Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Thursday 2nd November 2006 at 7:30pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Page P072
Present:
Cllrs J Marshall (Chair), C Hesmondhalgh, R Mallett, C Pack, F Roberts, J Roberts, J Watson, I Noble, (‘Darlington and Stockton Times’), Sgt Ben Frank (North Yorkshire Police) -1st item only and the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllrs J Jackson (away), A Morton (away); accepted.
Proposed Cllr F Roberts, seconded Cllr Mallett that Standing Orders be suspended>
Open Forum:
Sgt Frank reported that he had attended a meeting with his superiors to discuss details of crime and, in particular, burglary figures. There have been 21 burglaries from dwellings. Sgt Frank felt the problems in Thirsk were mainly with nuisance youths and anti social behaviour. Cllr Marshall pointed out that the Town Council has written to the Chief Constable asking for a meeting with a senior officer to discuss these items of concern and Sgt Frank said the letter has been passed to him and he would be happy to attend an informal meeting. It was requested that a senior officer should also attend and Sgt Frank said he will take this up with the people who organise the resources. Sgt Frank said that now the CCTV is no longer under police control but is based at HDC, it is more difficult to make an arrest from the CCTV. Cllr Marshall pointed out that if there is anything going on the CCTV should be picking it up and alerting the police and she said it is up to us to take this up with HDC. Sgt Frank advised that a new PCSO is starting in addition to the existing PCSO and this will therefore extend the hours covered. Sgt Frank explained about the system regarding ASBOs and Cllr J Roberts asked about the effectiveness of these Orders.
Cllr Watson expressed concern at the difficulties experienced getting through to the police on the 0845 6060247 number. Cllr Marshall reported that on 18th October wet toilet paper was being thrown at people in the Market Place. She reported this to the police and said it took 11 minutes to get through to the Control Room. Lloyds Bank car park is currently a target for vandalism and the window of the Town Council Office was broken over the weekend. Sgt Frank said he was aware of young people congregating in Lloyds Bank car park and regular checks are being carried out. He said it may be necessary to look at extra lighting if damage is being caused.
Cllr Marshall advised that PC Kevin Brookes is setting up a problem solving group in East Thirsk and she is anxious a meeting should be held soon to get it started.
Cllr Pack said that most of the problems are alcohol related and this is a national situation. Cllr Watson said she has been round all the off licences and Glen Jackson, the Landlord of the “Darrowby Arms” and “The Royal” is Chair of Pubwatch and has been to all the pubs requesting that they do not supply drink to underage people.
Cllr Marshall pointed out that there is an agenda item, ‘to discuss the relationship with youth’ later in the meeting and she asked Sgt Frank if there is anything we can do. Sgt Frank said he will give it some thought. Cllr Mallett said he felt that some of the youth in the town feel they do not have a voice and have no one to go to.
Proposed Cllr F Roberts, seconded Cllr Mallett that Standing Orders be reinstated.
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Minutes of the Meeting held on 16th October 2006:
Proposed approved Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh; agreed.
Matters Arising from the meeting held on 5th October 2006:
P026 Meeting with police; request sent to the Chief Constable for a senior officer to attend a meeting with the Town Council and reply awaited.
P062 Wheeliebins on St James Green; letter to be sent to the owner of the property in question.
P062 Christmas lights; Christmas tree to be put in place on Friday 10th November and the lights will be put on shortly thereafter.
P062 Trees in the stonework of the Weir; planning consent for these to be cut down now received. Chris Amy has given a price of £250 for doing this work. Proposed accepted Cllr Mallett, seconded Cllr Marshall; agreed.
P062 Footpath at Norby; reply received from John Marsden, Chief Executive of NYCC, confirming that the County Council is responsible for the metal rods and will handle any third party claim relating to them.
P062 Signs denoting Town Council’s land; ordered.
P062 ING Direct re Sanctuary Award Scheme response received advising that the Town Council was not successful in its application for funding.
