Minutes of a Meeting of Great Ayton Parish Council
held on Tuesday 13th October 2009 at 7.00 pm
Present
Councillors Mrs F Greenwell, Chairman, R Kirk, Mrs J Imeson, J Fletcher, G Readman, N Waters and D Conroy.
PC Iveson, H Atkinson and 2 Members of the Public
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 15th September 2009 were approved and signed.
Police Business
The statistics for September showed a total of 17 crimes: 3 auto crime, 1 dwelling burglary, 8 criminal damage, 2 other crimes, 2 thefts, and 1 violence. Number of crimes down by 2 on the prior month, but 6 higher than the same month last year; total incidents reported were 52 down by 11 on the same period last year.
PC Iveson asked about the closure of a footpath in the Village, the footpath in question is between Hawthorns and Linden Grove. A Member of the Public asked if there were plans to provide a Police presence during the dark evenings at this site as youths were “hanging around” and causing a nuisance. Cllr Imeson said she would follow up the closure of the footpath up with Broadacres. Minute continued.
The Councillors expressed concern about the figures in relation to criminal damage which did not appear to be reducing; PC Iveson was unable to comment on these figures. To ensure continuity of Police Officer presence at the Council Meetings the Parish Clerk was asked to consult with the Police about future dates and proposals for a solution. Minute continued.
Cllr Fletcher asked for further information on action relating to anti social behaviour by Youths in vehicles.
Cllr Imeson reported that the “cold calling” incident reported to at last month’s meeting had not been followed up.
Great Ayton Station Project
Karen Loftus reported that the residents near Great Ayton Station had grouped together to start a Project to refurbish the area including the station building and purchase land to increase the parking for visitors. Esk Valley Railway is interested and additional funding is being sought from North York Moors Park Authority Leader Project and Railway Heritage. Cllr Greenwell suggested that they approach the Stokesley & Villages Regeneration Programme, detail of contacts to be sent by Cllr Kirk. Cllr Fletcher confirmed that the Local Development Framework had not identified this area for residential development. Mrs Loftus advised that a Public Meeting would be arranged to discuss this further. The Councillors said this sounded a very good scheme, welcomed the proposed redevelopment and confirmed their support.
Cemetery
The Cemetery Superintendant had nothing specific to report but requested if he could purchase new overalls and boots, the request was accepted.
Cllr Kirk asked about the trimming of the leylandi hedge, it was confirmed that this is a regular winter task.
The Parish Clerk reported a letter had been received from the Probation Services stating that with the approach of winter they had stopped work and would recommence in Spring to complete outstanding tasks. Cllr Fletcher asked what the schedule of works was and which items were not completed. The Parish Clerk was asked to follow this up and issue a priority list. Minute continued.
Memory Wall - Cllr Imeson confirmed no further action had been taken. Minute continued.
Allotments
The Cemetery Superintendant reported that 2 allotment plots were very overgrown, these would be tidied to enable letting. It was also reported that there was approximately 30 people on the waiting list.
Concern from an Allotment Holder about a high structure in the Allotments was discussed; Cllr Waters and the Cemetery Superintendant were asked to investigate the situation. Minute continued.
Waterfall Park
Cllr Fletcher reported that hedge and an alder trees required cutting back, it was requested that the Cemetery Superintendant and the River Warden carry out this work.
It was also mentioned that the Urinal needed to be repainted, the Parish Clerk was asked to follow up this matter; Cllr Imeson requested that the present shade of red be used. Minute continued.
Play area
Cllr Readman reported that he had spoken with Youth Justice and 4 hours work would be carried out by the two Youths under Referral Orders, it was planned that they would assist with tidying up the Cemetery on Monday 26th October. The Parish Clerk reported correspondence had been received confirming that financial compensation from each Youth would be made to the Council. Minute continued.
River
It was reported that the mole holes had been treated, the work had been successful. Minute concluded.
