The Community Trust will be holding their AGM in the Commemoration Hall on Wednesday, March 25th 2009. This will follow a different format this year: beginning at 7.30 pm there will be drinks and nibbles, a short presentation, time for questions and finally a very short AGM. All our members will be notified, but anyone living in the parish of Slaley can become a member (no subscription!), or just come along on the night.
This is a crucial period for the Trust, as the chairman, secretary and treasurer are all standing down, and volunteers are needed to ensure that the Trust can carry on its work. We would particularly like to involve younger people, and anyone willing to help can count on the support of existing members.
We are planning to help the Show Society by encouraging people to celebrate and support the 150th Slaley Show, we deliver to your door a monthly newsletter and an annual Parish Reports booklet, and will shortly see the completion of the village information board.
Please help us to keep going! Come along on the 25th of March, see what we are planning to do, and how you could help us.
Michael Elphick (Chairman)
Heavy snow resulted in the cancellation of the Special Presentation and was indirectly the reason why only two Councillors made the meeting. Read how this affected the meeting.
Minutes of Slaley Parish Council, Monday February 9th 2008, in Slaley Commemoration Hall 7.30 p.m.
1. Apologies: Councillors S. Davison, Ms M Palmer, Mrs L. Norris, Mrs A. S. Robson. District Councillor B.W. Massey & County Councillor C.W. Horncastle.
Present: Councillor I.C. Hancock in the Chair. Councillor Mrs C. A. Brooks. Clerk Mrs P. Wilson.
Public.None. Courant Reporter: None. Slaley Notes: None. Community Trust Executive Committee Member: Michael Elphick.
Special Presentation beginning promptly at 7.30 p.m.
Alison Germany, Deputy Clerk to the Northumbria Justices, responsible for Magistrates’ Courts in Northumberland and two or more Magistrates will give a short presentation on ‘The role of the magistrate in our local community’. Part of the presentation will be via ‘powerpoint’ with sufficient time for questions and answers. CANCELLED due to severe winter weather. It is hoped that this will be deferred to March meeting.
Cancellation notices placed on Notice Board, in Village Shop, on web page and by e-mail to all 4 invited parish councils.
2. Declaration of Interests and Hospitality Record.
None
3. Minutes of January Parish Council Meeting (circulated pages Minutes of January Parish Council Meeting (circulated pages 489-493 + appendix 1 page 494, appendix 2 page 495, appendix 3 page 496).
Proposed by Cllr Mrs L. Norris by e-mail and seconded by Cllr Mrs CA Brooks the minutes were approved and signed.
4. Matters Arising.
a) 4a 12/1/09, 6 8/12/08 Trevor Golightly met NCC’s Kevin Allen & Clerk 10a.m. 20/1/09 to safely erect Information Board. On unwrapping board it was noticed that the information was not correct. Cllr Hancock was contacted and it was agreed that the posts be placed in the ground. Michael Elphick was contacted and he has requested a replacement corrected board. Mr Elphick reported that Marcus Byron will deliver to the Clerk the new and correct information Board when it is ready.
b) 4d 12/1/09, 17a 8/12/08 Three bedroomed council house eligibility copy of correspondence sent to Cllr Davison for a second delivery. Signed form received today asking the Parish Council to investigate why the family were not eligible. An e-mail reminder to Cllr Davison regarding the room sizes (see 17a 8/12/08) has been sent. To be discussed when a quorum of Councillors present.
c) 5 12/1/09 E-mail reply dated 21/1/09 from Mel Richardson who has agreed to attend the March PC meeting to discuss the issues raised about our highways. Because of the probability of the Magistrates meeting during March it may be wise to ask Mr Richardson for an April attendance.
d) 9/10 12/1/09: Slaley web page: E-mail from Michael Elphick 3/2/09 still unable to get Healey notes onto the web. Clerk needs information on how to upload pdf files i.e. Slaley & Healey Freedom of Information Scheme & Where to Buy Locally leaflet. Cllr. IC Hancock has placed the pdf files onto the web. For the moment Healey has gone onto the Slaley Parish Council page.
e) 15 12/1/09 Slaley Hall Post-Christmas Meal for the Elderly – January. Thank You card from Mary Metcalf. Telephone call from Ann Lishman and verbal thanks from Bobby Johnston, Audrey Hutchinson and Margaret Ward. Slaley Hall telephoned and asked if everything OK. Cllr Hancock received an offer for a free meeting room for up to 10 people at Slaley Hall.
