ROTHBURY PARISH COUNCIL

The next meeting of Rothbury Parish Council will be held on Wednesday 12 July 2006 in the Jubilee Hall, Rothbury commencing 7.15 pm

Minutes of the meeting of Rothbury Parish Council
held on Wednesday 14th June 2006

The meeting commenced at 7.15pm 

Present     Coun. Mrs Dawson, Mrs Edes, Fendley, Mills, Reynalds, Sandford and the Clerk

Apologies     Coun. Mrs Morton, Dawson, Oakey

Meeting with J Rutherford & R Thompson (ADC) scroll down
Coun. Reynalds welcomed John Rutherford and Dick Thompson to the meeting. The items requested were discussed. Recycling: Dick asked if there were any specific issues to be raised. Coun.Fendley replied it was the proposed NCC recycling depot which was of concern. Dick commented NCC have confirmed the project will not be proceeding, much against the wishes of NCC, but the costs involved were unacceptable. Coun. Sandford said the PC had tried to take the matter further, and were surprised when the project initially fell through, as it was then ’that’s it’, an absolute cut-off. Dick understood these comments, and thought it not clear at the time how much work NCC had carried out - they had explored different options, but it was not a capital issue but revenue/ongoing costs. Coun. Fendley said in days of recycling encouragement, and with proposal that was agreed and interested the local community, it was a shame it had fell through. Coun. Mills said if an energy audit was carried out, no doubt persons would be harming the environment by travelling to Alnwick to dump waste. Coun. Mills asked why some areas have 3 or 4 waste bins, Dick replied the blue bin is currently for recycling, and there is an additional bin available for garden waste collection which is chargeable. What waste is left is put in the green bin which is theoretically food/kitchen products, and there are restrictions on what can be taken for recycling.  Coun. Edes voiced gratitude for the bin provided for the village garden waste.  The next item discussed was parking, Phil Briggs ADC had attended the April PC meeting with NCC personnel also present - ADC have held in abeyance charging for the Cow Haugh park, NCC were to look at further options for controlled parking, and are about to arrange a working party meeting. Coun. Sandford made reference to a much long promised number of yellow lines for safety reasons, and personally think they are a great improvement, but there is still the odd person ignoring the lines, and is there any plan/thought of policing these areas? Dick replied ADC are not the enforcement authority, and it would be an issue for the working party to discuss, the police authority do have powers to police double yellow lines, although there are traffic wardens - Dick to find out the policy for traffic wardens in Rothbury. Coun. Fendley had the PC parking response from 4 years ago concerning the Ove Arup report, and commented nothing has been actioned from this report, however at long last ADC/NCC/PC and the police are getting together regularly. Coun. Sandford added there is still a great division in Rothbury generally about parking issues. Many people think it isn’t perfect but it does work, however it is a general talking point under the public gaze. John asked about the NCC survey which discovered the majority of the persons surveyed disagreed with the changes, and asked what the general feeling on parking is, as he was under the impression persons park their vehicles whilst catching public transport to work using the chevron parking area which had been discussed for limited parking. Coun. Reynalds said there are cyclists and walkers also using this area to park all day. Coun. Sandford said PC surveys have been carried out over the years. Coun. Mills said the point should be to experiment, not implement changes and say they will carry on regardless of how well they work. Coun. Edes said parking could be maximised if parking lines are sorted out. Transport toAlnwick Leisure Centre was then discussed, Dick has spoken to P Gee ADC on this matter, Alnwick Leisure did try and lay transport on from Rothbury but apparently there was not a big take up for this service. The Rothbury pool is due to open in a few weeks time, and the Healthy Living Centre will include a gym and crèche facilities. Coun. Reynalds said it is excellent the pool service is coming back, but transport to the Alnwick centre had been discussed previously before the new facilities had been underway in Rothbury, and nobody present was aware about the research into travel demand to Alnwick.  Coun. Sandford stated the Youth Project had been hiring a bus at its own cost to travel to the centre, and did not know about this research.  Dick to come back to the PC with further information on this.  However the potential of the Rothbury pool and the healthy living centre will have changed the situation.  Coun. Fendley would not want anybody to think these are alternatives, they complement each other, and there will still be person’s wanting to visit the Alnwick facilities.  Haugh Land was then discussed, Coun. Sandford explained it was to do with acquiring land owned by Northumberland Estates for rental for village use.  Negotiations are now underway, and once this has been achieved then maybe the PC can talk to ADC for guidance/help in developing this amenity.  Dick mentioned the play equipment held in stock which could be earmarked for this site, Coun. Sandford said some form of public meeting would need to be held and to develop an association, and thought what the land is used for should be discussed formally with the general public.   Coun. Sandford said over the years the PC have had requests/ideas for land usage.  Dick asked if the equipment on the north land could be relocated to the south bank, Coun. Sandford replied this had been thought about, and it would decrease the nuisance factor to riverside residents.  An idea is also to use the land for overspill parking on high usage days.  Coun. Edes thanked Dick for the memorial bed around the Armstrong Cross, and the good state of village grass and centre beds.  Dick thanked Coun. Edes for these comments.  John interested to see parking discussed once more, and thought more notice should be taken of the PC’s comments, and he would like to see this matter pushed forward.  Coun. Fendley said ADC have not been problematic in consultations, NCC have proved to be negative.  Coun. Reynalds thanked John and Dick for their attendance.

