RILLINGTON PARISH PLAN 2016

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Message from the Chairman of Rillington Parish Council

This report has been a huge piece of work and an important one for the residents of our village in giving us an idea of what you would like to see happen over the coming years and what your concerns are.

We will not be able to carry out everything you have highlighted, as many actions are dependent on other agencies and organisations. The Parish Plan can demonstrate to these agencies the concerns and wishes of the parish, and this can help with effecting change.

One thing you can be assured of is that we as a Parish Council will continue to work hard on your behalf, however some good suggestions that have been made will need your help to see it happen.

I would like to thank all those who were on the Steering Group for this project and for all their work in producing this excellent document, which is going to help us greatly for future planning. Also thank you to Maggie Farey of Rural Action Yorkshire (who have been supporting this work from the beginning) for her energy and expertise.

Miss Julie Stonehouse

Acknowledgements

Thank you to all residents who contributed to this work by completing the questionnaires, we are very grateful.

Thank you to all the volunteer members of the Steering Group from the village and including Maggie Farey who gave their valuable time to take this work forward.

Watercolour illustrations of Rillington by the late Jacqueline Sharpe by kind permission of Rev. Pip Sharpe.

Old photographs of Westgate, Rillington and village shop provided by Historical Rillington Study Group.

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Brief History of the village

Rillington has been a settlement since the Doomsday book of 1086, where it was referred to as Redlington with two estates mentioned. The pattern of settlement appears to follow the lines of the streams and could be how Rillington derived its name from the word “Rill” which means beck or stream. There was a Lord of the Manor, which in 1892 was Mr Huddleston Esq, also a number of principal landowners, along with several smallholders. The village is divided into two by the main A64 road between York and Scarborough creating a north and a south side.

It was traditionally an agricultural village, in the publication Bulmer’s ‘History and Directory of East Yorkshire’ of 1892 the chief crops were wheat, barley, turnips and clover. The railway came in 1845 as part of the ‘Railway King’, George Hudson’s project and until 1930 when it closed to normal passenger trains; special trains continued to visit the station until the 1960s. The Parish Magazines record many day trips from the station to destinations such as Scarborough, Filey and Whitby. The station is now closed but trains still run on the lines between Malton and Scarborough.

The population in Rillington in1891 was 760 according to the Bulmer’s ‘History and Directory of East Yorkshire’ of 1892, there were listed 21 farmers and a host of other trades; grocers, tailors and drapers; butchers; a vet, hotels and public houses, Doctor and a Post Office, in fact everything that a community needed. The population in 1911 was 661, the latest population figure taken from the 2011 Census is 1,114.

St. Andrew’s Church, Rillington is an imposing structure in the village. The church is Norman with many interesting features from the 12th, 13th and 15th century, and is renowned for the 13th century wall paintings that show the foundation of the church and the appointment of the first priest, Roger de Oakam about 1250. The church has been restored at various times particularly in the mid 1880’s. The churchyard is now closed and the village cemetery is at the top of High Street. The spire has been damaged by many gales and lightening over the last two hundred years. St. Andrew’s Church is a Grade 1 listed building.

The village was in the East Riding of Yorkshire until the re-organisation of 1974 when it became part of North Yorkshire, it is in the District of Ryedale, and the Wapentake of Buckrose.

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Introduction to the Parish Plan Undertaking a Parish Plan gives the opportunity to ask everyone in a village or Parish what their thoughts are on a wide range of items that make up the fabric of life in that community; and to turn these responses and ideas into an Action Plan for the betterment of that community. A large number of villages in the Ryedale area have taken up the challenge of carrying out and developing a Parish Plan over the last few years. These plans have resulted in many projects being implemented such as improvements to play areas and new village halls. Rillington Parish Council agreed that this would be a good project for the parish and a Steering Group was established to take this forward, comprising of two Parish Council members and a number of volunteers from the community. Meetings have been held on a regular basis and the first task was to carry out a simple survey of all households asking for three 'likes' and 'dislikes ' about the village to be listed. Over 600 forms were circulated in Early 2015, around 60 forms were returned. The main responses were as follows: 'Likes '

• Location and ease of access due to good routes and transport • Good amenities particularly the Post Office and village shop and Surgery • Friendly community

‘Dislikes’

• Speeding traffic especially along the A64 • Condition of the roads and footpaths • Environmental concerns around dog fouling and litter

What we did next Using the information from the first survey the Steering Group, facilitated by Maggie Farey, developed a second questionnaire to look in more detail at the issues in the Parish. Over 600 forms were hand delivered by volunteers to every property, the number completed and returned were 125 and represents 255 residents, which gives a response rate of just over 21%. Questionnaires were also developed for young people aged 5 – 11 years old and these were completed with the help of Rillington Community Primary School (54 children took part), also for older young people aged 11 – 18 years through the Youth Club (10 responses). It is important to say that not everyone completed all of the questions, so in the findings section the actual numbers of responses are used, rather than percentages.

