Ferrensby Parish Meeting
Wednesday 21 October 2026
The General Tarleton, Ferrensby • 7.00pm • Chair: Stuart Payne • Clerk: Michelle Godin
1. Welcome, apologies and previous minutes
Apologies: Rod; Vincent and Sue; Chris and Jo; Joy and Chris; Pauline; Jane Green; and Jenny. The Chair explained that the meeting notice had been displayed in the notice board at approximately 2.00pm owing to illness. Pooja queried whether the June vote on the Village Plan approved implementation of every project or further work in principle; the Chair and other residents maintained that the Plan had been overwhelmingly voted for and approved Subject to commuted funds been approved by NYC).
Also Pooja referred to a proposed document setting out ways of working following Jonathan’s resignation. The chair responded that his revised version would be circulated, with an opportunity to consider alternative wording
2. Finance and banking
The Chair and Clerk reported ongoing problems obtaining access to the NatWest account, with outdated signatories, wrong addresses and data issues remaining; a formal complaint had been submitted. The balance reported for around 14 October was £5,760.11 (not yet reconciled). Twelve months’ statements have been requested. The Chair has personally paid for cherry-tree pruning and some other costs. Unity Trust Bank and The Co-operative Bank were suggested by YLCA, and these will be explored as alternatives that other Village Meetings and Parish Councils use.
3. Commuted funds, verges and village entrance
Council discussions continue about using commuted funds for the garden, verges and pond. The Council advised low planting near entrances and sightlines. The Chair favoured trial planting before wider investment, given dry conditions, and awaited costs for village welcome/drive-carefully signs from NYC.
4. Highways and speeding
Three speed-camera-style warning signs were removed at NYC’s request. Approved alternative signage and private-land locations were discussed. Council surveys indicated average speeds of 29.4mph approaching from Knaresborough and 28.3mph from Boroughbridge; more detail on excessive speeds has been requested. Community speed-monitoring enquiries remain to be chased. Pavement repairs were being considered; road lining within the village had been delayed by gas works, with crossroads markings treated separately due to safety concerns.
5. Community garden and Christmas
Garden clearance is under way, a gateway has been installed and Stephen is repairing a rotavator. Residents were asked to provide plain corrugated cardboard for weed suppression beneath mulch. The garden remains a longer-term community-space project. The larger Christmas tree proposal was deferred during verge works; smaller trees in planters or cherry-tree lights were suggested.
6. Community events and communication
The Chair encouraged more village events after the summer barbecue did not proceed as the GT held one instead. Possible social gatherings were suggested; accessible ground-floor accommodation at the pub will be explored. Website hosting costs still require comparison. Residents raised the need to keep the wider village informed of working groups and pond discussions, including those not using WhatsApp. Communication preferences will be collected, with email, website notices and printed updates considered.
7. Village pond: petition and next steps
Jonathan presented a petition on behalf of himself and Pooja, reporting 78 signatures and explaining that it sought views on management principles rather than endorsing a final scheme. Their voluntary work and habitat improvements were acknowledged. Views differed on consultation, grass cutting and planting; shared considerations included water quality, wildlife, ecology, accessibility, maintenance and enjoyment of the pond. The Chair clarified that proposed strimming concerned access around the bench, not clearance of the full area. Ecological evidence, prior surveys and drainage/runoff information will inform options. Residents or groups intending to put forward proposals were asked to tell the Chair by 28 October. A separate meeting, provisionally in November, would allow about 20 minutes per presentation and 10 minutes for questions, followed by a village vote aimed at a five-year pond approach. In-person and sealed-envelope voting were proposed, with arrangements to be confirmed.
8. Other matters and close
A resident raised unverified concerns about potential sinkhole risks in the wider area. No decision has been taken on the Scotton solar farm proposal; another possible site near Bar Lane and Market Flat Lane, Scriven, was noted, with traffic implications to be monitored. The Clerk was awaiting a response to requests for additional street lighting during the Council’s LED upgrade programme; a faulty Harrogate Road light had been reported. The Chair thanked residents and closed the meeting at approximately 8.16pm. The date of the next general meeting was not confirmed.
Action summary
| Lead | Action |
| Chair / Clerk | Resolve bank access, obtain statements and assess bank alternatives. |
| Chair | Circulate ways-of-working document; progress Council funding, planting and sign quotes. |
| Chair | Follow up speed data, signage, community monitoring, pavements and road markings. |
| Volunteers / Chair | Continue garden clearance; collect cardboard; explore an accessible social event. |
| Chair / Clerk | Review website costs and collect residents’ communication preferences. |
| Residents / Chair | Register pond proposals by 28 October; share ecological/drainage material; arrange and publicise the vote meeting. |
| Parish representatives / Clerk | Monitor solar farm plans; follow up extra lighting and Harrogate Road repair. |
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