Slaley, Northumberland

School Summer Fair!

FOSS (the Friends Of Slaley School) will be holding their annual Summer Fair on Saturday 30th June, from 11.30 am to 2.30 pm at Slaley First School. Not only will our favourite attractions such as the bouncy castle, cake, bottle and craft stalls and children’s tombola be there, but we will once again be hosting a football tournament for local schools. Expect to meet some new faces at the fair some of whom are cute, fluffy and bleat and another who can only be described as Dr Who’s most famous enemy!

See you tomorrow, whatever the weather – we’ll look forward to welcoming you there.

FOSS would also like to give a big “Thank You” to everyone who helped with their recent Pub Quiz at the Rose and Crown. Question master Paul’s reputation is clearly spreading, as this time we were joined by an international team from Calgary! The quiz, raffle and much-appreciated donation from Ali the landlady all helped us raise £100 for school funds.

Minutes of May 2007 monthly meeting

Slaley Parish Council has been asked to make repairs to the bus shelter on the Wooley road. See agenda item 7(ii) (a).

Minutes of Slaley Parish Council, Monday May 14th 2007, (after the Annual Parish Meeting) in Slaley Commemoration Hall.

1. Apologies. Councillor Mrs L. Norris & District Councillor B.W. Massey
Present: Councillor I.C. Hancock in the Chair. Councillors Mrs C. A. Brooks & Mrs A.S. Robson, and new Councillors Ms M Palmer & S Davison. Clerk Mrs P. Wilson. County Councillor Wm Purdue.
Public: Mr & Mrs P McKendrick & Olwyn Haggerty. Slaley Notes: Jean Elphick, Courant Reporter: None. Community Trust Executive Committee Member: Michael Elphick. At this point the registration forms were completed and signed as was the old Parish Councillors Declarations book, which began when Slaley Parish Councils was first formed in 1894.

2. Declaration of Interests
None.

3. Minutes of April Parish Council Meeting (circulated pages 305-309+ appendices 1, 2, 3 & 4 pages 310, 311 312 & 313).
Proposed by Cllr Mrs A.S. Robson and seconded by Cllr Mrs C.A. Brooks the minutes were approved and signed.

