|
Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Thursday 1st November 2007 at 7:30pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Page P075
Present:
Cllrs J. Watson (Chairman), D. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, J. Marshall, A. Morton, C. Pack, F. Roberts, I. Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”) and the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllrs J. Jackson (away), R. Mallett (ill); accepted.
Open Forum
No members of the public or police present.
Minutes of the Meeting held on 15th October 2007
Proposed approved Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh; agreed.
Matters Arising
P065 Public conveniences; reply received from Steve Prentice at HDC in response to our request for timetables of cleaning to displayed in the public toilets. He will discuss this with the staff and should be able to implement something very soon.
P065 Rubbish on the Industrial Estate; reply received from NYCC enclosing copies of the planning permission for Todds to operate as a waste transfer station. Cllr Adamson to look at this and report back.
P065 Development at Norby depot; nothing further re site meeting as yet.
P065 Fencing on Castle Garth; application forms to apply for Scheduled Monument Consent now received from English Heritage. Cllr Marshall advised that a plan is being obtained showing the position of the proposed fencing posts. She is including in the application the move of the interpretation board at the Market Place end of Castle Garth away from under the tree.
P065 Works to Millgate Bridge; plans now received and included on the agenda for tonight’s planning meeting.
P065 Redundant signage; Joplings have no details of who has purchased the former Mind Shop. Agreed that a letter be put through the door of the Mind Shop and that we also ask Fizeek. Reply received from Market Cross Jewellers advising that they put their sign up over the John Smith’s sign, but were told by HDC to remove it. Cllr Watson advised that, as Chairman of Central Areas, she will look into this.
P065 Move of the Post Office; reply received giving their reasons for the move and advising that our comments have been noted. Cllr Watson felt we should monitor the performance of the new Post Office as there have been complaints about long queues there. Agreed that it be monitored over the next two months or so.
P065 Signboards on Thirsk Industrial Estate; nothing further as yet.
P065 Carrs Field; letter sent to Tony Jordan, requesting a reply by 9th November and advising that should we not receive a response by that date then we will contact the Charity Commissioners.
P066 Sign nameplates for Alleyways; details awaited from HDC.
P066 Overgrown bushes on The Marage near Millgate car park; now cut back.
P066 Letter from Edith Holmes; reply sent. The letter has been copied to Peter Penny at NYCC and a new public footpath sign has been put up at the Finkle Street end of the footpath.
Page P076
P066 Ladies Chamber of Trade Christmas Lights; letter received from Jill Miller advising that at the switch on they are to have Father Christmas, the Thirsk Band, a choir and perhaps the fire engine and a small ride from Alan Crow and asking for the Town Council’s agreement; proposed agreed Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Roberts; all in favour.
P066 Replanting of the White Mare Roundabout; now done.
P067 Millennium Green; vandalised piece of equipment now replaced and the chain on another piece of equipment there has been tightened.
P067 Sign at The Workhouse; a sign was put up warning motorists entering The Workhouse of the play area, but we understand the residents are not happy with the sign and it has been taken down. Reply received from Dr Shawcross, the Secretary of Sutton Mews (Management) Ltd, advising that the sign was larger than anticipated and was thought to be a possible hazard to adult pedestrians on a poorly lit corner. Dr Shawcross advises that the AGM is to be held soon and the views of the residents will be sought. Cllr Marshall pointed out that consultation took place on the size, sign, wording and position of the sign before it was put in place and permission for it was received. It was suggested we write pointing this out, asking where the sign currently is and requesting they make a contribution towards the cost. It was felt to be a good idea to have a site meeting with the residents to decide upon the positioning of the sign and also suggest that the Town Council and Sutton Mews (Management) Ltd each pay half towards the cost of a new sign with the old sign being returned to the Town Council Office; agreed that this course of action be followed.
P067 East Thirsk Play Area; thank-you ‘E’ mails have been sent to PC Kevin Brookes and the Probation Service for removing the old fencing and cutting the hedges back, to Todds for providing a skip and to HDC for providing two large bins whilst the work was in progress. Replacement swings have been purchased and put in place.
P067 Picnic Area; the seat next to the stone has been fastened down. Broadacres have been asked about providing a list of tradesmen, but they are not able to do this.
Correspondence
HDC – Public Path Stopping Up and Creation Order No 2007/3 re footpath alongside Millgate Car Park and Gillings Court on Marage Road; noted.
HDC – Temporary Road Closure on Sunday 11th November for Remembrance Day Parade; noted.
