Present:- Cllrs. A.J. Markley, I. Baty, S. Hart, W. Jefferson, W. Johnston, A. Proud & E. Wannop. Also Wendy Jameson-Brown, Ken Wannop & PC Andy Robertson.

017 Apologies:- Cllrs. R.W. Allison, G. Wilkinson, A Weightman, J. & M. Snaith.

018 Declarations of Interest

Cllr. W. Johnston - re: Rugby Club and Primary School

Cllr. A.J. Markley - re: Primary School

No need to exclude the Press and Public.

None

The Town Council approved the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on 7 March 2005 and the Chairman was authorised to sign them as a true record.

PC Robertson reported that they were still awaiting a response from the Highways dept regarding additional signage at Dubmill Point. He thanked Ken for putting up the drinking ban signs in the town. PC Robertson gave a report on incidents of crime since the last meeting. Cllrs. then had the opportunity to ask questions and raise matters of interest. Inspector Barr will be attending the next meeting to discuss the Police Station.

Paul Pearson from CALC attended the meeting and explained the benefits of the Quality Parish Status. Local Councils felt they were not being listened to by Borough Councils etc. If the Clerk gets qualified and Council makes the effort to achieve quality status then Allerdale and County Council will take more interest. Silloth is already showing that it is worth listening to but needs that Quality Parish Status. Agenda item next month.

Mrs Montgomerie addressed the Council re: the application for a hot dog van on Lawn Terrace and expressed concerns about the lack of parking and traffic.

a) CALC Circular - March 2005.

b) Friends of the Lake District - Rural Road Character Research - Summary Report.

c) Clerks & Councils Direct - March 2005.

d) Cumbria County Council - Acute Health Services in North Cumbria - Report following the recent consultation.

e) Save our Control Group - re: Regionalisation of Emergency Fire Control Rooms. Letter thanking those who have given their support and enclosing a copy of their first Newsletter.

f) Cumbria County Council - re: Consultation on draft Local Transport Plan. Letter of thanks for the response to the consultation. Final plan is to be submitted to the Dept of Transport in July 2005.

g) Information about “Strategic Grants” and the “Cumbria Rural Infrastructure Support Programme”.

h) Update on the developments with the Carlisle Mobile Post Office Branch which includes a new on-line service.

i) Constructionline - Information re: Major developments for Constructionline.

j) DEFRA - re: Partnership in rolling out broadband to rural communities. Copy of a CD-ROM which demonstrates how people are using broadband to improve their daily lives.

k) Allerdale Borough Council - Food Safety Act 1990 re: Silloth Community Hall. Following a recent inspection, there were a number of minors matters identified which need attention. Clerk arranging for the necessary work to be done.

l) Allerdale Borough Council - Copy of Allerdale’s Hygiene and Safety Guidelines for Village, Community & Church Halls.

m) Cumbria County Council - re: Allerdale Area Review of Bus Services - Service 60 Maryport-Skinburness. Details of the likely changes to be made. The Clerk has received a complaint from a member of the public about the loss of two buses to Skinburness. Strong letter to be sent objecting to the reduction in service.

n) Cumbria County Council - re: Experimental 6’6” width restriction at Wigton. Copy of the Council’s letter has been forwarded to Mr David Bell and comments will be brought to the attention of the Allerdale Local Committee, when it meets to consider any representations.

o) Request from Lawrence Marshall that the lower branches of two trees outside Christ Church Hall are cut as larger vehicles are being scratched. Request forwarded to Cumbria County Council by the Clerk.

p) Allerdale Borough Council - re: Allerdale Green Space Strategy. Details requested of land owned by the Town Council. Allerdale are undertaking a comprehensive land ownership mapping exercise, as part of the Green Space Strategy. Clerk to send a response.

q) DEFRA - Quality Parishes and Parish Planning. Information about the scheme and copy of a Press Release giving details of the Parish Fund.

r) Cumbria Asset Reinvestment Trust - Information and poster about the launch of a new loan fund for people, businesses and social enterprises in Cumbria.

s) Letter from Rev Alan Byrom notifying the Council of the intention of the Churches Together in Silloth to place a cross on the hill on the Green on Good Friday. Apologies given for the short notice.

t) Silloth RUFC - Letter raising questions about the about the rent paid by the Club. It was suggested that a meeting should take place between the Town Council and Rugby Club to discuss the matter. Clerk to invite them to the next meeting.

u) WRVS - Information about the WRVS and asking for support. WRVS provide a valuable service to the community and provide meals on wheels. It was agreed that a contribution of £150 be sent.

