Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Thursday 4th March 2010 at 7:30pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.


Present:
Cllrs: C. Hesmondhalgh (Chair), J. Jackson, A. Morton, C. Pack, M. Penson, F. Roberts J. Watson.

Apologies:
Cllrs: D. Adamson (unwell), J. Marshall (appointment)

165. Minutes
Resolved:
a) that the minutes of the meeting of Thirsk Town Council held on 15 February 2010 be approved as a correct record and signed by the chair.
b) that the minutes of the Planning committee held on 15 February 2010 be received.

166. Matters arising from the Town Council Meeting held on 4 February 2010.
166.1 Running Costs of Toilets
The Clerk advised that he had requested clarification in respect of the figures supplied by HDC.
166.2 Gas Board - Kirkgate
Cllr Watson noted that the works had been completed.

167. Correspondence/Items Raised
167.1 Letter from PCT re: Application by Tesco Instore Pharmacy for full consent prior to inclusion in the pharmaceutical list at Tesco Superstore, Station Road, Thirsk.
The meeting received a letter from the PCT regarding an application by Tesco to establish a pharmacy. The first application had been approved in October 2008 but the consent expired in July 2009.
Resolved: that the Town Council maintains its original objections to the pharmacy.
167.2 Letter from Hambleton LDF/Allocations DPD Examination re: Notice of Pre-Hearing Meeting.
The Meeting received notice of a pre-hearing meeting in respect of the Hambleton LDF Allocations Development Plan Document which was to be held on 10 March at the Civic Centre.
Resolved: that the letter be noted.
167.3 Blakey Bridge, Sowerby.
The Clerk reported receipt of a letter from Jacobs/NYCC advising that NYCC was planning to carry out maintenance works at Blakey Bridge which would comprise general masonry repairs and bridge widening to allow safe passage of traffic.
Resolved:
that Jacobs be advised:-
a) That Sowerby Parish Council should be consulted
b) That the bridge is a registered ancient monument
c) That the Town Council is concerned about the effects of widening in respect of increased heavy traffic.
167.4 Public Footpath Grass Cutting
The Clerk reported that the Town Council’s Amenity Contractor had advised that Town and Parish Councils could undertake the grass cutting of public footpaths. NYCC had confirmed that it would pay 10 pence per metre per cut for up to three cuts per year.
Members felt that the responsibility should be left with the County Council in this instance.
Resolved: that the cutting maintenance of public footpaths remain with NYCC.
167.5 Litter Bin adjacent to Railway Station
The Clerk reported receipt of an email from Carlton Miniott Parish Council who had asked HDC for a litter bin on the piece of land at the western approach to the railway station.
The bin had however been sited next to the seat on the eastern side which was within Thirsk. It was suggested that it may be beneficial to have a bin on both sides of the railway bridge.
Members felt that the location of the bin was appropriate.
Resolved: that the Town Council agrees to the purchase/retention of the waste bin adjacent to the railway station.
167.6 TIC/Herriot Visitors Centre
The Clerk noted that consideration of the issues in relation to the TIC and the Herriot Visitors Centre needed to be undertaken at the Town Council meeting on the 15 March.
Members considered that Peter Simpson and David McGloin of HDC should be asked to attend the meeting.
Resolved: that Peter Simpson and David McGloin of HDC be invited to attend the Meeting of the Town Council on 15 March 2010.

168. Minutes/Reports from Committees /Working Parties
168.1 Carrs Field
Cllr Roberts noted the work the Woodlands Group had been undertaking.
168.2 Central Areas
The meeting received the Minutes of the Meeting held on 2 February 2010.
Cllr Watson advised that it was intended to invite quotations for the horticultural revamp of Mill Gardens. M.Burnett was to undertake work in respect of the paved area and wall at Mill Gardens and was to paint the bus shelter before Easter.

169. Items of Information
Cllr Morton advised that he had attended the official opening of the new dry area at the swimming pool.
Cllr Penson noted the number of empty shops in the Town Centre and questioned whether the windows could be decorated to improve the visual amenity. Cllr Roberts advised of simulated displays in empty shops in Tyneside.

The Meeting closed at 8.40pm

Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting of Thirsk Town Council
held on Monday 15th March 2010 at 7:00pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.






Minutes of the Town Council meeting
held on Monday 15th March 2010 at 7:15pm
in the Annexe Thirsk & Sowerby Town Hall.