Minutes of the meeting of Rothbury Parish Council
held on Wednesday 23rd May 2007

The meeting commenced at 7.15pm

Present
Coun. Reynalds, Mrs Dawson, Mrs Edes, Mrs Morton, Gilson, Murray, Sandford and the Clerk

Apologies Coun. Dawson

Vacancy Co-option vacancy - previous Councillors Fendley & Mills both interested. Notice to be displayed in notice board

Election of Officers
Chairman                     -     Coun. Edes nominated Coun. Reynalds, Coun. Sandford seconded - carried
Vice Chairman            -     No nominations, Coun. Sandford volunteered, Coun. Gilson & Morton seconded
Dr Thomlinsons Trust -      Coun. Edes, Mrs Dawson
Christmas Lights        -      Coun. Mrs Dawson, Edes
Joint Burial                  -      Coun. Sandford, Reynalds, Mrs Dawson, Edes
Village Greens            -      Coun. Edes, Coun. Gilson
Planning                       -      Coun. Mrs Morton, Reynalds, Sandford
Finance                        -      Coun. Reynalds, Sandford, Mrs Morton

Member of the Public Present
Two members of the public present

Over the Bridges Report
Coun. Reynalds to forward Chairmans report for inclusion.

Minutes of Previous Meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed.

Donkin’s Lamp
Estimate received from Kevin Dawson for thrice yearly cleaning, price agreed.

Crime & Disorder Forum
Nothing to report

Rural Transport Initiative Sub-Committee
Northumberland Wide Forum to be held tomorrow - report to be made available.

Play Areas
Retention works not yet carried out to Addycombe play area

West End Entrance/Bridge Street
Nothing to report.

Rothbury Shoppers Group
Invoice for April - £57.60, fares received £87.00

War Memorial
Coun. Edes reported an invoice received from A. Boyce for reiling repairs, Coun. Reynalds mentioned there are still drooping railings where persons lean on them, Coun. Mrs Edes to ask Amanda Boyce if she could carry out further repairs.

Nursing Home
Coun. Sandford had attended a meeting at the surgery, and there was interest from a company who already have a family nursing home, however they did not think the land at the hospital was sufficient, but they do seem interested in a home within Rothbury. To make progress, the aim is to gain interested parties, after that it will be a business decision, and whether they invest or not is not something the PC can be involved with. Coun. Mrs Morton asked if the Alnwick Hillcrest company would be interested, Coun. Sandford did not think so.

Ambulance Service/Patient Transfer
Coun. Sandford had contacted the care manager for the Ambulance Trust, and had explained about Mrs Dawson and Mr Diggle's refusal for allowing person's to travel with them, and was informed both Mr Diggle and Mrs Dawson should have asked for a GP referral. In future they are to review the way person's are spoken to who make a request. Coun. Mrs Morton reported the infirmary practice have a screen displayed stating you can be accompanied if in an ambulance, however there is nothing stating this in the Rothbury surgery. Coun. Sandford said the problem is the trust have to ask certain questions before they can say yes or no. Coun. Murray understood the notice does not state you have to ask for passenger service, and the problem is at what point do they ask to be accompanied.

Police Station/Fire Station Relocation
Coun. Murray asked why the fire station is under discussion for re-location, as the existing is purpose built - better W/C facilities had been mentioned, but Coun. Murray thought the existing could be modified. Coun. Gilson thought David Gregory could be asked, Coun. Sandford said the PC should write formally to the Fire Brigade, Coun. Mrs Edes thought the PC should write officially but could also ask unofficially.

ADC Local Wide Plan
Nothing to report.

Village Greens
Coun. Dawson awaiting correspondence from NE solicitors

Bridge Closure

Christmas Lights Committee
AGM to be held next week.

