LANGTHORPE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

 

Held on Tuesday 18th January, 2005 at 7.30p.m.

Coronation Hall

 

Present:                                  Vice Chairman                       Cllr. M. Collins

                                                                                   

                                                                                                Cllr. J. Burton

                                                                                                Cllr. L.R. Gill   

                                                                                                Cllr. N Kieft

 

                                                Clerk                                       I.M. Ward

 

1.         Welcome  - The Vice Chairman extended a warm welcome to Cllr. D. Grinstead who was attending his first Parish Council Meeting.  He completed

            a Declaration of Acceptance Form which was handed to the Clerk.

 

2.         Apologies – The Clerk reported that she had received apologies from Cllr. M. Fisher, Cty Cllr. C. Wilson and Dist. Cllr. N. Wilson

 

3.         Declaration of Interests – There were no declaration of interests.

 

4.         Minutes of the last meeting held on the 16th November, 2004

 

            The above minutes were read and approved, proposed by Cllr. J. Burton, seconded by Cllr. N. Kieft.  They were duly signed.

 

5.         Matters Arising

 

·        Picnic Area

 

Fallen trees/dead tree – It was reported that as a result of the recent storm and flooding there are some fallen trees.  There are also tree trunks which need removing.  A gentleman has offered to saw up one of the trees and take the wood away for firewood.  It was agreed that the area should be inspected at the weekend to assess what needs to be done with both the trees and resulting debris.

 

It was reported that Cllr. Gill had removed the dead alder and had replaced this with another tree donated by Thorpe Trees.

 

Benches – it was reported that one of the picnic benches had been swept away in the floods.  New one to be ordered from Mr. Burrell.

 

It was noted that Boroughbridge Town Council is staging a meeting regarding the floods on Tuesday 25th January at 7p.m. in the Council Offices, 1 Hall Square.  Three Councillors will attend this meeting.

 

 

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·        Notice Boards update

 

It was reported that Mr. Burrell has completed making the new notice board which will be erected near the Picnic Area.  Cllr. M. Collins to meet with Mr. Burrell on site to decide on the location.  Mr. Burrell will then remove the existing notice board for refurbishment.  The Clerk requested to give the notice board key to Cllr. Collins.

 

·        Cottages

 

Rent – the Clerk reported that the problem over the rent for the cottages had been resolved.

 

Cllr. Gill reported that he had dealt with a colony of rats under the shed at Rose Cottage.

 

·        Grass Cutting

 

Cllr. Collins reported that he had had discussions with Kirby Hill Parish Council with a view to putting grass cutting out to tender as a joint venture.  Kirby Hill would appear to be keen to join with us.  Quotations are to be sought from Farm and Land, Mr. Foster from Aldborough and possibly another quote.  We can then compare prices against the allowance which we will get from North Yorkshire County Council and our existing grass cutting costs.

 

·        Potholes (Back Lane)

 

It was reported that the potholes had been filled in.

 

Whilst on the subject of Back Lane it was pointed out that the roof of the derelict shed belonging to Mr. Simpson had been blown into the lane.  The Clerk was requested to write to Mr. Simpson to remove the obstruction and move the debris onto his own property.  She has also to ask for an update for the removal of the derelict building.

 

·        Neighbourhood Watch Update

 

Cllr. Collins reported that the whole village had been divided into districts to be allocated to the various co-ordinators.  One area that is not covered at the moment is East View.  Cllr. Collins and Cllr. Fisher will arrange a meeting of all co-ordinators and the Police.

 

·        Parking on the corner of Leeming Lane/Skelton Road

 

For the time being this problem seems to be resolved.

 

 

 

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·        Road Safety Scheme (2005 application)

 

The Clerk reported that she had received a letter from Highways informing us that the traffic calming measures should be done within the next few weeks and certainly in this financial year.

 

·        The Maltings

 

The Clerk reported that she had sent e-mails to the developers requesting that the Parish Council be kept informed of all developments.

 

·        Roles and Responsibilities

 

It was agreed that this should be left in abeyance until the next meeting when the Chairman will be in attendance.

 

·        Overgrown hedges on Riverside

 

The Clerk reported that she had reported the overgrown hedges and weeds to Highways Department.  She received a reply to the effect that the owner of the offending hedge had been asked to cut it and when this was done the weeds would be removed.

