Minutes of a meeting of Strensall & Towthorpe Parish Council held on Tuesday 8th January, 2008 in the Village Hall Strensall

 

Agenda Item 1 – Attendance: Parish Councillors P. Jesse (Chairman), J. Scott, K. Marquis, R. Plant, P. Hogg, Mrs. J. Smith, C. Dunn, Miss E. Blacklee, D. Baxter, P. Coverdale, J. Ord and A. Swales

 

Agenda Item 2 – Apologies for absence – Parish Councillors I. Cuthbertson and B. Baldwin

 

Agenda Item  3 – To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday, 11th December 2007

 

The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 11th December 2007, having previously been circulated, were considered.   Cllr Smith commented that she and her husband spent 1 hour (not 1 day) cleaning out a road gulley in Church Lane.   On the proposition of Cllr Marquis, seconded by Cllr Plant, it was unanimously agreed that the minutes be approved and signed by the Chairman as a true record of that meeting.

 

Cllr Jesse referred to the list of Councillors contact information distributed with the minutes.   Various amendments and additions were made to the list and the Clerk agreed to correct and update this list and reissue with these minutes.   Action: The Clerk

 

Agenda item 4 – Matters Arising from minutes of 11th December 2007

 

Cllr Jesse reported that a letter had been sent to Paddy Ennis thanking him for his excellent presentation at last months meeting.   Thanks were also expressed to Cllr Plant.   Notes on the presentation were placed on the website indicating the revised arrangements.

 

Agenda Item 5 – Police Report

 

Cllr Jesse referred to the December 2007 Police Report, copies of which were distributed at the meeting.   Strensall seemed to be the ‘hotspot’ this month.   The mobile Police Office was to attend Parkgate Strensall on Sunday 13th January 2008 between 2.30p.m. and 5.30p.m. and Barley Rise in the evening.   With regard to the cycle tagging exercise the Chairman reported that he had ordered 24 at a cost of £4.50 each and this would be funded by the Parish Council.

 

Cllr Smith’s report was distributed at the meeting.   She said her walk about with Justin had been very positive   With regard to complaints received regarding the speed of vehicles between the garage and the Old Vicarage on York Road, this matter would be taken up with Highways.   Cllr Marquis suggested that this complaint be passed to the Traffic Police.   Cllr Smith agreed to pass this on to Sgt Donna Musgrove.

Cllr Smith reported on a situation with a street light in Northfields which had been knocked down by a Highways Wagon.   She had written to the complainant explaining the situation and confirming that this street light would be repaired by the end of January.

Action: Cllr Smith

 

Cllr Baxter reported that there had been 3 fires recently and none of these were reported in the Police Report.

 

Agenda Item 6 – Councillors Reports:

 

Highways – Cllr Marquis reported that following recent heavy rain the corner of Towthorpe Moor Lane was still flooding and this had been reported to highways.   With regard to the adoption of The Brecks, this was progressing but CoYC are unable to indicate when this will be finalised.   Grass verges – Cllr Swales reported that nothing had been done at the corner of Knapton Close and Cllr Marquis agreed to liaise with Cllr Baldwin about this matter.

 

Village Traffic Study – Cllr Hogg reported on his report which had been circulated with the minutes, with particular reference to Southfields Road.  On the proposition of Cllr Plant seconded by Cllr Jesse, it was agreed that Cllr Hogg responds to City of York Council, informing them that we request City of York Council’s advice as to what can be done if the one way system is not being adopted.   With regard to the request for a school crossing at Sheriff Hutton Road junction a reply is still awaited from City of York Council.   Action: Cllr Hogg

 

Street Lights – Cllr Marquis’s report had been issued with the minutes.   He had contacted the street light engineers this morning, who were considering ideas for improving lighting in the Village, Church Lane and Towthorpe.   With regard to Towthorpe Cllr Marquis said an upgrade of the electricity supply may be needed in the future which may allow a solution but in the meantime the engineers were looking at replacing the lantern of lamp No 5.   With regard to The Brecks  it was being proposed that once the condition of the street lights was satisfactory then CoYC would take over the responsibility for Street Lights even if the Highway was not ready for adoption.

