Notices - 2021
Road safety questions
published on 24th Sep 2021
There have been various calls in recent days for more action regarding road safety in and around the village.
This note is to summarise responsibilities and recent initiatives:
Responsibilities
Road safety is primarily the responsibility of North Yorkshire County Council (as the highways authority) and the police.
The County Council determine speed limits, and physical measures such as speed humps and chicanes. The police are responsible for enforcement of speed limits, vehicle safety, etc.
Whilst the Parish Council can seek to raise awareness and lobby, and in some cases provide funding to other authorities, it does not have powers to set speed limits, ban lorries, install speed humps, etc.
Road safety is a key issue for the Parish Council, and an area where a lot of effort has been expended.
What happened to the traffic lights that were promised for the A19?
The Parish Council has been pushing to make the A19 through the village safer for pedestrians, and vehicles exiting Skipwith Road and other side roads.
Highways’ standards limit the options available, but in 2019 the County Council agreed that it would be feasible and desirable to install a traffic light controlled junction at Skipwith Road.
However, they would need the Parish Council to fund the installation cost of the scheme.
The Parish Council consulted residents, and there was overwhelming support for the Parish Council to borrow the money and fund this.
Unfortunately, the County Council then changed their mind, and wanted not only the installation cost of the scheme funding, but the full life cost and risk on any overspend, which took the scheme beyond what the Parish Council could feasibly borrow.
The Parish Council pushed back on this position unsuccessfully, but after much effort concluded there was no realistic prospect of this scheme going ahead, and efforts were better focused on other initiatives. The Parish Council has subsequently approached City of York Council about installing a pedestrian crossing near the new bus stops.
See the dedicated A19 improvements page on the Parish Council website for a more detailed history.
What is being done about speeding in the Parish?
At the request of the Parish Council and others, speed monitoring has been undertaken at various locations in the Parish. Results have found evidence of speeding problem on Skipwith Rd but did not find evidence of a significant problem along Carr Lane, nor on the A19 through the village.
Skipwith Road and the A19 are now designated sites for the police camera van. Statistics regarding the number of deployments and offences caught are on the Parish Council website.
A community speedwatch scheme was established in 2017, focused on the A19. This had to be discontinued when this was made into a police camera van location (as the police do not allow the same locations to have both camera vans and community schemes).
In 2019 the Parish Council purchased a vehicle activated speed sign for Skipwith Road. Speed stats for the sign can be found on the Parish Council website. This is alternated between periods facing north and south.
The speed sign includes a speed logger for every passing vehicle, and the data from this logger has been used to justify the need for a 'village gateway' at the southern entrance to the village on Skipwith Road. Installation is expected in 2021.
For 2021/2022 the Parish Council has made budget provision for installation of 'build-outs' on Skipwith Road (similar to Cawood), if these are deemed to be an appropriate solution. There are mixed views from residents regarding the desirability and effectiveness of these.
The Parish Council has requested that Carr Lane be included in North Yorkshire County Council's scheme for 20mph zones near schools. The request is pending review by NYCC.
Specific speeding concerns can be reported on the North Yorkshire police website.
Why are large lorries allowed to ignore the 7.5T limit on Skipwith Road?
There is a 7.5T environmental weight limit on Skipwith road, but environmental weight limits do not apply to vehicles accessing premises within the 7.5T restriction area (which runs down to North Duffield).
The Parish Council raised concerns with North Yorkshire police that some vehicles may be using the route as a cut-through, not for access. The Police undertook spot checks in late 2020 and all vehicles stopped were found to have a legitimate reason to be within the 7.5T restriction area.
The size of some agricultural vehicles is excessive and dangerous
Central Government are responsible for setting standards for vehicle design and maximum sizes. The MP is elected to represent local interests with central Government policy.
What can be done about inconsiderate and dangerous parking?
