MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL ASSEMBLY HELD ON 6 APRIL 2006

Present : Parish Councillors B Fisher ( Chairman ), A Chetcuti, U Cansfield, T Martin, B Butler, M Mitton and 7 residents

Apologies : Parish Councillor E Bolton and Mrs E Simpson

Signed as a correct record

Proposed: B Butler Seconded: A Chetcuti

Item 7 – there was a query about the filming of an episode of ‘ The Royal’ and whether any payment had been made to the Parish Council. The Chairman stated that no payment had been received but he understood that a fee was paid to the farmer whose land was used.

The Chairman read his report to the meeting. Questions and discussion arose on the following matters:-

Parish Records
Noted that the County Records office had archived materials which would be available for scrutiny by members of the public and were still the property of the Parish Council. The records were now kept in safe and secure conditions. A. Dewsnip requested the Records office contact details as he was sometimes asked for information. He also asked if a list of the information held could be posted on the Follifoot website. Clerk will explore the possibility.

Women’s Institute records held by Mrs Hubbard. Also two village books had been published by the W.I. as limited editions in 1965 and 1975. A suggestion made that a Follifoot historical society might be formed, longstanding residents expressed a willingness to share their memories of their early days in the village.

Road Safety
Parking on Main Street – residents commented that some cars were parked partly on the pavement restricting pedestrian access. Egress from Walker Terrace by car or on foot was problematic as parked cars obscured the sight line, some believed there was potential for accidents and wondered if a ‘concealed exit’ sign would help. ‘Buses and HGV’s were often unable to negotiate the street because of the congestion. It was also suggested that the brewery may restrict parking behind ‘The Lascelles’ which could exacerbate matters. It was decided that the Councillors would arrange to meet the community policeman when he was in post.

Speeding vehicles – concern that some drivers were not observing the speed limit when passing through the village. Various options discussed including speed bumps, an illuminated ‘Slow Down’ sign and a 20 m.p.h. speed limit. Councillors to discuss with community policeman and possibly NYCC Highways at a later stage.

Highways
Noted that the gully at the bottom of Main Street appeared to be blocked. Clerk informed the meeting that she had contacted NYCC Highways to inform by letter on 12.12.05 and by ‘phone on 4.4.06.

Main Street road surface – disappointment expressed that only a few months after the road was resurfaced, the utility companies had dug a number of holes and trenches and had not adequately reinstated the road surface. The Clerk to write to NYCC Highways to request the damage be made good.

Village Booklets
Chairman agreed to supply further copies to Mrs Hubbard and Post Office.

Minibus to Knaresborough
Every Wednesday from Follifoot at 10 am returning at 12 noon. The service has not been widely publicised, A Chetcuti agreed to make a poster to increase awareness of the service. Places can be booked with the driver, Peter Kay on 867986.

Litter Pick
2 pm Sunday 9 April. A. Dewsnip, Post Office kindly providing chocolate eggs to child participants.

4. Financial Report
Paper showing performance against budget was distributed. In response to a query regarding a contribution made to the Parish Council from the company filming ‘Barking’, it was stated that £ 250 had been received and this was shown under ‘other’ income.