10th September 2020
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Thursday 10th September 2020
This was the first meeting held in the Village Hall, following the relaxation ofGovernment guidance regarding Covid-19. Strict safeguarding measures had been implemented and a risk assessment completed. All attendees followedsocial distancing requirements.
PRESENT: Chairman N MacDermid, Cllr T Martin (Vice Chairman) Councillors, C Dickinson, A Dewsnip and S Riley. In attendance, M Richards (Clerk) and 1resident.
1. Apologies: Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs T Hall and J Locke.
2. Declaration of Interest and Notification of changes in the Members’
Register of Interest: None.
3. Public Participation session: No matters arising.
4. Minutes of the meeting held on 9th July 2020: Cllr Martin proposed the minutes to be a correct record, seconded by Councillor Riley. The Chairman then duly signed the minutes.
5. Chairman’s comments and communications
a) The Chairman had received a communication from Sue Rigby of the
British Horse Society, regarding its attempt to join the two bridleways
in the Crimple Valley. Following legal advice obtained by the Byways &
Bridleway Trust and The British Horse Society regarding the bridleway creation
and the dispute over land ownership, it had been decided not to proceed
with the campaign. Councillors noted the decision.
b) Concerns had been expressed regarding a drone being flown above the
village. Additionally, some drones are very easy to fly and are ideal for beginners, and you can also look for the best drones for kids if you want.
This action was not in line with national guidelines on the flying of
drones (proximity to houses and people) and could possibly be unlawful if it
was classed as an invasion of privacy. At the time the Chairman was
concerned and put a communication on the Follifoot Facebook group to raise
awareness whilst also considering what further action the Parish Council could
take. Thankfully there has been no repetition.
6. Clerk’s correspondence received.
a) Parish Council website – accessibility statement. The village resident who
maintains the site for the Parish Council, has been able to compile such a
statement, based on examples posted on the internet. The clerk will circulate
the document for councillor comment. The Chairman formally recorded the
Parish Council’s thanks to the resident for his efforts in this respect and also its
appreciation for his continuing work in maintaining the site.
b) Parish notice board. A quotation for the repair and refurbishment of the
notice board had been received at a cost of £130. Councillors accepted the
quotation, stressing that the main objective was to make the display board
waterproof and also to improve its overall appearance. Replacing the backing
board with a cork board was also desirable. The clerk will contact the
contractor, specifying these requirements.
7. Follifields
a) Dog control – a resident had complained about seeing dogs being tied up in
Follifields, on a couple of occasions. Councillors discussed and agreed that this
was unacceptable but it was difficult to see how it could be prevented. The
creation of a “dog pound” had been considered previously, but had been
discounted as impractical (and also contrary to the no dogs rule!) The clerk will
contact the HBC Dog Warden for advice.
b) “FolliFitt” – the organiser of the fitness/exercise sessions had contacted the
clerk with a view to re-commencing the sessions, following the relaxation of
Covid-19 guidance. The clerk had re-issued the updated user agreement but to
date no response has been received. It would now seem that given the onset
of the darker nights, the sessions will not now re-commence this year. The
clerk will contact the organiser again to ascertain her intentions for the future,
but will also mention that 1) interest has been expressed by another fitness
instructor for use of the site and 2) a small contribution towards the cost of
upkeep, as agreed originally, will be expected for further use.
c) Other – car parking and litter. There had been a repetition of cars being
parked inconsiderately and also excessive litter, including wine bottles and
cigarette ends, being left in the bin. Both alcohol and smoking are not permitted within Follifields. Similar to those at https://www.anormed.com/blog/heroin-addiction-symptoms/. Following discussion, it was concluded that this was probably
a consequence of the spells of hot weather and “escape from lockdown” and
would probably not be repeated. Councillors would however, monitor the
position for the time being.
8. Art Event – “We Love Follifoot” The Chairman commented on the great
success of this initiative. From feedback received, it was clear that the Village
much appreciated the efforts of the children and other artists. On behalf of the
Parish Council he acknowledged its appreciation for the hard work of Mr and
Mrs Mackaness in sponsoring and organising the whole event. He was not
alone in the hope that this could become an annual event.
9. NYCC/HBC reorganisation.
The Chairman outlined the position regarding the Government’s requirement
for the reorganisation of local government. This would mean the creation of
one or two unitary authorities, to replace the existing county and 7 district
councils. NYCC and HBC (and the other district councils) were working up
their submissions for their own proposed unitary authority. It is likely there will
be devolved power from the reorganisation, possibly down to parish council
level. Councillors agreed to await the outcome of proposals before considering
any action.
