Apologies:     Coun.  Dawson, Reynalds

Over the Bridge Report:
          Coun. Mrs Dawson to compile

Public Participation:
          Coun. Sandford reported Alistair Costley wished to thank the PC for dealing with his request minuted at last meeting  - minutes placed in library before authorisation at next meeting.

Minutes of Previous Meeting
          The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed after minor amendments.

Matters Arising

HERS
          Nothing to report.

RCV/Development Trust
          Next meeting to be held September.

Rural Transport Initiative Sub-Committee
          Nothing to report.

Play Areas
          Reference Addycombe play area, Coun. Fendley and Sandford are meeting with Lisa Mason on Monday at Coun. Fendley’s house.  Coun. Fendley reported to the committee’s credit they pretty much have the funds and a contractor willing to work within the financial constraints.  Coun. Fendley stated the councillor’s present at the meeting could authorise the work going forward, without having to come back to the full PC.  This was agreed.  The Rospa playground inspection report to be looked at by Coun. Sandford.

West End Entrance
          Nothing to report.

Rothbury Motors Bus scroll down
          Coun. Reynalds had received further information, and had therefore arranged a meeting with TINN.  An advertisement had been placed in the Gazette advertising the meeting, Coun. Mrs Dawson, Edes, Sandford and 12/15 other persons had been present.   The idea is that a community group can be formed to join up with TINN, and they will be responsible for certain administrative items, such as submitting the forms for the bus use - 3 days before the use of the bus names and addresse’s of users have to be verified, and the group will be responsible for collecting money and passing it onto the PC (£2 per trip).  Coun. Sandford to meet with 2 ladies willing to carry this out, and will be discussing the forms for submission.  Regarding finance, there is a £10 fee per annum that has to be paid by members.  Coun. Mrs Edes proposed the £10 fee be paid by the PC to TINN.  The other financial implication is the charge from TINN which is a charity, and is based on so much per mile, which includes the dead miles of picking up the bus and taking to it to wherever it is to operate.  The Upper Coquetdale Transport Group bus is available, and with the £2 charge it should pay for itself, if not, there will possibly be some PC financial support, but it would certainly not amount to hundreds.   Coun. Mrs Edes thought Rothbury residents may be willing to train to drive the bus and she has two definite volunteers.  Coun. Sandford said a training course every month is organised in Alnwick by TINN, the next being 30/8/06, with a charge of £75 if the person only wishes to drive the bus concerning Rothbury activities.  If they joined TINN and became a volunteer driver for the North Northumberland area TINN would then pick up the £75 fee.  Coun. Sandford has spoken to John Lazarus, Chairman of the Upper Coquetdale Group, and he has access to funding by the UCTG for driver training. Coun. Fendley said it is a question of identifying volunteers.  TINN are now awaiting names, and hopefully persons can attend the August training session.  Coun. Edes to ask the volunteers if they are able to attend the August training, and then confirm this with TINN.

War Memorial
          Coun. Dawson had left note reporting the repair works are still ongoing, and he had been in discussion with the insurance company - the repairs include work to the stonework and flagpole.

Dog Bins
          New bin not yet erected.

Nursing Home
          Coun. Sandford reported a meeting with Dr Cameron, himself and the Commissioning Manager of Northumberland Care Trust.  The most important comment the manager had made was there was no doubt Coquetdale residents are deserving of a local residential home.  Coun. Sandford had asked him the question of block bed booking,  and had been told it was difficult but not totally out of the question.  Dr Cameron had offered to work with the PC in producing a handout containing information about the local district and ways in which help can be offered to possible organisations willing to provide a home.  The Commissioning Manager was to discuss these points with his colleagues, mainly the Contract’s Manager.  Coun. Sandford said it is worth saying this is a first positive move.   Coun. Sandford said there are ways in which the NHS run hospital could dovetail into financial overheads if the nursing home was to be built on the hospital area.  Coun. Fendley suggested Coun. Sandford contact Dr Cameron regarding a handout booklet.  This was agreed.

Ambulance Service
          Coun. Sandford reported after the last PC meeting he had rung the ambulance service to ask about the state of the vehicles being used and had discovered the vehicles are extremely adequate with accessibility/communications equipment ambulances possess.  Any councillor’s/residents still unhappy could have a look inside one, which Coun. Sandford had done - the driver had recognised the uncertainty being felt, but hoped within 6 months or so persons will recognise the service will be better than what has gone before.  Coun. Fendley said the ambulance service should still carry out a public meeting in several months time.  Coun. Sandford did think it highlighted the comment made from a ’professional source’ on the state of the vehicles minuted at the July PC meeting, and thought it could not have been from a ’professional,’ and the comment made persons could be dead before they are reached was inappropriate and thank goodness this had not been publicised in the press.  Coun. Sandford reiterated people are concerned about the new service, but the PC should listen to fact, not fiction.

Waste Recovery Centre
          E-mail received from NCC stating they have not investigated any further potential sites, and are no longer actively pursuing the provision of a recovery centre in the Rothbury area.  Coun. Sandford did not think there was much more the PC could do, having already contacted Alan Beith.  Coun. Morton thought it extraordinary in the present climate that after one try that is it.  Coun. Edes thought they could find an area closer than travelling to Alnwick, Coun. Fendley said in fairness they have tried to accommodate an area to meet national recycling targets.

