Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Thursday 1st February 2007 at 7:30pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
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Present:
Cllrs J Marshall (Chair), J Jackson, R Mallett, A Morton, C Pack, F Roberts, J Watson, PC N Wilkinson, PC C Mace (North Yorkshire Police) and the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllrs C Hesmondhalgh (away); accepted.
Proposed Cllr Morton, seconded Cllr Roberts that Standing Orders be suspended
Open Forum:
A report had been received from Inspector Sanderson giving statistical information for Thirsk and also the result of a ‘Town Blitz’ in January. PCs Wilkinson and Mace advised that they were involved in this and said that high visibility patrols will remain as part of the neighbourhood policing scheme. They said the PCSOs are also having a very good effect on the town; PCSO Ian McNeil has seized several lots of alcohol from under age drinkers. The adult in Inspector Sanderson’s report who was fined for supplying alcohol to minors lives out of the area. Cllr Watson said she felt the names of people who have been fined should be publicised in the local press and PC Mace is to pass this message on to Inspector Sanderson. Cllr Marshall advised that the meeting for the new problem solving group at East Thirsk is to be held on 9th February; Cllrs Marshall and Pack to attend. PC Pears has been appointed to deal with problem solving.
Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Mallett that Standing Orders be reinstated.
Minutes of the meeting held on 15th January 2007:
Proposed approved Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Pack; agreed.
Matters arising from the meeting held on 4th January 2007:
P094 Speed matrix; Email sent to ACC Collins requesting that the speed matrix be put on St James Green.
P095 Talk by Cooper Harding on Hannah Packer; letter of thanks sent to Cooper Harding.
P095 Meeting with ACC Collins of North Yorkshire Police; meeting held on 8th January and a letter of thanks sent to ACC Collins.
P095 Wheeliebins on St James Green; the owner of the property has said he will move the wheeliebins into his passageway once he has cleared it. Agreed that he be asked in the meantime to move them off The Green and put them in front of his garage doors.
P095 Christmas Lights; removed.
P095 Drain next to the bus shelter; nothing further as yet. Reminder sent to Clive Thornton at HDC.
P095 Roses Yard; work still ongoing. Bikers apologise for the extended time the work is taking – this has been due to the adverse weather conditions and interruptions by vehicles requiring access to various properties.
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P095 Lease of the Town Council Office; Mouchel Parkman have been and measured the office.
P095 Central Areas; the painting of the bus shelter is now finished.
P095 Vandalism to the Town Clock; letter sent to Dave McGloin at HDC enclosing a copy of the letter we received from the police regarding the CCTV.
P095 Bus stops on Stockton Road; no reply as yet – a chasing letter to be sent to Sarah Hutchinson at NYCC.
P096 Tree near the river; reply received from Clive Thornton at HDC advising that the tree in question may need some work but it is not dead. He is to arrange for all the trees in the Millgate area to be reassessed.
P096 Drains on the footpath on Millgate; the slabs have been re-laid around the drains and NYCC confirm the drains have been cleared. Cllr Mallett advised that the two drains outside the hairdressers are still full and are not draining away; to be reported.
P096 Thirsk Rural Business Centre; reply received from Inspector Sanderson advising that they will provide us with quarterly statistics if an accident has occurred near the Auction Mart.
P096 Central Areas; Potts have serviced the Town Clock.
P097 Water collecting on Stockton Road near Alexander Close, Long Street opposite the Stammergate entrance and Station Road opposite Austin Reeds; reported to NYCC. NYCC and John Proud at HDC to be asked about the arrangements for clearing the gullies on Station Road.
As a matter arising from a previous meeting, the clerk reported that John Howse has removed the grass from inside the floodlight cages outside St Mary’s Church.
Correspondence
Environment Agency re Thirsk Flood Alleviation Scheme; reply received advising that they will be finalising the Ecological Survey Report in the next month and a copy will be sent to the Town Council. In response to our request for a representative of the Environment Agency to attend a Town Council meeting, they advise that they will be happy to do this. Cllr Watson felt this should be an open meeting.
Copy of letter from the Environment Agency to Anne McIntosh MP advising that the demand for flood risk management work is growing faster than the money available. Their funding for flood risk management work is given to them centrally and allocated across the country where the need is greatest. As a result of such financial constraints they have decided to stop work on the appraisal study of the Thirsk Scheme. It is now on hold for at least three years and will be reviewed in 2010. In the meantime, works are planned to improve the flood warning service in Thirsk this year which will increase the accuracy of the warnings available to residents in the areas at flood risk. Agreed that a letter be sent to the Environment Agency, with a copy to Anne McIntosh, expressing the Town Council’s very grave concern at the fact that such work on the Thirsk Scheme appraisal study is to stop for at least three years.
