Present:- Cllrs. R.W. Allison, I. Baty, S. Hart, W. Jefferson, W. Johnston, A.J. Markley, A. Proud, M. Snaith, E. Wannop, A. Weightman & G. Wilkinson. Also Wendy Jameson-Brown & Ken Wannop.

988 Apologies:- Cllr. J. Snaith & PC Andy Robertson.

989 Declarations of Interest

Cllr. R.W. Allison - re: Allison Designs & Entertainment Licence at the Balmoral.

Cllr. W. Johnston - re: Rugby Club.

Cllr. W. Jefferson - re: Bowling Club.

Cllr. A.J. Markley - re: Holme Abbey Parish Council.

It was agreed that the Press & Public be excluded from the meeting when items 25, 26, 27 & 28 are discussed.

Lad who has been doing the street cleaning recently, as holiday cover, has been doing a good job. Note to be sent to FOCSA.

The Town Council approved the minutes of the Town Council meetings held on 7 & 21 February 2005, and the Chairman was authorised to sign them as a true record.

The Police were unable to attend the meeting but sent a report detailing incidents of crime over the last month which has been busy. The drinking ban signs are now in place.

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

a) Overhead Wires Project Newsletter January 2005. Put on circulation.

b) CALC Circular - February 2005. Put on circulation.

c) Office of the Deputy Prime Minister - Citizen Engagement & Public Services: Why Neighbourhoods Matter and Vibrant Local Leadership. Put on circulation.

d) Local Council Review - March 2005. Put on circulation.

e) Allerdale Borough Council - re: Food Safety Inspection. Letter asking to arrange a convenient time to carry out a routine food safety check of the community hall.

f) Eaton Ryan & Taylor - re: Silloth Beer Festival. Letter seeking information about the correct identity of the person/company responsible for the damage to the marquee.

g) Allerdale Borough Council - Agenda for the meeting of the Standards Committee which was held on 10 February 2005 at Allerdale House.

h) Community Law Centre - Details of current Law Centre services.

i) CAPITA - re: Silloth Community Travel Plan & Urban Clearway Order - School Lane, Silloth. Copy of letter sent to Silloth Primary School.

j) Royal Garden Party 2005 - Invitation to nominate the Chairman or Town Mayor to attend the Royal Garden Party which will take place on 14 July 2005.

k) Highways Agency - North West Roadworks & Traffic Information Leaflet (February to April) 2005.

l) Allerdale Borough Council - Letter asking for help in finding a premises within our area which is compliant with the new Disability Discrimination Act which will be considered for use as a Polling Station in the May elections.

m) Silloth Christmas Lights - Letter of thanks for the donation of £750.

n) Society of Local Council Clerks - Cumbria Branch Meeting - AGM to be held on Saturday 5 March 2005 at Cockermouth Town Hall at 11 am.

o) Allerdale Borough Council - re: Health & Safety Advice on Paddling Pools. Copy of correspondence from the Health & Safety Executive on the appropriate management of paddling pools.

p) Cumbria Police Authority - Workington Police Area Community Liaison Forum - public meeting to be held on 1 March at St Mary’s RC Church Hall, Church Road, Harrington at 7.30 pm.

q) CALC - re: Grant to Rugby Club. The Town Council have the power to contribute financially to the facilities provided by a recreational voluntary group like the rugby club. The fact that Club makes money from its bar facilities does not detract from its primary role to provide recreational facilities for the community.

r) Allerdale Borough Council - re: Grant to Rugby Club. Such a grant could be approved subject to the Council meeting the criteria laid down under Section 137 of the LGA 1972.

s) Aspatria Town Council - re: Christmas Lights. Aspatria are in the same position as Silloth and are investigating the possible use of outside contractors this year due to the amount of work and Health & Safety implications.

t) Allerdale Borough Council - re: Is dog fouling a problem? Meeting to be held on 21 March 2005 at St Michaels Church, Workington at 6.30 pm. Invitation to attend and pass on your comments.

u) CALC - Special Meeting of Allerdale Association on 8 March at the Castle Inn Hotel, Bassenthwaite at 7.30 pm. Election of officers and Highways & Transport Issues - chaired by the County Council.

v) The Countryside Agency - Copy of the conclusive map of registered common land and open country covering Silloth.

w) Cumbria County Council - Consultation on the Draft Local Transport Plan. Response to be sent pushing for a link road at Wigton which is vital to the area. Also urge that roads between Maryport-Silloth-Wigton are upgraded to make them suitable for cyclists, including some off-road sections.

x) DEFRA - The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill was formally introduced on 7 December which increases parish council powers. The bill contains new powers for parish Councils to issue fixed penalty notices for litter, dog control, graffiti and fly posting. Clerk to make enquiries to see what funding would be available. Would need to appoint someone responsible for issuing notices. Need to make sure people are aware of what is not acceptable. Letter to be sent to CALC to see what other towns do in this situation specifically in relation to litter and dog fouling.

