Here is the programme for our sixth season, starting in September 2009, and finishing in May 2010. We extend an invitation to all from Slaley, Hexhamshire, Blanchland, and Tynedale in general.
Shows in the Commemoration Hall are always on a Friday evening, starting at 7.30 pm (doors open at 7 pm). The admission charge of £5 (£3 for under 16s) includes your supper, but not a drink (you’re welcome to bring your own). If you are bringing a party of 4 or more, or have special dietary needs, it would be helpful to let us know (on 01434 673443).
If you would like to receive an email before each show, please send a request (by email) to: michael@elphicks.plus.com We also publish details on the Slaley web site (www.slaley.org.uk), and via Slaley Notes in the Hexham Courant.
Jean & Michael ElphickThere are some interesting suggestion for Slaley Church in the July minutes read more in agenda item 4a.
Minutes of Slaley Parish Council, Monday July 13th 2009, in Slaley Commemoration Hall 7.30 p.m.
Apologies: Councillor S. Davison.
Present: Councillor I.C. Hancock in the Chair. Councillors Mrs C. A. Brooks, Ms M Palmer, Mrs A. S. Robson, Mrs L. Norris & County Councillor C.W. Horncastle. Clerk Mrs P. Wilson.
Public: PC Susan Cockburn. Courant Reporter: Rebecca Dixon. Slaley Notes: Jean Elphick. Community Trust Executive Committee Member: Michael Elphick.
2. Declaration of Interests and Hospitality Record.
Cllr. Mrs L. Norris for agenda item 19. Because the BOAT past Cllr Norris’s home has been reduced in size it was felt that she no longer needed to declare an interest in this particular agenda item. Residents along the route have still not heard directly from NCC that the reduction has been successful. Clerk to mention this to SR at NCC.
County Cllr CW Horncastle for agenda item 10
3. Minutes of June Parish Council Meeting (circulated pages 529- 534 + appendix 1 page 535, appendix 2 page 536).
Proposed by Cllr. CA Brooks and seconded by Cllr. L. Norris the minutes were approved and signed
4. Matters Arising.
a) 4b 8/6/09 Reverend Irvine called to see the PC Chairman and explained a project; the idea was to remove the four pews at the rear of the church and make room for a permanent heritage exhibition possibly on farming. Cllr Norris felt temporary exhibitions may be more interesting, particularly as an initial trial. This idea was supported by other Councillors who felt frequent topic changes could draw people into the Church. The question was asked if this was a money making scheme. Apparently it is not a project to make money, instead it is a means of involving the church building more in the community. Councillor Hancock suggested to the Councillors that this was something that the PC could help financially with through the parish Precept and get involved in. The Councillors supported his suggestion that he meet with a representative from the CT and the PCC to discuss this further and get an idea of costs. Report from the meeting between Cllr Hancock & Rev’d Irvine attached as appendix 1/130709, page 544.
b) 5a 8/6/09 Rural Crime, the invitation to Inspector Thornhill has been accepted for 8 p.m. on Monday August 10th and invitations have been sent to neighbouring Parish Councils. Cllr Monica Gibbs from Healey & Will Smith from Shotley has accepted. Initial response from Hexhamshire is no attendance. P.C. Susan Cockburn explained ‘Farmwatch’ soon to be set up.
c) 5b 8/6/09 Danger from motor cycles to horse riders in Slaley Forest. Recent correspondence from David Brookes (NCC) indicates that we shall shortly be asked to make a report on concerns, problems and conditions. See also 19d below. PC Cockburn said a further ‘safety’ event is planned in Slaley Forest on a Sunday during August where members of the Forestry Commission will join the police.
d) 8i 8/6/09 NSP Board representative for the West is Rob Macfarlane. His e-mail address is rob@greatnorth.co.uk
e) 11 b 8/6/09 funds allocated for play and sport in Slaley new contact name of Val Knowles at Longhirst Office telephone message has been left 9/7/09). UPDATE CC Colin Horncastle telephoned Val Knowles who confirmed the funds are ring-fenced for our use. Val’s direct line is 01670 794796. Clerk asked to request the current sum held.
f) 11f 8/6/09 ‘extended services’ - contact with Carol Leckie and the first thing to do is organise a meeting (probably September) See 7b below
g) 11h 8/6/09 use of the Commemoration Hall grounds as a play area – Hall Management Committee have sought help on this, e-mail reply of June 26th: grounds where the public have access should be regularly checked and a report book kept this proves the Hall is taking due care. It was suggested that this could become part of the caretaker’s responsibilities.
h) 15c 8/6/09 Mobile Post Van Provision at Slaley. Further problems reported to Martin Nichol at Stocksfield. Article front-page Hexham Courant 3/7/09 entitled “Villages hit by post office van fault”. Clerk suggested an annual report to Post Office Ltd about the actual problems with the service although finding a contact person will not be easy.
