On Friday 23rd March the Commemoration Hall was packed for the Slaley Leek Club Ceilidh. The renowned Kevin and Ros Doonan led the excellent young Slaley fiddlers (Amanda, Zoe, Ailsa, Catriona, and Angharad) and there was superb accordion and guitar from David and Chippy. Some of the dancing was unbelievable!
There was unanimous agreement that the Irish stew and veg Stew cooked by club members was excellent. All the food and drink was locally sourced. The occasion also included a presentation to the recently retired committee members, Clive, Margaret, Roy and Jean to thank them for their many years of service to the leek club.
This was a very well attended and fun night and there were many calls for a repeat, when all the dancers have recovered!!!
The committee would like to thank all those who helped to make the evening a memorable event.
The Community Trust is now reaching the end of its second year, and our third Annual General Meeting is to be held on Tuesday 27th March 2007, at 7.30 pm in the Commemoration Hall. Every resident in the parish is invited to attend, and if you are already a member we hope to meet you again.
If you are not a member then we urge you to consider joining us. There is no subscription, and membership of the trust is open to “any person over the age of 18 years and living within the Parish of Slaley”.
Please get in touch with any of the present officers (details below) to make any nominations or to volunteer to serve on the Executive Committee, 14 days before the meeting if possible. We are particularly in need of a new Secretary, as the current secretary will not be continuing.
We hope that we will have your support in one way or the other, to help continue the work of the Trust.
Michael Elphick (Chairman) (01434) 673 443
Janis Irvine (Secretary) (01434) 673 609
Nicky Jeffrey (Treasurer) (01434) 673 438
Slaley Councillors still looking for a Toddler Play Area site. See agenda 12.
Minutes of Slaley Parish Council, Monday January 8thth 2007, 7.30 p.m. in Slaley Commemoration Hall.
1. Apologies. T. A. Henderson
Present: Councillor Mrs L. Norris in the Chair. Councillors J.K. Robson, I.C. Hancock, Mrs C. A. Brooks, Mrs A.S. Robson. Clerk Mrs P. Wilson. District Councillor B.W. Massey. County Councillor Wm Purdue.
Public: None. Notes: Courant Reporter: None. Community Trust Executive Committee Member: None
2. Declaration of Interests.
Cllr. Mrs L. Norris for agenda item 17 & Cllr. IC Hancock for agenda item 9 (planning permission for barn opposite The Glen).
3. Minutes of December Parish Council Meeting (circulated pages 273-277+ appendices 278 - 283).
Proposed by Cllr IC Hancock and seconded by Cllr JK Robson the minutes were approved and signed.
4. Matters Arising.
a) Re-look at the Millennium Feature Landscaping work (15d 11/12/06) carry forward to February meeting.
b) DC Brian Massey asked if an agenda item ‘For discussion with County and District Councillors’ could be added to the monthly agenda after Public Participation and before Community Trust Report. It was agreed.
5. Public Participation. - None
6. Community Trust Report.
Next meeting January 2007.
7. Correspondence.
a) Reply TC Planning department asking if planning permission needed for new wooden seat – respond within 8 weeks.
b) Community Action Northumberland name change from Community Council of Northumberland.
c) E-mail to Margaret Sanderson re non empty of Dog Bin & Millennium Litter Bin emptied since e-mail sent. After discussion it was decided that a second letter be sent asking for clarification i.e. frequency of emptying, day of service and possible rebate of payment.
d) TC Planning Department LDF – Representations on submitted Core Strategy Ref 55.
e) TC register of Electors 2007
f) Reply Karen Moses 11b 11/12/06 saying back in office January 4th
g) NCC draft Rights of Way: Improvement Plan for Northumberland – comments by 31st March 2007 (MK has been warning us of this since April 2006) circulating.