Ten Year Plan
Haugh Land: Coun. Sandford said having worked on the project for several years, he was under the impression progress would be made with a public meeting to gather representation of a cross section of the public and discuss what the land could be used for and it had historically been mentioned there are no areas for youngsters to play football.  The project  will require self-funding and person’s willing to manage it.  Coun. Gilson asked what figures are involved, Coun. Sandford replied this could not be confirmed until it was decided what it will be used for. But £1500 for the rent.  Coun. Gilson thought £1500 annual rent figure excessive.  Coun. Murray asked what other areas the PC rented, as he would be willing to carry out maintenance strimming works, Coun. Reynalds and Murray to discuss outside the meeting.  The public meeting will be arranged following the completion of N/Estate’s contract.
Hospital:   Coun. Sandford reported lighting and pathway works were started, however not yet completed, and should NCC be contacted, however Coun. Murray replied work had been carried out today - situation to be monitored
Youth Project:  A stall at the street fair is to be manned by youngsters, with one adult supervisor.
Recycling: Nothing to report
Parking:  Reply received from NCC explaining it was ADC’s decision to introduce haugh car parking charges which will be monitored during summer months, and parking in the village reviewed, NCC prepared to consult again with business interests and residents, but may not gain a favourable response.  Coun. Mrs Morton thought they had only surveyed around 40 residents historically, Coun. Gilson thought charging at the haugh park will move persons to park within the centre, Coun. Sandford said an agreement had been met there would be no charge in the haugh until the centre changes had been agreed.  Coun. Mrs Edes thought charging to the haugh had not made any change to the village parking, Coun. Gilson interested to see a person parked near Spar who had been elsewhere cycling all day and  thought it appeared the PC have had enough of parking discussions over the years, Coun. Sandford replied there is a parking committee made up of the Police, ADC,  NCC and Coun. Dawson as district and parish council representation, who are supposed to progress the parking situation.  Coun. Murray said when objections were made on traffic concerns with the new Addycombe development they were not taken note of. Coun. Mrs Edes suggested the whole parking issue be monitored and thrashed out at a later date, Coun. Reynalds suggested leaving until September.
Cyclepath: Nothing to report.
Speed Cameras: Nothing to report.
Footpaths:  Coun. Murray reported at cinder bank and stepping stone area NCC have carried out patching works, however the wall that has fallen down at cinder bank is creating problems to rectify as NCC think it could belong to the developers, who have now gone bust, however NCC are definitely looking at the problem. NCC have stated the riverside path wooden abutments are monitored regularly.  Coun. Murray reported money was spent on reinstatement works at the stepping stones area, but persons park and pull up onto the grass which is becoming eroded, but NCC will not put a kerb in, however  a concrete honeycombe structure could be installed and NCC are to discuss this idea.   NCC to add the Garleigh Road footpath request to future works schedule, however funding would need to be made available.  The  Environment Agency and ADC are resolving to rectify the sewage problems near the council yard.  Coun. Murray said at the bottom of Jacob’s Ladder there is only one handrail, however two further up, and would it  be possible to install two.  Clerk to contact NCC.
Street Lighting: The first light past the bridge requires attention to the base, Coun. Murray to ring NCC general lighting department on this.
Signage: Nothing to report
Recycling:- Coun. Mrs Morton said the company discussed previously who own the industrial estate land are the 4th richest in the area, and thought NCC let the matter of opposing the rent requested go too soon, and thinks the PC should still be pressurising NCC.  Coun. Sandford replied the PC did badger NCC but eventually even Coun. Dawson thought it could not be taken further.  Coun. Murray said when the Ten Year Plan is reviewed it should be debated further. Coun. Reynalds asked if NCC/ADC councillor’s are invited to PC meetings.  It was agreed to encourage NCC representative Sue Bolam to future meetings.

The following Accounts have been authorised

i]. NALC - Annual Subscription - £217.74

ii]. Society of Local Clerks - subscription - £75.00

iii]. TINN - April Bus - £57.60

iv]. T W Alderson - £25.00

v]. A Boyce - £431.25 (from April and 2 weeks in May)

Audit of Accounts - 2006/07
The income/expenditure figures for the year ending 31/03/07 to be signed, and audit papers approved.  Note 1 - yes;  NOTE 2 - yes;  Note 3 - YES; Note 4 - YES;  Note 5 - YES; Note 6 - YES; Note 7 - YES; Note 8 - YES; Note 9 - YES; Note 10 - YES.  Paperwork to now go to internal auditor