Clerk did check with residents and they had not noticed any early closing.
5. Public Participation.
PC Susan Cockburn explained the latest daytime burglaries where a brick is thrown through a window, if this produces no reaction then thieves break into homes and proceed to rob the premises. St. Luke’s Cottage and The Flothers Farm have both been recent targets. The public are encouraged to report to the police any strange vehicles. It was accepted that unknown daytime vehicles are normally ignored as delivery vehicles. (Note: since the meeting I have learnt that Woodside has also been broken into) Results from the traffic survey earlier this year on the U8080 are not available at present.
6. Community Trust Report
a) 350 copies of ‘Slaley then and now’ will be for sale at £9.95 on the showfield.
b) School field: John Melvine initially made regular visits to check the school grounds now it is the school that reports incidents to him. Today, Monday July 13th, damage to the shed roof has been reported and a new roof is needed for which the CT has to meet the cost. The repair work will be undertaken by two CT members, Cllr Hancock mentioned that in the past parents had been excluded from renovation work at the school for insurance reasons. The PC was assured that this is not the case with the school shed. Because the school governors have allowed community use of the school grounds the CT asked if the Parish Council is agreeable to making an annual grant to the CT which may cover repairs such as this. Any unspent maintenance money could roll forward and be spent on a community asset such as a seat. The Councillors felt that maintenance to the school field should come from the education authority, which is partially funded through household community charges. The Councillors did not wish to support a rolling grant, if the ‘extended services’ idea takes off there could be an overlap of community grants. At the CT end of year accounts should there be an expenditure deficit then the PC could make a contribution. There was general agreement that having a section within the PC's contingency fund to enable the CT to ask the PC to help financially with specific payments was the best way forward.
7. Matters for Discussion with County Councillor Colin W Horncastle.
a) See 4e above and also agenda item 14 below: (11 b 8/6/09 funds allocated for play and sport in Slaley new contact name of Val Knowles at Longhirst Office telephone message has been left 9/7/09). Colin Horncastle has telephoned Val Knowles who confirmed the funds are ring-fenced for our use. Val’s direct line is 01670 794796).
b) Further to ‘extended services’ Colin Horncastle has been in contact with Carol Leckie and the first thing to do is organise a meeting (probably In September) between, Ms Leckie, the County Councillor, a Parish Councillor, the headteacher, a representative from the mother and toddler group etc. to establish “What need there is”.
c) Community Chest a new £50,000 scheme for west Northumberland, administered through Susi Goncu. At its first meeting £42,000 was requested but only £6,700 was given out.
d) Slaley Hall planning application for 78 holiday homes has been withdrawn because two of the five sites were unacceptable to the planning department. It is expected that it will be amended and resubmitted.
e) After a reported conversation with Colin Charlton, NCC Highways, Slaley Councillors decided to ask Alex Evison if he would purchase and use ‘Roundup’ on the dandelions at Townhead; the cost of the product and the application time to be added to his monthly account.
8. Correspondence.
a) Slaley Commemoration Hall balance sheet. Cllr A S Robson to check.
b) Points from Monica Gibbs re NALC County Committee meeting of June 6th
c) E-mail from Chairman of Longhirst PC re formation of North and West Area Partnerships, Bob Jackson feels that AP’s will have more influence than CF’s. He is asking if Slaley was involved in the development process of AP’s. Councillors felt the roles of these two types of forum were too blurred to make a clear decision.
d) Complaint made to Clerk re Slaley Hall Subaru speeding in village on 26/6/2009. Clerk e-mail Councillors asking for permission to report this immediately. Four Councillors sent their permission therefore a letter was sent dated June 30th. Cllr Hancock reported that the vehicle is still traveling too fast having it ‘sitting on his tail’ through the village last week.
