Minutes of the Amenities Committee meeting
held on Thursday 2nd December 2004 at 7:30pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Page A0086
Present:
Cllrs. S Hubbard (Chairman), R Mallett, J Marshall, C Pack, K Reynard, A Robinson, J Watson, 2 members of the public and the clerk.
Apologies:
Cllrs J. Jackson (away), A. Morton (playing organ for a carol service), F. Roberts (away); approved.
Minutes:
Proposed approved Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Mallett.
Open Forum:
The members of the public had no matters to raise.
Matters Arising:
A0082 Stable on Marage Road; further letter sent.
A0082 Seats on the edge of the pathway near Cod Beck; site meeting arranged.
A0082 Grass verge outside Foxwynd; further letter sent.
A0082 Fencing around The Holmes Play Area; photographs to be sent to Sheena Spence.
A0082 Play Area on the edge of Castlegarth; further letter sent.
A0082 St James’ Green byelaw; reply from YLCA awaited.
A0082 White Mare Roundabout; reply sent to Tony Jordan.
A0083 Boundary Review; reply received from HDC advising that it is not considered appropriate to consider a boundary review at this time. Agreed to take this further, as per the information received from the YLCA.
A0083 Concrete surfacing of the A168; reply received from the Highways Agency confirming that Thirsk Bypass is considered a medium priority with a time frame of 2007/8 to 2010/11, subject to available funds. Autolink have an ongoing programme to replace the slabs as they fail. Cllr Marshall advised that she had asked for this to be included in the agenda at the County Council Area Committee for Hambleton meeting and this had been considered at the recent meeting of that Committee. Cllr Marshall explained that the work to the Thirsk Bypass is currently in phase 3 and on the reserve list for phase 2. The County Council are to ask for it to be moved to phase 2. A query was raised as to what they are replacing the concrete sections with when they fail – it was felt they would be replaced with the same materials.
A0083 Christmas Festivities; the Christmas tree is now up and the lights have been put on.
A0083 Flood Plan meeting; meeting held.
A0084 Christmas Festivities; a letter has been sent to RAF Leeming requesting that a Tornado fly over the Market Place on 6th December to mark the close of the Christmas Fayre. The clerk has also spoken to the officers and they will do this.
A0085 Footpath from Shire Park to Whiteless Bridge; overgrowth now cut back.
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Correspondence
HDC; Copy letter to Seeger Developments Limited confirming the Castlegate numbering scheme of 9-29 (odds only, excluding 13) and 1-6 Castlegate Mews.
To consider, and where applicable decide upon, the items contained in the Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Items:
Millennium Green and Dowber Way ditch; a further reminder to be sent to Eccles Heddon.
Tarmac patching on Kirkgate cobbles, chasing letter to be sent.
Steads Yard; it was queried whether the camera had been installed at the rear of the building. Cllr Pack said this had not been done, saying there is only a year left on the lease and they are looking for new premises. Cllr Robinson pointed out that this was a planning condition and Cllr Pack agreed to take it forward. Cllr Hubbard offered to speak to a contractor.
Damaged tree on The Holmes; Cllr Marshall queried why this had been reported to John Bell as it is a Town Council tree – Chris Amy to be asked to look at it.
Possibility of putting play equipment for young children on the edge of Castlegarth; Cllr Marshall stressed that a reply is needed from John Bell. A further letter enclosing a reply slip to be sent.
To receive update re proposed Emergency Flood Plan:
Cllr Hubbard advised that he has not been able to progress this a great deal as yet. He asked for the names of Councillors who wish to be on the floodplan telephone list to be notified by the Environment Agency of a flood warning. The following Councillors wished to be included in this; Cllrs Hubbard, Mallett, Marshall, Pack, Reynard and Watson. Cllr Hubbard is to look at the list of volunteers to see which areas of the town they are from and where they would be able to notify us of the current position. Cllr Marshall felt we should purchase the items shown on the Environment Agency video. The next Hambleton Flood Forum is to be held on 8th December. It was pointed out that the flood barrier near Todds Court is still up; HDC have been asked to remove it.
To receive Reports:
Carrs Field - Nothing to report. Cllr Marshall reminded them of the need to set a budget.
Central Areas/Christmas Festivities - Cllr Hubbard reported a lot of activity in Central Areas, referring particularly to the Christmas Festivities. The section of the road through the Market Place between Kirkgate and Millgate will be closed from 2.00pm on Friday and there will be Park and Ride from Austin Reeds and from the Industrial Estate. Signs warning of road closures will be put up on the external roundabouts. The lights will be switched on at 6.45pm on Friday. Litter picking over the weekend has been arranged.
