Thirsk Town Council Minutes 2000/01

Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Thursday 7th February 2008 at 7:30pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.

Page P109
Present:
Cllrs J. Watson (Chairman), D.E. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, J.E. Jackson, J. Marshall, A. Morton, C. Pack, M. Penson, F. Roberts, A. Robinson, County and District Cllr G. Dadd, PC Claire Mayes (North Yorkshire Police) and the Clerk. In addition there were 45 members of the public who signed in.

Apologies:
None received

Open Forum
Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Marshall that Standing Orders be suspended; agreed.

Mr Peter Mills handed in nine letters from people requesting allotments; Cllr Watson advised that the Town Council would look at this.

Concern was expressed by members of the public present regarding the proposal to introduce parking charges in Thirsk. Cllr Marshall explained that this proposal is being made by HDC; the Town Council is not a party to that decision and has in fact always strenuously opposed the introduction of parking charges in Thirsk in the past. She advised that the Town Council recently asked the Leader and Chief Executive of HDC to come to a public meeting, but they declined to do so. Cllr Jackson urged the public to contact HDC and oppose the proposal re parking charges. Mrs Miller expressed concern about the impact on small businesses in the town whose staff will have to pay to park when they come to work. Concern was also expressed at the number of empty shops in the town and that should parking charges be introduced this would exacerbate the problem. Mr Breeds pointed out that they backed HDC when it was proposed to have a unitary authority and he felt it was very poor that the authority which they had supported were now proposing to bring in parking charges. Mr Shirtcliffe pointed out that Councillors at HDC can be voted out of office at the next election. It was pointed out that a lot of the surrounding villages have no facilities and therefore people from the villages have to travel into Thirsk regularly. Cllr Robinson explained that HDC has a 10 year financial strategy and in 2-3 years time they will have run out of money. They require an additional Ł450K per annum to maintain the services. A member of the public mentioned the cost of setting up the car park charging system and Mrs Breeds pointed out that it will be necessary for Parking Enforcement Officers to be employed.

Cllr Watson thanked the members of the public for their input and said that this subject is an agenda item for the Town Council later in the meeting.

PC Mayes reported that a new Dispersal Order is in place and this can be applied to people committing antisocial behaviour if they are under the influence of alcohol; if they do not disperse within fifteen minutes then they can be arrested. A drugs dog in the public houses initiative is to be in place during the summer months. PC Mayes advised that the police are paying joint visits with Broadacres to Broadacres’ houses where there are youths who have displayed antisocial behaviour and they are looking

Page P110
at putting conditions on their tenancies. PC Mayes reported that Valewatch is up and running and the police are working with the RSPCA re thefts of livestock.

Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Marshall that Standing Orders be reinstated.

Cllr Watson welcomed Cllr Penson to her first meeting.

Minutes of the Meeting held on 21st January 2008
Proposed approved Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Roberts, subject to one minor addition to Page P107; agreed.

Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 3rd January 2008
P099 Public conveniences; nothing further heard from Steve Prentice at HDC; will chase again.
P099 Redundant signage on the Mind Shop; no response to the letter put through the letterbox asking the owners to remove the redundant signage.
P099 Signboards on the Industrial Estate; Kirsty McGreedy at HDC is looking into this.
P099 Sign nameplates for the Alleyways; it is not envisaged that there will be any developments on this until the start of the new financial year.
P099 Public footpath sign at the Finkle Street end of the footpath; now replaced.
P099 Sign at The Workhouse; chasing ‘E’ mail sent to Dr Shawcross and reply received advising that he is still trying to contact Sgt Frank who has the sign.
P099 “Welcome to Thirsk” pack; the PCC has not obtained any costings as yet.
P100 Ditches; Dave McGloin at HDC was asked to contact Barretts and request they chase up their solicitors; reply received and passed to Mike Armstrong at Eccles Heddon.
P100 Pigeons; reply received from HDC’s Environmental Health Department and reported to the last meeting.
P100 Planted areas on Long Street; the large plants which were blocking visibility from Stammergate have now been removed.
P100 Millennium Green; the contractor appointed to do the footpath work on the Millennium Green has confirmed he will do this before the end of this financial year.
P100 Car parking charges; these are an agenda item for later in the meeting.
P100 Post Office; letters sent to Peter Luff MP, Chairman of the Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Committee, with copies to Anne McIntosh MP, objecting to the number of post offices which are to close and pointing out that the Town Council was not consulted on this. Also a letter was sent expressing displeasure at the move of the Thirsk Post Office and pointing out that there are now long queues and there is very little room for wheelchair users. Acknowledgement received from Peter Luff and letter received from Miss Anne McIntosh advising that she is to enquire why the move of the Thirsk Post Office took place when there was local opposition to the move and also advising that there is to be a public meeting in the Vale of York about the post office closures. Letter sent to the Post Office pointing out that their sign is still up on the outside of the old Co-op building; reply received confirming that this will be dealt with. Cllr Marshall pointed out that the finger post in the Market Place is now incorrect as it is pointing to the old Post Office.

