Josh Turner

 

Broomhaugh & Riding Parish Council

 

Minutes of the Council meeting held on Monday 11^th November 2013 in the Parish Hall.

 

Councillors present:

Cllr. Malcolm Reid (Chairman)                                   Cllr. Andy Dunhill

Cllr. Jill Mills                                                                Cllr. Brian Singer

Cllr. Eileen Carew

Co-opted at meeting: Mr Bill Cairns

 

In attendance:

Cllr. Anne Dale – Northumberland County Council

Mrs Catherine Harrison – Parish Clerk

Public (10): Rob Archer, S Newman, A Newman, Barbara Purvis, Jean Rowntree, Linda Shepherd, Sue Soulsby, Linden Stephenson, Richard Walker and Brian Young

 

Cllr. Reid as Chairman opened the meeting at 7.47pm and welcomed Mrs Catherine Harrison, the new Parish Clerk.

 

1.         Apologies

None given.

 

2.         Declaration of Interests

No disclosures of personal and prejudicial interests from Councillors on matters to be considered at the meeting were given.

 

3.         Co-option of Councillor

Cllr. Reid proposed and Cllr. Mills seconded that Mr Bill Cairns be co-opted as a Councillor. This was unanimously agreed by the councillors. Cllr. Cairns then signed the requisite form and was welcomed to the Council.

 

4.         Approval of the minutes of the meeting of 9^th September 2013

It was agreed that the minutes of the Council meeting held on 9^th September 2013 were a true record and duly signed off by Cllr. Reid.

 

5.         Matters arising from the September meeting other than those listed on the agenda

(i)                  Minute 6c – Grass cutting

It was noted that the grass had been cut eight times and other designated areas strimmed only three times – the contract had allowed for sixteen cuts and areas to be strimmed six times.  It was agreed that the Clerk would contact NCC and ask for a rebate on the contract and that Cllr. Dunhill would contact the Cricket Club for recommendations as to a possible alternative contractor;

ACTION: CH/AD

 

(ii)                Minute 10 – Speed activation signs

Cllr. Reid reported that he had not yet contacted the installers but would do so shortly.  Concerns were expressed that the signs seemed to be triggered randomly or continued to flash once traffic had passed.  Members of the public were asked to report all such examples to the Clerk who would keep a record to send to the installers along with a request for a correct trigger speed and the relocation of the eastern sign;

ACTION: MR/CH

(iii)               Minute 13 – Long Rigg

Cllr. Mills reported that she had been in touch with the valuers but before proceeding she and Cllr. Reid would like to meet with the Long Rigg Residents’ Association representatives to discuss various ideas. It was agreed to arrange a meeting and report back to the December PC meeting;

ACTION: JM/MR

(iv)              Minute 17 – Dene Close Wall

Cllr. Mills reported that the letter referred to in the previous Minutes from 1999, lodged with the then PC’s solicitor, had not been found (the requirement to retain this type of document was only six years).  From all discussions it would appear that the ownership of the wall was never properly recorded on residents’ deeds.  Cllr. Reid suggested coming to a common sense agreement with the current residents.  His suggestion would be that the PC withdrew any claim to the wall and the properties would assume ownership.  This would entail responsibilities for the residents but would also allow them freedom to make an opening in the wall should they so wish.  Cllr. Reid agreed to write to all residents to outline his proposals;

ACTION: MR

(v)               Minute 18 – Remembrance Day

Cllr. Mills had attended the Remembrance Day Service.  It was noted that next year the Clerk should inform Alison White as to who would be attending the service and laying the wreath;

ACTION: CH

(vi)              Minute 22 – Format of Agendas

It was noted that the format of the Agenda had now been changed to include a summary of correspondence received from residents and also any consultation documents on which the PC had been asked to comment.  The consultation documents would also be displayed on the ridingmill.org website whenever possible;

 

(vii)            Minute 22 – Railway Footbridge

Cllr. Dunhill reported that Network Rail engineers had been to look at the footbridge but were still deciding on how to solve the drainage problem.  One suggestion had been to drill a drainage hole in the bridge but Cllr. Dunhill reported he was not in support of this solution.