P062 Millennium Green and Dowber Way Ditch; Cllr Marshall advised that she has spoken to Dave Goodwin at HDC and the £20K is on its way to us. It will be necessary to carry out some investigation into what to do. Cllr Marshall felt that a working party should be set up to deal with this and Cllrs Hesmondhalgh and Watson, together with Cllr Marshall, agreed to form the Working Party.
P063 Trees near the boundary of 22 Whiteless Close; Reply received from Mrs Kilvington saying this does not answer her question. Proposed Cllr Mallett, seconded Cllr F Roberts that this be passed to Eccles Heddon.
P063 Cutting of two pieces of grass on Picks Lane; the piece of grass on Newsham Road appears to have been cut although it is not very short. Letter sent to Mr Walker.
P063 Site meeting in the Market Place; site meeting held.
P063 Proposed French Market in Thirsk; Email received from Don Moore of Thirsk Business Association advising that a request has been made for this type of market to be held in Thirsk at the end of March 2007. Agreed that a reply be sent saying that in principle the Town Council supports this but needs more detail.
P063 Drain next to the bus shelter; a further email sent to Clive Thornton and Cllr Marshall has also spoken to him about this. He is looking at putting a grille over this.
P063 Dead trees near Millgate Car Park; reply received from Clive Thornton advising that he is arranging for the trees to be removed in the next week or so.
P063 BTCV work; all completed satisfactorily.
P063 Graffiti in the alleyway alongside Woollens and Harwood; in John Proud’s absence a chasing email has been sent to Alan Scargill at HDC.
P063 Sponsorship of the White Mare Roundabout; discussed by the Greens Committee and agreed to give the sponsors a year free.
P063 Thirsk in Bloom re autumn bulb planting; consulted John Bell and English Heritage and neither had any objections . Thirsk in Bloom advised.
P063 HDC Renewal of Pest Control Agreement for Mill Gardens; renewed.
P063 Flood Alleviation Scheme; Cllr Marshall asked that a letter be sent to the Environment Agency requesting a copy of the Assessment or a report and an update
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of where they are with Flood Alleviation. Agreed to ask them to come and speak to the Town Council meeting.
P064 Mrs A Cawood of Whitelass Close re large trees on Stockton Road; the clerk had telephoned Mrs Cawood and established that these trees are County Council trees; reported to them. The oak tree in a field to which Mrs Cawood refers is in South Kilvington.
P064 The Holmes Play Area; Email sent to Stan Roocroft of the York and North Yorkshire Playing Fields Association saying that Cllr Marshall would like to meet him when he comes to look at the Play Area on The Holmes.
P064 Benches in Millgate Car Park; letter sent to Steve Quartermain.
P064 Long Street/White Mare Roundabout; replanting taking place.
P064 Logs in the stream near St Marys; letter sent to John Proud.
P065 Multiplay on the McCleans Play Area; Chris Amy has repaired this.
P065 Fencing and gates on Castlegarth; the fencing and gates at Harry Lee’s and Tesco’s end of Castlegarth have now been removed.
P065 Alleyway outside the Town Council Office; pressure washing carried out to the paving and Peter Penny of NYCC is to reimburse the Town Council for the cost of this.
P065 Alleyways; further quotes for Roses Yard obtained – to be discussed as a confidential item at the end of the meeting.
P065 Floodlighting at St Mary’s Church; the grass is still inside the cages; the clerk will speak to the PCC.
Correspondence
HDC; letter advising that the lease of the Town Council Office expires on 30 May 2007 and asking whether the Town Council would like to take a further tenancy. A reply has been sent saying we would like to take a new lease subject to the rent being agreed. HDC are asking their surveyor to have a look round the property.
HDC; copy of letter to the Friends Meeting House, confirming that the property formed by the split is to be known as ‘Quaker Cottage’, 24A Kirkgate, Thirsk.
HDC; request for temporary road closures on Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday; no comments on this.
