The proposed closure of Slaley Post Office continues to take up a lot of additional time for members of the Parish Council. For more details read agenda item 11.
Minutes of Slaley Parish Council, Monday July 21st 2008, in Slaley Commemoration Hall 7.30 p.m.
1. Apologies. Councillor S. Davison & County Councillor C.W. Horncastle.
Present: Councillor I.C. Hancock in the Chair. Councillors Mrs L. Norris, Mrs C. A. Brooks, Mrs A. S. Robson, Ms M Palmer & Clerk Mrs P. Wilson. District Councillor B.W. Massey.
Public. J.W. Allen. Courant Reporter: None. Slaley Notes None. Community Trust Executive Committee Member: Peter McKendrick.
2. Declaration of Interests and Hospitality Record.
Cllr Mrs L. Norris for agenda item 19.
3. Minutes of June Parish Council Meeting (circulated pages 424-429 + appendix 1 page 430, appendix 2 page 431, appendix 3 page 432 and appendix 4 page 433)
Proposed by Cllr L. Norris and seconded by Cllr AS Robson the minutes were approved and signed.
4. Matters Arising.
a) 6a 9/6/08 CC Horncastle reported back to the member of public & PC Clerk that there were no plans to introduce rural brown waste wheelie bins. DC Massey e-mailed to confirm no announcement by TC had been made for villages south of the Tyne.
b) 13 9/6/08, 4d & 12a 13/8/07, 5c 10/9/07 – Glen Cottage request to have hedge cut back has generated letters and several e-mails. NCC highways appear to have issued a 28-day notice to have the hedge cut back, this seems to have been dated June 19th. An e-mail has been sent to NCC for steps to be taken for non-compliance of the 28 days.
Mr & Mrs Willis of Burnside reaffirmed their agreement for a mirror to be placed in their garden. The mirror was purchased and after delivery Cllr Hancock, Pat & James Wilson met at Burnside with Mr & Mrs Willis to agree height position etc. Unfortunately the garden wall is down where the mirror needs to go and this wall is the subject of discussion between insurance companies. Until an agreement is reached regarding the rebuilding of the wall we are unable to proceed with sighting the mirror. It was suggested that all complaints concerning the lack of visibility be logged with NCC Highways.
c) 15 9/6/08 Speed Unit in Village - the unit was installed Thursday July 17th. It was suggested that PC Robertson be contacted and asked if Northumbria Police would conduct a speed check to see if unit is slowing traffic through the village. The purchase of a logging device is also a possibility – Clerk to obtain details.
d) 17 9/6/08 Parish Plan – Action Plan – Heritage Information Review. Terry Rogerson the NCC Search Officer is very interested in trying to establish the ownership of Wooley Bus Shelter & Slaley Home Guard Hut etc.
e) 20f 9/6/08 Neal Crocker the new Slaley Hall Managing Director replied that due to work commitments he would prefer to met the PC later in the year.
f) 20g 9/6/08 Rose & Crown advertising sandwich board was removed. Then highway work on the C270 caused a sign to be placed at Townhead saying road ahead closed. Bob Mills construction manager had apparently told the R&C tenants, after they complained about the closed sign, to replace their sandwich board on the Townhead grass verge. It is still there several weeks after the completion of the C270 road work. The Clerk to request its removal now that the road works are completed.
5. Public Participation. None.
6. Community Trust Report
Report circulated and attached as appendix 1/210708, page 439.
The report was further detailed as follows: Interpretation Board – Reg Corbidge is leading the group with further alterations to the design sheet for the Councillors consideration. CT is having a display in a marquee on Slaley Showground where achievements of the CT will be displayed (Newssheet, Parish Report Booklets & Reopening of School Playing Field). CT work-in-hand will also be on display (Interpretation Board & Miscellany Book) There will also be a raffle. Members of the CT are unhappy with the non-allocation of the part-ownership Affordable houses and intend writing to TC and Two Castles. Members of Parish Council had conflicting reports of the allocation of these two properties and it was agreed to invite Barry Moore to Slaley Parish Council for a second meeting. If the reason for non-allocation is funding the question should be asked if these properties could become rented.
7. Matters for Discussion with County & District Councillors
a) 20b 9/6/08 DC B Massey provided exchange of e-mails relating to the kerb outside West Ridley Hall.