e) NCC - New Contact details for Election Services. From July 1st Louise, Barbara & Gail Philipson leave the authority new contact is Mick Miller at Morpeth contact details: HYPERLINK "mailto:mick.miller@northumberland.gov.uk" mick.miller@northumberland.gov.uk
f) Invitation to Slaley Parish Council Clerk to attend a Public Forestry Estates Consultation seminar on July 10th. This was discussed with the PC Chairman who also had an invitation from his role as Friends of Ladycross Chairman. Report attached as appendix 2/130709, page 545. Document and draft reply to questionnaire to be agreed between PW, CAB & ICH then circulated to all for approval.
g) E-mail circulated 9/6/09, 30/6/09, 6/7/09 & 13/7/09 Rural Services Community – Weekly R F Digest for 9/6/09, 30/6/09, 6/7/09 & 13/7/09 (rate relief for rural business).
h) E-mail circulated 16/6/09 CAN next training date – 15/9/09 at Morpeth.
i) E-mail circulated 17/6/09 David Francis – grants on offer for environmental projects from Northern Gas Networks. Clerk to pass to school for information.
j) E-mail circulated 17/6/09 Heddon Parish Clerk re SLCC Newsletter (multi page, full colour, issue 3). Asked if Councillors wished to receive only Cllr Mrs L. Norris said Not.
k) E-mail circulated 29/6/09 Reminder NHS Foundation Trust consultation ends on 28/7/09 (see agenda item 5 below).
l) E-mail circulated 29/6/09 Rural Services Network - Impact of the recession on rural housing. No reply.
m) E-mail circulated 6/7/09 Parish news from Rural Services Network
n) E-mail circulated 6/7/09 Joint Funding Bulletin for All (14 pages) £16.7m Hardship Fund, £20k Sustainable Energy Fund
o) E-mail circulated 7/7/09 Rural Services Network- public service delivery in rural England.
p) NCC Summer Play Programme leaflets left in Commemoration Hall: Slaley – Tuesday August 11th 2.45 – 4.15 p.m.
q) E-mail circulated 13/7/09 Local Authorities and the requirement of the traffic Management Act 2004.
r) E-mail circulated 7/7/09 NALC 2009 Leadership Academy invitation
Enterprising 20-page booklet, Adapt invitation to AGM 10/7/09 (informed by e-mail 8/7/09) + Annual Report), Clerks and Councils Direct July 2009, CPRE Overview Summer 2009, SMP ‘Playbuilder’ leaflet, NALC hard copy of NSP Ballot Papers + Vitalise information sheet + CAN News Vol. 29 N0 3+ Village SOS leaflet. Adapt transport services leaflets on notice board in village shop and one sample given to Cllr Hancock.
9. Financial Report.
a) Audit: Display Notices June 15th – June 28th DONE
Internal audit June 15th – June 28th DONE
Records available to public 29 June – July 24th NONE TODATE
Audit date 31st July 2009
b) Cheques to be signed:
No 379 Alex Evison grass cutting June 25th £85.65
No 380 P. Wilson payment for refreshments and Clerk time from initial meeting to set up Community Forum on 3/3/09 £52.00 (Total account was paid into PC bank account 9/6/09)
No 381 Slaley Commemoration Hall April, may, June, July monthly meetings + April special meeting to discuss Slaley Hall 78 Holiday Villas. £94.50.
Proposed by Cllr L. Norris & seconded by Cllr M. Palmer the cheques were signed.
c) Interim Payment: None
d) Payment into Bank NCC refund of Community Forum meeting on 3/3/09 £69.50
10. Current Planning Applications.
20090396: Roofed silage clamp Flothers Farm. Effluent replace or additional? Reply from planning the existing silage pit will not be used to store silage once the new one is built it will however remain in use for other agricultural purposes. No other objections.
20090410: Two storey extension to side. Linnel Hill. No objections,
20090162 OUTLINE Construction of 78 holiday lodges, Slaley Hall Withdrawn according to CC CW Horncastle.
20080046 Internal refurbishment - Slaley Hall Pending.
Decisions from Planning Authority
20090316: Construction of single storey garage 46 Slaley Park. Granted.
