Thirsk Town Council Minutes 2000/01

Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Thursday 1st March 2007 at 7:30pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.

Page P115
Present:
Cllrs J. Marshall (Chair), C. Hesmondhalgh, J. Jackson, R. Mallett, A. Morton, C. Pack, F. Roberts, J. Watson, I. Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”), Sgt Ben Frank (North Yorkshire Police), 2 Members of the Public and the Clerk

Apologies:
No apologies received.

Open Forum
Proposed Cllr Morton, seconded Cllr Watson that Standing Orders be suspended; agreed.
Mrs Konieczny expressed concern that there had been intruders in the yard outside their property in the early hours of this morning. She had alerted Crime Stoppers. Mrs Konieczny also expressed her concern at the situation re flooding and Cllr Marshall explained that we have been pursuing the Environment Agency and HDC for some years. We have received a copy of a letter from the Environment Agency to Miss Anne McIntosh MP advising that they are deferring a review of the Thirsk Scheme until 2010. The Town Council does not think this is appropriate and has written to the Environment Agency objecting to this and also asking them to come and speak to us at a meeting – this has been arranged for Thursday 5th April. Cllr Marshall suggested that Mrs Konieczny might like to give a list of her items of concern to the Clerk in order that this can be referred to the Environment Agency. Cllr Marshall advised that the flood warning box on the river is being re-positioned and the system is supposed to be an improvement on what was there. It was queried whether the warning system to affected people is working – to be checked with the Environment Agency.

Mr. Ogleby referred to a streetlight outside Woollens and Harwood which is not working. He referred to the hard standing in Carrs Field and asked whether this is going to be taken away as he said youths are still congregating there. Cllr Marshall advised that we will consult the Carrs Field Trustees. Referring to flooding, Mr Ogleby pointed out that developments have taken place on the side of the river and he queried whether the flooding implications were taken into account when planning permission for such developments is granted. A letter to be sent to HDC asking what consideration to flooding was given when such developments as Waterside, Todds Court and Nursery Gardens were granted planning permission.

Mr Ogleby queried how many people who have vehicles with oversized exhausts have been caught and prosecuted. He also queried the amount of police presence in the town and the resources available. Cllr Marshall suggested he write to Jane Kenyon regarding resources as these are matters for the Police Authority.

Sgt Frank advised that it is normal practice for police to be deployed to other areas if there is a need and in the past several have been sent from Thirsk to other places. We are now being recompensed for this and he advised that there are 13 officers in Thirsk tonight and tomorrow night, some of whom have been drafted in from other areas.

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Sgt Frank advised that there have been two instances of Acceptable Behavioural Contracts (ABCs) and there are two CRASBOs in the pipeline which are waiting to go to court. PC Pears is looking at an on street drinking ban and is distributing letters prior to consultation. At East Thirsk quite a lot is going on with the new problem solving group. There has been a little bit of damage on Castle Garth and the police have been asked to do a few maintenance patrols to ensure it does not start up again. Cllr Watson advised that she had heard of an incident on Castle Garth and there is also some broken glass there – she was pleased to hear the police are patrolling it.

Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Watson that Standing Orders be reinstated; agreed.

Minutes of the Meeting held on 19th February 2007
Proposed approved Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh; agreed.

Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 1st February 2007
P104 Wheeliebins on St. James’ Green; letter sent.
P104 Drain next to the bus shelter; no action on this as yet and no response from Clive Thornton at HDC. Clive to be asked for a date when the necessary action is to be taken.
P104 Roses Yard; work now completed. Cllr Hesmondhalgh has produced a snagging list and this will be given to Bikers.
P105 Bus stops on Stockton Road; reply received from Sarah Hutchinson at NYCC advising that this stop has been put on the list for Miscellaneous Stops for the new financial year.
P105 Drains on the footpath on Millgate; reported to NYCC. These have not been cleared as yet and there is now quite a lot of rubbish which has collected. John Proud to be E mailed re this.
P105 Water collecting on Stockton Road near Alexander Close, Long Street opposite the Stammergate entrance and Station Road. Cllr Marshall advised that the area on Long Street has been dealt with. John Proud at HDC advises that clearing the gullies on Station Road is the responsibility of NYCC and an E mail has been sent to NYCC.
P105 Environment Agency re Thirsk Flood Alleviation Scheme; reply received from Helen Tattersdale at the Environment Agency advising that they can attend the Town Council meeting on 5th April.
P105 Environment Agency re Thirsk Flood Alleviation Scheme; letter sent to the Environment Agency with a copy to Miss Anne McIntosh MP. Press release sent to local newspapers. Reply received from Miss Anne McIntosh MP.
P106 Yorkshire Water work in the Market Place; work ongoing.
P106 Meeting with Stan Roocroft of the York and North Yorkshire Playing Fields Association; Cllr Marshall has now met with Mr Roocroft on The Holmes and he feels the play area should not be fenced off from the river. He is to confirm this, with his reasons for this advice, by letter.
P106 Lighting of Alleyways; Cllr Marshall has spoken to HDC regarding this. They are waiting to hear back from the owner of one of the properties in one of the alleyways. However, the other lights will go ahead and will be done in April.

Page P117
P106 Crack Willows on the river bank opposite Riverside Mews; reply received from the Environment Agency advising that they do not own these and suggesting we consult the Land Registry to try and establish ownership; agreed that this be done.
P107 Tree on The Holmes; it has been ascertained that the Fire Brigade authorised that the tree be cut down.
P107 Replacement swings at East Thirsk; now up.
P107 Steads Yard; tenders received and contractors appointed. Work is starting on 5th March. The grant application has been submitted to NYCC.
P107 Buildings on the corner of the racecourse and Newsham Road and the building on Marage Road; letters sent to John Bell and Mr Calvert respectively.
P108 Grasscutting; appropriate letters sent to the tenderers and to the County Council.

Cllr Roberts left the meeting

Correspondence
HDC; letter advising that, with the exception of Northallerton which is staffed full time, all the public conveniences will operate a standard opening time of 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. A reply to be sent expressing our concern at this as Thirsk is a tourist town with a racecourse which has evening meetings and also that we have not been consulted.
HDC; advise received that our request to pollard eight trees in Mill Gardens has been approved. However, by separate letter the Planning Officer concerned advised that they are concerned about the management of these trees as they consider that repeated pollarding has resulted in them being unattractive.
HDC – Request for a Temporary Road Closure on Sunday 22nd April 2007 from 2.30 – 4.30 p.m. for the Vale of Mowbray Scouts St. George’s Day Parade; noted.
HDC re Enforcement on the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005; noted.
Copy letter from HDC to Aspect Building regarding the development of the Sensory Garden in the garden of the Salem Chapel. Cllr Marshall explained that we are looking at using the area where the graves are as raised beds and it is hoped to get them to work to what we want. Cllr Watson expressed concern that the Town Council’s Planning Committee knew nothing of these letters, but Cllr Marshall explained that this has happened very quickly. She suggested the Town Council set up a group to deal with this – Cllrs Hesmondhalgh, Marshall and Pack to do this. Hambleton Strategic Partnership re Thirsk Area EngAGE Open Morning to be held on 5th March.

Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Matters
Cllr Marshall advised that she had had a meeting with Nigel Smith of the County Council and Cllr Dadd re the list of outstanding items which was given to the County Council in October 2005. She reported on the outstanding items, as follows:
Cobbles on the White Mare Roundabout – the Inspector has looked at this and agrees the work needs to be done. This involves traffic management and the County Council will give us a date before the end of March. They are also looking into the redundant lamp base on the roundabout.
Bollards near the crossing on Long Street – some removed and some to be painted. The Inspector is to look at this and to speak to Mike Roberts.

