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Minutes
of the meeting of Rothbury Parish Council
held on
Wednesday 18th July 2007
The
meeting commenced at 7.15pm
these minutes have to be ratified at the August PC
Meeting
Present
Coun. Reynalds, Mrs Dawson, Mrs Edes, Mrs Morton, Fendley, Gilson, Murray,
Sandford and the Clerk
District Coun. Bridgett, NCC Sue Bolam
Apologies
Coun. Dawson
District
Councillor Presence Coun. Steven
Bridgett present
Member
of the Public Present
Alistair Costley present for part of the meeting, and wished to comment on
the riverside maintenance mentioned in the previous minutes. Alistair
reported a number of trees are dying off at the Haugh car park - he has
spoken to the Forestry Commission and been informed the willow trees have
fungus.
Over
the Bridges report
Coun. Morton to submit for September issue
Minutes
of Previous Meeting scroll
down
The minutes of the previous
meeting were agreed after
minor amendments
Crime
& Disorder Forum
Minutes from previous meeting available for circulation. Coun.
Gilson asked if anybody had been contacted by Inspector Peart fo an
individual police consultation, as mentioned at previous PC meeting - no
councillor had. It had been noted there was a heightened police presence
for the Music Festival weekend.
Rural
Transport Initiative Sub-Committee
Coun. Sandford reported John Lazarus UCCTG has said TINN have approached
the group - they have recently taken over a similar organisation in
Morpeth and have asked if UCCTG wish them to take over the bus.
Discussions are ongoing as to whether the bus would then be used mainly
for Coquetdale. As far as the shoppers group goes, they are the main
regular user and the volunteers pick up the bus parked at the Middle
School, if it was being used elsewhere, they would have to return it
farther afield, and TINN would then charge fro bringing it back and
returning it. Coun. Reynalds said John Lazarus wishes to give up the
Chairmanship of UCCTG, but there is a reasonably strong committee. TINN
has promised priority will be given to Coquetdale, but will park the bus
where it is mainly used. The bus was bought through a Parish grant and
handed over to be used in Coquetdale, and the group will have to find a
Chairman prepared to seek future funding. Coun. Sandford said it would be
vital to have it used more to keep it in the area. Coun. Gilson asked if
there were records of how often it is off the road due to repairs etc.
Coun. Reynalds replied it is only 18 months old, Coun. Gilson thought the
only advantage would be of using the resources of TINN. Coun. Sandford
said if the UCCTG funding ran out, that would be the end of it, but if
part of a larger organisation the bus would be protected. Coun. Reynalds
said it is getting more expensive to use and becoming commercial. Coun.
Reynaldsw to talk to persons regarding the Chairmanship. Coun. Edes
thought the locally trained drivers would only wish to work in Coquetdale.
Play
Areas
E-mail received from R. Thompson ADC stating the former riverside tiled
area is to be looked at, and he is to chase up the grass cutting issue on
the riverside bank. The stability of the benches are to be checked, and
flowers have been suggested for the riverside.
West
End Entrance/Bridge Street
E-mail received from NCC stating the West End
suggestions have not been included in the next LTP as the traffic group
previously rejectedn the proposal, however the request for table top speed
measures will be included.
Rothbury
Shoppers Group
Invoice for June - £79.20 - fares received £142.00
War
Memorial
Work has been ongoing, however problems have occurred with the list of
names, but works nearly complete.
Nursing
Home
Coun. Sandford had been contacted by the interested party, and
the matter is progressing speedily - the company have approached ADC to
find out about restrictions/observations. and are in close contact with
the Health Care Trust who on the companies behalf are approaching the
owners of the land, and eventually the representative would like to attend
a PC meeting or invite councillors to give their opinions. Coun. Reynalds
said there is some provision at the RAF home occasionally, but Coun.
Fendley said this is only respire care. Coun. Morton said there is no
nursing care at Abbeyfield, Coun. Sandford had been contacted about a
meeting this friday and it looks as if the Abbeyfield charity are saying
the complex is becoming suspiciously unviable, with government conditions
being brought in, eg all rooms to be fully en-suite, and the building
being listed. Coun. Murray said the view would be to make a decision by
4/09/2007.
Ambulance
Service/Patient Transfer
Coun. Sandford had spoken to the Care Trust and they have looked into and
will be making certain changes, one being to change the documentation sent
out to patients, and they are in negotiations to take over the booking of
persons attending hospital from the ambulance trust. Coun. Sandford has
asked for written confirmation on when these actions occur.
Police
Station/Fire Station Relocation
Fire Station plans received. Coun. Fendley understood the
Police Authority were to agree today to the relocation of the police
station taking place. Coun. Gilson asked if there were any plans, and
wondered if there would be disabled places which would be used for police
vehicles to be parked. Coun. Murray mentioned the correspondence
previously received referring to the fire station relocation, and thought
the Fire Officer had agreed to attend a meeting - it was agreed to invite
him to the next meeting.
