EMBSAY WITH EASTBY PARISH COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 2015-2016
Chair Brian Shuttleworth Vice-Chair Judith Benjamin Cllr Robert Stead Cllr Hazel Chatwin Cllr Vince Smith Cllr Stella Kirkbride Cllr David Hill Cllr Andrew Ayrton
EMBSAY WITH EASTBY PARISH COUNCIL Message from the Chairman of the Council This report is produced to coincide with the Annual Parish Meeting. We hope this document will serve as a reflection of our commitment to improved communication between our members and parishioners. Following last year s Parish Council election, when the new membership reflected a 75% change from that in 2014/15, there was insufficient time between the election and the Annual Parish Meeting (which must be held, as required by law, in May) for what was, in effect, a bunch of rookies and a newly appointed Clerk to prepare an annual report on what had gone on prior to the new PC being elected. This year I am pleased to be able to say that the lapse in 2015 was only an isolated event and I am delighted to be able to present a report relating to the past 12 months. Readers of the Embsay w Eastby News and of the Parish Council website will, of course, be acquainted with Parish Council activities through the monthly reports which have been published and which also appear (in part) in the Craven Herald. I do not, therefore, intend to go into great detail as to what has been undertaken over the past year (or what is planned for the future). I would however like to record that none of this would have been possible without the unfailing and tireless support I have received from my vice chair, Judith Benjamin, the lead members of each Parish Council working party, every other Parish Councillor and last, but not least, Gillian Alcock, the new Parish Council Clerk. We have all worked hard as a team and sorted differences in a purposeful and amicable manner, in an endeavour to benefit the parish and the community in a cost efficient way. This is now, I believe, showing visible benefits and is also contributing to the solidarity of the community in an ethos of self-help, particularly given the increasing financial constraints to which local government is now subject. I sincerely thank everyone who embraces this approach and assure you all that we can, by working together make a valuable contribution and enhancement to the wide range of aspects that create the community of which we are all members. Brian Shuttleworth Chairman of the Council
The Council Year 2015 2016 Highlights of Main Achievements The 2015-2016 Council year reflected Council members commitment to regularly assess existing activities and services and undertake appropriate action to improve or extend them. These include the following: - Village Maintenance and Environment Cllr Benjamin, Cllr Kirkbride, Cllr Hill and Cllr Stead The last year has seen changes in some aspects of village maintenance. One of the main issues facing the new Parish Council was the drop in support from NYCC, with regards to its grass cutting policy, and the fact that we had four separate contractors involved in addition to several willing volunteers. A volunteers group has been established, now having in excess of fifty members (of all ages). Work throughout the last year has involved helping to thin out and trim trees, planting flowers at the entrances to both villages, in Elm Tree Square, (now brightened at Christmas with new coloured lights), in the Memorial Garden (with its newly repaired plinth) and around the many benches. Much cleaning of road signs, refurbishing and repairing of benches and wooden finger notice signs, painting of the bus shelters, clearing the car park edges and litter picking throughout the villages demonstrates that our volunteers are successfully contributing to the maintenance and preservation of our beautiful area. We have been assisted during the year by both Craven College and the YDNPA, and are grateful for their help to re-lay part of the path from the car park to the Church. The Parish Council would like to express its thanks to all who have helped in any way and have given freely of their time, expertise and with donations of various materials. Last year the Parish Council was considering the possibility of providing a defibrillator at the Village Hall. Around the same time, we were approached by AWCCCG (Airedale, Wharfedale & Craven Clinical Commissioning Group) who were rolling out an extensive programme of providing defibrillators to rural villages. Both Embsay and Eastby were regarded as suitable locations for this project. In January of this year, and at no cost to the Parish Council, the defibrillators were installed outside the Village Hall and on Barden Road near to the entrance to Bower House Farm. On 20th April 2016 the Yorkshire Ambulance Service presented a familiarisation session in Embsay, with 35 parishioners attending. Recreation Ground Cllr Stead and Cllr Hill The children s Recreation Ground on Main Street continues to be a popular facility. There have been issues with damage to some of the older trees that are being addressed over the coming months. The play equipment is regularly inspected for safety issues and other damage with an official yearly inspection carried out by an independent organisation. The inspection this year highlighted only minor problems, all of which are being dealt with. The Parish Council would request that if any problems are encountered to immediately contact a member of the Recreation Ground Working Party. Their contact details are posted on the notice board in the play area. The 3 plaques acknowledging support from the Lottery Fund, Craven District Council and the Rotary Club are now on display. Future plans include a possible redesign of the sand pit due to a number of complaints on Health and Safety grounds. This will incur a not insubstantial cost, which we intend to seek and secure from external funds.
