Minutes of the meeting of Rothbury Parish Council held on Wednesday 14th January 2009

The meeting commenced at 7.15pm

PRESENT

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

Over the Bridge Report
Coun. Gilson to compile.

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

Matters Arising from Previous Minutes

Meeting with Environment Agency
Sarah McCrea & Stephen Wilkinson present. It was explained the EA are responsible for putting in new works through flood risk problems, specifically Copletch Burn culvert works. In November 2004 the culvert was enmained - before this it was ADC's responsibility, now EA have the power to carry out works. New screens were installed in 2005 and a pre-feasibility report completed January 2007, it was thought some parts could collapse in 5-10 years. Consultants had suggested relining - the entrance was originally 2 sections of 2 foot square sandstone - beams had collapsed at Brewery Lane into concrete pipes, and at town foot it crosses the road in steel pipes, although blocked with debris, this part is still in adequate condition. The section at Lindsay House was fairly blocked and under capacity, further downstream the condition ok - however over one of Northumbrian Water crossings debris does snag. The culvert was cleaned out July 2007, and works were carried out 8/9/08 - which initially involved repairing the flood bank at the riverside. The manhole behind Lindsay House to the bottom of Muckles yard was realigned with steel reinforcement mesh. Upstream works also carried out, with a larger trash screen put in with less chance it will block/flood. Future works will cover reviewing the flood risk from the Coquet; drain works, culvert replacement at Lindsay House, and repairs to the riverside pumping station. Coun. Fendley asked where exactly the area was as he thought near the stepping stones - confirmed it is the entrance to the forestry commission driveway. The works at Lindsay House to be carried out were outlined, the owner had approached EA regarding an option to sell his land, and said he would provide vacant possession and demolish the extension and garage behind the property; however the tenant in the building is still to move out. The Pumping Station electronics and generator had suffered flooding damage but now repaired, however Northern Electric now need to carry out works. Coun. Dawson said screens had been installed at the top end of Copletch which have proved very effective, and the culvert is a tremendous improvement. Coun. Fendley said regarding reviewing the flood risk, what is the timescale for this review and will it be in the public domain ASAP? Stephen replied there is no problem in sharing information which is displayed on the EA website. Coun. Fendley commented about Northern Electric not attending site very quickly - as it is now 4 months after the flooding. Coun. Gilson said about a year ago the EA mentioned doing this and that, and there was a rumour investigation of Copletch started 4 years ago, and when did EA first take action? Stephen replied May 2004, and the process involved ADC picking up the potential of the river to flood properties which then turned the area into a critical watercourse, EA then submitted application to Defra to turn it into a main river which will give EA powers to action. Coun. Gilson asked about the 600mm pipe which should have been 500mm, Stephen replied it followed a similar route from town foot, running alongside the culvert. Coun. Sandford asked Stephen about relaxation nationally on planning laws which could speed up issues, ego compulsory land purchase, however Stephen replied agreement is the best way, and compulsory purchase can take up to 7 years. The PC felt slightly dismayed a situation could develop where issues are left over a lengthy time, the landowner to the right of Lindsay House did dispute powers of access, and the EA had had to attend court to gain a warrant, then further discussions with the landowner, and the EA had been nowhere near agreeing a compensation figure with the owner. Stephen said it is down to individuals, some are more obstructive than others. Coun. Morton asked what would have happened if the Lindsay House landowner had refused, Stephen replied other options would have been researched or the situation could have been left. Coun. Dawson asked how the PC can feed comments into flood risk assessment, as local people have knowledge of where properties have flooded in the past - the EA did receive local knowledge after the September flooding, and meetings/drop-in-centres could be held. Persons affected could be contacted, however if serious flooding only occurred every 100-300 years, the EA would have no knowledge of this. Coun. Dawson said it comes back to local knowledge. Coun. Murray asked if comments could be made on the EA web-site, Sarah said forms are available for completion, and groups of persons are entitled to talk to the EA. In September the burn did not react in the way it has historically done, and in response to this the trigger was moved from Shillmoor to Alwinton, with a study being carried out until Summer 2009 to look at flood warning improvements. Coun. Murray asked if there was a camera at Copletch, Stephen replied the EA are planning to place a camera there, however the plan has been slightly revised which allows checks on site conditions, and can be viewed 24 hours a day. Sarah said flood warden schemes can be carried out. Coun. Bridgett thought the best option with timing surveys is they can be passed onto the flood support group who have contacts for flood victims. Coun. Edes said the flood bank at riverside had been installed 15 years ago, and below that opposite the stepping stones is a large wall, where water had previously never gone over, and can walls on houses not be raised? Stephen replied the bank was built from clay and is far cheaper than reinforced wall. Coun. Murray asked when the pipe was reduced from 600 to 500mm would this cause problems for new housing built, Stephen replied Northumbrian Water had had to look at their design and confirmed 500mm was adequate.