Page P118
Yellow box at the end of St. Marys – this will be done when the crossing goes in outside the McCarthy and Stone development.
Cobbles on Kirkgate – the Inspector to look at these and comment.
Sand under Millgate Bridge – A separate letter had been sent from the Town Council about this and Cllr Marshall had also expressed her concern. The County Council say they did not agree to remove the silt every year. Nigel Smith has asked for the name of our contact at the Environment Agency.
Millgate Bridge – Cllr Marshall had spoken with John Smith of the County Council about the parapets of the bridge on several occasions. She was pleased to report that Nigel Smith stated that there is a proposal in to renew the parapets; it is awaiting approval.
Norby Front Street Traffic Calming – traffic calming is to be part of a housing scheme when the County Council leave the Norby depot.
Hambleton Drive traffic calming – work in progress.
Footpath from the corner of Newsham Road to the Athletics Club – on reserve list. Junction of Westgate/Castlegate/Chapel Street – they will look at this again following the developments on Chapel Street.
Ownership of land on Picks Lane – added to the Town Council’s grasscutting schedule.
Cleaning out gutters on Finkle Street, Millgate and Ingramgate – these are supposed to be cleared twice a year. Cllr Marshall said there was particular concern about the grilles in the footpath on Millgate being blocked and the County Council is to check these.
Repaint “Keep Clear” on the road near Mallard Cottage, Riverside Mews – to check whether this has been done.
Sign from Finkle Street into Nursery Gardens car park - the County Council will look at this.
Cllr Marshall suggested that from the list we have we extract the items we are in agreement with and have a smaller list which can be followed up later; agreed.

Reports
Carrs Field - A report had been received from Tony Jordan and this was read to the meeting. He advises that litter removal and the cleaning of the hard standing is dealt with on a rota basis. However, the bins are not being emptied – HDC to be asked to do this. Funding opportunities which could be utilised to optimise the use of the site are currently being looked at.
Central Areas - Cllr Watson advised that she has spoken to Mike Dodds and it is hoped to fit the new glass in the Town Clock next week.
Christmas Festivities - Nothing to report
Greens and Ingramgate - Cllr Pack advised that a meeting of the Greens and Ingramgate Committee had been held earlier in the week. There is quite a list of items and a report is to be given to the Clerk. Cllr Pack has been speaking to someone regarding watering and maintenance of Long Street and the White Mare Roundabout. Cllr Mallett has asked Alpha Signs for a price for painting the mileposts and also the roundel on Castle Garth.

Page P119
Millennium Green - Cllr Hesmonhalgh advised that the Millennium Green is looking in good condition with no litter. However, there are still branches in the ditch; John Proud to be reminded about this. Some of the chains on the play equipment need tightening.
Open Areas - Cllr Marshall advised that the Open Areas Committee had held a very brief meeting earlier in the week to look at issues which are coming out of the problem solving group for East Thirsk. The Committee is to have a site visit to look specifically at the East Thirsk Play Area. Cllr Marshall has spoken to Mike I’Anson, as Chair of the Millennium Green, and will be making some suggestions at the problem solving meeting. She was not happy at how our policies were represented at the problem solving group.
Town Development Working Party - The re-surfacing of Roses Yard has now been completed and a snagging list has been done. Re-surfacing work on Steads Yard is starting next Monday and residents and businesses have been contacted and a site meeting held.

Other Items of Interest and Information
Cllr Jackson advised that the Planning Committee is concerned that no indication has been given regarding the development at Bridge Garage – the only planning application is for demolition. Tim Wood at HDC has said he will let us have a planning brief. Cllr Marshall felt the Planning Committee should look at the site and put forward suggestions as to what type of development would be suitable in that location. Agreed that they would visit and come up with any suggestions.
Cllr Mallett referred to the bollards on Picks Lane saying that where one was removed a car from the adjacent property is now parking there. To be reported to Nigel Smith at the County Council and also the fact that a van is still being parked on the pavement outside Harry Lees. Cllr Mallett reported that the fencing alongside the public footpath near The Crescent is broken down. To be reported to Peter Penny at NYCC.
Cllr Pack advised that she had attended a meeting with Cllr Marshall, Nigel Smith of NYCC and others and Rotary have Ł2K to spend on planting at the entrances. It was felt that York Road was the appropriate entrance to do this. There has been no improvement on York Road regarding the litter clearance and damaged signage. Sowerby Parish Council has agreed to be responsible for the mowing from where our grasscutting finishes and theirs currently starts.
Cllr Marshall advised that the Interpretation Boards have to be finished by 31st March. The proof copies are now back from the manufacturers of the Boards. Designs have been chosen for the postcards. The website design is underway. The leaflet is with the printers.
Cllr Marshall advised that she had asked Cllr Roberts to report on the meeting held on the piece of land at South Dowber Lane. In view of Cllr Robert’s absence from this meeting, she will report at the next one.