Mouchel Parkman; advice that highway works regarding the 20 mph limit at Hambleton Place are to start on 23rd October 2006 and the work will last two weeks.
Hambleton CAB; invitation to the AGM on Tuesday 14th November, Cllr F Roberts to attend.
Mr and Mrs Alan Delamore re vandalism at Castlegate Mews. Their comments to be passed to the police. Reply to be sent advising them that there is a problem solving group working in that area.
Countryside Alliance; request that we write to Jim Fitzpatrick expressing concern at the possible loss of some rural post offices. Agreed that such a letter be sent.
Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Items:
This had already been circulated to Councillors; there were no queries on it.
Relationship with Youth:
Cllr Marshall advised that a letter had been received from Thirsk Clock advising that they have not been successful in getting funding for their move and they will therefore
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be staying in their existing accommodation. They are now talking about changing their current accommodation round. Cllr Mallett expressed the view that there is very little for mid to late teenagers to do in Thirsk and he felt it was necessary to talk to them and establish some form of liaison with them. Cllr Pack felt that most of the young people are good and we should look at the ones that have nowhere to go. Cllr J Roberts referred to Youth Councils and said he felt the most successful are those where the Town Council or a similar body got the tasks in place and then handed it over to the young people. He would recommend Youth Councils as long as they are done in an appropriate and responsible way. Cllr F Roberts suggested that Cllr J Roberts should come up with suggestions as to how we could move this forward and Cllr J Roberts agreed to do this. Cllr Marshall said the Town Council could identify some budget for them year on year, subject to a decision on this by the Town Council. Cllr Marshall pointed out that there are a number of organisations that help young people in the town. Cllr Mallett pointed out that the type of young people he was referring to when he requested this be an agenda item are those who do not belong to other organisations as he felt their views should be heard. Cllr Marshall pointed out that Ian McNeil, the CSPO, is talking to them and taking them fishing etc. Cllr Mallett felt that a lot of the young people would be interested if, for instance, there were somewhere they could tinker with cars, motorbikes etc.
Appointment of a Representative for the East Thirsk Community Association:
Cllr Marshall advised that the East Thirsk Community Association had received a communication from Cllr Adamson saying he wishes to stand down as the Town Council’s Representative. Cllr J Roberts proposed that Cllr Mallett be appointed, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh. Cllr Mallett expressed his willingness to do this.
Reports:
Carrs Field - Cllr Roberts advised that the Carrs Field Committee has not spent a great deal this year. She has spoken to their Treasurer and Chairman and they are to meet soon to discuss what they still want to do this year and how much they need for next year. She reported that the basketball hoop is being used.
Central Areas - Cllr Watson advised that we are having the bus shelter painted. The graffiti is to be cleaned off the Town Clock and Cllr Watson thanked Cllr F Roberts for cleaning the graffiti off the Perspex in the Clock. Mill Gardens has still not been sprayed with weed killer.
Christmas Festivities - Referring to the Christmas Fayre, Cllr Watson advised that there is to be a best dressed shop window competition, to be judged week commencing 20th November. On 26th November there are to be various activities and Cllr Watson reported a very good response to the Craft Fayre – the stalls are to be in the Golden Fleece and the Three Tuns hotel. The British Legion Band is to play and there is to be a choir. The scouts are fund raising by doing a refreshments stall.
Greens and Ingramgate - Cllr Pack advised that the Greens and Ingramgate Committee has met. It was agreed that they will order a trailer load of stone to fill in any holes and the stones from in front of the Lord Nelson which have gone into the road will be pushed back. It was
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agreed to try and ascertain the ownership of part of the paths on Ingramgate. The White Mare Roundabout has been planted with winter bedding. A quote is being obtained for the planters on Long Street, for reinstating the cobbles on the roundabout and for spraying with weed killer. Hollin Barn to do the planting and a sign to be put on the roundabout saying this. Cllr Pack has spoken to Thirsk in Bloom and they have agreed in principle to allow their buggy to be used to water Long Street; she is still working on this.
