Full Town Council Minutes Signed 28-11-2022
Attendance:
Councillor P Winter (Town Mayor)
Councillor J Harvey
Councillor J Berry
Councillor P Hulbert
Councillor J Borda
Councillor M Jefferys
Councillor J Clover
Councillor J Lay
Councillor L Crissall
Councillor C O’Neill
Councillor J Ferries
Councillor S PerryCouncillor K Yarrow
Also Present: C Whitaker – Town Clerk, T Symonds – Deputy Town Clerk, J Ashton – Minute Assistant, 1 Member of the Press and 13 Members of the Public.
Minute
22/11/1 Welcome
The Chairman opened the meeting and read the fire safety notice and confirmed that proceedings were being recorded.
22/11/2 Apologies for Absence – LGA 1972, Section 85(1) & (2)
Apologies were received from Cllrs Anderson and De’Ath. Cllrs Hall, Hood and Drummond were absent.
22/11/3 Declaration of Members Interests & to Remind Councillors of the Need to Keep up to Date Their Register of Member’s Interests and to Consider any Requests Received for Member’s Dispensation
None noted. There were no member dispensation requests.
22/11/4 To Receive and Confirm the Minutes of the Town Council Meeting held on 31st October 2022 and any Matters Arising.
The minutes of the meeting held on 31st October 2022 were presented and the following was agreed:
22/11/4.01 Resolved
That the minutes of the meeting held on 31st October 2022 be adopted and signed as a correct record by the Town Mayor.
There were no matters arising.
22/11/5 West Suffolk Citizen’s Advice Bureau
Carol Eagles gave a presentation on what the CAB do, current projects and recent activities in and around Newmarket. She thanked NTC for their continued support.
Cllr Berry joined the meeting
She reported that they are always on the look-out for new volunteers who, without their help, the CAB could not afford to deliver services.
The Mayor thanked Carol for the presentation.
22/11/6 Public Open Session
A member of the public spoke to item 15 in support of MP Matt Hancock.
A member of the public asked if there was any progress on the public right of way at Laureate School and if Allied had responded to the right for it to remain open. The Mayor advised that Cllr Drummond was leading on this item and was not in attendance. He was asked to email the Town Clerk. He also asked if Cllrs Anderson and Soons had pointed out the short comings on the WSC consultation for charging points for electric vehicles on Studlands. Town Clerk confirmed that this had been done and that it was progressing. He also asked what the plans for the Community Church were when the lease expires in January 2023. Cllr Ferries and Anderson will make enquiries into this and report back.
A member of the public spoke to the Cricket Club item in Correspondence and the recent resolutions taken by the Council regarding the Cricket Club.
A member of the public spoke to item 15 and supported the call for the resignation of MP Matt Hancock.
A member of the public spoke to the Cricket Club item in Correspondence and urged NTC and the Club to come back to the table and renegotiate the contract to save cricket in Newmarket
A member of the public spoke to item 15, the resignation of MP Matt Hancock, and asked if the public were in support of this proposal.
A member of the public spoke to the Cricket Club item in Correspondence and reported that NTC were not actively supporting cricket and also urged the Council to reconsider their recent resolutions.
1 member of the public left the meeting.
22/11/7 Councillor Reports
Suffolk County Council (SCC) –None noted
West Suffolk Council (WSC) – Cllr Lay reported that drinks were being spiked in Newmarket bars and that there had been drug dealing activities. He would raise these issues with the Police Commissioner.
Ward – Cllr Yarrow – it has been reported that SCC have been ordered to pay £44,500 to families with children who have special needs and he requested that Cllr Hood, the Cabinet Member for SEND provision, tells NTC precisely what the failings were and how they are distributing the £44,500.
He also reported that the meeting with the Flagship Sales Manager is being rearranged to discuss the recent sales of social housing in Newmarket.
A report on Icewell Hill and the latest improvements was presented and noted.
Cllr Hulbert – reported that he had met with MARPA on Saturday 26/11/2022 and had made a request for the trains to stop at Kennett every hour instead of every 2 hours. He also requested that the last train from Cambridge be changed to 11:30pm, at least on Friday and Saturday nights. An update is awaited.
Cllr Ferries – reported that the Newmarket Community Network had reported at a meeting that there is still a problem with the Newmarket Brook with it being blocked with rubbish. However, a WSC Ranger will be conducting new monthly patrols and will clear any blockages. An update on the HGV parking is awaited.
Outside bodies – None noted.
22/11/8 Mayors Announcements
The Mayor reported that, in addition to attending committee meetings, working groups and other meetings, her activities included the following:
29th October – Launched the British Legion Poppy Appeal in the Guineas
1st November – Met with Tracey Harding in Nancy’s Tea Room to sample the sausage rolls for the Sausage Festival.
