Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Thursday 6th January 2005 at 7:30pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall
Page A0090
Present:
Cllrs S Hubbard (Chairman), J Jackson, R Mallett, J Marshall, A. Morton, C. Pack, K. Reynard, J. Watson, Mr R Burnett, Britain in Bloom Judge (2nd item only), 2 members of the public and the clerk.
Apologies:
Cllr F Roberts (away); accepted.
Talk by Mr Roger Burnett, Britain in Bloom Judge:
Mr Burnett gave a presentation explaining that Britain in Bloom was established in 1963. The aim is to bring communities together and, in addition to planting, to include other environmental issues such as recycling, waste management etc. Mr Burnett gave details of the criteria and stressed that the planting needs to be appropriate. This year’s five entries for Yorkshire are being supported by Yorkshire in Bloom, i.e. Barwick in Elmet, Cleethorpes, Doncaster, Luddenden and Thirsk. Entrants will be judged against other entries and also against the standard. This year for the first time there will be unannounced judging in the Spring, with actual judging taking place in August. Cllr Marshall pointed out that in August there will be visitors in the town and the schools will be on holiday. Cllr Hubbard thanked Mr Burnett for attending the meeting.
Minutes:
Proposed approved Cllr Mallett, seconded Cllr Watson, agreed.
Open Forum:
No matters raised.
Matters Arising:
A0086 Stable on Marage Road; nothing further as yet.
A0086 Grass verge outside Foxwynd; reply from John Bell awaited.
A0086 Play Area on the edge of Castlegarth; further letter sent to John Bell together with a reply slip and stamped addressed envelope.
A0086 St James’Green Byelaws; reply received from the YLCA advising that the byelaw together with any amendments required should be sent to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Cllr Marshall suggested that the Greens Committee look at the byelaw and come forward with some proposals.
A0086 Boundary Review; this is being taken further, as per the information received from the YLCA.
A0086 Tornado Flypast on 6th December. This had taken place and a letter of thanks had been sent to RAF Leeming.
A0086 Seats on the edge of the pathway near Cod Beck; Cllr Marshall confirmed that a site meeting is to be arranged.
A0086 Concrete surfacing on the A168; Cllr Marshall advised that Sowerby Parish Council is to have a representative of the Highways Agency to talk them about this. Members of the public can attend.
A0087 Millennium Green and Dowber Way ditch; a further reminder sent to Eccles Heddon.
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A0087 Tarmac patching on the cobbles on Kirkgate; reminder letter sent and acknowledgement received.
A0087 Damaged tree on The Holmes; Chris Amy has been asked to deal with this.
A0087 Flood barrier near Todds Court; HDC have been asked to remove this.
A0087 Camera at the rear of Thirsk Clock Café; Cllr Hubbard has spoken to Abigail and has given her details of two contractors. She is currently waiting for quotes.
A0087 Emergency Flood Plan; Cllr Marshall asked whether Councillors’ names and telephone numbers have yet been given to the Environment Agency. Cllr Hubbard said we will get the response from the public first and then we will do this. Cllr Marshall asked that the items specified in the flood Video be purchased.
A0088 Trees along the side of the White Bridge; letter sent to NYCC and acknowledgement received.
A0088 Litter bins/dog bins; letter sent to HDC.
A0088 Wheeliebins; letter sent to HDC.
A0088 Trolley store outside Somerfield's; letter sent to the County Council and acknowledgement received.
A0088 Church Floodlighting; Cllr Hubbard had spoken to the electrician who is to contact Mike Wilkinson very shortly.
A0088 Letter to Shire Park residents; Cllr Marshall enquired whether the letters had yet been delivered; to be done very soon.
A0089 Stock on pavement outside Rosie and Jims; letter sent to NYCC. Cllr Jackson enquired whether this was a listed building and was informed that it was not – he is to speak to Cooper Harding. Referring to the ‘Mind’ sign which has been left up, a letter is to be sent to ‘Mind’ and to the owners of the building.
To receive Correspondence
NYCC; Thirsk Cycle Plan Route 1 (Sowerby to Stone Lane) Cllr Jackson queried whether consideration has been given to the people who currently use it as a vehicular access and whether this is to be restricted. The questionnaire was completed incorporating Cllr Jackson’s comments.