Greens and Ingramgate - Cllr Mallett reported that the Committee had met and had set its budget. Cllr Mallett advised that this Committee has been asked to deal with the White Mare Roundabout and he has started the process. He said he will sort it out and then come back to his Committee and to the Town Council. He had spoken to Lionel Twiss who has four or five sponsors to fund the roundabout. It is hoped to give them each a four year contract. Cllr Mallett had approached two contractors, i.e. Northdale and Yorkshire
Page A0088
Landscapes, and they are to provide ideas and prices. Cllr Mallett has an appointment with Stephen Pimperton at NYCC.
Millennium Green - Nothing to report. Cllr Marshall reminded them of the need to set a budget.
Open Areas - Cllr Marshall reported that a meeting had been held earlier this week. The budget was set and the Rospa Report was examined. This did not reveal anything particularly different from previous years. The Open Areas Committee will visit all the play areas in the new year. Central Areas also did their budget at the meeting.
Town Development Working Party - Cllr Hubbard reported that we are still attempting to get funding for doing all the alleyways. Cllr Marshall pointed out that it might be possible to get some funding from the Hambleton Area Committee – an application form to be obtained. She also mentioned the second homes discount money, which is also a possibility. Cllr Hubbard advised that we are also looking at funding for lighting in the alleyways under the Crime and Disorder Act. Cllr Hubbard advised that planning permission for the floodlights at the church has now been obtained. The clerk has contacted the electrician and we are now waiting to hear back from him.
Other Items of Interest and Information:
Cllr Reynard referred to trees along the side of the White Bridge and asked if they could be cut back; Stephen Pimperton to be asked to do this.
Cllr Reynard also referred to trees along the middle of The Holmes, particularly a hawthorn which is dead and cherry trees which need pruning. She asked if it could be done before the summer judging; the Open Areas Committee to look at it.
Cllr Marshall referred to the dog bins saying that some of them are disintegrating; many of then have broken lids or no lids at all. Cllr Marshall also referred to the yellow litter bins which HDC were supposed to be painting green. Letters to be sent to Steve Quartermain, Gary Brown and Eric Kendall asking what is happening re the dog bins and the painting of the litter bins. Cllr Mallett offered to put stickers on the dog bins and these will be obtained from HDC.
Cllr Mallett referred to the wheeliebins saying some are being permanently left outside 48/48A St James Green and there are a few bins outside Waterside; a letter to be sent to HDC.
Cllr Mallett referred to the trolley store on the pavement outside Somerfield; to be taken up with the County Council.
Cllr Mallett referred to some Town Council trees on the Ings which have been cut down. Agreed that a letter to be sent to all the people in Shire Park asking for help in identifying who is cutting the trees down. Chris Amy to be asked to clear them away.
Cllr Mallett referred to the amount of rubbish on the side of Sutton Road; a letter to be sent to the County Council.
Thirsk in Bloom:
Cllr Pack referred to a document which had been circulated to Councillors, saying that this is a discussion document. She said that entering Britain in Bloom is important to everyone as it is not just about planting, but about community involvement. Cllr Pack expressed her gratitude to Cllr Mallett for the work he is doing re the White Mare Roundabout. Cllr Pack expressed the hope that everyone will put forward ideas for
Page A0089
possible projects. She stressed the need for attractive entrances to the town for the judging, expressing concern particularly about the entrances on Stockton Road and York Road.
A letter to be sent to Stephen Pimperton regarding the goods on the footpath outside Rosie and Jim’s and Cllr Marshall also mentioned that sometimes the seat outside was being used to hold stock. Cllr Marshall advised that she has asked HDC for a ruling on the sign on Rosie and Jim’s.
Cllr Pack advised that Roger Burnett, one of the Britain in Bloom Judges, is to give a presentation at the January Amenity Meeting. Cllr Watson asked about the route the judges take and Cllr Reynard said this is decided by Thirsk in Bloom. They are looking at having a competition for private gardens and for pubs/shops etc. Cllr Mallett suggested ‘adopt an area’
Cllr Reynard asked about the funding for the entrances. Cllr Marshall advised that she has received replies from the Town Council and from Sowerby Parish Council and will now be pulling this together. Cllr Reynard was not happy at the new signs being put onto existing millstones. Cllr Marshall advised that a “wall” to put a sign on would cost £1,600. Cllr Marshall pointed out that the Signs Committee are now dealing with this project which had originally been going to be dealt with by the TRI. Cllr Robinson felt the cost of walls to replace millstones should be budgeted for and expressed the view that the signs would not look appropriate on round millstones. Thirsk in Bloom will attempt to obtain some sponsors.
The meeting closed at 9.30pm.
Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 20th December 2004 at 7:15pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall
Page P0119
Present:
Cllrs D Adamson, (Chairman), S Hubbard, J Jackson, R Mallett, J Marshall, A Morton, K Reynard, F Roberts, A. Robinson, J Watson, Ms C Thorpe (‘Darlington and Stockton Times’) and the clerk.
