2008 April

FOLLIFOOT WITH PLOMPTON PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 17 April 2008

Present: Parish Councillors B. Fisher (Chairman), E. Bolton, M. Mitton, B. Butler, C. Florance.

District Councillor C. Bayliss and 8 residents.

Apologies for absence: Parish Councillors U. Cansfield and T. Martin.
Declarations of interest in items on the agenda:

There were none.

Public Participation session:

There were no matters for discussion as the Parish Council meeting followed the Annual Parish Meeting where residents had used this opportunity to raise any concerns.

Minutes of the meeting held on 20.3.08:

Correction in item 5c) Mr. and Mrs. S. Mackaness had offered to pick litter on Spofforth Lane. It was noted that Mr. and Mrs. M. Mackaness had assisted with the task on 13.4.08. Thus corrected, the minutes were signed by the Chairman as a correct record. This was proposed by C. Florance and seconded by E. Bolton.

Matters arising from the minutes:

Hillside – the planned treeworks had been delayed because of high winds earlier in the year. Harrogate Council aimed to carry out the work before the end of April. The remedial works to the road and pavement had also been delayed. NYCC Highways would programme the work for the first quarter of this financial year.
Parish Council elections – there was one nomination, E. Bolton for Plompton and only five for Follifoot. This means that there will be no election as there were insufficient nominations. The Parish Council has the power to co-opt one councillor for Follifoot after 1 st May to give it the full complement of councillors. This will be discussed at the May meeting. It was noted that there will be an election for the District Councillor for the Ribston ward.

Chairman’s communications:

Yorkshire Water – the Chairman reported that there had been a recent site meeting. A camera survey had been conducted down Main Street to the Kitty Corner pumping station and no defects had been detected. However, the Chairman believes there is a problem caused by the angle of the pipe from Main Street into Spofforth Lane and this causes the problem of back up of effluent during heavy rainfall. It is understood that a stream used to flow down Main Street and it is unclear whether it is incorporated into the sewage system as there are no maps available to clarify this. In an attempt to establish the course of surface water, Yorkshire Water will supply a non-toxic dye to apply to a watercourse during heavy rainfall. The Chairman requested assistance from another councillor in completing this task. It was noted that the Rudding House complex was arranging to chemically ‘dose’ effluent from the site in an effort to mitigate the foul odours.

Matters concerning Plompton:

There was nothing to report.

Conservation area review:

The Chairman referred to the engagement of residents in a review of the Follifoot conservation area by Harrogate Council in August 2007. He informed the meeting that the report would be published shortly and a copy made available to the Parish Council.

Highways:

Plompton Road lay-by – the recent litter pick had revealed evidence of drug taking and the unauthorised dumping of asbestos. The Police and Harrogate Council to be informed.
Litter on the by-pass – this had not been cleared, Harrogate Council to be contacted again.
Road Safety – a resident had expressed concern about the dangerous driving behaviour of some motorists near to the riding stables on Pannal Road and reported that a horse had been killed. There was discussion about the introduction of speed restrictions and the Clerk would make enquiries of NYCC. Another matter concerning road traffic accidents on Main Street and Haggs Road had been raised on behalf of a resident. It was unclear to the Parish Council when these had occurred or what action was sought by the resident. He would be asked to clarify these matters.
Dog fouling – some dog owners were allowing their animals to foul on pavements in the village. This was an unlawful practice and dog owners could be subject to prosecution. It was thought there were sufficient notices around the village to advertise that this was unacceptable.
Parking on Main Street – discussion of this problem. ‘Buses and HGV’s often unable to pass down Main Street because vehicles are parked without consideration for others. Complaints that sight lines from the minor roads are obstructed and drives obstructed by parents picking up their children from the school. The Headteacher and governors have alerted parents to the difficulties they cause, but it has not resulted in an improvement in the situation long term. The Radcliffe Arms has permitted parents to park vehicles at the beginning and end of the school day and it was also suggested that the Harewood Arms might be approached with a similar request. It appears that some residents are suggesting that parking restrictions are introduced on Main Street, but the councillors are not at present in favour of the proposal.

Finance:

Balance at the bank – a total of £ 7631.77 in the accounts
Quarterly reconciliation of accounts – receipts and payments were examined against bank statements by C. Florance who stated that they were in order. The Parish Council resolved to approve the reconciliation of accounts.
Internal audit for the six months to 31.3.08 – Margaret Kettlewell had conducted an internal audit and confirmed by letter that the accounts and systems in place were acceptable and adequate.

Clerk’s report and correspondence:

Questionnaires for completion by councillors were distributed. The Clerk was asked to request some spare daffodil bulbs from Harrogate Council. Other papers received since the last meeting were circulated. Planning:

Application 6.121.19.B.FUL – The Lodge, Follifoot Ridge, Follifoot for erection of detached garage (revised scheme). The Parish Council had no objections to the application.
No other applications had been received since the agenda was compiled.
Outcome of previous applications – Fence End, Hillside, Follifoot – for parking area – approved; Thistle Hill for creation of rugby pitches – withdrawn.

Date of next meeting: Thursday 15 May 2008 at 8 pm.

Vote of Thanks: District Councillor Bayliss proposed a vote of thanks be made to the Chairman for his work for the Parish Council over the past year. This was endorsed by those present.