h) Local Development Scheme – revision (overview document)
i) Local Works ‘Sustainable Communities Bill’ (which we asked Peter Atkinson to support October 2005 + responded to Stephen Shaw at Local Works December 2005 see the following minutes 12/9/05, 8h, page 175; 10/10/05, 4e, page 180; 12/12/05. 7a, page 195. Councillors requested information on actual Bill (possibly e-mail)
j) Letter from Terry Davey – New Ethical Framework training. NALC should cover.
k) Reply Anne Robinson ACN re exercise class donation £30 to CAN Wansbeck also someone will attend the free Meal and speak on AC facilities. Second letter to be sent asking for confirmation that PC will receive copies of the invoices and could they please be sent to the clerk.
l) Clerks & Councils Direct January 2007; North East War memorials Project Newleter Winter 2006; Glasdon advertising leaflets; Last Community Council News Vol 26 No 6
8. Financial report. Cheques to be signed and confirmation of interim payments.
a) Cheques to be signed
None
b) Welfare of the Elderly Account
Balance £ 503.33 + Interest June 06 £2.11 & Dec 06 £2.28 = £507.72. Withdrawal forms given to Cllr Norris to close account and the cheque made payable to Slaley Parish Council.
c) Interim payments.
None.
d) Income
See agenda item 10: 4 £10.50 meals at Slaley Hall + £42.00
9. Current Planning Applications.
20061498 Two storey side extension & single storey front extension – Glen Cottage
20061512 Two storey side extension – Oaklea. Pending
20061359 Single storey dwelling & garage land east of Slaley House. Pending
20061359 First floor extension above existing garage. Single storey extension to rear and construction of dormer to rear. Beechcroft, 4 Wooley Grange. Pending
Decisions from Planning Authority
06/00165/CCM (NCC) Extension to extracting area and extension of time period for operation until 31/12/2011 – Ladycross Stone Quarry. Granted
E-mail to Richard Stewart - Planning re new barn opposite The Glen without planning permission. Mr Stewart looked around site on Friday 5/1/07.
Electricity failure at ‘Rosslyn’ – Electrician discovered 2 inches of water under wooden lounge floor caused through burst old land drain in affordable houses site. Clerk to write to Holly Construction with a copy to Two Castles and Tynedale Planning Department.
Affordable houses site used pumps to get rid of water last Friday and today.
10. Post Christmas Treat for the Elderly of Slaley Parish Final arrangements for 19/1/07 at Slaley Hall Hotel.
a) 64 partakers of pension age to go FREE= £672.00
b) 4 accompanying full paying guests @ £10.50 = £42 (see 8d above) = 68 in total = £714
c) Five needing transport: Nancy with Cllr. Keith Robson; Mr & Mrs Hammett with Cllr. Linda Norris and Mr & Mrs Willey with Cllr. Carolyn Brooks.
d) E-mail sent to Andrew Coney for directions and last minute information.
11. T C Important Meeting Tuesday 9th January 6.30 p.m. One Northumberland – Two Councils – Cllr’s L.Norris, I.C. Hancock and possibly JK Robson & AS Robson will attend.
a) Courant and Journal press coverage articles.
b) Background information given by CC Bill Purdue and DC Brian Massey. CC will vote on Monday 15th CC Purdue asked to e-mail Clerk with decision. Councillor Massey indicated that costs were produced for the vote taken two years ago. He also said that it was the intention that Parish Councillors become more involved. No one at Monday’s meeting has actually seen ‘the white paper’ although snippets have been discussed and it was decided that those attending the meeting should look on the web to find what is being proposed.
12. Toddler Play Area in Slaley.
a) Unfortunately land in Slaley Showfield is not for sale.
b) It was decided that the Clerk write to the Kellett family about possible land south of the entrance to High Clear.
c) It was also decided that the Clerk write to the Scott family about possible land east of the Affordable Houses site.
13. Meeting with Alan Bawn “Speeding in Slaley village/parish” Wednesday 24/1/07. 2.30 p.m. in Slaley Village Hall.
a) Cllr Norris to chair the meeting.
b) Community Trust member Michael Elphick confirmed attendance possibly one other.
c) Slaley First School Governor as yet to be confirmed.
d) Mr Bawn asked if the three requested sites for the second parish seat could also be discussed at this meeting.
