Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Thursday 2nd October 2008 at 7:30pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Page P073
Present:
Cllrs J. Watson (Chairman), D.E. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, J.E. Jackson, A. Morton, C. Pack, M. Penson, F.M. Roberts, I. Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”), PC Clare Mayes, PCSO Nigel Warby and the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllrs J. Marshall (another commitment), A.K. Pagram (school governors’ meeting); accepted.
Open Forum
Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Morton that Standing Orders be suspended; agreed.
PC Mayes advised that the police are dealing with the boy racers. She reported that during the 13th-17th October there is to be a multi agency neighbourhood week and as part of this the police will be going round alerting people whose doors and windows are unlocked. They will also be dealing with anti social behaviour etc. An open meeting is to be held for Hambleton/East Thirsk residents to address issues with HDC, Broadacres etc., and posters will be put up about this together with a flyer drop. It is intended to extend this exercise across the whole of Thirsk. Cllr Roberts referred to an old building in Thirsk which has been used for fly tipping and where an injury occurred last year. There is concern that people could be congregating in the building. PC Mayes advised that she will speak to PC Kevin Brookes about this and PCSO Warby will pay attention to it when he is passing.
Proposed Cllr Morton, seconded Cllr Roberts that Standing Orders be reinstated
Minutes of the Meeting held on 15th September 2008
Proposed approved Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Penson; agreed.
Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 4th September 2008
P064 Graffiti on the Interpretation Board near the Packhorse Bridge in Sowerby; reported
to Sowerby Parish Council and they will deal with it.
P065 Carrs Field; a further E mail sent to Tony Jordan requesting a date for a meeting.
P065 Floodlights; no further information on this as yet. The Clerk has left a message for the Secretary to the York Diocesan Advisory Committee.
P065 Vacancy for a Trustee on Carrs Field; the notice is still on the noticeboard, but no
applications received.
P065 Taylor Wimpey; reply received asking if a representative of the Town Council can
meet them on The Holmes to decide on the positioning of the new seat – passed to Open Areas. At the same time they will agree when the “No Parking “ sign can be delivered to the Office.
P065 Taylor Wimpey; reply sent advising that we wish to keep to the original specification for the play equipment and to retain the swings.
P065 Works to Millgate Bridge; letter sent to John Marsden at NYCC and acknowledgement received.
P065 Cleanliness and opening hours of the public toilets; nothing further received on this.
P066 Foopath from Gillings Court to Kirkgate; the resurfacing work has been carried out by NYCC who have also installed a new grate.
Page P074
P066 Millgate Bridge; work under the bridge now completed.
P066 Planters on Long Street; NYCC have now supplied us with the name of the gas board’s contractors and a letter has been sent to them regarding the damage to the planters.
P066 York Road roundabout; reply sent to Todds advising them to contact NYCC. A telephone call has been received from NYCC saying they can only grant a Licence to another Council. It had been agreed at a previous meeting that no further work would be done on this and this agreement was confirmed.
P066 Sensory Garden 106 Agreement; reply sent to Denise Pearce at HDC asking her to
act on the Town Council’s behalf and to proceed with the transfer of the land.
P067 Removal of play equipment from Johnson Close this has been done by Malcolm
Burnett. The new equipment is to be delivered and installed on 8th October.
P067 Damaged Interpretation Board on St. James’ Green; letter sent to the insurers of the vehicle which caused the damage asking if we can have the damaged board removed and order a replacement.
P067 Plasticrete on the Little Green; reply received from Eccles Heddon enclosing a copy of the Commons Land Registration – to be passed to the Greens Committee.
P067 Statement of Accounts; form sent to the External Auditors.
P068 Councillors’ photographs; some still awaited. Cllr Penson reiterated her view that she to have the Councillors’ photographs on the noticeboard would be very useful information for the public.
P068 Branches in the snicket between Dowber Way and Tranmire; HDC have been asked to deal with this.
P068 Painting of the White and Black Bridges; letter of thanks sent to the Probation Service
P068 Cemetery Noticeboard; the Clerk pointed out that the Cemetery Noticeboard is still in place, although she understands that Malcolm Blackburn is working on the replacement leg.
