Minutes of the meeting of Rothbury Parish Council held on Wednesday 14^th May 2008 

The meeting commenced at 7.15pm 

PRESENT                 Coun. Reynalds,  Mrs Dawson, Mrs Edes, Dawson, Fendley, Gilson, Murray, Sandford and the Clerk 

                                    Coun. Bridget, ADC

 APOLOGIES            Coun. Morton

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Chairman                   Coun. Mrs Dawson nominated and seconded           

Vice Chairman          Coun. Reynalds nominated and seconded

Meeting with D Fraser

Coun. Mrs Dawson welcomed Dick to the meeting.  The Bridge Street proposals were discussed first -  Dick reported Jim Long had agreed to put in a Keep Clear sign as an interim measure, after the site meeting with Coun. Sandford.  Coun. Dawson had suggested the PC present NCC with one plan encompassing all areas within Rothbury discussed for improvements, although some were considered more urgent.  Dick suggested in their entirety they may not be do-able in one or two years, and if the PC do not prioritise, NCC will.  Coun. Dawson said when the Bridge Street scheme was initially considered through Hers, it had reached disagreement over the type of surface for the footpaths as the PC had thought the material inappropriate and no further developments were then taken.  Dick said agreement with the PC for the path finish was required and then securing funding could be sought.  Coun. Dawson said a similar surface as that outside the old Spar shop would be suitable -  Dick to look at the proposals.  Coun. Sandford said difficulty with the small access opposite the Post Office was looked at with Jim Long  and he had said action would be taken immediately, Dick confirmed an order is in the system for the white lining.  Coun. Murray had concerns with regard to egress at Haw Hill, and as a professional driver you need to see both ways in a bigger vehicle, and he did not want Dick to put a plan in without realising problems could occur.  Coun. Dawson said the point is if a car is coming out of Haw Hill onto Bridge Street the front end of the car has to be over the end of the building to be seen.  Dick would ask NCC Design Department to see what can be achieved, and they would carry out a safety audit.  Coun. Gilson asked if facts and figures for accidents on this corner were available, as if taking the area slowly and carefully there should not be a problem.  Coun. Dawson said a request for pedestrian improvements from residents at Whitton View had been received and some form of crossing would be of use, Dick agreed visibility is not good and a push button crossing could be feasible, but caution is needed as you have to make sure drivers approaching can see what is going on, and in some circumstances the situation can be made more dangerous - NCC will look at the area, but it could be extremely difficult to improve.  Coun. Gilson said drivers need to be seen clearly, but can signs indicating a pedestrian crossing not be placed. Dick replied it is important there is a clear view of the crossing, and traffic engineers will have to look at it.  Coun. Gilson said surely a pelican crossing would be safer than none?  Dick did not agree with this and said observing the highway code is the safest way, a pelican crossing allows an intervention, but if traffic does not stop, it can be more dangerous, a vehicle count would have to be carried out, and if only 3 pedestrians a day crossing it obviously wouldn’t  be justified.   Coun. Dawson said a survey would have to be carried out East to West, and he has never known another area where you have to cross 3 roads in some places.  Dick had received feedback from Jim Long and there are concerns about the topography, and there will be opposition in NCC traffic section.  Coun. Dawson said there has always been opposition with no explanation for it.  Dick said traffic calming which reduces road width will be looked at in more detail.  Coun. Sandford said when driving you see people waiting for the right moment to cross, most person’s do drive sensibly, but some do not.  Coun. Gilson did not think most people drive safely.  Coun. Fendley said the PC have been trying to slow traffic down for many years and never had support of ADC/NCC/police.  Coun. Dawson referred to the West end entrance being a real problem and the PC have asked for years for some form of traffic calming measure and NCC engineers have visited the site.  The Beggar’s Rigg footpath ends with a gap, and agreement from landowners is a non starter.  The north side footpath problem could be overcome, but how would persons cross to such a proposal.  Chicane’s and table tops have previously been mentioned but the PC were told by the police these items will not work, but nobody can say what will work.  Dick said the only way to have a 20mph zone is to put a physical feature in and thought public consultation would not carry such a scheme, with the main route through a village speeds are not normally brought down on B roads, however within a 30pmh zone there can be a chicane, however Dick thinks they themselves can provide problems.  John Mather NCC did look at an arrangement in the LTP but it was thrown out at the Area Committee, partly due to the fact of bigger vehicles travelling down the valley, and the road not being straight.  Coun. Fendley understands this concern if at the east, but not further west where the 30mph sign is.  Coun. Dawson said something has to be done, no ifs/buts.  Dick said the PC can become involved with flashing sign schemes, but unless a history of accidents, that is what drives schemes, and above that there will need to be financial support from elsewhere.  Dick to ask NCC traffic team for their comments.  Coun.  Bridgett confirmed the chicane proposal was thrown out at the last NCC Area Committee scheme.  Coun. Murray thought  the PC were told to reapply for the scheme.  Coun. Dawson said the PC have no knowledge of the confirmed proposals, nobody from NCC have ever come back to the PC. Dick said schemes are taken from PC suggestions and fed through to the LTP with a budget price stuck against it, at that point of time no detailed work on its location/design are carried out, and the way forward is it has to be brought back into the system, Coun. Dawson said it will then be kicked out again.  Coun. Gilson wondered if Coun. Bridgett can take the matter to the next government level and the PC would appreciate answers to their requests.  Coun. Bridgett give his support to the PC and said anything he could do to offer support he will.  Coun. Murray said as a regular road user, the real blind spot is traffic coming out of Armstrong Cottages, and commented a chicane had had to be removed at Seaton Burn due to vehicles driving straight into it, and suggested table tops, however these can cause noise and vibration.  Coun. Sandford said one place was mentioned as not working properly, but this could be due to highways engineering.  Coun. Murray said it was an area similar to Rothbury, and people race to get through them before vehicles coming the other way get through.  Coun. Gilson would rather a chicane was crashed into than not have a one, Coun. Edes said when the kerbway was amended between the RAF House & Waterleap, if the fence had been dropped down to the path below it would be practically wide enough for a footpath.

