Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Thursday 4th September 2008 at 7:30pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Page P064
Present:
Cllrs C. M. Pack, (in the Chair), C. Hesmondhalgh, J.E. Jackson, J. Marshall, A. Morton, M. Penson, F.M. Roberts, Sgt Frances Hannon, PC Claire Mayes (NY Police), I. Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”) and the Assistant Clerk
Apologies:
Cllrs D Adamson (ill), A.K. Pagram (ill), J. Watson (away) and the Clerk (away); accepted.
Open Forum
Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Roberts that Standing Orders be suspended; agreed.
Cllr Penson asked that her thanks be passed onto PC Brooks who had recently inspected the rear of the old antique shop in Millgate which had had recent building works started and was now open to vandals etc. This has now been boarded up.
Cllr Marshall informed the meeting that the Interpretation Board near the Packhorse Bridge in Sowerby had been subject to graffiti. The PCSO will be asked to look at the graffiti to see if he can identify who is responsible. The Town Council will speak to Sowerby Parish Council as to who should report this to the police, and who should rectify the position.
Sgt Hannon informed the meeting that the neighbourhood team is moving to the police office at 33 Market Place and will therefore be based closer to the community. The opening hours of the police office will remain the same. The community police van has been in the Market Place for ‘open surgery’ this week.
Cllr Pack expressed her concern at cyclists riding without lights now that the nights are getting darker. Sgt Hannon said the initiative to provide cycle light vouchers which was trialled last year is to be continued.
Cllr Marshall asked if the PCSO was patrolling the play areas and Sgt Hannon replied that this is taking place.
Cllr Marshall asked if there had been fewer problems on Castle Garth now that the new fencing is in place. The police said they were getting fewer complaints re Castle Garth and therefore the problem solving group had now been disbanded.
Cllr Hesmondhalgh reported that there have been few problems on the Millennium Green recently and it was thought that the new fencing at East Thirsk had helped. Cllr Marshall advised that NYCC are being asked to install the final length of fencing, as originally agreed, to secure the play area.
Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that Standing Orders be reinstated; agreed.
Minutes of the meeting held on 18th August 2008:
Proposed approved Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Penson, subject to the deletion of number (3) on P060 and change of numbers (4) to (11) on P061; agreed.
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Matters Arising from the meeting held on 7th August 2008:
P052 Planning application for 12 Millgate – site meeting held and application considered by
HDC’s Planning Committee and refused.
P052 On Street Drinking Ban – E mail sent to HDC advising that we agree to a pole being
put in the Picnic Area against the fence near the dog bin, but requesting they ensure
that the view from the CCTV camera is not affected.
P053 Plasticrete near Todds Cottages – site meeting held with Clive Thornton of HDC; to be reported under Item 7 on agenda.
P053 Carrs Field - E mail received from Tony Jordan advising that they are to have a
meeting and will suggest some dates after that.
P053 Floodlights – nothing further on this as yet. The Clerk has not yet been able to
contact the Secretary to the York Diocesan Advisory Committee.
P053 Carrs Field – notice advertising the vacancy for a Trustee is still on the noticeboard,
but no applications received.
P053 Taylor Wimpey – letter of thanks sent to Taylor Wimpey re the new seat they are to
provide and asking them about the ‘No Parking’ sign which is no longer on The Holmes.
P053 Taylor Wimpey – reply received re proposed play equipment for the Norby site
advising that they can incorporate the larger twin-tower piece in lieu of the Little
Hamlets piece. However, this would cost more and we would have to lose some of
other proposed equipment, possibly the swings. After discussion it was proposed by Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that we write to Taylor Wimpey asking them to keep to the original specification, i.e. to keep the swings.
P054 Proposed Infrastructure Improvements to Northallerton – Thirsk – Ripon bus corridor - reply sent to NYCC advising that the Town Council is happy with the proposed bus
stop on Stockton Road.