4. Matters Arising.
a) 4a 16/4/07; 4a 12/3/07: 18 12/2/07 Bottle bank to rear of Rose & Crown – reply from Kevin Ferrol TC visited Luke Jennings who is the pub manager and he is unsure about using the car park. Mr Ferrol asks for alternative proposals. No reply from West Orchard House, however many concerns to be addressed from Stanegarth residents before the R&C could be agreed upon. It was decided to reply to Mr Ferrol with, as possible options, the Dukesfield corner (C279/C280 junction) site and the Riding Mill Road C275 site where NCC Highways tend to store road grit. The Commemoration Hall car park was also suggested and Cllr Mrs A. S. Robson to ask at the next Management Committee meeting.
b) 4b 16/4/07; 4g 12/3/07: 12f 12/2/07 Correspondence regarding name of Affordable Houses. Three suggestions made and Reaston View proposed by TC. Clerk confirmed this as acceptable.
c) 8b 16/4/07 Tynedale Council has exchanged the red dog-bin for A GREEN bin although not replied to the PC letter of April.
d) 8 h 16/4/07 NALC Council training dates. New Councillors M Palmer & S. Davison to attend the Bywell session on Monday June 4th.
e) 8j 16/4/07 NCC Mark Henderson – May 2nd update on the Governments announcement for reform of local government in Northumberland. Cllr I.C. Hancock to look at January 07 letter and amend/ update as necessary for the Government web site. Copy will be presented at the June meeting.
f) Millennium Feature Landscaping work (11 16/4/07; 11 12/3/07; 13 12/2/07, 4a 8/1/07; 15d 11/12/06) No brochures from builders merchants to hand. Discuss at June meeting.
g) 15a 16/4/07 May elections. The following were elected: Mrs L. Norris, Mrs CA Brooks, Mrs SA Robson, Mr IC Hancock, Ms M Palmer and Mr S Davison.
h) 16 16/4/07 Litter Pick. All bags and fly tipping has been collected by TC. Cllr Mrs CA Brooks and her son won the prize for the most unusual item (a ladies bag complete with money and camera), which was offered to a passing police car, and refused! Margaret Sanderson also organised twin packs of bungee cords for the wheelie bins at windy locations, these were distributed at the Litter Pick – Cllr Ms M Palmer took remaining cords for Palm Strothers and Rye Hill.
i) 20a 16/4/07 Townfoot Football Field marked on definitive map - David Brooks replied PC needs to contact Ordnance Survey. Letter to OS sent.
j) 20e 16/4/07 Reinstatement of Townhead area, Kevin Allen suggested that Northumbria Water could take many months if not years before reinstatement may be implemented. Clerk telephoned Councillor Hancock who agreed that Hollybush Nursery should be contacted for a price. Clive called to see the Clerk on Saturday April 21st and said they would be happy to level with sand and reseed with a standard grass seed. After discussion it was decided to ask for a price for the Townfoot area to be kept cut and if it was below £10 to accept the price and start the grass cutting immediately.
k) 20f 16/4/07 Future plans for Mountain Bike tracks in Slaley Forest – reply from Alex MacLennan he has accepted our invitation to attend a PC meeting and has stated a preference for June. June meeting was agreed, Mr MacLennan to speak at 7.45 p.m. with questions and answer until 8.45 p.m. It was also agreed to invite other interested parties: a representative from Blanchland & Hexhamshire Parish Councils, Tom Warde-Aldam as agent for Lord Allendale’s adjoining woodland, AVAG and Ladycross Stone Quarry.
l) Parish Plan Action Plan Update, appendix 3 160407, page 313: Update request from Alan Bawn re Flashing Lights his reply giving costs as follows: £5,000 for a solar powered sing and four posts at four separate locations for the sign to be rotated on. £550 for a 4 year warranty (this does not cover damage caused by accident or vandalism) £95 to rotate the sign between 2 posts. circulated – It was agreed after discussion to invite interest from neighbouring parishes to share the costs, then the offer of a site visit could be agreed.
m) 6b 16/4/07: Grass outside numbers 9 and 12 South Park not covered by NCC highways. CC Bill Purdue confirmed that he still hoped to undertake this work from his small scheme grant during the current financial year and Ruben Morgan had been asked to look at costs.

5. Correspondence.
a) E-mail from Brian Massey, Residents of 9 South Park asked him about the PC making arrangements to cut the grass (see 6b; 8ei 16/4/07). After discussion it was agreed that the Clerk write to No 9 and reply that the PC cannot cut grass on request, however costs were being sought for the price of tarmac through the County Councillor’s Small Schemes Grant and work would hopefully be undertaken during the present financial year.
b) Notes re possible support for Hollybush Nursery planning application -+ Reply from Planning department saying no planning application received but we will be consulted if and when an application is made. Cllr I.C. Hancock told the meeting that this corner would be further involved with traffic if an application for a Restricted Byway from Hollybush to Temerpley Grange junction through the woodland were to be agreed.
c) TC Proposals for future Unitary Structures in Northumberland: Stakeholder Consultation (dated 18th April – Linda feels this should be an agenda item in June) The reply to this correspondence is as 4e above.
d) TC Planning Training session – updated training pack sheets to be slotted into planning training packs received last year. Training was January 06. Three blue & white folders to be requested from Lucy Greenfield and the Clerk to photocopy the updated training sheets and distribute at June meeting.
e) Communities & Local Government Statutory Instruments 2007 No 1159 Local Government, England and Wales The Local Authorities (Model Code of Conduct) order 2007 (two copies to circulate if needed) Decided on 5f below.
f) Standards Board for England: new Code of Conduct for members which came into force May 3rd 2007: READ AND PASS A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT INCLUDING PARAGRAPH 12(2) BEFORE OCTOBER 1ST.
BY E-MAIL TO Kimberley Connell. It was decided that this Model Code of Conduct was easier to understand than 5e above. The Clerk to forward web site address for everyone to download and place on June agenda.
g) TC Pack containing Environmental Clean Up – safety Information Document: Litter Picking. + Environmental Clean Up 2007 – Information Pack. + Parish Council Pack containing letter, booklets, posters booking equipment forms etc. The meeting was asked if any Councillor was interested in adopting this and being responsible for the Slaley parish environmental clean up policy. It was decided that the one yearly Annual Litter Pick was sufficient for the moment.
h) ADAPT New Launch! New Look! Spring 2007 It was agreed to give financial assistance through the membership £40.00. Also to ask for an A4 Poster for the Parish Notice Board.
i) TDC monthly meeting reports; North East War Memorials Project Newsletter No 5 Spring 2007 & No 6, Summer 2007; Society of Local Council Clerks; Kompan Community Play Areas leaflet and Newton Aycliffe Play Seminar 9/5/07; Clerks and Councils Direct May 2007; Selefest Poster – given a copy to Youth Klub, Slaley Notes and Parish Magazine place this on Notice Board; NCC Tynedale Area Committee Papers meeting May 10th; Community Action Northumberland News Vol 27 No 2 – see Local Government White Paper + Parish Council Financial Changes.