Dick reported issues at the Whitton View development - contractor’s have to carry out remedial works to the alignment around the curve, anti-skid works, and there are problems for residents of the cottages with making safe right turns, drainage problems not yet resolved, and the pond area to be taken out.   Coun. Murray said the bus stop coming into Rothbury is falling apart, and thought speed signs at  the East end are a priority and residents of Whitton View are very concerned.  Coun. Gilson said Garleigh Road is also dangerous for speeding.  Dick said two footpath access points coming out at Addycombe Gardens and Brewery Lane will be in place in the future, Coun. Fendley said the timing is 18 months to 2 years, and currently the only pedestrian access is onto the main road.  Coun. Murray said as an alternative, would it not be possible at the 5-a-side pitch to have a pathway down onto the riverside. 

Parking was then discussed, Dick did suggest the scheme could be taken forward as in Corbridge with a working group, and NCC would provide support, but extensive consultation would be required.  Coun. Gilson would like to point out in 2005 there was a referendum where supposedly 70% of the local population said to leave the parking issue alone.  Coun. Dawson explained the survey was to householders in the centre of the village, and it was these person’s who would be affected.   Coun. Dawson explained it was limited parking in the centre the PC were interested in having, however enforcement would be required.  Coun. Fendley moved a steering group be identified, rather than going over old ground tonight.  Coun. Mrs Dawson thanked Dick for his attendance. 

Over the Bridge Report

Coun. Reynalds to forward Chairman’s Report for inclusion.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed after minor alterations.

Matters Arising from Previous Minutes

Enhancement Public Areas

Coun. Mrs Dawson had received a request for a dog bin at Hillside and proposed a bin be placed there and herself and Coun. Murray would seek a suitable site at Addycombe for a further bin.  Coun. Gilson was talking to the tenant of the fenced off fields and one of his problems is dog mess on the public footpath, and at the beginning of the path at Hillside East there should be a bin.  Coun. Mrs Dawson  said this is what is being proposed.  Coun. Murray said to bear in mind bins smell for residents in close proximity.  Coun. Sandford suggested further past the post box on the corner of the turning circle would ease this problem.  Coun. Murray also suggested a bin beside the gravel bin at the top of the school  bank. 

Coun. Reynalds circulated the Allotment holder agreement he had devised. 

Crime & Disorder Forum

Next meeting 3/6/08.  Coun. Fendley had contacted the police regarding a parking issue, and had been forwarded to police control at South Shields.

