LANGTHORPE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

Held on Tuesday 16th November, 2004 at 7.30p.m.

Coronation Hall

                        Present             Chairman                      Cllr. M. Fisher

                                                                                    Cllr. J. Burton                                      

                                                                                    Cllr. M. Collins

                                                                                    Cllr. L.R. Gill

                                                                                    Cllr. N. Kieft

                                                Clerk                            I.M. Ward

Welcome – The Chairman extended a warm welcome to Cllr. J. Burton who was attending his first Parish Council Meeting.   He completed a Declaration of Acceptance Form which was handed to the Clerk.

Apologies – The Clerk reported that she had received apologies from Cty. Cllr. C. Wilson.

Declaration of Interests – There were no declaration of interests

Minutes of last meeting held on 21st September, 2004

The above minutes were read and approved – proposed by Cllr. M. Collins, seconded by Cllr. L.R. Gill

Matters Arising

Picnic Area

It was agreed that the picnic area was looking much better following regular litter collection.  Cllr.M. Collins reported that bulbs had been planted.  Cllr. L. Gill volunteered to remove the dead tree and to source a replacement.  The picnic bench will require replacing next year.

Notice Boards

Cllr. Collins reported that Mr. Burrell had finished making the new small notice board which is now ready for siting.  It was agreed that it should go to the left hand side of the entrance to the picnic area.  Mr. Burrell will then remove the old notice board and refurbish it.

Cottages

Rose Cottage

The Clerk reported that there had been a problem with Mrs. Morgan’s rent when it was unpaid for two weeks.  This had since been rectified.  The Clerk was requested to check subsequent weeks and make sure payments were up to date.

Holly Cottage

It was reported that the new doors were satisfactory and a good job had been done.  The guttering needs to be looked at. There could be a potential problem with condensation – Mr. & Mrs. Johnson have been told that  the ventilators must not be blocked up.  The Chairman to be kept informed of the situation and if necessary Hambleton Preservation may have to be called out.

Valuation of Cottages

An external valuation of the cottages has been carried out by the Halifax and a valuation for insurance purposes and our assets register has been done.  The pair of cottages have been valued as approximately £300,000 to £320,000.

School Governors

It was reported that there are two Community Governors at Kirby Hill School.   The matter has been discussed with Kirby Hill Parish Council and they are satisfied with the representation at present.  It was, however, felt that next time there is a vacancy for a Community Governor we should welcome involvement.   In the meantime it was felt that we should obtain the names of the two Community Governors in order that  they could be approached to present any future issues which may arise.

Grass Cutting

The Clerk informed the meeting that she had had a telephone call from Cty Cllr. C. Wilson   giving her the long awaited figures for grass cutting:

Langthorpe – 6 cuts per annum £946.36 per annum which equals £157.73 per cut.

Kirby Hill – 6 cuts per annum £355.56 per annum which equals £59.25 per cut.

It is hoped that Langthorpe and Kirby Hill would make a joint venture of contracting out the grass cutting.  This matter to be discussed again.

Potholes (Back Lane)

The Clerk reported that Cty. Cllr Wilson had been in touch with Highways and he was given a firm assurance that this would be done as soon as possible.  In the meantime it was reported that there were other potholes on Skelton Road which require attention.  Cllr. M. Collins volunteered to go round and see if there were any more and he would write to Highways, Starbeck

Neighbourhood Watch

The Clerk reported that she had got two forms back from new Co-ordinators.  She was asked to make a list of all the volunteers for Cllr. M. Collins who will then divide the parish into districts for the co-ordinators.

Parish Plan

The Chairman thanked Cllr. Kieft for the work which he had done so far on the Parish Plan.  Cllr. Kieft suggested that everyone in the Parish should be given a newsletter setting out the aims and objectives for the plan.  This could then be followed by a questionnaire possibly around Easter.  In the meantime it was agreed that a sub-committee should be set up with some residents along with the Council.  The first meeting to be held on the 17th January 2005 in the Fox & Hounds.  Cllr. Kieft requested to chair the meeting.