5. Public Participation.
None.
6. Correspondence.
a) (i) Susi Goncu e-mailed Slaley, Blanchland, Hexhamshire, Shotley Low Quarter, Healey and Hedley on the Hill Parish Council Chairs and Vice Chairs to set up a meeting to discuss developments around community forums. This was organized for 3/2/09 however because of heavy snow it was cancelled and rescheduled for 3/3/09.
(ii) Cllr Norris e-mailed to all 23/1/09 the Constitution (5 pages) and explanatory notes (1 page) for the East Tynedale Parish Councils Forum.
b) David Francis e-mail ‘Progress on the Charter’ circulated by e-mail 15/1/09. Two pages of a briefing paper. (see 8d, page 472 of November 10th 2008 meeting when Slaley questioned the ICT requirements for Councillors.)
c) David Francis draft Charter for Development Management, (Planning Services) 13 pages, circulated by e-mail 29/1/09. Point 1: 2.2 Three Area Development Teams will determine planning applications (not minerals, waste or major physical projects). Areas are south east, north and west, Slaley comes under west? Point 2: 4.2 Charge will be made for pre-application enquiries. Point 3: 5.1 all applicants are encourage to submit planning applications electronically. Point 4: 6.7 Parish Councils will still be consulted in applications.
d) TC reply for cost of collecting grass at Parks Side bungalows (8a 13/10/08; 4a(ii) 8/9/08) £400 for 20 cuts = £20 per cut. To be discussed when a quorum of Councillors present. Meanwhile Clerk to try and establish if 20 cuts do actually take place each year.
e) E-mail from Kevin Ferrol re Bottle bank in village. Circulated by e-mail 4/2/09, several suggestions made, including Commemoration Hall car park which was refused during 2007. Out of village suggestion of near The Flothers Bridge was proposed. The Clerk thought that there was sufficient space on the grass verge outside the telephone exchange building almost opposite the village shop. Kevin Ferrol has been at Slaley today and looked at sites in village, he e-mailed photographs of possible sites in time for the meeting. To be discussed when a quorum of Councillors present. Meanwhile the Clerk to ask for clarification on “within the 30 mph” statement; A letter to Church View and The Paddock for their initial reaction to the bins; Copy of Kevin Ferrol correspondence to the Commemoration Hall Committee for discussion at its February 25th meeting.
f) E-mail from David Francis circulated 5/2/09 re ‘ICE’ stored as emergency contact person on mobile telephone. Clerk to send copy of e-mail to ME for inclusion in Slaley Notes & Cllr Brooks to mention in News-sheet.
g) E-mail from David Francis circulated 19/1/09 re dates of meetings between 2-13 February which could be filmed. Clerk replied with February date. Acknowledgment received from Melissa Jordon Communication Officer.
h) E-mail from Graeme Whitfield, Journal, Northumberland Editor, 29/1/09 requesting date of monthly meetings as The Journal is extending its commitment to Northumberland by covering Parish council meetings. Clerk replied by e-mail.
i) Reminder 13/1/09 from TC that litter and dog bin empty invoices were not paid (must have crossed in the mail).
j) Receipt from Came & Company with new schedule including the Information Board and the Highway Mirror.
k) NALC Royal Garden Party 21/7/09 circulated by e-mail 27/1/09 Chairman declined to be nominated.
l) Slaley First School January Newsletter circulated by e-mail 25/1/09 & request for The Times book vouchers by e-mail 16/1/09.
m) Thank You from Age Concern for grant aid 08/09 cheque (moved address and first enveloped returned to Clerk reposted 5/1/09).
n) E-mail from Moyra Riseborough circulated 9/2/09 re Update on Age Concern trips etc. Cllr Brooks to speak with Moyra for more information for News Sheet.
