Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Thursday 3rd January 2008 at 7:30pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
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Present:
Councillors J. Watson (Chairman), D. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, J. Marshall, C. Pack, F. Roberts, A. Robinson, I. Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”), PC Jobe (North Yorkshire Police) and the Clerk
Apologies:
Councillors J. Jackson (away), A. Morton (another commitment), B. Ogleby (other commitments); accepted.
Open Forum
Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that Standing Orders be suspended; agreed.
PC Jobe referred to the recent instances of graffiti and reported that two people have been arrested for this and have been dealt with in court. She reported that there has been some interest in Valewatch and they are looking at re-introducing it over the next few months. Regarding the proposed On Street Drinking Ban, PC Jobe reported that the signage for this will be put in by March 2008.
Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Adamson that Standing Orders be reinstated; agreed.
Minutes of the Meeting held on 17th December 2007
Proposed approved Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Adamson; agreed.
Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 6th December 2007
P087 York Road Roundabout; NYCC have been informed that the Town Council will take the Licence for the landscaping of the roundabout.
P088 Public conveniences; chasing ‘E’ mail sent to Steve Prentice at HDC re the possibility of having cleaning timetables in the toilets.
P089 Redundant signage; letter put through the letterbox of the Mind Shop asking the owners to remove the redundant signage.
P089 Signboards on the Industrial Estate; nothing further as yet.
P089 Carrs Field; this is an agenda item for later in the meeting.
P089 Sign nameplates for the Alleyways; chasing ‘E’ mail sent to Clive Thornton at HDC and reply received advising that he has not been able to progress this in this financial year. However, he has been talking to Mark Haynes who is looking at a possible scheme and he will ask his colleague, Claire Spink, to liaise with Mark with a view to installation of the signs in the early part of the next financial year.
P089 Public footpath sign at the Finkle Street end of the footpath; P. Penny of NYCC informed that this has been broken.
P089 Sign at The Workhouse; nothing further on this as yet.
P089 “Welcome to Thirsk” pack; the PCC has not obtained any costings as yet.
P089 Roundabout on Station Road; Cllr Watson understands from Cllr Dadd that the second roundabout is to be put in.
P090 Planning application for the construction of a porch at “The Darrowby Inn”; the application has been refused by HDC.
P090 Bollard on Piper Lane; M. Burnett has removed this.
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P090 Assessment of the condition of HDC’s trees; chasing ‘E’ mail sent to Clive Thornton and reply received advising that a survey has not been done. However, he has received an update of the tree survey for Millgate car park and it is hoped to tie the necessary work in with the car park extension scheme.
P090 Ditches; nothing further received from Barrett’s Solicitors.
P090 Pigeons; awaiting reply from HDC’s Environmental Health Department.
P090 Street sweeping schedule; reply received from John Proud at HDC advising that there is a schedule, but because of constant demands on staff, it is not always possible to follow it. Following an accident with one of the mini sweepers their schedule is currently under review. Mr Proud is happy to attend a Town Council meeting if required.
P090 Planted areas on Long Street; another complaint has been received regarding the restriction in visibility for vehicles emerging from Stammergate; Cllr Pack to look into this. Cllr Marshall advised that she has reported to HDC the fact that the bin has not yet been moved.
P091 Work to Millgate Bridge; reply received from Jacobs advising that the contractor will be responsible for closing off Mill Gardens. He confirms that the contractor will also be responsible for carrying out any remedial works to Mill Gardens which may be required as a result of the work.
P091 Picnic Area; letter of thanks sent to Mrs Miller for her gardening work in the Picnic Area.
P091 Picks Lane junction with Croft View; reply sent to Mrs Miller. Notice now received from NYCC Highways Department regarding the installation of yellow lines (to be dealt with under “Correspondence”).
P091 Millennium Green; acceptance of quote for footpath work sent.
P092 Ditches; Structural Engineer instructed to proceed with Phase 1.
P092 Flooding on Long Street and at entrance to Thircon; reported to Highways. The drain outside the furniture shop on Long Street has now been cleared.
P092 Car parking charges; to be dealt with as an agenda item later in the meeting.
Correspondence
NYCC – Notice re temporary closure of Kirkgate from 6th-10th January 2008 for footway improvement works; noted.
