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 26th MARCH 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 A Gager-Liebhart, Cllr D Myers, Cllr D Billing, Cllr A McDonald, Cllr B Crellin, Clerk Cath Jopson, and Mr Paul Shearsby – Cumberland Council Neighbourhoods | Interim Lead Manager – Education and Enforcement | IOSH & Dog Legislation Officer (DLO), Mr Neil Dixon – Interim Service Manager for Public Places | Neighbourhoods Place, Sustainable Growth & Transport | Cumberland Council
24 members of the public signed that they were in attendance.
Cllr R Williamson.
There was nothing on the agenda to exclude the public or press from the meeting.
Opening the meeting the chair thanked everyone for their attendance. The Chair asked if Item 8 of the agenda could be moved to the start of the meeting prior to item 5 being discussed. All agreed to this, and it was, therefore, agreed.
Mr Paul Shearsby Cumberland officer gave a short summary of what he and his team were doing to try and deal with the constant problems with dog fouling and fly tipping within Cumberland areas. He informed the meeting that he and his colleague Mr Neil Dixon had walked around the area during the day prior to the meeting and identified areas which have issues with fly tipping and dog fouling. He stated that he was working with his work teams to address these problems and work with Millom Town Council when issues arise. Mr Neil Dixon gave a short summary of his work within Cumberland Authority, and he also agreed that work needed to be carried out to alleviate these issues. Both officers stated that they would going forward putting in place some Action Plans which will, hopefully, educate members of the public to be proud of the area that they live in.
The Chairman thanked both officers for taking the time to attend the meeting and all councillors felt that it had been a useful exercise. Following this both officers left the meeting.
The chair informed the meeting that he had attended the new Drop Zone Centre in Barrow and found it very interesting and most helpful with ideas of how to run a youth centre. The chair stated that we were waiting for a valuation regarding the Salvation Army building before commencing with any further action. Regarding the CAB office in Wellington Street the chair informed the councillors that the building will now be sold. He has been reassured that the CAB will still have a service in Millom and are looking into office space somewhere within the town. He was also informed that they are short of volunteers, and they were looking for volunteers in the area.
Cllr Faulkner informed the councillors that there was to be a workshop for all to attend regarding the Town Deal. Cllr Faulkner asked that as many that could attend this and it will be held in the Lighthouse Centre, Haverigg from 6.00pm on 1st April. Further report from the mayor added to these minutes.
Cllr Billing and Cllr Kelly declared an interest in correspondence received from Millom Bowling Club.
Councillor Brown proposed that the minutes from the meeting held on 26th February 2025 be signed as a true and correct record, this was seconded by Cllr Kellett and agreed.
Cllr Pratt informed the council that he had investigated the housing survey and asked Cumberland what the plans were for Queens Park. Cumberland authority stated that they were not aware of any changes/plans for new houses on this estate within the new housing survey.
Action: Clerk to contact Home Housing asking for an update.
The clerk informed the council that further information has been requested for the proposed pump track, as soon as this is available it will be sent to councillors for their information.
Cllr Crellin informed the meeting that the Millom Disability Group had now disbanded and that the funds held were given to local charities.
Following issues raised by members of the public Cllr Brown proposed that MTC hold a public meeting to discuss the pros and cons of the GDF development. This was seconded by Cllr Liebhart and all agreed.
Action: MTC to arrange for a public meeting.
Cllr Faulkner proposed that the following motion from Bank Head Residents be accepted: “We Millom Town Council, reject the area of focus being beneficial to Bank Head.” This was seconded by Cllr Brown and all agreed. Cllr McGrath proposed that a letter be sent to NWS in order to protect the property values for the residents of Bank Head as the current property protection scheme does not compensate for loss of value, and an additional query in regard to the area of focus which includes the area surrounding the estate. This was seconded by Cllr Faulkner and all agreed.
Action: Clerk to write letter to NWS regarding Bank Head Estate.
Cllr Faulkner proposed that the accounts for payment and the bank reconciliation be accepted as a true and correct record, this was seconded by Cllr Liebhart and agreed.
Cllr Crellin proposed that Vicky Bradley carry out the internal audit for the years 24/25. This was seconded by Cllr Faulkner and agreed.
Action: RFO to inform Vicky Bradley as being agreed to the post of internal auditor.
Cllr Liebhart proposed that a donation of £200 be given to Millom Bowling League, this was seconded by Cllr Faulkner and agreed.
Action: RFO to send out donation
Cllr Liebhart gave a short talk about the Millom & Haverigg Together CIC stating that the group were waiting for a reply to their application for funding for the Resilience Group.
Cllr Liebhart also informed the council that the funding for the Cancer Alliance Group had been received and forwarded to begin the cancer screening events. Nothing more to report.
Cllr Faulkner reminded councillors of the meeting to be held on 1st April to discuss the forthcoming projects of the town deal.
The clerk informed the meeting that work should be commencing the week of 7th April in the Palladium Gardens.
Cllr McDonald informed the meeting that he was willing should anyone need to take large items of household goods to the refuse collection for a small fee. The chair said that Cllr McDonald would need to advertise this himself as it was not something that MTC could embark on.
The clerk informed the meeting that £100k had been awarded for the new Ninja Trail on Haverigg Dune play area.
Action: Clerk to order play equipment.
The following planning applications had been received for council’s comments:
The council had no objections to any of the above planning applications.
Action: Clerk to write to Cumberland Authority.
Cllr McGrath informed the council that Whartons Garage were going to put EV charge points in and that they would like a letter of support from the Council. Cllr McGrath proposed that the clerk write a letter of support, this was seconded by Cllr Faulkner and all agreed.
A letter had been received by the Clerk from the Millom Bowling Club asking if they could site a container in the park to store their equipment (mowers etc). Cllr McGrath suggested that two councillors meet with the club to discuss this ensuring it will not interfere with the proposed pump track in the park.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 20.45pm
Signed: …………………………….. Chair dated: 26th April 2025
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