Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Thursday 5th July 2007 at 7:30pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Page P035
Present:
Cllrs J. Watson (Chairman), D. Adamson, J. Jackson, R. Mallett, A. Morton, B. Ogleby, F. Roberts and the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllrs C. Hesmondhalgh (another commitment), J. Marshall (another commitment), C. Pack (away), A. Robinson (work commitment); accepted
Open Forum
E mail received from Sgt Frank expressing regret that no members of the Police are available to attend the meeting. Sgt Frank advises that he has now left the Thirsk team and his place has been taken by Sgt Frances Hannon. He thanked the Town Council for the help and understanding extended to him and said he will still be working locally and will retain his interest in Thirsk. Agreed that a letter be sent to Sgt Hannon congratulating her on becoming a Sgt and one to Sgt Frank thanking him for his work in Thirsk.
Minutes of the Meeting held on 18th June 2007
Proposed approved Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Mallett; agreed.
Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 7th June 2007
P026 Drain next to the bus shelter; letter sent to Clive Thornton at HDC thanking him for putting the mesh in place as a temporary measure and expressing the hope that he will continue to look for something more suitable in order to effect a permanent repair.
P027 Steads Yard; no complaints about flooding on the tarmac since Bikers carried out the repair work.
P027 Public conveniences; no reply as yet to the letter sent to Arthur Barker regarding the cleanliness of the toilets. HDC have agreed to keep the toilets open until 9.00 p.m. on racedays.
P027 Painting mileposts and roundel on Castle Garth; quotes still being obtained.
P027 Millennium Green; Playdale came to look at the play equipment which has been vandalised and advised that the repairs would be nearly as costly as a new piece of equipment. They have supplied a quote for a replacement and this has been passed to the Open Areas Committee.
P027 Licence for tree planting on Long Street; signed by the Chairman.
P027 Advertising signage on the McCarthy and Stone development; awaiting response from HDC’s planning department.
P027 Smiths of Derby re annual service agreement; still to be considered.
P027 Thirsk Skaters Steering Group; now coming to the meeting on 2nd August.
P027 Rubbish on the Industrial Estate; letter sent to Peter Simpson at HDC and reply received from Mike Kneebone advising that he will look at the area in question and carry out any necessary rectification works. It was pointed out that some of the rubbish comes from Todds which appears to be being used as a waste transfer station; agreed that HDC be asked whether this is the case and, if so, whether change of use was granted and whether an environmental assessment was carried out.
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P027 Himalayan Balsam on The Holmes; this has now been removed by the Thirsk Woodlands Group. The Environment Agency rang to say they would like to spray the
Japanese Knotweed near the river. Checked with Mike I’Anson who advised that it would be a good idea to do this therefore go-ahead given.
P028 Request by Sessay Parish Council to have a duck race in September 2007. Checked with John Bell and he has no objections. The Clerk of Sessay Parish Council is finding out whether this is a fund raising event and will come back to us.
P028 Request to have a skip on St. James’ Green from 11th to 15th June; letter sent agreeing to this.
P028 Grass verge at 1 Byland Avenue; the letter had been received and was from the resident who has always cut the grass on the corner of Byland Avenue. However, he is no longer able to do it. It is already on the Town Council’s schedule and Mr Walker has been asked to ensure that it is cut in future. The resident in question has been advised of this.
P028 Development scheme and drainage issues re the former NYCC Norby Depot; letter sent to George Wimpey putting forward the Town Council’s views and reply received advising that there will be an element of disruption on the affected length of the Northallerton Road. However, the drainage route will be designed to be as far away from the main route of the carriageway as possible. A traffic management system will be put in place to maintain access to all properties. The reason for running the sewer along the highway rather than the grass verge is to avoid any damage to the tree opposite 154 Norby. However, they could move the sewer to there if preferred. It was agreed that we would prefer their suggested route along the highway. They have investigated the possibility of having soakaways, but because of the presence of clay this is not possible.
P028 Offer from Yorkshire Water for an item as a contribution following the work in the Market Place; E mail sent giving suggestions and reply received advising that they will let us have their views by tomorrow night.
P028 Barbed wire on fence of a property alongside the Millennium Green footpath; reported to Peter Penny at NYCC.
P028 Broken bollard on the corner of Pinfold Place; no action taken as Cllr Mallett had advised that this area is to be redeveloped. Agreed not to take any action at this stage.
