Present:- Cllrs. G. Wilkinson, A.J. Markley, A. Emmerson, C. Baty, E. Wannop, R.W. Allison & S. Hart. Also Wendy Jameson, Ken Wannop & PC Andy Robertson.

708 Apologies:- Cllrs. M. Snaith, W. Jefferson & I. Baty.

Cllr. Wannop - re: Ken.

Cllr. Emmerson - re: Planning application in relation to Maxwell House, Blitterlees.

Cllr. Markley - re: County Council.

Cllr. Allison - re: Allison Designs.

It was agreed to exclude the Press & Public whilst item 30 is discussed.

The Chairman had attended the following:-

16 June - Presented trophies to the winning children’s teams at the Vintage Rally.

17 June - Presented flowers to the wives of both the Chairman and Treasurer of the Vintage Rally.

19 June - Welcomed the crew of the ‘Grand Turk’ to Silloth.

20 June - Attended the interviews for the consultants preparing the heritage Lottery bid for the project on the Green.

1 July - Attended the Civic Service for the Mayor of Cockermouth, Cllr. Sam Standage.

7 July - Welcomed all those attending the Pensioners Strawberry Tea Party

8 July - RNLI Sea Sunday service

9 July - Meeting with P. Marr, T. Cooke, K. Hinde and J. Wattleworth re: trees on Criffel Street and Solway Street.

The Town Civic Service will be on 5 August in Christ Church. All are welcome.

Minutes of the meeting held on 4 June 2007 were approved by the Town Council and signed as a true record.

713 Solway Community Sports Hall

David Foulkes from Solway Community Technology College attended the meeting to discuss the management and running of the Community Sports Hall. The Sports Hall was opened in October of last year and is used regularly by both schools. There has been a lot of interest from local sports clubs around the area. They need someone to work there in the evenings and weekends. A recruitment exercise was carried out and 2 people were appointed on a job sharing arrangement. Shann Messenger started, however the other person got a full-time job. Another recruitment exercise will be carried out over the summer. Part of the job will be proper marketing and advertising when the hall is available. Currently used 4 evenings a week. Not used 100%. There is an opportunity for it to be used at weekends. It is open to anyone to use. There was some flack over the official opening. Invites were sent out but a lot of public didn’t know it was happening. An initial meeting was held to look at setting up a management committee but there has been no follow up from that. Sports clubs were not invited or aware of the official opening. There was talk about setting up a users committee to look at how it can be marketed. It was questioned whether there is any monitoring of how much it is being used by the community, as there may be a claw back of funding if not used sufficiently. Contacts are needed of potential users. Details of hiring rates need to be publicised. It was questioned whether it can be used for non-sporting activities. Due to the floor, only indoor footwear can be worn. Hall within the school is available for events and activities. The Head’s name on the school sign will be changed in the next few weeks.

PC Andy Robertson attended the meeting and gave the Council a report on incidents of crime since the last meeting. The Police are working with the Rugby Club and Jimmy Lettice in relation to youngsters hanging around at the old tennis courts. Andy thanked the Town Council for putting up the drinking ban signs and funding them. Volunteers are needed to put the SID’s device out. Community Steward Pilot has started on a 3 month trial. Inspector Barr has finished at Wigton and a new acting Inspector will be starting in a few days. There have been problems with youngsters drinking on the Green etc and the Council asked how lenient the Police are being in relation to street drinking. Last weekend there were two policemen on duty covering Silloth, Wigton & Aspatria, with four off sick. Extra Police patrols will be given and alcohol will be confiscated.

