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Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Thursday 6th September 2007 at 7:30pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Page P060
Present:
Cllrs J. Watson (Chairman), D. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, J. Jackson, A. Morton, B. Ogleby, F. Roberts, PC Duncan Pears (North Yorkshire Police) and the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllrs R. Mallett (ill), J. Marshall (family commitment), C. Pack (holiday); accepted.
Open Forum
PC Pears referred to the application for an On Street Drinking Ban and advised that he requires confirmation from the Town Council that it has no objection to such a ban being imposed on certain pieces of land which it owns, ie Mill Gardens and the Picnic Area. Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Morton that we are in favour of such a ban; agreed. The Chairman signed the necessary documents to this effect. Cllr Roberts expressed concern that Carrs Field was not included. Cllr Hesmonhalgh referred to the ban on selling alcohol to under 21s and PC Pears advised that this year there has been a downturn on the number of alcohol related offences as compared to the same time last year. Cllr Roberts suggested we write to Tesco’s Head Office asking why they would not join the ban on supplying alcohol to under 21s and this was agreed. PC Pears advised that John Trueman of North Yorkshire Police is making representations to Tesco. In reply to an enquiry, PC Pears advised that there had been a serious incident in East Thirsk within the last few days and this has been dealt with. Cllr Ogleby expressed concern at speeding around St. James’ Green and also at vehicles with large exhausts and asked what has been done to tackle this. PC Pears advised that anyone who is seen driving in an inappropriate manner is stopped. He invited people to report any vehicles they see with large exhausts, although he stressed that some of these are permissible. He said the speed matrix has indicated that there is not a problem with vehicles speeding on St. James’ Green. Cllr Morton advised that recently someone had tried to set fire to the noticeboard in the porch of St. Mary’s Church and he asked that this area be monitored by the police. He also referred to recent instances of certain foods, ie mayonnaise, flour etc, being thrown at properties around St. Marys. PC Pears advised that the police are aware of these instances and have spoken to the people whose properties were affected.
Minutes of the Meeting held on 20th August 2007
Proposed approved Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh; agreed.
Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 2nd August 2007
P049 Market Place Problem Solving Group; reply received from Inspector Sanderson advising that the reason she had written to the Town Council expressing her concern at the lack of support for this was because she felt it was the best place in which to make such representations. She stressed that her remarks were not directed at the Town Council.
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P049 Public conveniences: reply received from Cllr Arthur Barker at HDC advising that he has asked Steve Prentice to let us have details of when the toilets are cleaned and how
that cleaning is monitored. Cllr Roberts pointed out that in a lot of public toilets a timetable is displayed showing when the toilets were last cleaned; agreed we should ask HDC whether this can be done here. Cllr Watson expressed concern that one morning recently the toilets had not been opened at 8.30. Cllr Adamson agreed to bring the problems with the toilets up at the main HDC meeting. It was felt we should repeat our request for properly supervised toilets.
P049 Painting mileposts and roundel of Castle Garth; this is being dealt with by the Open Areas Committee and an order for such painting has been placed.
P049 Millennium Green; an order has been placed for the damaged piece of equipment to be removed and a new one to be put in.
P049 Advertising signage on the McCarthy and Stone development; the planning application for this was withdrawn. Copy letter from the Enforcement Officer to McCarthy and Stone received advising that the signs and flagpoles are unauthorised and must be removed.
P049 Rubbish on the Industrial Estate; reply received from Mike Kneebone at HDC advising that the Todds site has always operated as a transfer station and it is only the type of waste that will have changed. He points out that clarification of this can be obtained from NYCC; a letter has been sent to them.
P049 Request by Sessay Parish Council to have a duck race on Cod Beck in September; still no reply received.
P049 Development scheme and drainage issues re the former NYCC Norby Depot; reply received from Taylor Wimpey confirming that they are aware of the historic nature of Thirsk. They advise that, as far as the Mill Race is concerned, should they encounter the structure then they will ensure that any damage is kept to a minimum and reinstated as necessary under the supervision of an appropriately qualified consultant. Also any disturbance to the footpath and play equipment/picnic benches etc will be fully reinstated. They agree that a site meeting will be useful and they will contact us regarding this nearer the time.
P049 Smiths of Derby re servicing of Town Clock; Cllr Watson advised that we have not budgeted in this year to pay for 5 years’ servicing in advance. This will be included in nest year’s budget.