Village Noticeboard/Map
          Co-Op notice board not yet actioned.

Police Station Re-location
          Nothing to report.

Defra Fixed Penalty Fines
          Information received from Defra.  Coun. Sandford thought a very significant document which would require considerable scrutiny.  Coun. Morton to look at the correspondence and report back at the next PC meeting.

Budget for Minor Work Repairs
          Coun. Reynalds has contacted the insurance company about public liability, no reply received.

Ten Year Plan scroll down
          Haugh Land: Coun. Reynalds has forwarded correspondence to NE, no reply received to date.
          Hospital: Coun. Sandford had heard the hospital would be complete by October but finds this hard to believe.  Coun. Fendley reported people are  pleased to be gaining this facility, but for the record, numerous people are commenting on its architectural design.  Coun. Sandford said when the Angel of the North was erected there was a public outcry but now it is a beloved piece of sculpture to be proud of in the North East.  Coun. Fendley is mindful of the problems the Golf Club have had gaining permission for their new building.  Coun. Morton said it is the actual look of it, people think it could have been fading into the background more.
          Recycling: Coun. Morton reported there had been rubbish dumped at the Thrum Mill entrance opposite Burnfoot Cottage -  sacks of clothing, shoes, and pans, which Coun. Morton had disposed of herself, and thought there was a problem as there is no bin in the area.  It was agreed to monitor the situation.
          Library: No confirmation of closure/no closure.
          Outdoor Sporting Facilities: Could be related to Haugh Land

The following Accounts have been authorised
          i].   Northumberland & Newcastle Society Subscription - £15
          ii].  T Sandford - Reimbursement Turk’s Head Planter - £120.99
          iii]. Northumberland Estates - Rent of Playground - £30.00
          iv]. A Boyce - Gardening - £607.50.  Including extras for re-locating seats, weed killing, extra watering, ADC to undertake watering duties to beds and cross area in the future.  Coun. Sandford said financial matters seem to be discussed at every meeting, and thought it high time the Chairman has a folder of various accounts agreed, and what has been paid to date, which can be used as a reference.  Coun. Edes did not think this necessary.  Coun. Fendley wished to stress the attractive state of the village centre, but is more in keeping of Coun. Sandford’s comments, Coun. Edes said the extra work was discussed and agreed, and she does keep a record of hours worked.  Coun. Fendley a little unclear about the public liability issue of sub-contractor‘s, Coun. Edes replied A Boyce is self-employed with her own insurance, as far as she knows, but will confirm what she is insured for.
          v].  Quote received from A Boyce for seat maintenance, and had said the seats around the Cross were probably slightly damp in places when they were painted over, which had caused the differences.  The estimate is for 4 seats around the Cross, 6 up the bank, and upto 50 around the village - cleaning/scrubbing/varnishing at a cost of between £25 & £35 for each seat.  Coun. Sandford suggested himself and Coun. Edes prioritise the seats requiring the most maintenance.  Coun. Fendley to look at with Coun. Sandford.

Seats & Trees
          Regarding the complaint at Hillside, it was agreed the seat had been improved by A Boyce - wood had been sawn off at the irregular parts, the seat had been stripped and repainted.

Paths & Verges scroll down
          Coun. Sandford had purchased a pot from Heighley Gate for the Turk’s Head stump area, which was delivered to Coun. Edes’s home.  Coun. Sandford said it is a very large pot, and the PC will have to decide what grows in it, and he  would like to discuss how it is secured for the possibility of vandalism.  Heighley Gate had provided a drawing illustrating sinking the pot into the ground with a piece of concrete underneath the pot and 2 steel rods coming up into the pot which will secure the rods to the concrete, and this should make it vandal proof.  Coun. Sandford suggested approaching Newtown Engineering for an estimate for such work.  This was agreed, and whatever goes into it should be significant in size.  Coun. Mrs Dawson asked if the planter already at the stump area be put to good use, Coun. Edes suggested it be placed in front of Donkin’s Lamp, this was agreed.  Coun. Sandford said Donkin’s Lamp is in a filthy state and was told it was NCC’s responsibility.  The clerk to contact NCC regarding this.

