Present:- Cllrs. G. Wilkinson, R.W. Allison, I. Baty, S. Hart, W. Jefferson, W. Johnston, A.J. Markley, A. Proud, J. & M. Snaith, E. Wannop & A. Weightman. Also Wendy Jameson-Brown, Ken Wannop, PC Andy Robertson, Insp. Barr, representatives from Silloth RUFC and members of the public.

042 Apologies:- Cllr. W. Jefferson.

Cllr. Allison congratulated Cllr. Markley on becoming the new County Councillor

Cllr. Wilkinson was appointed as Mayor. Clerk to get the Declaration of Acceptance of Office signed.

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

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

Items 30 and 31 on the agenda.

Cllr. Markley was appointed as Deputy Mayor

It was agreed to leave the committees as they stand. Cllr. Wilkinson to replace Cllr. Allison.

Play Equipment Committee Cllrs. J. Snaith, Wannop, Johnston & Wilkinson

Allotments Committee Cllrs. Weightman, J. Snaith, Wilkinson & Markley

Planning Committee Cllrs. J. Snaith, Johnston, Markley, Proud, Wannop & Baty

Parks Committee Cllrs. Wilkinson, M. Snaith, Jefferson, Hart & Markley

It was agreed to leave the representatives as they stand.

Primary School Cllr. Markley

Joint Advisory Committee Cllr. Johnston

Silloth Tourism Action Group Cllr. Hart

Silloth Regeneration Partnership Cllr. Baty

North Allerdale Partnership Cllr. Markley

Longcake Educational Trust Cllr. J. Snaith

Sea Dyke Charity Cllr. A. Proud

Neighbourhood Forum Cllrs. Wilkinson & Weightman

Silloth Health Matters Cllr. M. Snaith

None

The Town Council approved the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on 4 April 2005 and the Chairman was authorised to sign them as a true record.

051 Police Report

PC Robertson gave a detailed report on incidents of crime since the last meeting which seemed to be less than last month. Legislation has changed now in relation to fireworks which are only allowed to be let off on certain days of the year. No-one under 18 is allowed to possess fireworks. There are no premises licensed to sell fireworks other than prior to Bonfire Night. Fireworks have been confiscated from one premises. There seems to be a rise in crime over the holiday season which is possibly due to the influx of visitors.

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

It is proposed to locate a satellite Police post at the school which will be located in a small purpose built extension to the library. The college has been working closely with Andy. Annette Nevin started coming to the school 3 years ago and initially the kids could only see the uniform but that has changed now - kids see past that. Julia Cooper asked that the Town Council back the proposal. Inspector Barr updated the Council on the Police Station building which is now boarded up. The committee responsible for the building had looked over the Police Station and will need to make a decision soon on its future. The Police will be looking at other options for a satellite post including the Community Hall, Discovery Centre, TIC and the Fire Station. Police will come to the next meeting with a list of priorities. The Council’s comments will be taken on board and there may be some public consultation. The Town Council’s offer for the Police Station has not been withdrawn but the Council will need to discuss it again.

21 May - Family learning day at the college - linked with the Primary School. 10am - 5pm - with free activities for anyone interested.

Mexico Link - student exchange taking place next year. Teacher exchange took place at Easter - teachers went over and taught students over there. There are currently problems with the Mexico teachers coming over here, as they need visas due to travelling via America. They will be here during the Autumn term. Currently 18 booked for the student exchange next year - 25-30 kids to go. The e- mail link is continuing. Kids face the same problems from both countries despite the cultural difference. The link is going from strength to strength. Julia thanked the Council for its backing.

Cllr. J. Snaith left the meeting.

Representatives from the Rugby Club attended the meeting to discuss queries raised regarding the terms of the lease between the Town Council and Silloth RUFC. The tone of the letter from the Rugby club was unhelpful and it was queried why they are questioning the rent which has increased from £50 to £374 since 1986. Perhaps the Council should look at what the market rent should be. The tone was unhelpful especially when the Council are currently considering whether to make a grant. The Town Council have had to get advice as to whether they could support the club financially due to the club having its own bar but this has now been confirmed. According to the terms of the lease the rent has to be agreed by both the Rugby Club and the Town Council and if not then by arbitration. It was suggested that there has never been any support from the Town Council for the Rugby Club. There has been money spent on the changing rooms which is used by the Football Club but this building actually belongs to the Town Council. In the past there has been apathy on the part of the Rugby Club but the committee has changed now.

It was agreed that the rent continues at the current level until the next review.

The Rugby Club accepted that they good service re: grass cutting etc. The application for financial assistance had been deferred because the Council needed two estimates for the work. It was agreed that a grant of £3000 be provided to the Rugby Club for the new extension which will be payable on completion of the work. Vote 6 for, 2 against, 1 abstention. Cllr. Snaith asked that her vote against the proposal be recorded. Cllr. Johnston abstained from the vote.

a) Friends of the Lake District - Report & Newsletter. Spring 2005. Put on circulation.