Page P111
P100 Crossing near Bakers Alley; letter sent to Jayne Charlton at NYCC and acknowledgement received.
P101 Prohibition of Waiting Order re Picks Lane/Croft View; included in “Correspondence”.
P101 30 mph speed limit at Norby; letter sent to NYCC welcoming the 30 mph speed limit and requesting that a traffic management scheme be put in place. Details of proposed traffic calming included in “Correspondence”.
P101 Possible introduction of car parking charges in Thirsk; Letters sent to the Leader and the Chief Executive of HDC. No reply from the Chief Executive, but a reply received from the Leader and reported at the last meeting.
P101 Trustees of Carrs Field; letters sent to Tony Jordan and Mrs Sue Dodds advising that they have been re-nominated. Tony Jordan has been asked to keep the Town Council informed, possibly by sending copies of their minutes.
P102 Sensory Garden; letter sent to Tim Watson and reply received giving consent for us to go on site to record the details regarding the memorials and to begin the notice period. Letter sent to Mike Armstrong asking him to draft a suitable notice and reply received.
P103 Blocked drains; reported.

Correspondence
NYCC – Traffic Regulation Order re Prohibition of Waiting on Picks Lane/Croft View; noted.
John Bell – Herbage Agreement for Castle Garth for 1st January 2008 to 31st December 2008. Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that this be signed and that the Agreement fee of Ł120 be paid.
HDC – Thirsk and Sowerby Alcohol Consumption in Designated Public Places Order; giving details of the areas which will be covered by the Order. Cllr Robinson expressed concern that the Order does not include St. James’ Green and Carrs Field; Cllr Adamson pointed out that this has been ongoing for some time now and any such objections should have been made earlier. Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that the Town Council agree with this Order. The areas not included will be watched carefully. HDC have supplied a copy of the plan of the areas to be covered by the DPPO which is to be kept in the Town Council Office for public inspection when required.
NYCC; notice that Picks Lane will be closed from 19th to 23rd February whilst telecom cable renewal work takes place – it is envisaged the work will be done on 19th February.
John Proud of HDC advising that a deep clean was carried out in the town in the early hours of 5th February when 4 tons of waste was cleared from the streets. He also enclosed a schedule of where it is proposed to site the new litter bins – passed to Central Areas Committee. Cllr Marshall advised that the alleyway alongside “The Royal” is very littered; HDC to be asked whether they clean the alleyways. NYCC – Traffic calming proposals for Norby Front Street. Cllr Robinson was not happy with the proposed traffic calming as he felt it is too busy a road for this type of scheme. Cllr Marshall made the following points: she queried the effect on the millstone (not featured on the plan, but extra signs to be put up); she pointed out that it is proposed to put extra kerbs near the WI House ramp and she mentioned that there

Page P112
have been issues with the ramp; a pedestrian crossing (presumably with associated signage) is suggested outside St. Mary’s Church which is a Grade 1 Listed building and she queried whether this is to be a pedestrian crossing or a dropped kerb. The Town Council was not in agreement with the traffic calming scheme as proposed and it was agreed that a representative of NYCC be asked to come to a Town Council meeting to discuss this.
From Tabled Correspondence, Cllr Roberts pointed out that we have received Winter Maintenance Service leaflets from NYCC at the end of January, saying if these are to be sent out then it should be at the beginning of the winter as sending them now is a waste of resources; agreed that a letter be sent to John Marsden at NYCC.

Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Items
This had already been circulated to Councillors.
Cllr Penson suggested that a notice be put in the toilets asking people to contact HDC if they are not happy with the condition of the toilets.
Cllr Marshall referred to the signboards on the Industrial Estate which we first wrote to HDC about in 2005 and asked that where there appeared to have been no action on such long outstanding matters we send a letter to the Chief Executive.
Cllr Penson referred to the item regarding silt under the bridges and said that if the silt is left it narrows the water into two arches which is of benefit as far as flooding is concerned. Cllr Watson explained that NYCC are to do some work to Millgate Bridge and as a one-off they are to clear the silt and they are to construct some form of chicane to assist with the flow of water.
Cllr Watson referred to the item about the Byelaws on St. James’ Green; Cllr Pack advised that they are to be discussed at a meeting shortly.
Cllr Penson asked if it would be possible to have a temporary nameplate for Porters Vaults; Cllr Watson explained that this was part of an alleyway nameplates project and a scheme is to be drawn up.

Possible Introduction of Car Parking Charges in Thirsk
(As an employee of HDC, Cllr Watson declared an interest and Cllr Pack took the Chair for this item)
Cllr Adamson advised that the local district councillors met with the Leader of HDC and some members of the Cabinet last night and expressed their concerns. He is taking forward our concerns, including items raised at the meetings with the Thirsk Business Association and with Stakeholders, and some of the suggestions put forward for lessening the impact upon residents of Thirsk and workers in the town. He felt we need to wait until the consultants have carried out their work which is due to finish in April. Cllr Roberts said we have been to the consultation last week and we have heard what the public has said tonight and we now need to put together a formal reply to HDC. She suggested that all Councillors complete the form which was sent to them with their minutes and then a letter can be compiled from these. Cllr Jackson felt the public should have the opportunity to put forward their opinions and HDC are not offering them any consultation on the whole issue. Cllr Marshall suggested the Town Council organise a public meeting to include the public, representatives of HDC and the consultants. She also suggested that people who are willing to lead the campaign to oppose the introduction of parking charges should form a group. She felt that if HDC need more revenue then a scheme to achieve this should involve the

Page P113
whole district, including Easingwold and Great Ayton who are currently not having car parking charges. She also pointed out that in Stokesley the proposed charge is only 20p per hour, as opposed to 40p in Thirsk and Northallerton. Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that a public meeting be held; agreed. Cllr Pack was concerned that there is a very short time between the consultants finishing their work and a decision being made and she proposed that we request a longer time be allowed, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh; agreed. Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Penson that a campaign group (as outlined above) be formed; motion carried with 7 in favour. Cllr Penson expressed the view that the Town Council needs to make it clear that we are working very hard to save the town; she felt that if parking charges are introduced then a lot of shops will close. She pointed out that in 1998 and 2002 she put forward a proposal to charge for the discs with free parking and she felt this would still be a good idea. She said that some shops would be happy to stock the discs and she asked that this be discussed at the public meeting.

Nominations to fill vacancies on Committees and Outside Bodies
Following the death of Cllr Mallett there were various vacancies on Town Council Committees and outside bodies and these were filled as follows:
Planning Committee : Another member not required
Greens and Ingramgate : Cllr Morton
Central Areas : Cllr Penson
Open Spaces : Another member not required
Town Office : Cllr Roberts
Personnel : Cllr Penson
East Thirsk Community Association : Cllr Hesmondhalgh
CAAG : Cllr Watson
Thirsk Business Association : Cllr Penson

Reports
Carrs Field - Cllr Roberts advised that the Carrs Field Trustees have yet to co-opt a fifth member and they still have no insurance. Tony Jordan to be contacted regarding this and to be asked to respond within a week.
Central Areas - Cllr Watson advised that a meeting had been held. Details have now been received from John Proud of HDC regarding the siting of the new litter bins and this will be discussed by the Committee. NYCC have been contacted about the crossing near Bakers Alley and about the time it takes for the lights to change at the crossing in the Market Place. Cllr Watson advised that she has taken photographs of the shop fronts which are in poor condition and is to send them to HDC. Cllr Robinson noted that one of the proposed sites for a new litter bin is outside the “Blue Lounge” and he expressed concern that the pavement is very narrow there; Cllr Watson replied that her Committee has looked at the sites in question. Cllr Pack pointed out that the tarmac on the pathway leading to the houses next to the “Blue Lounge” is in a poor condition; to be reported to NYCC.
Christmas Festivities - Cllr Adamson explained the reason for the delay in the Christmas tree and lights being taken down and said hopefully it will not happen next year.

