Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Thursday 1st May 2008 at 7:30pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Page P014
Present:
Cllrs J. Watson (Chairman), D.E. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, J. Marshall, C. Pack, M. Penson, F.M. Roberts and the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllr J. Jackson (away), A. Morton (away), A. Pagram (holiday), accepted. Also apologies received from I. Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”) and from NY Police.
Open Forum
No members of the police or public present.
Minutes of the Meeting held on 21st April 2008
Proposed approved Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Adamson subject to an addition to Page P010 and two amendments to the Confidential Minute; agreed.
Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 3rd April 2008
P001 Requests for allotments; nothing further heard from John Bell as yet. Agreed that a letter be sent to HDC asking if they have any policy or guidance on this subject which they could give us.
P001 Public conveniences; nothing further heard from Steve Prentice, therefore a chasing ‘E’ mail will be sent. In view of the length of time this has been ongoing, Cllr Marshall asked Cllr Adamson, as a District Councillor, to take up this matter with HDC.
P001 Signboards on the Industrial Estate; nothing further heard from HDC.
P001 Sign at The Workhouse; the sign has now been recovered and is in the Town Council Office.
P001 “Welcome to Thirsk” pack; no further action taken by St. Mary’s PCC. This item has now been moved to the Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Items.
P001 Finger Post; a quote for a new finger has been requested. M. Burnett has been asked to paint over the “Post Office” on the existing finger as an interim measure.
P001 Crossing near Bakers Alley; a request that a Belisha crossing be installed here has been sent to NYCC and an acknowledgement has been received.
P002 Works on Long Street/Stockton Road; reply received from NYCC advising that utility companies are instructed to inform the Town Council of any major works they are to undertake. NYCC will endeavour to ensure that they also notify us. Cllr Marshall advised that Joe Gallagher at NYCC has checked the planters on Long Street and has found some damage to two of them. He is to meet to contractors about this.
P002 Plasticrete on the Little Green; reply received from Clive Thornton advising that he is looking at the two issues of grass not growing and also the slippery surface which he says is a more recent matter. Cllr Marshall said that the slippery surface was pointed out to them at the site meeting held some considerable time ago and has also been mentioned in correspondence. Cllr Roberts advised that it was pointed out to HDC that it would become slippery as soon as they had put the Plasticrete down. Cllr Marshall asked that a letter expressing the Town Council’s dissatisfaction be sent to Peter Simpson at HDC with copies to Steve Quartermain and Clive Thornton.
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P002 Grasscutting; reply received from NYCC advising that for a number of years the budget allocated to the County Council’s Thirsk Office has been based on the grass only being cut six times in a year and the Office has funded an additional two cuts from the routine maintenance budget. However, due to increasing demands on this budget, it is no longer possible for them to fund the additional cuts.
P002 Vacancy on the Town Council; dealt with at the last meeting.
P002 Car Parking Charges; a letter had been sent to Anne McIntosh MP and a reply had been received advising that she is writing to Peter Simpson at HDC requesting that he addresses the points we have raised. Reply received from Cllr Barker at HDC giving details of their Statutory Authority which supports them being able to use the monies generated by parking charges to support HDC’s revenue budget. Letter from Action Free Parking asking parish councils to call parish meetings to propose that a referendum be held. It was pointed out that the Town Council organised an Open Meeting and therefore no further action to be taken regarding this request. Cllr Penson expressed concern that there has not been a great deal in the media about the response to the proposed parking charges in Thirsk; Cllr Marshall said it would be possible to do a press release, but it is up to the newspapers whether or not they publish it.
P002 Central Areas; Weatherspoons have now put notices in their upstairs windows saying they are opening shortly. NYCC have advised that the works to Millgate Bridge will start on 13th May.
P003 Ditches; report received. Letter received from Eccles Heddon enclosing a copy of a letter from Keeble Hawson, Barratts’ solicitors. They apologise for the delay due to the fact that they are having difficulty ascertaining title to the land.
P003 Amenity tip; letter sent to NYCC; no reply as yet, but there is a letter included in “Correspondence” on this subject.
