Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Thursday 7th June 2007 at 7:30pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
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Present:
Cllrs J. Watson (Chairman), D. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, R. Mallett, A. Morton, C. Pack, F. Roberts, I. Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”) and the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllrs J. Jackson (away), J. Marshall (away); accepted.
Open Forum
No members of the police or public present.
Minutes of the Meeting held on 21st May 2007
Proposed approved Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Mallett; agreed.
Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 1st May 2007
P016 CCTV camera; letter sent to HDC and copied to the Riverside Mews Residents and Owners Group supporting the request of the Group for a CCTV camera on the corner of Millgate and Riverside Mews.
P016 Request for a public meeting with the police; nothing further on this. Cllr Watson advised that a problem solving meeting had been held; she had attended this together with Cllr Marshall. Sgts Ben Frank and Frances Hannon had been in attendance along with several members of the public. The meeting had drawn up a list of what are perceived to be the main problems and they will be going back to the next meeting (end June/early July) and will then decide whether the meeting should be widened to include other people. Cllr Adamson expressed his disappointment that the on street drinking ban has not been given a chance first and then see what problems remain and said he will support the request for such a ban at Cabinet.
P016 Developments in flood risk areas; reply received from Tim Wood at HDC advising that flooding issues are a high priority. Advice is taken from the Environment Agency when planning applications in high risk areas are submitted and developers are required to prepare a Flood Risk Assessment for schemes in such areas.
P016 Wheeliebins on St. James’ Green; these appear to be on the Green at some times and moved away at others.
P016 Drain next to the bus shelter; reply received from Clive Thornton at HDC advising that he has not be able to locate a grate which offers significantly better protection from rubbish and in the short term he is to install a mesh to prevent large debris entering the gulley. It was noted that the mesh is now in place. Agreed that a letter be sent thanking him for installing the mesh and saying that we hope he will continue his search for something more suitable.
P016 Yorkshire Water work in the Market Place; this is now completed and the Town Council’s seat is back in place.
P017 Meeting with Stan Roocroft of York and North Yorkshire Playing Fields Association; ‘E’ mail now received confirming his view that fencing off the play area on The Holmes would have an adverse visual effect and the design of the site does not lend itself to an affordable fencing plan. Mr Roocroft also makes the point that because of the situation of the play area, ie across a main road, children have to be
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accompanied and there is adequate nearby seating for parents to supervise their children. Should the Town Council’s regular inspections identify any bank erosion then it may be necessary at some time in the future to move the parallel bars unit closer to the pathway.
P017 Crack Willows on the river bank opposite Riverside Mews; it has not been possible to identify the owner of these trees. The Clerk has spoken to a representative of the Riverside Mews Residents and Owners Group and they are obtaining a quote for trimming the trees in question.
P017 Steads Yard; work to solve the problem of ponding near the Chapel Street entrance was being carried out today.
P017 Opening times of the public conveniences; letter sent to Cllr Arthur Barker regarding the lack of cleanliness of the Market Place toilets.
P017 Painting mileposts and roundel on Castle Garth; some quotes have been obtained and some further ones are awaited.
P017 Millennium Green; Chris Amy has been reminded about tightening up the chains on the play equipment. Some vandalism has occurred to the play equipment and Playdale are coming on 18th June to carry out repairs.
P017 Licence for tree planting on Long Street; consent to plant a pink flowering hawthorn has now been received from NYCC. They have sent an Agreement for the Chairman to sign.
P017 Advertising signage on the McCarthy and Stone development; ‘E’ mail sent to the Planning Enforcement Officer at HDC and reply awaited. Cllr Adamson pointed out that there is now some more signage advertising Phase 2 of the development.
P017 Smith of Derby re annual service agreement of the Town Clock; not yet considered.
P018 St. Mary’s Church re grasscutting in the churchyard; letter passed to HDC and reply advising of this sent to the Secretary of the PCC.
P018 Thirsk Skaters Steering Group; reply received advising that they will come to the meeting on 5th July. They are preparing a short video and will bring this together with the necessary equipment.
P018 Yorkshire Water offer; agenda item for later in the meeting.
