Minutes of a Meeting of Great Ayton Parish Council
Held on Tuesday 26th January 2010 at 7.00 pm
Present
Councillors Mrs F Greenwell, Chairman, R Kirk, J Fletcher, G Readman and D Conroy, H Atkinson, P Suggitt, Sgt D Murray and 4 local residents.
1.0 Apologies
Cllrs. Mrs J Imeson and N Waters.
2.0 Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 8th December 2009 were approved and signed.
3.0 Police Business
3.1. December Statistics – it was noted that the total crimes in December were 4 in comparison to 18 in December 2008, total incidents were down by 36 on the same period last year. Sgt. Murray told the Meeting that new initiatives and operations were contributing to the improved results, along with increased presence of Officers on the streets. Cllr. Mrs Greenwell said that it was good to see Officers on the streets and the general perception was things were better.
3.2. Sgt. Murray expressed wishes to work with the Parish Council and have more opportunities to meet with the public. The Councillors understood the desire to be proactive, the Fete on 12th June was put forward as a suitable venue and the Clerk was asked to liaise with the Police; other opportunities would be co-ordinated with the Police.
3.3. Cllr. Mrs Greenwell advised that the Great Ayton Problem Solving Group had been resurrected and that cross partnership would include the Police, the first Meeting is at the Methodist Hall on 10th February at 10am.
4.0 Public Comment
4.1. Dog Fouling – 2 residents expressed deep concerns at the amount of dog fouling in Great Ayton and advised this had appeared to increase with the snow. The Councillors were asked what measures were being taken to proactively address the situation. Cllr. Fletcher stated that other complaints had been received and passed on to the Street Scene Manager of Hambleton District Council (HDC); it was advised that in the past HDC had arranged for regular Dog Warden visits and publicity which had helped improve matters; poop scoops had been made available, free of charge, but stocks had now run out. The public detailed a proactive plan put in place at Hemlington involving schools and children. Cllr. Mrs Greenwell stated dog fouling was on the Agenda for the Problem Solving Group and invited the 2 residents to attend bringing their ideas.
4.2. Speeding on Guisborough Rd – A resident of Guisborough Rd highlighted speeding near the Cemetery, and requested if a permanent flashing sign could be put up. The Councillors stated that a temporary one had been in place on the A173 near Roseberry Crescent as part of a monitoring exercise. Sgt. Murray said the results from the monitoring would be looked at and a proposal put forward to North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC).
4.3. Planning Application construction of 12 dwellings behind Linden Grove – A resident from Guisborough Rd made representations to the Parish Council about concerns relating to drainage, pictures were shown highlighting the ditch and flooding in the field and information supplied. It was also pointed out that the fence on the west side of the development would not afford much privacy and requested support for this to be 2.2m high. The Clerk was instructed to make observations to HDC drawing their attention to the land being wet with drainage issues, to highlight that the sewer capacity in the Village was already stretched and request the fence height be increased.
4.4. Spence Court – The Clerk advised that a resident had expressed concerns about vehicle obstruction at the entrance of Spence Court; this had got worse due to the snow not being cleared. The Clerk was asked to write to Broadacres.
5.0 Council Services
5.1. Cemetery
• It was noted that Yatton House burnt rubbish on a daily basis without complaint; the Cemetery Superintendent
felt that he could safely burn the rubbish in the Cemetery when it was not “green”. It was agreed that this should be tried, but if a complaint arose then removal from site would be the only solution. Minute concluded.
• The Cemetery Superintendent reported that owing to the weather he had not been able to carry out all maintenance tasks; he had kept on top of clearing the snow from the pathways in the Cemetery.
5.2. Allotments
• High Structure – Cllr. Readman had received communication stating the problem was not resolved, although the offer of an alternative garden had been made. The Cemetery Superintendent was asked to go over the logistics of moving garden with the person concerned. Minute continued.
• Break Ins – Cllr. Kirk advised that HDC had no Shed Alarms. Minute concluded.
5.3. Waterfall Park – It was reported the Urinal information sign had been taken away to be repainted. The Clerk was asked to arrange for the paving slabs to be cleaned at the Urinal. Minute continued.
5.4. Play Area – The maintenance work will be done when the weather improves. Minute continued.
5.5. The Riverside – The work to pathways cannot be undertaken until the area dries out. Minute continued.
5.6. High Green – The new cherry tree has now been planted. Minute concluded.
6.0 River
• A meeting had taken place with the Environmental Agency who as a short term measure will move the gravel to deeper water on 8th February (conditions allowing), for the long term they will look at installing flow deflectors. Minute continued.
• HDC advised that Northumbrian Water confirmed the raised manhole (opposite The Buck) was due to a sewer capacity issue. Minute concluded.