HDC – Temporary Road Closure on Sunday 2nd December for the Thirsk 10 Road Race; noted
St. Mary’s Church re “Welcome to Thirsk” pack; St. Mary’s Church are looking at the possibility of producing welcome packs for newcomers to Thirsk. In addition to church services these would include other information about the town such as doctors, hospitals etc. They ask whether the Town Council would contribute towards the printing costs. No details of the amount involved are available as yet. Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Pack that we agree to this in principle subject to further information about the actual costs involved; agreed.
A site meeting to look at the proposed second roundabout near the new development on Station Road is to be held on Monday 12th November at 5.00 p.m.
Litter Bins: ‘E’ mail received from John Proud asking if someone can meet him in the town to discuss the provision of 8 new and free litter bins with ashtrays; Cllrs Marshall, Pack and Watson to attend.
Page P077
HDC; copy letter to the owners of The Three Tuns Hotel confirming that the name is to be changed to “The Three Tuns”.
HDC; copy letter to the owner of a new property adjacent to 1 St. Mary’s Avenue confirming that the address will be 1A St. Mary’s Avenue.
NYCC: ‘E’ mail asking for information of “What’s On” events to be included in the “North Yorkshire Times”. Agreed to include details of the Christmas Lights switch on, the East Thirsk Christmas Party and also to ask them to contact the schools regarding their Christmas events.
HDC; consultation as a neighbouring property regarding a planning application by Enterprise Inns plc for the construction of a porch at “The Darrowby Inn”. It was noted that this is to be on the side elevation of the property in the alleyway. Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that an objection be sent to this on the grounds that the position of the proposed extension is on a public footpath which is not in the ownership of Enterprise Inns plc; agreed.
Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Items
This had already been circulated to Councillors and was self explanatory. The following points were made:
Bollard on Piper Lane – no action had been taken on this pending redevelopment of the area. However, as nothing appears to be taking place at present it was agreed to ask Malcolm Burnett to remove the bollard.
Extension to Millgate Car Park; Cllr Adamson advised that he has chased this and is awaiting a reply. Cllr Watson pointed out that the works which NYCC are to carry out to Millgate Bridge have to be completed within this financial year and she expressed her concern that, because of the delay carrying out the works in the car park, these works may now clash. Agreed that an E mail expressing the Town Council’s concern be sent to Peter Simpson at HDC.
Entrances; Cllr Pack advised that she has not heard anything further from Lionel Twiss regarding the Thircon roundabout and she will chase this up.
Porters Vaults; the resurfacing works in Porters Vaults are almost completed. Black sacks of rubbish were put there and HDC have removed them and there is also a large open container of rubbish; John Proud to be asked to remove this.
HDC’s assessment of the condition of their trees; HDC to be asked how they are progressing with this.
Reports
Carrs Field - Cllr Roberts had nothing to report.
Central Areas - Cllr Watson advised that a meeting of Central Areas has been held, attended by herself and Cllr Pack. They went through a lot of items and had a walk round and identified various jobs which require doing. She advised that the corner of Mill Gardens has been built up, but she is not proposing to carry out too much work in Mill Gardens until the work on Millgate Bridge is completed. The Committee has looked at the Town Clock and is considering appointing an expert to clean and re-point it. The tree guards in the pedestrian area outside the White Horse Café are proud of the paving; HDC to be reminded of this. The lighting in the alleyways was looked at and Cllr Watson pointed out that some more netting has been put up on the roof of the
Page P078
Help the Aged shop to prevent the pigeons sitting there. Cllr Watson reported that Central Areas also did its budget for 2008/09 and there are no large increases. Cllr
Pack pointed out that the seats in the Picnic Area need repainting; these are included in the seat schedule and the Clerk will find out when they are to be done. Cllr Marshall advised that there is the possibility of some grant monies for street name signs for the alleyways.
Christmas Festivities - Cllr Adamson said that when the Committee does its budget it will consider an increase in the amount contributed towards the Christmas lights.
Greens and Ingramgate - Cllr Pack advised that the Greens Committee has not had a meeting recently, but will be doing so in order to do the budgets. She reported that Hollin Barn Nurseries will be doing the gardening/planting work on Long Street next week. She has asked the Clerk to look at the condition of the piece of tarmac which runs off from the Green going towards the White Bridge. Cllr Marshall pointed out that some of the cobbles on the White Mare roundabout are loose; to be reported to the County Council.