P050 Christmas Lights; Wired have looked at the new lights and have confirmed they are correct.
P050 Millgate Bridge; in reply to our enquiry about whether to plant trees in the river bank, the Environment Agency advise that this is not a good idea. The work to the bridge has now been re-scheduled for January 2008 and the County Council are to remove the silt at the same time as the work is being carried out.
P050 Castle Garth; Cllr Marshall met with Brian Noble Fencing on site to clarify the position of the new fence.
P050 Parking on pavements; acknowledgement received from HDC advising that they are currently investigating the position and will reply shortly.
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P051 Major works to Millgate Bridge; Cllr Watson reported that she and Cllr Marshall met with Phil Clark from Jacobs (acting for NYCC). The works to the bridge are to start in January 2008 and will last 14 weeks. This will not involve a road closure, but there
will be a suspended footpath on the Mill Gardens side. They will remove the silt and are to construct some brickwork to form a weir type structure to encourage water to flow through the right hand side arch of the bridge, making it less likely to silt up. The plans will be coming to the Town Council once they have been formalised.
P051 Proposed No-Alcohol signs; reply sent confirming our agreement with these, but pointing out that Castle Garth is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and querying whether the signs are to be affixed to existing structures.
P051 Central Areas; letters regarding redundant signage sent to Market Cross Jewellers and Hutchinson and Buchanan (re the former Mind Shop). NYCC have been contacted again regarding the number of shops displaying goods on the pavements.
P052 Millennium Green; Mike I’Anson of the Millennium Green Trust has looked at the barbed wire and has advised that this is on someone’s garden fence and is not the responsibility of the Millennium Green.
P053 Ladies’ toilets in the Market Place; the recent dirty condition of the toilets was reported to HDC and they are monitoring the cleaning.
P053 Move of the Post Office; letter expressing the Town Council’s concerns sent to the Post Office Customer Service Centre in Barnsley and acknowledgement received. A letter has since been received from the Post Office in Watford advising that the current branch is to close at 17.30 on 27th September and the branch will open in the new premises at 26 Market Place on 29th September. A copy of our previous letter has now been sent to them. Cllr Jackson felt it was very important that the closed period whilst the Post Office is moved should not extend beyond the two days. Agreed that a further letter be sent saying this and also pointing out that the service is very poor, there are often long queues and we will expect a better service at the new Post Office. It was mentioned that the planning application refers to designated parking spaces outside the new Post Office and it will be pointed out that this is not in fact the case.
Correspondence
NYCC; giving details of the Thirsk Service Centre Transportation Strategy. A workshop is to be held on 18th September; Cllr Roberts to attend.
Rospa; advising that the inspection of play equipment will take place in September 2007.
NYCC re Thirsk Children’s Centre and Extended Schools Steering Group; asking whether the Town Council would like to nominate a representative. Cllr Adamson felt that rather than having members of the Town Council etc on this steering committee, it should be comprised of representatives of the schools and other relevant professionals in that field who have more knowledge of this; proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Roberts that a reply to this effect be sent; agreed.
Annual Return 2006/07; the Clerk had received the books back from the Internal Auditors. The only point they make is that the gross rent of Cemetery Lodge should be
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shown as a receipt and any deductions, eg the agents’ commission, be shown as a payment rather that the net amount being shown as a receipt. She had therefore amended the “Total of other receipts” and “Total of other payments” figures accordingly. Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Morton that these be accepted and the
alterations initialled by the Chairman; agreed. Cllr Roberts congratulated the Clerk on her work for the audit.
Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Items
The updated Schedule had been circulated to Councillors and this was self explanatory. The following items were mentioned:
Landlords’ signboard on the Industrial Estate – it was queried whether this has been updated; to be checked.
Land on Ingramgate; Cllr Adamson felt we should invite John Bell to a meeting regarding this and Cllr Roberts said he would like to be kept in touch.
Reports
Carrs Field - Cllr Roberts advised that there has been no response as yet from the Chairman of the Carrs Field Trust and asked that a further letter be sent to him.
