2007 January

Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 11 January 2007

Present : Parish Councillors B. Fisher (Chairman), M. Mitton, C. Florance, T. Martin, B. Butler, U. Cansfield.

In attendance : P.C. M. Ayre, one resident

Apologies for absence
There were none

Declarations of interest
There were none to declare

Minutes of the previous meeting
Minutes of the meeting held on 7.12.06 were signed as a correct record.

Proposed: U. Cansfield. Seconded: B. Butler.

Police Report : The Chairman invited P.C. Ayre to address the meeting. In the past year, 34 crimes had been recorded in the Parish, an increase of 10 from the previous year, 10 were crimes committed at Rudding Park. The crime detection rate was 20%, a rise from 12% in 2005. Burglaries had a 50% detection rate. P.C. Ayre stated he was willing to offer security advice to residents. In response to a question regarding drug usage in the Parish, he informed the meeting that there was no direct evidence of this as yet. There had been a recent report of a door to door salesman in the area which was checked by the Police and the person appeared to have a valid peddler’s licence. It was noted that in some areas of the County there was a ban on such activity, the Police are unable to enforce a ban and enquiries regarding this should be directed to Trading Standards.

The Chairman thanked P.C. Ayre for his contribution.

Matters arising from the minutes

Parish Assets – The Stocks – one quote for repairs received to date plus an acknowledgement of the letter to the conservation officer. It was hoped that the matter could be progressed at the February meeting. Kitty Corner – an estimate for repairs to the vandalised nature board had been received from the original contractor. The cost, in the region of £ 80 – £ 90 + VAT was considered acceptable. However if the board was damaged again, the Parish Council would reconsider the position.
Rural Post Office closures – a number of replies received to the Chairman’s letter and these would be circulated to the councillors for information. Very complimentary remarks about the service provided by the village Post Office received from the constituency M.P.

Chairman’s communications

Hilltop House – papers relating to the current applications supplied by the owner of the property. The Parish Council is part of the consultation process (see item 11 a))
‘Bus stop outside Harewood Arms – copy of letter of complaint to Harrogate District Travel re. potential danger of accident when dismounting from the ‘bus onto a sloping surface and reply received. The complaint has been passed to NYCC for attention/action. Councillors expressed concern that the works to the new ‘bus stops were still incomplete after several months. Clerk to contact NYCC to request action.

Matters concerning Plompton
There were none to report

Follifoot and Plompton in bloom!

The Chairman explained that he thought the appearance of the village would be enhanced by the introduction of some floral displays. There was some discussion about ways in which the village could be made more distinctive, using its historical origins as one example. It was pointed out that such an initiative would be the responsibility of the village as a whole and councillors were reminded that maintenance of the Horsepond Beck area was at times problematic. It was resolved to establish a working party to progress ideas further. Volunteers T. Martin, M. Mitton, J. Hinchcliffe would report on recommendations to the March meeting.

Highways

Pavement adjacent to the cricket ground – work has now started and will be completed before the end of the financial year. NYCC stated that delays were due to heavy contractor workload.

Paddocks/Main Street – pavement appears to be crumbling. The Paddocks is a private road and responsibility for repair needs to be established. Clerk to contact NYCC.

Parish consultation meeting with Harrogate Council Executive
This meeting is to be held on 7.2.07. The Chairman will consider whether to attend and any questions to be tabled.

Finance

Quarterly reconciliation of accounts . These had been prepared by the Clerk and a paper circulated to councillors prior to the meeting. This was examined against bank statements, invoices and the income and expenditure account by C. Florance and found to be in order. Balance in the accounts is £ 7985.24.
Request for authorisation of expenditure . £ 27 to CPRE for the annual subscription and £ 211.50 to Springfield Business Services for the Clerk’s office facilities for 2006. Proposed: B. Fisher. Seconded: M. Mitton.

Clerk’s report and correspondence

Papers received since the last meeting were circulated. A flier from RHS Harlow Carr was noted as it offered a free grow your own vegetable day on 10.2.07.

Planning

Applications 06/0632/LB and 06/06348/FUL – Hilltop House, Pannal Road, Follifoot for erection of retaining walls to driveway and 1.82 m wall and gate between driveway and patio. It was noted that works had already commenced to retaining walls. The Parish Council objected to the application for the 1.82.m wall as it was thought this would detract from the appearance of the property. There was no objection to the retaining wall as it would improve the appearance of the driveway.
Application 06/06268/FULMAJ – The Lido Caravan Park, Wetherby Road, Knaresborough for change of use of land from touring caravans to 40 static. The Parish Council had no objection to the application.
Outcome of previous applications – Meadowsweet, Tofts Lane, Follifoot for extensions approved. Felling one awson’s Cypress, ‘bus shelter, Main Street, Follifoot – approved. Clerk to obtain quotations.

Dates of meetings for 2007
Dates were approved.
Date of next meeting 8.2.07