MINUTES OF THE EASINGWOLD ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY HELD AT THE GALTRES CENTRE AT 7.00PM ON TUESDAY 20th APRIL 2010

 

PRESENT      Councillor W.B. Taylor (Chairman)

                        Councillors Revd. J. Harrison, N. Madden, G.W. Ellis, Mrs F.M. Readman, R.J. Tanner-Smith, Mrs S.A. Shepherd, Mrs D.E. Gallon

                        and County Councillor P. Sowray plus 8 members of the public

                       

Clerk: Miss Sara Horsman

 

1.                  APOLOGIES

            None

           

2.                  MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY MEETING HELD ON 20 APRIL 2009

                  Read by the Clerk and approved for signature

 

3.                  MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

3.1 Councillor Madden asked if the sign post that was removed from near HSBC bank had been replaced.

County Councillor Sowray informed that it has not; Easingwold Town Council stated that they had not been approached regarding a new one.

 

3.2 Councillor Gallon asked if any progress was made following Mrs Kirk’s letter in 2009 regarding the renaming of the street off Spring Street.

Councillor Taylor advised the suggestion was withdrawn.

 

3.3 Councillor Shepherd wanted to know why Councillor Ellis only thanked 2 Councillors in the meeting.

Councillor Ellis stated that he thanked both Councillor Tanner-Smith and Councillor Taylor only, as they were both the Chairman of the council in that year.

 

4.                  REPORT FROM CHARITIES/GRANT RECIPIENTS

The COZIE report was read out by Vicky Armitage, a volunteer at the centre and a copy of the report is attached to these minutes.

 

Councillor Madden informed that he had visited COZIE recently and commented on how impressed he was with the way COZIE was running.

 

                  The reports from United Charities and Ann Cobb (Parish of Easingwold)              

                  were noted and copies of the report were available to all at the meeting.

 

                  Councillor Taylor asked if we knew the amounts of the donations and

                  asked who received them?

                  Councillor Readman advised that the donations were all for £200; they

                 were made to six charities, namely Easingwold Community Care, The Paradise 

                   Day Centre, The Friends Club, The Tuesday Club, The Alzheimer’s 

                 Society and Cozie.

 

 

5.                  LOCAL POLICING – TALK BY INSPECTOR TIM OSBOURNE

                 

Inspector Tim Osbourne began his talk by advising that Easingwold is now part of a bigger area due to a re-organisation between Hambleton & Richmond areas; North Yorkshire Police are now paying more attention to the Easingwold area. Our Local team of officers based in Easingwold at present are:

SGT Will Eastwood

PC Duffield

PC Bunce

PC Johnson

PCSO Crosthwaite

PCSO Wood

There are no plans to change our local officers any time in the near future.

 

Inspector Osbourne also stated that for future reference we should be aware that the Chief of Police makes decisions on policies and not the local police.

 

After speaking to members of the public we were informed that the future of policing in Easingwold is changing. The police are working with local residents to influence targeting crime. He advised that the majority of people who were asked were mostly concerned about anti social behaviour, ‘hoodys’ and the perception of them being intimidating. The police are now handing out Safer Neighbourhood Cards to members of the public asking them to complete and return to the police if they have any worries or concerns. This will then be followed up by North Yorkshire Police. As this can be done anonymously, it is hopefully a way forward.

 

North Yorkshire Police have also introduced organisations into the area to try and divert youths away from trouble. Organisations such as EZO ACTIVE and RIDE were devised by some of our local officers; these organisations are not to reward bad behaviour but to divert attention, therefore rewarding the good.

 

Inspector Osbourne informed that a rural neighbourhood watch is in place for local farmers who have specific problems e.g. poaching. The local police officers are to receive training to improve their confidence in this area.

 

The Inspector ended his talk by informing the meeting that crime statistics are available to view on North Yorkshire Police website; these statistics are updated every month. This year there has been an improvement on the number of crimes committed in the area from last year. Between January and April 2009, 24 crimes had been carried out in the immediate area. This year between January and April 2010 only 17 crimes have been committed, so hopefully the statistics will continue to improve throughout the year.

 

Inspector Osbourne asked if there were any questions from the floor following his talk.

Councillor Madden gave his views stating that any crime in a low crime area has a bigger impact on the community; Inspector Osbourne followed this up by asking all present what their biggest concerns were at the present time,           All councillors agreed that due to the recent vandalisation of the park, there biggest concern was ‘anti social behaviour’.

Suggestions made by the speaker were to speak to Geoff Lodge, Hambleton District Councils anti social behaviour specialist regarding the mobile CCTV unit that is currently situated in Thirsk; also to arrange for a sign to be put up stating that CCTV is in operation at all times. He stated the police would continue to include the park as part of their patrol.