From an earlier meeting:
P042 New rules at the Amenity Tip; reply received advising that our concerns and those of Sowerby Parish Council will be considered in the review of the implementation of the
HWRCs Guidance this autumn.
Correspondence
HDC re The Big Tidy Up and giving details of Street Scene Services. Cllr Penson asked whether street cleaning includes sweeping the pavements. Cllr Roberts pointed out that when she visited Northallerton recently the mechanical sweeper was sweeping along the edges of the road when the market had finished; agreed that we should enquire whether they do this on a regular basis. Regarding having a Clean Up Day, Cllr Watson suggested that Central Areas arrange a date and she proposed it be done in the Spring.
NYCC - Resurfacing and reinstatement work on A19 between Mile House and Grange Farm from 29th September for 8 nights; noted. Cllr Morton enquired whether any information has been received regarding the temporary closure of part of the A1 – no details received.
YRCC – form requesting information to go on database re play areas; agreed that this be completed.
Communities and Local Government – Consultation on the making and enforcement of byelaws; noted.
HDC – copy letter confirming that the address of the new property built on land adjacent to 1 St. Marys Drive be 1 St. Marys Close.
Page P075
HDC – details of a temporary road closure on 9th November for the Act of Remembrance and Wreath Laying Service and on 11th November for the Remembrance Day Two Minutes Silence.
HDC – details of a temporary road closure at Newsham Road and Sandhutton Lane for part of 30th November for the Thirsk Ten Road Race.
R. Dale – letter of complaint re the condition of the public toilets and cleanliness of the footpaths in Thirsk. Cllr Watson explained that this was discussed at Central Areas, but she felt it should be brought to the full Council. Agreed that an acknowledgement be sent to Mr Dale and that the letter be sent to Peter Simpson at HDC. Cllr Roberts felt we should also point out to Peter Simpson that the pavement outside the TIC is often dirty and this building is owned by HDC. Cllr Adamson will also take up the letter of complaint as a District Councillor.
Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Items
This had been updated and circulated to Councillors. Cllr Watson referred to the list of outstanding items with NYCC and queried the up to date position regarding these.
Reports
Carrs Field - Cllr Roberts had nothing to report. She confirmed that a further E mail has been sent to Tony Jordan regarding a date for a meeting.
Central Areas - Cllr Watson advised that Central Areas had met recently. Jacobs have now finished work on Millgate Bridge and have gone off site. They have grass seeded the affected areas and this will be monitored closely. New slats have been obtained for the seats and these are now in place. Cllr Watson advised that the Remembrance Day salute is this year to be taken from the steps of the Town Clock and she has asked that any graffiti on the Clock be removed before this. A letter has been sent to NYCC requesting a cleaning routine for the alleyway between the “Darrowby Arms” and the Town Council Office as this is a public footpath; agreed that a letter be sent to Environmental Health regarding the pigeons on the roof. In addition, Central Areas have reported various broken slabs, blocked drains etc.
Christmas Festivities - Cllr Adamson had nothing to report.
Greens and Ingramgate - Cllr Pack reported that a meeting which had been arranged had had to be cancelled and she therefore had nothing to report. She intends to arrange another date for a meeting.
Millennium Green - Cllr Hesmondhalgh reported that there are no problems on the Millennium Green.
Open Areas - In Cllr Marshall’s absence she had supplied a report advising that the open areas are generally satisfactory. Malcolm Burnett has removed the old equipment from Johnson Close and new equipment is to go in shortly. £15K has been awarded from HDC Section 106 monies for East Thirsk Play Area which should enable the project to go ahead. It is necessary to attend the school to re-consult and an appointment has been made to visit the School Council on 10th October. There are legal issues to be sorted out, ie HDC is to give the Town Council a new lease to the land (Lottery will not release the monies until this is done). Regarding the issue of the fence on the NYCC boundary, a reply has been received from John
Page P076
Marsden at NYCC saying that it does not appear clear agreement was reached regarding the additional fencing around the play area. However, in recognition of the cooperation afforded by the Town Council in allowing access across the play area for the construction of the Children’s Centre, NYCC are prepared to install the additional fencing at their own cost. They are also installing an upgraded footpath across the play area at a cost of around £6K and have offered to fund some planting along the existing fence line. Mr Marsden confirms that the gateposts will be cemented in securely.