Thirsk in Bloom
Cllr Pack advised that she had attended the AGM of Thirsk in Bloom; she had passed on the thanks of the Town Council and they were very pleased. Quite a few new people have joined Thirsk in Bloom and everything is going very well. Some of the

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wooden tubs are falling apart and there is some concern about the others. They are to be replaced with plastic which looks very much like wood.

Proposed Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Mallett that the meeting be closed for a confidential commercial item.

Seat Tenders
Two tenders had been received and these were opened. Proposed Cllr Morton, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that Tender A in the amount of Ł1,350 be accepted; agreed unanimously. It was revealed that this tender was supplied by Chris Amy.

The meeting closed at 9.30 p.m.

Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting of Thirsk Town Council
held on Monday 19th March 2007
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.

Present:
Cllrs J. Marshall (Chair), D. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, J.E. Jackson, C.M. Pack, F.M. Roberts, A. Robinson, J. Watson, County Cllr G. Dadd, I. Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”), 1 member of the public and the Clerk

Apologies:
Cllrs R. Mallett (visitors), A. Morton (away); accepted

Minutes of the previous Annual Parish Meeting, held on 20th March 2006
Proposed approved Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Pack; agreed.

Matters Arising
Silt under Millgate Bridge: this is on the list of works to be done by the County Council.
Alcohol Free Zone: PC Pears is interested in introducing an alcohol free zone within the town. We await details of the proposals as to which areas this will cover.

Chair’s Report
Cllr Marshall gave her report, a copy of which is included in the Minute Book. She reiterated her thanks to the Town Councillors, the Town Council Staff and the residents of Thirsk. She advised that the leaflets on the Interpretation Boards are now ready and the boards will be put in place next week.

Representations from Electors of the Parish
Mr Ogleby advised that Miss Anne McIntosh MP had brought up the problems in Thirsk re vandalism etc at the House of Commons. He expressed concern that the police are not seen walking round the town.

Other Items of Interest and Information
Cllr Jackson expressed his thanks to Cllr Dadd for his help during the year with the waste disposal tip; he said this has now improved.
Cllr Pack thanked Cllrs Marshall and Watson and everyone else involved with the work on the Blue Plaques and Interpretation Boards which she felt are a great asset to the town.

The meeting closed at 7.16 p.m.

Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 19th March 2007
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
following the Annual Parish Meeting

Page P121
Present:
Cllrs J. Marshall (Chair), D. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, J. Jackson, C. Pack, F. Roberts, A. Robinson, J. Watson, Cllr G. Dadd, I. Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”), 1 member of the public and the Clerk

Apologies:
R. Mallett (visitors), A. Morton (away); accepted.

Minutes of the Town Council Meeting held on 1st March 2007
Proposed approved Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh, subject to an amendment on Page P119.

Police Report
No members of the police present and no report received.