Councillor Shepherd informed that she has enquired about 2 further CCTV cameras for the park, and was told they would cost in the region of £4000. Councillor Shepherd asked if there was any funding available from the police towards the cost. Inspector Osbourne stated that North Yorkshire Police have no funds available but recommended  Cllr Shepherd speak to Nikki Smith from Hambleton District Council regarding finding monies for funding. It was also recommended to councillors to arrange a meeting with PC Duffield and Terry Triffet in respect of making the park a safer environment.

 

Councillor Readman asked why Easingwold Town Council is continuously paying the price to put right low level crime in the town. Inspector Osbourne stated that the police are trying to prevent crimes before they happen, by targeting the main people responsible.

 

Councillor Tanner Smith informed all present that he thought that the mobile police unit is a real asset and feels the presence of the unit in the Market Place makes a big difference, it was just a shame it wasn’t there on a regular basis.

PC Duffield informed Councillor Tanner Smith that Easingwold try and get the mobile unit as often as possible, but with an area of 160 square miles to cover the unit is often booked out by other areas. PC Duffield stated that he has had a more positive response from the public when he is patrolling the Market Place on foot as they feel the police are more approachable.

 

Councillor Ellis stated that when he sees a PCSO they are always in pairs; do they have to work alongside a fellow PCSO or can they work independently as this would mean a larger area is covered? Inspector Osbourne informed that PCSO’s are usually independent officers after training.

 

The talk on local policing ended with Inspector Osbourne informing us that all local police officers will be getting issued with Tazers aka (stun guns) in the near future.

 

 

 

 

 

6.                  CHAIRMANS ANNUAL REPORT

 

The Chairman’s Report was read out at the meeting by Councillor Brian Taylor. A copy of the report is attached to these minutes.

 

The Chairman invited any comments from the public; no comments were received.

 

 

7.                  RESOLUTION(S) FROM THE PUBLIC

 

None was received.

 

 

8.                  QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR

 

There were no questions from the floor.

 

 

 

Councillor Ellis requested that fellow councillors raise a thank you to the Chairman Councillor Taylor; this was seconded by Frances Readman. Thanks were recorded by all present.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            Attachments:

            Chairman’s Report 2010

            Charity Report from COZIE

 

EASINGWOLD TOWN COUNCIL

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT APRIL 2010

 

At the recent Town Council annual dinner, one of our guests, Hambleton District Councillor David Goodwin, forecast that it would not be long before some survey or other placed Easingwold in the top three places that people would want to live in this country.  It would be good to think that this was not mere hyperbole and certainly, his views are well-supported by the local housing market!

We have much for which to be thankful in this town which, though large enough to support all mainstream services, yet remains small enough to foster a real sense of identity that, in turn, generates a genuine community spirit.  I have previously written of the Council’s desire to work in partnership with residents, other councils, voluntary organisations and statutory bodies with a view to both preserving all that is best and further enhancing what is good.  Some of that partnership working will find an echo in what follows.

My report this year is relatively brief because most of its content has already been publicised through our regular Newsletter.  In that connection, may I congratulate the publishers of the Easingwold Advertiser and Weekly News on the way that they have transformed a rather dull, black & white, single folded sheet into an informative, full-colour newspaper that is eagerly awaited each week by the locals.  Whilst we may not always agree with the editorial comment, the “ ‘Tiser” is a great asset to the town.

As I write, everyone is awaiting the outcome of an impending general election and this seems a good time to remind the 200+ people who crammed into the Galtres Centre on 1st September 2008 that next year is your chance to stand as a candidate for the Town Council.  Because of the lack of candidates at the last election in 2007, we are currently operating with eight councillors. It will be an agenda item for the Annual Meeting of the Council on 18th May 2010 to decide whether to submit an application to HDC to revert back to eleven in May 2011.  This means that those of you who would like to be a contributor to future changes will have every opportunity to be elected.  Anyone who is considering this may find it helpful to sit in on some of our regular meetings.

The Market Place Improvement Scheme which led to the September 2008 meeting will soon be re-introduced as NYCC’s Service Centre Transportation Strategy (SCTS) and we are grateful to our resident retired Chief Constable, David Kenworthy, for agreeing to chair a working party that has sought to find a consensus of common ground in order to inform the latest proposals before they are published.  We look forward to the further improvements that the final version will bring to the town after you have had your say in the public consultation.