Responsibility for parking enforcement depends upon the circumstances:
- As Selby District Council has adopted 'Civil Parking Enforcement' most enforcement of parking restrictions is the responsibility of Selby District Council. This includes parking on double yellow lines, school 'keep clear' markings and blocking dropped kerb driveways.
- Parking in another dangerous position or causing an obstruction to the highway itself requires police enforcement. (For example blocking the road, parking close to a junction, parking where there are double white centre-lines, etc)
Responsibility for considering requests for new parking restrictions, such as double yellow lines, resides with the Highways Authority at North Yorkshire County Council.
Parking on pavements is a more complex area, and in practice enforcement is difficult. Central Government are looking at legislative changes in this area.
More detail is on the Parish Council website.
Escrick NDP SEA and HRA Screening Report
published on 19th Sep 2021
Escrick Neighbourhood Development Plan
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) & Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) Screening Report
The Escrick Neighbourhood Development Plan is at Pre-Submission Draft stage (Regulation 14 of The Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended)) and in preparation of the submission of the Plan to the Council a screening report to determine whether the contents of the draft Escrick Neighbourhood Development Plan requires a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and/or Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA).
In line with the SEA requirements the Council has undertaken a six week consultation from 8 June 2021 to 21 July 2021 with the relevant consultation bodies (Environment Agency, Historic England and Natural England). The Screening Report and responses from the consultation bodies are available to view below:
- Escrick NDP SEA & HRA Screening Report
- Environment Agency – No response received.
- Historic England response
- Natural England response
Further details on the emerging Escrick Neighbourhood Development Plan are available on the Escrick Neighbourhood Development Plan website and Selby District Council website.
Monday Players presents....
published on 17th Sep 2021
'One Night - Two Plays!
THERMAL UNDERWEAR
by Andrew Davies
Mr and Mrs Hudd are celebrating their wedding anniversary at a friend's house. Friends and family are invited along to share the caviar and to toast this odd-ball couple with champagne. However a creaking floorboard, a leaking pipe and the odd behaviour of the party members makes the day most memorable - for all the wrong reasons.
LOCKDOWN IN LITTLE GRIMLEY
by David Tristram
LOCKDOWN is a new addition to the popular Little Grimley series, which follows the antics of a hapless Amateur Dramatic Society desperate for audiences. In a time of lockdown,the Chairman Gordon calls an emergency meeting, complete with social distancing, to discuss his idea for their next production when restrictions ease.
Thursday 28th, Friday 29th, Saturday 30th October 2021 at 7.30pm
The Village Hall, Escrick
Tickets £9
Tickets available from:
Monday Players Members
01757 249820
Further details on the production are available on our website: http://www.mondayplayers.com/
Parish Magazine Update - September 2021
published on 31st Aug 2021 (updated on 3rd Oct 2021)
There was no update in September 2021's magazine
September 2021 Parish Magazine
published on 30th Aug 2021
September's Parish Magazine has been published online:https://issuu.com/poppy.green309/docs/escrick_parish_magazine_-_september_2021
Heronby public event
published on 27th Aug 2021
From Escrick Park Estate:
As you may be aware, Escrick Park Estate is bringing forward proposals for a carefully masterplanned new settlement for North Yorkshire, known as Heronby.
When we launched the proposals earlier this year Covid restrictions meant it was not possible to hold a public event. We are, however, now preparing to host a consultation event at which you will be able to view the latest on our proposals, have an opportunity to speak to members of the project team, and provide us with your feedback and ideas.
I am pleased to let you know that we are now able to release tickets for the public to attend the event at the Escrick & Deighton Club, Escrick, on Thursday, 16th September and Friday, 17th September.
Bookings are available between 09.30 and 19.00 on the Thursday and 09.30 and 15.00 on the Friday.
We are asking people to book to help ensure a steady flow of visitors and sufficient space to view the exhibition.
Tickets can be booked via the website www.heronby.co.uk.
We look forward to seeing you in September.