P054 Works to Millgate Bridge – English Heritage advise that because the bridge is not a Grade 1 Listed structure any input on it is left to the Authority’s Conservation Department. NYCC have been asked for a copy of the planning consent and reply received advising that a decision on this was not made and the work went ahead without it. They will send us a copy of the planning decision when it has been resolved. They have raised our concerns re the colour of the stone and the fact that it is not faceted with the relevant department. The clerk has also rung John Smith of the County Council’s Bridges Team, but has not been able to speak to him as yet. Cllr Roberts advised that she had spoken to the contractors who explained that they had been unable to reuse some of the coping stones and therefore had had to use new ones. Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Morton that a letter be sent to the Chief Executive at NYCC regarding the lack of planning consent and the use of non- faceted stone and asking what can be done.
P054 Opening hours of the public toilets – letter sent to Dave McGloin of HDC requesting that the toilets be kept open until 8.00 p.m. during the summer months. Also mentioned in a letter to Steve Prentice, copied to Cllr Arthur Barker and Peter
Simpson, in which the Town Council expressed its concern at the state of cleanliness
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of the toilets (as requested by Central Areas Committee). Reply received from Steve Prentice advising that he is to discuss the cleaning/managing of the toilets with the attendant this week.
P054 Hambleton Rural Housing Enabler – details of affordable housing tour during week
commencing 8th September – no Councillors have indicated they wish to go on this to date so no response sent. Cllr Penson expressed an interest in this and will call into the Office for details.
P054 Footpath from Gillings Court to Kirkgate – work not done as yet
P055 Big Tidy Up event – E mail sent advising that the Town Council fully support the idea
and would like to take part in it and await further details
P055 Street Names for the new housing development at Norby – dealt with at the last
meeting.
P055 Millgate Bridge/Mill Gardens – E mail sent to Jacobs and NYCC pointing out that they agreed to make good when the work is finished. Telephone call received from
Jacobs confirming this and agreeing to repair the damaged benches. The fencing is to be left in place at Mill Gardens for the time being to ensure public safety. Cllr Penson advised that work has started under the bridge, using the old stone to construct a wall to divert the water away from the area where the silt builds up.
P055 Greens – details of the damage to the fencing and interpretation board together with
quotes sent to the driver’s insurance company.
P056 Letter sent to NYCC to pass on to the Gas Board regarding damage to the planters.
Correspondence
F.D. Todd and Sons Ltd expressing interest in sponsoring the York Road roundabout; reply to be sent advising them to contact NYCC.
Letter received from Denise Pearce, Legal Officer at HDC, regarding the transfer of Land under Section 106 Agreement between Aspect Period Properties Limited and New Aspect Projects Ltd and the Town Council, offering to act on our behalf and suggesting certain conditions. Proposed by Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that we write to Clive Thornton at HDC asking for his proposal for the pathway through the Library car park, and to the Trustees of the Thirsk Infant School Charity regarding access for pedestrians and for maintenance of the open space, and stressing the urgency in wanting to resolve this; agreed.
Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that we ask Denise Pearce to act on the Town Council’s behalf and to proceed with the transfer of land; agreed.
From Tabled Correspondence
Cllr Marshall suggested we could contact Bikers to request a quote for cleaning graffiti when necessary.
Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Items
The Schedule had been updated and circulated to Councillors.
Cllr Penson advised that the branches have now been pruned from the willow trees on Riverside Mews and therefore this item can be removed from the schedule.
Reports
Carrs Field - Nothing to report
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Central Areas - Nothing to report
Christmas Festivities - Nothing to report
Greens and Ingramgate - Cllr Pack reported that the damaged interpretation board is still on the Green waiting for the insurance company to inspect the damage. It is planned to fence the Little Green and a survey of the fencing on St James Green has been carried out and determined maintenance which is required.
A meeting had been held with Clive Thornton re the plasticrete on the Little Green outside Todds Cottages but there had been no further action. Cllr Morton suggested a letter be sent to HDC along with a copy of their previous letter accepting responsibility for the plasticrete, urging them to do what they had previously agreed. Cllr Marshall advised that a meeting was to be arranged to look at the legal documents relating to the Green and to action the previously agreed decision to see what legal action we can take against HDC for not undertaking the work they had agreed, i.e. grasscrete, and for not maintaining what they have installed, i.e. plasticrete.
Regarding land at Ingramgate, it was suggested that we obtain estimates for chippings, tarmac and stone resurfacing.
