Thirsk Town Council

Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Thursday 6th November 2008 at 7:30pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.

Page P082
Present:
Cllrs J. Watson (Chairman), D.E. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, J. Marshall, A. Morton, C.M. Pack, A.K. Pagram, M. Penson, F.M. Roberts, I. Noble (“Darlington and Stockton Times”), PC Kevin Brookes (North Yorkshire Police) and the Clerk

Apologies:
Cllr J. Jackson (away); accepted.

Open Forum
Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Penson that Standing Orders be suspended; agreed.

PC Brookes invited questions from the meeting. Cllr Pagram referred to the parking on Chapel Street and PC Brookes advised that Sgt John Hunter deals with traffic management. Cllr Morton referred to a handbag snatch which occurred in Alexandra Close recently and said that he got a letter from the police about this, but the residents of Alexander Close did not receive such a letter; however, PC Brookes advised that he delivered the letters to Alexandra Close and Fairfield. Cllr Morton referred to the fact that vans often park in Alexandra Close near its junction with Stockton Road and expressed concern at the safety aspect of this, both from the point of view of parking near a junction and also because they could provide cover. PC Brookes pointed out that there are regulations governing how close to a junction vehicles can park. He advised that the possibility of extra street lighting is being looked at. Cllr Watson referred to a letter we have received from a volunteer who does the planting in the Play Area which pointed out that alcohol consumption still remains a problem there. PC Brookes advised that the police have done a great deal of work to prevent the sale of alcohol to under age people.

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

Minutes of the Meeting held on 20th October 2008
Proposed approved Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Pagram; agreed.

Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 2nd October 2008
P073 Carrs Field; we have not yet been advised of a date for a meeting.
P073 Floodlights; the Clerk is still to speak to the Secretary to the York Diocesan Advisory Committee.
P073 Vacancy for a Trustee on Carrs Field; One person has put her name forward for this.
P073 Taylor Wimpey; seat being put in the same place as the one which was damaged. The “No Parking” sign is now in the Town Council Office.
P073Works to Millgate Bridge; reply received from John Marsden and reported to the Town Council at its meeting on 20th October.
P073 Cleanliness and opening hours of the public toilets; no reply from HDC as yet regarding the opening hours. The cleanliness was discussed at the Town Council meeting on 20th October and an E mail has been sent to Steve Prentice asking what hours the cleaner is contracted to work.
P074 Planters on Long Street; no response from the gas board’s contractors as yet. P074 York Road roundabout; NYCC have been advised that the Town Council does not wish to take this on.

Page P083
P074 Sensory Garden; letter and accompanying documents received from Denise Pearce at HDC; to be dealt with later in the meeting.
P074 Johnson Close; the new play equipment has now been installed.
P074 Damaged Interpretation Board on St. James’ Green; reply received from the driver’s insurance company advising that we can go ahead and order the new Interpretation Board. Order placed with Pryor Signs. We have asked them if they will remove the old Board or whether we need to have this done locally and have advised the insurance company that if we have to have it removed by a local contractor then there will be an extra charge for this.
P074 Plasticrete on the Little Green; the reply from Eccles Heddon was discussed by the Greens Committee at its meeting and a letter has been sent to HDC requesting they honour the commitment they made when the land transfer took place to install grasscrete. Also saying that it has been suggested we obtain Counsel’s Opinion, but we do not wish to do this as we would prefer to settle it amicably.
P074 Councillors’ photographs; some still awaited. The Councillors who have not yet provided photographs were asked to do so as soon as possible.
P074 Cemetery noticeboard; noticeboard still in place.
P075 Letter of complaint re public toilets and footpaths; reply sent and letter sent to Peter Simpson at HDC enclosing the letter of complaint. Acknowledgement received from the Assistant to the Chief Executive advising that David McGloin will be dealing with this.
P075 Central Areas; NYCC have power washed the alleyway between the TIC and the “Darrowby Arms”. Letter sent to HDC Environmental Health re the pigeons.
P076 Flyposting; letter sent to the NHS.
P076 Plaque commemorating Hannah Packer; now in place on the external wall of Attire Menswear.