P029 Christmas Lights; another set of lights has been ordered for the Christmas tree and Lite have agreed to give us the same discount as last year. They have come back to say that rather than a 600 pealight string which we ordered they now come in strings of 100 lights. The Clerk is checking with Wired; agreed that provided Wired are happy these will be satisfactory then we will go ahead and order them.
P029 Greens and Ingramgate; Dean Landscapes have been reminded about filling in the holes on the tracks around the Green with gravel.
P029 Resurfacing of Porters Vaults; HDC Community Grant Offer accepted.
P030 Advert in “North Yorkshire Times” re meetings in “Thirsk and Sowerby Village Hall”; letter sent asking them to ensure their facts are correct.
Correspondence
HDC giving details of a new Carbon Reduction Grant Scheme which has recently been launched and which will run to the end of March 2008. Agreed that this be copied to Mike I’Anson.
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NYCC; temporary closure of Finkle Street from 10th-12th July for work to the water services.
A telephone call had been received from the owners of 13 St. James’ Green advising that they have a skip today, but this will be removed by tomorrow morning.
NYCC advising that included in their contribution to the Town Council for grasscutting is the area near the Industrial Estate. Agreed that we are not able to do this as it is out of the parish and suggest they contact Bagby Parish Council.
Enquiry from the “Darlington and Stockton Times” who are doing a feature on the anniversary of the Thirsk CCA. They wish to know whether the Town Council would like to put a notice in saying they support the Thirsk CCA; it is understood the cost of this would be £50. Agreed not to proceed with this.
Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Items
This had been updated and circulated to Councillors. The following items in particular were noted:
Silt under Millgate Bridge; E mail received from NYCC advising that there are repair works programmed for the bridge around September 2007 and as part of this work they will clear the silt. However, they make the point that although they are doing it on this occasion it should not set a precedent.
Extension to Millgate car park; Cllr Adamson advised that this is programmed for September/October this year.
Reports
Carrs Field - Nothing to report.
Central Areas - Cllr Watson advised that it had been suggested that trees be planted along the river bank which would encourage the flow of the water and thus prevent it silting up and would also hold back the banking. She is to speak to Mike I’Anson to see if he has any suggestions. Agreed that a letter also be sent to HDC and to the Environment Agency asking if they have any ideas. Cllr Adamson suggested that whilst the County Council are carrying out works to the bridge they should wire mesh the banking. Agreed that a letter be sent to the County Council saying we understand some work is to be done to the bridge and asking for details and for the timescale for clearing the silt. Cllr Watson reminded the Central Areas Committee members that the next meeting is on 24th July.
Christmas Festivities - The new lights had been referred to earlier in the meeting. Cllr Watson agreed to order the Christmas tree.
Greens and Ingramgate - In Cllr Pack’s absence Cllr Mallett reported that the planters on Long Street have been painted and the tree outside the “Lord Nelson” requires trimming. Cllr Ogleby pointed out that some tarmac has been put down at the entrance to St. James Green; Cllr Mallett to look at this. It was pointed out that there is considerable weed growth outside Swales Garage on Long Street; a letter to be sent to HDC.
Millennium Green - Nothing to report.
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Open Areas - In Cllr Marshall’s absence she had sent a report advising that a Children’s Centre is being built near the nursery of Thirsk Community Primary School and in order to do this access is required. To go right round the school (as had been suggested) would be dangerous and it is therefore suggested that the contractors go through the licenced area of the East Thirsk Play Area, ie through the gate from Hambleton Place and then through the gate into the School grounds. Cllr Marshall advises that if the Town Council is in agreement with this suggestion then we would need to write to HDC and NYCC accordingly; that we would need to advise Broadacres only to install their new fencing up to the gap which would be used to access the play area during the construction works and that we ask Bikers to hold off doing the path across the play area until after the scheme is finished (March 2008). Proposed Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Mallett that we agree to the suggestions put forward and that the letter to HDC includes a request for compensation; agreed.
Cllr Marshall had also supplied a report advising that the Open Areas Committee has met and has also had a walk round. Various items which require attention were identified and these are being dealt with. Cllr Marshall referred in particular to the Centenary Field which has a broken gate and there is a gap to the “horse field”. Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Mallett that this rectification work be carried out. Cllr Marshall also referred to the fencing at Castle Garth where there is a gap in the fencing and the old fencing and posts need removing. Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Adamson that this work be carried out.
Town Development Working Party - In Cllr Hesmondhalgh’s absence there was no report.
