The naming of the Affordable Houses site in Slaley is not straightforward, see agenda 4g.
Minutes of Slaley Parish Council, Monday March 12th 2007, 7.30 p.m. in Slaley Commemoration Hall.
1. Apologies.None.
Present: Councillor Mrs L. Norris in the Chair. Councillors J.K. Robson, I.C. Hancock, T. A. Henderson, Mrs C. A. Brooks, Mrs A.S. Robson. Clerk Mrs P. Wilson. District Councillor B.W. Massey. County Councillor Wm Purdue
Public: None. Slaley Notes: Jean Elphick, Courant Reporter: Lyndsey Wright. Community Trust Executive Committee Member: Michael Elphick
2. Declaration of Interests.
Cllr. Mrs L. Norris for agenda item 20.
3. Minutes of February Parish Council Meeting (circulated pages 289-293 + appendices 1,2 & 3 pages 294, 295 & 296).
Proposed by Cllr IC Hancock and seconded by Cllr TA Henderson the minutes were approved and signed.
4. Matters Arising.
a) 18 12/2/07. Bottle bank in Slaley reply from Claire Lawson Recycling Officer – land owner has given consent for recycling bank to be sited on their land, could we gauge opinion of local residents. Clerk to consult immediate neighbours. Clerk to write to Philip Hindmarsh stating new tenants arriving soon who will need consulting, suggesting a 3 month trial, and asking who will clear up any broken glass or carry containers left on site.
b) 4c 18/2/07 Reply regarding reduction in annual charge for emptying bins. Mg Sanderson said alternative Thursday collections. Remittance Advice for £118.96 Reimbursement of pt invoice numbers 7014682/7014683.
c) 6a 12/2/07 E-mail reply from DC Massey ‘Government White Paper issue of “Strengthening the role of local Councillors” will be an ongoing debate and extends beyond the specific issue of Unitary Authorities for which NCC and TDC have submitted formal submissions’.
d) 6b 12/2/07 NCC N’land Minerals &Waste Development Framework further site submissions for the Site Specific Allocations and Policies DPD reply from DC Brian Massey saying unlikely that these site would get through Northumberland County Council and Tynedale Council system
e) 9 a,b,c,d, 12/2/07 Reply from Ian Kemp dated 16/2/07 re Core Strategy Examination. And a second letter dated 21/2/07 enclosing guidance notes, the Issues and matters for Examination and a draft programme for the Examination. A third letter dated 5/3/07 gives information on the hearing sessions 17th April – 25th April 2007. Mr Robin Brooks is the Planning Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State. All given to Cllr Hancock who drafted a reply, this was accepted by the meeting and 6 hard copies + an e-mail copy will be sent to Ian Kemp.
ei) Also from TC planning department LDF – Core Strategy: Minor amendments comments by March 23rd. given to Cllr Hancock
f) 11 12/2/07 financial contribution towards play facilities explained via e-mail from Cllr Massey where he explained that since March 2006 a secure planning permission has been subject to a financial payment of £1,088 per bedroom towards play facilities in the area.
g) 12f 12/2/07 Correspondence regarding name of Affordable Houses. Anything suggested by the PC with ‘Townfoot’ has been rejected ‘Paddock Close’ has been suggested by Two Castles. Cllr Norris to speak with Tania Naylor at TC.
h) 16 12/2/07 Meeting with Alan Bawn “Speeding in Slaley village/parish” Wednesday 24/1/07.
Report attached to February minutes needs amending after the Courant reporter made enquiries to the Camera Partnership. Amendment from Alan Bawn as follows.
Under 5h the agreement should refer to temporary speed limit flashing signs and not speed cameras. I am extremely sorry if I created a misunderstanding at the meeting. I suppose the confusion is caused by the camera Partnership being the initial commissioning agents. There is also a separate initiative, which I referred to at the meeting, where parish councils have gone direct to the Police (not the camera partnership) and purchased a speed radar gun for use by the Police within their Parish areas. This is however, a hand held device which has continuous police presence when in use. The Parish will, however, have to go direct to the police for this type of agreement.