8. Correspondence.
a) Request from Healey PC to put Motorcross activities at The Cleugh on our agenda. Meetings have been held during June and July and noise factor seems worse over the March burn on the Healey side. Several complaints have been received at Healey PC from Healey residents. Diversification planning permission was discussed – DC B Massey to make enquiries. It was suggested that a letter be sent to the landowners at The Cleugh asking them to attend a PC meeting and discuss their Motorcross activities and ideas to reduce the noise.
b) Reference agenda item 14 of Annual Parish Meeting 12/5/08 - NCC Highways reply re C280 closure and work not completed – basically budget was exhausted by the work completed and no further funding was available. Extra placed on 2009/10 programme of work. The system of sending a letter saying a response will be made in 15 working days is, in the eyes of the Councillors, a waste of public money. Ask if an e-mail reply would be more cost effective.
c) Allianz Insurance plc requested return of Employers Liability Certificate for 2008/09 – this was returned on 16/6/08.
d) TC Current list of Parish Councillors held by the Election Services Officer. List OK.
e) Came & Company – Insurance documents + Your Parish Council Policy (143 page booklet) Councillors happy not to read.
f) TC Planning – Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) e-mail 2/7/08 + hard copy dated 2/7/08 (copy sent to an interested parishioner and a thank you response from him asking us to keep him abreast of further developments)
g) Government Office for the North East – Communities & Local Government – Regional Spatial Strategy to 2021 letter and CD. Cllr CA Brooks to report. See agenda item 15 10/3/08, page 397 & appendix 6/100308 page 404.
h) CE Electric UK – Building links within our community – Parish Council Liaison – consultation document later in July, regional workshops for interested parties. Looking to us to identify vulnerable customers in our community. None Reported.
i) From David Francis by e-mail circulated 30/6/08 Killian/Pretty Review – Planning Applications a Faster and More Responsive System. + End to National Training Scheme. + NALC National Conference speech by Secretary of State, Hazel Blears MP, 22 pages.
j) Local Works – Guide to the Sustainable Communities Act – process starts in October we will need to “opt in” otherwise our voice will not be heard. Too late for the Post Office closures. Circulated. See our record of support for this Bill under:
6e 11/2/08 page 387; 5l 13/8/07 page 339; 6e 11/6/07 page 322; 8i 16/4/07 page 306; 8k (rally) 12/3/07 page 299; 9j 12/2/07 page 290; 7i 8/1/07 page 284; 7a 12/12/05 page 195; 4e 10/10/05 page 180 & 8h 12/9/05 page 175.
k) TC Summer Play Programme posters – Slaley Wednesday 13th August 1.30 – 3 p.m. placed Notice Board and Commemoration Hall.
l) NCC Area Committee for Tynedale 24/7/08 + letter dated 17/7/08 re item 12(3) omitted from original agenda. Post Office closures on agenda 12 (1) with app C.
m) Eastern Tynedale & Western Castle Morpeth Parish Council Forum (formerly attended by Cllr Norris Minutes of 2/7/08, copy of letter to Cllr J Reid re PC & community links with new Unitary Authority and Belonging Community Forums minutes 7/7/08. Cllr Norris suggested she continue to attend this Forum until such time as a more local group is established. This was agreed.
n) Northumberland Home Improvement Agency + TC letter of support – ‘Making homes warm, safe and secure’. Posters with telephone number 01670 840469. Placed on Notice Board and Commemoration Hall.
o) Selefest 12th July 2008 Poster placed on PC Notice Board.
p) AAS – Asbestos Your Legal Requirements; DeVere Slaley Hall Summertime breaks advertising brochure + e-mail of Forthcoming events at Slaley Hall; Samaritans asking for financial aid; TDC minutes of meetings May + Refuse Collection arrangements for August Bank Holiday – Notice Board; Milecastle Housing Home Truths Summer 2008; ADAPT Annual Report 2007/08; Wicksteed advertising leaflet; Clerk and Councils Direct July 2008; Society of Local Council Clerks 34th National Conference 2008 19/10/08; Community Action Northumberland News Vol 29. No. 3; Rock Reports No 17 Summer 2008; Glasdon advertising leaflets; Are you a Local Council Clerk working from home – home office liability insurance with AON; Tyne Rivers Trust conference 19/20 July; Lloyds TSB revised Business banking Code. J Parker wholesale catalogue of Dutch bulbs.