Other Items of Interest and Information
Cllr Mallett referred to various shops in the town where the owners are parking on the pavement outside the shops. Agreed that a letter be sent to the police about this. Cllr Ogleby said that vehicles also park on the pavements in St. Mary’s Walk and Cllr Morton said this happens on quite a few residential areas in the town; agreed that this also be reported to the police. Also agreed that a letter be sent to HDC pointing out that this is happening because there is not enough provision for parking on new developments.
Cllr Morton reported that some of the wooden fencing from the white bridge to The Marage is broken; Malcolm Burnett has been asked to repair this.
Cllr Adamson reported that some of the fencing on the Green near the “Lord Nelson” has been knocked down; Chris Amy to be asked to repair it.
Cllr Watson advised that she had attended her first official engagement as Mayor – this was the march past and the service for the Korean Veterans at St. Mary’s Church followed by refreshments at the British Legion on 1st July.
The meeting closed at 8.45 p.m.
Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 16th July 2007 at 7:15pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
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Present:
Cllrs J. Watson (Chairman), D. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, J. Jackson, J. Marshall, A. Morton, C. Pack, F. Roberts, A. Robinson, County and District Cllr G. Dadd, M. Brown (Hambleton and Richmondshire Furniture Store), Sgt F. Hannon (North Yorkshire Police), I. Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”), 2 members of the public and the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllrs R. Mallett (ill), B. Ogleby (work commitments)
Mike Brown of the Hambleton and Richmondshire Furniture Store
Mr Brown advised that the Furniture Store collects furniture from Hambleton and Richmondshire and re-uses it for people in need who require low cost furniture. The Furniture Store started 18 years ago and since 2005 it has been project funded by the Big Lottery. This has enabled them to expand and to have a unit at Northallerton, a van and three part-time staff. Approximately one-third of the Furniture Store’s income is derived from furniture sales. Mr Brown advised that, although they are based in Northallerton, they also get requests for furniture from people in the Thirsk area. Cllr Marshall enquired how they publicise the service and Mr Brown replied that a lot are referrals from housing associations and social services as well as word of mouth. They also put out some publicity. Cllr Morton asked whether they carry out repairs to furniture they take in and Mr Brown advised that they do some repairs but not a great deal. Mr Brown had circulated Councillors with the Furniture Store’s accounts; Cllr Jackson pointed out that costs exceed income and Mr Brown said he felt it probably takes five years to get to a level of being financially self supporting. The store is currently open 2 mornings per week, but they are looking for volunteers to man it at other times.
The Chairman thanked Mr Brown for attending the meeting and explaining about the Furniture Store.
Minutes of the Meeting held on 5th July 2007
Proposed approved Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Morton; agreed.
Police Report
Sgt Hannon referred to the problems regarding parking on pavements which were referred to in the minutes of the previous meeting and said she will ask the PCSOs to look out for this.
Cllr Hesmondhalgh mentioned the speed matrix which was on St. James Green; Sgt Hannon to find out the results of this.
Cllr Jackson referred to a suspect door to door salesman he had reported to the police the previous week and Sgt Hannon said this will be passed to Trading Standards.
Cllr Marshall said that more graffiti/damage has occurred to the Interpretation Boards on Castle Garth and pointed out that at the problem solving group for that area it had been promised that extra patrols would be carried out; Sgt Hannon confirmed that this is the case.
Cllr Morton advised that some lead piping was removed from St. Mary’s Church last week and some of the floodlights were damaged; Sgt Hannon said she will ask the PCSO to monitor this area.
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Reports
County Council
Cllr Dadd referred to the planning application for the Three Tuns Hotel saying he had visited the nearby residents and has asked for a site meeting. He will be attending the Development Control meeting. He has also asked the police to do a safety report on it. Referring to the Local Development Framework Preferred Options, Cllr Dadd advised that these will be out for consultation in October. Cllr Dadd advised that the County Council meets on Wednesday and there is a motion being put forward asking for more funding from the Environment Agency and Defra for Ripon following the recent flooding. Cllr Dadd said he will be asking for an amendment for this to cover the whole of North Yorkshire and will mention in particular the flooding in Thirsk. Cllr Marshall referred to an article in the “York Evening Press” which said that Cllr Dadd had referred to problems with leaseholds of certain properties on Long Street and pointed out that the problem is with the ownership of certain properties not leaseholds. Cllr Dadd said he had not referred to leasehold properties. He wished it to be noted that he had not issued a press release, but he had been contacted by the press.