P003 Development at Norby Depot; ‘E’ mail sent to Taylor Wimpey. Cllrs Marshall, Hesmondhalgh and Watson met with representatives of Taylor Wimpey on site. Taylor Wimpey thought they had received the Town Council’s consent, but it was pointed out that they had not done so. Cllr Marshall advised that various items were mentioned and Taylor Wimpey were asked to provide a footpath, as per John Bell’s suggestion and they are to do this. They have been asked to take up the “No Parking” sign and return it to us. They will need to move one of our seats, but if it is damaged they will be required to provide a new seat.
P003 Music Event on 10th August; dealt with at the last meeting.
P003 Taylor Wimpey re length of footway and associated street lighting and LAP; letter sent to Taylor Wimpey advising that we do not wish to adopt the footway and street lighting. We will take over the LAP, but it must be to a specification and standard agreed with the Town Council.
P003 Grassed area on corner of Long Street/Rymer Way; reply sent to Mr Hindmarch.
P003 Mrs L. Craggs; reply sent advising that the post in question is part of a fence and is on the grass and we must therefore refute her claim for compensation. A further E mail was received from her asking for some further information and this was supplied.
P003 Yellow lines on Picks Lane; request sent to NYCC requesting that yellow lines be installed down the full length of Picks Lane – acknowledgement received.
P004 York Road Roundabout; an amended draft Licence was sent to Severfield Reeve; the Clerk is meeting the directors at their office on 9th May to look at this.
P004 Buildings on the corner of Newsham Road; letter sent to John Bell.
Page P016
P004 Water on Stockton Road; reported to NYCC
P004 Carrs Field; ‘E’ mail sent to Tony Jordan. No reply received, but an ‘E’ mail from him requesting a meeting is included in “Correspondence”.
P004 Central Areas; Cllr Watson has met with Diane Miller.
P004 Greens and Ingramgate; meeting held.
P004 Millennium Green; Cllr Marshall advised that the Clean Up Day had been held.
P005 Ditches; ‘E’ mail sent to Steve Quartermain at HDC asking for the name of the person he dealt with at Barretts. Reply received advising that this was dealt with by someone else at HDC and he will let us have details.
P005 Traffic lights in the Market Place; reported to NYCC.
P006 Netting on the roof of the old Post Office block; no further action on this as yet. Agreed that John Proud at HDC be contacted about the pigeon mess.
P006 Damaged floodlights; letter sent to the Chief Constable referring to this and expressing dissatisfaction at the level of policing in Thirsk.
P006 Rubble in the beck; letter sent to the Environment Agency.
P006 25th Squadron at RAF Leeming; letter sent wishing them well.
P006 Bus times; letter sent to NYCC pointing out that there is some discrepancy between John Smiths’ timetable and the sign on the bus stop.
P006 Signage on shop fronts; letter sent to HDC.
P006 Floodlights; letter sent to English Heritage requesting advice on more secure ways of floodlighting.
P006 Minute Books taken to the Archives Office in Northallerton; Cllr Marshall advised that a letter has now been received from NYCC giving a list of the deposited items and this is in the Town Council Office.
P006 Meeting at the Station; Cllr Watson gave an update from the meeting she had attended at Thirsk Station. She has now been advised that they are to repaint the yellow lines on the steps. They are looking at the possibility of providing an extra train on a Saturday when the new timetable comes out, ie October/November. They are still looking at the parking which takes places at the western approach to the station.
Correspondence
Taylor Wimpey re proposed footpath and removal of “No Car Parking” sign on The Holmes. Letter received enclosing a plan showing the position of the proposed new footpath. Letters have been sent to John Bell asking for his consent to this and to NYCC requesting permission to remove a piece of fencing to allow the new path to join the County Council’s path. A reply has been received from the County Council agreeing to this. Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Roberts that, provided John Bell has no objections to this, then we should agree to it; agreed.
Taylor Wimpey re transfer of land at the Norby development. Cllr Marshall advised that the Open Areas Committee need to look at this and need to consider the implications on the Town Council’s budget of taking on the piece of land alongside the Northallerton Road. Agreed that this be accepted in principle, pending the views of the Open Areas Committee. Cllr Roberts suggested we ask Mr Walker how much it would cost for the grasscutting of this piece of land and also establish what Taylor Wimpey intend to do, ie grass it, put trees in etc.
Environment Agency; letter from Di Keal asking if the Town Council would be interested in developing its own Community Flood Plan and expressing interest in
Page P017
attending a Town Council meeting to talk about this; agreed that she be invited to attend the Thursday Town Council meeting in either June or July.
