the river following heavy rain. Councillor Fletcher pointed out that Mr Suggitt had been using his own transport to dispose of rubbish collected. His future remuneration would be discussed in camera.
Councillors agreed that 12.2.07 would be an acceptable date for the flood forum. A meeting had yet to be arranged to discuss a bund for water storage at the Riverside.
Matters arising from the minutes
Village Hall A meeting held in camera prior to this meeting had concluded that the matter be taken to the next stage. The architect would be asked to provide full costings and detailed drawings for the project.
Highways matters - Tree Bridge junction – evidence of another accident had been observed; Highways would be notified. Minute continued; railings Waterfall Terrace – minute continued; footbridges - the footbridge at Stone Bridge had been repaired and painted by Highways who had done an excellent job; tree planting to rear of 15 Easby Lane – the area would be left on the grass cutting schedule for forthcoming season. HDC would investigate ownership of the land
Riverside Park – copse – minute continued
Hedges – footpath to rear of Cliffe Terrace – the hedges had been cut. Minute concluded
Yatton House lease – Minute continued
Replacement seat – Bartle Bridge – Minute continued
RoSPA play area inspection – Minute continued
Water charge, allotments – Northumbrian Water had re-read and confirmed the meter reading. Examination of previous accounts suggested that the summer reading had been incorrect and the charge for the summer quarter was abnormally low, particularly in view of the dry summer. Minute concluded
CCTV camera – HDC had provided a detailed response regarding the cost and operational requirements. The Parish Council agreed that it had neither the funding nor expertise necessary, and HDC would be asked to reconsider providing CCTV for Great Ayton
Planning matters - caravans at Bank Flow Farm and in field off B1292 – minute continued; floodlights at golf range – HDC replied that there was a planning condition requiring approval and checks would be carried out to ensure that the lighting scheme was as approved; tattoo parlour – HDC replied that there had been no inconsistency in its decision.
Road works, Yarm Lane –NYCC Highways had responded that none of the works along Yarm Lane had narrowed the road. The kerbs had been constructed slightly behind what was previously the edge of the carriageway running surface. “Grips” had been excavated in the verge to allow water to discharge and no problems with surface water had been observed. NYCC would continue to monitor the situation. Councillor Waters expressed amazement that NYCC had justified the works. Councillor Fletcher would notify Highways of the Parish Council’s views.
Accounts
Royal Oak (annual parish dinner) 309.35 W Eves & Co Ltd (tyre weld) (direct debit) 6.45 Northumbrian Water (cemetery supply) (direct debit) 5.91 P H Greenwell (Christmas expenses) 200.00 M L Holden (reimburse gifts for Xmas helpers) 42.19 Hambleton District Council (salaries Oct, Nov, Dec 06) 6608.67 P Suggitt (river warden contractor duties Nov, Dec 06, Jan 07) 125.00 Richard Collins (grave digging) 240.00 Receipts D Bailey (garage rent Dec 06, Jan 07) 20.00 H M Customs and Excise (VAT refund) 956.08 R Kirk (reimburse annual parish dinner, drinks) 111.35 R Western (allotment deposit 55c) 20.00 R Johnson (allotment deposit 32B) 20.00
Correspondence
Amanda Madden – request to display “Land Wanted for Affordable Housing Scheme” on parish noticeboard. Denied as there was no suitable land available in Great Ayton
Great Ayton Community Archaeology Project – request for letter of support for application for funding. The Parish Council would write a letter of support
NYMNPA – Northern Area Parish Forum – request for agenda items for meeting 22.2.07; posters; notes of meeting 23.11.06
W G Watson – re blocked drains and unswept roads, Low Green. Mr Watson’s letter would be forwarded to HDC for their attention. NYCC would deal with the blocked drains.
HDC – appointment of Parish Council Representative to District Council Standards Committee. The Parish Council thought it futile to make a nomination in view of the forthcoming elections.
