Where to Buy Locally leaflets were discussed see agenda item 12a. There will be much more on this subject in the months to follow. If you would like to be included in this leaflet please contact Pat Wilson 01434 673388
Minutes of Slaley Parish Council, Monday September 8th 2008, in Slaley Commemoration Hall 7.30 p.m.
1. Apologies Councillors Mrs A. S. Robson, Mrs L. Norris & S. Davison. District Councillor B.W. Massey & County Councillor C.W. Horncastle.
Present: Councillor I.C. Hancock in the Chair. Councillors Mrs C. A. Brooks, Ms M Palmer & Clerk Mrs P. Wilson.
Public. Kevin Page & Keith Black. Courant Reporter: Rebecca Dixon. Slaley Notes: None. Community Trust Executive Committee Member: None.
2. Declaration of Interests and Hospitality Record.
None.
3. Minutes of August Parish Council Meeting (circulated pages 443-446 + appendix 1 page 447, appendix 2 page 448. Proposed by Cllr Brooks and seconded by Cllr Hancock the minutes were approved and signed.
4. Matters Arising.
a) Re August Walk-about: (i) Clerk contacted landowner for initial reaction to considering the land behind the school for recreational use. The reply was negative.
(ii) Reply from NCC re cut grass left lying at Parks Side Bungalows letter passed to David White at Tynedale. Regarding 150th Show Mel Richardson asked to be contacted a few months prior to 2009 Show so that highway works needed are carried out.
b) 4d 11/8/08; 8a 21/7/08 Motorcross activities at The Cleugh – copy of letter from Shooting syndicate circulated. To-date no reply has been received by Slaley PC to its July letter to TC. Healey PC has received a reply from Wendy Chiodo TC Environmental Health and Richard Stewart, TC Planning Enforcement Officer. The latter has indicated that after investigation a report will be made in due course. It was decided to ask for a copy of this report. A member of the public confirmed that whilst cycling on the C275 he has heard the motorbike noise but has not experienced any congestion on this bendy, often narrow, public highway from increased motorcycle carrying traffic. According to the Motor-cross web site The JL Cleugh site is reported as a practice site open for one day each week. It was suggested that Blackburn and Peel Flat properties might feel some impact from activities.
c) 12 11/8/08 Integrated Transport Programme priorities for 2009/10 Attached as appendix 1/080908, page 454.
d) 14a 11/8/08 Reply from DC B. Massey re availability of plants for 2009 – David White of TC is unsure if plants will be available due to transition to unitary authority. Will have plants in October for spring flowering. Cllr Brooks to pass on this information to the Gardening Club.
e) 8f 11/8/08; 8g 21/7/08 Government Office for the North East – Communities & Local Government – Regional Spatial Strategy to 2021. Cllr CA Brooks reported that changes in the document relate to national and regional changes since the instigation in 2004. Joint working is underway. There is nothing Slaley PC needs to address at this stage.
5. Public Participation.
a) Both members of the public wished to report their concern over the proposal to park the mobile Post Office in the precinct of Parks Side bungalows. One resident lived at No 3 Parks Side and the other opposite the bungalows at Park House.
b) The Councillors were asked if the decision to close Slaley Post Office and replace it with a mobile unit had been know to members of Slaley Parish Council prior to July 2nd. The Chairman replied that Slaley Parish Council did not know of the closure prior to July 2nd. A public meeting was held on July 14th where members of Post Office Ltd and Postwatch addressed problems and discussed options for Slaley. This was followed up with a PC questionnaire and after six weeks of consultation a letter was sent to PO Ltd with our findings and recommendations. A copy of this letter was requested by Mr Page.
c) General concerns from were of noise, nuisance, security problems and access for residents. Fears were raised that the square could become a general parking area, or worse an official trading area with all manner of spin-off traders operating alongside the proposed mobile post office van. The Councillors were informed that private concerns had been reported to Milecastle Housing, Tynedale Council and Northumberland County Council and that the latter had indicated that it was perfectly legal for mobile vans to trade on the public highway. The Councillors agreed to check with TC and the Highway Authority.