Department for Culture Media and Sport; Enquiring whether the Town Council has any objection to the proposed works on Castlegarth, i.e. the replacement of the kissing gates and resurfacing of the footpath. In view of the deadline for responses, a letter had been sent saying the Town Council welcome these.
To consider and, where applicable decide upon, the items contained in the Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Items:
The following were raised:
Chewing gum; a chasing letter sent to Cabinet.
Additional streetlighting in Hambleton Place; Cllr Marshall to take this up with County.
Damaged seat in Hambleton Drive; now removed.
Grass on Stockton Road; Cllr Marshall advised that residents are now parking on the grass and there are tyre tracks; to be taken up with County.
Lamp post on Castlegarth; still not working. A letter to be sent to Hambleton.
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To receive Reports from the following Committees:
Carrs Field - Nothing to report.
Central Areas - Nothing to report
Christmas Festivities - The Christmas tree is to be removed on Sunday 16th January. A letter to be sent to Sue Dalton congratulating the Committee on the Christmas Fayre. A letter to be sent to Edward Jackson thanking him for putting the Christmas tree up.
It was reported that there are some loose cobbles opposite the ‘Black Bull’; to be reported to Hambleton.
Greens and Ingramgate - Cllr Mallett had not had any reply from the contractors he had approached. He reported that the seat on the Little Green has become unfixed. Malcolm Burnett to be asked to deal with it.
Millennium Green - Cllr Marshall reported that the trees are to be trimmed in the near future. She pointed out that this is a ‘wild’ area, which may be of use for the entry into Britain in Bloom.
Open Areas - Not met as yet.
Town Development Working Party - Nothing to report.
To receive other items of interest and information:
Cllr Marshall showed the photographs of the hanging in the East Thirsk Community Hall, which had been done as a community project.
Cllr Marshall referred to a CD called HERM re historic monuments; a copy to be obtained.
Cllr Watson reported on the Blue Plaque scheme, saying that plaques have now been put on the Town Hall, the Herriot Centre and the Three Tuns Hotel. Several more plaques to be produced shortly and a route is to be drawn up.
They are currently working on a leaflet. Cllr Marshall advise that RANY have been appointed to run some workshops to do the Interpretation Boards. Getting different groups involved in doing different boards.
Cllr Marshall reported that 2005 is to be the tenth anniversary of the cinema being run by volunteers and the cinema will be doing something to mark this. Cllr Pack thought everyone involved should be congratulated.
Reporting on entrances/new signs, Cllr Marshall said they are looking for locations for finger posts. She thinks that most of the money required for the project is now available. These are to be as follows:
Station Road: new stone plinth with new sign in place of the existing millstone.
Newsham Road: current sign to be replaced by millstone with new sign.
Norby: nameplate to be replaced by new nameplate on existing millstone.
Stockton Road: new stone plinth and new nameplate (subject to approval by South Kilvington Parish Council).
Sutton Road: the position of this was discussed. Proposed Cllr Hubbard, seconded Cllr Reynard that the new sign should be on the Thirsk side of the bypass (by the 30mph sign).
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York Road: Existing millstone to be replaced by new sign and wall. Agreed that it may be moved nearer to the roundabout.
Cllr Reynard asked about planting in front of the millstones – planting in a trough was suggested.
It was reported that Todds Court is very dark. The Town Council had asked for an additional streetlight there some time ago, but this had not been possible. A further request to be made.
Cllr Reynard reported there is a streetlight out outside Lloyds Bank, also one on Norby Estate near the willow tree.
On Norby Estate there is a large hole and the tarmac is breaking up.
The problem of water collecting outside the fire station and old sorting office was mentioned – it is now bubbling up. Cllr Marshall said there is no drain there- she has spoken to Steve Pimperton again about this.
Cllr Hubbard referred to the litter on Castlegarth, particularly by the central seat and suggested we purchase a litter bin. Chris Amy to be asked whether he will empty it. If so, it was proposed by Cllr Hubbard, seconded by Cllr Mallett that a litter bin be purchased.
To receive report from Thirsk in Bloom:
Cllr Pack stressed the need for everyone to be involved in Britain in Bloom and to pull together. She had spoken to Rotary about the Festival banners and suggested they be put on the brackets for the judging.