9. Financial Report.
a) Cheques to be signed.
No 339 Alex Evison – grass cutting Invoice No 4 dated 14/7/08 £81.50
No 340 JT Golightly – repairs to parish seat on B6306 £25.85
No 341 Linda Norris – traveling expenses to NCC 25/608 & 11/7 £16.00
Proposed by Cllr Mrs CA Brooks and seconded by Cllr Mrs AS Robson the cheques were signed.
b) Interim payments.
No 338 Mirror for Glen crossroads (see agenda item 4 b above) £137.42
Signed by Cllr AS Robson and Cllr Mrs L Norris
c) (i) Audit Date: 1/8/08
(ii) Display Notice: 16/6/08 – 29/6/08
(iii) Available for public inspection: 30/6/08 – 25/7/08
(iv) Internal Audit successfully completed by Margaret Weatherley.
(v) Signature of Chairman on accompanying letter.
10. Current Planning Applications.
20080625 Construction of first floor extension over single storey garage.
Gortmore House. No objections, however this is the third extension in 10 years.
20080613 Demolition of existing conservatory and construction of new sun lounge.
Wood Nook Hill Support
20080563 Construction of single storey rear extension.
7 South Park. No objections providing neighbours do not object to 3.5m ridge.
20080473 Construction of conservatory to north east elevation
Worth House, Wooley Grange. No objections
20080520 Variation of condition number 5 of planning permission 75/E/460- extension of operating season from nine months to twelve months.
Spring House Caravan Park. Objections. To be determined August 20th
20080210 Tree Preservation Order – felling of eight trees Townhead Farm. Pending *
20080046 Internal refurbishment - Slaley Hall Pending. *
*asked for a copy of these decisions as they must have been determined. Also a letter to Helen Winter with a copy to Ian Hutchinson as Chairman of Planning Committee. Asking why we are not getting planning applications, decision notes and sometimes the weekly list.
Decisions from Planning Authority
Listed Building Consent & Construction of a rear conservatory. Alteration and conversion of attached stable and attics to provide residential accommodation. Stanegarth, Slaley Village. Granted
11. Proposed Post Office Closures (19 9/6/08; 4a 12/5/08; 4c 14/4/08; 9m 10/3/08; 7 (2a) 14/1/08).
a) Verbal report from Cllr Mrs L Norris who attended NCC Community Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Open meeting on proposed Post Office closures, held Friday July 11th. Official minutes to follow.
b) Report from Public meeting on Monday July 14th attached as appendix 2/210708, page 440.
c) Action plan arising from this meeting for response on August 11th.
Public and business needs may be very different. The PC to try and achieve a public response on type of outreach service through simple questionnaire, web article and letter to all parishioners. Slaley Notes and CT newssheet to encourage parishioners to complete the questionnaire on preferred outreach service. (Community Trust to contact Peter Atkinson MP for any help he can give and assess business usage from its members). Cllr Norris to obtain an analysis of PO usage from the owners. A meeting prior to the official response to Post Office Ltd should consolidate all of the above in a reply. This meeting should consist of one member from The CT, the PC, the School, the Commemoration Hall and a Slaley ran Business representative and should be held, at the latest, one week before the consultation deadline, possibly Monday August 4th.
d) Attendance at the TDC meeting on Tuesday July 22nd
Councillors IC Hancock, L. Norris and Clerk P Wilson will attend.
12. Northumberland Electoral Review Parish & Town Council presentation at County Hall on June 25th 2008. Report by Cllr Mrs L Norris & Cllr Mrs CA Brooks. Copy of slides from David Francis circulated by e-mail 30/6/08. Boundary Commission is different to the Boundary Committee of the Electoral Commission. There are six stages of review and the recommendations are not binding.
13. Integrated Transport Programme priorities for 2009/10 circulated Reply by August 29th. Circulating.
14. Parish Plan – Toddler Play Area Review.
TC correspondence entitled ‘Funding Opportunity for Natural Play’ circulated for comment. Without a site the PC sees this as ‘not relevant to Slaley’.
It was suggested that a compulsory purchase of land in the village could be made for an equipped play area. The Clerk was requested to look into this.
15. Parish Plan – Action Plan Update attached as appendix 3/210708, page 441
Draft copy amended.