6. Financial report. Cheques to be signed and confirmation of interim payments.
a) Cheques to be signed.
No 302 NALC Annual Subs £94.19
No 303 JT & EF Golightly concrete base and position oak bench £164.50
No 304 A.D.A.P.T. Membership (see 5h above) £40.00
No 305 NALC New Councillor training 2 x £3.00 £6.00
Proposed by Cllr Mrs C.A. Brooks and seconded by Cllr Mrs A Robson.
b) Interim payments.
No 296 M. Swanson - Oak seat with name carved on back £160.00
No 301 Lesley Woodhouse - Slaley Youth Klub Insurance £72.00 + Affiliation £50.00 = £122.00
c) Internal Audit with Margaret Weatherley April 20th – May 7th completed satisfactorily.
d) Lloyds Bank Account Signatories Form completed. All Councillors will be able to sign. Two signatures need for each cheque.

7. AOB
(i) Current Planning Applications.
20070440 Sun Room at Townhead Farm – no objections if this does not exceed 970693 extensions.
20070350 Variation of condition No 4 to reduce tree felling exclusion zone from 50 m to 35 m on plan perm 20051282 – telecommunications monopole at Slaley Hall. Pending.
20070265 Construction of two storey extension Glen Cottage – Pending.
Decisions from Planning Authority
20070268 Single storey side extension & porch to front Townfoot Bungalow. Granted.
20070315 Advertisement Consent – post mounted sign at Affordable houses Granted.
(ii) AOB
a) Wooley Bus Shelter is in need of restoration and the PC has been asked to make some repairs. Clerk is unable to find out who owns the bus shelter having asked previous PC Chairman of 25 years, locals living on the Wooley Road and NCC Highways. It is generally assumed that the Area Health Authority of the late 20th century or the Local Education Authority is the most likely owner. A letter to be sent to Tynedale Planning department asking who asked for planning permission for the shelter.
b) Councillor Mrs A.S. Robson reminded the Clerk of her request for a ream of paper. Clerk to purchase 6 reams of (500 sheets each) for each Councillor.
c) The owner of The Paddock remain concerned about the Elm Trees with Dutch Elm disease outside their home. (see November minutes 17d page 271 & December minutes 4g page 273) Clerk to request an update.
d) Cllr Mrs A.S. Robson attending ‘The Consortium’ – What’s it all about? organised by CAN (see 8p 16/4/07) Cllr Mrs A.S. Robson to report at June meeting.

Date of June meeting: Monday June 11th, the meeting ended at 9.30 p.m.

A Silver Ghost visits the new seat!

The new Parish Seat on the B6306 was secured to its position on Sunday April 15th. Sometime later, during early May on a Wednesday afternoon, Derek Hull passed the seat and saw an elderly couple sitting on the seat having a picnic, which included a bottle of wine. Derek stopped and asked the couple if they would mind having their photograph taken.

They were traveling from Edinburgh to Sussex by country roads in a 1923 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost for a RRSG rally. Derek was told that the car (registration number S46) used to do 16 mpg but now could only manage 12 mpg. The vehicle had spent all its 83 years in Edinburgh (it must have been first registered in late 1923) and the man speaking to Derek had owned the Silver Ghost for 43 years.

