Croft-on-Tees Parish Council Minutes – 2017/18
3 May 2017
1 November 2017
3 January 2018
14 March 2018 MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
WEDNESDAY 3RD MAY 2OIT.
PRESENT.
Mr L Nugent Mr T Chaytor-Norris Mr S Bass Mrs P Longstaff Mrs A Kennedy Mr M Coates {Parishioner} Mrs 5 Coates {Parishioner} 145 APPOLOGIES:
All members present.
1,46 DECI.ARATION OT INTEREST.
No declaration of interest entered.
T47 MINUTES OF THE 3RD MARCH MEETING.
There has been no action yet bythe N.Y.Highways in carry out any work on the pavement area along the A167 or et the turning area adiacent the Burial Ground .Mr Nugent said that he spoken to his contact and been assured that the work will be done. The acting clerk informed the meeting that he had been unable to prepare a V.A.T. claim as he does not yet have allthe relevant invoices.
148 PIANNINGAPPLICATIONS.
There have been no applications since the last meeting. The application of December 2016 for permission to convert existing workshop to offices at Halnaby Hall has been approved.
149 TRANSPARENCYACT.
An information sheet concerning this act was given to each member. The acting Clerk explained that the Local Government Transparenry Code X)15 needed to be incorporated onto the Parish Website as soon as possible using the Richmondshire.gov,uk website. The Clerk explained that he did not feel gualified enough to carry out this task and would be happier if this task could be done on the Parish lap-top. lt was suggested that the submission could be done using any desk top using the croftonteespc user name. The Chairman was asked if he could obtain the password from Mr Bosworth as this will possibly be required. Further discussion took place on the matter and it was agreed that a person able to assist in this matter be sought. The Clerk agreed to undertake to this task. It was further agreed that a fee may have to be paid.
150 PRESENTATTON OF ANNUAI GOVERNANCE STATEMENT.20l5l17
This statement was presented to councillors present, agreed and signed by the Chairman as required.
151 PRESENATION OF ACCOUNTING STATEM ENT. 2OL6l L7
This statement has been prepared for sending for audit. lt was presented to councillors present and signed by the Chairman as required.
T52 APPOINTMENTOF INTERNATAUDITOR.
It was proposed by Mr Chaytor-Norris that Mrs Margaret Lowther, Clerk to the Dalton-on-Tees Parish Council be approached and this was seconded by Mr Bass. Clerk to arrange.
153 UPDATE ON THE PROPOSED LEWIS CARROT SIGNAGE.
Mr Martin Coates was invited to inform the meeting on progress he has made in this matter. Mr Martin presented sample drawings of signage obtained from a company in West Auckland together with estimated costs. lt was advised against using metal as a material because of possible theft. A plastic based compound is suggested which can be made to look metallic and is very durable. lt was explained that the wording Croft-on Tees would need to be incorporated into the sign to avoid being classed as a brown sign which would carry possible charges. The subject was discussed at some length and a suggestion by Mr Chaytor-Norris that the present large stone village sign be changed by removing the present signage and replacing with whatever is agreed to that stonework. lt could be larger than the present sign and incorporate visual artwork. lt was agreed that this would meet the requirement and an approach made to the highways for their approval. Mr Nugent to speak to his contact. It was agreed that if a suitable site could be found that a smaller sign be erected on the approach coming over the river bridge. The possible cost of any signage would seem to be reasonable. Mr Coates to speak to the sign company seeking any further information which may be useful.
