Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Tuesday 1st May 2007 at 7:30pm
in the Meeting Room of Thirsk Regeneration Initiative
49B Market Place, Thirsk
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Present:
Councillors J. Marshall (Chair), D. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, A. Morton, C. Pack, F. Roberts, J. Watson, Geraint Williams (Thirsk Regeneration Initiative), PC D. Pears (North Yorkshire Police) and the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllrs J. Jackson (away), R. Mallett (another commitment); accepted
Talk by Geraint Williams re Thirsk Festival
Mr Williams outlined details of the 2007 Festival, plans for which are close to completion. The Gala Day which starts the Festival is to be held in the Market Place and the launch will be at 10.00 a.m. on 1st July. The programme is to be circulated during the first week of May, ten thousand of these will be distributed to homes and others will be available in different venues during the last week of May. Festival Day events will include a vintage vehicle rally, market stalls, a European market, charity stalls, bouncy castle. There will be entertainment on stage by local bands, choirs etc. and this will be sponsored by Northallerton FM radio station. There is also the possibility of a skateboard park on the area near Barclays Bank but this is dependent on space being available. The Festival coincides with the 85th anniversary of the British Legion and they will be having a parade through the town from 12.00 noon. The Festival will conclude with an evening picnic in the park in the grounds of Thirsk Hall on 14th July and there will then be an exhibition from 14th-29th July.
Mr Williams advised that a financial report has been drawn up. A new website has been set up, supported by Severfield Reeve and it is hoped that that will raise funds for future Festivals. Mr Williams pointed out that by having the Festival in the Market Place rather than on the Sowerby Flatts there is much more involvement with the business community in the town. He pointed out that the various events within the Festival could be split at a later date in order to have, for instance, a Music Festival, Art Festival, Beer Festival etc at different times during the year and thus Thirsk could become a “Festival Town”.
Mr Williams advised that there is no money available for new banners for the lampposts and funding for this is being sought.
Mr Williams asked for the Town Council’s view on having wrestling in the Town Hall as he had been approached by an organisation wanting to hold this on 7th July. PC Pears said the type of wrestling proposed is entertaining and appeals to young people. The Town Council had no objections to this, but it was felt that it should go to the Town Hall Committee
Cllr Adamson asked about road closures with particular reference to the number of vehicles which go through the town on a Sunday. Mr Williams confirmed that Millgate will not be closed.
Cllr Watson asked whether a Risk Assessment had been done and Mr Williams said this is being done at the moment. Each individual event will have to have its own insurance cover and the Thirsk Events Group also have some cover. Cllr Watson mentioned the taxi rank and Mr Williams said he is aware that the taxis and the Moorsbus have to be accommodated within the Market Place. There is to be no provision for extra car parking.
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Cllr Hesmondhalgh felt that there is something for every age group in the programme.
Cllr Robinson pointed out that there are pieces of land which are owned by the Town Council which could possibly be used by the Festival in future years.
Open Forum
PC Pears advised that, following the concerns raised about speeding on St. James’ Green, the speed matrix has been used there and the results are awaited. He explained that this collects data which then establishes whether there is a problem with speeding vehicles. Once this information is available a decision on what action needs to be taken will be made. PC Pears pointed out that there are now police bicycles and some police are cycling around the town. PC Pears advised that over the next two months there is to be a campaign on Friday and Saturday evenings to deal with nuisance youths and antisocial behaviour. Thirsk Clock has appointed Becky Baxter who is a personal advisor dealing with alcohol abuse and PC Pears will be working with her. Cllr Morton suggested that speed checks be carried out at the Norby entrance to the town and Cllr Marshall suggested the Stockton Road/Long Street approach to Thirsk should also have speed checks carried out. PC Pears advised that they are still moving forward with an on street drinking ban. Cllr Robinson expressed his concern that when the ban on smoking in public places comes into effect this will encourage people to stand outside pubs drinking and smoking. PC Pears said this is one of the reasons for trying to bring in an on street drinking ban, although he pointed out that all the pubs in the Market Place have beer gardens.
