Minutes of the meeting of Rothbury Parish Council
held on Wednesday 18th July 2007

The meeting commenced at 7.15pm
 

Present
Coun. Reynalds, Mrs Dawson, Mrs Edes, Mrs Morton, Fendley, Gilson, Murray, Sandford and the Clerk
District Coun. Bridgett, NCC Sue Bolam

Apologies Coun. Dawson

District Councillor Presence Coun. Steven Bridgett present

Member of the Public Present
Alistair Costley present for part of the meeting, and wished to comment on the riverside maintenance mentioned in the previous minutes. Alistair reported a number of trees are dying off at the Haugh car park - he has spoken to the Forestry Commission and been informed the willow trees have fungus.

Over the Bridges report
Coun. Morton to submit for September issue

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

Crime & Disorder Forum
Minutes from previous meeting available for circulation. Coun. Gilson asked if anybody had been contacted by Inspector Peart fo an individual police consultation, as mentioned at previous PC meeting - no councillor had. It had been noted there was a heightened police presence for the Music Festival weekend.

Rural Transport Initiative Sub-Committee
Coun. Sandford reported John Lazarus UCCTG has said TINN have approached the group - they have recently taken over a similar organisation in Morpeth and have asked if UCCTG wish them to take over the bus. Discussions are ongoing as to whether the bus would then be used mainly for Coquetdale. As far as the shoppers group goes, they are the main regular user and the volunteers pick up the bus parked at the Middle School, if it was being used elsewhere, they would have to return it farther afield, and TINN would then charge fro bringing it back and returning it. Coun. Reynalds said John Lazarus wishes to give up the Chairmanship of UCCTG, but there is a reasonably strong committee. TINN has promised priority will be given to Coquetdale, but will park the bus where it is mainly used. The bus was bought through a Parish grant and handed over to be used in Coquetdale, and the group will have to find a Chairman prepared to seek future funding. Coun. Sandford said it would be vital to have it used more to keep it in the area. Coun. Gilson asked if there were records of how often it is off the road due to repairs etc. Coun. Reynalds replied it is only 18 months old, Coun. Gilson thought the only advantage would be of using the resources of TINN. Coun. Sandford said if the UCCTG funding ran out, that would be the end of it, but if part of a larger organisation the bus would be protected. Coun. Reynalds said it is getting more expensive to use and becoming commercial. Coun. Reynaldsw to talk to persons regarding the Chairmanship. Coun. Edes thought the locally trained drivers would only wish to work in Coquetdale.

Play Areas
E-mail received from R. Thompson ADC stating the former riverside tiled area is to be looked at, and he is to chase up the grass cutting issue on the riverside bank. The stability of the benches are to be checked, and flowers have been suggested for the riverside.

West End Entrance/Bridge Street
E-mail received from NCC stating the West End suggestions have not been included in the next LTP as the traffic group previously rejectedn the proposal, however the request for table top speed measures will be included.

Rothbury Shoppers Group
Invoice for June - £79.20 - fares received £142.00

War Memorial
Work has been ongoing, however problems have occurred with the list of names, but works nearly complete.

Nursing Home
Coun. Sandford had been contacted by the interested party, and the matter is progressing speedily - the company have approached ADC to find out about restrictions/observations. and are in close contact with the Health Care Trust who on the companies behalf are approaching the owners of the land, and eventually the representative would like to attend a PC meeting or invite councillors to give their opinions. Coun. Reynalds said there is some provision at the RAF home occasionally, but Coun. Fendley said this is only respire care. Coun. Morton said there is no nursing care at Abbeyfield, Coun. Sandford had been contacted about a meeting this friday and it looks as if the Abbeyfield charity are saying the complex is becoming suspiciously unviable, with government conditions being brought in, eg all rooms to be fully en-suite, and the building being listed. Coun. Murray said the view would be to make a decision by 4/09/2007.

Ambulance Service/Patient Transfer
Coun. Sandford had spoken to the Care Trust and they have looked into and will be making certain changes, one being to change the documentation sent out to patients, and they are in negotiations to take over the booking of persons attending hospital from the ambulance trust. Coun. Sandford has asked for written confirmation on when these actions occur.

Police Station/Fire Station Relocation 
Fire Station plans received. Coun. Fendley understood the Police Authority were to agree today to the relocation of the police station taking place. Coun. Gilson asked if there were any plans, and wondered if there would be disabled places which would be used for police vehicles to be parked. Coun. Murray mentioned the correspondence previously received referring to the fire station relocation, and thought the Fire Officer had agreed to attend a meeting - it was agreed to invite him to the next meeting.