ACTION: AD

 

6.         West End Bus Shelter

Cllr. Carew reported that the site for the bus shelter was complicated – a number of roads met and, with the hillside behind, there were drainage issues.  There had been some discussion about installing a bus shelter without a base but NCC insisted on a base construction.  The quote from NCC for installing the bus shelter base works including all drainage was £4750 excluding VAT.  The cost of the shelter from their preferred supplier, Clear Channel, was £4000 excluding VAT.

 

Quotes from other suppliers had been obtained but could not really be compared as they couldn’t offer the complete package.  It was also felt that if NCC completed the base any later drainage problems could be easily rectified.

 

Normally Standing Orders required three quotes for expenditure of this level, however, Cllr. Reid proposed to suspend Standing Orders for this one item on safety grounds and to accept only one quote.  This was seconded by Cllr. Singer and unanimously agreed by the councillors.  It was agreed to appoint NCC to undertake the base work and Clear Channel to supply the shelter.

ACTION: CH/EC

 

Cllr. Dale offered a grant of £1000 towards the cost of this work.

 

7.         Local Transport Plan

It was reported that the following three priorities had been submitted:

(i)     Pedestrian and cyclist road safety improvements between Stocksfield and A68/A695 roundabout at Riding Mill;

(ii)    Pedestrian safety – widening of pavement outside St James Terrace;

(iii)  Highways safety – realignment of A68 signage at Broomley/Healey junction.

8.         Arrangement for deposit account and signatories for current account

Before a further bank account could be opened for half the PC’s reserves as previously agreed, Standing Orders required signatories to be agreed by resolution of the PC.  Cllr. Reid proposed that the following five councillors should become bank signatories:

Cllr. Reid, Cllr. Mills, Cllr, Dunhill, Cllr. Carew, Cllr. Singer.

Cllr. Mills seconded this and it was agreed unanimously by the councillors.

ACTION: CH

 

9.         Tennis Club Management Plan

(i)         Rob Archer reported that as the residents had only responded to the Tennis Club Management Plan on 8^th November he felt unable to comment as he needed to meet with other members of the Tennis Club first.  He agreed to report back to the December PC meeting.

ACTION: RA

Cllr. Mills requested to see a copy of the initial grant offer from Sports England to check what was stipulated as regards offering multiuse facilities.

ACTION: RA

 

Cllr. Mills also raised discussions she had had with the solicitors re the lease.  The PC had to ensure it was not giving away an asset worth over £2million i.e. the land could not be put over for housing and raise such sums.  As this was clearly not the case Cllr. Mills proposed that no formal valuation was required because the land was worth manifestly below the sum of £2million.  This was seconded by Cllr. Singer and unanimously agreed by the councillors.

 

(ii)        Cllr. Reid reported that he felt it fair that the PC offered some support to local residents because of the changes and had offered that the PC meet half the cost of any plant screening chosen by Mrs Soulsby and Mr & Mrs Davison, the two closest residents, between the properties and the path.

 

Mrs Soulsby reported that whilst appreciative of the offer she felt that she should not be asked to pay and that it should be the responsibility of the Tennis Club.  She also requested that hedging be planted on the opposite side of the path closer to the courts, however, this was land currently used by the Pre-School for a garden.  It was noted that a laurel hedge would cost approximately £160.

 

Cllr. Reid reiterated that the offer only applied to her side of the path.  The PC might consider making a greater contribution but it would be a one-off offer and the PC would take on no obligation for trimming.  Mrs Soulsby agreed to consult her neighbours.

ACTION: SS

 

10.       Standing Orders

It was unanimously agreed to adopt the Model Standing Orders for Smaller Parish Councils compiled by the Northumberland Association of Local Councils.  Cllr. Reid duly signed a copy of the Standing Orders.

 

11.       Budget

Cllr. Reid reported that the budget for next year would be set at the December meeting but asked all councillors to put forward any suggestions for large expense items in advance of this meeting.