16. Forestry Commission meeting where Ted Liddle outlined his concerns in Slaley Forest. Report circulated and attached as appendix 4/210708, page 442.
17. Area for August walk-about.
Springhouse Caravan Site and The Cleugh Motor Cross activity site were suggested and rejected. It was agreed that The Village would be the venue. Councillors to meet at the Hall for 7 p.m. the normal monthly meeting will follow at 8.15 p.m.
18. A.O.B.
a) Man hole cover dislodged on Lead Road disclosing a three-foot deep dangerous hole. Reported to Clerk Sunday 6/7/08 a.m. checked by Clerk, covered over with highway warning furniture and reported by e-mail to NCC at 13.17 hrs. Immediate action was taken on Monday 7/7/08. Clerk was given the 24/7 emergency telephone number 0808 8 9 10.
b) It has been reported that the Rose & Crown are keeping pigs. Defra licenses for keeping livestock and feeding swill etc were discussed. Cllr Robson confirmed that a license for keeping pigs was held by the tenants.
c) E-mail from a Slaley Councillor regarding the legality of keeping a caravan on the public highway outside 12, South Park. Clerk to write and ask about the duration of the caravan on the Highways section of parking outside South Park.
d) Shooting at Premier Events outside of agreed hours has been reported from a Colpitts grange resident.
e) Cllr AS Robson sent an e-mail to NCC contact centre re lack of action on the dropped kerb at Slaley School. PC Clerk forwarded to Richard McKenzie. RM replied that work was issued to contractors last month who would schedule the work.
19. BOATs update.
a) Two e-mail replies from NCC Solicitor re Byway 44 – near the top of his list.
Meeting closed at 10.15 p.m.
Date of next meeting 7 p.m. Monday August 11th.
The Parish Council makes arrangements for a possible Post Office Closure read about the discussion on agenda item 19.
Minutes of Slaley Parish Council, Monday June 9th 2008, in Slaley Commemoration Hall 7.30 p.m.
1. Apologies. Councillor Ms M Palmer.
Present: Councillor I.C. Hancock in the Chair. Councillors Mrs L. Norris, Mrs C. A. Brooks, Mrs A. S. Robson, S. Davison & Clerk Mrs P. Wilson. District Councillor B.W. Massey & County Councillor C.W. Horncastle.
Public: Mrs J. List & Mr W.G Machin. Courant Reporter: None. Slaley Notes & Community Trust Executive Committee Member: Apologies from Michael Elphick.
2. Declaration of Interests and Hospitality Record.
Cllr Mrs L. Norris for agenda item 21.
Cllr C.W. Horncastle for agenda item 11
3. Minutes of May Parish Council Meeting (circulated pages 421-423)
Proposed by Cllr CA Brooks and seconded by Cllr A Robson the minutes were approved and signed.
4. Matters Arising.
a) 5a 12/5/08 - The Parish Councillors’ Pack (given at the training event Monday 19th May) circulated Good to have an update - it is sometimes easy to lose site of what we are responsible for and what we can achieve.
b) agenda item 14 of Annual Parish Meeting: 2008 Parish Check on Highways: letter to Tim Dent why sections of C280 were not repaired when road closed for two weeks. Reply from NCC Administration Officers saying reply in 15 working days = June 10th.
c) 4j 12/5/08; 18b 14/4/08: Clerk confirmed that no reply had been received from Planning department regarding the changes at Springhouse Caravan Park.
5. Deferred from Annual Parish Council Meeting agenda item 4a Election of
Vice-Chairman.
Cllr C.A. Brooks was nominated by Cllr IC Hancock and seconded by Cllr L. Norris there being no further nominations Cllr CA Brooks was elected Vice-Chairman.
6. Public Participation.
a) A member of the public stated that a newsletter earlier this year from Tynedale Council had indicated that brown wheelie bins for garden waste would be introduced into Tynedale parishes south of the Tyne. It was estimated that due to increased fuel prices it was costing £150-£200 a year for Slaley residents to dispose of garden waste at the Bridge End Civic Amenity Site. Would there be a refund on the community charge if this service were not provided for the Slaley area? CC Horncastle volunteered to look into this and report back to the Clerk. He did however indicate that it was not the policy of TC to refund community charge portions when a particular service was not available to everyone in the district.
b) Was there any reason why recently the date of the next Parish Council meeting was not given at the end of the minutes? This was an oversight and we have not even been aware that it had happened. The date would once again be included at the end of the minutes. Slaley PC does meet every second Monday of each month.