Minutes of the Meeting held on 16th April 2007
Proposed approved Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh; agreed.
Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 5th April 2007
P001 CCTV camera; Cllr Watson advised that she had spoken to Mrs Penson and had told her that she would be happy to help with a problem solving group for Mill Gardens if they would like one. Cllr Watson to speak to PC Kevin Brookes. Agreed that a letter supporting the request of the Riverside Mews Residents and Owners Group for a CCTV camera be sent to HDC.
P002 Request for a public meeting with the police; reply received from Inspector Sanderson advising that Sgt Frank is organising an Initial Problem Solving Group with Cllr Marshall and this group will extend to include all the relevant key individuals who play a part in making Thirsk a safer place. This Group should be in place within the next few weeks and Inspector Sanderson suggests that a public meeting be held after this Problem Solving Group has been formed. Cllr Marshall advised that she had met with Sgt Frank to look at who should be invited to the first of the public meetings.
P003 Branches in the river; these have now been cleared by the Environment Agency.
P004 Developments in flood risk areas; reply awaited from HDC.
P004 Wheeliebins on St. James Green; the wheeliebins are still there.
P004 Drain next to the bus shelter; letter sent to Steve Quartermain with a copy to Dave McGloin at HDC.
P004 Yorkshire Water work in the Market Place; this is almost finished – the caging is to be removed tomorrow and the Town Council’s seat put back in place.
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P004 Meeting with Stan Roocroft of York and North Yorkshire Playing Fields Association; still awaiting his letter confirming his recommendations that The Holmes play area should not be fenced off from the river; a reminder to be sent to him.
P004 Crack Willows on the river bank opposite Riverside Mews; still trying to establish ownership.
P004 Steads Yard; resurfacing work finished. There is a problem with ponding on the tarmac on the part leading up to Chapel Street. This has been reported to Bikers and they are to sort it out.
P004 Opening times of the public conveniences; reply received from Dave McGloin at HDC advising that the provision of toilets is not a statutory service and they consider that these are more important as part of the daytime economy than the evening economy when pubs and restaurants which have toilets are open. Mr McGloin does not feel it is appropriate to refer the issue back to Cabinet, but will copy the Town Council’s letter to the Leader. Cllr Roberts felt the Town Council should look again at taking over responsibility for the toilets, but Cllr Robinson felt the maintenance costs of this would be prohibitive. The lack of cleanliness of the Market Place toilets was also an issue and it was agreed that copies of all the Town Council’s letters concerning the state of the toilets be sent to Cllr Arthur Barker asking for his comments.
P004 List of outstanding items given to the County Council; this had been dealt with at the last meeting Cllr Marshall pointed out that in the letter received from Nigel Smith there had been no comments about the painting of the bollards on Long Street which were to have been painted by NYCC as part of the Long Street Enhancement Scheme.
P004 Painting mileposts and roundel on Castle Garth; quotes being obtained.
P004 Millennium Green; Cllr Marshall advised that John Proud had sent his Enforcement Officer to see the householder in question, but there is no proof of who was responsible for putting the branches in the ditch. The chains on the play equipment have not yet been tightened up; Chris Amy to be reminded of this.
P004 Fencing alongside the public footpath near The Crescent; reimbursement of the cost of the repairs has now been received from NYCC.
P004 Seat Tenders; dealt with at a previous meeting and C. Amy appointed.
P005 Licence for tree planting on Long Street; advised NYCC that we would like to plant a pink flowering hawthorn tree – acknowledgement received.
P005 Advertising signage on the McCarthy and Stone development; the signage was granted for one year from 6th July 2004 and was recommended for approval by the Town Council on condition that it was removed once the development was complete. An E mail has been sent to the Planning Enforcement Officer at HDC.
