Minutes of the meeting of Rothbury Parish Council
held on
Wednesday 17th October 2007

The meeting commenced at 7.15pm

these minutes will be ratified at the November PC Meeting

Apologies Coun. Dawson, Fendley, Coun. Sue Bolam

Member of the Public Present
Alistair Costley present for part of the meeting

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

Crime & Disorder Forum
Coun Gilson mentioned after Inspector Peart's attendance at a previous PC meeting, it had been said she would contact every member of the PC personally, however to date nobody has been contacted - clerk to contact Inspector Peart on this matter. Coun Bridgett has been asked by Northumbria Police to test a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme at Jubilee Crescent - with a scheme in place it could lead to lower car and home insurance for residents, and if successful, it will be tried around the village. Coun Murray said there is presently a NW scheme at Addycombe and Coun Sandford reported a scheme at Hillside East. Coun Gilson thought if the police do not think there are any official watch schemes in the area they should be informed of any in existence - clerk to action.

Play Areas
Coun. Gilson was asked to look into the Rospa report for the Addycombe play area project, but did lose his way slightly, and could not find anything written down that confirms if Rospa actually stood in the area and said it was fine, then a year later disagreed with this statement. There were two minor comments from the annual report with medium risk, Coun Gilson has contacted Climb 'n' slide who said it was nothing to do with them. Coun Reynalds thought the PC should employ somebody to just carry out the repairs, Coun Sandford suggesting asking Lisa Mason if there is anybody still connected with the area who could rectify the problems. Coun Gilson confused about the spiel of Rospa, Coun Sandford replied the actual wording is complicated so Rospa cover themselves and common sense should prevail. Coun Murray said from memory it was the seat they were pointing out in case somebody ran into it, however Coun Gilson was told by the children they could not reach the seat from the equipment. Coun Gilson suggested minuting as the area has been inspected and the PC are aware of the two medium risks, appropriate action is therefore being taken. This agreed.

West End Entrance/Bridge Street
Coun Sandford reported NCC had said the scheme could not be included in planned works this financial year, but the PC were hoping to include it 2008/09 it was agreed to now contact NCC requesting this, clerk to action..

Ambulance Service/Patient Transfer
Coun Sandford had attended an NHS Local Governor's meeting where the Chief of the ambulance service had been present who talked about the service in a very wide sense, particularly the possibility of a new emergency department. Wherever it is placed in Northumberland, the critical factor will be how long it will take to arrive there and be treated. The meeting reported action is to be taken on problems regarding patient transfer. Coun Sandford reported press coverage of the future of Alnwick Infirmary, and had attended a meeting of the Alnwick Health Forum, where a representative had said there are no plans whatsoever to cut the staff/number of beds, but there has been a drop in persons going into Alnwick Infirmary, which has caused the rumours. Coun Sandford has contacted persons in the NHS Trust, and been informed all the staff have written in their contract's they will be relocated if any change in their present employment. Coun Murray thought worth pushing as the quality of service in Alnwick is tremendous. Coun Sandford had visited the Infirmary on a 'Peat' visit and been shown around the maternity wing where there are 6 rooms all en-suite and thought the facilities fantastic. It was agreed to write to the Alnwick Infirmary manager and congratulate them on their excellent service.

ADC Local Wide Plan
Coun Bridgett asked if this was the 'core strategy', Coun Sandford confirmed this. Coun Bridgett said ADC had received the Inspector's report, but unfortunately decisions had been taken before his time and he could not vote on some issues, but he is concerned about Greenfield sites being used for housing, and rural villages having no future

Village Greens
Nothing to report.

Bridge Closure
Nothing to report.

Christmas Lights Committee
Coun Mrs Dawson reported a donation of £200 from the Simonside Country Fair and £500 from CADS, total fund now at £2900

Spar Shop
Empty premises now looking dingy. Coun Gilson had visited the CO-OP in Morpeth and compared prices on certain lines, Coun Reynalds commented the CO-OP have always used different pricing rates. Coun Sandford said the PC can be concerned but it is a commercial operation owned by private owners, Coun Gilson suggested writing to the CO-OP manager and asking them to justify the extra expense. Coun Bridgett agreed it is a commercial body, but with the Rothbury population expanding it is concerning. Coun Sandford agreed but said it is market forces. Coun Murray did bring this matter up when SPAR first closed and thought the CO-OP simply cannot cope since the SPAR closed, and understands Alna Beith has taken up the matter but cannot see how the PC can be more successful than a member of parliament. Coun Gilson suggested Alan Beith be contacted and asked what action he is taking. Coun Sandford thought the local CO-OP manager should be contacted firstly with a copy of the letter forwarded to Alan Beith. This agreed. Coun Morton reported the craft shop closing at Christmas.

Picnic Area
Coun. Murray reported graffiti is still there, the table has not been actioned, but the 'homemade' footpath has been rectified.

