The Thirsk and Malton Area Constituency Committee of North Yorkshire Council discussed several key issues, including broadband connectivity in rural areas, social exclusion due to lack of transport, and the development of active travel routes. Decisions were made to endorse funding for the Malton to Helmsley Active Travel Route and to progress other transport-related projects.

Broadband Connectivity in Sessay

Andrew Loftus, a resident of Sessay, raised concerns about the lack of Superfast Broadband in his village. Despite 94% of North Yorkshire being connected, Loftus and his neighbours are excluded from the current phase of fibre installation. Instead, they are 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 local obstructions and limited provider options. The council explained that the school infrastructure could not legally be used for residential connections and that future broadband improvements would be addressed under the BDUK-led Project Gigabit¹. Kevin Hollinrake MP suggested a meeting in Sessay to discuss the issue further.

Social Exclusion in Filey

Sue Cowan highlighted the social exclusion faced by elderly residents in Filey due to the lack of a town bus service. The service was previously operated by Olympic Coaches but ended in May 2023. The council has been unable to find a replacement operator. Current alternatives include Service 12 and Service 555 buses, and Scarborough Dial-a-Ride for longer health appointments. The council is investigating a volunteer car scheme to support local transport needs. A meeting with all interested parties was agreed to explore further solutions.

MP Question Time

Kevin Hollinrake MP discussed various issues, including the Horizon scandal affecting Sub Postmasters, challenges faced by farmers, and the hospitality sector's struggles with high costs. He also mentioned the ongoing decision on the dualling of the A64 from Hopgrove to Barton Hill, which is crucial despite its low cost/benefit ratio due to the rural nature of the area. Members discussed the economic impacts of the A64, concerns about agricultural land being used for solar farms, and the lack of progress on the RAF Linton-on-Ouse development.

Malton to Helmsley Active Travel Route

The committee endorsed the 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 assess the feasibility and fundability of the route, providing potential options, concept designs, and an indicative delivery programme. The focus will be on securing external funding sources to minimise the impact on council budgets.

Economic, Regeneration, Tourism and Transport Project Development Fund

Following the endorsement of the Malton to Helmsley Active Travel Route, the committee discussed remaining funds and potential projects. They agreed to progress the Crayke to Easingwold cycle path and the cycle path connecting Hunmanby and Filey. A report on the repair of Thirsk Market Place footpaths will be brought to the September meeting. The 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 ratified the appointment of Jonathan Baker to the Heber Trust and appointed 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 will be considered at the next meeting.

Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme for the remainder of 2023/24, noting the inclusion of reports on the provision of sports and leisure services in the Ryedale district and the repair of Thirsk Market Place footpaths.