Post Offices; the Chairman had received a letter from Anne McIntosh MP enclosing a copy of a letter from Peter Luff MP, Chairman of the Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Committee, regarding the future of the Postal Service. Mr Luff advises that they would like responses to the consultation by 14th January. Agreed that two letters be sent to Mr Luff, the first saying that the Town Council has not been consulted and is not happy at the number of post offices which are to close; the second expressing its displeasure at the move of the Post Office in Thirsk plus the fact that there are now long queues and there is very little room for wheelchair users. It was queried whether planning permission for change of use was required when the Post Office moved into the Co-op premises; HDC’s Planning Department to be asked about this. It was also pointed out that the Post Office sign is still up on the old closed Co-op building.
Crossing near Bakers Alley; complaint received from a member of the public that it is not clear whether this is an actual crossing point and whether motorists or pedestrians
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have the right of way; agreed that a letter be sent to Jayne Charlton at NYCC about this.
NYCC – Notice re Prohibition of Waiting Order re Picks Lane/Croft View; the Town Council is in agreement with this.
BTCV; enquiring whether we have any work we would like including in their schedule for the period March to September 2008; no interest at present.
NYCC re amendments to the 30 mph speed limit at Norby. It was noted that it is proposed to extend the 30 mph limit along the Northallerton Road beyond the old Norby depot. A reply to be sent advising that we welcome the extension to the 30 mph limit area and hope that some traffic management scheme will be put in place to ensure that drivers comply with the speed limit.
Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Items
Landlords’ signboard on the Industrial Estate; it was pointed out that this has been ongoing for some considerable time now – to be chased up.
Possible Introduction of Car Parking Charges in Thirsk
An ‘E’ mail had been sent to Dave McGloin at HDC advising that it is our intention to arrange an Open Meeting and asking Officers from HDC to attend. Reply received declining and pointing out that meetings will be held with business contacts and parish/town councils, but the public will be consulted through focus groups, interviews and the “Hambleton News”. Cllr Marshall expressed concern that they have not agreed to attend a meeting and proposed that a letter be sent expressing our disquiet that they have failed to respond positively to a parish council’s request. She felt we should arrange a public meeting and ask the Thirsk Business Association to speak at it. Cllr Marshall suggested organising a petition; however it is understood there is one already going round the town. Cllr Robinson explained that HDC need to raise revenue in order to keep the services at the same level and they feel the only way to do this is by introducing car parking charges. Cllr Marshall pointed out that because HDC own a greater amount of land in Thirsk than in the other market towns it is not an equitable scheme. Agreed that a letter be sent to the Leader and the Chief Executive of HDC asking them to attend an open meeting; once their response is received the meeting will be organised.
Trustees of Carrs Field
A reply had been received from Tony Jordan advising that his 4 year term as a Trustee expired on 5th December 2006 and Sue Dodds’ 4 year term expired on 18th November 2006. Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that we re-nominate Mr Jordan and Mrs Dodds as Trustees; motion carried with one abstention. Agreed that this be diaried forward in order that we can publicise it in future. Agreed that we ask Mr Jordan to keep us informed, perhaps by sending us copies of the minutes of their meetings.
Reports
Carrs Field - The need for them to pay the insurance has been chased up.
Central Areas - Cllr Watson pointed out that a meeting has been scheduled for later in the month.
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Christmas Festivities - Cllr Adamson advised that he is still getting compliments about the tree and the lights. Cllr Marshall advised that she had received a request that the lights be put on earlier in the day; to be looked at next Christmas.
Greens and Ingramgate - Cllr Pack advised that she had received a quote for alterations to the roadway outside the “Lord Nelson” to stop the gravel going into the road; a Committee Meeting is to be held to look at this. Cllr Watson pointed out that two plant tubs on Ingramgate have been turned over; Cllr Pack to sort this out.
Millennium Green - Cllr Hesmondhalgh advised that a quote for re-surfacing one of the paths on the Millennium Green has been accepted.
