1. Apologies.
   Apologies were received from Cllr. Perls, District Cllr. Crawford and Cty. Cllr. Marshall.
    
2. Co-option of a new Councillor.
   Brian Atkinson of 49, Neville Road, Gargrave was co-opted and welcomed.
   

   After the resigantion of Cllr. Woods at last month’s meeting there is a further vacancy. Parishioners interested in appyling are asked to contact the Clerk.

3. Public participation.
   Various parishioners reported that problems with horse droppings in pavements, walls collapsing on to pavements and cars and other vehicles abusing parking restrictions on the greens persisted.
    
4. Highway issues.
   The Highways Agency have reported to the Council that a new salt/grit bin is to be installed just off Marton Road near Walton Avenue. NYCC have responded to Cty Cllr. Marshall’s request of inspection of Church Lane and agreed to continued monitoring of muck on the road there.
    
5. Playground.
   It was agreed that Members would attend a site meeting at theplayground at 10 a.m. on 1 March 2008 to consider the work required in response to the recent ROSPA report.
    
6. Grass cutting.
   The early Easter in 2008 prompted a discussion as to whether the grass cutting contract should provide for an extra cut before the usual commencement. The matter was left to the Clerk’s discretion in the light of the weather.
    
7. 2008/09 Budget.
   A closed Budget meeting is to be held on Monday 14 January.
    
8. Correspondence.
   Craven D. C. have provided information about the charges to be introduced on the North Street car park. The charging period is to be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 7days a week. The car park will be added to those for which craven D. C. permits are valid. Otherwise the charges will be 50p for the first hour then in multiples thereof.
    
9. Next meeting.
   The next meting will be on Monday 4 February at 7-15 p.m. in the Village Hall.
    

1. Apologies.
   No apologies were received because all members and Distrcit Cllr. Crawford and Cty. Cllr. Marshall were present.
    
2. Co-option of a new Councillor.
   Janet Smales and Brian Atkinson had kindly put their names forward for consideration. A decision will be taken as to the co-option at the December meeting.
    
3. Public participation.
   Trees around street lights and general obstruciton were discussed. The Clerk was asked to co-ordinate any applications for permission from Craven DC for tree work.
   

   Mud and noxious substances on roads – parishioners were reminded that Section 148 of the Highways Act, 1980 states that “It is an offence to deposit anything on a highway. The Highway Authority may remove such deposits and recover the costs from the offender.”

   The boundaries of the Parish Council’s land were discussed. Parishioners were reminded that the area of the Greens includes the lane and area leading to the sewage treatment plant. Parking and horses are not allowed on the Greens.

   Several parishioners have expressed concern about horse riders whose animals mount and foul the footpaths in the village. This is illegal and the Clerk was asked to write to all the stables in the area of the village.

   Frustration was expressed at the slow progress of the work on upgrading street lights. This is in the hands of the contractor, North Yorkshire CC. Members agreed that progress has been furstratingly slow but that the Parich Council is doing everything it can to influence progress.

4. Report from Cty. Cllr. S. Marshall.
   She asked everyone to read their copies of the free North Yorkshire CC newpaper and to write as suggested there to voice their concerns about Post Office closures.
    
5. Report from Cllr D. Crawford.
   He reported on a debate at CDC on the price of the land for the Skipton Building Society development.
   

   He commended the representatives of the wind farm at Little Stainton on their efforts to make people aware of the benefits of this scheme.

   He reported that the scheme for Skipton bus station is going ahead as planned and that the controversial development at the Tempest Arms at Elslack is to be allowed to remain as it is.

6. Accounts.
   Accounts payable were approved.
    
7. Correspondence.
   Revised timing for the Skipton to Malham post bus from 19 October were reported.
   

   The first run is Skipton bus station dep 07-45 – Gargrave Eshton Road dep 08-00 – Malham Tourist Information Centre arr 10-56 and dep 12-25. Gargrave Eshton Road dep 13-02 – Skipton Bus Station arr 13-20.

   The second run is Skipton bus station dep 14-25 – Gargrave Eshton Road dep 14-38 – Malham Tourist Information Centre arr 15-12 and dep 15-15. Gargrave Eshton Road dep 17-20 – Skipton Bus Station arr 18-10.

   Full timetables are available at the Dalesman Café and the Library.

8. Remembrance Sunday, 11 November.
   The Vice –Chairman, Cllr. Syms, will represent the Parish Council Mrs. Ethnie Bannister will arrange for a poppy wreath.
    
