Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Thursday 6th December 2007 at 7:30pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
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Present:
Cllrs J. Watson (Chairman), D. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, J. Marshall, A. Morton, I. Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”, PC Duncan Pears and PC Simon Williamson (North Yorkshire Police), two members of the public and the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllrs J. Jackson (away), C. Pack (family funeral), F. Roberts (away) and A. Robinson (no reason given); accepted.
Proposed Cllr Morton, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that Standing Orders be suspended; agreed.
Talk by Mike I’Anson re landscaping of the York Road Roundabout and the Sensory Garden
Mr I’Anson reported that an initial meeting had been held involving the Highways Department, Town Council, Rotary and other community organisations. Lionel Twiss has worked with Severfield Reeve and Cllr Dadd has worked with Bagby Parish Council and the County Council. The Thirsk Community Woodlands Group and the Highways Department have been in discussion about it. Various matters need to be taken into account, for example the need to retain sightlines and to not cause additional problems for people who may inadvertently go onto the roundabout in their vehicles. Mr I’Anson advised that he has drawn up a specification – it is to be minimum maintenance, it is to be planted with native species and there is to be all year round interest. Severfield Reeve are to pay the capital cost plus ten years maintenance of the roundabout and they will put the planting scheme out to recognised contractors. The County Council can only grant a licence for this planting to a statutory body such as the Town Council. Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Marshall that the Town Council take the Licence from the County Council; agreed.
Turning to the Sensory Garden, Mr I’Anson referred to liabilities saying that the top course of bricks (and possibly the second course also) on the harbour wall is out of true and this needs to be rectified before railings can be put on top of it. Cllr Marshall has written to Tim Wood at HDC about both the condition of the harbour wall and the fact that we are being asked to take over a site that is in this condition and also querying the fact that when HDC calculated the amount of Section 106 monies to be allocated for development and maintenance (around £1K for the latter in perpetuity) they had not taken into account the type of land (ie a former burial ground) and its position on the side of the river. We feel therefore that the amount of money allocated for its maintenance should be more, hence the letter asking for more monies from other S106 allocations. Referring to the graves and memorials, Mr I’Anson said the Sensory Garden Committee are looking into how much notice needs to be given for the memorials to be moved, both temporarily whilst the work is taking place and also looking at the possibility of re-siting them into another part of the Sensory Garden. We are in contact with Eccles Heddon regarding the wording of the notices. Permission for access across the library car park is also required. Mr I’Anson pointed out that the Town Council needs to be aware of the maintenance issues regarding the
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Sensory Garden and to ensure that everything is in place before it takes it on. Regarding consultation, Mr. I’Anson advised that he has been in contact with the voluntary sector and they are to let us know which groups may want to use the Sensory Garden and it is intended to get them together to see what they would like. Mr I’Anson has been in contact with PC Kevin Brookes regarding the implications of Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act and he will be involved throughout. There will need to be some discussion with neighbours. Referring to the design, Mr I’Anson said the intention is to make it robust and a Sensory Garden that everyone can use and enjoy. Mr I’Anson pointed out that the Sensory Garden will include the last piece of the path going alongside the river, so there will be a path on both sides of the Cod Beck south of Finkle Street Bridge. Cllr Morton referred to the memorials and Mr I’Anson said it is necessary to go out to the community for three months’ consultation on this.
Open Forum
PC Pears introduced PC Simon Williamson who has transferred from Scarborough and is now a member of the Safer Neighbourhood Team. PC Pears advised that the DPPO on street drinking ban has been accepted by the Licensing Committee at HDC and there will now be a 30 day public consultation period. PC Pears pointed out that this will be the largest DPPO area in Hambleton; Cllr Watson thanked the police for all their hard work with this. PC Pears advised that there is currently an unlit pedal cycle operation ongoing and so far 9 people, including 2 adults, have been stopped. PC Pears reported that there have been a considerable number of burglaries in Whitby, Ryedale and Hambleton where people have left their properties and vehicles unlocked. Cllr Morton advised that one of the floodlights at St. Mary’s Church has been damaged and the lantern has been taken from the church porch. There is also evidence of fires being lit in the ledges of the stonework in the porch.
Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Adamson that Standing Orders be reinstated; agreed.
Minutes of the Meeting held on 19th November 2007
Proposed approved Cllr Morton, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh; agreed.
Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 1st November 2007
P075 Public conveniences; nothing further received from HDC regarding the display of cleaning timetables in the toilets.
P075 Rubbish on the Industrial Estate; Cllr Adamson had read through the reply received from NYCC and will look through it further. He has received a complaint from a neighbouring unit about domestic waste and about Todd’s lorries and skips left overnight without lights. Cllr Marshall pointed out that this item was brought up originally because of concern about the amount of rubbish in the streets and rats and she felt we need to keep on top of this.
P075 Development at Norby Depot; Cllr Adamson advised that HDC Development Control have a site meeting on Monday. Cllr Marshall referred to the fact that two meetings have been held which Cllr Roberts had attended and she was not invited to the second one which included items about play areas. Cllr Marshall pointed out that the site meeting originally requested was in respect of work which Wimpey want to
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do on The Holmes and was with the Open Areas Committee as the responsible Committee of the Town Council who are the leaseholders.
P075 Works to Millgate Bridge; letter in “Correspondence”.
P075 Redundant signage; letter to be put through the door of the Mind Shop and Fizeek to be asked whether they know who the current owners of the building are. Cllr Watson advised that she has spoken to HDC about the John Smith’s sign on the Market Cross Jewellers building; they are to look into this.
P075 Signboards on the Industrial Estate; nothing further as yet.
P075 Carrs Field; reply received from Tony Jordan advising that his 4 year term expired on 5th December 2006 and he therefore needs to be re-nominated, as does Sue Dodds whose 4 year term expired on 18th November 2006. Mr Jordan advises that a vacancy exists for a second Co-opted Trustee and the Carrs Field-Ethel Johnson Bequest Trust will endeavour to fill this vacancy. Letter also received from Mr. S. Ballard suggesting that a regular report from the trustees be recorded in the Town Council minutes every few months. Cllr Watson suggested that this correspondence be passed to the Carrs Field Committee.
P075 Sign nameplates for Alleyways; ‘E’ mail sent to HDC.
P075 Public footpath sign at the Finkle Street end of the footpath; it is understood that the new sign has been broken down.
P075 Post Office; Cllr Morton advised that there have been long queues in the relocated Post Office. Agreed that this be monitored for a further 3-4 weeks.
P075 Fencing on Castle Garth; Cllr Marshall advised that she has now received the information she requires from Brian Noble Fencing and she will send the application off.
P076 Christmas Lights; switch on took place on 25th November.
P076 Sign at The Workhouse; It has been ascertained that Sgt Ben Frank has the sign. A mutually acceptable position for the sign has been agreed on a lamppost, subject to obtaining NYCC’s consent (as the owners of the lamppost). Cllr Marshall advised that NYCC have previously refused permission for this and Sgt Frank is to consult with them. He is in agreement with the Town Council about the siting of the sign and is working with us on this.
P076 “Welcome to Thirsk” pack; the Town Council’s view was reported to St. Mary’s PCC – the PCC is to obtain costings.
P076 Roundabout on Station Road; site meeting held and Cllr Watson attended on behalf of the Town Council. Following the last meeting the Town Council’s views were ‘E’ mailed to Cllr Dadd, ie that the Town Council is not in favour of a second roundabout, but would welcome a yellow box junction.
P076 Meeting re new litter bins; meeting held with John Proud of HDC and Cllrs Watson and Marshall. Cllr Watson advised that it was decided where the new bins should be sited – this includes one in Mill Gardens. John Proud has been asked to alter the position of the bin on the corner of Long Street and Stammergate as it was felt this affected visibility of traffic from Stammergate. Cllr Morton referred to rubbish in Steads Yard; John Proud has been asked to put a bin in there, but to re-site it further away from the wall.
P077 “North Yorkshire Times”; details of Christmas events ‘E’ mailed to the North Yorkshire Times, together with a request that they contact the schools to obtain details of their Christmas events.
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P077 Planning application for the construction of a porch at “The Darrowby Inn”; objection as a neighbour sent to HDC.
P077 Bollard on Piper Lane; M. Burnett to be asked to remove this.
P077 Extension to Millgate Car Park; following the ‘E’ mail to Peter Simpson at HDC a reply has been received from Dave McGloin advising that the scheduled start date is 7th January 2008 with a contract period of ten weeks. The work will be undertaken in two phases, phase 1 being Millgate Car Park and phase 2 the coach park and Marage car park. Mr McGloin advises that there should be the minimum of disruption . He understands that work on Millgate Bridge will now not start until the beginning of February and does not feel that having both sets of work at the same time will result in any significant additional disruption and a combined programme to facilitate the dovetailing of the two schemes is to be formulated.
