Present:- Cllrs. G. Wilkinson, A.J. Markley, A. Proud, R.W. Allison & W. Johnston. Also Ken Wannop, Wendy Jameson-Brown and PC Robertson.

134 Apologies:- Cllrs. E. Baty, S. Hart, A. Weightman, W. Jefferson, E. Wannop,

J. & M. Snaith.

Bill Johnston declared an interest in relation to the Rugby Club.

No

The Chairman had attended the following:-

6 July - Meeting with CAPITA re: trees

13 July - Convalescent Home - AGM

24 July - Judge Trawler race and present prizes

25 July - Met with judges for Cumbria in Bloom

30 July - Attend opening of Docks exhibition and dinner at Golf

4 August - Mayor of Allerdale’s Tour of Borough with all Borough mayors and C/L, Barrow, Copeland and Millom and High Sheriff.

7 August - Allerdale Mayor’s Civic Service

8 August - Meeting with CAPITA re: trees

14 August - Civic Service at Silloth

28 August - Rugby Club 125^th Anniversary

29 August - Silloth Carnival

4 September - Present prizes at Craft Fair in Social Club

Minutes of the meeting held on 4 July 2005 were approved by the Town Council and signed by the Chairman as a true record.

PC Andy Robertson gave a report on incidents of crime over the last month. A lot of incidents have occurred in the Wampool Street area and involve youth disorder. Currently seeking one ASBO and an ABC (acceptable behaviour contract). Trying to set up a pub watch scheme. There have been three meetings so far. Issues need sorted out re: radio link. Solfest was a success with over 5000 visitors - there had been no trouble, good weather and a good event. Carnival had been trouble free although 6 bottles of vodka were confiscated. Police Access Centre - the Council’s views were reported to the Police Authority but not heard anything back yet. It was suggested that a letter be sent to the Police Authority stressing the need for the facility and the need for a Police presence in the town. Anti-social behaviour questionnaire - it was questioned how big a problem anti-social behaviour is in the town although it was recognised that there are worse places than Silloth

Julia Cooper, accompanied by members of the Solway Mexico Link, did a presentation for the Town Council, with students explaining why they are going on the Link and what they hope to get from the experience. 25 students will be going to Mexico next Easter along with 7 adults. The link leads to better relationships between students and staff. It widens their horizons, enables them to experience a different culture and people get to work as part of a team. There was a staff exchange this year which is just as important. The school is becoming well known because of the link. Teachers from Mexico are coming here in December. The link has a positive effect on the curriculum. Community relations have improved and there has been a lot of positive feedback from the community. It was questioned whether there could be a Town Council, perhaps even a town twinning.

There had been no requests from members of the public to speak in the meeting.

a) Cumbria County Council - Cumbria - The Lake District - Public Transport Map from July 2005

b) Local Council Review Magazine - July 2005.

c) Clerks & Councils Direct - July 2005.

d) Childline North West Newsletter - Summer 2005.

e) Cumbria Community Foundation - Update Spring 2005.

f) Friends of the Lake District - Overhead Wires Project Newsletter Summer 2005 & Undergrounding Overhead Wires Information Pack.

g) CALC - Copy of Statement of Policies.

h) Cumbria Rural Housing Trust - Information and leaflets.

i) Quality Parish Development Programme - Update 3 (1 August 2005).

j) CALC Circular - August 2005.

k) Cumbria County Council - Cumbria Local Transport Plan - Annual Progress Report 5.

l) Cumbria County Playing Fields Association - Annual Report 2004-2005.

m) Cumbria County Council - Leaflet re: Roadside Verges in Cumbria.

n) Cumbria Police Authority & Cumbria Constabulary - Community Consultation Survey - Summer 2005

o) Zurich Municipal - re: Leith UK Ltd. File has been closed, as they consider that in light of the evidence available at the time of file closure no liability would attach.

p) Allerdale Borough Council - re: Tree Preservation Order No 8 - 2005 in respect of Land to the rear of Marsh House, Skinburness. Copy of the order for information.

q) North Allerdale Partnership - AGM has been rescheduled. Executive meeting will take place on 21 July at The Royal Oak, Wigton at 7.30 pm.

r) Zurich Municipal - re: Claimant: Mrs S. Mills. Copy of their letter of repudiation.

s) Cumbria Playing Fields Association - Letter of acknowledgement for the subscription of £23.20.

t) Cumbria Highways - Footpath at corner of Latrigg St & Waver St - corner to be repaired with the possible inclusion of bollards to prevent future damage. 30/40 mph signs at Blitterlees & NSL sign at Blooming Heather - signs will be exposed within the next few days. Signage - Technician will inspect the signs and instruct replacement where necessary. Waiting plates and double yellow lines will have to wait until next year when a full survey ill be carried out.