P005 Transfer of land at the Salem Chapel to the Town Council; E mail sent to HDC advising that the Town Council will take on the piece of land and acknowledgement received.
P005 Development at The Old Brewery, 93 Long Street; E mail sent to HDC advising that the Town Council will take on the piece of land between the Picnic Area and the Moated Site on condition that when it is handed over it is in a tidy condition with adequate fencing between it and the Moated Site – acknowledgement received.
P005 Planting at South Dowber Lane; thanks sent to the Thirsk Woodlands Group.
P005 Smith of Derby re annual service agreement for the Town Clock; their proposals to be looked at in greater detail.
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P005 Letter from Mrs Ruth Judge of Scarborough re planting in the town; copy sent to Mrs Reynard for Thirsk in Bloom.
P006 Litter pick of the Millennium Green; Advised M. I’Anson that we would not wish volunteers to go in the ditch.
P006 Local Bus Contracts; comment sent in that it is hoped the vehicles will have low floor easy access.
P006 Naming of the development on land at the former Salem Chapel; reply received from HDC advising that this is to be named “1-6 Salem House, Nursery Gardens”.
Correspondence
St. Mary’s Church; letter of thanks for maintaining the churchyard in such a good state. Agreed that this be passed to HDC as they are responsible for this.
Thirsk Skaters Steering Group; asking if they can give a presentation to the Town Council putting forward their views for a new skatepark. Agreed that they be invited to a Thursday Town Council meeting.
Yorkshire Water; following their work in the Market Place they would like to give something and they suggest a bench or planters/hanging baskets. Agreed that this be an agenda item for the meeting on 7th June.
Thirsk Hall Estates; Annual Herbage Agreement for Castle Garth with effect from 1st January 2007. Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Watson that this be signed; agreed.
From Tabled Correspondence, Cllr Marshall referred to a survey which had been received from QA Consultants. She explained that Hambleton, along with Richmondshire and Selby have engaged a firm of consultants who have invited us to give our views of play provision across the district in order that a strategy can be drawn up. This will then enable the authorities to access Big Lottery monies. Agreed that this be referred to the Open Spaces Committee.
Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Items
This had been circulated to Councillors. No particular comments were made.
Reports
Carrs Field - Cllr Roberts had nothing to report. She is following up various items with Tony Jordan.
Central Areas - Cllr Watson advised that she had spoken to Mrs Diane Miller who is doing work in the Picnic Area. She had advised Mrs Miller that she is happy for her to buy any plants she needs for this and they can be charged to the Town Council.
Christmas Festivities - Nothing to report.
Greens and Ingramgate - Cllr Pack advised that she had looked at the Greens. On the Little Green near Todds Court no grass is growing through the Plascrete. She will monitor the parking there. The wheeliebins are still on the Green. The planters on Long Street should be painted this Saturday. Cllr Pack has been to Hollin Barn and the White Mare roundabout is to be tidied up and bedding plants will then be put in at the appropriate time. Referring to the Plascrete, Cllr Adamson suggested that pieces of turf be put in rather than grass
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seed. Concern was expressed that we had contacted Chris Vincent some considerable time ago about this and had received no reply. Agreed that a letter be sent to Steve Quartermain.
Millennium Green - Cllr Hesmondhalgh advised that she had walked round the Millennium Green and it is very clean. There are still branches in the ditch The Millennium Green Trust has decided not to go ahead with the quotes received for resurfacing the paths as the cost is too high.