ADC Local Wide Plan
Nothing to report.

Village Greens
Nothing to report - Coun. Murray not sure about area above golf course road regarding grass maintenance, it was confirmed the area marked on the map is the part leased from N/Estates - it is below Beggar's Rigg which is under discussion - the shaded areas on the map.

Bridge Closure
Nothing to report.

Christmas Lights Committee
Meeting cancelled, hopefully to be rescheduled shortly, however fund raing event also cancelled.

Standards Board Code of Conduct
Literature available for all councillors.

Spar Shop
Coun. Mrs Dawson reported the building has been gutted, and is concerned the Co-op has the monopoly, there now being nowhere to rent DVD's etc. Counc. Sandford understood Coun. Dawson had spoken to the Co-op manager, however being a commercial deal he cannot see how the PC can get involved, however published in the Journal, the Co-op manager did give a lsit of actions that were to happen, and Coun. Sandford thought the PC should review the matter in 6 months time and see if these promises have been fulfilled. Coun. Reynalds asked if it was worth writing to the manager and asking if they could expand on the plans in hand for improvements. Coun. Murray reported he had written to the monopolies and mergers and another committee, and they are looking into closures, and thought it worth thinking if the PC could make representation on these committees. Coun. Sandford asked if the Chairman feels the Spar closure is a PC matter, Coun. Reynalds thought if it affects the community it is of interest to the PC. Coun. Gilson thought the PC should write to the Co-op, but did think it was a commercial decision. Coun. Murray asked what is to happen to the empty Spar building, this not known.

Cemetery Stop Cock
Coun. Sandford reported work has been carried out. Coun. Murray said all areas have been actioned to the bridge, with the exception of 2 manholes at the bridge not finished off and a danger to cyclists - he has reported the matter on more than one occasion, and been informed NCC have 10 days to rectify the problem, and has now been assured the works will be actioned. Coun. Murray asked if the road surface up to the hospital was part of the conditions to renew the footpath, Coun. Sandford replied the whole strip of road will receive action, although not immediately. Coun. Murray amazed if it is to be resurfaced, and wonders why NCC think this road needs resurfacing above the main road. Coun. Sandford said it is not only resurfacing works to be carried out - Coun. Bolam explained they had brought forward the lights and footpath works, so the roadworks will also be brought forward

Picnic Area
Coun. Murray asked if the fenced area at the end of Beggars Rigg car park is a memorial - the tables are in need of repair with holes clean through the wood. Coun. Fendley thought the whole area would benefit from attention. Clerk to contact NCC.

Village Shrubbery
Coun. Murray asked whose responsibility were the village hanging baskets, and asked if the PC could purchase a water machine. Coun. Sandford said ADC carried out watering duties. Coun. Edes said there is a system for regular watering, with a bowser available, Coun. Bridgett willing to contact R. Thompson on this matter. Coun. Murray asked about overgrown shrubbery area at white seat - NCC had replied asking if the PC thought residents would object to pruning works. Coun. Fendley said the shrubbery at the end of the bridge travelling right is also causing problems.

Ten Year Plan
Haugh Land: Still under discussion with N/Estates. Coun. Gilson suggested a corner for a mountain bike track, rather than youngsters using public areas
Hospital:   Coun. Sandford said there are 3 volunteer receptionists, and they are looking for more people to meet and greet, and also reported the NHS Trust are to put in practice a plan for new A&E centre close to Morpeth. Coun. Murray mentioned a government scheme dedicated to centres for heart problems, although there are concerns for persons in remote areas, trying to have them within 90 minutes of anywhere.
Youth Project:  AGM held. Coun. Sandford reported applications for funding are progressing, and is fair to say there will be funding secured for the next year. There are 2 trustees in place, who are extremely interested in youth issues.
Recycling: Nothing to report
Parking:  Coun. Fendley understood traffic management arrangements for the cemtre of the village would be actioned when the Haugh parking area commenced parking charges, Coun. Dawson was chasing up the issue. Coun. Murray asked who owned the strip of land by burnfoot - Coun. Bolam said it is owned by NCC Highways - as there are a couple of notices on the land saying no parking which are not NCC signs, Coun. Bridgett thought it was the same person who has placed the signs and CCTV at the Thrum. Coun. Sandford said there is a similar sign at the turning to Pondicherry along the Thropton road, Coun. Reynalds reported this is a private road and householders pay for its upkeep.
Cyclepath: Nothing to report.
Speed Cameras: Nothing to report.
Footpaths:  Nothing to report
Street Lighting: Nothing to report.
Signage: Acknowledgement received from NCC about the problem - clerk to chase up. Coun. Gilson thought the PC notice board more up to date than previously, but seems to be a lot of obscure information displayed.
Recycling:- Nothing to report.
Enhance Public Areas: Coun. Murray again raised the area of burnfoot, and the muddy patch by the car-park after the Music Festival was a mess and being an entrance into Rothbury thought this was unacceptable, and litter bins in the area would be beneficial. It was agreed to ask ADC of the viability of litter bins. Coun. Bridgett observed on the map the PC do not rent the land where the notices are at the Thrum Mill. Coun. Reynalds would like to fix a date to review the Ten Year Plan - to be scheduled after the meeting.