Millennium Green - Cllr Hesmondhalgh reported that the Millennium Green is in good condition, but the branches have still not been removed from the stream near the entrance to St Mary’s The chains on the assault course have not yet been tightened.
Open Areas - Cllr Marshall advised that her Committee had met and had gone through the Rospa Report and has agreed to ask various people to do the work. The committee has agreed to accept a quote from Record for putting Wetpour under the swings on The Holmes, using some of the money from the Picks Lane development for this. Cllr F Roberts queried whether this will be affected by flooding, and Cllr Marshall advised we are assured by Record that this will not be the case.
Town Development Working Party - Not met. Cllr Marshall said that Cllr Adamson does not want to lead on the alleyways project and asked if anyone would like to do this. Cllr Hesmondhalgh offered to do so and this was agreed.
Other items of interest and information:
Cllr F Roberts advised that at a YLCA meeting she had attended recently it had been mentioned to her that Yorkshire in Bloom is having great difficulties this year with the judging. It is now much more detailed and competitors are being judged not only on the work they do, but on conditions over which they have no control. Cllr F Roberts felt that Yorkshire in Bloom need support so they can go to the RHS and say it is not working. Agreed that a letter be sent to Yorkshire in Bloom expressing the Town Council’s concern with the difficulties being experienced by them.
Cllr Watson referred to recent articles in the press concerning the fact that the Chief Constable has spent in the region of £28,500 on a shower for her office. Agreed that a letter be sent to the police authorities asking for an explanation.
Cllr Hesmondhalgh advised that the CCA’s AGM is to be held on 20th November at 10.30am.
Cllr Mallett reported that there are a large number of bald patches on the grass on the Greens and Castle Garth. He wonders whether this could have happened as a result of the grass being left on when it has been cut. The Greens Committee to have a look at it.
Cllr Marshall advised that the East Thirsk Christmas Party is to be held on 9th December.
Cllr Marshall thanked Cllrs F Roberts and Cllr Watson for changing the clock at the end of British Summer Time.
Thirsk in Bloom
Cllr Pack said she had not been to a meeting. Planting is currently taking place in the town.
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Agreed that the public and press be excluded for a confidential item of a commercial
nature.
Cllr Marshall advised that some more invitations to tender for Roses Yard were sent out and we now have three quotes. Proposed Cllr F Roberts, seconded Cllr Mallett that we accept Tender B in the amount of £22,611.43 plus VAT, subject to obtaining confirmation from Bedale that they did a good job there and, if not, then we accept Tender C in the amount of £28,442.92 plus VAT; agreed. The Clerk advised that Tender B was provided by Biker Contracts of Leyburn.
The meeting closed at 9.53 pm.
Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 20th November 2006 at 7:15pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Page P078
Present:
Cllrs J Marshall (Chair), D Adamson, C Hesmondhalgh, C Pack, F Roberts,
A Robinson, J Watson, County Cllr G Dadd, I Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”), Sgt B Frank (North Yorkshire Police), 6 members of the public and the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllrs J Jackson (away), R Mallett (away), A Morton (ill); accepted
Minutes of the Town Council Meeting held on 2nd November 2006:
Proposed approved Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Watson; agreed
Agreed that Item 5 (Open Forum) be dealt with before Item 4 (Reports) and that the Police Report be taken when the Police representative arrives.
Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that Standing Orders be suspended, agreed.
Open Forum:
Mr Elwell of Waterside expressed his concern at the speed of traffic on Millgate Bridge and said the speed limit is not being enforced. Mrs Penson supported this and said that speeding also takes place on Kirkgate. She felt the 20mph signs are not large enough. Mr Ogleby was very concerned at the speed of traffic around St James’ Green and on Stammergate and expressed his annoyance that the proposed scheme for traffic calming measures there did not go ahead. Cllr Dadd explained that when the St James’ Green scheme was first brought up the County Council did not have the current priority system, although the scheme was on the former list. However for financial reasons they have now been obliged to draw up such a priority listing and this “scores” each scheme. According to this, St James’ Green is not a priority. Cllr Marshall pointed out that the Town Council is simply a consultee in the same way that the residents of St James’ Green are consultees. Cllr Dadd felt it was necessary to look forward and to look at having speed matrix signs. Agreed that the Town Council should ask for this and Cllr Dadd will support the request. Mr Ogleby felt there should be a crossing across Millgate.