NYCC giving details of the new guidance for the use of Household Waste Recycling Centres. Cllr Marshall pointed out that HDC charge £35 to remove rubbish which people are unable to take to the tip whilst some other authorities do not charge; a letter to be sent to NYCC and HDC.
NYCC – Thirsk8 Park Committee advising that they are setting up a new Skate Park Committee and are looking at finding a suitable site for a skateboard park. A further letter received inviting a representative of the Town Council to attend a meeting on Thursday 15th May; Cllr Roberts to attend.
H. Newcombe – request for “Beware Pedestrians” sign on Station Road near its junction with Newsham Road. Agreed that it is not felt to be appropriate to put a sign up here. It was pointed out that speed restrictions are in force on Newsham Road and Cemetery Lane.
A telephone call had been received from Mark Haynes at HDC asking whether the Town Council would consider making a contribution towards the cost of printing some more “Visit Thirsk” leaflets as these are now in short supply. Cllr Marshall explained that it was initially produced using grant monies and as part of a suite of leaflets, the Thirsk one being produced first. Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Park that a contribution of £250 be made; motion carried with 6 in favour and 1 abstention.
NYCC Highways advising that an A19 resurfacing and reinstatement scheme is to be carried out on the southbound dual carriageway at Grange Farm to Mile House in September 2008. Agreed that we ask for a plan showing the exact position of the roadworks. Cllr Marshall pointed out that some work was done on the A19 2-3 years ago and the road is disintegrating; she hopes this work will have a longer life span.
Willows on The Holmes; letter from Mike I’Anson of the Thirsk Community Woodlands Group requesting permission to record the details of the willows on The Holmes; no objections to this. It was suggested that Mike I’Anson contact Chris Amy who manages the trees on this site.
Carrs Field; E mail received from Tony Jordan advising that Chris Amy has resigned as a Trustee of Carrs Field. He would like to organise a meeting of the Trustees and the Town Council representative and will be in touch regarding this; agreed that we suggest a meeting during week commencing 12th May.
NYCC re 2008 Local Transport Plan enclosing a questionnaire which has been copied to Councillors. Councillors to let the Clerk have their completed forms in order that she can respond.
Reports
Carrs Field - Nothing to report
Central Areas - Cllr Watson circulated Councillors with the minutes of the Central Areas Committee meeting held on 8th April.
Christmas Festivities - Nothing to report
Page P018
Greens and Ingramgate - Cllr Pack advised that some of the fencing on the Green was broken, but this now seems to have been repaired. She asked that Bikers be asked to quote for having cobbles at the entrance to the Green rather than tarmac. A complaint had been received regarding the state of the footpath from the white bridge to St. Mary’s Church; Peter Penny at NYCC to be contacted regarding this. The Ladies Circle bench needs repairing and the other benches need repainting. Cllr Marshall referred to the Plasticrete near Todds Cottages saying that when Todds Court was build the Town Council relinquished a piece of land in order that a road could be made into Todds Court and in exchange received a piece of land on which HDC undertook to install grasscrete and maintain it. However, instead of this plasticrete was installed and, in spite of the Town Council complaining about this and meeting Chris Vincent on site no action has been taken. Cllr Marshall suggested passing it to Mike Armstrong at Eccles Heddon to see what action we can take. Proposed Cllr Pack, seconded Cllr Roberts that this course of action be taken. Cllr Pack said there are potholes on Ingramgate which need filling and asked that we ask NYCC if they will provide suitable materials. Cllr Watson asked the Greens and Ingramgate Committee to have a meeting to look at the Byelaws on St. James’ Green.
Millennium Green - Cllr Hesmondhalgh reported that the Millennium Green is looking good and the new path has bedded in well. The stream near the East Thirsk Play Area is clear.
Open Areas - Cllr Marshall advised that Lisa Wilson at HDC is to arrange a meeting with our Project Group re East Thirsk Play Area. The three lots of plans provided by the play area manufacturers have been put up in East Thirsk Primary School. A footpath by way of compensation was to have been provided by the contractors building the Children’s Centre, but this has not been done. However, the Children’s Centre Manager is to meet the cost of this.