We also look forward to such regular events as: the Easingwold in Bloom awards; the Lions’ Summer Fair with marching bands; the Scouts’ Galtres Fun Run; the Scouts’ bonfire; community carol singing with the Town Band and the Lions’ Father Christmas; and (for some!) the half-term visit of the fairground.  Still to come, as previously reported are the local centenary celebrations of the First Easingwold (Forest of Galtres) Scout Group and we continue to support the band concerts in the Memorial Park. 

The Memorial Park refurbishment is one of the success stories of the past year.  After a long campaign that started in its Diamond Jubilee year (2005) the senior end of the play area has been totally upgraded and it is hoped to follow this up by a fundamental review of the toddler end as soon as funds (or sponsors!) permit.  We also look back with pride on the efforts of various other organisations in the town to improve our facilities.  It is always invidious to single out one person or organisation but mention must be repeated of the excellent work done by the Galtres Management Committee and their coup in having HRH Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, to officially open their £1.1M sports and entertainment complex.  The whole town enjoyed her visit – and the warm sunshine that accompanied it.

Several matters are ongoing.  Management of the Market Place requires continuous surveillance of the cobbles which, although an attractive feature, can be dangerous when they become loose.  The Council also has to safeguard its ownership rights that are held on your behalf and this can result in unforeseen legal fees.  We have a duty to ensure that there is adequate provision for interments and negotiations to extend the church graveyard are continuing.  The litigious nature of modern society is costing you thousands of pounds for tree surgery and the maintenance costs that follow the ubiquitous “risk assessments” for these and other hazards.  And, of course, we are still looking for new premises following the aborted plan for a “one-stop shop”.

 

I end with another plea for partnership working.  For every volunteer who is prepared to staff the Tourist Information Point (TIP) office or help their snow-bound neighbour, it seems that there is someone who takes delight in causing damage or behaving in other anti-social ways.  Please report to the police those who vandalise property, spray offensive graffiti, allow their dogs to foul the public open spaces or footways, drop cigarette ends in alleyways, or dump their rubbish in the hedgerows rather than travel to the tip.  We are proud of our town and it would be good to live up to Councillor Goodwin’s view of our reputation.

I cannot close without paying tribute to the unstinting support that I have received from my fellow councillors who have all worked very hard during the past year.  I would also like to record my appreciation of the strenuous efforts made by the five members of the Clerk’s Office who have looked after us so well.  I look forward to serving you for another year until the election in 2011.

 

W B Taylor, Chairman

 

 

COZIE

Easingwold Community Youth Centre

What is COZIE?

COZIE (Chill Out Zone In Easingwold) is a youth drop-in facility on the Galtres Centre site just behind the Tourist Information.  It caters for young people aged between 13 and 19 years, and runs three evenings per week – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday – from 7pm until 9pm by two youth workers.

What does it do?

COZIE offers a drop-in for the young people of Easingwold and the surrounding villages, with facilities including 4 internet-connected computers, a pool table, two televisions (one LCD digital), X-box and Nintendo Wii games consoles (both with games), and an electronic dart board, card games etc.  These facilities are complimented by comfy seating, toilet facilities, drinks and friendly youth workers on hand to provide support and information on issues from relationship advice and sexual health to employment and training guidance.  There is also a sexual health drop-in one day a week before opening. 

When funding is available, COZIE organises day trips (primarily led by the members) such as to Outdoor Activity Centres or theme parks.  Last year (and this) the Easingwold Lions have kindly funded access to the all-weather pitch at the Galtres Centre so that the young people can play football once a week.  COZIE also runs an annual pool competition which is very popular – everyone wants to get their name on the prize shield on wall in COZIE!

Who attends?

We usually have between 11 and 17 young people attending most evenings, although sometimes have as many as 25 – no mean feat in the ‘cosy’ space that we have!  Most of the members currently attending are aged between 13 and 16-17, and although COZIE is primarily a ‘drop-in’ facility most of the current members are at the door at 7 and stay until closing.  The young people who attend would probably otherwise spend their time hanging around on the streets – something which older residents of Easingwold sometimes find intimidating.

What does it do for the young people?

COZIE primarily provides a safe, warm and supportive environment for young people to spend time with their friends whilst at the same time having the support of youth workers.  One of the new youth workers his first impressions of the club as:

“A dependable and reliable community resource which is a safe environment for young people to socialise, meet people and build relationships.   They can interact with different ages and types of young people in a friendly and supportive setting.  It is a necessary and invaluable resource to Easingwold.”

The young people, when asked why they attended the club and what they like about it, answered:

“I like coming cos its away from my family!  And it’s cold outside.  It’s just fun, somewhere to go.”

 “I come because it’s better than sitting at home and doing nothing.”

“COZIE gives us something to do.  It’s got an X-Box and Wii, and computers and pool table and darts.  And free drinks!”

“I like playing games on Facebook.  And improving my pool skills.”