The couple had been driving along looking for somewhere safe to stop and saw our seat they told Derek that the view was fantastic and could understand why the site had been chosen. “Just a pity”, they remarked, “that there is no litter bin near the seat”.

The photographs were taken by a mobile telephone, which was all Derek and his daughter had with them at the time.

I went onto the internet after hearing this story and discovered that on Saturday May 26th more than 60 of the historic motors cars, built between 1907 and 1926 were displayed at the Goodwood Manufacturing plant, West Sussex to celebrate the Rolls Royce Silver Ghost turning 100. From Goodwood the vehicles had embarked on a 17- day, 2000-mile tour.

April 2007 Parish Council minutes

April 2007 was the last Parish Council meeting of Councillor J. Keith Robson who had served on the PC since 1976. see agenda 15c

Minutes of Slaley Parish Council, Monday April 16th 2007, 7.30 p.m. in Slaley Commemoration Hall.

1. Apologies. Councillor T. A. Henderson & 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. Clerk Mrs P. Wilson. District Councillor B.W. Massey.
Public: None. Slaley Notes: None, Courant Reporter: Will Green. Community Trust Executive Committee Member: Michael Elphick

2. Declaration of Interests and hospitality record (see 19e 13/3/07).
Cllr. Mrs L. Norris for agenda item 21.
Cllr CA Brooks & Clerk P Wilson accepted the invitation from Slaley Hall for Friday March 23rd to celebrate the opening of the refurbished Clubhouse Restaurant & Bar.

3. Minutes of March Parish Council Meeting (circulated pages 297-301+ appendices 1, 2 & 3 pages 302, 303 & 304).
Proposed by Cllr IC Hancock and seconded by Cllr JK Robson the minutes were approved and signed.

4. Matters Arising.
a) 4a 12/3/07: 18 12/2/07 Bottle bank to rear of Rose & Crown – reply from TC to confirm they will contact new tenants of Rose & Crown. No reply from immediate neighbours ‘at West Orchard House’, E-mail reply from ‘Stangearth’ with many concerns and questions.
b) 4g 12/3/07: 12f 12/2/07 Correspondence regarding name of Affordable Houses. After many telephone calls and e-mails Slaley PC were asked to comment by TC on ‘Townfoot Paddock’. After consultation with Councillors a reply was sent confirming support for this name.
c) 4e 12/3/07; 9a,b,c,d, 12/2/07 TDC LDF Core Strategy Examination – copy of the ‘final’ programme for the Examination. Given to Councillor IC Hancock.

5. Public Participation. None

6. For discussion with County and District Councillors.
a) (i) DC Massey briefed the Councillors over the concern that Government appears to be taking its time making a decision with the reform proposals for local government in Northumberland. Cllr JK Robson reported an article in the Newcastle Journal from Shropshire indicating that the Government does not legally have the authority to reform local government.
(ii) DC Massey led a discussion on proposals for a new town hall in Hexham for Tynedale. Cllr AS Robson was especially concerned about losing the public gardens and bowling green when the Council Office listed buildings were sold off.
(iii) Funds presently held by Tynedale would proceed as planned over the next two years regardless of the unitary decision. e.g. swimming pool.
(iv) DC Massey was informed that no reply had been received from TC Enforcement Officer, Richard Stewart, regarding the standard annual occupancy letter for the Holiday villas at Slaley Hall (6b 12/3/07 & 16 11/12/06). Also informed (agenda item 20b below) that the PC is waiting for a reply from the Enforcement Officer as to whether planning permission is needed or is the work building a new agricultural building under planning regulations is covered. (4b 12/2/07 & 9(i) & 16f 8/1/07)
b) In the absence of CC Purdue the Clerk to ask if the below mentioned is from his small scheme grant see agenda item 8e NCC parking outside 12 South Park – put forward a scheme for creating parking outside 9 – 12 – finances are restricted – not guarantee that the scheme will be approved. Also 8ei Integrated Transport Priorities?

7. Community Trust Report.
Annual Report for the Year 2006-2007 + Minutes of the Third AGM + Financial Report. circulated by e-mail attached as appendix 1/160307
Mr Elphick explained that like every organization it is difficult attracting volunteers to take on specific positions. Photographs were shown of where it was proposed to site the Information Board – the grassed area, east of the telephone kiosk, near the village parish seat. The CT is presently in contact requesting permission with NCC highways who own the grassed area and TC planning department.

