Six months ago Dean Culshaw announced his resignation from the Parish Council (a decision he later reversed) but last night, he became its Chair which, alongside the co-option of three new councillors, completed remarkable 'regime change' after a year of tumult.

At last night's final meeting of the year, moved to the snug of the Masons because the Methodist Schoolroom and the VH were unavailable, he was elected unopposed as Chair until the next Council AGM next May.

Three people who had offered themselves as new councillors, were co-opted to fill the three vacances caused by the recent resignations of former Chair, Stephen Verrill, former Vice-Chair, Sheila Parsons and Kai Shand.

The new councillors are Andy Hogg, Phil Goodier and Rupert Scales who join existing councillors Steve Oliver and Gareth Sargeson as well as Dean Culshaw.

This means that the Council is now back up to full strength after a year in which there had been a series of difficult and fractious meetings, significant procedural failings highlighted in an auditor's report and the setting up of a staffing committee to monitor the performance of the Parish Clerk.

After his election, Dean Culshaw said he was pleased to accept the role of Chair and was looking forward to working with the new team of councillors to make progress on a range of projects to improve life in the village.

'Bishop Monkton Today' is planning a series of profiles of all the councillors in the New Year.

Among other matters discussed at the meeting were -

Avant Planning Application - North Yorkshire Councillor Nick Brown, whose ward includes Bishop Monkton, was urged by councillors to put pressure on Avant Homes, NYC, Yorkshire Water and others to express the concerns in the village about the Avant plan for 60 new homes. Councillor Brown said he couldn't get involved directly because he was likely to be a member of the NYC Planning Committee deciding on the application and he had to remain impartial. The PC decided to write directly to the various bodies involved in influencing the recommendation of planning officers on the application.

Playground Redesign - it was confirmed that the new design of the children's playground at the Playing Fields will not include adult fitness equipment and will also not, as rumoured, be aimed at teenagers and will continue to be a children's playground. It is hoped to have designs ready early in the New Year and the Council is hoping to install new equipment by the Autumn.

Traffic Calming on Knaresborough Road - progress was reported with discussions about providing VAS speed signs at either end of the village.

Next Year's Budget - the Council agreed to raise its annual budget for next year from £13,000 to £14,000 after two years of standstill. This figure, an increase of about 8%, will translate into an addition to council tax bills but the precise increase for individual households will vary depending on bandings.

Dog Fouling - After concerns raised by some residents about dog mess on village streets, the Council is planning a campaign on the issue in the New Year.

See the Parish Council's own website for more details and, in due course, the full minutes.