ADC
Local Wide Plan
Nothing to report.
Village
Greens
Nothing to report -
Coun. Murray not sure about area above golf course road regarding grass
maintenance, it was confirmed the area marked on the map is the part
leased from N/Estates - it is below Beggar's Rigg which is under
discussion - the shaded areas on the map.
Bridge
Closure
Nothing to report.
Christmas
Lights Committee
Meeting cancelled, hopefully to be rescheduled shortly, however fund raing
event also cancelled.
Standards
Board Code of Conduct
Literature available for all councillors.
Spar
Shop
Coun. Mrs Dawson reported the building has been gutted, and is concerned
the Co-op has the monopoly, there now being nowhere to rent DVD's etc.
Counc. Sandford understood Coun. Dawson had spoken to the Co-op manager,
however being a commercial deal he cannot see how the PC can get involved,
however published in the Journal, the Co-op manager did give a lsit of
actions that were to happen, and Coun. Sandford thought the PC should
review the matter in 6 months time and see if these promises have been
fulfilled. Coun. Reynalds asked if it was worth writing to the manager and
asking if they could expand on the plans in hand for improvements. Coun.
Murray reported he had written to the monopolies and mergers and another
committee, and they are looking into closures, and thought it worth
thinking if the PC could make representation on these committees. Coun.
Sandford asked if the Chairman feels the Spar closure is a PC matter, Coun.
Reynalds thought if it affects the community it is of interest to the PC.
Coun. Gilson thought the PC should write to the Co-op, but did think it
was a commercial decision. Coun. Murray asked what is to happen to the
empty Spar building, this not known.
Cemetery
Stop Cock
Coun. Sandford reported work has been carried out. Coun. Murray said all
areas have been actioned to the bridge, with the exception of 2 manholes
at the bridge not finished off and a danger to cyclists - he has reported
the matter on more than one occasion, and been informed NCC have 10 days
to rectify the problem, and has now been assured the works will be
actioned. Coun. Murray asked if the road surface up to the hospital was
part of the conditions to renew the footpath, Coun. Sandford replied the
whole strip of road will receive action, although not immediately. Coun.
Murray amazed if it is to be resurfaced, and wonders why NCC think this
road needs resurfacing above the main road. Coun. Sandford said it is not
only resurfacing works to be carried out - Coun. Bolam explained they had
brought forward the lights and footpath works, so the roadworks will also
be brought forward
Picnic
Area
Coun. Murray asked if the fenced area at the end of Beggars Rigg car park
is a memorial - the tables are in need of repair with holes clean through
the wood. Coun. Fendley thought the whole area would benefit from
attention. Clerk to contact NCC.
Village
Shrubbery
Coun. Murray asked whose responsibility were the village hanging baskets,
and asked if the PC could purchase a water machine. Coun. Sandford said
ADC carried out watering duties. Coun. Edes said there is a system for
regular watering, with a bowser available, Coun. Bridgett willing to
contact R. Thompson on this matter. Coun. Murray asked about overgrown
shrubbery area at white seat - NCC had replied asking if the PC thought
residents would object to pruning works. Coun. Fendley said the shrubbery
at the end of the bridge travelling right is also causing problems.
Ten
Year Plan scroll
down
Haugh Land:
Still under discussion with N/Estates. Coun. Gilson
suggested a corner for a mountain bike track, rather than youngsters using
public areas
Hospital: Coun. Sandford
said there are 3 volunteer receptionists, and they are looking for more
people to meet and greet, and also reported the NHS Trust are to put in
practice a plan for new A&E centre close to Morpeth. Coun. Murray
mentioned a government scheme dedicated to centres for heart problems,
although there are concerns for persons in remote areas, trying to have
them within 90 minutes of anywhere.
Youth Project: AGM held. Coun.
Sandford reported applications for funding are progressing, and is fair to
say there will be funding secured for the next year. There are 2 trustees
in place, who are extremely interested in youth issues.
Recycling: Nothing
to report
Parking: Coun. Fendley understood
traffic management arrangements for the cemtre of the village would be
actioned when the Haugh parking area commenced parking charges, Coun.
Dawson was chasing up the issue. Coun. Murray asked who owned the strip of
land by burnfoot - Coun. Bolam said it is owned by NCC Highways - as there
are a couple of notices on the land saying no parking which are not NCC
signs, Coun. Bridgett thought it was the same person who has placed the
signs and CCTV at the Thrum. Coun. Sandford said there is a similar sign
at the turning to Pondicherry along the Thropton road, Coun. Reynalds
reported this is a private road and householders pay for its upkeep.
Cyclepath: Nothing to report.