20090260 Retro Construction of open top silage pit. White House Granted.
20090082 Resub.det. annexe in association with main dwelling Pinetops Granted.
*Weekly List sent by e-mail to PC Clerks shows Slaley & Hexhamshire as the ward (I did not get plans for these as they were both Hexhamshire, however I did receive a notification for Hexhamshire application number 20090371 hearing. Hexhamshire were informed by the Clerk about this. Appeared to be back to normal on July 9th weekly list!
** JT from Springhouse asked if we had received a reply regarding breach of planning enforcement at Caravan Park. He is considering a complaint to LGO.
11. Council House eligibility for a family with 5 children 4a 8/6/09; 4a 11/5/09, 4a 20/4/09, 4a 9/3/09, 4b 9/2/09, 4d 12/1/09, 17a 8/12/08.
NCC Common Housing Policy, Draft issued September 2008 (7 pages)
Room sizes of comparable houses e-mailed to all on 9/6/09
Councillor Hancock reported that the Policy was not relevant to the specific issue of room sizes raised by the family concerned. Size of rooms is not mentioned. What is mentioned is that living areas count as sleeping areas and children under 10 years of age count as .5 of a person.
12. Public Consultation on NHS proposals 12 8/6/09, 11/5/09, 6k 9/3/09 (page 504 minutes circulated by e-mail 5.3.09).
Unfortunately due to the early start of 6 p.m. the Clerk was unable to attend the June meeting at Hexham Mart. CC Colin Horncastle reported that during the Haydon Bridge consultation evening NHS staff admitted there was a problem with the ambulance response time. Draft reply circulated by e-mail 12/7/09 attached as appendix 3/130709, page 546 a few minor amendments were made and the text was agreed to be sent.
13. NHS Consultation about day care for older people. (Closing date for consultation August 20th). Circulated and responses attached as appendix 4/130709, page 547. CC Colin Horncastle said the West of Northumberland was badly hit with four care homes in the region
14. Parish Plan Annual Play Area Review.
A discussion was held during May and June after Mrs Scott attended the meeting and unless there is some new evidence then the aforementioned agenda items are a substitute for an in-depth review.
See also 4 e above (11 b 8/6/09 funds allocated for play and sport in Slaley new contact name of Val Knowles at Longhirst Office telephone message has been left 9/7/09). Colin Horncastle telephoned Val Knowles who confirmed the funds are ring-fenced for our use. Val’s direct line is 01670 794796)
See also agenda item 7 above.
15. Integrated Transport Programme Priorities for 2010/11 circulated.
The Clerk would like to propose 20 mph speed restriction around the school area and also request flashing yellow lights when school is distributing children to or from school or Nursery etc.
Delivery vehicles using Sat-nav appear to be using the single track U8080 as the access to Slaley Hall. Request new brown signs saying ‘No Access to Slaley Hall’ rather than ‘access only’.
Request any effective measure to slow down traffic approaching the Glen Crossroads from the north. A crossroads sign north of the dip into the crossroads does not say slow, concealed entrance to Glen Cottage or give any indication that a reduction in speed is necessary.
16. Parish Plan, Action Plan July Update.
Draft circulated, amendments made, attached as appendix 5/130709, page 548
17. August Walk-about route.
Trygill Sculpture Trail, Councillors were recommended to wear walking boots and use anti midge prevention treatment. Everyone to meet at the Commemoration Hall 7 p.m. Cllr Mrs A S. Robson gave her apologies for this event.
18. A.O.B.
Millennium Seat Litter bin damaged Sunday June 28th p.m. Clerk and son went up to assess damage Monday June 29th to find it already repaired.
Friday June 26th RTA at West Burnside Bridge on B6306 causing damage. Clerk reported to Highways, Kevin Allen and Call Centre followed by a conversation with the bridges inspector. Apparently a delivery van was using Sat-Nav and he was directed up the green lane past West Burnside on realising his mistake he reversed and crashed into the bridge.
Brown wheelie bins for garden waste are still being requested in the parish.
Dog Fouling at the bottom end of the village has become a problem since last meeting. There is a possibility it is holiday makers from the caravan site.
Parking behind the wooden bollards outside No 9 South Park was noticed last Sunday morning. This was on the footpath and should be discouraged if it happens again.