v) Phoenix Print Design & Advertising - re: A guide to In & Around Carlisle. Details of advertising prices. It was agreed that a ½ page advert be taken.

w) Zurich Municipal - Clarification on the Town Council’s Public Liability cover. Letters to be sent to Carnival, Beer Festival & Vintage Rally to clarify the position. It is up to the event organisers to arrange their own Public Liability insurance. The Town Council cannot be held responsible for the activities of others. Also Town Council needs to see insurance details prior to an event taking place.

x) Zurich Municipal - Letter following a review of the Town Council’s insurance cover.

y) Allerdale Borough Council - PARCS Scheme 2005. Letter asking if the Council would be willing to fund extra sessions this year at a cost of £90 per session. It was agreed to fund an additional two sessions this year.

z) Letter from Cllr. Proud expressing his concerns about the discussion on Item 19 - Width Restriction at Wigton, which took place at the Town Council meeting on 7 March 2005. There has been a lot of confusion on the matter and Cllr. Proud withdrew his letter.

aa) Letter from Mr & Mrs Reynolds objecting to the plans for a single storey chiropody clinic room extension at 5 Pine Terrace. Copy of letter sent to Allerdale by the Clerk.

bb) Further letter from Mr & Mrs Reynolds objecting to the plans for a single storey chiropody clinic room extension at 5 Pine Terrace. Copy of letter sent to Allerdale by the Clerk. Cllr. Proud has withdrawn his support for the application bearing in mind the comments made by Mr & Mrs Reynolds. Parking is a major concern with this application. Cllr. Jefferson to take the matter up with the Head of Planning and ask for the application to be called in. Letter to be sent to Allerdale with the Council’s reservations due to the comments by Mr & Mrs Reynolds.

cc) Solway Community Technology College - re: WCAZ and Exclusions from Solway. Letter from Mark Yearsley following a meeting with Cllr. Johnston.

dd) Allerdale Borough Council - Community Overview & Scrutiny Committee are exploring ways to reduce dog fouling. Gathering views from Town & Parish Councils, Housing Associations and residents associations. A lot of money and man hours has been spent on trying to combat the problem. It was suggested that dog licences should be brought back in which may deter people from having dogs. Allerdale should basically make a real effort to enforce the regulations that are already in place and play areas should be “no dog” areas. Letter to be sent to Allerdale.

ee) Allerdale Borough Council - re: Sandbags. Allerdale are happy to establish a store of sandbags in Silloth but these would have to be stored undercover. Mike Faulkner asks if the Council would be able to undertake or share the duties of key holder. Letter to be sent asking how many sand bags they want to store. Concerns were expressed that there may be more work for the Town Council. The Town Council are not taking on the lead role but sharing the responsibility.

026 Planning Applications

The Town Council have approved the following:-

Proposed advertisement consent for a flat fascia sign with trough lighting above at Spar Stores, Corner Solway Street & Wampool Street, Silloth

Proposed formation of pitched roof over existing pub & club facility, extension of existing 1^st floor reception building to provide aesthetic facard & installation of ramps & lift to improve access to pool, nightclub & bars at Solway Holiday Village, Skinburness.

Proposed single storey extension to form chiropody clinic room at 5 Pine Terrace, Silloth.

Listed building consent for installation of mock sash top hung timber window frames to front elevation of 4 Marine Terrace, Criffel Street, Silloth (Retrospective)

Allerdale Borough Council have approved the following:-

Listed Building consent for change of use of Hotel to 2 residential units and reinstatement of previous residential use of 2 Park Terrace, erection of 6 dwellings and demolition of existing dwelling and erection of 4 flats at Queens Hotel, Silloth.

Change of use of Hotel to 2 residential units and reinstatement of previous residential use of 2 Park Terrace, erection of 6 dwellings and demolition of existing dwelling and erection of 4 flats at Queens Hotel, Silloth.

Approval of reserved matters re: Proposed demolition of bungalow, erection of 31 dwellings and formation of new access at former Wrathall’s Garage, Greenrow, Silloth.

Proposed sunroom/conservatory at 48 Skinburness Road, Silloth.

A) Public Entertainment re: Balmoral has been approved by Allerdale despite the Council objecting to the application on the grounds of noise and problems with Policing after hours. Letter to be sent to Allerdale expressing concerns that the Town Council’s objections have not been taken on board. Cllr. Jefferson also to take the matter up.