8. Correspondence.
a) Accidents on the B6306, Friday March 23rd – Monday March 26th reported verbally to Clerk and Kevin Allen and then by e-mail to Clerk. Action agreed by e-mail was to write a letter to all parish farmers (17) reminding them of action needed to keep roads clean and a reminder through Slaley Notes column for parishioners to slow down this time of year because of tractor work.
b) E-mail dated 16th March from residents of Greyholme claiming that David White of Tynedale Council had agreed to exchange the red dog bin for A GREEN bin at Slaley. A second e-mail dated 16th April asking when the red box will be replaced received today. After discussion the Clerk to write to David White and request a copy of his correspondence indicating a change of dog bin. Generally the Councillors were happy with a red bin, red denoted something different to general litter in green bins.
c) Correspondence since the March meeting regarding water running down the B6306 from Townhead towards Hexham. A site visit with Kevin Allen on Wednesday March 28th was beneficial in highlighting the damage being done to the B6306. Repair work lasting three days and traffic lights, was successfully completed during the first week of April. Cllr JK Robson informed the meeting that the water was from an underground spring and had been piped to an underground soak-away. (see also agenda 20e below)
d) A Slaley resident has indicated that he intends to make level visitor parking space on the west of the B6306 opposite Townhead development. This has been reported to NCC highways and KA ask that the “eyes” of ‘Slaley covert operations team’ report immediately any activity to NCC highways via the Clerk.
e) NCC letter dated 4/1/07 (mistake with month or lost?) re parking outside 12 South Park (PC had put forward a scheme for creating parking outside 9 – 12) Finances are restricted, proposal rejected and no guarantee that the scheme would be approved if it was resubmitted. Ask CC Purdue see agenda item 6.
ei) NCC NLTP Integrated Transport Priorities 07/08 not included the parking area – it remains on directory, however it is unlikely that LTP funding could be used for car parking. Ask CC Purdue see agenda item 6.
f) Letter from Andrew Coney, DeVere at Slaley Hall re annual Christmas Treat possibility for the coming Festive season – Place on yearly planner under September to see if new Councillors are prepared to organise, deliver invitations and transport the elderly to and from Slaley Hall.
g) Reply from Andrew Coney, DeVere at Slaley Hall re light pollution – driving range to have a device installed that only illuminates the range when in use. Councillors now wonder if it could be the houses at Slaley Park which give off light pollution.
h) NALC Council training dates. Keep until after the May election - see agenda item 15
i) Communities & Local Government – Sustainable Communities Bill reply to our letter of January 4th to Ruth Kelly.
j) NCC Mark Henderson – update on the Governments announcement for reform of local government in Northumberland. We may be contacted as part of a stakeholder consultation. If we are consulted either Cllr Norris or Hancock will reply.
k) NCC Temporary closure of Allendale household waste recovery centre – copy to Slaley Notes.
l) Department for Constitutional Affairs – memorial safety – Clerk e-mailed that Slaley PC is not responsible for a burial ground.
m) Thank You for the £50 from Tynedale Sports Council.
n) Thank You for the £50 towards Selefest 2007
o) North Pennines AONB Partnership (i) Events & Activities during 2007; (ii) Annual Forum 29/6/07; (iii) Planning Guidelines; (iv) Election Nomination Form + booklets Events Programme 7 April – 3rd October & Northern Rocks 19th May – 3rd June.
p) Milecastle Housing ‘Home truths’ Spring 2007; Society of Local Council Clerks Regional Conference 15/5/07; Glasdon advertising leaflet – order on line save 10%; Community Action Northumberland – The Consortium – What’s it all about? Community Action Northumberland –Spring Meeting 10/5/07; NCC Tynedale Area Committee meeting 22/3/07 Corenside (delivered to Chairman)

9. Financial report. Cheques to be signed and confirmation of interim payments.
a) Cheques to be signed.
No 295 Allianz Cornhill Insurance £335.83
* a letter to be sent with updated costs as per asset register + new parish seat (cost to include installation)
Proposed by Cllr CA Brooks and seconded by Cllr L Norris.
b) Interim payments. None.
c) Balance Sheet 06/07 presented to the meeting. Attached as Appendix 4/160407
d) Audit arrangements: (i) Date of audit at BDO Stoy Hayward 13th July 2007; (ii) Notice of electors rights displayed for 14 days 28th May – 10 June 2007; (iii) Records available for 20 working days from 11th June – 6th July 2007; (iv) Internal Audit with Margaret Weatherley April 20th – May 7th; (v) Internal audit report and presented to Public at AGM May 14th. (vi) Annual Governance Statement approved by the Council. (page 3 of Risk Assessment Appendix 2/120307).

