ROTHBURY
PARISH COUNCIL
The
next meeting of Rothbury Parish Council will be the Annual Assembly held
on Wednesday 23rd May 2007 in the Jubilee Hall, Rothbury commencing 7.15
pm, followed by the May monthly meeting
Minutes
of the meeting of Rothbury Parish Council
held on Wednesday 18 April 2007
The
meeting commenced at 7.15pm
Present
Coun. Reynalds, Mrs Dawson, Mrs Edes, Mrs Morton, Dawson, Fendley,
Mills, Murray, Sandford and the Clerk
Apologies
Member
of the Public Present
Two members of the public present
Over
the Bridges Report
Coun.Mrs Dawson to compile.
Minutes
of Previous
Meeting
The minutes of the
previous meeting were
agreed after minor amendments.
Matters
Arising not on agenda
ADC
- Street Naming
A problem was reported concerning resident Mr Davy who lives in a
property called Whitton View at Hillside, and is receiving deliveries
for the Whitton View development. Coun.
Reynalds thought this problem would cease when the new development
postcode is registered. Coun.
Sandford to advise Mr Davy on solving the problem.
Donkin’s
Lamp
Coun. Dawson reported NCC’s agreement is
to clean once yearly. Coun.
Sandford commented it is
cleaner, but he had thought it being a relatively simple structure to
clean, somebody local could carry out the work 3 or 4 times a year, the
NCC annual charge being £60. Coun.
Sandford thought the antique value of the structure may come into the
high price, and suggested local window cleaner Kevin Dawson be asked to
carry out cleansing work. Coun. Sandford proposed Mr Dawson look at the lamp and ask
for a quote, this agreed.
Crime
& Disorder Forum
Minutes of previous meeting received.
Coun. Mills interested to see crime has gone down in the area,
but no actual figures are available which would be beneficial.
Coun. Dawson had attended the meeting 28/3/07, and reported 3
volunteers have been secured for manning the police station desk.
Date of next meeting 5/6/07 in the Jubilee Hall.
Rural
Transport Initiative Sub-Committee
Coun. Sandford had attended the TINN AGM and reported TINN are expanding
- they have taken over an organisation based in Morpeth carrying out
similar duties, and were impressed Coun. Sandford had attended the AGM
and taken interest in them. Coun.
Sandford had reported at the meeting RPC were grateful for the
assistance with running the shopping bus.
Coun. Reynalds reported the UCCT meeting had been postponed and
representatives were to visit Yorkshire to discuss transport issues.
Play
Areas
Addycombe play area Rospa report recommendations have not yet been
carried out - 5% retention money being kept by PC until this work
rectified. Coun. Murray
reported the play area has already been vandalised and posts were
knocked out, however himself and another resident have carried out
remedial works and they had been surprised at the unsuitable screws on
the posts. Coun. Murray had
contacted the police to report the incident, but had had trouble
speaking to somebody and eventually been informed if the criminal damage
was not currently being carried out, police would not visit the site,
and was told to contact the local council instead, and it would be
interesting to know the guidelines being followed.
Coun. Sandford did report similar problems several months ago.
Coun. Murray said on another occasion he had reported vandalism
to his car but had managed to speak to a local officer and had secured
action from the police, eg. Receiving a crime number.
West
End Entrance/Bridge Street
Reply received from NCC regarding the LTP - NCC have considered the
suggestions made, unfortunately they are unable to provide signage to
the west end, saying this would have little impact.
However, previous points made can be requested to be placed on
the next LTP. Coun.
Sandford said comments have been made for years, and promises from NCC
made, and still no action. Coun.
Reynalds wished to reply to NCC asking what is the research that has
shown signage not working and inviting the Highways Chief Executive John
Smith to a future PC meeting, where traffic calming measures, Bridge
Street proposals and the proposed War Memorial crossing can be
discussed.