154 CHEqUES FOR STGNTNG.
There were 4 cheques for signing. Mr Calvert f53.28 Zurich Municipal f184.69 Mr Calvert f195.00 Mr Nugent f25.85
155 ANY FURTHER BUSINESS. -
Mrs Coates was invited to explain the proposal to make changes to the monthly News Letter. lt is proposed thatthe printing be done commercially. To incorporate news from Dalton and Eryholme, who will also contribute to the costs. lt is proposed that 290 copies be printed. Church service times will also be included. Minutes of the Parish Meetings will be included and the Parish Councilwill contribute to the expense by a yearly donation of f,90.00 The Society of Local Council Clerks is presenting a training seminar at Sedgefietd on 19th July for one day. lt is suggested that the council book a place in anticipation that a new clerk may be in place if Mr Bosworth does not return. The cost is €59.fl) plus VAT. lt was agreed that one place be booked. Clerk to arrange. A letter of thanks for the donation to the new village hall was received from the treasurer, Anne Hardcastle. Mr Bass raised the continued complaints having to be made to the proiect manater of the A1 tB Project Team Mr Tom Howard concerning the diverts off the A1 passing through the villages during the nightime. These diverts should have ended but continue due it is claimed to the delays caused by the archaeology and utility diversion works. The CIerk is asked to compile a letter of complaint on behalf of the parishionerc affected. Mr Chaytor-Norris on behalf of the council thanked Mr Calvert for standing in during Mr Bosworth's illness. It was proposed that a bouquet of flowers be presented to Mrs Bosworth. The Clerk to arrange. MINUTES OF CROFT-ON-TEES PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
WEDNESDAY 1st NOVEMBER 2017 HELD IN CROFT VILLAGE HALL AT 7.45PM
PRESENT: Mr L Nugent (Chair) Mrs P Longstaff Mrs A Kennedy Mr S Bass Mrs C Liversedge-Gell
177 APOLOGIES:
None
178 DECLARATION OF INTEREST:
None
179 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING:
Previous minutes were passed as a true account. Signed by the Chairman
180 CHEQUES FOR SIGNING
Mrs Liversedge-Gell £41.79 & £196, North Yorkshire County Council £90.00 for Salt Bin Refill
The refilling of the salt bins was discussed as they were relatively full following last winter. Clerk to contact North Yorkshire County Council to request how much salt was replenished.
181 PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Three Planning Applications GRANTED: Ms G Sale, The Moorings, South Parade November 2016 (Retrospective) – rear extension.
Mr Banner, The Coach House, Halnaby Hall July 2017 – extensive groundwork to existing roadways, car parking and tree planting. Mr & Mrs Wood, Monkend House, South Parade August 2017 – conversion of loft space and dormer window/roof light
182 SPEED WATCH UPDATE
Recent correspondence with Jamie Smith – Community Speed Watch Co- Ordinator for North Yorkshire Police was distributed by the Clerk.
The Clerk explained that as Richmond Road and the A167 have current ‘live’ speed complaints attached to them and has Safety Camera Teams that patrol these roads, we are not able to setup a Community Speed Watch scheme on the same patch.
The Clerk has pursued the possibility of having the Speed Watch setup at the entrance/exit to the Village. Mr Smith is requesting that North Yorkshire Police’s Speed Concerns Team assess this particular area to see if it is suitable. Clerk will update.
183 TRANSPARENCY ACT GRANT UPDATE
The Clerk informed the committee that we have been successful in obtaining funding for Microsoft Office to go onto the Parish laptop. We are unable to apply for funding for the creation of a website as we have the use of Richmond District Council to upload documents to.
184 CROFT-ON-TEES PARISH COUNCIL WEBSITE & FACEBOOK PAGE
The Clerk discussed the options the Parish Council have for the setup of a website internally. It was agreed that the Clerk purchase a wordpress domain name and website package at the cost of £36 annually and to proceed with the website setup/creation. Mrs Kennedy suggested a link to the flooding gauge would beneficial – it was requested that any other similar suggestions for the content of the website from the committee of members of the Parish please contact the Clerk.
The Clerk explained that a Facebook Page has been created - @croftonteespc It is in its infancy and the Clerk will be adding to it over the coming days. It is a Community Organisation page and Parishioners are welcome to let the Clerk know what kind of information they would like to see from the page.
185 SMARTWATER FUNDS
The Clerk has been informed that funding was received to purchase some Smartwater kits for residents who put their names forward for them in May 2013. £500 was granted from North Yorkshire Police
The purchase of the Smartwater did not materialise due to issues with who was supplying it and how it was to be procured. Croft-Parish-Council attempted to give the grant back to North Yorkshire Police but it is thought that is was not possible.
As the £500 is outstanding the Clerk has been informed that there has been a request for the Parish to pay £750 back to North Yorkshire Police. Clerk advised by Chairman Mr Nugent to look at archived minutes from 19th July 2013 as it was an item on the Agenda for that meeting. Clerk also to contact North Yorkshire Police to establish full situation.