B) Applications for Street Trading Consents in respect of:-

D&K Herald Criffel St - in front of The Green Bank Hol. Monday

Moorcrest nr junction of Wampool St and 29 August 2005

Buchanon Terrace opposite Christ Church nr junction 10.00am - 5.30pm

Ellenborough of Caldew St (Both for ice cream)

Pearl Todd Either Criffel Street (opposite Every Sat & Sun

3A Howgill Street Christ Church) or lay-by until 25 Sept 2005

Whitehaven on Lawn Terrace 10.00am - 4.00pm

(Burgers, Hot Dogs, Rolls)

The Council made a Policy decision to object to all applications for Street Trading Consent from people outside the town on the grounds that local businesses have to struggle throughout the year and pay full council tax etc. There are already at least 10 licensed premises within the vicinity. There has also been complaints received about a van selling hot food from the car park next to the Lifeboat Station over the last few weekend which may not be licensed. Letter to be sent to Allerdale. Also ask what Allerdale’s policy is regarding the siting of vans.

The Parks Committee recently conducted interviews for a Grounds Maintenance Assistant. There were seven applicants and the decision was made to give the job to Mr Sydney Brough. He will be starting 2 weeks sooner i.e. mid April. This was approved by the Town Council.

Primary School A coffee afternoon had taken place with the choir singing.

Joint Advisory Committee No meeting.

Silloth Tourist Action Group Meeting tomorrow. A public meeting had taken place last week re: Beer Festival. A new Company has been set up to run the festival which will be taking place on 8/11 September.

Silloth Regeneration Partnership No meeting.

North Allerdale Partnership Only 5 people attended the last meeting, 3 from Silloth.

Sea Dyke Charity Report will be submitted for Annual Town Report.

Longcake Educational Trust No report.

Silloth Health Matters No report.

It was agreed that the Deputy Mayor would act as representative of the Town Council on the North Allerdale Partnership.

Allerdale The appointment of the new Chief Executive is causing controversy in Allerdale. Procedures were not followed through and there should have been a second interview.

Ken gave a report on the work done since the last meeting. New gang mowers are here and are waiting for the new tractor to be delivered. Ken asked that the insurance be checked up on regarding the Paddling Pool. Penrith’s pool has had to be closed due to problems with insurance. Clerk to ask Zurich to send an assessor down to look at all aspects of the Town Council’s insurance cover.

Clerk gave a brief update on the position regarding the Police Station. Police Authority have not decided whether to sell the building yet. Keith Beaty will be having a meeting with the accommodation committee, who will be visiting the Silloth station and he will be asking for a decision to be made on its future. It has been suggested that money be invested in the building and for it to be used as a central archive for police records.

Nomination papers for the County Council elections have to be in by noon on Thursday, should anyone be interested in standing for election.

The Town Council agreed to renew the following 2005/06 subscriptions:-

A) CALC - £257.50

B) Local Council Review - £13.00

The list of payments to the 4 April 2005 were approved by the Town Council.

036 Requests for Financial Assistance

Silloth RUFC - Further information not yet received. Defer to next meeting.

Bowling Club - Application not received. Defer to next meeting.

037 Primary School

The Town Council considered whether it would will be able to assist the Primary School with carrying out additional work around the school, such as minor repairs around the building and grounds etc which were previously carried out by their existing caretaker. Roly Winter is no longer working for the Primary School and they were looking to instate a new caretaker. But as the Town Council are already doing the Grounds Maintenance it may be possible that we could do this as well. It was agreed that a meeting be arranged with the Primary School to find out what they need doing. Need to be clear about terms and arrangements. The Town Council agreed to the idea in principle. Also need to consider the charge out rate which needs to be fair and the same across the board.

There have been differing reports in the Press about what the Solway Community School Sports Hall/Complex is eventually going to be. There has been the suggestion that it is to be a gymnasium which would affect the business of the guy who is currently renting the Squash Court. The building is not going to be built until next year. Funding of £1.2m has been allocated from the lottery to get the building up but also need funding in place to sustain the running of it.

039 Craft Fair

After a successful Easter weekend, the Town Council consider the request from the Craft Fair to set up on the Green on Spring Bank Holiday i.e. 30 May 2005. This has come about as a result of the cancellation of the Carlisle Spring Fair due to the flooding and is likely to be a one off event. The Town Council agreed to allowing the Craft Fair on the Green on 30 May 2005.

040 Lease of the Green

Nothing to report

041 Amounts owing to the Town Council

Nothing outstanding of any concern.

Signed………………………………..................... Date…………………………