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The Findings of the Questionnaire The respondents who completed and returned the questionnaire gave some basic information about themselves and this is summarised as follows:

• 47 respondents had lived in the village for over 30 years • 26 respondents had lived in the village for between 20-30 years • 23 respondents had lived in the village under 5 years • The age of the respondents was predominantly over the age of 31 • 94 respondents being over the age of 65 • 14 declined to give an age • The age group between 19 – 30 years had 9 returns

The Census information from 2011 for the village shows the majority age groups were over 30 years of age: 30-44 yrs. at 22.4%, 45-59 yrs. at 22.4% and 60-74 yrs. at 10.4%.

Under 1 year4% 2 to 5 years

14%

5 to 10 years10%

10 to 20 years14%

20 to 30 years21%

Over 30 years37%

Length of Time Lived in Rillington

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Under 5 5 - 11 12 - 18 19 - 30 31 - 65 Over 65 No age given

Age of Respondents

MaleFemale

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TRANSPORT Questions were asked about transport and if people had use of a motor vehicle, parking arrangements and if there were any difficulties with getting to the shops, Doctor’s surgery, work and leisure activities.

• 108 always had access to a motor vehicle • 74 were in work • Majority traveling to work between 5 & 20

miles away • 60 used off-street parking • 114 had no problems getting to the shops

Most people had use of a motor vehicle; in the Census of 2011 car ownership in Rillington was high with 42% having one car or van and 27% having two vehicles.

• 72 used the bus service occasionally • 37 never used the bus service • 62 felt the bus service is adequate • 77 felt that there were sufficient bus

shelters • 79 felt the shelters did not need improving

Comments about bus services highlighted the gaps in service of up to 2 hours causing problems with appointments and work; and also that the bus service east bound finishes too early in the evenings. Bus shelters were thought to be adequate, however comments were made about them attracting anti-social behavior. There was a suggestion for a crossing near to the Doctor’s Surgery.

• 44 used cycle routes out of the village • 70 never used cycle paths

Reasons for not cycling out of the village were given as, dangerous due to traffic on A64 and poor condition of the cycle paths. Cycle routes are not constant; need to keep crossing the A64 – dangerous for young cyclists.

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TRAFFIC AND ROAD SAFETY The questionnaire asked a number of questions about the A64 and also the village roads. A64

Speeding Traffic as an issue: • 48 a major problem • 43 a problem Heavy Goods Vehicles: • 43 a major problem • 28 a problem Traffic congestion at peak times: • 44 a major problem • 23 a problem Vehicles jumping the lights: • 38 a major problem • 27 a problem Parking on the pavements: • 34 a major problem • 20 a problem

Village roads

Parking on Pavements: • 33 a major problem • 17 a problem Speeding Traffic as an issue: • 32 a major problem • 26 a problem Traffic calming measures: • 68 not needed • 44 needed

Both the A64 and village roads raised similar concerns such as speeding, driver behavior and parking on pavements. Most people did not think traffic-calming measures were needed on the village roads, however there were some suggestions for electronic signs to be installed. The responses from the primary school children’s survey also identified traffic as an issue for them.

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PAVEMENTS & FOOTPATHS Asked about the use of pavements in the village and to other villages, 101 said they used the pavements, 19 did not. With the local footpaths and bridleways, this figure was 87 said they used them and 27 said they did not. Condition of the pavements in Rillington:

• 66 happy with condition of them • 50 were not happy with the condition Footpaths & bridleways are they well maintained & accessible: • 48 Yes • 48 No

Comments were made regarding the condition of some of the pavements and footpaths that were uneven or overgrown. They were causing difficulty particularly if disabled, a wheelchair user and when using prams and buggies and having to walk in the road.

HOUSING AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

• 102 said ‘no’ to benefitting from local affordable housing now or within the next 5 years

• 79 were if favour of a small local development

• 60 said ‘yes’ to a housing needs survey being carried out

Concerns expressed about more development were about the impact on services and traffic and keeping some open space available. Also people felt that the affordable developments should be for local people as a priority.