6. Community Trust Report
Attached as appendix 2/080908, page 455.
7. Matters for Discussion with County & District Councillors
a) Copy of e-mail from DC B Massey to MR at NCC Highways re continued water running down West Ridley Hall drive. Cllr Brooks reported several sandbags at the entrance during the recent rains. Clerk to check with Mrs Robson if work has been carried out.
b) E-mail to Councillors 12/8/08 from DC B Massey regarding the allocation of £75,000 by TC to Parish Councils for projects on the theme “better public places”. This was reported in the Hexham Courant on 15/8/08 entitled “Villages asked to choose from ‘shopping list’ Parishes get share of Tynedale’s windfall”. The list includes park benches, planters, bicycle racks, picnic tables with benches, 20 trees for a specific location, a village “welcome” sign or a parish notice board. Chief Executive, Richard Robson was reported as saying “the cash would go to the parishes on a pro rata basis, taking into account visitors and available facilities, rather than purely on population”. The Councillors discussed what local projects might fit these criteria. Examples included covering the cost of professionally printed leaflets of parish walks and where to buy locally (see agenda item 12) or planters for 2009 which the Gardening Club are looking into purchasing to coincide with the 150th Slaley Show. Cllr Brooks to ask the GC for an indication of size, style, price and areas where these planters could be situated. The Clerk suggested that such planters if purchased should then become the responsibility of Slaley Parish Council and should be insured along with other assets in the parish.
8. Correspondence.
a) Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. Review of the Definitive Map & Statement of Public Rights of Way. Informal pre-order consultation. Green lanes of Slaley upgraded to BOATs.
U8074 (Shield Hall) to BOAT 33
U8079 (High Clear) to BOAT 34
U8091 (Broomyhill & The Cleugh) to BOAT 36
U8127 (Blue Gables/West Burnside) to BOAT 37
Highways report for these green lanes of 2004,2005,2006,2007 & 2008 circulated + text on these lanes from the 1771 Bolbeck Common Award. + Note of caution from Liz Sobell with regard to the Shield Hall route, which would appear to end at Peth Foot Head and not at the ford in the bottom.
It was agreed that a route by route reply be drafted considering terrain, current use, surface condition, drainage, health and safety issues for other non mpv users, conditions at beginning and end of routes etc. It was also hoped that the 4 parishes BOATs committee would be meeting in October for a combined response.
b) Northumberland Strategic partnership cover letter re Proposed NSP Area Partnerships – Reaction & feedback by 25/9/08. Partnership Update for Northumberland (August 2008) 18 pages. Circulated Councillors felt there should be a flow chart showing how all the various forums, partnerships, boards etc fit into the whole. Clerk to request from Helyn Douglas.
c) NALC Parish Councillors Events/training Sept-Oct 08 Circulated + CAN Services Survey completed by Clerk.
d) Community Action Northumberland News Vol 28 No 4 Circulated.
e) North Pennines AONB partnership letter (see Blanchland Show) + Looking after the North Pennines leaflet + North Pennines News Spring & Summer 2008 Circulated.
f) E-mail circulated 5/9/08 from Her Majesty’s Court Service re The role of the Magistrate in your community. Clerk to invite via e-mail to one of our monthly meetings between October – February. Also to invite the PC’s and interested parishioners of Blanchland, Healey and Hexhamshire.
g) SPC Clerk has been invited by Two Castles to the Official Opening Ceremony at Reaston View at 11.30 a.m. on Tuesday September 30th. This invitation has been passed to Cllr Ian C Hancock.
h) E-mail from Adrian Hinchliffe re reply from Jeff Reid Leader of CC re Community Forums. Circulated by L Norris.
i) E-mail circulated 8/9/08 re Planning Forum meeting at 10 a.m. on 18/9/08. Cllr Robson indicated an interest in this (see agenda item 8c 11/8/08).
j) North East War memorials Project, Newsletter No 9, Summer 2008, Final Issue; Clerks & Councils Direct September 2008; TDC Meeting Minutes; CPRE Overview Autumn 2008; Glasdon Products leaflet (including planters).
