ROTHBURY
PARISH COUNCIL
The
next meeting of Rothbury Parish Council will be held on Wednesday 14th
March 2007 in the Jubilee Hall, Rothbury commencing 7.15 pm
Minutes
of the meeting of Rothbury Parish Council held on Wednesday 14
February 2007
The
meeting commenced at 7.15pm
Present
Coun. Reynalds, Mrs Dawson, Mrs Edes, Dawson, Fendley, Murray,
Sandford and the Clerk
Apologies
Coun. Morton
Coun.
Reynalds welcomed Robin Murray to the meeting.
Over
the Bridge Report
Coun.
Mrs Dawson to compile. Coun. Edes reported the publication is to
be made available to all households within Rothbury, and volunteers are
being sought to help with distribution
Minutes
of Previous Meeting
The
minutes of the previous meeting were agreed after minor amendment.
Matters
Arising
Donkin’s
Lamp
Coun.
Dawson reported the cleaning cost for the lamp from NCC would be £60
annually. It was agreed the PC would request this service - Coun.
Dawson to contact NCC
Crime
& Disorder Forum
Minutes
received from previous meeting - next meeting to be held 7/3/07
Rural
Transport Initiative Sub-Committee
Coun.
Mrs Dawson congratulated Northumbria coaches for the additional 3 daily
bus services now running. Coun. Sandford said it was for a 6 month
trial run. Coun. Fendley asked if the bizarre ticketing conflict
still existed, it was confirmed tickets are not transferable between the
two companies. Coun. Edes thought it ridiculous there are 2
services running close together at 720 & 730am. It was
agreed to write to NCC commenting on the non-transfer of tickets.
Coun. Murray commented in his prior experience of being a bus driver,
if the commercial bus companies are not receiving subsidies the
directors will not be interested in the transfer of tickets. Coun.
Reynalds reported Arriva have abolished the teen card, however
Northumbria honour it even though it is not their scheme.
Coun. Reynalds had attended the AGM of the Upper Coquetdale Transport
Group, and raised the matter of there being no speed governor and the
group will require this in place by January 2008. Minutes are
awaited for the AGM.
Play
Areas
Coun.
Fendley reported the Addycombe play area has now been completed - the
RoSPA inspector had carried out a pre-installation inspection and was
generally satisfied with the quality of the work, but did point out some
minor works that would need actioning. The inspector recommended
the contractor be paid 95% of the total cost, and holding back 5% on
completion of minor works from the report to be produced.
Lisa Mason has arranged to transfer the funds to the PC account, and
along with the PC contribution of 2K, payment can be authorised.
West
End Entrance/Bridge Street
Coun.
Sandford had been looking through some old papers, and had turned up a
plan for Bridge Street dated February 2003, which confirmed works would
be carried out by 2004, and would also like to mention the proposed
pedestrian crossing to the War Memorial discussed with NCC. Coun.
Sandford proposed NCC be contacted and asked if/when these schemes will
appear in the NCC budgets. Clerk to action.
Rothbury
Shoppers Group
Nothing
to report.
War
Memorial
Coun.
Dawson had spoken to the contractor’s, and it was hoped work would be
completed by the end of March.
Nursing
Home
Coun.
Sandford reported there are now two organisations showing interest in a
home and Southern Cross are hoping to arrange a meeting with the NHS
Care Trust in the near future. Coun. Sandford in possession of a
plan of the hospital site, with the land available clearly illustrated.
Coun. Murray hoped they would be ‘good’ organisations and not
uncaring.
Ambulance
Service
Coun.
Sandford had arranged a meeting 22/2/07 with NHS Care Trust and
Ambulance Service to discuss patient transfer. To receive transport
patients have been told they must have mobility requirements, however if
persons not in possession of transport how can they attend if able
bodied and unable to access public transport at certain times?
Coun. Fendley reported a recent instance being very late at night where
a person had had to wait 2 hours for an ambulance. Coun. Sandford
replied there are 3 bands of emergency, and in the 3rd band which is
less urgent there could well be a longer waiting time. Coun.
