Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Thursday 2nd August 2007 at 7:30pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Page P048
Present:
Cllrs J. Watson (Chairman), D.E. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, J. Jackson, J. Marshall, C. Pack, F. Roberts, I. Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”), Mr L. Monaghan, Matthew Edwards, Nathan Jones, Paul Reynard (Thirsk 8 Skaters Steering Group) and the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllrs R. Mallett (ill), B. Ogleby (business commitment); accepted
Presentation by Thirsk 8 (Thirsk Skaters Steering Group)
Mr Monaghan showed a DVD which had been produced by the Thirsk Skaters Steering Group. He also circulated a Proposal detailing three sites they would like to be considered for a skateboard park, together with costings. Reference had been made to the skate ramp which had been on Carrs Field and Cllr Roberts pointed out that this ramp had been put up by the Carrs Field Trust and not the Town Council. Cllr Roberts also said that the possibility of having mobile skateboarding equipment had been looked at with the possibility of using one of the garages at the school for storage of this equipment; it was felt the equipment could then be used by both that school and others in the area. However, this had not progressed further when the Outreach Worker’s post ceased to exist. Cllr Jackson congratulated the Skaters Steering Group on the video and the work they have done. Cllr Marshall advised that the Town Council has always supported the idea of a skate park and has in previous years put money in the budget towards this. The possibility of obtaining Section 106 monies from new developments was mentioned. Cllr Marshall referred to a meeting which is to be held in October when Officers of HDC will be talking about Section 106 monies and said it may be a good idea for someone from the Skaters Steering Group to go to that meeting. Cllr Watson thanked the Skaters Steering Group for coming to the meeting and giving their presentation.
Open Forum
No members of the public or police present. Report received from Sgt Frances Hannon giving her apologies and advising that she has provided Cllr Watson with some photographs of Castle Garth taken from the CCTV. She advises that there have been no recent problems with Castle Garth and youths have only been removed from there once in the last month. Sgt Hannon also gave the results of the speed matrix which was on Stammergate in April; according to this there were no vehicles travelling in excess of the speed limit. The matrix is to be sited around Thirsk for seven days during August. During the school holidays an operation has been set up in Thirsk and retailers will not be selling alcohol to anyone under 21. Tyne Tees news is coming to Thirsk to speak to the police and retailers to see how the scheme is working.
A report had also been received from Inspector Sanderson regarding the Market Place problem solving group which had been set up. Inspector Sanderson expressed her disappointment at the lack of support saying that at the second and third meetings the only attendees were the police, Cllr Watson and Abigail McGhee. Cllr Marshall pointed out that she had asked for the problem solving group to be set up following
Page P049
the meeting with Assistant Chief Constable Collins. Cllr Watson advised that she had attended the meeting on Monday and only three people had attended although all the members of the problem solving group had been advised of it. At that meeting it had been decided to disband the Market Place problem solving group as there are other such groups in other parts of the town. Agreed that a reply be sent to Inspector Sanderson pointing out that there are other parties involved as well as the Town Council. Cllr Adamson suggested that the on street drinking ban be given 12 months to take effect and then see if there are still problems.
Minutes of the Meeting held on 16th July 2007
Proposed approved Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Pack; agreed.
Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 5th July 2007
P037 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.
P037 Public conveniences; no reply as yet from Arthur Barker at HDC; reminder to be sent.
P037 Painting mileposts and roundel on Castle Garth; Cllr Marshall advised that three quotes have been obtained and these are to be considered by the Open Areas Committee.
P037 Millennium Green; the quote for a replacement piece of play equipment has been passed to the Millennium Green Trustees.
P037 Licence for tree planting on Long Street; the Licence has now been finalised and Chris Amy has been asked to plant a pink flowering hawthorn tree.
P037 Advertising signage on the McCarthy and Stone development; no reply as yet from the Planning Department, but retrospective plans for this have now been submitted.
P037 Smiths of Derby re servicing of Town Clock; payment figures and savings for the various options have been obtained; Cllr Watson to look at this and discuss with the Central Areas Committee.
