Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Thursday 4th October 2007 at 7:30pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Page P065
Present:
Cllrs C Pack (in the chair), D Adamson, C Hesmondhalgh, J Jackson, A Morton, J Marshall, F Roberts, I Noble (Darlington and Stockton times) and the Assistant to the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllrs J Watson (away), R Mallett (ill) and the Clerk (away); accepted
Open forum
No members of the police or public present.
Minutes of the meeting held on 17th September 2007
Proposed approved Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh; agreed
Matters arising from the meeting held on 6th September 2007
P061 Public conveniences: nothing further received re possibility of timetable to show when the toilets are cleaned.
P061 Advertising signage on McCarthy & Stone development; these have now gone.
P061 Rubbish on Industrial Estate; letter sent to HDC no reply received as yet.
P061 Duck race; this has been held and was in aid of Sessay Village Hall.
P061 Development at Norby Depot; nothing further as yet re site meeting.
P061 Fencing on Castlegarth: Quote from Mr Noble received. Permission is needed from English Heritage to replace the fence unless it is utilising the existing fence posts. Clerk to request the necessary forms from English Heritage and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.
P061 Mileposts; These have now been repainted in situ as it was not possible to remove them.
P062 Works to Millgate Bridge; no plans received as yet.
P062 Redundant signage; no reply as yet from Market Cross Jewellers. Reply received from Hutchinson and Buchanan stating that the property is no longer owned by the Strom family. Cllr Marshall suggested we contact Joplins to try to ascertain ownership of the building.
P062 Move of Post Office; further letter sent, no reply as yet. Cllr Hesmondhalgh pointed out that there are only three service outlets instead of four at the new location, which would not provide an improvement to the service. Agreed that we will monitor the situation
P062 Thirsk Children’s Centre Steering Group; a letter has been sent suggesting the steering committee be comprised of representatives of the schools and other professionals in that field. Cllr Marshall expressed her disappointment that the Town Council did not have a representative on the steering group and informed the meeting that she is on the steering group as a representative of the local residents. Cllr Marshall offered to provide a report to the Town Council. Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, that we accept Cllr Marshall’s offer to report from the Steering Group. Declined.
P063 Signboards on Thirsk Industrial Estate; nothing further on this as yet.
P063 Carrs Field; further letter sent to Tony Jordan, no reply received.
P063 Blocked gullies; HDC have cleaned the downpipe and surrounding areas.
Page P066
Town Clock; the door, hinges and small bollards have been painted.
P064 Street nameplates for alleyways; the clerk has spoken to Clive Thornton who is to let us have details of the signs HDC can provide. If we want anything different we may have to contribute.
P064 Litter near Millgate toilets; reported to HDC
P064 Overgrown bushes on The Marage near Millgate car park; reported again, no action as yet.
Correspondence
Letter from Edith Holmes regarding rubbish in the Beck and along the footpath from Todds Court to Finkle Street. It was agreed that this be dealt with by the Greens Committee. The lack of cleaning along the footpath to be reported to HDC. Peter Penny to be contacted again re the signs at both ends of this footpath. A letter of thanks to be sent to Edith Holmes thanking her for her interest and help in trying to keep this area tidy.
Schedule of outstanding amenity items
Cllr Marshall pointed out that some of these items are now actively being worked on by the relevant committees. It was agreed that they be kept on the schedule.
The work to the car park is now due to start in November which will result in the start date for the work to the cobbles and Millgate Bridge being put back.
Reports:
Carrs Field - Cllr Roberts reported that although a further letter had been sent from the Town Council there had been nothing received from the Secretary of the Carrs Field Trust. The gate has recently been mended. The hedge needs attention and there is a lot of litter and broken glass near the tarmac, which does not provide a safe environment for dog walking or for children using the basketball net. Cllr Roberts informed the meeting that she had gone through the Carrs Field constitution to clarify the position and that there was a three year appointment for Trustees. It was Proposed Cllr Morton, seconded Cllr Roberts that we write to the Secretary of Carrs Field Trust voicing our concerns and informing him that if we do not receive a response within fourteen days we will contact our solicitors to remove the Carrs Field Trustees as they are not discharging their duties.
