Millom Town Council
Millom Town Council was formed in 1974 when the parish boundaries changed from Cumberland.
Present: Cllr R Peter (in the chair), Cllr R Kelly, Cllr A Dixon, Cllr T Dixon, Cllr G Brace, Cllr B Crellin, Cllr S Faulkner, Cllr S Carter, Cllr R Pattinson, Cllr D Billing, Cllr J Jakubowski, Cllr T Fitzwilliam, Mrs Vicky Bradley (Clerk), Mrs Cath Jopson (Assistant Clerk), CBC Cllr Ged McGrath
Apologies were received from Cllrs Donnelly and Brown.
The Clerk had circulated the Mayor’s statement to councillors prior to the meeting, this is the detail:
First of all I would like to thank our two Clerks for all their spectacularly hard work over the last few months. We now have a new home and they have done a great job in moving us with the minimum of fuss as well as dealing with normal Council business.
In addition, I would like to thank Cllrs for stepping up to the plate and driving our work forwards. I see no dead wood and it is a great help.
I watch with pleasure vaccinations moving apace and hope that our return to the new normal is not too far away.
Please be advised that I held a meeting with the prison on Monday morning. As you know, currently we can access only 10% of the workforce there and the bulk of skills lie in the 90%. MTC are not the cause of this. It seemed to me that some training in empathy might benefit both the community and prison residents. The prison agrees. The training is called Life swap and we are looking to run some sessions later this year. Covid allowing. If anyone would like to know more or even take part please get in touch.
No declarations of Pecuniary Interest were received.
Cllr A Dixon proposed and Cllr R Kelly seconded this and it was AGREED that the minutes be signed.
Cllr Jakubowski reported that the work is going to schedule, all old equipment has been removed and stored, the second funding agreement has been received. The clerk informed the meeting that a slight amendment had been made to the draft minutes by Denise Burness and the minutes would be signed at the next A&R meeting.
a) Pavilion project – To assign a new project manager: As Cllr Cummings has now resigned from the council it was discussed at A&R that we need someone else to take over the project managing of this. Cllr A Dixon suggested that we pay someone to take this on. Cllr Jakubowski informed the meeting that finding funding for this project is proving difficult. Cllr Jakubowski agreed to look at this project in a couple of weeks.
Action: Clerk to pass original document to Cllr Jakubowski
Cllr T Dixon proposed and Cllr R Kelly seconded that these be signed, all AGREED. Cllr Kelly to sign as he was in the chair.
None present.
The clerk had made contact with CBC councillors regarding the GDF proposal, Copeland budget, and CBC strategic consultation. Cllr Ged McGrath provided a comprehensive email reply which was circulated prior to the meeting. Cllr Billing thanked him for the response.
Cllrs Kelly and Billing attended. Main topic was the GDF proposed facility. Cllr Billing noted the council could agree to participate in the survey with possible financial benefits. CBC are in favour. Clarification needed on next steps. Action: Cllr Billing to speak to David Faulkner
Cllr Billing also mentioned the STEP Fusion Reactor project, and potential Copeland involvement. MTC may need to declare interest. 2nd level declaration required by 2nd March. Action: Cllr Billing to look into further
Cllr Kelly informed that the submission had been made and it was agreed to go ahead with four key projects with a total value of £24.1 million. The bid was validated subject to scrutiny and each project will be assessed individually.
Cllr Billing suggested adding an allotment section to the competition. All agreed this was a good idea. Action: Cllrs Billing, A Dixon, and Pattinson to look into criteria
Cllrs Billing, A Dixon and Crellin attended a CBC-hosted Zoom meeting to discuss pandemic assistance, including food resilience, computer needs, and loneliness. Noted that some children lack internet or laptops. Action: Cllr A Dixon to contact The Phoenix Centre for computer advice
From the extraordinary meeting, it was agreed to place this on full council. Roof needs professional inspection to determine asbestos presence and if action is needed. Action: Clerk to arrange inspection and if necessary, obtain 3 quotes for the work
Cllr Billing raised the query about employing a park supervisor post-works to reduce vandalism. Cllr A Dixon noted that vandalism was largely due to old equipment and that CCTV is now in place. Concerns about timing of damage vs working hours. Decision deferred. Cllr Dixon requested necessary works (paths, Muga fencing, toilet roof) be added to next agenda. Action: Clerk to add to agenda
No applications were received prior to working papers being sent. However, two were received just beforehand and will be emailed for action.
All agreed that payments can be made. Action: Clerk to arrange
Meeting closed at 20:35.
Signed: …………………………………….. (Cllr Ruth Peter) – Acting Mayor
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APRIL 30TH: Methodist Church meeting room
MAY 28TH: Methodist Church meeting room
JUNE 25TH: Methodist Church meeting room
JULY 30TH: Methodist Church meeting room
All meetings will commence at 07.00pm unless otherwise stated on
the agenda.