LANGTHORPE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Held on Tuesday 25th September at 7.30 p.m.
The Old Barn, Langthorpe
Present: Chairman Cllr. M. Fisher
Vice Chairman Cllr. M. Collins
Cllr. D. Fearnside
Cllr. D. Grinstead
Clerk Isabel Ward
1. Welcome: Everyone was welcomed by the Chairman .
2. Apologies: Apologies received from Cty. Cllr. J. Watson, Cllr. J. Burton and Cllr L. R. Gill.
3. Declaration of Interest
There were no Declarations of Interest.
4 Minutes of the last meeting held on the 24th July, 2007
The above minutes were read and approved – proposed by Cllr. M. Collins, seconded by Cllr. M. Fisher.
5. Matters Arising
· Play Area
Cllr. Collins presented each member with a copy of the latest financial statement for the Play Area. It was agreed that the project was in a very satisfactory position with money in hand for signage tarmacing, legal costs etc.
The last inspection report was satisfactory . It was reported that the goal posts were rusty and the gate at the bottom of the ramp was slightly loose. There will be a further inspection.
A rota will be compiled for Councillors to take their turn to inspect the area and see to litter. This will be e-mailed shortly.
· Picnic Area
The Chairman reported that he had received information from Harrogate Borough Council about a dangerous willow tree which would require felling. Further enquiries and an internal inspection were carried out but no concrete information received.
· Cottages
The Annual Inspection of the cottages took place prior to the Council Meeting. It was reported that Holly Cottage was in need of some remedial carpentry work – e.g. hand rail, window frame, shed door beading round window etc. Cllr. M. Collins volunteered to meet John Lafford to discuss the matter. It was also noted that the chimney required vacuuming out to remove old debris.
A general discussion regarding the general management of the cottages then ensued.
· Footpath at back of Cottages
The Clerk reported that she had pursued the question of the uncut grass behind the cottages towards the reservoir. She had established with Yorkshire Water that they no longer own this reservoir. It is now owned by Kelan Developments. She passed all information to Cllr. Burton who was pursuing the matter further.
· Ownership of Canal Bank alongside Riverton
The Clerk reported that she had had a reply from British Waterways who are currently looking at their records regarding ownership of the land. This they are pursuing through the Land Registry. The Clerk requested to write to British Waterways again enquiring who progress has been made.
· Graffiti under canal bridge
It was reported that the graffiti under the canal bridge has now been painted over with special paint which will deter graffiti in the future.
· Rubbish Bin replacement near Fox & Hounds
The above subject was discussed at length. It was pointed out by Cllr. Grinstead that what would appear to be a good bin had been partially salvaged from the river in the picnic area. It was agreed that the bin should be recovered when the flood water recedes. Should the bin prove unsatisfactory then it was agreed that a green wooden bin should be purchased from Slingsby.
· Coronation Hall
It was reported that the plans are now in the hands of the Planning Department, Harrogate Borough :Council.
· Spring Bulbs.
It was reported that these have now arrived and that Cllr. Burton should be contacted regarding the location for planting.
· Potholes (Back Lane)
It was reported that the potholes have not yet been mended. The Clerk requested to contact Highways Department and report the matter again.
· Dangerous Railings on Roundabout
Cllr. Grinstead reported that he had noticed that some of the railings on the roundabout had become loose. The Clerk was requested to write to Highways Department to report the problem.
6. Correspondence as received by 19th September, 2007
· Code of Conduct.
The above was discussed at length and in particular paragraph 12 (2). It was agreed that this should be adopted – proposed by Cllr. Frearnside, seconded by Cllr. D. Grinstead. The Clerk requested to write immediately informing the Board.
· H.B.C. Local Development Plan
Affordable Housing.
It was reported that a proposal had been made that there should be 33 affordable houses in the Parish of Langthorpe. Cllr. Collin will draft a reply along with Cllr. Fisher.
Ellis’s Yard
There was nothing to report
· NYCC – Boroughbridge area service centre transportation strategy.
It was agreed that this should not be completed and sent off.
· HBC Review of Polling Stations
It was reported that this questionnaire has been completed and sent off.
· HBC – Consultation Licensing Policy Statement
Cllr. Grinstead to make enquiries as to the responsibility of premises to clear up litter after hours. This should be raised at the Joint Parish Council and reported to Boroughbridge Town Council.
· Community Emergency Plan – Sandbag store
Mr. Paul Gill offered storage for sandbags but has not been taken up. Sandbags are still stored at Riverton. No DEFRA grant has been received.
7. Financial
Clerk’s Report
The Clerk reported the following balances:
Current £17,131.83.
High Rate £3,278.03
It was agreed that £14,000 should be transferred from the Current into the High Rate
The Clerk did not have any expenses
Audit
Cllr. Fearnside reported that Mazar’s had queried a couple of figures on the Annual Audit Return. They had been identified as unpresented cheques last year amounting to £251. The Audit Report will be rectified and returned.
Fishing Rights
It was agreed that the Annual Fee for Fishing Rights should remain the same as last year - £300. The Clerk requested to draw up the usual agreement.
Payments
The following payments were approved – proposed by Cllr. D. Fearnside, seconded Cllr. Grinstead.
Lappset £26,288.30
Cllr. Collins (expenses) £46.03
Parish Precept 2007/8
It was agreed that this should be deferred until the next meeting.
8. Planning received by 19th September, 2007
19 Waterside – Internal Wall – no objections
2 Greenholme Close – porch and boundary wall – approved.
51 & 55 Waterside Fencing – Planning Inspectors investigating.
9. Sub Committees
· Joint Parish Meetings
Cllr Collins and Cllr. Fisher gave a brief resume of the last Joint Parish Council Meeting.
· Yore Vision Partnership
Cllr. Collins gave a brief report on the above. Help with funding for signage was being requested. It was agreed that Langthorpe Parish Council would donate £1,000 towards an informative sign on the Picnic Area. This expenditure was proposed by Cllr. Fearnside, seconded by Cllr. Grinstead.
· Police Liaison – nothing to report – meeting cancelled.
· Langthorpe Welcome Pack
It was reported that Cllr Fearnside and Cllr. Collins have submitted their contributions towards this publication. It is hoped that it will be ready for the next meeting.
A.O.B. Received by 19th September 2007 and listed below
· Parish Grant
· Leeming Lane – speed limit and parking
Cllr. Collins agreed to follow this up and also approach Highways Department regarding Wheelchair access Hill View.
· Hilllview Kerbing
This will be reported to Highways Department.
· Overgrown paths and hedges
A discussion took place about these and action will be taken.
· NYCC Minerals/Waste – Milby Site
Cllr. Fearnside agreed to draft a letter on the above subject to submit to Planning Department.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.30p. m.
The next meeting will be on November 27th, 2007