Minutes of the Amenities Committee meeting
held on Thursday 4th November 2004 at 7:30pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Page A0082
Present:
Cllrs S Hubbard (Chairman), D Adamson, J Marshall, F Roberts, J Watson, Ms C Thorpe (‘Darlington and Stockton Times’) and the clerk
Apologies:
Cllrs J Jackson (away), R Mallett (away), A Morton (ill), C Pack (ill), K Reynard (another meeting), accepted.
Minutes:
Proposed approved Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Watson, subject to a minor amendment on each of pages A0079 and A0081.
Open Forum:
No members of the public present.
Matters Arising:
A0078 Stable on Marage Road; nothing further on this as yet.
A0078 Benches in Millgate car park/landscaping; reply received from Clive Thornton advising that HDC have been working on a car parking strategy, part of which involves providing additional car parking in Thirsk. They are currently looking at the layout of Millgate car park and, subject to their decision on this, they will look at the possibility of the installation of the benches in the New Year. HDC intend to improve the landscaped areas in the car park during the Autumn 2004 and Spring 2005 planting seasons.
A0078 Seats on the edge of the pathway near Cod Beck; reply received from Clive Thornton advising that HDC have no objection to this. Cllr Marshall suggested that a site meeting be held to be attended by representatives of HDC, Rotary and the Town Council.
A0078 Grass verge outside Foxwynd; nothing further on this as yet.
A0078 Fencing around The Holmes; photographs to be sent to Sheena Spence.
A0078 Play area on the edge of Castlegarth; further letter sent to John Bell.
A0078 St James’ Green; copy of byelaw sent to the YLCA.
A0078 Swings at East Thirsk Play Area; part now received and Chris Amy advised.
A0079 White Mare Roundabout; reply received from the County Council advising that they will grant the Town Council a Licence and requesting details of the planting proposals. Cllr Adamson advised that he intends to pass responsibility for the planting of the roundabout to the Greens Committee, with the proviso that the planting must be acceptable to the sponsors. Cllr Hubbard had received an E-mail from Tony Jordan requesting that, if it is turfed, then spring bulbs be planted underneath and saying that Thirsk in Bloom would be able to advise on bulb selection and possibly the provision of bulbs. Cllr Marshall pointed out that the suggestion of turfing the roundabout was a temporary measure and Cllr Adamson felt that now is the wrong time of year to lay turf. Cllr Marshall pointed out that the Long Street Working Party are engaging a planting consultant and he could possibly also look at the roundabout. A reply to be sent to Tony Jordan thanking him for his offer and advising that the Town Council has this in hand.
Page A0083
A0079 Traffic Order re one-way traffic on the A61 Millgate; reply received from the County Council advising that this has now been granted.
A0079 Boundary Review; letter sent to Martyn Richards at HDC asking for a boundary review to incorporate the Industrial Estate and York Road into Thirsk Parish.
A0079 Blue Plaque Scheme; the clerk has spoken to the Manager of the Three Tuns and she is flexible as to whether or not there is a ceremony. The Plaques Committee feel there should be an unveiling, possibly by the Mayor.
A0079 Concrete surface of the A168; letter sent to the Highways Agency and Sowerby Parish Council.
A0079 Christmas Festivities; Cllr Adamson advised that Roger Hall is not now putting the tree up but alternative arrangements have been made.
A0079 Proposed stopping up of the highway turning head in St Mary’s Walk; Cllr Marshall advised that this is going to the Magistrates Court in January.
A0080 Schedule of Outstanding Amenity items; Cllr Marshall referred to the fact that at the last meeting it was felt it was not necessary to have this as an agenda item at future meetings. She felt it should be an agenda item in order that Members could pick up on the progress of any items. Agreed that this should remain as an agenda item at future meetings.
A0080 Street lights on Station Road; reported.
A0081 Pavement behind the ‘Cross Keys’; reported to HDC and they have dealt with it.
A0081 Planning application for the Old Brewery site; HDC have been asked to have an archaeological survey carried out.
Correspondence
HDC advising that a tree outside 74 Hambleton Avenue has been made the subject of a Tree Preservation Order
BTCV re their programme for Spring/Summer 2005. It was agreed that in future this should be an agenda item at the July Amenity Meeting in order that some forward planning can be done. Cllr Roberts suggested they could carry out some maintenance work on the footpath through The Ings as it is very overgrown.
