Minutes of the meeting of Rothbury Parish Council
held on Wednesday 12th September 2007

The meeting commenced at 7.15pm


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

Apologies Coun. Fendley, Coun. Sue Bolam

Member of the Public Present
Alistair Costley present.

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

Crime & Disorder Forum
Meeting held 4/09/2007, next meeting to be 4/12/2007. Coun. Dawson reported the usual items were discussed and crime figures are falling in Rothbury. A temporary speed camera was installed and subsequently speeding tickets issued. Coun. Gilson reported a traffic warden in the area, and he himself noticed a large wagon travelling at speed through the village. The Police Station is definitely to be relocated. Coun. Edes reported traffic count carried out by NCC which registered the number, weight and speed of vehicles - it was agreed to ask NCC for any results of this available.

Rural Transport Initiative Sub-Committee
Coun. Murray reported ARRIVA are terminating their bus services for Rothbury on 22/09/2007, Northumbria Coaches have stepped in and will be running some extra services, but late buses on a Friday & Saturday night will cease, and no buses at all will be running on a Sunday. Coun. Sandford thought this strange news as within the last month the press had reported additional services to be run. Coun. Murray had received correspondence from ARRIVA confirming the termination of the services, however Coun. Sue Bolam is aware of the fact and looking at ways of gaining extra funding, and NCC are to approach ADC for available funds. Coun. Gilson assumes decisions have been made on a commercial basis, and are there facts and figures available as to how many persons use the Sunday service. Coun. Murray replied rural services are usually underused, and figures are available from the bus companies ticket machines. Coun. Gilson wondered whether great time should be spent on this subject when nothing economical can be done. Coun. Dawson said the way it has been handled is discourteous, surely common sense says if there has been a funding problem, the bus company and NCC should inform the areas affected. Coun. Sandford said it is even more difficult to accept the decision after new bus routes were promised. Coun. Murray thought ARRIVA would suddenly have contacted NCC about funding problems. Northumbria Coaches have recently been taken over by Go-North East, although Northumbria Coaches are to be left to run their side - GNE are not to put their own management team in. Coun. Murray commented when bus services first went private, the organisation who took over North of the Tyne tried different ideas, and put the effort in, and this should be being done now by the present companies. Coun. Dawson said NCC are supposed to be working in partnership with ADC and PC's, and how they operate is a matter for the operators, but he is unaware of any correspondence received from NCC - if this is happening now, going to one unitary authority will it be any better? Coun. Sandford suggested a resolution, Coun. Reynalds expressed serious concern over cuts to local services, particularly when the local plan encourages people to use public transport - comments to be forwarded to NCC. Coun. Reynalds reported ARRIVA are dropping their teen card, though Go-North East are introducing a similar scheme.

Play Areas
Coun. Gilson had looked at the Addycombe Rospa report and visited the play area - there is one medium risk observation which has been noted on the T swing with the cradle and junior seat - an obstacle in the free space/fall area at seat and fencing - Coun. Gilson not quite sure what this means. The head injury criteria requirements of climb-n-slide are medium risk, but not explained in detail. There is also a problem with the gate latch being ripped off. Coun. Sandford said the plan was given to Rospa before the new equipment was installed with no comment given from them then. Coun. Gilson had spoken to nine children at the park, comments were to give their roundabout back. Coun. Gilson also looked at the Riverside play area - two gates were missing and both baby swing cradles bars are broken. It was agreed to contact ADC on this and also remind them about the reinstatement works required to the old area. Coun. Murray said the catch at Addycombe play area has been put on by various parents, but the children are throwing it shut to smash it off. Clerk to give Coun. Gilson details of Climb-n-slide for advice on the latch.

West End Entrance/Bridge Street
Nothing to report.

Rothbury Shoppers Group
Invoice for August £146.25 - fares received £145.00.