Open Areas - Cllr Marshall advised that it is necessary to have a meeting to look at the quotes for the paths at East Thirsk Play Area and on The Holmes. Another meeting of the East Thirsk Problem Solving Group has been held at which Broadacres have agreed that they will pay for the fencing next to the road and the Town Council will renew some of its fencing, possibly using the same contractors. A site meeting is to be held with the contractor next Tuesday and he will then come up with some suggestions. Cllr Hesmondhalgh felt some more bushes should be planted between the play area and the school. Cllr Marshall advised that we are writing to HDC requesting permission to divert some of the Section 106 Agreement monies for Picks Lane from surfacing at East Thirsk to fencing there. Cllr Pack asked about the play equipment at Allerdale Close and Cllr Marshall advised that an order has been placed for a new ramp and rope. Cllr Robinson asked about the tree which was cut down on The Holmes; agreed that the brash be cleared away and the tree secured in place for children to play in. Cllr Adamson reminded the Open Areas Committee that there are currently two seats in the Cemetery shed; Cllr Marshall to look at the condition of these.
Other Items of Interest and Information
It was mentioned that the drain on Kirkgate near Electroworld needs clearing out; to be reported.
Cllr Watson referred to the planters on top of the bus shelter where all the plants have died. The Clerk had spoken to Mrs Reynard about these and she has advised that they are to be taken down.
Cllr Robinson expressed concern that the French Market planned for 4th May in the Market Place has not been very well advertised.
Cllr Morton advised that he would not wish to see solar lights in the Cemetery. The Burial Board will look at this.
Cllr Marshall expressed concern at the rubbish etc on the Industrial Estate. Agreed that a letter be sent to the Chief Executive at HDC. It was mentioned that there is no planning consent for the waste transfer station there.
Cllr Marshall advised that a meeting had been held re the Sensory Garden at the Salem Chapel site and the working party is to visit Henshaws School for the Blind at Knaresborough.
Cllr Marshall advised that the Ditches Committee is getting a file together and will then meet. The grille is not on anyone’s deeds.
Cllr Marshall advised that Thirsk EngAGE is progressing and leaflets about the events available are now out.
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Thirsk in Bloom
Cllr Pack advised that there had been a problem with watering. Mick Hancock has now finished and Sally Billany is taking it on. They are moving towards replanting for the summer.
The meeting closed at 9.38 p.m.
Minutes of the Annual Parish Council Meeting
of Thirsk Town Council
held on Monday
21st May 2007 at 7.00 p.m.
in the Thirsk and Sowerby Town Hall Annexe
Present:
Cllrs J. Marshall (Chair), D.E. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, R. Mallett,
B. Ogleby, C.M. Pack, F.M. Roberts, A. Robinson, J. Watson, PC Duncan Pears (North Yorkshire Police), I. Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”) and the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllrs J.E. Jackson (away), Cllr A. Morton (away); accepted.
Cllr Marshall welcomed all Councillors to the meeting, in particular Cllr Ogleby to his first meeting.
Election of Chairman
Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Roberts that Cllr Watson be elected Chairman; agreed. Cllr Watson accepted the position and signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office book.
Cllr Marshall thanked all Councillors for their support during her term of Office. Cllr Mallett thanked Cllr Marshall for all her hard work.
Election of Vice Chairman
Proposed Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Roberts that Cllr Adamson be elected Vice Chairman. Cllr Marshall made a counter proposal that Cllr Pack be elected Vice Chairman, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh and this was carried. Cllr Pack accepted the position.
Minutes of the previous Annual Parish Council Meeting, held on 15th May 2006
Proposed approved Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Marshall; agreed.
Matters Arising from the previous Annual Parish Council Meeting
There were no matters arising.
Reports from Representatives
The reports from Representatives had been copied to Councillors.
Cllr Marshall pointed out that the Thirsk Map Committee can be wound up.
Cllr Roberts enquired about the Thirsk Infants School Charitable Trust and asked whether this also covers Sowerby; Cllr Marshall confirmed this is the case.
Committee Reports
The Committee Reports had been copied to Councillors.
Proposed Cllr Mallett, seconded Cllr Marshall that both the Committee and the Representatives’ Reports be accepted.
Election of Committee Representatives
The Committee Representatives were duly appointed.
Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 21st May 2007
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall
following the Annual Parish Council Meeting
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Present:
Cllrs J Watson (Chair), D. Adamson, C Hesmondhalgh, R Mallett, J Marshall, B Ogleby, C. Pack, F. Roberts, A. Robinson, PC Duncan Pears (NY Police), I. Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”) and the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllrs J. Jackson (away), A. Morton (away); accepted
Proposed Cllr Mallett, seconded Cllr Roberts that Item 3 be dealt with before Item 2; agreed.
Police Report
PC Pears advised that the current crime trend is purse snatching in the town, particularly on market days. It is thought this is being done by organised criminals travelling around the North East. Posters warning people of this have been put up in some of the shops to raise people’s awareness. PC Pears advised that the police are continuing with their blitzes in the town on Friday and Saturday nights. He said the last race day was very busy. Cllr Mallett pointed out that the race meetings are now only policed by the racecourse security people who do not monitor the drinking. Cllr Marshall advised that she has had a complaint about motor bikes on South Dowber Lane and the field. PC Pears advised that this can be controlled if they are on the bridle path, but not if they are in the field. However, the police are aware of the problem. Cllr Mallett said that motorists are going at high speeds down Cemetery Lane from Newsham Road. Cllr Ogleby pointed out that there had been a fracas last Monday near the Town Clock; PC Pears said the police had attended. Cllr Watson advised that people are riding electric buggies on the cycle path on Station Road, but going the wrong way; PC Pears felt the people concerned need to be warned.
Minutes of the Meeting held on 1st May 2007
Proposed approved Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Roberts; agreed.
Reports
County Council
Cllr Dadd advised that he had made representations to Cabinet re kerbside waste collections and recycling and 96% of households in Hambleton will be included in this by September with 100% of households within six months of that. There are currently traffic lights on Station Road and the roundabout is being moved. A site meeting consisting of representatives of the Town Council, Sowerby Parish Council and Carlton Miniott Parish Council will be held when this has been done. The signs for the Thirsk Furniture Trail will be in place by July. Cllr Dadd referred to the recent temporary closure of Finkle Street whilst works were carried out by utility companies. He said he gave support to the Officers’ decision to go ahead with this as it was necessary work even though Blakey Bridge was closed unexpectedly because of damage to the bridge. Cllr Mallett said that on some occasions roads have been kept closed after contractors have finished the job; he will let Cllr Dadd know of any such instances. Cllr Dadd felt it was necessary to find a sustainable solution to the problem
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of Blakey Bridge being damaged by vehicles. It was mentioned that the yellow box junction at the end of St. Mary’s was put in today. Referring to the move of the roundabout on Station Road, Cllr Robinson queried who is meeting the cost of this and Cllr Dadd advised that it is the responsibility of the developers. Cllr Marshall asked what is happening re Cherry Garth and Cllr Dadd said this is still in the course of negotiation with all the stakeholders. He stressed that Cherry Garth will not close until there is a new facility nearby. Cllr Marshall pointed out that this has now been going on for a very long time and asked that a decision be made as it is causing uncertainty.
District Council
Cllr Robinson advised that HDC had held its annual meeting and Cllr Margaret Skillbeck is the new Chairman with Cllr David Murkett as Vice Chairman. The names of some of the Scrutiny Committees have now changed and the Planning Committee has been reduced from 20 to 13. There are slight differences about how Section 106 monies can be used. Cllr Marshall asked for an assurance that Section 106 play money is safeguarded. Cllr Robinson advised that he had spoken to Steve Quartermain who had said such alterations would not make a great deal of difference.
Cllr Adamson gave details of the Committees he now serves on; no meetings of these have been held as yet.
Cllr Dadd left the meeting
Open Forum
No members of the public present.
Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 16th April 2007
P008 Speed Matrix on St. James’ Green; the speed matrix has now been used on St. James’ Green.
