MINUTES OF THE EASINGWOLD ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY HELD AT THE GALTRES CENTRE AT 7.00PM ON TUESDAY 15TH APRIL 2008 (DRAFT)

 

PRESENT      Councillor R.J. Tanner-Smith (Chairman)

                        Councillors W.B. Taylor, Revd. J. Harrison, N. Madden, G.W. Ellis, Mrs F.M. Readman, Mrs S.A. Shepherd and Mrs D.E. Gallon

                        9 members of the public

                        Guests: Mr Mike Kneebone, Operational Services Manager and Mrs Jenny Lowes, Recycling Officer both from Hambleton District                              Council

 

 

1.                  APOLOGIES

                        Apologies were received from County Councillor P. Sowray

 

2.                  PRESENTATION ON KERBSIDE RECYCLING

                        A lively, comprehensive overview of Hambleton’s recycling quotas, legislation, why kerbside recycling was introduced and what is and is                         not included in the blue box and bag scheme was given by Mrs J. Lowes.

 

Mr M. Kneebone confirmed that Hambleton District Council do recycle all of the recyclate, as there has been some negative national press accusing councils of putting recycling in land fill. The aim for HDC to achieve 50% of combined recycling/composting by 2010 is looking achievable if current levels are maintained. This success is entirely due to the residents of HDC doing their part by actively embracing the recycling issue.

 

                        The recycling issue was open to questions from the floor.

 

                        Q1. What pressure, if any is put on manufacturers to use packaging which can be recycled?

                        A1. Pressure is applied by MP’s, lobbying groups and pressure by supermarkets to provide suitable packaging.

 

                        Q2. Can flower pots be recycled?

                        A2. Mrs Lowes was not aware of any scheme but agreed to look into and let the council know.

 

                        Q3. What is the position regarding recycling collections at New Inn Lane?

                        A3. There is the possibility of a communal bin but a suitable location would need to be identified. Mr Kneebone advised that residents of this                         area would be fully consulted on HDC’s plans and acknowledged that some residents in this area are elderly and are unable to carry the                                     recyclate to the current collection point, and also that parking is an issue.

 

                        Q4. Why does cardboard recycling need to be taken to Tholthorpe rather than having it collected?

A4. HDC do not have a separate collection wagon to collect cardboard and the costs of purchasing one made the idea impractical. The current wagons cannot collect it as it would contaminate the existing recyclate.

           

                       

3.                  CHAIRMAN’S ANNUAL REPORT

                        Read by the Chairman. A copy of the report is attached to these minutes.

 

4.                  MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY MEETING HELD ON 17 APRIL 2007

                        Read by the Clerk. Approved for signature with the correction that the recorded apologies were correct; Councillors J.L. Clare and Revd. J.                         Harrison should be deleted from the list of ‘Present’.

 

5.                  QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR

                        Q1. Why is it taking so long to get roads repaired?

                        A1. Roads are the responsibility of North Yorkshire County Council and whilst Easingwold Town Council is applying pressure for essential                         repairs, it has been advised that funding is an issue.

 

                        Q2. With the ongoing vandalism in the Memorial Park, is the Town Council pleased with the Police levels and intervention? Should there                        be a ‘club’ created of users to try to avoid vandalism?

                        A2. Relationships have improved with the local Police; the Council have an open dialogue through the Clerk who works in partnership                           with the local Police where possible.  An example of this is the opening and closing times of the play area within the Memorial Park,                               which have been agreed and will be enforced with the Police. These will take effect as soon as the signage is available.

                        The feasibility of such a ‘club’ was discussed at the last Recreation Committee meeting, for the Skate Park in particular, and recently the                         ‘Friends of the Memorial Park’ has been set up. They are having their first committee meeting on 6th May 2008, which will be promoted                         through the PTA at Easingwold Primary School by Councillor Shepherd.

 

                        Q3. What is happening about the re-surfacing of Little Lane?

                        A3. This will be part of the Traffic Management Scheme for which it ishoped discussion will open with NYCC in the near future. There is the                         possibility of making New Inn Lane access only.

 

                        Q4. There are rumours that the Persimmon development on Thirsk Road has stopped building; is this true? If so what will happen about                         the replacement shrubs and hedges?

                        A4. Easingwold Town Council is not kept informed as this is a private development. This is a three year phase and the developer is                                still within the permitted time frame.

 

                        Q5. There is going to be another takeaway in the Market Place which has applied for a license to extend this to include alcohol. What can be                         done about it?

                        A5. As this is a licensing issue, Easingwold Town Council is not consulted for its recommendation. All individuals who are concerned                             should write to the Licensing Section at HDC.

 

                        Q6. What is happening about the lack of footpath at Springhill Court?

                        A5. This is to be discussed under a main agenda item at the following Town Council meeting at 7.30.

 

 

 

                        Signed…………………………..(Chairman)

 

                        Date……………………………..