Cllr Marshall advised that Chris Amy has provided an update of the Holmes Management Plan. She explained that this management started in 1995 to restore the woodland and grassland and Cllr Marshall felt we have brought it back into good use.
Sensory Garden - Cllr Marshall reported that another meeting has been held and there has been an exhibition in the library. One formal comment was received at the exhibition. Cllr Marshall has spoken to Philip Tucker about doing some press coverage. The survey of the harbour wall has been done and Bikers have been given the contract. Regarding the Section 106 Agreement, HDC are still talking with the owner of the site and HDC will ensure we do not take it over until it is in a proper state. The record of the memorials is currently in the Town Council Office; one person has been in to look at them.
Ditches - Cllr Marshall reported that the report has now been received from M Design and a meeting of the Ditches Committee is to be arranged.
Other Items of Interest and Information
Cllr Penson reported that Mackays are moving into the old Coop building.
Cllr Watson reported that she had represented the Town Council at the opening of Moor Lane Therapies; the event raised £150 for Thirsk in Bloom.
Page P019
Cllr Watson advised that she has been invited to go to Uruguay to the ceremony of re-naming the hospital after Hannah Packer, but she has declined. They have asked for the wording to go on a plaque and also for a speech which can be read out at the ceremony; Cllrs Watson, Marshall and Mr Cooper Harding to get together to compile this.
The meeting closed at 9.28 p.m.
Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 19th April 2008 at 7:15pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Page P020
Minutes of a Meeting of Thirsk Town Council held on Monday 19th May 2008 at 7.15 p.m. in the Thirsk and Sowerby Town Hall Annexe
Councillors: J. Watson (Chairman), D.E. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, J. Marshall, A. Morton, C.M. Pack, A.K. Pagram, M. Penson, F.M. Roberts, A. Robinson, County and District Cllr G. Dadd, I. Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”), PC Kevin Brookes (North Yorkshire Police) and the Clerk
Apologies:
Councillor J. Jackson (away); accepted
Minutes of the Meeting held on 1st May 2008
Proposed approved Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Adamson; agreed, subject to an amendment on Page P019.
Proposed Cllr Morton, seconded Cllr Roberts that Standing Orders be suspended; agreed.
Police Report
PC Brookes advised that he had been asked to attend the meeting to reply to any questions raised by the Town Council.
Cllr Hesmondhalgh asked for an update on the On Street Drinking Ban; PC Brookes advised that the police concluded all their issues 2-3 months ago and he understands that HDC are awaiting receipt of the signs from the manufacturers.
Cllr Penson asked about the possibility of having a CCTV camera on the corner of Millgate; PC Brookes replied that HDC have said there are not sufficient funds available to do this. However, he advised that, in the light of the recent damage in Mill Gardens, he is to write to HDC again referring them to Section 7 of the Crime and Disorder Act. PC Brookes advised that each morning the police identify the “hot spots” from the previous day and Officers are delegated to those areas; in addition incidents are looked at over a period to identify any trends. He urged people to report any instances of crime, antisocial behaviour and damage. Cllr Marshall expressed concern that recently some youths sitting on the Town Clock steps had hurled insults at a local disabled resident; PC Brookes said that in such an instance people should ring the police and give a description of the offenders. PC Brookes asked that in future if the Town Council has any particular items to raise at a meeting they ring and let him know in advance in order that he can investigate. He advised that the Mobile Police Unit will be in the Market Place tomorrow and on Saturday and people are welcome to have a look in it.
Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Roberts that Standing Orders be reinstated.