P037 Rubbish on the Industrial Estate; letter sent to Mike Kneebone at HDC enquiring as to whether Todds is being used as a waste transfer station and, if so, whether the necessary consents and environmental reports have been obtained.
P038 Request by Sessay Parish Council to have a duck race on Cod Beck in September 2007; letter sent confirming an earlier telephone conversation in which we advised that we had no objections to this and requesting details of whether it is a fund raiser.
P038 Development scheme and drainage issues re the former NYCC Norby Depot; letter sent to George Wimpey advising that we would prefer the drain follows their original suggested route. Cllr Marshall said that the comments submitted by the Town Council referred to the effect on the road/traffic and not the land and pointed out that the intended route of the drain goes over the Mill Race. This would need to be reinstated, as would the path near the sluice gate should this be disturbed. Also the picnic tables and play equipment will need to be reinstated if they are affected. Cllr Marshall said she would be willing to meet them on site and Cllr Watson felt an invitation to such a site meeting should also be extended to the members of the Town
Page P050
Council’s Planning Committee. Cllr Marshall said we would also like the Environment Agency’s view on where the outfall is to be going into Cod Beck.
P038 Offer from Yorkshire Water for an item as a contribution following the work in the Market Place; £500 has now been received from Yorkshire Water. They would like to know in due course what it has been used for.
P038 Barbed wire on fence of a property alongside the Millennium Green footpath; now removed.
P038 Christmas Lights; Wired were happy with the proposed lights and these were therefore ordered and have now been received. Wired have been asked to check they are correct for our purpose.
P038 Advertisement in the “North Yorkshire Times” re meetings in “Thirsk and Sowerby Village Hall”; telephone call received apologising for this error.
P038 HDC’s Carbon Reduction Grant Scheme; M. I’Anson already had such a letter.
P039 Grasscutting; E mail sent to NYCC advising that we are not able to cut the grass near the Industrial Estate as it is not in Thirsk Parish and suggesting they contact Bagby Parish Council.
P039 Anniversary of the Thirsk CCA; “Darlington and Stockton Times” advised that we do not wish to put a notice in the paper.
P039 Millgate Bridge; letters sent to HDC and to the Environment Agency asking if they have any suggestions re planting trees to encourage the flow of water and prevent the river silting up. E mail sent to the County Council asking for details of the work which it is proposed to carry out to the bridge and the timescale for removing the silt; reply received from Nigel Smith advising that his colleague will let us have details of the proposed work and saying that the silt will be removed whilst the work is taking place, ie September-December 2007.
P039 Christmas Festivities; Christmas tree on order – to be delivered on 16th November.
P039 Greens and Ingramgate; Chris Amy has been asked to prune the tree outside the “Lord Nelson”. The weed growth outside Swales Garage has been reported to HDC and an acknowledgement has been received.
P040 Children’s Centre; letter sent to HDC giving consent for the contractors constructing the Children’s Centre to access the site via the East Thirsk Play Area, also including a request for compensation. Letter also sent to NYCC. Cllr Marshall has spoken to Broadacres regarding the fencing.
P040 Broken gate in the Centenary Field; Chris Amy has been asked to deal with this.
P040 Castle Garth; Brian Noble Fencing have been asked to remove the old fencing and posts near Tesco’s filling station and to erect a new fence further back. Brian Noble’s have a query concerning the position of this new fence and a site meeting to look at this is to be held tomorrow.
P040 Parking on pavements; E mail sent to the police regarding pavement parking in residential areas of the town. Reply received from Inspector Sanderson advising that Sgt Hannon and the PCSOs have been asked to pay attention to these areas. Letter also sent to HDC pointing out that this has arisen as a result of the lack of parking provision on new developments.
P040 Damaged fencing on St. James’ Green; Chris Amy has been asked to deal with this.
Page P051
Correspondence
NYCC; letter advising that a scheme of major works on Millgate Bridge is to be carried out in September-December 2007. They would like to know any relevant information about the bridge and whether there are any local events during this period. It is intended to keep the road open to traffic with a temporary footbridge for pedestrians. Cllr Marshall pointed out that Mill Gardens, which is owned by the Town Council, is on the site of a former mill. It was agreed to ask that someone from the County Council should meet with representatives of the Town Council on site before the work starts.