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VILLAGE AMENITIES AND SERVICES Rillington is a well served community with a school, surgery which has a dispensary attached, Post Office, shops and garages along with a public bus service along the A64. A number of activities and groups are established in the village and some for many years such as the Horticultural & Industrial Society who will be celebrating their centenary in 2023. A full list of current activities in the village can be seen at the end of the document.

Most important community buildings

• 120 said Village Hall • 118 said Community Centre • 117 said Church Rooms

Attendance of any events/activities in these

Community Buildings

Yes No • 73 Village Hall 43 • 55 Church Rooms 44 • 39 Community Centre 65

The village amenities of the village hall, church rooms and community centre were all felt to be important to the village with most respondents saying they attended the village hall mostly, and attending events between 2 - 6 times in the last 12 months. Lots of suggestions were given for events and activities in the village; most popular was a walking group, also art club, singing group, history group and activities for 5 - 10 years old. Asked if they would be willing to get involved and organise events 79 respondents said ‘no’. With regard to usage of the village amenities, the highest was the Post Office and village shops and these are regularly used.

Daily Weekly At least once a month

Less Frequently

Never

Playgroup 1 0 3 3 69 Village Shop 36 46 17 17 3 Post Office 14 49 30 21 2 Coach & Horses 1 15 11 50 22 The Fleece 0 11 13 51 24 Fish Shop 0 12 31 46 16 Butchers 1 37 30 27 19 Garages 0 0 1 36 61 Mobile shops 0 3 1 6 79

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RECREATION GROUND, PAVILION and CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA

Questions were asked about the pavilion and the usage of the recreation ground and field.

Recreation field

• 79 respondents and families did not use the field

• 36 did use the field The Pavilion on the Recreation Ground, which

is currently in poor condition

• 48 felt it should be restored • 47 felt that the pavilion should be removed • 30 did not answer

Most of the respondents and their families did not use the recreation field and the pavillion giving reasons as to its condition, anti-social behaviour. Children and young people however said they did use the recreation field. There were a lot of ideas of possible usages given, mainly around sports (particularly children and young people) such as tennis, football and cricket and also for village events e.g. Fetes, car boot sales etc.

CRIME AND POLICING and other EMERGENCY SERVICES Do you feel that there is a problem with minor

crime, vandalism or anti-social behaviour within Rillington parish

No Yes

• 58 Crime 10 • 48 Vandalism 38 • 46 Anti social behaviour 38

Emergency services usage

• 57 had used emergency services • 52 had not

Overall the majority of respondents did not site crime, antisocial behaviour or vandalism as a problem, where comments were made this focused around behavior and traffic. A more visible Police presence was suggested. Regular surgeries are held at the Community Centre with the local Police representatives. When asked if they would be interested in finding out more about Neighbourhood Watch Schemes most said yes 21 and 25 would attend a meeting to find out more information. The mostly used emergency service was the Ambulance service and 19 said they were Excellent and 30 as Good.

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COMMUNICATION

Mobile Phone

• 59 were happy with mobile phone reception

• 49 weren't Majority of respondents were with EE (orange)

Computer

91 respondents had access to a computer

• 45 were happy with Broadband speed • 44 were not happy with it

As in most communities the most common way of getting information was through ‘word of mouth’. Most of the respondents were not aware of the village website and also would not wish to provide articles on a regular basis to the website. Most people had access to a computer and most felt a computer at a community building would not be of use to them.

0102030405060708090

Ways of Obtaining Local Information

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CHURCH AND CHURCHYARD

When asked: Does Rillington Church play a role in your life and the life of your community? Answers were evenly split between 39 yes and 40 no.

Ways in which the Church plays a role in the village life - the highest responses from those who use it were:

• 54 Funerals • 41 Weddings • 40 As a contributor to village life

When asked: Do you visit the church &/or churchyard ever?

• 58 said No • 10 said Yes

Suggestions were mainly made about improving the access to the church and churchyard and also about areas requiring maintenance, also for using the church for talks and concerts. Comments were varied and showed appreciation such as “The Tuesday café is a great idea - & has provided a community spirit”

0102030405060

This chart was compiled by the one's that said yes

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ENVIRONMENT

Questions were asked about general disturbances, road/footpath drainage and jobs requiring attention in the village.

• Dog fouling and litter were the highest issues and areas highlighted were LowMoorgate, Sledgate and Woodlands Road.

