Minutes of the Amenities Committee meeting
held on Thursday 2nd May 2002 at 7:30pm in the Annexe,
Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.
Present:
Cllrs Robinson, in the chair, Adamson, Bull, Hubbard, Jackson, Marshall and Roberts, 1 press reporter and the clerk.
Apologies:
Cllrs Pack and Salmon, accepted.
Minutes:
4th April 2002:
Approval proposed Cllr Hubbard seconded Cllr Adamson, agreed.
Cllr Roberts arrived.
Matters Arising:
Cllr Robinson reported on the slow progress in the repair of the gent's toilet in the Market Place; names of contractors had been supplied to HDC; Cllr Adamson reported that although some work had been done the toilets were still in an appalling state with some cubicles still out of order; Councillors are to continue to monitor the situation.
Cllr Marshall reported that the 'opening' of the new TIC recently was not the official opening which is planned for a later date; there are still problems with the short opening hours; staff and volunteer shortages that are hopefully to be resolved soon seem to be the cause; it must be remembered that Thirsk is heavily dependant on volunteers for the Museum, TIC and the many charity shops in the town. The anticipated spending on the Thirsk Clock Cafe by Market Towns Regeneration is to be much less than the figures given at the last meeting.
Correspondence:
BTCV: A letter offering the services of BTCV volunteers for possible work during 2002/3 was read; path clearing and improvement Hambleton Drive/St Mary's Walk and the ditch behind Rymer Way were suggested; Mr P Penny, NYCC Rights of Way, to be contacted to see if CPI funding would be available for the work.
Plaques, in the town:
Cllr Jackson reported he had contacted 5 suppliers; prices ranged from just under £100 to approximately £400 each; 2 samples were shown; one cast (the cheapest) the other heavy moulded Plastic; agreed to use English Heritage recommended colours, 18" in diameter; Cllr Jackson had made a list of possible buildings, people or events that could be recorded by a plaque; Sowerby Parish Council to be asked if they wish to be involved; research on facts to be on the plaques needed; Cllr Adamson volunteered to research the Lambert Hospital, Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall and Millgate Bridge; Clerk to write to Mr M Jewitt, HDC to get overall view of HDC and permission as some will be within the conservation area and on listed buildings; Cllr Jackson said that Mr Cooper Harding had already compiled the details for a plaque at the museum; agreed that the Town Council pays for this one to be made and it used as a specimen.
Committee Reports:
Central Areas:
Cllr Hubbard asked for HDC to be contacted re supplying a sign to be put up in
Millgate coach/car park indicating the Picnic Area.
Open areas:
Cllr Marshall gave a brief details of the meeting held on 23rd April 2002
in the Town Office when tenders, for equipment for Craigs Way play area, from 4 play
equipment suppliers had been considered; agreed that Councillors need to visit the
site; Mr A Brooke, Record Playground Equipment is willing to attend a site meeting;
date for a walkabout meeting, including site visit to Craigs Way to be arranged at the
end of this meeting.
Greens & Ingramgate:
Cllr Robinson reported on the recent meeting with Mr C Vincent, HDC, Mr G Holder,
HDC, Cllr Roberts and himself re the areas on Little Green near Todd's Court to
discuss ownership, responsibility and the poor state in which they had been left/
handed over in; Town Council to decide what should be on the areas then Mr M
Jewitt, HDC to be asked for a contribution towards this work as the Town Council
feel that the areas were not left in a reasonable state by the developer.
Long Street Enhancement Working Party:
Cllr Marshall reported that the exhibition on the proposed improvements is to be held
in East Thirsk Community Hall on 11th May 2002 from 10.00am - 4.00pm and 12th
May 2002 from 10.00am - 1.00pm; agreed to deliver a leaflet with details of the
exhibition to each house/business on Long Street, Stockton Road and Barbeck, York
Road; Cllr Marshall to compile, clerk to type and have copied A5 size, Cllrs
Robinson, Roberts and Bull agreed to distribute.
Other Items of Interest and Information:
Cllr Hubbard showed samples of bunting; Cllr Adamson proposed Cllr Roberts
seconded that pennant bunting be purchased by the Town Council, agreed; 26th May
2002 is the date arranged for fixing.
Cllr Marshall reported that there is money in the budget re Thirsk Festival; Mr
Gardener, Thirsk Rotary Club, to contact the clerk with details.
