There are some interesting suggestion for Slaley Church in the July minutes read more in agenda item 4a.
Minutes of Slaley Parish Council, Monday July 13th 2009, in Slaley Commemoration Hall 7.30 p.m.
Apologies: Councillor S. Davison.
Present: Councillor I.C. Hancock in the Chair. Councillors Mrs C. A. Brooks, Ms M Palmer, Mrs A. S. Robson, Mrs L. Norris & County Councillor C.W. Horncastle. Clerk Mrs P. Wilson.
Public: PC Susan Cockburn. Courant Reporter: Rebecca Dixon. Slaley Notes: Jean Elphick. Community Trust Executive Committee Member: Michael Elphick.
2. Declaration of Interests and Hospitality Record.
Cllr. Mrs L. Norris for agenda item 19. Because the BOAT past Cllr Norris’s home has been reduced in size it was felt that she no longer needed to declare an interest in this particular agenda item. Residents along the route have still not heard directly from NCC that the reduction has been successful. Clerk to mention this to SR at NCC.
County Cllr CW Horncastle for agenda item 10
3. Minutes of June Parish Council Meeting (circulated pages 529- 534 + appendix 1 page 535, appendix 2 page 536).
Proposed by Cllr. CA Brooks and seconded by Cllr. L. Norris the minutes were approved and signed
4. Matters Arising.
a) 4b 8/6/09 Reverend Irvine called to see the PC Chairman and explained a project; the idea was to remove the four pews at the rear of the church and make room for a permanent heritage exhibition possibly on farming. Cllr Norris felt temporary exhibitions may be more interesting, particularly as an initial trial. This idea was supported by other Councillors who felt frequent topic changes could draw people into the Church. The question was asked if this was a money making scheme. Apparently it is not a project to make money, instead it is a means of involving the church building more in the community. Councillor Hancock suggested to the Councillors that this was something that the PC could help financially with through the parish Precept and get involved in. The Councillors supported his suggestion that he meet with a representative from the CT and the PCC to discuss this further and get an idea of costs. Report from the meeting between Cllr Hancock & Rev’d Irvine attached as appendix 1/130709, page 544.
b) 5a 8/6/09 Rural Crime, the invitation to Inspector Thornhill has been accepted for 8 p.m. on Monday August 10th and invitations have been sent to neighbouring Parish Councils. Cllr Monica Gibbs from Healey & Will Smith from Shotley has accepted. Initial response from Hexhamshire is no attendance. P.C. Susan Cockburn explained ‘Farmwatch’ soon to be set up.
c) 5b 8/6/09 Danger from motor cycles to horse riders in Slaley Forest. Recent correspondence from David Brookes (NCC) indicates that we shall shortly be asked to make a report on concerns, problems and conditions. See also 19d below. PC Cockburn said a further ‘safety’ event is planned in Slaley Forest on a Sunday during August where members of the Forestry Commission will join the police.
d) 8i 8/6/09 NSP Board representative for the West is Rob Macfarlane. His e-mail address is rob@greatnorth.co.uk
e) 11 b 8/6/09 funds allocated for play and sport in Slaley new contact name of Val Knowles at Longhirst Office telephone message has been left 9/7/09). UPDATE CC Colin Horncastle telephoned Val Knowles who confirmed the funds are ring-fenced for our use. Val’s direct line is 01670 794796. Clerk asked to request the current sum held.
f) 11f 8/6/09 ‘extended services’ – contact with Carol Leckie and the first thing to do is organise a meeting (probably September) See 7b below
g) 11h 8/6/09 use of the Commemoration Hall grounds as a play area – Hall Management Committee have sought help on this, e-mail reply of June 26th: grounds where the public have access should be regularly checked and a report book kept this proves the Hall is taking due care. It was suggested that this could become part of the caretaker’s responsibilities.
h) 15c 8/6/09 Mobile Post Van Provision at Slaley. Further problems reported to Martin Nichol at Stocksfield. Article front-page Hexham Courant 3/7/09 entitled “Villages hit by post office van fault”. Clerk suggested an annual report to Post Office Ltd about the actual problems with the service although finding a contact person will not be easy.
Clerk did check with residents and they had not noticed any early closing.