Speed Cameras: Nothing to
report.
Footpaths: Nothing to report
Street Lighting: Nothing
to report.
Signage: Acknowledgement received from NCC about
the problem - clerk to chase up. Coun. Gilson thought the PC notice board
more up to date than previously, but seems to be a lot of obscure
information displayed.
Recycling:- Nothing
to report.
Enhance Public
Areas: Coun. Murray again raised the
area of burnfoot, and the muddy patch by the car-park after the Music
Festival was a mess and being an entrance into Rothbury thought this was
unacceptable, and litter bins in the area would be beneficial. It was
agreed to ask ADC of the viability of litter bins. Coun. Bridgett observed
on the map the PC do not rent the land where the notices are at the Thrum
Mill. Coun. Reynalds would like to fix a date to review the Ten Year Plan
- to be scheduled after the meeting.
The
following Accounts have been authorised
i]. Request for funding - John Barleycorn - £500 - Coun.
Sandford again requested sight of the financial records. Coun. Fendley under
the impression it had been sent to the PC, Coun. Sandford said a breakdown
of expenditure was received, but nothing on the bank balances. Coun. Gilson
asked what this project was, Coun. Fendley explained about the 2 day
festival. Coun. Morton thought it worth promoting - Coun. Gilsons only
reservation was how much Rothbury's input is, and are Thropton, Harbottle
and Alwinton also asked for funding. Coun. Fendley replied the largest
proportion comes from outside bodies, but Rothbury is the biggest by far as
PC's are concerned. £500 agreed.
ii]. D. Metcalf - internal auditing - £110.00
iii]. TINN - June Bus - £79.20 - £142.00 received in fares
iv]. Church Clock annual maintenance - £182.13
Seats
and Trees
i]. Coun.
Murray asked if there was any response to the riverside seat removal - ADC
to have stability of seats checked and remedial action taken.
ii]. Coun. Edes and Amanda Boyce had looked at the
seat at Hillside East, and if the existing is moved it will disintergrate
and suggested the replacement seat be placed 150 yds west to the existing,
with views still over the valley - clerk to contact Mrs Minto. Coun. Murray
asked if the existing seat had been discussed to be moved to the school
bank, this confirmed. Coun. Gilson asked who is to place the seat in the
ground. Coun. Edes replied Amanda Boyce. Coun. Murray said the seat at
Gravelly Bank and School Bank now need rectifying, Coun. Edes said Gravelly
Bank materials have been ordered for repair, and the 1st school seat will be
added to the seat repair schedule. Coun. Murray requested a litter bin at
the school seat - clerk to request. Coun. Edes would personally like to pay
for a seat to be placed near the seat adjacent to Donkin's Lamp - this
agreed.
iii]. Willow tree to be actioned as assured from N/Estates
Paths
& Verges
i]. Coun. Bridgett reported the shrubbery at the stepping stones has
been cut back, however the debris has been left strewn.
ii]. Coun. Morton asked if the gasworks area sewage problem had been
rectified - the Environment Agency and ADC still working on this - it was
agreed to ask Footpaths Officer NCC to put pressure on EA/ADC.
Addycombe
Drains
i]. Coun. Murray said there are problems with flooding with water not
going down drains properly, and a resident was concerned it could be seeping
under the properties. Coun. Murray had contacted Mike Armstrong, NCC, who
visited the resident, and informed the problem had been passed on to Alnwick
depot NCC, and there could be problems with the addycombe area, as part of
the play area is turning black, which could indicate disturbed pipes.
Post
Office Barrier
i]. Coun. Murray reported a child coming out of the Post Office and
nearly running onto the road, and suggested a road barrier. Clerk to contact
NCC on this.
Correspondence
scroll down
i]. Post Box.
ii]. E-mail:- NCC - LTP - discussed earlier
iii]. BT payphone - reiterating it is the local councils
responsibility for the area - Coun. Edes to ask Amanda Boyce if she could
place flagstones in the area..
iv]. Alnwick Playhouse - summer 2007 - for information.
v]. NCC - Minerals & Waste Development
Framework - for information - Coun. Morton still concerned about no site
available for a recycling unti, and wished this to be minuted..
vi]. Jubilee Institute - requesting
representation from various groups to a meeting in September, Jubilee Hall -
oun. Fendley already attending.
vii]. Standards Board for England - Members code of
conduvt - copies available for all councillor's
viii]. Northern Rock Foundation - newsletter - available for
circulation
ix]. TINN - changes to charging policy - discussed
earlier.
x]. ADC - Parish Forum 17/10/07 - same as
October PC meeting.
xi]. Music Festival - programme - for
information
xii]. NCC - wildlife & countryside act - Public
Rights of Way - for information
xiii]. Northumbria Police - minutes police forum 6/6/07 -
available for circulation.