Parking on corner of Leeming Lane/Skelton Road

The letter on the above subject received from North Yorkshire Police was discussed.  It was agreed that the reply was very unsatisfactory and the Clerk was requested to write again enclosing a photograph of the very hazardous situation which is created with car parking on the corner.    Cty Cllr. C. Wilson reported to the Clerk that he would request Highways Department to do a sight line test.

Road Safety Scheme (2005 application)

The Clerk reported that she had telephoned Highways Department, Fulford   to make enquiries as to when the lining and signing near the A1 Bridge is to take place.   She was told that it should be done this financial year and possibly before Christmas.  She was asked to write to Mr. Watson requesting confirmation of the outcome of the site meeting.   When the lining and signing is done only the true cost of the job will be taken from the £4,000 (2004) Road Safety Allowance. 

Councillor Co-option

An application was made by Mr. David Grinstead requesting to fill the vacant position.  After discussion it was agreed that Mr. Grinstead should be requested to join the Council – proposed by Cllr. Gill, seconded by Cllr. Collins.  The Clerk requested to write to Mr. Grinstead informing him that his application had been accepted.  The Clerk also requested to inform Harrogate Borough Council.

Fishing Rights

The fishing rights in Milby Cut were discussed.  It was agreed that the fee should remain the same as last year viz. £250.  The Clerk requested to issue a new Licence for Fishing Rights for the year to the 31st August 2005.

It was noted that there is still a barrier remaining after the work carried out on the canal side.  It was also reported that a barge has also been left behind on which children are playing.  The Clerk requested to write to Waterways requesting that they should be removed.

The Maltings

The Clerk requested to contact Mr. Murray-Brown also the Architect in Leeds requesting that the Council can be pro-active during the above development.  Cllr. Kieft to give the Clerk Mr. Murray-Brown’s e-mail address.

Correspondence

Catherine Newman re Stationmaster House (Email)

The Chairman reported that he had received two Emails from Catherine Newman enquiring information re the ownership of the above house.  After discussion it was agreed that her correspondence should be passed on to the Clerk for Kirby Hill & District Parish Council since the property is actually in Milby Parish.

Other Correspondence

There was no other correspondence.

Dog Warden

The Clerk reported that she had received a letter from the Dog Warden Service asking if the Parish Council would like a representative to attend one of our meetings.  She was requested to fill in the form agreeing to such a visit.

Financial

Clerk’s Report

The Clerk reported the following bank balances:

            Current Account                                   £1,244.82

            High Rate Account                               £1,178.82

Expenses

The Clerk’s expenses amounted to £11.67

                    Farm & Land (grass cutting)  £200.92

                   Royal British Legion  (poppy wreath £25.00

                   Nu Era (Holly Cottage doors) £1,300.00

The above expenditure was proposed by Cllr. M. Collins, seconded by Cllr. N. Kieft.

Clerk’s Salary

The Clerk was requested to leave the room while her salary was discussed.  It was agreed that her hourly rate should be increased to £7.40 with effect from January.  If any training is undertaken then a further review will take place.  A new Job Description and Contract of Employment to be drawn up.

Planning

Planning received by 10th November

Mr. & Mrs. Heavisides 10a Greenholme Close – chimney breast

Outcomes of Planning Applications

Mr. & Mrs. Moore – 14 The Croft – extension refused

Mr. & Mrs. Sadler, The Ridings – demolition and replacement passed

Mr. & Mrs. C. Dunn – application withdrawn (Orchard Cottage)

Mr. D. Fearnside, 20 Riverside Gardens – approved

Mr. & Mrs. Heaviside chimney breast approved

Illegal Estate Agent’s signs to be dealt with within 28 days

A.O.B. (Received by 10th November and listed below)

Sub Committees

Joint Parish Meetings (next meeting on 16th December, 2004)

The Chairman reported that he, along with Cllr. M. Collins attended the above meetings and that Cllr. M. Fisher  will chair them for the first year.  An independent Clerk, Mrs. Brocklesby, has been appointed Clerk and her salary will be funded jointly by all the parish councils. 