186 2018 PRECEPT UPDATE
The Chairman Mr Nugent & Clerk attended a meeting at Richmondshire District Council on 24th October. The Precept figure for 2018 is to be submitted to the District Council by the 8th January 2018. Clerk to circulate guidance data for the 2018 Precept before the Parish Council Meeting on 3rd January 2018 so that a figure can be discussed.
Budget Consultation - Richmondshire District Council are performing a consultation on Council Services and Future Budget – Parishioners can have their say by accessing ‘Have Your Say’ at www.richmondshire.gov.uk A poster about this is also in the noticeboard.
The Local Government Boundary Commission published a draft recommendation for new wards, ward boundaries and ward names for Richmondshire District Council. Consultations for this draft are open until 15th January 2018. Croft-on-Tees Parish are not directly affected as the current and projected electorate is not changing from 1528.
187 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Croft Circuit Meeting went well with the circuit and Parishioners on the 11th October 2017. Drew Furlong – Chief Operating Officer explained that the levels of noise from the circuit have been significantly reduced and that they are committed to reduce it even further in the future.
Mr Furlong explained that the Time Attack and Car Collective weekends will not be taking place at Croft Circuit in 2018 due to the anti-social behaviour that was witnessed around the circuit and the Parish during those weekends in 2017. Full minutes for this meeting are on the noticeboard or please contact the Clerk if you would like a copy.
Chairman Mr Nugent has been approached by a Parishioner with concerns abound the weight limit that is placed on the bridge by the Burial ground. There has been an increase in loaded wagons and agricultural vehicles crossing the bridge. The Clerk is to establish the weight limit of the bridge and inform the Chairman Mr Nugent.
Parish Councillor Mrs Longstaff requested would it be possible to get a Crime Bulletin for the Parish from North Yorkshire Police. Clerk to look into.
Lewis Carol Signage – there has been no update since the previous Parish Council Meeting. Chairman Mr Nugent to ask Mr Coates how it is progressing.
Temporary Sign Outside The Croft Hotel – Parish Councillor Mrs Kennedy had approached the Hotel Manager and they explained that it was temporary sign. It has now been removed from the verge.
There were no further matters and the meeting closed at 8.40pm
Next Meeting Wednesday 3rd January 2018 at 7.30pm at Croft Village Hall – all welcome
MINUTES OF CROFT-ON-TEES PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
WEDNESDAY 3rd JANUARY 2018 HELD IN CROFT VILLAGE HALL AT 7.30PM
PRESENT: Mr L Nugent (Chair) Mr Trevor Chaytor-Norris Mrs P Longstaff Mrs A Kennedy Mr S Bass Mrs C Liversedge-Gell
188 APOLOGIES:
None
189 DECLARATION OF INTEREST:
None
190 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING:
Previous minutes were passed as a true account. Signed by the Chairman
191 CHEQUES FOR SIGNING For Parish council: Mr Nugent £28 Mrs Liversedge-Gell £196, £36, £12.60, The Society for the Local Council Clerks £59.00 For Burial Board: Mrs Liversedge-Gell £30.00, £6.30
192 PLANNING APPLICATIONS
There were no new Planning Applications entered or granted since the last meeting
193 2018 PRECEPT FOR CROFT-ON-TEES
Crofton-Tees Parish Council are to inform Richmondshire District Council of its precept amount for the following year.
This was discussed in the meeting and agreed on £3300 – this is same amount requested in 2017.
Clerk to inform RDC by the 8th January 2018.
194 OLD SPA BRIDGE UPDATE
The Clerk informed the committee that after consultation with North Yorkshire Council the Old Spa Bridge does not have a weight limit restricted to it and the Council deemed the bridge to be in good working order
195 CROFT-ON-TEES VILLAGE SIGN UPDATE
The village sign is to incorporate both colour and black and white – with a black and white Cheshire cat and a colour Alice in Wonderland. Awaiting an update from the artist designing the sign.
196 SPEEDING UPDATE
North Yorkshire Police assessing if the exit/entrance to Croft village are deemed suitable for a Community Speedwatch – Clerk to follow up.
197 SMARTWATER FUNDS
The Clerk has spoken with Mr Bosworth – previous Clerk to Croft-on-Tees about this matter. North Yorkshire Police have not yet approached the Council for the money to be returned for the Smartwater initiative that did not go to fulfilment. The amount the council are to payback still stands at £500.00 and has not increased to £750.