Meeting with Police
The police reported 8 crimes had occurred since 1/12/08,2 had been detected and 2 are in the process of being detected. The area does attract scrap metal/diesel thefts, however none had occurred recently. A few complaints had been received about parking outside the Queens Head and Philips newsagent, and a laser machine was detecting speeding traffic. Coun. Fendley said with the flooded properties having contractor's working on them, materials will be wide open for crime. The police sergeant said it is a big problem, and Morpeth have suffered similar problems. Coun. Gilson said after the flooding it was said Rothbury was completely cut off, however you could get out of the village - police sergeant replied it had been extremely difficult and the police themselves had struggled. Coun. Fendley asked what point Coun. Gilson was trying to make. Coun. Sandford said as a resident of Hillside East, at least 2 burglaries had occurred in the last 12 months, and there have been occurrences in the past, and he does not get the feeling Rothbury is burglary proof - police replied Rothbury does have a very high quality of life compared to other areas, and is extremely crime free. After one occurrence Coun. Sandford had been contacted by a traffic policeman, and had not been impressed with the lack of action - after a previous burglary Coun. Sandford had given local police facts which were not followed up. Coun. Fendley said statistically the level of burglary is very low. Coun. Bridgett added Rothbury experiences one of the lowest crime rates in the Northumbria region, and if there are management issues the Chief Constable will be attending the next police priority setting group. Coun. Morton did not share Coun. Gilson's remarks on flooding, and work carried out in September was hands on, and the person's involved could not have done any more. Coun. Gilson said he was not trying to say the police did not do anything, and thought all the emergency services reacted remarkably well, but said the PC should have been more involved.

Crime & Disorder Forum
Next forum March.

Rural Transport/Shopping Bus
AGM 12/2/09.

Play Areas
Nothing to report.

West End Entrance/NCC LTP
Coun. Bridgett reported the next meeting of the Alnwick Area Committee will be Monday where the LTP will be approved.

NHS Governor matters
Coun. Sandford had discussed mobile breast screening with NHS North of Tyne, which is part of the Care Trust, and the main reason why screening is not held in Rothbury is the equipment is only partly mobile. Coun. Fendley thought demography and cost were the main reasons after reading Coun. Bridgett's information concerning the matter. Coun. Sandford said transport can be provided by the NHS ifpersons's are unable to get to Morpeth. Coun. Gilson backed up these comments. Coun. Murray understood the comments made but are persons' aware transport is available. Coun. Morton thought it could be on the initial letter received by all women invited for screening. Coun. Sandford does understand it says this on the letter - clerk to request reasons in writing for unit not being situated in Rothbury.

Nursing Home
Coun. Sandford reported GeoffLee owner of the nursing home group will attend the March PC meeting, along with Dr Cameron. Coun. Fendley supported this but asked about the intrusion of expert witnesses attending meetings which compresses the PC agenda. Coun. Morton asked if the proposed home will be equipped for dementia patients, Coun. Sandford not sure about this, but it can be asked at the March meeting.

Flooding/Dealing with Emergencies
Coun. Fendley thought it bizarre to hear the EA are knocking on flooding victims doors when they are not in their properties, and they should contact the flood support group instead. Coun. Murray thought the flood warden issue should be looked at. Coun. Gilson said the PC should be prepared for emergencies with some sort of preparation if something goes severely wrong. Coun. Edes cannot see how the PC can be expected to be responsible for emergencies, they meet monthly, and the emergency services are paid for their actions. Coun. Gilson thought there is a level of local knowledge and expertise and if something goes wrong organisations should be able to contact whoever. e.g. the Parish Council, for local information. Coun. Edes suggested Coun. Gilson draw up an emergency plan. Coun. Fendley asked who would be accountable and have litigation served against them, Coun. Murray thought there was a plan drawn up, Coun. Gilson said blue light services do have full plans and he was prepared to devise a document. Coun. Murray said there has got to be something in place now, eg through ADCINCC/EA, and thought Coun. Gilson should contact them and suggest integration.

Village Greens
Nothing to report.

Community Lights Committee
Coun. Mrs Dawson reported the stanchion works should be completed by March, but a fundraising drive will be required for new lights - next committee meeting to be held February. Coun. Edes reported a recent fund raising event had made £90. Coun. Gilson asked if there is a publicity unit within the committee as he had been frequently asked why the PC were not sorting out the lights and he had had to explain it was the Community Lights Committee responsibility. Coun. Fendley said letters of thanks had been sent to persons aiding with erecting the lights.

