September 2004 Page 18

Or, after my last contribution, Crossland's Controversial Column! It seems the editor was right to distance himself from my comments, because someone at East Riding of Yorkshire Council also saw something untoward there. (I didn't know the newsletter was read in such high places, and anyway any criticism was of central government). I thought I must be the "cynical cat" amongst the "politically-correct pigeons," but after our chairman sought views around the village, it is apparent that they are at least shared by the majority. The issue is to be an item on the next Parish Council agenda, when it is hoped to be able to "draw a line" under the matter.

The next meeting is to be held on 2nd February at the Art Gallery. The December meeting was also held there, following invitation from Mr. Tony Hogan. The Parish Council was most grateful for the kind offer, which extends to future meetings until the Village Hall can be used again.

At the last meeting, it was learned of "Small" or "Micro" Grants which are available to groups other than parish councils. These are being offered from the National Lottery through the Humber & Wolds Rural Community Council in £50 to £500 sums. If any local group is interested, I have application cards and a little more information. This scheme is only available until May, for certain East Riding villages (including Rudston), and there is a total of £15,000 to award to suitable projects.

An unchanged Precept figure has been agreed for 2005/06, meaning an unchanged parish council portion of Council Tax, though it may be remembered that last year's was actually a later-increased figure.

Dog-fouling came under discussion again at the last meeting. It was agreed that the situation in the village had improved (thank you for that), but that someone, after "bagging the evidence", was not taking it home with them for disposal. More recently, I learn that the details of that are as follows: wanging the bag over the beck to become festooned on a barbed-wire fence; dumping it in the corner of the playing field over the footbridge; placing it in a Council grit & salt bin. Obviously, none of these is acceptable. If the person or persons responsible are reading this, please be a little more considerate.

Fly-tipping continues to be a nuisance in the countryside generally, and locally a private tip on Burton Fleming Road has come in for unwelcome attention. A barbed-wire fence was erected on the roadside, but it didn't stop some determined character, who promptly hoiked a car-body over.

The difficulties in challenging anyone you see doing this sort of thing is appreciated, but it may be possible to take down a vehicle registration number, and maybe let them see you doing it. The chances of it being much good when reported are slim, of course, but you never know! It is worth reporting, either directly to police, to neighbourhood watch, or a Parish Council member who would pass on the information for you.

P. Crossland (Clerk)