Mrs Penson commended the police for their work on the previous Saturday when there were a number of football coaches in the town.
Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that Standing Orders be reinstated.
Reports:
County Council
Cllr Dadd referred to the 20mph scheme in Hambleton Place. There has been a delay with this, but it is scheduled for completion in this financial year, most probably in January 2007. He is awaiting a decision on the Picks Lane lighting and should be hearing about this later this week. The yellow lines along Picks Lane have been agreed in principle and will be going out to consultation as soon as possible. Referring
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to the roundabout on Station Road, Cllr Dadd advised that he is doing all he can with this and he circulated an email from Graham Hermon at the County Council advising that free standing lighting is to be put on site to illuminate the junction and a safety audit is to be carried out. Cllr Dadd advised that for safety reasons the cones are being retained outside the new Auction Mart until the existing white lines have been removed. Referring to Special Educational Needs, Cllr Dadd said that the proposals are out to consultation. A lot of views have been expressed and there is to be an increase of ten places in each of the SEN schools. Cllr Dadd is assured that parents wishing to take their children from a mainstream school to a special school will have the option to do so. He pointed out that falling rolls need to be taken into account. Cllr Dadd advised that Lionel Twiss is to hold a meeting on 4th December at the County Council’s Norby Depot to move forward on the landscaping of the Thircon roundabout. Invitations are to be sent out and the meeting is open to any interested parties. Cllr Dadd expressed his pleasure at the fact that Anne McIntosh has been selected for the new Thirsk and Malton parliamentary constituency. Cllr Marshall referred to the site meeting that had taken place in the Market Place, saying no feedback on this has been received as yet. Cllr Dadd expressed his regret at the length of time it was taking to deal with the list of items requiring attention that was sent to the County Council. Cllr Marshall pointed out that we are in the wet season and there is sand under the bridges. Cllr Dadd advised that approval is being sought to do this, but pointed out that it was done as a concession in the past and it is not the responsibility of the County Council. However, Cllr Marshall advised that they had agreed to do it annually. She also pointed out that the Town Council is obtaining quotes for repairs required to the cobbles on the White Mare roundabout and this is not the Town Council’s responsibility.
District Council
Cllr Adamson said that most of his time is taken up with dealing with concerned residents on various issues.
Cllr Marshall reported that she had attended the Cultural and Social Committee meeting last week at which Tourist Information Points were discussed. At that meeting some objections had been made about the amounts of money given to Thirsk for tourism.
Police Report:
Sgt Franks displayed a map, which showed the “hot spots” in the town. No new damage has been reported at Castle Garth and this improvement can be attributed to the Working Party and the new fence put up by Tesco. Sgt Frank advised that he has got two very good new police officers. Kerry Watson has also joined as the new PCSO. From the map, Sgt Frank said it can be seen where the crimes are taking place and the Police will endeavour to be there. Cllr Pack said from this it appears that most of the antisocial behaviour is taking place in the Market Place. Cllr Watson asked about the mobile CCTV and Sgt Frank agreed to look at having this. Sgt Frank said there has been a lot of damage and antisocial behaviour at St Mary’s Walk etc. Cllr Marshall was pleased there was a large police presence in the town the previous Saturday night.
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Cllr Marshall reported that the town clock was vandalised on Friday/Saturday. Cllr Marshall expressed the view that, bearing in mind the clock’s prominent position, she would have hoped that the CCTV would have alerted the police at the time.
