Newsletter November 2010

Forthcoming Election, May 2011

Most of us are counting down to Christmas but please remember also that there are less than six months to go before an election to choose new town councillors. We have asked our District Council to restore the number to its pre-2007 quota of eleven but, because of impending retirements, even if this request is granted it is likely that the number of vacancies will well exceed three. If you have an interest in steering the town through the next four years look out for the chance to obtain a nomination pack early next year and come on board.

Public Toilets in Easingwold

As a cost saving measure Hambleton District Council is looking to transfer public conveniences to other bodies or else to close them. In this connection they have approached ETC about the Town Council running the facilities in Easingwold Market Place.
The Town Council is looking in detail at the proposals but would need to negotiate further on the terms on which the building would be transferred. In particular the Council will need to think very seriously about the cost of running the service which on initial figures at current prices could be in the region of £11,500 per year. While a sum of money would be provided equivalent to an initial year and a half's running costs, beyond that the money would have to come from an increase in the Council's precept.
The Town Council needs to be convinced that this would represent good value for the Town and would welcome comments from residents and visitors.

Toddler Play Area Refurbishment, Memorial Park

Following on from the refurbishment of the Junior Area in the spring of 2010, the council have been successful in obtaining a grant to upgrade the Toddler Area. Thank you to the local children's nurseries and Primary School for assisting the Clerk with encouraging the children to complete a survey of desired requirements. The grant provider, Waste Recycling Environmental (WREN) are contributing approx £20,000 towards the scheme, the Town Council £5,000 and donations from the Elizabeth Constance Beckwith Trust and Hunters Estate Agency have also been secured. Further donations towards the refurbishment would be most welcome; please contact the Clerk for further details. The plan is create a play space for toddlers of a similar standard to the junior area. The existing area will be cleared and five new pieces of innovative play equipment installed. The aim is to have the park completed by early May 2011, weather permitting.

Play Parks

Prolonged vandalism in Millfields Skate Park has meant that funds have had to be spent on replacing the wooden fence with a metal one. The council are keen to protect this valuable asset for local young people to enjoy themselves and improve their skate board and BMX skills whilst keeping them fit and active.

Defensive planting has been carried out in the Memorial Park to protect the boundary and assets of the Park and the adjacent Bowling Club. Further bulb planting has been done to enhance the open spaces during the spring months.

Regrettably, episodes of vandalism continue to be a problem and we should all be vigilant and report any anti-social behaviour immediately to the police on 0845 60 60 247.

Market Place Improvement Scheme

The final version of County's plans has met with widespread approval despite reservations having being expressed about the choice of materials and some of the fine details. Four councillors have served on a local working party (initiated by our County Council member, Cllr Peter Sowray) and that has ensured close liaison with those possessing particular interests and/or skills in this matter as well as ensuring that our own voice as custodian trustees of the Market Place has been heard.

Burial Ground Extension, Easingwold

The limited and ever-decreasing amount of space available for burials has been amatter of concern for the last few years. We have recently bought a piece of land to the rear of the existing churchyard for £30,000. This will extend the area by 0.3 hectares and should provide adequate burial provision for many years to come. Over recent years the Town Council have precepted for most of the cost of the purchase; the remaining £9,000 will be requested as part of the precept over the next couple of years. The extension will be managed by the church and fulfils the obligation laid on town and parish councils by the Open Spaces Act 1906, ss9 & 10 which gives the power to acquire and provide burial grounds. The Local Government Act 1972 s214 permits the contribution to the expenses of a burial place for the dead, of all religions and of none in their particular locality.

Trees on the Market Greens

There are currently seven cherry trees on the greens which need essential maintenance. Subject to the appropriate planning consent six will be crown cleaned, thinned and lifted to improve their general health, access and turf maintenance access. Unfortunately one is diseased and will be removed, with the area re-seeded. The council are considering a future maintenance plan to maintain a beautiful canopy as the existing trees life expectancy is around five years. If anyone would like to sponsor a replacement tree, please contact the Clerk.

Winter Maintenance

Two additional salt bins have been purchased by the Town Council for this winter season, bringing the total to four for which the Town Council is responsible. They are located where there is the greatest need. They will be filled with salt twice per season. Public liability for the community who volunteer to spread salt has been unclear. NYCC have advised that their policy does not cover all community groups and it would require the group themselves to have necessary public and liability cover. Only nominated community groups are covered under NYCC's policy, and, for this season, the one nominated in Hambleton District is in Osmotherley. It is hoped the pilot in Osmotherley will be extended to other areas in future seasons.

Christmas and New Year Market dates

The Christmas Market will be held on Friday 24th December and the next market will be the following Friday, New Year's Eve. The Farmers' Market will be held as usual on the third Wednesday in December (15th) and again on 19th January 2011.
We wish you all a happy and prosperous 2011.