14. January 2007 Action Plan Update
Attached to minutes as appendix 1/080107
15. Northumberland Strategic Partnership/ Tynedale Community Agreement Update.
Nothing to report.
16. AOB.
a) 17f 13/11/06 Springhouse Caravan Park – copy of aerial photograph
b) Red Squirrel SOS. Sally Hardy 01661 824785 wanted to come to PC meeting and discuss setting up a group I explained that Friends of Ladycross did something and gave her Cllr Hancock’s telephone number. Cllr Hancock said Ms Hardy had not made contact with him. However he did explain the buffer zone for red squirrels in Slaley Forest organized between Ladycross nature Reserve the Forestry Commission and the Wildlife Trust.
c) Cllr Brooks reported bungee type fasteners available from TC for use with twin-bins. It was decided to ask for a supply.
d) Report flooding at Townfoot corner and washed out potholes on B6306 north of Lawn House and at the field gate into the southern field on the U8081.
e) Discussion on rejection of Rose & Crown Inn as the bottle bank site by TC It was decided to place on February agenda.
f) Derek Hull of Glen View telephoned Cllr JK Robson complaining about the port-a-cabins placement on the Affordable housing building site. It was claimed that the cabins blocked out winter sunlight into the homes of Glen View & Hillcrest. After visiting the homes Cllr JK Robson telephoned the planning department and spoke with a female planning officer who said Richard Stewart would look at the placement of the cabins but pointed out that they were temporary and had permission to be placed on site. After discussion it was agreed that Richard Stewart be asked if the port-a-cabins were legally positioned.
17. BOATs update
a) Boats joint committee agreed to write for a PTRO on Byway 13 supporting Hexhamshire and Allendale PC’s
b) Rejoined GLEAM for a further year. Autumn newsletter circulated to group.
c) Bridleways & Byways Trust ‘right to ride legislation’ discussion document circulated.
Meeting closed at 9.25 p.m. Date of February meeting: Monday 12th
Why did Slaley Parish Council give £30 towards the exercise class? see agenda item 11g
Minutes of Slaley Parish Council, Monday December 11thth 2006, 7.30 p.m. in Slaley Commemoration Hall.
1. Apologies. District Councillor B.W. Massey. County Councillor Wm Purdue.
Present: Councillor Mrs L. Norris in the Chair. Councillors J.K. Robson, I.C. Hancock, Mrs C. A. Brooks, Mrs A.S. Robson & T. A. Henderson. Clerk Mrs P. Wilson.
Public: None. Notes: Courant Reporter: None. Community Trust Executive Committee Member: Michael Elphick
2. Declaration of Interests.
Cllr. Mrs L. Norris for agenda item 20.
3. Minutes of November Parish Council Meeting (circulated pages 267-272).
Proposed by Cllr Mrs CA Brooks and seconded by Cllr IC Hancock the minutes were approved and signed (after the Councilors copies were amended as follows agenda item 3 should read Minutes of October - pages 253-257 and not September 245-249).
4. Matters Arising.
a) 4f 13/11/06: 16 9/10/06: Roy and Margaret Ward, Slaley Post Office won the retailer category in the Pride of Tynedale awards.
b) 7a 13/11/06: Eastern Tynedale & WCM Parish Council Forum - November 21st Bay Horse Inn - Pat report as appendix 1/111206.
c) 7i 13/11/06 TC Joint Discussion Forum meeting 20/11/06 8b: 4/9/06 Ian & Pat attended report as appendix 2/131106
d) 7m 13/11.06 Northumberland Lights. Taken off web site date passed deadline.
e)10 13/11/06 ENCAMS Local Environmental Quality – ‘Litter and the Law’ (5l 14/8/06) deferred from September & October meeting. Cllr Mrs A Robson reported that due to ongoing problems with her computer she was unable to provide comments on this document. It was agreed that no further action was necessary.
f) 16 13/11/06: Parish of Slaley – Localised Letting Policy –
E-mail to Vicky dated 16/11/06 with PC amendments.
