Millom Town Council
Millom Town Council was formed in 1974 when the parish boundaries changed from Cumberland.
Present: Cllr G McGrath (in the Chair), Cllr S Faulkner (Mayor), Cllr J Brown, Cllr A Pratt (Cumberland Councillor), Cllr J Kellett, Cllr D Myers, Cllr D Billing, Cllr A McDonald, Cllr B Crellin, Clerk Cath Jopson, Cllr Gillian Hoyle (RFO/Assistant Clerk).
Two members of the public were present.
Apologies were received from Cllr Kelly L and Cllr Williamson.
The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. Following the recent workshop with Town Deal representatives, the Chair stated that it was a very informative meeting and proposed that a letter of thanks be sent to the chair. Action: Clerk to send letter of thanks.
The mayor’s announcement of the work she has carried out during the month of April is attached to the minutes. The mayor then gave a short presentation in regard to the 100-year dedication for the war memorial on 24th May 2025. All agreed that it was an excellent presentation.
No declarations of pecuniary interest were received.
Cllr Brown proposed that the minutes from the meeting held on 26th March be signed as a true and correct record; this was seconded by Cllr Myers and agreed.
The clerk informed the council that all the actions from the previous meeting had been completed although no response was yet received from Home Group or NWS following the letters being sent.
A member of the public brought their concerns to the council about two new pieces of land for sale for housing. The resident informed the council that following the flooding in Millom over the recent years, the then Copeland Council promised that no further housing estates would be granted permission until such time as the sewerage system was upgraded. The resident asked if the council could contact Cumberland Authority to ask if this was still the case and push forward to have the drainage system upgraded. Action: Clerk to write to Cumberland Authority regarding planning for additional housing properties.
Cllr Faulkner proposed that the accounts for payment be signed and agreed as a true and correct record along with the bank reconciliation; these were seconded by Cllr Myers and agreed.
The RFO gave a short update on the year end stating that it looked as though the council would come in just under budget.
Cllr Faulkner proposed that the yearly subscription for CALC be paid; this was seconded by Cllr McDonald and agreed.
The clerk informed the council that a quotation to assess the statue in the market square would be approximately £640 + VAT. Cllr McGrath was concerned about the ownership of the statue and proposed that the clerk look into finding out who actually owns it before paying for any works. This was seconded by Cllr Myers and agreed. Action: Clerk to look into the ownership of the miner’s statue.
The clerk informed the council that it would cost £2148.42 (nett of VAT) to install a connection into the Palladium Gardens. Cllr Brown proposed that the council pay for this and it was seconded by Cllr McGrath; all agreed. Action: Clerk to arrange for electricity connection.
A request had been made by the Friends of Millom Station for a donation towards the upkeep and a banner. Cllr Brown proposed that a £250 donation be given; this was seconded by Cllr Faulkner and agreed.
Cllr Billing proposed that the structure remain the same, giving the chair a 4-year term unless someone else writes asking for the position. This was seconded by Cllr Brown and agreed. Anyone wishing to stand for chair or mayor must let the clerk know prior to the meeting on the 28th May 2025.
No further updates for this meeting have been received.
Cllr Faulkner gave a progress report with photographic evidence of the work that is being carried out in the old Nat West Bank. All councillors welcomed this update.
The clerk informed the councillors that work was now progressing and that an application had been put in for the planting etc. The clerk requested to submit a further application to South Copeland GDF Community Fund for the remaining works and band stand. Cllr McGrath proposed that the clerk submit this, it was seconded by Cllr Faulkner and agreed. Action: Clerk to submit application.
Cllr Kelly had sent notes about the work in Cumberland Authority which were read out by the chairman and circulated.
Cllr Billing informed the council that he had attended a meeting with the group trying to get a cycle route from Millom to Silecroft, unfortunately there was very little at present to report.
Cllr Williamson had left notes and updates on the work that he had been currently working on. In regard to the new Ninja Trail in Haverigg, he stated that this was due to begin around the beginning of June. He is still in contact with Velosolutions in regard to the proposed pump track for Millom and will report as and when more information becomes available.
Cllr Brown informed the meeting that St Luke’s Church has now got a committee to help with holding events to enable the church to stay open. The recent Easter Egg Hunt had been well attended and he thanked all for helping with this and in trying to keep the church open. Other events are being planned for the forthcoming months.
All correspondence received had been forwarded to councillors for their information.
The clerk updated the Council with regard to the Salvation Army Building and that she had been informed that they were going to get a valuation and would let us know as soon as this had been carried out.
The chair asked if the clerk could highlight any correspondence when sending out to councillors of those requiring urgent replies etc.
The following planning applications had been received for consideration by the council:
Action: Clerk to write to Cumberland Planning with Council’s comments.
The next meeting will be held on 28th May 2025 in the Methodist Hall, commencing 06.30 PM with the AGM, followed by the Mayor making at 7.15 PM and then the normal council meeting at 7.30 PM.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 08.30 PM.
Signed: ……………………………….. Chair
Dated: 28th May 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
All meetings will commence at 07.00pm unless otherwise stated on
the agenda.