Cllr Watson said the Town Council is spending quite a lot having the clock cleaned of graffiti and asked that it be monitored for a period of time.
Cllr Marshall reported that the residents of St James Green had raised the subject of speeding traffic on St James’ Green and Millgate Bridge and traffic coming over the bridge too fast. We are to ask for the speed matrix to be installed. The other issue raised was the enforcement of speed limits on St James’ Green and in the Market Place. Sgt Franks agreed to speak to Sgt Hunter, the Traffic Management Officer, to ask if he can look at speed strips. If these show that vehicles are doing in excess of 40mph then they might come to the conclusion that some more permanent works need to be done. Cllr Marshall asked for the support of the police in our request for a speed matrix and Sgt Frank agreed.
Matters arising from the Meeting held on 16th October 2006:
P066 Extra Care Housing; Cllr Adamson advised that according to a document he had read, there will be very few residential homes left by 2020. Cllr Marshall reminded Councillors that they are invited to visit the Extra Care Housing at Stokesley.
P067 Donation to the Thirsk Clock Café; cheque sent.
P067 Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order; copy of Fire Certificate awaited.
P067 Burial Board report; Swifts have been reminded about connecting up the water supply in the Cemetery.
P067 Christmas lights; now in place.
P067 Audit; the completed form has now been sent to Mazars, the external auditors.
P069 Questionnaire re Polling Stations; completed.
P070 New fence on Castle Garth; letter of thanks sent to Tesco. Cllr Robinson felt the fence is too high and not suitable next to an Ancient Monument. He asked whether consultation about this fence had taken place.
P070 Bricks on the base of a lamp standard in the Market Place; now removed.
P070 Grass verge on Stockton Road; reported to the County Council. Joe Gallagher, the County Council’s Engineer, went to see the people in question.
P070 Lorries parking at the end of Alexander Close; reported to the police.
P070 Pavement outside the McCarthy and Stone Development; letter sent.
P070 Parking on Picks Lane; reported to the police.
P070 Parking spaces behind the Cross Keys; the building works which were taking up spaces in the car park behind the Cross Keys has now finished.
Finance:
Accounts for payment
Proposed Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that the following accounts be approved for payment:
Lite Limited – bulbs for Christmas lights £75.20
K.R. Plumbing and Heating – replacing valve in boiler at Cemetery Lodge £135.00
C.E. and C.M. Walker – grasscutting £675.63
Nigel Burn – garden maintenance of Long Street/WM Roundabout £240.00
M.L. Burnett – fitting chain at Picks Lane entrance to Castle Garth £67.26
HDC – Litter bin for The Holmes £221.22
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The Barker Partnership – Internal Audit Fee £587.50
Sakata Ornamentals UK Ltd – Plants for Thirsk in Bloom £271.43
Hollin Barn Nurseries – plants etc for Thirsk in Bloom £1,279.00
- plants for Picnic Area £77.99
- plants for Long Street/Roundabout £480.98
Michael Holliday – cleaning bus shelter and noticeboard £112.00
Data Protection Renewal £35.00
Mayor’s Allowance (half year) £250.00
National Savings – Clerk’s Gratuity for 2005/06 and 2006/07 £1,856.00
Inland Revenue – Tax/NI – October 2006 £660.26
Wired – installing Christmas Lights £1,210.25
D Connelly – cleaning office windows (3 months) £19.50
C Amy – Play Area Inspections £228.50
Litter Picking £250.00
Tree work at Whitelass Ings £30.00
Weeding White Mare Roundabout £60.00
Weeding Little Green shrubbery £25.00
Clearing burnt tree on The Holmes £100.00
In addition, the salaries of the Clerk, Assistant Clerk and Cemetery Groundsman will be paid in accordance with the Town Council’s usual policy
Paid since last meeting
Npower – office electricity £70.04
Sound of Design – Interpretation Boards Website £600.00
Allianz Cornhill – Premium for increased Fidelity Cover £164.54
Action for Market Towns – Seminar Fee £10.00
Income received
HDC - Contribution for Barratts Ditch project £20,000.00
HDC – Precept (2nd half) £38,500.00
Refund of VAT (1.7.06.-30.9.06) £1,280.93
Burial Board: Rent £485.37
Memorials £29.00
Balance sheet and Budget Report, October 2006
Proposed approved Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh; agreed.