Dawson said the policy scrutiny committee intend to invite the
ambulance/care trust to a meeting to discuss issues, and how they intend
to implement the service over the next 15 years and there has to be
plans in the system for this now. Coun. Fendley said at the public
meeting in the Jubilee Hall it was promised then there would be an
evaluation carried out and results made available to all, Coun. Dawson
replied this is going to happen, and an informal coffee morning had been
suggested instead of a formal meeting.
Police
Station Relocation
Reply
received from Northumbria Police confirming there are no plans to close
Rothbury station. Coun. Dawson reported a Community Safety
Partnership Group at ADC, who work with the police/probation service etc
and when the closure of front offices was raised none of this
group were aware of the proposals - it appears a decision has been taken
with the consultation of very few people regarding closure of front
desks, however a meeting has been arranged to see how the decision has
been made/who has taken it. Coun. Fendley thought the Crime &
Disorder Group should air this item, and the closure of front offices
could lead to station closures. Coun. Dawson said it makes a
mockery of what they are proposing, as if an officer is in the station
they are not permitted to speak to anybody wishing to speak to them.
11 front offices are to be closed, with 7 of these busy in summer
months. Coun. Sandford understood there was a 29million deficit
within Northumbria police budgets. Coun. Dawson asked if it was
right a decision be taken without asking the PC and the community for
comment. It was agreed to contact B Routledge ADC on this matter.
ADC
Local Wide Plan
Coun.
Murray asked when this plan would be available, as he found the ADC
website confusing. Coun. Dawson replied there will be a document
prepared specific to Rothbury. Coun. Murray has concerns about
parts of the document with reference to the Addycombe works, Coun.
Dawson said comment will be made by the Parish Council, and all
residents will also be able to make comments. Coun. Sandford
reported he had made comment on behalf of the PC - ADC Development
Control had said they will complete the form on behalf of the PC.
Coun. Fendley referred to the previous minutes regarding planning
applications being received electronically and comments having to be
made electronically, Coun. Sandford replied large plans will not be
available, but in theory you could print them out onto A4 paper, and it
is central government who have stipulated all planning issues to be
carried out electronically. Coun. Edes thought it may cause
problems for the planning sub-committee, Coun. Sandford suggested one
councillor be nominated to carry out the process in accessing the plans
from the ADC web-site. Coun. Murray finding it difficult to
reconcile the public being able to understand this process. Coun.
Dawson said as more persons now have access to PC’s it will be easier.
Coun. Murray asked how many individuals replied to the local wide
plan, as if an ordinary plan, it is not too difficult, but if having to
have access to a PC the general public will find it difficult.
Coun. Sandford did not think ADC were trying to hide information, and
there would be advantages in the changes - ADC have said storage wise it
will be more efficient, the cost to applicants will reduce and
environmentally the paper saved will be enormous. Coun. Fendley
supported Coun. Murray, and when the PC considered the Addycombe
development plans there were 27 planning pages to look through and he
cannot see how these changes will improve access. Coun. Murray
likes to think about the ordinary person being able to access documents,
Coun. Dawson said there are conditions imposed by central government
which local authorities have to adhere by. Coun. Sandford
commented if the PC wish to be positive they have to adapt to changes.
Coun. Edes reported an Alan Beith surgery being held 23/2/07 where the
matter could be raised. Coun. Dawson suggested contacting ADC to ask how
they are to implement these changes. Clerk to action.
Shrubbery
Reply
received from National Parks explaining they are not responsible for the
upkeep of Beggar’s Rigg - Nparks are now separate and NCC look after
the area. The Youth Project and Scouts are willing to help
with litter picking and there has been one member of the public
expressing interest.
Roadside
Memorial
Reply
received from NCC stating they do not have an official policy on
roadside memorials. Coun. Dawson finds it incredible NCC do not
possess in writing their policy on this, and does not believe the
statement. Coun. Sandford said they did state previously they are
not taking action on any other shrines in the county, so is this not a
policy?
Jacob’s
Ladder
Light
working, to be taken off agenda
Bridge
Closure
Notices
displayed around village, however they had caused confusion as stating
work to take 3 weeks, however this was not bridge closure for 3 weeks,
only work being carried out. Coun. Edes thought if they find the
bridge not strong enough, generally speaking 40tonne vehicles do not
access this bridge. Coun. Reynalds replied the works could be a
European Directive, Coun. Dawson said all bridges have to be tested for
maximum weight. Coun. Edes believes there are bridges where
vehicles over certain weights cannot use and signs are erected
stating this, Coun. Dawson said what are the alternatives? Coun.