E-mail from Brian Massey re concern 16/11/06.
E-mail to Vicky re our amendments dated 17/11/06.
E-mail reply from Vicky law re our amendments to LLA dated 17/11/06
Revised LL Policy received. Cllrs. now happy with rewording. Copy as Appendix 6/111206 (distributed at meeting – number as page 283)
g) 17d 13/11/06: Elm Trees opposite Slaley Post Office reported by Sandy Hatton as having Dutch Elm disease. (Previously reported to NCC Highways 23rd August 2004 – see September 04 minutes page 115 agenda 5 first sentence; October 04 minutes page 118, agenda 4 b map to mark trees. December 04 minutes page 124 agenda 4d deterioration but no immediate safety issue. Reply from NCC 15/11/06 then again on 4/12/06 confirming what we told them in 2004 and they proposed the same as 2004 – contact electric company to remove dangerous branches. Councillors to watch and see if work is undertaken.
5. Public Participation. - None
6. Community Trust Report.
a) No meeting since November. Hoping for financial help towards picnic table for school grounds from DeVere, Slaley Hall.
b) Working on a draft Annual Report Booklet.
c) Information Board going ahead asking for interest in Parish magazine insert.
d) Yellow page insert in December Parish Magazine (distributed to everyone in parish).
e) Ian Hancock written to Janis Irvine requesting format needed for PC articles.
7. Correspondence.
a) Reply Philip Hindmarsh re Bottle Bank at Rose & Crown.
b) NCC proposed budget cuts – Insufficient information to make an informed suggestion/alteration.
c) Hexham Courant Tynedale Visitor 2007 – repeat as 2006 article.
d) E-mail from Peter McKendrick re disruption in water supply + PC letter
e) Reply Northumbria Water re supply interruptions – Faulty pump at Moorgair.
f) T C Important Meeting Tuesday 9th January 6.30 p.m. One Northumberland – Two Councils – Cllr’s L.Norris, I.C. Hancock and possibly AS Robson will attend.
g) Letter from Slaley First School Chair of Governors re Speeding see agenda item 13
h) Slaley First School December newsletter.
i) Letter from Elaine Milburn re parking permits outside 12 South Park. Copy sent to CC B.Purdue. Ask NCC if possible to tarmac the area outside 9-12 South Park.
j) Tyne Rivers Trust – our burns do not have brown trout etc no response needed?
k) 7o 13/11/06 Countryside Alliance ‘Keep Your Post Office’ Reply from Jim Fitzpatrick MP to circulate.
l) North East War Memorials Project Autumn 2006.
m) Hexham Christmas Shopping leaflet
n) Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service draft Plan 07/08 + questionnaire Decided not to complete questionnaire.
o) CE Electric UK Preparing for Winter – Leaflets and Posters offer - none wanted.
p) Thank You letters from grants- CC of N; Age Concern Northumberland; Air Ambulance & Slaley Commemoration Hall.
q) TC LDF Core Strategy: Error in proposal map amendment sent.
r) Milecastle Housing: Home Truths Winter 2006, Adaptability Christmas 2006, Playworld Systems, Glasdon advertising leaflets.
8. Financial report. Cheques to be signed and confirmation of interim payments.
a) Cheques to be signed
No 286 Slaley Commemoration hall hire of room: 4 @ £10.00 = £40.00
b) Welfare of the Elderly Account
Balance £ 503.33
c) Interim payments.
None.
Proposed by Cllr TA Henderson and seconded by Cllr. CA Brooks.
9. Current Planning Applications.
20061512 Two storey side extension – Oaklea. No objection
20061359 Single storey dwelling & garage land east of Slaley House. Water supply?
20061359 First floor extension above existing garage. Single storey extension to rear and construction of dormer to rear. Beechcroft, 4 Wooley Grange. Objections 2 dwellings?
06/00165/CCM (NCC) Extension to extracting area and extension of time period for operation until 31/12/2011 – Ladycross Stone Quarry. Pending * One Councillor read in the Hexham Courant that it was granted. Check this!