Seats and Trees
Coun. Murray reported the seat at the top of the First School bank has part of the concrete frame broken and the seat is wobbling. Coun. Mrs Edes to ask Amanda Boyce if she can action repair.  Coun. Sandford reported the white painted seat on the bridge has paint coming off and the fence also needs  attention, Coun. Mrs Edes to look into this area.  Coun. Sandford requested the riverside willow tree be added to the agenda.   Coun. Gilson asked historically what action had been taken about the rook problems.  Coun. Reynalds replied the PC did take advice from the Northumberland Wildlife Trust, and Coun. Sandford said there had been controversy 10 years ago with rook mess, and at that time the village was split on what action should be taken, Coun. Mrs Edes said the fire brigade did target nests but there was a public outcry.  Coun. Gilson astounded rookeries are allowed with associated muck etc.  Coun. Sandford said a lot of research was carried out.  Coun. Mrs Edes said the seats are regularly washed.  Coun. Murray thought if it is a man-made problem, eg. litter bins accessibility, the public creating a mess, there would not be much the PC could do, however Coun. Mrs Edes replied the rooks are there for nesting.  Coun. Edes reported a tree on the 1st school bank which is dead, between the path and the road at the top of the bank, Coun. Reynalds thought it could be the responsibility of the Education Department, Coun. Murray to find out whose responsibility it is.  Coun. Mrs Edes said it is time to purchase the bedding plants, and an order can be placed with Flowers & Foliage, but it will be more expensive than last year as Brian Hardy used to provide and plant the flowers at the memorial, an estimate of £160 was given by Coun. Mrs Edes.  Coun. Sandford asked if more than one quotation had been sought, Coun. Mrs Edes said she had bought plants elsewhere but found the village cheaper, and thought nobody else in the village sells plants, Coun. Mrs Dawson thought the old Shilton’s shop may sell plants.  Coun. Murray recommended Horton Grange near Blagdon.  Coun. Gilson thought the village should be utilised, as outside expenses would be incurred if purchasing from elsewhere.  Coun. Reynalds thought anything over £100 required estimates.  Coun. Mrs Edes said it would be nice for volunteers to be sought for planting next week.  E-mail received from Mrs Minto regarding the hardwood seat they wish to purchase from Heighley Gate, but requesting the PC fix it into the ground and transfer the plaque.  Coun. Gilson said it could be delivered to his house.  Coun. Murray thought the existing could be replaced for the seat at the 1st school.

Correspondence

i].     E-Mails: The A1 dualling petition - House of Commons website - dualling to Scottish Borders - for information.
ii].    NCC - footpaths - discussed earlier
iii].   ADC - caravan park - container not to be placed in area now.
iv].    NCC - 30mph signage - reply stating NCC to upgrade current signs, but not willing to move them.
v].      B.T. - phone box cleaning - confirming box will be cleaned in the near future, Youth Project willing to carry out cleansing works, photographs forwarded to B.T. regarding access problems.
vi].      NCC - B6344 road closure - for information - explaining there was a lack of communication regarding the inadequate road closure signs.  Coun. Sandford and Murray had met with the Addycombe developers and discussed the traffic set up,  resurfacing the tarmacced area, marking of the road, necessary signage, and new street lighting, with all works to commence 11/6/07 and be completed in one week.  Coun. Gilson asked if there had been any discussion on the sharpness of the turn, Coun. Sandford said it is on the original plan, Coun. Murray said as it had been approved by NCC it has to be addressed to them, not the building contractor.  Coun. Gilson thought for any vehicle longer than 15 feet the corner is lethal.  Coun. Murray said on the original plans the bus stop will have a layby, and buses will stop in the down lane, therefore creating the same scenario as with the junction.  Coun. Dawson  had met with NCC personnel and given assurances, however it was agreed the PC had to contact NCC formally on this matter -  Coun. Sandford proposed somebody be nominated to compile a letter to be forwarded to NCC, Coun. Murray and Reynalds to action.  Coun. Sandford said regarding the  blocked drains, and there being  any prolonged wet weather which would run down and be dangerous to traffic, the developers have placed hessian over the top of the drains which looks as if it is full up, but the water can go through this into the proper channel, this will only be a temporary measure until the development is complete.  The rubbish flying around was discussed at the site meeting and the contractor has said they will clear this up. The paths blocked by the security fences were mentioned, as they are on the footpaths so persons have to walk up the road.  There is a tree with no fence around it and soil stacked up - ADC website states this is not permitted, and Coun. Murray had spoken to ADC, and the fence is to be re-instated.
vii].    NCC - Annual Report Consultation - available for circulation
viii].   Mrs Minto - Hillside seat - discussed earlier
ix].     Standards Board for England - Code of Conduct - PC’s supposed to adopt new Code of Conduct for members which is available on website, and it would allow councillors with interest of a topic being permitted to comment on the matter, Coun. Reynalds suggested adopting the code.  Coun. Gilson had printed the document off and would bring to the next PC meeting.
x].       NCC - Parking - discussed earlier
xi].      NCC - Highways - discussed earlier
xii].     Eglingham P.C. - wind farm - requesting support, it was thought individuals can take interest/object but PC’s should not.
xiii].    Community Action Northumberland - newsletter - available for circulation
xiv].    Clerks & Councils Direct - newsletter - available for circulation
xv].     The Clerk - Journal - available for circulation
xvi].     NCC - Alnwick Area Committee meeting minutes 15/3/07 - available for circulation
xvii].    Community Action for Northumberland - questionnaire, Coun. Reynalds to complete
xviii].   Citizen’s Advice Bureau - quiz night
xix].     North East War Memorials Project - newsletter - available for circulation
xx].      Kevin Dawson - quote - Donkin’s Lamp cleansing - discussed earlier.
xxi].     Music Festival - donation thanks
xxii].    Northumberland National Parks - LDF Consultation Database
xxiii].   Northumberland & Newcastle Society - Newsletter - available for circulation
xxiv].   Cubs Donation - thank you