The meeting closed at 10.00pm.
Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 17th January 2005 at 7:15pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall
Page P0124
Present: Cllrs D Adamson (Chairman), S Hubbard, J Jackson, R Mallett, J Marshall, A Morton, C Pack, K Reynard, F Roberts, A Robinson, J Watson and the clerk.
Apologies:
No apologies received, all Councillors being present.
Minutes:
Proposed approved Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Mallett; agreed.
To receive Police Report:
No members of the police present. Cllr Marshall referred to the move of Inspector Broadley from Thirsk to the Control Room and expressed her concern that this move took place without a new Inspector being appointed.
Open Forum:
No members of the public present.
Matters Arising:
P0119 Police matters; letter sent to the police and reply awaited.
P0119 Closed churchyard at St Mary’s Church; meeting to be held on Wednesday with Clive Thornton, the Rector and the clerk.
P0119 Flooding; questionnaire done and delivered to all affected houses; now getting replies in.
P0119 Graffiti on the clock; Tony Robinson has supplied us with details of suitable chemical cleaners. Agreed that Chris Amy be asked to do this.
P0120 Plaque on Three Tuns; date to be arranged for the Mayor to unveil this.
P0121 Dead tree in the cemetery; the whole tree is now down and is resting on the ground.
P0121 Precept; precept request sent to HDC – they have confirmed receipt of this.
P0121 Sign on ‘Rosie and Jim’s’; Cllr Jackson referred to the sign which has been put over the ‘Mind’ sign. He was of the opinion that the building should be listed. He had spoken to Cooper Harding who would be happy to support an application for listing. Agreed that this be an agenda item at a future meeting.
P0121 Periodic Electoral Review; Cllr Marshall advised that the results of this will be announced in February.
P0122 Cherry Garth; letter sent to Neil Revely inviting him to speak at the February Town Council meeting.
P0122 Cycle lanes across the Flatts; questionnaire completed at Amenities and sent in. Cllr Jackson reported that he had looked at the cycle route and it seemed to include the access used at the Festival. It was pointed out that the bollards would be removable. Cllr Robinson advised that the Flatts Preservation Trust have approved the cycle plan.
P0122 Local Plan; meeting to be arranged.
P0122 District Councillors’ Reports; Cllr Robinson expressed his objection to the District Councillors’ Reports being towards the end of the agenda as he felt that the members of the public may wish to hear these. Proposed Cllr Robinson seconded Cllr
Page P0125
Hubbard that this be moved to Item 4. This was put to the vote and was carried with 10 in favour and 1 against.
P0122 Industrial Estate; Cllr Marshall advised that the District Wide Local Plan ceases to be operative in 2006, and HDC are currently drawing up a new plan. A document is currently being circulated which sets out the framework and Cllr Marshall stressed that this Council needs to look at Thirsk as a whole – a meeting about this to be arranged.
Finance:
To Approve Accounts for Payment
Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Watson that the following accounts be approved for payment:
Society of Local Council Clerks Membership Fee 2005/06 £115.00
C.A. Amy – Trimming trees on Millennium Green £150.00
Julie Harron – Salary, January 2005 £292.50
Elaine Coulson – Salary, December 2004 £1,016.37
Inland Revenue – Tax/NI, December 2004 £571.30
C Amy: Weekly inspections £182.80
Litter picking and pruning – Mill Gardens £150.00
Litter picking – Picnic Area and Castlegarth £80.00
Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Mallett that £500 be sent to Thirsk Chamber of Trade as a donation to the Christmas lights.
Paid since last meeting
Royal British Legion – contribution to poppy wreaths £100.00
Petty Cash £50.04
YLCA – 2 places on Councillor Skills Conference £37.60
Income received
Burial Board: Rent of Cemetery Lodge £397.12
Interment £110.00
Bank Interest £1,058.50
To receive and approve the monthly balance sheet and budget for December 2004:
Proposed Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Morton; approved.
To approve Applications for Exclusive Rights and Memorials:
No applications received.