5th November – Attended the Sausage Festival in the Market Square.
8th November – Represented NTC at the funeral of Warwick Hirst.
11th November – Attended the Armistice Day Service at the War Memorial.
12th November – Laid a wreath on behalf of NTC at the Rose Garden Remembrance Service in Bury St Edmunds.
13th November – Laid a wreath on behalf of NTC at the War Memorial Service and attended the Remembrance Service at Tattersalls.
17th November – Opened the Woodgreen Charity Shop in the Guineas
18th November – Attended the Newmarket BID Christmas Lights Switch On
22/11/9 To Receive the Minutes and Consider any Recommendations from the Human Resources Committee Meeting held on 31st October 2022
The Chairman of the Human Resources Committee presented the minutes and recommendations from the Human Resources Committee meeting held on 31st October 2022.
22/11/9.01 Resolved (H/22/11/18.01 Recommendation)
That version 2 of the draft HR budget for the municipal year 2023/2024 be received and adopted.
22/11/10 To Receive the Minutes and Consider any Recommendations from the D&P Committee Meetings held on 7th and 21st November 2022
The Chairman of the Development & Planning Committee presented the minutes and recommendations from the Development & Planning Committee meeting held on 7th and 21st November 2022.
22/11/10.01 Resolved (D/22/11/21.01 Recommendation)
That a request to introduce a 20mph zone on Fordham Road from the Clock Tower to the Snailwell Horse Crossing be submitted to SCC Highways. That the possibility of extending the 20mph zone to other parts of the Town be explored. That a weight-limiting zone also be applied to the 20mph in Fordham Road.
22/11/10.02 Resolved (D/22/11/27.01 Recommendation)
That the previous objections of the Committee be submitted to East Cambs District Council.
22/11/11 To Receive the Minutes and Consider any Recommendations from the Leisure Services Committee Meeting held on 7th November 2022
The Chairman of the Leisure Services Committee presented the minutes and recommendations of the Leisure Services Committee meeting held on 7th November 2022.
22/11/11.01 Resolved (L/22/11/7.01 Recommendation)
That the draft Leisure Services budget for the municipal year 2023/2024 be received and approved.
22/11/11.02 Resolved (L/22/11/9.01 Recommendation)
That the bales be replaced with new safety barriers for future events and to consider the cost of hiring a wide screen for spectators to watch across Warren Hill and to advertise sponsors.
22/11/11.03 Resolved (L/22/11/09.02 Recommendation)
That the net sponsorship/grants a total of £1,41.67 be divided between the two nominated charities and that future Soapbox budgets reflect that sponsorship money received (minus publicity costs) be passed to the charity(s) and that sponsorship request information reflects this matter clearly.
22/11/11.04 Resolved (L/22/11/10.01 Recommendation)
That a donation of £150.00 be made to the charities of Newmarket Lions, as a result of collaboration at the Santa’s free workshop.
22/11/11.05 Resolved (L/22/11/10.02 Recommendation)
That a Community event be held to celebrate the King’s Coronation in May 2023. A Task and Finish Working Group to be set up, with Terms of Reference “to consider the date and details of a Coronation Community Event and report to full council.”
22/11/11.06 Resolved (***L/22/11/15.01 Recommendation***)
That Newmarket Town Council collaborates with a local stakeholder by providing the Severals ground at no cost for the location of a potential pop-up event in February 2023. That a 3-phase electrical connection be installed to provide the required electrical connection (this facility would be useful to the Council for on-going outdoor event requirements.) That NTC assists with publicity for the event.
22/11/12 To Receive the Minutes and Consider any Recommendations from the Finance & Policy Committee Meeting held on 21st November 2022
The Chairman of the Finance & Policy Committee presented the minutes and recommendations of the Finance & Policy Committee meeting held on 21st November 2022.
22/11/12.01 Resolved (F/22/11/6.01 Recommendation)
That the ratification of the schedules of payments for the period 01/09/2022 –
31/10/2022 (Cash Book 1 – 4) be received and adopted.
22/11/12.02 Resolved (F/22/11/9.01 Recommendation)
That a grant request from 6th Newmarket Brownies for £250 be approved.
22/11/12.03 Resolved (F/22/11/9.02 Recommendation)
That the request from Abbeycroft Leisure for NTC to assist with the recruitment of a Youth Worker to cover the Teen Chill Projects at Newmarket and Brandon be
approved; this by way of NTC website.
22/11/12.04 Resolved (F/22/11/10.01 Recommendation)
That the draft F&P budget for the municipal year 2023/2024 be received and approved.