Correspondence
Diane Miller - giving an update regarding planting etc in the Picnic Area. She advises that there are problems with plants being damaged during grasscutting and large amount of cut grass being deposited over the shrubs and gardens. Agreed that a letter be sent to Mrs Miller thanking her for all her work and also a letter to the grasscutters pointing out that the work in this area is done by volunteers and asking them to take care.
HDC – Change of name of Chapel Street Garage to The Works, Chapel Street, Thirsk; noted
HDC – request for a textile bank for the Salvation Army to be included at the recycling centre; it was pointed out that we have had one for some years.
DISC – E mails received advising that the NYCC Executive elected to request that the Mineral and Waste Core Strategy document be withdrawn. As a result of this all the proposed sites have been dropped, including Dalton. DISC advise that a meeting is to be held by NYCC on 12th November at 2.00 pm at County Hall in order that concerns about the whole waste planning process can be voiced.
HDC – Orders received re temporary road closures for the Remembrance Day parade on 9th November and the Thirsk Ten Road Race on 30th November.
From Tabled Correspondence: Cllr Penson referred to the CCTV statistics and pointed out that these include an invitation for Councillors to visit. Cllrs Hesmondhalgh, Penson and Roberts expressed interest in taking this up; they were asked to give some dates to the Clerk.

Page P084
Schedule of Outstanding Amenity Items
This had been updated and was self explanatory. NYCC to be contacted regarding the outstanding items on the list supplied some time ago. A reminder to be sent to Clive Thornton at HDC regarding the dead tree near Millgate car park.

Proposed Archway Feature between the White Horse Café and the Old Post Office Building
Cllr Watson explained that she had requested this be put on the agenda in order to make the Town Council aware of the proposed archway and for the Council to make a decision on whether this should go ahead. Cllr Marshall explained that this carried on from the resurfacing of the alleyways and there is still a small amount of work to do on these. She explained that currently the alleyways do not have signage and we have been working on this. Chris Fitzgerald, a local blacksmith, has designed some signs for us and Cllr Watson has been to see all the businesses in the various alleyways and they are all in agreement with the proposed signs. It was felt that, in addition, there could be a feature between the White Horse Café and the Old Post Office building and a design for an archway there has been done by Chris Fitzgerald. We have also approached the owners of the buildings and they have both given consent to attach this to their buildings provided we indemnify them against any damage. Cllr Watson explained that the project is being financed by Yorkshire Forward (£10K), Hambleton Community Grants Scheme (£5K) and the Town Council (£5K) and this will cover the whole project.
We are concerned about the damage to the surfacing in Batemans Yard and we have written to the owners of “The Royal”. Cllr Watson expressed her concern at the proposed archway bearing in mind the current economic climate; Cllr Marshall pointed out that we would lose an element of the grant if we do not go ahead with the archway. Various points were put forward: Cllr Adamson felt the archway would spoil the view of the Town Clock from the alleyway. Cllr Pagram liked the design, but felt it should be in a position where it leads to somewhere; Cllr Penson agreed with this comment. Cllr Roberts pointed out that when it first came up at TRI it was in response to a feature which had been seen somewhere else which had an archway with the name of the town at the entrance. Cllr Marshall pointed out that a specific part of the grant is specifically for the archway feature and said the idea of having it in the position suggested was to encourage people into the Market Place. She pointed out that the money is already in place and if we do not use it by the end of the financial year then we will lose it. Cllr Pagram suggested a better position for the archway would be in Bakers Alley, preferably at the northern end. After discussion it was proposed by Cllr Roberts, seconded by Cllr Penson that the design of the archway is extremely attractive, but it is not felt that the site is appropriate and Bakers Alley would be a better place for it to be positioned; agreed. This will be dependent on obtaining consent from the appropriate property owners. This decision will be reported back to the Public Realms Committee.

Reports
Carrs Field - Cllr Roberts advised that we now have someone who is prepared to join as our Trustee and the Chairman is to call a Committee Meeting in order that the person concerned can find out more about it. She advised that the Chairman of Carrs Field went to the TRI meeting last month and said he was seeking funding for various things they can do in it such as hedge laying.