9. Christmas lights fund raising event, Saturday 10 November.
   It can be reported that the approximate funds raised at this event were £1,200 but some receipts have not yet been counted. The Parish Council wishes to thank everyone involved in the fund rasising events on 10 November and throughout the year.
    
10. Next meeting.
    The next meting will be on Monday 3 December at 7-15 pm in the Village Hall.
     

Apologies were received form Cllr. Perls, Distrcit Cllr. Crawford and Cty. Cllr. Marshall. All other members were present.

Questions were asked about the timing of reconnection of the new street lights which have been erected. There was a general discussion about street lighting and the siting of new lamp posts.

The minutes of the meeting on 3 September were approved.

Bircage walk has been resurfaced within the last week. It was agreed to include replacement kissing gates in the 2008/09 budget.

Dog walkers were reminded to notify CDC if they find the dog bins full. If the bins are full and, as they should do, they have cleaned up after their dogs, they should take the “packages” home and dispose of them there. If they do not clean up after their dogs they are liable to fines up to £1,000.

Cllrs. Thomas and Smith explained the need tor a salt box on the slope leading to Walton Avenue and Riversway.

The external auditor has approved the 2006/07 accounts prepared by Cllrs Sugden and Turner, the Resposible Financial Officers. The accounts will be posted in the notice board as for previous years. Papers and documents to suport the accounts will be availble for memebers of the public to view by prior appointment at Kirk Syke, 19 High Street (Tel. 748117) on Mondy to Friday until 5 November.

Embsay with Eastby P.C. is seeking to employ a lengthman. If anyone is interested they should contact that Council direct.

Applications had been received in respect of:

• erection of a conservatory in West Street;
• various buildings in the garden at 54, Eshton Road;
• erection of a conservatory at the farm on Hellifield Road on the same side as the Anchor.

After discussion it was decided not to comment to CDC on any of these applications.

The Council reminds parishioneers that planning permission is required to work to be done on trees withint he Conservation Area. There are large fines for non-compliance. CDC will advise on the procedures involved.

Parishioners were reminded that the replacement event for the Duck Race will be held in the village hall on Saturday 10 November form 10 am to 3 pm. Items confirmed were tombola, Duck Race draw, silent auction, light lunches and a table top sale (for which it was reported that some vacancies remained).

The next meting will be on Monday 5 November at 7-15 pm in the Village Hall.

Cllrs. Thomas, Perls and Smith and District Cllr Crawford sent her apologies. All other members were present as was Cty. Cllr. Marshall.

A parishioner commented on the problems created by a number of new “A” boards which have appeared recently on High Street. They have made the pavement in places too narrow for wheelchair users to pass. The chairman undertook to look at the problem.

There was a general discussion about traffic mounting the pavements to park and parking on the zig-zag lines in High Street.

A decision was taken to include the renovation of the railings by the green along South Street in the 2008/09 budget. Cty. Cllr. Marshall suggested that funding be sought from the Aggregate Fund and will find out more details.

The Gormless is to have a “triple by-pass” and be given 3 new arms. The clerk was asked to find out the timescale for this work so that arrangements for the power for the Christmas lights to be taken from the Gormless are not prejudiced.

West Street – application 30-2007/7785 was considered. No comments were made.

Permission has been granted for work to save the maple tree on the Memorial green. Cllr. Sysm is to make contact with the tree surgeon to arrange for the work to be done.

Permission with 23 conditions attached has been granted for the erection of chalets/caravans in the plantation on Marton Road between High Mill and Paradise Cottages.

The Council can now co-opt a villager of 18 years old or more to replace former Cllr. Lancaster.

NYCC will re-tarmac the path to a width of 1.2 metres before the end of 2007. The path will be closed for about a week. Many of the residents along this path were thanked for maintaining their boundaries to a high standard.

The Duck Race of 2007 will waddle to the Village Hall on Saturday 10 November between 10am and 3pm. There will be games, tombola, a table top sale (£10 per table – contact Cllr. Turner (tel. 748117) to book), morning coffee and light lunches.

The Duck Race ticket draw will be held then but if anyone who has already bought a ticket wants a refund a counterfoil should be produced to Cllr. Syms.

Funds from this event are for the Christmas lights. A contractor for this was agreed. N Power’s bill for the electricity for the 2006 Christmas lights of £742-61 was received and payment was approved.

The meeting closed at 9-30pm

The next meeting is to be on 8 October 2007 (NB one week later than normal to allow the clerk’s attendance) at the Village Hall at 7-15 pm.