NYCC; a quote for a more ornate lighting pillar for the White Mare Roundabout had been obtained; this was passed to the Greens and Ingramgate Committee
BTCV; letter enquiring whether we have any works we would like doing during the winter of 2007/08; no interest at present.
Revd Paul Rathbone; invitation to a meeting with the marchers on the “Cut the Carbon” march to be held on 7th August at Sowerby Methodist Church.
HDC; E mail giving details of the proposed No-Alcohol signs and the positions of the signs in Thirsk and Sowerby. It was pointed out that three such signs are proposed for Castle Garth and it was proposed by Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Marshall that we point out to HDC that this is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and query whether these signs are to be affixed to existing structures. Proposed Cllr Jackson, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that we agree with the proposed signs, but with the query about Castle Garth.
Tranmire Ditch
Cllr Marshall advised that the Ditches Working Group which was set up has done some work and has obtained information from HDC which it has passed to Eccles Heddon. Cllr Marshall asked that the Town Council agree in principle to take over the land and attendant responsibilities; proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Roberts that we do this; agreed.
Outstanding Amenity Items
The updated Schedule had been circulated to Councillors and was self explanatory.
Reports
Carrs Field - Nothing to report.
Central Areas - Cllr Watson advised that the Committee had walked round and a report had been done following this. It is intended to chase up where signage has been left up after businesses have vacated; a letter is to be sent to the County Council regarding the ‘A’ boards in the town. HDC are to be approached re drainage issues. Agreed that a letter be sent to HDC to enquire whether there are any funds available for signage in the alleyways. Cllr Roberts felt that, as NYCC had contributed to the cost of work in the alleyways they should also be asked whether they have any funding for such signage. Cllr Roberts expressed concern at the number of shops which have goods on the pavements; these are being reported to the County Council.
Page P052
Christmas Festivities - Cllr Adamson had nothing to report. Cllr Marshall advised that at the last TRI meeting the Ladies’ Chamber of Trade had said they are having difficulties fund raising for the Christmas Lights and are looking for more people to contribute to this. It is possible they may approach us in future years, although it was pointed out that the Town Council already donates towards the cost of the lights.
Greens and Ingramgate - Cllr Pack advised that her Committee has not met. She reported that the White Mare Roundabout has been cut this week and will be tidied next week. She is concerned about the chippings in the road outside the “Lord Nelson”.
Millennium Green - Cllr Hesmondhalgh advised that she had walked round and it is looking good. The logs still require moving and she understands that John Proud at HDC still wants to try and do something about people dumping trees. There is another piece of fencing which has barbed wire on it; to be reported
Open Areas - Cllr Marshall reported that a meeting had been held on 14th May at which they had gone through the minutes covering the last two years and identified items which were still outstanding. A number of matters have been attended to and Cllr Marshall said it is necessary for them to have a further meeting to look at various issues. A walk round had been held on 23rd June. Cllr Marshall expressed concern that dumping is taking place on the Whitelass. She advised that Cllr Mallett had attended a meeting with the consultants who are writing the Play Strategy for HDC and from information received at that meeting we submitted an expression of interest form for East Thirsk Play Area.
Cllr Marshall showed Members the planning application for the Children’s Centre at East Thirsk Primary School. The second plan still has no pedestrian access into the East Thirsk Play Area. Cllr Marshall advised that she is attending a site visit next Thursday to talk about the temporary and permanent access to the Play Area.
Other Items of Interest and Information
Cllr Hesmondhalgh reported that she had attended the “Joining the Council” course run by the YLCA; she said it was an excellent course which she found very interesting.
Cllr Watson advised that a Ditches Meeting is to be held next week. We have written to the Environment Agency, both at Darlington and York, asking for their views regarding the ditches. She is to propose they have a meeting with the appropriate people at the Environment Agency.
Cllr Marshall advised that she had received a letter of support from the Thirsk CCA for the Sensory Garden. We have contacted the Environment Agency and will meet with them. A site meeting is to be held with the developer who is passing the land to us to see what he is to do. Mike I’Anson is drawing up a scheme for us and Mark Haynes is trying to obtain funding.
