1)Present: Councillors P Reeves (Chair), L Grout, R Rudsdale, G Banner, WH Tindall, I Dodsworth, G Thompson, J Randles and K Horner. One member of the public was also present.

Sergeant I Donald from Whitby Police was present to give a report on the incidents of note in Danby ward since our last meeting. These included the theft of a charity collection box from Castleton Co-op, three males arrested for allegedly poaching in Fryup, high value damage caused to grouse butts at Westerdale, theft of a handbag from a car, theft of a horsebox from Castleton, theft of electric fencing and battery from a field in Danby and an attempted theft of a horsebox from Danby. Sergeant Donald reported that the three males are to be charged with poaching and that the charity box had been recovered.
Sergeant Donald informed the Council that he is taking up a post as response team sergeant based at Whitby. His replacement will be Sergeant Martin McLachlan. Councillor Reeves thanked Sergeant Donald for all the work he has done for the local community in the past and wished him well in his new post.
Councillor Thompson arrived at 7.20pm and apologised for his unavoidable lateness.
Sergeant Donald then left the meeting.

2)Minutes: The minutes of the last meeting were agreed as a true and correct record. Proposed by Councillor Randles and seconded by Councillor Rudsdale.

3)NYCC – Highways: The letter received from D.Creek was discussed. Councillor Banner reported that the road from Commondale to Long Green had been patched up in front of the Diving Duck but the rest of the road was untouched. Councillor Tindall reported that he had been informed that the road would be resurfaced next Summer. Councillors reported that the hole on Canting Hill had been repaired satisfactorily. Councillors then reported the following defects for the attention of the highways department;
• Councillor Rudsdale reported that an area at the side of road opposite the play area in Castleton had collapsed.
• Councillor Rudsdale reported that the Castleton sign was missing at the junction of the road to Castleton with the road from Hob Hole to Kildale. The Westerdale sign was also missing at Castleton Station.
• Councillor Tindall reported that there was a rail off the bridge at Dibble bridge, on either side of the bridge.
• Councillor Reeves reported that the Ashleigh road had been resurfaced but that the work had ended below Ash Grove. She had understood it would include Wandles Lane. Councillor Thompson agreed and reported that although some of Wandles Lane had been dealt with most had not been touched. He also reported that the culvert just above Ash Grove had not been repaired, it had merely been covered over with tarmac. Both Councillor Reeves and Thompson would like to meet with D Creek on site to discuss the work required.
Resolved – Clerk to report all issues and facilitate a meeting between Councillors Reeves and Thompson and David Creek.

The meeting was then closed as Mrs Motson discussed the issue of the positioning of the 30mph sign near the playing field beside the Esk in Castleton.
The meeting reopened:
Councillor Tindall proposed that the Parish Council request that the existing 30mph sign along the road from the bridge, opposite the cricket field gate be repositioned to extend the 30mph area further up the hill towards Castleton to the start of the footpath up Canting Hill.
Resolved – Clerk to write to Nick West.

4)NYCC – Castleton School Road Safety.
Councillors reported that the wigwag above Castleton School now appeared to be working correctly. Councillors then discussed the consultation document from NYCC concerning the implementation of a new school keep clear parking restriction across the length of the school. Councillor Grout stated that the repositioning was required to allow the legal positioning of the warning sign. Councillor Rudsdale suggested that the no stopping area should only be in operation term time only. This was agreed by the other Councillors.
Resolved that the Council support the proposal with the additional comment that the no stopping area should only be in operation term time only.

5)SBC – Waste bins on Ainthorpe Road.
Councillors discussed the letter received from Paul Thompson, Waste Operations Manager at SBC. This promised the installation of a litter bin near the Fire Station. Councillor Thompson was still of the opinion that two bins were required, with the second near the end of Strait Lane. If it is only possible to have two bins then the end of Strait Lane, near the school is his preferred option. Councillors Rudsdale and Randles suggested that the positioning of litter bins may only serve to increase litter.
Resolved that the Clerk write acknowledging the offer of a bin but stating that the end of Strait Lane is preferred.

6)SBC – Toilet repairs.
Councillor Tindall had investigated the issue of the repairs required to Castleton toilets and had been told that the floor could not be sealed until it had dried out thoroughly. He understood that it had now been sealed.
Resolved that some Councillors who live near the toilets would check the toilets to see for themselves if any work still needs to be carried out.

7)SBC – Planning training event.
Unfortunately Councillor Reeves had been unable to attend this meeting so could provide no report.