P008 Request by Ladies’ Chamber of Trade to put Christmas lights on the toilet block in the Market Place; enquiries have been made and the Ladies’ Chamber are suggesting putting a string of lights around the toilet block. HDC to be asked for consent.
P008 Parking between the bollards on the grassed area at Millgate; nothing further regarding the fencing as yet.
P008 Installation of water pipe at the Cemetery; another firm has now been asked to look at connecting up the water supply. They feel it would be better to connect it to the tap behind the gate and a price for digging a channel and running pipework to there is being obtained.
P008 Resurfacing of Steads Yard; now finished.
P008 Hambleton and Richmondshire Furniture Store; a representative from there is to come to the Town Council Meeting on 16th July.
P008 Revised Model Code of Conduct; included in “Correspondence”.
P008 List of items requiring attention by NYCC; Cllr Marshall pointed out that at the last Town Council meeting it had been mentioned that the work to the bollards had not been included in the reply received from Nigel Smith of NYCC. A letter to be sent to NYCC, with a copy to Cllr Dadd, requesting details of the timescale of the works.
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P009 Extension to Millgate car park; letter sent to Steve Quartermain at HDC, but no reply as yet.
P010 French Market on 4th May; this had been held.
P010 Local Government Review; letter sent to Cllr Arthur Barker at HDC asking for a public meeting to be held in Thirsk, but no reply received.
P011 Signboard on the Industrial Estate; letter sent to HDC about the number of ‘A’ boards at one of the entrances to the Industrial Estate.
P011 Carrs Field; ‘E’ mail sent to Tony Jordan asking for details of the Trustees of Carrs Field; acknowledgement received.
P011 Central Areas; rubbish, some of which is in the river and some on the bank in the moated site, has been reported to HDC. A letter of thanks has been sent to Mrs Diane Miller for all her work in the Picnic Area.
P012 Greens and Ingramgate; letter to be sent to Mike Armstrong at Eccles Heddon to try and establish ownership of the strip of land along Ingramgate. A letter was sent to the house which has a skip on the Green and a telephone call has been received from the owners of the house apologising for this and saying the skip will be gone by the end of this week. Cllr Pack advised that the planters on Long Street have not been painted as yet.
P012 Millennium Green; Cllr Hesmondhalgh advised that at a site meeting at the East Thirsk Play Area someone mentioned that they had seen someone putting logs in the ditch and they have been asked to contact John Proud.
P013 Personal Injury insurance cover; the Clerk has spoken to the insurers regarding additional cover for Councillors over the standard age limit. They require various details of the Councillor(s) concerned together with a letter from the doctor. Cllr Morton will deal with this on his return.
P013 Risk Assessment of the Town Council Office; the PAT testing is to be carried out on Friday 25th May 2007. Details of who to contact regarding sending the old computer to Africa are being obtained.
P014 Finger Posts; these have now been taken on by the Town Council and have been added to the insurance schedule.
P104 Footpath Works; appropriate letters sent to the various people who tendered. Cllr Marshall advised that at a recent meeting of the Open Areas Committee it had been agreed to go ahead with the footpath on The Holmes and East Thirsk.
Finance
Accounts for Payment
Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Marshall that the following accounts be approved for payment; agreed:
F D Todd & Sons Ltd – skip hire, Millennium Green and Cemetery £266.03
Npower – Office electricity £303.42
Fox’s Copy Centre – photocopying etc £ 64.18
C.E. and C.M. Walker – grasscutting, 3rd and 18th April 2007 £1,482.85
Cod Beck Internal Drainage Board – drainage rates £27.50
D. Connelly – Office window cleaning (4 cleans) £26.00
F. Roberts – reimbursement for purchase of letter weigh machine £30.00
C.A. Amy: Play Areas inspection £228.50
Litter picking £250.00
Reducing cherry tree on St. James Green £100.00
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Holmes Tree Management £1,075.00
Hambleton District Council – Rates, June 2007 £53.00
Inland Revenue – Tax/NI, April 2007 £510.68
R. Bennett – cleaning bus shelter £80.00
Petty Cash £42.10
In addition, the salaries of the Clerk and the Assistant to the Clerk will be paid in accordance with the Council’s normal practice
Income received
Precept £43,000.00
VAT refund (1.1.07.-31.3.07.) £8,586.43
NYCC – contribution to resurfacing of Steads Yard £12,000.00
HDC – contribution to resurfacing of Steads Yard £2,832.00
Burial Board: Rent £485.37
Interments £406.00
Memorials £ 41.00
War Graves £10.58
Bank Interest £102.53
Monthly balance sheet and budget report for April 2007
These had been circulated to Councillors. Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Pack that they be approved; agreed.
