Present
Coun. Mrs Dawson, Mrs Edes, Gilson, Murray, Reynalds, Sandford and the Clerk  

Coun. Bridgett, NCC

Apologies
Coun. Mrs Morton, Dawson, Fendley

Public Participation

Over the Bridges report
Coun. Gilson reported he had already compiled a report for February issue. Coun. Sandford commented if a councillor is preparing a report on behalf of the PC it should be concerning the PC and not personal comments which Coun. Gilson had included in the January issue. Coun. Gilson replied 75% of comments he had received were in favour of what he had prepared and the February entry would be based on what happened at the January PC meeting. Coun. Edes said she had found the report interesting but it had not been about the PC's business. Coun. Gilson replied he could make it a boring repetition of what is already printed elsewhere, but if that is required another councillor could prepare it. Coun. Sandford thought it had been a personal blog, not a PC report. Coun. Gilson said if he cannot write it as he sees it he will give up the position as he does not want it to be a stilted boring report of PC meetings. Coun. Edes said she had not found previous councillor reports to be boring. To be discussed after February inclusion.

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

Matters Arising from Previous Meeting
Coun. Sandford reported the PC notice board is still filthy and requires urgent attention. Coun. Gilson commented 90% of the filth is from the rooks living in the village centre, Coun. Mrs Dawson said rook problems had been discussed on numerous occasions and the matter was now laid to rest. Coun. Murray asked who had the key to the board as he would be prepared to clean it, Coun. Dawson in possession of this. Coun. Gilson thought the position of the board is ideal and a vocal point.

Crime and Disorder Forum
Next meeting to be held in March.

Rural Transport / Shopping Bus
AGM to be held tomorrow night.

Play Areas
Coun. Murray reported Sustrans are discussing an all weather surface for the riverside play area, Coun. Gilson said this area is ADC's responsibility (until April). Coun. Murray reported the old part of the surface and potholes are still there. Coun. Edes believed the surface there was already all weather. Coun. Sandford asked what this was to do with the proposed cycle path but if Sustrans's are prepared to make improvements it should be applauded. Coun. Edes to ring R Thompson ADC who was to action removal of the remaining old surface area for information.

West End Entrance/Bridge Street
Project meeting had been held earlier today.

NHS Governor
Coun. Sandford reported respite care at the hospital was discussed at a meeting last week - there had been a change in policy when the new hospital was built with respite care prohibited, and GP's are concerned about carer's wishing to place people into hospital. Day time respite care had been discussed, but this had been misreported and personnel did not know anything about it, however respite beds will be available if there are empty beds. The daytime respite option is to be researched but it may mean volunteers will have to be sought. Coun. Edes thought the League of Friends may be able to help. Coun. Sandford reported Northumberland Health Care Trust have published their plans for the next few years, and the proposed new emergency care centre is being progressed for Northumberland and public consultation will be carried out with meeting to be held 3/3/09 230pm at Rothbury hospital.

Nursing Home
Coun. Sandford said Jeff Lee from the nursing home appears extremely enthusiastic and interested in the PC's views.

Flooding/Dealing with Emergencies
Coun. Gilson had prepared a report regarding the above. Coun. Mrs Dawson thanked Coun. Gilson for the document. Coun. Gilson thought the PC should hold a meeting with blue light services and any other organisation within the community to talk about the role the PC should be expected to play in emergencies. Coun. Sandford said how does the PC gently liase with bodies who have voluntarily set themselves up and dealt within the front line, together with a group of people who have been doing this for some months now, e.g. organising events for flood victims, and if the PC suddenly emerge on the scene these organisations may feel aggrieved. Coun. Gilson thought if there is some form of crisis that affects the community it should be the PC that are seen to be the centre of information for the community, e.g., in an office with a means of communication. Coun. Edes said the PC does not have paid workers who can sit in an office, Coun. Gilson replied the PC should take responsibility for looking after the parish when it is in trouble. Coun. Edes commented it is a commendable idea but does not see how it can work in practice. Coun. Gilson said it would start off with the PC meeting with person's who can help with ideas of what is required, eg the retained fire service. Coun. Sandford said the PC has not got a base, let alone a telephone line, and the cost would be impractical to set this up. Coun. Edes commented the Chairman and herself are already on this 'emergency' committee. Coun. Reynalds said a report had been produced by Coun. Gilson and a meeting would be beneficial involving whoever on the PC wishes to go, but suggested NCC representation be present to initially outline their present procedures and ask how the PC can fit into their plans. Coun. Gilson to arrange a meeting.

Village Greens
Nothing to report.

Community Lights Committee
Meeting tomorrow night.