Planning and Land Development Cllr Shuttleworth, Cllr Benjamin and Cllr Smith The Parish Council is a statutory consultee in connection with every planning application relating to the parish made to both Craven District Council and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. The number of applications forwarded for consultation continues to increase and range from minor householder applications to major housing developments. Members of the Planning Working Group have spent many hours considering proposals and making recommendations in an endeavour to ensure that proposed changes are only granted consent in line with a wide range of issues relating to appearance, highway safety, drainage and flooding and other infrastructure issues and that other community implications are not compromised. Members of the Working Group have attended virtually every Craven District Council Planning Committee over the last 12 months and when appropriate, addressed the Committee relating to specific parish cases and on occasion, the wider implications of planning within the Craven area. In addition to consideration of applications, the Parish Council has held public consultation meetings in connection with more significant development proposals and the recently published Draft Craven Local Development Plan (a template for development proposals in the area over the next 20 years) with a view to collating views and expressing the parish opinion to the determining authority. An appeal against refusal by Craven District Council to the Government Planning Inspectorate has also been subject to Parish Council scrutiny and submission of a response to support the initial refusal decision. Personnel and Contracts Cllr Shuttleworth, Cllr Benjamin Cllr Smith and The Clerk Staff evaluations have taken place over the past year and targets set to ensure the continuity of the required standard. Financial and legal requirements have been met and improved upon to ensure the smooth running of all Council business. Lengthsman services have not been put out for tender at the moment, whilst the Village Maintenance Working Group measures the need and form of services required. The Parish Council now has a new contract with Dragonfly Grounds Care to cut and strim all our grassed areas and verges with the exception of those few areas still currently maintained by Craven District Council. Highways & Road Safety Cllr Kirkbride, Cllr Smith and Cllr Hill Our objective is to deliver and maintain a safer environment for all pedestrians, vehicle users, cyclists and all others who use roads and paths throughout the villages. The primary obstacle to achieving our objective is the speed of traffic through the villages. We have therefore instigated a number of initiatives to impede this. The speed warning sign used at the entrance to Embsay will continue to be used at different times and in different places. We will continue to operate ad hoc Speed Watches in conjunction with the Police and have registered an interest in being part of the Community Speed Checks, which have recently been initiated in Craven. We are in discussion re the implementation of Speed Tables, a mini-roundabout or chicane to slow traffic and along with residents, we are seeking the removal of the deteriorating 'rumble-strips' along Kirk Lane. Pathways need to be kept clear of overgrowth and we would take this opportunity to remind you all that if it is originating on your property it is your responsibility and you are encouraged to remove it. It is particularly important if the overgrowth is very near to a road junction, thereby increasing the possibility of an accident as a result of restricted visibility.