10. Current Planning Applications.
20070315 Advertisement Consent – post mounted sign at Affordable houses 12 months. No object
20070350 Variation of condition No 4 to reduce tree felling exclusion zone from 50 m to 35 m on planning permission 20051282 – telecommunications monopole at Slaley Hall. No objections
20070265 Construction of two storey extension Glen Cottage – if removal of sun room (20061498) results in necessary decrease in volume. No objections.
2007 0268 Single storey side extension & porch to front Townfoot Bungalow. Pending
20070073 Variation of condition No 4 on planning permission 20051282 – telecommunications monopole at Slaley Hall. Withdrawn
Decisions from Planning Authority
20070121 Micro Wind Generator attached to garage – Foresters Lodge, Trygill. Granted

11. Millennium Feature Landscaping work (11 12/3/07; 13 12/2/07, 4a 8/1/07; 15d 11/12/06)
Clerk asked Trevor Golightly and Kevin Allen (NCC) about cobbles and setts and both men felt either was dangerous especially during wet and frosty conditions. TG recommended Woburn textured paving slabs which he has laid in Rookhope and Fogget Cottage, Hexhamshire. E-mailed this reply to Councillors and an opinion was to leave the chippings and maybe use money for a pathway. Cllr JK Robson who keeps this grass in good order informed the meeting that he would no longer cut the grass if the chippings, which are often thrown onto the grass by younger residents, were not replaced by something more permanent. The Councillors agreed to get brochures from builders merchants and discuss at May meeting.

12. Parish Seat in Slaley 4i 12/3/07; 17 12/2/07; 14 11/12/06; 4a 13/11/06; 11 9/10/06.
Michael Swanson was asked for a cost for weatherproofing and also the wording ‘Slaley Parish Council’ to be carved on the top rail of the seat. He refused to consider any type weatherproofing unless the seat would be stripped twice each year but has agreed to the wording. English Oak is intended to mellow to a dull grey without treatment. Trevor Golightly attached the seat to the concreted base on Sunday April 15th. Mr Elphick has a digital photograph of the seat for the Slaley web site.

13. Parish Plan Action Plan April Update
Draft circulated amendments and additions were made. Update will be attached as appendix 3/160407

14. Arrangements for Annual Meetings (May 14th)
a) The 4 Parishes BOATs joint committee report by Chairman, David Short received
b) The Toddler Play Area report by Pat Wilson, received
c) Cllr JK Robson’s Highways report.
d) A representative of the PC on the Commemoration Hall Management Committee was discussed. After the election the new Councillors will be given the opportunity to represent the PC on the Management Committee which meets approximately four times each year. Retiring Councillor JK Robson indicated that he would be willing to continue as the PC representative and give a report as and when requested.
e) Cllr Mrs L. Norris informed the meeting that her annual holiday would take place when the May annual meetings take place. Should she be elected as a Councillor she would be happy to be Vice Chairman. Cllr Mrs Norris also confirmed that she wished to nominate Cllr IC Hancock as Chairman should he be elected onto the Parish Council.

