ROTHBURY PARISH COUNCIL

The next meeting of Rothbury Parish Council will be held on Wednesday 17th January 2007 in the Jubilee Hall, Rothbury commencing 7.15 pm

Minutes of the meeting of Rothbury Parish Council

held on Wednesday 6 December 2006

The meeting commenced at 7.15pm

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

Apologies             Coun. Morton

Vacancy

3 applications received for Co-Option vacancy.  Coun. Sandford said previously election has been made by ballot, it was thought applications contained little information - Stuart Reeves, Mark Gilson & Robin Murray - it was agreed to write to each applicant and ask them for further information and their views on Rothbury.  Coun. Sandford said 2 of the gentleman have contacted the PC on matters occasion

Over the Bridge Report

No report this month - next issue being end of January.

Member of the Public Mr Alistair Costley present

Alistair wished to thank the PC regarding Beggar Rigg shrubbery attention carried out by NCC and he had spoken to the two NCC employees who had carried out this work.  Alistair had concerns about the proposed bridge closure which was to be discussed further in the meeting.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed.

Matters Arising
None

Matters not on agenda

                    Donkin’s Lamp

Coun. Dawson said NCC have always maintained the lamps even though the PC are responsible for Donkin’s Lamp, a lamp at Cragside View and one at Pondicherry.

                    Crime & Disorder Forum

Further meeting held, there is to be a new inspector for the area.

                     Community Council AGM

Coun. Fendley had attended this meeting, CC to redefine themselves - Coun. Fendley thought it appropriate the PC continue to be represented by the CC.


HERS

To be removed from agenda.


ADC Local Plan

Coun. Dawson said there would be a tight timescale for response - item to be added to next month‘s agenda

Roadside Memorial

A reply had been received from NCC who are reluctant to request the memorials  removal without having strong reasons, and do not think it justifies action.  Coun. Dawson said the matter had been raised with the police, and there is another potential accident waiting to happen -  realises it is an emotive subject, but where it is positioned directly in a sight line it is causing danger, and presumably there are occasions the relatives are present where vehicles are parked on the verge.  Coun. Mills said it does attract your attention, however Coun. Sandford did not believe it was the PC’s business, and the police and NCC are the organisations paid to action such matters, and thought the PC could not take the matter further.  Coun. Mills voiced concerns the memorial is getting larger, Coun. Sandford thought it could be suggested it does not get larger, and persons attending to it employ safety measures whilst parking.  Coun. Fendley said a public highway is not meant to be a public cemetery, if by misfortune there are other accidents, will more tributes be displayed, and found Coun. Sandford’s comments the PC cannot take the matter further amazing - such  memorials have no legality or justification, but a fad that has taken root, and local authorities have removed them in other areas.  Coun. Dawson had discussed it with the police, and it was their view the best person to ask for its removal were the Parish Council.  Coun. Mills asked if it was actually within Rothbury’s parish boundaries, it was not thought so, but it did affect Rothbury residents.  Coun. Fendley said such tributes have a shelf life, but most of this memorial is paper and artificial flowers which could be there for evermore.  Coun. Dawson said it had been there for years, Coun. Sandford replied yes and without incidence.  Coun. Dawson proposed the PC contact NCC again stating they are not satisfied with the response and ask them to action its removal - 3 councillor’s in favour of this action, one against, 3 abstentions.


RCV/Development Trust

To be taken off agenda.

Rural Transport Initiative Sub-Committee

Questionnaire received from Tinn.


Play Areas

Coun. Fendley reported the new Addycombe play area is two thirds finished, the Rospa inspector will have to look at it on completion and the PC will be approached to pay for this service.


West End Entrance

Nothing to report.


Rothbury Shoppers Group

Seems to be going okay.  Tinn invoice received for the October bus usage.  Coun. Edes said assistants are to be sought for accompanying the driver, however Coun. Sandford said this was mentioned at the last meeting and insurance had been a concern, Coun. Edes said if persons names were put forward the week before they should be insured.  Coun. Dawson asked if there were any posters to advertise the service as people have been asking at the library how to utilise the bus, Coun. Mrs Dawson volunteered to devise some posters, Coun. Edes suggested Mr & Mrs Goundary be approached for information to be publicised.  Coun. Sandford reported the group is running itself and the PC only need to monitor the situation.