Rural Transport/Shopping Bus

Coun. Reynalds reported a temporary arrangement in place for collecting the fares.  Coun. Fendley wished to ensure the service continues,  as it is appreciated and well used.  Coun. Murray reported a meeting of UCCTG in June, and it may be possible free transport could be provided for elderly residents, if successful OAP bus passes could be used.

Play Areas

Coun. Gilson reported Addycombe area not yet actioned as the free material is not suitable for the work, and had thought inch thick rubber would be bouncy but it is harder than the wood.  There is soft foam for the area which needs cutting and thinks it impossible a child could reach the seats by leaping of a swing, and requested a replacement gate catch is purchased, this authorised.   Coun. Murray said there was a concern with the seat at Addycombe, as a young person may swing out and hit a toddler, and a notice could be placed on the fence, Coun. Dawson said there has to be a degree of common sense, people have to be responsible.  Coun. Murray said this risk was raised in the RoSPA report, Coun. Gilson replied the risk was stated as minimal, and the PC have covered the correct actions in monitoring this risk, and proposed the current action be maintained, this agreed.

West End Entrance

Discussed earlier.

NHS Governor

Coun. Sandford reported Northumbria Health Care Trust have a new policy on visiting patients in hospital, there had been a survey of patents and visitors, and it was found longer visiting hours were not conducive when patients are trying to recuperate, and concerns with infection control.  Coun. Fendley endorsed these changes as being years overdue.  Coun. Gilson asked if this was the whole of the region.  Coun. Sandford replied throughout the Northumbria Health Care Trust area.  Coun. Sandford said Northumberland Care Trust are launching a public consultation which will be a 3 month process, concerning GP’s, after hours and care in the home, and the document states if the PC wish to put views to them, they can do, and he would advocate a public meeting be held with the Care Trust. Coun. Edes thought this would be useful, and to have co-operation with the local surgery.  Coun. Fendley thought person’s may be inhibited if their GP were attending the meeting and suggested a public meeting with the care group. 

Nursing Home

Coun. Sandford reported the two interested organisations have to submit their paperwork by the end of May and a decision will then be made. 

ADC Local Wide Plan

Nothing to report.

Village Greens

Coun. Reynalds had a copy of PC minutes from 1960 where the Parish Hall land was mentioned, and it looked as if the Duke had been giving the land to the Church Warden/Rector, but now thinks it says rented. 

Community Lights Committee

Coun. Mrs Dawson reported the next meeting had been cancelled, and there was no information back from NEDL.

Picnic Area

Nothing to report.

Web Site

Coun. Murray reported comments received, but already discussed.

Graffiti

To be taken off agenda.

Signage

Nothing to report.

NSP Partnership

Regarding closure of Post Office’s.

Burial Committee Minutes

For information.

Rothbury Plan

Haugh Land: To be discussed in private.

Parking: Discussed earlier.

Hospital: Nothing to report

Youth Project: Coun. Sandford reported there will be a stall at the Spring Fair, and young people may be helping the Round Table on Bank Holiday.

Footpaths: Correspondence received from Sandy Hunter regarding concerns over the riverside path - NCC Footpaths Officer is looking into the matter, Coun. Murray reported the path has now been actioned and is usable.

Recycling:  Coun. Edes has contacted the Project Officer who is to attend the site with herself.

Cyclepath: Nothing to report.

Speed Cameras: Discussed earlier

Street Lighting:  Noting to report

Enhance Public Areas: Coun. Murray noted there are no rubbish bins from the road bridge to Haugh car-park, clerk to contact ADC.  Coun. Edes reported an overflowing bin in the top graveyard.

Heritage Amenity Project: Nothing to report.

Information Signage: Nothing to

The following Accounts have been authorised 

?  Mencap - £50.00

?  NALC - £221.11 - annual subscription

?  M Evens -  5 weeks gardening/closed churchyard cutting - £275.00

?  G Stephenson - 5 weeks gardening/closed churchyard cutting - £275.00

?  Jubilee Institute - Coquetdale Local Action Group meeting - £7.00

Seats & Trees

Coun. Edes reported all seats have been inspected and a report produced.  Coun. Fendley said posts and chains by the Haugh have been broken for months and whose responsibility are they, Coun. Dawson thought it may be the PC, Coun. Edes said the ones nearer the main bridge are the PC’s, unless NCC took over the area when they tarmacced the path, Coun. Dawson said NCC had recommended this type of post and chain was not placed there.  Clerk to contact NCC.