Correspondence
          i].   E Mail: NCC, Waste Recovery Centre - discussed earlier.
          ii].  ADC: Street Closures - explaining why charges are being brought in.
          iii]. Street Cleaning - ADC carrying out an intense cleaning operation within Rothbury 31/8/06 and 1/9/06.  Coun. Mills wondered how you would stop visitors from parking in areas on these days.
          iv].  North East War Memorials Project - Newsletter looking at possible repair, Coun. Fendley and Dawson to look at document.
          v].   Community Council - Big Lottery Community Building’s Fund - meeting’s scheduled, Coun. Sandford thought somebody from the Youth Project may be able to attend.
          vi].  Rock Report - newsletter - available for circulation
          vii]. Northumberland Strategic Partnership - Boundaries of belonging communities consultation - redefinition of areas, attempting to identify a boundary of Parish Council‘s, Rothbury is not directly affected, Coun. Fendley does not think this a major issue for Rothbury.
          viii]. Defra - Local Environmental Quality - discussed previously
          ix].   A Glenton, Whinbank - Cragside Wind Farm - to go to ADC Planning 3/9/06, asking RPC to support his objections.  However, it is Cartington PC who manage and comment on the actual proposal.  Coun. Mills against wind farm’s.  Coun. Sandford wondering why Mr Glenton is objecting.   Coun. Fendley understands the mast will gauge the wind strength for further development, and it may or may not be a one off, Coun. Mills thought no point in putting it there if it is not going to lead to anything.  Coun. Sandford said this was an honest comment from Coun. Mills/comments received from Mr Glenton, and literature from an opposition group, but there is nothing from the Government, or the organisation wishing to erect the proposals.  Coun. Fendley wished to support Coun. Sandford’s  comments, but whether the PC are in a position to agree or not to the plans, he has doubts.  It was agreed to thank Mr Glenton for his submission, and  Councillor’s as individuals can make comment if they wish to do so.
          x].    ADC - Notice of Parish Forum - to be held 25/10/06, items can be requested to be placed on the agenda.  Coun. Fendley willing to attend, Coun. Mrs Dawson would be also be interested in attending.

Planning
          Addycombe Development: Coun. Fendley and Sandford had met with the Site Manager and Bowey representatives, along with 3 Addycombe residents and had invited comments from residents, there was no surprise to Bowey that the prime observation was dust causing pollution to the interior and exterior of houses.  Bowey had said they were sorry for this but were dependent on a bowser, but did say it was their policy to carry out dampening down procedures, and would make every attempt in the future to do so.  A contributory factor was the high speed of some site vehicles, and they would try and enforce the 10mph speed restriction.  Other complaints received were concerning the temporary entrance, it had been commented delivery lorries are arriving in the early hours, and causing obstructions and so on.  Bowey to do everything in their power to prevent early deliveries.  The subject of the hedgerow being uprooted was not favourably received from Bowey, as far as they are concerned it is hearsay.  Coun. Sandford said he was contacted by a constable in Berwick, working for the Wildlife Crime Team, and they are treating it as an offence and it was being investigated to see whether it stands up as a wildlife crime.  It was confirmed the affordable housing had physically commenced and would be managed by Cheviot Housing, and reflect the ADC housing list with preference given to person’s from Rothbury.  The realignment of the estate entrance will hopefully be ready by December.  Coun. Morton said there is a tree that has been left standing.  Coun. Fendley said they have said they will be responsible for landscaping.  Coun. Sandford said in general terms, he was not terribly impressed by the representative, particularly about the dust pollution, and he had commented to them as they were a large contractor, hot summers do happen occasionally, and thought they would have the experience to deal with this, and have a contingency in place.  The group are to meet again 17/10/06 with Coun. Fendley & Sandford present.

Approval of Planning Application have been received for the following:
          i].    A/2006/0278: Bowey Homes Ltd, TVTE - Land North of B6341
          ii].   Planning Applications received for the following
          iii].  A/2006/0361: Mr M Long, Villa Capra - extension - supported
          iv].  A/2006/0385: Cheviot Housing - Renewal of timber windows, Addycombe Cottages - Coun. Edes said windows will be similar to when houses originally built - supported

Renovations to Youth Shelter
£1250 donation received and banked from NCC.

Any Other Business
          i].     Coun. Sandford reported Alistair Costley had observed when leaving the Haugh car park to the right the view is obscured, and also when leaving Beggar’s Rigg car park, and  turning right  hedges are obscuring the view.
          ii].    Coun. Mrs Dawson reported vehicles driving down Well Strand to the play area.  It was thought there could not be a bollard placed there as ADC personnel visit the site, and allotment holders are permitted to travel down this area, it was thought these person’s could all be keyholders - clerk to contact ADC.
          iii].   Coun. Edes had been approached by Malting’s resident. Bill Richardson who had had trouble from youths at the playground, and she has suggested the police be contacted, as his fence had been broken.  Mr Richardson also concerned persons walk down the Maltings to the riverside and end up going on his land thinking it is access to the riverside and could a notice be placed at the top of the Maltings stating no pedestrian access?  It was thought Mr Richardson should lock his gate and place a notice himself on his property.
          iv].   Coun. Fendley reported the engineer had attended the fault on All Saints  Church clock  26/5/06, and Coun. Dawson had thought the problem had been rectified, but he is to contact Smith’s of Derby once again.
          v].    Coun. Fendley in possession of a request for funding for the John Barleycorn project.  Spending will include construction and operation of a whisky still, storyboards, visual history of the JB saga, displays will be in the Jubilee Hall and Barrowburn, including weaving and spinning, light crafts, a ceileigh at Harbottle and vintage bus hire.  Coun. Sandford commented there is a mild commercial aspect to it, Coun. Fendley said they will be meeting their expenses.  It was agreed to request a brief of their budget before agreeing to a donation, although it was agreed to support the project in principal.

Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday 12 September 2006.

The meeting finished at 9.15pm
Claire Miller Clerk