All members and District Cllr Crawford were present. Cty Cllr Marshall sent her apologies. With great regret the Council accepted the resignation by letter of Cllr. Andrew Lancaster because of work commitments. Tribute was paid to Cllr. Lancaster’s efforts for the village and for the Council since his co-option in 2006.

A resident of Goffa Mill thanked Cty Cllr Marshall and the Parish Council for their efforts in securing the completion of flood alleviation work at Goffa Mill. It is hoped that the work done will deal with most of the problem.

A parishioner asked about a tree which had been damaged in an accident in North Street car park. Cllr Crawford was asked to make inquiries about its reinstatement.

There was a long discussion about the continuing problem of vehicles being parked on the green at Damside despite prohibition notices. The Chairman undertook to visit the householder concerned.

The Clerk is to purchase permanent “no smoking” signs or arrange for the words to be stencilled on to the walls of the Summer Seat as the free signs issued by then Government had been stolen.

Cllr Crawford gave more details of the abortion of the scheme for a unitary council for North Yorkshire.

Monthly accounts were submitted and approved.

As well as information from various bodies about forthcoming meetings there were letters regarding vehicle parking on Damside and an offer of an office in the Village Hall for the Council to rent. After considerable discussion this offer was accepted.

Mr. Phil Ellis’s appointment as a trustee of the Gargrave Poor’s Lands Charity was approved. There had been a vacancy since the resignation of Rev. Rod Geddes.

With great regret a decision was taken to cancel the Duck Race for 2007 rather than rearranging it for September. The Council is to hold an event m in the Village Hall later in the year and the Duck Race tickets sold are to be included in a draw to be held then.

NYCC have been instructed to replace a number of street lights around the village at a cost of nearly £10,000. NYCC have not yet informed the Clerk of the likely date for the work to start.

An application has been made for alterations to a property on Damside. The Chairman is to discuss this when he visits the applicant to discuss the car parking issue.

An application has been made to erect chalets/caravans in the plantation on Marton Road between High Mill and Paradise Cottages. Several parishioners who live near the site aired their views. A number of Councillors had made a site visit in the previous week. The Council made comments on the boundary near the river, the entrance/exit planned, concerns about flooding and screening as the living rooms of the residents of High Mill are on the first and second floors of the building. The applicant was present and questions were put to him about whether he has considered environmental issues such as the use of lichen or turf roofs and solar panels and also tree conservation issues. He appeared to be open to suggestions in these areas. Residents were invited to write to CDC Planning Department to set out their own views and concerns in time for the consideration of the application which is scheduled for 23 August.

Members of the public were asked to leave to allow a discussion of a private matter and the meeting closed at 9-45 pm.

The next meeting is to be on 3 September 2007 at the Village Hall at 7-15 pm.

All members (including Cllr R. Thomas, newly co-opted) were present except Cllr Perls who gave his apologies. District Cllr Crawford and Cty Cllr Marshall were also present.

A parishioner suggested the use of “priority arrows” and corresponding road markings to ease the traffic problems at the “chicane” in Church Street.

Cty Cllr Marshall reported that the new Minister may change the Government’s approach to unitary authorities. She has also been told about procedural changes affecting requests for road repairs.

Cllr Crawford explained that CDC is responsible for enforcing the new no-smoking rules.

He reported details concerning the Gargrave Road site for Skipton building Society and for the proposed new building on the site for CDC to lease or purchase.

He reported on the issue of business rates being levied on certain sports clubs. They have been given one year’s grace to secure charitable status.

He reported on the position of the Auction Mart and the uses of its site.

A five year contract with Smith of Derby to maintain the clock and carillon at St. Andrew’s Church. Monthly accounts were submitted and approved.

Arrangements for the facility for members of the public to inspect the accounts and records of the Council for the year ended 31 March 2007 was agreed and details are to be provided shortly by a formal notice in the Council’s notice board.

A wide variety of correspondence had been received including a reply concerning a memorial plaque for Margaret Brothers at the Summer Seat.

Parishioners were advised to refer to the Council’s notice board for the map of proposed sewer work on the village greens.

NYCC have offered and the Council accepted the provision of white plastic posts for the verges on both sides of West Street beyond Higherlands Bridge.

Negotiations concerning the replacement programme are continuing.

Erosion below the lower stepping stones was discussed at some length. Cllr. Syms is to seek outside advice.