The River had been cleaned, an Arriva signpost had been found; the Parish Clerk was asked to contact Arriva.
Cllr Fletcher reported rabbits were eating the bark on trees at The Riverside, the Cemetery Superintendant was asked to apply protection to the trees.
Cllr Fletcher reported that work needed to be carried out to the footpath steps at The Riverside, it was requested that the Parish Clerk arrange delivery of stone and the Cemetery Superintendant arrange for the work to be done.
Matters arising from the minutes
Village Hall – Cllr Kirk reported that he was not hopeful that the application for funding from the Leader Grant Scheme would be successful he felt the chance was less than 5%. It was also reported that some Contractors were not willing to provide a full price for some of the roof work as it would be unclear as to the exact costs until work started. Further recommendations would follow. Minute continued.
Flood Water Storage Scheme – The Parish Clerk reported she had been in touch with the Environmental Agency (EA) who deals with grants for both the Northumbrian Regional Defence and Local Levy Programmes, they would not be able fund a major flood storage defence area as the difference it would make downstream at Hollygarth was less than 10mm. The EA sent a report regarding this, and a DVD concerning an alternative solution called “leaky ponds”. Other funding opportunities were located with DEFRA where a £5M scheme for flood defences was recently set up for “quick wins”. It may be possible to obtain funding for a “leaky pond” solution applying to DEFRA but this would need to be done within the next 2 months, applications would need to be through the County or District Council it was important to react quickly as the funding will be soon be taken up. It was reported that each “leaky pond” could cost between £2,000 and £20,000 each, and we would probably need more than one with some further upstream. It was suggested by the EA that we involve an Engineer who was familiar with flood defence systems. Cllr Fletcher agreed to speak with Clive Thornton, Engineer for Hambleton District Council. Minute continued.
School Lane – Highways advised that they have cleared the debris, but that they were not responsible for the gate. The Councillors felt the land had been adopted by Highways and the Parish Clerk should follow this matter up further with them. Minute continued.
Riverbed – The EA had assessed the gravel shoals and it was their intention to undertake removal works at the Stone Bridge within 4 – 6 weeks; they would continue to monitor the situation at Hollygarth. The Parish Clerk was asked to check the work was done. Minute concluded.
Ambulance Service – The Informal Health & Scrutiny Committee Meeting stated the new arrangements would use a Paramedic Practitioner who would be based in Stokesley. The Paramedic Practitioner would be dispatched to enable quicker arrival at the incident; an ambulance from Northallerton would be dispatched at the same time. If the Paramedic Practitioner could deal with the situation the ambulance would be stood down. These new arrangement would start on 1 October at midnight; the service would be 24 hours, 7 days a week. Minute concluded.
Public Conveniences – Hambleton District Council had said the initial amount of money offered by the Parish Council to pay for the opening of the Public Conveniences did not cover all the costs and that £1,500 would cover the cleaning costs as well as the opening costs, no response had been received from the Chief Executive. Cllrs Greenwell and Fletcher said they would take up the matter directly with David McGloin. Minute continued.
Maintenance of Trees Low Green – Cllr Fletcher requested that the River Warden be asked to trim the suckers. Minute concluded.
Willow Tree near Wooden Cabin, Low Green – Cllr Fletcher requested that the River Warden be asked to trim back this tree. Minute concluded.
Newton Road Trees – Cllr Kirk reported that the trees had been trimmed. Minute concluded.
Low Green Footbridge – Highways confirmed that they would look at the application of suitable non slip surface to both bridges, they were hopeful the works could be completed within this financial year. Minute Continued.