War Memorial

Replacement flagpole and repairs in hand.  Coun. Fendley wished to thank the PC for their attendance and support at the Remembrance day parade 12/11/06, and their financial support.

Dog Bins

Email received stating the bin erected had been incorrect, and a new bin would be installed - Coun. Reynalds confirmed this.


Nursing Home

Coun. Sandford reported the nursing home organisations are being contacted to gauge interest in a home within Rothbury,  Coun. Dawson said there is a proposal for a new home in Alnwick.  Coun. Fendley said correspondence talks about 50 persons from Rothbury being in nursing care, but this did not include residents of Rothbury House.


Ambulance Service

Nothing to report.


Police Station Relocation

Coun. Dawson had met with the police authority and is awaiting developments.


Defra Fixed Penalty Fines

Coun. Sandford referred to the synopsis created by Coun. Morton - item to be removed from agenda.

Access to Riverside

To be removed from agenda.

Shrubbery Beggars Rigg

Reply received from NCC, works now carried out.

Dropped Kerbs

To be taken off agenda.


Northumberland College Services

To be taken off agenda.

Ten Year Plan

          Haugh Land: Coun. Fendley understood charges would be put in place for the Haugh car park very soon.  Coun. Dawson said there had not been a decision taken to date to implement charges, however Coun. Fendley’s information was less than 24 hours old and Coun. Sandford thought district councillor’s had agreed to the charges.  Coun. Dawson said the decision was deferred last year on the basis it would be unfair until some form of traffic management was put in place for the town centre and this was agreed by the Policy Committee.  However, ADC are losing revenue of between £8-10K annually through not charging and it appears NCC cannot come up with a scheme to implement for the centre of Rothbury.  The correspondence printed in the Gazette was inaccurate, and there was no intention whatsoever to have charges within the centre of Rothbury.  Coun. Edes heard the hospital car park will charge, however the NHS Trust is responsible for this.  Coun. Fendley said in fairness to ADC they have come up with several proposals, it is NCC who have held up the matter, and understood any charge on the Haugh is dependent on resolving the town centre.  Coun. Reynalds reported correspondence from ADC requesting information on various items - proposed savings - commence charging for parking at Haugh park - make charge for hanging basket services.  Coun. Fendley wished to look at the correspondence and report back at the next PC meeting, Coun. Sandford understood the hanging baskets were a request from the Business Club, however the questionnaire was regarding their maintenance and they understood ADC would carry this out.  It was agreed all councillor’s would receive a copy of the questionnaire.

          Hospital: Coun. Edes had been approached by residents regarding ‘over’ lighting, Coun. Fendley thought this an opinion expressed by several people.  Coun. Sandford said he had attended a meeting at the hospital as a public governor of the NHS trust, and lighting was discussed - there had been a proposal for shielding to be put onto the lighting.  Coun. Edes said it would ease the problem of pollution but not about extra energy.  Coun. Sandford replied the reason for the lighting is because of its locality, and the hospital sister had said at nightime it is quiet, and the reassurance of the lighting is important.  Coun. Dawson commented as a patient to the hospital he would not wish to see the lights reduced, and the lights facing the riverside are there for the safety of persons in the hospital.  The issue that should be addressed is there are no street lights between the village and hospital.  It was agreed to write to NHS stating hoods would ease the problem and mention the poor street lighting.  Coun. Sandford understood signage has been ordered.  Coun. Mrs Edes requested the sign indicating the old hospital be removed.  Coun. Sandford is disturbed there is no receptionist at the new hospital, and nobody had been designated this roll in the budget, with no plans to employ anybody.  Coun. Sandford felt this not adequate and concerned anybody could enter the premises.  There are security cameras, and he has asked for notices stating there are surveillance cameras, however they do have a flip board, and thinks this should be used at all times.  Coun. Edes suggested a blank notice saying there is no reception, but thought you can find your way around, Coun. Fendley supported Coun. Sandford, as members of the public have free access to the whole building.  Coun. Sandford has made suggestions to the hospital staff, and thought the admin staff could be based in the reception area.  The hospital have said they are looking at volunteer reception staff, however Coun. Sandford has not seen anything advertised, and had said they could utilise the PC’s notice board to request volunteers.  It was agreed to make comments to the NHS trust on this.  Reply received from NCC regarding the footpath to the hospital, however two persons have fallen on the path, and Coun. Mrs Dawson has received a complaint about it.