Rothbury
Shoppers Group
Invoice for March - £69.60, fares received £140.00
War
Memorial
Coun. Dawson had spoken to the contractor who apologised for not
completing the works by 31/3/07, and they are to inform Coun. Dawson a
week before they commence the remaining work.
Coun. Edes reported Amanda Boyce has repaired the broken rail.
Newsletter received from the North East War Memorial project,
which contains information on useful web site links.
Nursing
Home
Coun. Sandford had attended a meeting in the surgery with Dr Cameron and
the Northumberland Care Trust, they had invited 4 company
representatives who had showed interest, sadly only one turned up, being
Southern Cross Healthcare - the Care Trust are to chase up the absent
companies. The realisation is with the size of Rothbury’s population,
any private trust will spend a few million erecting an establishment,
and be taking a risk within a small population, compared to other
locations. Coun. Mrs Morton
asked who the other companies were, this not known.
Ambulance
Service scroll
down
Coun. Mrs Dawson had been informed persons travelling by ambulance are
no longer allowed anybody accompanying them, due to cost cutting.
Coun. Sandford reported rules have been changed when issuing
travel, reasons for granting it can now be down to a lack of public
transport or travelling by public transport involving bus changes and
waiting for connections, and patients are asked if these factors would
cause problems to existing medical conditions.
Coun. Fendley wondered why there would be an additional cost to
persons travelling with the patient, Coun. Sandford thought the reason
was if other patients were being collected along the way, there would be
less patient room available.
Coun. Dawson suggested senior representatives of the ambulance
service be invited to attend a future PC meeting.
Coun. Sandford will be contacting personnel tomorrow morning.
Coun. Murray suggested before inviting personnel, the PC will
need to know what will be discussed.
Coun. Reynalds suggested Coun. Sandford initially contact the
ambulance service. Coun.
Sandford mentioned a television programme regarding paramedics, which
reported in certain parts of the country there had been instances of
persons with life threatening problems, having paramedics not trained to
deal with certain medical conditions.
Coun. Dawson and Morton replied the local paramedics are fully
trained. Coun. Dawson said
the programme pointed out pitfalls in not having fully trained
paramedics who are unable to administer certain medication.
Coun. Morton reported excellent attention carried out by local
paramedics to Mr Morton recently.
Police
Station Relocation
Nothing to report.
ADC
Local Wide Plan
Coun. Reynalds reported training through NALC available, however this
event had already taken place.
Bridge
Closure
E-mail received from NCC, stating they are still digesting the facts and
figures from the investigation and will carry out a feasibility study if
action is required.
Christmas
Lights Committee
AGM to be held next month. Fund
raising event to be held in August towards £10K cost.
Request for funding of £500 to the Parish Council received from
the committee. The points
will also be available for community use.
£500 agreed
Ten
Year Plan scroll
down
Haugh Land:
Coun. Dawson had met with Mr Wilson of N/Estates, and pointed out
the PC had been waiting a considerable length of time for discussions -
N.E. have now fully signed the lease for the Golf Club and in a position
to proceed with the lease for the Haugh Land, and will be giving it
their attention as soon as possible.
Coun. Edes asked if there was no doubt in securing the land, this
was confirmed. Coun. Edes
suggested a plan for its use be created.
Coun. Sandford did suggest this previously, at the time however
it had not been agreed how much land was to be required, and it will
have to start with a public meeting.
Coun. Fendley said councillor’s had previously been asked for
suggestions for its use and this could be discussed at the next PC
meeting.
Hospital: Coun.
Sandford reported the pathway works nearly completed, and the
lighting works have commenced.
Coun. Fendley noted the path extended to the bridge, as indeed
have the lights. Coun.
Sandford suggested Mr John Smith, Highways Executive Chairman NCC be
thanked for the works. Correspondence
from NCC received regarding moving the speed limit signs, stating there
is a scheme to improve the road surface being carried out next year, and
there will be funding for signage within this scheme.