Page P085
Central Areas - Cllr Watson gave a summary of the minutes of a recent Central Areas meeting. The Committee is not happy with the reseeding of the grass in Mill Gardens and Jacobs are to deal with this. A new metal seat has now been put in position; this came from Carlton Miniott and a letter of thanks is to be sent to the Parish Council. NYCC have steam cleaned the alleyway alongside the TIC; a quote is to be sought to replace the slabs which have been damaged over a period of time. A letter has been sent to HDC re the pigeons. Cllrs Pagram and Penson to deal with the Emergency Plan. The blocked drains are to be jetted out. We are still waiting to hear further re the possibility of land for allotments.
Christmas Festivities - Cllr Adamson advised that the Christmas tree is coming next week and the lights will be put on after that.
Greens and Ingramgate - Cllr Pack reported that the driver’s insurers have advised that we can have the damaged Interpretation Board removed. The stones at the entrances onto the Green need to be brushed back. It is necessary to decide what type of tree to put in place of the cherry tree which came down; the Interpretation Board needs cleaning; Chris Amy has looked at the circular seat around the tree on the Little Green and said it is stable. The “No Parking” sign needs to be put on the Little Green; a letter is to be sent to The Crescent residents regarding their boundary wall. Quotes are being obtained for surfacing the area on Ingramgate in stone, tarmac and chippings. Cllr Adamson asked about the byelaws and Cllr Pack advised that the Committee have met and are looking at them. He referred to the consultation document we have received on the making of byelaws and pointed out that comments on this need to be sent in by 20th November; he felt it was important we respond to this. Cllr Watson asked Cllr Pack to arrange a meeting. A further copy of the consultation document will be put in the office for Councillors to look at.
Millennium Green - Cllr Hesmondhalgh reported that the Millennium Green is looking fine. The Probation Service cleared a lot of trees from the St. Mary’s Walk end of the footpath.
Open Areas - Cllr Marshall reported that new play equipment has been put in Johnson Close together with new safety surfacing which is put down and the grass grows through it; there was some concern about the surfacing when it was put in, but the suppliers have assured us that it is how it should be – we are monitoring it. RoSPA have given us their report and the Clerk and Assistant Clerk have gone round and looked at the items they have identified as needing attention. Cllr Marshall advised that a request had been received from Lisa Wilson at HDC as to when monies are going to be spent on the East Thirsk Play Area, but we are not able to begin this until HDC have done the legal work. Cllr Marshall advised that she and Cllr Hesmondhalgh went to meet the School Council at East Thirsk Primary School with the scheme that was drawn up for the East Thirsk Play Area following the consultation and had a very positive response from them. They would like to open the Play Area when it has been done and Cllr Marshall said the committee are happy with this. Cllr Roberts asked whether the trees we lost on The Holmes are to be replaced as there are not many near the weir. Cllr Marshall said that willows have been replaced; the end of The Holmes nearest St. Mary’s Church is the traditional willow garth and is maintained as such, with the area near the weir being more of an open space.

Page P086
Sensory Garden - Cllr Marshall advised that a meeting was held on 20th October. The Environment Agency has given permission for scaffolding to be put in the river in order that Nobles can do the work to the harbour wall. Cllr Hesmondhalgh met with them today; they have to make the coping stones and intend to start work in January; Cllr Marshall was concerned at the delay, but will report back to the Committee. The headstones and kerbstones are to be temporarily removed from the site and stored safely. We have got a Licence to go on the site and make it safe, but we are not able to undertake any works other than those covered by the Section 106 Agreement until the transfer of the land has been completed. Quotes are to be obtained for the footpath. We have purchased some recycled stone kerbs and have asked for some extra railings alongside the river. Cllr Marshall advised that funding is secure, but we need to make progress on spending. Regarding the access through the library car park, Cllr Marshall said the Town Council approached the Trustees of the Thirsk Infants School Charity and the Infants School Charity are consulting their solicitors and surveyors. A letter had been received from Denise Pearce at HDC regarding the transfer of the land with which she enclosed the Replies to the Enquiries before Contract, a copy of the Developer’s Registered Title and a draft Transfer; proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Roberts that we pass this to our solicitors; agreed. Agreed that Cllrs Roberts and Watson execute the document once it has been approved by our solicitors and that in the event of any queries Cllr Hesmondhalgh will attend as a member of the Sensory Garden Working Party.
Ditches - Cllr Marshall had nothing to report – a meeting is to be arranged.