7. Community Trust Report
Report circulated and attached as appendix 1/090608, page 430
8. Matters for Discussion with County & District Councillors
Cllr Horncastle gave a report on the new single unitary authority. He indicated that there were problems, which would take many months if not years to sort out. He reported that discussions were taking place about Belonging Communities and suggested the Characteristics Communities could change in size.
9. Correspondence.
a) TC Local Development Framework: Proposals Maps covering letter.
Tynedale Planning Update May 2008 information sheet
TC Local Development Framework: Proposals Map October 2007
Tynedale District Schedule of Adopted Policies - this document does not give the details of the adopted policies therefore it would be advisable to retain the Local Plan.
b) North Pennines AONB Partnership – Annual Forum 7/7/08 invitation
North Pennines AONB Partnership – Annual Forum agenda
North Pennines AONB Partnership – Open Seat – no one was interested in standing.
North Pennines AONB Partnership – Open Seat Nomination Form
North Pennines News Spring & Summer 2008
North Pennines AONB Partnership – questionnaire (completed by Clerk)
c) Came & Co acknowledge receipt of Insurance cheque and informed us that our old Employers Liability Certificate needs to be retained for a further 40 years. Cllr Hancock suggests that a note is put in the community news that the certificate is available for inspection.
d) 5b 14/4/08 - NCC David Brookes reply to the cost of BOAT maintenance and repair Apl 07 – Mch 08 £11,021.00 – the whole sum was spent on byways in the Slaley Forest area. The member of public who raised this question has been informed by telephone. Cllr Hancock telephoned David Brookes, who confirmed that this is Public Information and can be reported. We do not know what percentage this is of the local RoW budget.
e) NCC Road closure notice C270 Glen crossroads to Townfoot 12 June – July 4th (This was advertised in Hexham Courant for 5 weeks beginning 19/5/08 (see Annual Parish meeting agenda item 14: 2008 Parish Check on Highways)
f) Allianz Insurance request for payment. Reply sent saying better quote from another company.
g) Mencap National College – request for funding. After discussion it was decided against funding Nationally, however, the PC may financially support local fundraising for the college at Dilston.
h) Minutes of Tynedale Planning Forum Meeting on 15/5/08 circulated by e-mail 29/5/08.
i) TC Parish/Town Council Elections. Do we at Slaley consider there should be June 2009 Parish Council elections? The Councillors felt there should not be elections in 2009. There is NOT a local appetite for such elections. The PC did not believe that a significant proportion of seats would be contested. This information would be conveyed to Mrs Gail Philipson at TC.
j) E-mail from David Francis – Hadrian’s wall Management Plan leaflet and update information. Circulated to Councillors by e-mail 9/6/08.
k) E-mail 5/6/08 from David Francis re Northumberland Coast AONB Partnership, Application Form. Available for any interested Councillor. CPRE Overview - Summer 2008; Lloyds TSB leaflet - your telephone banking service is now open for longer; Glasdon advertising brochure.
10. Financial Report.
a) Cheques to be signed.
No 337 Alex Evison – grass cutting Invoice No 2 dated 30/5/08 £81.50
Alex Evison – grass cutting Invoice No 3 dated 8/6/08 £81.50 + £163.00
Mr Evison reports that if the current growth rate continues more than 7 cuts may be required in total.
Proposed by Cllr Mrs L. Norris and seconded by Cllr Mrs CA Brooks the cheque was signed.
b) Interim payments.
No 335 Came & Company Insurance Withdrawn £286.30
No 336 Broker Network Ltd (to Came and Company) Insurance £286.30
Signed by Cllr IC Hancock and Cllr Mrs L Norris
c) (i) Audit Date: 1/8/08
(ii) Display Notice: 16/6/08 – 29/6/08
(iii) Available for public inspection: 30/6/08 – 25/7/08
11. Current Planning Applications.
Listed Building Consent & Construction of a rear conservatory. Alteration and conversion of attached stable and attics to provide residential accommodation. Stanegarth, Slaley Village. Circulating
