Minutes of a Meeting of Great Ayton Parish Council
held on Tuesday 9th October 2007 at 7.00 pm
Present
Councillors Mrs J Imeson, Chairman, Mrs F Greenwell, D Conroy, N Waters, G Readman, R Kirk and J Fletcher. Messrs H Atkinson and P Suggitt, and 7 members of the public also attended.
The Chairman invited the members of the public to speak. Mr G Hetherington stated their case for leaving the alders on Low Green in place. He saw no valid reason to remove them for flood protection, and had received a letter from the Environment Agency saying the same. He said that the Parish Council did not have any expert opinion and it would be unfortunate for it to go against public opinion.
Councillor Fletcher replied that the Flood Forum meeting had agreed to remove the alders for flood prevention. In terms of habitat, the trees were weak and spindly and had no merit. Photographs showed the trees holding back debris.
Councillor Readman proposed waiting for expert opinion from the Environment Agency. This was seconded by Councillor Conroy. A show of hand showed three in favour and three against. The Chairman cast her vote in favour of the proposal. It was agreed that a meeting at Low Green be arranged with a representative from the Environment Agency, 4 Parish Councillors and 4 members of the public, including Mr Hetherington, when it was hoped a solution would be found.
Councillor Mrs Imeson reminded the meeting that the Parish Council had intended to plant other trees to replace the alders but had been prevented from doing so because certain varieties did not like to be near water, and the discovery of sewer pipes running under the green. Councillor Fletcher said that the Parish Council was in favour of trees and had planted the row of lime trees on the road side of the green. Unfortunately, the most recent one planted, and the beech tree donated by the Twinning Association, had on separate occasions been ring-barked and killed. Both had been replaced but the new beech tree had since been damaged at ground level and was dying. Councillors agreed that this was an appalling thing to have happened. It was suggested that the Parish Council replaced the tree and planted it in the Riverside. Councillor Mrs Imeson was concerned that the Riverside was not prominent for donated trees.
The Environment Agency would be asked for a progress report on the flood storage area, and to remove the silt from the Stone Bridge area.
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 11th September 2007 were approved and signed.
Police Business
The police had sent their apologies. The dispersal order would go ahead but would take some time. The statistics for September showed that of a total of 26 crimes there were 4 violent crimes, 7 autocrimes and 3 burglaries. Ninety-seven incidents had been reported. There had been two non-injury/animal road traffic accidents. Councillor Readman noted a 100% increase in the number of crimes from September last year. The increase in reports of autocrime was thought to be the result of a recent operation by the police.
Councillors Mrs Imeson and J Fletcher had attended a meeting with the police and youth leaders. Great Ayton youth had been offered the same activities as those from Stokesley but had declined to take them up. The Youth Leader had found it difficult to engage with them. A new range of events was being investigated and it was hoped that the Methodist Chapel hall would be available for a Rural Arts Project. If not, the Village Hall could be used. Mountain biking had also been mentioned and would be followed up. Councillor Mrs Greenwell was reassured that the activities were not just for the disaffected youth.
Councillors were pleased that something was at last happening.
Cemetery
Mr Atkinson had obtained more planks on which to store the vases at the Garden of Remembrance and this seemed to be successful.
W Eves and Co had agreed to replace the seat at the top garage. A plaque would be added.
Mr Atkinson had started to paint the village seats, Mr Rotheram had started on the painting work in the play area, and the see-saw base had been concreted. The new iron railings had been installed at the Captain Cook Memorial Garden. Mr Atkinson would dispose of the old fence.
The allotment hedges were to be cut, and the war on the rats was being won. Councillor Waters had been called to the allotments to investigate a complaint about bonfires. He found that there was no bonfire smell at all and only a small bonfire had been lit.
Mr Atkinson asked for permission to purchase new boots and overalls. This was approved.
River
Mr Suggitt walked the river each week and removed the rubbish.
Matters arising from the minutes
Village Hall – Councillor Kirk said that the type of lift had now been decided. Funding of £80k to £200k would be required. The lift and cosmetic work could be done for £80k. Grants were being sought. Drama would look at the problem with the blocked gents toilet. Minute continued
Highways matters - Tree Bridge junction; railings Waterfall Terrace etc – minute continued; footpaths - Easby Lane to Hollygarth - minute continued; rear of Cliffe Terrace - minute continued; Easby Lane to Suggitt’s field – had been resurfaced, minute concluded ; kissing gates, cricket field footpath – NYCC had responded that a great deal of money had been spend around Great Ayton in the previous two years and the repair job would have to wait its turn. The Parish Council would inform NYCC that the job had not been properly finished and they would be asked to deal with the matter. Minute continued.
Yatton House lease – lease signed. Minute concluded
Planning matters - tree planting to rear of 15 Easby Lane – solicitor had advised that the owner of the trees be asked to produce evidence of ownership of the land by the end of the year or the trees would be removed. Minute continued
Memorial tree at Riverside – minute continued
Parking of Royal Mail vans - Royal Mail had responded that HDC had advised them they could park anywhere where there were no parking restrictions. It was agreed that the matter would progress no further. Minute concluded.
Gates, Hall Fields – Councillor Mrs Imeson had spoken to Mr Ward who had said that he would not be replacing one of the gates as he wished to have it open. He would look after the one leading onto Newton Road and one other. Minute concluded.