The Chairman adjourned the meeting to allow members of the public an opportunity to

ask questions or raise matters of interest. Mr Neil Marshall spoke to the Council and raised his concerns about the number of youngsters hanging around the old tennis courts and creating a nuisance.

a) CALC Circular - June 2007. Put on circulation.

b) Highways Agency - Helping you plan your road journeys for the North West of England (June to August 2007). Put on circulation.

c) Local Council Review magazine - July 2007. Put on circulation.

d) Local Works - Campaign for the Sustainable Communities Bill. Update on progress and details of what action can be taken to ensure the Bill passes through ‘Report/Third Reading stage’.

e) PMP - Open Space, Sport & Recreation needs assessment in Allerdale. Questionnaire for completion.

f) Allerdale Borough Council - re: Removal of Rocks from Coastal Footpath. Copy of a letter from Mike Faulkner. Site meeting to be arranged with Mr Boniface of Skinburness Residents Assoc to discuss the problems.

g) United Utilities - re: Manhole cover, New Street. Complaint is being investigated.

h) Halcrow Group Ltd - re: Allerdale Big Lottery Fund Play Away. Half day workshop being held

at Netherhall on Thursday 28 June at 12.00.

i) Cumbria County Council - re: Community Waste Prevention Fund. Posters and leaflets promoting the Community Waste Prevention Fund.

j) Capita Symonds - re: Public Rights of Way Annual Programme. Silloth is to be covered by the Annual Public Rights of Way Improvements Programme in 2007/08. Majority of work will be carried out by their contractors at no cost to the landowners.

k) Cumbria County Council - re: Rights of Way Improvement Plan. Summary leaflet of the final plan. Can be downloaded from their website www.cumbria.gov.uk/roads- transport/countrysideaccess/CountrysideAccess.asp

l) Allerdale Borough Council - re: Planning Portal Bus will be visiting the Customer Service Centre on Oxford Street, Workington from 8.00am until 12 noon.

m) Allerdale Borough Council - re: Local Authorities (Model Code of Conduct) Order 2007. Information and guidance on adopting the new Code of Conduct which must be adopted by 1 October 2007.

n) Solway Community Plan - Invitation to follow up meeting to be held on Monday 16 July at 7pm at Silloth Primary School.

o) Letter from P. Scott offering a five year old California Redwood tree which is ready for planting. The Town Council agreed to the idea in principle but need to know more i.e. how big it will grow etc and also need to consider where to site it.

p) Letter from Jimmy Lettice with various comments about the 2006/07 Annual Town Report but specifically the apparent lack of support given to the Rugby Club by the Town Council. The Rugby Club received a grant of £3000 during the 2006 financial year which was a sizeable contribution. Points raised about the sports hall should be directed to Solway Community Technology College who run the building. Condition of the road to the sports area is in a poor condition and will cost approx. £25K to sort out. Regeneration partnership were advised to do one project at a time and are concentrating on the Green project but Liz Carlisle will be looking to see what funding can be obtained. It was agreed that the old tennis courts be dismantled and fencing taken down. Quote to be obtained for the rest of the work with a view to getting it done as soon as possible. The Music & Beer Festival benefits the whole community. Silloth Festival’s have provided funding for the town leaflet, Kite Festival, Food Festival and the Rugby club fun day. The Regeneration Partnership helped with funding for the computers at the Rugby club which was therefore indirectly funded by the Town Council. Letter to be sent to Mr Lettice.

q) Allerdale Borough Council - re: The Dog Control Orders (Procedure) Regulations 2006. Allerdale have previously looked at extending the order to include the sports pitches at Eden Street Recreation Ground. Unfortunately as they are not enclosed there is a public right of way across them, they do not meet the criteria. There is not a ‘public right of way’ across the area although people do walk across from West Silloth. When we have a meeting with the sports clubs it can be asked whether the clubs want the pitches fenced off to prevent dogs.

r) Letter from Mrs Olga Wood asking for permission to put a bench on the Green. It was agreed that permission be granted. There is a vacant site on the Green, in front of what was the Queens Hotel.

s) CALC - re: New Code of Conduct - Public Advertisement. CALC will be arranging a series of composite notices in local newspapers at a cost of £15 per council which is a substantial saving. Application forms to be returned by 30 September 2007. It was agreed to take up the offer of being part of the composite notice.

t) Email from Jimmy Lettice about the condition of the old floodlit area/tennis courts.

u) Allerdale Borough Council - proforma for a Closing Order in respect of Silloth Carnival on Monday 27 August 2007. There were no objections to the closing order.