Murray said it is worth bearing in mind if a decision such as this is
made, there could be ramifications for other parishes with wagons
favouring alternative routes, and artics are currently using the bridge
due to works at Lordenshaw.
Christmas
Lights Committee
Coun.
Edes reported a meeting to be arranged in the near future.
Ten
Year Plan
Haugh
Land: Coun. Dawson has written to Northumberland Estates, however Mr
Wilson is currently in London.
Hospital:
Coun. Sandford has spoken to NCC Highways, who have said the
footpath will be upgraded with lighting and NCC are to meet 50% of the
costs. It was also confirmed they had taken on board the PC’s
comments on moving the 30mph signs. Coun. Sandford had spoken to
the NHS regarding hospital reception volunteers, they have one definite
and two more possibilities. Coun. Sandford has said they could
devise posters to be placed in the PC notice board looking for
volunteers. Coun. Sandford would like to report regularly at PC
meetings about his Public Governor works on the NHS trust, and attending
the Alnwick Area Health meetings, which he finds extremely useful with
an excellent chairperson and agenda. The 2 main topics discussed
at the last meeting had been smoking with the changes in July to be wide
ranging, and smoking bans not being only applicable to pubs. The
other main item discussed had been obesity, and all Northumberland
nursery and primary schools have been monitoring children’s
weight/measurements for the past few months, and there is a nearly 20%
obesity level in this age group.
Jubilee
Hall: Nothing to report.
Recycling:
Nothing to report.
Parking:
Coun. Fendley asked if the Haugh car park is to attract a levy,
Coun. Dawson replied he had spoken to ADC, and the policy committee had
taken a decision to implement charging from April 2007, however
clarification of this decision was requested, as there is a resolution
the charge will be dependent on the outcome of the working party report
who have not yet reported back to the main committee. Coun.
Fendley understood charging would be dependent on resolving the parking
issues in the rest of Rothbury. Coun. Sandford commented it seems
a long time since in-depth discussions on parking were carried out.
Coun. Dawson replied no meetings of the working party had been organised.
Coun. Sandford said it was reported in the press with representatives
named and quoted as saying they were more than happy to see charges
made. Coun. Fendley thought council tax had been kept down
due to implementation of parking charges.
Cyclepath:
Nothing to report.
Speed
Cameras: Nothing to report.
Footpaths:
Nothing to report.
The
following Accounts have been authorised
x
T Sandford - ADC meeting 10/1/07, travel expenses - 26 miles x 0.48p =
£12.48
x
NCC - Solar Powered Lighting, Youth Shelter - £4451.98 - still awaiting
comments from NCC regarding the request for an ‘alternative’ lamp,
Coun. Dawson absolutely appalled at the monstrosity, Coun. Sandford not
happy with the structure, but his main concern had been it could not be
vandalised, and would like to say whatever ends up as the lighting would
be painted the same colour as the shelter. Coun. Fendley said
plans for the shelter were presented, however no plans were received for
the lighting, Coun. Sandford thought there will be no alternative, Coun.
Dawson said with respect the PC were not shown alternatives.
Invoice to be held.
x
Request for Donation - Alnwick Playhouse - £50.00 agreed
x
Northumberland Estates - Walk & Waste Land - £40.00 - Allotments -
£25.00
x
TINN - January bus use - £117 received in fares
x
Coquetdale Amateur Dramatics Society - £100 proposed - agreed
x
Alnwick Playhouse - Request for Donation - £50.00 agreed
x
Northumberland Theatre Company - Request for Donation - £50.00 agreed
x
Rothbury Traditional Music Festival - £200 donation request -
authorised
Paths
& Verges
Coun.
Sandford reported a bollard had been knocked down at the triangle, and
will be the PC’s responsibility. Coun. Edes replied A Boyce
could carry out this work, but was not available for another month, and
Alistair Gaskell could probably help Amanda. Coun. Sandford to ask
Alistair if he could look at the area in the meantime.