i) 17 12/2/07 Parish Seat (14 11/12/06 page 276; 4a 13/11/06 page 267; 11 9/10/06 page 255)
Quote from Hexhamshire Hardwood English Oak £595.00, Iroko African timber £499.00. Carving Slaley Parish Council on back of seat £60.00. Quote from Michael Swanson English Oak £150.00 Installation quote from Trevor Golightly £140.00 + VAT wants to meet Kevin Allen and Clerk on site one morning to agree location. It was agreed to ask M Swanson for a cost for weather proofing and also wording ‘Slaley Parish Council’ Order the seat from him and contact Trevor Golightly to fit.
j) 20 a, b c 12/2/07: E-mail reply from Kevin Allen – slow signs no longer legal for Wooley road could do SLOW road markings if acceptable. Confirm SLOW road marking was required.
5. Public Participation. None
.
6. For discussion with County and District Councillors.
a) DC reminded the Councillors of the Parish Council Elections on Thursday May 3rd and suggested Slaley Notes mention this through the Courant column.
b) DC asked if a reply to the letter of December 18th regarding Slaley Hall Holiday Villa standard annual occupancy letter had been received. Clerk to write again.
b) CC reported that NCC land could become a popular place for wind turbines.
c) CC reported an expected increase in the cost of care workers.
7. Community Trust Report.
Report attached as appendix 1/120307 + e-mail dated 5/3/07 from Mr Elphick requesting confirmation of Councillors Individual Reports being used in a pamphlet. The Councillors discussed the suggestion of combining Parish Council Notice Board with the Interpretive Board and would prefer not to share. It was also agreed that the reports from Councillors Norris, Hancock, Massey and Purdue would not be altered for the pamphlet unless any alteration was agreed before publication. Mr Elphick who attended the meeting at Wark on 23/2/07 (see 20e February 12th minutes) re closure of rural post offices tabled a Consultation Response Form for consideration. This was accepted by the Councillors.
8. Correspondence.
a) Late letter of thanks from Gloria Corbidge, 2 Slaley Park for meal at Slaley Hall. Copy sent to Andrew Coney.
b) TC Selefest 2007 asking for a donation. It was agreed to send £50.00.
c) NCC’s submission for single unitary authority meeting 7th March. Cllr JK Robson attended , he was one of only three attendees.
d) NALC (now CAN) questionnaire Clerk and Councillors completed.
e) Community Action Northumberland (formerly NALC) ‘Safeguarding Vulnerable Users’ policy see 4/9/06 agenda 8i, page 246 and 9/10/06 minutes agenda 4, page 253. Training form completed for future training at Hexham rather than March training at Stannington.
f) Community Action Northumberland (formerly NALC) introducing Louise Currie as Community Initiative Officer who will organize a range of new opportunities for Parish Councils and Community Buildings Management Committee. A Quality Standards Scheme for Village Halls, free Health Check List was recommended. Subsequently requested, received and circulated.
g) Neil Pont, Tynedale Sports Council grant aid request for youngster sports grants. £50 given.
h) NCC TRO notification notices to be received by E-mail/ Post or Fax? Councillors decided e-mail.
i) Northumberland National Park and Countryside Joint Local Access Forum- Parish Pride – Public Rights of Way in Your Parish. + Review of Conclusive Map of Open Country and registered Common Land – Data of First Review. See 17 and 20 a below. Cllr Hancock will draft a reply for March 31st deadline. This document is mainly a reminder that there are two serious issues. 2009 Discovering Lost Way – employing people to unearth old used ways. Review of Conclusive Map does our parish map include all the open access land or does the map show land which should not be open access. Slaley map appears correct no action needed.
j) TC Revised refuse collection over Easter period poster placed on Notice Board.
k) CORE furniture wanted poster; TDC minutes of meetings January; The Sustainable Communities Bill Rally 26/3/07 Westminster; Northumberland Community News Vol 27 No 1 + ‘Our Common Land’ publication, CAN Village of the Year competition 2007 & VCS training & development; Wicksteed Leisure Mystical World catalogue; Clerks and Councils Direct Issue 50; Hexham Group NFU presents a talk by David Morris of RSDPB on Wading Birds in the North Pennines AONB
9. Financial report. Cheques to be signed and confirmation of interim payments.
a) Cheques to be signed.