War Memorial
Coun. Dawson in receipt of the final account for the work, insurance cheque to be forwarded to them, although now out of date. Re-dedication of the memorial to be carried out 30/09/07 @ 2.30pm, with parade from Providence Lane. Coun. Gilson wondered if current military could attend, however the Cadets are sending three attachments. for re-dedication of the memorial..

Nursing Home
Coun. Sandford & Dawson had visited Wentworth Grange, Riding Mill and spoken to the staff who had been asked by the owner what they thought improvements to the present establishment were required. Coun. Sandford & Dawson most impressed with the nursing home and staff, being very well run with pleasant atmosphere. The owner had met with the NHS trust, and are now trying to arrange a meeting in Rothbury with the Trust to look at the whole site and they could go back to the original scheme and share certain facilities with the hospital.

Ambulance Service/Patient Transfer
 Nothing to report.

ADC Local Wide Plan
Amendments received - Coun. Reynalds thought none important to this community. Coun. Sandford still not clear with the LWP concerning certain areas dedicated to housing development, and how in simple terms will it work. Coun. Dawson understood there is an allocated amount of housing to be built throughout the district, 40% in Alnwick, 40% in Amble, 10% Rothbury & 10% for other communities, ADC will state sites identified and what will be built on the site, styles, materials etc, affordable percentage, and if contractor's do not agree with the criteria other developers can step in.

Village Greens
Nothing to report.

Bridge Closure
Nothing to report.

Christmas Lights Committee
Meeting to be held within the next month..

Spar Shop
Coun. Reynalds had heard the covenant was not to be permitted. Coun. Sandford thought Alan Beith was concerned about the closure and getting involved. Coun. Gilson stated his disappointment the old Shilton's building planning application being withdrawn, and the centre of the village is starting to look run down and the longer delays go on the worse these buildings will become. Coun. Dawson said similar problems occurred in Bridge Street previously with empty properties. Coun. Sandford commented they are all private concerns, and it is finding business persons willing to pay the rent which becomes a problem.

Picnic Area
Coun. Murray reported T. Derbyshire has the picnic table request in hand and the entrance sign has been removed, graffiti is still there, however ADC have said they will remove this, although it is not within their duties.

Village Shrubbery
Area attended to being the tree at bridge end

Web Site
Nothing to report

Ten Year Plan  - Date of review suggested as Wednesday 19/09/2007 - 6.30pm - also Finance Sub-Committee
Haugh Land: Coun. Gilson reported the area is 12.012 acres, and the rental amount the Duke is asking the PC to pay is 5 times per acre a farmer would be charged for equivalent grazing land in the area. Coun. Dawson said the press cannot be present in contract negotiation. Matter to be discussed fully at 10 year plan review.
Hospital:   Coun. Sandford reported fierce weed problems on the second part of the new path and it is bubbling up alongside one part, he has spoken to NCC and been given assurances they will treat the area.
Youth Project:  Nothing to report.
Recycling: Nothing to report
Parking:  Coun. Sandford has received 3 complaints recently about parking, and the problem seems to have been worse this summer than ever. Coun. Gilson thought 3 complaints not bad at all considering the chaos that occurs, and is not part of Rothbury life. Coun. Dawson reported he had tried for the best part of 20 years to improve matters, and there has been no increase in parking provision since he was born, with no form of parking control whatsoever. More than 2 years ago at a meeting an aborted scheme was rejected and an agreement made with ADC/NCC to draw a small scheme up for the 2006 budget, however Coun. Dawson later took ill and all progress stopped. Coun. Sandford asked when the last parking meeting was, this was November 2005. It was thought Dick Frazer NCC should be invited to a meeting, along with ADC and Northumbria Police. Coun. Edes reported 30 spaces have been lost because of yellow lines.. Coun. Gilson wished to see proof of the economic downfall of Rothbury due to parking problems.
Cyclepath: Nothing to report.
Speed Cameras: Nothing to report.
Footpaths:  Coun. Murray was approached and asked when the hospital path lighting would be turned on, NCC have made assurances they are only waiting for a meter, and they should hopefully be in working order by the end of the week.
Street Lighting: Coun. Murray reported the light at Brewery Lane is not working, and this has been reported to NCC on two occasions. The Station Road lights have now been painted.
Signage: Nothing to report.
Recycling:- Nothing to report.
Enhance Public Areas: Nothing to report.