Mr P Woods (member of the public) arrived and the meeting was closed to allow him to speak to the Councillors about the bridleway running past his house at Rosedale Intake. Before the meeting was closed Councillor Horner updated the other Councillors about progress made regarding this bridleway. She first stressed that the bridleway being considered was not just the small stretch past Rosedale Intake but included the whole stretch from Commondale to Danby. Councillor Horner reported that she had liaised with Bernie MacLinden from NYMNP and that the stone steps that had been causing trouble now appeared to have settled satisfactorily. The problem gate had need also been dealt with. She had concluded that the bridleway at Rosedale Intake was not in the correct place, it was in fact dangerous and should be diverted. However the ideal path was at present impassable. Bernie was looking into the possibility of diverting the path but as this involved Common Land he needs to work with the Court Leet.
Whilst the meeting was closed Mr Woods spoke to the Councillors about the problems of the footpath.
The meeting was reopened and Councillor Reeves observed that both Mr Woods and Councillor Horner were in agreement about what needed to be done to the bridleway. She proposed that Councillor Horner, Mr Woods, the NYMNP and the Court Leet work together to try and resolve the issue. She asked Councillor Horner if she was willing to lead on this issue and arrange a meeting. Councillor Horner stated that she was willing. Councillor Thompson suggested that as everyone agreed that the bridleway needed diverting then the solution would be for Mr Woods to make a planning application to the NYMNPA to divert the footpath.

8)NYMNP – Trod below Ash Grove.
The Clerk reported that no reply had been received to our letter about the responsibility of the trod falling to the NYMNP. However she had received a telephone call from Bernie MacLinden reporting that the NYMNP was seeking advice to clarify the situation and would be in touch as soon as possible. Councillors then discussed the quote which had been received from Nobles to repair the trod. Councillor Rudsdale thought that the quote was very large and that there must be much more deserving things to spend money on. Councillor Thompson concluded that the quote involved lengths of the trod that did not require repair. He stated that the only section damaged is the length marked as badly broken on the map supplied by Nobles. Councillor Tindall suggested that the trods were unsuitable for modern life and the money would be better spent installing a proper footpath that could be used by everyone. Councillor Rudsdale agreed. Councillor Grout suggested that the matter be deferred to the next meeting when a second quote may have been received from Simon Taylor. The Clerk confirmed that Mr Weatherill had telephoned to say that he was to busy to take on the work. Councillor Grout suggested that the estimates should be sent to the builders of the new development as they were responsible for the damage.
Resolved to defer to the next Parish Council meeting.

9)NYMNP – Footpath past Rosedale intake.
This has already been discussed.

10)NYMNP – Vehicle Activated Sheep Warning Signs.
Councillor Rudsdale was of the opinion that the signs erected on the Blakey moor road were an eyesore. Councillor Tindall reported that the signs had been erected at the request of the local sheep farmers to try to cut sheep deaths on the road.
Resolved that the Clerk write to NYMNP and comment that whilst the Parish Council appreciates the efforts of the NYMNPA to work with the sheep farmers they have received many comments that the signs are unsightly.

11)NYMNP – Planning training event.
Unfortunately no Councillors had been able to attend and so no report was available.

12)NYMNP – Vermin Control at Danby Lodge.
Councillor Rudsdale confirmed that this problem had been dealt with.

13)Village caretaker.
The toilet repairs have already been discussed. Councillor Reeves reported on the LEADER meeting at Hutton le Hole at which she had given a presentation on the Village Caretaker scheme. This meeting had been well attended and our caretaker Simon Taylor had been in attendance. She concluded that no LEADER funding is available for existing projects but can be used to extend the remit of an existing project. Therefore Simon could apply if he wanted to extend his operations in some way.

14)Parish Plan – renewable energy.
The next meeting will be held on 15 October at Danby Village Hall.

15)YLCA/RAY.
• The Scarborough Branch meeting of the YLCA is to be held on 9th November. Clerk passed out the agenda and minutes to Councillors Banner and Reeves our branch representatives. Councillor Banner is able to attend but Councillor Reeves is unavailable on that date. Clerk to inform YLCA.
• The Clerk had received an e-mail from YLCA requesting nominations for NALC's Local Council Awards. Councillors agreed that the Clerk should nominate Danby Group Parish Council for all the work it has done recently including the 2 new affordable housing developments, the Abbeyfield project and the help given to other Councils with the Village Caretaker scheme. Councillor Reeves agreed to help the Clerk draft a nomination.
• The AGM of Rural Action Yorkshire will take place on 21st November. The Councillors had no suggestions for the trustee nominations.
• Councillor Reeves has been confirmed as a parish representative to the NYCC Coast and Moors Area Committee.

16)Orange Mast.
Councillors were not satisfied by the response received from Orange.
Resolved that the Clerk copy all our correspondence with Orange and send to Robert Goodwill M.P.

17)No camping signs.
Councillor Tindall confirmed that the Court Leet will place a 'No Camping' sign near the six arch bridge on the low road from Castleton to Danby. Upon hearing that Councillor Tindall is retiring from the Court Leet, Councillor Reeves suggested that the Clerk write to the Court Leet giving our appreciation of all the work done by Councillor Tindall over the years.