Central Areas - Cllr Watson reported that a meeting had been held earlier in the week and they had gone through the list of items from the previous meeting. She advised that recently someone had tripped on the cobbles. This was reported to HDC who came and re-set them, but they were still not good and she therefore reported it again and some further work was carried out. She advised there are problems with blocked gullies and she referred to the downpipe on the central block where pigeons are sitting and causing problems. She said that if the Environmental Health Department cleared it they could charge the owners who would then pass the cost onto the tenants of the building; agreed that a letter be sent expressing concern about the downpipe. The door of the Town Clock is to be rubbed down and waxed and the door hinges and the small bollards around the Clock are to be painted black. Cllr Watson said the pavement outside the underwear shop is in need of attention. Cllr Adamson advised that he is still waiting to hear from Clive Thornton at HDC as to when the work to the cobbles is to be carried out.
Christmas Festivities - Nothing to report.
Greens and Ingramgate - A walk round had been held and a report from this had been drawn up. Cllr Hesmonhalgh gave the details of this to the meeting.
Millennium Green - Cllr Hesmondhalgh had looked round and said some litter picking is required. Some progress has been made regarding the person responsible for dumping the logs in the ditch and details have been passed to John Proud at HDC.
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Open Areas - Cllr Hesmondhalgh advised that the work to the East Thirsk Play Area will not be started until March 2008 because of the construction of the Children’s Centre.
Town Development Working Party - Cllr Morton referred to the street nameplates required for the alleyways. Letters have been sent to HDC and NYCC to ascertain whether they have any monies available for this.
Other Items of Interest and Information
Cllr Ogleby pointed out that there is a considerable amount of litter collected outside the corner of the building near Millgate toilets; to be reported to HDC.
Cllr Watson advised that some work is to be done to the trees near Millgate Bridge when NYCC are doing the works to the bridge.
It was mentioned that the bushes around the car park on The Marage are restricting visibility; these have been reported to HDC.
Cllr Ogleby pointed out that some of the branches on willows near Whiteless Bridge are hanging very low down; it was pointed out that these are in South Kilvington.
The meeting closed at 9.03 p.m.
Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 17th September 2007 at 7:15pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Page P065
Present:
Cllrs J. Watson (Chairman), D. Adamson, J. Jackson, J. Marshall, C. Pack, F. Roberts, I. Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”), PC Pears (North Yorkshire Police) and the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllrs C. Hesmondhalgh (away), R. Mallett (ill), A. Morton (ill), A. Robinson (work commitments) and County and District Cllr G. Dadd (another commitment); accepted
Minutes of the Meeting held on 6th September 2007
Proposed approved Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Jackson; agreed.
Police Report
PC Pears advised that the DPPO application for an on street drinking ban and supporting paperwork has been forwarded to HDC. He reported that there is a spate of theft of lead in the Hambleton area. Cllr Marshall enquired about the East Thirsk Problem Solving Group and PC Pears advised that PC Kevin Brookes is organising this. Cllr Watson advised that there is to be a Problem Solving Group meeting at Tescos on Wednesday. The lighting near the electricity sub station and Calvert’s building on Castle Garth is up and running. Cllr Marshall advised that plans to deal with the gap in the fencing are in hand.
Reports
Cllr Dadd has sent in a written report which advised as follows:
He has arranged for a Senior Officer of the County Council’s Emergency Planning Department to give a presentation to the Town Council;
The second entrance to the new development on Station Road has been blocked up. He is awaiting confirmation from Officers about the intentions and a site meeting about the second proposed roundabout will be held;
The Planning Application for the Children’s Centre at East Thirsk Community Primary School has been approved. Cllr Dadd advises that he fully supported the proposed fence which was requested by the police. A further site meeting is to be held;
The Local Development Framework goes before Cabinet at HDC tomorrow and then to full Council before going to final public consultation.
A site meeting was held with a representative of the residents of The Crescent and Cllr Dadd thanked the members of the Town Council who attended. He has requested officially that the footpath is assessed for works to complete the full stretch;
At Cllr Dadd’s request HDC have written to the owner of Vale Garage regarding the need to tidy up the site.