 

Play Equipment – Cllr Scott reported that following the Inspection Report from ROSPA, Playdale appeared last week.   Playdale came up with a list of things to be done.   Playdale will prepare a report detailing costs and this will be brought to the Council.   Darren Baxter had quoted for providing, delivering and spreading wood chip (4 loads) to 3 areas at a cost of £400.00 with a 5% discount if all areas done at the same time.   On the proposition of Cllr Jesse, seconded by Cllr Plant it was unanimously agreed that this quote be accepted.   Cllr Scott confirmed that the Kirklands play area had been included in this exercise   Action: Cllr Scott.

 

Environment Committee – Cllr Scott said that the Committee had not met over the Christmas period and asked all members to stay behind after this meeting.   Cllr Scott had already been in contact with City of York Council about the compilation of a disaster management plan and they indicated that help would be available after the initial stages had been completed.   Action: Cllr Scott

 

Cllr Jesse reported on a meeting with regarding the proposed Alcohol ban, which was now progressing.   A meeting had been held which Cllr Jesse, Cllr Smith and John Lacy, The Licensing Officer had attended along with Ward Cllr Wiseman ,and Ward Cllr Wiseman had written on behalf of the Parish Council.   A Newspaper advertisement would be necessary at a cost of around £450.00 and it was agreed that the Parish Council would pay this account.   It was noted that the Police would have discretionary powers.   Cllr Jesse said this process takes about 3 months to complete. .   Cllr Swales was advised to photograph the Kirklands play area showing beer cans etc and forward to John Lacy at the Licensing Office.

 

Open Spaces –  Cllr Baxter reported on recent fires on the wild haven area.   It was agreed to contact Darren Baxter to request a general tidy up.   Cllr Scott was authorised to order and have fixed in place notices stipulating ‘no fly tipping’.   It was also agreed to write to each neighbouring resident to request their co-operation in trying to keep this area tidy.   Cllr Scott and Plant (through the Environment Committee) agreed to draft letters and to check the leases to see which properties were affected.   Cllr Swales agreed to contact Street Environment Officer – Angus Young (551551) regarding the dog bin at the bottom of the bridge at Middlecroft Drive.   Cllr Dunn was advised to contact the same number regarding fly tipping along Towthorpe Moor Lane near to the amenity tip.   Cllr Plant agreed to put a note in Outreach regarding issues on tipping and litter.   Allotments – Cllr Jesse reported that the allotments were nearing completion.   With regard to The Heath, Hoggs had agreed to cut the grass again and progressively make it shorter further on in the season.   Hoggs had requested that their name be taken off the suggested notice as The Heath is not owned by Hogg the Builder.

 

Cllr Marquis reported on grass cutting tenders.   After some discussion it was agreed that Deans Landscapes be given the grass cutting contract for this year and Rycroft the contract for the grass verges.  

 

With regard to Geoff Aitken’s quotation Cllr Marquis agreed to check on one small issue regarding Barley Rise and Durlston Drive.   Cllr Marquis was authorised to accept Geoff Aitken’s quotation once the issue had been cleared up with Barley Rise/Durlston Drive.   The Street Environment Officer would be asked to clean up the area at Durlston Drive. Action: Cllr Marquis                                                    

 

Cllr Marquis said a reply was still awaited from Network Rail regarding the recent verge damage in Lords Moor Lane and a reminder letter would be sent if necessary in the next week. Action: Cllrs Marquis and Plant

 

With regard to Conservation Cllr Dunn reported on an issue which had taken place yesterday on the common.   It was noted that the public were now coming to terms with the new arrangements on the common.

 

Youth – Cllr Jesse reported on a recent meeting at Robert Wilkinson School when a suggestion had been made regarding the use of the school for a youth club/youth centre.   Cllr Jesse confirmed that he had handed the School the £15,000 agreed from the Trust Fund towards the MUGA provision.   A meeting was to be held with the Police/Ward Committee/Parish Council on 22nd January 2008 to discuss youth provision/facilities.