 

Cllr. Mills raised the suggestion of repositioning the bus stop on the westbound side of the A695 opposite The Wellington as she felt currently the pavement was too narrow to accommodate the bus stop safely.  Cllr. Dale suggested that she spoke to Margaret Field at NCC to see if she could suggest alternative sites for the bus stop.

ACTION: JM/EC/ADa

 

It was agreed to hold a meeting in advance of the December PC meeting with the Clerk to review current and forecast spending.

ACTION: ALL

 

12.       Joint Area Committee and Parish Town Council Meeting

Cllr. Reid reported that he had found this meeting useful.  Among items discussed were improvements to highway safety for pedestrians and the proposed re-opening of Gilsland Station.

 

Cllr. Reid proposed that the PC support the opening of the station.  Only verbal support was required at this time.  The councillors unanimously agreed to give their support to the campaign.                                                                          ACTION: MR

 

 

13.       Planning

It was reported:

(i)                  that the following planning applications were under consideration by NCC:

13/03059/OUT            New dwelling, Highfield, Sandy Bank (PC – no objections)

13/03390/FUL             New dwelling, Land south of 1 & 2 the Bungalow, Broomhaugh

13/03263/FUL             Extension, Long Rigg, Long Rigg

13/03370/FELTPO      Tree work, St James Church

 

(ii)                that the following planning applications had been considered by NCC and granted permission:

13/02169/FELTPO      Tree work at woodland east of Hollin Hill Terrace, Riding Mill

13/02166/FUL             Construction of single storey side extension, Parish Hall, Riding Mill

13/02865/VARYCO    Land west of Kingmead, Sandy Bank

13/02861/CLPROP     Change of use of garage, Rowan Tree, Long Rigg

 

14.       Handyman

Reports were received.  Work had been undertaken in the Spinney to cut back vegetation, paths had been edged adjacent to the single tennis court and grass cut and other works completed in the play park.

 

The Clerk requested that the handyman look at the notice board as it was currently very difficult to open and close and needed to be sanded and resealed.

 

15.       Finance

The following payments were authorised:

C Harrison – September salary and home allowance payment                  £172.91

Matthew Charlton – materials                                                                  £72.00

Tyne Rivers Trust – contribution to plaque installation event                     £53.60

RM Cricket Club – contribution to grass cutting                                       £560

RM Allotments’ Association – contribution to insurance                           £73.90

Ward Hadaway – invoice in respect of Tennis Club Lease                        £327.60

C Harrison – October salary and home allowance payment                      £345.82

C Harrison – expenses

(funeral wreath, stationary, postage, travel, additional hours)                   £242.55

Standing Orders:

Homevend – September                                                                        £75

Homevend – October                                                                             £75

 

It was reported that the Clerk had worked 13 extra hours which had been anticipated when she commenced this role and it was agreed to pay her at the pro-rata hourly rate.

 

16.       Correspondence

Cllr. Reid reported that a number of residents of Millfield Road had written to the PC to report damage to the verges due to electricity cables being laid and to large lorries parking on the road whilst delivering tarmac to a resident’s house in Marchburn Lane.

It was agreed to write to NEDF to request that they re-turf the verges now rather than reseed them in the spring.  It was also agreed to write to Mr Turner to ask him to contact Debmat and request that the damage to the pavement be repaired.

ACTION: CH/MR

 

17.       Vexatious Communications

Cllr. Reid reported that he considered Mr B Young’s letters regarding covenants and complaints to be obsessive and as harassing to the Council and as such proposed that the Council’s policy on vexatious communications be implemented meaning that only the first fresh item in the first letter, email or other form of correspondence, sent to the Clerk, the Chairman or any Councillor, would be dealt with by the Parish Council between successive meetings for the following year.  Cllr. Mills seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously by the councillors.