Cllr Adamson advised that he has received a reply from Clive Thornton regarding the repairs to the cobbles in the Market Place. Because of the loss of car parking spaces, there will be no major works in the Market Place until the extension to Millgate car park has been completed. Works to the car park are to start in September 2007 and will last for 8-12 weeks and therefore works to the cobbles will not be done until after
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Christmas. Cllr Adamson advised that the Local Development Framework is to go to Cabinet tomorrow and he is to speak against the proposed allocation of industrial land on Station Road. He advised that HDC have discounted an extension of industrial land on the other side of the A19 from the current Industrial Estate. Cllr Marshall expressed concern that industrial development on Station Road would create more east/west traffic and this would exacerbate traffic congestion and cause bottlenecks in the town. Cllr Adamson advised that a public consultation and display is to be held in the Town Hall at the end of October. He understands this is to take place during the day and he has asked that it be extended into the evening. Agreed that an ‘E’ mail be sent to Peter Simpson at HDC before the meeting which is to be held at 2.00 p.m. tomorrow expressing the Town Council’s objection to the proposed industrial allocation on Station Road and saying it is felt this should be on the other side of the A19 from the Industrial Estate, also requesting that the public consultation be extended into the evening. Cllr Marshall pointed out that the cobbles which were replaced on the Market Place near the exit from Finkle Street are sticking up and there are some broken slabs on the footpath, particularly near the Coop. Cllr Roberts advised that she and the Clerk had attended a site meeting with Clive Thornton earlier in the day and in the course of that had pointed out these two areas to him. Cllr Marshall referred to the recycling boxes scheme which has been in East Thirsk for some time and said they are to get new boxes. HDC are to extend the scheme to other areas and a leaflet has been sent out advising that only the new boxes and bags for paper can be used and any recyclables put out in other containers will not be taken. In view of this, Cllr Marshall questioned whether HDC are committed to recycling. Cllr Adamson expressed the view that now they are extending the recycling scheme, he would like them to extend the articles which can be recycled. A letter to be sent to HDC complaining that they are restricting the amounts and items that people can recycle.
Open Forum
No members of the public present.
Matters Arising
P054 Blocked gullies; Cllr Marshall reported that no reply has been received from the County Council as yet.
P055 Blocked drain near Riverside Mews; reported.
P055 Request for Speed Checks; reply received from Inspector Sanderson. PC Pears had advised that speed checks have been carried out on Long Street and Stockton Road and it is felt there is not a problem with speeding on the roads in Thirsk.
P055 White lining on the Industrial Estate; no reply as yet.
P055 Carrs Field; further reminder sent to Tony Jordan.
P056 Footpath on The Holmes; this has been done. The Clerk had concerns about this and she and Cllr Roberts had attended a site meeting with Bikers earlier in the day. They are to come back and finish the works off.
P055 Request for quote for cutting and collecting grass around the headstones in the Cemetery; not received as yet.
P056 Form re the Effectiveness of the Internal Audit; reply received from the Audit Commission advising that there is no requirement on Parish and Town Councils to complete a form regarding the effectiveness of the internal audit. The form should
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have been sent for guidance only. Cllr Marshall expressed her concern, pointing out that the new Account and Audit Regulations which came into force some years ago should have reduced costs. Cllr Roberts advised that she had taken this up with NALC at a meeting; agreed to wait and see what response is received from them.
P056 North Yorkshire and York NHS re proposed changes to pharmacy opening arrangements in Thirsk; letter sent thanking them for their reply and asking that the Town Council be consulted on any such matters in the future.
P056 Lease of the Town Council Office; executed Lease received from HDC and the back rent following the review is included in the rental payment.
P056 Cobbles in the Market Place; the loose cobbles were reinstated but are sticking up; they were pointed out to Clive Thornton of HDC earlier today.
P056 Public footpath from Gillings Court to Kirkgate; nothing further.
P056 Subsidence in the road on Station Road; nothing further.
P057 Resurfacing of Porters Vaults; site meeting held today with Peter Fishburn of Bikers – they are hoping to start the work in a couple of weeks.
P058 Request by a resident for additional waiting restrictions on Norby Front Street; letter sent to NYCC pointing out that when the Town Council had asked for traffic calming it was advised that this request would be held in abeyance pending the development of the former County Council site at Norby.
P058 South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust Foundation Trust; reply received advising that membership is restricted to individuals. There is also to be a Council of Governors from various organisations and any member can put themselves forward as a Governor.
P058 Affordable Housing Event; reply received from Amanda Madden of YRCC agreeing with the Town Council’s view that Affordable Housing should be for local people. A meeting is to be held on 25th November in the Town Hall from 5.00-8.00 p.m.