 

Bus Shelters – Cllr Swales reported that one of the bus shelters at the camp had been repaired and the other was being repaired today.   He proposed to use the same contactor for the future if this work was satisfactory.   The work would cost £550.00 and it was likely that MOD would be funding some of this work.   He also proposed to use this contractor for replacing Perspex panels if it was possible as he felt the service from Stoneplan was no longer satisfactory.   Cllr Swales reported on a letter received today along with a petition signed by 8 residents (7 from York Road and 1 from Glebe Close) requesting the removal of the bus shelter opposite Middlecroft Drive on York Road.   After much discussion it was agreed that the removal of the shelter was not practical and residents should be urged to contact the police if and when they have a problem, and also to inform the police of possible problems.   Cllr Swales to write to the resident concerned. Action: Cllr Swales

 

Cemetery – Cllr Coverdale reported that drainage work had been carried out at the Cemetery recently and it appeared that this was now helping to solve the standing water problem.   The matter of standing water on Sheriff Hutton Road was being dealt with by Cllr Baldwin.   Cllr Coverdale had agreed with the drainage contractor  to remove some mounds of rubbish which had been left following the drainage work.   The legal documents for the drainage were to be completed and the Deeds for the cemetery were handed to Cllr Coverdale.   A meeting of the Cemetery Committee would take place shortly.  Action: P. Coverdale

 

York Pride – Cllr Jesse reported on a Ward Liaison Meeting to be held on Thursday January 10th at the Guildhall.   Cllr Jesse and Cllr Smith to attend.

 

Sports Association – Cllr Jesse reported on a meeting held on 7th January 2008.  However it was felt that the matter of the Sports Association needed to be looked at from a legal point of view and Cllr Jesse was to contact YLCA for assistance.   (Notes of the meeting on 7th January are attached).

 

War Memorial – Nothing to report

 

YLCA – Cllr Jesse referred to the report sent out with the Agenda.

 

 

Agenda Item 7 – Finance

 

Expenditure

General Account:                                                                                Code                                      inc VAT           Ex VAT

 

S. Walker – salary                                                               100                                                             £364.00             £364.00

Darren Baxter – open space area                                     306                                                          £1,040.00          £1,040.00

CPRE – membership                                                          202                                                                £27.00               £27.00

Staples – office stationery                                                 102                                                             £ 112.20             £131.83

Income – NIL

 

Cemetery Account –

 

Expenditure

J. Atkinson & Son – drainage work                                                                                                  £2,575.00              3,025.63               

 

Income - £270.00

 

On the proposition of Cllr Marquis, seconded by Cllr Plant, it was unanimously agreed that the above accounts be paid.

 

Finance Meeting – 13th December 2007 and Budget 2008/09

Cllr Marquis reported on the notes of the Finance Committee meeting held on 13th December 2007 and on the draft budget for 2008/09.   After some discussion and on the proposition of Cllr Jesse, seconded by Cllr Plant it was unanimously agreed to approve the expenditure for 2008/09 as detailed in appendix 1 of the notes, approve the revenue expenditure of £24,915 exclusive of VAT and approve the precept from City of York Council at £15,000.00   Cllr Jesse and the Clerk completed and signed the City of York Council Precept Form.

 

Cllr Jesse thanked Cllr Marquis and the Clerk for the work in preparing the finance information.

 

Item 10 – To receive and approve the minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting held on 18th December 2007

                       

1.             Attendance:Parish Councillors P. Hogg (Chairman), K. Marquis, P. Jesse, R. Plant, P. Coverdale,    Miss E. Blacklee, D. Baxter and I. Cuthbertson

2.             Apologies: B. Baldwin J. Ord

3.             Declarations of Interests: None

4.             Planning Applications:

 

a)            07/02821/TPO 16 Heath Ride – crown lift of 4 metres, 15% reduction to canopy and crown clean Oak protected by TPO CYC 229 – no objections, but leave decision to TPO Officer at City of York Council

 

b)            07/02765/FUL – Strensall Youth Centre  14 West End – Alterations and change of use of former youth club and nursery to form residential dwelling and construction of detached dwelling The Parish Council objects to this application as follows:

                1)            The application address, as shown on the letter reference 07/02765/FUL is shown as 14   West End.   This is incorrect, and should be Church Lane.

 

2)            Access – We have reservations as to the ownership of the access.   Investigations carried out many times over many years have proved inconclusive and ownership is undetermined but it is thought that the Prebend of Osbaldwick could own the access road. In examining this point, the Church carries out funerals and weddings when large vehicles after arrival outside the Church gates require large turning areas in this cul de sac to be ready for departure and traditionally have used the old school playground. Without this facility parking and turning of vehicles using the Church would be seriously affected and the loss of parking would also have an effect on residents in Church Lane and St. Mary’s Close, who already experience extreme difficulties through on street parking. The access beyond Church Farm is unadopted, presumably as a result of unknown ownership, and is constantly in a bad state of repair.

