Minutes of
the meeting of Rothbury Parish Council
held on
Wednesday 17th October 2007
The meeting commenced at
7.15pm
Present
Coun. Reynalds, Mrs Dawson, Mrs Edes, Mrs Morton, Gilson, Murray, Sandford ,
Coun Bridgett and the Clerk
Apologies
Coun. Dawson, Fendley, Coun. Sue Bolam
Member of the Public Present
Alistair Costley present for part of the meeting
Minutes of Previous Meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed
after minor amendments
Crime & Disorder Forum
Coun Gilson mentioned after Inspector Peart's attendance at a
previous PC meeting, it had been said she would contact every member of the PC
personally, however to date nobody has been contacted - clerk to contact
Inspector Peart on this matter. Coun Bridgett has been asked by Northumbria
Police to test a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme at Jubilee Crescent - with a scheme
in place it could lead to lower car and home insurance for residents, and if
successful, it will be tried around the village. Coun Murray said there is
presently a NW scheme at Addycombe and Coun Sandford reported a scheme at
Hillside East. Coun Gilson thought if the police do not think there are any
official watch schemes in the area they should be informed of any in existence -
clerk to action.
Rural
Transport Initiative Sub-Committee
Coun Morton had been asked about Sunday services, Coun Reynalds reported there
are no services now running on a Sunday. Coun Bridgett had proposed at an ADC
meeting the District Council have an obligation to provide bu services for the
community, this request was turned into the idea of looking at public transport
across the Alnwick district, with a working party created and Parish councilor's
could be involved in this. Coun Sandford thought it strange ADC offer bus passes
to OAP's when there is inadequate public transport. It was reported the late
Morpeth bus service on a Friday & Saturday is being funded until December. Coun
Reynalds reiterated John Lazarus Chairman of UCTG is to resign at the AGM next
month, which is linked to TINN's suggestion to take over the valley minibus, but
this could result in it being lodged at Alnwick, and the only way of retaining
the bus in the valley is to recruit a UCTG Chairman from the PC or Local Area.
Coun Sandford said TINN are growing into a larger group, and now have 17
permanent staff, and keeping the bus in the area is imperative. Coun Edes
suggested writing to drivers of the shopper's bus asking if they would be
interested in the role. Coun Reynalds said John Lazarus is happy to speak to a
successor. Coun Murray asked what the legal requirements would be for the
Chairmanship, Coun Reynalds replied it is related to the charitable relationship
the organisation has with no particular qualifications or experience required.
Coun Murray said he would be interested but has not done anything like this in
the past. Coun Reynalds said common sense is the most important aspect of the
role. TINN have explained their services in Over the Bridges, and Coun Sandford
said they are about to approach PC's and other organisations to sell their
service, and have widened the person's eligible to use their transport - for
example it can now be used be groups for social purposes. Coun Reynalds reported
a reply from NCC regarding the reduction of services - NCC stating Go-North East
have agreed to cover some of ARRIVA's routes. Coun Murray's wife had spoken to a
bus passenger since Go-North East took over, who has saved £7 weekly in bus
fares travelling to Morpeth. Coun Murray mentioned park & ride deals, whereby
commuters park at a coach park at the Metro Centre and buses are laid on to
ferry persons to Newcastle, with a weekly fee payable for the service. Coun
Sandford thought this an interesting point as he himself travels to Newcastle on
a regular basis. Coun Reynalds in receipt of Youth Ticket information from
Go-North East.
Play Areas
Coun. Gilson was asked to look into the Rospa report for the Addycombe play area
project, but did lose his way slightly, and could not find anything written down
that confirms if Rospa actually stood in the area and said it was fine, then a
year later disagreed with this statement. There were two minor comments from the
annual report with medium risk, Coun Gilson has contacted Climb 'n' slide who
said it was nothing to do with them. Coun Reynalds thought the PC should employ
somebody to just carry out the repairs, Coun Sandford suggesting asking Lisa
Mason if there is anybody still connected with the area who could rectify the
problems. Coun Gilson confused about the spiel of Rospa, Coun Sandford replied
the actual wording is complicated so Rospa cover themselves and common sense
should prevail. Coun Murray said from memory it was the seat they were pointing
out in case somebody ran into it, however Coun Gilson was told by the children
they could not reach the seat from the equipment. Coun Gilson suggested minuting
as the area has been inspected and the PC are aware of the two medium risks,
appropriate action is therefore being taken. This agreed.
West End Entrance/Bridge Street
Coun Sandford reported NCC had said the scheme could
not be included in planned works this financial year, but the PC were hoping to
include it 2008/09 it was agreed to now contact NCC requesting this, clerk to
action.
Rothbury Shoppers Group
Invoice for September £100.00 - fares received £106.00.
War Memorial
Memorial re-dedicated, item to be taken off agenda
Nursing Home
Nothing to report.