ACTION: CH/MR

 

18.       Minor Matters

            (i)         Request for Funding from Citizens Advice Bureau

A request for funding to support the work of CAB was received.  It was noted that it was usual to consider other applications for funding at this time of year.  The Clerk should compile a list for consideration at the December PC meeting;

ACTION: CH

(ii)                Request for waste bin in Mill Race Garden

It was agreed to ask that the Dog fouling bin be removed and replaced with a large multipurpose bin instead;

ACTION: CH

(iii)               NDL Sports Survey

It was noted that Rob Archer had already completed this survey and it was not necessary for the PC to respond;

(iv)              Core Strategy

It was reported that the Core Strategy sub-group would meet on 13^th November to formulate a response.  This would be circulated prior to the December PC meeting so that it could be considered at the meeting.  Cllr. Dunhill noted that there were no specific green belt land proposals that affected Riding Mill;

(v)               Tennis courts

Rob Archer reported that all three courts were now operational and since the re-opening 500 people had used them and both adult and junior coaching sessions had been offered.  The final interim payment from Sports England had been received and would now be used to upgrade the walkway to the double tennis courts and the club house;

(vi)              Stabilisation of the river bank by the tennis courts

Linden Stephenson suggested that trees be planted to stabilise the river bank where it had been disturbed following work on the tennis courts.  She had contacted Tyne Rivers Trust and they had suggested planting alder trees. She suggested planting 12 alder trees at a cost of £0.90 each plus £0.99 each for a rabbit guard.  It was agreed to authorise this expense;

ACTION: LS

(vii)            Frank Turner’s retirement

It was reported that Frank would be retiring on 29^th November 2013.  The PC wished to record their thanks to Frank for his huge service to the village and would write to him accordingly;

ACTION: ALL

It was also discussed whether there should be a memorial to Bobby.  A number of different groups were considering ideas.  It was suggested that a joint proposal should be put to Frank outlining some suggestions and asking for his views.

 

19.       Date of the next meeting

It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Monday 9^th December 2013.

 

With no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 9.38pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cllr Reid as Chairman opened the meeting at 7.48pm.

1. Apologies – None given

 

1. Peter Howe’s resignation and the Council’s thanks

Cllr Reid commended and thanked the former Vice Chairman, Peter Howe for his contribution to the Parish Council.

Action – Cllr. Reid to write press release for Parish News.

 

1. Declaration of interests – None given

 

1. Approval of the minutes of the meeting of 8^th July 2013

Item 9a. was changed to read ‘it was reported that the Methodist hall noticeboard appeared to be inadequate’. The minutes were then agreed as a true record, and duly signed off by Cllr Carew and Cllr Reid.

 

1. Minutes of the confidential meeting of 11^th March 2013

The Chairman confirmed that these minutes had been approved at the April meeting but missed off the minutes.

 

1. Matters arising from the July meeting other than listed on agenda

b. cheque for the Village Hall Trust remains unpaid (£40)

c. grass cutting -It appears we have not had the contractual number of cuts & the position is being checked with NCC

Action – Cllr Reid to follow up on the cheque and we are awaiting a response from NCC regarding the grass cutting.

 

1. Report on Weir plaque

Cllr. Reid reported that a plaque contributed by the Tyne Rivers Trust would be installed by the March Burn weir cascade on 3^rd October 2013.

 

 

 

1. Tennis Club draft management plan

A report was given to the meeting by Rob Archer on the progress being made by the Tennis Club with online bookings, security, events, maintenance, pedestrian and disabled access. The Parish Councillors commended the committee for their work; they looked forward to receiving the final version of policies and procedures after consideration had been given to constructive proposals put by the neighbouring residents, so that the PC could amend the lease appropriately; also so that ideas on planting or screening could be implemented.

 

1. Report on pavement widening on Main Road

Cllr Dunhill reported that works were ongoing to improve pedestrian access from Sandy Bank to the village and to improve crossing provisions of the Main Road, These were due to be completed within a week.

 

1. Update on speed activated signs

The Chairman reported that the signs appeared to have been set at 34mph and should be at 30mph.

Action – Cllr Reid to review with installers.

 

1. Local Transport Plan (LTP) – 3 priorities to be agreed

Cllr Dunhill reported that ideas had been discussed.

County Cllr Dale suggested:

1. Resurfacing of the public footpath from the Slaley Road to the ‘Blue Bridge’ on the March Burn
2. Junction improvements on A68 into Healey and Broomley

Deadline is the 27^th September 2013. Cllr Dunhill would invite other suggestions through the website Cllr Singer proposed a planning committee meeting and this was agreed.

