Minutes of a Meeting of Great Ayton Parish Council
Held on Tuesday 18th May 2010 at 7.00 pm
Present
Councillors Mrs. F. Greenwell (Chairman), R. Kirk, Mrs. J. Imeson, N. Waters, G. Readman and D. Conroy,
Inspector A. Criddle, County Councillor Mrs. H. Moorhouse, Mr. H. Atkinson, Mr. P. Suggitt and Mr. Brook, Chairman of Friends’ School (Great Ayton) Management Committee.
1.0 Apologies
Cllr. J. Fletcher. Apologies received from Cllr. Waters for late arrival at 7.10pm.
2.0 Election of Officers
2.1. Cllr. Mrs. Greenwell thanked her fellow Councillors and the Clerk for their support through the Year.
2.2. The Clerk called for nominations of Chairman; Cllr. Mrs. Imeson proposed Cllr. Kirk, seconded by Cllr. Mrs. Greenwell and unanimously agreed.
2.3. Cllr. Kirk thanked the Council for the appointment, and extended his thanks to Cllr. Mrs. Greenwell for the prior Year’s chairmanship.
2.4. Cllr. Kirk called for nominations for Vice Chairman; Cllr. Mrs. Greenwell proposed Cllr. Readman, seconded by Cllr. Mrs. Imeson and unanimously agreed.
3.0 Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 20th April 2010 were approved and signed.
4.0 Police Business
4.1. April Statistics
April statics received. Insp. Criddle stated that there was an average of 1.5 crimes per day over the Hambleton North Region; this was lower than the set target; however surveys in Great Ayton indicated confidence levels were low. Discussions highlighted possible causes for the mismatch, items highlighted were: communication issues, lack of PCSO contact details, low level visible policing, no publication of Police Statistics and no Police surgeries. The Clerk was asked to write to the Police regarding Police surgeries and to put the monthly Statistics on the notice board.
4.2. Speeding and Speed Matrix
Insp. Criddle confirmed that Sgt. Walther had completed forms requesting speed matrix boxes. It was noted that responses from the Road Safety Partnership were slow, Insp. Criddle suggested that a member of the Partnership be invited to a Parish Meeting; the Councillors and Insp. Criddle offered to arrange.
5. Council Services
5.1. Cemetery
5.1.1. Tree maintenance - no further work had taken place. Minute continued.
5.2. Allotments
5.2.1. A letter of concern had been received regarding car parking outside the Allotments on Guisborough Road. It was felt that the new car parking area in the Allotments should help ease the problem. It was noted that North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) had not placed any parking limitations along Guisborough Road. The Clerk was asked to reply. Minute concluded.
5.2.2. Details of a complaint from a Skottowe Drive resident were advised concerning the new car parking area in the Allotments. The decision to make the new car park was made in 2009 to reducing parking in areas outside of the Allotments, including Skottowe Drive. The Clerk was asked to reply. Minute concluded.
5.2.3. It was reported that break ins had taken place in the last week, the Police were aware. Minute concluded.
5.3. Waterfall Park
5.3.1. Additional work at the Urinal remains outstanding. Minute continued.
5.4. Play Area
5.4.1. Painting outstanding. Minute continued.
5.5. The Riverside
5.5.1. Maintenance to stone path and step outstanding. Minute continued.
5.6. Flower Tubs
5.6.1. Two new sponsors had been found, with a third coming forward in memory of a previous High Street trader, it was agreed to allow this sponsorship. Minute concluded.
5.6.2. The Workingmen’s Club had confirmed they were withdrawing sponsorship of the planting at the Village Sign Posts. Minute concluded.
6.0 River
6.1. The Environment Agency (EA) met with Cllrs. Mrs. Greenwell and Fletcher, they agreed to monitor the gravel shoals. Minute concluded.
6.2. The EA said the flow deflector solution could only be done when funding became available. Minute continued.
6.3. The River Warden reported that he had cleared out a lot of rubbish from the river; work to the river banks ongoing. Minute concluded.
