September 2021

I hope all of you have enjoyed your Summer Breaks and at least had an opportunity to catch up with family and friends, as we emerge from the Covid restrictions. I’m happy to say that the Parish Council is now able to meet again face to face to discuss Parish business with members of the public. Details from all previous meetings can be found on the Parish website – www.embsayeastbypc.co.uk

The most recent meeting held on September 8^th welcomed the Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector, Steve Breen. He gave an overview of his roles and reiterated the view that Embsay and Eastby remains one of the ‘safest’ parishes in North Yorkshire.

Unfortunately, it also became clear that the “Team” has no jurisdiction over traffic matters and are, therefore, unable to assist directly with those issues causing concern to many of you. The Parish Council has for many years been aware of these issues – working alongside the Police Traffic Bureau and being instrumental in setting up the first ‘Speedwatch’. The Parish Council continues to press for speed reductions and has offered its support to the recently formed local Action Group, trying to achieve a reduction in the speed limits on Skipton Road. However, please be aware that any decisions will finally rest with North Yorkshire County Highways.

On a ‘lighter note’ observant parishioners will soon see an addition to the Memorial Garden. The Parish Council has arranged for the installation of a flag pole (partly funded by NYCC Local Community Grant Scheme supported by County Councillor Gillian Quinn) following suggestions for this from several residents.  It should be in place shortly and in use for the traditional Remembrance Day service – and to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. If any parishioners have further suggestions for other suitable flag flying occasions, please let the Parish Council know.

The Parish Council has been asked to plant a tree for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.  Also, as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy national initiative it may be that more than one site can be accommodated. If you wish to suggest a suitable site, please send this to the Clerk – bearing in mind that the landowner’s permission will be required.

The entrance into Embsay, from Skipton, is undergoing a ‘makeover’ and thanks go to one of the ‘Village Volunteers’ Roger Henderson for all his efforts so far. If you are not already a volunteer and would like further information, please do let me know. The volunteers are invaluable in helping to enhance the parish with assistance with preserving benches, planting, maintaining signage, litter picking and helping with the Nature Reserve, Memorial Garden and the Recreation Ground. (Thanks also to new residents Mr and Mrs Murfet for their assistance in preparing the recreation ground flower beds in preparation for the Brownies to take over this project). 

Any suggestions or queries that you may have can be sent to the clerk, Gillian Alcock, at alcockg@hotmail.co.uk or via the link on the Parish website. In some cases, your query will be directed to the appropriate North Yorkshire County Council or Craven District department.

The next scheduled Parish Council meeting will be held on October 13^th, 2021, in the Methodist Chapel from 7.30pm.

All parishioners are invited and there is time allocated for you to raise any issues if you wish to so do. It is hoped that a representative from the Methodist Chapel will be present to provide an update on plans for the now closed Chapel, its last service having been held on September 5^th.

The Parish Council look forward to welcoming you.

Judith Benjamin (Chairman)