9. Financial Report.
a) Cheques to be signed.
No 346 Mrs P Wilson 6 months salary £1,250.00
Proposed by Cllr Brooks and seconded by Cllr Palmer the cheque was signed.
b) Interim payment. None.
10. Current Planning Applications.
2008-842 Construction of sun lounge. The Flothers. No objections.
20080684 Construction of first floor side extension, entrance lobby and detached garage.
The Paddock, Main street no grounds for objections
20080046 Internal refurbishment - Slaley Hall Pending.
Decisions from Planning Authority
20080660 Two storey extension at Townfoot Old Farmhouse - Granted.
20080613 Demolition of existing conservatory and construction of new sun lounge.
Wood Nook Hill Granted
20080563 RECONSULTATION Construction of single storey rear extension.
7 South Park. Granted
20080625 Construction of first floor extension over single storey garage.
Gortmore House. Granted.
11. Proposed Post Office Closures (11 11/8/08; 11 21/7/08; 19 9/6/08; 4a 12/5/08; 4c 14/4/08; 9m 10/3/08; 7 (2a) 14/1/08).
(i) Copy of Reply to PO Ltd from NCC circulated
(ii) Response from Post Office Ltd circulated
(iii) Thank You from Postwatch for copy of our letter.
(iv) Revised proposed opening times (see e-mail circulated 5/9/08) Monday, Thursday Friday 4.20 – 5.35 p.m. Wednesday 8.30 – 10.30 a.m. Saturday 8.30 – 9.45 a.m. – Clerk to contact Gillian Atkinson at PO ltd and ask for confirmation that these altered times are officially on offer. To request through Slaley Notes & web site of the public reaction to these altered times. The Councillors consider how best to keep these times in public view – notice on PC notice board at Parks Side bungalows Notice Board. Possibly a monthly reminder in Slaley Notes or an advert in the Hexham Courant. The latter could be a Post Office advert for all the mobile services in Tynedale. Clerk to check this with Gillian Atkinson.
12. Information Board Facilities & Services Update
Supporting Information:
a) “Where to buy locally” leaflet (see agenda item 12, June 9th 2008 minutes page 426/427). The list of businesses from the Post Office reply is the starting point – interest needs to be established from the parishioners of contact details etc. List attached as appendix 3/080908, page 456.
b) Footpaths leaflet. (Bridleways & BOATs leaflets?). (see new Parish Plan Action Plan Update. July 2008. Page 4 under Place Map – The PC to produce walk leaflets. Also Heritage report see appendix 3/090608. Also April 04 – April 08 Parish Plan Action Plan quarterly Updates, page 6 under Place Map. Two examples of circular routes were given these include local history points and wildlife expectations at different times of the year and at different parts of the parish. Attached as appendix 4/080908, page 457. Clerk to produce a simple list of the public footpaths (starting and finishing point), direction, number etc. For further discussion next month.
13. Annual Review of effectiveness of the system of internal audit.
Monthly reports and present system is adequate.
14. Slaley Hall Post-Christmas Meal for the Elderly – January 2009
Clerk to contact Neal Crocker and ask if a 2009 meal is possible. It is felt that the event has been very successful in cementing relations between Slaley Hall and the parishioners of Slaley.
15. A.O.B.
a) Blocked gulley in Slaley Village outside Old Barn. E-mail 24/8/08 to NCC asked for gulley to be cleaned out. Reply that the gulley sucker cannot be taken off its scheduled programme.
b) Hexham Courant reported that Premier Events is in liquidation. Rebecca Dixon who wrote the article, clarified that Scott Murray of Allout Paintball is caretaking bookings until a new permanent owner is found. It was decided that once a new owner is announced an assurance need to be requested from TC that conditions imposed on planning application 20050557 (Renewal of temporary planning permission for permanent use of land as outdoor pursuits area etc) have been accepted by the new owner.