o) Great North Air Ambulance letter quest for grant aid – in Precept for 09/10
p) CAN request for grant aid – in Precept for 09/10
q) Rural Services Community Newsletter called Weekly Rural Focus Digest circulated by e-mail 27/1/09 *Is this the same as 6s below? Is yes why has it a different name?
r) Adapt News January 2009 + North East Membership 2009 To be discussed when a quorum of Councillors present. Cllr Hancock remarked that we were being asked to pay to pass information to other people.
s) Rural Services Community Weekly News Digest circulated by e-mail 3/2/09* See 6q above!
t) TC February Half-term play programme – Slaley – Wednesday 18th February 10 – 11.30 a.m. (notice board, shop and village hall).
u) Northumberland Theatre Company request for grant aid; Strutt & Parker Property Update: First quarter 2009; Wicksteed brochure; TDC minutes November – January; Mencap request for grant aid.
7. Financial Report.
a) Cheques to be signed.
No 366 Pat Wilson quarter share in BOATs expenditure £22.55
To be passed when a quorum of Councillors present.
b) Interim Payment: None
c) Income: £900 from Tynedale Council towards the Information Board
8. Current Planning Applications.
20090082 Resubmitted detached annexe in association with main dwelling Pinetops
20090039 Construction of two agricultural buildings Marley Cote Walls Support
20080046 Internal refurbishment - Slaley Hall Pending.
Decisions from Planning Authority
20081147 Two storey detached dwelling. Tree Tops, Main Street. Granted
*We have still not received a reply from our letter of August 17th requesting the 2008 confirmation of Slaley Hall Holiday Villas. A reminder to be sent with a request for assurance that the new Development Management Service (Planning department) will continue with this annual check.
9. A.O.B.
a) Martin Nichol (Stocksfield Post office) telephoned Clerk about 3 p.m. 2/2/09 to ask about road conditions to Slaley for the mobile post van at 4.20 p.m. Clerk told him to travel via the B6307 from Corbridge then the B6306 from Linnel bank top to Slaley village. Well cleared and gritted throughout the day. By 4.20 after an hour of intermittent heavy snow Martin telephoned back and said conditions were too dangerous there would be no post office provision thisafternoon.
b) 5/2/09: Post Office van freezing for customers. Also the untreated road into OAP bungalows dangerous for pedestrians using the Post Office Van.
c) Footpath around the OAP bungalows not treated very dangerous for old people. For the best part of 20 years Tony Lambert cleared all the footpath around the square. Now there is no-one. It was suggested that we should consider one or two salt bins for the elderly to use. Clerk telephoned Winter Services Team to have the square gritted and some salt left for the footpaths. Gill Hutchinson confirmed that small sand heaps were left outside each house however she had not seen the gritter or noticed any quick improvement in the entrance road. Clerk to contact Milecastle Housing to ask what their policy is for clearing the paths around accommodation for the elderly and if they would consider a bin for salt/grit somewhere in the square.
d) Footpath down the length of the village untreated and dangerous. It was reported that in some European countries and some states of America it is an offence not to clear the pathway to a private house from the main road. Should prolonged snow and ice become an annual problem then establishing Local Bylaws may be considered.
e) An agricultural Bob Cat stolen 4/2/09, forensic team at Reaston Lane looking for finger and foot prints.
f) R. Ferguson reported poaching at fields below High Clear and Springhouse.
g) P. Hutchinson would like the PC to consider putting Roy and Margaret forward for a national honour again. Mr Elphick reported that the Community Trust were considering doing this.
h) Up to five cars are being parked on the village street outside Winter House each night. No tyre tracks through the snow from the off-street parking area. Consequently this area is not being gritted until all the vehicle are gone.
i) It has been reported that parking for the delivery and collection of children from Slaley School is a problem. The Councillors checked planning conditions on Winter House which made a provision for three off-street vehicles. Clerk to contact Slaley School and ask if complaints have been received regarding a parking problem. If a positive answer is received a plan of action can be agreed when a full quorum of Councillors is present.
j) Discussions by the PC Clerk to the potential occupiers of the two part-own Affordable Houses indicated that the deposits were paid in January 2009. Cllr Hancock has also spoken with their solicitor who confirmed that a mortgage company finally agreed to the local clause and everything was now signed and with Two Castles Solicitor.
k) A verbal third-hand report received by the Clerk that a disabled lady at Springhouse requested Ladycross Quarry staff to clear snow from the privately owned track between the U8078 and Ladycross Caravan Site entrance. The PC does not know if this request was from a member of Ladycross Caravan Park staff or if it was someone staying in the warden’s house or in a caravan on site.