To receive Correspondence
Royal British Legion – Notice of Meeting on 2nd February re Church Service and Parade on 3rd July
Citizens Advice Bureau – thanks for donation also advising that mainly due to financial and staffing resources, they have had to suspend outreach services to Stokesley, Easingwold, Bedale and Thirsk. However, they hope to resume the service
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again early in 2005. Cllr Roberts explained the problem and confirmed that it is hoped to continue in the near future.
Edward Barker; would like to know whether the Town Council would like to have sight of some concept drawings for Rybeck Farm. Agreed that he be invited to bring these to a meeting.
Planning Committee Report:
Cllr Reynard declared an interest in respect of Planning Application No. 2/04/152/0798 for the construction of 3 terraced dwellings and 1 detached bungalow at 5 Norby Front Street.
Cllr Marshall pointed out that the conversion of the former shop on the corner of Stammergate/Long Street appears to have plastic windows.
Cllr Marshall referred to the demolition of garages in Hambleton Place raising the question of whether there will be any transfer of ownership of the entrance to the pipe, which takes the water from the Millennium Green. This has always been in the ownership of Broadacres; a letter to be sent to them.
Burial Board Report:
Cllr Adamson reported that the dead tree in the Cemetery which was partly down is now fully down and another tree has blown over in the wind. He said it will be necessary to arrange a Burial Board meeting. Cllr Reynard referred to the Cemetery wall at the Norby side, saying it looked to be in need of some repair. Malcolm Burnett to be consulted on this.
To Receive Reports:
County Council
Cllr Marshall reported that a budget workshop meeting had been held. They are aiming for a 4.9% increase.
Referring to Blakey Bridge, Cllr Marshall said County are considering building out under the bridge to deter lorries.
A representative from each of the Highways Agency and Autolink had attended a Sowerby Parish Council meeting to talk about the concrete road. They are both trying to get the date for the resurfacing of the bypass brought forward into phase 2.
Cllr Marshall reported that an Economic Development Committee meeting had been held at which a report on behalf of the Working Group on Vocational Education Strategy had been presented and they will be presenting it to the Executive on 1st February. They are hoping to influence the County Council’s decision making on it. Cllr Marshall pointed out that all the Further Education Colleges are in the region of 20 miles from Thirsk.
Cllr Marshall reported that she had asked for an investigation of whether the amount of waste taken to the waste sites had increased since the introduction of wheeliebins. This is currently being monitored, together with the effects of more of Hambleton going on to the wheeliebin system.
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District Council
Cllr Robinson reported that small businesses will be entitled to claim a reduction in rates and this will be absorbed by the larger businesses.
Cllr Marshall advised that there is to be a meeting of the Standards Committee this week.
Cllr Marshall reported that she has chased up the District Council on a number of issues, including the ditch through the Millennium Green and the Tranmire Ditch. She has asked for an update on the riverside footpath and had also asked them to inspect the car parks for any wind damage. Cllr Marshall said a tree had come down in Cod Beck, which had been removed, but a lot of branches had been left in the river. Cllr Roberts said there are some lights out in Millgate car park which were reported to HDC some time ago.
To receive Reports:
Representatives
Cllr Watson reported on a Chamber of Trade meeting saying there was a very poor attendance. They are currently looking at ways of encouraging more people to join.
Members
Cllr Marshall reported that 4th March is the 10th anniversary of the cinema being run by volunteers. There is to be a series of special films shown and a gala evening.
Cllr Watson referred to the fact that car parking charges are now being levied at Thirsk Station. She had queried this and was advised it has been passed to National Car Parks. She felt work should be carried out to the car park as water collects there when it rains.
Cllr Mallett referred to branches hanging from some of the trees on the other side of Cod Beck. A letter to be sent to John Bell.
Cllr Adamson reported that work has started on erecting the poles for the new bus stops at East Thirsk. Some soil from these has been put into the Tranmire Beck; a letter to be sent to the County Council.
Cllr Mallett said footpath signs are missing from Ingramgate (near Ingram House) and from Gillings Court Mews to Kirkgate. Cllr Reynard also pointed out the sign on the tyre depot at Norby is very rusty; Peter Penny to be informed.
Cllr Robinson pointed out that road works will soon be starting in the Market Place, although Cllr Marshall said no official date has yet been set for this.
The meeting closed at 8.50 p.m.