PC Outside Organisations Representation
Dr Thomlinson’s Trust - Coun. Edes (representing Dr Thomlinson’s Trust and not the PC) and Mrs Dawson on this committee and willing to continue, 2 annual meetings.
Joint Burial Committee - 4 Rothbury PC representatives, along with other local PC’s.
Police Forum - Coun. Fendley does attend, and would be happy to formalise this as a PC representative - Coun. Mills also willing to attend as an official representative.
RCV - Coun. Edes had attended these meetings, and is invited to the next Development Trust meeting.
Dr Thomlinson’s - Coun. Edes a governor, First School do not require PC representation.
Drop in Centre - now a charity, have their own constitution, Coun. Sandford involved with this.
Jubilee Hall Committee - as previously reported were looking for persons with IT expertise.

Police Presence

Minutes of last Police Forum available for circulation.

Over the Bridge Report
Coun. Mrs Dawson to compile.

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

Matters Arising

Coun. Reynalds mentioned Brian Hardy working on the village beds, and would like to note the PC regarded him as a hard working and respected member of the community, and thoughts are with his wife and family at this sad time. It was agreed to write to Mrs Hardy with these comments.

Rights of Way - Coun. Reynalds reported copies available.

Finance Sub-Committee Minutes.
Budgeted Expenditure 2006/07 - £2,000 under Youth Shelter lighting - Coun. Sandford asked should ring fenced money be reported elsewhere in the minutes?  Coun. Fendley asked why £2500 has been allocated to HERS, Coun. Reynalds said money had to be put aside incase HERS did not cover some of the graveyard works.  Coun. Edes stated the £2500 budgeted figure for grass and beds should be just enough taking into account A Boyce’s hours worked and bulbs/plants purchased.

HERS
Coun. Reynalds said the remaining funds left had agreed to be set aside for any outstanding bills after the end of the HER churchyard scheme, which includes lamp electricity work/historic plaque  The footpath through the churchyard has been completed, £1650 less than the estimate from a different contractor - Coun. Reynalds requested the PC’s contribution tonight and will be also be requesting the PCC’s contribution.  Coun. Fendley said there was provision in HERS for 100% funding for certain projects.  Coun. Reynalds reiterated the HERS figure in the budget of £2500 was for unforeseen finance, but still thought HERS would pay for these works.

