Pip’s Patch

There have been complaints from local people since a permissive right of way from the playing field was closed by removing a stile and putting barbed wire across the access. The adjoining landowners disagreed with the proposal to make this a definitive right of way even though it would only cross a small section of land before joining another public footpath in the same field. The council has been advised by the county council’s footpath team that if there is enough public support to confirm that this has been a long established route of 20 years or more then a claim can be made to add the route to the definitive map.

Biodiversity project. – Nick Buck of the Yorkshire Dales River Trust attended the meeting to explain the objectives of the River Cover Biodiversity project. It was suggested that as it would be on common land it would be costly to get permission from the Planning Inspectorate to fence off the bank side. Nor would the area be eligible for a Woodland Improvement grant. Mr Buck said he would make enquiries as to the financial gain to the council of selective felling and cropping of trees and if this would be sufficient to cover the cost replanting and also repairing damaged fencing.

Christmas lights. – The cost of using cherry pickers (in keeping with health and safety regulations) to check all the Christmas lights had proved to be prohibitive. The lights will be switched on without replacing any bulbs. If a number of lights are no longer in working order they will be switched off immediately.

Arrangements have been made for a Christmas tree to be erected in the Market Place. There was a warning that in view of the council’s current financial position and the extremely negative response from local businesses for contributions towards the costs it may not be possible in future to justify spending on this annual event.

Donations. – It was agreed that the council will donate 12 bottles of wine to the Middleham Luncheon Club Christmas event. A donation of £50 will be made to the Richmondshire Citizens Advice Bureau as this service is now accessible at the Key Centre each month.

Council budget. – The councillors received a draft budget forecast for 2011-2012. The chairman, Coun Tammi Tolhurst, explained that the council’s financial position would become clearer in the next six months.  It was unlikely, however, that the income from the moor would increase and so decisions on normal fixed costs might have to be reviewed again. It was agreed that legal and professional fees would have to be covered.

It was pointed out that the budget figures made no provision for any development or project work as fixed costs were now being covered by existing reserves.  Volunteers might be able to assist with land maintenance.

Winter maintenance. – The councillors heard that the county council was asking parish and town councils to consider whether the concept of developing a community snow clearance scheme could be adopted locally. This would involve community groups, led by parish or town councils, to clear snow from areas the county council would not normally reach. The council agreed that without adequate resources or money, as well as the public expectations plus health and safety issues, it could not commit to this proposal. A prominent resident has expressed an interest in the scheme and so the council will make enquiries as to the feasibility of this offer.

Post office. – Residents had been informed that the post office service in the town would resume from November 29. The councillors were told there would be an ongoing consultation by the Post Office but it was hoped that the community would welcome the improved service.

White Swan Yard. – The councillors were still not convinced that the extension to Garden Cottage would not harm the character of the White Swan Yard. Some residents had also raised issues about the approval for this extension given by the district council’s planning department, and also about the enforcement situation regarding Foxglove Cottage.

Canaans Lane. –  The council had received complaints from local walkers that there had been horses on long reins on the footpath from Canaan Lane. The councillors suggested that, in the interests of public safety, a letter should be sent to Middleham Trainers’ Association to alert the trainer responsible.

Flooding. – Councillors had been contacted one weekend in November when heavy rain resulted in water entering a property at West End. The county council’s highways department unblocked gullies to alleviate the situation. A site meeting will be arranged with a highways department representative to discuss what preventative action can be taken.

Next meeting. – Is at the Key Centre at 7pm on Wednesday, January 12,  2011.