No 292 Tynedale Sports Council (see 8g above) £ 50.00
No 293 Mrs P. Wilson annual PC expenses tel/postage/stationery etc £179.84
No 294 Tynedale Council (Selefest 2007) see 8b above £50.00
Proposed by Cllr CA Brooks and seconded by Cllr L Norris.
b) Welfare of the Elderly Account Now CLOSED
c) Interim payments. None.
d) TC confirmation of 07/08 Precept
10. Current Planning Applications.
2007 0268 Single storey side extension & porch to front Townfoot Bungalow.
20070121 Micro Wind Generator attached to garage – Foresters Lodge, Trygill. Pending
20070073 Variation of condition No 4 on planning permission 20051282 – telecommunications monopole at Slaley Hall. Site visit with planning officer Mark Ketley where the Slaley Councillors were told that the original permission included the felling of trees on the site of the new mast. The application for the reduction in the exclusion zone for any further felling from 50 to 10 meters was because if a tree were felled in the exclusion zone the mast would have to be removed. Councillors understood the reasoning behind the request for the variation but were concerned about the impact on Garden Cottage should the exclusion zone be reduced on the land between the site and Garden Cottage. Councillors requested that the variation be reworded to preserve the trees between the mast and Garden Cottage. Mr. Ketley agreed to rewrite the wording of the application and re-submit. This has not been done. Clerk to ask for an update.
Decisions from Planning Authority
None.
11. Millennium Feature Landscaping work (13 12/2/07, 4a 8/1/07; 15d 11/12/06)
Place on April agenda. Clerk to ask Trevor Golightly if he knows of any old cobbles we could purchase.
12. Toddler Play Area in Slaley
a) Clerk to spoken with Kellett family and they remarked that they do not wish to sell any land near Townhead for a play area. The various options and rejections were once again discussed.
13. Parish Plan Annual Highways Report
Councillors happy with their individual allotted routes as circulated. Reports (preferably typed and e-mailed) back to Clerk by May 1st.
14. Annual Risk Assessment.
Draft circulated. Amendments from Cllrs Norris & Hancock agreed. A revised copy will be attached to the minutes as appendix 2/120307
15. Asset & Investment Register
Draft circulated after discussion it was agreed that everything be increased by 5%. Attached as appendix 3/120307
16. Communities & Local Government – a revised model code of conduct for local authority members. Cllr TA Henderson to read and answer by March 9th Report for meeting.
Currently four Model Codes: Local Authority; Parish Council; National Parks & Police Authority. The intention is to make one Model Code. There was nothing contentious and the new code will include bullying/patterns of behaviour; disclosure of confidential interests; criminal offences, bringing the position into disrepute; gifts and hospitality etc.
17. 4h 12/2/07, 7g 8/1/07 NCC draft Rights of Way: Improvement Plan for Northumberland – comments by 31st March 2007 Report by Cllr IC Hancock.
The draft is all about access and nothing about damage to wildlife or special sites. Ted Liddle, an enthusiastic rambler, of Hexhamshire, has sent photographs of the damaged Viewley BOAT to David Brookes asking for a TRO banning the use of motorized vehicles. Also See 19 d re Footpath 21 and 20 a BOATs report below. The comments supplied by the Councillors who read this document were typed and circulated. One suggestion was to pass the Network Upkeep to an organisation outside the Parish Council responsibility. The Clerk informed the meeting that the ROW network was a Government responsibility passing down to County, District & Parish level. Slaley had one instance of a member of the public who intended to make parking provision on the B6306, west of Townhead, because of something he thinks was said in July 1999.
18. Northumberland Strategic Partnership/ Tynedale Community Agreement Update.
Northumberland Strategic Partnership – Releasing the strength of our communities. Document entitled ‘A sustainable community strategy for Northumberland to 2021’. Cllr Linda Norris reported that there was nothing measurable in the document.
19. AOB.
a) Excavation machinery and workmen reported for possible building activity at Springhouse.
