ILFRACOMBE TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES of the COUNCIL MEETING held on 8 September 2014
This meeting was held at The Ilfracombe Centre, Ilfracombe and started at 7pm
Prior to the meeting, Pastor Hills, the Mayor’s chaplain, led with prayers.
Present: Cllrs: G Squires (Mayor), M Blundell, Mrs L Courtnadge, P Crabb, Mrs J Donovan, R Donovan,
M Dymond, M Duce, M Edmunds, G Fowler, A Furber, B Gear, R Ley, F Pearson, J Swan, A Thomas,
R Thompson, P Webb
Apologies: None
In attendance: The RFO, Proper Officer, Pastor Hills, 29 members of the public, 1 member of the press, ITC
Community Engagement Co-ordinator and 2 Young Advisors.
Via invitation - Dr Alison Diamond (chief executive) and Andy Robinson (deputy chief executive) of the
Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
A record book was made available and members were reminded of the requirement to note their declarations
of interest as required under the code of conduct (revised 1/7/12).
3668. Notification of items for information to be raised at Chair’s Discretion.
One item raised ref work experience volunteer.
3669. Peoples Voice (brought forward with all in agreement) – ‘What do Young People Need in our Town?’
One Ilfracombe is currently working on developing a youth strategy. The first stage is a large piece of
consultation with the young people of Ilfracombe so it can be properly understood what it is that young people
really want from their town. Two of the One Ilfracombe Young Advisors (Charlie Saunders and Adam
Williamson aged 14) made a presentation on 'What Do Young People Really Want'?
The first part of the presentation focussed on the positives of Ilfracombe including positive employment
prospects within Hospitality and Manufacturing with PALL and TDK being large local employers within
Ilfracombe. Also discussed was the town’s natural beauty, summer season opportunities (activities) and the
cultural diversity it brings. Points of improvement mainly focussed around provision of evening entertainment
and somewhere for teenagers to go and that perhaps The Lantern centre would be a good venue for such
activities.
3670. Public Participation
Ms Stephanie Watson – on behalf of the Vision Community Centre committee asked for a second Ilfracombe
Town councillor to become a member of this committee – (as stated on the constitution, of which ITC are the
trustees).
3671. Correspondence (brought forward with all in agreement)
In addressing the meeting, the Mayor noted that correspondence and a public briefing had been received at
the end of last week from the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, which included the statement of a
temporary closure of in-patient services at the Tyrrell Hospital from the beginning of November 2014.
Dr Alison Diamond, (chief executive for NDHT) and Andy Robinson (deputy chief executive) had been invited
to this evening’s meeting to discuss the announcement and address any issues as raised by members.
The Mayor welcomed Dr Diamond, Mr Robinson and all those members of the public who had attended the
meeting for this item.
Tyrrell Hospital proposed temporary closure.
Dr Diamond gave a summary of why the decision had been taken – stating ‘this has not been taken lightly and
members of staff were informed prior to letters being sent to stakeholders’.
She said that the lack of registered nurses working in the in-patient service at the Tyrrell Hospital had resulted
in operational and safety problems. There is the potential for these problems to be exacerbated with the onset
of winter. The difficulties experienced in trying to recruit registered nurses had resulted in the public statement
and temporary closure. She said that consultation with members of staff on staffing levels would be held; but
the decision had been made that from 1st November 2014 there would be no in-patient beds at the Tyrrell until
further notice. She stated that the Minor Injuries unit would not be affected.
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Following requests made under Public Participation:
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Mr Creek – Stated that he does not believe that this is a temporary measure. He thinks that this loss
and the loss of services provided at Burrow House will have a detrimental affect both on the people
who most need help and on the town as a whole. He urged for a campaign to save the services.
Mr Clinch – was involved in the campaign to save the Torrington community hospital. His group
submitted a 22 page report on the affect of services there. He said there had been an exceptionally
high turnout from the people of Torrington in voting via a local referendum to keep the hospital open.
Mrs Ley – is concerned that no one can say when it will re-open and when the in-patient facilities will
be in use again. She said not everyone has access to a car to travel to the district hospital and that
the Tyrrell is vital to the town.
Mr G Parkhouse – Urged councilors to lobby Nick Harvey MP to take action.
The Mayor then asked for comments from Town Council members:
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Cllr Pearson – with 70 Community Hospitals in operation, he finds it odd that a business of this size
does not have a policy with regard to the problems as highlighted, rather than just to close the unit. He
also wanted to know how long ‘temporary’ meant in this instance.
Cllr Webb – Asked – What is the end point that the CCG need to reach and what are their plans to get
there?
Dr Diamond replied that there is a national shortage of registered nurses across all of the community
sites. In a bid to meet staffing levels they have also explored European recruitment. She said that the
‘end point’ was not an easy discussion to have at this time and she was not able to comment further
on this.