As agreed at the December 2006 meeting concerning the 2007/08 budget, the refurbishment of the fencing of the Plantation along South Street is to be explored further. Advice is to be sought form English Heritage as to the work to be done and from that appropriate contractors would be sought. It was reported that the fencing was erected as part of the celebrations of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897.

The Wheelie bin washing contractor has been asked to complete his cleaning contract on the site now that the other works have been completed. There was a long discussion concerning the fencing of the playground arising from a reported accident to a child on the cricket field site. The clerk is to contact the Paying Fields Association (of which the Council is a member) for advice on the fencing.

Various arrangements were concerned. The event is to be held on Low Green on Sunday 22 July. Applications for car boot sale stalls should be made to Cllr David Syms (tel 01756-749307) Donations of time and cakes are sought for the refreshment stall – please ring 01729-851914. Raffle prizes are requested – please bring on the day. Arrangements for entertainments are currently being finalised. The Council thinks you would be “quackers” to miss it! The proceeds are for the Christmas Lights appeal.

Risk assessments were discussed in connection with cutting the grass on the river bank and the filling in of a large pool in the river which is developing.

The Summer Seat is now a no-smoking area by law. The clerk was instructed to order and instal a notice to this effect on the Summer Seat.

Phone calls have been received locally asking for people for details of bank accounts and cards. This information should never be given to unknown callers. If you wish to do business over the phone dial the correct number yourself. If you are asked for this information you should tell the police at once. It would be helpful if you can obtain the unknown caller’s number by dialling 1471 when the call is over.

The next meeting is to be on 6 August 2007 at the Village Hall at 7-15 pm.

All members were present. District Cllr Crawford was also present. Cty Cllr Marshall gave her apologies.

Mr. Roland Thomas of Beech Cottage, Marton Road was co-opted as a member of the Council.

A parishioner asked for a larger or additional noticeboard to be made available in view of the volume of paperwork to be displayed by the Council. Currently the audited accounts for 2005/06 are on display in the noticeboard as required by law.

Parking on the grass near Damside was again raised and the Council again underlined its intention to enforce the prohibition. The Council would keep the situation under review.

No response had yet been received from NYCC concerning measures to prevent the destruction of daffodils by the occupants of vehicles parking on the far side of Higherlands Bridge in future years. Therefore the Council was not yet in a position to take up the kind offer of help from a parishioner.

On Cllr. Smith’s inquiry, Mr. Ray Bradley has confirmed that he holds the damaged part of one of the kissing gates. Mr. Bradley will provide the Council with a quote to complete the work on this gate.

Work along Chew Lane is ongoing. The safety equipment is still in the beck in spite of an e-mail from the Chairman.

Cty Cllr Marshall telephoned a response to queries when giving her apologies. Information from last month’s meeting about the small 30 mph repeater signs has been passed on to Mr. Chris Craven at NYCC.

He has also confirmed that work will be done on the grate near Goffa Mill within the next two months, but with no guarantees that the flooding problem would be eliminated completely.

Cty Cllr Marshall also requested a response from the Council regarding its view on the level of bus services. The Council expressed satisfaction with the level of services on weekdays but sought improvements to the weekend service.

Cllr Crawford responded to a question on the approach of a unitary authority that he believes “the die is cast” and it will go ahead.

He also commented on changes which have been made to the dog warden scheme.

The RFOs informed the Council that the internal audit for 2006/07 had been carried out and that the external audit can now proceed. Monthly accounts were submitted and approved.

A wide variety of correspondence had been received including letters asking for charitable donations and information concerning the new delegate appointed to the Craven DC Standards Committee.

Two applications on Marton Road had been received. The Council agreed its comments on specific concerns on one of these.

Progress on the programme of repair and replacement was discussed at some length.

Erosion below the lower stepping stones was discussed at some length. Cllr. Syms is to seek outside advice.

The state of the plane tree beyond the war memorial green was discussed. The Council is to seek advice from two consultants as to what action, if any, should be taken.

Various members reported on progress in planning the Duck Race on 22 July. It was agreed to book a marquee.

Cllr. Woods reported on continuing fund raising efforts. The Council agreed to purchase 20 collection boxes to be placed in shops in the village.

People in Craven have received hoax calls informing them that they have won £5-00 in a Spanish letters and asked for details of their bank accounts so that these accounts can be raided. You are strongly advised not to give such details over the phone, online or to callers at the door.

The next meeting is to be on 2 July 2007 at the Village Hall at 7-15 pm.

All members were present except Cllrs Sugden, Lancaster and Perls, each of whom who gave their apologies. Cty Cllr Marshall and District Cllr Crawford were also present.