Cllr Roberts reported that the riverbank behind the bottle bank in Millgate car park is
slipping away; this has already been reported to HDC/IDB.
Cllr Bull reported that there is to be a concert at Thirsk Community Primary school on
20th June 2002.
Exclusion of the press and public (9.17pm) for the purpose of opening Seat Maintenance Tenders (Commercial In Confidence) proposed Cllr Roberts seconded Cllr Roberts, agreed.
The meeting closed at 9:40pm
Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Town Council
held on Monday 20th May 2002 at 7:00pm in the Annexe,
Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall
Present:
Cllrs Roberts, in the chair, Adamson, Bull, Jackson, Marshall, Pack, Robinson, Ms Ladbrooke CCA, 1 press reporter, 3 members of the public and the clerk.
Apologies for absence:
Cllrs Hubbard and Salmon, accepted.
Cllr Roberts thanked all the Councillors and the clerk for their support during her term of office and wished her successor every success.
Election of Chairman for 2002/3:
Cllr Robinson nominated by Cllr Roberts seconded Cllr Adamson; nomination
accepted; unanimously agreed.
Cllr Robinson signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office which he then read to
the meeting and thanked members for electing him and took the chair.
Cllr Jackson gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the Council to Cllr Roberts for all her
effort and devotion during her time as chairman of the Council.
Cllr Pack arrived.
Election of Vice Chairman:
Cllr Adamson nominated by Cllr Jackson seconded by Cllr Bull; nomination accepted; unanimously agreed.
Cllr Marshall arrived.
Minutes of previous Annual General Meeting of 21st May 2002:
Approval proposed Cllr Roberts seconded Cllr Adamson, agreed.
Cllr Adamson asked for guidance from YLCA re the approval and signing of the minutes of this meeting to be obtained.
Matters arising:
None.
Representative's reports:
Written reports received by the clerk had been copied and circulated to all Councillors with the agenda for this meeting.
Cllr Pack asked to make an addition to her report on Thirsk in Bloom that Thirsk had gained 6th place in the Yorkshire in Bloom Small town Section in the spring judging; copies of the marks were given out; public areas of the town need more attention; more support from the public is needed; Councillors expressed their thanks to Cllr Pack and the whole Thirsk in Bloom team for their hard work.
The list of representatives for 2002/3 was agreed as far as possible; to be completed when absent Councillors are consulted.
Committee Reports:
Written reports had been copied and circulated to all Councillors.
The committee list for 2002/3 was passed round for Councillors to fill in the committees that they wished to serve on.
Sgt Hunter and 1 member of the public arrived.
Other Items of Interest and Information:
None.
The meeting closed at 7.22pm.
Minutes of the Town Council Meeting
held on Monday 20th May 2002
after the Annual Town Council Meeting
in the Annexe,
Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall
Present:
Cllrs Robinson, in the chair, Adamson, Bull, Hubbard, Jackson, Marshall, Pack, Roberts, Ms Vi Ladbrooke CCA, Sgt Hunter, 1 press reporter, 3 members of the public and the clerk.
Apologies for absence:
Cllrs Murkett and Salmon, accepted.
Cllr Robinson reported that Cllr Hall was no longer a Councillor, as he had not registered his interests; he had been a member of the Town Council since 1987; it was unanimously agreed to send a letter of thanks for his service to the Council and electorate.
Minutes, 15th April 2002:
Approval proposed Cllr Roberts seconded Cllr Pack, agreed.
Police Report:
Sgt Hunter had no report to make.
Cllr Robinson asked why there had not been a visible police presence in the Market
Place on the recent race day? Sgt Hunter explained that policing the last meeting had
been a problem due to staff shortages.
Cllr Marshall asked if there had been any further developments from the incident
reported at the last Town Council meeting and inaccurately reported in the D/S
Times? Sgt Hunter felt the incident had been over emphasised and that 1 person had
been charged.
Sgt Hunter had no further information re the possibility of Community Policing in the
town.
Sgt Hunter to try to find out why the Police Liaison meetings seem to have lapsed.
Cllr Robinson asked if the problem of cyclists performing wheelies on the road,
sometimes along the white line could be stopped as they are causing a dangerous
problem?