Sensory Garden - In Cllr Marshall’s absence she had supplied a report advising that there has been excellent progress. £20K has been awarded from HDC Section 106 monies which will enable the project to go ahead. Permission has been obtained from the Environment Agency to go in the river to repair the harbour wall; Nobles will be doing this when the river levels permit. The work which we can undertake is that which the present owner has permission to do, ie to tidy, make safe and do the path; nothing else can be done until the land is in the Town Council’s ownership and Denise Pearce at HDC has been instructed by the Town Council to start this process. The matter of access across the Library car park is to be discussed with the Library Trustees who have instructed their surveyor.
Ditches - In Cllr Marshall’s absence she had supplied a report advising that no meeting has been held. Letters are to be sent to the engineering company, but matters have been held up whilst Barrett’s prove ownership. A decision has been taken not to incur further expenditure until the legal transfer has taken place.
Other Items of Interest and Information
Cllr Hesmondhalgh referred to the flyposting which had occurred recently and said she had ascertained that this was market research carried out for the NHS. Agreed that a letter be sent to the NHS pointing out that they have a duty to remove the posters and asking why the NHS was not mentioned on the posters as it was felt this created a poor impression.
Cllr Penson referred to a car for sale on St. James’ Green; a letter to be sent to Trading Standards. Cllr Morton pointed out that there is a car and motorhome for sale on Long Street.
Cllr Watson reported that we have now received permission to put the plaque commemorating Hannah Packer on Attire Menswear and it will be necessary to arrange a date for the unveiling.
The meeting closed at 8.26 p.m.
Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 20th October 2008 at 7:15pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Page P077
Present:
Cllrs J. Watson (Chairman), D.E. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, C. Pack, A.K. Pagram, F.M. Roberts, A. Robinson and the Clerk
Apologies:
Cllrs J. Jackson (away), J. Marshall (another commitment), A. Morton (indisposed), M. Penson (away); accepted.
Minutes of the Meeting held on 2nd October 2008
Proposed approved Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Roberts; agreed.
Police Report
No members of the police present.
Reports
County and District Councillor
Cllr Dadd advised that the proposal that County Council elections will be run in conjunction with European elections in June is now before parliament. The TRI has appointed Peter Walker at its new Chairman. There is to be a by-election at HDC for the seat at Sutton Under Whitestonecliffe; two candidates have put their names forward for election. Cllr Dadd advised that there is a planning application for a hot food takeaway at the premises currently occupied by Flame and Grate on Ingramgate and he has said that if the planning department recommend approval then he will ask for it to go to the Planning Committee. He has asked for a site visit at the Dispol site where there is a planning application for a nursing home, industrial units and office units. Referring to the proposed new Lidl store, Cllr Dadd advised that there is now new legislation from Central Government requiring them to give three months’ notice to start the highway works. Cllr Roberts suggested that a letter be sent to Miss Anne McIntosh MP and also to the relevant government department about this legislation. Cllr Adamson suggested we ask the YLCA to get NALC to take this up with government. Cllr Robinson felt that before doing this we should get details of the legislation in writing. Cllr Dadd reported that neither NYCC nor HDC have any investments in Icelandic banks. He advised that HDC’s medium term financial strategy indicates that even with the introduction of car parking charges they will be looking at a deficit in 3-4 years time.
District Council
Cllr Robinson reported that the free swimming offer was rejected because it was going to lose £53K in revenue. There has been an increased grant of £10K for the Wheels to Work. Cllr Robinson advised that new planning laws came into force on 1st October 2008 and he suggested we obtain a copy of these.
Clllr Adamson advised that he has spoken to Steve Prentice at HDC re the toilets. Steve Prentice has reviewed the cleaning methods and wants to make the cleaning times more rigid.