Decisions from Planning Authority
20050504 Construction of 7 residential units & associated access and car parking
land east of Rosslyn, Main Street. Conditionally granted (circulate)
10 Christmas Treat for the Elderly of Slaley Parish Update
a) Reply from Andrew Coney re dates for Post Christmas Treat – after discussion agreed Friday 19th January 2007.
b) After circulation agreed Invitation/Booking Form + attached reminder of Age Concern Facilities at Slaley.
c) Clerk delivered those known in the village.
d) Invitations at Slaley Post Office, with Councillors or via e-mail.
d) Poster at Post Office and articles for Slaley Notes done. December PM already printed.
11. Age Concern Northumberland – Shopping Trips & Exercise Classes.
Follow up from agenda item 7u of 13th November 2006 minutes. A telephone call with Sarah Kennedy was very, very informative and she gave her congratulations on the proposed PC Christmas treat for our elderly residents, she said at Prudhoe a similar thing was done annually and the elderly really enjoyed the event.
a) copy of letter to Anne Robinson.
b) copy of letter to Karen Moses.
c) copy of letter to Margaret Barron.
d) copy of reply to Janis Irvine.
e) Letter reply Anne Robinson Age Concern – Exercise Classes
f) Envelope of additional CAN Services – Invite an AC employee to free meal to talk of services.
g) Cllr. Mrs L. Norris spoken with Anne Robinson who suggested a donation towards cost of Hall to provide exercise classes for the less able. After discussion it was agreed that when attendances are insufficient to cover the cost of the hire of the Hall a £30 donation would be given for January – March 07. The situation would be reviewed then.
12. Toddler Play Area in Slaley.
a) Courant article Children’s needs not being met says survey
b) Letter from Tynedale Council re Draft for Consultation: Draft Tynedale Play Strategy:
Extract from Tynedale Open Space Sport & Recreation Strategy 1/3/05: Extract from (above) Prioritised Action Plan: Questions for Consultation. Councillor Ian Hancock reported Appendix 5/111206
c) Cllr. Mrs A Robson reported that the land to the rear of the Rose & Crown was no longer a possible site it would be developed into a smoking area with patio heaters etc after the national No-Smoking in Public Places came into force.
d) Cllr. Mrs L Norris re-asked Cllr JK Robson if an area in Townhead Showfield was a possibility. Cllr. Robson said he would discuss with his family but asked where families would park their cars while children played such a play area. Agenda item for January meeting.
13. Daytime meeting with Alan Bawn “Speeding in Slaley village/parish”
a) 7b 9/10/06; Reduce speed to 20 mph in village near school - reply from Alan Bawn NCC would prefer a day-time meeting to discuss possibilities. Clerk to reply Wednesday, Thursday or Friday afternoons with a preference to Wednesdays & book Hall.
b) See correspondence letter from Slaley School 7g above. Invite Marge Rastall or an alternative School Governor to attend.
c) Invite Michael Elphick from Slaley Community Trust & Postman ‘Stephen’ to attend.
14. NALC Prize money – SAFE sites for a second parish seat
4a 1113/11/06: 11 9/10/06: The Councillors suggested three sites: (i) Overlooking Hirst Hill on the B6306 on very wide grassed area near two field gates, adjacent to the south bound carriageway. There is ample space for cars to park here and picnickers are often seen at this spot. (ii) Todburn Steel entrance corner, at the junction of the C275 (Riding Mill Road) and the U8089 (Wooley Road). Again there is a wide grassed area adjacent to the north-east bound carriageway. (iii) Well House/Strothers crossroads. On the south bound carriageway of the B6306 just north of the crossroads with the C265. Once again there is a wide elevated grassed area adjacent to the south-bound carriageway. There is restricted space for vehicles to pull in from the highway. Clerk to write and assess Highways reaction.