E-mail reply from Cllr Hancock 3/3/07 no sign of building work and another e-mail 7/3/07 stating that Komatsu were trialing a new piece of machinery at Ladycross for a few weeks
b) Date of April meeting one week later because second Monday is Easter Monday. Councillor holidays over the May AGM could have a bearing on voting in officials.
c) Clerk received a telephone call from a member of the public complaining of the refuse/litter/discarded items left at the Rose & Crown after the Hughes family vacated the premises. On Monday March 5th the PC Chairman viewed the site and suggested waiting until the village refuse collection of Thursday 8th March to see if a complaint needs reporting. It was decided to leave well along until the new tenant takes over.
d) Richard Ferguson still reporting Footpath 21 being used a bridleway and members of the public cutting back foliage to make riding easier. See 17 above. Also mess on the roadside near Footpath 21 of a timber-lorry traveling north going off the road when confronted with a second large vehicle traveling south.
e) Invitation to Councillors from Slaley Hall for Friday March 23rd to celebrate the opening of the Clubhouse Restaurant & Bar.
f) Eastern Tynedale & Castle Morpeth Parish Councils Forum next meeting is May 15th, Attendee to be confirmed at April meeting.
20. BOATs update
a) Spring meeting Monday February 26th.when the group discussed the draft Rights of Way: Improvement Plan for Northumberland (see 17 above) MK to produce a core document for all four parishes to add its own concerns). This core document not available on 12/3/07
b) As a group we have answered specific NCC questions with the help of photographs to prove how unsuitable Bridleway 13 and Footpath 12, which cross the Dipton Burn, are in being identified as a BOAT.
c) Sunday 11th March PW reported 2 trail bikes riding south passed St. Helens Whitley at 10.30 a.m. approx. Then a minimum of 7 trail bikes exited the B6306 from Hexham side unto the U8078 at 10.50 a.m. Richard Ferguson reported 12 trail bikes passed Holly Hill at 10.55 a.m. then turned right to Dukesfield. At 12 noon 2 land rovers (both short wheel base) came up High Clear lane passed Holly Hill into Slaley Forest. At 4 p.m. another two land rovers (one long wheel base) came from Whit House area and turned south into Slaley Forest. At 5 p.m. three boy racers were complained about by Stephan Sobell and RF for speeding on the Old Lead Road between Dukesfield and Holly Hill they eventually turned south into Slaley Forest and could be heard speeding somewhere in the forest. RF also reported evidence of trail bike activity during the late evening of Monday March 5th or during the daytime of Tuesday 6th March.
d) Kevin Allen NCC highways informed Clerk that although signs have been placed at the south end of the U8080 saying ‘Not suitable for vehicle traffic’ pot hole filling and plain-ing will be undertaken because NCC have an obligation to make the public road passable. I asked about the pending BOAT application of 60 foot wide on this route and he suggested we write to Mel Richardson at County Hall and ask if the route could be stopped up for vehicles other than Slaley Hall use.
e) Cllr Hancock reported a temporary Felling Restriction Order on the lane to the south west of Ladycross quarry.
Meeting closed at 10.30 p.m.
Date of April meeting one week late due to Easter Monday: Monday 16th
Slaley Parish Councillors would like a bottle bank in Slaley parish, find out more by reading agenda 18.
Minutes of Slaley Parish Council, Monday February 12thth 2007, 7.30 p.m. in Slaley Commemoration Hall.
1. Apologies. County Councillor Wm Purdue.
Present: Councillor Mrs L. Norris in the Chair. Councillors J.K. Robson, I.C. Hancock, T. A. Henderson, Mrs C. A. Brooks, Mrs A.S. Robson. Clerk Mrs P. Wilson. District Councillor B.W. Massey.
Public: None. Slaley Notes: Jean Elphick, Courant Reporter: Lyndsey Wright. Community Trust Executive Committee Member: Michael Elphick
2. Declaration of Interests.
Cllr. Mrs L. Norris for agenda item 21.
3. Minutes of January Parish Council Meeting (circulated pages 284-287+ appendices Action Plan update 288).
Proposed by Cllr J.K. Robson and seconded by Cllr I.C. Hancock the minutes were approved and signed.
4. Matters Arising.
ai) Post Christmas Treat for the Elderly of Slaley Parish 19/1/07 at Slaley Hall Hotel.
