Meeting held on 14th April 2005

PRESENT : Councillors E Bolton, A Chetcuti, B Fisher (Chairman), B Butler, U Cansfield, District Councillor C Bayliss and six residents.

APOLOGIES : Councillors M Mitton and T Martin

Minutes of the last Parish Assembly – held on 22.4.04. Accepted as a true record.

Proposed : U Cansfield
Seconded : E Bolton

Matters Arising : There were no matters arising

Chairman’s Annual Report

The Chairman read his report to the meeting. In response to a question about Parish records which have recently been lodged at the County Records Office, it was confirmed that a missing financial record book had been located and also assurances given that the records would be accessible.

The report would be posted on the Follifoot web site and the village notice boards.

Financial Report

The income and expenditure account for 2004 – 05 was circulated to the meeting. There were no questions concerning the accounts. The Chairman explained the budget process. The accounts would shortly be subject to an internal audit followed by external audit later in the year.

Neighbourhood Watch

The Neighbourhood Watch coordinator for the village is Tony Martin. Unfortunately, business commitments meant he was unable to attend the meeting. He sent a written report which was read to the meeting by the Chairman. A number of residents had attended specifically for this item and comment was made that the report was of a general nature and did not address issues that were specific to Follifoot. It was stated that the Neighbourhood Watch coordinator and street coordinators had not met formally for at least one year. There was some concern expressed about this and also a wish to take forward the initiative in a positive and proactive manner.

The Chairman informed the meeting that a new Community Policeman, Mark Ayres was now in post based at Knaresborough station. He was keen to become involved and where possible to attend Parish Council meetings.

Following further discussion, the Chairman proposed the way forward would be to put the matter on the agenda for the May 26 Parish Council meeting and to invite the Police and other interested parties.

Open Gardens Day in Follifoot

An event organised by the Friends of Harrogate hospital was planned for 7 August 2005. As well as open gardens, there would be teas in the Village Hall, stalls and an ambulance. Assistance had been sought and received from the local pubs, the Mackaness family and the shop. A letter would be sent to every resident nearer the time.

District Councillor Bayliss will be Mayor of Harrogate by then and she requested an official invitation. The Chairman agreed to ask ‘The Friends’ to arrange this.

Any Questions

The Chairman invited questions from residents and the closure of the Plompton Road for filming an episode of ‘The Royal’ was raised. The Chairman reported that he had been in touch with the film company with a view to requesting a donation in compensation for the inconvenience but the outcome was as yet unknown.

The Chairman thanked the residents for attending the meeting which closed at 8.30 pm.