Deep ruts on the grassed area of the Millennium Seat have spoilt a very tidy entrance to the village. The Clerk to speak with Alex Evison and see if he has any ideas for re-levelling.
Provision of coloured wheelie bins for Glass recycling with this new authority. Clerk to ask for details of the person to contact.
19. BOATs update.
a) Clerk forwarded photographs to NCC with coping stones removed from boundary wall and placed inside ruts on BOAT No 39. (Wall owned by Lord Allendale).
b) T W-A asked if we had any knowledge of a mountain biking event to take place on a right of way in Slaley Forest (also mentioned to DB)
c) RF asked if the PC knew of a horse event to take place in Slaley Forest during the last week of June.
d) Reply from DB see also 4b above
e) Three month consultation coming out Friday July 17th on Bolbeck Common Provision of the Entire Network of BOATs – 5 Broad options from leave as now, through various adjustments to extinguishment.
20. Date of August 2009 meeting.
Monday August 10th Walk begins at 7 p.m. Inspector D Thornhill at 8 p.m.
There being no further business the meeting ended at 9.50 p.m.
Rural Crime was a lenthy discussion topic in Public Participation at the June meeting read more in agenda item 5
Minutes of Slaley Parish Council, Monday June 8th 2009, in Slaley Commemoration Hall 7.30 p.m.
1. Apologies: None
Present: Councillor I.C. Hancock in the Chair. Councillor Mrs C. A. Brooks, Ms M Palmer, Mrs A. S. Robson, Mrs L. Norris & S. Davison. County Councillor C.W. Horncastle. Clerk Mrs P. Wilson.
Public: Richard Ferguson & PC Dougie Kidd. Courant Reporter: Rebecca Dixon. Slaley Notes: Jean Elphick. Community Trust Executive Committee Member: Michael Elphick.
2. Declaration of Interests and Hospitality Record.
Cllr. Mrs L. Norris for agenda item 16.
County Cllr CW Horncastle for agenda item 10
3. Minutes of May Parish Council Meeting (circulated pages 523- 526 + appendix 1 page 527, appendix 2 page 528).
Proposed by Cllr. CA Brooks and seconded by Cllr. L. Norris the minutes were approved and signed
4. Matters Arising.
a) 4a 11/5/09, 4a 20/4/09, 4a 9/3/09; 4b9/2/09, 4d 12/1/09, 17a 8/12/08 Three bed-roomed Council House not eligible for a family with 5 children. Cllr Davison provided room sizes. Clerk to compile a comparison and place on July agenda. Cllr Hancock to provide back up information from the new unitary council lettings policy.
b) 4d 11/5/09, 7b 20/4/09 Request for financial & practical help by St. Mary’s Parish Church circulated by e-mail for the April meeting and again for the June meeting. After further discussion it was agreed that a reply should state that the PC could help financially with specific projects e.g. the church building, the churchyard, the hearse house and the lych gate. However spiritual matters such as the ‘Parish Share’ could not be supported through the Precept. Clerk and Chairman to agree a reply.
c) 9e 11/5/09 Landing Strip on Wooley Road. Further correspondence by e-mail 18/5/09 resulted in a letter seeking information from R. Stewart, Planning Enforcement Officer. There has been no reply. It was agreed that the same letter be sent to Mike Hales, Low Flying Systems Manager at RAF Wittering.
d) 9g 11/5/09 M. Elphick contacted Marcus Byron regarding damage to a small portion of the Information Board, MB had contacted Shelley Signs who had not replied by 5/6/09 therefore a further e-mail had been sent.
e) 9h 11/5/09 Letter sent to residents at Greencroft regarding the hedge growing onto the public footpath and causing a prickly obstruction. No one had checked if action has been taken.
5. Public Participation.
a) Rural Crime: The lack of policing during the hours of darkness was the concern of one parishioner. Hexhamshire Hardwoods has been broken into five times over the past twelve months. Over the past two weeks three rural businesses have been affected by theft : High Staples, Dukesfield and Ladycross Quarry. In rural areas, thefts are often of expensive heavy plant and machines. The vulnerability of rural premises was discussed and the perceived concentration of Policing in urban areas. Targeted crime on a small rural area has a huge impact.
