The lack of maintenance of the local public footpath infrastructure will be reported to North Yorkshire Council (NYC) along with other issues, it was decided at the meeting of Middleham Town Council on November 26.
The council was informed that the pathway along Park Lane had become unsafe at it was uneven and was collapsing in places. The councillors were also told that the ginnel which leads to the church from Park Lane had become very slippery and overgrown.
A resident informed the council that there was manure on the road near the Castle, an oil leak on the cobbles at West End, and that three horseboxes parked at the West End were causing problems for bus drivers and those wanting to safely turn into Coverham Lane.
Another resident expressed concerns about the ice on Leyburn Road just past the turn-off for Wensley Bottoms.
The council had also reported to NYC that the trough on the grassed area near St Alkeldas junction on Leyburn Road had dried up over the last couple of years.
Speeding concerns. – The council agreed to discuss at a future meeting whether it was feasible to introduce a 20mph speed limit along Park Lane.
After discussing the results of the automatic traffic counters which were place on Park Lane, East Witton Road, Leyburn Road and Coverdale Road it was agreed to contact local farm contractors about how tractors with trailers were being driven through the town.
Middleham Moor – It was reported that there had been a number of complaints about trainers driving vehicles across the middle of Low Moor instead of using the track and this had churned the ground up. The council will contact Middleham Trainers’ Association about this.
Precept. – It was agreed to increase the precept for 2026-2027 by 6.4 per cent to £15,500. The council intends to budget for new play area equipment, a vehicle-activated sign, and a small amount for play area maintenance.
Town council. – Cllr Wendy Hallett was elected as deputy chairman. Cllrs Becky Anderson and Richard Hague were appointed to the Middleham Key Centre Sustainability Committee, and Cllr Guy Fairhurst to Middleham Sports and Wellbeing Association.
The town council office will be closed from Tuesday, December 23 and will reopen on Tuesday, January 6.
Dates. – The Children’s Christmas Party will be from 2pm to 4pm on Saturda,y December 20 and the Seniors Christmas Lunch at 11.45am on Thursday, December 18, both at the Key Centre.
The next town council meeting will be at the Key Centre at 6.30pm on Wednesda,y December 17.