Renewal of the Lease of the Town Council Office
A letter had been received from HDC advising that, following the expiry of the current Lease on 31st May 2007, they are prepared to grant the Town Council a new five year Lease on the same terms as at present, but at an increased rent of £3,500 per annum. The current rent is £2,250 and the Clerk had contacted HDC suggesting that it be increased in two stages to £2,875 for the first year of the term and then to £3,500 for the following four years, thus achieving a saving of £625. HDC have indicated that they are prepared to accept this. Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that we proceed with a new Lease on these terms; agreed.
Correspondence
NYCC re temporary road closure on 1st July for the Thirsk Festival; noted
Hambleton Over Fifties Forum re a Unitary Authority for North Yorkshire
expressing the view that meetings regarding this should be arranged. Cllr Robinson felt this was the responsibility of HDC and NYCC rather than the Town Council. He pointed out that Government has not consulted the public on this and the Town Council are simply consultees. Agreed that a letter be sent to HDC.
Communities and Local Government Department enclosing a copy of the Local Authorities Model Code of Conduct. Cllr Adamson pointed out that we have until 1st October to adopt this and we also need to pass a resolution to include paragraph 12(2) which deals with the effect of prejudicial interests on participation at meetings, as this is not mandatory for parish councils. Agreed that this be an agenda item at the meeting on 17th June.
The Standards Board for England re the new Code of Conduct; noted
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HDC – Appointment of Parish Council Representatives to the Standards Committee, advising that Councillors June Imeson of Great Ayton Parish Council and John Alan
Follett of Sandhutton Parish Council have been nominated onto the HDC Standards Committee.
From Tabled Correspondence, Cllr Roberts referred to the leaflet from the YLCA on training courses for Councillors. Anyone wishing to attend was asked to let the Clerk know.
Applications for Exclusive Rights and Memorials
No applications received.
Burial Board Report
Cllr Adamson had nothing to report.
Reports
Representatives
Cllr Roberts advised that she had attended the Hambleton YLCA AGM last Wednesday. Cllr Blackwell is still Chairman and Councillor Starkey is Vice Chairman. Cllr Roberts is still the representative on the Joint Executive Board.
Cllr Mallett reported that he had attended a meeting of the East Thirsk Community Association. They are talking about doing some work to the Hall and Cllr Mallett felt the Hall should be better publicised in order to get more lettings.
Members
Cllr Marshall advised that, as Mayor, she had attended a function at RAF Leeming last Thursday where there was a flypast.
Cllr Mallett referred to the problem with the toilets now closing early. Agreed that a letter be sent to HDC asking them to keep the toilets open later on racedays.
Cllr Marshall advised that a concluding event to mark the implementation of the Interpretation Boards is to be held sometime in June, on a date to be arranged. The final part of the grant for the Boards has been received. A website has been set up and Cllr Marshall suggested that the Town Council website be linked to it; Cllr Adamson agreed to do this.
Cllr Robinson asked Cllr Adamson about the grant that Thirsk Clock Café has received from Children in Need. Cllr Adamson to find out details of what this is to be used for and to report back to the next meeting.
The meeting closed at 8.25 p.m.