• Traffic noise was an issue with increasing traffic day and night, particularly HGV’sand speeding cars.

Regarding surface drainage on roads/footpaths 53 indicated it as a problem and 45 ‘no’. Comments were made regarding the beck overflowing and roadside drains being blocked due to poor maintenance.

There were 34 respondents who said ‘yes’ to becoming a village volunteer. There were many suggestions for things that need doing within the community with an emphasis on keeping the village tidy.

Volunteers are a vital part of the community and much appreciated. With the generosity of people giving their time and enthusiasm so much can be achieved for the benefit of village life and our local environment, which we all can enjoy.

Dog fouling 82

Light pollution 12

Litter 81

Traffic noise 52

Other noise pollution 18

Vandalism 37

Environmental Issues

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ACTION PLAN

Issue Action Partners Lead Timescale 1. Transport Public transport timetabling – gaps in service and evening service

a) Discuss concerns with the service providers. b) Raise awareness of community transport.

Transdev + Ryecat

a) NYCC b) PC

2. Traffic & Road Safety a) Speeding traffic b) Condition of footpaths & accessibility

a) PC to monitor traffic issues with NYCC, NYP & Highways England b) Carry out footpath survey including accessibility issues and liaise with NYCC

a) NYCC + NYP + Safer Ryedale, b) NYCC + PC

3. Housing Housing needs survey

Liaise with RDC on survey

RDC + Rural Housing Enabler

PC + RDC

4. Village Amenities More activities & groups

Support new & emerging groups with publicity and information

Volunteers + PC +NYCC Stronger Communities

5. Recreation Ground & Pavilion Condition of pavilion & usage of grounds

Establish a working group to look at options including all interested parties.

Football club + PC, volunteers

PC

6. Communications Increasing awareness of village activities

a) Promote village website b) Introduce a parish newsletter

PC + David Richards + PCC newsletter

PC Ongoing 2016

7. Crime & Environment a) ASB & vandalism b) Litter c) Dog fouling

a) Set up & support NHW schemes b) Carry out 4 village litter picks a year c) Liaise with RDC Dog Warden

NYP + Safer Ryedale + RDC + PC + Volunteers

PC Ongoing

PC – Rillington Parish Council RDC – Ryedale District Council NYCC – North Yorkshire County Council NYP – North Yorkshire Police

Issue Action Partners Lead Timescale

1. TransportPublic transport timetabling – gaps in service and evening service

a) Discuss concerns with the service providers.b) Raise awareness of community transport.

Transdev + Ryecat a) PCb) Ryecat

a) Contact by Sept 2016

2. Traffic & Road Safetya) Speeding traffic b) Condition of footpaths & accessibility

a) PC to monitor traffic issues with NYCC, NYP & Highways Englandb) Carry out footpath survey including accessibility issues and liaise with NYCC

a) NYCC + NYP +Safer Ryedale b) NYCC + PC

a) NYP b) NYCC

Ongoing

3. HousingHousing needs survey

Liaise with RDC on survey

RDC + Rural Housing Enabler

PC + RDC By end 2016

4. Village AmenitiesMore activities & groups

Support new & emerging groups with publicity and information

Volunteers + PC +NYCC Stronger Communities

Volunteers Ongoing

5. Recreation Ground & PavilionCondition of pavilion & usage of grounds

Establish a working group to look at options including all interested parties.

Football club + PC, volunteers

PC Ongoing

6. CommunicationsIncreasing awareness of village activities

a) Promote village websiteb) Introduce a parish newsletter

PC + David Richards + PCC newsletter

PC &Volunteers

Ongoing 2016

7. Crime & Environmenta) ASB & vandalismb) Litterc) Dog fouling

a) Set up & support NHW schemesb) Carry out 4 village litter picks a yearc) Liaise with RDC Dog Warden

NYP + Safer Ryedale + RDC + PC + Volunteers

PC Ongoing

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CURRENT VILLAGE ACTIVITIES

Village Hall Church Rooms Community Centre

• Pre School Groups • Zumba • Aerobics • Indoor Bowls • Brownies • Baby & Toddler Stay • Over 60’s • YCA • Horticultural Society

• Community Café • Little Fishes • Messy Church • Parish Lunch • Craft & Chat

• Bingo • Social Evenings • Police Surgeries • Coffee Mornings

VILLAGE MAP Public paths

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Websites Rillington Parish Council: www.rillingtonparishcouncil.com Rural Action Yorkshire: www.ruralyorkshire.org.uk