5. Public Participation.
PC Susan Cockburn explained the latest daytime burglaries where a brick is thrown through a window, if this produces no reaction then thieves break into homes and proceed to rob the premises. St. Luke’s Cottage and The Flothers Farm have both been recent targets. The public are encouraged to report to the police any strange vehicles. It was accepted that unknown daytime vehicles are normally ignored as delivery vehicles. (Note: since the meeting I have learnt that Woodside has also been broken into) Results from the traffic survey earlier this year on the U8080 are not available at present.
6. Community Trust Report
a) 350 copies of ‘Slaley then and now’ will be for sale at £9.95 on the showfield.
b) School field: John Melvine initially made regular visits to check the school grounds now it is the school that reports incidents to him. Today, Monday July 13th, damage to the shed roof has been reported and a new roof is needed for which the CT has to meet the cost. The repair work will be undertaken by two CT members, Cllr Hancock mentioned that in the past parents had been excluded from renovation work at the school for insurance reasons. The PC was assured that this is not the case with the school shed. Because the school governors have allowed community use of the school grounds the CT asked if the Parish Council is agreeable to making an annual grant to the CT which may cover repairs such as this. Any unspent maintenance money could roll forward and be spent on a community asset such as a seat. The Councillors felt that maintenance to the school field should come from the education authority, which is partially funded through household community charges. The Councillors did not wish to support a rolling grant, if the ‘extended services’ idea takes off there could be an overlap of community grants. At the CT end of year accounts should there be an expenditure deficit then the PC could make a contribution. There was general agreement that having a section within the PC’s contingency fund to enable the CT to ask the PC to help financially with specific payments was the best way forward.
7. Matters for Discussion with County Councillor Colin W Horncastle.
a) See 4e above and also agenda item 14 below: (11 b 8/6/09 funds allocated for play and sport in Slaley new contact name of Val Knowles at Longhirst Office telephone message has been left 9/7/09). Colin Horncastle has telephoned Val Knowles who confirmed the funds are ring-fenced for our use. Val’s direct line is 01670 794796).
b) Further to ‘extended services’ Colin Horncastle has been in contact with Carol Leckie and the first thing to do is organise a meeting (probably In September) between, Ms Leckie, the County Councillor, a Parish Councillor, the headteacher, a representative from the mother and toddler group etc. to establish “What need there is”.
c) Community Chest a new £50,000 scheme for west Northumberland, administered through Susi Goncu. At its first meeting £42,000 was requested but only £6,700 was given out.
d) Slaley Hall planning application for 78 holiday homes has been withdrawn because two of the five sites were unacceptable to the planning department. It is expected that it will be amended and resubmitted.
e) After a reported conversation with Colin Charlton, NCC Highways, Slaley Councillors decided to ask Alex Evison if he would purchase and use ‘Roundup’ on the dandelions at Townhead; the cost of the product and the application time to be added to his monthly account.
8. Correspondence.
a) Slaley Commemoration Hall balance sheet. Cllr A S Robson to check.
b) Points from Monica Gibbs re NALC County Committee meeting of June 6th
c) E-mail from Chairman of Longhirst PC re formation of North and West Area Partnerships, Bob Jackson feels that AP’s will have more influence than CF’s. He is asking if Slaley was involved in the development process of AP’s. Councillors felt the roles of these two types of forum were too blurred to make a clear decision.
d) Complaint made to Clerk re Slaley Hall Subaru speeding in village on 26/6/2009. Clerk e-mail Councillors asking for permission to report this immediately. Four Councillors sent their permission therefore a letter was sent dated June 30th. Cllr Hancock reported that the vehicle is still traveling too fast having it ‘sitting on his tail’ through the village last week.
e) NCC – New Contact details for Election Services. From July 1st Louise, Barbara & Gail Philipson leave the authority new contact is Mick Miller at Morpeth contact details: HYPERLINK “mailto:mick.miller@northumberland.gov.uk” mick.miller@northumberland.gov.uk
f) Invitation to Slaley Parish Council Clerk to attend a Public Forestry Estates Consultation seminar on July 10th. This was discussed with the PC Chairman who also had an invitation from his role as Friends of Ladycross Chairman. Report attached as appendix 2/130709, page 545. Document and draft reply to questionnaire to be agreed between PW, CAB & ICH then circulated to all for approval.
g) E-mail circulated 9/6/09, 30/6/09, 6/7/09 & 13/7/09 Rural Services Community – Weekly R F Digest for 9/6/09, 30/6/09, 6/7/09 & 13/7/09 (rate relief for rural business).