7.0 Matters arising from the minutes
7.1. Village Hall
7.1.1. The rear of the building was structurally complete; it was noted the painting of the walls would need to wait for 3 months minimum until the special damp proof plaster had dried. The kitchen design was under way. Work to the front of the building would start in due course. Minute continued.
7.1.2. It was agreed to waive the Drama Group Quarterly Rent, the Clerk was asked to confirm. Minute concluded.
7.1.3. It was advised that the over 12 years Youth Club wished to continue using Yatton House. Cllr. Kirk stated he had received further enquiries about use of the Village Hall; County Cllr. Mrs. Moorhouse said it might be possible to receive funding for other youth groups to be set up which could use the Hall. Minute concluded.
7.2. Flood Water Storage Area – Cllr. Waters reported that a meeting with Clive Thornton of NYCC remained outstanding. It was possible the Parish Council may have to pay for this work, but acceptance by NYCC would be required. Cllr. Waters agreed to set up a meeting with Mr. Brook and Cllr. Fletcher. Minute continued.
7.3. School Lane Gate – Mr. Brook suggested that two or three kerbstones could be removed and replaced with a plate to allow flood water to flow directly into the River. County Cllr. Mrs. Moorhouse offered to arrange a meeting with Highways, Mr. Brook, herself and anyone from the Parish Council who wanted to attend; the Parish Council agreed that this should take place. Minute continued.
7.4. Low Green Footbridge – The Clerk confirmed the non slip surface was complete. Minute concluded.
7.5. Footpath Easby Lane to Suggitt’s Field – Public Rights of Way (PROW) confirmed No. 12 on the priority list. Minute continued.
7.6. Footpath behind Cliffe Terrace – PROW confirmed this was No. 95 on the priority list. Minute continued.
7.7. Blocked road drains – Corner of Station and Newton Road – The gulley had been jetted at second time. It was felt nothing further could be achieved at this stage. Minute concluded.
7.8. Flooding from Fields – Angrove Close – Hambleton District Council (HDC) and the Agents for the field owners were exploring possible solutions. Minute concluded.
7.9. Waterfall Terrace – Highways will revisit site to complete work. Minute continued.
7.10. Yatton House Lease – Documentation received and signed by Cllr. Kirk. Minute concluded.
7.11. Dog Fouling and Fly Tipping
7.11.1. John Proud of HDC agreed to put up posters along Romany and Newton Roads. Minute continued.
7.11.2. The Clerk had read an article in the magazine for the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) article “Tackling Dog Fouling”, it was agreed that the Clerk would investigate other Council practises. Minute continued.
7.11.3. The Clerk reported that a leaflet drop in the Herald & Post free paper would cost approximately £45, it was agreed that the Clerk should arrange this. Minute concluded.
7.12. It was advised many trees on Newton Road had ivy growing on them; they all seemed to be in leaf. Cllr. Conroy stated one had a dead branch; the Clerk was instructed to ask Highways to look into this. Minute concluded.
7.13. The Clerk advised of the costs for a bench in memory of Mrs Donnelly (to be paid by the Donnelly Family), these were high due to the additional cost of a concrete base; alternative solutions were to be sought. Minute continued.