u) Allerdale Borough Council - Letter asking for information and contact details for any local newsletters.

v) Cumbria Highways - re: Drain Clearing - Lawn Terrace. Matter has been discussed with the contractor, who is now aware that their standard of work is unacceptable.

w) Allerdale Borough Council - re: Trading by Mrs Todd. For Allerdale to consider prosecution a signed legal statement would be required and witnesses may need to give evidence in court. On this occasion a strong warning letter has been sent to Mr Todd. If the Council become aware of such illegal trading in the future then please inform Allerdale.

x) An introduction to the Licensing Act 2003 for Local Authority Elected Members and the BIIAB Level 2 National Certificate for Licensing Practitioners.

y) Cumbria Minerals & Waste Development Framework - Submission draft - Statement of Community Involvement.

z) Eaton Ryan & Taylor - re: Silloth Beer Festival. Letter seeking confirmation as to the exact nature of the relationship between the Council and the Beer Festival. Correspondence has been passed to Zurich Municipal for their advice.

aa) Allerdale Borough Council - re: Eyesore Properties, Silloth. Letter giving an update re: premises on Waver Street and details of possible action which could be taken.

bb) Letter from Margaret Forster re: seat on the Green which is starting to look shabby and needs re-varnished.

cc) Silloth Carnival Committee - Invitation to Cllr. Wilkinson or any member of the Town Council to attend the carnival and help judge the floats.

dd) Allerdale Borough Council - re: Causewayhead Cemetery. Cemetery is within the Council’s contract with Mitchell & Struthers. Discussions would need to take place with Ian Payne & Nick Fardon re: the Town Council taking over the maintenance.

ee) Cumbria Highways - re: Land at Eastcote. Land is outside the limits of the adopted network but the area is to inspected with a view to arranging for a limited cut on the offending bushes by the Highway Response Team.

ff) National Statistics - Quarterly Vacancies Enquiry.

gg) Environment Agency - The Derwent, West Cumbria and Duddon Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy awareness raising leaflet. Letter of thanks for Town Council’s response. The Derwent, West Cumbria and Duddon CAMS consultation document will be produced and distributed in September 2006.

hh) Cumbria Highways - re: Proposed Traffic Regulation Order Review in the Borough of Allerdale. Request for zebra crossings will be assessed during the next Traffic Regulation Order Review for Silloth. Concerns re: double yellow lines will be passed to Peter Marr. Re: Width Restriction on Marsh Road. Request for revised signing at “Dicktrod Lane” will be investigated and concerns forwarded to Cumbria Constabulary.

ii) Cumbria County Council - re: Service 60: Skinburness - Maryport. Details of some minor changes to timetable of service 60.

jj) Two letters from visitors to the town raising concerns about the state of the bus shelters and lack of amenities in the town.

kk) Silloth RUFC - Invitation to anniversary match between Cumbria League Select and Silloth XV to celebrate the 125^th anniversary of the formation of the club.

ll) Carlisle Mobile Post Office Branch - Information about changes to the way the service is currently managed.

mm) Churches Together - Email from Rev Byrom asking permission to site a tent on the Green over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Cllrs. were asked for their comments. There were no objections therefore permission was granted.

nn) Cumbria County Council - re: Extension of Wigton width restriction. Letter circulated to Cllrs. and response sent by Clerk.

oo) Allerdale Borough Council - re: Shrub beds around Toilet Block. Letter asking that the height of the shrubs be reduced to deter vandalism. It was agreed that the bushes would be pruned back as part of the normal maintenance but it was hoped that the metal grids which are to be installed to the doors by Allerdale will reduce the amount of vandalism to the toilets.

pp) Allerdale Borough Council - re: Silloth Markets. Reply to Council’s letter and asking whether the market could be sited on the edge of the Green when there are a small number of traders. The Town Council asked for the Sunday market to be stopped, as it is not worth the problems it causes and are not prepared to support the use of the Green for the market. It was suggested that a letter be sent to the Chief Executive complaining about Mr Woodthorpe. The Town Council deplores the attitude of Mr Woodthorpe in correspondence to the Council regarding the markets.

qq) Allerdale Borough Council - re: Closure of WC conveniences and cleansing at West Beach. North View toilets will be staying open but the toilets in the wood are to be closed. Comments were noted.

rr) CALC - Special Meeting for CALC’s largest member council’s - 19 September 2005 at 7.30pm at the Greta Suite, Skiddaw Hotel, Keswick. Clerk to attend.