Cllr Mrs Courtnadge – said that with regard to staff shortages – surely, it actually takes more staff to
work in the community – i.e. treating people in their own homes than it does in a dedicated unit?
Cllr Crabb – Asked where the jobs are being advertised – i.e. should the Tyrrell be advertised
separately – to allow registered nurses who have moved to the area a chance to apply for the jobs
rather than being included under the district hospital recruitment process?
Cllr Edmunds – was concerned that there appeared to be ‘no joined up service’, with no one
appearing to identify the best needs of the town.
Cllr Duce – gave a personal example that he had recently encountered saying that 2 nurses had to
travel from Cornwall and stay in local bed and breakfast accommodation – he states surely there must
be a more cost effective way of operating?.
Cllr Fowler – Did not think that the previous temporary closure of the Tyrrell i.e. when the lift was
broken had worked very well at all. He said that Care workers were already very busy and over
stretched and that this purpose built facility should be used.
Cllr Ley – Asked, why if the situation had been monitored for some considerable time (as claimed
earlier) was there a decision made, rather than consultation conducted at a much earlier stage? He
gave Torrington as an example and said that lessons should have been learned. He urged for
consultation to be made with One Ilfracombe on these services.
Cllr Thompson – Thought that all problems as identified appear to be ‘management issues’ and the
clear message is ‘We need the Tyrrell Hospital’.
Cllr Dymond – thinks there will be a detrimental knock- on effect on beds at the District hospital
Cllr Donovan – states that the Tyrrell is vital for the town and called for a review of care in the
community
Cllr Crabb – Notes that there is a covenant on the hospital – which states that the building must
always be used as a hospital.
In summing up, - the Mayor thanked all those who had attended the meeting for this item and asked that the
chief and deputy chief executive take back this very strong message – ‘That we feel badly let down with the
proposed temporary closure of the inpatients unit. We do not feel that any answers have been provided for
any future reopening or that any consultation has taken place. As a result - Ilfracombe has been badly let
down’.
*All members of the public except 2 left the meeting at this point.
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3672. Minutes of the Council meeting 11 August 2014
The minutes of the meeting were presented as a true and correct record, proposed by Cllr Mrs Courtnadge,
seconded by Cllr Gear and with all members in agreement were adopted. There were no matters arising.
3673. Minutes of Planning Committee 18 August 2014
The minutes of the meeting were presented as a true and correct record, proposed by Cllr Mrs Donovan,
seconded by Cllr Fowler and with all members in agreement were adopted.
It was noted that the item covered under chairs discretion at this meeting (reference the inclusion of Ropery
Road car park as identified as Ilf 03 in the local plan, be incorporated under the main ILF05 - tourism area)
should be considered as ratified with the adoption of these minutes.
3674. Minutes of F&GP Committee meeting 26 August 2014
The minutes of the meeting were presented as a true and correct record, proposed by Cllr R Donovan,
seconded by Cllr Gear with all members in agreement were adopted. There were no matters arising.
The following recommendations were Approved – Proposed by Cllr R Donovan and seconded by Cllr Gear. All
agreed.
 Members agreed in principle to the request for a new bench to be purchased and installed in St
Brannocks Road, but thought that a more cost effective alternative should be investigated
 To purchase secure advertising cabinets/boards and obtain extra signage to raise awareness of the
car park, Cllr Crabb asked for £3,000 to be made available to the working group and designated
officer/s to enable secure adverting hoarding to be purchased and erected and where applicable
additional signage. (Capital Ropery Road car park reserves budget)
3675. Minutes of the Staffing Committee meeting 1 September 2014.
The minutes of the meeting were presented as a true and correct record, proposed by Cllr Swan, seconded by
Cllr Mrs J Donovan and with all members in agreement were adopted. There were no matters arising.
3676. Community Engagement report
This was tabled (previously circulated) and noted.
3677.Openness of Local Government Bodies’ Regulations 2014 – ITC 193 refers
This report was tabled (previously circulated) and noted.
The recommendation for this council to suspend its Standing order 1M in accordance with ‘The Openness of
Local Government Bodies Regulations 2014 was proposed for adoption by Cllr Squires and seconded by Cllr
Crabb; and with all members in agreement was adopted.
3678 . Support for Cycle Path planning application (Willingcott to West Down)
A copy of the map indicating the route for the cycle path was tabled (previously circulated). Cllr Ley proposed
this councils support for the cycle path planning application, seconded by Cllr Crabb. All members agreed.
The Mayor proposed:
3679. Part B - To pass the resolution ‘to exclude members of the Public and Press and that all reports and
documents relating to the items be confirmed as 'in confidence' due to the confidential nature of the business
to be discussed/transacted’ this was seconded by Cllr Donovan and all agreed.
All members of the audience left the meeting at this point, including Cllrs’ Edmunds and Fowler, noting their
declarations of interest as members of the North Devon Council Executive.