8.0 Accounts
9.0 Correspondence
Payments Mrs. A. Fletcher (Flowers for baskets at Public Conveniences) 12.95 W. Eves & Co. Ltd (Petrol for Tractor/Mower) DD 83.07 Farmway (Roundup) 174.36 E. Harrison (Grass Cutting Apr/May) 705.00 G. A. Marwood (Allotment ½ yearly rent) 250.00 SLCC (2 Day Course for Clerk) 188.00 Ms J. S. Cumbor (printer ink, collection buckets, telephone calls) 172.66 Captain Cook Schoolroom Museum Trust (Refund HDC cheque) 100.00 Richard Collins (Grave Digging x 1, Allotment car park, Allotment drainage) 980.00 HDC (Salaries Jan/Feb/ Mar) 7,455.18 B E Johnson (Village Hall Contract 5,392.50, Extras 9,257.05) 14,649.55 Total 24,770.77 Receipts Grave Reservations 62.00 D Bailey (Garage Rent) 10.00 Cemetery Receipts (May) 908.00 Flower Tub renewals 140.00 HDC (Day of Sail Prize Money, see Payments) 100.00 Northern Electric (Way leave) 17.25 HM Revenue & Customs (VAT Refund) 2,589.15 Hambleton District Council (½ yearly Precept) 16,250.00 Total 20,076.40
9.1. Ms Alport, Bradleys Terrace – Bradleys Terraces sign taken down from 143 Newton Road. The Clerk advised this had been brought to the attention of HDC.
9.2. Stokesley Parish Council – Letter regarding bench on bridge at the flood relief channel A173. The Clerk was asked to have this inspected to see if it could be repaired, if not it should be removed.
9.3. Mrs. Jewitt/Mrs. Stewart – Complaints about Disabled Toilet at Public Conveniences. The Clerk confirmed this had been reported to HDC who had fixed the broken seat and responded to the complaints.
9.4. Balfour Beatty/United Utilities – Further road closures for bottom end of High Street for 5 days from 17th May, work was not completed in April.
9.5. Sporting Lodge Inns, Stainton – Request to advertise on the Great Ayton PC Website. The Clerk was asked to forward the details of the Stream Great Ayton website.
9.6. HDC – Stokesley Area Forum notification and poster, Monday 19th July.
9.7. HDC – Parliamentary Election Nominated Persons and Polling Station location notices.
9.8. HDC – Housing Needs Survey, Great Ayton due Q4 2015. To be completed nearer the due date.
9.9. HDC – Registration of new dwellings Linden Close.
9.10. HDC – Stokesley and Great Ayton Intergenerational Duke of Edinburgh Project Group, invitation to presentation on 19th May at 4.15pm in Stokesley Library. Cllr. Kirk would attend.
9.11. HDC – Poster of Declaration of Result of Poll 6th May.
9.12. North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) – Parish Charter Consultation, responses due 15th July; details emailed to Councillors. Cllr. Kirk to complete.
9.13. NYCC – Local Transport Plan 3, Phase 2 Consultation 4th May to 23rd July, information received include draft executive summary and questionnaire; N.B. exhibition at Northallerton outside the Town Hall on 5th June; details emailed to Councillors. County Cllr. Mrs. Moorhouse confirmed she was in dialogue concerning train services.
9.14. NYCC – Road Closure High Street 5 days from 26th April.
9.15. NYCC – Road Closure High Street 5 days 17th May.
9.16. NYCC – Pension Newsletter (email) and Pension Fund Active Member’s Newsletter.
9.17. NYCC – Minerals Core Strategy 1st Consultation Document; details emailed to Councillors. The Clerk was asked to check HDC were looking after the Region’s interests.
9.18. NYCC – County Committee for Hambleton Meeting 24th May at 2pm in County Hall, Northallerton.
9.19. NYCC – Putting People First Newsletter.
9.20. North York Moors National Park Authority (NYMNPA) – Management Plan Questionnaire, due 21st May.
9.21. NYMNPA – Moorsbus Network, poster and timetable. Timetable to be placed in the notice board.
9.22. NYMPNA – Agenda Planning Committee 20th May 10am at Helmsley.
9.23. NYMPNA – List of Members and Moors Messenger Paper May2010.
9.24. SLCC – Regional Conference Shotton Hall, Peterlee on 8th June; subjects will included Village Halls – making them work.