P018 Annual Herbage Agreement for Castle Garth; signed and returned to Thirsk Hall Estates.
P018 Greens and Ingramgate; letter not sent to Steve Quartermain at HDC advising that we have received no reply to our requests to Chris Vincent as this has been superseded by a site meeting.
P019 Open Areas; request sent to HDC asking for permission to divert some of the Section 106 Agreement monies for Picks Lane from surfacing to fencing at East Thirsk and consent for this received. Chris Amy has been asked to secure the cut down tree on The Holmes for children to play in and to remove the brash.
P019 Drain near Electroworld on Kirkgate; reported.
P019 Planters on top of the bus shelter; now replanted.
P019 Rubbish on the Industrial Estate; letter sent to Peter Simpson at HDC.
P020 Watering for Thirsk in Bloom; Sally Billany is now doing this.
Correspondence
NYCC Biodiversity Action Group; offering, with the assistance of the Thirsk Woodlands Group, to remove the Himalayan Balsam on The Holmes. A reply had
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been sent agreeing to this. The Clerk had then received a telephone call from the Environment Agency saying they have been asked by NYCC to remove the Himalayan Balsam and are proposing to spray it. However, it is understood from Mike I’Anson that the Thirsk Woodlands Group are still prepared to remove it. Agreed we advise the Environment Agency that we do not wish it to be sprayed and that the Thirsk Woodlands Group should go ahead and remove it.
Sessay Parish Council – request for consent to hold a duck race in September 2007. No objections in principle, but Sessay Parish Council to be asked whether this is a fund raiser. John Bell’s consent to be sought.
Mr A Delderfield; request to have a skip on St. James’ Green from 11th to 15th June whilst remedial works are carried out to his property. Agreed that he be allowed to have the skip there for this period only.
NYCC referring to an enclosed letter concerning the grass verge at 1 Byland Avenue – however the letter was not enclosed. A copy has been requested and it was agreed that the appropriate action be taken when the letter arrives
George Wimpey re development scheme and drainage issues re the former NYCC Norby Depot enclosing a plan of the proposed drainage from the site of the former Norby Depot prior to housing development taking place on the site. The Clerk advised that she had met with the Drainage Engineer from Wimpey who had explained that they are proposing to install large drains with valves which will store the water on site and release it gradually. There should therefore be less run off from the site that there is at present. Cllr Roberts queried whether they had considered using soakaways. Cllr Morton felt it would be better to take the pipework straight across the road rather than running it along the road as this will cause traffic hold-ups whilst the work is taking place. Cllr Adamson pointed out the reason for doing it there is because upstream the water is slow flowing and not very deep whereas running it to where they suggest will allow the surface water to dissipate quicker. He also said that if the site is clay then soakaways will not work. Agreed that there was no objection in principle to the proposed drainage, but the comment to be made that we would like to see traffic disruption kept to a minimum and access to all properties retained whilst the work is taking place. The question of whether there is a quicker way of doing this, eg taking the pipework straight across the road, to be asked.
Offer from Yorkshire Water for an item(s) as a contribution following the work in the Market Place
Cllr Marshall had left a message suggesting an item for the Sensory Garden at the Salem Chapel site and Cllr Hesmondhalgh said such an item could be a statue, a water feature or lighting. Cllr Mallett suggested plaques in Braille in the Sensory Garden. Cllr Watson suggested nameplates for some or all of the alleyways. Agreed that these suggestions be put to Yorkshire Water, with the nameplates for the alleyways being our preferred option.
Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Items
This had been sent to Councillors and the various updates were noted. Cllr Hesmondhalgh advised that there is barbed wire on the fence of a property alongside the Millennium Green footpath; Peter Penny to be contacted. The broken bollard on the corner of Pinfold Place was mentioned; agreed that Malcolm Burnett be asked to cut it off and take away.
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Reports
Carrs Field - Cllr Roberts had nothing to report.