Accounts
Payments Glyn H Robinson Assoc (Structural Report – Village Hall) 517.50 CL Prosser (Skip Hire – Allotments) 172.50 Odd Job - P Suggitt (Repair to Sluice Gate) 190.00 Odd Job – P Suggitt (Quarterly River Warden Payment Aug/Sep/Oct) 187.50 Northumbrian Water (Cemetery) D/D 7.90 Northumbrian Water (Allotments) D/D 149.30 W Eves & Co (Petrol) D/D 166.20 Richard Collins (Grave Digging) 80.00 Mr D I Holden (Telephone) 52.18 Image Playgrounds (Repair work June) 459.43 Receipts D Bailey (garage rent) 10.00 Cemetery Receipts 875.00 Allotments (Rents) 50.00 Precept 15,500.00
Correspondence
NYCC – Winter Service Salt Bins and Heaps – It was agreed that the Parish Clerk should contact NYCC and request for the identified salt bin (132 Roseberry Crescent) to be kept and the Parish Council would take on the responsibility of filling this. Minute continued.
HDC Local Development Framework – republished Sustainability Appraisal and Consultation Statement, including opportunity to amend prior representations
Towns Alive – North Yorkshire Towns Alive Programme Invite to Settle Hydro Study Tour 11th Nov (email)
NYMNPA – Northern Area Parish Forum – Meeting Notes from 19th May, Agenda for next meeting on 17th Nov at 7pm at The Moors National Park Centre, Danby
HDC Area Forums – Stokesley Area Meeting 19th Oct 7pm Town Hall, notice for Board
NYMNPA – Agenda for Planning Committee Meeting 15th Oct. N.B. Alterations and Extension to existing outbuildings to form a single dwelling house at Southbrook, Dikes Lane
HDC Update News Paper October – N.B. Parking charges Stokesley from 12th Oct. Local Strategic Partnership Area Groups - Village Caretaker Pilot Scheme Ingleby Greenhow, future project to raise awareness for the need of cycle ways linking Stokesley and Great Ayton
HDC Change 4 Life – New Campaign to raise awareness for physical activity as part of a daily lifestyle, request for Parish Council to adopt “3 x 30 Parish Council Charter” with notices for Notice Board – It was agreed that the Parish Council would support this and the Parish Clerk would sign on their behalf.
Letter from E Harrison to confirm extension of Grass Cutting Contract for 2010 and 2011
HDC Peter Coles – Invitation to “From Ideas to Implementation 2009” Seminar 28th Oct 3.30pm to 7.00pm at Stone Cross (email)
Letter from Mr Hillyer ref speeding and parking in the Village – The Councillors mentioned that a speed matrix had been promised for both Stokesley Road and Guisborough Road in the Spring but this did not take place, The Parish Clerk was asked to follow this up and request again, and to send a response to Mr Hillyer. Minute continued.
Image Playgrounds Customer Feedback Form
The following items of information were received:-
HDC – North Yorkshire Rural Housing Enabler newsletter (email)
NYCC – Surveys for Parish Council/Parish Meetings/Town Councils – extension to completion date (email)
Emica – Mail Shot re Feasibility Studies (email)
Charities Buying Group – Invitation to join, benefits i.e. cheaper insurance, utilities, stationery etc. (email)
Rural Services Community – Weekly Rural News Focus Notices x 2(email)
Rural Service Network – Monthly Newsletter (email)
NYMNPA – Parish and Community Newsletter
CPRE Northumberland Branch – Minutes from AGM of 23rd Jun, next Meeting on 20th Oct
HDC – Partnership News Paper
Hambleton and Richmondshire Councils (H&RC) – Working Together update
Komplan – Play Area Brochure
NYCC Pensions Department – Minutes for Apr09, Notice of Meeting 23/10, Drop in Sessions to Employees 13/11
DVD and Media – Sky Lanterns advertisement, alternative to fireworks (email)
R & CBC – Public Meeting re Odin’s Glow 23rd Sep (sent to Councillors 21/09)
NYCC – Agenda for County Committee for Hambleton 28th Sep (sent to Councillors 21/09)
NYMNPA – Agenda for Meeting on 28th Sep (sent to Councillors 21/09)
Planning applications
Applications
First floor and dormer extension to dwelling as amended – 52 Wainstones Close – The Parish Council wished to see the upstairs windows changed to velux windows.