Thirsk Community Care Association giving notice of their AGM on 18th November. Cllr Hubbard confirmed that he will be attending.
HDC re Christmas tree recycling; it was suggested that a suitable place for a recycling point would be Millgate coach park.
To receive update re the Flood Plan Meeting:
Cllr Hubbard referred to the notice circulated to Councillors with the agenda. He suggested that when a flood warning is received from the agencies then Councillors should be notified as well. They could then contact someone in the affected area to identify how bad it is or alternatively go and see. It was agreed that the office should be the first point of contact. Agreed that the meeting take place on Monday to identify what people want. Cllr Marshall suggested the video be shown at the meeting and this was agreed. Cllr Marshall felt a flip chart should be purchased for use in an emergency.
Page A0084
To receive update re Entrances to Thirsk:
Cllr Marshall explained that improving the signage is one of the projects of the TRI who are acting as facilitators in taking the scheme forward. Along with Cllr Marshall,
Ian Beighton, David Shields and Mark Haynes are involved in this. There is no specific money for this – it would be necessary to obtain the funding to do the scheme. They are to be tourism type signs (brown signs) rather than directional signs. Cllr Marshall advised that the County Council will be reviewing the traffic management scheme for Thirsk in the future and therefore directional signs from the A1 etc are not included. The Town Council was happy with the proposed brown signs. Cllr Marshall showed photographs of the ‘Welcome to Thirsk’ signs which it is proposed to put at all the entrances. These are to be green and are to contain the words ‘The Home of James Herriot’, but this is to be checked with the family first. The signs can either be put on a plinth or on the existing millstones where these are in a good state of repair. Proposed Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Roberts that the ‘Welcome to Thirsk’ signs should be put on the millstones where these are in good condition and where they are not in a suitable state then the signs should be put on a plinth with coping stones on top.
Reports:
Carrs Field - Cllr Roberts referred to the suggestion made at previous meetings of employing a part-time person next year. She expressed the hope that if this goes ahead then Carrs Field would be included in it. Cllr Adamson said that, if necessary, the Burial Board will go ahead with employing someone on its own.
Central Areas - Cllr Hubbard advised that the possibility of having a worker is being put to the Committee.
Christmas Festivities - Cllr Adamson advised that someone will be putting the Christmas tree up. Cllr Hubbard said the Christmas Fayre Committee is wanting to have a Tornado fly over Thirsk on Monday 6th December at 2.00pm to signify the end of the Fayre. The Squadron Leader would like a letter from the Christmas Fayre Committee and one from the Town Council.
Greens and Ingramgate - Nothing to report
Millennium Green - Nothing to report.
Open Areas - Cllr Marshall advised that the Open Areas Committee has not met as yet, but a meeting is currently being arranged. There has been some unauthorised cutting down of trees by a resident and the Committee will be trying to sort this out.
Town Development Working Party - Cllr Hubbard advised that Peter Penny has not been able to sort out much funding for this so far. Tenders will be sent out. Permission for the Church floodlighting has now been received. The clerk has let the electrician know of this and he is to call into the office.
Page A0085
Other items of interest and information:
Cllr Roberts advised that the footpath between Shire Park and Whiteless Bridge is overgrown – Peter Penny to be contacted.
Cllr Roberts pointed out that a new sign has been erected showing Stockton Road/Long Street, but it has not been positioned at the junction.
Cllr Roberts referred to a letter from the Woodlands Group advising that they are hoping to plant trees in Thirsk next summer, some of which will be on Town Council land and they wonder whether the Town Council would precept a sum towards this.
They are to supply a copy of their annual accounts before the Finance Meeting. Cllr Marshall felt this should go to the Open Areas Committee before that.
Cllr Watson referred to the Thirsk Map, saying the library are not happy to have the Map on display. A representative of the South Tees Hospital had spoken to Cllr Watson and said it may be possible to have it at the Friarage Hospital, but not before 2006, provided the Committee agree to it. The map would need to be protected by glass or perspex. It was felt this would be a good idea, but that it should go to Rural Arts, who have expressed interest in having it, until such time as it can go to the Friarage. Cllr Watson to take this forward.
Cllr Marshall reported on Long Street, saying that following the second consultation the Working Party have taken on board the comments made by residents. It is intended to send a letter and plan to the residents of the affected part of Long Street. A consultant has been approached who will be giving advice on the type of trees to put in the planters and also on the planting of the flowerbeds. The Town Council expressed its approval.