The following minutes were produced from the last meeting on the 16th September, 2004

Attendance                   Cllr. M. Fisher (Langthorpe)

                                    Cllr. M. Collins (Langthorpe)

                                    Cllr. J. Wilkinson (Boroughbridge)

                                    Cllr. R. Young (Boroughbridge)

                                    Cllr. M. Rae (Kirby Hill)

                                    Cllr. G. Owens (Kirby Hill)

Apologies                    Cllr. P. Hutchinson (Roecliffe)

The Clerk will be Claire Brocklesby, 8 Fothergill Way

Invoices are to be raised for payment by each council of £25

Agenda Items to be given to clerk 7 days before each meeting.

Market Town Initiative, a meeting has been arranged at the Rose Manor Hotel on the 27th September.  The meeting will run from 5.00 to 9.30.  Projects which have been considered are, St. James’s Square, Sports Area, the canal and riverbank, and the Three Arrows

A discussion was held on local planning, and each council was advised to produce a local plan.

Letter to be written to Harrogate Borough Council re Litter Policy, including street litter and roadside.

Kirby Hill and Langthorpe Councils have noticed an increase in the amount of HGV Traffic following the introduction of the traffic calming measures in Boroughbridge.   The situation will be monitored and reported on next meeting.

Kirby Hill and Langthorpe to send a joint letter regarding the speed limit along Leeming Lane.

A traffic crossing by the Post Office was discussed:  Boroughbridge Town Council will take back to their meeting for discussion.

Langthorpe Council is looking at the possibility of taking over the grass cutting in their area, and will liaise with Kirby Hill.

Boroughbridge Town Council is finding out about Harrogate Council’s roundabout policy.

The next meeting Boroughbridge 16th December

Police Liaison (next meeting 10th January, 2005)

Cllr. Fisher reported to the meeting that there was now an acting Sgt. at Boroughbridge Police Station  (part time)  It is not anticipated that a permanent appointment will be made until Sgt. Sweeney retires in late January/early February 

Play Area Update

It was reported that Kirby Hill Parish Council is willing to input £11,300 commuted sum money into this project.  There will also be £5,000 from Harrogate Borough Council and an amount of money from the Hanson Trust.  Two more quotes are required to get soil samples – Heather Chester has quoted a figure in the region of £200.

It was reported that a sum of £303 (from commuted sums) is to be spent on verges on Skelton Road with a deadline of May and September 2007.

The next play area meeting will take place early in January when Mr. Paul Gill will be invited to attend.

Market Town Initiative

Boroughbridge is one of the towns selected by Yorkshire Forward project.  One proposal is to abolish the roundabout and also housing developments in this parish.  Cllr. M. Collins will attend the next meeting or Cllr. N. Kieft.

Overgrown Hedges on Riverside

It was noted that the overgrown hedge on Riverside has not yet been cut back.  The Clerk requested to write to Highways again.

Parking in Boroughbridge

A discussion took place on parking regulations in Boroughbridge.  It was felt that the rigorous pursuit of drivers by the Traffic Warden was too severe particularly on Bank Holidays.  It was felt that this was a revenue raising exercise.  The matter to be referred to the next joint parish council meeting.

Boroughbridge Town Council is hoping to extend the present car park.

Flood Defence

Discussion took place regarding maps produced by the Environment Agency showing possible areas of flooding.  These maps showed  a large area of Langthorpe under water.  The Clerk requested to write to the Environment Agency for an explanation as  it could affect future development and house owner’s insurance.

Roles and Responsibilities

Cllr. M Fisher has almost completed a list of Roles and Responsibilities.  It was agreed to complete this at the next meeting when Mr. David Grinstead will attend.  This to be on the next agenda

The meeting closed at 9.25p.m. Next meeting will be on 18th January, 2005