Cllr Adamson reported that the District Council had held its main meeting last week. Hambleton are to lead on a play strategy in order to access monies from the Big Lottery Fund. This is going to Cabinet tomorrow and Cllr Marshall has submitted an interest statement. Cllr Adamson pointed out that the dog waste bin at the bottom of Hambleton has been moved to the other side of the road away from the seat. Referring to the LDF, Cllr Adamson said that the bottom half of the 7 acres will remain as recreational land as will the part between South Dowber Lane and the bypass. The Rybeck site is designated for development and Cllr Adamson has asked that that Rybeck 1 be done first, then Stoneybrough Farm and then the top half of Rybeck. Cllr Watson asked whether the services will be taken into account when housing allocations are made and Cllr Marshall pointed out that HDC had asked for more houses than were required by via the Regional Strategy. The Core Strategy recommended that 51% of the district total be split between Thirsk and Northallerton, but because of the sites which have been identified these will equate to 56% of the district total. Cllr Robinson pointed out that this equates to 567 houses being built over 7 years and said there is a desperate shortage of rented accommodation. Cllr Jackson pointed out that some years ago we were at 100% capacity for sewerage. Cllr Marshall mentioned that some of the pavements in the Market Place are getting quite dangerous and asked whether there was an answer to her previous query re the cobbles; Cllr Adamson said he had looked into this and will forward Cllr Marshall a copy of an E mail he had sent to the Clerk.
Open Forum
Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Pack that Standing Orders be suspended; agreed.
Mrs Amanda Pagrum advised that she lives at the rear of the Three Tuns Hotel and is extremely concerned at the planning application which has been submitted for alterations there. She is worried at the impact this will have on their small community and on the town as a whole. She pointed out that the existing cellar is to be moved to the stable block and she is concerned that there will be noise from this. She feels the
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alterations are not sympathetic and that the new ownership will impact adversely on other public houses in the town. She mentioned particularly the courtyard at the rear which it is proposed to roof over with the air conditioning equipment above. Cllr Dadd asked that the Town Council’s views on this planning application be sent to him. Cllr Roberts pointed out that the Planning Committee had made a decision on this application and that the Town Council’s Planning Committee is fully autonomous with delegated powers.
Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that Standing Orders be reinstated; agreed.
Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 18th June 2007
P031 Request for speed checks; Cllr Marshall advised that she had spoken to PC Pears about the speed checks we requested. He had advised that the traffic police can only carry out checks on vehicles exiting from Stockton Road. Agreed that we write again about this.
P032 Building of the Children’s Centre; letters sent to HDC and NYCC giving consent to access the site via the East Thirsk Play Area; to be reported on at the Thursday Town Council meeting. Cllr Marshall advised that a revised plan for the Children’s Centre is to be sent in by NYCC.
P032 Request to put Christmas lights on the toilet block; letter from HDC passed to the Ladies’ Chamber of Trade.
P032 Parking between the bollards on the grassed area at Millgate; nothing further on this.
P033 Installation of water pipe at the Cemetery; now completed and connected up.
P033 Lighting unit on the White Mare Roundabout; estimate and drawing received; to be dealt with at the Thursday Town Council meeting.
P033 Bollards on Long Street; Cllr Marshall met with Joe Gallagher of NYCC on site and agreed the removal of some bollards and painting of others.
P033 Extension to Millgate car park; no reply from HDC as yet.
P033 White lining on the Industrial Estate; ‘E’ mail sent to HDC. On the subject of the Industrial Estate, Cllr Adamson said HDC do not want the boundary to extend beyond the bypass.
P033 Carrs Field; nothing further received from Tony Jordan as yet; reminder to be sent.
P033 Footpath Works; Bikers have been asked not to do the footpath at East Thirsk until the building of the Children’s Centre at East Thirsk Primary School has been completed. They anticipate doing the work on The Holmes very soon.
P033 Renewal of the Lease of the Town Council Office; agenda item.
P034 Public toilets; in response to our request HDC have agreed to keep the toilets open until 9.00 p.m. on racedays.
P034 Budget Reports; amended as requested at the last meeting.
P035 Code of Conduct; we have advised the Standards Board that the Town Council has adopted the Model Code of Conduct Order 2007 No. 1159 including Para 12(2). HDC are looking at putting a block advert in the press to cover all parishes and therefore no action on advertising it in the press has been taken as yet pending information from HDC.