Village Shrubbery
Coun Bridgett wished to thank Coun Murray for his gardening works at the riverside. Coun Murray mentioned the cemetery, and would it be possible to get bins placed at the gate as the one there appears inadequate. Coun Sandford reported there are 3 bins in the cemetery, however Coun Murray replied most persons use the bin at the gate. Coun Sandford said new bins were purchased which are slightly smaller, but a large commercial wheelie bin is to be placed outside of the main gate.

Web Site
Coun Reynalds had spoken to Duncan Elson, and PC minutes are displayed immediately on receipt unless he is on holiday, and after his retirement the account is to be passed on. Coun Gilson had looked again at the site and minutes displayed on it are dated 2002, and thought it should be professionally managed. Coun Murray thought time was to be set aside specifically to discuss what information should be displayed on the web-site. Coun Sandford reiterated Michael Hodgson has offered to run a web-site free of charge.

Graffiti
Discussed earlier

Signage
Coun Murray said certain areas and streets have no signs, and thinks this matter should be seriously looked at and nameplates erected on all areas required, however this will clearly involve expenditure. He has looked at Station Road, Whitton Road, Cinder Bank and Commercial Buildings and has been in touch with various map makers. Coun Murray knows of a resident regularly needing medical equipment delivered and whose usual driver was on holiday, whereby the unfamiliar driver could not find the house. It is finding out what the proper street names are that is a problem, as the NCC map contains errors. Coun Sandford asked if Gravelly Bank was the correct name, Coun Murray thought so. Coun Gilson thought there was a Department of Highways Authority in Hexham that holds a definitive map. Coun Reynalds said there is a map of footpaths but not of streets. Coun Murray was told the Ordnance Survey hold the definitive map but they do not sell maps personally. Coun Sandford suggested contacting Development Control ADC and if they can't help asking them where maps can be sought from.

Rothbury Plan  scroll down - Minutes circulated from meeting 19/09/2007
Haugh Land: Coun. Sandford said 18 months ago Coun Dawson took on board the rental discussions, however N/Estates are still holding progress up - it was agreed to wait until Coun Dawson was in attendance at a PC meeting.
Hospital:   Coun. Sandford mentioned the weed problem on the path - NCC did promise to contact himself to say what action would be taken when he initially reported the problem 2 months ago, and would like to know what, if any, action they are taking, as if not delt with the weeds will take over the whole path. Clerk to contact NCC and remind them half the path's cost was financed by the NHS Trust.
Youth Project:  Coun Sandford reported a Youth Project presentation at the ADC meeting held last night, with a 12 minute video opportunity to show what is happening, which was very kindly organised by Coun Dawson. The project are hoping for a breakthrough in securing funding. Coun Bridgett reported the Youth Project presentation did the young persons of Rothbury justice.
Recycling: Nothing to report
Parking:  Coun. Murray reported on at least two occasions the Community Bus has been unable to access Brewery Lane as vehicles have been parked on both sides of the road, and thought if persons are not adhering to the Highway Code it should be looked at placing double yellow lines in the area. Coun Sandfrod asked if Dick Frazer NCC was to attend a meeting, however he has not to date confirmed his attendance. Coun Gilson reported on Garleigh and Wagtail Road there is more parking on the road edges with vehicles parking all day, eg local builders as they are now unable to park free of charge on the Haugh. Coun Murray said several companies do not have large depots for parking. Coun Bridgett said there is a problem when the Coquetvale Hotel is busy, with persons parking on both sides of the road and close together, and if the fire engine were called out it would not be able to get past. Coun Murray said the grass verges have been reinstated on Garliegh Road, but residents are parking on the reinstated verges and the problem is back, and Coun Gilson commented the contractor's who carried out the work were not up to scratch.
Cyclepath: Nothing to report.
Speed Cameras: Nothing to report.
Footpaths:  Coun. Morton reported dogs dirt outside the CO-OP every day, Coun Bridgett said council workers would clean it up in the early morning if it was done late at night. Coun Murray mentioned the request for more no dog fouling signs - there have been some placed in Addycombe. Clerk to request additional signs at CO-OP, Beggars Rigg, Parish Hall area and Donkin's Well and report the fouling problems outside the CO-OP.
Street Lighting: E-mail from Riverside resident Richard Clark regarding shrubbery needing pruning at Riverside, which is area PC have previously requested be actioned - clerk to contact NCC
Signage: Nothing to report.
Recycling:- Nothing to report.
Enhance Public Areas: Nothing to report.
Heritage Amenity Project: Nothing to report.
Information Signage: Coun Murray has made some basic enquiries and looked at different boards in the area, and contacted ADC regarding funding, and asked for areas of interest that would benefit from information boards. Coun Murray thought Donkin's Well appropriate. Coun Reynalds suggested a poster be placed in the PC notice board asking for requests.