Apologies:
Cllr C Pack (another event), accepted.
Minutes:
Proposed approved Cllr Mallett, seconded Cllr Roberts, agreed.
To receive Police Report:
No members of the Police present. Cllr Robinson expressed concern at the parking which takes place on the pavement at the end of Ingramgate, particularly at night. A letter to be sent to the police.
Cllr Hubbard referred to youths congregating on Castlegarth at night and obstructing the pathway. The police to be asked whether they can maintain a watch on that area. He also pointed out that there is still no light at the Market Place end of Castlegarth – a letter to be sent to HDC.
The police to be asked about the recent drive by shooting in Hambleton Drive.
Open Forum:
No members of the public present.
Matters arising:
P0113 Closed churchyard at St Mary’s Church; meeting arranged with the Rector, Clive Thornton and the clerk for 19th January.
P0113 Purchase of seat by Mr Peter Banthorpe; letter of thanks sent.
P0113 Flooding; Cllr Hubbard expressed disappointment at the lack of response to the last meeting. He has drawn up a questionnaire (copy already sent to Councillors) and would like to put this to the householders in the affected areas, agreed. Cllr Marshall advised that the Flood Forum had taken place at HDC. There had been a presentation on the current position re the defences for Thirsk. The consultants are still working on a scheme – they are suggesting it will consist of an emergency flood plain area and also some works within the town. David McGloin has promised to have a special meeting to update the Local Members.
P0114 Internal audit; report not yet received.
P0114 Thirsk in Bloom; Roger Burnett, one of the Britain in Bloom Judges, is to attend the January Amenity meeting.
P0115 Donation to Citizens Advice Bureau; cheque to be signed at this meeting.
P0116 ‘Thirsk Weekly News’; reports of meetings not yet being sent to them, but this will be done.
P0117 Graffiti on the Clock; Tony Robinson to be consulted re suitable cleaners. Letter sent to Mike Kneebone re grass/weeds in cracks of paving.
P0117 HDC’s new letter heading; letter sent.
P0117 Exhibition of Christmas Trees; the Town Council had put a Christmas tree in the church. The tree had been designed and made by Cllr Roberts.
Page P0120
P0117 East Thirsk Community Christmas Party; Cllr Marshall advised that this had been held and was very successful. She thanked the British Legion Band, the Mayor and the volunteers.
P0118 Blue Plaques; these have now been put on ‘The Three Tuns’, The World of James Herriot and the Town Hall.
Finance:
To approve accounts for payment
Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Mallett that the following accounts be approved for payment:
Fox’s Copy Centre – photocopying £38.73
Bow House Publishers – “Herriot Country 2005” £679.15
Thirsk and Sowerby Town Hall – Hire of Room £150.00
D.E. Adamson – Chairman’s Allowance (2nd half) £250.00
Sakata Ornamental UK Ltd – Plants for Thirsk in Bloom £391.07
D.J. Mann – Cleaning bus shelter and noticeboard £99.00
BT – Office telephone £121.98
HDC – Feasibility Study for Alleyways £1,762.50
HDC – Office Rent – Quarter commencing 1.12.04 £660.94
HDC – Pest Control Contract for Mill Gardens £235.00
A. Swift & Son – repairs to toilet cistern at Cemetery Lodge £33.60
K. Dickinson – Cleaning Office Windows £6.00
C.A. Amy - Weekly inspections £228.50
Litter picking £280.00
Weeding Little Green shrubbery £50.00
Repairs to fence in Picnic Area £15.00
Removal of trolley from Cod Beck £10.00
Julie Harron – Salary, December 2004 £292.50
Elaine Coulson – Salary, November 2004 £1,016.37
Inland Revenue – Tax/NI, November 2004 £571.30
Wired – Fixing Christmas Lights £769.62
Hambleton Sports Council Membership (2 years) £6.00
M L Burnett – fixing remainder of planks on seats in Mill Gardens & Fixing 3 blue plaques £118.50
The payment for the removal of the trolley from Cod Beck was mentioned. Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Hubbard that a letter be sent to Tesco, saying we had given them notice of this and enclosing an invoice for £10.00
Paid since last meeting:
Julie Harron – back pay following increase (01.04.04 – 30.11.04) £260.00
Income received
NYCC contribution towards grass cutting £1,343.38
Burial Board: Grave Purchase £220.00
Interments £220.00
Memorials £92.00
Reimbursement of two-thirds of cost of Union Jack £34.94
Page P0121
To receive and approve the monthly balance sheet and budget report for November 2004 (copies already circulated)
Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Morton that these be received and approved.
To receive Applications for Exclusive Rights and Memorials
No applications received.
To receive Correspondence
The Royal British Legion; request for donation for poppy wreath; Cllr Watson proposed £100, seconded Cllr Mallett; agreed.