RCV  
Correspondence received from J Murray of Cartington, a member of the defunct RCV, who thought the PC were not favourable to the new development trust to be discussed, and stating the PC’s comments reported in the press were not supportive.  Coun. Sandford’s main concern was what started off as the Market Town Initiative veered off and he did not agree to the way certain things were done.  Correspondence received from S Bolam about the proposed Development Trust with a questionnaire enclosed for ideas for projects

Rural Transport Initiative Sub-Committee scroll down
E-mail received from Julia Sharpley, who has said money is available from the Upper Coquetdale Transport Group which may be available for the Rothbury Motors shopping bus, however Coun. Reynalds said this money has not been discussed at any UCTG meetings.  Coun. Sandford said a report in the Gazette was misconstrued by persons in the village thinking the present service was to finish in July, and he has spoken to Andrew Mackay who has said there is money for the bus available until September approximately.  Correspondence received from NCC Integrated Transport Plan - would like a response by 31/8/06 for comment/updated ideas.  Coun. Reynalds happy to reply to this correspondence.  Coun. Sandford reported Julia Sharpley had originally said she was doubtful for further funding for the shopping bus, but did now have alternative organisations to contact.

Affordable Housing
Nothing to report.

Play Areas
Coun. Fendley reported having read the confirmation of what the PC would contribute and the positive donations received from local business people, it does appear there will be enough funds to contemplate the renewal of the existing equipment, fencing etc.  A site meeting to be carried out with the Addycombe committee and it seems the energy and application of some residents will pay off.  Maximum PC contribution will be £2000 as confirmed at the finance sub committee meeting.

West End Entrance
Coun. Sandford said NCC are to put this proposal into the 2007 budget, and it may be prudent to remind NCC of this.
Clerk to action.

Website
Correspondence received from the Local Channel regarding a free website, Coun. Reynalds to look into this.

War Memorial
A further incident has occurred - Coun. Mrs Edes reported Amanda Boyce had attended to the area and temporarily rectified it.  Coun. Fendley said being temporary, a permanent repair should be organised.  Coun. Edes reported the repair will last several years.  Coun. Fendley said some time ago it was proposed a paved area be placed in front of the cross and this idea may be worth resurrecting, and Coun. Fendley prepared to look at the area.  Coun. Sandford said with hindsight it is obviously the kind of metal being so brittle, it just needs to be tapped  and it breaks, and in future this should be taken into account.   Coun. Reynalds had contacted the police about the accident, and had eventually spoken to somebody and received an incident number.

Dog Bins scroll down
Coun. Mrs Dawson asked if the bin had been erected at Hillside West - it was reported this had not been placed there yet.

Nursing Home
Coun. Sandford had drafted correspondence agreed between himself and Dr Cameron and forwarded to NHS Care Trust personnel/private company - the private company are still keen to build a nursing home - a reply had been received from the NHS Trust, but it couldn’t say if they would be willing to confirm a number of guaranteed beds, but the request is to be passed onto the Contract’s Manager.  The figures obtained meant beds were being paid for person’s from Rothbury having to stay outside of the area.

Ambulance Service
Coun. Fendley said there are conflicting reports on what people feel about this, and asked  where this vehicle would be stationed, as it was reported nothing permanent had been agreed.  Coun. Sandford said the important thing is it is there and manned 7 days a week, its situation should not be important.  Coun. Fendley said Coquetdale covers a wide area, therefore the vehicle may not necessarily be based in Rothbury.  Coun. Sandford agreed there had been mis-represented statements in the press, but local doctors are looking forward to the changes, contrary to what had been printed in the press.

Waste Recovery Centre
Correspondence received from Alan Beith who had taken the matter up with NCC,  with a copy reply reiterating comments  previously received.

Village Noticeboard/Map
Coun. Mrs Dawson had tried to ring regarding the St Oswald’ Way board, but had not able to contact the personnel as yet.

Police Station Re-location
Coun. Fendley would like to bring this up at the forthcoming police forum.

Chairman’s Pendant
Coun. Edes reported the finished article has not yet been paid for.  To be taken off agenda.

Defra Fixed Penalty Fines
No information received as yet.

