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Millom Town Council
Millom Town Council was formed in 1974 when the parish boundaries changed from Cumberland.

Minutes
Ordinary
23rd February 2022

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Millom Town Council

Minutes

23rd February 2022

Minutes of a meeting of Millom Town Council held on Wednesday 23rd February 2022 at 07:30 PM in the Town Council Offices

Present:

Cllr R Peter (in the Chair), Cllr R Kelly, Cllr B Crellin, Cllr G Brace, Cllr S Faulkner, Cllr J Brown, Cllr D Billing, Cllr T Dixon, Cath Jopson (Town Clerk) and RFO/Assistant Clerk Liz North

Prior to the start of the meeting Mayor Cllr Peter introduced the new councillor Tim Lees to the council and hoped that he would enjoy his time as a Town Councillor.

219/21: Apologies

Apologies were received from Cllrs R Pattinson, A Dixon and G McGrath.

220/21: Exclusion of Press & Public

No members of the press or public were in attendance.

221/21: Mayor’s Announcements

The following Mayor’s announcement had been circulated to all councillors for their information:

“I was most sorry to see the departure of Jenn Jakubowski and Simon Donnelly. They both put a huge amount of work into the new park in conjunction with less than one term, achieved a great deal for the town. I would like to thank them both.

However, it is my great pleasure to welcome our new Councillor, Tim Lees and I hope that he has a happy and productive time at MTC.

As you all know, we have a meeting on April 1st with our local MP which is focusing on connectivity for this area both physically and digitally. I would be most grateful if Cllrs give this thought in the meantime in order that the meeting is as effective as possible.

Finally, we have at last started repairs to Church Walk which have been needed for some years. I would like you to know that I was congratulated by a random member of the public for this work in particular.”

222/21: Declarations of Pecuniary Interest

  • Cllr T Dixon declared an interest in Item 20 of the agenda – planning application no: 4/22/2041-OF1
  • Cllrs B Kelly and Cllr T Lees declared an interest in item 18 – Citizens Advice Bureau

223/21: Actions Update from Previous Meeting Minutes

The clerk reported that all the office actions had been completed.

224/21: To Note the Minutes of the Town Council Meeting Held on 26th January 2022

A draft copy of the minutes had been circulated to all councillors for their perusal and amendment if required. Following the circulation, it was proposed by Cllr B Kelly, seconded by Cllr T Dixon and agreed that the minutes be signed accordingly as a true and correct record.

225/21: Open to the Public

Mr Simon Donnelly had attended the meeting to ask if the council would back a celebration picnic in the park for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in the Millom Park on 4th June 2022. Cllr R Peter proposed that the town council support this as long as all risk assessments and insurance be completed prior to the event. This was seconded by Cllr G Brace.

Action: Clerk to be in contact with Mr Donnelly prior to the celebration taking place.

226/21: Cumbria County Council

Following contact with the local CCC representatives, they stated that they had nothing to report this month.

227/21: Copeland Borough Council

As Cllr McGrath had given his apologies, no updates were received from CBC.

228/21: Millom Town Councillor and Clerk’s Update

The Clerk’s report had been circulated in the working papers; an additional report was circulated to the councillors who attended the meeting.

The clerk asked permission from the council to arrange for a weeping wall of poppies on the Clock Tower to celebrate this year’s Armistice Day. Approval had already been given from the owners of the Clock Tower. Approval/support was unanimously given to the clerk to go ahead with the project.

Action: Clerk to arrange weeping wall and volunteers.

Millom Striders information had been circulated prior to the meeting seeking councillors’ comments for them holding a Lighthouse 10k Run.

Action: Clerk to inform Millom Striders that the council wishes them all the best for this event.

229/21: Discussion on the Reasons Why So Many Councillors Have Left

Cllr Faulkner proposed that the Standing Orders be suspended to raise the issue of concern regarding the resignation of councillors. Cllr R Kelly seconded this.

A short discussion noted that the council may be sidelined by the Town Fund Bid and that there’s perhaps a lack of awareness about the councillor role. Council agreed it needed to improve its standing relationship with the town. Council should not compete with but work in parallel with community organizations such as Around the Combe and social media groups. A new committee/working party to be considered when the new mayoral year starts.

Action: Clerk to put this item on the agenda after the new mayoral year begins.

230/21: The Great British Spring Clean

Cllr Faulkner suggested participation in the Great British Spring Clean. Due to the cost, the town council will arrange it independently. Proposed timing: March.

Action: Cllr Faulkner to inform the clerk of the date. Clerk to advertise and make posters accordingly.