10. BOATs update.
a) A meeting of the joint BOATs joint committee is scheduled for Monday February 23rd when a discussion will take place with AVAG and Allendale PC about which direction we are going. The Natural England appointed Stakeholder Working Group is working on the Discovering Lost Ways project and it is felt that a new name for our joint committee needs to reflect the changes taking place. Liz Sobell suggested “The 4 Parishes Joint Rights of Way Watch”
b) Clerk to ask for an update on Byway 44 from NCC Solicitor with special emphasis on the owners of Slaley Hall having provided an alternative north/south route.
11. Date of March 2009 meeting
Monday March 9th
Healey Parish Council is renting space on the Slaley web site to recordi ts business. December 2008 is the first meeting.
Minutes of Healey Parish Council, Wednesday December 10th 2008 at 7.30 p.m. in Barley Hill Community Hall.
1. Apologies: Cllr. Martin Adamson
Present: Councillor Tom Warde-Aldam in the Chair, Councillors: Monica Gibbs, Christine Johnston, John Raine & County Councillor Colin W Horncastle. Acting Clerk Pat Wilson. Courant Reporter: None. Members of the Public: Anne Dale
2. Declaration of Interest and Hospitality record.
CC CW Horncastle for agenda item 9
Cllr. T. W-A for 20081079 on agenda item 9
3. Minutes of September 2008 meeting (circulated pages 1-3)
Proposed as a true record by Cllr. M Gibbs and seconded by Cllr. J. Raine the minutes were approved and signed.
4. Matters Arising
a) 5a 10/9/08, Doomsday project – reported that funds are approximately £200. J. Warde-Aldam to be invited to February meeting to discuss ideas.
b) 9c 10/9/08, School House Motorcross – Now shut down for the season. It was proposed and agreed that during 2009 the Council should keep a log of activity and the nature of events. Neighbours who have a good view of the motorcross site will be asked to help with the log. TC Enforcement Officer indicated that an event was described as ‘when payment is made and competitions are in progress’ and these events are enforceable. Feelings at the meeting were in disagreement to TC’s response.
c) 9d 10/9/08, Healey Cleugh Motorcross. Closed for the season.
5. Public Participation
As a member of the public Anne Dale, who is also a County Councillor, informed the meeting that she was worried about the NCC finances, which were in a mess. 20% is being cut from all services; refuse bins, litter, roads etc. It is incorrect that Parish Councils will get funding if services are done at parish level. The Councillors were warned to be careful of what was agreed. The Charter was discussed and the statement, which says that all PC’s will be on-line, is misleading. School Transport contracts are under discussion.
6. Correspondence
a) Reminder from Garry Pointer, TC, that the Register of Members Interests form have not been completed following the adoption of the New Code of Conduct in 2007. TWA circulated by e-mail 2/12/08 asking that all forms are complete and brought to the December meeting. Four received, Clerk to forward to Garry Pointer, Clerk to telephone Martin Adamson and clarify his completion and return of form.
b) E-mail from David Francis re Freedom of Information Act 3 pages of introduction, 3 pages of Model Publication Scheme & 6 pages of information to be published. Cllr.T. W-A proposed that the Model Publication Scheme be adopted and Cllr. M Gibbs seconded, Healey PC therefore adopts the Model Publication. PC Chairman and Clerk to look at this and issue a new statement, for circulation and adoption. The Clerk to ask Slaley Parish Council if they would allow the Healey statement to be published on the Slaley web, this could be seen as “networking”. A copy should also be displayed at Healey and Barley Hill Community Hall.