Page P114
Greens/Ingramgate - Cllr Pack advised that she had received a quote for the work required on St. James’ Green and her Committee will be meeting to look at this. Joe Gallagher of NYCC is to check that the planters on Long Street have not been moved or damaged whilst the work on behalf of the gas board has been taking place there. Cllr Roberts was concerned that we were not informed that work was to be taking place and that there were no notices saying who was carrying it out; Cllr Adamson advised that they are subcontractors working for the gas board and their names are on some of the barriers. Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that we write to the gas board and NYCC about this; agreed.
Cllr Marshall pointed out that early last year the Committee looked at the position re the plascrete which HDC had put down on the Little Green some years ago instead of grasscrete. She said that at the last Committee meeting it had been agreed to write to HDC again and ask them to rectify this and if they did not do so then legal action would be taken against them; agreed that this be left until the meeting on 6th March.
Millennium Green - Cllr Hesmondhalgh advised that the Millennium Green is in good condition. She had approached a man who had been working on the Millennium Green behind his property; Mike I’Anson is to deal with this.
Open Areas - Cllr Marshall advised that there is a problem with the building of the Children’s Centre in that pebbles etc are finding their way into the play area; she said that, as we had allowed them to access the site from the play area, they should ensure they do not spill materials in the play area. Cllr Marshall reported that a replacement piece of play equipment for the Shire Park play area is on order. Cllr Marshall and Cllr Hesmondhalgh went to see the school council at Thirsk Primary School and took the various plans for the East Thirsk Play Area. They are very interested in what we are doing and they put forward their views on the plans; an amendment is to be made to the plans and then they are to be put on display in the school. One of the classes at the school is to come up with suggestions for the play area as part of their geography project. Cllr Roberts asked whether the Open Areas Committee have been to Askham Bryan and looked at the equipment which has been put there by various manufacturers; Cllr Marshall felt it would be good to take some of the children there.
Sensory Garden - Cllr Marshall advised that there is a problem with the harbour wall which came to light when the undergrowth was cleared away. She said the Sensory Garden Working Party would like permission to spend Ł500 from grant money to engage a structural engineer to give us a view on the harbour wall; proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Roberts that this be done; agreed. Cllr Marshall reported that the survey work on the gravestones should be underway.
Ditches - Cllr Marshall reported that we are still waiting to hear from Barretts. The survey was done on Monday.

Other Items of Interest and Information
Cllr Roberts advised that she had been to visit David Murkett in hospital and he is hoping to go home tomorrow. He thanked the Town Council for the “Get Well” card.

Page P115
Cllr Marshall referred to East Thirsk Community Hall saying there are organisational problems and currently only three Trustees. There are also not as many hirers as they would like. A meeting is to be held with interested parties to decide on the way forward and she hopes the Town Council will support this and that someone from the Council will attend the meeting.

Cllr Adamson referred to the letter and consultation paper received from Communities and Local Government on Orders and Regulations relating to the Conduct of Local Authority Members. He brought the attention of Members to Question 3B and 3C in the Consultation Criteria which requires consultation to be clear and concise and referred to Question 1 in the Summary of Questions which is quite the opposite; a letter to be sent pointing out that the Summary of Questions does not meet its own criteria.

Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that Standing Orders be extended until 10.00 p.m., agreed.

Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Marshall that the public and press be excluded for a confidential commercial item; agreed.

Grasscutting Tenders
Six invitations to tender had been sent out and two tenders had been received. In view of the of the closeness of the prices quoted by the two parties, it was proposed by Cllr Robinson, seconded Cllr Roberts that if one of the contractors has cut the Town Council’s grass before then we should appoint him; the motion was carried with 7 in favour and 3 abstentions. C.E. and C.M. Walker were therefore appointed to carry out the grasscutting this year.

The meeting closed at 9.50 p.m.

Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 18th February 2008 at 7:15pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.

Page P116
Present:
Cllrs J. Watson (Chairman), D.E. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, J. E. Jackson, J. Marshall, A. Morton, C. Pack, M. Penson, F. Roberts, A. Robinson, County and District Cllr G. Dadd, I. Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”), 13 Members of the Public and the Clerk

Apologies:
None received

Minutes of the Meeting held on 7th February 2008
Proposed approved Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh, subject to two amendments on page P110 and one on page P112; agreed.

Police Report
No members of the police present.