          Jubilee Hall: Nothing to report.

          Recycling: Coun. Dawson reported sadly this is not going to happen, he had met with NCC - Paul Jones and his immediate boss, and the former ambulance site is not large enough, there is absolutely no other suitable areas, the only area being the one in the original proposal.  There was also a funding shortfall of £7million for recycling schemes.  Coun. Fendley asked if any consideration could be given to remodelling the existing NCC yard, Coun. Dawson said there are problems of a flooding nature.

          Parking:  An e-mail had been received regarding reducing the 30mph limit to 20mph  - stating 30mph regulations in force are due to government guidelines, Coun. Dawson said the difference in time travelling between 20 & 30 through the village would be 20 seconds, and the e-mail is just another standard reply, NCC do not want to bother/ have limited finance.  Coun. Fendley thought it wouldn’t make a difference, persons’s would still speed, Coun. Sandford agreed with Coun. Fendley’s comments, until a speed camera is in place, nothing will change.  Coun. Dawson frustrated with the inaction of NCC.

          Cyclepath: Clerk had written to Brian Dawson, no reply received to date.     

          Speed Cameras: E mail received from Newton on the moor/Swarland PC - stating they had heard of an area in Wansbeck who had bought a camera, but are not near to actioning the purchase of a camera themselves. 

The following Accounts have been authorised

           C Miller - Quarterly salary & expenses - £926.98

       Transport in North Northumberland - £75.00 - Midas training -  thought this had been previously authorised - clerk to
       confirm

          Transport in North Northumberland - £22.40 - shopping bus transport provided 27/10/06

          A Boyce - Gardening 16/10/ - 27/11/06 - £315.20


Paths & Verges


Seats & Trees

Coun. Sandford asked if the seats had been cleaned and repaired after the recent seat review, Coun. Edes said no due to adverse weather as conditions have to be dry and A Boyce thinks it best to leave until Spring, however she has finished the Turks Head stump works. Coun. Fendley said there was one seat requiring a repair, however this has not been carried out, and Coun. Sandford said the seat is about to collapse, which is next to the war memorial.  Coun. Sandford thought the tree in front of the Turk’s Head stump should be removed as it was covering up the display.  Coun. Edes suggested the shrubbery settle in before it be looked at.  Coun. Dawson said the tree that had been taken down had had to be replaced with this tree, but it could be moved.  Coun. Sandford thought it looked dead and should be removed.  Coun. Edes thought there may be room on the fish shop bank for it, Coun. Sandford suggested  A Boyce be consulted, Coun. Fendley thought it could be bequeathed to the hospital or cemetery.

Turks Head Stump

Discussed earlier.

Correspondence

         E-Mail: ADC - Dog Bin/NCC - Beggars Rigg/NCC  - discussed earlier

         Bridge Closure: NCC stating they are to go ahead with the closure, Coun. Mills said it was discussed with the tourist association, and they were all astounded at the decision, Coun. Fendley said having discussed it outside of  PC meetings, he does not think they are being bloody minded, but the only way the work can be done.  Coun. Sandford said the letter suggests NCC are being understanding when picking half-term week, but it does not mention problems to the fire service/hospital/persons working on the industrial estate/householders etc. Coun. Reynalds said even if one lane is open it would still be closed between 9am - 330pm, Coun. Edes had been informed of a weight restriction on Pauperhaugh Bridge. Coun. Dawson said for any road closure NCC have to advertise the fact, which gives all the opportunity to object and they have to take comments received on board, as a matter of law.  The PC had requested a meeting with NCC to resolve the issue, as it is of large concern, and suggested an urgent meeting before Christmas be now requested, and let them attend site with traffic cones to demonstrate.  Further correspondence had been received stating “up to 2 months,” for the road closure.  Coun. Fendley said the proposed alternative routes are non sensical.        

         ADC - Hospital/NCC - Highways/Mobile Speed Cameras, Newton on the moor PC - discussed earlier

         Vacancy - applications - discussed earlier

         Countryside Alliance - Coun. Reynalds thought too much political issues involving this for the PC to get involved.

