EASINGWOLD TOWN COUNCIL
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT APRIL 2008
ELECTION AND COMMITTEES
The Council year started with
an enforced reorganisation of the Council and its committee structure. Easingwold was allowed to elect eleven
members to the Council,but prior to the elections in May 2007 three Councillors
stood down and, regrettably no one stood for the vacancies. Consequently the
eight Councillors who stood were appointed without election and it was decided to operate with this number but only
for the period of office of thIs Council. This has entailed considerably more
work for the remaining Councillors and the Committee structure has been changed
to accommodate this extra work load.
Our clerk, Mrs Anne Harley,
resigned in the summer of 2007 and Mrs Claire Armitage was appointed to replace
her. Since her appointment Claire has helped to rationalise the committee
operations and has also installed an accounting system specifically designed
for Council use which has made financial reporting much clearer and instantaneous.
Councillor Brian Taylor has worked very closely with Claire to improve the
accounting system.
FINANCES
Management of Council
finances has been greatly improved by the introduction of the new financial
programme, enabling the Council and the committees to track expenditure and
help maintain budgetary control. This
year the Council precept has been increased by 2% and every effort will be made
in future to keep increases to a minimum.
MEMORIAL PLAYPARK AND RECREATION
The Memorial playpark and the skate park have been
repeatedly vandalised throughout the year ,equipment damaged and broken glass
left in the grass. Despite the damage caused by a minority and the fact that repair
and cleaning of the equipment places a considerable demand on finances, the Council
are committed to maintaining facilities for young people. Regrettably, also,
one of the play items in the Memorial Park had to be removed because of wear.
Councillor Shepherd prepared a submission for the Big Lottery Fund for
additional play equipment, which was not successful but efforts are being made to
obtain alternative funding.
The Council, in conjunction
with Hambleton District Council and many other bodies have given financial support to the new
Sports Hall at the Galtres Centre and congratulate everyone who has worked to make
this project viable
TRAFFIC AND MARKET PLACE
The Council have made repeated representaion to NYCC for
resurfacing Chapel Lane and Little Lane and it is anticipated that this work
will be undertaken this FY 2008/09. Progress
on the Market Place traffic scheme has been delayed, but again it is
anticipated that progress will resume shortly.
Considerable concern has been
expressed over the rapid growth in hot food outlets in the centre of Town. The Council, in conjunction with Hambleton DC,
opposed the change of use of a similar outlet in the Market Place but this was
lost on appeal. It is not possible to oppose any legitimate application for hot
food outlets on the grounds of saturation, although the Council make regular
comments on the number of such businesses opening in the Town.
FLOODING
The flooding and ponds on Millfield have been receiving
attention and all that remains is for the waterlogged area above the ponds to
be drained and levelled. This will be done as soon as access is possible . The
Council has taken a proactive role in
assisting to reduce the flooding at Ninevah cottages . The essential work has
been identified and financial and practical
assistance received from Hambleton DC, NYCC and the Kyle and Ouse Drainage Board.
The residents have been asked to make a contribution to the work and the
Council has agreed also to make a contribution, in addition to coordinating the
funding and the project itself.
OPEN SPACES
Maintenance of trees on open
spaces and greens has been introduced on a rolling programme and where necessary
replacement trees have been planted. The
Yorkshire Countrywomen’s Association have sponsored the summer planting of tubs
on the Market Greens in their colours (blue/white) in celebration of their 25th
anniversary. Once again the Womens Institute are providing and maintaining the
plants for a number of troughs on Long Street.
MARKETS
The weekly Friday Market
continues to operate satisfactorily with some changes and additions to the stall
holders. The market can only thrive
with the support and custom of the residents of Easingwold and the surrounding
villages and it is essential that usage of the market is maintained and if
possible increased. The monthly farmer’s market is relocating to the car park
area of the Market Place and it is hoped that this new location will make
access to the stalls easier and that residents will continue their support for
this venture.
SUNDAY BAND CONCERTS
The Sunday Band Concerts on the Memorial Park bandstand will begin
again this summer on four Sundays. The
Council have agreed to give financial support to these concerts and it is hoped
that there will be adequate support too justify continuing financial assistance.
The concerts this year will be held on May 25th, June 22nd,
July 27th and August 24th
IN CONCLUSION
The Council thank the Clerk,
Mrs Claire Armitage and her assistant, Mrs Gill Gribbin for their efficiency
and enthusiasm in managing the Council’s activities in what has been a year of
learning and adjustment. The Chairman wishes to record the help and support of
all Councillors who have cooperated and
adapted to working with a smaller number of Councillors and revised Committee
structure, and we all thank members of
the public who attend council meetings and offer their support, comments and
suggestions to the Council. It is only
by feed back from them that the Council know that their efforts are appreciated
and that the needs and wishes of the Town are being addressed.
Please note that the United
Charities & Ann Cobb Charity annual report (un-audited) is available at the
Town Council office
John Tanner-Smith
Chairman
April 15th 2008