Reports
County and District Council
Cllr Dadd advised that County is to set its Council Tax at 4.7% increase. A figure of between Ł16m and Ł40m is to be spent on waste strategy in the next four years. They are looking to make savings of approximately Ł9m per year. Government has increased the settlement to reflect the increase in population. County is now trying to plan ahead for 5/6/7 years time. Cllr Dadd advised that the PCT has identified Thirsk and Whitby as their priorities for investment. The proposed traffic calming scheme at Norby is currently out to consultation and he requested that two members of the Town Council meet with representatives of the County Council for an informal discussion about this on Thursday; Cllrs Adamson and Roberts to attend. Cllr Dadd had received reports of delays in repairing streetlights. Cllr Dadd advised that the Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police had visited the County Council some time ago and had said he would be happy to speak to the Town and Parish Councils in the area. Cllr Hesmondhalgh referred to Long Street asking whether we had received any prior notice of the work being carried out on behalf of the gas company; Cllr Dadd confirmed that he had received no such notice. Cllr Adamson referred to the land next to Cherry Garth which is currently the subject of a planning application for housing; Cllr Dadd confirmed that Cherry Garth is not closing. Cllr Dadd advised that the Rutson Hospital has not yet moved into the Friarage.
District Council
Cllr Robinson had nothing to report.
Cllr Adamson had nothing to report.
Cllr Marshall referred to the trees in front of the White Horse Café where the roots and grilles are proud of the ground. She said site meetings had been held with representatives of HDC and we had suggested that a circular seat be put around the tree. No action has been taken and she asked all three District Councillors to chase this up. Cllr Penson pointed out that that soil has been put around the tree roots, but Cllr Marshall said this was a short-term solution only.

Page P117
Open Forum
Proposed Cllr Robinson, seconded Cllr Roberts that Standing Orders be suspended; agreed.

David Andrews of Hutton Sessay who is the Chairman of the Dalton Incinerator Steering Committee addressed the meeting explaining that Dalton Industrial Estate is one of the sites detailed in the North Yorkshire Minerals and Waste Disposal Strategy as being suitable for a major waste recycling unit. He explained that there is great concern in Dalton about the potential impact and said the pollution from this will affect a 16 mile radius which will include Thirsk. Consultants have been commissioned and Mr Andrews pointed out that any objections to this must be received at NYCC by 29th February. Cllr Marshall queried whether low cloud cover brought the pollution down to a lower level and Mr Andrews said that many factors can have an effect, eg rain, the fact we are in a vale etc. Cllr Robinson queried the effect it would have on agriculture and Mr Andrews explained that there will be a very fine ash from the incinerator and when cows eat the grass upon which this has fallen it will put dioxins into the milk. Mr Andrews said there is great concern about the effect on the food chain. Cllr Watson queried whether the land is available and Mr Andrews said it is not. He said the reason this site has been identified is because it is in the A1 corridor and therefore very accessible. Cllr Pack queried the traffic movements and Mr Andrews said they are looking at approximately 200 vehicles per day. Cllr Watson thanked the members of the public for attending and said this is an agenda item for later in the meeting.

Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Roberts that Standing Orders be reinstated; agreed.

Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 21st January 2008
P104 Requests for allotments; several requests for allotments received. Agreed that this be moved to the Thursday Town Council meetings.
P105 Community Emergency Scheme; ‘E’ mail sent to Wendy Muldoon requesting some dates.
P105 Pigeons; Cllr Adamson advised that HDC are appointing a consultant to look at this. However, he pointed out that should the TIC building be proofed it will not solve the problem of pigeons, but simply move them to another building in the town. Cllr Marshall suggested the roof of the building in which the TIC are be insulated so it is not warm. Cllr Penson expressed concern about the pigeon droppings outside the TIC building.
P105 Old Minute Books; the move of the old Minute Books to the County Records Office is still to be done.
P106 Communities and Local Government; Consultation on Orders and Regulations relating to the conduct of Local Authority Members; discussed at last meeting and letter sent.
P106 Thirsk Cricket Club; the cheque for Ł25 to sponsor a Match Ball is to be signed tonight.
P106 CCTV statistics; ‘E’ mail sent to Mr Smith asking him to break these down into the various market towns.
P106 Car Parking Charges; agenda item for later in the meeting.

Page P118
P107 Burial Board Report; the largest wheeliebin which HDC can provide is not large enough for the Cemetery’s requirements. Two bins were therefore requested, but HDC will not agree to this. The Clerk has spoken to Cllr Dadd and he has passed it to District Cllr Bob Baker.
P108 Cllr David Murkett; “Get Well” card sent from the Town Council.
P069 Half price offers; reply received from Trading Standards setting out the current position and advising that later this year a new EU Directive controlling unfair commercial practices will come into effect and it is anticipated that this may be used to tackle misleading promotions. Cllr Adamson referred to the practice of some supermarkets to get suppliers of perishable goods, such as fruit, to commit to sell to them for a long period and in some cases the goods are being sold for less than it costs the supplier to grow them.