Website
Coun. Gilson said he is becoming disillusioned with the web site as it only produces a copy of the minutes and opening up a blog for comments and thought it should be professionally put together. Coun. Murray said a website is an excellent idea but if the PC subsequently require a 'proper' web-site this will be a totally different requirement. Coun. Sandford asks who replies to comments made on behalf of the PC, Coun. Murray said anybody can reply to the comments made, Coun. Gilson said there is no official reply. Coun. Murray said he has brought items up to the PC at meetings that have been reported in the minutes, or he has replied to the questions himself. Coun. Gilson thought these replies are not official enough, and advised the PC nominate a councillor as the web-site representation. Coun Sandford suggested this should be the current chairman. Coun. Edes thought the present situation was sufficient with Coun. Murray managing it. Coun. Mrs Dawson to look at the web-site. Coun. Murray in favour of web-sites as long as they are kept up to date. Coun. Sandford said under The Quality Parish Council there is a test for community engagement. Coun. Mrs Dawson to speak to Michael Hodgson.

Signage
To be taken off agenda.

NSP Partnership
Nothing to report.

Turks Head area gully
Coun. Bridgett progressing.

Churchyard Wall
Coun. Bridget had been in touch with NCC Structural Engineer who is to produce a report. Coun. Gilson said the PC will be obliged to tender this work - quote will have to be forwarded to 3 contractor's.

Quality Parish Council
Coun. Sandford ran through the 10 point quality criteria - electoral mandate/qualified clerk - clerk to look at training requirement/council meetings/communication and community engagement, web-site should include councillor and clerk details, provide access to annual report, e-mail address to be publicly available, produce and publish a newsletter at least 4 times yearly or contribute a specific section to a community newsletter- Coun. Sandford said if the PC continue their association with Bridges this criteria would be fulfilled, but the report would have to be more precise than at present, and would need to include names of councillor's/clerk and contact details and thought the PC could make an annual donation to Bridges for this service. Copies of the report also need to be readily available in public sites, eg shops, libraries/The Discretionary Section includes 17 points, with the PC already covering 10/ Annual Report/Accountability, financial details/Code of Conduct/Promoting local democracy & citizenship to be covered. Coun. Bridgett replied with local democracy week in October, a councillor could accompany him to cover this section/Terms & Conditions of employment/Training, the Chairman would need to ensure new councillor's attend training courses available. Coun. Bridgett said PC's will be offered training by the new unitary authority.

Clock Chiming
Correspondence received from Smith's of Derby stating the chime problem was reported after the annual service - clerk to forward cheque dated October for service. Engineer's have attended site for maintenance, however the chimes are still not chiming correctly - they had been working correctly after the engineer's visit but are once more out of sync. Coun. Reynalds in possession of engineers mobile number and will contact him personally.

Hanging Baskets
Nothing to report.

Visitor Sessions
It was agreed meetings should be brought forward to 7pm when visitors are present and speaker's time be kept to maximum 30 minutes including PC questions. Coun. Gilson thought certain agenda items can be omitted if time is pressing.

Street Fair
Coun. Reynalds said last year there had been criticism concerning parking arrangements, with chaos by 10.30 am, and one end of the village had been blocked off by a fun palace. The PCC had written to the fair committee, but did not receive a reply, but the vicar had since spoken to organisers and there will not be a fun house this year. Coun. Reynalds said in some villages a farmer is paid to open a field for parking and the police had suggested this to the committee. Coun. Sandford said there is the Haugh land, Coun. Reynalds asked if it was worth the PC passing comments to the committee, Coun. Sandford said the Music Festival open up school parking areas and could this not be done.

Alnwick Road Flooding
Coun. Bridgett reported the water has stopped creeping across the road due to temporary improvements and permanent works are to be carried out. NCC have spoken to the landowner - NCC has the authority to ensure water is allowed to flow freely from one landowners land to another, NCC will be carrying out drainage improvements under the road which they can then bill the private landowner for.

ADC Parish Forum
To be taken off agenda.

Rothbury Plan
Hospital:
Nothing to report.
Haugh Land:
Nothing to report.
Parking:
Nothing to report.
Youth Project:
Nothing to report.
Footpaths:
Work has commenced on the path from Addycombe to hillside - Coun. Murray reported since the farmer started using the field there is an awful lot of water and muck between the houses and road and a sheet of ice covering the area and thought the farmer needs encouraged to keep water from the area. Coun. Bridgett to follow this up.

Recycling:
Nothing to report.
Cyclepath:
Coun. Edes reported Sustrans meeting held last Monday with plans of the proposals on display - 4 members of the public had been present - and it was hoped to commence work in March. Coun. Murray thought the scheme would affect walkers and horse-riders and involves the whole village - the area set aside for horses is a grass strip right next to the river which he thought would have safety issues. Coun. Sandford said he had had the impression the scheme would be suitable for many persons leisure and enjoyment, but Sustran's would need to adhere to rules regarding public consultation. Coun. Mrs Edes to speak to Sustrans for clarification.
Speed Cameras:
Nothing to report.
Street Lighting:
Coun. Bridgett had met with NCC lighting department, and the area between the tennis courts and village entrance was discussed, along with the possibility of lower wattage lighting at Whitton View area. There are proposals for a scheme with old style Victorian lampposts in the centre ofthe village. Coun. Sandford commented Church Street has a number houses with steps in front which can be very dangerous at night time. It was confirmed NCC are to replace bulbs on Donkin's Lamp. Coun. Sandford asked about funding for railings at the cemetery, Coun. Bridgett replied Coun. Dawson has submitted a request for this.
Enhance Public Areas:
Nothing to report.
Heritage Amenity Project:
Nothing to report
Information Signage:
Coun. Murray reported a plinth has been erected at Beggar's Rigg, but no board placed to date.