Communication/Information Technology Cllr Stead, Cllr Shuttleworth, Cllr Benjamin and The Clerk www.embsayeastbypc.co.uk New Government regulations on Transparency are now in place and all Parish Councils must be able to display all official notices in as many formats as possible to the general public. Our new website is proving to be very popular and at the time of this report we have had 33670 hits. Social media is another area we have found helpful for providing information and responses to questions or complaints. We have also invested in two new larger and weatherproof notice boards replacing the small damp and rotting timber ones. Financial Cllr Stead, Cllr Shuttleworth, Cllr Smith and The Clerk This year s finances have proved to be a bit of a rollercoaster ride at times. There were some unplanned extra costs in a number of areas which have been met not only by good management but also by a lot of hard work and due diligence. The cost of the new Parish Council Elections and the appointment and set up costs of a new Clerk, with more working hours, started the year. A tree survey was required to deal with certain unmanaged and potentially dangerous trees in the Recreation Ground and in the Nature Reserve. Repairs to the War Memorial Garden wall and plinth have also been required and finally new Christmas lights were purchased to replace the inherited defective system and to add a little bit of cheer to the winter months. Savings were made in a number of areas including a reduction in Lengthsman s costs, primarily thanks to the many volunteers. Planning Consultancy fees were saved thanks to the sterling work of the Planning Working Group. Funding has been secured against the current year s budget through the Transparency Fund to ensure that we meet National Guidelines. In addition, savings in printing and photocopying have been made by the better use of technology. Generous donations by a number of local individuals and businesses will help fund the forthcoming Queens 90 th Birthday event and any surplus funds will be ring fenced for future community activities. Continuing financial management is imperative and will be undertaken regularly to reflect possible future plans in the best interest of the Parish and community. Nature Reserve & Allotments Cllr Kirkbride, Cllr Ayrton and Cllr Hill The Parish Council have been assisted during the year by Craven College and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and we are very grateful to both organisations for their help to re-lay paths in the nature reserve. Thanks are also due to our volunteers for the removal of large branches damaging a wall and for the revival of the Friends of Embsay with Eastby Nature Reserve which is supported by the Parish Council and YDNPA. Charity & Village Hall Representative Cllr Chatwin Continued links are being secured with other organisations working for the benefit of the community. This year the Parish Council is supporting a new organisation that has emerged though Age Concern the Good Neighbourhood Scheme. This organisation aims to help the more senior members of our community with daily chores and transport needs. If this applies to you or a neighbour, and you would like more information, please contact the Parish Council representative, Cllr Chatwin, or the Clerk.
Just Some of the Volunteer Activities - Contact Cllr Benjamin for more information Working with YDNP and Craven College in the Nature Reserve & Our youngest Adopt a Bench volunteer
About the Parish Council Embsay with Eastby Parish Council comprises the lower of the three tiers of local government, which consist respectively of a Parish or Town Council, a District Council and a County Council. There are 8 councillors for Embsay with Eastby, elected every four years. Vacancies between elections are normally filled through a co-option procedure. Councillors are unpaid but have the services of a part-time salaried Clerk to the Council (Parish Clerk). The council meets 11 times per year. A period of public questions or suggestions is allowed at each meeting. There is also a Parish Meeting held each spring, which provides the local electorate with a summary of the year s activities. Notices of meetings and agendas are displayed on the Parish notice boards on the Village Hall, Skipton Road Bus shelter and Barden Road Eastby. Minutes of the meetings are available in hard copy in the Library and on the Council web site: - www.embsayeastbypc.co.uk The Council has powers to raise income by means of the precept levied on households in the villages. Craven District Council collects this, as part of the Council Tax. The Parish Council precept and expenditure is monitored annually by independent auditors. Powers, Functions and Responsibilities Parish Councils have a wide range of powers, which they can exercise, but not all are appropriate to a parish of this size and nature. Different levels of organisation carry out the various functions of local government in England. In Yorkshire, the Parish Council is the third tier of local government the grass roots level of local democracy. Parish Councils play a significant role in making sure the local community voice is heard. At the moment Embsay with Eastby Parish Council falls within an area administered by Craven District Council. The Craven District area in turn, falls within an area administrated by North Yorkshire County Council, although the planning function in that part of the Parish within the Yorkshire Dales National Park is administered by the Park Authority. The onset of devolution may cause some or all of these arrangements to change. All the above organisations have different responsibilities. Although all are part of the local government system and enjoy close working relationships, each organisation is an independent and autonomous statutory authority in its own right. The duty of the Parish Council - as well as taking direct action in a number of areas, the Parish Council responds to many consultation papers from other bodies and agencies on matters of importance to both local residents and businesses. In addition, Councillors are appointed to represent the Council on a number of local and district organisations. Since its inception, the Parish Council has assumed responsibility from Craven District Council for a number of services. It also addresses many issues and problems and undertakes appropriate action.