Other Items of Interest and Information
The Finance Committee meeting was arranged for Friday 21st November.
Cllr Pack advised that the Personnel Committee is to interview on 10th November.
Cllr Adamson referred to the Code of Conduct document and asked that it be circulated.
Cllr Adamson pointed out that the first Thursday of January 2009 is 1st January; Cllr Watson advised that, in view of the fact it is New Year’s Day, the meeting has been cancelled.
Cllr Penson advised that she had received an enquiry regarding the names of the various ginnels in the town as there was concern that in the event of an emergency the appropriate people must be able to find them. Cllr Penson has drawn up a list of the names of the various alleyways and will pass this to the person concerned.
Cllr Watson advised that the Remembrance Service is this year to be held at St. Oswald’s Church Sowerby on 9th November followed by the laying of wreaths at the war memorial, the march past in the Market Place and the wreath laying in St. Mary’s Church.

Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that the public and press be excluded for a confidential item; agreed.

Cllr Hesmondhalgh had received an offer from the contractors who re-seeded the grassed area in Mill Gardens; Proposed Cllr Roberts, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that we obtain further details and pursue this, provided it meets the criteria laid down by Natural England; agreed.

Following on from the confidential item on 20th October, Cllr Roberts reported that a response had been sent to HDC regarding the Licence application.

The meeting closed at 9.12 p.m.

Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 17th November 2008 at 7:15pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.

Page P087
Present:
Cllrs J. Watson (Chairman), D.E. Adamson, C. Hesmondhalgh, J. Marshall, A. Morton, C. Pack, M. Penson, F. Roberts, County and District Cllr G. Dadd and the Clerk

Apologies:
Cllrs J. Jackson (away), A. Pagram (family commitments); accepted

Minutes of the Meeting held on 6th November 2008
Proposed approved Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Roberts, subject to one amendment on P086.

Reports
County and District Councillors
Cllr Dadd reported that a Liberal Democrat Councillor has joined the Conservative group. The PCT is holding a further consultation meeting on 25th November at the Hambleton Forum to collect further input from members of the public and Cllr Dadd urged everyone to attend. By the end of December they will be coming up with proposals that will shape the health care service in this area. The Scrutiny and Health Committee support the continuation of dispensaries in doctors' surgeries and Cllr Dadd advised that he supports this very strongly.
Reporting as a District Councillor, Cllr Dadd advised that the Area Forum was held a few weeks ago. The next one is to be held in January and Cllr Dadd has requested that a flooding update be included as an agenda item at that meeting. In response to a query from Cllr Watson, Cllr Dadd advised that the South Tees Hospital Trust are operating within budget. The Chief Executive of the York and North Yorkshire PCT has now left and an interim Chief Executive has been appointed.
Cllr Adamson advised that he had attended the NYCC Area Committee for Hambleton today. A lot of time was spent discussing a footpath in Easingwold. Cllr Adamson said that applications for grants were considered and a grant application by a parish council was approved; Cllr Adamson pointed out that parish councils and organisations attached to them who are precept raising authorities do not qualify for such grants. Cllr Adamson expressed the view that the public rights of way department is understaffed. Cllr Marshall referred to the Sensory Garden and said that as part of the Section 106 Agreement a footpath is to go through the Sensory Garden; this is part of the HDC District Wide Local Plan for a footpath along the Cod Beck. Cllr Marshall expressed her concern that HDC have said that it should be funded from the Sensory Garden monies, whereas she pointed out that it is part of an HDC scheme; Cllr Adamson agreed to take this up with HDC. Cllr Roberts agreed with Cllr Marshall, pointing out that the footpaths were in the District Wide Local Plan years before the Sensory Garden was thought of. Cllr Adamson advised that the Area Forum was held two weeks ago. He has asked the Officer concerned for a report on the league table of projects from the Section 106 money in the Thirsk area.