Cllr Adamson reminded Members that the Remembrance Day Service is on Sunday 14th November.
The meeting closed at 9.55pm.
Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 15th November 2004 at 7:15pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall
Page P0113
Present:
Cllrs D Adamson (Chairman), R Mallett, J Marshall, A Morton, C Pack, K Reynard, F Roberts, J Watson, Sgt B Franks and the clerk
Apologies:
Cllrs S Hubbard (ill), J Jackson (away), A Robinson (family commitments), Ms C Thorpe, ‘Darlington and Stockton Times’ (another meeting); accepted.
Minutes:
Proposed approved Cllr Mallett, seconded Cllr Watson, subject to one amendment on page P0111
To receive Police Report:
Sgt Franks advised that there have been no particular issues. There have, however, been one or two burglaries and he stressed the need for individuals be aware and take crime prevention measures. Sgt Franks said the police are very pleased they have moved into the new premises on the Industrial Estate as these are very well suited to their needs and he expressed thanks to the people who supported them in the move. He felt that Thirsk will benefit from the presence of so many police vehicles. Cllr Adamson asked whether the increased numbers would help when there are incidents on Sutton Bank and Sgt Franks said that the traffic police are frequently called out to deal with small incidents, but sometimes local officers get involved. Sgt Franks reported that there was some damage by fireworks. Cllr Watson referred to the number of motor scooters on the roads. Sgt Franks advised that the ruling on cars also applies to scooters, i.e. if they are being driven badly the police can serve a notice on the driver and if they offend again then the vehicle can be temporarily removed. Cllr Marshall said that Inspector Broadley would be pleased for any of the members to visit the new premises on the Industrial Estate to have a look round.
Open Forum:
No members of the public present.
Matters Arising:
P0106 Flooding; meeting re Flooding Plan held last week. Reporting on this, Cllr Marshall advised that around 20 people had attended. Cyril Dyke of HDC had also attended. The video had been shown and names of volunteers had been requested; we now have a number of names. A meeting is to be held with the volunteers to move this forward. Cllr Marshall felt there are various items which should be acquired, i.e. a wind-up radio, torches, flip chart etc.
P0107 Cycling in the Market Place; HDC does not have a bylaw to prevent this.
P0107 Closed churchyard at St Mary’s Church; no progress with this as yet.
P0107 Purchase of seat by Mr Peter Banthorpe; a wooden seat was supplied and fixed in position in the new Garden of Rest by Mr Banthorpe. A letter of thanks to be sent to him.
P0107 Sale of vehicles on St James’ Green; reply received from the County Council advising that Trading Standards’ interest is limited to sellers who are in the trade of
Page P0114
selling used cars. They have checked the cars being offered for sale on St James’ Green and advise that they are both privately owned vehicles and therefore outside the remit of Trading Standards.
P0108 Internal Audit; report not yet received.
P0108 Resurfacing work in the Market Place; reply received from Mouchel-Parkman advising that the work is almost completed and confirming that no work will take place on Remembrance Sunday.
P0109 NYCC Council Plan 2004-07; Cllrs Mallett and Roberts had attended the meeting and found it to be very useful.
P0010 Thirsk Festival 2005; agreed that the cheque for £1000 will be done in April 2005. Cllr Adamson had spoken to Derek Gardiner who advised that the letter sent had not represented exactly what was said. The Festival Committee thanked the Town Council for its comments and continued financial support. Cllr Adamson advised that one of the events for 2005 will be The Searchers.
P0110 Planning application for 167 houses on Station Road; letter sent.
P0110 Planning application to build houses on the garage sites on the Hambleton Estate; letter sent. Cllr Marshall had opposed this application.
P0110 Cemetery fees; a copy of the fees has been put on the noticeboard.
P0111 Periodic Electoral Review of NYCC: Final Recommendations; letter sent to the Electoral Commission and acknowledgement received.
P0111 Relocation of Auction Mart; letter supporting the need for a roundabout sent.
P0111 Blakey Bridge; letter sent and acknowledgement received from John Weighell.
P0111 Thirsk in Bloom; Cllr Pack advised that this had been a very successful meeting. She asked if the Town Council would invite the Britain in Bloom judge to speak to the Council. Agreed that he be invited to the January Amenity Meeting.
