Great Ayton

Minutes of a Meeting of Great Ayton Parish Council

held on Tuesday 24th April 2007 at 7.00 pm

Present

Councillors R Kirk, Chairman, Mrs F Greenwell, Mrs M Stevens, Mrs J Imeson, P Bell, N Waters and J Fletcher.  Messrs H Atkinson and P Suggitt, PC G Jones, and two members of the public also attended.

Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 27th March 2007 were approved and signed.

Police Business

PC Jones attended the meeting in his own time.  He reported that there had been 3 violent incidents, 4 burglaries (garages), autocrime, and 5 incidents of criminal damage in the previous month.  Comparison with last year’s figures showed an increase in crime of  12%.  Barker’s Buildings had been used for rave parties.  The owner was making efforts to secure the buildings.
Councillor Waters reported that there had been trouble at the cricket and football fields.  He had hoped that the police might have patrolled as they had been  advised that there would be no-one around from the clubs at the weekend.
Councillor Bell said that a youth on a mini motorbike had been reported to the police but he was still to be seen riding it.  PC Jones said that a couple of youths had been caught.
Councillor Fletcher thought it very sad that youths racing round the village in cars were taking the mickey out of the police.  They dispersed when asked to do so but reappeared as soon as the police had gone.  Residents of High Green and Newton Road were fearful that someone would be killed.
Councillor Mrs Stevens said that trials bikes had been ridden round the side of the bowling green, over the footbridge and up to the cricket field.  They had been seen on several occasions.
Councillor Kirk thanked PC Jones for attending.

Mr L Cowley was invited to state his business.  He had brought with him a trophy awarded to St John Ambulance on the Cleveland Hike for a first aid competition in 1980, and a display of his own personal badges dating from 1961.  Councillor Mrs Imeson said that the Parish Council would take good care of them until there was a Great Ayton museum to house them.  Councillor Kirk thanked Mr Cowley for giving the items to the Parish Council.

Cemetery

Trees overhanging cemetery – minute continued; grave shoring – minute continued.  Mr Atkinson said that his main concern was dog fouling on Low Green and Waterfall Park, which made a revolting mess of his mower.  He suggested that the Dog Warden be asked to attend.  It was pointed out that the Dog Warden covered the whole of the Hambleton area.  Two prosecutions had taken place, and it was hoped that further prosecutions would eventually have the desired effect.  Residents were again urged to report to Hambleton District Council anyone they saw not clearing up after their dog.
Mr Atkinson reported that youngsters were eroding the river-bank in Waterfall Park where the bushes had been removed.  Councillor Fletcher said that some of the coping stones from the wall next to the waterfall had been pushed into the river.  The Environment Agency would be informed.
Councillor Mrs Imeson said that the provision of shed at the new end of the cemetery had been discussed.  Mr Atkinson had made arrangements with Yatton House for it to be erected on their land for security.  The Parish Council approved the purchase of a shed, which Councillor Mrs Imeson and Mr Atkinson would choose.

River

Bund for water storage – minute continued.  Mr Suggitt reported that he had cleared the river of cans, bottles, 2 bags of magazines and 2 cones.  He had strimmed the banks, where dog dirt was also a problem.