Reports
County Council
Cllr Dadd advised that he had met informally with Inspector Sanderson and this was a very positive meeting. He is confident that she will achieve what we want. In Thirsk over the last weekend two people had been fined for causing damage, one had been arrested for fighting and an amount of alcohol had been seized from underage drinkers. Cllr Dadd had met informally with the PCT regarding their recovery plans and there are proposals which will go to their board on 3rd April. Cllr Dadd is confident they will make savings without cutting clinical needs and they are aware of how important the Friarage Hospital is to us. Cllr Dadd advised that the County Council has set its budget which will be an increase of 4.9% in Council Tax. He has been in contact with the Environment Agency and he shares the Town Council’s disappointment about the Thirsk Flooding Plan.
Cllr Marshall referred to the Hambleton Place/Drive traffic calming scheme and pointed out that the children’s drawings are not on the signs; Cllr Dadd to look into this.
Cllr Marshall referred to the PCT‘s responsibility for the Lambert Hospital and Cllr Dadd said he had stressed the importance of the Lambert Hospital to Thirsk. Cllr Marshall referred to her query at the previous meeting regarding the financial position of the Teesside PCTs. Cllr Dadd replied that he thought he had sent information to the Town Council Office but saying these appear to be stabilising.

District Council
Cllr Adamson advised that the main Council Meeting has been held and the Core Strategy of the LDF has been passed by Government. HDC has set its precept at an increase of just under 5%. Cllr Adamson reported that he had attended a meeting of the East Thirsk Joint Action Group; great progress has been made. He said that the primary aim of the Group is the safety of the residents. Broadacres are to provide metal fencing and this should be in place within ten weeks. A drawing has been provided by Record, but this is to be put on hold. Cllr Adamson advised that Broadacres have received complaints about the swings which are disturbing the

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residents and houses have been the targets of stone throwing. The next meeting of the problem solving group is to be held in one month’s time. Cllr Marshall pointed out that this subject will be discussed at the next Town Council meeting.

Cllr Robinson had nothing to report.

Cllr Marshall advised that Hambleton has set its precept at an increase of 4.95%. She advised that the Cultural and Social Committee completed its report on the use of consultants which has been quite favourable in that they are not being excessively used. She asked if Cllr Robinson had been invited to the East Thirsk problem solving group. He replied that he had not.

Open Forum
The member of the public present had no items to raise.

Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 19th February 2007
P110 Car Park sign on The Marage; now turned to face the correct way.
P110 Speed Matrix; a reminder to be sent to ACC Collins. Cllr Marshall asked that this be copied to Inspector Sanderson.
P110 Donation to Hambleton Citizens Advice Bureau; cheque to be signed tonight. P110 List of items requiring attention by NYCC; Cllr Marshall advised that a meeting had been held with Nigel Smith of the County Council and this had been very positive. They had looked at all the items and a timetable for responses was to be drawn up, some to be received by 31st March 2007.
P110 Request by Ladies’ Chamber of Trade to put Christmas lights on the toilet block in the Market Place; they are to be asked for clarification as to which part of the building they refer to.
P111 Nominations for Parish Council Representatives onto the HDC Standards Committee; to be dealt with in correspondence.
P111 TRI Crime and Antisocial Behaviour figures; the key to the abbreviations has been received.
P111 Parking between bollards on the grassed area at Millgate; Clive Thornton of HDC advises that birdmouth fencing is to be put up.
P112 Rachel Webb, Joplings; a letter of condolence has been sent from the Town Council.
P112 Model Code of Conduct; included in “Correspondence”
P112 Thirsk Area EngAGE Project; cheque for donation to be signed tonight. Cllr Marshall advised that she had attended a meeting today regarding this. A list of activities is being compiled for the fortnight 14th – 28th May. Cllr Marshall asked that if we have any activities we let her know in order that they can be fed in. She said the consultation event had gone very well although not many postcards have been received back.
P113 Installation of water pipe at the Cemetery; another message has been left for Martin Swift.
P113 Litter in the passageway between Dowber Way and Tranmire Close; reported to John Proud and Cllr Hesmondhalgh advised that this has now been cleared.
P113 Litter in the passageway from Castlegate to Castle Garth; reported to John Proud. He will look into it.

Page P123
P113 Seminar on Turf Management; Cllr Mallett had booked to go on this, but it has been cancelled because of lack of support.
P113 Resurfacing of Steads Yard; work ongoing at present.
P113 Community Care Meeting; Cllr Hesmondhalgh advised that she did not attend this because of the electricity power cut that night.