Finance
Accounts for Payment
Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Adamson that the following accounts be approved for payment; agreed:
Thirsk & Sowerby Flatts Preservation Trust – 50% of insurance premium Ł382.58
Fox’s Copy Centre – photocopying etc. Ł47.24
M.L. Burnett – Painting Cemetery Office door & repairing threshold Ł110.50
C.A. Amy: Play Area Inspections (31.12.07.-3.2.08) Ł228.50
Litter Picking/sweeping (31.12.07.-3.2.08) Ł250.00
Tree planting on the Green and Long Street Ł111.40
Shrub planting at the Ings and Centenary Field Ł285.00
Repair fence, cut hedge/shrubs on Long St, Replacing swings on The Holmes and Making banking safe, Pruning at McCleans and Craigs Way, repair swing at East Thirsk Ł235.00
Tow van off The Holmes (recharged to Record Playground Equipment) Ł30.00
Prune/weed shrubbery at Little Green Ł45.00
Clear area at White Mare shrubbery Ł30.00
Hedge cutting at Herriot Way Ł40.00
Inland Revenue – Tax/NI, January 2008 Ł515.81
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
Npower – office electricity Ł326.06
Playdale – deposit for replacement equipment at Shire Park Ł2,949.50
Thirsk Hall Farms – Licence fee for Herbage Agreement re Castle Garth Ł120.00

Income Received
Refund of VAT (1.10.07.-31.12.07) Ł8,947.14
HDC – contribution to Porters Vaults Ł5,000.00
NYCC – contribution to Porters Vaults Ł2,499.79

Page P119
NYCC – contribution to Sensory Garden Ł754.92
Burial Board: Rent Ł485.37

Monthly Balance Sheet and Budget Report for January 2008
Copies already circulated to Councillors. Cllr Marshall pointed out that some budget headings are shown as overspent, but there is in fact income to offset against these figures. Proposed Cllr Robinson, seconded Cllr Jackson that the Balance Sheet and Budget Report be approved; agreed.

Correspondence
Audit Commission; advising that they are proposing to appoint Mazars as auditors for a period of five years commencing with the 2007/08 accounts (Cllr Adamson declared an interest). There were no objections to the proposal.
HDC – Notice of District/Parish Liaison Meeting – Monday 3rd March at Northdale Horticulture; concern was expressed that there was a very short timescale from receipt of the notice to the date specified for including items on the agenda. Agreed that a letter be sent pointing this out and asking whether car parking charges in Thirsk could be included on the agenda for the meeting on 3rd March. Cllr Roberts agreed to attend the meeting.
‘E’ mail and supporting documents received from the Dalton Incinerator Steering Committee re Planned Major Incineration Site for Waste Handling on Dalton Industrial Estate and its impact on Thirsk. Copies of all the documents received had been sent to Councillors. Cllr Adamson pointed out that the owners of the site in question will not sell it as it would make the rest of the site untenable. However, Cllr Jackson pointed out that the land is where the current owners intend to extend into and he felt that if the extension did not go ahead they could consider selling it. He felt that such an incinerator should be positioned away from population and food producing industries. It was felt that the way in which we deal with waste is a major issue. The question of disposal of the ash was also of great concern as it could contain metal, toxins etc. Cllr Pack expressed her concern at the amount of vehicle movements which would take place and also the fact that Dalton is within a flood risk area. Cllr Roberts expressed the view that local authorities are not being strong enough about recycling and she felt that if necessary there should be more recycling facilities provided at tips. Cllr Morton asked whether Defra have been contacted about this; Cllr Marshall said we assume they will be consulted. Cllr Robinson felt the County Council would not consider Dalton as a suitable site unless they felt it was safe. Cllr Adamson pointed out that at this stage any objection is not to the earmarking of the Dalton site, but to the core strategy, ie to the technical side of the incineration of waste and the effects of it. Cllr Marshall pointed out that the HDC LDF designates Dalton as being suitable for business and housing and queried how such a waste disposal site would fit in with this. Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Pack that we support Dalton and Topcliffe in their objections to the proposal for Dalton Industrial Estate; agreed. The letter of objection to be copied to the Dalton Incinerator Steering Committee.
Proposed traffic calming scheme at Norby; the Clerk advised that in response to her letter to Neil Linfoot of NYCC asking that he attend the next Town Council meeting he had asked whether it would be possible to come at 6.30 pm; agreed this was not possible. Agreed that Cllrs Adamson and Roberts should meet with Mr Linfoot at the

Page P120
meeting arranged for later this week and they would then report back to the Town Council. Cllr Marshall felt that if they could not reach any agreement at the meeting later this week then it would be useful for Mr Linfoot to come to the next Town Council meeting.