Proposed demolition of existing garage and construction of extension to existing dwelling – 14 Marwood Drive – The Parish Council wished to see this application refused on the basis of overdevelopment of the plot.
Change of use of shop (A1) to fish and chip shop (A5) and installation of an extraction systems – 109 – 111 High Street – A vote was taken resulting with 4 refusals, 2 no objection and 1 abstention. The Parish Council wished to see this refused on the basis that this would not enhance the village centre economy, this is in a conservation area, bad for parking during opening hours; and it was noted that an application for a take away in the arcade had been refused in the last 3 years.
Proposed conversion of outbuildings to independent dwelling – Southbrook, Dikes Lane – The Parish Council wished to see this refused on the basis that this would be change of use from agricultural to housing.
Plans approved
Extension to rear of dwelling – 41 Wainstones Close
Alterations and extensions to existing dwelling – Herdholt
Replacement of first floor balcony with lean-to pitched roof and small first floor extension – 1 Linden Road
Proposed extension to rear of dwelling and side dormer – 24 Marwood Drive
Proposed replacement of garage roof – 1 Rowan Drive
Under Appeal
Part demolition and extension to existing dwelling and construction of new dwelling – 5 Byemoor Avenue
Other Items
Remembrance Day and wreath – The Road Closure is arranged, the Parish Council agreed to meet at 10.30am on 8th November outside the Church Hall, the Parish Clerk was requested to arrange the wreath on behalf of the council which would represent all that had served in wars both past and present.
Dates for Carol Service and Float – It was agreed and confirmed by telephone with the Vicar that the Carol Service would be held on Monday 21st December at 7.30pm, the Parish Clerk was requested to arrange the Band. The Float would take place on Wednesday 23rd December starting at 5.30pm.
Gavel – It has not been possible to locate the missing gavel and the Councillors asked the Parish Clerk to purchase a replacement, possibly having one made locally.
Half Yearly Accounts Report – Agreed.
Councillors’ Reports
Cllr. Readman reported on behalf of the Councillors who had attended the Public Meeting for Odin’s Glow. It was confirmed that Security was in place. People could walk to the event and enter for free; all tickets for park and ride were taken. Cllr. Kirk said he was still concerned about people walking via hill tracks, although a National Trust Representative would be on Roseberry Topping and it was possible others would be monitoring the tracks too. A further safety meeting was to be held this week.
Cllr Conroy mentioned that he felt the Village needed a new cemetery, Cllrs Greenwell and Imeson said that there was an issue with land, and that there was room to extend within the existing cemetery area when required.
Cllr Imeson mentioned that she had received a letter from Bill Kirby about “beating of the bounds” being carried out every 10 years, she agreed to find out more through Ian Pearce.
Cllr Greenwell said she had received a letter from the Rt Hon Lord Mayor of Melbourne thanking the Parish Council for the gifts and hospitality extended to the Victoria over 60’s Cricket Team.
A Member of the Public reported to the Council that he had concerns about dog fouling and dogs not on leads in the Football Fields, it was explained that prior to matches dirt had to be picked up both from the footpath and the field before the young footballers could play. The Council’s help and agreement to put up signs about the dog fouling was sought, Cllr Greenwell offered to provide signs which could be placed on the fences, and enquire about enforcement in the public open areas.
The Public Member also mentioned that the flood lights on the pavilion had been broken and that often empty alcohol bottles and cans had to be removed, which it was felt were left by Youths who appeared to use the area.
It was also brought to the Councils attention that the dog fouling on Newton Road and Romany Road had increased. The Darlington and Stockton Reporter was asked to publicize the issue, and the Parish Clerk to follow up the matter with the Dog Warden.
Cllr Mrs Greenwell closed the Meeting.
The date of the next meeting would be Tuesday 10th November 2009