Finance
Accounts for Payment
Cllr Pack queried the amount for litter picking included in C.A. Amy’s invoice. He is to be asked to provide more detailed information in future. Proposed Cllr Robinson, seconded Cllr Jackson that the following accounts be approved for payment:
M L Burnett: work to fence on Castle Garth Ł195.71
work to Johnson Close and Shire Park
Yorkshire Water – 1st half water rates for Cemetery Lodge Ł193.60
R. Bennett - cleaning bus shelter windows (10 weeks) Ł80.00
HDC – Office rates, April 2007 Ł50.03
HDC – Office rent, quarter commencing 1.3.07.Ł660.94
F.D. Todd and Sons Ltd – emptying Cemetery Skip Ł127.12
BT – Office telephone Ł91.92
Inland Revenue – Tax/NI, February 2007 Ł649.85
Nigel Burn – maintenance of White Mare Roundabout Ł60.00
Smith of Derby – servicing Town Clock Ł166.85
Biker Contracts – 50% of cost of resurfacing Steads Yard Ł17,016.94
C.A. Amy: Play Area Inspections (5.2.07.-4.3.07.) Ł182.80
Litter Picking (5.2.07.-4.3.07.) Ł200.00
Holmes/Whitelass Ings planting Ł330.54
Planting/hedging etc Ł370.76
Mill Gardens – planting/pollarding Ł940.00
Repairs to gate/gatepost at Cemetery Ł300.00
In addition, the salaries of the Clerk, the Assistant to the Clerk and the Cemetery Groundsman will be paid in accordance with the Town Council’s usual policy

Income Received:
NYCC contribution to grasscutting Ł2,847.60
NYCC contribution to Roses Yard resurfacing Ł2,000.00
Sowerby Parish Council contribution to Interpretation Boards Ł1,000.00
Bank Interest Ł1,062.91
Burial Board: Rent Ł485.37
Interments Ł358.00
Memorials Ł53.00

Correspondence
Consumer Council for Water Yorkshire – Meeting at the Old Courthouse, Thirsk on Thursday 29th March at 10.30 a.m.; noted.

Page P124
HDC – Request for a temporary road closure on Friday 6th April (Good Friday) from 9.30 a.m. to 11.45 a.m. for the Procession of Witness; noted.
HDC - Appointment of two representatives to the HDC Standards Committee. Four nominations had been put forward, ie Cllr S.A. Shepherd of Easingwold Town Council, Cllr J.A. Follett of Sandhutton Parish Council, Cllr D. Cartridge of Sowerby Parish Council and Cllr J. Imeson of Great Ayton Parish Council. Proposed Cllr Roberts seconded Cllr Adamson that Cllrs Shepherd and Imeson be appointed. Cllr Marshall put forwarded an amended proposal that Cllr Cartridge be appointed, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh. This was put to the vote and Cllrs Shepherd and Imeson received 5 votes each and Cllr Cartridge 4 votes.
TRI – Thirsk and Villages Conference to be held on 18th April at Thirsk Rural Business Centre from 7.00 pm.-9.00 pm; noted
The Richmond and Hambleton Furniture Store – request for financial support. Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Pack that we ask for a representative to come and speak to us and let us known what they do; 5 in favour, 2 against, therefore motion carried..
Communities and Local Government – Revised Model Code of Conduct for Local Authority Members; it was felt that this was an improvement on the previous one. Cllr Marshall asked that if Councillors have any representations they wish to make on this they give them to the Clerk before the deadline of 23rd March.
Cllr Marshall advised that a further ‘E’ mail had been received from Bill Hayes in Uruguay. Their local hospital is to be re-dedicated as the Hannah Packer Hospital and the Mayor of Thirsk is invited to attend this; it was felt it was an honour for a resident of Thirsk and also for the Mayor to be asked.
HDC – Notice of District/Parish Liaison Committee Meeting to be held on 26th March; Cllrs Mallett and Roberts to attend.
NYCC – notice giving details of the new address of the Thirsk Highways Depot; noted.
NYCC – Notice of the Temporary Closure of the A19 at the Thircon Roundabout from 26th-30th March 2007 for essential maintenance works.