P077 Entrances; covered earlier in the meeting.
P077 Porters Vaults; the large container of rubbish has been removed.
P077 Assessment of the condition of HDC’s trees; ‘E’ mail sent to Clive Thornton.
P078 Seats in the Picnic Area; Chris Amy has been reminded about painting these.
P078 Loose cobbles on the White Mare Roundabout; Joe Gallagher of NYCC advises that these are in hand.
P078 Repainting of Milestones; reply received from Cleveland Corrosion Control advising that they were unable to remove two of the mileposts as they were very solidly embedded in concrete. As a result of this they were unable to take them away for sandblasting and they were therefore painted on site. The three coat paint system used would normally need no maintenance for ten years and Cleveland Corrosion advise that if the milestones show signs of rust before that time then they will carry out remedial work.
P078 Path near the waterfall; Malcolm Burnett has looked at this and advises that the path could not be widened because there is a large tree in the way.
P078 RoSPA Report; now received.
P079 Porters Vaults; resurfacing work now completed.
P079 Hambleton LDF Allocations; comments sent in by the due date.
P079 Bus timetable case on Hambleton Drive; reported.
P079 Streetlights; several streetlights in the Market Place which were not working were reported and these appear to have now been fixed.
P079 Ditches; Eccles Heddon are still awaiting a reply from Barretts’ Solicitors.
P080 Pigeons; letter sent to HDC’s Environmental Health Department
P080 Street sweeping schedule; ‘E’ mail sent to HDC.
P080 Planted areas on Long Street; Cllr Adamson expressed concern that there is a large plant in the bed near the Long Street/Stammergate junction which restricts the visibility of motorists pulling out of Stammergate. Cllr Marshall advised that this bed had been clipped back, but the further concerns will be passed to Cllr Pack. She said the visibility is also restricted because of the position of the litter bin and a vehicle which parks there.
Correspondence
Highways North Yorkshire re works to Millgate Bridge enclosing drawings. They advise that the scheme is programmed to commence on 7th January 2008 with a 12 week duration. They point out that because of the need for temporary work platforms and walkways Mill Gardens will be unusable for this period. The drawings show an
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indicative arrangement but the contractor may propose an alternative arrangement. However, they ask that the Town Council confirm its agreement in principal to this
indicative arrangement in order that the scheme can go out to tender. Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Morton that we are happy with the arrangement. Jacobs to be asked whether we have to close Mill Gardens or whether they will do it and also that any damage must be made good; agreed. ‘E’ mail received from Jacobs asking whether it would be possible to use some of the land to the north west of the bridge for a site compound; reply to be sent advising that this land is owned by Bill Calvert and it is not possible to use it because it is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Mrs Diane Miller advising of the gardening work she has carried out in the Picnic Area; Cllr Watson to take this to Central Areas Meeting and a letter of thanks to be sent to Mrs Miller
Mrs Diane Miller re parking on Picks Lane near the junction with Croft View. Cllr Marshall pointed out that approval for double yellow lines was granted some considerable time ago, but the County Council have not done the work; a letter to be sent to the Highways Department.
Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Matters
This had been updated and circulated to Councillors. The following points were noted:
Land on Ingramgate; Cllr Marshall pointed out that the Greens Committee are querying the ownership of this with John Bell.
St. James’ Green byelaws; Cllr Hesmondhalgh advised that a meeting had been scheduled to look at this, but it had had to be cancelled.
Reports
Carrs Field - In Cllr Roberts’ absence, there was nothing to report.
Central Areas - Cllr Watson advised that a meeting is scheduled for next week. Chris Amy has been asked to look at any outstanding work in Mill Gardens. A new litterbin is to be put in there and the old one taken away. A letter has been sent to Davic McGloin re re-siting the CCTV camera and PC Brookes is to write to him again.
Christmas Festivities - Cllr Adamson felt that the Christmas tree looks very good.
Greens and Ingramgate - A meeting to set the budget was held.
Millennium Green - Cllr Hesmondhalgh reported that a clean up had been held at the weekend. The Woodlands Group are thinning out the trees near the mosaic. Cllr Hesmondhalgh has spoken to Mike I’Anson and suggested the Trustees put some money towards having one of the paths done and they are willing to pay 50% towards having the path which runs around the trees done; agreed they should accept a quote previously obtained in the amount of £2,625.