15. May elections.
a) Councillors JK Robson and TA Henderson will not be standing for election. The remaining four Councillors: Mrs L. Norris, Mrs CA Brooks, Mrs SA Robson and Mr IC Hancock will go into an election for the SIX Councillors needed to serve Slaley parish. Three members of the parish have put their names forward for election onto the Parish Council they are; Mrs SA Armstrong, proposed by Cllr Mrs AS Robson, seconded by Mr. B Warman. Mr S Davison proposed by Mrs SA Armstrong and seconded by Cllr Mrs SA Robson. Mrs M. Palmer proposed by Mrs SA Armstrong and seconded by Mr AP Robson.
b) Cllr TA Henderson had been thanked by telephone for his work on the Parish Council by the Chairman and the Clerk.
c) This being the last meeting of Cllr J.K. Robson, who has served as a parish councillor since 1976, the Chairman thanked Mr Robson for his work and commitment to the community over the past 31 years and jokingly wondered who would notify the Councillors about faulty street lights in the village.
d) NALC Council training dates. Keep until after the May election (see agenda item 8h)

16. Date of Annual April Litter Pick
Sunday April 29th was agreed upon. Beginning at 2 p.m. A prize for the most unusual piece of litter will be given. Cllr CA Brooks to collect highway notices from Mrs Gibson. Clerk to make posters for shop, notice board and Commemoration Hall and contact TC for refuse bags and protective gloves plus collection of litter from Commemoration Hall. Cllr Mrs A Robson volunteered to provide refreshments on completion of litter pick. Mr Elphick to advertise through Slaley Notes.

17. 4h 12/2/07, 7g 8/1/07 NCC draft Rights of Way: Improvement Plan for Northumberland –Report attached as appendix 2/160407.

18. Northumberland Strategic Partnership/ Tynedale Community Agreement Update.
Nothing to report.

19. Eastern Tynedale & Castle Morpeth Parish Councils Forum next meeting is May 15th, Attendee
Because of a contested election, an attendee cannot be named, therefore Cllr Mrs L. Norris to give apologies.

20. AOB.
a) E-mail from Cllr Hancock re the definitive map and the showing of Townfoot football field. Clerk has written to David Brookes about this mistake.
b) Agricultural building at The Glen (4b 12/2/07; 9 (i) & 16 f 8/1/07) wooden cladding to a height of 10 feet. Still no planning application has been received Request update from Planning Enforcement Officer Richard Stewart (see 6(iii) above)
c) Cllr Mrs CA Brooks & Clerk attended the ‘Blackfriars’ production on March 27th by Hexham Partnership of Schools. Slaley First School was one of twelve first schools taking part. Excellent performance by everyone taking part, it is such a shame that no mention has been made either in the press or through a School Newsletter. Clerk to write on behalf of Slaley PC and congratulate the Slaley schoolchildren for their performance. They were a credit to themselves the school and their teachers. This letter to include a reminder for regular newsletters.
d) Millennium Feature. Cllr JK Robson reported some concrete missing between two portions of the seat, thus making it possible for fingers to be jammed. Clerk to contact Bill Hall for repair work a.s.a.p.
e) Clerk to ask Kevin Allen of NCC Highways if the area at Townhead where the water problem has recently been completed (8c above) will be further reinstated by NCC. If no further action intended by NCC, the Clerk to contact Hollybush Nurseries and ask them to level and reseed the damaged area.
f) The Clerk has recently been told of Mountain Bike tracks under consideration/construction in Slaley Forest. After discussion it was decided to write to Alex MacClellan, in charge of Recreational Development for the NE Forestry Commission and invite him or someone nominated by him to attend a PC meeting to discuss this, and any other recreational plans the FC may have for Slaley Forest, especially addressing concerns such as access, parking, litter, health and safety, increased traffic, security, public facilities and impact on the residential properties on the forest perimeter.

21. BOATs update
a) E-mail received from MK regarding Slaley BOATs Bundle, Cllr IC Hancock explained that the contents of this correspondence related to a written case recently completed by himself on the Conservation Status of the Slaley BOATs a legal requirement by Natural England especially in relation to the Nightjars, Black Grouse and Red Squirrel populations. Cllr Hancock will produce the necessary covering letter to be sent for signature at Blanchland, Healey and Hexhamshire Parish Councils. (21b 12/2/07)
b) MK has indicated to Cllr IC Hancock that NCC Rights of Way committee will shortly be discussing the BOAT application for Byway 44 (U8080 & U8081 in Slaley Parish & Espershield farm in Healey parish) Initially received December 2003 and comments made by March 16th 2004. Many concerns on this route were left unanswered from the initial 2004 consultation exercise.
Meeting closed at 9.20 p.m. Date of May meeting: Monday 14th