• Trimming of tree growth on the Low Green would be undertaken in the coming week. Minute continued.
7.0 Matters arising from the minutes
7.1. Village Hall – Repairs at the Village Hall were underway. Cllr. Fletcher proposed that the Council rent the Captain Cook Museum Shop until the works were complete, the proposal was accepted and the Clerk instructed to arrange the move with the Cemetery Superintendent. The next Council Meeting would be held in the Museum Shop. Minute continued.
7.2. Flood Water Storage Area – Minute continued.
7.3. School Lane Gate – NYCC Highways advised that making holes in the stone wall would be unlikely to make a significant impact and would be prone to blockage. The Clerk was asked to write and request alternative suggestions to allow the excess water to flow into the river, and alleviate flooding. Minute continued.
7.4. Public Conveniences – HDC continue to provide services during the winter. Minute concluded.
7.5. Low Green Footbridge – Non slip surface awaited in the spring. Minute continued.
7.6. Winter Salt Bin Roseberry Crescent – During December the salt bin had been refilled twice, each time the salt used very quickly, salt was now difficult to obtain. Minute concluded.
7.7. Speed Matrix – A temporary flashing unit had been placed on Guisborough Road, results awaited. A standard matrix would be sited on Stokesley Road at the end of the week. Minute continued.
7.8. Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council (R&CBC) LDF, DPD and Schedule of Local Wildlife & Geological Sites - HDC should be reviewing this. Minute concluded.
7.9. Footpath, Chapel Steps – Highways felt the footway was in good condition, when compared to other similar footways in the Thirsk area, and no further work would be carried out. Minute concluded
7.10. Footpath Easby Lane to Suggitt’s Field – NYCC said this would be addressed within a 3 month window; if this needed to be done sooner NYCC would fund if the Parish Council took on the project management. Having taken into considerations the requirements NYCC stipulated it was felt that the work would not be carried out any sooner if the Parish Council were to arrange and it was decided to leave the work to NYCC. Minute continued.
7.11. Footpath behind Cliffe Terrace – NYCC advised the work would be done within 3 months. Minute continued.
7.12. Grass verge Newton Road – Amended plans and a confirmation of the additional area for grass cutting had been received. The Contractor had been duly informed and a revised price received. Minute concluded.
7.13. Sandbags – Work completed at the yard behind the Captain Cook School Museum, and the sandbags were in place. A combination lock would be attached to the door and the number given to the Councillors. Minute concluded.
7.14. Traffic calming during flooding – Highways had responded and stated the issue was beyond their control and a matter for the Police, they could provide flood boards although these would not necessarily be a deterrent. The Police had not responded. Minute concluded.
7.15. Block road drains and flooding – Highways had inspected the culvert at Station and Newton Roads on 29th November. Cllr. Fletcher reported that during the heavy rainfall on 16th January this area flooding badly, impacting businesses on Park Square and Rise, and flowing down Park Rise to the river. This had safety implications for pedestrians and it was noted that cars where driving too fast through the flooded areas. Highways attended site, a temporary solution was found which highlighted a problem with the culvert and/or between the culvert and the gully. The Clerk was asked to write to Highways, forwarding pictures taken. Minute continued.
8.0 Accounts
9.0 Correspondence
Payments B Johnson (Allotment Deposit Refund) 20.00 C. L. Prosser & Co Ltd (Skip Hire) 172.50 Farmway (Rat Poison, Gloves for Cemetery Superintendent)) 68.77 Ms J Cumbor (General Admin, Sweets/Cards for Xmas, Mileage) 137.15 Cleveland Search and Rescue (Carol Service Collection) 252.35 Rural Action Yorkshire (Yearly Subscription Renewal) Yes or No? NO The Royal Oak (Carol Service, Band Refreshments) 69.65 Snilesworth Trust (Christmas Tree) 115.00 Richard Collins (Grave Digging) 80.00 R D Alderson Agricultural Contractor (Hedge cutting Allotments) 155.25 B E Johnson Builder (Clearing drains, erecting scaffold Village Hall Aug09) 395.31 B E Johnson Builder (Removal of ceiling and stud partition) 1,360.65 B E Johnson Builder (Repair to roof) 1,759.30 Thompson’s Hardware (Items for Cemetery) 59.75 Sam Turner & Sons (Door Furniture for Sand Bag Store) 39.57 Northumbrian Water (Water – Cemetery, Direct Debit) 6.98 Northumbrian Water (Water – Allotments, Direct Debit) 50.14 Paul Suggitt (Qtrly River Warden Nov/Dec/Jan, and work to Storage Area) 287.50 Bilsdale Tree Services (Hedge Laying adjacent to Yatton House) 898.10 A Hill & Sons Ltd (Purchase of cherry tree for High Green) 183.59 Hambleton District Council (Salaries Oct/Nov/Dec) 7,539.87 Total 13,651.43 Receipts Grave Reservations 183.00 Carol Service Collection (For Cleveland Search & Rescue) 252.35 HM Revenue (VAT Refund) 444.44 Santa Float Collection 376.91 D Bailey (Garage Rent) 10.00 Cemetery Receipts (Dec/Jan) 888.00 Yatton House (Rent) 500.00 Total 2,654.70
