A HAZARD warning has gone out about drivers detouring to avoid queues at roadworks on the main road and speeding through Cononley.

They were driving at excessive speeds and often in the middle of the road, forcing pedestrians and oncoming traffic into the verges and potholes at the edge of the road.

Parish councillors were not confident of much significant action, given the temporary nature of the current traffic problem caused by delays at bridge works near Bradley Lane Ends. Access Only signs had been erected for Cononley and Bradley villages but some drivers were ignoring them.

Councillor Reid was also concerned that the depth of the ruts at the side of Woodside Lane are being increased by the large volume of traffic using the road at present. They constitute a hazard for vehicles forced to the edge of the metalled surface, he claims. The highways department is to be alerted to the problem.

Pressure had been put on the council concerning the regular emptying of gullies. Although there had been some action in this area during the week, some gullies still require attention.

Councillors would be glad to hear of any sites in the village suitable for the planting of saplings of various tree types, as these are being made available. Meadow Croft was identified as one possible area, as some of the trees previously planted have been damaged.

A site meeting had been held with representatives of the Environment Agency, concerning possible restoration of the beck as part of a millennium project and while their approval would be necessary for any schemes undertaken, they failed to offer any constructive advice on how best to carry out the work.

Chairman of the Playing Fields Committee, Guy Porter, was present to put forward to the parish council, as trustees of the playing fields, the case for the employment of an individual to maintain them in a clean and tidy state on a regular basis, possibly working two hours per week.

Members of the committee, along with several volunteers, had spent three hours the previous weekend restoring the area to a clean condition.

But he felt that this was not an ideal long-term solution to the problem. He made the suggestion that a minimal increase in the parish levy within the council tax could provide the revenue to pay the wage of a cleaner, which would maintain the area as an attractive and healthy amenity for all, and greatly enhance the village.

If the committee had to fund this themselves, it would take a sizeable portion of their fundraising profits each year and would prevent them carrying out improvements to the area, which is the main aim behind their existence. Councillors agreed to consider the matter carefully.

Councillor Martin Lougee expressed regret at the closure of the Co-op store in the village, which had provided a valuable service for well over 120 years. It was disclosed that the premises are to be put up for sale shortly. However, the enterprise of the Post Office was praised, and it was hoped that the owners would continue to go from strength to strength.

Councillor Roberts informed members that a display of proposed millennium projects will go on show to the general public between 11am-3pm on Sunday June 7.

Chairman, Brian Nelson and his vice-chairman, David Banks, were re-elected unanimously to serve another year of office.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.