Central Areas - Cllr Watson was disappointed that it had been necessary for her to cancel the meeting on 5th June because none of the Committee Members was available; she would be obliged if they could attend the meeting on 24th July. Cllr Watson had had a meeting with Chris Amy re Mill Gardens and has asked that he allocate a certain number of hours a week to working in Mill Gardens. He is going to trim some of the shrubs and the ivy.
Christmas Festivities - Cllr Adamson said that in the next month or so he will be ordering the lights to double the number of lights on the Christmas tree. Cllr Mallett advised that he had attended the Thirsk Business Association meeting and they were talking about Christmas. He had advised them that they will need to contact the Town Council about their intentions for the Christmas Fair.
Greens and Ingramgate - Cllr Pack advised that the beds on the White Mare Roundabout have been planted up today. The centre of it is still to be done and this will be cleared by Monday. The planters on Long Street should be painted next week. Cllr Adamson advised that the pebbles from The Green are still on the roadway. Another load of gravel to fill in holes on The Green was ordered some considerable time ago; to be chased up, but this will not solve the problem of the stones going onto the roadway. Cllr Mallett suggested we look at putting a “hump” at the edge of The Green to contain the pebbles; the Greens Committee to look at this. The tree outside the “Lord Nelson” is to be trimmed.
Millennium Green - Cllr Hesmondhalgh reported that this is in a good state. The trees are still in the ditch.
Open Areas - In Cllr Marshall’s absence Cllr Hesmondhalgh advised that a meeting has been held. There had been a lot of damage at the East Thirsk Play Area over the last Bank Holiday. It had been agreed to remove the seesaw and the springer and to put Wetpour under the swings and slide. Fencing is to be erected in the position the police require. Cllr Hesmondhalgh said they are going to get a consultant to plan out the play area properly and then it will be possible to apply for grants. Affording access to the new Children’s Centre at the school was discussed.
Cllr Mallett reported that he had been to a meeting re play strategy run by a company that has been asked by HDC to put a play strategy together. Further details are to be sent to us and they are happy to help us prepare plans; they said the more original the scheme the more possibility there is of grant aid. One of the speakers at the meeting had said she would not recommend Wetpour on play areas.
Town Development Working Party - The Clerk advised that, at her request, Bikers have drawn up a scheme for Porters Vaults and provided a quote. We are not able to proceed with this at present as we do not have sufficient funds. An application had been made to the HDC Community Grants Scheme and an offer of £5K towards the cost of resurfacing Porters Vaults had been received. Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Mallett that we accept
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this offer. Cllr Adamson said it is a good time to apply to the NYCC Hambleton Area Committee for funding.
Other Items of Interest and Information
Cllr Mallett pointed out that in June edition of the County Council’s publication, “North Yorkshire Times” they are advertising meetings in the Thirsk and Sowerby Village Hall. A letter to be sent to them asking them to ensure the information they publish is correct.
Cllr Mallett advised that a young man from Thirsk is serving with the army in Iraq for the second time; it was felt that this was very commendable. Cllr Morton mentioned that Upstairs Downstairs have been sending items out to the regiment there.
Cllr Morton advised that Portable Appliance Testing has been carried out on the electrical items in the Town Council Office and these were all found to be satisfactory.
Thirsk in Bloom
Cllr Pack advised that Thirsk in Bloom are replanting the planters in the town.
The meeting closed at 8.45 p.m.
Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 18th June 2007 at 7:15pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
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Present:
Cllrs C. Pack (in the Chair), D. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, J. Jackson, R. Mallett, J. Marshall, F. Roberts, A. Robinson, County Cllr G. Dadd, PC Duncan Pears and the Clerk
Apologies:
A. Morton (ill), B. Ogleby (another commitment), J. Watson (away); accepted
Minutes of the Meeting held on 7th June 2007
Proposed approved Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Roberts; agreed.