Millennium Green - Cllr Hesmondhalgh reported that the replacement piece of play equipment is now in place on the Millennium Green. There is still a problem with the logs in the beck. Mike I’Anson is to discuss the plans and quotes received for the footpaths with the Trustees.
Open Areas - Cllr Marshall reported that Open Areas had met on 8th October. The invoice for the repainting of the milestones is to be queried as, because they had to be done in situ, they were simply re-painted, as opposed to the quote which was to take them away and sandblast them. Cllr Marshall advised that there is a problem with the Centenary Field as someone is grazing five horses in it; Chris Amy has been asked to repair the fence as a matter of urgency. Someone has extended their garden into the Whitelass; it is intended to ascertain whose property it is. A complaint had been received that people in mobility scooters cannot access The Holmes from the footpath alongside the Northallerton Road and it was queried whether the bend in the path near the waterfall could be removed in order that they could access The Holmes this way; Peter Penny at NYCC to be contacted re the possibility of removing the post to straighten out the path. Cllr Marshall pointed out that the RoSPA Report has not as yet been received; to be chased up.
Regarding the East Thirsk Play Area, Cllr Marshall advised that three suppliers have been contacted for designs and so far one design has been received. Cllr Marshall referred to the East Thirsk Problem Solving Group and advised that at the last meeting of the Group she, Cllr Hesmondhalgh and Cllr Pack had felt very uncomfortable and said they may have to remove themselves from the Group. Cllr Marshall referred to Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 saying it is necessary to consider the impact of decisions on crime and disorder and to review how powers are exercised and services are delivered in the light of the Act. She felt that the County and District Councils should set up scrutiny committees to look at crime and disorder. Cllr Marshall to look into the implications of the Crime and Disorder Act further.
Town Development - Cllr Hesmondhalgh reported that the resurfacing of Porters Vaults is ongoing and is looking very good.
Page P079
Other Items of Interest and Information
Cllr Roberts advised that she had attended the public meeting regarding the Hambleton Local Development Framework re the allocations of land for housing and industrial use. The meeting was very well attended and there was a lot of concern, mainly about affordable housing and the proposal to allocate land on Station Road for industrial. Cllr Roberts pointed out that comments need to be made to HDC by 23rd November; the document is currently being circulated around the members of the Planning Committee.
Cllr Marshall advised that the bus timetable case on Hambleton Drive is broken and there is a streetlight out in the Market Place.
Cllr Marshall reported on the Sensory Garden, advising that monthly meetings are being held and progress is being made. She advised that it is proposed to move the headstones and kerbstones from the graves whilst the work is taking place and then re-site them in another part of the Sensory Garden, this area to be known as the Memorial Garden. It is hoped to have a sign listing the names of the people interred in the Salem Chapel burial ground. Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Roberts that we proceed in this matter with the headstones/kerbstones; agreed. Cllr Marshall had met with Neil Collinson on site and he is to have a further look at it. Cllr Marshall advised that the Sensory Garden Committee will not be asking the Town Council for any funds in excess of the £5K currently in the budget. Mike I’Anson has consulted the Environment Agency and the Yorkshire Congregational Union have also been contacted and they are in agreement with the proposals for the Sensory Garden. Cllr Marshall referred to the fact that one part of the scheme involves some form of artwork and a grant from the Arts Council is being applied for. She said it is possible for the application for this grant to be applied for by HDC or the Town Council; Proposed Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Roberts that HDC should deal with it; agreed. Cllr Watson asked whether the Sensory Garden would be lit and Cllr Marshall said the possibility of low level lighting is being considered. Mike I’Anson is to speak to the police re the implications of this in the light of the Crime and Disorder Act. Cllr Marshall advised that HDC has allocated approximately £1K for maintenance in perpetuity. It is intended to write and enquire whether there are any Section 106 monies available that could be accessed for this as we are taking on extra costs because of the position of the land next to a river.
Cllr Marshall reported on the Ditches Committee saying they are meeting regularly. Eccles Heddon have contacted Barretts’ Solicitors, but have not received a response as yet. A site meeting with the Environment Agency has been held; following this a letter has been received from them and it is felt we now have a way forward. A copy of this letter has been sent to a Civil Engineer asking him for a costing to do various works to the ditch and a reply has been received setting out details of the various phases. Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Morton that the Ditches Committee should look into this and come back to the Town Council with its decisions; agreed.
Agreed that the Sensory Garden and Ditches be added to the Committee Reports at future meetings.
