Eastfield

PARISH COUNCIL. Cllr Brian Simpson presided when the parish council met in the community centre on Monday of last week, and others present were the clerk Mr S Simpson, and Cllrs Cooper, Parsons, Elliot, Evans, Tracy White, Vickers, Jackson and Gerada. Apologies were received from J White and J Zegstroo.

Dr James Bridge then gave a report on the CESP initiative which is being introduced in Scarborough and he said initially they were targeting 2,7000 homes in Scarborough, and presently the contractors were working in the Castle ward. He outlined the system and reported that residents would enjoy great benefits from the energy saving scheme. At a later date, he said there would be a display and consultation arrangement in Eastfield.

The chairman presented his report saying it was pleasing that work had been started on the Eastway/westway roundabout where eventually wild flowers would be seen blooming which will greatly transform the area, and reported that the Incredible Edible Eastfield project had been chosen for funding by the residents of Eastfield at the 2011 Voice Your Choice event. The chairman also reported plans to create an Incredible Memories garden on land at the rear of the library were now well advanced with all partners keen to see the garden take shape. He also said preparations were well under way for the 2012 Voice You Choice event to be held in May.

Regarding his role on the county council Cllr Simpson said he had reported various highways issues which were in the process of being dealt with. He also reported that the situation at the library had not changed and they were awaiting arrangements for new staffing under a “share services model” to be completed.

Cllr Simpson also presented to the meeting a fact sheet for the parish council precept and budget. This showed the council had opted to increase the precept for this year from £32,310 to £68,168 for 2012/13. New projects included in the budget and precept were £15,000 to continue and expand the Dell Ranger service; £10,000 to assist Westway Boxing club to expand and improve youth activities; £5,000 to assist with activities in Eastfield Library and £500 to support Cayton Parish Council with the annual bonfire, as Eastfield residents do attend the function.

A report was then given by PASO Mark Walton of Scarborough police who told members the number to ring for the police was now 101, which is now charged at 15p regardless of the length of time for the call. For dire emergencies the number