Website
Nothing to report.

Signage
Coun. Gilson asked where the RPC boundary ended, as he had received comment about the byway at Addycombe to the Hillside, and understood there used to be a notice there stating it was a bridleway and not suitable for motor vehicles - since satellite navigation he had witnessed several lorries accessing this track - Coun. Murray said two had been delivering materials to Addycombe Farm, however Coun. Gilson had witnessed a 6 wheeler and an articulated and a resident in the area had complained to him - Coun. Sandford said the person complaining does make up the road himself to a standard as he uses it daily. However Coun. Gilson had been asked why the sign had been removed, Coun. Sandford had never seen such a notice, and commented sat nav is causing problems nationally. Coun. Fendley expressed ignorance of the PC boundary, but thought it is within RPC's jurisdiction. Coun. Gilson asked if a sign could be placed, Coun. Edes requested NCC be asked for the PC's boundaries and whether a sign had ever been in the area.

NSP Partnership
Report received from NSP, with comment by 6/2/09, Coun. Fendley to look at.

Turks Head area gully
Coun. Gilson said having brought up this issue, someone has now smashed a post and left ruts in the
road. Coun. Edes suggested NCC be written to again. Coun. Bridgett said it is included in NCC's work schedule, finance dependent. Coun. Dawson said he had witnessed a CO-OP delivery van flattening the post, Coun. Sandford asked if the CO-OP are to pay for this, as the sensible approach of the driver would have been to report the accident as he had been stuck on the bank. Coun. Sandford said there had been a number of small instances, and he was not aware of the PC following up compensation from insurance, person's carrying out damage. It was agreed to write to the CO-OP stating the PC are aware one of their wagons was witnessed before Christmas damaging a post.

Churchyard Wall
No progress with Structural Engineer, Coun. Bridgett suggested contacting NCC Engineer - Coun. Mrs Dawson to progress.

Quality Parish Council
Coun. Sandford reported himself and Coun. F endley had read the 10 point criteria - there are verx few critical points - they were to try and put a time period of 3 months to work it up - at the next PC meeting points will be highlighted for discussion.

Clock Chiming
Coun. Dawson to re-try and contact W Potts & Son - he has previously left messages. Coun. Reynalds had information of an engineer attending site 21/1/09.

Hanging Baskets
Coun. Bridgett said budgets are to be discussed at the Alnwick Area Committee meeting next week.

ADC Parish Forum
Coun. Murray had attended the forum with Coun. Dawson as Chairman. Coun. Dawson reported a paper had been put forward by NALCINCC on how they wished to see organisations working in co-operation, however there had been disquiet about the document, and they had been told to bring it back with a different set of proposals at a later meeting. Coun. Dawson thought if points are not addressed they will be told PC's do not wish to co-operate.

Rothbury Plan
Hospital: Nothing to report.
Haugh Land: Nothing to discuss.
Parking: Dick Fraser to follow up steering group proposals
Youth Project: Nothing to report.
Footpaths: Nothing to report.
Recycling: Nothing to report
Cyclepath: Sustrans have requested a PC letter of support for the project be forwarded to themselves. Coun. Edes has also spoken to local organisations to ask if they can also send letters.
Speed Cameras: Nothing to report
Street Lighting: Nothing to report.
Enhance Public Areas: Coun. Bridgett reported shop improvement funding still available, and if money not utilised it will be lost. There had not been a huge uptake, although there are applications pending, and it had been agreed at the ADC Policy Executive Meeting the remaining funds will be used to enhance public areas. Under funding agreed by the NCC Executive, 38K is being made available for public W/C improvements. Coun. Dawson confirmed there is a sum of money left from the shop front funding, and the recommendation had been made for it to be used for village improvements subject to NCC approval - covering improvements to lighting, signage, litter bin and tree planting. Coun. Dawson thought it would be better spent on lighting from the new estate past Armstrong Cottages. Coun. Fendley supported this but thought money was to be spent on generating information boards, Coun. Dawson said it is likely the funds could be used for this. Coun. Sandford asked if Rothbury would receive W IC improvements, Coun. Dawson confirmed this.
Heritage Amenity Project: Nothing to report.
Information Signage: Nothing to report.
AOB: Coun. Murray raised Donkin's Lamp bulb repairs - Coun. Dawson said NCC had required written correspondence requesting the bulbs be replaced, which he himself had written - clerk to write again.

