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Parish
Council
Minutes
of
the meeting of Rothbury Parish Council
held on
Wednesday 11th March 2009
The meeting commenced at 7.15pm
These Minutes of the
Parish Council are in draft form (before ratification) - click on floating
menu
Present
Coun.
Mrs Dawson, Mrs Edes, Mrs Morton, Fendley, Gilson, Murray, Reynalds, Sandford and the
Clerk
Coun.
Bridgett, NCC
Meeting
with Jeff Lee
Jeff Lee and colleagues present from Wentworth Grange nursing home,
along with Dr Cameron. Jeff thanked the PC for their invitation and
explained the company has been running since 1980, and they wished to
progress - after research it was felt Rothbury would support a nursing
home. Coun. Sandford commented he had visited the Riding Mill home, and
would say it is top class, of tremendous quality, and asked if
resident's have to fund themselves or could they be helped by the NHS.
Jeff replied if a home was run purely on social service rates it would
not be a going concern and it is not about providing sub-standard care.
The company look after their staff, pay decent wages, and at present the
homes have various standards of rooms. There is personalised planning
and funding available - all residents can choose their own type of care
and how they wish to spend their money. Coun. Sandford thought there
would be limitations for NHS patients; Jeff replied the Care Trust will
hopefully pay more towards care fees in the future. The company wish to
give Rothbury what they require, and can provide a restaurant to the
general public, along with services such as a laundry for local needs.
Coun. Bridgett asked what relationship there is with the social
services, Jeff replied it will be a private nursing home but beds will
be available for those unable to afford their own fees - there is a
contract with Northumberland Care Trust with a percentage of clientele
from social services. Coun. Bridgett said local people do not always get
into the nursing home of their choice due to funding problems, and asked
if the management of the project would provide employment to the local
community, Jeff replied they would hope so, and once running there would
need to be a minimum 50 staff of all grades with part/full time
positions available. Coun. Sandford believed Jeff had spoken to NHS Care
Trust regarding taking over some of the present hospital services such
as catering/laundry. Jeff confirmed this and commented the company is
moving into providing silver service catering facilities with all meals
freshly cooked on site by a chef. Coun. Morton asked if dementia
patients would be catered for. Jeff replied people with dementia do seem
to be better mixing with non-dementia patients but it does require
further discussion, but he would not rule out patients with memory loss.
Dr Cameron agreed dementia patients are helped perfectly well in such
homes, but if they are particularly difficult to manage they would have
to stay in a specialised home. Coun. Fendley appreciated there is a
business to run and costs incurred, but asked in the event if 41
residents wishing to be catered for in a 40 bed provision what criteria
would there be for 'qualification,' with the various room types. Jeff
replied some rooms are labelled as 'gold' and patients will often wait
for their room of choice. Coun. Fendley said presumably if qualifying
for a bigger room there must be a common denominator of care, Jeff
replied care levels are all the same, and the last government inspection
had rated the present home as 3 star. Coun. Murray asked with regard to
the building and grounds, what plans are envisaged, Jeff replied they
would be looking at a single storey development - the area of land is
restricted, being a plateau below the hospital. Aspects of present
construction in the area have been looked at and a common thread hoped
to be pinpointed, but they are not sure what will be
advisable/acceptable. There would possibly be rooms looking down the
valley towards the bridge, and in the grounds there would be quiet/green
areas. Service roads would need accommodated, and they may have to build
on 2 tiers, they will have to look at the ground bearing strata before a
final decision. The Riding Mill home has landscaped gardens, and a
barbecue facility. Coun. Morton asked if couples are catered for, Jeff
replied couples and singles. Coun. Bridgett asked what timescale is
being looked at, Jeff replied the current stage is the Care Trust have
been updated on legal costs, the next stage being land valuation, then
tendering for construction which would take up to 6 months, then maximum
12 months to complete construction. Coun. Fendley asked if the home
would be subjected to the same planning regulations as neighbouring
buildings, and thought there could be scope for variation, and asked
what the rate for a gold room is. Jeff replied the maximum fee is £624
per week. Dr Cameron said he was full of hope and thought Rothbury badly
required a home. Jeff said if the PC have any ideas for the project to
please contact him.
