Millom Town Council
Millom Town Council was formed in 1974 when the parish boundaries changed from Cumberland.
Present: Cllr R Williamson (Chair), Cllr S Faulkner (Mayor), Cllr J Kellett, MTC/Cumberland Cllr B Kelly, Cllr A Liebhart, Cllr D Billing, Cllr B Crellin, Cumberland Cllr A Pratt, Cath Jopson (Clerk), Gillian Hoyle (RFO/Assistant Clerk). 8 members of the public were also in attendance including members of Shackles Off.
Prior to the commencement the Chair informed the meeting that it would be recorded for minute taking only.
Apologies were received from Cllrs McDonald, Chatterton, Brown.
A letter of resignation had been received by the Clerk from Cllr D Myers. (Clerk to inform Cumberland Authority and deal with the necessary paperwork following the resignation.)
Nothing to exclude.
The Chair welcomed everyone and thanked them for their attendance. The Chair then asked the meeting if they would agree to bring forward Item 9 – Presentation from Shackles Off. All agreed to do this. Following this agreement the Chair invited representatives from Shackles Off to give a short presentation of the work that they do with youths.
Following the Shackles Off presentation the Chair informed the meeting that it was hoped that the new Ninja Trail would be opening next Monday if the post inspection has been completed and signed off.
Representatives Mandy Taylor and Joanne Pears gave the meeting a very informed insight into the extensive services that they provide to the community. Cllr Billing thanked them for their excellent presentation and was impressed with the work that is currently being carried out within Millom and surrounding areas. The Chair thanked them both for coming and also giving a very in-depth insight to their work. (Shackles Off Annual Report attached to the minutes for information)
No declarations of interest had been received.
Cllr Kelly proposed that these minutes be signed as a true and correct record, this was seconded by Cllr Faulkner and agreed.
Cllr Billing proposed that these minutes be signed as a true and correct record, this was seconded by Cllr Faulkner and agreed.
Cllr Kellett proposed that these be signed as a true and correct record, this was seconded by Cllr Faulkner and agreed.
The only outstanding issue was with the Clerk trying to find out who the miner’s statue in the market square belongs to. The clerk informed the meeting that she had been speaking to representatives from Cumberland and that they stated that it was put there with EU monies and it should be the responsibility of the MTC to get it repaired.
Action: The Clerk to write to Cumberland Legal Department seeking confirmation of this.
A further question that came from a resident was about the proposed closing off one end of the market square; their concern was about the bus turnings. Cllr Faulkner informed the meeting that the Town Deal Committee were looking into this problem, and it may well be that the market square remains the same with one road in and one road out.
Ex Cllr McGrath took time to thank Cllrs Williamson, Faulkner and the Clerk for their hard work in getting the new park in situ in Haverigg before the school holidays. He also congratulated Cllr Williamson on his role of chair and Cllr Faulkner for her 3rd year in succession as the Town Mayor.
One resident brought to the attention of the council their thoughts on the proposed GDF Project stating the benefits should it come to fruition, these thoughts will be attached to the minutes for reference. Cllr Billing stated that he thought that MTC should be back involved with the partnership. The Chair thanked the member of the public and noted their comments. (attached to the minutes)
It was proposed by Cllr Faulkner that the accounts be approved for payment/note the bank reconciliation, this was seconded by Cllr Kelly and agreed.
The RFO asked the council to consider closing MTC Reserves Fund and the Mayor’s Appeal Account in the Furness Building Society and merge with the Co-op Bank. It was proposed by Cllr Faulkner to action this, seconded by Cllr Kellett and agreed.
Action: RFO to arrange for Furness Building Society Account to close and merge with current Co-Operative Bank.
The RFO requested that she be able to change signatories of the current Co-operative Bank and update. It was proposed by Cllr Faulkner to do this, seconded by Cllr Kellett and agreed.
Action: RFO to update signatories on Co-operative Bank
Cllr Faulkner requested an update to the MTC Website to improve accessibility, include a gallery, and promote events and videos. Cost quoted by Whamos was £3,000. Cllr Kelly requested more details on what the cost involves.
Action: Cllr Liebhart to request a more detailed quotation.
Cllr Kelly reported on flooding response efforts and a new water/sewerage system business plan being developed. He noted complaints about bin collections being passed on and new access to signing on at the Millom Hub instead of Barrow. He asked councillors to send feedback regarding local regulation changes to Highways.
Cllr Pratt reported attending the South Copeland Community Panel where he was voted interim chair. Funding was granted to MTC for solar lights in Palladium Gardens. He also offered that MTC could rejoin the GDF Partnership with interest.
Action: Cllr Pratt to organise a workshop on GDF for councillors.
Cllr Faulkner thanked Cllr Liebhart for preparing a newsletter draft. All agreed it was a good initiative.
Action: Cllr Liebhart to continue developing the newsletter.
Cllr Williamson gave an update on the Ninja Trail Park safety inspection and launch date of Tuesday 8th July at 1.30pm. Haverigg Primary School class to attend.
Cllr Williamson to meet a North Lane resident to discuss GDF impact on properties.
Cllr Billing asked about funding continuity if GDF siting ceased. Cllr Pratt confirmed that it would not continue.
Action: All councillors to forward information for the newsletter.
Cllr Kellett requested Events be added as a standing item in future agendas.
Action: Clerk to add Events to agenda.
Additional costs incurred for wood replacement around zip line totalling £1800. Cllr Kelly proposed contributing £800, seconded by Cllr Liebhart and agreed.
Cllr Faulkner proposed the Clerk investigate and apply for funding for new modular toilets with disabled changing facilities, seconded by Cllr Kellett and agreed.
Action: Clerk to look for funding and apply.
Clerk reported that a survey had been completed and was awaiting the report.
Nothing to discuss on any correspondence received.
No objections to either application. Council requested a letter of support for application 4/25/2183/0F1.
Action: Clerk to inform planning department of decision.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 08.50pm.
Signed: …………………………………….. Vice-Chair
Dated: 30th July 2025
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