Cllr Adamson advised that Dave McGloin at HDC is to reply to the Town Council’s letter which was sent to Peter Simpson and Cllr Adamson will take up any complaints we have in the future. Following some debate about the toilets, it was agreed that a letter be sent to Steve Prentice asking what hours the cleaner is contracted to clean the toilets. Also agreed that this be an agenda item in three months’ time to review the situation.
Page P078
Cllr Dadd reported that he had spoken to John Smith at NYCC re Millgate Bridge and he is to reply to the Town Council’s letter. The reply has been received, but there is no mention of his offer to come to a meeting; Cllr Dadd will chase this up.
Open Forum
No members of the public present.
Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 15th September 2008
P069 Two letters of thanks had been received from the resident of the Market Place advising that the cars and mopeds which were being driven noisily round the town late at night have now stopped. She particularly thanked Cllr Penson for her help with this and also PC Kevin Brookes.
P069 E mail sent to PC Kevin Brookes about the position re buggies being driven on the main roads at night and reply awaited.
P069 Millgate Bridge; reply received from John Marsden at NYCC advising that the stone of the parapets does match the colour and texture of the bridge, but not the wall of the mill which they believe stood in the gardens. Some of the original coping stones were not useable and it was only when the stone copings were reset on the parapets and cleaned that the difference in colour was noticeable. NYCC were obtaining a quote from the contractor to replace all the old copings with new stone in order that they would be of uniform texture and colour; however, Mr Marsden advised that English Heritage (who have been consulted from the outset) have been to site and have said that the works comply with English Heritage’s rules regarding works for listed structures and should not be changed. Mr Marsden explained the position regarding the application for Listed Building Consent; this is now to be formally regularised.
P070 Letter sent to Squadron Leader Wiper enclosing the letter we received from the residents of Station Road. He has now rung with various dates for any Councillors to visit; Cllrs Pagram and Watson to visit on 30th November. Acknowledgement sent to the residents of Station Road advising that Squadron Leader Wiper will be contacting them direct.
P070 Cemetery Noticeboard; noticeboard still in place – hopefully Malcolm Blackburn is working on the replacement leg.
P070 Councillors’ photographs: some still awaited.
P070 Standing Orders and Financial Regulations: these are currently being typed and will be circulated as soon as possible.
P071 Sowerby Parish Council Extraordinary Meeting to discuss Policing on 22nd October. Sowerby Parish Council has been informed of the number of Town Councillors who will be attending.
P071 The Barker Partnership Engagement Letter – this has been signed and sent back to the Barker Partnership.
P072 Friarage Hospital – letters sent to the PCT, the South Tees Health Authority and the Strategic Health Authority with copies to Anne McIntosh MP. Acknowledgement received from Anne McIntosh and from the North Yorkshire and York NHS PCT.
P072 Christmas Lights, Carrs Field, Thirsk in Bloom asked to provide a copy of their accounts. The accounts for Christmas Lights have now been received
P072 Blue Plaque to commemorate Hannah Packer: agreement now received from the owner of the building and the plaque has been put up.
Page P079
P072 Poster which was put up around the town and at East Thirsk: letter sent to HDC requesting they contact the people concerned. Alan Scargill of HDC’s Street Scene Department has spoken to the market research company.
P072 The position of Clerk to the Council is currently being advertised.
From a previous meeting:
P046 Application to establish a pharmacy at Tesco’s; this has now been approved.
Finance
Accounts for Payment
Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Pagram that the following accounts be approved for payment; agreed.