The following Accounts have been authorised
. M Evens - £120.00
. G Stephenson - £60.00
. UCCT - £75.00
. T W Alderson - £5.10
. CADS - £50 agreed
. Coun. Murray said the shopping bus needs to be publicised, as custom is being lost and the PC will start to subsidise the bus, he has asked drivers to ask passengers if they know of any further users, and the PC need to be looking at advertising the bus service. Northumberland Gazette prepared to publicise and information to be included in Bridges report.

Seats & Trees
Alistair Gaskell carrying out bedworks in the village. Coun. Edes asked for suggestions of what should be placed in the memorial bed for 2009. Coun. Murray thought something to thank the people and services involved with the flooding problems. Coun. Bridgett thought as ADC is coming to an end a commemoration to the council - it was thought the ADC logo and dates of commencement and termination could be displayed.

Paths & Verges
Coun. Sandford mentioned the pathway from Addycombe to Hillside East, with numerous complaints being received, Coun. Bridget confirmed it is on the NCC maintenance plan, and work should be completed by the end of the financial year.

Unitary Councillor Report
Coun. Bridgett confirmed the Monday NCC Area Alnwick Committee meeting to ratify the L TP and medium term financial budget for next F/Y.

Correspondence
. M Hodgson - Dog Bins - Coun. Sandford reported the requested bin is now in place, Coun. Murray had received an e-mail received from M Hodgson complaining when placing the bin ADC did not remove the mess bags lying in the area, however M Hodgson had also contacted Coun. Sandford who had said it would be different personnel erecting bins and removing the debris, and thought the bin had been placed very quickly after the initial request, and applauded ADC for still carrying out their duties, regardless of the impending unitary authority changes. Coun. Dawson thanked the PC as Chairman of ADC for these comments.
. NCC - Statement of Community Involvement - comment required by 30/1/09 - regarding new planning documents- Coun. Sandford to look at.
. ADC - Licensing Act - Coun. Dawson said ADC are putting the responsibility onto NCC. Coun. Bridgett said there is nothing local authorities can do about limited licenses for the Jubilee Hall, but the committee are in the process of gaining a licensee for the Jubilee Hall.
. ADC - meeting 16/1/09 - renewable supplementary planning document stakeholder event. Coun. Mrs Dawson to look at ADC website documentation regarding comment on licensing act.
. CPRE - Newsletter
. Community Action - Newsletter
. Community Action - Annual Report
. N ALC - Annual Report
. Communities & Local Government

PLANNING
. Addycombe Development: Nothing to report.
. Planning Applications received for the following:
. A/2008/0608: Northumbria Police - change use - Coquetdale Art Centre - supported
. A/2008/0627: P Shadforth, Lindsay House - demolition - supported
. A/2008/0612: N Hemmings, The Copse - demolition of garage - already demolished
. A/2008/0607: Northumbria Police - fixed phone with signs - supported
. A/2008/0609: Northumbria Police - Advert Consent - supported
. Notice of Approval of Planning Permission
. A/2008/0530: G Noble, Thrum Mill Farm - demolition stable block
. Notice of Confirmation of Tree Preservation Order
. Land at Auction Mart
Any Other Business
. Coun. Sandford requested a note be sent to NCC regarding the road section to Alnwick where there is a permanent flood notice - it has become very dangerous for vehicles attempting to avoid the area, and he cannot understand why NCC have not carried out drainage works. Coun. Bridgett said the matter had also been raised by Cartington PC, and NCC have arranged a site meeting to discuss drainage works and landowners duties in keeping the watercourse clear.
. Coun. Sandford asked for the PC notice board to be cleaned.
. Coun. Fendley thought visitor sessions extremely valuable, but they can encroach too long into the meeting, and tonight it had been 81 Opm before the PC agenda business had been started. If issues are so important separate focus meetings should be held. Coun. Dawson thought a valid point, Coun. Sandford agreed with the comments, but a big consideration would be the possibility of an additional 12 meetings a year. Coun. Edes said she would be more prepared to stay longer on one night than attend on additional nights. Coun. Murray thinking about the clerk attending additional meetings, and would extra pay be required and previously meetings had commenced earlier when visitors present. Coun. Gilson asked if there is a way of taking items off the agenda when visitors present. Coun. Mrs Dawson suggested the item be added to the next agenda.
. Coun. Reynalds asked if a further finance sub-committee had been held - it was confirmed the last meeting had been held November 2008.
. Coun. Reynalds said there had been issues involved with last years Street Fair, and thought the PC could aid in more smoother running - to be added to next agenda.

Date of Next Meeting Wednesday 11th February 2009 commencing 715pm in the Jubilee Hall.

The meeting finished at 930pm.

Claire Miller, Clerk