Cllr Adamson advised that the District Council is to call a meeting of the Members in December to look at an update on car parking charges.
Cllr Morton referred to the number of pigeons in the town and expressed concern that the quantity of pigeon droppings are causing some of the pavements to become slippery; a letter to be sent to Environmental Health. He also referred to rubbish in
Page P080
Steads Yard; a meeting is to be held with John Proud shortly and this will be mentioned. Cllr Morton also expressed concern about difficulties with visibility for traffic coming out of Stammergate because of the height of the planting in the bed on Long Street. Cllr Marshall advised that the plants in the beds were specifically chosen because they do not grow big and they were approved by the highways authority. She said a litter bin has been moved and she felt this, together with a vehicle parking in that area, was contributing to the problem; to be looked at.
Cllr Roberts felt the street cleaning should be improved. Agreed to ask HDC if they have an updated schedule of where they sweep and when.
Report from Thirsk in Bloom
Cllr Pack advised that Thirsk in Bloom are meeting on a regular basis and the planting is going well. Cllr Watson queried whether it was necessary for this report to be included on the agenda each month; agreed that in future it be dealt with as a representative’s report.
The meeting closed at 9.18 p.m.
Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 19th November 2007 at 7:15pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Page P081
Present:
Cllrs J. Watson (Chairman), D. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, J. Marshall, A. Morton, C. Pack, F. Roberts, A. Robinson, PC Clare Mayes (NY Police) and the Clerk
Prior to the start of the meeting a minute’s silence was kept in memory of Cllr Roger Mallett who died recently.
Apologies:
Cllr J. Jackson (away); accepted.
Minutes of the Meeting held on 1st November 2007
Proposed approved Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Roberts, subject to two amendments on Page P078 and two on Page P079; agreed.
Police Report
PC Mayes advised that the Neighbourhood Policing Team is now known as the Safer Neighbourhood Team. She said they are starting to notice some differences; they have obtained their first CRASBO and a second one has been accepted. Various schemes are to take place, notably a no lights on bikes scheme and a free stamping initiative on bikes; this can be done at home if necessary. Letters are being sent to lorry drivers who are seen parking and sleeping on the Thirsk Industrial Estate and there has been a noticeable decrease in the number of trailers left overnight. Further leaflets are to be issued re purse thefts around the town. A “no calling” area is being set up within the Hambleton Estate, particularly for elderly people, and the police are to speak to Broadacres about putting chains on the doors of elderly people’s rented accommodation. Referring to the lorries parking on the Industrial Estate, Cllr Morton pointed out that lorry drivers have nowhere else to park overnight in Thirsk; Cllr Adamson advised that HDC are trying to enter into negotiations with the Auction Mart for lorry parking. Cllr Robinson advised that there are problems with antisocial behaviour at the former hostel on Westgate; PC Mayes advised that the police are aware of this and are working with the owner of the flats. Cllr Watson referred to people driving buggies and asked whether they are bound by the normal drink driving laws; PC Mays said not.
County and District Council Reports
In Cllr Dadd’s absence, Cllr Adamson read a report which he had supplied. Cllr Dadd advised that he has raised the issue of the restriction in parking spaces on the Market Place whilst the repairs are being carried out and has now seen an improvement in the amount of space available. He is continuing to work with Sowerby Parish Council and their County Councillor to seek a long term solution to the problem of Blakey Bridge. Referring to the development at Norby, Cllr Dadd advised that, because of possible conflicts prior to the hearing and site visit by HDC, he has chosen not to be present at the initial informal meetings. However, he is meeting informally with the Highways Officer to comment upon the traffic scheme that will be incorporated on Norby Front Street; these comments will then be submitted formally to HDC. Referring to the Art Project, Cllr Dadd advised that he has met with the Thirsk
Page P082
Community Primary School Head and Art Teacher and offered his support. A date for the next Children’s Centre Steering Group meeting is awaited. Cllr Dadd, along with the Mayor of Thirsk and the Chairman of Sowerby Parish Council, had met with representatives of Highways and the developers on Station Road last Monday regarding the proposed second roundabout on Station Road and the feelings of local people were made known. He will be commenting on this further when he has received the views of Sowerby, Carlton Miniott and Thirsk Councils. Cllr Dadd reported that he and Cllr Adamson have written to the residents of Carlton Miniott and Station Road informing them of the proposed allocation of land for industrial use to the rear of Station Road. The letter included a slip for residents to fill in objecting to this and he understands that HDC have now received a large number of these slips. Cllr Dadd is awaiting an update from the Acting Officer responsible for Extra Care Housing and if it is appropriate he will ask for a further presentation to the Town Council. He stressed that Cherry Garth will not close until a new improved facility is ready. He is working with both County and District attempting to solve problems with footpaths at Todds Court and Ingramgate. Cllr Dadd thanked everyone who signed and gathered signatures on the petition objecting to the proposed cuts in the police service (approximately 500 signatures were collected). He advised that the petition will be presented to the House of Commons this evening by Anne McIntosh MP.