Peter Terry – materials/equipment to paint Black/White bridges £163.25
M L Burnett – replacing slats in seats and cementing steps in Mill Gardens £129.00
M.L. Burnett – removing play equipment from Johnson Close £310.00
Evershed Products – replacement slats for benches £227.35
HDC – Pest Control Agreement renewal for Mill Gardens £305.50
J. Watson – reimbursement for barrier tape for Mill Gardens £9.40
P. Bennett – cleaning bus shelter windows £80.00
Nigel Burn – gardening, Long Street and White Mare Roundabout £150.00
Mrs S. Billany – Watering Long Street, Aug/Sept 08 £159.38
C.A. Amy – Play Area Inspections (1.9.08-28.9.08.) £182.80
Sweeping/litter picking (1.9.08-28.9.08) £200.00
Weeding/pruning Craigs Way £20.00
Weeding/plants White Mare shrubbery £60.00
Cutting back from path, fixing seat and
Painting table on The Holmes £60.00
Cutting northern half of Centenary Field and fixing sign £170.00
Work to Little Green shrubbery £ 90.00
C.E. and C.M. Walker – grasscutting, 8.9.08 and 24.9.08. £1,522.80
A1 Tank services – new oil tank at Cemetery Lodge £1,586.25
Thirsk and Sowerby Town Hall – Room Hire, July-Sept 08 £173.25
The Barker Partnership – fee for Internal Audit £611.00
Inland Revenue – Tax/NI, September 08 £446.15
National Savings – Clerk’s Gratuity Fund, 08 £789.05
Johnston Publishing – advertisement for Town Clerk £521.71
Playsafety Ltd – RoSPA Report £564.00
Mrs S. Dodds – reimbursement for basket liners/chains etc £190.35
F.D. Todd & Son – emptying Cemetery skip £178.37
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 practice.
Paid since last meeting
Petty Cash £49.27
Page P080
Income Received
Bank Interest £1,212.58
Burial Bd: Rent £550.00
Interments £255.00
Memorials £28.00
Monthly Balance Sheet and Budget Report for September 2008
Proposed approved Cllr Pagram, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh; agreed. Cllr Roberts referred to the two Business Tracker accounts and felt that, to gain extra interest, these should be amalgamated. Agreed that this be an agenda item for the next meeting.
Correspondence
HDC – confirmation of property name change of Wizard Builders Limited to Thirsk Railway Station, Station Road, Thirsk; noted.
Hambleton Strollers – giving details of their Walk Packs which they are wanting to extend to Thirsk and Easingwold and requesting financial support. Proposed Cllr Robinson, seconded Cllr Pagram that a donation of £100 be given towards the Walk Packs for Thirsk; this was put to the vote and the motion was carried with 4 in favour and 3 against.
Thirsk Clock Café – invitation to the AGM on 20th November 2008 at Carlton Lodge; Cllr Pagram to attend.
F.D. Todd and Sons – invitation to their Transfer Station at Thirsk Industrial Park; Cllrs Roberts and Watson to attend.
Leaflet from Dr Casey’s surgery advising that the Government plans detailed in the White Paper, “Pharmacy in England: building on Strengths – Delivering the Future” threaten the closure of dispensaries in doctors’ practices. Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that we write and object to this; agreed.
Burial Board Report
Cllr Adamson advised that he is to arrange a Burial Board meeting, hopefully in November, to look at the disposal of waste and to set the burial fees for 2009/2010.
Reports
Representatives
Cllr Adamson commented on a report in the press concerning the recent visit of representatives of Thirsk Clock Café to Sowerby Parish Council. He felt that it is very lucky that Thirsk has the Clock Café and said it is good that an annual survey of the users of the Clock is carried out.
Cllr Pagram reported that she had attended a meeting of the Friends of the Lambert Hospital; they have had one fund raising event this year.
Cllr Roberts reported that she and Cllr Watson had attended the YLCA meeting at which John Marsden of NYCC had spoken. There had been a lot of discussion about waste management. A number of streetlights are to be replaced and Mr Marsden talked about the County Council’s aims at working with district councils and said it is hoped to do this when they start their programme of replacing streetlights. Cllr Adamson advised that a committee is being set up to explore closer working.
Cllr Hesmondhalgh reported on East Thirsk Community Hall. Cllr Watson asked if the noticeboard there could be repaired. Cllr Adamson referred to the fact that skateboarders are
Page P081
using the Hall and queried how this would affect the floor; Cllr Hesmondhalgh said she had been assured that it is in order for them to do this.
Members
Cllr Watson reminded Councillors of the need to prepare their budgets for 2009/2010.
Proposed Cllr Watson, seconded Cllr Roberts that the public and press be excluded for a confidential item; agreed.
A Licensing application was discussed and the Planning Committee is to look at this and make any appropriate comments to HDC.
The meeting closed at 8.40 p.m.