Proposed Introduction of Car Parking Charges in Thirsk
(Cllr Watson declared an interest and Cllr Pack took the Chair for this item) The Clerk reported that a Public Meeting has been arranged for Wednesday 27th February. She has notified the Thirsk Business Association, sent out a press release to the local papers and radio stations and put notices on the noticeboards in the Market Place. Cllr Penson is handing out notices about it to the shops in the town and to motorists. A letter has been sent to Peter Simpson, Cllr Arthur Barker and David McGloin at HDC inviting them to attend the meeting. Cllr Robinson agreed that if no representatives of HDC come to the meeting then he will explain the reasoning behind HDC’s proposal to introduce parking charges. Cllr Pack indicated that she did not wish to chair the Public Meeting and suggested that Cllr Marshall should do so. Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that Cllr Marshall chair the Public Meeting; agreed. Concern was again expressed at the impact of such parking charges on the town and the fact that the proposal is not equitable with the other market towns. It was pointed out that at the Stakeholders’ Meeting David McGloin had said that the breakdown of people parking in the town is 33% Thirsk residents and 66% tourists and it was queried whether people from the villages and outlying areas were included in the 66%. Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that a letter be sent to HDC requesting clarification of this. Cllr Marshall asked that we also ask them, under the Freedom of Information Act, if a decision was taken in 2005 to introduce parking charges and, if so, by whom such a decision was made; agreed. Cllr Jackson referred to Tesco’s car park saying if parking charges are introduced he thinks they may install a barrier; Cllr Penson thought this was not possible, saying there was an agreement made with the Council when Tesco were given planning permission for their extension. However, Cllr Adamson felt that the planning decision might now be out of date. Cllr Robinson made the point that he will not vote for car parking until we get a good deal for Thirsk, particularly for the people working in Thirsk and for the shoppers.

Applications for Exclusive Rights and Memorials
Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Morton that the following applications be approved; agreed:
Grave No. GG 17 Derek Francis Bullock
Grave No. HH 9 David John Fillery
Grave No. H1 36 Gabrielle Readman
Grave No. GG 16 David Spence
Grave No. GG 14 Leslie Stockdale

Burial Board Report
Cllr Adamson reported that the door into the Cemetery Office has now been repainted and the threshold has been repaired. A report on Cemetery Lodge has been received

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from Joplings and some work is required; this is to be carried out. Cllr Adamson has ‘E’ mailed Eric Kendall at HDC regarding our request for wheeliebins and is awaiting his reply. Cllr Adamson mentioned that there is still a damaged seat in the Cemetery shed; Cllr Marshall said this can be disposed of.

Reports
Representatives Cllr Roberts reported that she had attended a TRI meeting last month. At that meeting Dave Goodwin of HDC spoke about HDC’s leisure plans and Section 106 monies. She said the TRI are of the same view as the Town Council regarding car parking charges.
Cllr Marshall referred to the Millennium Green AGM saying she is not able to attend.
Cllr Hesmondhalgh reported that she had attended a CCA meeting. Their accounts are in order and the members of staff have agreed to take a cut in hours.
Cllr Pack advised that the AGM of Thirsk in Bloom was held on 20th February.

Members
Cllr Roberts advised that she was pleased to hear HDC have agreed to collect the sandbags from Finkle Street etc.
Cllr Watson referred to the market stalls saying that some are spreading their goods over the cobbles; to be taken up with HDC. Cllr Penson made the point out that if the stall holders move further back they will take up a row of parking spaces. Cllr Marshall pointed out that the Market Superintendent should be there checking the stalls; Cllr Robinson advised that a new Market Superintendent has now been appointed.
Cllr Pension advised that the ladies’ toilets in the Market Place are still in a poor state.

The meeting closed at 9.10 p.m.