Coun. Dawson suggested informing Mr Smith of Mr Bawn’s letter,
and suggesting they look back to the original planning approval for the
new hospital, and as a highways condition, see if signage changes were
recommended west of the entrance, and if the case, planning consent
would need implemented. Coun.
Murray mentioned the digging up of the path for the lighting works - he
has looked at the site, and it appears the reason why the path was dug
up, was because of an obstruction, and thought people with wheelchairs
will be using the path, and 2 lights on the actual path could
restrict wheelchair access. Coun.
Reynalds suggested members look at the path before the next meeting.
Coun. Sandford said there are at least 2 concrete posts and
chains totally broken. Coun. Dawson reported some are the PC’s responsibility and
some NCC, and he would look at them to see whose responsibility they
are.
Youth Project: Coun.
Sandford reported funding bids still being submitted with 3 rejections
to date - however there is funding until the end of the year. £45K per year is required.
Recycling: Nothing to report.
Parking: Haugh car park
has had parking machine installed.
Coun. Fendley understood any charging would be directly related
to controlling the parking situation in the rest of the village.
Coun. Sandford did keep an eye on the car park over the Easter
holiday, and despite the charges the car park was almost full all the
weekend. Coun. Mrs Dawson
reported all vehicles did appear to be displaying parking tickets.
Coun. Mills thought 20p per hour nominal, and persons will pay.
Coun. Morton had witnessed walkers parking in the village and
leaving cars all day. Coun.
Sandford asked about the parking committee, Coun. Dawson reported at the
PC meeting held November 2005 with ADC/NCC, it had reached the stage of
a verbal agreement to work towards a small workable scheme within the
village centre, to be carried out before May 2006, and put into the
local transport plan, however after that meeting Coun. Dawson had taken
ill, and no further progress made.
Coun. Edes wondered why parking was on the agenda, as throughout
the lifetime of RPC it has been raised every meeting, and nothing ever
happens. Coun. Dawson
suggesting asking ADC/NCC why they have not done what they said they
would.
Cyclepath: Nothing to report.
Speed Cameras: Nothing to
report.
Footpaths: Nothing to
report.
Signage: Coun. Murray asked if
signage for the bridge end with historical information could be erected
- at the bank at Jacob’s
Ladder, he believes is the old road to Whitton, however no signs state
this - it was previously named Cinder Bank - and there
seems to be several areas in the village which would benefit from
signage.
Coun. Reynalds suggested the Ten Year Plan be
reviewed after the new council takes over 3/5/07.
The
following Accounts have been authorised
Request for Donations -
i]. Rothbury & Coquetdale Youth Project - after a lengthy
discussion, £750 proposed, and seconded, 4 in favour, carried.
ii]. Rothbury Projects, Christmas Lights - £500.00 agreed
iii]. 2nd Rothbury Cub Scouts - £200 proposed, seconded,
carried
iv]. Allianz & Cornhill - Annual insurance - £816.36
v]. Rothbury Joint Burial Committee - 107.5 hours x £7 = £752.50 (A
Gaskell village works)
vi]. TINN - March shopping bus - £69.60
vii]. Jubilee Hall - use of meeting room 2006/07 - £60.00
Finance
Sub Committee Minutes
Coun. Dawson asked about the Haugh Land project being ‘self funding’
- this meant the running costs, the rental would be met by the PC. Coun. Sandford said
no figures have been put down to what the running costs would be, as
they would be met by the management group/users.
Coun. Dawson thought if the PC secured the lease they would be
responsible for certain costs.
Coun. Edes queried £4,000 for seats/trees in budget this year,
when £6,000 spent last year, however some of these payments had
included seat donations. Coun.
Fendley asked what the HERS £1K budget 2007/08 was for, Coun. Reynalds
said there could still be outstanding bills for trench digging,
electricity supply.
Paths
& Verges
i]. Coun. Murray mentioned the path to the stepping
stones being in a terrible state, and equally bad on the other side. The
path had been reinstated after works, but no edging put on the
side of the road, and when full of water flooding occurs.
