1) THE BUDGET

The Council was required to find £337K in order to balance the books. This was to be achieved as follows (approximate figures only):

a) Increase car park charges by 25% £177K

b) Close public toilets at Staxton Brow and Wentworth Street £ 8K

c) Relocate Malton and Helmsley TIC’s £36K

d) Defer replacing staff for three months £50K

e) Other “Gershon” savings £66K

David Clarkson and I opposed putting up car park charges (except excess charge tickets), and proposed an alternative budget, which the meeting would not debate.

2) STREET CLEANING, WEEDS ETC.

I have talked to John Davison about this. The District is responsible for street cleaning, but not for weeds, which County deal with. John is willing to be shown the areas where weeds are bad, and have a go at using his influence with County. I have suggested that members of the Town Council show him the bad spots. Any volunteers?

3) MALTON MARKET PLACE

John Davison is aware that one side of the Market Place has been refurbished and the other, not. He would like to know what the Town Council would like to see: refurbished market stalls? A totally pedestrianised area? etc. Can you let me have your ideas, please?

PAUL ANDREWS