The Thirsk and Malton Area Constituency Committee of East Riding of Yorkshire Council discussed several key issues, including the development of active travel routes, broadband connectivity in rural areas, and social exclusion due to lack of transport. Decisions were made to progress with certain projects and to hold further meetings to address unresolved issues.

Broadband Connectivity in Sessay

Andrew Loftus raised concerns about the lack of Superfast Broadband in Sessay, a village south of Thirsk. Despite a fibre cable being laid for the local school, residents are being offered a Fixed Wireless Access solution by North Yorkshire County Council and Quickline Communications Ltd. Loftus argued that this solution is inferior and unsuitable due to the village's topography and existing infrastructure. The Rt Hon Kevin Hollinrake MP suggested a meeting be held in Sessay with all parties involved to consider this issue further.

Social Exclusion in Filey

Sue Cowan highlighted the issue of social exclusion among the elderly in Filey, due to the lack of a town bus service. The Filey Town Service ended in May 2023, and no replacement service has been found. The Council is investigating the feasibility of a volunteer car scheme to support residents. Kevin Hollinrake suggested a meeting with all interested parties to consider the matter further.

MP Question Time

Kevin Hollinrake MP discussed several issues, including:

• The Horizon scandal affecting Sub Postmasters.
• Challenges faced by farmers due to prices, weather, and sustainability schemes.
• Higher costs in the hospitality sector.
• Potential improvements in the economy.
• The dualling of the A64 from Hopgrove to Barton Hill.
• Local council resource availability for planning officers.
• The First Homes Policy and its adoption by the Council.
• The impact of second homes on Council Tax.

Malton to Helmsley Active Travel Route

The Committee endorsed a proposal to spend £22,157 from the Economic, Regeneration, Tourism and Transport Project Development Fund on developing the Malton to Helmsley Active Travel Route. The funds will be used to assess the feasibility and fundability of the proposal, providing potential route options, high-level concept designs, and an indicative delivery programme.

Economic, Regeneration, Tourism and Transport Project Development Fund

Following the agreement to progress the Malton to Helmsley Active Travel Route, the Committee discussed the remaining £27,843 of the 2023/24 fund, which will be carried forward to the 2024/25 fund. The Committee agreed to progress the following projects:

• Crayke to Easingwold cycle path.
• Cycle path connecting Hunmanby and Filey.
• A report on the repair of Thirsk Market Place footpaths to be brought to the September meeting.
• A decision on Thirsk and Filey town buses was deferred pending the outcome of a proposed meeting with the Constituency MP.

Appointments to Outside Bodies

The Committee made the following appointments:

• Jonathan Baker to the Heber Trust.
• Councillor Alyson Baker, Councillor Nigel Knapton, and Catherine Baker to the Thirsk and Sowerby Swimming Baths Charity.
• The appointment to the Vale of Pickering Internal Drainage Board was deferred to the next meeting.

Work Programme

The Committee noted the work programme for the remainder of 2023/24 and agreed to bring reports on the Provision of sports and leisure services in the Ryedale district and the Repair of Thirsk Market Place footpaths to a future meeting.

Schools, Educational Achievement and Finance Report

Members discussed the impacts of school closures on school financing and sparsity funding. A written response was provided to the Committee on 4 April 2024, detailing the financial implications of school closures and the redistribution of pupil-related funding.

For more details, you can refer to the TMACC 220324 Minutes.