20080210 Tree Preservation Order – felling of eight trees Townhead Farm. Pending
20080046 Internal refurbishment - Slaley Hall Pending.
Decisions from Planning Authority
20080262 Construction of single storey spa facility Slaley Hall. Withdrawn.
20080045 New two storey leisure club – Slaley Hall. Withdrawn
12. Draft Interpretation Board (report of meeting 19/5/08 and revised text) attached as appendix 2/090608) page 431.
Cllr Hancock had spoken with Mr Elphick regarding the content suggested by three Councillors and Steering Group Chairman, Moyra Riseborough. The Councillors discussed the various views. The Councillors would like illustrations to be restricted to Slaley parish only. It was acknowledged that accommodation brochures advertise the wider area of places to visit, but it was understood from the Parish Plan that the information board was to persuade people to stay at Slaley for accommodation or food and generally to help with the local economy by buying locally, supporting the village shop and post office and enjoying the many attractions on offer.
The Councillors agree that commercial information of local business (Blackburn Cattery, Pat Goodwin Design, Chris Ryder landscape etc.) should not be included. However where to buy locally eggs/milk etc should be on a separate, regularly updated, leaflet somewhere accessible, although the whereabouts of the leaflet should be recorded on the board.
The CT would like a parish map for use in this and other publications. The PC parish map was provided by TC and Slaley PC has no copyright on it to use elsewhere. A hand drawn copy might be a way round this. CC Horncastle suggested speaking with Lynn Turner, Director of Leisure and Tourism at Tynedale Council for further ideas and suggestions.
The Councillors look forward to viewing the next draft for comment.
13. Road safety at The Glen crossroads. (4d & 12a 13/8/07, 5c 10/9/07)
There has been at least one actual accident where Burnside wall has been damaged. Further near misses have been reported to members of the PC. Including concern expressed at the reconvened meeting of the Steering Group on 4/6/08.
Cllr Hancock spoke to NCC Area Maintenance Manager, Mel Richardson, about the problem. As a result of this discussion and ongoing complaints the clerk was requested to send a letter to the owners of Glen Cottage asking if the height of the roadside hedge could be cut back. The Parish Plan Steering Group also lodged its concern over the danger at this crossroads and urged members of the PC to purchase a mirror as soon as possible. A local Healey resident has also complained and reported a near miss. The lady felt lack of visibility was now so bad that the Police and NCC highways should enforce action before a fatality occurred. Clerk to check with Mr & Mrs Willis of Burnside that they are still agreeable for the mirror to be placed in their garden. If agreeable to purchase a mirror and have it installed without delay.
14. Jameson’s Well.
4i 12/5/08; 18a 14/4/08; 15b 14/1/08; 4d 8/10/07; 17 10/9/07. Cllr IC Hancock and Clerk Pat Wilson together with Peter Hutchinson met Mel Richardson and Duncan Roberts at the Well on Monday June 2nd. It was felt that the recent repairs had not rectified the problem. It was proposed that the troughs be cleared out completely and a new drainage channel be created between the well and the troughs and then beyond the troughs.
This has been confirmed by letter and will be carried out as soon as resources become available.
15. Speed Unit in Village
The poles for the unit were placed in the village on May 30th and we anticipate the unit any day now.
16. Parish Plan – Action Plan – Dog Fouling Review.
Several people still report dog fouling in the village. Most reports are from the centre of the village towards The Church. CC CW Horncastle informed the PC that TC has appointed a second dog warden therefore if a time of day can be provided when the fouling is most likely to take place the dog warden will be available to hopefully catch and prosecute the adult owner of the culprit. Cllr Hancock to provide this news for the Community Trust newssheet. Also something placed in Slaley Notes.
17. Parish Plan – Action Plan – Heritage Information Review. Attached as appendix 3/090608 page 432.
In trying to establish ownership of Wooley Bus Shelter & Slaley Home Guard Hut etc a letter was sent to Dick Fraser of NCC Highways Policy Unit. Mike Collins of English Heritage was asked about old wells both on and off the public highway. Mike Collins replied by e-mail that his expertise was the Roman period. NCC Highways replied that a detailed response would arrive within 15 working days.
18. Report of the meeting (4/6/08) of the reconvened Parish Plan Steering Group to look at the Action Plan.
Minutes of meeting circulated by e-mail and attached as appendix 4/090608 page 433. The members at the meeting wished to report their support in the PC’s endeavours to retain Post Office provision at Slaley and offered any help they could give.