It was agreed to contact the Footpaths Officer NCC.
ii]. Coun. Murray reported the poor state of the
path on Cinder bank, Footpaths Officer NCC to be contacted.
iii].
Coun. Murray reported the footpath on Garleigh Bank is breaking
up, and the path from the
riverside past the play park is in need of attention - it had previously
received remedial work below the old hospital.
iv].
Coun. Dawson reported the Environment Agency are aware of the
sewage problem in the gasworks area
and did carry out investigative works in August last year. Clerk to ask
EA on progress.
v]. Coun. Morton asked
about the post box path - photograph of problem to be forwarded.
Coun. Murray reported the B.T. telephone box requires cleansing
works. Coun. Dawson said
there has been previous dispute over the box, as it is in a conservation
area, it was agreed to contact BT stating the box is in a conservation
area and in dire need of painting/ attention.
Seats
& Trees
Coun. Edes reported the village in good condition.
A Boyce had carried out works for Easter weekend and is to put
posts back in the near future. The
memorial bed is looking well, and ADC will replace the bulbs this summer
celebrating 30 years of Rothbury Music Festival, however suggestions for
future beds are required. Coun.
Edes suggested a further 1,000 bulbs be purchased and planted in the
village. Coun. Sandford
mentioned the willow tree on the riverbank opposite the car park, and
the fact the PC have previously contacted Northumberland Estates
frequently on this. It was proposed a letter be forwarded stating the PC has
written before and received no response, but feel it is NE’s
responsibility to clear up the mess and make safe.
Coun. Fendley asked if they would take liability in the event of
an accident, or would it be the PC’s responsibility because they rent
the land.
Dog
Fouling Wellstrand scroll
down
A Wellstrand resident had complained about dog fouling in Wellstrand to
ADC and been told to contact the PC, however Coun. Dawson stated this
was the Dog Warden, ADC’s responsibility, and he would contact them
himself.
Correspondence
i]. E-Mails: R Thompson ADC/J Hodson NCC - discussed earlier
ii]. Coquetdale Amateur Dramatics Society - donation thanks
iii]. Rothbury Projects - Christmas Lights donation -
discussed earlier
iv]. North East War Memorials Project - Newsletter - discussed earlier
v]. NCC - Integrated Transport Priorities 2007 - 08 - discussed earlier
vi]. IBO - Local Council Briefing - Spring 2007 - Coun. Reynalds to look
at
vii]. IBO - Notice of Audit August 2007 - to be completed for next
meeting
viii]. NCC - Whitton Bank - Speed Limit Extension - discussed earlier
ix]. NCC - Local Government reform - consultation stage
x]. Smith of Derby - Clock - rectified fuse failure problem
xi]. NALC - Training Events - for information
xii]. NALC - Model Contract of Employment for Clerk‘s - document to be
looked at by Coun. Reynalds
xiii]. ADC - Electronic Consultation of Planning Applications - asking
for PC comments and offering training, the first stage would be to
invite ADC to a future meeting - clerk to action.
xiv]. ADC - Parish Council Elections - 8 persons for 9 places, therefore
no election required, new council takes effect from Midnight 3/5/07,
recommended to co-opt as soon as possible.
Coun. Dawson said there is an expense form in the pack that must
be completed and returned, and councillor’s should put nil on the form
if no expenses incurred. Coun.
Fendley reported his oversight on not returning the form on time.
Coun. Mills thought it ridiculous the forms were received so
late.
xv]. Alnwick Playhouse - Spring 2007 - for information
xvi]. ADC - Proposals for future unitary structures in Northumberland
xvii]. Community Action Northumberland - Spring Meeting to be held in
Jubilee Hall
Planning
scroll
down
Addycombe Development: Correspondence
received from ADC regarding waste disposal, stating there are no reasons
why residents cannot be provided with recycling bin, but no mention of
the requested skip. The
problem with steps and bin-men had occurred as the alternative access
points at the time were being blocked by the contractor‘s, e-mail also
included comments stating the requested definitive street map will be
forwarded in the near future. Coun.