 

3)            None of the residents in Church Lane or St. Mary’s Close have been made aware by City of York Council of this application. Houses on this site will cause several traffic related difficulties for the Church and the local residents.

 

                4)            The new dwelling is too close to the boundary with 23 Church Lane and this neighbour will be overlooked by the new development.

 

5)            Drainage is a problem in this area and it has been known in the past for houses in this area to flood. There is also a history of surface water, in times of heavy rain, to cause overspill of contents from the foul water system in this area.

 

                6)            This site is in a Conservation Area.

 

                The Parish Council is unaware of ownership of the site.

 

The Parish Council request a site meeting to which all interested parties, i.e. The Parish Council, St. Mary’s Church, Wilkinson Charities and all neighbours, including residents of Church Lane and St. Mary’s Close should be invited to attend.

 

5.             Decision Notices received from City of York Council:

                Ref:                           Location                                             CYC Dec.              PC Rec:

                None

 

6.             Any other business:

                Planning updates as available: None

 

There was no planning meeting held on 8th January 2008, but Cllr Hogg reported the following:

 

                Decision Notices received from City of York Council:

                Ref:                           Location                                             CYC Dec.                              PC Rec:

                07/02401/FUL         4 Oak Tree Close                             Approve                                No objections but neighbours must be consulted

 

                07/02501/FUL     92 The Village                                      Approve                                “   “  “  “

 

                07/02470/FUL     1 Tyneham Way                                 Approve                                “   “   “   “

 

                07/02492/FUL     84 The Village                                      Approve                                “   “   “   “

 

 

Cllr Hogg also reported on a letter received from the Enforcement Officer at City of York Council dated 21st December 2007 regarding Outstanding Enforcement Action at OS Field 2000/3000 Lords Moor Lane.   City of York Council confirmed in that letter that an Enforcement Notice has been served on the owner of the above site.   The notice requires the removal of the caravans, containers, vehicles etc unless it can be shown that their use in for a lawful agricultural purpose in connection with the land.   If no appeal is submitted against the Enforcement Notice in the meantime, the Notice will come into effect on 18th January 2008 and requires compliance within 3 months.   If an appeal is submitted, then the Enforcement Notice will not come into effect until such time as the appeal is decided.

Cllr Marquis reported that he had spoken to the Managing Director of C F Stead regarding the “land gift” and had been advised that although this had been omitted from the Section 106 agreement it was still the intention to gift this land to the residents of Strensall but only when the Tannery sale is concluded.

 

Item 9 – Involvement with Robert Wilkinson School – Nothing to add

 

Item 10 – Publicity/Website – Cllr Marquis reported that he had put various late news items on the Parish Council’s website, including a notice ‘Keep Your Property Safe’   A Publicity meeting was required shortly to prepare the March Newsletter for Outreach which had to be with the editor by 12th February.

 

Agenda Item 11 – Chair/Clerk/Councillor Training – nothing to report from YLCA

 

Agenda Item 12 – To consider correspondence received

 

The Clerk reported on a letter from Haxby Town Council seeking the Parish Council’s support in their effort to keep open the public conveniences in Haxby.   It was unanimously agreed that the Parish Council should support Haxby Town Council and write to City of York Council requesting them to reconsider their decision regarding the lease.

 

City of York Council ‘Walking for Life’ leaflets.

 

Cllr Jesse, through a resident, asked whether the Parish Council would pay to have a new Women’s Institute Notice Board erected outside No 46 The Village.   After some discussion it was agreed that Cllr Blacklee should take this matter back to the next WI meeting.

 

                                                ---o0o---

 

 

Date and time of next meeting – 12th February 2008 at 7.00.m. in the Village Hall Strensall

 

 

 

                                                Signed……………………………………………….

 

                                                Chairman

 

                                                Dated…………………………………………………

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Street Lighting Report for January 2008.

 

As yet there has been no response from CoYC concerning the requested investigation into improving the street lighting in The Village, Church Lane and Towthorpe Hamlet. Although CoYC have stated that there is no supply available to feed a repositioned light for lantern No 5 at Towthorpe to illuminate the footpath it has been suggested that a supply could be obtained from lantern No 4 which is located adjacent to the footpath.

