Rat problems. – Two residents from Neasham Court attended the meeting to express their concerns regarding the Old North Road Club site and the fact that they believe it now has rats within it as well as the pigeons.

They were particularly concerned due to the proximity of the site to homes of elderly residents. Councillors advised the residents that they shared their frustration regarding the poor state of repair of the Old Club and that they continue to push Hambleton District Council (HDC) for action on these premises and the neighbouring land. District Cllr Andy Wake said that both he and District Cllr Bryn Griffiths had persuaded HDC to put it to the top of their enforcement list. Cllr Griffiths noted that changes of ownership of the property had made progress more difficult.

It was agreed that the clerk would report the matter to the Environmental Health and HDC enforcement. The residents had contacted MP Rishi Sunak, who had also promised to contact HDC. They were also advised to report any issues to the HDC chief executive and the Environmental Health. Cllr Griffiths was of the opinion that Environmental Health did not believe that the rat problem was as bad as was perceived locally. Cllr Wake thought that the best solution was for the building to be knocked down. Request to HDC for a compulsory purchase had so far received a flat refusal.

Town Hall clock. – Cllr Mike Canavan had established, during his review of the old minutes, that the current clock had been purchased by the Round Table. It was agreed that as the Round Table no longer existed in Stokesley, the clerk should obtain quotes to purchase a new clock and that consideration would be given to the clock marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Local sponsors would be sought.

Police report. – Sgt Ross presented the police report for the previous month. A total of 41 incidents had been reported during this period. He said that, although the overall figures appeared high, very few of the incidents were of a serious nature. Sgt Ross confirmed that the staffing levels in Stokesley were currently at capacity, which is enabling them to carry out more patrols. They were aware of reports of dangerous driving on Hebron Road and these were being monitored.

Planning matters. – Councillors had no objections in principle to the change of use of manorial land directly in front of the Market Place for a seating area for Chapters Deli and Café, comprising of removable wooden decking and barriers. However they requested that the permitted hours should be the same as included in the Green Man and Tru-Vai approvals and the drawing should clearly indicate that the decking is to be set a minimum of one metre from the road edge. The decking should also be in line with the footpath to ensure a smooth transition.

Councillors confirmed that they have no objections to the application for a premises licence for the Yorkshire Store.

It was agreed that clerk would write to West Green Deli to remind them that they do not have street furniture authorisation and therefore should refrain from putting tables and chairs outside.

Cllr Wake reported that nothing had been received from Kier as yet regarding revised plans for the next stage of the Tanton Fields development.

The clerk will request that enforcement proceedings now commence regarding the provision of lighting at the Tanton Road junction, as no planning application had been received. The same was the case regarding improvements to the footpath behind the Kier development.

Information panels and fingerposts. – Cllrs Chris Johnson and Oxley had submitted a proposal for two fingers posts, one adjacent to the Showfield Car Park and one outside what was the NatWest Bank (where the tourist information board used to be). A revised quote had been circulated which confirmed that the cost for the two posts would be £2,737, excluding VAT. Councillors agreed to place the order for the two finger posts as outlined in the quote.

Cobbles and parking. – It was agreed that a meeting be arranged between the town council and HDC during July to discuss the tender documentation for the cobbles.

Cllr Canavan will chase the organisation PATROL for their response regarding parking enforcement by a town council. Following a request from the police to refresh the white lines outside the station, councillors agreed that it was not financially viable to pay a company to just repaint those lines, but that they would be included in the future re-marking of the cobbles project.

River Leven Project. – Cllr David Oxley confirmed that the planning application has been submitted but is not registered yet. There might need to be reconsideration of the plans for the Golden Lion Bridge due to ownership issues. Cllr Nigel Johnson reported that some of the paving slabs are now loose following the work carried out by the Tees River Trust. Cllr Oxley would report the loose paving to the Environment Agency as they had appointed Tees River Trust to carry out the work on their behalf.

Developing Stokesley as a Gateway to the North York Moors. – Cllr Oxley provided an update following a meeting where they had agreed to prioritise parking, footfall data, contact with bus companies to encourage them to add Stokesley to their tours and events promotion (not only in the Town Hall, but all events taking place in the town). In order to avoid duplication, it was agreed that the Stokesley Bounce Back and Gateway to the North York Moors working groups become part of the Communications and Events Committee.

Climate action. – HDC had indicated that their electric vehicle charging points in the Showfield car park were being put in this autumn. Cllr Nigel Johnson had circulated an outline proposal on what type of units the town council might install and where they should be positioned. The proposal was agreed and the group were asked to progress plans.

Requests made. – Councillors agreed to an S137 grant application for £125 to cover the room hire in the town hall for a Macmillan Mighty Hikers fund-raising quiz, subject to confirmation from Macmillan that at least £125 has been spent in Stokesley.

A request had been received for an area to be designated for off road dirt bikes and quad bikes. The clerk would forward the correspondence to HDC for their consideration as unfortunately the town council had no suitable land.

Following a verbal request to install a bench between Malvern Drive and the Riverside, it was agreed that Cllr Canavan and Chris Johnson would meet with the resident to identify the area for the bench installation, which was agreed in principle.

Levenside to Rosehill Drive Bridleway. – The clerk will write to the appeals officer to confirm that Stokesley Town Council as a body are fully supportive of the comments submitted by Cllr Canavan. Councillors were asked to review the response from the British Horse Society and provide any comments to Cllr Canavan before the response deadline date of July 13.

Other matters. – It was decided that, during this next year, Community Improvement Levy funds should be allocated to the Levenside Improvement Project.

The clerk will investigate options around fitting a radar key to the accessible toilet that could be utilised out of hours only, as the facility needs to be open during the day to enable use of the baby change facilities.

The broken bench at the West Green bus stop will be replaced and offered as a suitable place for a memorial bench.

Councillors agreed that the Plat Area hedge should be cut back. The clerk would meet with the contractor to agree the specification.

The September Town Council meeting will be moved from Tuesday, September 14 to Tuesday, September 21 because of Fair Week.