c) Tynedale Council Tynedale Planning Forum Agenda for December 4th. Circulated by e-mail 26/11/08 then a Cancellation came through by e-mail on December 3rd due to the severe weather warning for heavy snow and blizzard conditions.
d) TC Garry Pointer – deadline for setting Parish Precepts extended to January 20th 2009.
e) TC Register of Electors 2009 + two notices for display “Don’t Lose Your Vote” and “Edited Register of Electors for 2009”. T W-A offered to display these at Healey Notice Board.
g) Creating one council for Northumberland – Local Planning Authority – Statement of Community Involvement (CSI) as part of its LDF. Views and suggestions by 30/1/09. CC CW Horncastle is a member of the new LPA and would make inquiries about the CSI for the Slaley January meeting. It was hoped that Healey could take advice from Slaley after January 2009.
i) E-mail from David Francis circulated 5/12/08 re New Council Newsletter called “Together”.
h) Tynedale Council Information ‘Clean Up’ folder, circulated. Councillors did not wish to participate. Information Commissioner’s Office – letter and leaflet on Freedom of Information – Fulfilling your obligation to disclose information; Talking Tynedale Winter 2008-09.
7. Matters for Discussion with District/County Councillor.
a) The future under the Unitary Authority was explained by CC CW Horncastle.
Charges will rise, Care in the Home; Car Parking; Care Homes; Swimming Pools; Local Transport Budgets. Northumberland are cutting staff many from the lower end are going the result is a top heavy well paid staffing. Unfortunately it is not these people who do the work on the ground.
Healey is part of the west grouping served by 17 Councillors. Helen Winter and Pat Jewells have taken a redundancy package and their knowledge will be a great miss in all matters relating to Planning. The new group under planning will have the same committee but will be governed by different policies (already agreed under the LDF).
Cllr Horncastle ended by apologising for his negative report and thought that circumstances would hopefully begin to improve in three to four years.
8. Financial Report
a) Balance Sheet for 07/08 attached as appendix 1/1012008: Proposed as a true record by Cllr. M Gibbs and seconded by Cllr. J. Raine the accounts were adopted.
b) Audit Conclusion for 07/08: Proposed as a true and accurate record by Cllr. M Gibbs and seconded by Cllr. J. Raine the audit conclusion was adopted. The file was handed over to Cllr W-A to be delivered to Ms Spears for the internal audit together with necessary letters from PW, copy bank statements etc. The new audit date is December 20th 2008.
c) Cheques to be signed
No 35 Barley Hill Community Hall 4 meetings @ £25 + Grant of £100 towards general upkeep. = £200 (and replaces out of date cheque No 21)
Proposed by Cllr. C. Johnston and seconded by Cllr. M. Gibbs the cheque was signed.
(i) Interim Payments
No 33 NALC Subs 07/08 £49.96 + 08/09 £49.86 = £99.55
No 34 Allianz Insurance £245.26
Signed by Cllr. T W-A & Cllr. M Gibbs.
d) Asset Register draft circulated as appendix 2/101208.
The suggestions of a Filing Cabinet stored in BHCH was discussed and dismissed as likely to cause a break in. A plastic box in a kitchen cupboard was offered and accepted for the time being. Mrs A. Dale would clarify ownership of the land on which BHCH stands for the next meeting. There being no further alterations the Asset Register was proposed for adoption by the Council by Cllr. C. Johnston and seconded by Cllr. J. Raine.
e) Risk Assessment draft circulated as appendix 3/101208 (Page 3 is the Annual Governance Statement and needs to be approved at the meeting). Many changes and alterations were made to page one. Page two the FoI is superseded by new laws (see 6b above) and will need a new page when completed. There being no further alterations the Risk Assessment was proposed for adoption by the Council by Cllr. C. Johnston and seconded by Cllr. J. Raine.
f) Annual Review of the effectiveness of the system of internal audit.
In future all cheques to be recorded in the minutes with their number, the payee and the amount paid. Two signatories are recorded on the cheques neither of which is the Clerk.
