Parish Council Meeting 16th May, 2001

The meeting was opened by Cllr. Hirst and apologies were noted from DDDC Cllr. Mrs. Crowther. Cllrs. Hirst and Cox were then unanimously re-elected as Chairman and Vice-Chairman respectively. The previous minutes were accepted, with one matter arising, a correction to the minutes regarding discussion of the Glebe Mines planning application.

There was no update on Backdale Quarry or Glebe Mines. Two planning applications were considered, one for the addition of vehicular access at Myrtle Cottage, Butts Road and the second for conversion of outbuildings to ancillary living accommodation at Field House, Moor Road. Both were approved. The Council noted the increasing congestion resulting from cars parked on the main road through the village and welcomed the move to reduce on-road parking.

Finance: The current balances were reported as Ł1000 in the current account, Ł10908.94 in the deposit account, this year’s precept having just been received. Several minor payments were approved along with payments of Ł295 for the PC’s insurance and Ł272 for auditing costs.

The Environmental Health Officer has responded to the Council’s query about the costs of investigative work in and around the old sewage works. There will be no direct charge to the village, but the EHO suggests waiting until there is drier weather, which will make access and testing easier. The Parish Council concurred and so the investigation should start in the summer months, subject to the EHO having resources available.

The seeking of grant aid for the landscaping of the field next to the allotments has progressed and five suitable schemes have been identified. Funds should be available as from May so the Council now has to choose which to apply to. As regards the allotment proper, it was noted there is now only one free plot and the Clerk reported that all tenants have paid this year’s rent.

Some of the dog-waste bins ordered from DDDC have been fitted, but three of the sites suggested by the PC were felt unsuitable by DDDC and so were not installed. For the time being, the Council decided to monitor the issue and review the bins situation later. If they prove popular, more will be installed. Several Councillors had seen dogs running free on the recreation ground and it was resolved to obtain new signs to reiterate the prohibition of dogs on the ground.

Maintenance: the small slide on the play area has now been repaired and repainted. The poor state of the bark around this was discussed and it was decided to replace the bark with new as soon as possible, and look into a new safety surface to replace the bark next year, finances permitting. It was resolved to ask Mick Watson to weed-killer several popular paths around the village. Cllr. Finney raised the issue of surface water on Station Road; it would seem the drains are blocked and the water just runs down the road. It was resolved to write to the Highways Department and ask for the drains to be cleared. Further down Station Road, concern was raised about overhanging trees forcing traffic onto the wrong side of the road on the corner. It was decided to speak with the owner, and ask if the trees could be trimmed back. A similar situation was noted at Orrs Corner. A response has been received from the Highways Department about dirty road signs; cleaning and repair is their responsibility, and they say they will attend to the signs around Longstone.

The millennium tree scheme is still trying to identity anyone born in 2000, or reaching the age of 100 in 2000. The Parish Council would like to know of anyone fulfilling these requirements, so their names can be put on the plaque that will be erected near the millennium tree.

Correspondence: Several letters have been received, mostly about administrative/governmental matters, but one of which was from the newly reformed Senior Citizens Club, asking for support. Currently they meet at Thornhill House, which supports them, but they would like to become a little more ‘financially independent’. The PC resolved to donate Ł100.

The next meeting is Wednesday June 20th at 7:30pm in the Village Hall. All are welcome to attend.