Present: Councillors John Duck, Liz Watson, Colin Hodges, Sara Pringle, District Councillor David Webster, 2 representatives of NY Police and 8 members of the public
Cllr Duck noted the increase in work for the Clerk over the last few years and thanked her for her support to the Council. He noted that three new Councilors had joined the Council – Liz Watson, Colin Hodges and Sara Pringle – to replace Terry Warwick, Jenny Rydzewski and Steven Smith who had all stepped down at the last election. He thanked the new Councillors for their input since appointment and their enthusiasm for the work to be undertaken.
Precept and finances –
Cllr Duck reported generally on finances and advised that the Avenue can be a major cost for the Council and so on an annual basis a £500 allowance was put into reserve for future costs. The last works had been so significant that the Council had found it necessary to take out a loan; the final payment of which had been made in February 2021.
He advised that the details of all receipts and payments of the Council were included in the annual audit papers and saved onto the Council’s website including a list of payments made of £100 or more. The Council is subject to internal and external audit annually and the papers submitted and also the finalised audit papers were posted on the website.
Projects -
Cllr Duck advised that the Council aimed to take on one or more projects each year. He acknowledged the financial contributions of NYCC and HDC to a number of projects undertaken over the last 2 years. He mentioned the project in 2019 when 2 bridges had been replaced and a new footpath laid by the side of the Institute which had been helped by funding from both Councils.
Cllr Duck recalled the petition of residents on the proposal on the Friarage Hospital followed by a well-attended meeting in the Institute. It was noted that new services were opening at the Friarage and the UTC appeared to be working well.
The Council had started to issue a newsletter after each PC meeting; this appeared to be well received by residents.
The official opening of the playing field had also occurred in 2019
Cllr Watson reported that following a fatal accident on Kings Kell in October 2019 the PC had worked with NYCC Highways and Sir Henry Ropner to install during 2020, at the cost of the PC, bollards to improve safety in this area.
Cllr Duck explained that the PC had met via Zoom throughout the pandemic and whilst these meetings were open to the public only two people had attended who were not a councillor. Unexpectedly, the Council had found it necessary to develop a new website due to the previous hosting organisation closing the former site. The new website which was up and running would include a presence for local groups. The Clerk also had a new email address and account.
Cllr Pringle reported on the maintenance activities in the village being undertaken by a group of volunteers. They had renovated benches in the village and would also be making improvements to the village pumps. Since April they had also spent an hour on a Friday morning cleaning out weed in the beck to a level which encouraged biodiversity and kept the water flowing. A resident thanked the group for these works to keep the village looking tidy. Cllr Duck also noted with thanks the litter pickers who kept the village free of rubbish.
The next project would be kerbing on the Main Street and Meadow Lane to protect the village green. This project had been generously supported by North Yorkshire and Hambleton District Councils and should commence in the summer.
A number of signs had been updated and donated by a resident; Cllr Duck expressed his thanks for this generous contribution to improving the appearance of the village. He also advised that the Council was looking at the possibility of purchasing, with other Parish Councils, vehicle activated speed equipment as it would be too expensive to be purchased by the Council on its own.
Cllr Hodges reported on the Avenue. It had been 4 years since the last works had been undertaken and it was encouraging that a report in April 2019 had not included any works on the old trees and minor works on a small number of the new trees. The epicormic growth had been removed and a replacement tree planted for a young tree at the west end of the avenue which had died. After a review of the state of the fence on either side of the Avenue it was clear some remedial works would be necessary so some stakes had been added to strengthen the fence. However, the Council was currently investigating who held responsibility for the fence. Two Councillors would be meeting with representatives of the Snape Climate and Conservation Group to discuss the group’s request to leave the grass between the young trees on the north side uncut until later in the season to encourage wild life and wild flowers.
Highways issues – Cllr Duck reported that after each PC meeting there usually needed to be contact with NYCC Highway’s team. He gave examples of recent contacts and issues as follows:
Planning issues
The Council had never had so many planning applications on which to comment over the two year period. The Prices Pavings application for 32 houses remained in process still. Whilst the Council had attempted to keep residents updated throughout the process the size and impact of this application meant the Council wished to have a special open meeting for the community to come together to hear and comment on this application. The Council had, therefore, arranged an open meeting for 1 June with representatives of HDC Planning team and Prices Pavings.
Proposal for merging of Councils for North Yorkshire and York
This was briefly raised by Councillor Webster. It was noted that the Parish Council had written twice to support the status quo. As yet no final decision had been made.
Playing Field
Cllr Duck explained that a resident had submitted a proposal to plant up the southern end of the playing field to create a wooded area with paths, picnic area etc for the benefit of school children and the whole community. As yet there was no decision on this as there was a need to discuss the longer term proposal on its usage for further play equipment etc. The views of residents would also be canvassed.
Emergency planning
Cllr Duck advised that there was an agreed emergency plan should it be required. He acknowledged the way in which residents had looked after each other during the Covid situation.
Village maintenance and appearance
Cllr Duck advised on the following:
Sarah Lowe, Chair of the Institute Committee, provided an update on committee membership, funds, future plans and activities. Thanks were expressed to the Committee for their hard work.
A member of the Group provided an introduction the group and how it had come into existence. Links had been made with a similar group in Newton-le-Willows and also with the local school.
Cllr Hodges reported that the Snape Show would be happening this year having had to be cancelled in 2020.
A resident thanked the Council for their hard work and the marvelous job they did on behalf of the Community. This was supported by all present.