Central Areas - Cllr Marshall had been through the list with Cllr Watson. There was concern at the state of the cobbles and paving but there was nothing else to report.
Christmas Lights - The date for the switch on of the Christmas Lights is 25th November. The Ladies Chamber of Trade is concerned about future fundraising for the lights as the auction of promises had to be cancelled.
Greens and Ingramgate - Cllr Pack reported that Hollin Barn had started replanting the roundabout this week. We need someone to plant and water the boxes on Long Street as soon as possible as they are not being tended at the moment. It was suggested we advertise for someone to do the planters along with other regular jobs. To be looked at when the budgets are set.
Page P067
Millennium Green = Cllr Hesmondhalgh reported that Millennium Green is looking tidy. No action can be taken by HDC against the resident responsible for putting branches in the ditch as the branches were dumped more than 6 months ago. The Enforcement Officer is to talk to the resident concerned. A replacement for the vandalised piece of equipment on the Millennium Green has been ordered and is to be replaced soon. Chris Amy has been reminded about tightening the chain on the play equipment.
Open Areas - Cllr Marshall reported that we are awaiting the Rospa report which should be have been done in September. The traffic sign at the Workhouse play area had been installed following consultation with the residents association regarding the style, wording and location of the sign. However, following completion, the sign has now been removed by the residents. It was agreed that we write to the Secretary to express our concern at what has happened and to arrange to recover the sign and also that we write to the residents explaining that our reason for installing the sign was to protect their children from injury. Rospa to be consulted and the situation to be discussed at the next meeting.
Cllr Roberts left the meeting.
Cllr Marshall reported that the East Thirsk Problem Solving Group meeting would take place on 10th October at 7.00pm at Bail House. The new fence has been installed at the East Thirsk Play Area. Cllr Marshall expressed her thanks to Kevin Brookes and the Probation Service for removing the old fencing and cutting back the hedges and also to Todds for providing a skip and HDC for providing two large bins whilst the work was in progress. The last two panels of fencing are being held by the builders and will go up when the access to the Children’s Centre is no longer required. Cllr Marshall has met with three play equipment providers and they are drawing up schemes for the play area. It is the intention of the committee to consult the young people at the school and when the plans are drawn up they and the problem solving group will be given a chance to comment. Nothing will go onto the site until next summer, due to ongoing work at the school. At present there are two sets of swings, a slide and new safety surfaces, and Cllr Marshall expressed her disappointment that the swings were not available for use during the summer as they had been removed following damage to the seats and left in the Cemetery, and were subsequently stolen. Replacements have been ordered and they will be reinstated as soon as possible. Cllr Marshall to write to Chris Amy.
Town Development - The resurfacing of Porter Vaults is currently taking place.
Other Items of Interest and Information:
Cllr Morton reported that the seat in the Picnic area next to the stone needs fastening down. Malcolm Burnett to be asked to see to this as soon as possible. Cllr Marshall pointed out the difficulty experienced in getting small jobs done and it was agreed that we contact Broadacres to enquire if they have a list of local tradesmen we could call upon. Also to contact Peter Alderson of Sowerby.
Page P068
The ditches working party continues to meet. Mike I’Anson has joined the committee as a representative of the Millennium Green Trust, and he has met with the Environment Agency regarding the Tranmire Ditch. The solicitor has contacted Barratts re the ownership of the ditch but no response has been received as yet.
Cllr Marshall advised that the Sensory Gardens Working Party has been set up. Mike I’Anson has been employed to design the Sensory Garden and Cllr Marshall brought the site plan and initial picture boards to the meeting. Cllr Marshall explained that the land will not be available until the development at Chapel Street has been finished. She has received conflicting information regarding the location of burials on the site and there are approximately 20 headstones/kerbstones remaining. Mike I’Anson has suggested taking up these stones and storing them whilst the work is ongoing Cllr Adamson informed the meeting that there is no formal requirement regarding the removal of the stones and proposed that a notice be placed on the gate and in the Darlington and Stockton Times explaining our plans. He suggested Cllr Marshall contact Neil Collinson re advice and equipment needed for the removal of these stones. It is planned to include them in a memorial in an area of the Sensory Garden.