Cllr Jackson asked if personnel who know the region and its residents could do some
of the call centre work for Thirsk at Thirsk? Sgt Hunter explained the staffing of
police stations and call centres.
Sgt Hunter gave his views against the request to hold a fair in the Market Place. He
said there would be an added expense to the police in the providing of extra police;
resources, financial and personnel are already very stretched; likely to bring an
undesirable element to the town centre. Sgt Hunter felt it could be staged in a more
suitable area of the town.
Cllr Robinson thanked Sgt Hunter for attending the meeting
Sgt Hunter left the meeting.
Cllr Robinson introduced Ms Vi Ladbrooke from the Community Care Association. Ms Ladbrooke had accepted the invitation of the Town Council to attend the meeting to explain the Voluntary Car Scheme that the CCA runs in the area. The person requiring transport pays the expenses of the volunteer driver; drivers need special training, have an upper age limit of 73 years and need permission from their insurance company; CCA do not make any profit from the payment made by the person requiring a driver so funding for the organising of the scheme and training the drivers is always required. The miles covered have almost doubled since Ms Ladbrooke took over. Councillors asked questions before Cllr Robinson thanked Ms Ladbrooke for attending the meeting.
Ms Ladbrooke left the meeting.
Suspension of standing orders proposed Cllr Marshall seconded Cllr Bull, agreed.
Open Forum:
Mrs Storm asked if the Town Council could do anything to solve the problem being experienced by elderly residents who feel intimidated by the some of the youth in the town? Councillors thanked Mrs Storm for informing them; any specific incidents should be noted.
Ms Barnett raised the question of where the cycleway will be in Long Street; Cllr Marshall said the position shown on the plans displayed at the recent Long Street Enhancement consultation was purely to show there would be a cycleway included but the exact details would be put out to consultation at a later date; the working party preferred the use of the road to the pavement.
Mrs K Reynard explained that she had planted some surplus bulbs in the Picnic area; said it was a shame that some previously planted areas were being allowed to grass over. Cllr Marshall replied that it had been decided to have the areas grass after repeated vandalism to the trees, plants and shrubs there; turf had been then been put down only to be removed by vandals; the areas are now being allowed to grass over. The Council are already aware of the litter problem in Castlegarth reported by Mrs Reynard and are attempting to solve it.
Resumption of standing orders proposed Cllr Marshall seconded Cllr Pack, agreed. 1 member of the public left the meeting.
Matters arising:
It was reported that the toilets in the Market Place had been closed part of the
previous week for repair; the work still not complete'
Cllr Jackson asked if the extension of time allowed for the use of parking
spaces outside 33 Market Place had been further extended? Clerk to make enquiries at
HDC.
Cllr Marshall reported the Environment Agency have completed their report
re flooding in the town; HDC are considering the contents.
Little Green, areas needing attention: Cllr Roberts reported that Mr J Bell, land owner,
was in favour of the areas being grassed.
County Council report:
Cllr Marshall reported Cllr David Ashton now chairman and Cllr Cliff Wilson vice chairman of NYCC; support had been given to a special study on A64 corridor to the coast; further work on the survey of dropped kerbs in Thirsk necessary; could mean an increase in cost. Cllr Marshall is now a member of the Business and Consumer Affairs committee.
District Council Reports:
Cllr Robinson reported that HDC has been awarded 'Beacon status' for tackling crime
and disorder in rural areas; HDC Cabinet is to consider the Government White paper
on Regional Government in June; HDC has the 3rd lowest Council Tax in England.
HDC chairman for 2002/3 is Cllr Percy Featherston and vice chairman is Cllr David
Smith.
Details of the cost of moving and installing the CCTV centre to the Civic Centre were
given.
Special equipment is to be fitted in HDC Council Chamber to assist people with
impaired hearing at a cost of £11,000.
Cllr Marshall reported: the signs for the TIC are to be changed or replaced as
necessary. Cllr Marshall has raised the dilapidated state of the street furniture in
Thirsk with HDC.
Planning Report:
Minutes of Planning Committee meetings have been circulated; Councillors raised nothing.
Planning Applications:
Granted:
2/02/152/141N Prop: Application for LBC for an extension to existing gas supply
pipe.
Location: 65-67 Market Place, Thirsk
Applicant: Yorkshire Co-operatives Ltd (TC no objections)
CAT 2/02/152/0246C Prop: Proposed crown lifting of 1 Yew tree.