County and District Councillor’s Reports
Cllr Dadd referred to the Children’s Centre saying the official hand-over was scheduled to take place on 16th May and it is hoped the Centre will be utilised fully from mid June. They are looking for further funding for the outside play area. Cllr Dadd had been asked by the Town Council to investigate the reason for the extra 19 staff who have been employed at HDC and he advised that 13 of them have been employed for kerbside recycling and some have been filling posts which have been vacant for some time. Cllr Dadd advised that he has received many complaints about
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Thirsk Post Office and he has therefore asked Post Office Limited for a meeting. He referred to the Problem Solving Group in East Thirsk and thanked Cllr Hesmondhalgh for going onto it. Packs have been sent out to residents and the first meeting is to be held in mid June. The proposed introduction of car parking charges is going to Cabinet on 17th June, with a recommendation to Full Council on 24th June. He thanked Cllr Penson for attending the meeting with Highways to discuss displacement of vehicles should parking charges be introduced; a meeting is to be held to formulate NYCC’s response and full costings have been requested. Referring to the Area Forums set up by HDC, Cllr Dadd said the first meeting is to be held in Thirsk and the main item will be the LDF; the meetings are open to the public. Cllr Dadd referred to the Town Council’s concerns regarding the crossing at the end of Bakers Alley and said he is assured by Jayne Charlton at NYCC that signage will be put up by 1st/2nd week of June. Cllr Watson expressed the disappointment of the Council at this response, saying we had not asked for signage, but for a Belisha crossing to be put there. She asked that NYCC communicate with the Town Council before any signage is put up. Cllr Watson referred to the works to Millgate Bridge saying that she and Cllr Marshall met with Jacobs and this work was to have been carried out before the end of the last financial year. She was therefore concerned that, because of the delay in carrying out the works, Mill Gardens is to be closed at the start of the summer and it would also involve the loss of parking spaces. Cllr Marshall pointed out that it is critical for a tourist town that such works are done outside the tourist season and pointed out that the Town Council has been very cooperative in letting them use Mill Gardens. Cllr Robinson reported that none of the lights on the Belishas on Long Street are lit; Cllr Dadd to look into this.
District Councillors’ Reports
Cllr Robinson advised that the new Chairman of HDC is Cllr David Webster, with Cllr John Smith as Vice Chairman. Steve Quartermain is leaving HDC. Referring to car parking charges, Cllr Robinson said that the consultants’ report is awaited.
Cllr Adamson reported that the Annual Meeting of HDC had been held and some of the Committees have been re-named. Because of the success of the kerbside recycling scheme a proposal is to go to Cabinet tomorrow for more staff and the hire of another vehicle. Within North Yorkshire Hambleton has the lowest cost per household for recycling and they have the highest rate of compost recycling. It is hoped to have an extra round and add more properties into the kerbside recycling scheme.
Cllr Marshall referred to the impact on the County Council if HDC introduce car parking charges, saying that Thirsk Library which is leased by NYCC will have to take steps to protect its car park. She pointed out that the Town Council will also have to protect its areas. Cllr Dadd said that private residents could also incur costs because of this.
Cllr Marshall referred to the development at Norby and said that Wimpey are giving £300K Section 106 monies, but as far as we know none of this is coming to the Town Council for play. There will be specific monies for the LAP, but as the developers are not providing all the play on site we had anticipated additional monies for this. She said it is rumoured that such monies are to go to the Swimming Bath. Cllr Marshall was concerned that this negates what the TRI are trying to do re Section 106 monies and she asked the District Councillors to look into this matter. Cllr Robinson
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suggested the Town Council write to HDC about the number of children on a development as he felt that in future such monies for play will not be automatically allocated. Cllr Adamson pointed out that there are already enough funds for the extension of the Swimming Pool to go ahead, but money is needed for new equipment.
Cllr Dadd left the meeting.
Open Forum
No members of the public present.
Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 21st April 2008
P009 Works to Millgate Bridge; letter in “Correspondence”
P009 Yellow lines on Picks Lane; reply received from NYCC advising that this has been added to the Area Office’s Traffic Management Priority List. However, it is unlikely that such additional restrictions will be introduced on Picks Lane until a decision is made by HDC on the introduction of parking charges as this would impact upon parking in other parts of the town.
P009 Community Emergency Scheme; a meeting with Wendy Muldoon of NYCC is to be held tomorrow.
P009 CCTV statistics; nothing further received on this.
P009 Holmes Management Plan; Chris Amy has provided this and it was brought to the last meeting.
P009 Car Parking Charges; letter sent to HDC requesting details of the cost of implementing, running and staffing the scheme and reply awaited. Letter received from Anne McIntosh MP enclosing a copy of a letter from the Assistant to the Chief Executive of HDC assuring her that the various letters from the Town Council have been taken into account.
P010 Natural England; the Licence application form is in the process of being completed.