h) E-mail circulated 16/6/09 CAN next training date – 15/9/09 at Morpeth.
i) E-mail circulated 17/6/09 David Francis – grants on offer for environmental projects from Northern Gas Networks. Clerk to pass to school for information.
j) E-mail circulated 17/6/09 Heddon Parish Clerk re SLCC Newsletter (multi page, full colour, issue 3). Asked if Councillors wished to receive only Cllr Mrs L. Norris said Not.
k) E-mail circulated 29/6/09 Reminder NHS Foundation Trust consultation ends on 28/7/09 (see agenda item 5 below).
l) E-mail circulated 29/6/09 Rural Services Network – Impact of the recession on rural housing. No reply.
m) E-mail circulated 6/7/09 Parish news from Rural Services Network
n) E-mail circulated 6/7/09 Joint Funding Bulletin for All (14 pages) £16.7m Hardship Fund, £20k Sustainable Energy Fund
o) E-mail circulated 7/7/09 Rural Services Network- public service delivery in rural England.
p) NCC Summer Play Programme leaflets left in Commemoration Hall: Slaley – Tuesday August 11th 2.45 – 4.15 p.m.
q) E-mail circulated 13/7/09 Local Authorities and the requirement of the traffic Management Act 2004.
r) E-mail circulated 7/7/09 NALC 2009 Leadership Academy invitation
Enterprising 20-page booklet, Adapt invitation to AGM 10/7/09 (informed by e-mail 8/7/09) + Annual Report), Clerks and Councils Direct July 2009, CPRE Overview Summer 2009, SMP ‘Playbuilder’ leaflet, NALC hard copy of NSP Ballot Papers + Vitalise information sheet + CAN News Vol. 29 N0 3+ Village SOS leaflet. Adapt transport services leaflets on notice board in village shop and one sample given to Cllr Hancock.
9. Financial Report.
a) Audit: Display Notices June 15th – June 28th DONE
Internal audit June 15th – June 28th DONE
Records available to public 29 June – July 24th NONE TODATE
Audit date 31st July 2009
b) Cheques to be signed:
No 379 Alex Evison grass cutting June 25th £85.65
No 380 P. Wilson payment for refreshments and Clerk time from initial meeting to set up Community Forum on 3/3/09 £52.00 (Total account was paid into PC bank account 9/6/09)
No 381 Slaley Commemoration Hall April, may, June, July monthly meetings + April special meeting to discuss Slaley Hall 78 Holiday Villas. £94.50.
Proposed by Cllr L. Norris & seconded by Cllr M. Palmer the cheques were signed.
c) Interim Payment: None
d) Payment into Bank NCC refund of Community Forum meeting on 3/3/09 £69.50
10. Current Planning Applications.
20090396: Roofed silage clamp Flothers Farm. Effluent replace or additional? Reply from planning the existing silage pit will not be used to store silage once the new one is built it will however remain in use for other agricultural purposes. No other objections.
20090410: Two storey extension to side. Linnel Hill. No objections,
20090162 OUTLINE Construction of 78 holiday lodges, Slaley Hall Withdrawn according to CC CW Horncastle.
20080046 Internal refurbishment – Slaley Hall Pending.
Decisions from Planning Authority
20090316: Construction of single storey garage 46 Slaley Park. Granted.
20090260 Retro Construction of open top silage pit. White House Granted.
20090082 Resub.det. annexe in association with main dwelling Pinetops Granted.
*Weekly List sent by e-mail to PC Clerks shows Slaley & Hexhamshire as the ward (I did not get plans for these as they were both Hexhamshire, however I did receive a notification for Hexhamshire application number 20090371 hearing. Hexhamshire were informed by the Clerk about this. Appeared to be back to normal on July 9th weekly list!
** JT from Springhouse asked if we had received a reply regarding breach of planning enforcement at Caravan Park. He is considering a complaint to LGO.
11. Council House eligibility for a family with 5 children 4a 8/6/09; 4a 11/5/09, 4a 20/4/09, 4a 9/3/09, 4b 9/2/09, 4d 12/1/09, 17a 8/12/08.
NCC Common Housing Policy, Draft issued September 2008 (7 pages)
Room sizes of comparable houses e-mailed to all on 9/6/09
Councillor Hancock reported that the Policy was not relevant to the specific issue of room sizes raised by the family concerned. Size of rooms is not mentioned. What is mentioned is that living areas count as sleeping areas and children under 10 years of age count as .5 of a person.