Seats
& Trees
Coun.
Dawson had contacted A Boyce, who is to attend to seat works as soon as
possible, and the beds will be ready for Easter. Coun. Edes asked
if Amanda could be employed an additional two hours per week,
which would make 8 hours per week in total, at an approximate additional
cost of £420 for the season. Coun. Sandford commented there had
been a vast improvement since she started work, and looking at the cost,
the PC could certainly afford it. Coun. Edes expects October to
March to be covered by Alistair Gaskell, and the beds are currently
looking shabby. Coun. Reynalds thought the grass in the closed
churchyard had not been cut for four months, Coun. Edes has mentioned
this to Alistair. Coun. Fendley asked about A Boyce, Coun. Edes
said she is self employed, and declares her own NI/Tax, and has
insurance cover. Coun. Fendley commented £1800 per 30 week period
would be paid to A Boyce. Coun. Edes said the PC also bears the
cost for Alistair to carry out his works, but thought the cost had been
significantly more when other outside contractor’s had been employed
previously. Coun. Dawson could remember when £900 was being paid
for cutting the closed churchyards and the precept had only been £6K,
and the PC should bear in mind if these costs increase, the PC cannot
let the precept stand still. Coun. Sandford said the current PC
balance is 20K, and interest earned on this will pay for some of the bed
works. Coun. Edes stated she did not request the additional hours
before the current budget was set but the current 6 hours were included
to the budget. Coun. Fendley said the current 6 hours per week
would cost £1350, and suggested the 6 hours be agreed and a margin
allowed for particular jobs. Coun. Edes said the fish shop beds
require additional hours, and with the current 6 hours A Boyce did not
get through all the work. A vote cast, 3 in favour of additional
hours, none against, 2 additional hours agreed. Coun. Fendley
asked if another seat survey was required, Coun. Sandford replied Amanda
had not carried out any current works yet, Coun. Edes replied this had
been due to adverse weather conditions.
Correspondence
scroll down
x E Mail: NCC - Roadside Shrine - discussed earlier
x E Mail: ADC - Two Council’s - ADC requesting PC’s support - leave as
at last meeting, cannot at this stage choose between the alternatives
x Citizens Advice Bureau - acknowledgement of donation - for information
x Community Action Northumberland - acknowledgement of donation - for
information
x North Northumberland Hospice - acknowledgement of donation - for
information
x ADC - Policy Framework for 2007/08 - Coun. Sandford asked if is an
important document, Coun. Reynalds replied it relates to other policies,
and does not make much sense on its own, Coun. Dawson reported it has
not altered much since last year
x Northumbria Police - minutes Crime & Disorder Forum 22/11/06 -
available for circulation
x Northumbria Police - police station -discussed earlier
x ADC - Police Station Closures - discussed earlier
x ADC - Post Office Network Consultation - government consultation on post
office closures Coun. Fendley understood Rothbury had just avoided the
first round of cuts. Coun. Sandford said problems occur, for
instance you can now renew vehicle tax by telephone. It was agreed
to reply and support the points made
x NSP - Agreed Boundaries for Belonging Communities - for information
x Royal Mail - Post Box area - stating the area is not Royal Mail’s
responsibility - digital photographs to be forwarded to B.T. and
Royal Mail
x Belonging Communities - for information
x Review of Quality Town & Parish Councils - stating procedure not
being reviewed as it is to be altered in the near future
x Revised Code of Conduct - available for circulation
x CPRE Newsletter - available for circulation
x
NALC - various - local government re-organisations/training
events/conference Northumberland Voices, looking at One North
East/Strategic Partnership at Kirkley Hall
PLANNING
scroll down
x Addycombe Development: Coun. Fendley and Sandford had attended an
informal discussion with the contractor 14/2/07, but had not agreed the
next date for a formal meeting. A power cable needs to be
installed to the sub-station behind Rodsley Court which will entail
digging up the road in Brewery Lane etc, with March being suggested for
this work. Because of the road construction the Weldon Bridge road
is to be closed for 2/3 days. Phase one of the social housing is
now complete, and Coun. Murray asked why there was no street lighting
near this housing, was this because of the sub-station problem?