Open Areas - Cllr Marshall referred to the gap in the fencing between the footpath alongside the Northallerton Road and The Holmes and advised that Cllr Pack has ordered some planters to be put there to reduce the width of the gap. Cllr Marshall had met with Peter Penny of NYCC to look at a footpath onto The Holmes near the waterfall. Mr Penny thinks this is a good idea and is happy for us to take down the fence which is part of the right of way footpath. He is to get someone from the bridges department at the County Council to contact Cllr Marshall to look at the deterioration of the stonework at the waterfall; he has a responsibility for this as it is part of the public footpath. Cllr Marshall had pointed out to Mr Penny that part of the fence alongside the public footpath from the road to the waterfall is missing; we are to deal with this and Mr Penny will meet the cost.
Cllr Marshall referred to the Lottery application for the East Thirsk Play Area and said that HDC are not expecting to hear anything about this until January as they had to provide additional information. Three schemes have now been received for the East Thirsk Play Area from play equipment manufacturers and estimates have been received for work on other play areas; the Open Areas Committee is to look at these.
Town Development Working Party - Cllr Hesmondhalgh pointed out that the alleyways have now been completed and queried whether this needs to remain on the agenda; agreed that it no longer needs to be included.
Sensory Garden - Cllr Marshall advised that there had been various concerns from both the Working Party and the Town Council about the process to be followed re the headstones etc. A letter was therefore sent to Eccles Heddon and following this Cllr Marshall and Mark Haynes attended a meeting with Mr Armstrong of Eccles Heddon. A letter has now been received from Mr Armstrong and Cllr Marshall read out the salient points. Mr Armstrong advises that the Town Council could deal with taking details of the memorials and putting up the notices in a management role before the freehold is passed to it. Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Adamson that we follow the advice given by Mr Armstrong and write to Tim Watson asking him if he will agree to allow us to go on site to record the details and to start the notice period. Also that we ask Mr Armstrong to draft a suitable form of notice; agreed.
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Ditches - Cllr Marshall advised that we have written to the Structural Engineer instructing him to undertake the work detailed as Phase 1 in his report. Mr Armstrong of Eccles Heddon has not had a reply from Barretts’ solicitors. He suggested we ask Dave Goodwin at HDC to speak to his contacts at Barretts as a matter of urgency and ask them to ask their solicitors to contact ours.
Other Items of Interest and Information
Cllr Marshall expressed concern at blocked drains outside the cinema and the Town Hall and also on the other side of the road; Cllr Robinson advised that they have been cleaned out within the last few days. Cllr Marshall also referred to the drains on Ingramgate near Bridge Garage which need attention; to be reported.
Cllr Marshall mentioned that there is water ingress in the old TRI Office again.
Cllr Robinson referred to the trees which have been cut down on the corner of Newsham Road; Cllr Roberts pointed out that they are not in the Conservation Area; she understands one of them was considered dangerous.
Cllr Adamson advised that Cllr Dadd has asked Highways yet again to deal with the ponding at East Thirsk.
The meeting closed at 8.50 p.m.
Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 21st January 2008 at 7:15pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Page P104
Present:
Cllrs J. Watson (Chairman), D.E. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, J.E. Jackson, C.M. Pack, F.M. Roberts, A. Robinson, County and District Cllr G. Dadd, I. Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”), 2 Members of the Public and the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllrs A. Morton (family commitments), J. Marshall (family commitments); accepted.
Minutes of the Meeting held on 3rd January 2008
Proposed accepted Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Adamson; agreed.
Reports
County Council
Cllr Dadd advised that the County Council Engineers have been out to Hambleton Place to look at the ponding; they have assessed it and are looking at solutions. They are also looking at the drainage in Hambleton Place. Cllr Dadd advised that the County Council has received a settlement from Central Government which reflects the increase in population, but he pointed out that the waste strategy will require over £20m of funding. The Fire Brigade has received an indicative settlement of 1% with increases of 0.5% over the following two years.
District Council
Cllr Dadd advised that the District Council has received an indicative settlement of just over 1%.
Cllr Adamson had nothing to report.
Cllr Robinson had nothing to report.
Cllr Hesmondhalgh referred to the blue box recycling, saying that last week the collection was two days late and that they reverted back to the recycling system used previously. Cllr Dadd advised that HDC did not realise how much people would recycle. He has received assurances that they are getting to grips with it.
Open Forum
Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Roberts that Standing Orders be suspended; agreed.