 

Keith Marquis

 

 

 

 

Village Traffic Studies

Monthly Report

Jan. 2008

 

Southfields Road

 

Fellow Councillors will recall that at our last meeting it was decided by majority vote not to proceed with the proposals for making part of Southfields Rd. “one way”, due to the continuing uncertainty over funding and the fact that the new “loading bay” arrangements outside Tesco’s appeared to be working satisfactorily. The option of improved signage and road markings would be a better solution at this time. However, traffic levels and other problems should continue to be monitored, and if and when funding becomes available the situation should be reviewed and the “one way” option reconsidered.

 

This position was put to Graham Kelly of CofYC and the views noted. However, he asked if the PC could “clarify specifically where some Councillors felt that road markings and traffic signs might be improved, if not just along Southfields Rd. We would then be able to determine whether further alterations or enhancements are feasible”.

 

I informed Mr. Kelly that the PC could discuss the matter further at our next meeting, (Jan.8th 2008), and I would pass on any further comments and suggestions.

 

 

The Village

 

The suggestion about providing a School Crossing Patrol at the Sheriff Hutton Road Junction was put to Mr.Kelly, who informs me that he has passed this on to Fiona Kent, the supervisor for this service. She will assess the request and respond direct to the PC.

 

Cllr. Philip Hogg

 

 

 

 

POLICE LIAISON REPORT 03-01-2008.

 

May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy New Year.

 

As most of you know from the last meeting that I had arranged to go out with PCO Justin Piercy on Wednesday 12thDecember.

 

We spent about three hours going round most of the business’s in Strensall introducing myself as being the Councillor responsible for linking between the general public and the Council. I also gave them information about Neighbourhood Watch Schemes and how I set one up two years ago, which has been very successful.

 

PCO Justin Piercy informed them about his role and the link between him and myself. The police team in Strensall have established connections in most of the businesses but he hadn’t been into the bookies, vets, and didn’t realise that there was a nursery group in the Methodist Church.

 

The people were very welcoming and said that they thought what we were doing was very positive. We gave out the blue cards with the Police telephone numbers and I wrote my number on the back. Justin said that he had found our visits very productive having being told some vital information from a member of staff in one of the shops. He said that he would need to pass this information onto the police CID division.

 

I have arranged to go and visit the managers of Tesco and Costcutters once a month to have a chat and talk about any issues that the council could help with.

 

A lady came up to us and asked if we could fix her lamppost in Northfield! She explained what had happened and I said that I would do my best. I referred this matter to the appropriate department at City of York Council. Hopefully the post will be repaired by the end of January.

 

I found the time spent with Justin very productive and hopefully the people we met did too.

 

 

Signed: Cllr J Smith

 

 

POLICE WARD REPORT DECEMBER 2007

 

Strensall

 

Having been adopted as an area priority, Strensall showed a whopping 56% reduction in crime overall based on the same period last year. 17 crimes were recorded and 2 of those were within the confines of Stockton Hall Hospital as assaults. 4 arrests were made in relation  to crimes on the area . With regards to incidents recorded under the heading of anti-social behaviour there were 14 reports for December compared to 25 last month.

 

Next mobile office will be on Sunday 13th Jan 1430 – 1730hrs Parkgate and 1830 – 2100hrs Barley Rise. Cycle tagging available funded by the Parish Council for residents of Strensall and Towthorpe.

 

 

Earswick – No crimes or incidents recorded for Earswick in December .

 

 

Stockton on Forest – No crimes recorded for the area only the 2 attributable to Stockton Hospital. Incidents reported were 2 reports of malicious phone calls , 1 insecure premises and 1 abandoned motor cycle. 

 

Other matters

2007 was a productive year for the team.  We dealt with 221 incidents  and participated in the arrest of 80 individuals. We worked with a  number of agencies throughout year including Housing for evictions, Youth Services to address anti-social behaviour, City of York Council and Parish Councils in relation to target hardening issues and last but not least schools and parents to address youth behaviour as early as possible. Several drugs warrants were executed, a number of vehicles seized,  4 covert cameras installed and an individual served with a CRASBO was later arrested for breaching it. We also conducted over 250 school visits. We hope 2008 will be just as productive and that we continue to provide a good level of customer and partner service.