15 Precept 2007/2008
a) Funds as at December 06 was produced for the meeting Appendix 3/111206
b) Agreed Precept for 07/08 - attached Appendix 4/111206.
c) A lengthy discussion on the subject of an annual treat for the elderly of the parish was finally disbanded because it would be a once a year large expenditure and funds could be better-utilised supporting events weekly or monthly.
d) Re-look at the Millennium Feature Landscaping work January agenda item.
16. Slaley Hall Holiday Villas (17c 13/11/06)
a) January 9th 2006 Minutes, agenda 15 a, page 202, to which DC Massey referred.
b) February 13th 2006 Minutes, agenda 5f, page 205, answer from HW reported.
c) Also February 13th 2006 Minutes, agenda 5h, page 205, reply Peter Atkinson.
d) Copy of Helen Winter letter + Councillor comment sheet.
e) Copy of letter from Peter Atkinson
f) Copy of letter sent to Peter Atkinson following the recent Nov meeting.
Update since Feb 06 Certificate of Lawfulness for 52 Slaley Park for LG & S Oselton granted.
g) Reply from Peter Atkinson re Slaley Hall Holiday villas dated 22/11/06
h) Reply from Peter Atkinson dated 4/12/06 attached to reply from Jonathan Blackie.
After discussion it was agreed that a letter be sent to TC Planning Enforcement Officer asking for a copy of the standard annual letter to the residents/owners of the Holiday Villas that the Villas are not being occupied on a year-round basis, also a meaningful confirmation that conditions are being met.
17. Rural twin-bin Kerbside collection scheme (first month of collections) report.
a) E-mail letter to Adam Keen re Parkside litter & reply.
b) E-mail letter to Adam keen re Mallard Cottage, Westwood Foot litter & reply – Clerk to report the reply to Mr & Mrs Willey.
c) Verbal via Cllr Keith Robson three village bins blew into road after emptying during strong winds.
d) E-mail to Adam Keen re Slaley Commemoration Hall bins – no on-site Caretaker therefore can the bins be put back into storage area by refuse men and not left on pavement. Also either Euro bin or more standard bins be provided for general refuse.
e) Cllr CA Brooks reported Trygill Bungalow wheelie bins blowing around the B6306 after being emptied. This was reported through the Hexham Courant letters page.
f) Several Councillors have seen additional bags of litter placed alongside the wheelie bins and although this is contrary to TC instructions these bags appear to be collected.
18. Northumberland Strategic Partnership/Tynedale Community Agreement.
See agenda item 14, page 256, 13/11/06 minutes. The subject of the NSP and subsequent partnerships and LAA’s will be covered by one or two Councillors to keep abreast of what is happening. Cllr L Norris volunteered to report with Tom as backup although he has heavy work commitments. Cllr. Norris will liaison with Robert Macfarlane (see 7c, page 254) our representative on the Tynedale Community Partnership. NSP/LAA’s to become a monthly agenda item.
a) NSP Partnership Update for Northumberland November 2006 – Janice Rose.
b) NSP Sector Board – Revised Terms of Reference.
c) Faber Maunsell Briefing Note on new bridge over river Tyne.
d) Map of proposed routes.
e) Text for discussion of the Tynedale Community Partnership of (B above)
f) Tynedale Community Partnership + Return Slip - already replied (see 9/10/06 minutes item 13, page 256 & 13/11/06 minutes 7c, page 268).
19. A.O.B.
a) Complaint from Mrs Strutt re Film Show Advertising Board opposite her home and Advertising Boards generally in Slaley village. After discussion it was agreed that the Clerk write to Mrs Strutt and report that Slaley PC does not object to small advertising boards for Community Activities which are erected for a few days and are promptly removed after the advertised event.
e) E-mail regarding discussion regarding Pine Hill caravan and its eventual disposal.
f) Flooding at Shield Hall corner e-mail sent to NCC highways 20/11/06
18. BOATs update
a) A meeting of the 4 Parishes Joint Committee will take place on Tuesday 12th December 2006
Meeting closed at 11.05 p.m. Date of January meeting: Monday 8th.