231/21: Amended Policies to be Signed

Following amendments from the January meeting, the mayor signed updated versions of:

  • Child Protection Policy
  • Vexatious Complaints Policy
  • Appraisal Policy

232/21: Towns Fund Bid Update

Cllr Kelly reported attending a key meeting regarding four main project areas: Heritage, Civic, Swimming Pool/Leisure, and Connectivity.

Action: Clerk to contact Chair of the board to request a presentation/update to the council.

233/21: Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

  • Beacon: Arranged by CCC Doug Wilson on Haverigg beach area.
  • Jubilee Celebrations: Millom Town Council to support Mr Donnelly’s park celebration event.
  • Tree Planting: 200+ trees planted by Haverigg Working Party. Proposal to purchase additional celebration trees for Millom and Haverigg was agreed.

234/21: Update of Meetings Held Prior to the Council Meeting

  • HMP Meeting: Productive meeting at the cenotaph. Awaiting planting quotations.
  • Open Spaces: Meeting postponed, rescheduled for 11th March.
  • CBC Copeland Plan: Cllr Billing liaising and forwarding councillors’ comments.

Actions: Clerk to chase quotations from HMP. Cllr Billing to liaise on MTC comments.

235/21: GDF Partnership Updates/Correspondence

Feedback from meeting on 7th February was positive. Quick win projects identified:

  • Resurfacing Millom and Haverigg MUGAs/Tennis Courts
  • Haverigg Beach Front redesign
  • Pump track – Haverigg beach
  • Market Square – Public realm design
  • Repairs to footpaths
  • New signage
  • Repair of main lamp site in Haverigg

Action: Clerk to look into project manager costs for Haverigg feasibility study.

236/21: Haverigg/Park Issues

  • Holiday Homes: Cllr Brown raised the issue of second homes pricing out locals. Agreed to send concerns to CBC regarding the sustainability of vital local services.

Action: Clerk to write to CBC.

237/21: Millom/Millom Park Issues

  • Speed Bumps – St George’s Road: Concerns noted but road resurfaced so changes unfeasible.
  • Speed Restrictions: Considered for Kirksanton to Millom road.
  • Millom Citizens Advice Bureau: Discussion around potential closure. A letter from CAB reassured continuity of service though possibly at another venue. Proposal to oppose the closure and invite CAB to present.

Actions: Clerk to look into vehicular sign prices. Clerk to write to CAB and invite them to speak at a future meeting.

238/21: Correspondence Received for Action/Information

All correspondence received had been circulated by the clerk to councillors.

239/21: Planning

Applications received:

  • 4/22/2041/OF1 – Erect Two Storey Extension to Front and Single Storey Rear – 4 Bank Head, Haverigg
  • 4/22/2050/0F1 – Single Storey Side and Rear Extension – Rivendell, Poolside, Haverigg
  • 4/22/2045/0F1 – New Porch, Balcony and Alterations – Fairbank, Butler Street, Millom

No objections noted.

Action: Clerk to inform CBC Planning of council comments.

240/21: Accounts

  • RFO Liz North to become signatory on Furness Building Society Trust and Millom Disaster accounts. Proposed by Cllr Dixon, seconded by Cllr Peter.
  • Outstanding invoices/salaries approved for payment.
  • Donation of £1000 to Millom Heritage & Arts Centre approved. Note to them that future donations are not guaranteed.

Actions: RFO to arrange signatory update and payments. RFO to process £1000 donation.

241: Any Other Business for Inclusion on Next Agenda

  • Town Plan: Cllr Burness requested reinstatement on agenda.
  • Website: Cllr Lees to seek quotes for website updates and report to Finance Committee.

Actions: Clerk to add Town Plan to agenda. Cllr Lees to gather website quotations.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.55 PM

Signed: …………………………………….. (Mayor) Dated: 31st March 2022

Actions Summary:

  • 225/21: Clerk to contact Mr Donnelly
  • 228/21: Clerk to arrange weeping wall and inform Millom Striders
  • 229/21: Clerk to schedule item post mayoral year
  • 230/21: Cllr Faulkner to confirm date; Clerk to advertise/posters
  • 232/21: Clerk to contact Towns Fund board Chair
  • 234/21: Clerk to chase HMP quotations; Cllr Billing to liaise on Copeland Plan
  • 235/21: Clerk to research project manager costs
  • 236/21: Clerk to write to CBC (tourism/holiday homes)
  • 237/21: Clerk to write to CAB and research VAS sign costs
  • 239/21: Clerk to report planning comments to CBC
  • 240/21: RFO to process cheque sheet payments; update signatories
  • 241/21: Clerk to include Town Plan in agenda; Cllr Lees to gather website quotes
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Millom Town Council was formed in 1974 when the parish boundaries changed from Cumberland.
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