NYCC – request for new footway, Yarm Lane. The Parish Council would reply that it found it difficult to support the application and that it would prefer funds to be used at Tree Bridge junction
Stokesley and Great Ayton Fairtrade – request for Parish Council to support Fairtrade; gift of tea and coffee. The Parish Council supported the aims of Fairtrade in principle but felt that it was premature to consider the appointment of a councillor to its steering committee in view of the forthcoming elections. Fairtrade would be thanked for the gift of tea and coffee
Mr and Mrs D Capes – re disabled parking bays. The Council would respond that whilst it had every sympathy with the sentiments expressed in the letter, careful consideration had been given to the location of the disabled parking spaces and they were deemed to be in the best position.
The following items of information were received:-
NCH – thanks for donation
Linda Gray, Broadacres – re proposed development at Hollygarth Close
Medway Galvanising – re self-closing gates for playgrounds
Action for Market Towns – invitation to event “Town Centre Management” 17.1.07
Judith Fozzard – details of event encouraging sourcing of local produce in market towns 19.2.07
NYCC Pension Fund – contact details; New Look scheme 2008 draft regulations
NYCC – agenda and posters for County Committee for Hambleton 29.1.07
Great Ayton Tourist Information – notification of AGM 30.1.07
NYMNPA – Planning Committee agenda 18.1.07
NYCC – Scrutiny News newsletter
RAF Linton on Ouse – night flying notice – 12–16 Feb 07, reserve week 19-23 Feb 07
North Yorks Moors National Park Local Access Forum – annual report 2005/6
Clerks and Councils Direct – magazine
HDC – confirmation of Tree Preservation Order 2006/9
HDC – re personal and prejudicial interests at parish council meetings; re database of email addresses; posters re bin collections, reporting derelict cars, reporting road damage
Shaws – brochure
Timberline – play equipment brochure
Planning applications
Proposed works to 3 trees – The Vicarage, Low Green. Councillor Mrs Greenwell declared an interest. No representations
Construction of a replacement detached domestic garage – 12 Guisborough Road. No representations
Alterations and extensions to existing dwelling and construction of a replacement detached domestic garage – 6 John Street. No representations
Alterations and extensions to existing dwelling – 128 Roseberry Crescent. No representations
Application for prior notification for the construction of an agricultural building for the housing of cattle and storage of feed - OS Field 9074 Easby Lane. Application already approved
Plans approved
Single storey extension to existing dwelling – 64 Roseberry Crescent
Three storey extension to the rear – 19 Linden Grove
Replacement single storey extension to existing dwelling and installation of two roof lights – 30 The Hawthorns
Alterations to form a pitched roof on part of existing dwelling – 6 Greenacre Close
Appeals allowed
OS fields 5890 and 6300, Bank Flow Farm
Appeals dismissed
Mr Miller – 3 Stanley Houses, Yarm Lane
Allotment management
Councillor Bell had done an excellent job. It was agreed to leave the appointment of a new Allotment Manager until after the elections.
Councillors’ reports
The date of the following meeting would be Tuesday 27th February 2007The Annual Parish Meeting was arranged for Wednesday 21st March 2007 at 7.00 pm in the village hall.
Councillor Waters had received a request for sandbags. The Council was reminded that those which had been stored at Grange Farm and Manor Farm had rotted away. Sandbags were now stored by HDC.
Councillor Mrs Stevens had received complaints about youngsters getting into the play area via a neighbour’s wall and through the hedge. It was agreed that the security fencing should be completed as it would be necessary in the long term when the area was reclaimed for cemetery use. Councillor Mrs Imeson would ask Broadacres to share the cost. Mrs Stevens commented on how good it was to see the play area well used by small children and parents, although it emptied when the school buses arrived.
Councillor Fletcher had been in communication with the person who organised the youth outreach vans, now called 4 Youth. Councillor Mrs Imeson said that she should contact the Working Men’s Club. Councillor Fletcher suggested that the village hall could be used. Councillor Kirk said that the Community Education initiative had finished and 4 Youth was completely independent. The vans could be parked anywhere. It was agreed that the organiser be invited to talk to the Council.
Councillor Kirk had received 3 calls from groups concerned that they were going to face a rate relief cut. Councillor Mrs Imeson said that they could appeal if they could not afford the new rate.