 

6.         Correspondence as received by 12th January, 2005

 

·        Other correspondence

 

Centenary Grant Project 2004 – Cllr. Collins agreed to attend to this application and enquire whether there were talented students who might qualify for a grant.

 

Awards for All Lottery Fund – it was agreed that this letter should be put in the next folder to the circulated to Councillors.

 

Farm and Land for Grass Cutting 2005 – The quotation for grass cutting to go on next agenda.

 

Freedom of Information Act (this was not discussed)

 

Cllr. Burton reported that the fence at the bottom of Ellis’s yard was in a dangerous condition and needs reporting to Highways Department.

 

Cllr. Kieft requested the Clerk to write to the Highways Department enquiring why no gritting operations took place on the 17th January.

 

 

 

 

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7.         Financial

 

·        Clerk’s Report

 

The Clerk reported the following balances at the Bank

 

            High Rate                                 £1,183.42

            Current                         £2,316.37

 

·        Clerk’s Expenses

 

The Clerk’s expenses of £18.17 were approved by Cllr. Gill, seconded by Cllr. Kieft

 

The only extra expenses anticipated in the near future are a bench replacement and the removal of fallen trees and tree trunks deposited in the picnic area due to the floods.

 

·        Salary

 

The Clerk’s salary was reviewed and it was agreed that she should be paid for 2.5 hours per week.  She was, however, asked to keep a record of all time spent on Parish Council work between now and the next meeting.

 

8.         Planning

 

·        Planning received by 12th January, 2005-01-20

 

Orchard Cottage – new plan – no objections by Parish Council

Orchard Cottage vehicular access – approved

22 Riverside Gardens – pruning oak tree – approved

Leeming Lane Estate Agent’s Boards – enforcement notice

Langthorpe Villa – altered windows refused

14 The Croft, Kirby Hill – front dorma extension refused

The Ridings demolition and replacement approved.

 

It was reported that the commuted sum for the development of Orchard Cottage will be £1,631 all of which to be allocated to the Play Area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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9.         A.O.B. (received by 12th January, 2005 and listed below)

 

·        Parish Plan

 

It was reported that three of the Councillors met last night to discuss the Parish Plan.  Councillor Kieft is undertaking the compilation of a questionnaire to be circulated to every household in the Parish.  The completed questionnaires are to be sent to any of the Councillors.

 

·        Joint Parish Meetings 17th March 2005)

 

Proposed Services in Minskip – It was reported that an application has been received for a motorway service station, hotels etc. in Minskip.  Boroughbridge Town Council will deal with this.

 

Parking in Boroughbridge – Concern was expressed over th number of parking tickets issued during Bank Holidays.  The hours when parking discs are required will be altered from 8a.m. to 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with no restrictions on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

 

Market Town Initiative – Yorkshire Forward has selected Boroughbridge to qualify for money and resources to improve the town.  A team of consultants is looking at housing etc.  It has to be kept in mind that the canal area and waterfront belong to Langthorpe Parish Council.  There is going to be an exhibition of proposed developments on the 28th and 29th January in the Council Offices in Boroughbridge.  Councillors are asked to assist.

 

·        Police Liaison (next meeting 14th March, 2005)

 

It was reported that the crime rate in the area fell by 23% whilst public disorder had increased

 

·        Play Area Update

 

It was reported that Kirby Hill Parish Council is going to contribute money towards the Play Area

 

·        Barley’s Farm Buildings

 

Concern was expressed over the unsafe state of Barley’s Poultry Farm buildings.  The Clerk was requested to write to Mr. Oswald Barley asking him to ensure that the buildings were made safe.

 

 

 

 

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·        Telephone Box Light Repair.

 

The Clerk reported that she had informed British Telecom about there being no light in the public telephone box.  She also reported that there was a broken pane of glass there also – due to storm damage.

 

·        30 mph sign repair/replacement

 

The Clerk informed the meeting that she had reported to the Highways Department that the 30 mph sign on Leeming Lane had fallen down due to a corroded post.  The sign has been replaced.

 

·        Dates of 2005 Meetings

 

15th March, 10th May, 19th July, 20th September, 15th November and 17th January.

 

The Councillors were requested to inform the Clerk if any of the above dates were unsuitable.

 

The next Parish Council Meeting will be on the 15th March in the Coronation Hall at 7.30p.m.

 

A request was made for an item for the next agenda – the derelict car parked outside the Anchor Public House.

 

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