Apologies
Public
Participation
Alistair Costley present and wished to praise Coun. Gilson' s Bridges
report, which he felt a refreshing change. The balance between fact,
analysis and comment may not be to everyone's liking, but he thought the
PC ought to give the author a chance - future reports may even get better.
Over
the Bridges report
Coun. Fendley stated Coun. Gilson has every
write to anything about anybody, but it becomes a problem when it appears
as if the comments are made from RPC, not an individual. Coun. Sandford
said the whole point of the Bridge's magazine article is it is a report of
the RPC meetings and activities over the past month or two, a purely
factual report, and anything else can be looked upon as trivialising what
the PC is about, and makes the RPC's work become slightly farcical. Coun.
Reynalds said the last article did not state it was a report from the PC
meeting, but 'notes from a member,' and though it a fresh and breezy
article and a valuable addition to Bridges, and will help the public
engage with the PC. Coun. Sandford it is its personalisation which is at
the root of discontent, but if written in addition to the formal PC report
then fine, but it cannot be solely a personal blog. Coun. Fendley said the
last report had mention of the dental practice which had not been
discussed at the last PC meeting. Coun. Gilson replied firstly he asked
for help when taking over the job and was left in a quandary as he saw it,
and was very careful to put the title of 'the views of a member of PC.
After criticism at the last PC meeting, he had found nothing but support
from people including those in other parishes who had enjoyed the article
and if it is to be nothing but a repetition of the minutes, he would
thereby retire his writing duties - however he had spoken to the editor of
Bridges and he will continue to write for them personally. Coun. Morton
pointed out she had no idea what would be written, and thought it
would be a follow on from her comments, being a précis of meetings, but
agreed with Coun. Reynalds that the article was well written, but should
be in addition to a PC report, and thought it 'jokified' the PC. Coun.
Gilson agreed with these comments and said it was advice from other
directions which put him on this course, and reiterated if the PC do not
want him to continue with the PC report he will retire now. Coun. Sandford
said he could not count the number of people who had agreed with his
comments from the last meeting that were quoted in the press. Coun.
Reynalds proposed both items are included with Coun. Gilson's report not
the official PC view. Coun. Murray wished to say the PC are charged to get
people involved, and has not seen as many persons' involved with PC
business before, and thought the publicity a bonus, provided there is an
official PC line, and how many other PC's include an article in Bridges?
Coun. Gilson not prepared to include a boring repetition of the minutes,
and proposed Coun. Sandford wrote the PC report and he will continue with
his own report. Coun. Reynalds said there is a proposal, to carry on with
some record of the meetings, and secondly to commission a member to write
a lively article to gain interaction, this seconded. Coun. Fendley said
there should be no mention of the PC in the 'lively' article. Coun.
Sandford thought if Coun. Gilson wishes to write an article it should not
be commissioned by the PC. Coun. Reynalds amended the original proposal,
but would still like to commission Coun. Gilson to write an article to
stimulate community debate. Coun. Morton seconded this - carried. Coun.
Fendley to write PC report.
Minutes
of Previous Meeting
The
minutes of the previous meeting were agreed after minor amendments.
Matters
Arising from Previous Meeting
Crime
and Disorder Forum
Last forum held 2/3/09 with the Chief Constable, Crown Prosecution
Service representative, magistrate and court clerk present, which had
extended the meeting. However it had been extremely interesting and the
local police are making an effort in engaging the general public. Coun.
Reynalds reported a more local management structure. The relocation of
the police station will be happening within the next 6 weeks. Coun.