Coun. Fendley replied the sub-station on the site is capable of
providing certain power, Coun. Murray did not think it safe for the new
residents due to the lack of street lighting, and they are relying on
the lights on the outside of their houses, however the developer will be
providing lighting eventually. Coun. Murray said with regard to
parking, he thinks there will be congestion problems at the first
school, as there is no easy pedestrian access from the site to the first
school, Coun. Fendley replied there is a proposed pathway, but persons
at present have to walk around the site and onto the main road and
supported comments of no direct access on the west. Coun. Murray said
there was an opportunity on the original plans for a direct footpath,
but with the subsequent plan changes, it would now be very difficult.
Coun. Edes said there was to be a way to walk at the top of Addycombe to
the hammer head at old Addycombe, Coun. Murray replied when the estate
is completed, at the end of the Addycombe garages there is a green where
the footpath will come out. Coun. Edes said according to the village
statement there were supposed to be footpaths through places. Coun.
Sandford said he is right in saying himself and Coun. Fendley can take
this matter on board and meet with the site manager. Coun. Dawson
in possession of sub-station supply route plan, and explained he was
contacted by an electric company representative requesting a meeting to
discuss the supply route, but they can serve a community order to carry
out the work without prior meetings taking place. Coun. Edes said
against the road at the village sign there is a wire basket containing
bricks and will these be faced up? Coun. Fendley under the
impression this will not be masked. Coun. Murray said they do the
job designed for, but is unsure what will happen to the wire over a
period of time.
Planning Applications received for the following:
x A/2007/0017: Lloyds TSB - listed building consent, new bank
signage - supported
x A/2007/0048: Dr J Cox, 16 Cragside View - extension/lean-to roof to
garage - supported
x A/2007/0047: Mr G Hoye, Hexham - alterations to clinic - supported
Approval of Planning Application have been received for the following:
x A/2006/0634: Mr G Wilson, Springfield House - change of use
x A/2006/0624: Mr & Mrs Metcalf, 5 Blaeberry Hill - extension
x A/2006/0653: Mrs C English, 12 Beech croft - extension
Any
Other Business
x Coun. Fendley reported the John Barleycorn group are to repeat the
exercise with a 2 day event to be held October 2007, and will there be
PC financial aid? Coun. Sandford asked if they will produce the
cost breakdown requested, however Coun. Fendley replied this information
had previously been provided.
x Coun. Dawson reported ADC elections 3/5/07 - ADC will be writing to the
clerk stating this with notices to be placed in the notice board
x Coun. Sandford reported the Youth Project has funding applications in,
but are finding it difficult to obtain funds, with some applications
taking months to process, and the group are slightly concerned, however
they do have funds until post-summer. Coun. Edes said the project
is successful
x Coun. Murray said when the new junction at Addycombe is complete and the
priorities have changed from the road from Morpeth, will additional
warning signs be erected? as he can envisage problems at busy
times, especially with bikers
Village
Greens - PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL
Coun.
Dawson had gone through the necessary declarations which had been
forwarded to the Land Registry, however it appears parts of the
greens are already registered to Northumberland Estates, along with the
footpath adjacent the Newcastle Hotel. Coun. Dawson said there are
various way leaves signed for pipework, ducting, access etc. but nothing
signed with the Rural District Council, and nothing in the name of the
PC having the use of the land, so legally there is no right to put up a
Christmas tree or keep seats there and should the PC proceed to register
the one piece of land not in anybody’s ownership, or ask
Northumberland Estate to transfer the registered land? Coun.
Sandford asked if any of these areas would be of worth to N Estates,
Coun. Dawson replied the part in front of the Parish Hall could be
valuable, if for instance the church decided to sell the hall. It
was agreed Coun. Dawson would initially contact N Estates. The
Shellrigg house tenants have complained about the path leading to their
home being in a state of disrepair, clerk to inform householder it is N
Estates responsibility
Date
of Next Meeting
Wednesday
14th March 2007
The
meeting finished at 945 pm
Claire
Miller Clerk
2007/08
Parish Council Dates
18th
April
13th February
23rd
May
12th March
20th
June
18th
July
15th
August
12th
September
17th
October
14th
November
12th
December
16th
January