The Town Council have approved the following:-

* Plan No: 2/2007/0476 Applicant: Malcolm Ruckledge Proposal: Replace existing timber extension with brick built extension and re-roof part of the existing building Location: Moordale Park, Blitterlees, Silloth

* Plan No: 2/2007/0539 Applicant: Mr Gary Nichol Proposal: Change of use of shop to ground floor flat Location: 11 Beaconsfield Terrace, Silloth

* Plan No: 2/2007/0537 Applicant: Michael Glass Proposal: Proposed conversion of former police station to 5 dwellings including 3 conversions and 2 new dwellings to the rear Location: Former Police Station, Eden Street, Silloth

* Plan No: 2/2007/0568 Applicant: Mr & Mrs RA Emmerson Proposal: Extension to existing dwelling to provide additional living accommodation and attached garage (resubmission of 2/2006/1030) Location: Maxwell House, Blitterlees

* Plan No: 2/2007/0608 Applicant: Punch Taverns Ltd Proposal: Flat roof canopy in rear yard and retractable canopy and screens to gable elevation Location: Balmoral, Criffel Street, Silloth

* Plan No: 2/2007/0621 Applicant: Mr L Gibson D&D Premier Homes Ltd Proposal: Erection of a terrace of 5 x 3 bed roomed houses Location: 72 Skinburness Road, Silloth

Allerdale Borough Council have approved the following:-

* Plan No: 2/2007/0230 Applicant: James Morgan Developments Ltd Proposal: Demolition and clearance of existing buildings, construction of 10 x 3 bedroom terraced single family dwellings with car parking (resubmission) Location: The Old Station, Silloth

* Plan No: 2/2007/0391 Applicant: J. Johnstone Proposal: Proposed 2 storey extension (resubmission 2/2006/0099) Location: 86 Skinburness Road, Silloth

* Plan No: 2/2007/0384 Applicant: Mr Martin White Proposal: Erection of part single and two storey extension of detached single storey garage Location: 46 Skinburness Road, Silloth

* Plan No: 2/2007/0414 Applicant: Mr John Jackson Persimmon Homes Lancashire Proposal: Change of use of land adjacent to Plot 15 to provide extension to residential curtilage Location: Plot 15, Greenrow Meadows, Silloth

Applications for street trading consent from the following:-

Mr A Gray, Allendale, Maryport Road, Dearham - Criffel Street front of The Green opposite the junction with Wampool Street - Silloth Bank Holiday Monday 27 August 2007 10.00hrs - 17.00hrs (for ice cream)

D & K Ices, Moorcrest, Buchanon Terrace, Maryport - Criffel Street, Silloth in front of The Green opposite Christ Church & opposite the junction with Wampool Street - Bank Holiday Monday 27 August 2007 10.00hrs - 18.00hrs  (both for ice cream)

Letter of objection sent by the Town Clerk, in line with Town Council’s policy on the matter. Letter to be sent to the Police to ask that they monitor the situation on the day and move any traders on who do not have the relevant licence.

None

Primary School Meeting next week. School production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will be taking place soon. Hoping to start work on tarmacing the outside of the school and doing the drains.

Joint Advisory Committee Email received from Bill Jefferson to say that Silloth and the Solway Coast AONB will be signposted from the M6 onwards from the Penrith exit and the new Carlisle bypass. A contribution of £7000 will be needed from the Town Council. Item to be put on the next agenda.

Silloth Tourist Action Group New leaflets are nearly ready and should be out this time next month. 30,000 are being distributed around the county in TIC’s, motorway services etc. Food Festival will be taking place with 20 stalls of local produce. Tall ship - 2 music events took place onboard. There were a lot of visitors and school visits, although some people were disappointed the ship left early.

Silloth Regeneration Partnership Interviews had taken place of the consultants for the Green Project. Chris Burnett and Imagemakers have been appointed. Grant application has been received at Lottery and will get a decision by September. Consultants will be around the town asking questions.

North Allerdale Partnership No report.

Sea Dyke Charity No meeting.

Silloth Health Matters No report.

Longcake Education Trust No report.

Solway Community Technology College Meeting tomorrow.

Allerdale - No reports.

County Council - Meeting re: Community Travel Plan will be taking place on Monday 16 July at 7pm at Silloth Primary School. Community Steward - 3 month pilot is underway with Joe Wattleworth acting as the Community Steward. Getting good feedback.