Cllr Jackson informed the meeting that Mr Peter Hash, a local historian and writer has died.
Report from Thirsk in Bloom:
Nothing to report.
It was proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that the press be excluded for a Confidential item.
The meeting closed at 8.58pm
Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 15th October 2007 at 7:15pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Page P070
Present:
Cllrs J. Watson (Chairman), D. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, A. Morton, C. Pack, A. Robinson, County and District Cllr G. Dadd, I. Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”), PC Sarah Jobe (NY Police), Mr Robin Meyshall (NYCC) and the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllr J. Jackson (away), R. Mallett (ill), J. Marshall (away), F. Roberts (away), A. Robinson (late arrival); accepted.
Proposed Cllr Morton, seconded Cllr Adamson that Standing Orders be suspended; agreed.
Presentation by Mr Robin Meyshall of NYCC’s Emergency Planning Department
Mr Meyshall referred to flooding which had taken place in Thirsk, the last being in 2005. He referred to the Civil Agencies Act 2004 which gives the Environment Agency and other parties a duty to ensure they are capable of responding to emergencies. Mr Meyshall explained that Emergency Planning is done on a partnership basis with all relevant organisations involved. He advised that a multi agency Flood Response Plan is being produced per district and this includes identifying properties in each area which are likely to flood. It is particularly in this respect that, because of local knowledge, he would like input from the parishes. He showed the meeting a draft Community Emergency Scheme which covers all emergencies including flooding and suggested we set up a sub group of Town Councillors to work through the Community Emergency Scheme and then bring it back to the Town Council for discussion. When completed this would be amalgamated into the Plan. He advised that one of his Officers would assist us through the process of working through the Community Emergency Scheme. Mr Meyshall advised that as far as emergency shelters are concerned they are now tending to move away from using schools. Cllr Morton mentioned the house building which takes place on flood plains and asked whether the County Council’s Emergency Planning Department has any jurisdiction as far as this is concerned. Mr Meyshall advised that they have no influence over HDC’s Planning Department, but they work closely with the Environment Agency who have. He will ask someone from the Environment Agency to come and talk to the Town Council about flood warnings etc.
Cllr Robinson joined the meeting
Cllr Watson asked about the logistics of doing the Community Emergency Scheme and Mr Meyshall said their Officers would help us from the start. Cllr Watson also mentioned blocked drains and gullies which can be the cause of flooding and Mr Meyshall said this is a difficult issue because the ownership of such drains and gullies is not always known. However, he will look into this.
Page P071
Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Morton that Standing Orders be reinstated; agreed.
Agreed that Item 4 (Police Report) be dealt with before Item 3 (Minutes).
Police Report
PC Jobe advised that the police are holding crime surgeries at Tescos in Thirsk – one has been held today and there is another on Saturday. This is a Neighbourhood Policing Team initiative also involving other agencies and is an opportunity for people to come and ask questions. There is also to be an “Inside Justices” Week on 3rd-10th November and similar agencies will be involved in this; further details about this are to follow. Cllr Watson enquired about the Over 21 rule relating to sales of alcohol which had been in place during the school holidays; PC Jobe said this is not continuing at present, although it was very successful. She will keep the Town Council informed on this.
Minutes of the Meeting held on 4th October 2007
Proposed approved Cllr Morton, seconded Cllr Pack, subject to one amendment on Page P066, one on Page P067 and six on Page P068; agreed.