Police Report
PC Pears advised that the crime trend over the last three weeks is house burglaries, probably carried out by opportunists. He stressed that crime prevention, such as ensuring doors and windows are locked, taking valuables, keys etc upstairs at night, is vital. Cllr Hesmondhalgh asked whether the results of the speed matrix on St. James’ Green are available and PC Pears said this is to be done again. Cllr Marshall reminded PC Pears that the Town Council had asked for speed checks to be carried out on Stockton Road, Long Street and Norby and PC Pears confirmed that he had asked for such checks – he will speak to the Traffic Sergeant. Referring to our request for a public meeting Cllr Marshall advised that when we had the meeting with ACC Collins she had asked for a town centre problem solving group to be set up. This has now been established and has held its first meeting. Inspector Sanderson had said that a public meeting would not be held until the town centre group had had the opportunity to try and tackle matters. Cllr Watson has set up a problem solving group for Mill Gardens. Cllr Marshall advised that following Sgt Franks transfer to the response team, Sgt Frances Hannon is to be responsible for the neighbourhood policing team. Referring to the application for an on street drinking ban, PC Pears advised that the papers have been submitted to HDC and a reply is awaited. A public meeting may be held after the problem solving group has had an opportunity to tackle any problems.
Reports
County and District Council
Cllr Dadd referred to the Market Place improvement works which were carried out and said it is proposed to widen the entrance to the Market Place car park near Finkle Street, however, this will lose two car parking spaces, and this will go out to consultation. He advised that the buses used on various routes have low level access and Thirsk is one of the first areas of the County to have this. Referring to Cherry Garth, Cllr Dadd stressed that it will not close until suitable nearby accommodation is available. Cllr Dadd had attended an informal meeting with the Area Highways Manager and representatives of Sowerby Parish Council re Blakey Bridge. Extra signage has been ordered and it is proposed to put bollards to narrow the entrance before vehicles reach the bridge. Blakey Bridge should be open again in late June/July. Cllr Dadd advised that the roundabout on Station Road has now been moved and this is a great improvement. The Safety Audit is awaited and when this
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has been received a decision on whether a site meeting is required in respect of the second roundabout (as specified in the planning application) will be made. Cllr Dadd said that a planning application for the development on the site of the Norby depot will be submitted very shortly – a pre-submission consultation exercise has been held. Cllr Dadd said he would like to liaise with the Town Council’s Planning Committee on this. The County Council has set its budget at a 4.9% increase. Cllr Dadd advised that he is on the HDC Committee that is scrutinising Low Cost Housing. He informed the meeting that Eddy Hayward, the Area Highways Manager, is to retire shortly. Referring to the Local Government Review, Cllr Dadd said that the County Council depends a great deal on the goodwill of parish councils. Cllr Marshall referred to the Children’s Centre at East Thirsk saying that at the last Primary School Governors’ meeting it had been suggested that a road to the Children’s Centre be put around the school during the building of the Centre. The Governors were very concerned about the effect of such a road on pupils and have sent a message to the County Council saying they are not happy with this; alternatives are to be put forward.
District Council
Cllr Robinson referred to the fact that there is only one Parking Enforcement Officer in Thirsk. He has complained to HDC about this as he feels that there should be a Parking Enforcement Officer on at all times; he will follow it up. Cllr Jackson did not feel that parking on the Market Place was abused.
Cllr Adamson advised that he had attended the first meeting of the Prosperity Committee. He said there had been a planning application with which the Town Council was not happy. The Crime Prevention Officer had submitted a report based on Secure by Design. The applicant has now made the necessary amendments to the plans and this is to be dealt with by delegated powers.
Cllr Marshall said that the pavements and parking areas in the Market Place are in a poor state with loose cobbles etc – County and District Councillors to take this up. Cllr Robinson advised that he has seen some works being carried out in the Market Place. He has been told that regular inspections of the Market Place are carried out and any repairs are done.
Cllr Marshall asked whether there is any further information regarding the car park extension; the District Councillors will take this up.
Open Forum
No members of the public present.
Matters Arising from the Meeting on 21st May 2007
P021 Roundabout on Station Road; this has now been moved.
P022 Request by Ladies’ Chamber of Trade to put Christmas Lights on the toilet block; reply received from HDC agreeing to this and giving details of information they require. This will be passed to the Ladies’ Chamber of Trade.
P022 Parking between the bollards on the grassed area at Millgate; nothing further on this.
