July 09

EAST KESWICK PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON JULY 21^st 2009 POLICE AND RESIDENTS FORUM

PC Sue Broadwell and PC Jennifer Ripton attended on behalf of the Police and reported on 4 crimes during the last month- 1 assault, 1 theft (non specific), 1 burglary (dwelling), and 1 incident of criminal damage. They remarked on the general increase in the number of car thefts in the area.

Graham Plant attended for a few minutes to introduce the new “vicar” of Bardsey and East Keswick, Chris Puckrin. The latter was introduced to all Cllrs present and provided a brief synopsis of his background. The Vice Chairman, on behalf of the Council, welcomed him to the village.

Harry Moores also attended the meeting. He reported on the destruction by vandals of a seat recently installed in memory of a Wike resident, from the sports ground. In future the gates will be kept locked but anyone wishing to visit the grounds will be able to do so by telephoning Harry in advance. The Council advised him to inform Louise Lodge of the crime.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST None.

PRESENT Cllrs Thornton, Pinkney, Pentith, Anning, Ogden, and Batty. In the absence of the Chairman, the meeting was taken by the Vice-Chairman, Cllr Thornton.

APOLOGIES Cllr Priestley. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON JUNE 16TH 2009 These were approved. MATTERS ARISING1. Village Clock The Clerk reported that she had received no reply to her e mail to Carlton Clocks. She was advised to go back to Smiths of Derby for their advice. 2. Attitude of LCC to kerbing in rural locations. There had been no reply from Highways. Cllr Pentith offered to mention this to Helen Franklin at the next meeting of the Harewood & Wetherby Forum Meeting 3. Progress on future footpaths in East Keswick. Roger Brooks of ROW had replied that there was little chance of further development of the Ebor Way in the foreseeable future, as the owner of the East Keswick Plant Centre is opposed to the idea, on the grounds of trespass, damage, and theft. Other neighbours were considered likely to share the same view. Highways are, however, looking at a proper cut of the hedges and verges alongside the length of Harewood Road between Crabtree Lane and Cleavesty Lane, thus making a wider, safer verge route for walkers. He advised the Council to contact Tim Parry of Highways about the possibility of a pedestrian footpath along Harewood Road from Crabtree Lane to Collingham. The Clerk had sent an e mail to Mr Parry and awaited a response. 4. Re-surfacing at end of Moor Lane. Highways had replied that there were many roads in the Ward in worse condition and that this section of road would not be included in the next year’s maintenance scheme. It was agreed to remind Highways of this next January. 5. Re-surfacing of Whitegate It was hoped to include this in the next year’s scheme but no decision had been taken to date. 6.Boundary between lands owned by Church and by Parish Council adjacent to Tennis Courts. Cllr Anning offered to check on this. 7. Parish Paths Partnership Agreement There had been no response from Rosie Watts to the questions put to her in the letter of June 11^th. The Clerk was asked to remind her and if there was no reply, Roger Brooks should be contacted. 8. Further Report on Village Gala. Cllr Thornton circulated a report on the gala. Final figures on finance are awaited. The fence has been repaired by Mr Illingworth. 9. Hedge at corner of Allerton Drive. This had been cut. 10. Cobbles near White Railings . There had been no response from Highways .Cllr Pentith offered to speak to Helen Franklin about this. 11. Agreement with Wildlife Trust. Cllr Pinkney reported that she had suggested some minor modifications to the tone of the Agreement. 12. Grass Cuttings on Cleavesty Lane. There had been some improvement. 13. Grass Cutting on Moor Lane. It had been explained that the banking left uncut was deliberate as it received regular attention from Colin Brown. It was agreed, however, to monitor the general cutting of the banking nearer to the church. 14. Drainage Issues. The Cleansing Department had written that all drains received attention every 8 months. Any requiring extra attention could be dealt with on request. Cllrs considered that any clearance work carried out had been inadequate as the drains had failed to cope with the heavy rains of the previous Friday. 15. Report on Parish Walks. Despite poor weather, these had been well supported.16. Clearing the Ginnel from Main Street to Church Drive .Mark Hullah had e mailed that he would require £40 per hedge (2 in total) to cut them back . Clearing the path of debris was more difficult to quote for and an hourly rate would need to be agreed. After the debris was cleared he considered that it would require a topping of gravel. Cllr Thornton would discuss these points with the residents when she was able to hold a site meeting.

17. Report from Cllr Thornton on meeting with fellow Cllrs to discuss Environmental Impact held 13/7/09.Cllr Thornton promised to provide details of the meeting to all Cllrs.

PLANNING

1. Enforcement Action relating to Two Hoots Farm and Public Inquiry re Caravan. None of the Planning Committee is able to attend. It was agreed to check whether the Council’s views could be represented by a resident.

2.Public Inquiry re Burrows Application for 3 Bungalows on site of old Equestrian Centre.- 12/8/09. ( APP/N4270/A/09/210305/NWF) It was hoped that Cllr Priestley would be able to attend.

3. Query concerning Pitch of roof and Size of Ext. to Ivy Grange Barn, Moor Lane. A resident had brought these concerns to the attention of the Council between meetings. The Clerk had contacted Enforcement immediately and after a site visit from the Dept. all work on the roof had ceased. A letter had subsequently been received explaining that the owner had been advised either to reduce the garage roof to a pitch of 15 degrees or submit a modification to the plan within 15 days. Council agreed to write back asking

· The reason for requesting a modification when the plans had called for a 15 degree reduction

· Whether the builders were exceeding the size requirements on the rear extension.