Frankfield Place - minute continued
Accounts
W Eves & Co Ltd (petrol) (direct debit) 63.93 D I Holden (reimburse printer ink cartridges) 51.49 Mazars (audit fee) 470.00 Northumbrian Water (allotment supply) (direct debit) 184.98 A Boocock (refund allotment deposit) 20.00 Peter Thompson (grass cutting) 282.00 H Atkinson (reimburse phone card) 10.00 Richard Collins (grave digging) 160.00 Receipts D Bailey (garage rent Sept) 10.00 Cemetery receipts 85.00 V Gawthorpe (allotment deposit) 20.00 Yatton House (rent) 500.00 S Morgan (allotment rent) 80.00 D Bailey (garage rent October) 10.00 Cemetery receipts 712.50 Hambleton District Council (precept) 14,500.00
Correspondence
NYCC Graham Megson – re new footpath – Councillors agreed to support the creation of a new footpath at Langbaurgh Ridge.
NYMNPA – Planning Parish Training events 16.10.07 and 1.11.07
Whitby & District Toursim Association – invitation to Captain Cook Commemorative Service 21.10.07
Mazars – notice of completion of audit and annual accounts certified
Thelma Thompson – re toilets in Village Hall – See Matters Arising – “Village hall” above
Carol Morgan – re donation for Stream – Councillors did not recall agreeing to fund every issue of the Stream. The matter would be revisited.
Stokesley and Villages Community Regeneration Group – invitation to meeting 10.10.07 – Councillors Fletcher and Mrs Greenwell to attend.
The following items of information were received:-
RAF Linton on Ouse – notice of night flying 1st to 4th October, reserve week 15 – 18th October 2007
Glasdon – brochure
Yorwoods – leaflet re Woodfuel Renewable Energy Opportunities for Rural Communities
CPRE – minutes of AGM
NYCC – notification of road closure for tree works – Low Green 1.10.07
Furnitubes – product information
NYCC – County Committee for Hambleton agenda 24.9.07
NYMNPA – agenda for meeting 24.9.07
Ian McWilliam – request for permission for cubs to do shoeshine in arcade 6.10.07
HDC – agenda for District/Parish Councils’ Liaison Meeting 24.9.07
The Standards Board for England – newsletter
HDC – Street Naming and Numbering – Mill Farm and The Cottage Mill Farm, Stokesley Road
Amanda Madden RHE – update of meetings
Sygnum Technical Solutions – advertisement for hearing loops for deaf/hearing impaired
NYCC Pension Fund – guides on redundancy
defra – leaflet “Ways to tackle Climate Change” – advice on how parish councils can play a substantial role in the drive to combat and mitigate climate change
Camilla Govan – notification that she has taken over as Regional Network Coordinator for Action for Market Towns
P Bell – notification that “Addison Road” sign requires attention. HDC notified
Ray Speed – information re Special Olympics Great Britain. Invitation to donate or volunteer
Hambleton Strategic Partnership – promotional leaflets re the Partnership
HDC – “Update” newsletter; leaflets re Beacon Award, carbon reduction grant scheme; kerbside recycling scheme; bin collection dates
NYMNPA – Northern Area Parish Forum – notes of meeting held on 9.8.07; next meeting 15.11.07; Planning Committee agenda 13.9.07
Matta Products – notification of change of address
YRCC – notification of Parish Government Conference 7 – 9.3.08
HDC – minutes of District/Parish Liaison meeting 24.9.07; notification of next meeting 3.3.08
Planning applications
Proposed works to three Scotch pines – Ayton House East. No representations
First floor extension and installation of a roof light – 8 Yarm Lane. The Council had no objections so long as the proposed extension did not overlook neighbouring properties. This was not clear from the drawings.
Construction of two horticultural glasshouses – Cooks View Nursery, Pannierman Lane. No representations
Two storey extension to existing dwelling as amended – 7 Race Terrace. Already approved. Councillors were annoyed that they had not had time to comment, having made observations on the original application
Plans approved
Proposed works to a beech tree – 1 Beech Close
Single storey extension to existing dwelling to form a garden room – 6 Linden Grove
Alterations and extensions to existing agricultural building to form an LPG vehicle conversion centre – Greenhow Hill Farm, Pannierman Lane
Application to carry out works to 8 trees the subject of TPO 1999/16 – Chartersmead, Easby Lane
Revised application for a conservatory extension – 3 Stanley House, Yarm Lane
Plans refused
First floor extension to existing dwelling – 105 Wheatlands
Development Control Committee meeting – change of use of agricultural land to the siting of 15 log cabins and associated works at land adjacent Angrove Plantation, Yarm Lane Thursday 20.9.07 at 1.00 pm
Remembrance Sunday
A temporary road closure had been applied for from HDC, and the police asked for officers to enforce it. Councillors would meet at 10.30 in the Parochial Hall.
Christmas
It was confirmed that carols round the tree would take place on Friday 21st December and the Father Christmas float on 22nd. Councillors Kirk and Waters would be unavailable for the carols.
The annual parish dinner would be on 26th January 2007.
Councillors’ reports
The date of the following meeting would be Tuesday 6th November 2007Councillor Fletcher said that a resident of High Green had asked permission to install cobble-stones outside his house to match the rest of the road. This was approved.
Councillor Conroy had attended a Faritrade meeting where it was proposed to make Great Ayton a Fairtrade village. Councillor Kirk said that most of the churches had signed up and the organisation encouraged the use of locally produced goods as well as fair traded goods. Councillor Kirk proposed that the Parish Council support the aims, Councillor Fletcher seconded the proposal, and it was carried.
Councillor Readman asked if the Parish Council could give any more support to the excellent Community Archaeology Project. The Parish Council could give no monetary support.
Councillor Conroy said that a rising bollard would be useful for Frankfield Place.
Councillor Kirk had received a complaint from a resident that youths were gathering near The Buck. It had been reported to the police.
Councillor Mrs Imeson had received a complaint about litter on the Central Way footpath. It would be reported to HDC.