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P035 Youths congregating in the garden of the HSBC Bank in Millgate; letters sent to the HSBC Head Office and to the local branch. The local branch manager advises that a padlock has now been put on the gate which seems to have solved the problem. She is also speaking to their security manager to see if there are any other security measures they can take. Cllr Watson advised that she had spoken to PC Kevin Brookes and he has offered to do a security audit if there are any further problems.
P035 Environmental offences; letter sent to HDC and reply awaited.
P035 Request for quote for cutting and collecting grass around the headstones in the Cemetery; quote awaited from Mr Walker.
P036 Dog fouling on South Dowber Way; the Dog Warden has been asked if he can put a sign up there.
P036 Planning application for the Three Tuns Hotel; agenda item. A site meeting is to be held on Monday 23rd July at 9.30 a.m.
Finance
Accounts for payment
Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Adamson that the following accounts be approved for payment:
CE & CM Walker – grasscutting, 13.6.07. and 28.6.07. £1,482.85
Staples – stationery £39.82
Thirsk and Sowerby Town Hall – room hire April/May/June 07 £131.25
Thirsk Hall Estates – Rents and Wayleaves £5.00
Rural Arts – hire of venue and refreshments for concluding event
Of Interpretation Boards £100.00
Hollin Barn Nurseries – planting White Mare Roundabout £159.60
planting for Thirsk in Bloom £1,866.86
C.A. Amy: Play Area Inspection (4.6.07.-1.7.07) £222.80
Litter Picking (4.6.07.-1.7.07) £235.00
Little Green – weeding shrubbery £20.00
Hedge trimming – Johnson Close £35.00
White Mare shrubbery – weeding/planting £30.00
Whitelass Ings – removing fallen tree £40.00
YRCC Subscription 2007/08 £35.00
HDC – Rates for Office £53.00
J. Marshall – Mayor’s Allowance (2nd half of 2006/07) £250.00
Inland Revenue – Tax/NI, June 2007 £502.17
E.B.B. Jackson – installing and connecting water pipe in the Cemetery £763.75
Fox’s Trophies and Engraving – sign for Centenary Field £21.15
Membership of the Milestone Society £15.00
In addition, the salaries of the Clerk, the Assistant to the Clerk and the Cemetery Groundsman will be paid in accordance with the Town Council’s normal policy
Paid Since last meeting
Hull City Council – attendance at Yorkshire Day (Mayor and Clerk) £35.00
BT Internet Services £77.51
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Income received
Bank Interest £1,419.11
Burial Board: Rent £426.62
Interments £324.00
Grave Purchase £116.00
Memorials £135.00
Monthly Balance Sheet and Budget Report for June 2007
Cllr Marshall requested that the grasscutting payments be split between the Main Budget and the Burial Board Budget. Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Pack that the balance sheet and budget report be approved.
Town Council’s Standing Orders
Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Pack that these be approved. It was noted that this included an amendment referring to the new Code of Conduct (a copy of which is attached to the Standing Orders.
Town Council’s Risk Assessment
Proposed Cllr Morton, seconded Cllr Jackson that this be approved.
Annual Return 2006/07
Statement of Accounts: Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Roberts that this be approved.
Annual Governance Statement: This was completed at the meeting; proposed Cllr Morton, seconded Cllr Adamson that it be approved.
Annual Review of the Effectiveness of the Internal Audit; this was completed at the meeting after Cllr Marshall had explained items to Councillors; proposed Cllr Hesmonhalgh, seconded Cllr Robinson that it be approved. The review form referred to an internal audit plan and it was agreed to ask the auditors for a copy of this plan for our audit. Agreed that a letter be sent to the external auditors expressing our concern at this form and pointing out that when the new Accounts and Audit Regulations came into force it was supposed to make the audit procedure simpler.
Planning Application for Alterations and Extensions to the Three Tuns Hotel
Cllr Roberts advised that an amendment had been considered at the Planning Meeting earlier this evening which was simply to remove the request to have live music. She said that Weatherspoons have submitted a design statement which recognises the need for alterations to be in keeping with Thirsk as a conservation town. Cllr Pack pointed out that there have been concerns from neighbouring residents and she felt the plans should have come to the Town Council. Cllr Marshall pointed out that the Planning Committee has delegated authority to deal with all planning applications and only substantial ones should come to the Town Council; Cllr Roberts did not feel this was a substantial application. Cllr Adamson pointed out that Standing Orders do not allow a decision to be changed within 6 months unless 6 members request it in writing; this had not been done in this case.