Action – Cllr Dunhill to implement the consultation and to submit the agreed 3 priorities

 

1. Update on west end bus shelter progress

Cllr Carew informed that the quotes for a shelter were £3,399 and £5,048 plus around £4,000 for the concrete base. The 1952 bench would be retained and a budget of £10,000 has already been allocated.

Action – Cllr Carew to continue with plans for the shelter

 

1. 13.             Longrigg update

Cllr Mills had written again to the valuer but had no reply.

Action – Cllr Mills to contact valuers again.

 

1. Confirmation of external audit

The external auditors had required that 3 sets of figures on the financial statements, to include 2 cheques that had been issued but not cleared within the financial year, should be amended by the Clerk; Cllr Reid had checked this with the external auditors. Councillors confirmed the amendment.

 

 

1. Arrangements for deposit account and signatories for current account

The Chairman suggested that funds are spread between bank accounts to reduce risk. It was agreed that the Council should place deposits in two different bank groups. Three banks (Nat West, Lloyds and Triodos) were suggested. The Council would investigate further on choice of banks. All Councillors would be signatories, with a minimum of two signing any cheque.

Action – Further research.

 

1. Handyman’s report

Report circulated.

Action – Parish Council to review the need for further tree cutting.

 

1. Dene Close wall

The Chairman reported that the actions of the Parish Council in removing ivy and pointing the roadside of the wall of Dene Terrace to remove obstruction to the pavement emanating from a wall with uncertain ownership were ex gratia (ie. good will and not establishing precedent). During that work a gap in the wall was created with the agreement of neighbouring properties to allow safer access to the station for residents of Station Close. The minuted record of the previous dispute (1999) about a gateway, for which the District Council’s opinion was that the wall belonged to the properties, had not included seeing the deeds to the properties adjoining the wall. The PC will continue to try to establish the ownership of the wall.

Action – Cllr Reid to write to neighbouring properties.

 

1. Remembrance Day arrangements – Cllr Mills to be the PC representative.

 

1. Planning – A report on recent planning applications was circulated; confirmation on how the Parish Council receives notifications is needed.

Action – Planning application notifications to be confirmed by new Clerk.

 

1. Finance – Additional items were added; £58.58 for Cricket pavilion water rates; £42.70 to the WI for floral arrangements at the entries to the village; final payment to previous clerk. Agreed by all Councillors.

Cllr Dunhill proposed that a letter is written to thank Mr Thompson for his excellent voluntary grass cutting service work; this was agreed.

Action – Chairman to write letter of thanks to Mr Thompson

 

1. Any correspondence issues not covered by item 6 – A formal ‘in confidence’ complaint had been received against Cllr Reid but the Parish Council cannot proceed unless the confidentiality condition is removed or the complaint is withdrawn.

 

1. Minor matters
   1. 1.      Future agenda format – Cllr Singer proposed that the future agendas should include the correspondence and any public consultations/consultative reports (e.g. LTP). This was agreed by all Councillors and to be included on the website too.

Action – New clerk to ensure new format is adopted

1. Report from County Cllr Dale – The County Council propose to install a post at the East end of the village as an alternative location for the speed activated sign, and a nearby sign at the entrance to the road leading to the 3 tonne limited bridge over the railway warning of the restriction. These were welcomed.
2. Cllr Dale has also requested that the hand held speed gun be be used in the area.
3. Pavement slabs outside Wellington pub – This pavement has been replaced and bollard installation will follow.
4. Railway station foot bridge – Cllr. Andy Dunhill expressed concerns about water collecting on the half landing on the foot bridge as a potential hazard in icy weather. The Parish Council agreed to write a letter.

Action – Cllr Andy Dunhill to write to Network Rail.

 

1. Date of next meeting – 11^th November 2013

 

With no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 9.28pm.