12. Public Consultation on NHS proposals 12 8/6/09, 11/5/09, 6k 9/3/09 (page 504 minutes circulated by e-mail 5.3.09).
Unfortunately due to the early start of 6 p.m. the Clerk was unable to attend the June meeting at Hexham Mart. CC Colin Horncastle reported that during the Haydon Bridge consultation evening NHS staff admitted there was a problem with the ambulance response time. Draft reply circulated by e-mail 12/7/09 attached as appendix 3/130709, page 546 a few minor amendments were made and the text was agreed to be sent.
13. NHS Consultation about day care for older people. (Closing date for consultation August 20th). Circulated and responses attached as appendix 4/130709, page 547. CC Colin Horncastle said the West of Northumberland was badly hit with four care homes in the region
14. Parish Plan Annual Play Area Review.
A discussion was held during May and June after Mrs Scott attended the meeting and unless there is some new evidence then the aforementioned agenda items are a substitute for an in-depth review.
See also 4 e above (11 b 8/6/09 funds allocated for play and sport in Slaley new contact name of Val Knowles at Longhirst Office telephone message has been left 9/7/09). Colin Horncastle telephoned Val Knowles who confirmed the funds are ring-fenced for our use. Val’s direct line is 01670 794796)
See also agenda item 7 above.
15. Integrated Transport Programme Priorities for 2010/11 circulated.
The Clerk would like to propose 20 mph speed restriction around the school area and also request flashing yellow lights when school is distributing children to or from school or Nursery etc.
Delivery vehicles using Sat-nav appear to be using the single track U8080 as the access to Slaley Hall. Request new brown signs saying ‘No Access to Slaley Hall’ rather than ‘access only’.
Request any effective measure to slow down traffic approaching the Glen Crossroads from the north. A crossroads sign north of the dip into the crossroads does not say slow, concealed entrance to Glen Cottage or give any indication that a reduction in speed is necessary.
16. Parish Plan, Action Plan July Update.
Draft circulated, amendments made, attached as appendix 5/130709, page 548
17. August Walk-about route.
Trygill Sculpture Trail, Councillors were recommended to wear walking boots and use anti midge prevention treatment. Everyone to meet at the Commemoration Hall 7 p.m. Cllr Mrs A S. Robson gave her apologies for this event.
18. A.O.B.
Millennium Seat Litter bin damaged Sunday June 28th p.m. Clerk and son went up to assess damage Monday June 29th to find it already repaired.
Friday June 26th RTA at West Burnside Bridge on B6306 causing damage. Clerk reported to Highways, Kevin Allen and Call Centre followed by a conversation with the bridges inspector. Apparently a delivery van was using Sat-Nav and he was directed up the green lane past West Burnside on realising his mistake he reversed and crashed into the bridge.
Brown wheelie bins for garden waste are still being requested in the parish.
Dog Fouling at the bottom end of the village has become a problem since last meeting. There is a possibility it is holiday makers from the caravan site.
Parking behind the wooden bollards outside No 9 South Park was noticed last Sunday morning. This was on the footpath and should be discouraged if it happens again.
Deep ruts on the grassed area of the Millennium Seat have spoilt a very tidy entrance to the village. The Clerk to speak with Alex Evison and see if he has any ideas for re-levelling.
Provision of coloured wheelie bins for Glass recycling with this new authority. Clerk to ask for details of the person to contact.
19. BOATs update.
a) Clerk forwarded photographs to NCC with coping stones removed from boundary wall and placed inside ruts on BOAT No 39. (Wall owned by Lord Allendale).
b) T W-A asked if we had any knowledge of a mountain biking event to take place on a right of way in Slaley Forest (also mentioned to DB)
c) RF asked if the PC knew of a horse event to take place in Slaley Forest during the last week of June.
d) Reply from DB see also 4b above
e) Three month consultation coming out Friday July 17th on Bolbeck Common Provision of the Entire Network of BOATs – 5 Broad options from leave as now, through various adjustments to extinguishment.
20. Date of August 2009 meeting.
Monday August 10th Walk begins at 7 p.m. Inspector D Thornhill at 8 p.m.
There being no further business the meeting ended at 9.50 p.m.