Cllr Marshall reported that representatives of Tadcaster Town Council came to visit us and to look around the Interpretation Boards. Cllr Marshall has had another ‘E’ mail from Bill Hays regarding Hannah Packer; it is intended to put a blue plaque up commemorating her.
Page P053
Cllr Roberts expressed concern at the amount of cigarette ends in the Market Place. An ‘E’ mail has already been sent to John Proud at HDC regarding this and a reply has been received advising that they are about to launch an anti smoking litter campaign.
Cllr Roberts reported that the planning application for the alterations to “The Three Tuns” has been approved.
Cllr Watson advised that she had received a complaint about the state of the ladies’ toilets in the Market Place; to be reported to HDC.
Cllr Watson advised that the Co-op which currently houses the Post Office is closing down and the Post Office is moving into the other Coop. She was very concerned that, particularly bearing in mind all the new developments around Thirsk, we do not have a stand alone post office. Cllr Marshall said she felt it was not appropriate to move the Post Office to the other side of the Market Place where it would be much further from Gillings Court and the bus stop. Agreed that a strong letter be sent to the Post Office.
Cllr Watson reported that she and the Clerk had attended Yorkshire Day in Hull the previous day; this had been very interesting and enjoyable.
Thirsk in Bloom
Cllr Pack advised that a lot of social activities are taking place at the moment. The tubs in the town are looking very good.
Proposed Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Adamson that the public and press be excluded for a confidential matter; agreed.
Cllr Jackson clarified a matter relating to the Section 106 monies referred to earlier in the meeting.
The meeting closed at 9.28 p.m.
Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 20th August 2007 at 7:15pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Page P054
Present:
Cllrs J. Watson (Chairman), D. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, J. Jackson,J. Marshall, A. Morton, F. Roberts, A. Robinson, I Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”), 1 member of the public and the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllrs C. Pack (ill), R. Mallett (ill), B. Ogleby (work commitments); accepted. Concern was expressed that, because of his other commitments, Cllr Ogleby had found it necessary to miss several meetings; the Chairman to speak to him.
Minutes of the Meeting held on 2nd August 2007
Proposed approved Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Marshall, subject to three amendments on Page P049, one on Page P050 and one on Page P052.
Police Report
No representatives of the police present. Agreed that we should reiterate our request for Castle Garth to be regularly monitored
Reports
County Council
Cllr Dadd advised that the reason the County Council’s bid to become a Unitary Authority had failed was on the grounds of localism. He reported that the County Council are looking into the possibility of leading on flood defences throughout the County. Cllr Dadd had received an approach from local residents re the condition of the land in front of the houses on Ingramgate; a site meeting is to be held and Cllr Dadd would appreciate a representative of the Town Council coming to this. Cllr Marshall pointed out that the Town Council has for many years tried to sort this out and we have now instructed our solicitors to do searches on our behalf to try and establish ownership of the land in question. She explained that the footpath is the responsibility of the County Council, but the land between the footpath and the houses is not in the ownership of the Town Council; a member of the Greens Committee to attend the site meeting. Cllr Jackson said he would not like to think that because Thirsk did not flood when other parts of the country did our priority for flood defences may have decreased. Cllr Adamson pointed out that there is money available from Europe for flooding which the County Council can access. Cllr Marshall pointed out that as the drainage authority the District Council has powers to deal with drainage. She asked whether the County Council is doing anything about flood re-action and asked whether there is a Flood Plan; Cllr Dadd confirmed that such a Plan exists. He offered to ask that the Emergency Planning Unit come to a Town Council meeting to give a presentation. Cllr Marshall said some flooding comes from the drainage system and we are concerned that gullies are full of rubbish etc; she urged the County Council to clear these urgently. Cllr Watson mentioned particularly the drains in Finkle Street and Millgate which require clearing and asked Cllr Dadd to chase this up. Cllr Watson mentioned the traffic island on Station Road and said there is now what appears to be a dropped pavement and a slip road onto
Page P055
Station Road; Cllr Dadd to look into this. He advised that the safety audit is still awaited.