Thank you letters received from: Wendy Tucker, Mildred Robson, Jean & Michael Elphick, Gwen Ridley & Joe & Mary Metcalf and many verbal thanks.
aii) One paid meal cancelled by Jim Bailey resulted in only 3@£10.50 being paid into bank therefore 8d 8/1/07 should read £31.50 and not £42.00.
aiii) Immediate E-mail thanks sent to Andrew Coney of Slaley Hall and his reply saying he hopes a repeat can somehow be made in the future. An official PC letter of thanks to be sent together with a copy of the ‘thank you’ letters.
b) 9 & 16f 8/1/07 E-mail reply from Richard Stewart re barn (discussing with landowner) & port-a-cabins (structures are temporary and connected to the approval).
c) E-mail replies re non-empty of dog & litter bin – A fortnightly collection will be acceptable for a trial period with a reduction of the annual account. Summer use of dog bin may make this unacceptable – millennium bin presently full to overflowing.
d) Councillors request for sight of Local Works Sustainable Communities Bill actual bill & Local Works campaign criteria circulating (see 7i 8/1/07 page 284; 7a 12/12/05 page 195; 4e 10/10/05 page 180; 8h 12/9/05 page 175)
e) 11b 8/1/07 E-mail reply from CC Bill Purdue: both the one and two Council proposals were passed on to the minister.
f) 7k 8/1/07 Reply from Anne Robinson confirming in writing that copies of invoices from Noreen White will be received by Slaley PC clerk.
g) Squirrel Protection Group Courant & Journal articles – 16b January 8th minutes. Meeting at St. Mary’s Church, Slaley, Monday February 19th.
h) 7g 8/1/07 NCC draft Rights of Way: Improvement Plan for Northumberland – comments by 31st March 2007 (MK has been warning us of this since April 2006) circulated and returned for report.
5. Public Participation. –
Wheelie bin collections working well at Colpitts from individual homes.
6. For discussion with County and District Councillors.
a) Cllr. IC Hancock asked about the inquiry into the role and effectiveness of Rural Councillors launched on Feb 8th by the Commission for Rural Communities (NERC Act of Parliament 2006) Questionnaire is not a tick box and the deadline is May 2007. This nationwide questionnaire will have wide ranging responses. Councillor Massey had not seen the document but said he would follow up the query and he anticipated that the answers from PC’s in Northumberland would vary considerably.
b) (see 9e below) NCC N’land Minerals &Waste Development Framework further site submissions for the Site Specific Allocations and Policies DPD. Cllr Hancock was especially concerned that these highly contentious sites can be slipped in after consultation on the completed site allocation document has taken place, Short period of time to comment on the most potentially damaging proposals. The area in question constitute the most sensitive landscapes beyond the semi-industrial fringe of Tyneside and should be protected at all costs. Again Cllr Massey had not seen the documents, he took Slaley’s for reference and agreed to follow through.
7. Rural Post Offices – District Councillor Brian Massey to report.
Tynedale Council are required to give an answer to Central Government regarding rural post offices. It was agreed that a copy of our letter to Jim Fitzpatrick and his reply to us should be sent to Tynedale Council.
8. Community Trust Report.
Report attached as appendix 3/120207.
9. Correspondence.
a) Letter from Ian Kemp dated 15th January re Core Strategy Examination (see 7d January 8th minutes) Not circulated reply by Chairman & Vice Chairman only 10 days to reply
b) E-mail of Chairman & Vice Chairman’s reply to above.
c) TDC LDF reply from Ian Kemp Core Strategy Examination dated 29/1/07.
d) TDC LDF reply from Ian Kemp Core Strategy Examination dated 31/1/07. It was agreed that Cllr Hancock re-look at this and draft a reply.
e) NCC N’land Minerals &Waste Development Framework further site submissions for the Site Specific Allocations and Policies DPD see 6b above.
f) Ian Watson’s letter to Courant re Wheelie Bins. Cllr Massey could not confirm what happened to the recycling material other than it goes to Tyneside.
g) TC Hanging Baskets 2007 Northumbria in Bloom 2007 Maintenance of hanging baskets would be a problem at Slaley therefore the answer is no.
h) NCC Tynedale Area Committee Papers – January 25th. Includes Local Transport Plan.
i) NALC Review of the Quality Town & Parish Council Scheme.
j) Local Works – Sustainable Communities Bill passes 2nd reading and asking that we request Peter Atkinson to write to Phil Woolas MP, Ruth Kelly MP + Sign the early day motion. (see 7i 8/1/07 page 284; 7a 12/12/05 page 195; 4e 10/10/05 page 180; 8h 12/9/05 page 175) Cllr agreed that they wished this letter to be sent.
k) Northumberland Strategic Partnership letter – Agreed Boundaries. No problem.
l) Communities & Local Government – a revised model code of conduct for local authority members replies by March 9th Cllr TA Henderson to read and report by early March.
m) NALC letter + Royal Garden Party, Joining Your Local Council, Briefing Paper, Possible re-organisation, & NALC training events. Cllr’s Norris, Brooks & Henderson wished to have a copy of Joining Your Local Council.