Request from the Thirsk Royal British Legion Band for financial support
Letter received from the Thirsk Royal British Legion Band advising that they are holding a workshop with a professional brass ensemble on 27th March at a cost of Ł250 plus Ł75 for the hire of the venue. Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Jackson that a donation of Ł250 be made. Cllr Marshall made a counter proposal that we pay the whole cost of Ł325, seconded Cllr Adamson. Cllr Roberts withdrew her proposal in view of the amendment and the motion was carried unanimously.

Applications for Exclusive Rights and Memorials
Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Watson that the following application be approved; agreed.
Grave Space: GG 8 Peter Raymond Barker
Interred in GOR 16.12.06

Burial Board Report
Cllr Adamson advised that the water pipe has still not been connected. Jeremy Cave is away ill at present and therefore Cllr Adamson is emptying the bins.

Page P125
Reports
Representatives
Cllr Roberts reported that she had attended the YLCA Hambleton Branch Joint Executive at which there was a presentation about the proposed County Unitary Authority. According to this there will be nine areas instead of the seven current districts and each will have its own resources. They estimate this will save Ł14m year on year. There was then a presentation by Cllr Arthur Barker of the District Council. HDC do not want a Unitary Authority but would like to work closer with the County Council. Cllr Roberts felt it will be a problem as the local officers will disappear and those taking over will be from further away. Cllr Marshall reminded Members of the meeting with John Marsden on 11th April.
Cllr Roberts reported that she had attended a preliminary meeting of the enquiry about the HDC LDF and she was most impressed. This is starting on 5th June for 4 weeks. She pointed out that any comments in writing will carry as much weight as if we were to go to speak. The whole Enquiry will be open to the press and public and the final report should be out by December.
Cllr Watson advised that she had given Chris Amy a brief about work to be carried out in Mill Gardens. She had to act quickly to get it done before the year-end.
Cllr Marshall advised that a former Councillor, Steve Clements, had died very suddenly; a card had been sent from the Town Council and Cllr Morton had attended the funeral as the Town Council’s representative. Cllr Marshall commended his hard work when he was on the Town Council and his work in the area.
Cllr Watson referred to the problem solving group for Castle Garth and said they will be approaching the Town Council for financial support for some fencing to finish it off. Cllr Watson enquired about the Town Council/Thirsk in Bloom Liaison Group which was set up but has not met for some time. Cllr Pack will mention this to Thirsk in Bloom.
Cllr Jackson advised that he and other members of the Planning Committee had been to look at the Bridge Garage site and said he understands there are plans for a large number of apartments. Cllr Robinson advised that local residents have been issued with an architect’s drawing of what is proposed.

Members
Cllr Watson referred to the proposed extension to Millgate car park expressing concern that the work is likely to be done during the peak season; Clive Thornton to be asked for a date for this.
Cllr Marshall drew the attention of the Council to a dissertation done by the daughter of a friend of hers on Fair Trade Products in Thirsk saying she will submit this as part of the evidence for supporting Fair Trade Town status. She hopes that from May the new Town Council will take up the issues. Cllr J. Roberts has been asked to do a report on where he has got to with this.
Cllr Marshall advised that, as Mayor and with the consent of the Chairman of Carlton Miniott Parish Council, she had recently opened the new outside play area at Carlton Miniott Community Primary School.

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Proposed Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Roberts that the public and press be excluded for a confidential personnel item.

Following on from the Council’s decision to allow the Clerk to move to a four day week, advice had been sought from the YLCA who advised it is not necessary to issue her with a new contract. The division of work in the office was agreed.

An incident of anti-social behaviour in the town was reported.

The meeting closed at 9.07 p.m.