Open Areas - Cllr Marshall reported that a budget meeting had been held. They had looked through the RoSPA Report and are to look at it in more detail later. They have asked for schemes for the East Thirsk Play Area to be drawn up and two have been received so
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far; the third supplier is to be put on notice that this is required within the next week or so. Cllr Marshall had spoken to Kate Staines and HDC are not expecting any
information from the Big Lottery until January 2008. The Committee is looking at the possibility of replacing equipment at Shire Park and Johnson Close. Cllr Marshall had met with John Bell on The Holmes and discussed how people in disabled buggies, wheelchairs etc can access The Holmes. Referring to the large gap in the fencing installed by NYCC, Cllr Marshall advised that as a temporary measure it was agreed to put some flower tubs to narrow the gap and prevent vehicles driving onto The Holmes. Cllr Marshall said that by taking out one of the fences near the Sluice Gate a new footpath could be constructed to get onto the existing footpath. Cllr Marshall has approached Tim Wood at HDC to enquire whether Wimpey would be prepared to finance this. She reported that John Bell was in favour of such a footpath.
Town Development - Nothing to report.
Sensory Garden - Cllr Marshall referred to the application for a grant from the Arts Council and said that at a previous Town Council meeting it was agreed that HDC should apply for this. However, the Arts Council felt it would be better if the Town Council did this; agreed. Chris Fitzgerald had made one of the panels to go in the fencing and the Sensory Gardens Committee was very pleased with this. The developer has scraped off the site and cleared the undergrowth that was there. The fencing at the Nursery Gardens side has been taken down.
Ditches - Cllr Marshall reported that the Working Party had met on 28th November. The Environment Agency have written to residents warning them against littering the ditches. Cllr Marshall advised that the Working Party would like to instruct the structural engineer to proceed with his suggested Phase 1, ie undertaking a Topgraphical Survey of existing ditch, assessment of ditch and catchment area to enable preliminary sizing of culvert and liaising with the Environment Agency to discuss initial proposals and agree design parameters for culvert, at a cost of £1,800. Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Morton that they should go ahead with this; agreed.
Other Items of Interest and Information
Cllr Marshall asked that we write to Highways regarding flooding on Long Street outside the new furniture shop and also flooding at the entrance to Thircon.
Cllr Adamson referred to car parking charges and said that a report on this is to go to Cabinet on Tuesday to look at introducing car parking charges in 2009/2010. Cllr Adamson said there will be a period of consultation and there will be a meeting with us as a Town Council. It is possible there would be a free area for short term parking (30 minutes) in the Market Place. A similar arrangement for car parking charges would take place in Northallerton, subject to the agreement of the County Council, who are responsible for the High Street parking. Cllr Adamson pointed out that this will be an economic decision and the proposed indicative charges would be 40p per hour short stay and £1.50 per day. Cllr Hesmondhalgh asked whether they had considered introducing residents’ permits, but Cllr Adamson said that would cost more than it would bring in. Cllr Marshall felt that of all the market towns it was very
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unfair that Thirsk and Northallerton are the ones who will be penalised because of having larger amounts of land owned by the District Council. Cllr Adamson provided a copy of the report to Cabinet and asked that this be copied to all Town Councillors.
The meeting closed at 9.12 p.m.
Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 17th December 2007 at 7:15pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
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Present:
Cllrs J. Watson (Chairman), D.E. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, J. Jackson, J. Marshall, A. Morton, C. Pack, F. Roberts, County and District Cllr G. Dadd, I. Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”) and the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllrs B. Ogleby (other commitments), A. Robinson (other commitments); accepted.
Minutes of the meeting held on 6th December 2007
Proposed approved Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Morton; agreed.
Police Report
No members of the police present.