ss) Rural Regeneration Unit - re: Food co-operatives and village hamper schemes - Information and questionnaire. Clerk and Chairman to complete the questionnaire.

tt) Cumbria Local Democracy Commission - Responses required to various questions by 12 September 2005. Clerk and Chairman to answer the questions.

uu) Silloth Regeneration Partnership - re: Paddling Pool/Silloth Sports Park. Letter seeking Town Council approval on two possible projects. The Regeneration Partnership have also written to Allerdale Borough Council and the County Council and at this stage are seeking the Town Council’s backing in principle. When the details of the scheme are sorted out, these will then be brought back to the Town Council for consideration. North West Development Agency are to be approached for funding. The Town Council agreed to support the schemes in principle subject to them meeting with Town Council approval. More detailed information will be needed for further consideration.

vv) Allerdale Borough Council - re: Annual Playground Inspection. Letter asking if the Council would like the annual playground inspection carried out on our behalf. It was agreed that Allerdale be asked to arrange this on our behalf, as in previous years.

ww) Campaign for the Sustainable Communities Bill - Letter asking for the Council’s support for the campaign. The Town Council does not support this.

xx) Cumbria County Council - Cumbria & Lake District Joint Structure Plan. Modifications - September 2005. Comments required by 15 October 2005. Cllr. Johnston asked to see a copy. Check to see whether this affects Silloth.

yy) Allerdale Borough Council - Questionnaire re: Anti Social Behaviour. Clerk and Chairman to complete the questionnaire.

zz) Phoenix Print Design & Advertising - re: Visitor Guide. Letter asking if the Council wishes to take out a ½ page advert at £95 + vat. It was agreed to take out a ½ page advert, as in previous years.

aaa) Associated British Ports - re: Silloth West Beach - Public Access. Letter asking that action be taken to reduce the level of wind blown sand in the vicinity of the Dock entrance. It was agreed that Ken should speak to Capt. Puxley and look at what needs done. Ken was given the authority to do the necessary work or arrange for the work to be carried out on our behalf.

bbb) Letter from Jackie Thompson asking for permission to site a seat beside the tennis courts in memory of her parents, Mr & Mrs Pigeon. It was agreed that permission be granted.

The Town Council have approved the following:-

* Erection of conservatory at 47 Lido Village, Silloth

* Proposed re-roofing of mill building at Solway Mill, Lawn Terrace, Silloth

* Construction of covered storage area, removal & replacement of air condition plant in new position, construction of trolley park at Spar Stores, Solway Street, Silloth

* Proposed additional DAP and ambulant disabled & visitor parking at Silloth Golf Club, Station Road, Silloth

* Extension to rear of school to provide music room, two practice rooms and store at Solway Community School, Liddel Street, Silloth

* Alterations to provide 2 flats at Huntsman Inn, Eden Street, Silloth

* Listed building consent for refurbishment of 7 bedrooms at Silloth Nursing & Residential Home, Silloth

* Replacement windows at 4 Station Road, Silloth

The Town Council refused the following:-

* Waste food treatment facility at Unit 25, Causewayhead, Silloth

Allerdale Borough Council have approved the following:-

* Erection of porch and detached summerhouse at 239 Skinburness Road, Silloth

* Proposed erection of dormer extension at 96 The Crofts, Silloth

* Certificate of lawful use or development to replace bay window at 25 Eden Street, Silloth

* Erection of conservatory at 47 Lido Village, Silloth

The following application was considered by the Town Council:-

* Proposed 34 bed extension to Chichester Hall, Dicktrod Lane, Silloth

Cllr. Allison declared an interest. The development is thought to be too close to the flood plain. A meeting of residents with Mike Faulkner has taken place to discuss the amount of land which has disappeared at the end of Dicktrod Lane and Grune Point due to the high tides and weather etc. The gardens at the Towers have been flooded before. It was felt the development was too big for the area and there is already a lot of housing development going on in Silloth. The flood plain will be taken into account by the development panel. The vehicular access was questioned. There are plans to improve the road up to the entrance. Concerns were raised about the bad corner at the Skinburness Hotel, with the increased traffic volume which could be generated as a result of the development. It was agreed that, as there are only 5 Cllrs. present at the meeting that the Council’s comments would be passed on to Allerdale but that no recommendation to approve or refuse the application would be made. It would be left to Allerdale’s planning department to make the decision based on the information they have been given.

