19th February 2004 at 8.00pm.

Present: Chairman Councillor B.Fisher; Councillors P. Lupton; B. Butler; A.Martin; Mrs.E.Bolton; Mrs.A.Chetcuti. Apologies for absence from Councillor Mrs.U.Cansfield, and District Councillor Mrs.C.Bayliss. One Parishioner was present.

Minutes: the Minutes of the previous meeting held on 15 th January 2004, having been circulated, were adopted as a correct record. Proposed by Councillor Butler; seconded by Councillor Martin.

Matters arising: a new Bus Stop posts have been erected at the Harewood Arms and Memorial Bus Shelter. Steps are being taken to deal with the fouling of the Memorial Bus Shelter. A new waste bin will be supplied for the exterior of the Post Office.

Matters arising concerning Plompton: notification has been received that an application has been made to divert the Bridleway No.10 adjacent to the proposed development on the B6164 road. Failing objections, this diversion will become effective from April 2004.

Yorkshire Water: further consultations regarding sewage smells will be arranged in the near future.

Grass cutting: a quotation of £65.96 plus VAT for yearly maintenance of the Horsepond was not accepted. Any necessary work will be carried out voluntarily. The quotation of £8.30p plus VAT for grass cutting during the summer months has been accepted.

Annual litter pick: arrangements are being made for this to be carried out on April 18 th 2004. A notice asking for volunteers is to be put on the village noticeboard.

Local Councillors Association meeting: this was attended by Councillor Fisher. Mention was made of the facility available from NYCC whereby Parish Council records (ie Minute Books) can be stored, in suitable conditions, free of charge. Details were given of an address to which concerned residents can write to prevent “junk mail” being sent.

Highway matters: complaints have been received of pot-holes on Spofforth Lane, and on the Pannal Road, adjacent to the By-pass junction. The relevant authorities will be notified. An overhanging hedge on Spofforth Lane will be brought to the attention of the Rudding Estate. Concern was also expressed regarding the erosion of the footpath near the Cricket Field.

Finance: a report on the current balances was given to the meeting.

Clerks report and correspondence: circulars received concerning the revision of Planning policy by Central Government. Report on Local Transport Study and Environment Agency Study Pact.

Planning: following a complaint made by a Parishioner, the Clerk will enquire if all Planning Conditions have been complied with on the refurbishment of The Old Chapel Schoolroom.

General: Parish Council opinion was solicited regarding the future of the Royal Hall, Harrogate. It was felt that all avenues should be explored to secure the future of a Listed Building as an asset to the wider community.