Slaley PC Chairman felt this could be an issue for the Community Forum.
PC D Kidd confirmed that resources go to where crime is greatest. Resources for this area are managed from Hexham and there is a night shift police presence. However, in an area of 800 square miles it is unlikely that the police will get to a crime during its commital without a ‘tip-off’. Farm Watch and Neighbourhood Watch were mentioned. Security marking, and recording of serial numbers makes it possible to return recovered stolen goods to their owners. PC Kidd acknowledged that while ours is a low crime area, the value of stolen goods is substantial. The Police were able to provide help when it appeared that a rural business was being repeatedly targeted.
It was agreed that the PC write to Inspector David Thornhill at Hexham with a copy to the Chief Constable extending an invitation to attend a future meeting (probably joint with neighbouring parishes) where suggestions for improvement can be discussed.
b) Danger from motor cycles to horse riders in Slaley Forest: PC Kidd agreed that user confrontations in Slaley Forest go back ten years or more. Illegal users are difficult to track down, the area is vast and motorcycles easily move out of sight through the trees. A combined police / forestry commission day was held earlier this year and will hopefully be repeated in the near future. School holidays always produce more under age drivers. Large posters were discussed informing the public that it was illegal to allow minors to ride motorcycles on the Byways, because unknown to most people Byways are public roads. This would need discussing with NCC and the Forestry Commission.
c) Vehicles parked on village footpaths were questioned. PC Kidd confirmed that it is an offence to park on the footpath and cause an obstruction for wheelchairs and double buggies etc. Allowances have to be made in a small village, especially if large numbers of vehicles are parked due to a special function at Church, Chapel or Commemoration Hall when it is important not to obstruct the road. However, prolonged footpath parking can be reported to the police by providing the registration number. A friendly reminder that is an offence to block a public footpath to the vehicle owner from a local policeman will follow.
d) Middle School-age boys playing football at the side of the Hall are in real danger when a ball rolls onto the road, especially if vehicles are parked inside the Hall yard and outside on the highway. PC Kidd recommended that these boys would be safer on the school field. Younger children would be under parental control and could possibly play safely around the Hall.
6. Community Trust report
Circulated as appendix 2/080609
Concern was expressed that some of the information in the reports booklet would be out-of-date in the Autumn. The chairmen of the CT and PC agreed to look at this nearer the publication time.
7. Matters for Discussion with County Councillor Colin W Horncastle.
a) CC C.W. Horncastle took a copy of the 2009 Highways Report for discussion with Colin Charlton.
b) It was explained to the PC why the June meeting of the West Area Committee was being held in the Beaumont Hotel. He explained that the new CC officials had followed TC's previous use of the hotel without realising that with TC's demise the Hexham Council Chamber would probably be available. Other venues will be used in future. He reported that there will be an annual West Area Committee meeting for Parish Councils only.
8. Correspondence.
a) NCC draft statement of Community Involvement thank you for Slaley PC responses.
b) Circulated by e-mail 14/5/09 Sustainable Rural Communities Seminar 26/6/09 Braintree.
c) Circulated by e-mail 30/5/09 Clerk’s Training Bursary Scheme.
d) Came and Company - Schedule of Insurance Cover.
e) E-mail to Clerk from Kate Wilson re underage motorcyclists in Slaley Forest causing concern to horse riders. Reported to PC Susan Cockburn and e-mail reply. (see 5b above)
f) By e-mail 2/6/09 NALC training sessions at Bellingham 6/7/09
g) By e-mail NCC Area Committee dates: West Area Committee 9/6/09.
h) By e-mail 28/5/09 re proposals for membership on NSP new deadline of June 4th
i) By e-mail 6/6/09 NSP ballot papers. A vote was taken and it was agreed to vote for Rob Macfarlane.
j) By e-mail NCC Ailsa Coverdale, Locality Development Manager introduction letter.
k) By e-mail NCC key contact details on new authority.
l) North Pennines AONB Partnership: Annual Forum & Management Plan Launch Monday June 22nd 10.30 a.m. Mickleton Village Hall. Open Seat election Nomination Form.
m) North Pennines AONB Identification Guide of flowers, grasses, shrubs, mosses and lichens of the Moorlands.
n) E-mail circulated 28/5/09 Outdoor Display Cases from Whitehill Direct Ltd.
o) Glasdon advertising brochure, CE Electric UK policy information leaflets during a power cut, Adapt News May 2009: AGM 10/7/09 + Safer Driving for Life courses at Hexham 11/11/09 & 8/3/10, NCC - May half-term play Programme – nothing at Slaley.