· Whether they were aware that by removing the fence at the back they could be liable for the escape of sheep.

4. Non Compliance with Condition – Old Star Inn, Main Street. The Compliance Officer wrote that he intended to close the file on this issue as action taken was deemed appropriate.

5. Report of a 215 Notice served on 2 Landowners on The Paddock for untidy land. Cllr Priestley had taken photographs of the weed encroachment and advised the Council to support the complainant. One of the landowners had expressed willingness to allow his section of the land to be managed by the Wildlife Trust. It was agreed to contact the Secretary of the Wildlife Trust and ascertain whether they would be willing to manage both plots if the second landowner wished to be included in a management agreement. If they agreed the Clerk would put the proposal to the second landowner.

6. Report of inclusion of Nos. 11-37 Church Drive in next Eddison Auction 23/7/09 for sale by LCC. It had been reported between meetings that the land was to be sold by auction by Eddisons, and that later it had been withdrawn from auction. Cllr Thornton had made inquiries about the proposed price, learning that this was £90,000. The matter was left in abeyance.

7. Approvals by LCC:-

(a) 09/02197/FU – Westby – 35 The Paddock – Exts.

FINANCE

1.Bills for payment:- £ Net VAT Total

(a) J. Gallant – Salary & Expenses. 795.93 795.93

(b) NALC – Local Council Review. 13.50 13.50

(c)Rigton Print – Photocopying P.Ass. 12.00 12.00

(d) EK Voluntary Care – Expenses March- end June. 65.00 65.00

(e) E.K. V.H. – Rent 63.00 63.00

(e) St John’s Ambulance (Gala expense) 65.00 9.75 74.75

(f) Mr P. Anning – Repair to Playground Gate 3.28 3.28

(g) YLCA – Cost of Training Session for Cllr Pentith 35.00 35.00

It was resolved to pay all the bills listed above.

2. Final Statement with VHC. This has been prepared and will be signed by both parties before the end of the month, as requested by the Internal Auditor.

CORRESPONDENCE 1. Letter from Licensing Dept. re Review of Polling Stations. Noted. 2. Letter from SLCC re VAT at Marriott Hollins Hall Hotel, Shipley – 23 July - £95. Noted. 3. Annual Joint Regional Training Conference for Cllrs & Clerks- 30 Oct- 1 Nov. Noted. 4. Suggestions for applications for grants from Environment Fund. Cllr Priestley had suggested the purchase of more roses for the War Memorial garden, and Cllr Batty had suggested the creation of a board walk across the Marsh. Cllrs favoured the second option. It was not considered possible to obtain this immediately but if the Wildlife Trust was agreeable Council could consider the scheme in more detail so that an Environment Fund grant could be sought at a later date. It was resolved to write to the Wildlife Trust and ask their views on establishing a board walk across the Marsh. 5. Parish Council Newsletter. Cllr Batty suggested that to avoid duplication of information between the web site, the Church Newsletter and the Parish Council newsletter, the latter should be dropped. The Clerk confirmed that it was no longer a requirement for Quality Council status to have a separate PC newsletter if a regular contribution on PC news was made in a village newsletter. Cllr Batty proposed instead that a more polished annual report should be produced. Cllrs largely favoured the new idea but felt that the annual report should not be made too long. Cllr Batty was thanked for his work on this year’s annual report. 6. Notice of SLCC Regional Conference for the North – Tuesday Sept. 8 – Cedar Court, Wakefield .Noted.

7. Nominations for Volunteer Group of the Year Awards. Cllr Pentith suggested that the Wildlife Trust be put forward.

NEW BUSINESS 1. Working Together to Design out Crime Event at Boston Spa Village Hall on Monday July 6 Cllr Thornton had attended this event and reported to Council on the main items discussed. The event had been hosted by the Area Committee and organised by services involved in the NE Divisional Community Safety Partnership. The purpose was to bring together residents and people involved in crime reduction and share ideas and learn of funding possibilities. The authorities were most anxious to have public participation and satisfaction. Small grants are available from the Area Committee and it is also possible to apply for funding from the Proceeds of Crime Act monies. 2. Report on Meeting concerning Environment held on Monday July 20 Cllr Thornton reported that this had been attended by herself, and Cllrs Anning, Pentith and Ogden. She would provide more details at the August meeting. MINOR MATTERS FOR DELEGATION TO CLERK/NEXT AGENDA1. Playground Cllr Anning asked Cllrs to consider ways in which the entrance to the playground could be improved to make for easier access for push chairs. She also reported that she frequently found the gate at the far end open ,enabling dogs to enter. It was resolved to ask John Bradford for advice on both matters. 2. Millstone at entry to village from Bardsey It had been noted that this was presently obscured by ivy. It was resolved to ask Mark Hullah to remove the ivy. 3. Planning permission for work in progress at No 10 The Paddock It was resolved to check on whether a planning application had been received and to follow up with a report to Planning Enforcement if necessary.4. Trees to the rear of Rose Cottage, Moor Lane It was reported that a poplar tree and some fir trees required cutting back. It was agreed to suggest to the neighbours that they consult Mr Lapish.

EKPC July 09 Mins.

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