Matters arising from the minutes

Village Hall  Minute continued
Highways matters - Tree Bridge junction – Councillor Fletcher reported that £100k would be spent in the current year, with a further £400k next year to build a roundabout.  The Parish Council would write to NYCC that they were delighted to hear the news and looked forward to the completion of the roundabout in the next financial year; railings Waterfall Terrace etc – a meeting with the Probation Service had been arranged – minute continued.
Riverside Park – copse – an estimate of £1800 had been submitted by Mr Crombie.  Councillor Fletcher said that there was no alternative and the job needed to be done for safety reasons.  It was agreed that the Standing Order requiring 3 estimates be waived on the grounds of urgency.  Mr Crombie would be asked to undertake the work within the months.
Yatton House lease – a letter would be sent to Yatton House asking them to expedite the matter.
RoSPA play area inspection –  minute continued
Planning  matters - tree planting to rear of 15 Easby Lane – a letter had been sent to the planter of the trees asking him to provide evidence of ownership of the land.  HDC’s Legal Adviser did not advise going down the route of proving adverse possession as it was notoriously difficult.  The Land Registry would be asked if their documents indicated ownership of the land.
Memorial tree at Riverside – minute continued
Allotments – bonfires – A letter had been received  from Mrs Pickering cataloguing the numbers of fires, and enclosing bonfire advice leaflets from HDC.  It was agreed that a letter be sent to all allotment tenants, with a copy of the leaflet, stressing that  eviction would ensue if rules regarding bonfires were flouted; door in hedge – the tenant had replaced the door with a wooden gate.  Minutes concluded.
Parking of Royal Mail vans – Royal Mail said that they would speak to their drivers and ask them to park more considerately.  If there was no improvement further contact should be made.

Accounts

Hambleton District Council (salaries)	6608.67
Thompsons Hardware (items for cemetery)	40.18
Northumbrian Water (allotment supply)(direct debit)	29.60
“                   “    (cemetery supply)      “       “	6.70
W Eves & Co. Ltd (petrol)(direct debit)	63.48
Community Care Association  (contribution to cost of printing The Stream)	100.00
Sam Turner & Sons Ltd (repairs to mower)	144.62
H Atkinson (reimburse phone card)	10.00
G A Marwood (half year allotment rent)	250.00
CPRE (annual subscription)	27.00
Receipts
D Bailey (garage rent)
S Snowden (replacement flower tub)	60.00
Great Ayton Conservative Club (flower tub sponsor)	15.00
A Pearson (flower tub sponsor)	15.00
Cemetery receipts	30.00
Allianz Cornhill (insurance payt. for replacement bench)	195.00
Cemetery receipts	102.50
D Bailey (garage rent April, May    )	20.00

Correspondence

HDC Newsletter re Local Government Review; invitation to Parish Liaison meeting 7.00 pm 22.5.07 Stokesley Town Hall.  Received
HDC – re payroll system.   The Clerk was asked to leave the chamber.  The Parish Council approved a two spinal column point wage increase for the Clerk and the Cemetery Superintendent.
Copies of emails regarding injury to visitor on Low Green.  Councillor Fletcher had apologised promptly on behalf of the Parish Council, and the sharp object had been removed
Harrogate Borough Council – invitation to lunch and seminar on Community Land Trusts 15.5.07 Conyngham Hall, Knaresborough.  Received
Mr E Boyce – request for permission to sell bazaar raffle tickets 3, 10 and 17.11.07.  Approved
NYCC – leaflets – A New Council for North Yorkshire
Mrs M Wilson – re dog fouling, Newton Road.  See Cemetery above
Anonymous letter re collection and disposal of rubbish from river; newspaper cutting re dispersal of antisocial youths.  The Parish Council deplored the writing of anonymous letters and refused to take action on its content
HDC – re personal and prejudicial interests at parish council meetings.  Received
HDC – Flavours of Hambleton Awards – entries invited
NYCC – pamphlet re Executive Summary of Draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan for North Yorkshire, “People and Places”.  Responses invited.  Councillor Mrs Greenwell to respond
Harrogate Borough Council – invitation to attend seminar on Community Land Trusts 15.5.07 Knaresborough
NYMNPA – re National Park Parish Member Appointment Process, 2007.  Nominations invited.  Councillor Mrs Imeson would be nominated
Hambleton Over Fifties Forum – invitation to join; leaflets
HDC David Shields – re running costs of TIP.  The surplus would be paid into the bank account of the Management Committee once the lease had been signed.
Ian Merrett – re sycamore tree at Tennis Club.  The Tennis Club would be asked to give the matter serious consideration.
NYPA – news release – new Chief Constable announced
YRCC – Annual Rural Community Buildings Conference 19.5.07 - Ripon
The following items of information were received:-
HDC – Hambleton Local Development Framework: Adoption of Core Strategy
External Environment – product review
Northallerton and District VSA – Wheels 2 Work poster
HDC - Parish Council Election – Statement of Persons Nominated for the Parish
defra – re Secretary of State Appointment of Parish Members to the NYMNPA: 2007
SMP Playgrounds – invitation to seminar 2.5.07
NYMNPA – Planning Committee agenda 12.4.07; Arrangements for Consultation on Woodland Felling and Planting
NYCC – The County Committee for Hambleton agenda 16.4.07
NYCC Pension Fund – LGPC Circular; agenda for NYPFOG meeting 13.4.07
HDC – minutes of District/Parish Liaison meeting 26.3.07
Hambleton LDF – Development Policies Pre Examination meeting
NYCC – Local Bus Service Contracts
Hambleton Local Development Agencies – Community News newsletter
HDC – re dead hare in river; re logs in river near bowling green
NYPA – newsletter
Hambleton LDF – Development Policies Examination June 2007
HDC – notice of Result of Uncontested Parish Election
North Yorkshire Playing Fields Association – newsletter
Department for Communities and Local Government – Local Authorities (Model Code of Conduct) Order 2007 (SI No 1159)
NYMNPA – notes of meeting 22.2.07; notices for meetng 8.5.07
HDC – Standards Committee, Appointment of Parish Council Representatives