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

c) ChildLine - Update Winter 2004/05. Put on circulation.

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

e) Older Persons’ Forum - Information about the group and asking that the Council let other groups know of their existence.

f) Letter from Mr Peter Davies asking for a copy of a Town Guide for the area and street map for the town. Clerk referred him to the Tourist Information Centre.

g) Allerdale Borough Council - Letter inviting the Council to the Allerdale Mayors Community Roadshow on Thursday 21 April 2005 at the Community Hall from 6.30pm - 8.30pm.

h) Cumbria Constabulary - Information and leaflets about the Special Constabulary recruitment campaign.

i) Government Office for the North West - Copy of an Order made under Section 247 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 for the Stopping Up of a Length of Station Road, Silloth.

j) Data Protection - Confirmation of renewal.

k) Allerdale Borough Council - re: Litterbins. Unable to provide replacement liners for the bins on the Green or details of the supplier from whom they were originally purchased.

l) WRVS - Letter of thanks for the donation of £150.

m) Silloth RUFC - Letter confirming that Silloth RUFC plan to attend the meeting on 9^th May.

n) Trafalgar Weekend 21^st - 23 October - Information and guide to taking part in the Trafalgar Weekend. Information passed on to STAG.

o) RoSPA - re: Playground Safety. Information about RoSPA’s annual safety inspections.

p) ChildLine - Request for financial support and information about the Time for Tea event on 25 May 2005. It was agreed that a donation of £38 be given which would cover the cost of counselling a child.

q) CAPITA - re: Width Restriction and affect on Silloth. Letter from Richard Hayward. Caravans are now allowed through the centre of Wigton without facing penalties. The Wigton Eastern Relief road scheme is at the top of the list of priorities but there is no money to do it.

r) Letter from Mrs B. Henderson about the reduction in services in the town, particularly in relation to HSBC who will be reducing their working week at Silloth to 3 days per week. The Town Council cannot determine what a business does but agrees with Mrs Henderson’s concerns. The Registrar is available by appointment which will lead to a better service rather than a reduced service. Letter to be sent to HSBC to strongly object to the reduction in service. The service should be available 5 days a week even though hours reduced.

s) Allerdale Borough Council - re: Street Naming & Numbering. Suggestions wanted from the Town Council for the new housing development on the former Wrathall’s site. After some consideration it was agreed that “Greenrow Meadows” should be the name of the new housing development.

t) Allerdale Borough Council - re: Proposed sand bag store. The existing toilet block at North View, Silloth has been identified for potential closure and for use as a possible sand bag store. Comments requested from the Town Council. The grounds maintenance staff receive a lot of complaints from members of the public about the toilets at the car park being closed. It was agreed that a letter be sent to Allerdale objecting to the proposed closure of the toilets at North View and suggesting the other toilet block down the steps as an alternative to store sand bags. The decision to close the toilets is based on the water consumption but if they are kept locked, then people are unable to use them.

u) Cumbria County Council - re: Service 60 - Skinburness - Silloth - Maryport. Response to our letter regarding the changes to the timetable for the service 60. Comments requested. CCC are trying to make the service tighter but by withdrawing the 11 & 12 o’clock service this makes it particularly hard for people who are going to the doctors. It was agreed that a letter be sent objecting to the changes. The Council are concerned that this is a creeping diminution of the service. The Surgery could be asked to arrange appointment times around the bus service.

v) Allerdale Borough Council - re: Street Trading Consents. Letter in response to the Council’s objections to the Street Trading Consents and enclosing information on “Policy for Granting Street Trading Consent Applications”. Permission has been granted by Allerdale for a trader to operate from the car park next to the Lifeboat Station. However the van has been parked on the Promenade which is a walkway and causing an obstruction. There should be no vehicles on the Promenade. It was agreed that a letter be sent to Allerdale complaining about the van being parked on the Promenade and that the van is being left parked in Silloth on the street, rather than being taken back to Whitehaven at the end of the day.

Cllr. Johnston left the meeting.

w) Allerdale Borough Council - re: extension of hours in relation to Balmoral Hotel, Silloth. Response to the Town Council’s objections and information on relevant considerations which are taken into account by licensing authorities. Also details of premises holding public entertainment licences and permitted hours. The Public Entertainment Licence for the Balmoral has been granted by Allerdale despite the Council’s objections. Any residents who objected should complain to Allerdale if there are any problems.

x) CALC - General Meeting on Wednesday 22 June 2005. Representative of the Council requested to attend. There was no volunteer to attend the meeting.

y) Trafalgar Weekend 21^st - 23 October - Information and guide to taking part in the Trafalgar Weekend. Information also passed on to STAG. Various ideas in the brochure including a beacon, celebration of British food, black tie dinner. It was agreed that the information be circulated and considered next month. It was also agreed that the Churches be asked if they would like to do a service of commemoration.

z) Letter from Mr & Mrs Allan on Lawn Terrace regarding the refuse bin on Lawn Terrace and asking for the bushes to be trimmed. The bins are emptied on a daily basis every morning but the problem occurs on busy days. There are actually 3 bins within 30-40 yards of each other but because this bin is next to a seat it gets filled up quicker. The bushes can’t be trimmed to any great extent because they are over 100 years old and would end up as stumps. The bins at West Beach have not been emptied in 9 months. Letter to be sent to Mr & Mrs Allan.