The Chairman said that former Cllr Helen Handley, who had loved the village and life itself, would be sadly missed by all. It was agreed that the Council would send a donation in memoriam to a charity agreed by the family.

A villager commented on the concrete base for the Christmas tree which had been left between the "brackets" of the garden outside the Co-op and asked if it could be moved as it was unsightly.

(a) The Goffa Mill flooding problem had been discussed with NYCC. Cty Cllr Marshall agreed to get involved this month and make e-mail contact with a parishioner to try to resolve the problem.

(b) The Church Street speeding traffic problem was discussed. Health and Safety issues have been raised and the matter is being pursued with this location now being on the list for the use of the temporary speed warning sign.

Cty Cllr Marshall reported on the process now in progress to create a unitary authority. A Councillor remarked that the approach of a unitary authority should remove the need for a new building for Craven DC on the green field site off Gargrave Road in Skipton.

Cllr Crawford gave more details on the approach of an unitary authority, including timescales.

Application 30/2007/7260, 7270, 7255 and 7299 - no comments made on these applications except a discussion about the Wooler building site on the junction of Skipton Road and East Street. The names proposed by the developer for the three houses are "Police house", "Sharphaw House" and "Butteraugh House".

Mrs. B. Faulkner, the Parish Footpath Officer, reported on the response to the public consultation on the Kissing Gates conundrum. She and various Councillors pooled the information passed to them.

Mrs. Faulkner thanked the villagers who had taken the time to answer the question and would inform NYCC Pathways Dept. that the village wishes to keep the Kissing Gates in situ and reinstate the one at the Eshton Road end of the path. Cllr. Smith is to contact Ray Bradley as he thinks the damaged gate is located at the premises of Bradley Engineering.

Plans for the fund raising light lunch on Easter Saturday, 7 April in the Village Hall were finalised. It was hoped that there would be a good turn out from the village.

The next meeting is to be on 14 May 2007 at the Village Hall - AGM followed by the Annual Parish Meeting.

All members were present except Cllr Sugden and also County Cllr Marshall, each of whom who gave their apologies. District Cllr Crawford was also present. The Clerk was absent through illness.

The Chairman said that former Cllr Mavis Thomas would be sadly missed throughout the village and passed the respects of the Council to her family.

Ongoing problems of litter were again discussed. A parishioner suggested a grand litter pick by all groups and societies within the village.

A resident of Goffa Mill explained the flooding problems and the Chairman agreed to go round to inspect the problem and contact NYCC Highways to seek a solution.

Mrs. B. Faulkner, the Parish Footpath Officer, gave a comprehensive report on the public footpaths within the parish.

New stiles had been installed on the footpath to Bell Busk parallel to Mark House Lane. Thanks were expressed to Brian Moorhouse, the farmer of that land who had arranged and funded the work.

On the Pennine Way southwards form the Old School House to Mossber Lane self closing gates had been installed with the approval of the farmer, funded by NYCC and using volunteers from the Ramblers' Association.

On Mark House Lane NYCC had undertaken some drainage work.

The Kissing Gate Conundrum - Along Birdcage Walk NYCC will resurface the badly worn path but want a decision from the Council about the Kissing Gates before they do this.

• Retain the existing gates
• Replace them with hand gates
• Remove them altogether

If the path is to be kept gated it was proposed that the gate at the Eshton Road end be reinstated.

If the Kissing Gates are to be removed they might be resited somewhere else, perhaps on the Greens.

The council would like public reactions to these proposals. The Kissing Gates where they are are impassable for buggies and wheelchair users.

Please contact YOUR Parish Council before the next meeting on 2 April!

Cllr Crawford responded to questions about the prospective charges on the North Street car park but could not provide more details at this stage.

A letter concerning shared ownership housing.

A family from Rochdale asked to place a commemorative bench in memory of their parents. This was approved.

The Annual Parish Meeting followed by an ordinary meeting of the Council is to be on 14 May at 7-00 pm.

Confirmation of a motor rally passing through the village on 22 April - no timing was provided.

A Blood Donor vehicle is to visit Johnson & Johnson on Monday 19 March and existing Donors and those wishing to become Donors will be welcome.

Craven Tennis Club have written to the Council at the suggestion of Craven DC to ask for a donation towards tennis equipment for the use of all Junior School children (not just club members). The Council resolved to donate £150.

Application 30/2007/7155 - bedrooms extension at the Anchor Inn - passed by Craven DC on the day of this Council meeting.