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P022 Installation of water pipe at the Cemetery; instructions have been given to the contractor to run the pipework to the tap behind the gate.
P022 List of items requiring attention by the County Council; E mail sent to the County Council and reply received advising as follows:
1) The repairs to the cobbles on the White Mare Roundabout will be carried out in the autumn; in the meantime it will be monitored and any loose cobbles collected.
2) The Road Lighting Unit has no funds available for a more “ornate” base on the White Mare Roundabout feeder pillar and if it wished to have this the Town Council would have to finance it. Agreed to ask for a drawing and estimate.
3) The junction of Westgate/Castlegate/Chapel Street will continue to be monitored and patched, but it is unlikely that funding will be available for more extensive repairs. Cllr Adamson referred to the Small Works Group which has funding for projects – he will enquire about this.
4) The cobbles on Kirkgate will be repaired in the autumn.
5) Joe Gallagher would like to meet with a representative of the Town Council to look at which bollards need to be removed on Long Street and which painted. Any to be painted will be done in the summer; Cllr Marshall to meet with him.
P023 Extension to Millgate car park; no response from HDC as yet.
P023 Local Government Review; reply received from HDC’s Press Officer advising that, due to time constraints, it was not possible to arrange meetings in all the market towns. Cllr Roberts advised that she had gone to the meeting in Stokesley which was very poorly attended. She had spoken to Cllr Arthur Barker and Peter Simpson at that meeting and had expressed the view that such a meeting should also have been held in Thirsk.
P023 Signboard on the Industrial Estate; reply received from HDC advising that they are looking at all industrial estate/business park signage and will be looking at Thirsk in the next couple of months. Cllr Roberts pointed out that the white lining on the Industrial Estate is very poor; HDC to be asked to deal with this.
P023 Carrs Field; nothing further received from Tony Jordan as yet.
P023 Greens and Ingramgate; letter to be sent to Mike Armstrong at Eccles Heddon to try and establish ownership of the strip on land along Ingramgate.
P023 Risk Assessment of the Town Council Office; PAT testing carried out and all in order. The old computer is awaiting being sent to Africa.
P023 Footpath Works; the go ahead to carry out the footpath works on The Holmes and at East Thirsk Play Area has been given to Bikers.
P024 Renewal of the Lease of the Town Council Office; reply received confirming that a new Lease at the agreed rent will be sent to us.
P024 Consultation on proposed Unitary Authorities; letter sent to Cllr Arthur Barker and reply received advising that the District Council is itself a consultee, but it has held events with various groups and has undertaken a MORI poll to gauge public opinion. Cllr Barker advises that if a meeting is organised he would be happy to attend and explain the position.
P024 Local Authorities Model Code of Conduct; this is an agenda item.
P025 YLCA Training Courses for Councillors; a place has been booked for Cllr Hesmondhalgh.
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P025 Public toilets; letter sent to HDC requesting that the toilets be kept open later in the evenings on racedays; reply awaited.
P025 Event to mark the implementation of the Interpretation Boards; letter included in Correspondence.
Finance
Accounts for Payment:
Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Adamson that the following accounts be approved for payment; agreed:
M.L. Burnett: Wall repair at the Whitelass £134.00
Removal of springer and seesaw From East Thirsk Play Area £151.90
HDC - Office rent, qtr comm. 1.6.07. (at existing rate) £660.94
CE & CM Walker – grasscutting May 07 £2,224.28
BT - Office telephone £103.24
Hawkesworth – portable appliance testing £74.28
Sally Billany – watering for Thirsk in Bloom, April/May 2007 £122.00
Playdale – repairs to play equipment at McLeans Play Area £761.17
Nigel Burn – weeding of White Mare Roundabout £40.00
C.A. Amy: Play Area Inspections (7.5.07-3.6.07) £182.80
Litter Picking (7.5.07.-3.6.07.) £205.99
Cutting back vegetation on The Holmes £10.00
HDC – Office rates, July 2007 £53.00
Inland Revenue – Tax/NI, May 2007 £502.10
Record – chains for swings on the Holmes £347.91
In addition, the salaries of the Clerk, Assistant to the Clerk and the Cemetery Groundsman will be paid in accordance with the Council’s usual policy
Paid since last meeting
Allianz Cornhill – additional premium £217.37
Income received
Heritage Lottery Fund – final grant re Interpretation Boards £12,500.00
NYCC – reimbursement for repairs to fencing £314.25
Burial Bd: Rent £485.37
Interments £614.00
Grave Purchase £232.00
Bank Interest £104.90
Monthly Balance Sheet and Budget Report for May 2007
Cllr Marshall asked that the Burial Board budgeted income be shown on the Burial Board Budget Report. She also referred to two items of income on the Town Council Budget Report which should no longer be there. Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Mallett that the Monthly Balance Sheet and Budget Report be approved, subject to the above; agreed.