Millennium Green - Cllr Hesmondhalgh reported that the bins on the Millennium Green were all full. The Assistant Clerk advised that a new key had been given to the street sweeper, and they should have been emptied the previous day.
Open Areas - Cllr Marshall reported that the order had been placed for the new equipment at Johnson Close and a deposit was now due for half of the total amount; a cheque for this was signed at the meeting. Quotes have been requested from Chris Amy and Malcolm Burnett for the removal of the existing equipment, but nothing has been received to date.
Three quotes have been received for the internal fencing at East Thirsk play area and a decision will be made at the next meeting of the Committee.
Following a review of the insurance policy, a query had been raised as to what ‘other surfaces’ referred. A reply had been received explaining this referred to wetpour, grass or any other surface under play equipment and the Committee are to review the value of this at the next meeting.
Sensory Gardens - Cllr Marshall advised that a recent press release had triggered some interesting responses. We had received an offer of expertise for Braille signs and an offer of help from the Millennium Volunteers. A letter had been received from a David Pinkney regarding the proposal to move the headstones and a reply is to be sent to him informing him of the plans. Cllr Roberts said the exhibition in the library had received a good response from the public.
Ditches - Cllr Marshall advised that there is to be a Ditches meeting next week.
Statement of Accounts, 2007/08
Cllr Marshall explained that there had been a minor error which had come to light during the internal audit and it had been necessary to amend the figures relating to annual expenditure. The total figure was correct but had been apportioned incorrectly between Staff Costs and Other Payments. Councillors had received a copy of the amended form prior to the meeting.
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Proposed Cllr Morton, seconded Cllr Roberts that the figures be amended on the form which is sent to the external auditors; agreed.
Other items of interest and information:
Cllr Jackson had received a letter regarding the registration of the Museum. The letter was passed to the Assistant Clerk to be brought to the next meeting.
Cllr Penson enquired about the Councillors’ photographs. Cllr Pack still has to submit a photograph and Cllr Morton has Cllr Jackson’s photograph.
Cllr Hesmondhalgh reported that there are branches in the snicket between Dowber Way and Tranmire; John Proud of HDC to be asked to deal with this.
Cllr Marshall informed the meeting that she had moved house and is now a resident of Saxton near Tadcaster. She intends keeping her property in Thirsk and will therefore be eligible to continue to serve on the Town Council.
The Assistant Clerk advised that the White and Black Bridges had been painted by the Probation Service; a letter of thanks to be sent.
Malcolm Blackburn has started work on the post which was damaged on the Cemetery notice board.
The meeting closed at 8.57pm.
Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 15th September 2008 at 7:15pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Page P069
Present:
Cllrs J. Watson (Chairman), D.E. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, J. Jackson, J. Marshall, C.M. Pack, A.K. Pagram, Mrs M. Penson, F.M. Roberts, County and District Cllr G. Dadd, I. Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”) and the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllr A. Morton (family commitments); accepted.
Minutes of the Meeting held on 4th September 2008
Proposed approved Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh; agreed.
Police Report
No members of the police present. Cllr Penson advised that she had received a complaint from a resident of the Market Place that cars and mopeds making a lot of noise are being driven around the town from 11.30 p.m. The person in question is waiting for someone from the police to visit; agreed that a letter be sent from the Town Council. Cllr Watson queried the position regarding buggies being driven on the main roads at night; agreed that a letter be sent to the police asking if there is a ruling on this.
Reports
County Council
Cllr Dadd reported that the Scrutiny and Health Committee met last Friday and asked for assurances about the Accident and Emergency Department and the Maternity Department at the Friarage Hospital; guarded assurances were given. Cllr Dadd advised that the NYCC Area Committee for Hambleton met today and there is to be a review of the Fire and Rescue Service which services Thirsk and Northallerton. Assurances were given that this is about improving the service and not removing it and will take the increased population into account; they are happy to receive comments from parish councils and individuals. Cllr Dadd had asked whether the review will be financially driven and was told that it is service led rather than financially led. The Thirsk Service Centre Transportation Strategy was also brought to the Area Committee; the footpath on Newsham Road is now on the list of priorities. Any money budgeted for this but not needed will be ring fenced in order that it can be used for, for example, street lighting there.