Location: 24 Kirkgate, Thirsk.
Applicant: Jane O'Brien (TC no objections)
2/02/152/0293H Prop: Extensions to existing ground floor restaurant and first floor
living accommodation.
Location: 42 Long Street, Thirsk.
Applicant: Mr Ahmad (TC no objections)
2/02/152/0396C Prop: Construction of a boundary fence to replace existing fence
Location: 37 Darrowby Close, Thirsk
Applicant: M Turner (TC refused)
CAT 2/02/152/0598 Prop: Proposed lifting and thinning of Ash tree.
Location: The Bungalow, Thirsk
Applicant: Mrs B J Binns (TC no objections)
2/02/152/0681 Prop: Construction of a domestic garage
Location: 23 Craigs Way, Thirsk
Applicant: W L Neesam (TC refused)
2/02/152/0682 prop: Construction of a boundary fence
Location: 35 Darrowby Close, Thirsk
Applicant: (TC refused)
2/01/152/0680 Prop: Ground floor extension to existing dwelling house.
Location: 9 Darrowby Close, Thirsk
Applicant: Mr & Mrs Choules (TC no objections)
2/02/152/0683 prop: Alterations to existing shop as amended by plans received by HDC on 18th April 2002
Location: 17-19 Millgate, Thirsk
Applicant: Mr A Denton (TC no objections)
Appeal:
2/01/152/0670 Prop: Two-storey extension to existing dwelling house
Location: 19 Favenfield, Thirsk
Applicant: Mr & Mrs Metcalfe (TC noted)
Applications:
2/02/152/007D Prop: Warehouse extension and office facilities
Location: Thirsk Industrial Park, York Road, Thirsk
Applicant: Thirsk Developments (TC no objections)
2/02/152/0542B Prop: Display of 2 externally illuminated fascia signs
Applicant: Home Entertainment (TC no objections)
2/02/152/0334N Prop: Retrospective LBC application for the erection of a
replacement non-illuminated fascia and projecting sign
Location: 48 Market Place, Thirsk
Applicant: Imperial Cancer Research Fund (TC no objections)
2/02/152/0629 A Prop: Layout of and extension to existing clothing warehouse
Location: Station Road, Thirsk
Applicant: Austin Reed Group (TC no objections)
2/02/152/0683 Prop: Alterations to existing shop
Location: 17-19 Millgate, Thirsk
Applicant: Mr Denton (TC approve)
2/02/152/0684 Prop: Construction of conservatory extension
Location: 84 Dowber Way, Thirsk
Applicant: Mr & Mrs Meehan (TC no objections)
2/02/152/0685 Prop: Construction of an extension to the side of existing house
Location: 82 Dowber Way, Thirsk
Applicant: Mr E Handford (TC no objections)
Telecommunications mast, NYCC Depot, Norby, Thirsk
(TC no objections)
Accounts:
Payment of the following accounts proposed Cllr Adamson seconded Cllr Bull, agreed.
Northern Electric, office £181.32
YLCA, 2 Essential Guides £5.44
SLCC membership £50.00
P M Burniston, Burial Board Cem. Maint. £78.00
Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall, room hire £256.00
Ackrill Newspapers, advert £231.90
RS Hall Engineering, bolts, Cem. £ 49.08
YLCA, ABA membership £ 30.00
YRCC, membership, 2002/3 £ 35.00
Cornhill insurance, 2002/3 £1,849.77
CE & CM Walker, grasscutting £2,143.20
HDC Sports Council membership £ 6.00
Thirsk Hall, wayleaves £ 5.00
Amberol Ltd, baskets, Th. in BL £1,145.63
Todd Waste Management, (2) skip empty, Burial Board £226.22
K Dickinson, office windows £6.00
C Amy:
Weekly insp, play/open areas £212.80
Mill Gardens, litter/weed £120.00
Picnic area £40.00
Castlegarth £40.00
Holmes, management £90.00
Little Green, weed £15.00
Sutton Road, bench £30.00
Cemetery, strimmer guards £70.00
Paid since last meeting:
C Pattison, office rent £780.00
Newsquest, advert £187.96
BT, office phone £63.49
A M Wilkinson, salary £707.29
Memorials:
Applications deferred to the next meeting.