Fendley had mentioned the skip proposal to Bowey’s, and as more houses
are inhabited the problem will worsen.
The meeting had also discussed a temporary path for the persons
in the social housing, however Bowey’s had said this would not be
possible, as the possible route was on land owned by N/Estates.
The new junction is in place but seems to be a disaster waiting
to happen. Coun. Murray had
raised problems when the plan was first mooted, and said it is extremely
dangerous, with no beware signage, and the original give way signs still
in existence. Coun. Murray
reported the builders waste is going into the adjoining fields - the
field on the Alnwick side is full of drink cans, plastic sheets, etc.
The walls put in were designed to stop rubbish, however the 3
manholes in the area are both solid, full of muck, generally the
contractor‘s do not seem to be looking after the site.
Coun. Murray has spoken to current residents and been informed
with the grass cutting and general landscaping, the rental tenants will
be contributing to the cost of this on top of their rent.
There has been trouble with the developers not rotivating the
gardens, and there appears to be disagreement between the developers and
housing association with the way works are going.
Coun. Sandford and Murray will meet with the developers in the
near future. Coun. Dawson
said regarding the drains, it will remain an estate road until adopted
by NCC, so responsibility lies with the contractor.
With the problems of gardens, the tenants need to take this up
with Cheviot Housing, and tenants do pay a contribution towards grass
maintenance at the Addycombe Cheviot Housing properties.
With the road junction problems, time is of the essence, and Coun.
Dawson willing to contact NCC on this, and request a site meeting, this
agreed. Coun. Fendley said
at the side of the road is
a crash barrier with a total drop, an accident waiting to happen.
Coun. Murray said the electric cable installation work through
Rothbury did not cause major hassle and was carried out quickly and
efficiently, the only proviso being a section of road not reinstated
outside the first school, however Coun. Dawson reported the
contractor’s are returning to the village, as the cable and joints are
still to be installed.
Bridge Street:
Nothing to report.
Planning
Applications received for the following:
A/2007/
Wagtail Lane extension - supported
Approval of Planning Application have been received
for the following:
A/2007/0114:
Mr J Homer - 3 Milburn Mews - garage
A/2007/0143: Mr G Hoye, Hexham - tree removal, Rothbury Clinic
Any
Other Business
i]. Coun. Murray commented the relocation of the
fire station had been discussed in the Northumberland Gazette,
and why is this to happen? Item
to be added to next agenda.
ii].
Coun. Sandford reported the Joint Burial Committee minutes will
be circulated in due course, and any questions can be directed to
himself.
iii].
Coun. Reynalds reported One northeast had requested permission to
film in the village, Coun. Reynalds and Mrs Edes had agreed to this.
iv].
Coun. Reynalds requested congratulations be sent to Rothbury 1st
School on the 100 year celebrations.
v].
Tree works to be carried out at Deuchet Court.
vi].Coun.
Reynalds had received comments of part of riverside land fenced off,
however this land does belong to the home owner.
Village
Greens - PRIVATE
& CONFIDENTIAL
Coun. Dawson had discussed the village greens with N/Estates and
explained the PC’s situation. Rory
Wilson had been surpised NE did not own the other parts of the village
greens. Coun. Dawson had
said these had been formally registered as village greens, and asked if
NE would be prepared to donate the land in question to the PC for the
benefit of the community or be prepared to sell it, however NE were not
prepared to do either of these options, but would lease the areas to the
PC. The piece that can be
registered should be proceeded with, being the edge of the footpath at
the Newcastle Hotel to Rodsley Court entrance.
Coun. Fendley asked what could be leased, Coun. Dawson replied
the piece in front of the Parish Hall and triangular piece to the
churchyard gate.
Date
of Next Meeting
Wednesday 23rd May 2007
The
meeting finished at 9.55 pm.
Claire Miller Clerk
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