Minutes
Ordinary
24th November 2021

Millom Town Council Meeting Minutes

Date: Wednesday 24th November 2021

Time: 7:30 PM

Location: Methodist Hall

Present

Cllr R Peter (Chair), Cllr R Kelly, Cllr B Crellin, Cllr G McGrath, Cllr G Brace, Cllr R Pattinson, Cllr S Faulkner, Cllr J Brown, Cllr D Burness, Cath Jopson, and RFO/Assistant Clerk Liz North.

Apologies

Apologies were received from Cllrs A & T Dixon, Cllr Donnelly, and Cllr Crellin.

153/21: Mayor’s Announcements

The Mayor gave thanks to Cllr McGrath and RFO Liz North for their work preparing the budget and precept forecast.

The Mayor highlighted several key projects completed in 2021, including:

• Transformation of Millom Park play areas in partnership with Playdale
• Employment of an extra part-time worker for street cleaning, park maintenance, and projects
• Collaboration with H.M. Prison to direct outside working parties for community maintenance
• Securing CCC grant funding to resurface Church Walk and Sandham Lane footpaths
• Arranging private verge and footpath maintenance where other bodies were not responsible
• Trialling an extended bus route with Ricky’s Travel
• Setting up an Environment Committee to address green issues

The Mayor also thanked clerks, councillors, and employees for their efforts during a challenging year and wished everyone a Happy Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and a great New Year.

155/21: Declarations of Pecuniary Interest

No declarations were received.

156/21: Actions Update

All previous actions completed except White Rock Signage and Millom Heritage Triangle, which will be carried forward to January’s agenda.

157/21 & 158/21: Approval of Previous Minutes

Minutes from 27th October 2021 and Finance Meeting on 23rd November 2021 approved as true and correct records.

159/21: Public Participation

No members of the public attended.

160/21: Presentation by Mr Dave Baker

Mr Baker gave a presentation on community collaboration projects from his experience in Rochdale. The Mayor agreed to put him in touch with relevant local bodies.
Action: Mayor to liaise with Mr Baker.

161/21: Cumbria County Council

No updates provided.

162/21: Copeland Borough Council

No report provided.

163/21: Councillor & Clerk’s Updates

Clerk’s report circulated in working papers.

164/21: Policies & Procedures Review

Standing Orders were approved and signed. It was agreed to make them gender-neutral at the next review.

166/21: Towns Fund Bid Update

An exhibition will be held 28th–30th November at the Lighthouse Centre, Haverigg, to gauge local opinions on Iron Line projects. Concerns raised about lack of communication from the Town Fund Board.

ClIr Jakubowski confirmed an online survey would go live and would also distribute hard copies outside Tesco.

167/21: Environment Committee

Minutes from the 4th November meeting circulated for information.

168/21: Copeland Plan

No updates beyond prior circulated information.

169/21: Duddon Bridge Issues

Concerns were raised about access for emergency services during simultaneous closures of Muncaster and Duddon Bridges. It was agreed the Clerk would liaise with CCC to discuss evacuation planning.
Action: Clerk to contact CCC Highways, HMP Haverigg, and CBC to request their evacuation policies and arrange a meeting in the new year to update the town emergency plan.

170/21: Town Plan

No new updates. It was suggested to bring the plan back in-house and invite others to join as needed.

171/21: A&R Meeting Update

Minutes from the 8th July 2021 A&R meeting circulated for information.

172/21: GDF Partnership

Cllr McGrath advised that signing the South Copeland Partnership Agreement would allow access to grant funds. It was agreed to arrange a meeting with Kelly Anderson for further information.
Action: Clerk to arrange extraordinary meeting before Christmas.

173/21: Christmas Market

Minutes from the 18th October meeting circulated.

174/21: Haverigg Issues

• Café: Electrical works to be completed over Christmas closure.
• Toilets: Electrical works completed and certified.

175/21: Millom Town/Park Issues

• White Rock Danger Signs: Sign produced but awaiting installation.
• Church Walk Refurbishment: Works expected to start within 3–4 weeks.
• Millom Toilets: Electrical works start 30th November; 1-day closure required.
  Action: Clerk to arrange closure notices.
• CCTV: Extra cameras installed. Router required for remote access.
  Action: Clerk to check original contract and update Cllr Jakubowski.
• Planting Scheme: Budget provision agreed. Meetings arranged with HMP, Open Spaces, and Lengthsman Scheme.

176/21: Correspondence

All correspondence circulated in Clerk’s report.

177/21: Planning

Applications reviewed:

• 4/21/2470/001 — Erection of one dwelling, Holborn Hill, Millom.
• 4/21/2488/0OF1 — Single-storey extension, 30 Mainsgate Road, Millom.

No objections raised.
Action: Clerk to inform CBC Planning.

178/21: Clerk/RFO Working Hours

Working party to be formed.
Action: Clerk to arrange working party meeting.

179/21: Accounts

• Budget: Budget adopted unanimously following detailed review.
• Precept: 2% increase agreed, shortfall to be covered from reserves.
  Action: Clerk/RFO to arrange extraordinary meeting before January meeting.

180/21: Any Other Business

To be added to next agenda:

• Millom Heritage Triangle
• White Rock Signage Update

Meeting closed: 9:29 PM

Signed: Mayor

Dated: 26th January 2022