Following items of information were received:-
9.25. Rural Services Community – 3 x Weekly Newsletters.
9.26. Rural Services Network – Parish Newsletter.
9.27. Action for Market Towns (AMT) – Newsletter.
9.28. Campaign to Protect Rural England – Spring Magazine.
9.29. SMP Products – Invitation to Playfair 22-23 June at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry.
9.30. Abortech Tree Specialists – Introduction to services.
9.31. Record RSS Ltd – Play area design leaflet.
9.32. External Environment Product Review Brochure – Mainly play area advertisements.
9.33. Kompan Playground Product Brochure.
10.0 Planning applications
10.1. Proposed replacement garage to existing dwelling – 39 Byemoor Avenue – No Observations.
10.2. Proposed single storey extension to rear of existing dwelling – 1 Greenacre Close – No Observations.
10.3. Proposed single storey extension to existing dwelling – 63 Skottowe Crescent – No Observations.
10.4. Proposed detached domestic garage with games room above – Garden House, Station Road – No Observations.
10.5. Proposed rear extension to existing dwelling – 76 Wainstones Close – No Observations.
Approved
10.6. Revised application for extension to rear of existing dwelling – 41 Wainstones Close.
11.0 Other Items
11.1. Fete
11.1.1. It was agreed ground rent for rides and float prize money would remain at 2008 values, but fancy dress prize money would increase to 1st £10, 2nd £5 and 3rd £3.
11.1.2. Flowers should be ordered for the Judges, similar cost as prior years.
11.1.3. The Clerk trusted the Councillors had all reviewed the Parade Safety Plan. It was agreed that the Stewards at the Low Green would be Cllr. Fletcher and Ray Pinder; High Green – Cllr. Readman. Cllrs. Mrs. Greenwell and Conroy would be on collection duty. Cllrs. Mrs. Imeson and Kirk would be at the High Green with the Judges. Cllr. Waters would be able to assist with setting up the stalls and bandstand in the morning only.
11.1.4. The Clerk would ask the Commentator if he would be able to collect the parade forms from the Low Green.
11.1.5. Vouchers for refreshments would be given to the Band.
11.1.6. It was agreed the Clerk could arrange for Fete leaflets to be put in the Herald & Post.
11.1.7. It was decided that the Police Community Vehicle and the RAF Careers Unit could be parked alongside the High Green (opposite the Shops).
11.2. Insurance Quotes
The Clerk confirmed the Zurich insurance had originally only covered the Village Hall for property damage. The final quote would be approximately £2,200 although the final premium cost had not as yet been given. Zurich appeared to be a trusted and experienced Council insurance provider. It was agreed to give the business to Zurich and for the cheque to be signed outside a Council Meeting if necessary.
11.3. Final Accounts 2009/10, Mazars Audit Report and Annual Governance Statement
The Final Accounts and Annual Governance Statement were approved and signed, along with the Mazars Audit Report information.
12.0 Councillors’ Reports
12.1.1. Cllr. Conroy advised that loose gravel was collecting in the areas painted with white diagonal stripes along Guisborough Road; he felt these should be swept. The Clerk was asked to notify Highways.
12.1.2. Cllr. Waters advised that the Great Ayton Under 13 Junior Football Team had won the League match at the weekend, 14-1. The Clerk was asked to send a letter of congratulations to the Manager.
12.1.3. Cllr. Waters queried why chairmanship of the Council was only 1 year. It was decided to discuss this at a future meeting in conjunction with the Standing Orders.
12.1.4. Cllr. Mrs. Greenwell reported on behalf of Cllr. Fletcher that complaints had been made to him about the poor condition of the footpath opposite the Buck Hotel. This had been passed to the County Councillor. It was agreed that all items should be passed through the Clerk who would liaise with the County Councillor and other Council Departments where appropriate.
12.1.5. Cllrs. Mrs. Imeson expressed congratulations to both Cllr. Fletcher in his new role as Chairman of HDC, and to Cllr. Kirk in his role at Deputy Leader HDC. The Clerk was asked to forward letters of congratulations.
The date of the next meeting will be Tuesday 15th June 2010, in the Captain Cook Museum Shop.