Easingwold Town Council Newsletter Feb/Mar 2008

 

 

Millfield Flooding

During the autumn of 2007 contractors were employed to reconstruct the wetland ponds and drainage ditch. This was last done about 12 years ago at the time the Millfield site was handed to us. At that time it was not recognised that regular maintenance was essential to prevent the wetlands from becoming weed choked.

 

Both ponds were dredged, the central islands were redefined and the drainage channel from the ponds cleared. This has had the immediate effect of lowering the water levels adjacent to neighbouring properties.  At the same time the drainage from the “new” pond next to the doctor’s surgery was replaced, immediately reducing the water level between the spine path and the surgery.

 

Additional attention will be required to reduce the collection of water above the ponds.   Some damage was caused to the grass surface when top cutting was carried out in the autumn of 2007 and water has been collecting along the paths beside to the ponds.

 

 

Drainage  at Nineveh Cottages

The cottages at Nineveh have been subject to flooding on a regular basis, largely because surface water from the high ground at Millfields backs up from a drainage pipe originally designed to prevent this happening.  A temporary drainage ditch has been excavated at the back of Nineveh Cottages which had the immediate effect of relieving the water build up in that area.  It is hoped that this temporary ditch can be replaced with a permanent pipe.

 

Several bodies are involved: Hambleton DC, NYCC, Kyle and Ouse Drainage Board and the land owners. The residents at Nineveh have approached Miss Anne Mackintosh, MP and it is hoped that a compromise solution can be achieved with her assistance.

 

Memorial Play Park

Councillor Shirley Shepherd has been working to improve the Memorial Park and provide new play equipment. She called a public meeting to coordinate efforts to obtain necessary funding to carry out essential works and purchase new play equipment. These funding applications have to be led by members of the public and not by Councils or other statutory bodies and it was hoped that sufficient members of the public would come forward to set up the necessary committees.  Regrettably in the event, no one attended, apart from Councillor Shepherd, her daughter, two other Councillors and a representative from Voluntary Services, Northallerton . 

 

This does not bode well for the long term viability of the Memorial Park play area. It is hoped also to construct a paved path across the grass area.

 

Finance Matters

It was agreed at the December Council meeting that the annual precept request would be for £71000, an increase of 2% over the previous year

 

Yorkshire Countrywomen’s Association

To mark their anniversary, the Countrywomen’s Association is funding the planting of the tubs throughout the town, using their Association colours.

 

Trees

A rolling programme of tree maintenance has been introduced and it is anticipated that over a five year period all trees in the Town will be trimmed, inspected and maintained.  The first phase of the programme has been the lime trees on Uppleby, several of these trees have to be replaced to minimise the spread of scale insect infestation.

 

Dovecot Development

Last autumn the developer of the Dovecot Development applied to demolish and rebuild the Dovecot, which is a feature of the Development. Hambleton District Council Planning Development Control Committee refused the application as it was felt that the Dovecot was a feature of Easingwold history.  The Developer has now lodged an appeal against this decision and any objections must be made in writing to the Inspector as a public hearing will not be held.

 

Police Partnership Surgeries

Your Town Councillors will be taking part in this event at Springhill Court on Thursday 10th April 2008 from 4pm to 8pm. Come along to discuss any subject which is important to you. Other

organisations have been invited to attend: Local Community Police Service, Hambleton District Council, National Farmers Union, Local Fire Service, NYCC Highways and Trading Standards.

 

 

Contact Easingwold Town Council

 

Office Hours

The Council Office is currently located in the Police Station and is open daily from 9.30 until 12.30. The phone number is 01347 822422

 

Websites Information on the Town Council and the minutes of meetings can be found on our website which is http://www.easingwold.gov.uk/ Information on Hambleton District Council, including planning matters, local development framework and all other services can be found on www.hambleton.gov.uk

 

 

Cllr. G.W. ELLIS

The Lund Farm, Easingwold, York YO61 3PB

821639

Cllr. Mrs. D.E. GALLON

Rose Cottage, Alne Road, Easingwold, York YO61 3JZ

821294

Cllr. Revd. J. HARRISON

The Vicarage, Church Hill, Easingwold, York YO61 3JT

821394

Cllr. N. MADDEN

7 Tiplady Close, Easingwold, YO61 3GA

823049

Cllr. Mrs. F. M. READMAN

Burnside, Spring Street, Easingwold YO61 3BL

821320

Cllr. Mrs. S. A. SHEPHERD

Far Shires, York Road, Easingwold YO61 3EJ

838256

Cllr. R. J. TANNER-SMITH

Invergarry, 14 Bonneycroft Lane, Easingwold YO61 3AR

822132

Cllr. W.B. TAYLOR

Hayes Cottage, 9 Uppleby, Easingwold YO61 3BQ

821595

 

 

You are welcome to contact a councillor to discuss any complaints or queries.  The Town Clerk is also available in the Police Station office from 9.30am to 12.30pm on weekdays.  Issues which you wish to raise with the Council in writing should be addressed to the Town Clerk:  Mrs. C ARMITAGE, Easingwold Town Council, Police House, Church Hill, Easingwold, York YO61 3JX.  Tel:  822422

      

 

A larger print version is always available if requested from the Clerk. 

Please ring 822422 between 9.30am and 12.30pm