Correspondence
North Yorkshire and York NHS re proposed changes to pharmacy opening arrangements in the Thirsk area. Cllr Marshall explained that this is a proposal that
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has gone through very quickly and the Town Council was not consulted on it. The proposal is to cut late pharmacy services to 5.30pm-6.00pm and withdraw the Sunday and public holiday arrangements. Agreed that a letter be sent pointing out that as representatives of the community we should have been consulted on it; that the over Fifties Forum were not the appropriate people to contact as it is anticipated that the people who will be affected by the evening closure will be working people and saying we are totally opposed to any diminution in the service.
St. Mary’s Church request for financial help with the servicing of the Church Clock; it was pointed out that the chimes are actually the war memorial. Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Jackson that we pay for the normal maintenance of the Church Clock, but not any major repairs that may be required; agreed. The Church has paid for five years;’ maintenance in advance, but as this is not included in our budget it was agreed to pay them one-fifth of this amount annually.
Thirsk Community Woodlands Group – Invitation to Open Day at Pearsons Wood on Saturday 21st July, 1.00 p.m.- 4.00 p.m.
Thirsk Regeneration Initiative; notice of next Safe Meeting to be held on 26th September at Knayton Village Hall. A Steering Group meeting to be held on 17th October at Thirsk Town Hall and a representative is invited; Cllr Watson to attend.
Lease of the Town Council Office
A renewal lease had been received from HDC for a term of five years from 31st May 2007 at the rent as agreed; proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Morton that the lease be signed; agreed.
Applications for Exclusive Rights and Memorials
No applications received.
Burial Board Report
Cllr Adamson advised that a Burial Board meeting had been held recently. The water pressure to the new tap at the top of the Cemetery is very low. Cllr Marshall advised that she had looked at the seats in the Cemetery shed and Malcolm Burnett has been asked to remove the one that is in good condition and site it in a position which has been decided upon on The Holmes. The other seat which is in a poor condition can be disposed of.
Burial Board Fees
A copy of the proposed fees has been circulated to Councillors; these represent an increase of 5% across the board. Cllr Marshall asked whether comparable evidence had been obtained and Cllr Adamson said this had been done some years ago. Cllr Marshall said we should be aware that the council taxpayers have to contribute towards the cost of the upkeep of the Cemetery and that the Council should ensure this is reasonable. She felt therefore that it is necessary to compare our fees with those of other comparable authorities. Cllr Adamson said it is intended to increase the fees from 1st April in future. Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Jackson that the proposed fees be approved; agreed.
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Reports
Representatives - No reports received.
Members
Cllr Roberts advised that there are often several bikes laid on the pavement in front of the Thirsk Clock Café; Cllr Adamson to speak to them about this.
Cllr Roberts reported that there are loose cobbles on the lamp base near the bull ring in the Market Place..
Cllr Marshall reported that the TRI will be receiving a report on the Thirsk Festival. The Gala Day was postponed due to a severe weather warning and this is being re-programmed for August.
Cllr Marshall advised that the concluding meeting re the Thirsk EngAGE project had been held and a report will be issued. Not enough feedback has been received as yet – people who had attended events had enjoyed them although some people were precluded from going to some events as they were held during the day when they were working. The organisers thanked the Town Council for its contribution.
Cllr Marshall reported that the footpath from Gillings Court to Kirkgate is in a poor condition; to be reported to NYCC.
Cllr Robinson advised Cllr Pack (as the representative of Thirsk in Bloom) that he had received complaints about the plant outside the Mind Shop growing over the pavement; she will look into this.
Cllr Jackson pointed out that there is subsidence in the road on Station Road at the entrance to the new development; to be reported to NYCC.
Cllr Watson referred to the weeds in the cobbles in the Market Place; to be reported to HDC.
Cllr Watson advised that, as Mayor, she had presented the trophies at the swimming pool. South Kilvington School won the “little school” category and Sessay School the “big school”.
Proposed Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that the public and press be excluded for a confidential item of a commercial nature; agreed.
Proposed resurfacing of Porters Vaults
(Cllrs Adamson and Hesmondhalgh declared interests)
HDC had done the drawings of the schemes for the other alleyways, but not for Porters Vaults. Bikers were asked about this and they have provided a drawing and quote for resurfacing works to Porters Vaults. It was felt that this was an extension of the existing alleyways project and it was proposed by Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Jackson that the quote be accepted. This was put to the vote and the motion was carried with six in favour and one against.
The meeting closed at 9.30 p.m.