Ingleton figures reveal how crime levels have changed this year (Here is what has been found)

Minutes of the Ingleton Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 1 March 2021

Police Report – Sergeant Breen attended the meeting and gave members an update on the situation in regard to local policing.

He is an experienced officer with 29 years’ service, and he made councillors aware that police budgets have been very much under pressure.

Sergeant Breen is based in Settle and endeavours to visit Ingleton and Bentham as much as possible.

Over the last 30 years crime has reduced by half and not unexpectedly crime has been down over the last 12 months.

He spoke about the range of activities the police engage in including guardians of public health during the pandemic.

He then spoke more specifically about incidents of crime in the area which remains very low.

Going forward into the spring the focus will be on traffic policing and measures against careless road use in order to preserve public safety.

He confirmed that the police station was not on the market, and he understood there was no immediate plan to dispose of the property.

The Chairman thanked him for his attendance and was very pleased to hear that there were no plans to change the status quo.

Cllr. Lis commented that there had been more visitors in the area during the previous weekend, to which the police officer agreed, and it would be a matter that the police would be monitoring in the coming months.

Village Map and App – S. Lyselle was welcomed to the meeting by the Chairman, and she spoke about the selection process when selecting a designer for the village map. The Chairman commented that the Parish Council would normally go for a local supplier but should certainly use a UK contractor.

After discussion on the merits of the various designs, Cllr. Lis proposed David Goodman be the designer chosen, this was seconded by Cllr. Brown and it was agreed the Clerk should instruct that a design be produced by this artist which should include a key.

Discussion followed on the merits of where to site the copies of the map, and several sites were considered including the Waterfalls Walk, Chip Shop and Community Centre and possibly near the paper shop.

The Clerk will liaise with S. Lyselle on this.

Planning – The Chairman raised the matter of the local housing needs survey but Cllr. Lis confirmed with regret that these are no longer produced for the specifical local Ingleton area only.

Cllr. Emsley asked that in that case housing could be built in Ingleton where there is no need, and Cllr. Lis agreed that this could happen due to the shortage of affordable housing in the larger area.

Cllr. Lis stressed the importance of making the Parish Councils views known when the Local Plan is reviewed.

The Brow – The Chairman commented that the Waterfalls Company is felling many Ash trees due to Ash die-back and he voiced concerns on the dire situation of the disease in the local area. It was suggested that a thorough survey of the Ash trees on the Brow and in the Park should be done once they are in full foliage.

The cost of a full tree survey on the prevalence of the disease will be investigated Highways – Winter Gritting – It was agreed by members that the Parish Council should employ a contractor to go round on a quad bike and a salt spreader. Arrangements should be made to do this for the next winter.

Climate Change /Environment – Cllr. Lis commented that he has got some data on climate change and has spoken to the Climate change office at Craven and was pleased to confirm that Leeds University are doing an emissions survey on Ingleton and will report back once the data is available.

Reports from and questions to District, County and Parish Councillors - Cllr.

Lis confirmed that Craven District Councillors have approved the budget for next year an increase of £5 on a Band D (10p a week).

Figures for police and fire not yet available.

Following the prevention of the development of the lorry car park a new cash machine will be installed and the area will be relined.

The Councillor confirmed it was likely the CDC will not appeal the planning decision.

Discussion followed on the practicalities of controlling dog fouling.

Cllr. Weller asked about the cost of catching and prosecuting an offender.

The Cllr. Lis stated it was estimated that a significant part of the costs would be recovered from fines.

Cllr. Weller suggested free dog bags dispensers could be installed in the park.

Waterfalls Walk Car Park – regarding the recent planning application Cllr. Lis had heard of no further developments.

The Chairman however believed there was an intention by the management company to put in another application.

Date of Next Meeting - The Clerk pointed out that the date of the next meeting will be Easter Monday April 5 it was agreed to have the meeting the following Tuesday on the April 6.

The Chairman gave his apologies for the April meeting.

The next Parish Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday 6 April 2021 at 7pm, via Zoom.