Smiths of Derby; Town Clock serviced and everything in good working order.
BTCV; Telephone call asking whether there is any work we require doing this year; nothing for them to do.
PC K Brookes; Telephone call advising that the first meeting of the Joint Action Group re East Thirsk is to be held on Friday 9th February at 6.30pm at the Police Headquarters, Vale House.
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Yorkshire Water; Email advising that the scheme to reduce sewer flooding to properties in the Market Place is to start on Monday 5th February and will be completed by the end of April. Cllr Marshall advised that whilst this work is taking place the two telephone boxes will be out of operation. Some of the tubs and the three tier planter will need to be moved. An area of Nursery Gardens car park is to be used as a compound. Agreed that Yorkshire Water should take the Town Council’s bench, which is next to the telephone boxes to HDC’s depot on York Road for storage whilst the work is taking place.
Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Items:
Benches in Millgate Car Park; Cllr Marshall advised that she had been on a site visit in Millgate Car Park with Clive Thornton of HDC regarding the car parking. HDC’s planning application has been delayed because they have to do a flood assessment and the work to the car park is to start after Easter. This will create around 30 extra car parking spaces and all the disabled spaces are to be consolidated into one area. Some of the grass is to be removed, but it should still be possible to site the benches. Cllr Watson expressed concern that we have not been consulted on the scheme.
Suggestion by Rospa that the play area on The Holmes be fenced; a further email has been sent to Stan Roocroft at the York and North Yorkshire Playing Fields Association.
Alleyways; Cllr Marshall advised that the other lights in the alleyways should be installed in February.
Wheeliebins; reply received from Gary Brown at HDC advising that he will arrange for a copy of the information/notes to be sent to us. Regarding the kerbside recycling boxes currently being used in East Thirsk, it is hoped at some stage to expand this within the district, but there is no timescale for this at present.
Reports:
Carrs Field - Cllr Roberts understands from Tony Jordan that his committee is looking at ways of improving Carrs Field and may be approaching the TRI for funding.
Central Areas - Cllr Watson had nothing to report. Cllr Marshall had met with Clive Thornton of HDC and he is looking at putting a seat around the tree in the Market Place where there is currently a Town Council bench; this will solve the problem of the protruding roots. Clive to be asked to let us have the details of the proposed seat. HDC may also put a smaller seat around the other tree which has protruding roots.
Cllr Marshall advised that residents of Riverside Mews are concerned about the crack willows on the river bank; a letter to be sent to the Environment Agency querying who owns these trees. Cllr Watson had spoken to Chris Amy about Mill Gardens – the weeds have been sprayed. She has asked him for a plan and has stressed that the work must be done before the end of March.
Christmas Festivities - Nothing to report.
Greens and Ingramgate - Cllr Pack advised that some of the items from the last meeting have been dealt with. The clerk advised that the stone to fill in the holes on St James’ Green has been
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ordered from Dean Landscapes. Cllr Mallett to speak to Bob Smith re the patches in the grass on St James’ Green and the Little Green.
Millennium Green - In the absence of Cllr Hesmondhalgh, there was nothing to report.
Open Areas - Cllr Marshall advised that a large hollow willow tree which was on The Holmes has been felled. We are currently attempting to ascertain who did this and various parties have been asked but without success.
Cllr Marshall advised that replacement swings are being put up at East Thirsk.
Town Development Working Party - Cllr Marshall referred to the remaining alleyways, saying we have a drawing for Steads Yard. In order to be considered for a grant from NYCC it is necessary for the application to be made by the end of February. Proposed Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Jackson that the plans for Steads Yard be put out to tender and that the grant application be made; agreed unanimously.
Town Office Committee - Cllr Morton reported that the parts of the office which required decorating have been done.
Other items of interest and information:
Cllr Watson reported that the Thirsk Business Association are looking to have a French market in the Market Place.
Cllr Watson referred to the buildings on the corner of the racecourse and Newsham Road which are in a poor state; a letter to be sent to John Bell. The building on Marage Road which has been quite badly damaged in the recent gales was also referred to; a letter to be sent to Mr Calvert asking if he has any plans to do anything with it.
Cllr Marshall reported that during her site visit with Clive Thornton of HDC it had been agreed that the Interpretation Boards on the Moated Site and the Market Place can be put in position as they will not be affected by the car park work nor by the work which is to be carried out in the Market Place by Yorkshire Water.