The Clerk is arranging this with NYP – to update at the next meeting
198 SALT BINS
Following discussion it was decided that North Yorkshire County Council replenishing the salt bins was still a favourable option.
Clerk to arrange for residents to be reminded that there is Salt available for them to use throughout the village should they need it during colder weather.
199 ELECTORAL REGISTER UPDATE
The Clerk has received a Revised Register of Electors for the Croft-on-Tees Parish that is available for inspection. Notice was also given on the Parish Board that the Register of Electors for Richmondshire District Council published on 1st December 2018 is available for inspection.
200 CRIME BULLETIN UPDATE
The Clerk is now in receipt of monthly Crime Bulletin Updates for the parish and outlining areas. These will be published on the Parish Council facebook page as they are received.
There is a Property Marking Machine that is available to the Parish to use. The Clerk to liaise with Richmond Rural Beat Manager to establish how and when property within the parish can be marked up.
201 FOOTPATH CROFT TO ERYHOME
A resident of Dalton-on-Tees provided the Clerk with an update on the Croft to Eryhome footpath. The footpath was closed by North Yorkshire County Council as repairs needed to be undertaken on the footbridge at the Eryhome end of the footpath. A resident of Croft-on-Tees has offered to gift the amount needed to fund the works of repairing the bridge as a Charitable Donation.
Following the offer of the donation NYCC have agreed to joint fund the works.
The repair works can be undertaken after this years harvest.
202 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
The Clerk informed the committee that Sam Hutchinson - who is Community Mapping Project Officer for the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire will be attending the next Parish Council meeting. Ms Hutchinson is engaging with North Yorkshire Communitites to establish an understanding of those communitites and how to engage with them. We are encouraging residents to attend the meeting so you can put forward any queries you may have on policing matters - speeding, contacting local police officers or maybe you would like to make her aware of any community hubs, groups or charities that you might be involved in. Although not able to pass on formal complaints Ms Hutchinson can provide us with contact details and information regarding policing in North Yorkshire and our area.
Mr Steve Bass informed the Parish Council that there has been razor wire and barbed wire put around a stile in Spoil Bank Wood that is along the Croft to Eryhome footpath. It prevents access and poses a risk of injury should anyone attempt to cross it. Mr Steve Bass is to forward photos of the stile to pass onto the Clerk who will also visit the stile and then establish ownership/accessibilty of that part of the footpath with Council and landowner.
Mrs Alison Kennedy raised the topic of the servicing of the Clock at St Peters and that the Parish Council's contribution towards the service is usually passed on around this time. The Clerk to establish contact and raise a cheque for the funds.
It was agreed that any future planning applications received shall be uploaded onto the Parish Council facebook page.
There was no further business and the meeting was closed at 8.20pm
Next Meeting Wednesday 14th March 2018 at 7.30pm at Croft Village Hall – all welcome
MINUTES OF CROFT-ON-TEES PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
WEDNESDAY 14th MARCH 2018 HELD IN CROFT VILLAGE HALL AT 7.30PM
PRESENT: Mr L Nugent (Chair) Mr Trevor Chaytor-Norris Mrs P Longstaff Mrs A Kennedy Mr S Bass Mrs C Liversedge-Gell Cllr Angus Thompson
203 APOLOGIES:
None
204 DECLARATION OF INTEREST:
Mr Chaytor-Norris with reference to Ruskinmill at Clervaux Fold as they are part of Mr Chaytor-Norris’ family. Mr Chaytor-Norris stated he would not comment on this item (209).
205 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING:
Previous minutes were passed as a true account. Signed by the Chairman
206 CHEQUES FOR SIGNING For Parish council: Mrs Liversedge-Gell £196 Croft-on-Tees Community Village Hall - £40 for Christmas Tree light electricity
207 PLANNING APPLICATIONS
There were no new Planning Applications entered or granted since the last meeting
208 PROPOSED CLOSURE OF NORTHALLERTON COURTHOUSE
Georgie Sale – Deputy Head J.P. for North Yorkshire attended the meeting to discuss the proposed closure of Northallerton Courthouse and a consultation issued by the Ministry of Justice on this matter.
