Present
Coun. Mrs Dawson, Dawson, Fendley, Gilson, Murray, Reynalds, Sandford and the Clerk
Coun. Bridgett - NCC
Coun. Mrs Edes (part of meeting)

Apologies
Coun. Mrs Morton, Fendley

Meeting with S. Hackett, National Parks
Sean Hackett present to discuss wild flower patch at old clinic area, being a narrow strip weak in grass growth, and suggesting seeding yellow rattle whose roots latch onto grass and prevent it growing tall, the area would then have to be managed. Coun. Fendley commended Sean's efforts and proposed the offer accepted. Coun. Sandford unsure why the strip has not been kept up to standard. Coun. Murray asked what seed limitations are - it does not respond to coarse grass, N/Parks had planted rattle at village entrance, but the grass was too coarse. Coun. Dawson commented the area from bottom Woodlands to Copletch also requires improvement - however each site has to be assessed for viability. PC thanked Sean and looked forward to the result.

Minutes of the Meeting held 17th June 2009
The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed after minor amendments

Matters Arising

Crime & Disorder Forum
Next meeting 21/9/09.

Rural Transport / Shopping Bus
Nothing to report.

Play Areas
Coun. Gilson had arranged slide repair.

NCC/LTP
Coun. Bridgett had spoken to D Frazer NCC, Bridge Street proposal could be carried out with bridge refurbishment. Correspondence received from P Brewis NCC confirming future discussions will be held with RPC.

NHS Governor
Coun. Sandford had spoken to personnel regarding respite day care, however sessions had been held previously in Jubilee Hall, with only two persons attending, therefore it was relocated to Amble. With an active Over 60's club, this may have worked against gaining interested persons' initially. Coun. Murray asked Coun. Sandford to look into hospital patients paying for use of telephone/television, and queried if the NHS make money from calls. Coun. Sandford said the system is run by a commercial operator. Coun. Murray queried ringing the out of hours GP service, as there had been a message stating action may not be taken before 8am. Coun. Sandford to look into these queries.

Nursing Home
Coun. Sandford had spoken to Jeff Lee, progress slow, end of year for preliminaries to be confirmed.

Flooding/Dealing with emergencies
Coun. Bridgett had spoken with NCC, public meeting to be held 4/8/09. Coun. Sandford had been approached by Mrs Wilbie-Chalke about flooding, she thought the river course up the valley should be looked at closely, and had evidence of blocked drains at Whitton View Development. Coun. Murray said the drains had been blocked deliberately to stop building debris entering, and substances placed in drains to avert problems. Coun. Bridgett said as the final road surface has not been laid, the drains are situated higher up. Coun. Fendley said water could go straight down into Armstrong Cottage area.

Village Greens
Nothing to report.

Community Lights Committee
Meeting held last week, progress made on securing grants, stanchions should be in place shortly.

Turks Head area gully
Nothing to report.

Churchyard Wall
Coun. Bridgett had NCC engineer e-mail who thought survey works would be a waste of money, and the wall could be re-built without need for a report.

Quality Parish Council
Coun. Sandford had approached middle school regarding citizenship lessons. Coun. Murray in possession of Glanton PC newsletter.

Clock Chiming
Coun. Dawson had contacted W Potts, if they can carry out repair in conjunction with another in the area it would be £200-300 cheaper, estimate £900 for work, which they were to confirm - agreed to await quotation confirmation before final decision made.

Hanging Baskets
Nothing to report.

Community Forums
Coun. Bridgett reported meeting to be held with NCC Locality Officers 11/8/09.

NCC Local Development Framework
To be taken off Agenda.

Bus Service
Coun. Bridget had spoken to NCC integrated transport team, who were of the opinion the original service had been put back, however NCC have no direct say over the route. Further meeting with Bus Company tomorrow. Coun. Murray said the company receive NCC funding for OAP passes and the route has been reduced significantly already.

Planning - scroll down
       Planning sub-committee meeting held last night
       Planning Applications received for the following:
     . A/2009/0227: Back Croft, Coquet View - demolish existing - supported
     . A/2009/0261: Mr & Mrs Staff, Stonelea, - extension - supported
     . A/2009/0264: T Morris, 5 Wagtail Road - extension - supported
     . A/2009/0268: NCC Tree Removal for Bailey Bridge installation - trees have TPO's, but NCC to plant replacements.
Coun. Dawson suggested the minimum amount of trees removed. The Plan is for 6, with 12 replacements. Coun. Mrs Dawson had attended meeting with NCC/riverside residents where NCC confirmed at present the bridge is only suitable for 3 tonne vehicle and has to be 44 tonne, the Bailey Bridge will not be erected until May 2010. Coun. Murray said articulated vehicles may have problems. Coun. Dawson said PC will have to hold in-depth discussions with NCC when they meet in autumn. Coun. Bridgett explained it is European legislation, the bridge is able to carry the weight in the short term, but without strengthening works the tonnage restriction would be 3. Coun. Dawson concerned the PC/public have input to the final bridge design, however this is stated in NCC correspondence. There are plans, but not definitive with surrounding land and property negotiations to be finalised.
     . A/2009/0273: Mr L Charlton, 13 Woodlands - extension - Planning Sub-Committee to look at

    Approval of Planning Application have been received for the following:
    . A/2009/0206: Mr R Sutton, Moorside - TPO tree maintenance
    . A/2009/0180: Mr Cockbum, Stepping Stones - conservatory

    Notice of Planning Application withdrawal:
    . A/2009/0148: Northumberland Estates - 3 No properties, land at Addycombe

Addycombe Development:
Coun. Sandford had been contacted by Addycombe Garden resident regarding difficulty cutting their hedge bordering onto the development, cannot access land with barbed wire fence on the boundary line, and the ancient hedgerow in the area has same problem. Feel it is a mistake on the developer, and suggest they offer a solution. Coun. Fendley suggested a meeting with developers to point out boundary issues on the whole site. Coun. Murray could speak to residents, as the temporary fence is causing difficulty. Coun. Bridgett said Melanie Thew NCC Planning Enforcement Officer is dealing with issues at the area. Coun. Fendley commented the fence alongside the footpath is on the wrong side, unguarded side has increasing gradient.

Coun. Murray said there are I.T. difficulties in opening weekly NCC planning lists and when responding by e-mail you do not receive a reply. Coun. Sandford wished to minute the PC are pleased to see Northumberland Estates had withdrawn their planning application for Addycombe after heeding comments received. Coun. Dawson said any affordable housing is welcome within Rothbury Parish, and developers should ask RPC for their views on possible sites. Coun. Murray wished future developers bear in mind they can create jobs for local people.

Rothbury Plan - scroll down
Parking: Coun. Bridgett had spoken to D Frazer NCC, there is currently a county wide review on parking with results to be published Autumn time.
Footpaths: Coun. Murray had received query about Copletch lane, Coun. Bridgett said area had been actioned by NCC. Coun. Dawson said the area needs re-actioned, and did not think acceptable, Coun. Bridgett to personally look. at area and re-contact Tony Derbyshire NCC.
Enhance Public Areas: Coun. Murray reported his lawnmower unrepairable for carrying out works at Beggar Rigg, and NCC should now be asked to maintain the area now. Coun. Bridgett did speak to Bill Pringle NCC about used lawnmowers and he is to contact Coun. Murray.