9.1. Mr Ross – Flooding Hollygarth Bridge plus response sent 14/12/09.
9.2. Middlesbrough Council – Invitation to comment on Grove Hill Urban Design.
9.3. HDC – Stokesley Area Forum Meeting 18/01/09 7pm Civic Centre, Northallerton.
9.4. North Yorkshire District and County Councils – Newsline (newsletter).
9.5. HDC – Update Paper (newsletter), articles about Allotment Survey and support to develop Play Spaces.
9.6. Rt. Hon. William Hague – Fete 2010.
9.7. HDC – LDF and DPD documents being submitted to Secretary of State, plus CD.
9.8. NYCC – Closure of A173 from 01/02/10 for approximately 3 days. The Clerk was asked to write to NYCC to request the use of temporary traffic lights or a convoy bi-directional system.
9.9. HDC – Confirmation of change of address The Flat 59 Newton Road to 59a Newton Road.
9.10. HDC – Confirmation of alias removed and number reinstated for The Hollies, 41 Station Road.
9.11. HDC – Stokesley & Villages Cycleway Group Consultation (email). The Clerk was asked to write a letter of support for the provision of a cycleway between Great Ayton and Stokesley.
9.12. NYCC – Update on Severe Winter Weather and Service. The Clerk was asked to write and state that the Parish Council believe Highways did remarkably well given the conditions.
9.13. NYCC – Agenda for County Committee for HDC 18/01/10 2pm at County Hall Northallerton.
9.14. NYMPNA – Invitation to comment on LDF - Consultation on Draft Renewable Energy Supplementary Planning document. Plus Draft Housing Supplementary Planning Document.
9.15. NYMNPA – Northern Area Parish Forum, Minutes for 17/11/09 and invitation to add items to the Agenda for the Meeting on 18/02/10 at 7pm at Sleights Village Hall, plus notice for Board.
9.16. NYMNPA – Agenda for Planning Committee Meeting on 21/01/10 at 10am.
9.17. NYMNPA – Leaflet about Walking with Dogs in the North York Moors.
9.18. NYMPNA – Community Access Improvements (LEADER Projects) - invitation to submit brief outline of potential circular routes/access improvements for the Parish.
9.19. Mrs Hodgson – Report concerning snow clearing around Frankfield Mews/Cleveland Street
9.20. Quiescent – Tender to continue supplying website services for one more year. The Tender was accepted, the Clerk was asked to confirm.
9.21. NYCC – Dikes Lane and Gribdale Winter Road Maintenance. The Clerk was asked to write to the County Councillor to request representations be made to change the priority level of Dikes Lane to match Station Rd.
9.22. HDC – Stokesley eng-AGE in Sport information plus notice for Board.
9.23. Steve Shaw, Sustainable Communities Act, Amended Bill – Alistair Burt MP adopted as his private members bill, 260 MPs so far signed Early Day Motion 14, looking for more support.
9.24. Mr Hillyer – Seeking views on Hospital Trust Services. After discussions it was felt that views were mainly personal to individuals, the Clerk was asked to write a letter of thanks.
9.25. HDC Geoff Lodge – Problem Solving Group, next meeting 10/02/10, 10am Methodist Hall.
9.26. Great North Air Ambulance – Fund Raising Letter and request.
The following items of information were received:-
9.27. CPRE – Quarterly Newsletter.
9.28. Fleximas –External Environment Product Review includes play area surfaces and equipment.
9.29. Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) – Practitioners Conference 26/27 February.
9.30. SLCC – Conference Programme 2010.
9.31. National Assoc. Of Local Councils (NALC) – Conference & Events Survey, Training/Development Survey.
9.32. NALC – Invitation to subscribe to Direct Information Services Newsletter (email).
9.33. Action for Market Towns (AMT) –Promote local High Street and Businesses Survey.
9.34. AMT – Help Your Local High St and notification of Shop Local Seminar 25/02/10 (emails).
9.35. Rural Services Network – Newsletter (email).
9.36. HDC – Housing Enable Newsletter (email).
9.37. Clerk & Councils Direct Magazines x 2 with product brochures/leaflets for Play Areas, and Councils’ Suppliers Guide and Yearbook.