The following application has also been received:-

* Demolition of existing garage and security fencing and erection of 11 flats - one unit of 4 and one unit of 7 on Land at rear of Beaconsfield Terrace, Silloth

As this is a large development, it was agreed that the application be circulated to the planning committee and if they feel that it needs to be looked at by the Full Council, then it will be considered at the next full Council meeting.

a) Application for the grant of an occasional Public Entertainment Licence in respect of the Music & Beer Festival. Application was circulated to members of the Town Council and there were no objections.

b) Application for the renewal of the Gaming Machine permit in respect of Stanwix Park Holiday Centre, Silloth. The application was approved by the Town Council.

None

Primary School Two teachers have gone. Meeting taking place shortly.

Joint Advisory Committee No meeting.

Silloth Tourist Action Group No report.

Silloth Regeneration Partnership Progressing the paddling pool project as finance is coming available. Report back fully shortly.

North Allerdale Partnership Cllr Baty is at a meeting tonight with NWDA.

Sea Dyke Charity No meeting.

Longcake Educational Trust No report.

Silloth Health Matters No report.

Allerdale - no reports.

County Council - planning for the budget. Work to Dubmill point is to be done in the Autumn and will be taking 1/3 or ½ of the budget for the whole year.

Ken gave a report on work done since the last meeting. The “no drinking” sign has been removed from the bus shelter and the seat vandalised. The bus shelter has been painted out to remove the graffiti. According to DEFRA there is no need to spray Ragwort this year. The bins at the car parks are not getting emptied on a Sunday - letter to be sent to Allerdale. Beer Festival - will be making their own arrangements with Allerdale to have rubbish taken away rather than it littering the yard. Two litter bins at the Lifeboat Station were burnt and replaced with two bins taken from Skinburness - Allerdale to be informed.

Neighbourhood Forum meeting will be taking place in the Community Hall on 13 September. A letter has been received about Silloth losing its flag status due to the water quality etc - letter will be on the next agenda for consideration.

The Town Council approved the list of payments to 5 September 2005.

The Town Council considered the following requests for financial assistance:-

a) Wigton Swimming Pool - The Town Council agreed to make a contribution of £100 towards the running of the swimming pool.

b) Mobile Youth Club - Due to the application being considered after the

c) Silloth Community Craft Show - The Town Council agreed to make a contribution of £25 and agreed to pay for the engraving of the trophy.

d) Rugga Club - The Town Council agreed to make a donation of £500 towards the organised Fun Day.

e) Silloth Rugby Club - As the planned extension to the club will now not be built due to a lack of funding, the Town Council agreed to make a contribution of £3000 towards the refurbishment of the club instead which would be payable once the work has been carried out.

The Town Council considered the proposal for an application to be made for the Solway Coast Discovery Centre to be Listed. This was agreed by the Town Council. Clerk to send the necessary information to English Heritage for their consideration.

In other towns, the Mayor will hold events to raise funds which will then be donated to a charity of their choice. The Town Council has a Mayor’s Civic Charity Account which currently has a balance of £2.19. It was agreed that the Mayor should be reimbursed for any mileage incurred in the course of his duties i.e. attending civic services, training etc. Clerk to obtain up-to-date mileage rates and the Mayor to provide details of mileage covered.

A church service will be taking place in October to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar and it was agreed not to arrange any further event, as there had been very little support from the public towards an event for SeaBritain 2005.

155 Christmas Lights

Bill Aymes has put in a lot of work over the last few years but will not be doing the Christmas Lights this year. It was agreed that prices be obtained from County Contracting and a local contractor to put the lights up on Eden Street and Criffel Street. Need permission of the householders and also a supply of electricity.

Allerdale Borough Council have a list of properties which are going through the system and receiving attention. There are some properties in the town which are in need of painting but these are the responsibility of the owners and are not really something we can take any action on, as they do not constitute a danger or a real eyesore.

It was proposed that the Council should consider next year’s Vintage Rally and draw up clear guidelines as to what happens about car parking and everything else that takes place on the Green and in Silloth on the day or days whilst it is in progress. Cars were parked along the road to the amusements and on the Green itself. Cllr. Allison to report back to the Vintage Rally committee about the concerns raised about indiscriminate parking by members of the public.

As it was 9.00 pm it was agreed to suspend STO’s and continue the meeting.

158 Item 24 was withdrawn from the agenda.

159 Item 25 was dealt with earlier in the Agenda - see item uu) under correspondence.

Cllr. Wilkinson has compiled a list of dropped kerbs required in the town and it was agreed that this be forwarded to Cumbria Highways.

161 Bushes opposite houses on Skinburness Road

A request has been made for the bushes opposite Skinburness Road which are in a fenced off plantation, to be cut back. Residents are not able to see over them due to their height. Ken to look at it and report back.

Full financial report to be given at the next meeting.

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