Minutes of the meeting to discuss making an emergency plan for Follifoot and Plompton held on Thursday 2 November 2006
Present : Parish Councillors B. Fisher (Chairman), U. Cansfield, B. Butler, E. Bolton, C. Florance, T. Martin, District Councillor C. Bayliss, D. Townsend, M. Holloway, A. Dewsnip, P. Carney, R. Lamming, P.C. M. Place, P.C. M. Ayre, P. Bell
Apologies : Parish Councillor M. Mitton, Rev. J. Trew, Rev. J. Betts, S. Mackaness, M. Mackaness
The Chairman thanked all for attending. He explained that whilst it was not a statutory requirement for parishes to have an emergency plan, it would be useful to have a basic structure in place in case of emergency. This would make use of local knowledge, providing detail to complement the district and county plans. A template for a plan had been provided, so it would not be a case of ‘re-inventing the wheel’. Following a short discussion, those present considered it would be helpful to make a plan for the two villages.
It was agreed that a working group would be convened to progress the matter using the template provided. Any further information available on-line would be brought to the first meeting.
Group members: B. Fisher (Chairman), P. Carney, A. Dewsnip, R. Lamming, M. Holloway, C. Bayliss. A quorum should be four persons
The first meeting would be held on Tuesday 5 December at 6.30 pm at the Harewood Arms, Main Street, Follifoot.
The Parish Council Meeting
Present : Parish Councillors B. Fisher (Chairman), U. Cansfield, E. Bolton. B. Butler, T. Martin, C. Florance, District Councillor C. Bayliss
An opportunity for residents to ask questions or register concerns:
A. Dewsnip referred to recent criminal activity in Follifoot. The Police were aware of two crimes, whilst A. Dewsnip knew of five. Police will check the computer but it appears that three crimes were not reported by the victims or any other person.
A. Dewsnip registered concern about the speed of some vehicles travelling along the Pannal/Plompton Road which had apparently resulted in the death of two family pets. Affected residents have not raised the matter personally with the Parish Council. P.C. Ayre advised writing to NYCC to request speed monitoring strips be installed. Clerk to follow up.
Proposed street light outside the Post Office. A. Dewsnip asked when it was likely to be installed. The lantern has been delivered to the Harrogate Council and Clerk has provided information to the Lighting Engineer to facilitate completion of the works. District Councillor Bayliss to follow up.
The meeting was informed that the arrangements for community policing were to change as current workloads were too heavy, an additional officer was to be drafted in to assist. The Parish link in future would be P.C. Ayre. P.C. Place was thanked for his involvement.
- Apologies for absence : Parish Councillor M. Mitton
- Declarations of interest in items on the agenda
There were none
- Minutes of the meeting held on 5.10.06
The minutes were signed as a correct record. Proposed: T. Martin Seconded: U. Cansfield
- Matters arising from the minutes
Yorkshire Water – noted that the repair had been made to the road at the bottom of the Main Street.
- Chairman’s communications
Friends of Harrogate Hospital – an approach had been made regarding another Open Gardens day in Follifoot. The Chairman had expressed an interest in principal, possibly for 2008. The challenge was to find enough residents willing to open their gardens to the public.
‘Follifoot in Bloom’ – The Chairman would like to discuss the possibility of having floral displays around the villages. An agenda item will be tabled for the January meeting.
- Matters concerning Plompton
The Parish notice board - a quotation received from AWJoinery in the sum of £145 which the Parish Council resolved to accept.
There were no other matters to report.
Highways
Potholes on Spofforth Lane – Clerk reported that NYCC were monitoring the state of the road, an order was to be made to repair the site but no date had yet been arranged.
Rural Safety Scheme, Spofforth Lane – Scheme approved works will not begin until the New Year.
- Parish Assets
‘Bus shelters - work on refurbishment has commenced. Contact made with conservation officer regarding financial assistance for the top shelter, no response received to date. Bottom shelter - T. Martin had examined the conifer next to the building and thought it could damage the structure as well as the adjacent drive. He recommended that the tree be felled. The councillors accepted this and will take advice from the planning authority regarding the process as it is in the conservation area. Clerk to follow up.
Horsepond Beck – councillors arranged a working party to tidy up the area. Harrogate Council to be asked for a quotation for this work for the next financial year.
District Councillor Bayliss requested time to raise two matters of current concern in the Harrogate district as she was interested to hear the views of the Parish Council:
- ‘Wheelie bins’ - councillors were concerned that some properties had insufficient space to accommodate a number of bins. Councillors were supportive of moves to increase items that were re cycled, especially plastic. An earlier pilot project was mentioned and Councillor Bayliss agreed to enquire about the outcome of the trial. She stressed that no decision had been made by the Council about the matter as yet.
- Starbeck baths – U. Cansfield stated that she was a user of the swimming pool and thought it appeared to be well used by people who may not want the added facilities of the other ools in the district. There was an important social element apparent for the users.
- Finance :
Balance at the bank – A total of £ 9375.74 in the accounts. Request for authorisation of expenditure – to D. Stalker for engraving a commemorative plaque £ 9.50; to Harrogate Council for final grass cut - £ 10.40. Proposed: B. Butler Seconded: U.Cansfield
Internal Audit – Letter from P. Carney stating that he had examined the accounts for the six months to 30.9.06 and found them in order.
- Clerk’s report and correspondence
Contact from John Chilton who reports on events in Follifoot and surrounding villages for local newspapers. He would like to report the proceedings of the Parish Council where they may be of interest to readers. Following a discussion in which it was noted that minutes were available on the Parish notice boards and Follifoot web site, councillors agreed that minutes could be sent to Mr. Chilton.
- Countryside Alliance – letter received requesting support for the retention of rural Post Offices. Clerk to draft a letter to the Minister concerned for approval at the next meeting
- Manor Cottages, Main Street. Complaint received regarding branches overhanging the pavement. Clerk to contact letting agent to request remedial action
- Correspondence received since the last meeting was circulated.
- Planning
Application 06/05020/FUL – Alveston, Main Street, Follifoot for front porch and rear dormer windows. The Parish Council had no objections to the application.
No further applications had been received
Outcome of previous applications : Approved - Fields 8200 and 7100, Thistle Hill -for retention of vehicular access and Unit 6, Follifoot Ridge Business Park - for extension. Withdrawn – Overdale, Tofts Lane, Follifoot – for extensions.
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