THE leader of Richmondshire District Council, John Blackie, and managing director, Tony Clark, will attend the next meeting of the parish council to discuss any issues residents may have with the authority.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 12 at 7.30pm at Croft village hall.

Council clerks – Members agreed to renew clerk Geoff Bosworth’s membership to the Society of Local Council Clerks at a cost of £64.

Parish precept – Members agreed to set a precept of £3,300 per year for 2014-15.

Future meetings – It was stated that future parish council meetings would take place on March 12, May 14, July 9, September 10 and November 12.

Speeding traffic – North Yorkshire County Councillor, Michael Heseltine, told members he is working with the highways team to tackle speeding and congestion around the primary school on South Parade. He discussed the possibility of organising a speed check and site visit.

However District Councillor, Jane Parlour, said speeding was more of a problem on the A167 with traffic speeding past the Croft Hotel in both directions, making it almost impossible to cross the road safely.

She said the main problem at the school is parents parking on the pavement, forcing pedestrians to walk on the road.

It was noted that teachers often park on the pavement as there is not enough room in the school’s car park. Members asked whether the car park could be extended.

Smartwater – An order has been placed for Smartwater kits - an identifying marker which help the police track stolen property - which should arrive in three weeks.

Next meeting – Wednesday, March 12 , 7.30pm in the village hall.