Newsletter November 2009

Flooding at Ninevah Cottages

Special mention must be made of Councillor Neil Madden's work on trying to resolve this recurrent problem. Earlier work which was funded in part by several parties (including HDC, this council, and the residents) was not fully successful. Undeterred, Councillor Madden has brought together the relevant parties and secured an agreement for further remedial action by the Kyle & Ouse Internal Drainage Board. Although nothing is totally proof against extreme weather conditions, when completed this work should greatly reduce the risk of further flood damage in the future. Once again, the answer lies in partnership working and demonstrates the value added by volunteers - a term that includes all councillors!

First Easingwold (Forest of Galtres) Scout Group

Speaking of volunteers, many of you will have enjoyed the scouts' bonfire and firework display at the Maize Maze earlier this month. Next year they celebrate one hundred years of scouting in Easingwold and the funds raised at that bonfire will go towards their centenary project at the Dawnay site. As the council's contribution to this project, we have agreed to grant to the scouts a long lease of the land owned by the council in that area and the terms for that lease are currently under negotiation. We are very pleased to support them and to play a part in providing excellent facilities that will eventually be of benefit to groups of children and young people from far and wide as well as those who live locally.

2487 Squadron Air Training Corps

Another youth organisation was celebrating a milestone this year - 1st July 2009 marked the 40th anniversary of the former detached flight unit being granted Squadron status. Again, your council wished to express the town's appreciation of all that this Squadron has achieved and the training and opportunities that it has afforded to young people in the area. It was felt that something more than an illuminated scroll was called for and so it was agreed to purchase a new banner for the Squadron. This was formally presented by the town mayor and dedicated by the Reverend John Harrison at their Anniversary Service held in the parish church on 11th October 2009. The service was followed by a parade in the Market Place when the cadets were inspected by Air Commodore Ian Stewart, Commandant Air Cadets, accompanied by the assistant Chief Constable, Tim Madgwick, and the mayor.

Market Place Improvement Scheme

Just twelve months ago, NYCC were aiming to go out to public consultation in January 2009 on a revised scheme but you will be aware that this fared no better than the original scheme. Since then a town working party chaired by the former Chief Constable, David Kenworthy, has submitted a Report to NYCC. We hope that many of you will have read this when it was published recently in the Easingwold Advertiser. After listening to the public's comments on the first two schemes and making further modifications, NYCC are now aiming to go out to further consultation in 2010. Whatever is presented in the future Scheme, the town still needs some measures to curb the worst excesses of inconsiderate parking and the police are being asked to target in particular those selfish motorists who (quite illegally) mount kerbs to park on the footways and/or cause obstruction.

Springhill Court Footpath

It is now over 18 months since this issue was raised and the developers are still dragging their feet about finding a safe way for wheelchair and motorised buggy users to access the Market Place from this extra-care home without incurring too steep a gradient. Whilst sympathising with their problem given that NYCC Highways has ruled out any chance of using the Manor Road direct access to Spring Street, some solution is now long overdue and your Council will continue to press for this as a matter of urgency.

Play Parks

Work continues on improving the recreational areas of Easingwold and much of the earlier planting of bulbs and trees is already maturing around the town. Regrettably, minor spates 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 60 247. We are grateful to Lisa Wilson and other officers from HDC who have worked closely with Councillor Shirley Shepherd to secure a Playbuilder Grant for the re-furbishment of some of the play equipment in the Memorial Park. A helpful consultation with the youngsters was held in the Park on the first Saturday in November. This grant relates particularly to the 8-13 years age group and further grants are being applied for in relation to equipment suitable for the older teenagers. We are indebted to Councillor Shepherd for taking the lead on both these projects and we look forward to fully restoring this Memorial to those who have given their lives for the benefit of this and future generations. Please remember that there is now a "Friends of the Memorial Park" and the Clerk would welcome new members - and, of course, donations!

Christmas and New Year Market dates

The Christmas Market date is Monday 21st December and it was agreed to cancel the Market on New Year's day at the request of the Market Traders so there won't be one until the following week. The Farmers' Market will be held as usual on the third Wednesday in December (16th) and again on 20th January 2010.

We wish you all every blessing for 2010.