Coun. Gilson involved in removing a lady from the triangular section outside the Turk’s, approaching from the North there is a large gulley, and a lady had dropped 5 feet on her mobility scooter, Coun. Gilson said it needs action, and could a fence such as outside the post office be placed there.  Clerk to contact NCC.

Paths & Verges

Nothing to report

Closed Churchyards

Coun. Murray asked if a previous project regarding the lower part of the closed churchyard had been actioned in the past, Coun. Reynalds said railings were restored a few years ago and Michael Hodgson was looking at the bottom part.  Coun Murray asked whose responsibility the gates were, as the stop is no longer there and there is no catch on the gate.  Coun. Gilson thought Newtown Engineering could be approached for help.   Coun. Murray to take forward. 

Correspondence

?  E Mail 

?  Sue Bolam - Hardon Quarry Liaison Group - contact number for group

?  ADC - Old Mackay’s Shop - adequate and full reply

?  ADC - Precept - confusing reply regarding JBC - clerk to contact ADC

?  NALC - Training Events - Coun. Dawson suggested dates be sent with more notice

?  NCC - Litter bins to bus stop poles

?  Community Action Northumberland - newsletter - copies available

?  Longframlington PC - quarry

?  Alnwick Playhouse - Summer 2008

?  Army Presentation Team - invite 17/6/08

?  CPRE - Newsletter - available for circulation

?  Jubilee Institute - AGM

?  The Clerk - newsletter - available for circulation

?   

PLANNING

?  Addycombe Development: Coun. Fendley said there is a history of the PC meeting with developer’s, however he understood Sue Bolam intends to hold a public meeting to look at Addycombe issues.  Coun. Dawson said Coun. Bolam has taken this on board, and if a meeting was arranged he had been asked to chair it. Coun. Fendley said if a public meeting do the PC hang fire.  Coun. Murray said there are issues with the exit from the new play park, as residents were not made fully aware of the situation - Cheviot Housing had asked if there were any objections to a play park but had not made it fully clear the main route was past Addycombe Cottages, and residents pay a service charge for this area’s maintenance.  Coun. Fendley said 2 councillor’s live near the site and he is not aware a meeting was to take place.  Coun. Murray asked whose responsibility the grass cutting past Whitton View will be.

?  Bridge Street:  Discussed earlier.

·    Planning Applications received for the following:

?  A/2008/0230: Ms D Mennim, Dalmatia - extension - supported

?  A/2008/0167: Mr M Adamson, Rothbury Family Butchers - change of use, Mosaic Crafts - supported.

Any Other Business

?  Coun. Fendley said the allotment tenants had had the ability to transport manure onto their land, however due to lack of access they cannot now do this.

?  Coun. Sandford said regarding access to the golf club - it had historically been agreed between ADC/NCC/Northumberland Estates  road marking would be undertaken and NE would pay, however he has spoken to ADC who have said they are getting the run around from NE, as ADC did not put these points in writing onto the final plan when it was put forward to Development Control Committee, and NE are now passing the task around - Peter Biggars ADC has been approached for advice

?  Coun. Murray asked if it is  possible to have minutes put into the PC notice board - Coun. Dawson said there is not enough space to put 8 pages on display.

?  Coun. Murray asked if police can monitor parking in Brewery Lane - as previously reported the minibus is finding problems with the Friday shopping bus.

?  Coun. Edes reported Jubilee Institute AGM - PC being invited as a user to send a representative.

?  Coun. Murray mentioned the precept figure queried at the last PC meeting - ADC have explained it is to do with the Burial Committee using reserves, clerk to seek clarification..

?  Coun. Reynalds reported a resolution has to be made for the PC to be able to talk in private. 

CLOSED MEETING

Haugh Land

Coun. Dawson had contacted a solicitor regarding the 10 year restriction who had then written to NE, with a reply received stating they are to look and see if they are prepared to alter this stipulation.

Date of Next Meeting

Wednesday 11^h June 2008 commencing 715pm in the Jubilee Hall, following the Annual Assembly of the PC.

The meeting finished at 1030pm.

Claire Miller, Clerk