Present
Coun. Mrs Dawson, Mrs Edes, Mrs Morton, Fendley, Gilson, Reynalds, Sandford and the Clerk
Coun. Bridgett - NCC

Apologies
Coun. Dawson, Murray

Meeting with -

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

Member of the public
Teresa Wilson, Business Club present

Matters Arising

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

Rural Transport / Shopping Bus
Nothing to report.

Play Areas
Northumberland Gazette reported 'yobs had smashed up the play area,' and Coun. Gilson refuted saying this. Gazette reporter replied headlines were the remit of the Editor. Coun. Fendley did ask 'how far vandalism should be subsidised,' and how much longer is PC to put money into this play area? However the park is the responsibility of the PC, expenditure to be discussed further as Coun. Gilson at present in minor discussion stages with NCC - RoSPA report had brought up concerns which were outside PC remit.

NCC/LTP
Coun. Bridgett meeting with NCC personnel to look at maintenance works required in the village, and PC suggestions such as War Memorial crossing to be discussed.

NHS Governor
Coun. Sandford attended meeting last week, where NHS Trust gave their reaction to comments in the press. A number of points had been raised during public meetings - public transport - statement made in 2011 there will be a revamp of transport routes, where no public transport when hospital built, trust will provide shuttle services. Actual siting of centre discussed for two years, have desired chosen site to be quickest route for entire area, A19 preferential site. Talking to ambulance trust, as their response time important. Coun. Bridgett thought Ambulance Service be monitored, as currently they are failing to meet Category 'A' targets. Coun. Gilson asked who sets targets and are they realistic? Central Government responsible for this. However most important point is initial personnel time in getting to patient. Air ambulance has had to reduce coverage in real terms due to funding.

Nursing Home
Outline planning to be submitted by end of year.

Flooding/Dealing with emergencies
Meeting held 7/9/09, which adverse comments had been received about. Coun. Fendley thanked Coun. Bridgett for his conduct at the meeting and subsequent report, and appreciated some attendees disappointed. Environment Agency publicly stated work at two sites to be carried out and to consider further action. As a PC have to keep a watching brief on progress. Natural England seem to be emerging as the problem, being more concerned with wildlife. Coun. Morton would have preferred more detail specifically about Rothbury at the meeting. Coun. Bridgett reported where properties had been flooded in Hepple, the road gradient is to be adjusted and drainage off the hill is to be looked at. Netherton is not managed by EA, individual land owners are responsible for water flowing onto neighbouring land. Alwinton area requires dredging, main stumbling block again being Natural England. Longer term schemes come from Central Government.

Community Lights Committee
NEDL had returned cheque as their original quotation was outwith the period. Coun. Bridgett could provide extra if up to £1K, and provide points for lamp posts. £5K to be spent on lights by committee.

Turks Head area gully
Coun. Bridgett to visit site with NCC personnel.

Churchyard Wall
Coun. Mrs Dawson in receipt of NCC e-mail, builders to be approached for quotations.

Quality Parish Council
Coun. Sandford had spoken to Editor of Bridges regarding inclusion of an article on one particular PC subject, with a volunteer required to create a document.

Clock Chiming
Works carried out.

Community Forums
Meeting to be held 29/9/09 7pm Jubilee Hall. Coun. Sandford asked how many person's from each PC permitted to attend, no restrictions at present.

Lord Armstrong Bi-Centennial
Coun. Fendley said planning group meeting 29/9/09, and what would the PC be interested in? Agreed to support floral display, illuminating Armstrong Cross, and a focus on Lord Armstrong grave. Cragside intend a mini costume drama celebration.

History Project
Under discussion.

NALC Questionnaire
Coun. Murray had completed.

Planning - scroll down
       Planning sub-committee
       Planning Applications received for the following:

    Approval of Planning Application have been received for the following:
    . A/2009/0268: NCC - tree removal
    . A/2009/0264: Mr T Morris, 5 Wagtail Road - extension
    . A/2009/0273: Mr L Charlton, 13 Woodlands - extension

Addycombe Development:
Coun. Sandford had been contacted by an Addycombe resident complaining about developers erecting a fence at the bottom of her garden. Coun. Sandford had subsequently spoken with developer's Head Office. Coun. Fendley asked when drainage will be attended to, as after relatively light rain, a torrent of water flows down the hill. Coun. Bridgett reported drainage works to be carried out in next few weeks, and Planning Enforcement Officer may be able to help. Coun. Sandford to contact developer and state PC to contact NCC. Footpath issue still ongoing.

Rothbury Plan - scroll down
Parking: Coun. Bridgett reported parking survey still at consultation stage, parking charges in the county payable in some parts, free parking in others. Coun. Gilson had completed parking survey and forwarded to NCC. E-mail received from resident against chicane proposals.
Footpaths: Nothing to report.
Cyclepath: Coun. Sandford asked on current situation, e-mail received from Whitton & Tosson PC with results of their survey. Correspondence received from a riverside resident, commenting PC should have had the courtesy to inform them of meetings, and are opposed to footpath. Coun. Bridgett understood Sustrans's waiting for W&T PC survey results before further action. Coun. Sandford thought some of the reasons for objections appear dubious. Coun. Gilson thought RPC solemnly proposed support for the project, and this should not change.
Speed Cameras: Nothing to report
Signage: Coun. Fendley had been asked for information signage at bottom of Gravelley Bank and signs at top of bank for Hillside East and West. Coun. Bridgett offered to visit area with NCC personnel. Coun. Gilson thought area at Blue House road would benefit for sign stating not suitable for vehicular access, Coun. Bridgett to also visit this area with NCC.