Applications for Exclusive Rights and Memorials
Grave C4 11 – George Henry and Mabel Windross – application by H.A. Green to clean existing Memorial and make the inscription legible; agreed.
Correspondence
HDC – Copy letter to John Bell re change of name of new properties at 29 Kirkgate, to be known as Faulkenbridge House, 29, 29A and 29B Kirkgate; noted.
HDC – Copy letter to Mr A. Abbott re naming of new properties on Barbeck, to be known as 2A, 2B, 2C Barbeck; noted
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HDC – Update re recharging Parish Councils for election costs; noted.
NYCC – notice of a meeting re NYCC’s Budget Consultation to be held on 11th December in Thirsk Rural Business Centre.
Thirsk and Sowerby Civic Society; request to use the coat of arms on the Mayor’s chain on their programme and letterheads; Proposed approved Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Pack; agreed.
Burial Board Report:
Cllr Adamson advised that he will be calling a meeting early in the new year. He will be looking at grasscutting and the wording of the tender in order if possible to have it done to a higher standard.
Reports
Representatives
Cllr Roberts reported that she had attended the Citizens Advice Bureau’s AGM; they are now working in partnership with other CABs in the district. Funding is still a problem.
Cllr Hesmondhalgh had attended meetings of the CCA on 19th October and 8th November. She reported that the car scheme is now run from Harrogate by Lucy Beadle and is working well. Heather Baker, the volunteer who cooks the lunch at Norby Community Centre intends to retire soon. A new chef has been found and he is the ex chef at ‘The Gables’. Thirsk International Group are helping Eastern Europeans with their language, local customs etc. Funding has been found for this project. The CCA intend running a training course for trustees in the near future and Cllr Hesmondhalgh pointed out that this might be of interest to Town Council members who are trustees of various organisations. Sue Graham, the current manager, is to leave on 15th December. The current Easingwold Manager, Robert Webb, is to do 15 hours per week running the Thirsk centre. He has been employed to do this on a six month contract and the position will be reviewed after four months. The AGM was held earlier today.
Members
Cllr Watson reported that the Christmas Fayre is to be held on Sunday 26th November. Because of the large demand for stalls, the Craft Fayre is now being held in the Town Hall. Admission will be free.
Cllr Watson advised that the Castle Garth Working Party met last week and another meeting is to be held in December. It is hoped to get some lighting on the Cadets’ hut and on another building. Cllr Watson felt a lot has been achieved on Castle Garth. Meetings will be held every four months or so to maintain the standard.
Cllr Watson had received a comment that there are no dog waste bins in the Market Place. Cllr Marshall said that John Proud had indicated that dog waste can be put in the ordinary litter bin.
Cllr Watson referred to the alleyway between the White Horse Café and Help the Aged, saying there is a blocked down pipe and drain; the Clerk has spoken to Environmental Health about this.
Cllr Pack mentioned that there are weeds growing under the flower boxes near the library entrance; to be reported to John Proud.
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Cllr Adamson asked that Highways look at the bollards in the vicinity of the pedestrian crossing on Long Street. Cllr Marshall pointed out that they are on the list sent to Eddy Hayward.
Cllr Marshall reported that, as Mayor, she had attended the Remembrance Sunday commemorations and she thanked all the Councillors who also attended. A letter to be sent to Colin Northridge of the British Legion thanking him for organising everything so well.
Cllr Marshall reported that she had attended the focus group with the police on the neighbourhood policing scheme. She took the opportunity to get an offer for the Assistant Chief Constable to come and have a meeting with the Town Council. A date for this is to be arranged.
The meeting closed at 8.57pm.