The following Accounts have been authorised
i].   Joint Burial Committee - 32.5 hours x £7 = "227.50 - Cemetery Superintendent work carried out in the village
ii].   BDO Stoy Hayward LLP - Audit Fee - £358.38
iii].  TINN - September bus fee - £100 - fares received - £106
iv].  H Edes - £58.90 - bulbs
The following has been banked
ADC - Precept £6166.50
External Auditors report received with comments directed to SLCC handbook which costs £22.99 plus postage

Seats and Trees
i].      Coun Edes reported bulbs planted by the Cubs last night, and requested a letter of thanks be sent to them.
ii].     Coun Edes asked for Amanda Boyce to work an additional two weeks, this agreed.
iii].    Amanda Boyce has bolted down the seat at Hillside and Coun Gilson transferred the plaque. Coun Sandford pleased to see this actioned, but after closer look the nuts could be taken off in seconds, Coun Gilson agreed with these comments, but thought if anybody really wishes to steal a seat they will do, but it is a deterrent.
iv].     Coun Edes reported Amanda Boyce has carried out Hillside seat maintenance - other seats to be actioned when time/weather permits.
v].      Coun Edes reported Ian Fletcher is prepared to carry out a report on the Cherry Trees.

Paths & Verges
Nothing to report.

Addycombe Drains
Coun Murray reported the drain has been dug up - a boulder had been stuck and the drain now renewed. To be taken off agenda

Post Office Barrier
Nothing to report.

Allotments
Complaint received about some of the allotments not being maintained. It was thought PC byelaws would have to be introduced before plot users could be contacted

Correspondence scroll down
i].     E-mail - .
ii].    Richard Clark, Riverside - .Street Light - discussed earlier
iii].   Environment Agency - fly tipping - stating ADC are now responsible for this issue and EA have passed the PC's correspondence onto them.
iv].    NCC - speed monitoring - reports received from NCC, Coun Gilson reported the mean average speed is between 0.6.0.9 over the 30mph speed limit. Coun Sandford asked what the reason was for the monitoring, this not known.
v].     EU Constitution - political - PC not able to comment.
vi].    NALC AGM Agenda/minutes - for information
vii].   Defra - climate change - for information
viii].  Alnwick Playhouse - October 2007 - January 2008 - for information
ix].    Coquetdale Local Action Group - Minutes meeting 30/08/2007 - available for circulation
x].      Alnwick Community Development Trust - access to grant finder software
xi].     NCC - reduction of bus services - discussed earlier
xii].    ADC - Licensing Act 2003 - information on changes
xiii].   NCC - Minerals & Waste Development Framework - available for circulation
xiv].   Adult Learning Centre - Donation Thanks - for information. Coun Sandford had heard cuts in Adult Learning organisations are under discussion, and a number of centres could be abolished. Coun Reynalds reported there are no plans for cuts within Rothbury
xv].    ADC - Riverside Sewage - still tracing residents, but thinks issue will be resolved soon.
xvi].   National Energy Action - sustainable energy - grants available
xvii].  Standards Board - Newsletter - available for circulation
xviii]. NCC - railings opposite Chinese Restaurant - stating area to be attended to
xix].   ADC - Dog Fouling Notices - discussed earlier
xx].   NCC - Northumberland & Waste Development Framework - available for circulation
xxi].   NCC - Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 - Michael Hodgson attempting to adopt area
xxii].   P. Biggars ADC - Planning Training - date agreed Wednesday 7th November 7pm with finance meeting following
xxiii].   Leader Plus Bid 2 One North East - bid put forward
xxiv].   J Jackson - traffic, Station Road - speeding traffic, to pass correspondence to Police

Planning
Planning Applications received for the following:
          A/2007/0508: Mr & Mrs Delaney, Westholme - conservatory - supported
          A/2007/0526: Mr J Aynsley, Horizon Homes - 2 dwellings, land at Whitegables, Hillside - supported
Approval of Planning Application have been received for the following:
          A/2007/0442: Northumberland Estates - tree works
          
Withdrawal of Planning Application:
          A/2007/0408: Mr & Mrs Gutherson, 1 Market Place - dwelling

Addycombe Development: (Whitton View)
Coun. Sandford reported himself and Coun Fendley had met with the developers and discussed lighting and road issues - they have placed tarmac in some places, which is slightly improved. Overall, work is well advanced with phase 2 underway. The dust problem was discussed and the contractor's did say machinery was available to alleviate the problem, but not in a big way - Coun Sandford thought this matter should be pressed with them again next summer. Coun Murray reported one of the affected residents is making representations to ADC personally and the matter is being properly investigated. Coun Murray said as drain problems are unresolved therefore the road problems will be unresolved until this work is carried out.
Deuchet Court: Nothing to report.
Bridge Street: Nothing to report.

Any Other Business scroll down
i].     Coun Reynalds reported aerial photographs of Rothbury historically purchased by the PC which were on display in the library, and suggested passing them onto the Heritage Group via Coun Fendley - agreed.
ii].    Coun Reynalds reported the wreath has been ordered for Remembrance Day
iii].    Coun Reynalds reported the PCC have requested approval for graveyard tree trimming

Date of Next Meeting
Wednesday 14th November 2007 commencing at 7.15pm in the Jubilee Hall

The meeting finished at 10.0pm.
Claire Miller Clerk