3680. To consider the purchase of the Ebberly House site.
The resolution for ‘representatives from this council (who are named signatories in accordance with standing
orders) to attend the forthcoming auction of land at the site of the former Ebberly House and to make a bid up
to a stated amount to purchase the land and sign any resulting legal contracts’ was made by Cllr Mrs
Courtnadge. This was seconded by Cllr Thomas.
A named vote was called for:
For: G Squires, M Blundell, Mrs L Courtnadge, Mrs J Donovan, R Donovan, M Duce, B Gear, R Ley, J Swan,
A Thomas, R Thompson, P Webb, P Crabb
Against: M Dymond, A Furber, F Pearson
Motion adopted.
Members of the audience rejoined the meeting together with Cllr Fowler. Cllr Edmunds did not return having
advised the Mayor of a previous engagement.
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3681. Approval to allow 15 hours of overtime for CSA staff training
Proposed by Cllr Swan ‘to allow 15 hours of overtime to facilitate the training of a new temporary member of
the CSA team to replace Mrs McDonald who is to be seconded to One Ilfracombe’
Seconded by Cllr Mrs Donovan and with all in agreement, 1 abstention and 1 against the motion was carried.
3682.One Ilfracombe report
This was tabled (previously circulated) and noted.
3683. IRB Report
Cllr Fowler noted that the NDC Executive has approved £500k towards the building of the Fishermen’s’ stores
on the harbour.
3684. Reports from County/District Councillors
Reports from District Councillors’ Fowler and Webb, and the NDC Executive minutes from Cllr Edmunds had
been previously circulated and were noted.
3685. Reports from Working Groups
Lantern Working Group
Cllr Mrs Courtnadge tabled the report from the Lantern working group. In this report it is noted that a survey be
undertaken by Abercorn surveyors to survey the building and assess its condition for use. A quote of £2,500
has been provided to complete the work. Following discussions, members were minded that whilst this
proposal had not been included on this evening’s agenda, the ability to progress the transfer of the building
was seen as urgent and the Mayor agreed to call an extraordinary meeting of the Council where this quote
could be agreed if members deemed appropriate.
The Mayor also noted that an independent though non official survey would also take place (no costs
involved) via an independent source. He explained that any information that may be raised via this method
would not be used as the basis for progressing the transfer, but may prove to be a valuable tool when this
council consider as it must, all factors prior to signing any lease.
Cllr Pearson was unhappy with the arrangement for this independent survey and left the meeting at 21.10
Development sites
Cllr Donovan and the Proper Officer met with the joint head of Planning (NDC & TDC) to discuss the 106
monies as associated with the Southern extension. Further meetings are required in conjunction with the
planning team and DCC to negotiate what can be done as the potential 106 monies appear to have changed
from £6m down to £5m and decisions re allocation of the funds are required to be made.
3686. Proper Officer Report
Members noted this report that had been circulated previously.
3687. Correspondence – all items to be considered as noted unless otherwise annotated
 NDVS - AGM - 24th September 2014 4-6pm Barnstaple Rugby Club
 Barnstaple Town Council Planning school - Saturday 11th October 2014 9.15 to 3.30pm £15
 DALC AGM 11th October 10-4 Westpoint Exeter
 Ilfracombe & District Community minibuses AGM 15th September 11am
 Debt help in Ilfracombe - Pip and Jims church 29th September at 7.30pm
 Devon Highways Parish and town council conference 17th September 9.30 to 4pm - Merton
 North Devon Homes AGM - 26th September 11.am Barnstaple
 Notification of modernising the Post office at 26 High street - will be closed from 25/9/14 to 6/10/14 for
refurbishment
 Request for funding from MV Balmoral (advise of grant process)
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email received from member of the public stating that Ilfracombe ought to consider making
Wildersmouth beach a 'no dogs area'
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3688. Health & Safety - None noted specifically this evening
3689. Finance
a) The Statement of accounts as at 31 August 2014 including all ancillary notes - was proposed by Cllr
Donovan, seconded by Cllr Duce. All agreed.
b) Pass invoices for payment
o All ITC invoices as tabled including additional items as noted by the RFO: - Petty cash £41.94
and invoices for Excel Embroidery totalling £515.92 were proposed by Cllr Donovan, seconded by Cllr
Swan. All agreed with 2 abstentions. It was noted that Cllr Donovan did not vote on this item as he had a
pecuniary interest in one of the invoices.
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Vision Centre invoices including an additional item as noted by the RFO (payment of invoice for Mrs
Edwards of £227.16) were proposed by Cllr Donovan, seconded by Cllr Swan. All agreed with 1
abstention. Noted that Cllr Donovan did not vote on this item as he had a pecuniary interest in one of
the invoices.
3690. Chairs Discretion
The Proper officer noted that a volunteer under the ‘pathways to employment’ work scheme would be
undertaking work experience with our Hygiene Operative in the next few weeks.
The meeting finished at 21:35
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