10. Vehicle Activated Signs
The clerk reported on the three quotations he had received for one of his other
parish councils. The cheapest quote was from a company which had also
Chairman suggested that the clerk contact the Chairman or clerk of Pannal
to obtain more details of the equipment and any problems which they had
faced and resolved, particularly compliance with NYCC protocols for VAS. The
Parish Council has made an application for funding which could cover part of
the cost of both this and another road safety initiative in the parish, and a
decision is expected soon.
11. Plompton – broadband upgrade
The clerk had received an email from the Plompton Residents’ Group,
requesting the Parish Council’s support in its dealings with Openreach for the
provision of Community Fibre Broadband. Apparently, Openreach require a
“Recognised Group” to be formally involved in any contract for provision.
Councillors had no objection in principle to the request, but before formally
agreeing, the clerk was instructed to obtain further details of the arrangements,
particularly:
i) the total estimated cost of the contract
ii) the likely level of contribution from Plompton residents
iii) Confirmstion thst there would be no fiduciary risk to the Parish Council
iv) details of money handling and accounting arrangements
Other considerations to take into account are, compliance with the Parish
Council’s Standing Orders and whether it has the legal power to act in this respect. The clerk will contact the Residents’ Group to obtain answers to the 4 questions above.
12. A658 Underpass
Communication received from NYCC/HBC, confirming that the refurbishment
work will now take place, but not to the specification originally planned. There
will be new surfacing, new drainage and improvements to the approaches on
both sides, but there will not be a concrete surface within the underpass.
Councillors were disappointed that the original scheme was not being
implemented (which is apparently due to engineering challenges aswell as
ongoing maintenance commitments), but agreed any improvement to the
underpass surface was welcome. Some concern was expressed however,
about potential pollution from horse droppings in the underpass – perhaps a
request to the Riding School for “care” may be needed where practical ? The
clerk will ascertain details of closure dates and areas to be cordoned off, to be
posted on the website and FB page.
13. Finance.
a) The Chairman ran through the monthly financial statements which had been
circulated previously showing the up to date information of receipts and
payments to date (including the current period’s activity) and the ongoing
comparison with the budget on a monthly basis and the balance remaining for
the rest of the year. Councillors then approved the following items of
expenditure included in the budget statement.
Clerk’s salary (August) – £286.76
PAYE – £71.69
Clerk’s Expenses (2nd qtr) – £87.50
Playscheme – Follifields repairs – £537.60
Grass cutting – Follifields – S Bush – £205.00
Village maintenance (5 months) – £792 – whilst councillors were happy to approve the maintenance payments, the clerk mentioned that ideally, to meet audit requirements, examples of “before and after” photos, would enhance financial control. He will pass the request on to the village handyman.
b) Bank reconciliation. The clerk explained the content of the reconciliation
which had been circulated previously. Councillors had no questions and the
Chairman agreed to confirm the balances shown when he validates payment
of the above amounts, as part of the dual authorisation process for payments.
14. Planning
a) Review of decisions
i) 20/01418/FUL – 1 Beaker Cottages – erection of dropped kerb
APPROVED
ii) 20/01298 – 10 Leconfield Garth – 1st floor extension
WITHDRAWN
b) Applications received
i) 18/03855/LB – variation to allow alterations to roof and eaves – The
Carriage House, Plompton – Clerk delegated decision – SUPPORTED
ii) 20/02580/FUL – erection of 2 buildings – Follifoot Ridge Business Park
Clerk delegated decision – SUPPORTED
iii) 20/01809/FUL – erection of pitched rooves over existing flat roof – Green
Acres, Pannal Road
Clerk delegated decision – SUPPORTED
Councillors noted the above responses
iv) 20/03006/HEDGE – removal of hedgerow to the west of Aketon Lodge
Councillors in favour – clerk to submit response.
15. Other miscellaneous issues
a) Possible fly tipping at Kitty Corner – clerk to report to HBC and landowner
b) Phone Box Information Centre – light bulb has blown, Chairman will check
what is needed.
c) Himalayan Balsam at Horsepond Beck and excessive brambles on
Spofforth Lane. Clerk will check responsibility for control of Himalayan
Balsam and also whether HBC has any responsibility for curbing/removing
roadside brambles.
d) The Chairman asked the clerk to confirm whether the contactor was willing
to continue sanitising the play equipment once grasscutting had ceased for
the year. The clerk will enquire.
There being no other business, the meeting closed at 9.05
Date of next Parish Council meeting: –
8th October 2020 at 7.30pm, at Follifoot Village Hall, Tofts Lane