Author: Liz Leatherbarrow

Everyone with their own patch of lawn will know that the grass has shot up recently with the beautiful weather and the previous rainfall.

We know some people would prefer the grass on the village greens in Staveley to be shorter, however we are managing our budget.

In order to manage costs we need to avoid too many visits from the land contractors. Please enjoy the space in the knowledge that the grass is still being cut regularly.

The work to replace the fencing along Main Street/Wath Lane has started slowly but we promise it will be worth the wait!

In addition NYCC will be undertaking the clearing of the pavement along that stretch very shortly so hopefully we can all enjoy a safe walk whilst enjoying the view of the new fence.

Due to current restrictions it is not advisable to collect other peoples litter and so it is even more important that we lead by example. Please can everyone take care not to drop litter whilst out and about.

Please take your litter home and held keep Staveley and Copgrove tidy.

During the latest Parish Council meeting held in the village hall members of the public raised issues in relation to the lorries travelling through the village. The primary concerns related to nuisance from lorries, including the high volume of lorries travelling through Staveley; the capacity and size of the lorries and the fact that some lorries are regularly heard travelling through the village during the very early hours of each morning. 

It has already been noted previously in concerns raised that the majority of the vehicles commented on are travelling towards and from, Jubilee Court Copgrove. The main occupant of the small light industrial unit of Jubilee Court is Abacus.

Abacus currently have another planning application up for review (https://uniformonline.harrogate.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=QRX961HYHXJ00&activeTab=summary) This particular application relates to the building on the right of this picture as taken from a local footpath.

Anyone who has concerns regarding this, or any current planning application, are entitled to submit comments to Harrogate Borough Council. Please comment if you have concerns about the traffic issues resulting from this development.

The Governing Bodies of Long Marston CE Primary School and the current TIG Federation (Kirk Hammerton CE and Staveley Community Schools) are consulting on a proposal to form a federation.

Please see below a copy of the federation proposal, letter to parents and response form.

Views on the proposal are welcomed.  The consultation closes on 5^th July 2021.

Due to the impact of Coronavirus over 5.5 million people are claiming Universal Credit. Many of them are new to claiming Universal Credit having been negatively impacted by Coronavirus. 

A guide has been produced to help anyone to navigate the process of claiming Universal Credit. 

Here’s the Universal Credit guide https://www.jobcentrenearme.com/universal-credit/

The Corona Virus pandemic has certainly demonstrated how important it is to be able to contact friends and neighbours, especially if family are not available, or nearby.

It is good to be able to keep in touch with neighbours and fellow villagers and it is useful to be reminded that communication sharing is valuable and important.

Are you aware that in Staveley and Copgrove Parish there is a way to keep in touch with people locally using the enquiries service and a chat option on the Parish website?
The chat option on the website has not really been used much to date by people but the enquiries option is more often accessed for all sorts of reasons. In fact the enquiries prove very useful for those outside the villages too, which is encouraging.

The Parish Council is regularly reviewing the best way to communicate and encourage communication from residents and regularly sends out a newsletter with local information points. Ideas for developing and improving the communication links available to everyone in the locality are always welcomed!

Do be aware also that Copgrove has its own active whats app group, which certainly seems to work well and gets important news shared around the village quickly. Do you remember that old advertising slogan?

‘It’s good to talk’

There is a new Digital Inclusion project operating all over North Yorkshire. The Project is designed to try to help reduce isolation in the community by improving both the skills and confidence needed to access and use technology.

Citizens Online has been working in partnership with North Yorkshire County Council, and all seven district councils in the county, to support as many people as possible to improve their digital skills and become more confident to use technology to connect with family, or friends and so reduce their isolation.

The project has recruited ‘Digital Champions’ in different locations. These Champions are trained to offer one to one help to build the confidence and motivation needed to use technology and the Internet.

Building a community of support

A key feature of the project has been to work in partnership with over 50 local organisations, charities and community groups who have shared their expertise and resources. One scheme developed in Scarborough,  Beyond Housing , used free smart speaker devices to help vulnerable residents successfully connect with others.

Providing vital access to technology

A major barrier to using technology is simply not having devices to access the internet. There are several organisations, including Reboot North Yorkshire, that are encouraging residents to donate old technology, which can be refurbished and distributed to those in need. Anyone who would like to donate can find out more by visiting the Reboot North Yorkshire website or  https://rebootny.co.uk/ 

Support with digital skills

North Yorkshire is now training Digital Champions to provide support and help to learn more.

110 Digital Champions have been recruited to work within organisations., called ‘embedded’ Digital Champions. 10 volunteer Digital Champions are also providing support remotely, via a free digital support helpline. The patient and friendly DCs have helped people to set up email addresses, access digital services and local history archives, and use Zoom to video call loved ones.

Recently a new helpline 0808 196 5883 has been launched as another feature of the project.  It is a free service, manned by friendly volunteers and requires only a simple phone call to start the process of getting support.

The pandemic has been such an isolating period for so many within society. Accessing our basic needs from ordering groceries, making doctors’ appointments and claiming benefits has all moved online. Being online can also mean chatting with loved ones and being lifted by the smile of familiar faces. Once online you are also able to explore hobbies and it can open up a whole new world in a safe environment . If you think you could benefit from learning some new skills why not get in touch and give it a try? Or if it sin’t for you, could you pass on the help line number to someone else who might benefit from the project?

Harrogate Borough Council is currently recruiting staff:

• Casual refuse loader in the environmental services team
• A seasonal gardener*
• A motor transport fitter*
• A technical support officer for the safer communities team

Please visit the jobs page for all of the latest opportunities.

*The deadline to apply for these two roles is 11.59pm on Monday (31 May) so don’t delay if they are of interest to you.

Best wishes if you make an application.

An election took place on Thursday 6 May to select a new Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire and York. Philip Allott, the Conservative candidate (pictured above), was elected with 84,737 votes.  Mr Allott officially took up his post on 13 May. You can find the full result of voting here on the   website.