Cllr Jackson referred to Millgate Bridge, saying we have pointed out to NYCC that the colour of the stone does not match the existing and is not faceted; a letter about this has been sent to the Chief Executive; Cllr Dadd to look into this.
District Council
Cllr Adamson advised that a meeting of Cabinet is to be held tomorrow.
Open Forum
No members of the public present.
Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 18th August 2008
P058/059 Application by Lidl; HDC’s Planning Department have been advised that, in the light of the new plans, the Town Council’s objection is withdrawn
P059 Insurance; Cllr Watson has had the Mayor’s chain revalued and the insurance cover has been adjusted accordingly
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P059 Powered gliders; reply received from Squadron Leader Wiper, the Commanding Officer of 645 Volunteer Gliding Squadron which operates aircraft out of RAF Topcliffe. He expresses his sadness that the operation of his Squadron’s aircraft has caused two local residents to write to the Town Council. Squadron Leader Wiper advises that 645 Squadron, which has been operational at RAF Topcliffe since 2001, and 642 Squadron at Linton on Ouse provide training for air cadets from local gliding squadrons including Thirsk, Northallerton and Ripon. Many of their students go on to further their training with the RAF, Army and Royal Navy before becoming operational pilots. The Squadron’s local orders emphasise the importance of avoiding built up areas where possible and place restrictions on the height to which they can descend. Squadron Leader Wiper has asked for a copy of the letter we received about the powered gliders in order that he can contact the residents direct; agreed that this be sent to him. He also extends an invitation to the writers of the letter and any members of the Council to visit RAF Topcliffe; agreed that Councillors interested in this should give some dates to the Clerk.
P059 Cemetery Noticeboard; Malcolm Blackburn has now started on the repairs
P059 Councillors’ photographs; some still awaited
P060/061/062 Standing Orders and Financial Regulations; new version of these to be
supplied to Councillors as soon as possible
P062 Complaint re noise in the Market Place on 10th August; reply sent.
P062 Suggestions for street names for the new development at Norby; Town Council’s suggestions sent to HDC and confirmation now received that these names have been accepted
P063 Thirsk Museum; letter regarding this included in “Correspondence”.
Finance
Accounts for Payment
Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Roberts that the following accounts be approved for payment:
CE & CM Walker – grasscutting, 18th August 08 £761.40
C.A. Amy: Play area inspections (4.8.08.-31.8.08.) £182.80
Litter picking (4.8.08.-31.8.08.) £240.00
Opening up blackthorn arch on the Ings £60.00
Hedge cutting at Johnson Close and Repairs to swings at East Thirsk £70.00
Cutting beech hedge in Cemetery £75.00
Yorkshire Water – water rates for Cemetery Lodge (2nd half) £210.61
BT – Office telephone £109.80
HDC – Office rent, qtr commencing 1.9.08. £1,028.13
HDC – Office rates, Oct 08 £54.00
Castle Colour Printers – photocopying etc £3.64
HM Revenue and Customs – Tax/NI, Aug 08 £400.66
J. Watson – reimbursement of valuation fee re Mayor’s Chain £6.00
Hambleton IT Services – work on linking Office computers £32.50
D. Connelly – cleaning Office windows (4 times) £26.00
In addition, the salaries of the Clerk, the Assistant Clerk and the Cemetery Groundsman are paid in accordance with the Town Council’s normal practice
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Paid since last meeting
Mrs S. Billany – watering Long Street £59.50
Allianz Insurance- additional premium for additions to policy £553.99
Playdale Playgrounds Ltd – deposit re new play equipment for Johnson Close £5,990.15
Income Received
Refund of VAT (1.4.08.-30.6.08.) £2,029.99
Burial Board: Rent £550.00
Interment £127.00
Reservation of spaces in Garden of Rest £128.00
Memorials £36.00
Bank Interest £122.49
Monthly Balance Sheet and Budget Report for August 2008
Proposed approved Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Pagram; agreed.
