LANGTHORPE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

 

Held on Tuesday, 19th July 2005 at 7.30p.m..

Coronation Hall, Langthorpe

 

          Present                       Chairman                      Cllr. M. Fisher

                                               

                                                                                    Cllr. M. Collins

                                                                                    Cllr. L.R. Gill

                                                                                    Cllr. D. Grinstead

 

                                                Clerk                            I.M. Ward

 

1.         Welcome

 

The Chairman welcomed the Councillors in attendance also the three applicants for the vacant post of Councillor.  They were in attendance to give a short presentation prior to a secret ballot.

 

2.         Apologies

 

Apologies were received from Dist. Cllr. N. Wilson, Cllr. J. Burton and P.C. Neil Waite.

 

3.         Declaration of Interests

 

            Cllr. L. Gill declared an interest in item 9  (extension to Rose Villa).

 

4.         Interviews of prospective new councillors

 

Each applicant for the vacant post of councillor was asked to give a presentation about themselves and their interest in becoming a councillor.  They were then each interviewed by the attending councillors.  At the end of the interviews a secret ballot ensued.  As a result of this ballot Mr. David Fearnside was elected. The Clerk was requested to write to the three applicants informing them of the outcome and thanking them for their attendance.

 

5.         Minutes of the last meeting held on 10th May, 2005

 

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Proposed by Cllr. M Collins, seconded by Cllr. L. Gill.  It was agreed that any amendments made to the draft minutes should be made on the hard copy,   Should there be any conflict of amendments the Clerk to consult with the Chairman who will adjudicate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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6.         Matters Arising

 

·        New Councillor Election

 

The election of the new councillor has already been minuted above.

 

·        Speed Signs

 

The Clerk reported that she had not been able to get a firm promise of when the new speed restriction signs will be erected.  The Highways Department at Fulford  cannot confirm when this will happen despite trying for 18 months to two years.  The Clerk requested to write to Cty. Cllr Watson requesting his help over the matter.

 

·        Parish Plan

 

As Cllr. N. Kieft left for his new life in America he left the Parish Plan folder with Cllr. M. Fisher.  At the moment all that has happened is the questionnaire has been completed and distributed. Only 10 completed questionnaires had been received, it was agreed that each Councillor should interview 20 households in each area in order to obtain a wider range of opinions.   Once this survey has been done it was agreed that another public meeting should be organised in September.  It was again stressed that members of the public should be encouraged to join the Parish Plan Committee.

 

·        Picnic Area

 

Cllr. Gill reported that gypsies had occupied the Picnic Area on their way to Appleby Fair.  Whilst they were there one picnic bench was stolen and one was set on fire.  There was a considerable amount of rubbish and mess left behind, also some damage to trees. The question of blocking access to the area at this time of year was discussed and it was agreed that we should install heavy-duty removable bollards over the entry.  It was felt that possibly two bollards would be necessary at a total cost of approximately £260.  Cllr. Gill agreed to obtain a catalogue.

 

It was agreed that we should purchase another picnic bench and the Clerk requested to contact John Lafford for a price to install one/two new picnic benches.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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·        Hedges

 

It was reported that Cllr. L. Gill will cut the hedge which is obscuring the sign by the picnic area.  Cllr. Gill also agreed to remove all the branches from the picnic area (these were as a result of Spring storm damage).

 

·        Youths gathering near Grantham Arms/Canal Island/Fencing

 

It was reported that P.C. Neil Waite is vigilant in this area and keeps moving the youths on.  It was agreed that there is a general improvement.  The Clerk reported that she had received a firm promise from North Yorkshire County Council that the fencing will be repaired.  They do not admit ownership of this area but as one off safety measure they putting the job on their Apprentice’s list and it will be attended to in due course.

 

·        Cottages

 

It was reported that the cost of replacing the front and back doors of Rose Cottage had been paid to Nu-Era, in the meantime they had ceased trading prior to the work being done.  Cllr Mike Fisher was trying to recover our money.

 

The Clerk was requested to get quotations from Orion and Euro Design for quotes for the replacement doors.  It was agreed that the doors should be replaced before winter.

 

The quotation from John Lafford to repair and replace guttering, rise and fall brackets, leaking joints and pointing at £148.00 was approved.  The Clerk requested to contact John and have the work done.

 

The Clerk reported that she had had a telephone call from Mrs. Morgan requesting a new sink drainer top.  It was agreed that Cllr. Burton should go and see the sink on his return from holiday.

 

·        Grass Cutting tender update.

 

Cllr. M. Collins produced a Tender Document to all Councillors.  He reported that he had received two requests for a tender.  One is from Farm & Land Services who cut the Picnic Area grass at present and the other is from a private individual in Boroughbridge.  It was hoped to find another two companies in the area who would wish to tender.  The new grass cutting agreements will start in 2006.  It was agreed that we should find out from Harrogate Borough Council if there is a time limit involved in cancelling the present grass cutting contract.

 

 

 

 

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·        Island Weeds

 

A discussion took place over the weeds in the village.  It was felt that they had been sprayed and they were now dying back on Skelton Road, Greenholme Close, Riverside Gardens and on the Roundabout.  It was agreed to review the situation later.  Cllr. Grinstead expressed his concern over the amount of Giant Hog-Weed which is now growing in the Parish.  He has volunteered to slash the weed in order to try and alleviate its infestation.

 

7.         Correspondence

 

·        Coronation Hall signage update

 

The Clerk reported that she had received a reply from Cty Cllr. Watson that such signage would cost £200 and that it would not be provided by the Authority.  It was agreed that this matter should be passed on to the Coronation Hall Management Committee who would be prepared to pay the cost.