Mr Peter Mills addressed the Town Council saying there is a need for more allotments. There are allotments to rent at Norby, but there are currently 12 people on the waiting list for these and the allotments in Sowerby are owned by the allotment holders. Mr Mills asked whether the Town Council would provide such allotments and referred to Section 23 of the Smallholding and Allotment Act 1908. Cllr Adamson advised that it is necessary for six people to write to the Town Council requesting allotments and then the Town Council would need to consider it. He suggested the Centenary Field could be considered for this. Cllr Robinson felt there would be people with gardens who would be happy for others to use them for growing vegetables and plants.
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Mrs Penson expressed her delight that the plants which were obstructing the visibility of the Stammergate/Long Street junction have been removed.
Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Jackson that Standing Orders be reinstated; agreed.
Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 17th December 2007
P095 Community Emergency Scheme; reply received from Wendy Muldoon, Emergency Planning Officer, saying that she would be happy to talk to the Town Council and help us complete the Plan. Agreed that a sub-committee consisting of approximately three members of the Council should deal with this and that Ms Muldoon be asked for some dates when she would be able to come.
P096 Letters to estate agents re parking on St. James’ Green; letters delivered to all estate agents in the town and reply received from James Winn advising that they are aware of the situation regarding St. James’ Green and are always careful to ensure that there is no misrepresentation in their property descriptions.
P096 Pigeons; reply received from Eric Kendall at HDC advising that they are worked proactively with a number of proprietors of properties in the town to proof their buildings to prevent pigeons gathering. He has asked David McGloin to look at the TIC building to see if it can be proofed.
P096 Donation to Ladies of Thirsk Chamber of Trade for Christmas Lights; letter of thanks received from Mrs Jill Miller.
P097 Precept 2008/09; letter delivered to HDC.
P097 Mark Haynes; letter of thanks sent to Mark Haynes.
P097 Old Minute Books; these are being sorted and will be taken to the County Records Office.
P098 Wheeliebins on St. James’ Green; acknowledgement sent and letter sent by recorded delivery to the resident concerned.
Finance
Accounts for Payment
Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Adamson that the following accounts be approved for payment; agreed:
Thirsk and Sowerby Town Hall – Room Hire (Oct-Dec 07 inc) £157.50
Thirsk and Sowerby Town Hall insurance premium £1,063.74
R & P Bennett – window cleaning of bus shelter £80.00
Record RSS Ltd – Cradle Seats for swings on The Holmes £654.65
C.A. Amy: Play Area Inspections (3.12.07-30.12.07) £182.80
Litter Picking (3.12.07.-30.12.07.) £200.00
Removal of tree from Whitelass Beck £50.00
Weeding/pruning Long Street/Craigs Way £25.00
Trimming willows in Whitelass Ings £50.00
Installing gate on Centenary Field and replacing fencing £320.00
Staining new bench on The Holmes £35.00
Replacing cradle swings on The Holmes £60.00
National Savings – transfer to Clerk’s Gratuity Fund 2007/08 £789.04
Inland Revenue – Tax/NI, December 2007 £516.05
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T. Imeson – Christmas Tree £125.00
M.L. Burnett – assembling new picnic table and seats and putting in
Place on The Holmes. Putting concrete base on The
Holmes and siting seat there £501.84
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
BT Internet Line £77.51
Petty Cash £49.68
Income Received
Bank Interest £1,614.32
Burial Bd: Rent £435.37
Interments £427.00
Grave Purchase £122.00
Reservation of space in GOR £122.00
Bank Interest £130.38
Monthly Balance Sheet and Budget Report for December 2007
These had been circulated to Councillors. Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Pack that they be accepted; agreed.
Correspondence
NYCC – North Yorkshire Minerals and Waste Development Framework Core Strategy Submissions; advising that this can be viewed on the County Council’s website or at Thirsk Library or on a CD. The CD is in the Town Council Office for Members to borrow if they wish.
Communities and Local Government; Consultation on Orders and Regulations relating to the conduct of Local Authority Members; comments on this are required by 15th February. It was agreed that Councillors should borrow the document from the Town Council Office.
Thirsk Cricket Club requesting financial support; proposed Cllr Robinson, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that the Town Council should sponsor a Match Ball at a cost of £25; agreed.
From Tabled Correspondence, Cllr Adamson referred to the CCTV statistics provided by John Smith and asked that Mr Smith be requested to break this down into the various market town areas.