Budget for Minor Work Repairs
Covering items such as seat repairs.  Coun. Fendley thought an estimate should be submitted and then approved or otherwise.  Coun. Edes said for the past month she has requested estimates for seat removal, and did require chasing these up, and only one estimate had been received (from New Horizons).  However Amanda Boyce and Alistair Gaskell could carry out the work.  Coun. Fendley asked if these persons had liability insurance, Coun. Reynalds said if they are self employed they should have adequate cover.  Coun. Sandford said it is an ongoing problem, people are not just readily available, and they often do require chasing up, Coun. Edes quite happy to keep going obtaining estimates.  A £100 budget was set for minor repairs.  Coun. Sandford said an annual seat repair budget was set several years ago.  Coun. Mills thought £100 acceptable, this was agreed for minor works and an overall budget would be set at the next PC meeting.  Coun. Fendley concerned persons have insurance cover in the event of injury, if they are working for the PC do they come under PC cover, or should they have their own cover?  Coun. Sandford suggested somebody speak to Cathy Jacob on this, Coun. Edes prepared to do this.

Ten Year Plan scroll down
Haugh Land : Coun. Sandford reported a reply received from Northumberland Estates stating a rent of £2500 was required for the land - the PC offer of £1500 was not acceptable.  Coun. Sandford had spoken to Mr Glossop, NE, and explained the PC was not a commercial organisation, with a vast budget not available.  Coun. Sandford had spoken to NE over the years on the matter, and it now appeared younger guys are operating within the estates office, and Coun. Sandford now dealing with them, and does not think Mr Glossop is able to say yes to a lower rent.  Coun. Sandford suggested the PC contact Mr Wilson or Mr Jackson at NE who had initially been approached about the land, and who were aware of the need to keep good relationships with local parishes.  Coun. Fendley asked what the value per acre of grazing land is, Coun. Sandford said this should not come into it, Coun. Fendley said it would be the lost income for NE if they did not take up the PC’s offer.  Coun. Reynalds to draft correspondence to Mr Jackson.
Parking: Coun. Edes said yellow lines are in place, but in some places they are further around than what had been agreed in her Chairmanship, after discussions with J Long NCC, Coun. Reynalds thought the police had a say in where the lines were to be and should it be raised at the Police Forum.  Coun. Edes said the lines have reduced 25 spaces, and 3 could have been saved due to the differences from the plan.  Coun. Fendley supported the Chairman’s comments of asking the police for their comments initially.  Coun. Edes under the impression in a conservation area they should be narrow yellow lines.   Queries to be taken up at Police Forum initially.
Library Closures: Article in the journal giving details of library closures, clerk to ask Coun. Morton whether Rothbury is definitely safe from closure.

The following Accounts have been authorised
i].     Use of Jubilee Hall 2005/06 – 14 meetings x £5.00 = £70.00
ii].    A Boyce – Gardening Services - £413.00
iii].   C Miller – Quarterly Salary & Expenses - £995.90
iv].   Society of Local Council Clerks – Annual Subscription - £69.00
v].    NALC – Annual Subscription - £218.96
vi].   New Horizons - seat repairs 3 at £339, Turks seat paid for by CO-OP insurance, repair to Fred Cummings seat (ADC/Gordon Cummings to donate), memorial seat on hillside to be paid by relative (Mr Bartlett), seat outside United Reformed Church (Michael Richardson to pay for).  Total £1473.50.
vii].   Smith of Derby - Clock annual maintenance - £172.73
viii].  T W Alderson & Sons - £26.30
ix].    Flowers & Foliage - plants - £110.25
x].     A Boyce -  Gardening - £794 - Coun. Fendley commented the PC should be careful when authorising bills.  Coun. Sandford said an annual figure had been agreed previously, but unfortunately 2 bills received from September/October 2005.
xi].    H Armstrong - Graveyard path repairs - £2350 - PCC to reimburse part of this to PC

Seats & Trees
i].     Coun. Edes reported Amanda Boyce has tidied up/made safe the Model Building path and weed killed Haw Hill.
ii].    Turks Head brazier idea - Coun. Mrs Edes reported looking into something that would fill it, but at sometime the Round Table may want it back.

Paths & Verges
Nothing to report.