Thirsk in Bloom
Cllr Pack went to a meeting of Thirsk in Bloom last Wednesday. The AGM is to be held on 21st February at the Three Tuns Hotel. Cllr Pack had hoped it might be possible to ask Thirsk in Bloom if the buggy could be used for watering Long Street, but because of the condition of the buggy she is now looking at alternatives. The winter bedding plants are to be taken out before the May Bank Holiday. A social event had been held which was well attended by volunteers.
Cllr Marshall advised that during the site visit with Clive Thornton he had mentioned that one of the planted islands in Millgate car park is to be removed. Thirsk in Bloom are aware of this as Clive is in consultation with them about what they can do afterwards.
Proposed Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Mallett that the public and press be excluded for a confidential commercial item.
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Two tenders for grass cutting had been received. Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Watson that Tender B be accepted; agreed. The clerk revealed that Tender B was submitted by CE and CM Walker.
The meeting closed at 9.15pm
Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 19th February 2007 at 7:15pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
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Present:
Cllrs J Marshall, D Adamson, C Hesmondhalgh, J Jackson, R Mallett, C Pack, F Roberts, J Watson, County Councillor G Dadd, I Noble (‘Darlington and Stockton Times’), PC Duncan Pears (North Yorkshire Police) and the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllrs A Morton (ill), A Robinson (away); accepted.
Minutes of the Town Council meeting held on 1st February 2007:
Proposed approved Cllr Pack, seconded Cllr Marshall; agreed.
Police Report:
PC Pears advised that he is one of the two Neighbourhood Policing Team problem solvers. He is working towards obtaining an on-street drinking ban for Thirsk. He pointed out that not all people drinking outside are under age and therefore having the on-street drinking ban would be a useful tool. If this is to progress PC Pears will need to consult with various bodies including the Town Council, the Thirsk Business Association and the Licensees. Cllr Watson mentioned that she was very impressed at the response she had received when she had called the police 0845 number earlier today. A letter had been received from a resident of Roses Yard expressing concern at vandalism and youths congregating in the Yard. PC Pears said he was aware of the problems which had been experienced there. He felt the only effective solution would be a gating order. However, this would be difficult as it is a public right of way.
Reports:
County Council
Cllr Dadd advised that a meeting to discuss the list of items requiring attention, which the Town Council had given to Norby Depot, is to be held on 28th February at 4.30pm. He requested that Cllr Marshall and, if possible, one or two other Councillors should come along to this. Referring to the roundabout on Station Road, Cllr Dadd advised that the contractors and developers have requested permission to start work on the second roundabout. Cllr Dadd has opposed this until they have improved the existing roundabout and they have been told this. Cllr Dadd advised that Thirsk is one of only two places that has its LEA school governors places filled and he felt this was very good for Thirsk. Cllr Dadd reported that he had attended a Scrutiny of Health meeting last week and the new York and North Yorkshire PCT are looking to save £10m this year. Hambleton and Richmondshire are suffering as well as other areas to save the money. A PCT board meeting is to be held on 1st March re the Friarage Hospital – questions to be submitted. Cllr Marshall asked about the financial position of the Tees PCTs because of the Friarage Hospital being part of the South Tees Hospitals Trust and that any cutbacks imposed in South Tees might also have a detrimental effect on the Friarage, hence a double set of cuts.
Referring to the Local Government Review, Cllr Dadd said it looks as though the Government will decide that the County Council’s bid is worth further consideration. This will be going out to consultation with stakeholder. Cllr Dadd advised that John Marsden of the County Council is willing to give presentations to groups of Town and Parish Councils and Cllr Dadd will be asking all Parish Councils within his division
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to come along to meet the Chief Executive and ask him any questions. Cllr Dadd felt there is a positive side to a Unitary County Authority and felt the parish councils’ role would be enhanced should the reorganisation go ahead. Cllr Marshall said that in the County Council’s application, of which there is a copy in Tabled Correspondence, for a unitary authority it does describe an enhanced role for parish councils.
Cllr Adamson pointed out that the Hambleton Drive/Hambleton Place traffic calming is about a week behind.
Cllr Marshall pointed out that a streetlight on Long Street near the junction with the White Mare Roundabout is out. Also outside the Texaco garage on Long Street a street light is on and off intermittently.
Cllr Mallett pointed out that a sign on The Marage pointing to the car park has been turned round; to be reported to HDC.
The new ‘No Cycling’ sign has now been put on Picks Lane near Castle Garth.