Open Forum
No members of the police or public present.

Page P088
Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 20th October 2008
P077 Planning Application for a hot food takeaway at Flame and Grate on Ingramgate -refused by HDC.
P077 Planning Application for a nursing home, industrial units and office units on Station Road - going to Planning Committee at HDC on 13th November.
P077 Legislation from Central Government requiring 3 months' notice to start highway works - copy of the legislation now received and passed to the Planning Committee. P077 E mail sent to Steve Prentice asking what hours the cleaner is contracted to work. Reply received advising that over 7 days it is 37 hours which equates to 0.8 hours per visit; a further E mail has been sent to Steve Prentice asking for more details. P078 Buggies being driven on the main roads at night - PC Kevin Brookes has given details of the internet link regarding this, but this is not accessible. PC Brookes to be asked if he can provide any other details.
P078 Cemetery Noticeboard - noticeboard still in place.
P078 Standing Orders and Financial Regulations - currently being typed.
P078 Friarage Hospital - replies received from North Yorkshire and York NHS PCT and South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust both confirming that there are no plans to re-designate the Accident and Emergency Department at The Friarage to a Minor Injuries Unit. A letter has also been received from Ann Keen MP, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, advising that there is a clear commitment to sustain the Friarage as a strong and vibrant district hospital and this includes the accident and emergency provision. Reply received from Anne Mcintosh MP confirming that she will continue to support keeping the A and E Service at The Friarage.
P078 Carrs Field - awaiting accounts. Accounts received from Christmas Lights and Thirsk in Bloom.
P080 Government White Paper which is considering changing the rules about where patients can get their medication, the result of which could be the closure of dispensaries in doctors' surgeries- letter of objection sent to the Department of Health, with a copy to Miss Anne Mcintosh MP.
P080 Burial Board - meeting held on 8th November.

Finance
Accounts for Payment
Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Penson that the following accounts be approved for payment; agreed:
C.E. and CM. Walker - grasscutting, 8.10.08 & 22.10.08 £1,522.80
M.L. Burnett - fixing blue plaque, painting metal seat in Mill Gardens and fixing in position, replacing slats in seats in Mill Gardens £218.60
C.A. Amy - Play Area Inspections (29.9.08-2.11.08) £228.50
Litter picking/sweeping " " £250.00
Repairs to swings at East Thirsk £25.00
Playdale Playgrounds Ltd - new play equipment for Johnson Close (balance of payment) £3,926.85
Seat for Millennium Green £193.88
Hollin Barn - planting up 3 entrance plinths and White Mare Roundabout £297.50
Plants for Thirsk in Bloom £619.70
Planting on Long Street £660.00
Mrs K. Reynard - reimbursement for replacement tubs for TIB £62.69
Viking Direct - printer cartridges £131.88

Page P089
Paid since last meeting
Allianz Insurance - addtl premium re new play equipment at Johnson Close £66.76
Simply Landscaping - stone kerbs for Sensory Garden £3,268.65
Chris Fitzgerald - fabrication of railings for top of harbour wall (50% of cost) £1,674.00
Npower - office electricity £90.53
Income Received
Precept (2nd half) £49,900.00
Refund of insurance premium following adjustments £30.08
Burial Board: Rent £550.00
Interments £318.00
Bank Interest £123.80

Monthly Balance Sheet and Budget Report for October 2008
Cllr Marshall advised that the cost of the new equipment for Johnson Close should be taken out of the Play Areas account and not the revenue budget. Proposed Cllr Hesmondhalgh, seconded Cllr Pack that, with that amendment, the balance sheet and budget report be accepted; agreed.

Two Business Tracker Bank Accounts
The Clerk advised that she had been asked to include this on the agenda as it had been pointed out that if the two accounts were amalgamated a higher level of interest would be paid. Cllr Marshall pointed out that the second of the two accounts is for Play Areas and there is expenditure to come out of it. Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Roberts that the accounts be left as at present; agreed.