Correspondence scroll down
i].     E Mail – R Thompson – Strimming river bank - ADC will maintain the Malting’s Wall shrubbery and south bank strimming/S Bolam – Youth Shelter Lighting - further funding requested by herself to NCC
ii].    Local Channel – Free website - discussed earlier
iii].   Northumberland Estates – Haugh Land - discussed earlier
iv].   NCC – LTP 2007/08 - discussed earlier
v].    City & County – Newsletter - available for circulation
vi].   Charter88 – Campaign for a modern & fair democracy - for information - to support village High Streets
vii].   Defra – Building Community Life - for information
viii].  Ofcom – Removing public call boxes - for information
ix].    Community Council – Information evenings on the Big Lottery’s Community Buildings Fund - 21/6/06 Morpeth - Jubilee Hall may be interested in this
x].     Northumberland Community News - copies available
xi].    Citizens Advice Bureau Alnwick - refurbishment - temporary change of premises - to be displayed in noticeboard
xii].   RCV - Meeting 26/6/06 - discussed earlier
xiii].  Defra-Village of the Year - for information on applying
xiv].  2nd Rothbury Scouts - mural - beaver colony requesting they create a mural on the  wall at the playground, and are to pass ideas for the mural to the PC.  Coun. Fendley said this could set a precedent, Coun. Mrs Dawson thought the PC would have to be careful from comments Malting residents may make.  It was agreed the PC would need to look at mural ideas before agreeing or not to it, and there may be planning laws to consider.
xv].    Alan Beith - Waste Recovery Centre - discussed earlier
xvi].   ADC - Chairman’s Civic & Youth Awards 2006 - for information - application forms available
xvii].   Northumbria Police - Crime & Disorder Forum minutes - available for circulation
xviii].  NHS Trust - Care Home - discussed earlier
xix].    New Horizons - Quote - seat bases - for seat removal where birds are messing, A Boyce/A Gaskell prepared to carry out work at an estimate of £40 plus materials and with A Gaskell’s help.  Agreed to give the work to A Boyce.
xx].     ADC - amending parish boundaries -  part of Jubilee Crescent  to become Whitton & Tosson PC as previously agreed
xxi].     W Potts - stating they have rectified the chiming without charge

Planning
       Addycombe Development
Coun. Sandford wondered whether councillors would support a periodical walk around the site with a building representative to make sure the development is being built in agreement with the plans.  ADC do do this already, however a resident had contacted Coun. Sandford about concerns over the earth moving works. Coun. Fendley supported this idea in principal and thought Colin Bennett of Bowey Homes should be contacted.  Coun. Fendley has previously  visited the site and maintained a relationship with the contractor.  Coun. Sandford also thought It would be comforting to residents to know the PC are involved in it.

Planning Applications brought before the sub-committee:
i].     A/2006/0243: Mr W Nicholson – Bracken Cottage – Conservatory - supported

Approval of Planning Application have been received for the following:
i].     A/2006/0170: Mr W Nicholson – Bracken Cottage – Conservatory
ii].    A/2006/0162: Mr G Taylor, Elsdon – Change of use – Former Secretarial & Clerical Services
iii].   A/2006/0133: Mr R Wagner, Baston – Westcliffe House – residential properties - Coun. Sandford wondered if ADC had taken on board the PC’s previous comments.
iv].   A/2006/0172: Prof & Mr J Lewis, Silverton Lodge - extension
v].    A/2006/0123: M & D Pearson - Prospect Cottage - new dwelling
vi].   Notice of Refusal of Planning Permission
vii].  A/2006/0173: Fabco Ltd - Shiltons - Conversion

Renovations to Youth Shelter
Discussed earlier.

Any Other Business scroll down
i].     Coun. Fendley reported Saturday 17/6/06 at 10am the Northumberland Association of Local History Groups will be holding a meeting in the Jubilee Hall, with persons attending Lordenshaw later on.
ii].    The clerk requested a date change of the September meeting from 6th to Tuesday 12th September 2006.

The meeting finished at 945  pm
Claire Miller Clerk