Update on The Light Dragoon
THE PUB AT ETTON
TO MEMBERS OF THE ETTON PARISH COUNCIL AND THE RESIDENTS OF ETTON
I would like to update members of the Parish Council and residents on the situation regarding the site of the former Light Dragoon.
Most of you will be aware of the recent history of this site. The Light Dragoon unfortunately became unviable as a public house and stood empty for more than five years. Although marketed first as a public house and then as an Asset of Community Value, no brewery, group or individual came forward to take it over.
Recognising the importance of this central site to the village of Etton, I purchased the land. You will recall that an application to construct a number of houses was met with some objections and following meetings with your Parish Council and residents, I decided to withdraw the application.
It was clear that most of you wanted to see the pub re-opened. I therefore invested a significant amount of time and money to bring it pub back to life as THE PUB AT ETTON. The refurbishment is almost complete, the cellar is fitted, the pumps have already had beer pulled through them and we expect to be open within the next four weeks.
I have had many very positive comments on how good the pub is looking from those who have had a sneak preview of the interior and I am grateful for this support.
However, in recent days it has become clear that a small number of villagers and indeed officers from the East Riding of Yorkshire Council planning department cannot support my plans for small scale development either side of the pub. In my view, these schemes would enhance the Etton streetscene and bring much-needed new housing to the village. Concerns over parking, drainage and access are completely unfounded.
Unfortunately, events at the recent Parish Council meeting and comments by ERYC officers demonstrate that the wish of these people is for the land to be given over to what they claim is “its current use”, the storage of cars and other commercial vehicles.
Therefore, and with great reluctance, I have no alternative but to adhere to the wishes of these residents and officers and
return the site to that use without delay.
WAYNE LOW
26 MARCH 2025
Avian Influenza
Message from ERYC: The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has confirmed a case of Avian Influenza (bird flu) on premises in Bishop Burton, which impacts on our parish.
Avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds, and the UK Health Security Agency has said that the risk to the general public’s health is very low. The Food Standards Agency has said that on the basis of the current scientific evidence, avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat. There is a lot of further information on the Government's website: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-avian-influenza-latest-situation-in-england
There is a well-established national contingency plan for dealing with avian influenza, which involves APHA humanely culling the affected poultry on the infected premise. There is no other culling of healthy birds involved, but there are some restrictions introduced on poultry and captive bird keepers in the control zone(s) declared around the infected premise.
Etton is within the 3k control zone, there is an interactive map on the DEFRA website which shows all Avian Influenza disease control zones currently in force.
The detailed declaration is also online, which covers all the requirements specifically for this zone, but in brief, for people that keep poultry / captive birds as a hobby and are in the 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone:
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There is a requirement to keep poultry and other captive birds “housed” in a structure
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Keep a record of all poultry or poultry eggs that enter or leave your premises, except eggs that are being moved direct to wholesale or retail premises to be sold
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Record and individuals visiting the premises where poultry or other captive birds are kept
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Ensure appropriate bio-security measures are in place.
The Council has a supporting role as part of the national plan, and we will be putting out some highways signs at the boundary of the 3km zone to let people know they are entering an area with animal disease restrictions. A number of posters have also been put up in the zone to inform keepers of poultry and captive birds who have not registered, which has been compulsory registration since 1st October 2024, they must do so now.
There is a lot of further information on the Government's website: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-avian-influenza-latest-situation-in-england and our animal health team can be contacted on animal.health@eastriding.gov.uk.
It is likely that the restrictions will remain in place for at least the next 6-8 weeks
Parish Councillor Vacancy
We have a vacancy for a Parish Councillor! Local councillors are the champions of their community. They invest time in local projects and issues that benefit residents. As a Councillor representing your community, you will help to keep it a great place to live and work. Becoming a councillor is a rewarding experience as you will be able to make a change in your community to help improve residents' lives.
We would love to hear from you if you can give an hour or so each month. There is a short application form here to complete.
Application Form
East Riding Support Fund For Oil
On application, eligible households will receive an oil delivery (or the LPG alternative) and free membership to our Bulk Oil Buying Scheme for the first year (normally £20 per year).
The link below contains full details of the eligibility requirements for the scheme and the application form to apply:
https://www.hwrcc.org.uk/east-riding-household-fund-for-oil-customers/
Cost of Living Crisis
If you need financial support during the cost of living crisis, or you are struggling to manage, ERYC provide a range of services that might help, alongside government and community support https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/cost-of-living-help-for-households/