19. Proposed Post Office Closures (4a 12/5/08; 4c 14/4/08; 9m 10/3/08; 7 (2a) 14/1/08; 7 12/2/07; 7k 12/12/06; 7o 13/11/06).
Letter from TC re Post Office Closure Programme meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday July 22nd for presentation by Post Office Limited. The meeting is to coordinate a response and provide additional information before the end of consultation period on August 11th. Councillors Hancock and Norris and the Clerk will attend. Cllr Hancock had downloaded information from Savour Our Post Office web site and the Parliamentary Select Committee report on Post Office closures, on which he reported to the PC. Post Office provision together with a local school, retail outlet, inns and community building is part of the sustainability criteria for rural villages which justify more housing and a continued bus service. However, a part-time outreach Post Office service, provided from a van or some public building does count as continuing Post Office provision AS FAR AS THE Post office and Government are concerned. It was agreed that the Commemoration Hall would be booked for a Parish Council led Public Meeting on Monday July 7th at 7.30 p.m. on the assumption that Slaley Post Office is under threat. It will be an opportunity for objection at parish level. We will be informed on July 1st if Slaley is to lose its present provision. If it is NOT then the meeting need not go ahead. Clerk to request Slaley Notes to place something in the Courant, invite Peter Atkinson MP and ask if someone from ‘Postwatch’ would attend to offer advice on how we might respond to the alteration in service.
20. A.O.B.
a) A broken, engraved piece of standstone found abandoned on Blanchland Moor near the gate from Slaley Forest. The two pieces of stone have been given to PW for safekeeping and to try and establish where they were originally placed. Letters to Friends of Ladycross and Lord Crewe Trustees had so far drawn a blank. Clerk to contact Blanchland PC and ask if something could go in local newsletter, shop or wherever. Failing an answer from Blanchland try the Hexham Courant letters page.
b) Owner of West Ridley Hall reported that repairs to the highway edge had resulted in the highway being the same height as the curbstones, consequently when rainwater runs down the bank from East Ridley Hall entrance it goes straight down West Ridley hall drive to the house. During the flooding of April 27th/28th sandbags were needed. DC Massey mentioned this to Mel Richardson and action will be taken to rectify the problem.
d) Alex Evison reported that the base bracket on the Community seat situated on the B6306 had been vandalised. Cllr Hancock looked at the damage and instructed the Clerk to contact Trevor Golightly. Mr Golightly said he would take his tools with him and hopefully repair the base bracket without a huge expenditure.
e) Thieves have recently stolen two cycles from a home in Slaley. Apparently they have been found and returned to the owners.
f) It was decided to invite the new Slaley Hall Managing Director, Neal Crocker, to a Parish Council meeting.
g) Rose & Crown advertising sandwich board placed on the grassed area of the Public Highway at Townhead during May. Letter hand delivered May 29th 2008 informing the new tenants of the Parish Council’s decision with regard to local advertising (See 19a 12/12/06 & 7c 8/10/07). Also that permission is needed for notices on the public highway. Copy circulated by e-mail to Councillors 1/6/08.
21. BOATs update.
a) Hexham Courant 16/5/08 letters page - John Lynch, Kitty Frisk, Hexham wrote the main letter entitled “Bikers are allowed to take over forest”. The letter carried a photograph of Slaley Forest.
b) Hexham Courant 23/5/08 letters page – Peter Cullen, Allerwash, replied giving the users point of view.
c) Hexham Courant 6/6/08 editorial by Brian Tilley entitled Motorised traffic allowed on tracks Scooters in forest pose safety risks. There was a photograph of Maggie Kyte and gave the AVAG point of view to the letter from John Lynch
d) Moyra Riseborough reported 4 landrovers driving up the U8217 Sunday morning (8/6/08) while she was attempting to ride the route as a safe bridleway. Then as she attempted to return that way twelve trail bikers appeared in convoy and for obvious reasons she and her horse decided not to compete with these recreational vehicles on the narrow green lane.
e) Six 4x4 vehicles travelled from the U8080, down the U8081 to the C275 early afternoon on Sunday 8/6/08. This is the proposed Byway 44, but has a TRO in place.
f) Clerk to contact NCC Solicitor, Stephen Rickitt and ask if Byway 44 is near the top of the list.
Meeting closed at 9.50 p.m. Date of next meeting Monday July 14th.