P0112 Vehicles for sale outside the sorting office; the clerk advised that she had inspected and there were no vehicles outside. However, it was reported that some had appeared again.
P0112 Damaged fence along alleyway between the A61 and Castlegarth; letter sent to Tesco.
P0112 Streetlights; the clerk had carried out an inspection of the street lights in the town centre and had reported the defective ones.
To approve Accounts for Payment
Proposed Cllr Mallett, seconded Cllr Watson that the following accounts be approved for payment:
C.E. & C.M. Walker – grasscutting £763.75
Sowerby Parish Council – one-third share of cutting The Flatts etc £494.66
K. Dickinson – cleaning office windows £8.00
Yorkshire Water – water rates of Cemetery Lodge (half-year) £153.53
Information Commissioner – renewal re Data Protection Act £35.00
YLCA, “A Practitioner’s Guide” £16.99
Julie Harron – Salary, November 2004 £260.00
Elaine Coulson – Salary, October 2004 £1,017.36
Inland Revenue – Tax/NI, October 2004 £569.16
C A Amy – Weekly inspections £228.50
Litter picking £250.00
Page P0115
Income received:
Rating Precept (2nd half of 2004/05) £44,000.00
VAT Refund (1.7.04.-30.9.04) £1,609.62
HDC’s contribution of 50% of cost of bin for Mill Gardens £197.50
Bank Interest £0.25
Burial Bd: Interments £440.00
Grave Purchase £110.00
Memorials £76.00
Rent – Cemetery Lodge £397.12
To receive and approve the monthly balance sheet and budget report for October 2004.
Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Pack that these be approved.
Cllr Marshall pointed out that Committees should meet before the Finance Committee Meeting.
To approve applications for Exclusive Rights and Memorials:
Proposed Cllr Morton, seconded Cllr Mallett that the following applications be approved:
Grave No. F1 19 Arthur Herron
Grave No. F3 1 Percival Stanley Whinham
Grave No. F3 6 Susan Spence
Additional Inscription:
Grave No. E5 20 William (Bill) C.R.Pitt.
To receive Correspondence
United Co-op advising that various licensed premises currently known as Quality Fayre have transferred ownership to United Cooperatives Ltd and will now be known as ‘Co-op Late Shop’. This includes the former Quality Fayre shop at 26 Market Place.
HDC – notice of next meeting of the Flood Forum on 6th December at 10.00am.
North Yorkshire Strategic Partnership; Proposed Community Strategy. This had been circulated to Councillors – no comments.
YRCC Parish Government Conference, 25th-27th February 2005 – Cllr Adamson to attend on Saturday only (cost £57.58 including VAT)
YLCA; Leaflet re Seminars on Councillor Skills. Cllrs Pack and Watson to attend on 19th January at the Thirsk and Sowerby Town Hall (cost £18.80 including VAT per person)
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister re New Ethical Framework Regulations
NYCC; notice of their application to the Magistrates’ Court for an Order to stop up the highway outside Nos 15 and 17 St Mary’s Walk. Agreed that the Town Council would support this.
Hambleton Citizens Advice Bureau requesting financial support; proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Watson that a donation of £500 be made.
Page P0116
E-mail from ‘Thirsk Weekly News’ asking whether it would be possible to publish the Town Council minutes. Agreed that rather than sending the minutes a brief report should be submitted for inclusion in the ‘Thirsk Weekly News’.
To receive Planning Committee Report:
Cllr Roberts advised that a site meeting had been held today to look at the planning application for houses on the York Road Garage site. The houses have been amended from three storey to two storey with a roof light, which is more acceptable. A further noise report has been received for R Hall’s application but this is still based on the assumption that all doors and windows will be kept closed. The Planning Committee is still recommending B1 use.
To receive Burial Board Report:
Cllr Adamson reported that the new seat in now in place in the new Garden of Rest, at no cost to the Council. It is hoped to put the Burial Board rules on the noticeboard. The Clerk had met with the Clerk of Northallerton Burial Board regarding memorials. She had given us a copy of a letter they sent out, a notice that is put on memorials requiring attention and a copy of a spreadsheet produced by the Zurich. Cllr Adamson to look at these and, if necessary, call a meeting of the Burial Board. A copy of the revised Burial Board Regulations had been circulated to Councillors. Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Mallett that they be adopted – all in favour. Cllr Adamson signed and sealed the Regulations.