 

 

Actions from 09/09/13   meeting:	By whom:
2. Vice Chairman thanks – press release for Parish   News	Cllr Reid
6. Grass cutting – contact NCC	Cllr Reid
10. Speed activated signs – review instalment   specifications	Cllr Reid
11. LTP – planning committee meeting	Cllrs Dunhill and Singer
12. Bus shelter – continuation of project	Cllr Carew
13. Longrigg – contact valuers again	Cllr Mills
15. New bank accounts – further research	Cllr Reid and new Clerk
16. Handyman Report – further tree cutting	Cllr Dunhill
17. Dene Close Wall – letters to neighbouring   properties	Cllr Reid
18. Remembrance Day – representation	Cllr Mills
19. Planning – Future notifications	New Clerk
20. Finance – letter of thanks to Mr Thompson	Cllr Reid and new Clerk
22. Minor items – New agenda format and updating   website	New Clerk
22. Minor items – Railway foot bridge letter to   Network Rail	Cllr Dunhill

 

 

 

 

 

Broomhaugh & Riding Parish Council

Minutes of the Meeting of the above Parish Council, held on Monday, 8^th July 2013 in the Parish Hall at 7.45 pm

Present: Cllrs Howe (in the Chair), Mills, Carew and Singer. County Cllr Dale was present before and during the meeting. 7 members of the public were in attendance.

1. Apologies: Reid, Dunhill. It was announced that the Parish Council no longer employs the former Clerk, Monica Anderson, and that Councillor Howe is taking on the role of the clerk on a temporary basis until a new clerk can be employed.
2. Declarations of Interests: none
3. Minutes of 13^rth May 2013: These were agreed as a true record
4. Matters arising –
   1. Moles: A suitable mole catcher has still not been found it was agreed to continue the search for a suitable person.
   2. Bus shelter at West end of the village This matter is in progress. Councillor Dale suggested that she would seek finance from the County Council to help fund the bus shelter.
   3. Clarification of lists on assets register: It was noted that this still has to be done.
   4. Tennis Club Plans: Councillor Mills explained that the Council’s solicitors had been asked to draft a new lease. A tidy up evening was planned for 9/7/13: volunteers were called for.
5. Parish Plan update: Paul Goldsmith from the Parish plan working group reported on progress concerning the drawing up of the Parish plan. He explained that the parish plan represents a mechanism by which a neighbourhood plan may be drawn up. It is part of the constitution of the Parish plan that it cannot prejudice a future neighbourhood plan; hence care was being taken to ensure this. 21 people will have to agree aspects of a neighbourhood plan. A Parish plan can produce Ideas whereas a neighbour plan asks for input. Councillor Dale asked if all relevant documents had been received and she advised that the Parish council and others worked closely together.
6. Handyman report: The monthly report was noted. The Cricket club bench has been refurbished.
7. Planning: There were no planning applications to be considered or decisions to report.
8. Finance:
   1. It was agreed to approve the Handyman’s monthly standing order for June and July.
   2. The following payments were authorised:
      1.                                                         i.      MF Anderton / Salary May                                £433.64
      2.                                                       ii.      Methodist Church, room Hire                             £24.00
      3.                                                     iii.      G Dodd, addit. Work to Dene Tce. wall             £150.00
   3. It was agreed to seek banks in Hexham and approve a bank to move the reserve account to.

 

1. Minor matters:
   1. Barbara Purvis , Secretary of the Longrigg Property owners Association, askedwhat  progress had been made in respect of the proposed acquisition of Longrigg by LPRO. Cllr Mills replied that the Parish Council was waiting to hear from the Valuation Office   B. Purvis handed over a proposal from the LPRO for consideration by the Parish Council.
   2. A request was received for a contribution from the Parish Council to the Mill Race Garden. A grant of £40 was agreed
   3. Councillor Dale reported that the bench at Dene Close had been replaced with a new one by ISOS.
   4. It was reported that the Methodist Hall notice board  appeared to be inadequate.
   5. Councillor Howe reported that the verge at the bottom of Whiteside Bank, added to the list of NCC grass cutting last year, had not been cut this year. Councillor Dale will look into this.
2. The meeting closed at 8.25pm.

 

Date of next meeting: Monday 9^th September 2013.