The following Accounts have been authorised
i]. NTC - request for donation - £50.00 agreed
ii]. UCCT - January bus hire - £125.00
iii]. Northumberland Estates - rent of allotment land/river bank - £65.00

Seats and Trees
Correspondence had been received from Allianz regarding Mackay's seat repair - clerk to forward invoice. Insurance would not cover unrepairable seat on village green - clerk to contact donee and see if they wish to purchase a replacement.

Paths & Verges
Nothing to report.

Unitary Councillor Report:
Coun. Bridgett confirmed NCC are to carry out the survey to Deuchet Court wall. Various discussions are currently being discussed regarding last week's gas loss. The new budget for the unitary authority had been agreed, with recommendations the council tax is equalised. Weekly charges to non-residential care are to be raised. Redundancies are to be capitalised Grants given by ADC will be maintained in the first year by unitary authority. 50K given to be available to each area committee, local transport plan to be maintained at 18million, and an agreed programme for apprenticeships/post graduate schemes approved. Average council rent increases to be 6.35% and garage rents to rise with inflation. Coun. Sandford asked about the company looking after rental properties, and is NCC convinced they will provide the same service. Coun. Bridgett replied there is no other option - the new authority will still own the housing stock, but it will be run at arm's length from the council with central government putting the finance in for this. Coun. Bridgett to hold a further information day 2/3/09, 9am - 7pm. The Environment Agency mobile unit will visit the village along with NCC, police mobile unit, and a forum meeting will be held in the evening. A community clear up has been organised by Judy Glover with areas such as the riverbank to be improved on an initial date of 28/3/09. Coun. Murray proposed the PC register their thanks to the services and all that helped in last week's gas emergency. Coun. Gilson suggested the best way of doing this is through the local press rather than individual letters and the Gazette could incorporate this into their PC report. Coun. Bridgett has thanked all organisations involved and forwarded a copy of his letter to the Gazette and said Gas Networks may also be attending the information day.

Correspondence
i]. T Derbyshire - Footpath to Addycombe - discussed earlier
ii]. Royal Garden Party - Chairman Invitation - Coun. Mrs Dawson wishing to apply - clerk to action
iii]. Smith of Derby - All Saints Church clock - discussed earlier
iv]. Bank of Ireland - Changes to compensation arrangements - protection level increased to £90K per institution
v]. Allianz - Seat insurance claims- discussed earlier
vi]. Coquetdale Amateur Dramatics - Donation thanks
vii]. NALC- development management-new unitary authority handling planning applications-Coun. Sandford to look at.
viii]. Alnwick Community Development Trust - grant finder service
ix]. Horse Chestnut Tree - ownership issues - Coun Reynalds to look at
x]. Alnwick Area Committee Meeting - next meeting 12/2/09 - previous minutes available
xi]. Air Ambulance - request for donation - to be added to next agenda
xii]. Meeting 23/2/09 regarding Unitary Authority - Coun. Mrs Dawson & Sandford to attend
xiii]. Northumberland & Newcastle Society - City & County newsletter
xiv]. Forum on planning services 25/2/09 - Alnwick Chamber 6pm
xv]. Boundary Committee for England - 67 elected members confirmed for unitary authority
xvi]. NCC - unsuitable vehicular access sign Blue Cottage to Addycombe farm area - NCC not aware of any sign being there in the past, and it is on private land, not under their remit.
xvii]. Rede Tyne Centre - request for donation - to be added to next agenda

Planning
            Addycombe Development: Nothing to report.

    Planning Applications received for the following:
    . Removal of Dead Wood to Chestnut Tree, Churchyard - tree actually owned by PCC - Coun. Reynalds has previously spoken to ADC Tree Officer, and an officially registered tree surgeon should be encouraged to maintain it - it needs stabilised and has a TPO on it. Coun. Reynalds to liase with ADC.

    Notice of Approval of Planning Permission
    . A/2008/0609: Northumbria Police - advert consent, Court Buildings
    . A/2008/0608: Northumbria Police - change of use offices to police station
    . A/2008/0627: Mr P Shadforth, Lindsay House - demolition single storey shop unit
    . A/2008/0609: Northumbria Police - advert consent
    . A/2008/0607: Northumbria Police - fixed phone with signs to front of building

Any Other Business
i]. Coun. Reynalds asked when the gardening contract runs out and will it be re-advertised/confirmed. Coun. Edes confirmed it has now run out. Coun. Reynalds thought they be contacted and contract re-negotiated, with remuneration discussed in private - Coun. Edes to seek rates by next PC meeting.
ii]. Coun. Reynalds reported All Saints Church vicar moving on and there may be the possibility of no incumbent for 12 months.

Date of Next Meeting
Wednesday 11th mARCH 2009 commencing 715pm in the Jubilee Hall.

The meeting finished at 9.30pm.

Claire Miller Clerk