Ken gave a brief report of work done over the last month. General maintenance carried out. Some shrubs will be needed towards the end of the season. Problem with drinking on the Green and bottles being smashed in the paddling pool. Police need to clamp down on drinking on the Green and enforce the street drinking ban. Letter to be sent to the Acting Inspector and a copy to PC Andy Robertson.

Cllr. Sharla Burns has not attended a Town Council meeting since the elections. She has not completed a Declaration of Acceptance of Office or a Register of Financial or other interests form and therefore has not accepted her office as a Councillor. Clerk to notify the Monitoring Officer and obtain advice.

BBC Radio Cumbria have asked permission to be on the Green on 7-9 August next to Paramount Amusements. Kite Festival will be having a motorbike stunt display team at the event at the end on July.

The Town Council considered the request for financial assistance received from Allerdale Disability Association. It was agreed that a donation of £100 be given.

The Town Council approved the list of cheque payments to 9 July 2007.

The Town Council approved the signing of a direct debit mandate for the payment of BT bills.

The Annual Return has been returned by the External auditor, who has requested that a copy of the Council‘s Risk Assessment be provided at the next Audit.

It was suggested that the Council consider the installation of a broadband connection in the Community Hall for internet access and the removal of one telephone line which is surplus to requirements. Clerk to contact Allerdale Borough Council to make enquiries about joining in with Allerdale’s network.

It was agreed:-

(1) That Silloth Town Council adopts the model code of conduct contained in Statutory Instrument No. 1159 (2007), as it applies to Parish/Town Councils, with the addition of paragraph 12(2) as the code of conduct which is expected of members and

co-opted members of the authority in place of the existing code of conduct with effect from 9 July 2007.

(2) That the Council adopt the ten General Principles as a non-enforceable annexure to the Code to remind members and the public of the principles underlying the Code;

(3) That members of the Council renew their registration of interests in the light of the Code of Conduct and the Monitoring Officer be notified accordingly within 28 days of the adoption of the Code.

(4) That the Clerk be authorised to publish a notice of the adoption of the Model Code of Conduct in conjunction with CALC.

Comments were made at the Annual Town Meeting about the condition of the building i.e. grills over the windows not painted and doors being different colours. Ken to look over the building to see what maintenance needs done.

The raised up manhole cover has been done at last. The condition of the road is in a poor state. It was questioned whether the plans for the Police Station would tidy up the access. Land Registry was contacted to enquire who owns the land and roads etc around New Street. Legal advice to be obtained to enquire about registering land.

MOBEX have been in touch with Cllr. Hart and want to get involved with the youth, using the Festivals. Meeting on Friday at 2.00 p.m. Spoke about the Youth Club building. MOBEX would like to come to the next Town Council meeting. Representatives from the Youth Club also to be invited to the meeting.

It was suggested that a Town Plaque be commissioned, incorporating the Town emblem which could be given to visiting ships etc (i.e. HMS Biter). It was questioned whether the schools could get involved but it wasn‘t felt necessary. It was agreed to go ahead with the idea. The Chairman to make enquiries. Cumbria Trophies had done one before which had cost approx. £10.

A request had been received from Silloth Football Club for the removal of the Cricket pitch to provide space for an additional football pitch, as there is now a new under 11 team. It was agreed that Ken do the necessary work. The cricket pitch would need dug out, top soil and reseeded or turfed.

Information about the pilot which is to start on 3 July. An informal meeting took place on Friday 29 June with David Graham from Cumbria County Council.

It was agreed that the Town Council accept the North Allerdale Partnership and Cumbria County Council’s offer of investment in respect of the above project and the terms and conditions contained therein. The Town Council need to be seen to be making a contribution towards the project. There is money in the budget allocated to the Regeneration Partnership which can be used towards the project.

In view of the nature of the business to be transacted it is advisable in the public interest that the public be temporarily excluded and they are instructed to withdraw.

An invoice was sent to Allerdale Borough Council for the grass cutting work done at Allonby which has been returned unpaid by the finance department. It was suggested that Ian Payne be contacted about the matter.