District Council
Cllr Robinson had nothing to report.
Cllr Adamson reported that he had obtained details of the cost of the Unitary Authority proceedings and this amounts to £30K; however, this does not include the time spent by the Chief Executive and his assistant. Cllr Adamson advised that some of Thirsk and Sowerby Councillors met with the Planning Officer because they are not happy with the proposal for industrial land on Station Road as they feel such an industrial allocation should be adjacent to the existing Industrial Estate. It is to go to Cabinet early next month and Cllr Adamson is to request that the industrial land allocation be put on the other side of the bypass from the Industrial Estate rather than on Station Road. Cllr Adamson reported that according to the Hambleton Community Safety Partnership crime on the Hambleton Estate to July 2007 dropped by 37.5%. It increased by 900% on the Industrial Estate (but with a very small number of crimes) and was down by 12.4% in other Thirsk areas. Cllr Marshall referred to a recent ‘E’ mail from Cllr Adamson regarding the repairs which are required to the cobbles on the Market Place and said she would like an update from HDC on this.
Cllr Dadd advised that he had also obtained figures for the cost of the Unitary proposal and it is estimated that in total the exercise cost £115K. Cllr Dadd advised that the planning application for the Three Tuns Hotel was granted and Weatherspoons are looking at addressing some of the concerns expressed by local residents.
Open Forum
Mrs Penson reiterated the Town Council’s concerns regarding the need to clear drains and gullies. She advised that water is not going down the drain near Riverside Mews and this needs clearing out; to be reported.
Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 16th July 2007
P041 Hambleton and Richmondshire Furniture Store; agenda item for later in the meeting.
P042 Play Strategy; Cllr Marshall advised that HDC has drawn up its play strategy and this is in draft. She advised that they refer to the national figures for deprivation and felt it is necessary to look at the North Yorkshire figures where Thirsk is in the top 30%. East Thirsk Play Area has been awarded £43K from the Big Lottery Fund.
P043 Request for speed checks; ‘E’ mail sent to Inspector Sanderson.
P043 Lighting unit on the White Mare Roundabout; estimate and drawing passed to Cllr Pack, the Chairman of the Greens and Ingramgate Committee.
P043 Extension to Millgate car park; no reply as yet, but Cllr Adamson had forwarded an ‘E’ mail he had received from Clive Thornton at HDC advising that it is proposed work will start in September 2007.
P043 White lining on the Industrial Estate; no reply from HDC as yet.
P043 Carrs Field; reminder sent to Tony Jordan and reply received advising that he has obtained some details and will be in touch.
Page P056
P043 Footpath works; Bikers intend to start work on The Holmes footpaths once the school summer holidays are over.
P043 Code of Conduct; letter received from HDC advising that they are to do a block advertisement to cover any Parish Councils who wish to be included. The Clerk had replied advising that we wish to be included in this.
P043 Children’s Centre; Cllr Marshall advised that a site meeting is to be held tomorrow with the County Council planners about the fence and she will be attending this; Cllr Roberts agreed to also attend.
P044 Environmental Offences; reply received from Eric Kendall at HDC advising that HDC has adopted a tough stance in relation to Environmental Crime and has appointed an Enforcement Officer who can serve fixed penalty notices for a range of environmental crimes and prosecute fly-tippers; to date there have been three successful prosecutions. Regarding smoking litter, the Enforcement Officer is to target problem areas and will serve Fixed Penalty Notices where appropriate.
P044 Request for quote for cutting and collecting grass around the headstones in the Cemetery; quote still awaited from Mr Walker.
P045 Monthly Budget Report; the Clerk advised that the grasscutting charges are now divided proportionally between the Town Council Budget and that of the Burial Board.