Reports
County Council
Cllr Dadd advised he had been informed by some Thirsk residents that the tour buses are now pulling into Millgate Coach Park rather than the Market Place. He has spoken to HDC and they are sending a letter to the bus companies asking them to pull into the Market Place. A new light has been installed between Hambleton Place and Rymer Way. Cllr Dadd referred to the Children’s Centre Steering Group and said that as the elected community representative he will report to the Town Council on this. Cllr Dadd advised that he has met with Steve Pimperton of NYCC regarding Ingramgate and he has agreed to put forward the state of the footpath for assessment. Cllr Dadd referred to the proposed cuts to North Yorkshire Police saying this is a very grave matter and he has launched a petition objecting to it. Cllr Watson asked about the Friarage Hospital; Cllr Dadd said this appears to be quite secure and nothing has been said to the contrary. Cllr Watson referred to the travellers’ site in Thirsk saying there are quite a number of caravans on York Road at present; Cllr Dadd advised that he is to meet with the Acting Highways Manager at Thirsk and he will bring this up at that meeting. The position regarding Station Road is to be put before the Area Committee in November.
District Council
Cllr Adamson referred to the industrial land allocation on Station Road and said there is to be an exhibition regarding the LDF in the Town Hall on Wednesday 31st October followed by a public meeting from 7.00-9.00 p.m. The Swimming Pool Trustees have met and prices are to be increased by 5% from January 2008. They intend to build an extension to house a gym and they are also to re-vamp the car park in order to accommodate more cars. Cllr Adamson advised that he had attended the East Thirsk Play Area Problem Solving Group. The police had produced the minutes of the first meeting which said that East Thirsk is too big an area for one problem solving group
Page P072
alone and they are therefore breaking it down into areas – dealing with one and then moving onto the next.
Cllr Dadd advised that he was also in attendance at the East Thirsk Play Area Problem Solving Group meeting and he felt this group works very well. He said that East Thirsk should not be described in public as a deprived area. Cllr Watson referred to the extension to Millgate Car Park and asked that this be chased up; Cllr Adamson agreed to do this. Cllr Dadd advised that he had attended a meeting re low cost housing and housing needs and said it is felt that Broadacres needs to strengthen its policy of low cost housing for local people.
Cllr Robinson had nothing to report.
Open Forum
No members of the public present.
Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 17th September 2007
P066 Proposed industrial allocation of land on Station Road; ‘E’ mail sent to Peter Simpson at HDC and telephone call received from him confirming its receipt. Cllr Adamson advised that he and Cllr Dadd went to Cabinet about this and there is a meeting on Thursday to look at other options.
P066 Recycling Scheme; letter not sent as Cllr Adamson had clarified that households are entitled to have two boxes and two bags each. Cllr Adamson advised that another leaflet has been sent out from HDC and according to this the category of items they will take for recycling has been reduced; he is to take this up with the person responsible.
P066 White lining on the Industrial Estate; no reply as yet.
P066 Carrs Field; dealt with at Thursday’s Town Council meeting.
P066 Footpath on The Holmes; Bikers have been back and this is now finished.
P066 Request for quote for cutting and collecting grass around the headstones in the Cemetery; not received as yet.
P067 Public footpath from Gillings Court to Kirkgate; nothing further as yet.
P067 Subsidence in the road on Station Road; nothing further as yet.
P067 Resurfacing of Porters Vaults; work started on 1st October.
P067 Request by a resident for additional waiting restrictions on Norby Front Street: reply received from NYCC advising that they have reassessed the situation in the light of our letter and will inform the resident that they will review this request as part of the overall review for traffic calming once the County Council depot site has been developed.
P067 Affordable Housing Event; ‘E’ mail received from Amanda Madden at HDC giving details of events in the various market towns. The one in Thirsk is to be held on 26th November at the Town Hall.
P067 Hambleton and Richmondshire Furniture Store; letter of thanks received re donation.
P067 Action for Market Towns Report – article re car parking research; awaited.
P067 Ponding in East Thirsk; reply received from NYCC advising that they are aware of the problems and are monitoring the situation in order to decide upon the best course of action.
Page P073
P067 South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust Foundation Trust; Cllr Adamson felt we should put ourselves forward to be a member.
P068 Request by BT to install a pole outside 31 St. James Green; letter sent refusing this request.
P069 Shops selling food described as half-price; reply from Trading Standards awaited.