Planning
Addycombe Development: Discussed Earlier
Bridge Street: Nothing to report.

Planning Applications received for the following:
          A/2007/0205: Mr B Robson, 3 Woodlands - side garage extension - supported
          A/2007/0209: Mrs L Ainsley, Knocklaw - tree preservation order, limb removal - supported
          A/2007/0218: Northumberland Estates - B6341 alteration/reinstatement - supported
          A/2007/0242: Mr & Mrs Holmes, Tyne mouth - garage block, old Cottage Hospital - supported
          A/2007/0220: Punch Taverns Ltd - Advert Consent - Turks Head - supported
          A/2007/0154: Environment Agency - power supply kiosk/CCTV - car park at Gregory Court - ask what improvement this will give above current measuring devices
          07/0072/TPO: Antons Letch - fell spruce tree - supported

Approval of Planning Application have been received for the following:
          A/2007/0132: Coquet Leisure LLP - Caravan Site
          A/2007/0089: Newcastle Diocese - swimming pool - middle school
          A/2007/0211: Mrs J Rasmussen, River Croft - tree works

Appeal Notice:
          APP/Q2908/A/07/2044628/WF: Mrs P Stewart, Thropton - land adjacent 11 Pinfold, change of use

Any Other Business
i].     Coun. Mrs Edes had been asked by Georgie Hislop to bring up again the matter of masts, and is willing to attend a future PC meeting, Coun. Reynalds asked if there was any new developments planned for Rothbury, as he did not think it worth inviting her to a meeting to discuss old ground, Coun. Murray thought masts can also effect cars.
ii].     Coun. Gilson asked if there was a book of rules available for PC‘s, clerk to provide.
iii].    Coun. Gilson asked about the CO-Option process - notice to be displayed in notice board.
iv].     Coun. Gilson thought there may be problems with the Rothbury.com website, it is up-to-date with minutes from time to time, but sometimes not updated.  Coun. Murray said it has been updated recently.  Coun. Sandford said the PC are guilty of not being pro-active in their use of the web-site, and nobody is nominated to keep a check on it, Coun. Murray thought this problem quite common, and has himself started up a web-site and would be prepared to publish the minutes on this.  Coun. Reynalds said there is a free spot on an NCC web-site available to Parish Council‘s.
v].      Coun. Murray thought the car accessory shop requires attention, up the side of Haw Hill walls have been knocked down, and the very end of the building has a cornerstone dislodged, above the entrance there is no glass in the shelter, big cracks across the lintels, and the old school bell is in need of attention.   Coun. Sandford said an urgent call to ADC Planning should be made, and he would do this.

Date of Next Meeting
Wednesday 20th June 2007

The meeting finished at 9.45 pm.
Claire Miller Clerk