y) Silloth Vintage Rally - Clarification requested on the Town Council’s insurance cover in respect of events staged on the Green. The Town Council’s public liability insurance covers the land and ground maintenance. Organisers of events need their own insurance cover. If an event is organised by the Town Council then it is covered. Letter of clarification to be obtained from the insurance company.

z) Burnetts Solicitors - Lease of the Green. Letter in response to our query regarding the Landlord & Tenancy Act 1954. Dealt with later.

aa) Associated British Ports - re: Warship Visit to Port of Silloth - SeaBritain 2005. Assistance required to enable the public to enter the port area and visit of view the vessel in a safe manner. It was agreed to provide the necessary assistance:- Fencing to be obtained from Raynor Fletcher. Sign to be provided. Public Liability Insurance to be arranged with Town Council’s insurers - up to a maximum cost of £250.

bb) Cumbria Constabulary - Signing - Dubmill Point. Suggestion that consideration be given to a joint venture, involving representation from all local parties with respective interests along this entire route. Letter to be sent to say the Council are willing to get involved in a joint venture to progress the matter further.

cc) The Standards Board for England - A Code for the future. An introduction to the review of the Code of Conduct for members. Responses to be submitted by 17 June 2005. Cllrs. to send in their individual comments.

The Town 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 (amendment).

Proposed change of use for conversion of four storey house to maisonette at 25 Eden Street, Silloth.

Proposed conservatory at 6 Meadow View Park, Solway Village, Silloth. Proposed sunroom/conservatory at 48 Skinburness Road, Silloth.

New bollards to front & side elevations and new cold room in rear yard at Spar Store & 28 Wampool Street, Silloth.

Stopping up of footway at HSBC, Station Road, Silloth.

Allerdale Borough Council have approved the following:-

Proposed demolition of existing substandard timber framed dwelling and erection of new dormer house at 280 Skinburness Road, Silloth.

Extension to provide additional bedrooms and lounge at Little Acre Residential Home, 82 Skinburness Road, Silloth (resubmission)

Proposed change of use for conversion of four storey house to two maisonettes at 25 Eden Street, Silloth.

Proposed conservatory at 6 Meadow View Park, Solway Village, Silloth

Allerdale Borough Council have refused the following:-

Outline application for two bedroom house at 9 Moricambe Park, Skinburness, Silloth

Allerdale Borough Council - Notification that an appeal has been made against the refusal to grant planning consent for:- Conversion of farm building to single dwelling at Lower Wath, Silloth.

The Town Council considered the application for the variation of a Public Entertainment Licence in respect of The Balmoral Hotel, Criffel Street, Silloth.

Concerns have been voiced by local residents about what happens outside, after hours and it has been questioned whether the Police have sufficient resources to manage any problems. Police will have been consulted on the application. Drinking will have had to stop at the licensed hours i.e. 11 pm. It was questioned whether other premises have extended hours. Council needs to be consistent and needs to look towards adopting a policy when looking at these applications. Based on the concerns expressed by local residents, it was agreed that a letter be sent strongly objecting to the application.

None

Primary School Meeting next week. Kids have been away on various out of bounds trips.

Joint Advisory Committee Meeting last Friday. There was a site meeting in the morning looking at the Northern part of the AONB, looking for eyesores and relics from the 2^nd World War. Considering how they could be used. At Anthorn they are making use of the old shelters as hides for bird watching. Discussing the constitution and set up of the AONB staff - report going to Allerdale. Discussions are ongoing re: relationship between Allerdale and the AONB. Discussions taking place re: moving the TIC from Criffel Street to the Heritage Centre. No decision yet. Discussions taking place re: amalgamation of the Countryside Agency and English Nature - looking for a new name. Education Resources Officer to be appointed whose main job will be to encourage school trips to the area on field and day trips.

Silloth Tourist Action Group Meeting last week. Concerns were raised about the movement of the TIC and also the width restriction at Wigton which could affect tourism. Questioned why there was not a weight restriction instead. Discussed a possible visit of a tall ship in June. Come up against a brick wall and is now in the hands of Allerdale to find the necessary funding.

Silloth Regeneration Partnership Next meeting in 10 days.

North Allerdale Partnership Nothing to report. New Chairman appointed. Waiting for funding coming at the end of March.

Sea Dyke Charity No meeting.

Longcake Educational Trust No report.

Silloth Health Matters Funding someone in training to hold “weaning parties”. Teaching mothers to use home produced food rather than jars and packaged food. Involved in 7 projects so far - involving the young and the old.

Allerdale Agreed to an increase in the Council Tax of 3.5 % which is lower than most other Councils in the area. Problems arise due to lack of funds and lack of staff. Problems with recruiting and retaining staff. Cuts of £60,000 per function - difficult to attain the standards without reductions.

County Roads continue to be the main topic of discussion.