NTC grant aid 07/08; Bytes & Briefs a bulletin about Tynedale Council, Record Playground equipment; Timberline catalogue; Shaws - registers etc for local councils; TDC minutes of meetings November; North Pennines AONB – from peat to global warming; Glasdon advertising, CPRE Winter 06/07 Overview, Glasdon seating catalogue. ‘Shameful destruction’ Courant letter (see 11d 14th August & 7f 9th October minutes) (similar)
10. Financial report. Cheques to be signed and confirmation of interim payments.
a) Cheques to be signed
No 287 DeVere Slaley Hall – Post Christmas Lunch £714.00
No 288 Slaley Commemoration Hall 4 meetings rooms @ £10.00 £40.00
No 289 Pipex Communications UK Ltd ‘ Slaley Web hosting’ £93.41
No 290 P. Wilson Clerk’s salary Oct 06 – March 07 £750.00
No 291 Age Concern Northumberland – exercise class shortfall £30.00
Proposed by Cllr JK Robson and seconded by Cllr CA Brooks.
b) Welfare of the Elderly Account
Balance £507.72 + closing interest 64p = withdrawal of £508.36 by Cllr’s Norris & Robson to close account and pay for Post Christmas lunch see 4a above. Account Now CLOSED
c) Interim payments.
None.
d) Chairman & Clerk signed the 2007/08 precept request of £6,365.00 and returned to Tynedale Council by January 24th 2007.
e) Audit Commission check for new fees on Commission’s website www.audit-commission.gov.uk for a five year period.
11. Current Planning Applications.
20070073 Variation of condition No 4 on planning permission 20051282 – telecommunications monopole at Slaley Hall. Chairman and Vice Chairman looked at this and decided a site visit should be requested copy of e-mail to everyone. Photographs copied and hand delivered with hard copy of objections to Planning Dept. Cllr Massey to request a site visit after looking at photographs and plans.
20070121 Micro Wind Generator attached to garage – Foresters Lodge, Trygill. No Obj
Decisions from Planning Authority
20061512 Two storey side extension – Oaklea. Granted
20061359 Single storey dwelling & garage land east of Slaley House. Granted 3 years + a financial contribution of £3,264 towards play facilities and sign a 106 agreement. Cllr Massey to check this wording on a single dwelling, he explained that it was now common practice that a certain number of new dwellings should pay a financial contribution towards play facilities in the area.
20061359 First floor extension above existing garage. Single storey extension to rear and construction of dormer to rear. Beechcroft, 4 Wooley Grange. Granted
20061498 Two storey side ext & single storey front ext – Glen Cottage Refused
12. Affordable Houses – Holly Construction – Flooding at Rosslyn.
Agenda item 9 bullet points one and two 8/1/07 Flooding at ‘Rosslyn’
a) Reply from Planning re Flooding under Rosslyn floorboards
b) Reply Two Castles re flooding under Rosslyn floorboards
c) Clerk took action by personally contact Patrick Dockerty, Chief Planning Inspector, on Friday January 12th and told him of the flooding under Rosslyn floorboards. He immediately came to the building site found the old broken field drain and watched as the builders repaired the drain. He then telephoned the Clerk back during the afternoon and said the water should begin to leave the foundations of Rosslyn. The Clerk’s son, James, telephoned Mr Dockerty on Tuesday January 30th to say the south facing lawn was still like a sponge and was he aware Holly Construction had gone into liquidation. Mr Dockerty said that when new contactors were appointed he would re look at the old field drains crossing the site from the south lawn of Rosslyn bungalow. The Clerk had herself taken up the floorboards on Sunday February 11th and the water had gone from inside Rosslyn foundations.