9.38. Notts Sport (UK) Ltd – Advertising leaflet for Play Area surfaces.
9.39. RoSPA – Brochure.
9.40. Rural Action Yorkshire – Quarterly Magazine. Articles - managing community halls, matched funding.
9.41. Rural Services Network – Information concerning free service to local people and organizations concerning transforming land and buildings (email).
9.42. Laura Sheridan – Brochures and samples of products (greetings cards, wrapping paper, etc), request to hire a table for the Fete. The Clerk was asked to write and confirm request.
9.43. NYMNPA – List of Committee Members.
9.44. AMT – Free access to “Sustainable Toolkit” for community groups (email).
10.0 Planning applications
10.1. Permanent Retention of existing Vic Hallam Unit at Roseberry CP School – No observations.
10.2. Demolition of car port at 71 High Street – No observations.
10.3. Creation of new drive and retaining walls, gates and stone piers to facade at 71 High Street – No observations.
10.4. Conversion of loft space with dormer windows to front and rear at 18 Angrove Close – No observations.
10.5. Single storey extension to existing Health Centre, Rosehill – agreed by email no observations.
10.6. Replacement of flat roof with pitched roof at 3 Byemoor Close – No observations.
10.7. Construction of replacement garage at 72 Marwood Drive, plus amended plans
• Objection letters received from a neighbour – Draw HDC attention to this letter.
10.8. Alterations and extensions to former farm buildings to form conference facilities with associated tea room and car parking at East Angrove, Stokesley Road – Highway concerns.
10.9. Proposed works to 4 trees – Christ Church – Replacement Lime tree.
10.10. Proposed works to 7 trees – 4 Old Mill Wynd – Insufficient evidence to support work, only 4 trees shown.
10.11. Proposed work to hedge and trees – 69a High Street – No observations.
10.12. Construction of 12 dwellings between Linden Grove and the Cemetery
• Comments/pictures received from a neighbour with reference to drainage – See point 4.3 above.
10.13. Proposed loft conversion and dormer windows to front – 3 High Street – No observations.
10.14. Proposed loft conversion and dormer windows to front and back – 8 Angrove Close – No observations.
10.15. Change of use from Class B1 to Class Sui Generis (beauty salon/complimentary therapy) – 16 High Street
• Objection email from a neighbour – Parking issues, access required at all times to No.18 (bungalow), 2 hairdressers within a 50 metre radius.
Approved
10.16. Crown lifting of sycamore and holly tree – The Vicarage.
10.17. Change of use of shop (A1) to fish and chip shop (A5) 109-111 High Street.
10.18. Proposed conservatory to rear of existing dwelling – 84 Newton Road.
Appeal Allowed
10.19. Part demolition and extension of existing dwelling, plus construction of new dwelling at 5 Byemoor Avenue.
11.0 Other Items
11.1. The Christmas Events went very well, the Band was very good and the Runners to the Float did an excellent job with collections. £252.35 was raised at the Carol Service and donated to the Cleveland Search and Rescue, and £376.91 collected during the Santa Float towards the cost of the Events. The Clerk was asked to write thank you letters to all involved.
11.2. It was agreed to extend the lease for the land at Yatton House for a further 2 years with the same conditions and price; although Yatton House would be asked to pay the legal costs.
11.3. The AGM will need to be held at the Friend’s Meeting House, dates put forward were 13th or 14th April.
11.4. Fete – the theme was to be agreed at a later date but it was felt it would possibly be “celebrations”; there would be one Class for the Fancy Dress. The Clerk was asked to write letters to invite nominated people to be Judges, and the Responsible Officer for the float procession; some of the Councillors would be the Stewards.
12.0 Councillors’ Reports
12.1. Cllr. Readman
• Advised the Captain Cook’s Day of Sail would be 27th October, support was requested from the Parish Council.
• Proposed that the December Meeting on 28th (a Bank Holiday) be cancelled and that the meeting of 30th November move to 7th December, this was accepted. It was also noted that the Meeting Calendar incorrectly showed the March Date as 30th and it should be 23rd March. A revised Calendar would be issued by the Clerk.
• Suggested that perhaps the Parish Council could arrange for the Cemetery Superintendent to grit some footpaths for accessibility to shops during the bad weather, discussion followed but the idea was not adopted.
12.2. Cllr. Fletcher
• Reported that the coping stones at the bottom of the railings along Waterfall Terrace (outside Suggitt’s) needed to be reset, the Clerk was asked to contact NYCC about this. Minute continued.
The date of the next meeting will be Tuesday 23rd February 2010, in the Captain Cook Museum Shop.