Parish Council Services Embsay with Eastby Parish Council undertakes, oversees and co-ordinates the following activities and services: - Allotments The two allotment sites in Embsay and Eastby are now managed by the Embsay and Eastby Allotment Association on a Parish Council tenancy, leased from the Duke of Devonshire Estate. Recreation Ground Co-ordinates, manages and maintains a village recreation ground and safe play area. Communications Official information notices are displayed on the notice boards, via press releases, social media and through the Parish Council Website (www.embsayeastbypc.co.uk). The Parish Council aims to ensure that all sections of the community are kept fully informed of its actions. Consultation Working parties and full Council review all information, questions, and comment on a wide range of issues affecting both villages and their surrounding areas. Planning and Land Development Comments on local and strategic plans, local planning and tree preservation order applications. Environment Contracts for and undertakes the maintenance of parish assets, gardening, litter collection, tree maintenance and grass cutting activities (supplementary to that of Craven District Council). Nature Reserve Co-ordinates the provision of a nature reserve in Embsay working closely with the revived Friends of the Embsay with Eastby Nature Reserve and YDNP.. Grants Awards small grants, upon application, to local organisations and groups to help support community associated activities and services.
EMBSAY WITH EASTBY PARISH COUNCIL Un-Audited Accounts 2015-16 Embsay and Eastby Parish Council DRAFT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 23rd April 2016 Income & Expenditure Account for the year ended 31st March 2016 2016 2015 INCOME Precept 19860.00 15770.00 Interest Received 56.50 56.07 Grant YLCA re Transparency Fund 1137.92 0.00 Grant reimbursed by Friends of Recreation Ground 0.00 500.00 Donations 85.00 0.00 Bequest 0.00 500.00 21139.42 16826.07 EXPENDITURE Clerks Salary 9135.43 5554.00 Election Expenses 815.00 0.00 Administration 4610.09 4070.24 Legal & Professional Fees 365.00 2030.10 Sec 137 Payments 0.00 0.00 Recreation Ground Maintenance 573.66 730.82 Allotment Expenses 0.00-60.00 Village Maintenance 3150.97 3636.08 War Memorial Maintenance 150.00 2042.09 Less Craven District Council Grant 0.00-981.50 Donations 0.00 150.00-425.00 635.59 Tour de France Expenses 0.00 690.00 Less Yorkshire Dales National Park Grant 0.00 0.00-690.00 0.00 18800.15 16596.83 Surplus/Deficit for the year 2339.27 229.24 Balance Sheet as at 31st March 2015 2016 2015 CURRENT ASSETS Sundry Debtors and Prepayments 444.39 360.71 Bank Balances Community Account 530.00 200.00 Business Saver Account (Business Premium Account) 1942.37 135.53 Business Saver Account (Step saver Interest Account) 2002.02 2001.00 4474.39 2336.53 National Savings Investment Account 7083.21 7030.48 11557.60 9367.01 CURRENT LIABILITIES 12001.99 9727.72 Creditors 710.00 775.00 NET ASSETS 11291.99 8952.72 ACCUMULATED FUND Balance at start of period 8952.72 8723.48 Surplus/ (Deficit) for year 2339.27 229.24 Balance at end of period 11291.99 8952.72
CONTACT THE PARISH COUNCIL www.embsayeastbypc.co.uk The Parish Council consists of eight members who undertake their responsibilities on an unpaid, voluntary basis as well as a part time employed Parish Clerk who administrates the activities of the Council from home. There is no formal Council Office with established office hours. Members of the public are invited to contact the Council, through the Parish Clerk who works from the following address: Mrs Gillian Alcock 74 Tatton Tarn House Country Park Stirton Nr Skipton North Yorkshire BD23 3QL Tel: 07414850766 Email: Alcockg@hotmail.co.uk Member s Contact Details Brian Shuttleworth (Chairman) brianshuttleworth195@btinternet.com 07432 803647 Judith Benjamin (Vice-Chair) jlb1753@gmail.com 07713241448 Vince Smith vincessmith@btinternet.com 01756 700256 Robert Stead robert@steadonline.com 01756 799755 Stella Kirkbride stellakirkbride3@gmail.com 01756 790469 Hazel Chatwin chatwinwilf@gmail.com 01756 793308 David Hill yorkboy64@gmail.com 01756 795493 Andrew Ayrton andrewayrton4164@talktalk.net 07815071151
www.embsayeastbypc.co.uk