P010 Accounts for Payment; reimbursement of 50% of the cost of resurfacing the Millennium Green footpaths has now been received from the Millennium Green Trustees. Cllr Marshall reported that a meeting to review the insurance cover had taken place on 25th April. Proposals were made at the meeting and the Clerk is currently acting upon them. Included in these were a revaluation of Cemetery Lodge and the structure of the Town Clock which have now been carried out and the insured values increased. Potts are to be asked to supply a valuation of the clock mechanism. Cllr Watson has spoken to Fattorinis re a valuation of the Mayor’s chain; in view of the fact that to do this they would require the chain to be sent to them, it was agreed that Martin Patterson be asked to value it.
P011 NYCC – Children and Young People’s Plan 2008-2011; no views were submitted to the Clerk and therefore no response to the consultation document was sent in.
P011 NYCC – 2008 Local Transport Plan Progress Report and questionnaire; some completed questionnaires were submitted to the Clerk and she therefore sent in a response based on these.
P011 RAF Leeming re ceremonial commitments; reply sent.
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P011 “Local Council Review”; cheque for subscription to be signed at tonight’s meeting.
P011 HDC re Designated Public Place Signs; reply sent to HDC.
P012 Burial Board; a quote is awaited from Graham Merriam for repairing the Cemetery Noticeboard. Cllr Robinson pointed out that Malcolm Blackburn made the noticeboard and he felt he should be asked for a price for its repair.
P012 TRI; letter sent to Lindsay Ross.
P013 Minibus parked in Millgate Car Park; reported to HDC.
P013 Play Partnership Meeting; letter sent to HDC. Notes of meeting received.
Finance
Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Roberts that the following accounts be approved for payment; agreed:
F.D. Todd and Sons Ltd – skip for the Millennium Green £164.50
R. Bennett – cleaning bus shelter £80.00
Nigel Burn – maintenance of beds on Long Street and WM roundabout £75.00
C.E. and C.M. Walker – grasscutting £1,522.80
Sue Dodds – reimbursement for plants for Picnic Area £18.50
C.A. Amy – work on Millennium Green £250.00
C.A. Amy: Play Area Inspections (31.3.08.-4.5.08) £228.50
Litter Picking (31.3.08.-4.5.08.) £250.00
Tree work on The Holmes/Whitelass £500.00
Staining fort at McCleans Play Area £70.00
Repairing fence at Herriot Way £25.00
Treating knotweed at Cemetery Lodge £60.00
Strimming/planting in Centenary Field £185.00
Fence repairs on St. James Green £150.00
Joplings – valuations of Cemetery Lodge and Town Clock £235.00
Castle Colour Printers – photocopying £3.84
Staples – stationery £36.48
Rates for Office – June 08 £54.00
YRCC – Membership 2008/09 £35.00
M. I’Anson – professional services re Sensory Garden £625.17
M. Design – Tranmire Ditch Feasibility Study £2,115.00
Inland Revenue – Tax/NI, April 2008 £415.94
D. Connelly – cleaning office windows (five times) £32.50
YLCA – Association of Burial Authorities – subscription 2008/09 £70.00
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 normal practice
Paid Since Last Meeting
Npower – office electricity £349.57
Mesh Computers – new computer for TC Office £635.80
Allianz Insurance – additional premium for extra items £377.45
Income Received
Precept 2008/09 (1st half) £49,900.00
HDC – Contribution to Sensory Garden £451.52
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Burial Board: Rent £446.63
Interment £122.00
Grave Purchase £122.00
Reservation of space in GOR £ 61.00
Memorials £316.00
Bank Interest £148.77
Monthly Balance Sheet and Budget Report for April 2008
These had already been circulated to Councillors. Cllr Marshall pointed out that the budget report is now totalled and this enables the Council to reconcile the budget report with the monthly accounts; it then has an overview of the overall budget. Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Morton that these be accepted; agreed.
Correspondence
NYCC and Jacobs; advising that works to Millgate Bridge are to start on 21st May and will take approximately 12 weeks to complete. The road will remain open, but with a slightly reduced width. The footpath will be temporarily closed and there will be a pedestrian walkway alongside the bridge. Mill Gardens will be closed for the full 12 weeks, although they will endeavour to re-open them before that time if at all possible. Cllr Penson referred to the shrubs/plants in Mill Gardens asking whether NYCC will make good any damage; agreed that Cllrs Watson and Penson should keep an eye on this.
