Wednesday 15 May 2019

Held at 7.30pm in Helperby Village Hall

Present: Mr C Owens (ex-Chairman Brafferton PC), Mr D Preen (ex-Chairman Helperby PC), Roger Clements (Clerk) and approximately 40 members of the public.

1. Minutes of the last meetings for parishioners dated 23 May 2018 (BPC) and 29 May 2018 (HPC)
   1. The minutes had been previously approved and no topics were then raised for discussion.
2. Matters arising from the Minutes
   1. No matters arose.
3. Chairmen’s Reports
   1. The ex-Chairman Brafferton PC presented his report for the year to 31 March 2019 (copy on Brafferton & Helperby PC website www.braffertonhelperby.pc.org.uk ) and concluded by making a presentation to Mrs M Hartley from the recently retired councillors, in recognition of her 45 years’ of service as a Brafferton Parish Council councillor. The warm round of applause that followed was a clear indication of how much this long and effective service was appreciated.
   2. The ex-Chairman Helperby PC presented his report for the year to 31 March 2019 (copy on Brafferton & Helperby PC website www.braffertonhelperby.pc.org.uk ).
4. Questions for the Council
   1. In response to interest from the floor regarding the plans for the village cobbles Mr Denison provided an overview of the project. Research had discovered that the ownership of the cobbles was largely in the hands of the Church Commissioners and the Christians Faith Society (the Lords of the Manor). It was hoped that the new Parish Council would consider taking over ownership and under its auspices a long-term plan would be produced to return the cobbles, as far as possible, to their original condition. At present, with the aid of English Heritage, a full photographic survey was underway which is intended to lead to the production of a specification for future repair/reinstatement work and, in turn, to a pilot repair scheme for the area at the entrance to the village hall.
   2. Mr B Connor raised the subject of the much reduced No 29 bus service through the village. He explained how he believed that NYCC was in breach of its statutory duty for the provision of public transport for rural communities; in particular, NYCC should have undertaken research to properly identify the transport needs of the community and then identified the most appropriate ways of meeting these needs. Growing numbers of villagers had written to NYCC in support of this view as had several of the affected parish councils and parish meetings. He encouraged the Council to do likewise. The view was shared by the majority of those present. Chairman agreed that such a letter would be sent to NYCC.
   3. Mrs M Hartley summarized the aftermath of damage caused to a Council allotment on the Raskelf Road by a car which crashed through the boundary hedge; the allotment holder had been caused inconvenience and financial loss. Further evidence to identify the vehicle and driver had come to light and she asked what action the allotment holder should take. Chairman believed it likely that the Council may need to pursue the driver’s insurance in respect of damage to Council property. In the meantime, he advised that the information be passed to Mrs Windross (ex HPC Clerk) who held the Council’s allotments records and, also, it was understood, the relevant Police Incident number.

Date of next Annual Meeting for Parishioners Wednesday 20 May 2020