P045 Form re the Effectiveness of the Internal Audit; letter not sent as yet as it is to be included with the forms when they are sent back to the External Auditors. However, Cllr Marshall pointed out that the letter should be sent to the Audit Commission rather than being sent to Mazars; the letter will therefore be sent to the Audit Commission,
P045 North Yorkshire and York NHS re proposed changes to pharmacy opening arrangements in the Thirsk area; letter sent and reply received apologising for omitting to consult the Town Council. They advise that Boots in Chapel Street will open for pharmacy services from 5.30 p.m.-6.30 p.m. Monday to Friday (they will continue to review the need for this service) and there will be no additional Sunday or Bank Holiday opening in Thirsk. The Market Place Boots will also open at other times for other trading purposes, eg Bank Holiday Mondays and Good Friday, and they will provide pharmacy services at such times. Cllr Marshall suggested that a reply be sent to the North Yorkshire and York NHS thanking them and asking that we be consulted in future; agreed.
P046 St. Mary’s Church Clock; reply received from the PCC thanking the Town Council for its offer to pay for the normal maintenance of the Church Clock. The first instalment has now been sent to the PCC.
P046 Lease of the Town Council Office; this has been signed and returned to HDC and the final copy is awaited.
P046 Burial Board Fees; copies of the approved increased fees have been sent to the local undertakers, monumental masons etc.
P047 Loose cobbles; reported to HDC and reply received advising that an order has been placed for the loose cobbles in the Market Place to be reinstated and the loose cobbles on the lamp column surround were included in the order.
P047 Public footpath from Gillings Court to Kirkgate; the poor condition of this footpath was reported to NYCC’s Footpaths Officer. Reply received advising that this will be added to the list of footpaths requiring attention.
P047 Subsidence in the road on Station Road; reported to the County Council and reply received advising that this will be investigated.
Page P057
P047 Weeds in the cobbles on the Market Place; reported to HDC and reply received advising that their landscape maintenance contractor will spray the weeds.
P047 Resurfacing of Porters Vaults; Bikers’ quote has been accepted.
P047 Gala Day; Cllr Marshall advised that the TRI has determined not to run one this year.
Finance
Accounts for Payment
Proposed Cllr Morton, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that the following accounts be approved for payment; agreed:
Brian Noble Fencing Contractors – safety surfacing
at East Thirsk Play Area £7,275.24
Lite – Christmas lights £721.40
Local Councils Update - subscription renewal £65.00
Communicorp – subscription to “Clerks and Councils Direct” £104.50
Sam Turner Ltd – fencing, gate etc for Carrs field £178.11
Mrs Sal Billany – watering for Thirsk in Bloom, June/July 07 £286.00
Clover Peat Products – compost for Thirsk in Bloom £249.69
D. Connelly – cleaning Town Council Office windows £26.00
F.D. Todd & Sons Ltd – emptying Cemetery skip £133.25
C.E. and C.M. Walker – grasscutting £1,482.85
R. Bennett – cleaning Bus Shelter, 21.5.07.-23.7.07. £80.00
Fox’s Signs – sign for Cemetery £17.63
C.A. Amy: Play Area Inspections (2.7.07.-5.8.07) £228.50
Litter Picking (2.7.07.-5.8.07) £290.00
Centenary Field Cutting £180.00
Planting Whitelass Shrubbery £165.00
Little Green weeding £30.00
Hedge cutting – Shire Park, McCleans, East Thirsk £110.00
Cutting beech hedge in Cemetery £50.00
Hambleton District Sports Council – affiliation fee £3.00
HDC – Rates of Town Council Office £53.00
Inland Revenue – Tax/NI, July 2007 £455.70
Biker Contracts – Resurfacing of Steads Yard (balance) £17,018.02
In addition, the salaries of the Clerk, the Assistant to the Clerk and the Cemetery Groundsman are paid in accordance with the Town Council’s normal practice
Cllr Roberts pointed out that compost has been purchased from Clover Peat Products; she trusted this was simply their trading name and did not imply that the compost contains peat.
Paid since last meeting
Hull City Council – Mayor and Clerk to Yorkshire Day (balance) £15.00
Quality Garden Care work to planters on Long Street £1,130.00
St. Mary’s PCC – maintenance of Church Clock (1st year) £209.85
Npower – electricity charges £38.18
Page P058
Income received
HM Revenue & Customs - VAT refund (1.4.07.-30.6.07) £3,132.29
Yorkshire Water – compensation following work in the Market
Place £500.00
TRI – contribution towards surfacing of Roses Yard £1,000.00
Burial Bd: Rent £485.37
Interment £232.00
Monthly Balance Sheet and Budget Report for July 2007
Copies already circulated to Councillors. Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Adamson that these be approved; agreed.