Reports
County Council
Cllr Dadd referred to the proposed introduction by HDC of car parking charges and advised that he is urging that the Leader and Officers to meet with the Town Council and hopefully also involve the Thirsk Business Association. He advised that HDC will be calling the meeting and it is the Town Council’s decision whether or not it decides to also have a public meeting. Cllr Dadd has spoken to Gordon Gresty of NYCC and has advised him that he wishes to be kept abreast of any negotiations between the two authorities regarding this matter. Cllr Dadd advised that there is a lot of concern around the Dalton area regarding the possible building of an incinerator. He pointed out that at the moment there is nothing formally planned, but should a formal proposal be put forward and should it have an effect on his area then he will become involved. Referring to the proposed police funding formula, Cllr Dadd reported that the Home Secretary has decided not to implement the proposed change and there will therefore be a 2.5% increase for police in North Yorkshire. Cllr Dadd thanked all those who had taken part in getting signatures on the petitions. Cllr Dadd advised that the original Order for the implementation of yellow lines on Picks Lane had to be re-done and the new Order was published on 14th December. Referring to the closure of the Rutson Hospital, Cllr Dadd advised that the Scrutiny Committee has looked into it and has supported the decision of the PCT to move it into the Friarage Hospital. By doing so the services will be improved and it will add to the viability of the Friarage. A full Council Meeting is to be held on Wednesday and this will discuss Councillors’ Allowances which are proposed to increase by 2.9% across the board; Cllr Dadd advised that he will not be supporting the increase. It is also suggested that County Councillors attending Parish and Town Council meetings should be able to claim mileage allowance. Cllr Dadd advised that he has been in touch with John Proud at HDC regarding Ingramgate and this has been added to the street cleaning schedule. Cllr Jackson expressed his concern about the proposed car parking charges. He also pointed out that the last time the introduction of car parking charges came up it was suggested that the car park at Stone Cross be included in any such scheme. Cllr Dadd advised that he will not be supporting the proposed car parking charges scheme.
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Cllr Pack said she would like clarification of the proposed waste disposal site at Dalton, but Cllr Dadd said he is not able to comment on another County Councillor’s division.
Cllr Adamson expressed his agreement with Cllr Dadd’s views re the proposed car parking charges. Referring to the ex Todds site, Cllr Adamson said he is still working on this with the Minerals and Waste Planning Officer at NYCC. He said that as a District Councillor his main work is dealing with queries and complaints from residents. He is working with the Recycling Officer at HDC to get more help for the elderly, particularly those in East Thirsk, with dealing with recycling. Cllr Watson said she would like to have an open meeting with the Thirsk Business Association and the public re the car parking charges and Cllr Marshall said she would support this. Cllr Marshall felt it was an insult to the Thirsk Business Association and other organisations in the town that they are simply to get a letter and questionnaire. She pointed out that this is an inequitable proposal as, because of the amount of land in Thirsk which is owned by HDC, Thirsk will be affected by car parking charges more than other towns. Cllr Adamson advised that it is proposed to have some free parking in the Market Place; a residents’ parking scheme has been ruled out as being too expensive. Cllr Jackson referred to when car parking charges were proposed some years ago and pointed out that HDC did not consider alternatives, such as charging for parking discs etc. He felt it was an unfair scheme particularly for people who work in the town. Cllr Dadd agreed that it is unfair to Thirsk. Proposed Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Marshall that the Town Council hold an open public meeting and invite Officers from HDC. Cllr Roberts felt this should be extended to include Carlton Miniott and Sowerby; agreed. Dave McGloin at HDC to be contacted with the possibility of having the Open Meeting in the second half of January 2008.
Open Forum
No members of the public present.
Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 19th November 2007
P082 Community Emergency Scheme; ‘E’ mail sent to Mr Robin Meyshall of NYCC.
P082 White lining on the Industrial Estate; now included in the Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Items.
P082 Public footpath from Gillings Court to Kirkgate; now included in the Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Items.
P082 Subsidence in the road on Station Road; now included in the Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Items.
P083 Ponding in East Thirsk; letter sent
P083 South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust Foundation Trust; form completed.
P084 Donation to Hambleton Citizens Advice Bureau; donation of £500 sent and letter of thanks received.
P084 Donation to Thirsk Community Care Association; donation of £500 sent and letter of thanks received.
P084 Thirsk Royal British Legion; cheque for £148.00 sent as a donation towards the refreshments on Remembrance Sunday.
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P084 NYCC – North Yorkshire Minerals and Waste Development Framework; Cllr Adamson pointed out that the closing date for comments on any issues in this is 24th December 2007.
P085 Station Road Highways Scheme; ‘E’ mail sent to Cllr Dadd advising that the Town Council is opposed to a second roundabout at the new development on Station Road, but would support a yellow box junction there.
P085 Letter to estate agents re parking on St. James’ Green; letter done and to be delivered.