22/11/12.05 Resolved (F/22/11/11.01 Recommendation)
That the successful trial be continued and become the established schedule going forward. That the revised schedule for Committee meetings from December 2022 to 2nd May 2023 be approved. That the Committee titles revert to those prior to the trial. That the Committee meeting schedule from 9th May 2023 be approved at the
Annual Meeting of the Council in May 2023.
22/11/12.06 Resolved (F/22/11/13.01 Recommendation)
That NTC signs up to the Civility and Respect Pledge (NALC, SLCC and SALC). That the Town Clerk attends relevant training sessions on Civility and Respect. That NTC support the continued lobbying for change in legislation to support the Civility and Respect Pledge, including sanctions where appropriate. That the Dignity at Work Policy be received and approved. That the Bullying & Harassment Statement be added to the NTC Website.
22/11/12.07 Resolved (F/22/11/13.02 Recommendation)
That the revised Grants & Funding Policy be received and adopted.
22/11/12.08 Resolved (F/22/11/13.03 Recommendation)
That NTC does not add information and locations of defibrillators to the NTC website due to NTC not owning them; a database would be difficult to keep up to date and accurate and the public are given the location of registered defibrillators when contacting the emergency services.
22/11/13 Suffolk Constabulary PCSO
The monthly PCSO report was received and noted.
A member of the public joined the meeting
PCSO Contract – A report on the PCSO contract for 2023/2024 was considered and the following was agreed:
22/11/13.01 Resolved
That the PCSO Contract for 2023/2024 be deferred for 1 year and be reviewed in 6 months and that it be requested that PCSO Butcher be the Suffolk funded PCSO.
A member of the Public left the meeting
22/11/14 Yellow Brick Road
YBR Working Group – it was reported that bulbs had been planted on Munchkins Green; Town Clerk had been asked to create a map of planted bulbs. A YBR Action Group will be set up to take over the work of the NTC Working Group, a WSC Ranger is now monitoring Newmarket Brook monthly, a Newmarket Community Arts Festival is planned for February 2023, WSC wants to plant some trees and the BMX track will be flattened. Further details can be found in the minutes of the Working Group.
Studlands Community Orchard – the area is being reviewed by the Newmarket Community Network and residents will be consulted regarding the future development of the area.
22/11/15 Neighbourhood Plan Review
A report from the NPP Working Group was presented and noted. Work is now commencing to bring it up to date to ensure that Newmarket is well represented by policy in conjunction with the new Local Plan. Any suggestions for the review are welcomed.
22/11/16 Recycling
The absence of a Recycling Centre in Newmarket was discussed and the following was agreed:
22/11/16.01 Resolved
That a letter be sent to SCC to seek a recycling centre on the original site in Depot Road, Newmarket.
22/11/17 Memorialisation of Covid across Suffolk
A proposal for a grant-funded memorial garden bed in the War Memorial Garden area was considered. The following was agreed:
22/11/17.1 Resolved
That the grant-funding from the Suffolk Public Mental Health Programme of £5,000 be accepted and that £300 be sought from SCC’s Locality Budget along with £300 from NTC; to be used to plant a Covid Memorial bed in the War Memorial Garden area. That a Service of Commemoration and Remembrance be provided.
22/11/18 To Consider that Newmarket Town Council calls for the resignation of the MP for West Suffolk, Matt Hancock, by writing to him and publicising this in the local media
A proposal from Cllr Crissall, seconded by Cllr Yarrow to call for the resignation of West Suffolk MP, Matt Hancock, was discussed and considered.
A recorded vote was requested the results were as follows:
Votes for: Cllrs Borda, Clover, Crissall, Ferries, Harvey, Hulbert, Jefferys, Lay, O’Neill, Perry, Winter and Yarrow.
Votes against: None noted.
Abstentions: Cllr Berry
The following was agreed:
22/11/18.01 Resolved
That NTC writes to the West Suffolk MP, Matt Hancock, to call for his resignation and that the letter be published in the local media.
22/11/19 Correspondence
The Newmarket Cricket Club correspondence was noted and will be discussed further at a future working group meeting.
22/11/20 Office Closure Hours
The office hours over the Christmas period were considered and the following was agreed:
22/11/20.01 Resolved
That the office and services be closed from Monday 26th December 2022 to Monday 2nd January 2023. That two discretionary days be added to the bank holidays with one day of annual leave to be taken to cover the period.
