Location: Arkendale Village Hall
Attendance:
The meeting was well attended, with many residents present.
Apologies:
David Fearnside, Kath and Paul Dewey, Tracey Smith, Pat Godbold, Malcolm Horner, Chris and Joy Craven, Jasia Painter, Peter and Jane Green, Sue Aspinall.
1. Welcome and Introductions
- The meeting opened at 7:00 pm. Everyone was welcomed, and new residents introduced themselves.
- Various methods were used to advertise the meeting:
- E-mail circulation
- Village website
- Leaflet distribution
- Residents are encouraged to join these communication systems. Contact chair@ferrensby.com or speak to Jonathan Pow at Pond Cottage.
2. Approval of Previous Minutes
- Minutes from the previous meeting were available on the village website and the Village Green notice board.
- They were also available on request during the meeting. Key issues are summarised below.
3. Planning
- No immediate planning concerns were noted, but several points of interest were discussed:
- Asphalt plant at Allerton Park: An objection form is available online if needed.
- Flaxby Golf Course: A large development proposal is pending from a Scarborough development company.
- Solar batteries at Scotton.
4. Finance
- The annual village finance report was shared and accepted by the meeting. It will be available on the village website and the Village Green notice board.
- The village account with NatWest is now online, allowing the Chair and Clerk to manage it together. Joint signatory systems have been explored but are not easily accessible with the current account.
- A request was made for support with administration and finance management; Robin offered his assistance.
- The defibrillator is being maintained, with funds allocated for parts replacement as necessary.
5. Pond Maintenance
- A report from aquatic expert Alison indicates that funds are available for further improvements to the pond but need to be applied for through the correct channels.
- Signs have been produced to guide residents on how to feed the ducks, which helps maintain water quality.
- Metal cages are being constructed to anchor suitable aquatic plants. Currently, this work has only been done by Jonathan, and assistance would be appreciated. The first set of four plants has been purchased.
- A long-established wildflower verge was mistakenly mown by the council, causing concern among residents. The Chair contacted the relevant council department, resulting in a promise of compensation and interest in trialling wildflower planting in the village.
- An urgent request for volunteers to support the pond project was made. The pond is a vital asset to the village, frequented by residents who enjoy its flora and fauna. Several residents, including Frank and Denise, offered their support.
- The Chair will compile a list of volunteers’ names and contact details. Anyone wishing to help with this important project is encouraged to contact Jonathan to organise working parties.
6. Traffic Calming
- Residents have repeatedly attempted to contact the North Yorkshire Highways department and the police community liaison officer regarding serious concerns about traffic hazards in the village, including:
- Accidents at the crossroads.
- Speeding through the village.
- Dangerous driving at the entrance from Farnham, including a recent incident where a car overturned and caused property damage.
- Parked cars narrowing the entrance and exit towards Arkendale, causing congestion and hindering larger vehicles.
- These issues have been discussed with Councillor Windass and MP Tom Gordon. The Highways department has visited but has not provided solutions. Speeding remains a countywide concern, and our village, along with Arkendale and Coneythorpe, has petitioned for greater speed controls throughout the County.
- As Arkendale and Coneythorpe Councils are looking into speed gates (picket fencing at village entrances), collaboration on this project will be beneficial.
- Jonathan has written to Mayor David Skaith regarding the recent accident at the junction. Julie has contacted Highways about broken signage. Another resident has raised concerns about a non-operational electronic sign on Harrogate Road. The installation company has gone into administration, which may require village financing for repairs.
- A camera has been purchased for installation on private property by Charlie to monitor dangerous driving on Farnham Lane.
- The path along the Slingsby estate was discussed; it is now more passable since the hedge was cut but could benefit from a working party to clear moss. Other areas of planting in the village will be maintained by willing residents, ensuring safety from busy roads.
- Councillor Windass briefly mentioned the Boundary Commission electoral boundaries consultation, but time did not permit further discussion. More information is available on the North Yorkshire website. The re-organisation will not affect our links with Arkendale.
- The Village Hall at Arkendale continues to offer various activities, including coffee mornings, fitness classes, WI meetings, a wine club, quiz nights, craft sessions, and cinema nights. Pauline Ward represents our village in these activities.
7. Any Other Business
- The Chair urgently requested help from villagers for the various tasks and projects outlined above, especially for those with skills and time to manage the bureaucracy involved in applying for commuted sums and other administrative tasks. Karen, a member of the Arkendale and Coneythorpe Council, shared her insights.
- It was suggested that names of volunteers be collected to form working parties. Anyone wishing to participate in these projects is encouraged to e-mail chair@ferrensby.com.
- Defibrillator:
- Training for the defibrillator may be organised jointly with Arkendale in the Village Hall, allowing Ferrensby residents to attend.
- Village Pub
- The meeting discussed the imminent reopening of the General Tarleton, featuring celebrity chef Tommy Banks. The opening date is still unannounced. We hope it will become a community hub. A request will be made to hold future village meetings there, as we have in the past. More information can be found in recent articles in the Yorkshire Post and Stray Ferret.
- Slingsby Close residents are forming a residents’ association after the sale of the last property, aiming to contribute positively to the village.
Meeting Closure
The meeting concluded at 8:15 pm.
Leave a Reply