LANGTHORPE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

 

Held on Tuesday, 23rd September, 2003 at 7.30p.m.

Coronation Hall, Langthorpe.

 

Present                       Chairman –                   Cllr. C. Elstob

                                    Vice Chairman -           Cllr. M. Fisher

                                                                        Cllr. M. Collins

                                                                        Cllr. L.R. Gill

                                                                        Cllr. K. Saunders

                                                                       

                                    Clerk                            I. M. Ward

 

 

1.                  Apologies: Apologies received from Cty. Cllr. C. Wilson and Cllr. K. Ouldridge.

 

2.                  Minutes of meeting held on 13th August, 2003

 

The minutes of the above meeting were approved, proposed by Cllr. M. Collins, seconded by Cllr. M. Fisher.

 

3.                  Matters Arising

 

·        Picnic Area

 

Cllr. L. Gill along with the Clerk, Isabel Ward inspected the car park following damage incurred by British Waterways whilst they carried out work on the Salmon Ladders.  It was agreed this part of the tarmac should be reinstated – British Waterways has this job in hand and it will be done as soon as possible.  British Waterways has also volunteered to remove a large mound of trees, branches and roots etc. from the area.  This will enhance the appearance of the area.

 

The subject of litterbins is on the agenda for the Parish Consultation Meeting Group 2 that will be held on the 6th November, 2003.  Hopefully there will be a favourable outcome at this meeting and the bins will, therefore, be emptied on a regular basis thus alleviating the problems of overflowing litter in the Picnic Area.

 

The Clerk reported that she had written to Farm and Land Services Ltd. pointing out that their hedge cutting was not quite accurate and that gradually the picnic area sign was being obscured.  They were asked to rectify this the next time they cut the hedge.

 

The question of the dead Alder tree was discussed.   The Clerk reported that she had sought the advice of the Planning Department on the question of the removal of this tree and the replacement of a new alder tree. 

 

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Since this tree was already dead no planning permission was needed for its removal prior to the planting of a new tree. Cllr. L. Gill agreed to attend to the planting of a new tree when the season is correct.  The replacement alder is being donated.

 

·        Speeding on Skelton Road

 

The Clerk reported that she had written to Highways Department at Fulford, York requesting that the 30mph sign should be made more prominent e.g with a yellow surround as suggested. That SLOW should be written on the road at both end of Skelton Road and that red strips should be painted on the road at either end of the village.  She reported that she had not had a reply to her letter of 13th August.  She was requested to write again requesting to be informed of their intentions.

 

 

·        Neighbourhood Watch

 

The Clerk reported that she had had a reply from Mrs. Karen Burton volunteering to represent The Croft.  Apart from this she had had no response to any of the recent publicity.  It was agreed that the Councillors would make personal approaches to various residents asking for their help to join the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.  When we have a few more volunteers to correctly represent the various areas within the Parish then a Neighbourhood Watch Meeting will be convened.

 

·        Notice Boards

 

Cllr. M. Collins reported that he had not yet applied for funding for the Boards.  This should be an item for the agenda at the next meeting.

 

·        Cottages

 

It was reported that Nu Era had fitted the new windows satisfactorily.

 

Cllr. L. Gill reported that he had spent two days digging up and rodding out the drains at Holly Cottage.  He had cemented the drains and fitted a new grate at a cost of £3.41. He was thanked for his hard work.

 

No quotation had been received from Mr. J. Lafford for the various items of pointing etc.  The Clerk requested to remind him about the job.

 

The steps at Rose Cottage and Holly Cottage need to be painted with non-slip paint which Cllr. M. Collins is looking for the right product.

 

 

 

 

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·        Skateboard Park

 

It was reported that there is a proposal in hand for a skateboard Park to be installed in the bottom car park at Boroughbridge High School. These negotiations were started prior to receiving a report from Ewan Wardell, a resident in Langthorpe.  A copy of the report was sent to Councillors, Cty Cllr. Clifford Wilson and all Community officials.  Boroughbridge Town Council will respond to Mr Wardell’s report following their meeting at the beginning of October.

 

·        Langthorpe Parish Council Web Site

                                     

Cllr. Fisher demonstrated on his laptop computer just how far he had progressed in the setting up of the Council’s web site. Already it contains a history of the Parish, minutes of meetings, and many interesting photographs etc.  The Clerk was requested to insert an item in both the Ripon Gazette and Beyond the Pews, the Parish Magazine informing parishioners of the web site (www.langthorpe.net) and requesting the sight and use of any old photographs  or documents etc  (all photographs , documents etc. borrowed for copying only and returned to the owners as soon as possible.)