22/11/21 Date of the next Meeting
Monday 19th December 2022 in the Memorial Hall
Meeting closed at 7:30pm
Signed: By the Chairman Date: Monday 28th November 2022
Summary of Resolutions
| Resolution | Resolution Wording |
| 22/11/9.01 Resolved (H/22/11/18.01 Recommendation) | That version 2 of the draft HR budget for the municipal year 2023/2024 be received and adopted. |
| 22/11/10.01 Resolved (D/22/11/21.01 Recommendation) | That a request to introduce a 20mph zone on Fordham Road from the Clock Tower to the Snailwell Horse Crossing be submitted to SCC Highways. That the possibility of extending the 20mph zone to other parts of the Town be explored. That a weight-limiting zone also be applied to the 20mph in Fordham Road. |
| 22/11/10.02 Resolved (D/22/11/27.01 Recommendation) | That the previous objections of the Committee be submitted to East Cambs District Council. |
| 22/11/11.01 Resolved (L/22/11/7.01 Recommendation) | That the draft Leisure Services budget for the municipal year 2023/2024 be received and approved. |
| 22/11/11.02 Resolved (L/22/11/9.01 Recommendation) | That the bales be replaced with new safety barriers for future events and to consider the cost of hiring a wide screen for spectators to watch across Warren Hill and to advertise sponsors. |
| 22/11/11.03 Resolved (L/22/11/9.02 Recommendation) | That the net sponsorship/grants a total of £1,41.67 be divided between the two nominated charities and that future Soapbox budgets reflect that sponsorship money received (minus publicity costs) be passed to the charity(s) and that sponsorship request information reflects this matter clearly |
| 22/11/11.04 Resolved (L/22/11/10.01 Recommendation) | That a donation of £150.00 be made to the charities of Newmarket Lions, as a result of collaboration at the Santa’s free workshop. |
| 22/011/11.05 Resolved (L/22/11/10.02 Recommendation) | That a Community event be held to celebrate the King’s Coronation in May 2023. A Task and Finish Working Group to be set up, with Terms of Reference “to consider the date and details of a Coronation Community Event and report to full council.” |
| 22/11/11.06 Resolved (***L/22/11/15.01 Recommendation***) | That Newmarket Town Council collaborates with a local stakeholder by providing the Severals ground at no cost for the location of a potential pop-up event in February 2023. That a 3-phase electrical connection be installed to provide the required electrical connection (this facility would be useful to the Council for on-going outdoor event requirements.) That NTC assists with publicity for the event. |
| 22/11/12.01 Resolved (F/22/11/6.01 Recommendation) | That the ratification of the schedules of payments for the period 01/09/2022 – 31/10/2022 (Cash Book 1 – 4) be received and adopted. |
| 22/11/12.02 Resolved (F/22/11/9.01 Recommendation) | That a grant request from 6th Newmarket Brownies for £250 be approved. |
| 22/11/12.03 Resolved (F/22/11/9.02 Recommendation) | That the request from Abbeycroft Leisure for NTC to assist with the recruitment of a Youth Worker to cover the Teen Chill Projects at Newmarket and Brandon be approved; this by way of NTC website. |
| 22/11/12.04 Resolved (F/22/11/10.01 Recommendation) | That the draft F&P budget for the municipal year 2023/2024 be received and approved. |
| 22/11/12.05 Resolved (F/22/11/11.01 Recommendation) | That the successful trial be continued and become the established schedule going forward. That the revised schedule for Committee meetings from December 2022 to 2nd May 2023 be approved. That the Committee titles revert to those prior to the trial. That the Committee meeting schedule from 9th May 2023 be approved at the Annual Meeting of the Council in May 2023. |
| 22/11/12.06 Resolved (F/22/11/13.01 Recommendation) | That NTC signs up to the Civility and Respect Pledge (NALC, SLCC and SALC). That the Town Clerk attends relevant training sessions on Civility and Respect. That NTC support the continued lobbying for change in legislation to support the Civility and Respect Pledge, including sanctions where appropriate. That the Dignity at Work Policy be received and approved. That the Bullying & Harassment Statement be added to the NTC Website. |
| 22/11/12.07 Resolved (F/22/11/13.02 Recommendation) | That the revised Grants & Funding Policy be received and adopted. |
| 22/11/12.08 Resolved (F/22/11/13.03 Recommendation) | That NTC does not add information and locations of defibrillators to the NTC website due to NTC not owning them; a database would be difficult to keep up to date and accurate and the public are given the location of registered defibrillators when contacting the emergency services. |
| 22/11/13.01 Resolved | That the PCSO Contract for 2023/224 be deferred for 1 year and be reviewed in 6 months and that PCSO Butcher be the Suffolk funded PCSO. |
| 22/11/16.01 Resolved | That a letter be sent to SCC to seek a recycling centre on the original site in Depot Road, Newmarket. |
| 22/11/17.01 Resolved | That the grant-funding from the Suffolk Public Mental Health Programme of £5,000 be accepted and that £300 be sought from SCC’s Locality Budget along with £300 from NTC; to be used to plant a Covid Memorial bed in the War Memorial Garden area. That a Service of Commemoration and Remembrance be provided. |