16. BOATs update.
a) The Four Parishes BOATs Joint Committee has received a copy acknowledgment from Stuart Evans Director of Corporate Services, Northumberland National Park Authority, to AVAG regarding the Formal Complaint against Northumberland National Park and Countryside Joint Local Access Forum.
c) See also agenda item 8a above
17. Date of October meeting.
Monday October 13th
There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.25 p.m.
The Commemoration Hall now has its own film projection facilities, thanks to the Queen’s Hall and the success of the Film Club in attracting regular audiences. The installation includes a new ceiling mounted screen, digital projector, DVD player, audio amplifier and speakers.
The next film, showing on Friday October 17th, is “The Jane Austen Book Club”. As usual, it starts at 7.30 and the cost is only £5 for the film and your supper. Subsequent shows feature a range of films to suit most tastes, so if you haven't been before just come along one Friday evening! If you’re bringing a party of 4 or more, or would prefer a vegetarian supper, it would be helpful to let us know in advance (ring 01434 673443).
November 21st, 2008 “Atonement” (Cert. 15)
In a privileged family Briony - a girl with a vivid imagination - accuses the housekeeper’s son of a crime he did not commit. This accusation dramatically alters the course of all their lives.
December 19th, 2008 “Smilla’s Sense of Snow” (Cert. 15)
When a boy falls from a Copenhagen apartment, police judge it a tragic accident. Smilla Jasperson, who can read snow like a book, is convinced it was murder, and sets out on a long journey to uncover the terrifying truth.
January 16th, 2009 “Hot Fuzz” (Cert. 15)
Jealous colleagues conspire to get a top London cop transferred to a small town. A funny, inventive, and furiously paced comedy.
February 20th, 2009 “The World’s Fastest Indian” (Cert. 12A)
The life story of New Zealander Burt Munro, a plucky pensioner who broke the world land-speed record on his modified Indian Scout motorbike.
March 20th, 2009 “Ladies in Lavender” (Cert. 12A)
Two sisters find a body washed up on their shore of a sleepy fishing village. The boy, Andrea, is taken into their home to recover and the two women compete for his attention.
April 17th, 2009 “Juno” (15)
The tale of a cool, confident teenager who takes a nine-month detour into adulthood when she's faced with an unplanned pregnancy - and sets out to find the perfect parents for her baby.
May 15th, 2009 “A Month in the Country” (PG)
During a summer month in 1920, two damaged veterans of the Western Front experience the tranquility of an idyllic community that helps heal their mental wounds.
Slaley Leek club held their annual flower and vegetable show on Saturday 4th October 2008.
After a summer of rather difficult weather for growing anything except rice there was an air of apprehension with concerns over how many people would be able to make entries to the show. There was no need to worry! Following on from last years successful show this year actually managed to have more entries and more visitors to the show in spite of Saturday’s driving rain!
There were over 150 entries in total to the leek, flower, vegetable and school/junior categories. There were some fine exhibits from the Slaley and Wittonstall schools. Superb cakes, tea and sympathy were provided by the friends of Slaley School. The show in the Slaley Commemoration Hall ended with a packed hall enjoying a bumper auction superbly led by Alec Bisset.
By the end of the day many had worked up a thirst and retired to the Rose and Crown where the cups for the best stand of leeks was presented to Brian Wilson (pictured) and for the best leek in show to Jim Bailey.
Slaley Leek club has increased its membership over the last couple of years and already there a re new people interested in joining, so if you would like to give growing leeks a try, contact Brian Wilson on 673043.
A meeting of the local group of "Save Our Squirrels" will be held in the Rose and Crown, Slaley on 23rd October 2008 at 7 pm.
Mark Wilkinson will be present to discuss "Action in our Area" and the many ways we can become involved in giving our red squirrels a chance of survival.
All are welcome - please come along, and find out what's happening with red (and grey) squirrels in Slaley.