Carrs Meadow road closure Sunday 22nd August
published on 15th Aug 2021
Carrs Meadow will be closed to vehicles from 10:00am - 13:00pm on Sunday 22nd August for the Escrick 10k charity run.
https://one.network/?tm=GB122945270
August 2021 Parish Magazine
published on 1st Aug 2021
The August edition of the Escrick Parish Magazine has been published online!
Here is the link: https://issuu.com/poppy.green309/docs/escrick_parish_magazine_-_august_2021
Petrol station burglary investigated by officers
published on 31st Jul 2021
Officers are appealing for witnesses following a burglary at a Shell petrol station in Escrick.
The offence occurred at around 2.30am on Thursday, 29 July at the petrol station on York Road.
It is believed two men entered the store after damaging the shutters and left a short time later taking a cash drawer with them. The men were wearing dark coloured clothing with gloves and their faces covered.
Officers are keen to speak to anyone driving in the area around the time of the incident who either saw something which may assist officers with their investigation or who has dash-cam footage of the area.
Anyone with information which could assist the investigation is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101.
The independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Please quote reference 12210170212 when providing information.
Contact details:Joshua Tulip - #1809
Joshua.Tulip@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk | 31809Incident reference:12210170212
https://www.northyorkshire.police.uk/news/petrol-station-burglary-investigated-by-officers/
Parish Magazine Update - August 2021
published on 31st Jul 2021 (updated on 3rd Oct 2021)
Escrick Parish Council Update
Neighbourhood Plan: Thank you to everyone who took time to provide feedback on the pre-submission draft of Escrick’s Neighbourhood Plan (NDP). The team will now finalise the documents, before submission to Selby District Council to commence the formal adoption process.
Local Plan: Further to the consultation earlier in the year, Selby District Council are holding a consultation on additional development sites from 2 August and 13 September 2021. None of the proposed additional sites are within Escrick Parish. The consultation will be online at selby.gov.uk/localplan from 2nd August.
Bus shelter: Parish Councillors discussed the need for a southbound bus shelter (with seating) and improved street lighting on the route to the bus stops. Costs are being explored with the aim of making a decision at September’s meeting. At the time of writing, City of York Council are still pursuing the installation of bins, and seeking the inclusion of the bus stops within the City of York fares zone.
Highways: Dropped kerbs have been ordered for various junctions in the village to ease movement for wheelchair users amongst others. Plans for a 20mph zone on Carr Lane, and ‘village gateway’ on Skipwith Road are still in progress, having been delayed whilst North Yorkshire County Council change contractors. A decision of further traffic calming for Skipwith Road, through use of ‘build outs’, will be made later in the year.
Village appearance: Thank you to everyone who has made efforts with flower planting and general tidying of the village – many people have commented favourably.
Playground: We’ve been asked to warn users of the playground of the hazards of mole hills and rabbit scrapes. Work is undertaken from time to time to repair the damage, and Wheldrake Junior Football Club are undertaking improvements to the pitch ahead of next season. However, rabbit scrapes and mole hills can appear at any time, so users are asked to take care and check for trip hazards before using the facility.
Shop: A key area of feedback from previous NDP consultations was the desire of many residents for a shop in the village to replace the general store/post office that closed in 2014. The Parish Council has established a small working group, which is exploring options. This has included consulting with a community run shop in Bishop Wilton, commercial operators such as ‘Pickled at Riccall’ and liaising with land owners for potential locations.
Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations 2022: Various suggestions have been put forward as to how the village might commemorate the occasion, including events, mementos or even establishing a community garden as a lasting legacy. The Parish Council will seek to coordinate through existing groups and volunteers.
Councillors: We have two vacancies for Parish Councillors. Please contact the clerk or chair if you are interested in getting involved.
Parish Council meeting dates: 6th September, 4th October, and 1st November (no meeting in August). All meetings at 7.30pm, please check website/noticeboard for venue. Contact: Clerk (Sally Look), clerk@escrick.org, Chair (Richard Rowson), chair@escrick.org; Website: escrick.org