The following Accounts have been authorised
i].   Request for funding - John Barleycorn - £500 - Coun. Sandford again requested sight of the financial records. Coun. Fendley under the impression it had been sent to the PC, Coun. Sandford said a breakdown of expenditure was received, but nothing on the bank balances. Coun. Gilson asked what this project was, Coun. Fendley explained about the 2 day festival. Coun. Morton thought it worth promoting - Coun. Gilsons only reservation was how much Rothbury's input is, and are Thropton, Harbottle and Alwinton also asked for funding. Coun. Fendley replied the largest proportion comes from outside bodies, but Rothbury is the biggest by far as PC's are concerned. £500 agreed.
ii].   D. Metcalf - internal auditing - £110.00
iii].  TINN - June Bus - £79.20 - £142.00 received in fares
iv].  Church Clock annual maintenance - £182.13

Seats and Trees
i].      Coun. Murray asked if there was any response to the riverside seat removal - ADC to have stability of seats checked and remedial action taken.
ii].     Coun. Edes and Amanda Boyce had looked at the seat at Hillside East, and if the existing is moved it will disintergrate and suggested the replacement seat be placed 150 yds west to the existing, with views still over the valley - clerk to contact Mrs Minto. Coun. Murray asked if the existing seat had been discussed to be moved to the school bank, this confirmed. Coun. Gilson asked who is to place the seat in the ground. Coun. Edes replied Amanda Boyce. Coun. Murray said the seat at Gravelly Bank and School Bank now need rectifying, Coun. Edes said Gravelly Bank materials have been ordered for repair, and the 1st school seat will be added to the seat repair schedule. Coun. Murray requested a litter bin at the school seat - clerk to request. Coun. Edes would personally like to pay for a seat to be placed near the seat adjacent to Donkin's Lamp - this agreed.
iii].    Willow tree to be actioned as assured from N/Estates

Paths & Verges
i].  Coun. Bridgett reported the shrubbery at the stepping stones has been cut back, however the debris has been left strewn.
ii]. Coun. Morton asked if the gasworks area sewage problem had been rectified - the Environment Agency and ADC still working on this - it was agreed to ask Footpaths Officer NCC to put pressure on EA/ADC.

Addycombe Drains
i].  Coun. Murray said there are problems with flooding with water not going down drains properly, and a resident was concerned it could be seeping under the properties. Coun. Murray had contacted Mike Armstrong, NCC, who visited the resident, and informed the problem had been passed on to Alnwick depot NCC, and there could be problems with the addycombe area, as part of the play area is turning black, which could indicate disturbed pipes.

Post Office Barrier
i].  Coun. Murray reported a child coming out of the Post Office and nearly running onto the road, and suggested a road barrier. Clerk to contact NCC on this.

Correspondence
i].     Post Box.
ii].    E-mail:- NCC - LTP - discussed earlier
iii].   BT payphone - reiterating it is the local councils responsibility for the area - Coun. Edes to ask Amanda Boyce if she could place flagstones in the area..
iv].    Alnwick Playhouse - summer 2007 - for information.
v].      NCC - Minerals & Waste Development Framework - for information - Coun. Morton still concerned about no site available for a recycling unti, and wished this to be minuted..
vi].     Jubilee Institute - requesting representation from various groups to a meeting in September, Jubilee Hall - oun. Fendley already attending.
vii].    Standards Board for England - Members code of conduvt - copies available for all councillor's
viii].   Northern Rock Foundation - newsletter - available for circulation
ix].     TINN - changes to charging policy - discussed earlier.
x].      ADC - Parish Forum 17/10/07 - same as October PC meeting.
xi].     Music Festival - programme - for information
xii].    NCC - wildlife & countryside act - Public Rights of Way - for information
xiii].   Northumbria Police - minutes police forum 6/6/07 - available for circulation.
xiv].   NCC - Alnwick Area Committee minutes 10/05/07 - available for circulation.
xv].    Clerks and Councils Direct - newsletter - available for circulation
xvi].   The Clerk - newsletter - available for circulation
xvii].  A. Glenton - Debdon Wind Farm - asking for PC to not support the request for monitoring equipment to gain feasibility for a wind farm - majority in favour of monitoring
xviii]. Community action Northumberland - stating grant scheme coming in, and they want a locally based community panel - Coun. Fendley to attend.
xix].   Community news - offering handyman help for oap's, suggest a flyer be made to place in notice board, Coun. Reynalds sais these were already displayed in the Library.
xx].    Review of Alnwick Housing strategy - asking to respond to any changes
xxi].   Alnwick Hospice - newsletter
xxii].  CAMPS event - complaint about parking - Coun. Reynalds to contact CAMPS on this.