District Council
Cllr Adamson reported that a Licensing Committee meeting was held recently and it had completely disagreed with Officers’ recommendations regarding new requirements to be imposed on taxi drivers. However, eventually it was agreed that the new requirements only apply to new drivers and not existing ones. Referring to the problem solving group for East Thirsk, fencing would be a solution, i.e. to design a play area with fencing. One of the possible recommendations would be gating the Millennium Green, but there would be difficulties in opening and closing it.
Cllr Marshall had nothing to report for District Council as her next meeting is tomorrow. However, in respect of the East Thirsk problem solving meeting, this will be discussed at the next Town Council meeting.
Open forum:
No members of the public present.
Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 15th January 2007:
P098 Bakers Alley; reply received from Inspector Sanderson advising that it was a suspected assault/robbery that had occurred in the Kirkgate area and it was necessary to close off the area in order to preserve evidence.
P098 Speed Matrix; Email sent to ACC Collins asking for the speed matrix to be put on St James’ Green.
P099 Hambleton Citizens Advice Bureau; reply received advising that since April 2006 they have advised 124 clients, 13.5% of which came from the LA Ward of Thirsk. Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that a donation of £500 be made to the CAB, as budgeted for; agreed.
P099 List of items requiring attention by NYCC; meeting to discuss this arranged for 28th February.
P100 Contribution to Christmas Lights; reply received from the Thirsk Ladies Chamber of Trade thanking the Town Council for its donation of £500. They ask whether in future it would be possible to attach Christmas Lights to the toilet block in the Market Place. The Ladies Chamber of Trade to be asked for clarification of which part of the toilet block they refer to.
P101 Thirsk EngAGE Project; agenda item for this meeting.
P101 Thirsk Cricket Club; cheque for £25 sent re sponsorship of a cricket ball.
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P101 Nominations for Parish Council Representatives onto the HDC Standards Committee; reply received advising that, because of the time constraints, it is necessary for the process to take place now in order that appointments can be made immediately following the elections; noted.
P101 Renewal of Town Council’s membership of the Action for Market Towns; cheque to be signed at tonight’s meeting.
P101 TRI Crime and Antisocial Behaviour figures; reply received advising that the abbreviations will be supplied once they have been provided by the police.
P101 Naming of new development to be known as 1-12 Nursery Mews; reply received from HDC advising that consultation on this took place and there were no objections. Cllr Roberts pointed out that the Town Council had not been consulted as the development is not in Thirsk.
P101 Response to objections to the Alternative Policy boundaries part of HDC LDF; response sent.
P103 Parking between bollards on the grassed area at Millgate; photographs given to Clive Thornton of HDC.
Finance:
Proposed Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that the following accounts be approved for payment:
Fox’s Copy centre – photocopying £83.28
T Imeson- Christmas Tree £125.00
D Connelly - cleaning office windows £19.50
M L Burnett – work to footpaths £566.84
Fence to side of path £156.16
Repair to seat in Market Place £139.90
Install notices in play areas £60.00
Painting Town Office wall £150.00
Repairing steps near waterfall £49.38
Safety Glass – glass for window in Town Clock £25.31
Thirsk and Sowerby Flatts Preservation Trust – insurance £358.80
Action for Market Towns – Membership Renewal £117.50
Inland Revenue – Tax/NI, January 2007 £656.66
C Amy – Play area inspections £228.50
Litter pick/weeding - Mill Gardens,
Castlegarth, Picnic area and Little Green shrubbery £275.00
Re-hang swings at East Thirsk £60.00
Pruning and removal of cotoneaster at Allerdale Close £75.00
Fencing for Christmas Tree etc £160.00
White Mare shrubbery £92.50
Remove bin from Cod Beck £50.00
Biker Contractors – resurfacing of Roses Yard £26,568.43
In addition, the salaries of the Clerk, the Assistant Clerk and the Cemetery Groundsman will be paid in accordance with the Town Council’s normal policy
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Paid since last meeting:
Thirsk Cricket Club – sponsorship of a match ball £25.00
Npower – office electricity £239.38
Record Play Equipment – bushes for swings at East Thirsk £46.06
Askham Bryan College – course fee for Cllr Mallett £15.00
Petty Cash £49.44
J Cave – salary w/c 29.1.07 and 5.2.07 £93.00
Income Received
Refund of VAT (1.10.06-31.12.06.) £2,177.94
Burial Bd: Rent £337.45
Interments £358.00
Memorials £53.00
Monthly Balance Sheet and Budget Report for January 2007:
Proposed approved Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Roberts; agreed.
Correspondence
NYCC – Notice of temporary closure of Finkle Street from 20th February to 24th February 2007 for repairs to collapsed drain; noted.