 

The cost of setting up the web site was £125.70 including VAT for two years – this cost to be reimbursed to Cllr. M. Fisher.

 

·        Paths and Hedges

 

It was reported that the encroaching grass verge on Leeming Land has been cut back. The Clerk reported that she had contacted Highways Department requesting them to inspect any overhanging hedges etc. within the Parish.

 

·        Village Map

 

It was reported that this is still in progress.

 

·        Diarama

 

      Cllr. M. Collins reported that the drawings are in the process of being done.

     

·        Christmas Lights

 

Cllr. M. Collins reported that he had given notes out to all occupants of properties that might be affected by the installation of Christmas lights in the parish.  One occupant did not reply but apart from this everyone was in favour. The question of cost was discussed.  It was unanimously agreed that we should not undertake an expenditure on Christmas lights this year in

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view of the costly renovations to Holly Cottage and the ensuing Public Works Loan repayments.  It would, however, be discussed next year.  The Clerk was requested to write to Mr. Richard Wilson of the Chamber of  Trade with our decision.

 

·        Correspondence as received by 23rd September, 2003

 

It was agreed that the Clerk should reply to the letter from Louise Heaps, North Yorkshire County Council re the name and address of the Chairman as follows:

 

The Chairman is now Cllr. M. Fisher, 16 Greenholme Close Langthorpe, Boroughbridge, York YO51 9GA Tel. 01423-326059

Email: mikefisher@uk2.net

 

The correspondence re the precept 2004/5 was discussed and a decision will be deferred until the next meeting.

 

There are certain implications regarding the Play Area – i.e. is the development of the Maltings going ahead?  If this development goes ahead then there will be a substantial amount from this to go towards the Play Area.  The Clerk requested to contact Mr. Alastair Wood to find out what the situation is plus what Mr. Colin Murray-Brown from the Historic Buildings is doing.

 

·        Financial Report

   

The Clerk reported the following balances:

 

Current Account                             £1,880.91

High Rate Account                         £3,726.64

 

The following expenditure was approved:

 

Johnston :Publishing (tenders advert)                                     £67.23

Nu Era Windows (Holly Cottage)                                       £835.00

Clerk’s fees & expenses                                                     £132.89

Farm & Land (grass cutting)                                               £347.80

M. Fisher (web site)                                               £125.70

L.R. Gill (drain grate)                                                              £3.41

 

The above expenditure was proposed by Cllr. C. Elstob, seconded by Cllr. M. Collins.

 

Another repayment to the Public Works Loan Board will be made in January 2004

 

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·        Planning and Outcomes  as received by 23rd September 2003

 

Demolition of Silverdale and erection of one replacement dwelling- N/O

Langthorpe Parish Council would be opposed to more than one development.

 

Extension to West View, Langthorpe, Mr. & Mrs. Helliwell – refused.

 

Cllr. M. Collins reported that Mr. P. Nicholson had requested copies of the three site plans for the kitchen extension and barn development at the Fox and Hounds.  This was discussed but as the plans were copyright it would not be possible for us to supply copies. The plans will be available at Harrogate Borough Council.  Cllr. M. Collins to inform Mr. Nicholson.

 

·        Any Other Business

 

Cllr. M. Fisher reported that there appeared to be drug problem under the A1M/A168 bridge  It was agreed that the Clerk should write to the Highways Department requesting that they padlock the gate to the track running adjacent to the A168 in an effort to remove the drugs problem from this area.   It was noted that emergency services would require access to this area.

 

·        Updates on Sub Committees

 

There were no updates

    

·        Fishing Rights

 

It was agreed that this item should have been agreed at that last meeting.

It was agree that the Fishing Rights Fee should  remain

the same as last year at a rate of £250.00 in view of British

Waterways operations and occupation of the car park.

 

The Clerk was requested to write to British Waterways requesting information regarding the areas within the Parish they own and who has fishing rights.

 

·        Grass Cutting Tenders

 

There was only one tender – i.e. from Farm and Land Services Ltd. – it was agreed that this should be adopted.  The Clerk requested to write indicating our acceptance and enclosing two copies of our contract – one to be retained by them and one to be returned to the Parish Council.  The contract to be for cutting the hedges in June and September  (£23 per cut) and the grass to be cut 13 times a year (£37 per cut)

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·        MSA Update

 

There was no update

 

At the end of the meeting Cllr. C. Elstob resigned from her post of Chairman. Cllr. M. Fisher agreed to become our new Chairman and was duly elected by the other Councillors attending the meeting.

L Cllr. Elstob was thanked for her hard work during her time as Chairman and was duly elected by the councillors present into the post of Vice Chair.

 

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.30p.m. 

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 18th November 2003.