Fendley said discussions on priority setting seem to have stalled. Next
forum 15/6/09 6.30pm, Jubilee Hall.
Rural
Transport / Shopping Bus
Coun. Murray reported UCCT AGM had been held. The group had successfully
acquired a new lift for the bus, which was now installed, and had
applied for further funding from ADC, which had not yet been processed,
and there were concerns due to 1st April 2009 council changeover. Coun.
Bridgett reported he had spoken to Martin James ADC, and the funding is
there, however there is a problem in determining new staffing
arrangements for the incoming authority. Coun. Murray said 4 new drivers
have been secured, and a further person is carrying out the driving
course, however young persons wishing to volunteer do not have the
driving licence entitlements and require a PSV test. Coun. Murray,
wished to thank everybody involved in UCCT over the past year. Coun.
Murray said there are restrictions on who can hire the bus - it has to
be community groups, not individuals, and cannot be associated with
anything profit making. Groups wishing to hire have to become members of
UCCT costing £5 which is included in the initial hire of the bus.
Charges are 75p per mile up to 100 miles, then 55p per mile. On the 1 sI
day of hire there is no additional charge, but every day after that
there is £10 charge.
Play
Areas
Coun. Mrs Dawson to speak to D Thompson ADC regarding the PC zip slide
in store, Coun. Bridgett reported it will remain in storage with the new
council under Bill Baty's authority. Coun. Murray had looked at the HSE
web-site, with a key point regarding play areas being poorly maintained
and thought the riverside area would come under this remit. Coun. Edes
had spoken to D Thompson and the slide will be kept in store, and the
old surface is to be removed and seeded. Coun. Morton understood
Sustran's may have funding towards play areas. Coun. Bridgett said when
planning permission was granted for the housing opposite the mart there
had been a clause put in regarding maintenance towards the riverside
play area, with a sum of £10K to be provided. Coun. Gilson said as the
nominated play area representative for the PC, the Haugh area is the
responsibility of ADC, with the PC having responsibility for Addycombe
area. Coun. Morton said the PC did have input into the new riverside
area.
West
End Entrance/Bridge Street
Coun. Bridget reported proposals are usually included in the NCC Area
Committee Meeting minutes.
NHS
Governor
Coun. Sandford reported the Northumberland Health Care Trust meetings
over the last couple of months at local hospitals regarding the new
A&E centre had not been public meetings, but for members of the
trust, however there will be public meetings held shortly. Coun.
Reynalds asked if the location of the proposed centre is known, Coun.
Sandford replied not the exact site.
Nursing
Home
Coun. Murray would be interested in the activities provided for
residents, and was slightly disappointed about the dementia aspect.
Coun. Sandford said he had had personal memories of his father who
suffered severe dementia requiring 24 hour nursing and being placed in a
home, which had not been suitable, and when running such an
establishment there will be objections from other patients and it is a
problem. Coun. Fendley did not get the impression at £600 weekly they
would not be able to nurse dementia patients. Coun. Gilson had personal
experience with local care homes, and a problem they all faced was
dementia. Coun. Murray said to be fair they did say it was open to
different levels of residents, and were looking into future developments
specifically for dementia patients. Coun. Sandford would like to say
after 3 to 4 years of working with Dr Cameron, it was personally very
satisfying to see the project near to fruition. Coun. Morton said she
would personally visit the Riding Mill home. Coun. Bridgett said the
level of Social Services fee is the key point - Coun. Morton cannot see
the ordinary person in the street being able to afford the prices
quoted. Coun. Sandford had had numerous chats with Dr Cameron on this,
and they had been very conscious of the Rothbury population and beyond
changing dramatically in the last 10 or 20 years, with more people
moving in to retire, and property prices elevated, and they did come to
the conclusion there would be a lot of people willing to pay for this
level of nursing care, although there would be people unable to pay, but
Social Services could make up the difference.