P069 Cemetery Groundsman; dealt with at Thursday’s Town Council meeting.
Finance
Accounts for Payment
(Cllr Adamson declared an interest re the payment to Dragon Fabrications (Thirsk) Ltd).
Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Morton that the following accounts be approved for payment; agreed.
C.E. and C.M. Walker – Grasscutting, 6th and 25th Sept 07 £1,482.85
D. Bell – Painting door of Town Clock and bollards £80.00
Cleveland Corrosion Control – painting milestones and roundel £998.75
Thirsk and Sowerby Town Hall – room hire, July-Sept 07 £157.50
Fox’s Copy Centre – photocopying etc. £59.54
Hambleton IT Services Ltd – restoring files on Office computer £75.00
Inland Revenue – Tax/NI, September 2007 £490.11
HDC pest control contract £293.75
Alpha Signs – sign for Centenary Field £141.00
Brian Noble Fencing Contractors – fencing at East Thirsk Play Area £6,391.41
J.A. Jackson – widening gateway and installing gate at Carrs Field £210.00
Record RSS Ltd – swing parts for East Thirsk £329.24
Thirsk Garden Centre – plants for Thirsk in Bloom £41.25
C.A. Amy Weekly inspections (3.9.07.-30.9.07) £182.80
Litter picking (3.9.07.-30.9.07.) £200.00
Weeding shrubbery at St. James Green £25.00
Weeding White Mare Shrubbery £61.00
Cutting Himalayan Balsam on the Ings £50.00
John Howse – repairs to floodlights at St. Mary’s Church £417.13
In addition, the salaries of the Clerk and Assistant to the Clerk will be paid in accordance with the Town Council’s normal practice
Paid Since Last Meeting
Playsafety – publications on risk assessments of playgrounds etc. £56.50
Dragon Fabrications (Thirsk) Ltd – railings for Sensory Garden £3,818.75
Income Received
Bank Interest £310.73
Burial Bd: Rent £485.37
Interments £610.00
Memorials £13.00
Monthly Balance Sheet and Budget Report for September 2007
Proposed approved Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Robinson; agreed.
Page P074
Correspondence
Hambleton Strategic Partnership advising that there are five Area Groups and asking whether we would be interested in becoming involved or would like someone to attend a future meeting to give a presentation on it; noted.
TRI re Thirsk Festival 2008 asking that we notify them of any events during the Festival; noted
Maureen Worley – request for sponsorship for Cancer Research. Agreed that individuals should sponsor this if they wish to do so.
From Tabled Correspondence, Cllr Adamson referred to an article in “The Vital Link” entitled “Why Waste” and asked that Councillors look at the “Why Waste” website or call into the CCA for further details as it might be of use to groups or individuals.
Applications for Exclusive Rights and Memorials
Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that the following applications be approved, subject to the comment that in the case of Margaret Myers six months be allowed to elapse before the memorial is put in place; agreed:
Grave No. C1 8 Garry Parsons Ashes interred in existing grave 5.5.07.
Grave No. GG 10 Doreen Emily Stamp Ashes interred in GOR 28.8.07.
Grave No. BB18 Eileen Pitts Ashes interred in GOR 24.4.07.
Grave No. F4 15 Margaret Myers Interred 31.8.07.
Grave No. B4 25 Roy Wayne Walker Interred 1.12.04.
Grave No. F2 23 Ray Cartman Interred 1.12.06
Burial Board Report
Cllr Adamson advised that he is attempting to arrange a Burial Board meeting in advance of the precept being calculated.
Reports
Representatives
Cllr Hesmondhalgh reported that she will be attending the CCA meeting on Thursday.
Cllr Watson reported that she will be attending the League of Friends meeting on Wednesday.
Members
Cllr Morton advised that the laurel bushes on Millgate need cutting back; these have already been reported to HDC.
Cllr Watson drew the attention of Committees Members to the need to meet to sort out their budgets before the Finance Meeting. A date for this meeting is to be arranged shortly.
The meeting closed at 8.50 p.m.