Correspondence:
NYCC, acknowledgement of letter re York Road.
Dept Culture Media & Sport, application to lay electricity cable across Castlegarth:
Cllr Marshall proposed seconded Cllr Adamson that the application is refused, site a
scheduled ancient monument, alternative route should be found, agreed (7 for 1
abstain).
NYCC Review of County Council boundaries, details; to be on next Council meeting
agenda.
St Mary's Church, invitation to Golden Jubilee celebrations
All Saints Roman Catholic Primary School, Duck race.
YLCA conference, 6/7September: Cllr Adamson wishes to go; anyone else wishing to
go to contact the clerk.
YLCA, meeting to meet Standards Board for England's Head of Policy & Guidance,
noted.
YPFA, membership renewal, agreed.
HDC copy letter re 73 Market Place, request to comply with planning appeal
conditions, noted.
HDC copy letter re 33 Craigs Way, planning application necessary for fence, noted.
Burial Board Report:
Clerk gave details of progress with the notice board; grasscutting satisfactory to date; path in process of being repaired, awaiting turf; strimmer guards have been placed round newly planted beech hedge
Request for a Street Fair, Market Place, Thirsk:
Councillors discussed all the problems and issues having a Street Fair over 3 days in the Market Place could bring to the businesses, residents and visitors; it was agreed that the Market Place was not suitable, other locations in the town are more suitable. Cllr Robinson reminded the meeting that the decision rested with HDC Cabinet. Cllr Roberts proposed Cllr Bull seconded that HDC be informed that the Town Council is against the fair being held in the Market Place but not against one on another more suitable site in the town, unanimously agreed. Copies of all the letters received by the Council on the subject are to be sent to HDC.
Standing Orders:
The amending of Standing Order no: 64 and the adoption of Standing Order no: 67 proposed Cllr Marshall seconded Cllr Roberts, agreed.
District Wide Local Plan:
Cllr Marshall said that HDC have restricted affordable housing in villages resulting in too many expensive larger houses in villages and too many smaller ones in the towns.
Suspension of Standing orders proposed Cllr Marshall seconded Cllr Bull, agreed.
Cllr Jackson felt that more flexibility in the number of houses allowed per hectare was a step in the right direction; any further comments to be given to the clerk by 6th June 2002.
Representatives Reports:
East Thirsk Community Assn: Cllr Adamson reported that arrangements for joint
Golden Jubilee celebrations with Millennium Green Trust were going well.
Carrs Field Trust: Cllr Hubbard reported on the sudden appearance of ponies grazing
in Carrs Field; police had been contacted for removal and to establish ownership;
owner eventually tracked down; ponies removed, grass well grazed by this time.
Skate Park plans: Trust has decided to go ahead with the original application for a
single ramp and landscaping to be completed as soon as practicable.
Mr R Ballard has resigned as a trustee, vacancy still to be filled.
Millennium Green Trust: Cllr Marshall said that post cards of the mosaic on the
Millennium Green had been distributed in East Thirsk.
Members Reports:
Cllr Adamson asked for a Burial Board meeting to be held as soon as possible.
Cllr Pack expressed concern re the removal of trees from the banking on Thirsk
Industrial Park.
Cllr Hubbard extremely concerned re graffiti on the rear of the fence of Tesco filling
station facing Castlegarth; Town Council to ask Tesco to remove it or give permission
for the Town Council to paint over it.
Cllr Jackson asked for a decision on the size of the plaques, diameter 16" or 18";
agreed to have 16" (6 for 1 abstain).
Cllr Marshall reported that the Ritz Cinema had managed to gain permission for the 3
screenings of “It Shouldn't Happen To A Vet”.
Joint Skateboard meeting: Cllr Roberts reported after consideration the Swimming
Pool site was preferred; Mr D Goodwin, HDC has written to Flatts Trust re permission; Mr Robson has asked for a meeting of the Trust; this has not taken place yet.
Cllr Robinson has had concerns expressed to him re the state of Swales Garage area Long Street; unanimously agreed to write to HDC asking for a Town & Country Planning Act Notice 215 to be served on the owners.
Exclusion of the press and public to discuss personnel matters proposed Cllr Marshall seconded Cllr Bull, agreed.
The meeting closed at 10:17pm