From Sgt Phil Young - Kirk Ella police box

Catalytic Converters the theft of these vehicle exhaust systems has increased dramatically in the East Riding. Although the actual numbers are low, the rise is disturbing.Between Jan 2011 - Sept 2011, there were 2 reports in the East Riding. In October there were 6 and in November, 7.Thieves may cut or unbolt them from the exhaust system of parked vehicles, or may steal them from commercial vehicle compounds, sometimes taking the complete exhaust system.

The latter is usually aimed at vans.The converters contain small amounts of high value metal, so have a scrap value. They can also be sold on to the motor trade and fitted as low cost replacement parts. I would ask you all to be aware of this rising crime trend, and to contact us if you are offered a 'used' part as a replacement after a car service or MOT. I must stress that this exhaust component is sometimes legitimately re-cycled by mechanics and exhaust fitters as it tends to outlast the rest of the exhaust system, but there should be relatively few in circulation and it would assist me to know who is offering to fit them so that I can verify how they are sourced.

Van owners may wish to consider the security of the area where these are left unattended, or to seek advice on making the converter more difficult to remove. Mercedes Sprinters seem to be the most popular target at this time.

Kirk Ella Relief in Need
Open to all residents in Kirk Ella parish is a little known charity that was set up many years ago to help the poor of the parish in times of extreme hardship. Quite small amounts of money are available on an annual basis and may be payable to applicants who think they could qualify for acceptance. Contact the Parish Clerk.
clerk@kirkella-westella-pc.info

A Message From Your Chairman And Vice-Chairman

There is a feel good factor to 2012. Many of us are looking forward to the Olympic Games which are to take place in our country this summer and others are busy planning for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. King George VI died on 6th February 1952 so that is the date when she became Elizabeth II but the Jubilee weekend is to be the first weekend in June. The Parish Councillors started to make their plans from last May.

We want the village to look special throughout the spring and the time leading up to the Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend. Six sacks of daffodil bulbs have been purchased hoping to give a blaze of colour in the spring. Councillor Elizabeth Robinson has distributed bulbs to willing helpers and these have already been planted. Liz together with Councillors Mike Whitehead and David Jordan spent a day planting bulbs along Riplingham Road (making sure not to disturb the snowdrop bulbs already there) to give a colourful entrance to the area when approaching from the A164. She has also co-opted residents and together they have been busy tidying up the beds and shrubs and daffodils on Pine Meadows opposite the village school to make the area look special this spring.

The Jubilee Group, Councillors Trevor Green, David Jordan, Margaret Raymond and Elizabeth Robinson as Chairman, are busy adding details to plans for the villages’ celebrations. We will begin the Jubilee weekend with a coffee morning on Thursday, May 31st at the “Wheatsheaf” public house with some members of the voluntary sector in our area such as the W.I., the Trefoil Guild, the N.S.P.C.C. and the British Legion all providing stalls, the profits going to their charities. Councillors will provide a raffle and a red, white and blue stall hoping to raise enough money for another blue heritage plaque in the area. Margaret Raymond will produce the Royal quiz. The venue is already booked as we feel we ought to try to use local facilities near the centre of the village where possible. Kirk Ella Church has its own plans for celebrations during the weekend. There is also the possibility of a Heritage Walk taking place over the weekend too. This of course will depend on the weather and the numbers willing to support. We hope to conclude our celebrations with a family barbecue to be held at the Hull Golf Club. This is at the early stages of planning. Councillors Trevor Green and Margaret Raymond have been to see the Chairman to make the provisional booking. We welcome ideas from you, our constituents. The Queen has served us well over the last sixty years and we would like to make this a special weekend to remember.

The Council is very concerned about the amount of vehicles not keeping to the speed limit in the villages, especially along Riplingham Road where Councillors David Jordan and Mike Whitehead funded a traffic survey. This is being followed up at County level and we hope to have more to report soon.

We are sorry to report that Captain Frank Holmes has not been very well lately and his hip problem has meant that he cannot get round the villages as easily as he used to. This means he has temporarily stepped down as Chairman and for the time being Councillor Margaret Raymond is Acting Chairman with Councillor David Jordan Acting Vice Chairman. All the Parish Councillors will continue to give their voluntary service to the communities of West Ella and Kirk Ella. Please feel free to come forward to any of us with your ideas.

Thank you for taking the time to read our message, we wish you well throughout 2012.

Councillor Margaret Raymond and David Jordan
Kirk Ella & West Ella Parish Council