Millom Town Council
Millom Town Council was formed in 1974 when the parish boundaries changed from Cumberland.
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF MILLOM TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY 27TH MARCH 2024 COMMENCING 07.00PM IN THE MILLOM COUNCIL OFFICES
PRESENT: Cllr G McGrath (Chair), Cllr S Faulkner (Mayor), Cllr R Kelly (MTC & Cumberland Authority), Cllr B Crellin, Cllr D Billing, Cllr B Amos, Cllr A Gager-Leibhart, Cllr D Barry, Cllr J Kellett, Cllr J Micklethwaite, Cllr A MacDonald, Cllr E Ormesher, Cllr A Pratt (Cumberland Cllr), Clerk Mrs Cath Jopson and Assistant Clerk/RFO Mrs Gillian Hoyle. Two members of the public were present.
Prior to the start of the meeting Cllr Micklethwaite asked if the Council could have a minute’s silence in remembrance of former mayor/councillor Christine Lovell. This was seconded and agreed by all. Cllr McGrath gave thanks for all the hard work Christine carried out while she was a member of the Millom Town Council.
Following the minute’s silence the chair asked the council if he could bring forward item 15 on the agenda – Presentation on Haverigg Feasibility Study by Mr Des Metcalf of Hough Tullett Ltd prior to the opening of the meeting.
Everyone agreed that the presentation showed how Haverigg could re-develop into something to be proud of. The council acknowledged that proposals had had to be in conjunction with Natural England etc.
Apologies were received from Cllr J Brown (Holiday commitments)
The Chair asked the members of the council to be allowed to move item 19 on the agenda to the end of the meeting, thus allowing members of the public to leave the meeting. This was agreed by all present at the meeting.
The chair informed the meeting that it was being recorded for the purpose of the minutes. He also welcomed representative of Hough Tullett (who is going to give a presentation on the proposed Haverigg beach re-development) and two members of the public. The chair reminded the councillors of the 7-Nolan Principles and to ensure that comments made via social media are in line with the Code of Conduct and Standing Orders.
The Chair informed the meeting that things were moving on quite rapidly with the library building and at present they are trying to make it water tight. He remarked that it was going to cost around £1.5million to put the building back fit for purpose. The chair then went on to thank Mr Dean Myers for the work he had carried out in regard to the HMO issues.
The mayor gave a short presentation of the work that she had been carrying throughout the months of February (copy attached to the minutes). She went on to thank Cllr Kellett for all of her hard work in organising the Dedication at the Cenotaph to all fallen servicemen and women since World War II.
No declaration of interests were received.
It was proposed by Cllr Faulkner that the minutes be signed as a true and correct record, seconded by Cllr Gager-Leibhart and agreed.
The clerk informed the council that all the actions from the office had been carried out. Cllr McGrath reported that contact had been made with the Home Office in regard to the proposed HMO properties. Cllr Amos stated that he was still waiting for a second quotation for installing CCTV in the town area.
Two members of the public informed the council that they had set up a Community Action Group and had replied to the Church leaders in regard to comments on the group and on social media which at the time had resulted from wrong information. They also informed the councillors that they were going to hold a meeting in the pensioners hall and would let the council know the date.
Cllr Kelly proposed that all the accounts be signed as a true and correct record, seconded by Cllr McGrath and agreed.
Action: RFO to pay all outstanding invoices accordingly.
Cllr Amos informed the council that a public group were in the process of setting up a CIC to look at social housing. He asked the council if any further information had come regarding the new housing on Queens Park. He proposed that Cumberland Planning be asked to withdraw their planning to ensure that a larger number of social housings would be made available. A lengthy discussion took place about lack of social housing. Cllr Barry had been informed that a housing group had been set up in Grasmere and wondered if it would be worthwhile contacting them. The Chair asked Cllr Barry if he would be willing to look into this and he agreed.
The Chair stated that at present this was something that a local council would not be able to do but if Cllr Amos wanted to sign up a CIC on his own with a group as an outside body he could, but not as a councillor. The Chair voiced his concerns about going about this in a proper and legal manner and forming a proper plan to go forward. The Chair proposed that a sub group be formed to try and look into the way to go forward with this. This was seconded by Cllr Amos.
Subgroup Members: Cllrs Amos, Barry, Ormesher, Micklethwaite, and McDonald.
Actions:
The Chair discussed the lack of clarity from the Home Office and concerns around how Millom was designated for HMO/Asylum properties. He had written to the Minister for Illegal Immigration for clarification. Cllr Pratt shared he would raise questions at an upcoming scrutiny meeting regarding policy and governance of such decisions at Cumberland Council. Cllr McGrath proposed rewriting to Serco, seconded by Cllr Ormesher, and agreed.
Action: Clerk/Chair to write to Serco
The Clerk informed that flags have been ordered. Cllr Kellett said the Royal British Legion would assist arranging a celebration. Cllr Barry shared that a curry night for veterans was being offered. Clerk mentioned gas beacon cost of £540 (exc VAT). Proposal by Cllr Faulkner to purchase it, seconded by Cllr Barry, and agreed.
Action: Clerk to order beacon and liaise with Events Group
Discussion on current dual leadership model (Chair & Mayor). Cllr Amos and Ormesher said it worked well. Suggestions to extend mayor’s term. Cllr Micklethwaite asked about Deputy Mayor. Chair noted no volunteers previously. Cllr Kelly recommended continuing model for at least 2 more years.
Cllrs praised the project. Questions raised about funding and timeline. Chair stated phased implementation and public consultation needed. All agreed to proceed with consultation.
Action: Chair/Mayor/Clerk to arrange public consultation
Action: Chair to write to Chair of Town Deal requesting further consultation dates
Update requested by Cllr Billing. Cllr Pratt: Station art project moved to Ravenglass. All other projects are changing. Proposal to write to Sarah Mitchell for outline of projects, seconded by Cllr Faulkner.
Action: Letter to be written to Sarah Mitchell
Action: Clerk to defer IT Policy until next meeting
Action: Cllr Kelly to follow up on parking extensions and care worker exemptions
Forest with Impact at HMP Haverigg: Circulated for information. Meeting requested and agreed.
Applications reviewed for Mr Dean Myers and Mr Paul Brown. Unanimously agreed to co-opt.
Action: Clerk to notify successful applicants, arrange induction, and process documentation.
There being no further business the meeting was closed at 21.30pm
Signed: …………………………….. Chair 27th March 2024
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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
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