d) Press Release Slaley PCs comments written by Chairman read to the meeting.
e) Holly Construction into administration January 22nd – No confirmation of who replacement construction company would be has been announced.
f) E-mail re Affordable Houses name. Slaley schoolchildren did not respond. Slaley Parish Council proposed Townfoot Close. Vicky Law telephoned the Clerk and said Two Castles would have the final say in naming their site. The Councillors were annoyed with this and asked the Clerk to e-mail Vicky with a copy to Two Castles and say Townfoot name would be compatible with Townhead at the west end of the village
13. Millennium Feature Landscaping work (4a 8/1/07; 15d 11/12/06)
Defer to March meeting.
14. T C Important Meeting 9/1/07 One Northumberland – Two Councils – Cllr’s L. Norris, I.C. Hancock report.
Attached as appendix 1/120207
a) Letter from Bill Brooks leader of Northumberland County Council
b) + Report to Council; 15/1/07
c) + Outline Proposals for a Single Unitary Council for Northumberland
d) + Our Future – One Council
e) Letter from Richard Robson TC One Northumberland – Two Councils
f) + Working draft submission.
g) + copy of presentation
h) Letter to Richard Robson TC One Northumberland – Two Councils and his reply.
i) TC letter One Northumberland – Two Councils + Press release.
j) E-mail Cllr I Hancock re website for ‘strong and prosperous communities’ www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1503999
15. Toddler Play Area in Slaley
a) 12c 8/1/07 Negative reply from Scott family
b) Clerk to telephone Kellett family for its reply.
16. Meeting with Alan Bawn “Speeding in Slaley village/parish” Wednesday 24/1/07.
Report attached as appendix 2/120207
A Courant article re Speeding in Bellingham was circulated to the Councillors. It was agreed that no contact with neighbouring parishes who are experiences similar speeding problems be made until we have an indication of costs ( Blanchland, Broomley & Stocksfield, Whittonstall, Corbridge etc)
17. NALC Community Empowerment Award Prize Money – Parish Seat (14 11/12/06 page 276; 4a 13/11/06 page 267; 11 9/10/06 page 255)
l) Reply from Alan Bawn regarding the B6306 site for our second parish seat.
Glasdon Seating Collection – Councillors agreed on Shrewsbury (3 seater) size 2 style. Clerk to contact Hexhamshire Hardwoods and Michael Swanson (latter made Hexhamshire millennium seats) for cost plus guaranteed availability by end of April. Also contact Trevor Golightly for a price on concrete base and metal anchorage plus fixing seat early May.
18. Bottle bank in Slaley.
Rose & Crown Inn will shortly be under new management therefore this village site is not viable at present. Non-village sites were discussed and everyone agreed that taking glass to a point outside the village was pointless. Once in a vehicle glass may as well be taken to one’s destination i.e. a bottle bank in Hexham etc. Clerk to write and ask if TC is considering any domestic glass collection as part of its recycling scheme.
19. Northumberland Strategic Partnership/ Tynedale Community Agreement Update.
Nothing to report.
20. AOB.
a) Individual Pot holes should be reported to Pot Hole Pete.
c) Slow sign still need at Hexham side of the Wooley road junction.
d) Flooding at ‘Moorland’ on Lead Road between Sandybraes and Comb Hills Farm.
e) Meeting at Wark Town Hall, Friday 23/2/07 with Peter Atkinson re closure of rural post offices and its effect on the elderly.
f) Light Pollution from Slaley Hall – Clerk to write to Andrew Coney and ask if a review of lighting is likely in view of the current conservation of energy (especially during the hours after midnight) and light pollution connected to global warming.
g) Eastern Tynedale & WCM PC’s Forum meeting on February 20th at Heddon on the Wall. Cllr Norris unable to attend. Cllr TA Henderson will try to attend.
21. BOATs update
a) Date of Spring meeting Monday February 26th.
b) NERC Bill made possible to place TRO’s on BOATs to protect wildlife. Forestry Commission done conservation work in Slaley Forest to attract Black Grouse. MK is asking for support from Slaley PC in requesting a TRO in Slaley Forest for rare wildlife such as Nightjars, Black Grouse and the red squirrels.
Meeting closed at 9 30 p.m. Date of March meeting: Monday 12th