Flooding/Dealing
with Emergencies
Coun. Gilson had spoken to the blue light services, except the retained
fire fighters, and they had all been positive in their approach and
would appreciate some form of central communication system. The major
problem would be getting everybody together in one place for an initial
meeting. Coun. Fendley wished success to Coun. Gilson for this, but was
equally anxious to keep the Environment Agency in the loop, as it seems
essential to look at provision of flood warning. Coun. Murray had
contacted the EA regarding flood wardens - nothing had as yet been set
up, but as soon as this was organised he would re-contact them, however
there are information forms available to complete. Coun. Gilson would
say EA are emergency planners looking after the whole county, and the
remit was to look purely at PC responsibility to react to emergencies.
Coun. Fendley replied there is much talk about dealing with emergencies,
however he was more concerned with trying to avoid a repetition of the
September flooding, and the EA seem to be the only body to take that on
board, but if the PC are not prepared to push discussion with EA so be
it.
Village
Greens
Coun. Edes reported various bulbs had been planted and was there
any suggestions for further requirements?
Community
Lights Committee
Coun. Bridgett said Northern Gas Networks have offered a 5 figure sum
towards the lights.
Website
Coun. Mrs Dawson thanked Coun. Murray for his work, including a
breakdown of persons commenting. Coun. Gilson personally congratulated
Coun. Murray on his own web-site which he thinks better than the site
the PC is on, but does have one query that he cannot seem to access
comments. Coun. Murray said there is no forum and without technical
expertise it would require an awful amount of security/protection. It is
up to the PC to decide what they want and he is looking at companies
offering free sites for PC's, and has information with a firm based in
America, with current prices £7.23p yearly for the name. He has also
spoken to ADC regarding 'host' sites, which they use, and is awaiting
further details. Michael Hodgson is not too happy and he needs to be
informed of what the PC wish to do as soon as possible. Coun. Murray
thought feedback should be sought, Coun. Gilson agreed - the Gazette to
publicise web-site details.
Turks
Head area gully
Coun. Sandford thought NCC personnel were to look into this, as it is on
their 'list.' The CO-OP have not accepted any responsibility for their
delivery wagon knocking over the post.
Churchyard
Wall
Coun. Bridgett had spoken to NCC Engineering Department who are to
contact Coun. Mrs Dawson.
Quality
Parish Council
Clerk has received information about clerk training requirement.
Clock
Chiming
Coun. Murray reported the clock is still creating problems. Coun.
Reynalds said sometimes it does chime spot on, however the Bell Captain
is to contact W Potts.
Hanging Baskets
Coun. Murray said Roz Tinlin was surprised local business's were
initially involved and then wanted no further involvement. Coun.
Bridgett confirmed brackets are in place and thought the Business Club
still in possession of the baskets, however the new authority can
provide baskets. Richard Thompson ADC does not have any knowledge of the
baskets and there had been no agreement with ADC for them to maintain
them.
Street
Fair
Correspondence received from Simon Caple requiring written permission
for the Round Table to use the village greens, and reported they have
requested street closures, and will endeavour to arrange additional car
parking. Coun. Reynalds said it would be worth replying it is excellent
they are looking at additional spaces.
Alnwick
Road Flooding
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:
Nothing
to report.
Recycling:
Nothing
to report.
Cyclepath:
Coun. Morton had been contacted by Sustrans regarding the proposed path
and land at the bottom of her paddock, with Sustrans requiring the bottom
22 feet from the hedge backwards, which has been agreed in principal.
Coun. Gilson asked what the path surface will be, Coun. Morton replied
they had said it would be non washable concrete with a choice of colour
with 'bits' that cannot be washed off. Coun. Gilson mentioned the old
railway line surface being cut to ribbons where horses have been, Coun.
