GILLING WEST PARISH COUNCIL.
Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held in the John Ross Suite on
Wednesday, 9th April, 2008. at 8p.m.
Chairman: Cllr. Brian Metcalfe.
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting, especially Cllr. W. Heslop and County Councillor M. Heseltine and P. C. John Wilbour.
Crime and traffic problems: P.C. John Wilbour presented an interesting report on crime and traffic problems in this area stressing to the meeting how vigilant the public should be and to ring the North Yorks police at any time of the day about any incident of concern.
It is hoped to obtain the provision of Matrix Boards from time to time available from Richmond Community Safety Partnership.
Mr. Cedric Shaw expressed concern once again as to the parking on the footpath opposite the Village Hall, therefore blocking the footpath for pedestrians. The Chairman stated that action would be taken to alleviate this problem of parking on the footpath.
The Clerk read the minutes of the meeting held on the 5th April, 2007. which were signed as a correct record.
Arising from the minutes:
New footpath – High Street: The Chairman reported that Mr. I. Beighton had promised to talk to Parish Councillors as to increasing the kerb height of this footpath.
Mrs. B. Conway expressed concern as to the following:-
The urgent need for the trimming of the trees on the green near the bowling green. It was agreed to ask Richard Bradley to do the necessary work to these trees
The Millennium Committee are considering further action as to the rose trees in the Millennium Village Green.
The maintenance of the footbridge – the Clerk undertook to ask Mr. Woodford to attend to this.
Chairman’s Report:-
The Chairman referred to the floods of last summer and the aftermath of this, particularly to the north end of the village and Oswin Grove. He especially stressed the need to thank the Fire Brigade for their superb efforts during the two floodings and also the other emergency services.
It is intended to dredge out and redefine the banks of the bank, clear the vegetation and overhanging branches of trees. As to the Cricket field, it is proposed to install a substantial drain through the field to relieve flooding at the north end of the village. It is estimated that the cost of this will be approx. £8,000. The Skelton and Gilling Estates will contribute towards this and the Parish Council will pay the balance from money provided by the Richmondshire District Council who have been supportive through grants towards any costs incurred.
Cllr. Maureen Howarth reported on a letter she had written to Hanson Aggregates from Forcett Quarry expressing great concern as to the increased convoys of heavy lorries using Forcett Lane and passing through the village roads contributing to a negative amenity to residents, in terms of road safety and noise pollution in particular. To date no response has been received from this letter.
Cllr. David Allison reported on the successful outcome of the fight to keep our Post Office open and the Parish Council appreciate his work in helping to retain this facility of vital importance to the village.
He reported on his continued work with the Environment Agency as to the clearing of the beck and the local Highways Authority regarding the clearance of the gulleys.
Cllr. Paul Metcalfe is liaising with Mr. Bruce Willis as to drains on the Sedbury Lane.
Cllr. Michael Gauntlett reported on the very successful new facility for the village and surrounding areas of the “John Ross Suite” and the official opening by William Hague, M.P. four years to the date when discussion first began on this project. Our grateful thanks expressed to John Ross who very sadly died last June. Judith Stansfield is the courses manager and thanks were expressed for her work.
Cllr. Brian Metcalfe thanked the Parish Council and Mrs. Sheila Hillary for all their help and work during the past year.
County Councilllor Michael Heseltine’s Annual Report:-
County Councillor M. Heseltine gave his report outlining his activities for the year:-
The future of local government re-organisation in North Yorkshire as to whether a single unitary council would be established.
The fixing of the Council Tax, at the end of a long and complex process.
Main Committees are the Transport and Telecommunication Services , and the Young People’s, Overview and Scrutiny Committees and the Richmond Area Committee.
Transport and Highways schemes, particularly work on two stretches of the upgraded A66, after a massive campaign for many years. The short stretch of single carriageway between the two continues to cause concern.
Attendance at schools. Parish Council Meetings and surgeries. The access to a small fund to support small village projects.
The extensive floods of July last year and the work of the statutory services, to the District and County Council staff , and to the volunteers who were involved.
The awarding of the top rating of Four Stars and the classification of Excellent on the workings of the County Council.
Coun. William Heslop reported on his involvement with the District Council, especially the Scrutiny Committee and that Gilling would be included in the new recycling programme as from the 9th June.
The Chairman thanked Councillor William Heslop and County Councillor Michael for all their help during the year and also for everyone who attended and declared the meeting closed.
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