Agreed as an accurate record by the Vice chairman.

 

 

Peter Howe………………………………………………………………………………………..14 July 2013.

 

Broomhaugh & Riding Parish Council

Minutes of the Council meeting of 11^th March 2013 held in the Parish Hall at 7.45pm

Present: Cllrs Mills (in the Chair), Carew, Howe, Reid, Dunhill, Singer and Sehgal. County Cllr Dale and 5 members of the public (including 2 from the Tennis Club) were present.

1. Apologies: None
2.  Declarations of interest: None
3. Minutes of the meeting of 11^th February 2013 were agreed as a true record, subject to 15 minor amendments.
4. Matters arising:

a)      Trees: A price of £230 to remove 2 trees and a dead tree at the Tennis Club was agreed. It was also agreed to put a small piece of fencing behind the removed trees at Church Close to secure the adjacent garden.

b)      Tennis Club Plans: The Club were waiting on tender details for the proposed work after which a detailed costed plan would be put to the Parish Council.

c)      Speed signs: The wrong parts, which had been in place since the signs had been installed, had been replaced. Swarco would be asked to extend their warranty. MA

d)      Annual Parish Meeting:  Tuesday, 23^rd April, Tuesday in the Millennium Hall was chosen to fit in with room availability.                                                                          MA

e)      Moles in Play Park: the mole catcher initially asked to do the work had been unavailable. Alternate names were being looked at. Cllr Dale offered to help with this as well.                                                                                                                                         MA/ADe

f)       Parish Plan review: The working party had concentrated on the response to the NCC’s Sore Strategy Preferred options consultation so no further progress had been made on the Parish Plan.

g)      Handyman’ payment: this had been changed to a standing order.

5.    Handyman report: The price for another bench below Bobby’s identical to the existing one was £500 from Jackson’s with £220 for fixing plus bolts. Cllr Carew asked that no further donations of benches be made without a maintenance fund. The ownership of the fence and wall in Dene Close and of the fence on the road to the station was discussed as repairs were needed to both. It was agreed to make enquiries including ownership of the land behind the Wellington.           MA/Ade

Quotes had been obtained for repairing the Spinney wall:  £740 if done before Easter; £320 for the station wall if only part was done but £1050 to repair the whole length – and fill in three holes.

A sewage leak from the manhole near the Tennis Courts had been reported; and the surface  of Millfield Road had been damaged when the lampposts had been painted. Cllr Dale agreed to look into both matters.                                                                                                               ADe

6. Core Strategy review: The response had been prepared by the working group who were congratulated on the paper produced. Subject to several minor amendments to be sent to Cllr Dunhill as soon as possible, the Clerk would post the response by the required date.          AD/MA

7. Protecting Council Reserves: The County Council had been unable to advise on this. It was agreed to look at suitable instant access accounts with the Cooperative Bank.                        MA

8. Allotments: A suggestion to use the football part of the Sports Field for allotments would be referred to the Parish Plan review when the village would be invited to give an indication of need.

9. Path between Broomhaugh and the station: Cllr Dale had received a complaint about the surface of this but the County Council’s Footpath Officer had inspected it and decided there was no significant problem.

10. Planning:

Considered by Northumberland County Council and granted permission:

13/00228/FUL             Extension at Burnview, Broomhaugh

11. Finances: a) the financial statement for February was accepted. Having reviewed the budget figures to the year end, it was agreed there were sufficient funds to repair the walls in the Spinney and at Dene Close. Cllr Howe agreed to give the contractor details for a lime based mortar mix.                                                                                                                                                 PH

b) the following payments were authorised:

Homevend/30                                                                         75.00

NCC/Work on Nick                                                                  4882.80

MFAnderton, salary/Feb.                                                        433.64

Northumbrian Water                                                              10.48

Communicorp (subs. for Clerks & Councils Direct)                12.00

12. Minor Matters:

a) Election forms were distributed to Councillors.

b) Footpath 16: the poor condition of the footpath from Broomhaugh to Roe House was raised again and Cllr Dale would be informed.                                                 MA

 

The meeting closed at 10.05pm