Ken gave a report on the work done since the last meeting. Grass Cutting of the rough areas. Land maintenance. Painting bus shelters. Drinking ban signs put up. Repairs to seats. Wind damage - one of flood lights has been blown down. Mulching flowerbeds. Vandalism has been high - seats being removed from bus shelter, a lot of broken glass, shed roof damaged, pines set on fire. There have been gangs of youths on the Green being verbally abusive and drunken behaviour. Damage been done to the flowerbeds and bushes. Tends to be the behaviour of one or two. It is not the responsibility of the school but the parents. Seems to be the kids who have been excluded who are causing the problems. Suggested that David Thompson be asked what other areas are doing. Cllr. Johnston to speak to the Head and ask what the exclusion policy is. Also speak with Home Housing to find out what policies they have in place.

No report

The list of payments to the 7 March 2005 were approved by the Town Council.

Silloth RUFC - Advice has been received from CALC and Allerdale who both say that financial assistance can be given to the Rugby Club. Audit Commission had also been asked for advice but they were unable to assist and referred the Clerk to CALC. Rugby Club have never received any funding from the Council. Credit was given to the football club for all their work and teams which are successfully run. Cllr. M. Snaith will not be supporting either request, as she is not in favour of giving public money and asked for her vote to be recorded. There is a lad going to play for the County and the Rugga Club is specifically for the youth. Town Council needs to get three quotes for any sizeable projects and it was agreed that an additional quote needs to be obtained by the Rugby Club before consideration can be given by the Town Council. Clubs should go through the process of getting grants from other sources e.g. Sport England. Rugby Club have applied for funds from the Community Fund and Neighbourhood Renewal. Town Council are not willing to give any money unless it can been seen that the clubs have pursued funding from other sources. It was agreed that Town Council is prepared to support any club and association whose prime purpose is to run sports activities. Every application will be considered on its own merits. Cllr. Snaith was against the decision. The Town Council agreed in principle to support the application by the Rugby Club but the club needs to provide an additional estimate.

Bowling Club - Application not received.

Following the recent flooding and high tides, it was agreed that a letter be sent asking that a supply of sand bags be obtained from Allerdale Borough Council which could be stored in Ken’s yard and made available to the public when needed.

Cllr. Hart left the meeting.

Cllr. Markley declared an interest but proposed that a letter be sent from the Town Council about the possible adverse effect on tourism caused by the new width restriction in Wigton, as the 6ft 6” width restriction affects caravans and certain types of cars. Some vehicles have been fined. A weight restriction would stop big heavy vehicles but not caravans. Width restriction is easier to apply for the Police. Letter to be sent recommending that a weight restriction be imposed which would exclude vehicles over 3.5 ton gross weight i.e. anything over the size of a transit van. Also push for a bypass.

It was proposed that the Council sends a congratulatory letter to Silloth Rugby Club, in that they are celebrating their 125th year as a club and thank them for their services to generations of Silloth youth and young men. This was agreed by the Council.

009 Dog Bin

A dog bin has at last been placed behind Rye-Hills Road, therefore there is no need for a further letter to be sent to Allerdale Borough Council.

When the Town Council gives grants to outside bodies i.e. STAG, Silloth Regeneration etc it was questioned whether there is any specific requirement which makes it necessary for the Council to check up on how the money is being spent. The Clerk obtained advice from CALC on the matter. There is not a specific requirement to check, but the Council should obtain written feedback of some sort. If the grant is for a specific project, the Council should request to be notified when it is completed so that someone can go and look at it. If it is a regular grant to support a group and not for a specific purpose, then a copy of the organisation’s annual report should be requested. The Town Council accepted the advice from CALC.

Cllr. Weightman left the meeting.

The Clerk asked that reports for the Annual Town Report be submitted a.s.a.p., as there has always been problems putting the report together due to the Clerk not having the necessary reports. Clerk to arrange the date for the Annual Town Meeting.

Clerk to arrange dates for the following meetings:-

a) Allotments Committee, b) Play Equipment Committee & c) Parks Committee

Cllr. Proud left the meeting.

It was suggested that the Town Council should consider replacing the existing tractor and gang mowers for a tractor with a front shovel on it. To put a front loader on the existing tractor would cost in the region of £3-£4,000. There is an S registered tractor with turf tyres etc available for £13,495 from RJW Machinery Sales, the firm from whom we are buying the gang mowers. A photograph was shown to the Council.

Cllr. Johnston left the meeting.

RJW Machinery Sales have also offered £1000 for the old gang mowers. To trade the existing tractor and gang mowers in for the S registered tractor will cost £6,250. Figures have also been obtained from Lloyds and Carrs for new tractors which would cost between £12750 and £17000. Interest free credit would be available but the Council would need permission from the ODPM to borrow money which would take up to 6 weeks to process. The Town Council agreed to purchase the tractor from RJW Machinery Sales at a cost of £6250, trading in our existing tractor and gang mowers.

It was agreed to submit a price to Holme Abbey Parish Council for grass cutting and grounds maintenance work within the Parish and delegate it to the Clerk and Ken, on consultation with the Chairman, to work out a price for the job.

015 Lease of the Green

A letter had been received from Burnetts Solicitors providing an explanation as to why the lease excluded the Landlord & Tenancy Act 1954. This was accepted by the Town Council and it was agreed that a letter be sent to say that the Town Council are now happy to go ahead with signing the lease.

Nothing outstanding of any concern.

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