Morton said there will be a grass verge for horse use. Coun. Reynalds
asked if the land owner at other end had been approached, Coun. Morton
reported all affected had now given approval. Coun Reynalds commended
Coun. Morton and her husband for their public support. Coun. Morton had
been informed three-quarter's of the finance had been secured. Public
meetipg to be held 6/4/09 6.30pm Jubilee Hall.
Signage:
Coun. Reynalds reported a request for additions to the finger posting in
the village indicating All Saint's Church. Coun. Fendley said Coun. Dawson
is processing such requests.
Speed Cameras:
Nothing
to report.
Street Lighting:
Nothing
to report.
Enhance Public Areas:
Nothing
to report.
Heritage Amenity Project:
Nothing
to report
Information Signage:
Nothing
to report.
The following Accounts
have been authorised
i]. C Miller - quarterly salary & expenses - £851.13
ii]. Request for Donation - Great North Air Ambulance - leave till next
meeting - £100 donated April 2008 - to be left until April meeting,
next F/Y
iii]. Request for Donation - Community Action Northumberland - £50.00
iv]. Request for Donation - Rede Tyne & Coquet Sports Centre - it
was agreed to request further information and ask how it benefits
Rothbury residents
Bank of Ireland
Coun. Sandford had contacted Barclays bank to see if higher interest rates
can be offered, however the PC money is not presently at risk with the Bank
of Ireland, and the first £90K is guaranteed, however both of the main
Irish banks economic situations are worse than the UK. The present Bank of
Ireland interest rate is 0.5%, which is not unlike British banks, however he
had spoken to Barclays Business Account Manager, and ifthere is a minimum £20K
they could create a 6 month renewable bond paying 2.2%. Bills can also be
paid online or with a card. Coun. Fendley suggested Northern Rock be
approached. Coun. Bridgett reported NCC are reviewing where they hold their
investments, and if the Irish Government are guaranteeing up to £90K he
thought it safest to keep the money where it is. Coun. Sandford prepared to
speak to Northern Rock, Coun, Bridgett suggested contacting other PC's
similar in size to RPC and enquiring of their banking arrangements
Seats and Trees
Coun. Sandford commented he had previously reported some large trees on the
centre greens with low hanging branches requiring pruning, some almost
touching the ground when in full bloom. Coun. Edes said the gardeners could
be asked to carry out minor trimming. Coun. Edes reported 3 allotments were
in a dire situation and the tenants should be written to and given notice to
quit, as per signed contract - clerk to action. Coun. Murray reported a seat
in need of repair on the riverside - has broken bar. Coun. Gilson said when
there was a vehicle at the bottom of Well Strand, part of the detritus used
appeared to be the arms of the seat from that area, and thought new seating
structures should be looked at instead of repairing 'wooden' structures.
Coun. Sandford asked Coun. Reynalds about the TPO situation of the tree in
the church grounds, Coun. Reynalds reported ownership had been incorrect,
and the owners and representatives met on site, and he had forwarded
comments to ADC, the PCC are making their own investigations. Coun. Gilson
thought it said on the ADC web-site the plan had received approval on
delegated powers for work to be carried out.
Paths & Verges
The path at Whitton View development is now open, however it comes out at
the path at Addycombe Cottages, and as householders pay for maintenance of
this path, Coun. Murray thought this unfair. Coun. Bridgett agreed with
this, and said the Cottages are owned by Cheviot Housing, and wondered if it
is even a right of way. It was agreed to contact Cheviot Housing. Coun.
Fendley thought the challenge of the developer placing secure fencing in
this area could cause problems. Coun. Sandford mentioned the path from
Addycombe to Hillside, and residents are more than happy with this. Coun.
Bridgett said NCC are to now look at the path on the 'nick' from Hillside to
CO-OP alley. Coun. Morton reported moss is still on the path from the white
house to old hospital and is now between 6-8 inches, and when wet it is
lethal, Coun. Bridgett to speak to R Thompson ADC.