A balance sheet to be produced and circulated prior to setting the Precept which should be attached to the minutes as an appendix. All grant monies to be paid by or during December and an end of year the Balance Sheet produced as soon as possible after March 31st. The person who carries out the internal audit is not a member of the Parish Council or someone related to a member. Sarah Spears CIMA has done this in the past. The Councillors were happy for Ms Spears to continue with the internal audit.
9. Planning Applications
20081079: Proposed internal alterations, construction of front, rear and side extension. Alterations to change outbuildings and integral garage into a kitchen, pantry, utility, bedroom and garage. – Pikewell House, Healey. No Objections
20080981: Demolition of detached garage/hayloft and construction of two-storey extension to north elevation and single storey orangery to west elevation – Newfield Farm Cottage. No objections
Decision from Planning Authority
2008……… Listed building consent for demolition and rebuilding on site. Pending??
20060052: Appeal by NPower Renewables. Construction of wind turbines associated infrastructure and services on land south east of Kiln Pit Hill, Shotley Low Quarter Parish, Northumberland (Grid Reference NZ055 544). Public inquiry on Tuesday 6th January 2009 in The Council Chamber, Prospect House, starting at 10 a.m. Scheduled to last 8 days. Anyone wishing to speak must be there when inquiry opens.
10. Highways and Byways.
a) Private verge stones have been placed in Healey parish on the grass verge outside School House single track, public highway, NCC maintained road. The stones are to try and stop large agricultural machines churning up the grass. Unfortunately smaller vehicles need to mount the grass if they encounter another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. Clerk to check with NCC Highways the legality of placing white painted stones on a grass verge when the highway is not of sufficient width for two vehicles to pass.
b) 7a 10/9/08 Espershield DMMO – Letter sent to NCC confirming the PC’s acceptance of the extinguishment and realignment. Attached as appendix 4/101208.
c) 8 10/9/08 Reply from David Francis regarding PC’s responsible for highway maintenance. Reply circulated by e-mail and basically reads, “watch this space”. In light of agenda item 5 above The Councillors AGREED to consider responsibilities WITH CARE.
d) General condition of the highways was discussed and the Clerk explained the Annual Highways Report from Slaley parish. Cllr. C Johnston asked that this be looked at during the February meeting.
11. Precept for 2009/10
Draft Balance sheet at December 2008 & Precept form circulated as appendix 5/101208
(see correspondence 6e above).
Precept agreed as follows:
Annual Payments: Allianz Insurance 250.00
NALC Subs 050.00
AGM Advert in Courant 025.00
BDO Stoy Hayward Audit 060.00
Meetings: 4x4 meetings @ £25 each BHCH 100.00
Grants: Barley Hill Community Hall 100.00
CAN 025.00
Healey Church 050.00
Air Ambulance 050.00
Slaley First School 050.00
Staff & expenses: Clerk’s Salary 500.00
Clerk’s expenses 100.00
BOATs joint committee exp 035.00
Contingency unable to decide at this point 000.00
Election costs £67.50? taken off at source 000.00
Total precept £1395.00
12. Clerk to the Parish Council
a) Patricia Wilson from Slaley has agreed to be Acting Clerk until conclusion of audit 08/09.
b) Advertise for a Clerk with the necessary qualifications needed when Tynedale Council is disbanded and more work is passed down to parish level.
c) Contract of Employment & Job Description for PC Clerk. To be circulated for February meeting.
13. A.O.B.
a) Amend the Who’s Who sheet to include the details of District Councillor: Ross Adamson & County Councillor Colin Horncastle. Also contact details of the Management Committee for Barley Hill Community Hall.
14. BOATs Update
a) The 4 Parishes BOATs Joint Committee met on Monday November 3rd
b) Healey PC replied to NCC regarding the present road to The Cleugh House becoming a BOAT. TW-A declared an interest. A drafted reply was circulated to the Councillors and subsequently forward to NCC. Copy attached as appendix 6/101208
15. Date of next meeting.
Wednesday, February 25th 2009 at 7.30 p.m. Cllr. J Raine was thanked for providing heating in advance of tonight’s meeting and hoped the February meeting would be just as comfortable.