Ms Sale explained that people in elected roles at every level have been asked to make a response to this proposal and has requested that the Parish Council make a response on this issue.
Key points to take into consideration are; • Access to justice for those needing the Courts services • Delivering value for money • Efficiency in the longer term
It was agreed that Parish Councillors would read the Ministry of Justice consultation in full to ensure an informed response.
Parish Councillors to contact the Clerk upon reading the document with their comments by 21st March 2018. At which point the Clerk will draft a response for the approval of the rest of the Council.
The consultation closing date is 29th March 2018.
209 PROPOSED PLANS FOR RUSKINMILL AT CLERVAUX FOLD
There have been two public meetings at Croft-on-Tees Village Hall with reference to The Fold at Clervaux.
The last five years The Fold has been working with Army families, civilian families and young adults to provide support where needed through animals and crafts as therapy. They are planning to extend their facilities using a grant funded by HM Treasury LIBOR funds.
It is proposed to build two timber cladded accommodation blocks with kitchen and dining facilities, changing rooms, office, workshop, animal building a carpark and an upgraded access track
Concerns that arose at the meeting centred around the proposed carpark and access to the site over the bridge next to the Pack Horse Bridge.
It was agreed amongst the Parish Council that further discussion will take place when the Planning Applications come through from Richmondshire District Council.
210 CROFT-ON-TEES VILLAGE SIGN UPDATE
A cheque has been sent to the manufacturers of the sign. Delivery should be imminent
211 SMARTWATER FUNDS UPDATE
The Clerk informed the Parish Council that the original remittance advice from North Yorkshire Police had been found. Clerk is in contact with NYP and is awaiting confirmation of where the funds are to be returned to.
212 SPOIL BANK WOOD UPDATE
The Clerk explained that Mrs Lowther – Dalton-on-Tees Parish Clerk had informed her that Mr Ray Edwards of Dalton-on-Tees and a resident at Clervaux House has actively been tackling the issues of the razor wire in Spoil Bank Wood for some time.
Mr Edwards has a file of information on all of the work that they have done on the matter – the Clerk is to meet with him week commencing 19th March 2018
213 PARISH COUNCIL WEBSITE UPDATE
The Clerk informed the Parish Council that the website is in it’s finishing stages – however it is lacking photos for different pages/themes. Parish Councillors were asked for any photos that maybe used and Mr Chaytor- Norris suggested asking Sue Coates due to her work on the village calendar. The Clerk will follow up with Mrs Coates. When completed the Clerk will send the link to the Parish Council for comments and feedback
214 A.O.B.
1. Cllr Angus Thompson discussed the Speeding Matrix Boards that he had taken as an action from a Parish Council Meeting in Summer 2017. It is currently illegal to have any of the Boards installed unless they have been hired through North Yorkshire County Council.
Cllr Thompson is currently trying to get the rule around hiring the boards changed. It is going before the Scrutiny Committee May 2018.
2. Cllr Thompson also explained about potential funding available – each County Councillor has £5000 per annum and can provide grants of a minimum of £300. Parish Council to take this into consideration.
3. The Richmondshire Partnership Fund also has £1700 left of funding with a deadline of 14th May. The maximum grant is £1000 and must not exceed 75% of the total cost of the project. Parish Council also to take this into consideration
4. The Clerk had received an invite from The Rotary Club of Richmond for Croft-on-Tees to take part in the Best Kept Village Competition 2018. Initial response was that it would be a good idea to take part but to gauge interest from Parishioners. The Clerk is to arrange this and report to the Parish Council
5. Tender received from CE & CM Walker Ltd Grass-cutting Contractors for the grass-cutting season 2018. The prices were agreed – Clerk to inform the contractors. Mr Chaytor-Norris requested information on where the contractors are actually cutting so that he can cross reference with the areas that Croft Estate cut. Clerk to obtain this information.
6. Mrs Alison Kennedy circulated a letter from Mrs Sue Coates regarding Croft- on-Tees Community Village Hall. Planning permission was received in January 2018 and funding applications can be started. Parish Council members requested to respond with their views on the present village hall by 6th April 2018 There were no further matters and the meeting closed at 8.30pm Next Meeting Wednesday 2nd May 2018 at 7.30pm at Croft Village Hall – everybody welcome