Gilling West Parish Council Meeting Village on Wednesday 5th July 2007
Present: Councillors David Allison, Michael Gauntlett, Maureen Howarth, Brian Metcalfe. District Coun.William Heslop. County Coun. Michael Heseltine.
The Chairman, Coun Brian Metcalfe opened the meeting.
War Memorial:- Coun. B. Metcalfe reported that the cleaning firm would begin work in September or October. Lettering, at £4 a word, is still to be finalised. Donations of £100 each from Sir Anthony Wharton and William Baker Baker were welcomed. Similarly, the donation of £500 from Richmond District Council, to assist in funding this work.
Flooding:- Coun. B. Metcalfe commented that the village had escaped unscathed in the recent spell of extremely wet weather.
Village Learning Centre:- Coun. Michael Gauntlett updated the meeting on work being carried out at the Learning Centre. A meeting has recently taken place with the builders and architects who report that the work is now 4 days behind schedule, but they are confident of catching up in time for completion on the 31st August.
Coun.Gauntlett had met with BT regarding installation arrangements for the phone link to a Broadband facility. An equipment supplier has been approached and the provision of ‘taster’ courses is going ahead in October. From January 1st, courses will be included in the North Yorkshire Adult Learning Facility and will be on topics of sufficient interest to people who presently travel to Northallerton. French, Italian, soft furnishing, family history, cookery have been suggested but the content will gather momentum as time goes on.
Following the recent sad loss of John Ross, project work has been reallocated to include Mr Harry Armitage taking responsibility for contact with the architects, Coun Gauntlett for telecommunications and Mrs Carol Bradley as a cosignatory for funding.
Millennium Green:- Coun. David Allison also agreed to chair this group with new members to meet shortly. Meantime, District Coun William Heslop reported that a 7 ton trailer of pruning clippings has been cleared and more recently, Coun David Allison has carried out some further trimming of bushes and tidying the site. Final clearing up after a recent event, will be carried out when weather permits.
Lead Mill Gill:- The Clerk contacted Mr. Peter Penny who reports that, in time, it is hoped to fund a bridge crossing of the beck.
Co-option to the Parish Council:- Coun B. Metcalfe confirmed the names of the three candidates for election and following a secret ballot of members, Mr Paul Metcalfe was co-opted, by majority, to the council. The clerk to thank the remaining candidates by letter.
Gilling West to Richmond footpath: Co Coun Michael Heseltine reported that the footpath presently remains unfinished due to lack of funding.
A66 Upgrade: Co Coun M. Heseltine reported that spectacular progress is being made on the dualling of Stephen Bank to Carkin Moor and Carkin Moor to Scotch Corner, the schemes being due to be completed by 3rd and 10th of August respectively. The 3.8 kms section of ‘missing link’ between the two schemes is the subject of strong local concern and representations have been made to the Regional Transport Board to include it in their 10 year programme of priorities. There is hope that this stretch of road may be looked at again, sometime in 2008, in conjunction with the Highways Agency. The clerk will write to Coun Hesletine to express local support for this further initiative.
Domestic Abuse in Richmondshire: The Community Safety Officer, Amanda Coates is keen to raise awareness of the Domestic Abuse Helpline 0845 60 602 47 for free local support and information.
Basket Ball Outdoor Initiative: The basket ball goals on the playing field are now owned in full, with the Parish Council now being responsible for them.
Fire and Rescue Authority: The corporate plan was presented.
Repair to stone wall – Millennium Green: An estimate for repair has been accepted and Mr John Proudlock will carry out the work.
Wharton Bowls Club: A letter from the secretary raising issues/concerns connected with the bowling green and surrounding area was discussed and in reply, the clerk will write directly to the club.
Gilling West Post Office Entertainments Committee: A written request was submitted for the use of the Millennium Green for a sporting afternoon event on 2nd September, which was agreed.
Standing Water: District Coun W. Heslop requested that the clerk contact the County Council regarding two sites of standing water in the village, including outside Hauxwell House where new kerbing is also still awaited.
Highways Agency – A66 Road Sign: Coun Maureen Howarth reported that following local concerns and representation to the Agency by the parish council, a successful outcome has been reached over signage on the eastbound carriageway at Warrener Lane south.
Date of next meeting:- Provisionally, Thursday 20th September at 7.30 p.m at the village hall.