Ambulance Service/Patient Transfer
ADC Local Wide Plan
Coun Bridgett asked if this was the 'core strategy', Coun Sandford confirmed
this. Coun Bridgett said ADC had received the Inspector's report, but
unfortunately decisions had been taken before his time and he could not vote on
some issues, but he is concerned about Greenfield sites being used for housing,
and rural villages having no future
Village Greens
Nothing to report.
Bridge Closure
Christmas Lights
Committee
Coun Mrs Dawson reported a donation of £200 from the Simonside Country Fair and
£500 from CADS, total fund now at £2900
Spar Shop
Empty premises now looking dingy. Coun Gilson had visited the CO-OP in Morpeth
and compared prices on certain lines, Coun Reynalds commented the CO-OP have
always used different pricing rates. Coun Sandford said the PC can be concerned
but it is a commercial operation owned by private owners, Coun Gilson suggested
writing to the CO-OP manager and asking them to justify the extra expense. Coun
Bridgett agreed it is a commercial body, but with the Rothbury population
expanding it is concerning. Coun Sandford agreed but said it is market forces.
Coun Murray did bring this matter up when SPAR first closed and thought the
CO-OP simply cannot cope since the SPAR closed, and understands Alna Beith has
taken up the matter but cannot see how the PC can be more successful than a
member of parliament. Coun Gilson suggested Alan Beith be contacted and asked
what action he is taking. Coun Sandford thought the local CO-OP manager should
be contacted firstly with a copy of the letter forwarded to Alan Beith. This
agreed. Coun Morton reported the craft shop closing at Christmas.
Picnic Area
Coun. Murray reported graffiti is still there, the table has not been actioned,
but the 'homemade' footpath has been rectified.
Village Shrubbery
Coun Bridgett wished to thank Coun Murray for his gardening works at the
riverside. Coun Murray mentioned the cemetery, and would it be possible to get
bins placed at the gate as the one there appears inadequate. Coun Sandford
reported there are 3 bins in the cemetery, however Coun Murray replied most
persons use the bin at the gate. Coun Sandford said new bins were purchased
which are slightly smaller, but a large commercial wheelie bin is to be placed
outside of the main gate.
Web Site
Coun Reynalds had spoken to Duncan Elson,
and PC minutes are displayed immediately on receipt unless he is on holiday, and
after his retirement the account is to be passed on. Coun Gilson had looked
again at the site and minutes displayed on it are dated 2002, and thought it
should be professionally managed. Coun Murray thought time was to be set aside
specifically to discuss what information should be displayed on the web-site.
Coun Sandford reiterated Michael Hodgson has offered to run a web-site free of
charge.
Graffiti
Discussed earlier
Signage
Coun Murray said certain areas and streets have no signs, and thinks this matter
should be seriously looked at and nameplates erected on all areas required,
however this will clearly involve expenditure. He has looked at Station Road,
Whitton Road, Cinder Bank and Commercial Buildings and has been in touch with
various map makers. Coun Murray knows of a resident regularly needing medical
equipment delivered and whose usual driver was on holiday, whereby the
unfamiliar driver could not find the house. It is finding out what the proper
street names are that is a problem, as the NCC map contains errors. Coun
Sandford asked if Gravelly Bank was the correct name, Coun Murray thought so.
Coun Gilson thought there was a Department of Highways Authority in Hexham that
holds a definitive map. Coun Reynalds said there is a map of footpaths but not
of streets. Coun Murray was told the Ordnance Survey hold the definitive map but
they do not sell maps personally. Coun Sandford suggested contacting Development
Control ADC and if they can't help asking them where maps can be sought from.
Rothbury Plan - Minutes circulated from meeting 19/09/2007
Haugh Land: Coun. Sandford said 18 months ago Coun Dawson took on board the
rental discussions, however N/Estates are still holding progress up - it was
agreed to wait until Coun Dawson was in attendance at a PC meeting.
Hospital: Coun. Sandford mentioned the weed
problem on the path - NCC did promise to contact himself to say what action
would be taken when he initially reported the problem 2 months ago, and would
like to know what, if any, action they are taking, as if not delt with the weeds
will take over the whole path. Clerk to contact NCC and remind them half the
path's cost was financed by the NHS Trust.
Youth Project: Coun Sandford reported a
Youth Project presentation at the ADC meeting held last night, with a 12 minute
video opportunity to show what is happening, which was very kindly organised by Coun Dawson. The project are hoping for a breakthrough in securing funding. Coun
Bridgett reported the Youth Project presentation did the young persons of
Rothbury justice.