Unitary
Councillor Report:
Coun. Bridgett reported council tax precepts agreed, Rothbury stands at £23K,
£26 per household, in comparison to Warkworth £27K, £34 per household.
Coun. Bridgett said regarding Alnwick Area Partnership Community Forum
meetings - many organisations are attempting to empire build for changes
after 1st April, and is concerned about the draft proposal for forum's,
there will be devolved budgets, and only elected members of the council
should be dealing with financial issues. Coun. Sandford said it was made
very clear finance will not be included in the unelected duties, and Roger
Styring NCC had said it was a directive under European Law. Coun. Bridgett
said Wooler have clustered their PC's together, and Coquetdale should think
about doing this. Coun. Murray asked what forums meant, as the
correspondence received was not what was proposed previously, Coun. Morton
said they contain the opposite of what was said, and giving power to
unelected individuals. Coun. Gilson said it does state categorically it is
not a consultation paper. Coun. Mrs Dawson said there was a suggestion RPC
actually hold the forums. Coun. Sandford said Roger Styring had told a
different story in January, and it had been clear the forums would be
strictly about PC's inner clusters. Coun. Murray understood if RPC hold a
forum with 3 members of RPC present and 12 people from other bodies,
unelected people would then have the majority sway.
Correspondence
i]. Jan Casson - Children's outreach worker - for information.
ii]. NALC - electoral review - Coun. Bridgett said the Boundary Committee
agreed 67 members for the new authority
iii]. T Derbyshire - map request - larger maps available at a charge - Coun.
Bridgett able to acquire a map free of charge
iv]. NHS North of Tyne - mobile breast screening unit - confirming why unit
not mobile.
v]. Miss Brierley - flooding - Whickham resident wishing to donate funding
to Rothbury residents - Coun. Fendley said purely by accident a cheque was
forwarded to himself, but the letter does not mention flooding specifically,
but covering general problems including the gas loss, and why not put the £1
00 into the PC to put towards a future project, agreed.
vi]. Police Forum - minutes 8/12/08 - available for circulation.
vii]. NCC - Consultation on draft report 'Narrowing the Gap' - for
information.
viii]. Community Action Northumberland - community news - available for
circulation.
ix]. St Oswald's - fundraising information.
x]. Sustrans - map - for information.
xi]. Alnwick Area Partnership/Community Forum - minutes.
xii]. Cheryl Lickiss - e-mail regarding unacceptable state of riverside path
after flooding works, vehicles churning up grass, suggesting Thrum Mill walk
could be more clearly signposted, requesting additional bin/dog bins, and
querying the fence removal to allow vehicular access to the riverside.
Planning
Addycombe
Development: being
completed when sold. Second phase of social housing completed.
Planning
Applications received for the following:
. A/2009/0086: Mr & Mrs Storey, Dove Crags,
Hillside - 2-storey extension - supported
. A/2009/0102: Mr M Read, Hobgarth, Hillside - extension
- supported
. A/2009/0104: A Law, 1 Jubilee Crescent - extension -
Coun. Gilson understood extension quite
large, Coun. Mrs Dawson thought neighbours had been spoken to by applicant.
Notice of Approval of Planning Permission
. A/2009/0022: Mr M Macrae, Molesden, Morpeth -
rear garden extension - Cobletch, Back Crofts
Any
Other Business
i]. Coun. Sandford had spoken to Friends of Hospital who had previously
said they wished to pay for a seat to be placed on the path to the
hospital but it had been thought this was Whitton & Tosson boundary.
Coun. Murray suggested it should be a recyclable seat, agreed to confirm
boundaries on map firstly.
ii]. Coun. Murray reported he was to clean the notice board, but had not
had time.
iii]. Coun. Gilson apologised for murderous thought to the additional
rooks appearing in the centre of the village.
Date of Next Meeting
Wednesday 22nd April 2009
commencing 7.15pm in the Jubilee Hall.
The meeting finished at
10.30pm.
Claire Miller Clerk
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