Correspondence
Sowerby Parish Council; invitation to an Extraordinary Meeting to discuss Policing in Sowerby, Thirsk and neighbouring parishes to be held on Wednesday 22nd October 2008 at 7.30 p.m. in the Upstairs Room of the Thirsk and Sowerby Town Hall. They would like an indication of the number of Councillors who wish to attend – agreed a maximum of six.
NYCC – temporary closure of Sutton Bank for up to five days from 15th September 2008 for essential maintenance works.
MLA Yorkshire re request by Thirsk Museum to be removed from the Register of Museums and Galleries. Cllr Jackson advised that this letter had been brought to the meeting as he felt the Town Council should know the view held by the Museum and that it is concerned about having to register under a new scheme which is very onerous.
HDC; details of the various Area Forums, the Thirsk Area Forum to be held on 28th October in the Town Hall.
The Barker Partnership; engagement letter which they require to be signed on behalf of the Town Council. This sets out their responsibilities as the Council’s internal auditors, the Council’s responsibilities, the scope of work, limitation of liabilities, fees etc. Proposed Cllr Pack, seconded Cllr Jackson that this be signed; agreed.
Burial Board Report
Cllr Adamson had nothing to report.
The following application for an additional inscription had been received; proposed approved Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Roberts; agreed:
Grave No. A6 26 Brian “Blackie” Robson Ashes interred in existing grave 20.1.07.
Reports
Representatives
Cllr Roberts reported that she had attended a TRI Tourism Meeting last week and matters are progressing.
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Cllr Roberts had also attended a TRI meeting – Peter Walker was appointed as the new Chairman. Cllr Marshall said there had been a talk about the lack of a local office where the public could have direct access to the councils; however, this is ongoing.
Cllr Hesmondhalgh reported that the East Thirsk Community Hall is going along well and the next meeting is on Wednesday.
Cllr Adamson had attended the NYCC Area Committee Meeting held earlier today. Following on from Cllr Dadd’s report, Cllr Adamson referred to the guarded assurances given, especially in response to the request about the Accident and Emergency Department at the Friarage. He pointed out that in some district hospitals around the country the A and E Departments have been downgraded to Minor Injuries Units and he felt this must be resisted here at all costs. He pointed out that Thirsk is situated between the A1 and A19 with 2 military airfields plus another on the border and the main East Coast Railway line are all very near and he felt we need to keep an eye on the situation. Cllr Roberts suggested that a letter be sent saying we would be strongly opposed to any further cuts at the Friarage Hospital. Agreed that this be sent to South Tees Health Authority, the PCT and the Strategic Health Authority, with a copy to Miss Ann McIntosh MP. Referring to the review of the Fire and Rescue Services at Thirsk, Cllr Adamson said it had been mentioned in the report that they would be willing to report to Area Forums.
Cllr Watson advised that she had attended the Battle of Britain cocktail party at RAF Linton on Ouse the previous week.
Members
Cllr Roberts referred to the various organisations we support, such as Christmas Lights, Carrs Field, Thirsk in Bloom and said she felt that before the Council makes its decision on how much to allocate in the budgets for 2009/10 we should have information regarding their accounts. Agreed that the relevant organisations be asked to provide a copy of their accounts.
Cllr Marshall referred to the blue plaque for Hannah Packer which has not yet been put up. Cllr Watson replied that we have applied for consent from the owner of the building concerned; we will chase this up.
Cllr Hesmondhalgh referred to the pavement outside Weatherspoons where tarmac has been put down; Cllr Watson said this has been reported to the County Council.
Cllr Marshall referred to a poster which has been put up all around the town and at East Thirsk; agreed that we report this to HDC and ask them to contact the people concerned.
Cllr Penson advised that a fork lift truck was stolen from alongside Millgate Bridge on Sunday; it has been reported to the police.
Cllr Watson thanked Cllr Pack for chairing the last meeting in her absence.
Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that the public and press be excluded for two confidential items; agreed.
Cllr Watson advised that a letter has been received regarding an alleged occurrence on Castle Garth in 2006.
Cllr Watson read a letter from Elaine Coulson, the Clerk to the Council, advising that she will be retiring on 30th January 2009. Cllr Watson asked the Personnel Committee to meet as soon as possible to decide on the way forward.
The meeting closed at 8.18 p.m.