Correspondence
NYCC – letter received advising that a resident of Norby Estate has asked that additional waiting restrictions be placed along Norby Front Street. Agreed that more details on this be requested. Cllr Marshall pointed out that when the Town Council had requested traffic calming on Norby Front Street it was advised that this request would be held in abeyance until the development of the County Council’s former site at Norby has been completed.
Cllr G. Dadd re site meeting re road/pavement surface of Ingramgate; dealt with under County Councillor’s report.
South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust; advising that they have been nominated to become a Foundation Trust and are currently in the process of carrying out a formal consultation, ending on 30th September 2007. They are also inviting applications to become members of the Foundation Trust and would be happy to send further information or talk to a meeting. Cllr Marshall enquired whether the Town Council could be a member of the Foundation Trust or whether it is limited to individuals; an enquiry regarding this to be sent.
NYCC – North Yorkshire Minerals and Waste Development Framework Sites Allocations Issues and Options; noted.
HDC; Notice that the next District/Parish Liaison Meeting is to be held on 24th September and any items for the agenda are required by 7th September; noted.
NYCC; letter asking that the Town Council consider the impact of possible Post Office closures. It is proposed that up to 2,500 of the 14,300 branches will close and the impact of this is likely to be greater in rural areas. An area plan is to be produced and there will be a six week public consultation period following the plan – in North Yorkshire this is to be in October 2007. Cllr Jackson pointed out that there was no reference in the letter to sub-postmasters/postmistresses. Agreed we should wait until the consultation paper comes out.
Amanda Madden of YRCC advising that she is attempting to arrange an Affordable Housing event for early Autumn and asking for comments. Agreed we should stress that affordable housing should be for local people. It may be possible for someone to attend depending upon where and when the event is held.
NYCC re works to Millgate Bridge; Phil Clark of Jacobs would be happy to meet with Members to explain about the intended works; Cllrs Watson and Marshall to meet with him.
Page P059
Hambleton and Richmondshire Furniture Store
Following the presentation at the last Town Council meeting, it was proposed by Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Adamson that a donation of £100 be made to the Hambleton and Richmondshire Furniture Store; agreed.
Reports
Representatives
Cllr Marshall advised that the final report on the EngAGE project is available. She referred to the Action for Market Towns Report which has an article about car parking research which has been carried out in Bedale and asked that we obtain a copy and discuss it.
Cllr Hesmondhalgh reported that the CCA has a new manager and he is working very well.
Cllr Jackson advised that a meeting of the Flatts Trust had been held. The changing rooms are in a poor state and work is also required to accommodate female footballers. The planning application has been submitted and fund raising is now required. He requested that if we are asked to support this then we should do so.
Members
Cllr Roberts reported that the drains in Kirkgate, Millgate and Finkle Street are blocked and smell.
Cllr Marshall pointed out that East Thirsk has had recycling boxes for many years and some of these are now very worn; she queried whether when the scheme is extended to other areas the boxes in East Thirsk will be replaced. HDC to be asked when the scheme is to be extended to other areas and whether East Thirsk can have new boxes at that time. Cllr Marshall referred to a bank account containing £15.61 which is the residue of the Mayor’s Charity Fund; Cllr Watson asked that this be held in abeyance for the time being. Proposed Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Marshall that this be done and that a letter be sent to the bank advising that the account may be used in the future.
Cllr Adamson advised that where the traffic calming and dropped kerbs are in East Thirsk the drainage is very poor and ponding is taking place; agreed that a letter be sent to Highways Department.
Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Roberts that the public and press be excluded for a confidential item of a personnel nature; agreed.
Cllr Adamson asked that the Personnel Committee look at the role of the Cemetery Groundsman and it was agreed that they should do this.
The meeting closed at 8.47 p.m.