Correspondence
Hambleton Citizens Advice Bureau - update on their work and requesting support again this year; the donation of £600.00 is included in the accounts for payment.
Hambleton and Richmondshire Rural Transport and Access Partnership - invitation to the annual full partnership meeting to be held on Tuesday 25th November at 2.00 p.m. at the Northallerton Methodist Church, High Street, Northallerton; noted.
Cllr P. Palmer, Chairman of Asenby Parish Council pointing out that there is a bus stop outside Tesco for the service out of Thirsk, but not one for the inward journey, the nearest being either halfway along Station Road or in the Market Place. Cllr Palmer requests that consideration be given to siting an additional stop in the vicinity of the racecourse buildings or that the development of the Lidl store be planned to incorporate this extra stop. Agreed that NYCC be asked to provide an extra bus stop.

Page P090
From Tabled From Tabled Correspondence: Cllr Marshall referred to the "Local Council Review" included in Tabled Correspondence and advised that she wished to draw the Members' attention to the fact that this is the official local government publication.

Burial Board Report
Applications Applications for Exclusive Rights and Memorials:
Grave No. F4 16 Ronnie Brown Interred 6.12.07.
Proposed Cllr Adamson, seconded Cllr Penson that this application be approved; agreed.
Cllr Adamson reported that the Burial Board met on Saturday 8th November and agreed that, with effect from 1 April 2009, the fees be increased by 5%. The Burial Board will be going ahead with the inspections of memorials in the coming year. Cllr Adamson advised that following concerns raised by the Clerk with Todds on the cost of emptying the skip an offer was received from Todds for a skip for compostable waste at a much lower cost and a wheeliebin for non compostable. However, the Burial Board has agreed to have a skip for non compostable waste and to obtain a wheeliebin from HDC for compostable waste. The Clerk is to speak to the Cemetery Groundsman to ensure that he is prepared to deal with this prior to taking any action.

Reports
Representatives
Cllr Roberts aCllr Roberts advised that she had attended the Planning Committee meeting last week regarding the application for a Nursing Home etc on Station Road. She pointed out that although for many years we have always received notices of site meetings by letter on this occasion it came by E mail and unfortunately was missed; she had apologised for this at the Committee Meeting.
As Chair of FAs Chair of Finance, Cllr Marshall reminded Members of the need to have their budgets completed by Thursday 20l November.
Cll Hesmondhalgh advised that the East Thirsk Community Hall is having staffing problems; however, they now have a temporary cleaner and members of the committee are opening and closing the Hall.
Cllr Adamson pointed out that the AGM of the Thirsk Clock Cafe is to be held on 20th November at Carlton Lodge.
Cllr Watson reported that she had attended the Parading of the Illuminated Address by RAF Leeming. She had also attended the Remembrance Day service and laying of wreaths on 8l November and the two minutes silence in the Market Place on 11th November. Cllr Adamson referred to the NYCC Area Committee Meeting for Hambleton held earlier that day at which there had been a report by Cllr Shelagh Marshall.

Members
Close there are some trees which have been cut down.
Cllr Penson expressed concern that currently there are no parking discs available in the town. She advised that HDC are awaiting sponsorship before they go to print. She has spoken to Alan Maudsley at HDC and has asked that they print some slips for people to use in the interim. Agreed that a letter be sent to Alan Maudsley expressing the Town Council's concern that there are no parking discs available in Thirsk and asking them to act on these immediately and in the meantime to provide a temporary solution.
Cllr Watson expressed her disappointment at the misrepresentation in the article in last Friday's edition of the "Darlington and Stockton Times" concerning the cost of the proposed archway feature. She has asked that an apology be printed in the next issue and she is also sending a letter to the "Letters to the Editor" column.

Page P091
Cllr Marshall pointed out that the Town Council shares the toilet with the Tourist Information Centre, but it is also used for storage by the TIC. She does not think it is appropriate to store items in the toilet; agreed that a letter be sent to HDC about this.

Proposed Cllr Marshall, seconded Cllr Hesmondhalgh that the public and press be excluded for a confidential personnel item; agreed.

The meeting closed at 8.45 p.m.