Possible Introduction by HDC of Car Parking Charge
As an employee of HDC, Cllr Watson declared an interest and Cllr Pack took the Chair for this item.
A letter had been sent to Peter Simpson, the Chief Executive of HDC, and Cllr Arthur Barker, the Leader of the Council, asking them to come to a public meeting in Thirsk. A reply had been received from Cllr Barker declining to do this and advising that their consultation will include meetings with Parish and Town Councils and businesses and public opinion will be sought through opinion surveys and focus groups. A letter had also been received from David McGloin of HDC inviting members of the Town
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Council to a meeting on Wednesday 23rd January at 7.30 p.m. Upon receipt of this an ‘E’ mail had been sent to David McGloin asking if the Thirsk Business Association could also attend this meeting; no reply received, but it is now understood that there is to be a separate meeting with the Business Association and businesses at 5.30 p.m. on 23rd January. Cllr Adamson was pleased they were meeting with the Business Association. Cllr Pack asked who would make the decision on whether to implement car parking charges; Cllr Adamson explained that a recommendation would go from Cabinet to the full Council. He advised that he and other local District Councillors will be pushing for a lower parking charge for Thirsk. Cllr Robinson explained that there are is only certain criteria which could allow HDC to introduce parking charges, but one of these is if the financial situation demands it in order to carry out their services as at present. He pointed out that it is intended there should be 40 half-hour free parking spaces in the Market Place. Cllr Jackson felt that HDC should look at other schemes for raising revenue, including those suggested previously such as charging for parking discs. Cllr Roberts suggested we see what comes out of the meeting on Wednesday before we take this further; agreed.
Co-option to fill the vacancy on Thirsk Town Council
Two applications have been received, one from Mrs Maureen Penson and one from Mr Fred Suggitt and their letters were read to the meeting. A paper ballot was held; there were 6 votes from Mrs Penson and 1 for Mr Suggitt and Mrs Penson was therefore co-opted onto Thirsk Town Council.
Applications for Exclusive Rights and Memorials
Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Adamson that the following applications be approved; agreed:
Grave No. C2 24 Greta Irving Interred 8.5.07.
Grave No. F4 6 Patricia Mary Abbott Interred 7.3.07.
Grave No, GG14 Leslie Stockdale Ashes interred in GOR 10.12.07
Grave No. GG 9 Stuart Hanley Ashes interred in GOR 16.6.07.
Burial Board Report
Cllr Adamson advised that the Clerk is making enquiries as to the largest wheeliebin available in order that we can start recycling flowers, glass etc. in the Cemetery. Mr Burnett has painted the Cemetery Office door and cemented under the threshold.
Reports
Representatives
Cllr Roberts advised that she is now the Joint Executive Board’s representative on the NYCC Footpaths Liaison Committee.
Cllr Hesmondhalgh advised that the next meeting of the CCA is to be held on Thursday.
Cllr Pack advised that she had spent a pleasant evening last Thursday at the Thirsk in Bloom dinner. Their AGM is to be held shortly.
Cllr Adamson advised that the next meeting of the NYCC Area Committee for Hambleton is to be held on Monday 28th January at County Hall. Cllr Watson asked
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whether there is any further information as to whether the second roundabout on Station Road is to go ahead; Cllr Adamson had not heard anything further on this and
will chase it up. Cllr Roberts pointed out that the regulations regarding roundabouts have changed and asked Cllr Adamson to query what the effect of these changes are.
Members
Cllr Roberts advised that Cllr David Murkett is in hospital and asked that a “Get Well” card be sent to him.
Cllr Roberts brought the latest planning applications for “The Three Tuns” and the Wimpey development on the former Norby Depot to the meeting and explained these. Regarding the Norby application, Cllr Roberts felt this was a good mix of large and small houses, there are a lot of green areas and they have listened to what we have said about the boundaries. The latest application for “The Three Tuns” is simply for where the air conditioning units are to be sited. Cllr Roberts has spoken to Weatherspoons and has asked them to provide some notices to go on the boarding on “The Three Tuns” advising that they have purchased it and work will be starting soon.
Cllr Watson advised that she had received notification that someone else is in court for causing damage in Thirsk.
The meeting closed at 8.25 p.m.