District Council
Cllr Adamson advised that the scheduled start date for the works to Millgate car park is 7th January 2008. The work which the County Council are proposing to do to the bridge has still to go out to tender. Reporting on kerbside recycling, Cllr Adamson said the blue boxes are still being distributed in some areas. Cllr Marshall pointed out that the original green boxes supplied to East Thirsk have not yet been taken away and when she rang and asked for a second blue box she was supplied with a green one. Cllr Adamson advised that the on-street drinking ban is likely to go to Cabinet in January/February 2008.
Open Forum
No members of the public present.
Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 15th October 2007
P070 Presentation by Mr Robin Meyshall of NYCC’s Emergency Planning Department; thank you sent to Mr Meyshall. Cllr Watson enquired whether we had heard anything from him regarding the setting up of the Community Emergency Scheme; to be chased up.
P072 White lining on the Industrial Estate; no reply as yet. Agreed that this be included in the Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Items.
P072 Request for cutting and collecting grass around the headstones in the Cemetery; not received. Agreed that this be looked at when the grasscutting tenders are sent out.
P072 Public footpath from Gillings Court to Kirkgate; nothing further as yet. Agreed that this be included in the Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Items.
P072 Subsidence in the road on Station Road; nothing further as yet. Agreed that this be included in the Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Items.
P072 Resurfacing of Porters Vaults; now completed and looks very good.
Page P083
P072 Action for Market Towns Report – article re car parking research; now received.
P072 Ponding in East Thirsk; northing further received as yet. It was pointed out that there is severe ponding on the Tranmire Ditch side of the sleeping policeman on Hambleton Drive; to be reported to the County Council.
P073 South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust Foundation Trust; form to be completed.
P073 Shops selling food described as half price; reply from Trading Standards awaited.
P074 Bushes on Millgate; now cut back.
P074 Budgets; the Clerk thanked Councillors for sending in their budgets – these have now all been received.
Finance
Report from the External Auditor
The Clerk reported that Mazars, the External Auditors, have signed off the accounts for 2006/07 – they had no queries and no items of concern.
Accounts for Payment
Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Morton that the following accounts be approved for payment; agreed:
Hollin Barn Nurseries – planting White Mare roundabout £297.00
KRM Plumbing & Heating – repairing Cemetery tap £30.00
M.L.Burnett: Work to White Bridge £259.38
Repairs to play areas at Craigs Way and Shire Park Play Areas £65.00
Refixing plinth stones at The Whitelass £32.50
Repairs to seat and fence at Castle Garth £32.50
Repairs to seat in Picnic Area £115.37
Work to Mill Gardens £205.14
Fixing sign at Cemetery Lodge £20.00
C.A. Amy: Weekly inspections (1.10.07-4.11.07) £228.50
Litter Picking (1.10.07-4.11.07) £250.00
Replacing swings at East Thirsk £100.00
Work to White Mare Shrubbery £80.00
Removing dead tree on St. James Green £170.00
F D Todd - emptying Cemetery skip £190.78
Information Commissioner – Data Protection renewal £35.00
C.E. and C.M. Walker – grasscutting (17.10.07.) £741.43
Playsafety Limited – RoSPA inspection of play areas £564.00
Biker Contracts – footpath on The Holmes £12,403.28
Playdale – replacement of mini suspension bridge on the Millennium Green £1,760.15
Nigel Burn – garden maintenance on White Mare roundabout £85.00
R. Bennett – cleaning bus shelter (30.7.07.-1.10.07.) £80.00
Cllr J. Watson – Mayor’s Allowance (1st half 2007/08) £250.00
Inland Revenue – Tax/NI, October 07 £490.15
Thirsk Museum – Walks and Talks re Interpretation Boards £300.00
M. I’Anson – repayment for new lock and keys for Millennium Green £29.93
Mazars – External Audit Fee 2006/07 £646.25
Page P084
D.E. Adamson – reimbursement for blower vac for the Cemetery £107.32
M.L. Burnett: Constructing ramp on The Holmes £210.00
Replacing stone on Town Clock and Refitting stone plinth on water trough £65.00
Elaine Coulson – reimbursement for donation in memory of Cllr Mallett £20.00
Hollin Barn Nurseries – plants for Thirsk in Bloom £281.80
In addition, the salaries of the Clerk and the Assistant to the Clerk will be paid in accordance with the Town Council’s normal practice
Paid Since Last Meeting
Biker Contracts – resurfacing of Porters Vaults £11,518.64
Petty Cash £47.99
Viking Direct – printer/cartridges etc £253.12
Npower – office electricity £98.20
Alexander Rose Ltd – picnic table for The Holmes £512.31
Income Received
Precept (second half of 2007/08) £43,000.00
NYCC – contribution to Sensory Garden £1,083.23
Burial Board: Rent £485.37
Grave Purchases £244.00
Interments £377.00
Memorials £181.00
Monthly Balance Sheet and Budget Report for October 2007
These had already been circulated to Councillors. Cllr Marshall pointed out that the donations of £500 to each of the Hambleton Citizens Advice Bureau and the Thirsk Community Care Association included in the budget have not yet been paid.