 

·        Christmas Lights

 

The request from the Chamber of Trade to assist in the funding of extra Christmas lighting was discussed.  It was agreed that the proposed extension of the Christmas lights was welcomed and it was agreed that Langthorpe Parish Council would fund the project to a tune of £80 for each spiral within the Parish.

 

·        Complaints from 16 Riverside Gardens re Barge                    

 

A complaint from Mr.& Mrs. Hill of 16 Riverside Gardens regarding the mooring of a rusting barge opposite their property was discussed.  This barge was moored there after the finalisation of the Milby Cut Works undertaken by British Waterways Board. The Clerk requested to write to British Waterways requesting their help in the removal of the barge.   The Clerk also requested to send a copy of all correspondence to Boroughbridge Town Council.  The Clerk requested to write to Mr. & Mrs. Hill informing them of our actions.

 

·        County Councillor’s letter re attendance

 

The letter dated the 10th June from Cty Cllr. John Watson was discussed. He does intend to attend on the 20th September and will come each time NYCC business is on the agenda.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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·        Letter from Dog Warden

 

A letter has been received from Jill Collier, Environmental Protection Manager regarding queries over dog waste.    She has mad it clear that no dog waste can be disposed of at the Ripon Civic Amenity Site.  Dog waste can, however, be disposed of within normal domestic waste and in any litter-bins and dog waste bins.

           

·        Other Correspondence.

 

Langthorpe Play Area

 

A letter from Kirby Hill & Dist. Parish Council was read out regarding their possible withdrawal of funding for the above play area due to the fact that they are trying to find a kick about area within their parish.

 

In Court

 

The Clerk has received a letter from Inn Court informing her that the new licensee for the Fox and Hounds has been appointed.

 

8.         Financial

 

            Clerk’s Report

 

            The Clerk reported the following balances at the Bank:

                        High Rate Account                   £2,609.09

                        Current Account                       £2,251,78

 

            The following expenditure was approved:

 

                        Farm & Land Services              £205.62

 

                        Clerk’s expenses                                    £27.65

 

            The above expenses proposed by Cllr D. Grinstead, seconded by Cllr. L. Gill

           

 

 

Renewal of Website.

 

Cllr. M. Fisher reported that the renewal of the license for the Parish website is required.  This will be at an approximate cost of £98.95 + VAT.  This expenditure was proposed by Cllr. M. Collins, seconded by Cllr. D. Grinstead.

 

 

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Parish Councillor’s Guide

 

It was agreed that the Clerk should obtain a copy of this publication at a cost of £13.50 from Shaw’s and Sons.  This expenditure was proposed by Cllr. M Collins, seconded by Cllr. M. Fisher.

 

9.         Planning

 

·        Planning received by 13th July, 2005

 

Extension to Rose Villa

 

It would appear that no retrospective application for the extension has been submitted.  The Clerk requested to write to the Department of Development Services requesting an update on the situation.

 

Barley’s Farm (buildings/usage)

 

The Enforcement Officer visited the site that confirmed that it was being used for vehicle storage and valleting.  The owner has been approached regarding the change of use and he has indicated that he will apply for retrospective Planning Permission.

 

The Maltings

 

It was pointed out that there had been an article in the Sunday Telegraph of the 19th June regarding the proposed development at the Maltings.    The Clerk was requested to e-mail Colin Murray Brown congratulating him on the article and requesting an up-date on the development.

 

11 Langthorpe Park

 

Erection of extension to caravan- the outcome was no further action by the Authority.

 

Kirby Villa

 

Proposed fruit store and garage – approved

 

Mushroom Farm extension/conversion

 

There were no objections by the Council for this proposed development.

 

Jaynes Cottage extension and new vehicular access.

 

This is being circulated to the Councillors for comments.

 

 

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10.       Sub Committees

 

·        Joint Parish Meetings (15th September)

 

Closer Working Discussion

 

It was reported the Cllr. Gareth Owens is the new Chairman of the Joint Parish Meetings.  A brief resume was given of the Joint Parish Council Meetings and the minutes circulated.  The September meeting will discuss links between Kirby Hill and Langthorpe Parish Councils.

 

Footpaths

 

It is hoped in future to develop two circular footpaths routes to the north of the river.

 

·        Market Town Initiative/ Boroughbridge & District Community Partnership

 

There will be a further meeting at Boroughbridge High School on the 21st July, 2005.

 

·        Local Development Framework

 

Cllr. M. Collins gave a verbal update to the meeting.

 

·        Flood/Community Emergency Plan

 

Cllr. M. Fisher presented the meeting with a very impressive Emergency Plan which has now been completed.  Emergency stations would be set up at Boroughbridge Town Council Offices and the Coronation Hall.  The bound document has won the seal of approval from NYCC.

 

·        Neighbourhood Watch

 

There has been a delay in setting up this scheme.  The information sent to P.C. Neil Waite went astray. Photocopies have been sent to Don Paton.  A letter is about to be produced for all Co-ordinators to deliver to their district.

 

Police Liaison

 

The next Police Liaison Meeting will be held on the 12 th September 2005. It was agreed that all Police Liaison Meeting Minutes should be included in the folder circulated to Councillors.

 

 

 

 

 

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Play Area Update

 

Cllr. M. Collins reported that the project can go ahead once the Commuted Sums for the Maltings project are released.  Cllr. Collins has commissioned Mrs. Heather Chester to do soil sampling on the site.

 

11. AO.B. (received by 13th July, 2005 and listed below)

 

There have been several complaints about the poor state of the footpath along the riverside.  The Clerk requested to write to the Footpath expert of NYCC requesting him to come and examine the path and give his advice.

 

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.45p.m.

 

The next meeting will be held on the 20th September.

 

 

 

 

Signed                                                                                      Dated