NYCC – Notice of temporary closure for vehicles at Hambleton Avenue/Hambleton Place from 12th-16th February 2007 for construction of a road safety scheme; noted.
NYCC – Notice of the proposed extension of the 30 mph speed limit on Station Road, Newsham Road and Cemetery Road; noted.
HDC – Notice of District/Parish Liaison Meeting to be held on Monday 26th 2007. any items for the agenda to be submitted by 2nd March; Cllr Roberts to attend.
Hambleton Strategic Partnership re Thirsk Area EngAGE – Open morning, 5th March 2007; noted.
HDC – Personal and Prejudicial Interests at Parish Council meetings, advising that any consideration of matter at a Parish Council meeting, including hearing the views of the public, is covered by the Code of Conduct.
Hambleton LDF Development Policies Examination - notice of Pre-Examination meeting to be held on15th March; Cllr Roberts to attend.
Audit Commission - advising that they are proposing to extend the appointment of Mazars as auditors to cover 2006/7; no objections to this.
Joplings - letter advising that their Lettings Manager, Rachel Webb, has died. A letter of sympathy to be sent.
Model Code of Conduct - this is currently being circulated. Following the Clerk’s
e-mail they have agreed to extend the deadline for this to 23rd March.
HDC - Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places for Parliamentary Elections; noted.
From Tabled Correspondence: Cllr Jackson expressed surprise at the proposed naming of the former Regent Bingo Hall as ‘The Blue Lounge’.
Thirsk Area EngAGE Project:
Cllr Watson felt the Town Council could not put forward any projects of its own, but could support any suggestions that came to us. Proposed Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr
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Hesmondhalgh that a donation of £200 be made. Cllr Pack made a counter proposal that a donation of £100 be made. This was put to the vote and there were six votes in favour of the counter proposal; carried.
Applications for Exclusive Rights and Memorials:
No applications received.
Burial Board Report:
Cllr Adamson said we are still awaiting the connection of the water pipe at the Cemetery and the installation of the new oil storage tank at Cemetery Lodge; both being chased up.
Reports:
Representatives
Cllr Hesmondhalgh reported that she is to attend a Community Care meeting.
Cllr Jackson advised that he had represented the Council at a meeting with residents affected by a planning application. He had also attended the Planning Committee meeting and spoke for the residents opposing the application for the development. However, the application has now been passed.
Members
Cllr Hesmondhalgh reported that the passageway between Dowber Way and Tranmire Close is full of litter; to be reported to John Proud.
Cllr Pack advised that she is to attend the AGM of Thirsk in Bloom and she asked if she could extend the thanks of the Town Council to the volunteers; this was wholeheartedly agreed.
Cllr Mallett reported that the path towards Castlegarth is full of rubbish; to be reported to John Proud.
Cllr Mallett referred to the ongoing problem of the manhole cover in Pinfold Place; Cllr Marshall advised that she and Broadacres are dealing with this.
Cllr Mallett advised that the nursery has ceased operating from Pinfold Place due to structural problems with the building and has now closed, although the dance school is continuing.
Cllr Mallett expressed concern at the vehicles parking on the Grasscrete near Todds Cottages which seemed to be extending onto the grass and also vehicles driving upon the edge of the Green. Cllr Marshall asked the Greens Committee to look at it before the next meeting.
Cllr Mallett advised that he has booked to go on a seminar re turf management.
Cllr Roberts expressed concern at the fact that vehicles are parking on the grass verges on Stockton Road and churning up the grass; NYCC to be advised.
Cllr Marshall advised that, as Mayor, she had attended the Herriot Museum’s ‘Put that light out’ air raid experience. She said this was well worth attending.
Proposed Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Mallett that the public and press be excluded for two confidential items.
Three tenders had been obtained for resurfacing Steads Yard and these were as follows:
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Tender 1 £55,685.00
Tender 2 £31,250.00
Tender 3 £28,965.92
(All exclusive of VAT)
Proposed Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Jackson that Tender 3 be accepted; agreed unanimously. The Clerk revealed that Tender 3 was submitted by Biker Contracts.
A financing package to cover the Town Council’s proportion of the cost was decided upon. Proposed Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that the financing package, as outlined, be accepted.
The Clerk left the meeting for a confidential personnel item.
Proposed Cllr Pack, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that the Clerk be allowed to reduce her working week to four days, with Wednesdays off. Proposed Cllr Mallett, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that Cllr Pack should speak to the Assistant to the Clerk.
The meeting closed at 9.20pm