The following Accounts have been authorised
i].   C. Miller - quarterly salary & expenses £819.52
ii].   John Barleycorn - £500
iii].  T. Sandford - travelling expenses - £33.12
iv].  TW Alderson - £39.70
v].   NCC - £57.19 - cleaning Donkins Lamp in February
vi].  Request for funding - Adult Education, Tomlinson's Middle School - Coun. Sandford supported this in principal, but thought there had to be a ceiling figure, and is it possible people could take advantage of the scheme, once it is known the PC is willing to supplement it. Coun. Mrs Dawson replied their is a criteria for eligible person's. Coun. Edes said it will be the first come first served until the funding runs out. Coun. Dawson said the PC should agree a maximum figure, and is it a one off request, or will it become annual? Coun. Edes and Sandford thought it could be ongoing. Coun. Dawson thought if future changes in funding occur, the PC could be asked for a greater contribution. Coun. Dawson would only support the scheme if other PC's agreed to fund, Coun. Sandford said if funding is to come from the precept for Rothbury the PC's contribution should be specifically for Rothbury residents. Coun. Sandford proposed it be supported for Rothbury residents this year, and can be reviewed next year, with a ceiling of £400, agreed.

Seats and Trees
Coun. Gilson & Mrs Edes had inspected the village, and certain parts are in need of attendance. Coun. Gilson reported the white wooden fence near to the Chinese restaurant is rotten and definitely needs replacing - NCC responsibility. Coun. Edes said bulbs have been purchased previously for Scouts to plant and an extra 1,000 would cost £50, this agreed. Coun. Gilson mentioned the pot at the Turk's triangle, and did not think this suitable for a rural community, Coun. Sandford said the issue was debated for a year and he himself had purchased the pot from Heighley Gate, at the expense of the PC, as an expedient, and if something else is to be put there suggestions are welcome. Coun. Gilson proposed a wooden structure, Coun. Edes suggested this be placed around the pot, Coun. Sandford requested an illustration and costing be brought to the next PC meeting. Coun. Murray reported the seat at the top of the 1st school bank has been repaired, although the arm requires attention, and a waste bin next to the seat is required. Coun. Edes reported wedges have been replaced on seats cleaned by Amanda Boyce. Coun. Sandford reported the replacement seat at Hillside needs securing.

Paths & Verges
Coun. Sandford had been contacted by a Hillside resident commenting the path from Hillside East through to the village - Tynemouth Lane - persons are dumping hedge/grass cuttings on this path. Coun. Dawson said fly tipping should be reported to the Environment Agency, clerk to action.

Addycombe Drains
Nothing to report

Post Office Barrier
Correspondence received from NCC stating they are willing to provide a 2m pedestrian guardrail, but requesting the PC seek agreement from the PO and adjacent property Ashliegh.  Coun. Dawson said it is NCC Highways who should carry out consultation. Coun. Murray asked what the reasoning is for asking the neighbours, and to remember a small child very nearly suffered an accident.