Planning applications

Alterations to existing domestic outbuildings to form ancillary accommodation as amended – Manor House, Low Green.  Already approved 
Application for Listed Building Consent as above.  Already approved 
Construction of 6 bungalows for occupation by elderly residents and creation of a new vehicular access as amended – land at Holly Garth Close - Withdrawn
Conservatory extension to existing dwelling – 3 Stanley Houses, Yarm Lane – a previous application had been refused on the grounds that it was far too large on an already large building.  The Parish Council objected to this application on the same grounds.
Proposed works to four trees – Hollybrook, Easby Lane – The Planning Department would be asked to obtain a second opinion from a tree expert
Proposed felling of two trees – Marwood C of E V C Infant School, Low Green.  Councillor Mrs Greenwell declared an interest.  The Parish Council would ask that a replacement tree be planted which was more suited to a garden
Application to carry out works to six trees the subject of TPO 1992/02 – 69 High Street.  No representations
Change of use of existing shop (A1) to estate agents (A2) - 107 High Street.  No representations
Application to carry out works to a tree the subject of TPO – The Friends School.  No representations
Single storey extension – 31 Romany Road.  No representations
Alterations and extensions to existing dwelling – 10 Linden Road.  No representations
Plans withdrawn
Construction of 6 bungalows for occupation by elderly residents – land at Holly Garth Close
Plans approved
Alterations and extensions to existing dwelling as amended – 128 Roseberry Crescent
Change of use of ground floor of existing building from B and B to café – 5 – 9 Bridge Street
Alterations and extensions to existing dwelling – 22 Wainstones Drive
Two dormer window extensions to existing dwelling – 4 Romany Road
Alterations to existing domestic outbuildings to form ancillary accommodation as amended – Manor House, Low Green.  Application for Listed Building Consent as above
Plans refused
Application to carry out works to two trees and fell one tree the subject of Tree Preservation Order 1982/5 – South View, Low Green
Letter from Mr and Mrs Wakefield re proposed development at Holly Garth
Appeal Decision – Appeal dismissed – Cooks View Nursery, Pannierman Lane

Councillors’ reports

Councillor Waters complained that nothing had yet been done to complete the recent works on Yarm Lane.  He was shocked that the road already required further repairs.  Councillor Fletcher would raise the matter with Highways.
Councillor Kirk offered very sincere thanks to the two retiring Councillors, P Bell and Mrs M Stevens, for their commitment to the village for 16 years.  They had done sterling work with the allotments and play area respectively, but this was only part of the work they had done.  Councillor Mrs Imeson, as the longest serving Parish Councillor – 37 years – had taken it upon herself to get them each a gift.  She reiterated the thanks of the Parish Council and said that their efforts had been much appreciated.

The date of the following meeting would be Tuesday 22nd May 2007