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 29th JANUARY 2025 HELD IN THE METHODIST HALL, MILLOM
PRESENT: Cllr G McGrath (in the Chair), Cllr S Faulkner (Mayor), Cllr J Brown, Cllr B Kelly (Cumberland and MTC Cllr), Cllr A Pratt (Cumberland Councillor), Cllr J Kellett, Cllr R Williamson, Cllr A Gager-Liebhart, Cllr P Brown, Cllr A McDonald, Clerk Cath Jopson, and 3 members of the public were in attendance.
Apologies were received from Cllrs Chatterton, Myers and Crellin. Sergeant D McDonald also gave apologies.
There was nothing on the agenda to exclude the public or press from the meeting.
The chair thanked everyone for their attendance. He stated there was a lot going on this current year. He reported that work on the old library to make it wind and watertight will begin around 24th February 2025. Work had also commenced on the Millom Town Deal 3G Pitch being resurfaced.
The chairman noted that this coming year was going to be special, with events planned for VJ Day and the 100-year celebration of the War Memorial. Notifications of these celebrations will be posted nearer the time.
The chair had attended the Salvation Army Christmas Carol Service, acknowledging it was the last one before the Fort closed. He also noted that after 73 years the Rotary Club of Millom had disbanded.
The Methodist Church has invited all councillors to drop in to the warm hub on Wednesday mornings from 11.00 to 12.00 noon to meet attendees.
The chair informed the meeting that an announcement on areas of focus would be published the following day.
The mayor reported that there were 220 missed appointments in November and 201 in December at Millom Surgery. She requested a flyer be posted on the council’s website and Facebook page to inform the public, in hopes that people would begin to cancel when they couldn’t attend. A4 posters have been placed around the town. Councillors were asked to encourage appointment-keeping.
The opening of the new area in the park was held just before Christmas following the Christmas Coffee Morning. The mayor expressed disappointment in the lack of councillor attendance, though noted it was a very wet day. A podcast will be produced to inform residents about the park design and its origins.
Numerous complaints were received over Christmas regarding rubbish and concerns around fly tipping. The mayor noted that Cumberland now not accepting soft furnishings is a possible cause. The chair suggested that Cumberland Council could provide skip amnesty days to help alleviate fly tipping. The Cumberland Councillors present were asked to consider this suggestion.
The council were reminded that the Community Plan Group meeting is on 4th February at 7.00pm in the Council offices. Action: All Cllrs to let Mayor know if they can attend prior to the meeting.
Cllrs Faulkner, Williamson and Liebhart declared an interest in Item 11 on the agenda.
Cllr Kellett proposed the minutes be signed as a true and correct record. Seconded by Cllr McDonald. Agreed.
Cllr McGrath reported he had spoken to the church wardens regarding the proposed hedge on the outer fence line of the new churchyard. The church had no objection. Cllr McGrath proposed the clerk investigate the purchase of hedge plants. Seconded by Cllr Faulkner. Agreed. Action: Clerk to investigate the purchase of hedge plants.
The Clerk stated further quotes had been requested for grass cutting including the new park area, cenotaph, and Palladium Gardens from the current contractor. Once received, these will go before the Finance Committee.
A member of the public queried dog fouling issues. MTC is working with Shackles Off to highlight the issue.
The same member presented a fact sheet from a GDF SC Forum they attended in September 2023. No independent impact report has yet been received. The Chair reiterated MTC’s reasons for withdrawing from the partnership.
Another member of the public asked about the appointment of a deputy mayor. The chair explained that no one volunteered initially, but Cllr Kellett agreed to take on the post later in the year.
Another member asked that MTC encourage community pride. The Chair proposed that this be added to the next agenda for discussion.
In the absence of the RFO, there was nothing to discuss.
A draft policy had been circulated prior to the meeting. Cllr Liebhart proposed it be adopted. Seconded by Cllr J Brown. Agreed.
Cllr Faulkner gave a short presentation on the newly formed Millom and Haverigg Together CIC. A Resilience Group was formed within the CIC and is raising funds for early detection programmes. They would like to collaborate with Millom Town Council. Cllr McGrath supported the idea. Seconded by Cllr Kelly. Agreed.
Action: Clerk to write to CIC informing them of collaboration approval. Add to regular agenda for updates.
Cllr Williamson presented plans for a proposed pump track in Millom Park. Cllrs Faulkner and Williamson will show the design to schoolchildren for feedback. Cllr McGrath proposed support and that the Clerk apply for funding for the pump track and pavilion refurbishment. Seconded by Cllr Kelly. Agreed.
Action: Cllrs Faulkner/Williamson to present at school; Clerk to apply for funding.
Cllrs Williamson and Faulkner gave a presentation on the first phase of Haverigg Park. Further details and costs awaited from Proludic. Cllr McGrath proposed that the proposal return to council once complete for funding approval. Seconded by Cllr Faulkner. Agreed.
Action: Cllrs Williamson/Faulkner to gather further information for next meeting.
Cllr McGrath informed the council that the Salvation Army building may be available for lease or sale. He proposed exploring its use as a youth centre or other community amenity. Seconded by Cllr Kelly. Agreed.
Action: Clerk to investigate possibility of leasing/purchasing the building.
Cllr Faulkner provided an update. Work on the old Westminster Bank is expected to begin in early March. A drop-in centre will be opened in an empty shop in the market square to answer public questions about the Town Deal.
Cllr McGrath discussed NALC’s proposals to strengthen the framework. Councillors were encouraged to review the email and respond individually.
Action: Councillors to review and respond individually.
The Clerk gave an update. Awaiting additional information regarding access.
Cllr Bob Kelly reported the sinkhole on the running track is being repaired. He will contact St George’s Church about a deteriorating wall. He is investigating non-collection of bins in Millom and Haverigg.
Cllr Andy Pratt reported that major road works on the A595 have been completed. He asked residents to use the bus survey on the Cumberland website.
Cllr Crellin highlighted issues with the current bus timetable—no return bus from Barrow.
Cllr Billing mentioned attending an Active Travel Routes meeting, with a cycle route from Millom to Silecroft being explored.
No further updates.
Millom CAB: Concern over office closure. Cllr Faulkner proposed writing a letter requesting reassurance of continued provision. Seconded by Cllr Billing. Agreed.
Action: Clerk to write to CAB.
St Luke’s Church, Haverigg: Letter received about possible closure. Cllr Brown proposed distributing letters to parishioners to encourage festival church status. Seconded by Cllr Faulkner. Agreed.
Action: Clerk to prepare letter for Cllr Brown to distribute.
Cumbria Constabulary Neighbourhood Policing Pledge: Letter received requesting two council reps for virtual meetings. Cllrs McDonald and Faulkner volunteered.
Action: Clerk to inform CALC of the two representatives.
No objections in principle.
Action: Clerk to submit comments to Cumberland Planning.
Meeting closed at 08.55pm
Signed: ………………………………………
Dated: 26th February 2025
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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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