         Community Council - Training events - for information

         Northumberland Community News - copies available

         NALC - Training events - for information

         Clerks & Councils Direct - available for circulation

         City & County - Journal - available for circulation

         ADC - Review of Tree Preservation Orders - for information

         North East War Memorials Project - newsletter - available for circulation

         NHS Care Trust - Residential Home - discussed earlier

         2^nd Scouts - donation - thank you

         North Northumberland Hospice - newsletter

         The Clerk - journal - available for circulation

         TINN - minibus - discussed earlier

         Fire & Rescue Service - IRMP - for information

         Rospa - Play Area Inspection - discussed earlier

         NCC - Hospital - discussed earlier

         ADC - Budget Consultation - requesting comments

         NCC - Budget Proposals - opportunity to comment on their proposals

         D Stanway - Gas Work Cottage - stating shrubbery works carried out

         ADC - Homeseekers Register - for information

         John Barleycorn Festival - information on October event

         ADC - One Northumberland Meeting 13/12/06

         ADC - Parish Forum minutes - available for circulation

         Hexham Courant - offer for advertising, free of charge - Tynedale Visitor Magazine

Planning

         Addycombe Development:

         Planning Applications brought before the Sub-Committee:

         A/2006/0571: J Brook Hex ham - central heating - Pine Tree House, Riverside

         A/2006/0562: DMC Developments - Oak Trees Cragside View - change of use of land

         Notice of Refusal of Planning Permission

         A/2006/0486: Mrs P Stewart, Thornton - land adjacent 11 Pinfold/Tynemouth Lane - change of use

Grant Consent

         A/2006/0488: Mr Lickiss, Riverside - tree works

Approval of Planning Application received for the following:

         A/2006/0458: Mr A Kell, 23 Cragside View - garage - supported

         A/2006/0586: Mrs P Stewart, Red Chirnells, Thropton - 11 Pinfold - extension - thought not acceptable to utilise
         public land for such use.

         A/2006/0477: HMC Group Ltd - illuminated sign - hospital - supported

         A/2006/0508: Coquet Leisure LLP - Caravan Site - supported

Youth Shelter Lighting

Coun. Fendley had not been the most fervent supporter when the shelter had been initially proposed, and when considering the bridge is partly medieval, when standing to east looking west the ‘appealing’ view has now been totally marred by the solar panel, and didn’t think the PC had seen any drawings of this erection beforehand.  Coun. Sandford asked if there had been any residential complaints received, Coun. Fendley was speaking very much personally, and thinks it a total abomination/intrusion, Coun. Sandford said it will not be ‘gettable at‘, as the most important part of the structure is sunk into the ground and is vandal proof, however Coun. Sandford had initially thought it would be a panel on top of the shelter, Coun. Dawson thought everybody was surprised at the structure, and is disappointed with the arrangement and commented Model Buildings recent works have resulted in a traditional lighting column - and the youth shelter lamp is an urban structure in a rural setting.  However Coun. Sandford had not been given an option, NCC were given the job to do, and if there was an alternative it wasn’t presented.  Coun. Fendley thought it appears again the PC have not been consulted by NCC, who have ruined one of the best views in Coquetdale.  It was agreed to contact NCC and see if there is an alternative design of column the PC can agree/comment on.


Village Greens

Coun. Dawson had taken advice on how to get land registered, and had spoken to Clark & Co solicitor, Morpeth - the PC can obtain ownership of the land.  Coun. Dawson had looked at ADC maps, and these areas are not under any one’s ownership, eg. the piece in front of the Parish Hall, and if the hall were to be sold and ownership not established, the area could become residential with an enclosed garden, however ‘ownership’ would overcome such problems, but it would entail a solicitor’s fee and land registry cost.  It was agreed to proceed with this.

Any Other Business

         Coun. Sandford reported attending a governor’s meeting,  and the patient transport issue had been raised, which was met with total agreement the current situation is unacceptable, a scheme whereby persons waiting over a certain length of time was being looked into whereby the NHS would pay for a taxi.

         Coun. Sandford had attended Alnwick Area Health Forum run by ADC, with various schemes discussed, eg tele- care in Northumberland which safeguards elderly persons living alone,  with a trial service being run in Blyth.   Dentistry had also been discussed -  NHS Care Trust have government funds for new dentists setting up who treat NHS patients.

         Coun. Fendley said the Christmas Lights had not yet displayed, Coun. Mrs Dawson reported they are being put up 16/12/06, Coun. Reynalds said there was disappointment there will not be a switch on event this year.


Date of Next Meeting

Wednesday 17th January 2007

The meeting finished at 930 pm.

Claire Miller Clerk