Proposed Cllr Marshall seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that these be paid; agreed. Proposed Cllr Morton, seconded Cllr Pack that the monthly balance sheet and budget report for October 2007 be accepted; agreed.
Correspondence
Hambleton LDG Development Policies Examination; advising that the Examination into the Development Policies DPD was formally closed on 1st November 2007; noted.
NYCC – North Yorkshire Minerals and Waste Development Framework – Site Allocations Preferred Options; these can be viewed on the website or on a CD supplied by the County Council; noted.
Hambleton Citizens Advice Bureau re support for and work of the Bureau; donation already agreed.
Thirsk Royal British Legion; requesting a donation of £148.00 to cover 50% of the cost of the refreshments on Remembrance Sunday. Proposed Cllr Morton, seconded Cllr Roberts that this be paid; agreed.
Applications for Exclusive Rights and Memorials
Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that the following applications be approved; agreed:
Page P085
Grave No. F4 3 Arthur Bardon
Grave No. F3 20 Edna McDonald
Applications for an additional Inscription:
Grave No. U 57 Marjorie Jean Baddeley
Grave No. AA 19 Albert Henry Kennedy
Burial Board Report
Cllr Adamson advised that the Burial Board met very recently. It was decided to employ a worker for the Cemetery for about 20 hours per week. Enquiries are being made and then notices will be put up before any advertising takes place. At the meeting it was agreed that fees will be increased by 4% with effect from 1st April 2008. A blower vac has recently been purchased for use in the Cemetery. Cllr Adamson intends to explore the possibility of having a large wheeliebin rather than the skip if HDC have one of an adequate size. It is hoped to include having the grass around the memorials cut and cleared when the grasscutting goes out to tender.
Station Road Highways Scheme
Cllr Watson advised that she, Cllr Robson from Sowerby Parish Council and Cllr Dadd had met with representatives from the County Council’s Highways Department, Persimmon and Wimpey on site. Cllr Watson said it is felt that drivers will get very frustrated at having to negotiate two roundabouts so close together. She also felt that parking restrictions will need to be introduced in order to stop vehicles parking on the road. Cllr Marshall pointed out that when a mini roundabout was requested on Stockton Road at the entrance to St. Mary’s estate it was refused because it was too near the roundabout at the top of Stammergate. Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Adamson that the Town Council is opposed to a second mini roundabout at the new development on Station Road, but would support a yellow box junction there; agreed.
Reports
Representatives
Cllr Hesmondhalgh reported that she had attended the CCA meeting and everything is going well.
Cllr Watson reported that she had attended the Lambert Hospital League of Friends meeting. It has been agreed to replace some of the televisions in the wards. A presentation is to be made to Sister Sweeting who is retiring. Cllr Watson had attended the 15 years of the CCA celebration. She had also attended the Remembrance Day service and wreath laying and took the salute in the Market Place.
Cllr Roberts left the meeting.
Members
Cllr Marshall expressed concern that estate agents when advertising properties for sale are referring to them having parking facilities on St. James Green. Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Adamson that a letter be sent to all estate agents pointing out that this is not the case and that it is privately owned land with a byelaw governing the use of it.
Page P086
Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Pack that the public and press be excluded for two items of a confidential nature.
The meeting closed at 8.50 p.m.
|