The Royal British Legion; advising of a possible service and parade on 3rd July 2005
The Boundary Committee re Periodic Electoral Review questionnaire – the clerk to complete this.
Thirsk CCA - letter of thanks for donation advising that they propose to use this to help fund the hire of The Big Bus to go into the rural areas and promote the services provided by the Volunteer Bureau.
Planning Committee Report:
Cllr Roberts pointed out that the banner on the Tanning Salon is still there.
She referred to the goods on the pavement outside Rosie and Jim’s and also the sign which has been put on top of the ‘Mind’ sign. Cllr Marshall advised that she has queried the sign and it is legitimate.
Cllr Roberts also queried how much of the land around the flower shop in the middle of the square is owned by them.
She advised that HDC have written to the Pizza shop about a breach of opening hours. Cllr Robinson referred to the new rules which give the Licensing Committee power not to grant a Licence.
Cllr Adamson mentioned that CAG have expressed concern that their views do not always appear to be taken into account when planning applications are considered.
Burial Board Report:
Cllr Adamson advise that there is nothing particular to report.
There is a dead tree in the Cemetery which has split, but it is not a danger.
Precept 2004/5
To receive Report from Finance Committee
The minutes of the Finance Committee Meeting, held on 8th December 2004,had been circulated to Councillors. Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Mallett that these be accepted, agreed.
Cllr Robinson queried the amount budgeted to be paid to a worker in the cemetery.
Cllr Adamson advised that it would be possible for other committees to use such a person provided they bear the cost of this.
To receive and approve budgets and precept for 2005/6
Cllr Marshall advised that the opening balance at 1st April 2004 was much larger than in the previous year and therefore a decreased precept of £70K was being recommended. Cllr Watson proposed a precept of £70K for 2005/6, seconded Cllr Roberts; agreed.
Page P0122
To receive Reports:
County Council
Cllr Marshall advised that a meeting had been held with Eddie Hayward, Mike Moore and the police to discuss Blakey Bridge. Mike Moore has agreed to finance work to the kerbing to act as a deterrent for lorries. It is hoped that this will be done early in the new year.
Concrete road; Cllr Marshall had asked for this to be included on the agenda of the Hambleton Area Committee. They have agreed to write to the Highways Agency asking that this work be brought forward. Sowerby Parish Council has arranged for a representative of the Highways Agency to speak to its Members about the concrete road.
Roundabout at the Auction Mart; Cllr Marshall advised that this is still under discussion.
Cllr Marshall reported that the Hambleton Area Committee has received a report from the Health Scrutiny Committee re The Friarage, looking particularly at the Accident and Emergency Department and the management of the hospital.
Referring to the future of Cherry Garth, Cllr Marshall said there are two options, i.e. to move to Tanpit Lodge temporarily and then back to Cherry Garth when it is developed; or to look for an alternative site in Thirsk. Cllr Roberts expressed the view that there is nowhere else in Thirsk which would be suitable. Cllr Marshall suggested we invite Neil Revely to a Town Council meeting to give us an update. It was agreed that he be invited to the February Town Council meeting.
A County Council meeting had been held on 15th December when the budgets for 2005/6 were discussed.
Cllr Marshall referred to the Cycle Lanes across The Flatts, saying Councillors can comment on this.
Cllr Marshall had asked Peter Sowray what the Council is doing on the English Heritage Report, ‘Save our Streets’. She will ask for a report on this at the Hambleton Area Committee.
District Council
Cllr Hubbard - nothing to report
Cllr Robinson – nothing to report. He queried why this item is not higher up the agenda.
Cllr Jackson referred to the Industrial Estate which is now full. Cllr Marshall pointed out it had been agreed the Town Council would have a meeting before HDC begin consultations on the Local Plan; a meeting to be arranged.
Cllr Marshall advised that the District Council met early in December. It was suggested that the East Thirsk recycling pilot scheme be extended to other areas, but this was not agreed because of cost. HDC are looking at Tourism and Town Centre Managers.
To receive Reports
Representatives:
Swimming Pool: Cllr Morton advised that they intend to extend the swimming pool to create more exercise rooms and showers when funds are available.
Cllr Mallett advised that he and Cllr Marshall attended a recent meeting on Community Education.
Page P0123
Cllr Adamson advised that he had attended the Friarage Hospital where there was a turf cutting. They have pulled some of the wooden buildings down. The East Thirsk Christmas Party was enjoyed by all. As the representative on the School Governors, Cllr Adamson reported on a letter from Hileys Solicitors to the County Council.
Members:
Reporting on the Christmas Fayre, Cllr Hubbard thanked the Town Council for its support and the Mayor for switching on the lights. He felt that as a Community event it was very successful. Questionnaires were handed out and about a hundred have been received back so far which were very positive. A questionnaire has yet to be sent to the businesses.
The meeting closed at 9.05pm.