Cropton Parish Council

Staying Informed: Meningococcal Disease Awareness

There has been a recent increase in cases of meningococcal disease, and we want to ensure our Parish community stays informed and vigilant. Although the illness is uncommon, it can develop quickly, so recognising symptoms early is important.

Key symptoms to look out for:

• A high fever, cold hands and feet
• Severe headache or stiff neck
• Sensitivity to bright lights
• Drowsiness or confusion
• A rash that doesn’t fade when pressed (though this doesn’t appear in every case)

If anyone becomes suddenly unwell with these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical help promptly.

For reliable, up-to-date information about meningococcal disease, symptoms, and vaccination guidance, please visit - What is meningitis? Symptoms, risks and how to protect yourself – UK Health Security Agency

New Menopause Support

People experiencing menopause in York and North Yorkshire can now access support through the Good Work, Healthy People programme. The Peppy Health service offers two virtual consultations with a qualified nurse prescriber plus access to an app with guidance, videos, courses and a supportive online community. The service is open to anyone living in the area, and referrals can be made by individuals, employers or GP practices via hnyicb-nel.goodwork@nhs.net. The project is funded through the York and North Yorkshire Trailblazer scheme, and full details are available at Bitly

NYC Shift Your Focus Campaign

Many men know when they’re struggling with their mental health, but taking the first step can feel overwhelming. Often, the instinct is to push through, keep quiet or tell themselves it’s just part of life.

Shift Your Focus is a new campaign designed with that reality in mind. Instead of asking men to open up straight away, it offers simple, practical ways to change perspective and take small steps that feel achievable. It’s a starting point that fits into everyday life, especially for those just trying to get through the week.

Details can be found here:  https://yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk/project/shift-your-focus/

A link to a detailed map of North Yorkshire has been placed on the Links page.

We recently contacted NYMPA regarding the cost of parking at Cawthorn Roman Camp. Many people have used it for walking their dog and a charge of £3.80 seemed excessive. This is the same charge as Sutton Bank visitor centre where there are many more facilities. We suggested £1 an hour would be more acceptable. This is their reply. 

"Thank you for your email and for sharing the concerns of Cropton Parish Council regarding parking charges at Cawthorne Camp. We appreciate you taking the time to outline the issues being experienced locally, particularly in relation to visitor behaviour and the impact on the surrounding verges.

The introduction of parking charges across our sites is necessary to help cover the ongoing costs of managing and maintaining these locations. This includes essential work such as conservation, access improvements, pathway maintenance, ecological management, and the preservation of the site’s significant archaeological and historical features. Although Cawthorne Camp may not have the same visitor facilities as larger sites such as Sutton Bank, it remains a managed and sensitive landscape requiring considerable resource to keep it accessible and in good condition for all to enjoy.

In terms of the current tariff, pricing is standardised across the National Park to ensure a fair and consistent approach. While Cawthorne Camp may appear lower cost in terms of facilities, it is in fact a complex and resource-intensive site to manage, and the income generated plays an important role in supporting both this location and the wider National Park.

We have also noted your suggestion regarding a lower initial charge, which will be considered as part of any future review of our tariffs. However, in our experience, the presence of a charge itself is often the main influencing factor on visitor behaviour, rather than the specific level of the tariff. As such, reducing the cost does not always result in a significant change in parking patterns. For regular users, the cost can be reduced to as little as £2.50 per visit through the use of a permit, which offers a more cost-effective option.

We are pleased to note that visitor numbers to Cawthorne Camp have increased following the recent improvements, which is a positive outcome. However, verge parking remains a safety concern for both visitors and road users. We would encourage the Parish Council to liaise with the relevant local authority to explore potential measures such as verge protection or waiting restrictions, where appropriate.

Thank you again for raising these important points. We will take your comments into account as part of our ongoing review and will provide further updates in due course."