The Town Council have approved the following:-

Outline application for residential development (two detached dwellings resub to 2/2004/0713) at Blitterlees Farm, Blitterlees, Silloth

Replacement of existing fixed & tilt & turn upvc windows with white sliding sash UPVC window at Queens Hotel, Park Terrace, Silloth

Listed Building consent for Replacement of existing fixed & tilt & turn upvc windows with white sliding sash UPVC window at Queens Hotel, Park Terrace, Silloth

Change of use of ground floor room of dwelling to chiropody clinic at 5 Pine Terrace, Silloth

Outline application for 5 dwellings (resub of planning approval 2/96/1004) on land at rear of Beaconsfield Terrace, West Silloth

Proposed living room and porch extension at 14 Skinburness Road, Silloth

Proposed erection of dormer extension to 96 The Crofts, Silloth

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

Allerdale Borough Council have refused the following:-

Listed building consent for installation of mock sash top hung window frames to front elevation of 4 Marine Terrace, Criffel Street, Silloth. The application has been refused because the windows are top opening instead of sash. The material used is not important nowadays but the design has to be right, as it is a Listed Building.

The Town Council considered the following application

Erection of 30 dwellings on land at Fell View, Silloth (amendment). There were no objections and the application was approved.

The Town Council considered the following applications and there were no objections:-

a) Application for the grant of a Gaming Machine permit in respect of Jaybee Blake Ltd, Criffel Street, Silloth

b) Application for the transfer of Justices’ Licence in respect of Skinburness Hotel, Silloth.

None

Primary School No report

Joint Advisory Committee No report

Silloth Tourist Action Group No report

Silloth Regeneration Partnership No report

North Allerdale Partnership No report

Sea Dyke Charity No report

Longcake Educational Trust No report.

Silloth Health Matters No report

Allerdale - there has been an election.

County Council - Cllr. A.J. Markley appointed as County Councillor for the area.

Ken gave a report on the work done since the last meeting. Busy grass cutting. Seem to be getting messed about regarding the delivery of the tractor. There may be another one available from Armers.

No report

It was agreed that the Town Council needs to apply for Quality Parish Status in the future - defer for the time being.

It was agreed that Cllrs. Wilkinson, Markley and M. Snaith be authorised to sign cheques on behalf of the Town Council.

It was agreed to renew the subscription to Cumbrian Playing Fields Association at a cost of £23.20.

It was agreed to pay for the Clerk to attend the Administrative Assistants Conference at Newcastle on 16 June at a cost of £99 + vat and mileage.

As it was 9.00 o’clock, it was agreed to suspend STO’s and continue with the meeting.

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

a) Silloth RUFC - dealt with earlier.

b) Silloth Bowling Club - No application received as yet.

c) Solway Mexico Link - No application received.

d) Silloth Festivals Ltd - It was questioned why the finance from the last Beer Festival can’t be transferred to this. Matters relating to the last Beer Festival have not yet reached a conclusion. Town Council have always used STAG as its Tourism arm but it was suggested that Silloth Festivals Ltd be used now. The group is in its infancy but all festivals will come under the umbrella for all events on the Green. It was questioned why other members of committees were not invited to the public meeting. Wrote to the Community Fund and other enterprises and were advised that in future all the festivals should be work in together and by doing this there would be a greater chance of getting money into the town. It was questioned whether STAG had any funds that could be made available but STAG has very little in its accounts. Funding will be easier to get for a season of events but will still need to help of individuals. It was suggested that perhaps STAG should be asked to close. It will cost £27K to run the whole festival and they need £4000 to cover start up costs. It was questioned how the Council can support this when the outcome of the last festival has not been resolved. The decision has been made that money from the old Beer Festival will stay where it is until the matter has been resolved. It was proposed that £4000 be provided to Silloth Festivals Ltd. Proposed by Cllr. Markley, seconded by Cllr. M. Snaith. 4 votes in favour, 3 votes against, 1 abstention.

The cheque payments to 9 May 2005 were approved for payment.

Deferred to the next meeting.

070 Lease of the Green

It was resolved to enter into the new lease with Allerdale Borough Council and agreed that the Chairman and Deputy to sign the new lease, deed of surrender in respect of the existing lease and the declaration.

Three estimates have been received for replacement windows to the front of the building and a new door from Finesse Windows, Carlisle Window Systems Ltd and Keswick Superglaze ranging from £2937.50 to £3314. The Town Council accepted the quote from Keswick Superglaze for £3180. The cheaper quote of £2937.50 did not include a price for a new door.

Nothing of any concern

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