Agenda item

Paul Doughty stated that social isolation and loneliness would be one of the issues most focussed on, and that the parish council was looking to reach people who are currently difficult to reach, as this is pertinent to Strensall’s demographics.

Paul stated that the Ward budget (£45,301 in total) has increased sizeably.  This is because it includes a carryover from last year.  The elections in 2015 meant that it was well into the year before the ward committee cycles, and so the allocation for highway programmes had not been used.  He stated that they will not always be allowed to carry over the budget in this manner, and it has only happened now because of the ward committee being set up later.  He stated that he and Helen would always meet up with members of the parish for suggestions on how to use it.

One idea was for a parking bay in Stone Riggs, as a lot of houses there do not have driveways.  However, Paul stated that they currently did not wish to commit to anything in case they came up against something of a higher priority.  Other ideas were for extra street lights and zebra crossings, although Paul stated that this would cost more than the general grant, and this was something to be mindful of. 

Paul referred to other grants listed upon the briefing notes, stating that various organisations had asked them to hang onto these until the new year and that they did not affect the current figure.  These included a grant to supply a notice board for Stockton on Forest Community Centre (£989.00), a grant to Strensall Carnival Committee for Carnival Contribution (£750.00) and a grant to supply gardening tools to maintain the community area at Stockton Fox Pentanque Club.

Helen stated that they were very restricted (by the Department of Transport) in terms of what could be done with the highway budget.  One idea was for a mobile speed sign (estimated cost: £3,000) at a pre-agreed location, which could then be moved to wherever it was needed.

An extra dog waste bin was also due to be allocated to Stockton on the Forest.  A question was raised about using ordinary bins for the disposal of dog waste and what was the policy on this?  Helen stated that it was fine as it went into the same landfill anyway.  An attendee stated there had been complaints about the problems this caused in intense heat, when the smell would attract flies.  Paul stated that this was a risk but that it would be difficult to enforce a policy against it.

A resident asked where the spare dog waste bin would be situated.  Paul stated that it would go wherever was most practical for collection.

Paul stated that there would be a meeting with representatives later in the year about how to use the budget.

Paul stated that sites previously earmarked for housing on the green belt land had been taken out in the Strensall ward.  He stated that in a draft proposal to remove all safeguarded sites, the site in Earswick was no longer part of the plan.  This still has to go to committee and so is not a finished document.  Paul stated that residents will receive documentation and then have eight weeks to respond.  There will be a consultation on the 18^th of July and multiple events across the city, the details of which can be found online.  The plan period starts from 2012 and runs until 2032.  Paul stated that the amount of housing had been considerably reduced from what had been put forward in 2011.