Recycling: Nothing to report
Parking: Coun. Murray reported on at least
two occasions the Community Bus has been unable to access Brewery Lane as
vehicles have been parked on both sides of the road, and thought if persons are
not adhering to the Highway Code it should be looked at placing double yellow
lines in the area. Coun Sandfrod asked if Dick Frazer NCC was to attend a
meeting, however he has not to date confirmed his attendance. Coun Gilson
reported on Garleigh and Wagtail Road there is more parking on the road edges
with vehicles parking all day, eg local builders as they are now unable to park
free of charge on the Haugh. Coun Murray said several companies do not have
large depots for parking. Coun Bridgett said there is a problem when the
Coquetvale Hotel is busy, with persons parking on both sides of the road and
close together, and if the fire engine were called out it would not be able to
get past. Coun Murray said the grass verges have been reinstated on Garliegh
Road, but residents are parking on the reinstated verges and the problem is
back, and Coun Gilson commented the contractor's who carried out the work were
not up to scratch.
Cyclepath: Nothing to report.
Speed Cameras: Nothing to report.
Footpaths: Coun. Morton reported dogs dirt
outside the CO-OP every day, Coun Bridgett said council workers would clean it
up in the early morning if it was done late at night. Coun Murray mentioned the
request for more no dog fouling signs - there have been some placed in Addycombe.
Clerk to request additional signs at CO-OP, Beggars Rigg, Parish Hall area and
Donkin's Well and report the fouling problems outside the CO-OP.
Street Lighting: E-mail from Riverside resident Richard Clark
regarding shrubbery needing pruning at Riverside, which is area PC have
previously requested be actioned - clerk to contact NCC
Signage: Nothing to report.
Recycling:-
Nothing to report.
Enhance Public Areas: Nothing to report.
Heritage Amenity Project: Nothing to report.
Information Signage: Coun Murray has made some basic enquiries and looked
at different boards in the area, and contacted ADC regarding funding, and asked
for areas of interest that would benefit from information boards. Coun Murray
thought Donkin's Well appropriate. Coun Reynalds suggested a poster be placed in
the PC notice board asking for requests.
The following Accounts have been
authorised
i]. Joint Burial Committee - 32.5 hours x £7 = "227.50 - Cemetery
Superintendent work carried out in the village
ii]. BDO Stoy Hayward LLP - Audit Fee - £358.38
iii]. TINN - September bus fee - £100 - fares received - £106
iv]. H Edes - £58.90 - bulbs
The following has been banked
ADC - Precept £6166.50
External Auditors report received with comments directed to SLCC handbook which
costs £22.99 plus postage
Seats and Trees
i]. Coun Edes reported bulbs planted by the Cubs last night, and requested
a letter of thanks be sent to them.
ii]. Coun Edes asked for Amanda Boyce to work an additional two weeks, this
agreed.
iii]. Amanda Boyce has bolted down the seat at Hillside and Coun Gilson
transferred the plaque. Coun Sandford pleased to see this actioned, but after
closer look the nuts could be taken off in seconds, Coun Gilson agreed with
these comments, but thought if anybody really wishes to steal a seat they will
do, but it is a deterrent.
iv]. Coun Edes reported Amanda Boyce has carried out Hillside seat
maintenance - other seats to be actioned when time/weather permits.
v]. Coun Edes reported Ian Fletcher is prepared to carry out a report on
the Cherry Trees.
Paths & Verges
Nothing to report.
Addycombe Drains
Coun Murray reported the drain has been dug up - a boulder had been stuck and
the drain now renewed. To be taken off agenda
Post Office
Barrier
Nothing to report.
Allotments
Complaint received about some of the allotments not being
maintained. It was thought PC byelaws would have to be introduced before plot
users could be contacted
Correspondence
Planning
Planning Applications
received for the following:
A/2007/0508: Mr & Mrs Delaney, Westholme - conservatory - supported
A/2007/0526: Mr J Aynsley, Horizon Homes - 2 dwellings, land at
Whitegables, Hillside - supported
Approval of Planning
Application have been received for the following:
A/2007/0442: Northumberland Estates - tree works
Withdrawal of Planning Application:
A/2007/0408: Mr & Mrs Gutherson,
1 Market Place - dwelling
Addycombe Development: (Whitton View)
Coun. Sandford reported himself and Coun Fendley had
met with the developers and discussed lighting and road issues - they have
placed tarmac in some places, which is slightly improved. Overall, work is well
advanced with phase 2 underway. The dust problem was discussed and the
contractor's did say machinery was available to alleviate the problem, but not
in a big way - Coun Sandford thought this matter should be pressed with them
again next summer. Coun Murray reported one of the affected residents is making
representations to ADC personally and the matter is being properly investigated. Coun Murray said as drain problems are unresolved therefore the road problems
will be unresolved until this work is carried out.
Deuchet Court: Nothing to report.
Bridge Street:
Nothing to report.
Any Other Business
i]. Coun Reynalds reported aerial photographs of Rothbury historically
purchased by the PC which were on display in the library, and suggested passing
them onto the Heritage Group via Coun Fendley - agreed.
ii]. Coun Reynalds reported the wreath has been ordered for Remembrance Day
iii]. Coun Reynalds reported the PCC have requested approval for graveyard
tree trimming
Date of Next Meeting
Wednesday
The meeting
finished at 10.0pm.
Claire Miller Clerk