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Local Authorities (Model Code of Conduct) Order 2007 No. 1159 including Para 12(2)
Proposed Cllr Robinson, seconded Cllr Roberts that the Local Authorities (Model Code of Conduct) Order 2007 No. 1159 including Para 12(2) be adopted; agreed unanimously. Cllr Adamson pointed out that it is necessary to place a piece in a local newspaper advising that we have adopted the Code; agreed that a small piece be put in one of the free papers.
Unitary Authorities
Cllr Roberts pointed out that individuals can write in about this. Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Mallett that our original comments that we would prefer a District and County Council who would work closely together should still stand; motion carried with 5 in favour and 3 abstentions.
Correspondence
Riverside Mews Residents and Owners Group with copy letter to HSBC Bank’s Head Office regarding youths congregating in the garden at the rear of the HSBC Bank in Millgate. The Riverside Mews Residents and Owners Group ask that the Town Council also write to the HSBC about this. Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Roberts that a letter be sent to the Head Office of HSBC with a copy to the branch; agreed.
TRI giving notice of a Neighbourhood Police Team meeting to be held on 27th June at 7.30 p.m. in the Carlton Miniott Parish Rooms.
Invitation from the Signs, Plaques and Interpretation Boards Working Party to the formal concluding event to be held on Monday 25th June at 1.30 p.m. in the Old Courthouse.
From Tabled Correspondence, Cllr Roberts referred to an article in the “Local Councils Update” regarding environmental offences and asked that a letter be sent to HDC asking what they are doing about this with specific reference to litter and to smoking litter in particular. Cllr Adamson advised that HDC have appointed a litter enforcement officer.
Applications for Exclusive Rights and Memorials
Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that the following applications be approved, with the proviso that in the case of Amos Joseph Price six months is allowed to elapse before the memorial is put in place; agreed.
Grave No. F4 8 Amos Joseph Price Interred 7.4.07.
Grave No. GG 7 Robert William Lumley Ashes interred in GOR 27.1.07
Grave No. V 72 John Thomas Ward Ashes interred in existing grave
16.12.06.
Application for an Additional Inscription
Grave No. G4 41 Mary Theresa Murphy Interment in existing grave
12.4.06.
Burial Board Report
Cllr Adamson advised that we are trying to get a different price for grasscutting in the Cemetery to include grass collection around the headstones. Once the water pipe is
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installed it is intended to purchase a hose-reel in order that the Cemetery Groundsman can wash grass off the headstones.
Reports
Representatives
Cllr Marshall advised she had had a meeting of the Thirsk Infants Charity and they are inviting requests for money.
Members
Cllr Jackson gave details of bag dispensers for dog waste which he had seen abroad.
Cllr Mallett advised that they also have them in Tyneside.
Cllr Hesmondhalgh advised that she had spoken to someone whose dog had fouled on South Dowber Way. HDC to be asked to put a notice near the dog bin.
Cllr Adamson advised that the money which Thirsk Clock Café received from Children in Need is to be used to fund a support worker. He said the Thirsk Clock Café is still well attended with 100 new people over the last twelve months.
Cllr Roberts advised that the “Golden Fleece” has submitted a planning application for alterations which include a glazed atrium. The “Three Tuns” have also put in plans for alterations including twelve toilets on the ground floor.
The meeting closed at 9.47 p.m.