To receive Reports:
District Council
Cllr Marshall reported on a Thirsk Local Plan Committee Meeting had been held at which there was a presentation on the Local Development Scheme 2004. In the new year HDC will be engaged in a consultation process with parishes and communities – this consultation is to be carried out first before the plan is drawn up. Cllr Marshall said it is necessary for the Town Council to have a view about what we want to see in the Plan before a meeting is held with HDC. She suggested we set up a meeting in the new year. A copy of the Local Development Scheme 2004 to be circulated to Councillors.
County Council
Infrastructure; Cllr Marshall reported that she had been in correspondence with NYCC re some of the suggestions regarding the bus routes.
Concrete Road; Cllr Marshall had spoken to Tammy Adams at HDC . The Highways Agency have indicated a time frame of 2007/2010. Cllr Marshall pointed out that it is necessary to put good reasons to the Highways Agency as to why they should bring it forward. She felt we should get all the parties together and she had asked that it be an agenda item for the November meeting of the Hambleton Area Committee.
Reporting on Blakey Bridge, Cllr Marshall said this had been considered by the County Area Committee for Hambleton. Further weight restrictions are to be put on the bridge indicating that it is only suitable for cars and light vans. Advance warning signs to be put on the A19 saying that the bridge is not suitable for HGVs and long vehicles, also signs showing weak bridge. They are looking at the cost of physical
Page P0117
restrictions to prevent HGVs going down Blakey Lane, such as blocks in the road. However, the police are concerned that they will not be adequately lit.
Cllr Marshall had asked about an East/West bypass for Thirsk. This is very unlikely, but it will be given consideration.
Cllr Marshall reported that Paul Hoey of the Standards Board for England came to the County Council to give an update. He advised that they receive approximately 100 complaints each week – about 30% are investigated. A Code of Conduct for Local Council Officers is to be introduced.
Reports:
Representatives:
Cllr Marshall reported that a tidy up of the Millennium Green was held on Saturday morning.
Cllr Roberts advised that the AGM of the CAB is to be held on 25th November.
Reporting on Thirsk Regeneration Initiative, Cllr Roberts said the AGM, which is open to the public, is to be held on 1st December at the Golden Fleece.
Cllr Pack advised that Thirsk Clock have not met recently, but she has passed on the comments about litter in the alleyway.
Members:
Cllr Marshall advised that the East Thirsk Community Christmas Party is to be held on Saturday 11th December at the East Thirsk Community Hall – volunteers are required for this. An exhibition to mark the 10th anniversary of its opening was held at the East Thirsk Community Hall recently. This included a strawberry tea party as a thank you to Val and Alan and they unveiled the wall hanging.
Cllr Reynard expressed concern at the condition of the town on Sunday morning, saying there was a large amount of litter. Also grass and weeds growing in the cracks of the paving. She also referred to the graffiti on the clock; the clerk had spoken to Chris Amy about this some time ago and he felt that specialist stone cleaners would be needed to deal with it. The matter to be taken up with Cllr Hubbard.
Cllr Roberts pointed out that HDC have a new letter heading which no longer gives the general telephone number and fax number of HDC. A letter to be sent to HDC re this.
Cllr Watson asked for helpers for the Thirsk Christmas Fayre.
Cllr Pack reported that Thirsk in Bloom is looking at developing two possible projects, one of which is the entrances to Thirsk, although she understands that Cllr Marshall had spoken about the entrances at Amenities.
Cllr Mallett advised that he had recently travelled to Northallerton by bus and he expressed concern at the speed at which the bus had travelled around the Hambleton Estate.
Cllr Adamson advised that the Christmas Tree was put in place on Saturday morning. He thanked Cllr Roberts for attending.
Cllr Marshall advised that Julia Smith of St Mary’s PCC had informed her that the church is having an exhibition of Christmas trees. All businesses had been approached and asked if they could do a tree which reflected their business. Cllr Marshall asked whether the Town Council would like to do one. Cllr Adamson asked members to give some thought to this.
Page P0118
Referring to the Blue Plaques and Interpretation Boards Scheme, Cllr Marshall advised that the Town Hall Management Committee had now decided where they
would like the blue plaque placing on the Town Hall. The clerk has asked Malcolm Burnett to do this.
Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Marshall that the press and public be excluded for a confidential item of a personnel nature.