Correspondence
i].     E-mail - .
ii].    RAF - Battle of Britain service 16/09/2007 - Chairman invitation - Coun. Reynalds to attend.
iii].   Northumberland & Newcastle Society - Journal - available for circulation
iv].    Environment Agency - sewage problems - Coun. Dawson reported T Derbyshire has agreed to remedial works to raise the footpath over the problem area, Coun. Dawson had contacted EA and asked why nothing happened - the crux of the matter is ADC have powers to make the householders have the area rectified, the problem being the legalities, every householder connected to the system has to be identified, and unless they can find all the householders they cannot enforce the action. Coun. Gilson said the e-mail states they know there is a broken pipe, Coun. Dawson said the problem is the pipe is discharging into the river. Coun. Murray said there are problems around the country due to broken drains, which could effectively lead to foot and mouth outbreaks. Coun. Gilson suggested replying saying it is difficult to understand in this time a raw sewage problem can go for so long without the responsible body rectifying the problem, then looking for the culprits.
v].     NCC - fire station approval - for information
vi].    ADC - revised members code of conduct
vii].   NCC - Development of area travel information co-ordinators - reply to correspondence sent.
viii].  NCC Minerals & waste development framework - Coun. Dawson noted there is still an identified site in this document for a waste disposal centre on the industrial estate.
ix].    ADC - polling district review - comments to be received by 27/09/2007
x].      Community action Northumberland - Leader Funding - deadline for bids 21/09/2007, requesting a letter of support.
xi].     Clerks & councils direct - available for circulation
xii].    ADC - Chairman's civic and youth awards
xiii].   The Clerk - newsletter - available for circulation
xiv].   North East war memorials project - newsletter
xv].    Funding request - Leisure classes - Dr Thomlinson Middle School - discussed earlier
xvi].   NCC - post office barrier - discussed earlier
xvii].  NCC area committee for Alnwick - meeting tomorrow morning 10.30am
xviii]. Green Seats - information from Coun. Fendley - to be discussed at 10 year plan
xix].   Parish Forum - 17/10/2007

Planning
Planning Applications received for the following:
          A/2007/0446: Mr & Mrs J Crane, 2 Deuchet Court - repairs to stonework - supported.
          A/2007/0467: Dr & Mrs Wilkinson, The Rowans, Silverton Lane - conservatory - supported

Approval of Planning Application have been received for the following:
          A/2007/0394: P. Edmondson, 6 Lordenshaw Drive - conservatory
          
Withdrawal of Planning Application:
          A/2007/0343: Mr Abu Essa - Shilton's Shop - change of use

Addycombe Development: (Whitton View)
 Coun. Sandford would like to know when the lights at the new junction are to be switched on, and there are still uneven surfaces at the junction, Clerk to contact NCC
Deuchet Court
Bridge Street: Nothing to report.

Electronic Planning Applications
To be discussed at next meeting - clerk to ask about loaning equipment as discussed at meeting with P Biggars.

Any Other Business
i].     Coun. Sandford reported the closed churchyard grass cutting was discussed at the joint burial committee held 11/09/2007, and the problems with overgrown shrubbery had occurred due to adverse weather conditions. If the cemetery superintendent is unable to cope with the work in the future he is to contact Coun. Edes/Sandford and alternative arrangements can then be made.
ii].    Coun. Murray reported planning permission had been given for the tree works at riverside
iii].    Coun. Murray requested additional signs for dog fouling be placed around the village.
iv].    Coun. Murray reported no road signs on Station Road, Whitton Road and had mentioned a while ago a sign for Cinder Bank - clerk to contact ADC
v].      Coun. Murray reported NE65 7 postcode comes up as Morpeth and causes problems for delivery drivers. Coun. Reynalds does not know the answer to solving this problem, Coun. Sandford said Morpeth is the official postal address.
vi].      Coun. Edes reported the large cherry tree west of the cross opposite the surgery needs serious pruning and could it be looked at and agreed if this work should be done. Coun. Dawson said Ian Fletcher did carry out a report but was then not to happy at the subsequent works carried out by the PC. Coun. Gilson thought the PC should employ a professional tree surgeon. Coun. Edes proposed asking Ian Fletcher to provide a report, this agreed.
vii].      Coun. Dawson Said it is likely PC's will be asked to take on additional duties within a unitary council, and thought it would be helpful to hold a meeting specifically on Planning Applications - how decisions are based etc, which do occur at Alnwick occasionally. It was suggested P Biggars be requested to attend a specific meeting for this

Date of Next Meeting
Wednesday 17th October 2007 commencing at 7.15pm in the Jubilee Hall

The meeting finished at 9.05pm.
Claire Miller Clerk