“I get to see my mates.  I like it cos its cool, cos it’s fun.  And to play pool and the X-Box.”

“It’s something to do.  I like going on the X-Box and playing in the pool competitions.”

 “I come cos it’s warm.  And it’s boring sometimes outside.”

 

How does it benefit the community?

Through engaging with the young people of Easingwold and the surrounding area, COZIE helps build community relationships.  The dual role it plays as drop-in and support centre allows the young people to be safe and supported and provides guidance for them in their life decisions.  Some of the young people who attend the club have gone on to enter (or re-enter) education and to secure and meaningful employment.  We like to think that COZIE goes some way to support the members in developing the tools to become well-rounded adults who give back to the community.  All members must adhere to the club rules, some which have been devised by the youth workers but some which they themselves have put in place to ensure fair treatment of the facilities.  For example, due to high demand for the pool table, some of the young people put together a list of rules to make sure that everyone gets the chance to have a turn and to clear up squabbles about rules.  On the whole, the result is that members have learned to have respect for the building, the facilities and the youth workers. 

Success Stories

Employment - COZIE and its youth workers have helped members to gain employment through building self-esteem, providing job references, helping members fill out job applications and put together CVs, advising on interview techniques and job searches, and identifying potential employers. 

Education – through COZIE, some members have been encouraged back into education through trips to York College, course searches online and practical guidance. 

Applying for funding (job skills) – The Keyfund scheme through NYCC allows young people to apply for government grants to “improve and increase opportunities for 'places to go' and 'things to do' for young people”.  The scheme requires young people to undertake all the research, planning and organisation for the application, and then present their proposal in front of a panel who decide whether the bid is successful.   Two groups of young people at COZIE have been successful in gaining £250 grants over the past year – one to cover transport for a trip to Alton Towers, and one for a Nintendo Wii and games.  In both cases the COZIE members decided that they wanted to apply, researched the costs to get the best value, and presented their case very well in order to secure a grant.

There are many other success stories ranging from helping a young person prepare for a new baby, gain and furnish a first home, and even helping one young person apply for and gain a passport - the young man has now booked his first ever foreign holiday with his friends. 

 

 

 

2009/2010 COZIE Yearly Report

April 2009

York and Ainsty Hunt very kindly donated £500 to COZIE to be spent on something decided by the members.  In the interests of fairness, the young people polled all members and finally decided that a trip to Alton Towers would be the best use of the funds – somewhere that many of the members would have been unable to go otherwise.  To allow the maximum number of members to attend the trip, the young people decided to ask each person to contribute £10 to the trip, and to apply for funding to cover the cost of a bus from Easingwold.  Two girls put together an application for Keyfunds and after presenting to the panel were successful in gaining a £250 grant for the bus. 

May-August 2009

Football season.  Many young people took advantage of the football pitch, even during the refurbishment of the building.  Both boys and girls took part and it was a great team-building and physical exercise.

June-August 2009

COZIE was closed while the building was refurbished following the successful application for funding by the COZIE Committee.  During this time contact was maintained with the young people through football once a week, and lead worker Kim did detached work around Easingwold one evening a week.  The refurbishment involved a new roof, ceilings, heating, lighting, kitchen, desks and decoration.  The end result is wonderful and greatly appreciated by the members, particularly the new and improved heating system! 

July 2009

20 young people and 3 youth workers went to Alton Towers after a very early 7am start.  A brilliant day was had by all and excellent feedback was received from those who attended who really enjoyed the day. 

September-December 2009

COZIE re-opened in September to a new wave of members.  During the closure the older members had begun to move on, and were replaced by a new younger group aged largely 13-16 years.  The old members still drop in every now and again to say hello and update the workers on their lives and achievement such as new babies, new homes, employment, education etc.

Once COZIE had re-opened, the annual pool competition began.  As always, the competition proved very popular and most of the members took part.  The prizes were a £20 voucher and the winners name on the prize shield, and a £10 voucher for second place.  The prize-giving ceremony took place at the COZIE Christmas party.

December 2009

This year COZIE had its first Christmas party.  There was party food (kindly supplied by Kim), a pool competition and games as well as lots of festive music!

January- April 2010

During the new year, the young people have bought a Nintendo Wii and games with a grant for £250 gained from a successful Keyfund application by 7 members.  Youth worker Jo Forshaw left and was replaced by two new workers Joseph and Nick who have settled in well.

March

Saw the installation of three new computers, paid for in part by extended Schools and partly from grants elsewhere.  These are hugely popular.

We feel that COZIE has again had a very successful year and is improving all the time.

Kim Hastie (Lead Youth Worker) and Vicki Armitage (Volunteer)