18)Cutting of grass verges outside 30mph signs.
Councillor Reeves reminded the Council that the money the Parish Council receives is to cut the grass verges not cut back any shrubs. Councillor Tindall reported that Nick West has inspected the road up past High Butterwitts and along Oakley Walls. He will ensure that NYCC cut back the verges and shrubs next year.
Councillor Thompson reported that he had received several complaints that the gorse bushes from The Counbs to the tennis courts need cutting back. Clerk to report.

19)Parish Council Insurance Scheme.
Although the quote received from Community First was about £200 cheaper than our present insurance questions were asked about the cover provided. Clarity is needed about the insurance for 'street furniture' and the play area.
Resolved: Clerk to investigate.

20)Botton Visit.
Councillors were reminded of the invitation to visit Botton Village on Thursday 29 October at 6pm.

21)Community Use of the Bradbury Centre as opposed to the Village Halls.
The Clerk reported that she had received telephone calls from Les Underwood (Danby Village Hall) and Sheila Whitton (Castleton Village Hall). Both had assured her that their bookings had not been adversely affected by the Bradbury Centre. Additional bookings had been received at Castleton as a result of the Bradbury Centre. Councillor Grout informed the Councillors that Eskmoors Caring was holding a meeting at Castleton Village Hall on 9 November to report on the Bradbury Centre. Councillors were invited to attend.

22)Castleton Co-op.
No reply had been received to our letter of complaint about the stocking of the Co-op.
Resolved that the Clerk write again requesting an urgent response as the issue is becoming a serious local concern.

23)NYMNP – Secretary of State Member vacancy.
No Councillors were able to apply to fill this vacancy.

24)NYMNP – Northern Area Parish Forum meeting.
After discussing the issue of the recent Moor fires Councillors agreed by a majority decision to submit the following question to the next Forum meeting on 17th November at Danby Moors Centre; Danby Group Parish Council request a report on the recent Moors fires. Specifically they ask who is going to be held accountable and who will bear the cost of the fires? They would also like to ask what steps are being taken to ensure that such fires will not happen again?

25)NYMNP – Community Newsletter.
Noted.

26)NYMNP – Planning applications.
The following application was discussed;
• NYM/2009/0604/FL – application for reconstruction and extension of granary/cart shed to provide residential annexe accommodation/holiday cottage at Crossley Gate Farm, Fryup.
• Response – a unanimous response of 'No Objections'.

27)NYMNP – Planning decisions.
The following planning decisions were received;
• NYM/2009/0481/FL – application for alterations and extension to dwelling at Orchard House, 1, Langburn Lane, Castleton. GRANTED.
• NYM/2009/0509/FL – application for erection of a single storey annexe and installation of a bay window at Tourmaline, Botton Village, Danby. GRANTED.

28)NYCC – Winter service, salt bins and heaps.
Councillors discussed the letter received from NYCC detailing the winter service as regards salt bins and heaps. Councillor Reeves reported 2 new saltbins down Ashfield Road. Councillor Rudsdale asked if the workmen cleared the bins out before refilling with salt? Councillor Reeves wondered if salt would be rationed this year? Councillor Tindall replied that NYCC had more salt in reserve this year than last.

29)SBC – Northern Area Committee meeting.
The next meeting will be held at Sneaton Castle on 12 January. Councillor Tindall reported that he had attended the previous Northern Area Committee meeting and would like to inform the Parish Council that there was a possibility that the need to save money was likely to threaten the rural mobile library service. He requested that the Parish Council send a letter of objection to NYCC as the mobile library service serves many valuable purposes in addition to acting as a mobile library.

30)SBC – Transport Forum.
Noted.

31)Graveyard Maintenance Grants.
Councillors agreed to divide the Model Agreement received for burial grounds and churchyards and pay the following amounts:
Danby Parochial Church Council - £332
Commondale Parochial Church Council - £166
Westerdale Parochial Church Council - £166

32)Grass Cutting grant fron Danby Court Leet.
Councillors agreed to ask Danby Court Leet for a contribution to grass cutting within the parishes. Clerk to write.

33)Financial Risk Assessment – Internal check.
Councillors had received copies of both the spreadsheet showing the check of income received up to date compared to that received in the previous year and the sheet showing the expenditure check against budget for this financial year. Councillors agreed that the financial situation was satisfactory.

34)Correspondence.
The following correspondence was received;
• CE Electric – letter of apology for the recent interruption of supply. Councillor Reeves reported that she had received two copies of the same letter as had several of her neighbours. She questioned the wasteful expenditure involved.
• Whitby DAG – distributed.
• Society of local council clerks – notice of AGM.
• The Clerk

35)Items reported by Councillors.
• Councillor Reeves reported that she had been contacted by Della Wedgewood asking how she went about planting a memorial tree. As the land involved is common land Councillors suggested she contact the Court Leet. Councillor Reeves agreed to inform Della.

36)Borough and County Council reports.
Councillor Tindall stated that he had already reported the threat to the mobile library service. He added that SBC was intending to appeal to NYCC to preserve the service.

38)Date of next meeting.
The next meeting will be held at Castleton Village Hall on Wednesday 11 November.

The meeting closed at 9.15pm.