North Yorkshire and York NHS PCT; advising that application has been made by Tesco Stores for inclusion in the Pharmaceutical List. Cllr Marshall felt this application should be vehemently opposed because of the effect it will have on the Market Place, pointing out that Boots is a key retailer in the town centre; with two dispensing doctors’ surgeries and two chemists it was felt there is no need for Tescos to have a pharmacy and that they must not take over all the services normally found in a town. Cllr Marshall also pointed out that the town centre is serviced by buses from outlying areas whereas Tescos is not and therefore people coming in on the bus would be disadvantaged if the pharmacy was at Tescos rather than in the Market Place.
HDC; advising that a Thirsk Eng-AGE Information Day is to be held on Monday 2nd June at the Town Hall and the Old Courthouse.
Applications for Exclusive Rights and Memorials
No applications received.
Applications for Additional Inscriptions
Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that the following be approved; agreed
Grave No. A6 22 Violet Cunningham
Grave No. F3 6 Tony Spence
Burial Board Report
Cllr Adamson advised that the Burial Board met earlier this month to interview an applicant for the position of Cemetery Groundsman and he has been appointed on a three month trial. Cllr Adamson pointed out that there are currently a lot of jobs to be done in the Cemetery.
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Reports
Representatives
Cllr Marshall advised that the Thirsk Infant School Charity has written to HDC about the proposal to introduce car parking charges and the possible effect this would have on the library users.
Cllr Hesmondhalgh reported that the CCA is doing very well. East Thirsk Community Hall is also going along well, although slowly.
Cllr Pack reported on Thirsk in Bloom saying that the containers are to be left until after the Bank Holiday and then the summer bedding will be put in.
Cllr Penson said that no meetings of the Thirsk Business Association have been held recently.
Cllr Watson advised that she had attended the accreditation museum status at the Herriot Centre. She had also attended the Spring Reception at RAF Leeming.
Members
Cllr Roberts pointed out that there are two water heaters in the toilet and kitchen area between the Town Council Office and the TIC and a further one upstairs and these are switched on all the time; she felt there could be considerable savings to be gained in having them on a timeswitch. A letter to be sent to HDC asking if they can look at the efficiency of leaving the heaters on.
Cllr Roberts advised that she had attended the Skate Park Meeting; this had been attended by two members of Sowerby Parish Council, Lisa Wilson of HDC and Lawrence Monaghan from Thirsk School and a Liaison Officer for Schools. There were also three boys in attendance and the father of one of the boys. They gave a presentation on all the various sites which had been considered and they are looking at the old tip on Gravel Hole Lane which it seems is a possibility. The Constitution of the Committee was agreed and this included two members of the Town Council. It will be necessary for the Committee to look at costs, fund raising etc. The next meeting is to be held in 2/3 weeks time. Cllr Robinson pointed out that there is £1K in a bank account which would be available for the skate park.
A request had been received for a Poop Scoop bin on Cemetery Lane just past the Cemetery; to be sent to HDC.
Cllr Marshall advised that the Museum Society’s AGM is to be held tomorrow and that of the Ritz Cinema on Thursday.
Cllr Robinson advised that an LDF meeting had been held and the proposed development on Topcliffe Road was discussed – this would be housing, shops and light industrial. Cllr Robinson did not feel that Topcliffe Road could sustain the traffic should this go ahead. Cllr Adamson advised that he is in favour of the proposal as it would be a completely integrated development.
Cllr Penson gave her report on a meeting she had attended with Cllr Dadd and members of the County Council to discuss the potential for displacement of vehicles if car parking charges are implemented. The “black spots” were identified and Cllr Dadd made it clear to Highways that it would be very expensive for County and very difficult for residents etc. Jacobs are to draw up an initial scheme that may include yellow lines, residents’ parking etc; this will be reported back to Cllr Dadd who will in turn pass the information to Cllr Penson. A full report will be submitted to the County Area Committee in June in order that they can formulate their official response to HDC.
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Cllr Morton advised that a meeting of the Swimming Pool Trustees has been held. There are sufficient monies to build the extension, but not enough for new equipment. The prices have been increased by 5% and if current numbers are maintained this will bring in an extra £25K.
Cllr Adamson advised that a recommendation is going to Cabinet to approve the District Council paying for legal advice on behalf of the Swimming Baths Trust.
The meeting closed at 9.53 p.m.