Millom Town Council
Millom Town Council was formed in 1974 when the parish boundaries changed from Cumberland.
Present: Cllr B Kelly (in the Chair), Cllr S Faulkner, Cllr G Brace, Cllr J Brown, Cllr G McGrath, Cllr B Crellin, Cllr S Peter, Cllr D Billing, Cath Jopson (Town Clerk) and RFO/Assistant Clerk Liz North – three members of the public were in attendance.
Prior to the commencement of the meeting a 2-minute silence was held for Cllr Fitzwilliam.
Apologies were received from the following:
Three members of the public were in attendance.
Mayor’s Report – Cllr B Kelly
Cllr Kelly thanked Deputy Mayor Cllr Simone Faulkner for taking the reins and dealing with various issues during his absence. They both shared the duty of judging the scarecrow festival and agreed it is a great tradition for the town. Prizes were awarded as follows:
Cllr Kelly also reported attending the South Cumbria Music Festival, held at Millom School, and noted that despite low attendance it was an excellent evening representing Millom’s traditions of music and singing. He also acknowledged the resignation of Liz North (RFO) and thanked her for all her hard work.
Deputy Mayor’s Report – Cllr S Faulkner
Cllr Faulkner met with Sergeant MacDonald to discuss issues in Millom and Haverigg. Sgt. MacDonald emphasized the importance of reporting incidents via 101 or by contacting the Police Commissioner to help justify increased policing resources.
He also reported school visits regarding fireworks and cycle safety, and planned to relaunch the “Do you know where your children are?” campaign.
Cllr Faulkner met Angela Dixon and Rachel Street regarding “Warm Hubs,” with one now established at the Guide Hall on Tuesday mornings and funded by CBC. A timetable of community signposting groups is being developed.
She also met with Hough Tullett regarding a feasibility study for the Haverigg Foreshore, and attended the re-opening of the Tin Chapel kitchen.
Before moving to the next item, Cllr McGrath informed the Council that Nicky Armstrong, owner of Bloom Room, had won a national Florist of the Year competition. He proposed a congratulatory letter be sent to her. This was seconded by Cllr Brown and agreed by all. Action: Clerk to write congratulatory letter to proprietor of Bloom Room.
Cllr McGrath declared an interest in items 11 & 16 on the agenda as Chairman of the South Copeland CDF Community Partnership.
The Clerk informed the Council that all actions had been completed by herself and the RFO.
Cllr McGrath proposed that the minutes be signed as a true record. Seconded by Cllr Billing and agreed by all.
Two members of the public attended. A representative from Millom Without Parish raised concerns about the relocation of Millom Library to the CCC Hub, questioning how CCC plans to spend any compensation. He intends to send a letter to CCC and copy Millom Town Council (MTC).
The Parish Clerk from Millom Without and Whicham requested that MTC take the lead on a project to enable all community halls in the area to apply for grants from the South Copeland GDF Partnership. (Related to Items 16 and 178/22 in these minutes.)
The RFO presented the following for approval:
Cllr Brown proposed acceptance of the circulated paperwork. Seconded by Cllr McGrath and agreed by all.
Petty cash details will be included in the November working papers. Action: RFO to make payments etc.
Authorisation of Bank and Building Society Accounts
Cllr McGrath proposed adding the Clerk to all accounts to ensure continuity. Seconded by Cllr Brown and agreed. Action: RFO to organise the Clerk’s addition to all accounts held by MTC.
No reports this month. Councillors expressed disappointment at the lack of feedback from CCC.
Cllr McGrath reported nothing due to the formation of the Cumberland Authority.
Cllr Kelly reported progress on the new authority, including policy developments. He also attended a visit to Sunderland to learn about their single unitary system.
Cllrs Faulkner and Billing submitted personal responses to the Unitary Authority consultation.
All correspondence had been previously circulated. The Clerk recommended all councillors have MTC-specific email addresses. Proposed by Cllr Faulkner. Action: Clerk to contact Bill Amos to arrange setup of email addresses via B & M Tech Services.
Cllr Kelly noted that the bid had been submitted. Awaiting response from the government.
Cllr Burness reported a working party meeting scheduled for Thursday 27th October.
Environment Working Group notes from the 29 July 2022 meeting were circulated in working papers.
Correspondence Received:
An email from Millom & District Say No to Nuclear Dump group questioned the Council’s stance. A draft reply was read. Proposed by Cllr McGrath, seconded by Cllr Burness, and unanimously carried. Action: Clerk to send reply letter to the group.
Improving Conference Facilities in Community and Village Halls:
Request for MTC to act as lead body under S133 of the Local Government Act 1972 for a joint bid to GDF South Copeland Community Partnership, covering:
Proposed by Cllr McGrath, seconded by Cllr Brace, and agreed. Action: Clerk to confirm MTC as lead body on this project in writing.
Haverigg Feasibility Study:
Only Hough Tullett submitted a tender (£26,390 + VAT). Cllr Faulkner proposed accepting and applying for GDF funding. Seconded by Cllr Brace and agreed. Action: Clerk to submit funding application.
Millom Park Pavilion:
Cllr Billing discussed collaboration with the Reboot Team on a potential feasibility study. Proposed moving forward. Seconded by Cllr Faulkner and agreed. Action: Cllr Billing & Clerk to submit application to South Copeland GDF Partnership once plans are finalized.
Christmas Market/Fayre:
Volunteers are helping plan the event. To avoid road closure costs, Cllrs accepted offer to host at Millom Rugby League Club car park on 3rd December. Cllr McGrath proposed appointing Simon Donnelly as project lead. Seconded by Cllr Faulkner and agreed. Action: Clerk to liaise with group/Simon Donnelly.
Haverigg Water Quality:
Concern raised by a resident. Cllr McGrath proposed forwarding the concern to the Environment Agency and CBC. Seconded by Cllr Billing and agreed. Action: Clerk to send letter.
Home Group – Office:
Home Group inquired if MTC would consider purchasing the office if it were available. Cllr McGrath proposed tasking the Finance Committee. Seconded by Cllr Faulkner and agreed. Action: Clerk/RFO to investigate costs and report to Finance Committee.
The following applications were received for information/comments:
None
There being no further business the meeting closed at 08.30pm
Signed: …………………………………….. (Mayor) Dated: 30th November 2022
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APRIL 30TH: Methodist Church meeting room
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