Application 30/2007/7115 - Kelber Hill Farm (opposite the Anchor Inn).

Application 30/2007/7186 - Holme Farm - alterations to farm buildings for alternative agricultural use.

Application 30/2007/7159 - 9, Old Hall Croft - tree work

Application 30/2007/7173 - 7, Old Hall Croft - tree work

No comments were made about any of these applications.

More details were thrashed out by Cllr Woods, other members of the Council and members of the public for the fund raising light lunch proposed for Easter Saturday, 7 April in the Village Hall. This will include a raffle, sponsor a light bulb and Parish Council surgery.

"Youngsters to Codgers" - a general discussion as to its remit. More information to be provided later.

A plaque in memory of Margaret Brothers was discussed. Cllr Turner agreed to liaise with the family.

The playground was discussed at some length. It was agreed that Cllrs should go to visit other playgrounds - the playground is a long term investment of time, energy and money.

Saga of the Dead Sheep in the River - Cllr Syms outlined the complexities of dealing with public bodies when trying to get something done! Cllr Crawford will make further inquiries as to the procedures for disposing of dead sheep - however the Sheep has disappeared!

Neighbourhood Watch notified the Council that trailer thefts have been reported in the area. Please be vigilant and report any suspicious incidents to the Police.

In and around Skipton and in neighbouring counties windows of unoccupied parked cars have been broken by missiles fired by catapult from an unknown moving vehicle. A bus window was broken in the way in Lancashire. Please pass any information to the Police quoting incident number 1070490461.

The next meeting is to be on 2 April 2007 at the Village Hall.

All members were present except Cllrs Perls, Smith and Sugden and also District Cllr Crawford, all of whom who gave their apologies. County Cllr Marshall was also present.

There was a general discussion about the smoking ban at Johnson & Johnson. Cigarette ends in large amounts were reported at various sites along Airebank Terrace, The Chairman is to speak to a representative of Johnson & Johnson.

A parishioner queried the wording of last month's minutes concerning a request for a recycling bin for plastic. This led to a discussion on the state of the recycling area behind the Co-op. The Clerk is to write to Craven D.C. and copy the letter to the management of the Co-op.

Cty Cllr Marshall has been in touch with various agencies concerning the satnav problems previously discussed.
She was sad to report that Craven D.C. has resolved to introduce charges with a Pay & Display unit on North Street car park during 2007/08. Gargrave is the only village in Craven where this will occur in 2007/08.
Cty Cllr Marshall also gave the meeting further information on forthcoming changes to the network of Post Offices.

Audit papers and information for 2005/06 was presented to the Council and accepted. This included a map of the land in the village owned by the Council, including those parcels of land which local people have maintained. The Council expressed gratitude for the civic pride of those people but placed on record its continued ownership of those sites. They may be required in future, e.g. for lighting or signage.

This is to be held on Sunday 22 July 2007.

A letter regarding speeding traffic on Church Street.

Notification of a car rally passing through Gargrave at some time during Sunday 15 April.

Notification from the Rural Housing Association that a shared ownership home at 15, Walton Close is for sale. Information is available to interested parties from Liz Fitzsimmons on 01462-274-2099.

A request from Gargrave Bowling Club for financial assistance towards the cost of new floodlighting. A representative of the club is to be invited to attend the next meeting of the Council to discuss this.

Craven D.C. has reviewed the use of their garage sites at Sharphaw View and Smithy Croft. This use is to continue and be reviewed in two years' time.

The lower age limit for Parish Councillors was clarified. Until May 2007 it is 21. From then it is 18. Interest in serving as Parish Councillors from young people eligible would be welcomed by the Council - likely to be an advantage for a future CV!

It was reported that a tree to commemorate the life of Richard Whitelock has been planted on the green.

A letter setting out ideas for a Travel Plan for journeys to and from the school.

Each of a wide variety of quotes which had been received was carefully considered and the Council chose a contractor. The Clerk was to write to inform successful contractor and the unsuccessful ones of the Council's decision.

It was reported that the WI had been informed by the Police that recently bogus Water Board officials have called at four separate addresses and gained access to people's homes. Villagers are asked to check the identity of any caller and refuse admission if in doubt. Contact the police on 0840-6060-247 to report any incident of this kind.

Cllr. Woods agreed to investigate the possibility of an event to raise funds for this year's Christmas lights. "It is later than you think!" she said. She has since reported that the Village Hall has been booked for Easter Saturday, 7 April - soup, stall and refreshments will be available.

The next meeting is to be on 5 March 2007 at the Village Hall.