P058 Works to Millgate Bridge; Cllrs Watson and Marshall had met on site with Phil Clark of Jacobs and the outcome of this was reported at the meeting on 6th September. Cllr Marshall pointed out that the temporary footbridge will go on either side of Millgate Bridge depending upon which side they are working on. Cllr Watson said that Phil Clark has been in touch with Clive Thornton at HDC re trees etc. in that area.
P059 Hambleton and Richmondshire Furniture Store; cheque for £100 sent.
P059 Action for Market Towns Report – article on car parking research; requested.
P059 Drains in Kirkgate, Millgate and Finkle Street; reported.
P059 Recycling boxes in East Thirsk; letter sent to HDC asking when the scheme is to be extended to other areas and asking whether new boxes will be supplied to East Thirsk.
P059 Ponding in East Thirsk; reported to Highways.
Finance
Accounts for Payment
Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Jackson that the following accounts be approved for payment; agreed:
Record Playground Equipment – swings for East Thirsk Play Area £500.55
Graffiti Removal (Yorkshire) Ltd – cleaning Town Clock £282.00
BT – Office telephone £102.91
The Barker Partnership – Internal Audit Fee £587.50
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Mrs Sal Billany – watering for Thirsk in Bloom, Aug 2007 £238.00
Hollin Barn Nurseries – plants for Picnic Area £62.50
C.E. and C.M. Walker – grasscutting, 8th and 21st Aug 2007 £1,482.85
HDC – rent of Town Council Office, qtr comm. 1.9.07. plus increased rent following review (31.5.07.-31.8.07) £1,028.12
Yorkshire Water – water rates for Cemetery Lodge (2nd half) £193.60
C.A. Amy – Play Area Inspections (6.8.07.-2.9.07.) £182.80
Litter picking (6.8.07.-2.9.07.) £200.00
Inland Revenue – Tax/NI, Aug 2007 £490.16
Hollin Barn Nurseries – bulbs for Thirsk in Bloom £147.00
In addition, the salaries of the Clerk and Assistant to the Clerk will be paid in accordance with the Town Council’s usual policy.
Paid since last meeting
Hambleton and Richmondshire Furniture Store – donation £100.00
Income Received:
Burial Board: Rent £485.37
Grave Purchase £122.00
Interments £244.00
Monthly Balance Sheet and Budget Report for August 2007
These had been circulated to Councillors. Proposed approved Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Pack; agreed.
Correspondence
NYCC; Proposed temporary closure of Sutton Bank for essential maintenance works for up to five days from 17th September.
BT; Application to install a pole with associated wires outside 31 St, James Green. It was felt that such a pole would detract from the visual amenity of the area and it was agreed that this be refused and that should the wires be required they should be run underground.
TRI; Agenda for the next Neighbourhood Policing/Community Safety Meeting to be held on 26th September 2007 at Knayton Village Hall.
Applications for Exclusive Rights and Memorials
Application for an Additional Inscription:
Grave No. UU 16 Flora I’Anson Interred 12.5.06.
Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Watson that this application be approved; agreed.
Burial Board Report
Cllr Adamson reported that he had met with Neil Collinson who have given him a plan showing the amount of land which needs to be left at the top of the grave for the stability of memorials. Cllr Adamson advised that he intends to suggest to the Burial Board that we go back to having a Cemetery Superintendent. Cllr Marshall referred to cars parked on the grass near Cemetery Lodge and Cllr Adamson said more gravel needs to be put down.
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Reports
Representatives
No reports received.
Members
Cllr Marshall advised that the County Council have now removed the bollards from Long Street which were not required following the Enhancement Scheme.
Cllr Marshall advised that there is a possibility of going for significant grant monies for independent cinemas and if monies are available it would be hoped to improve the projection room and enhance the subtitles. She advised that they will be coming to the Town Council for a letter supporting this.
Cllr Watson asked about the plants in the planters on Long Street and Cllr Pack said there is a problem with this which will be resolved.
Cllr Jackson referred to shops selling food which is described as half-price; a letter to be sent to Trading Standards.
Cllr Watson advised that, as Mayor, she had recently attended the Battle of Britain Cocktail Party at Linton on Ouse.
Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Watson that the public and press be excluded for a confidential item of a personnel nature; agreed.
Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Pack that the Cemetery Groundsman be asked to come to the Town Council Office at a specified time to meet with Cllr Pack and the Clerk; agreed.
The meeting closed at 8.45 p.m.
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