Planning
Addycombe Development:
Site meeting held with NCC senior highways policy manager - confirmed land to be secured for improvements. Coun. Bolam reported ground work had commenced, with the wall top come down next week. It was requested the traffic lights be moved, which did happen, and there will be anti-skid tarmac placed on the hill down, also asked for the generator to be moved off the footpath - all these requests were actioned, although Coun. Dawson said nothing was actioned in the promised timescale. The PC to send thanks to the policy manager for his involvement. Floods coming down and freezing was discussed, NCC to look at drains, Gasworks Cottage could be flooded, so this area to be looked at. Coun. Murray reported other items discussed were the wall/wire baskets, proposed footpath past the recreation club - NCC though Coun. Bolam could be approached for help in this. Coun. Fendley said if coming to the T-junction the sign posts stated 'Edlington' in error. The first set of traffic lights were discussed, and there does appear to be significant slowness of work, Coun. Murray said this involves the drain area. Coun. Fendley referred to the developers proposed play area - however the land has subsequently been raised by 15ft and rolled, and when it rains nearby gardens are flooding, the developers  had been informed and reported they had forgotten the sump and drain.
Deuchet Court
Coun. Murray reported temporary fencing installed, but on the incorrect side, however subsequently changed, but the big stone on top of the wall is still the same.
Bridge Street: Nothing to report.

Planning Applications received for the following:
          A/2007/0343: Mr Abu Essa, Wallsend - change of use to retaurant & takeaway - Shiltons Shop - Coun. Murray has received favourable comments - Coun. Morton thought complaints about aromas may be received. Coun. Murray thought there could be problems with parking, as there are 15 tables planned for the restaurant.
          07/00096/CCD: - Ambulance Station - change of use to Fire station - Coun. Murray said the plan does not show anything in relation to the site - to be discussed at the next meeting with Fire Officer.
          Blaeberry Hill - 8 New Dwellings - Coun Morton had been told by a nearby resident there was a covenant on the land. Coun. Sandford in receipt of information from nearby residents Michael Hodgson & Pamela Wallhead. Coun. Fendley supported the comments on the nature and extent of the housing. Coun. Sandford thought access a problem, Coun. Murray said utilities would be stretched - it was agreed to comment and also mention the red roofs.

Approval of Planning Application have been received for the following:
          A/2007/0154: CCTV - car park at Gregory Court
          07/00078/TPO: Fel Lawson Cypress - Antons Dell
          A/2007/0242: Mr & Mrs Holmes, Tynemouth - garage block, old hospital
          A/2007/0220: Punch Taverns - signs, Turks Head
          A/2007/0225: Punch Taverns - signs, Turks Head

Notice of Refusal of Planning Permission:
          None

Any Other Business
i].     Coun. Reynalds & Sandford had attended the Golf Course opening
ii].    Coun. Reynalds had attended the scout retirement for the Elson's - Coun. Edes said the flower bed placed by the scouts is excellent - it was agreed to write to Mr & Mrs Elson thanking them for their services to the scout association..
iii].   Coun. Reynalds reported the library opening an additional half day a week - it was agreed to write to the library service thanking them for this.
iv].   Michael Hodgson had brought up the web site minutes being out of date - and has voluteered to take it over and run. Coun. Gilson had noticed the out of date information, and thought a professional should be paid to carry out the service, as complaints would be difficult to raise with a volunteer. Coun. Reynalds to speak to Duncan Elson about his involvement and whether he wishes to recind the duties. Coun. Murray thought somebody running the web site had to have the information to hand to be able to make it up-to-date.

Village Greens 
Discussed earlier

Date of Next Meeting
Wednesday 15th August 2007

The meeting finished at 10.15 pm.
Claire Miller Clerk