P086 Pigeons; letters sent to HDC and to Enterprise Inns.
Finance
Accounts for Payment
Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Roberts that the following accounts be approved for payment; agreed:
F.D. Todd & Sons Ltd – skip for Millennium Green £146.88
Sowerby Parish Council – one-third of grasscutting of the Flatts £573.30
Lite – replacement bulbs for Christmas lights £56.40
Thirsk Ladies Chamber of Trade – contribution to Christmas lights £500.00
Hambleton IT Service – work to office computer £50.00
SLCC membership renewal £145.00
HDC – Office rent, qtr comm. 1.12.07. £844.53
Hollin Barn Nurseries – plants and planting on Long Street £407.95
Nigel Burn – garden maintenance on Long Street £165.00
D. Connelly – cleaning office windows (4 x £6.50) £26.00
C.A. Amy: Play Area Inspections (5.11.07-2.12.07) £182.80
Litter Picking (5.11.07.-2.12.07.) £200.00
Repairing/painting swings £60.00
Removing debris and blocking fence at Centenary Field £50.00
Trimming hedges on The Holmes £50.00
Inland Revenue – Tax/NI, November 2007 £695.85
Biker Contracts – balance re resurfacing of Porters Vaults £11,518.64
C. Fitzgerald – fabrication of railings for Sensory Garden £3,231.25
X-Calibre – domain name for Thirsk website £141.00
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
Wired – installing Christmas Lights £1,515.75
BT – Office telephone £109.02
Income Received
VAT Refund (1.7.07.-30.9.07.) £5,346.61
NYCC – contribution to grasscutting £3,052.34
NYCC – contribution to Porters Vaults £2,499.79
Burial Bd: Rent £485.37
Interments £244.00
Memorials £210.00
Bank Interest £116.29
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Monthly Balance Sheet and Budget Report for November 2007
Already circulated to Councillors. Proposed approved Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Pack; agreed.
Precept 2008/09
Cllr Marshall pointed out that Councillors have been provided with a copy of the budgets for 2008/09 as updated following the Finance Meeting, and these result in a precept calculation of £102,787. Cllr Hesmondhalgh offered to reduce the Millennium Green budget by £1,000 to £3,000. Cllr Watson said she was prepared to take out the £2,000 allocated for the Apex Scheme as she has not heard anything on this. Proposed Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Adamson that a precept of £99,800 be applied for 2008/09; agreed unanimously. Cllr Marshall pointed out that the main reason for the increase in precept is because the Council is improving the service it provides to the people of Thirsk.
Correspondence
HDC – Confirmation of Stopping Up and Creation Order No. 2007/3 re footpath on Marage Road; noted.
Applications for Exclusive Rights and Memorials
No applications received.
Burial Board Report
Cllr Adamson had nothing to report.
Reports
Representatives
Cllr Marshall reported that the Millennium Green Committee had met and had discussed the implications of the Ditches work. They also talked about the Problem Solving Group in East Thirsk and its implications for the Millennium Green.
Cllr Jackson expressed concern that he had missed the Thirsk and Sowerby Flatts Trust meeting because he did not know about it in time.
Cllr Watson advised that, as Mayor, she had attended a cocktail party at RAF Leeming. She had planted a tree on The Holmes in aid of Christian Aid and she had attended the Thirsk CCA who had been awarded a certificate for work with volunteers.
Members
Cllr Marshall said she had attended the TRI meeting last week. Mark Haynes and Beth Carss have now moved to Stone Cross. Cllr Marshall suggested that a letter of thanks be sent to Mark Haynes for all his help and this was agreed. At this stage it is not certain who will move into the TRI Office, but Cllr Marshall pointed out that the Town Council has some old records etc stored in one of the rooms. She felt we should look at these and look at disposing of anything we can.
Cllr Adamson asked that the old Minute Books be taken to the County Records Office.
Cllr Marshall felt it would be appropriate to think of a memorial to Roget Mallett in recognition of his service to the Town Council.
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Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Watson that the press be excluded for a confidential item.
An ‘E’ mail had been received regarding wheeliebins being put on the roadway of the St. James’ Green. Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Roberts that this be acknowledged and that a letter be sent by recorded delivery to the resident of St. James’ Green concerned pointing out that no one has the right to reserve parking spaces on St. James’ Green and that wheeliebins etc should not be left on the roadway there; agreed.
The meeting closed at 8.40 p.m.