xiv]. NCC - Alnwick Area Committee minutes 10/05/07 -
available for circulation.
xv]. Clerks and Councils Direct - newsletter -
available for circulation
xvi]. The Clerk - newsletter - available for circulation
xvii]. A. Glenton - Debdon Wind Farm - asking for PC to not support
the request for monitoring equipment to gain feasibility for a wind farm -
majority in favour of monitoring
xviii]. Community action Northumberland - stating grant scheme coming in,
and they want a locally based community panel - Coun. Fendley to attend.
xix]. Community news - offering handyman help for oap's, suggest
a flyer be made to place in notice board, Coun. Reynalds sais these were
already displayed in the Library.
xx]. Review of Alnwick Housing strategy - asking to
respond to any changes
xxi]. Alnwick Hospice - newsletter
xxii]. CAMPS event - complaint about parking - Coun. Reynalds to
contact CAMPS on this.
Planning
scroll
down
Addycombe Development:
Site
meeting held with NCC senior highways policy manager - confirmed land to be
secured for improvements. Coun. Bolam reported ground work had commenced,
with the wall top come down next week. It was requested the traffic lights
be moved, which did happen, and there will be anti-skid tarmac placed on the
hill down, also asked for the generator to be moved off the footpath - all
these requests were actioned, although Coun. Dawson said nothing was
actioned in the promised timescale. The PC to send thanks to the policy
manager for his involvement. Floods coming down and freezing was discussed,
NCC to look at drains, Gasworks Cottage could be flooded, so this area to be
looked at. Coun. Murray reported other items discussed were the wall/wire
baskets, proposed footpath past the recreation club - NCC though Coun. Bolam
could be approached for help in this. Coun. Fendley said if coming to the
T-junction the sign posts stated 'Edlington' in error. The first set of
traffic lights were discussed, and there does appear to be significant
slowness of work, Coun. Murray said this involves the drain area. Coun.
Fendley referred to the developers proposed play area - however the land has
subsequently been raised by 15ft and rolled, and when it rains nearby
gardens are flooding, the developers had been informed and reported
they had forgotten the sump and drain.
Deuchet Court
Coun. Murray reported temporary fencing installed, but on the incorrect
side, however subsequently changed, but the big stone on top of the wall is
still the same.
Bridge Street: Nothing to report.
Planning
Applications received for the following:
A/2007/0343: Mr Abu
Essa, Wallsend - change of use to retaurant & takeaway - Shiltons Shop -
Coun. Murray has received favourable comments - Coun. Morton thought
complaints about aromas may be received. Coun. Murray thought there could be
problems with parking, as there are 15 tables planned for the restaurant.
07/00096/CCD: -
Ambulance Station - change of use to Fire station - Coun. Murray said the
plan does not show anything in relation to the site - to be discussed at the
next meeting with Fire Officer.
Blaeberry
Hill - 8 New Dwellings - Coun Morton had been told by a nearby
resident there was a covenant on the land. Coun. Sandford in receipt of
information from nearby residents Michael Hodgson & Pamela Wallhead.
Coun. Fendley supported the comments on the nature and extent of the
housing. Coun. Sandford thought access a problem, Coun. Murray said
utilities would be stretched - it was agreed to comment and also mention the
red roofs.
Approval of Planning Application have been received
for the following:
A/2007/0154: CCTV -
car park at Gregory Court
07/00078/TPO: Fel
Lawson Cypress - Antons Dell
A/2007/0242: Mr &
Mrs Holmes, Tynemouth - garage block, old hospital
A/2007/0220: Punch
Taverns - signs, Turks Head
A/2007/0225: Punch
Taverns - signs, Turks Head
Notice
of Refusal of Planning Permission:
None
Any
Other Business
i]. Coun. Reynalds & Sandford had attended the
Golf Course opening
ii]. Coun. Reynalds had attended the scout retirement
for the Elson's - Coun. Edes said the flower bed placed by the scouts is
excellent - it was agreed to write to Mr & Mrs Elson thanking them for
their services to the scout association..
iii]. Coun. Reynalds reported the library opening an
additional half day a week - it was agreed to write to the library service
thanking them for this.
iv]. Michael Hodgson had brought up the web site minutes
being out of date - and has voluteered to take it over and run. Coun. Gilson
had noticed the out of date information, and thought a professional should
be paid to carry out the service, as complaints would be difficult to raise
with a volunteer. Coun. Reynalds to speak to Duncan Elson about his
involvement and whether he wishes to recind the duties. Coun. Murray thought
somebody running the web site had to have the information to hand to be able
to make it up-to-date.
Village
Greens
Discussed earlier
Date
of Next Meeting
Wednesday 15th August 2007
The
meeting finished at 10.15 pm.
Claire Miller Clerk
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