9. Financial Report.
a) Audit: Display Notices June 15th – June 28TH
Internal audit June 15th – June 28th
Records available to public 29 June – July 24th
Audit date 31st July 2009
b) Cheques to be signed:
No 378 Alex Evison grass cutting £85.65 *
*See note millennium seat area infested with dandelions ACTION and PRODUCT to safely use. Clerk to write and request NCC to carry out necessary work.
Proposed by Cllr L. Norris & seconded by Cllr M. Palmer the cheque was signed.
c) Interim Payment: No 376 JT Golightly siting base for location board £184.00
No 377 Return to NCC Simonburn Precept accident sent to Slaley PC bank account £750.00
Signed by Cllrs IC Hancock and CA Brooks.
10. Current Planning Applications.
20090316: Construction of single storey garage to extension to the side of detached bungalow at 46 Slaley Park. No objections, but pointed out that the property is not a bungalow.
20090260 Retrospective – Construction of open top silage pit. White House* Concerns.
* Clerk has been informed that neighbours have now been consulted
20090162 OUTLINE Construction of 78 holiday lodges, Slaley Hall (see appendix 1/110509) Objections.
20090082 Resub.det. annexe in association with main dwelling Pinetops Hearing 14/5/09. Site Visit 29/5/09 and new hearing date of Hearing 11/6/09.
20080046 Internal refurbishment - Slaley Hall Pending.
Decisions from Planning Authority
20090195 Construction of two-storey side extension single-storey rear extension, a front entrance canopy. Demolition of existing garage and widening of existing access.
Aultmore, Slaley village. Granted
11. Consider a reply to letter received from Mrs R Scott circulated. Reply from Slaley Commemoration Hall Management Committee attached as appendix 1/080609.
a) Public funding requires a minimum of a 21-year lease.
b) Clerk asked the new planning department where the fund allocated for play and sport in Slaley was held. There has been no reply. CC C.W. Horncastle will look into where the Slaley funds for play and sport are currently held. They are not under the control of the Parish Council.
c) School grounds, especially the toddler play area, which is out of bounds to the public, were discussed. Was the toddler play area funded by public money?
d) No bikes are allowed in the school grounds. The needs of toddlers learning to ride bicycles and of older groups wanting a BMX track are not met by the school grounds.
e) Slaley had a successful Youth Club for almost two years. Due to lack of adult supervisors it was forced to close. It was pointed out that in a small population the age range of children can vary over time, causing changes in the provision needed.
f) CC CW Horncastle intends speaking to the Chair of Governors and the Head Teacher of Slaley First School to discuss his recent involvement with Extended Services at Community Schools. He was given a brief history of the school grounds closure - the public meeting of June 2002; the setting up of a Steering Group to produce a parish plan; the adoption of the Parish Plan by the PC in December 2003/January 2004; the re-opening up of the school grounds following negotiations by The Community Trust.
g) CC CW Horncastle noted that there was under-provision of play and sport facilities for all ages of children and young people in Slaley. Slaley PC has repeatedly sought sites for an equipped play area for the younger members of our parish and an area for bicycle riding for the older members, without success. CC Horncastle could obtain government grant money if land could be found.
h) It was therefore agreed to write to Slaley Commemoration Hall Committee and state that Slaley PC did not wish to take the matter further at this time because of point (a) above and while CC CW Horncastle was looking into various alternatives.
i) It was also agreed that a reply be sent to the Scott family answering the questions in their letter. The PC does not have the funds from the Reaston View affordable housing development - the money went into the Tynedale Council ‘Housing Development Fund’.
12. Public Consultation on NHS proposals attendance at June 23rd meeting held at Hexham Mart
6a 11/5/09, 6k 9/3/09, page 504 minutes (circulated by e-mail 5/3/09).
PW is attending. No specific questions requested.
13. Parish Plan Annual Dog Fouling Review
Cllr M Palmer reported that the area around the school is improved.
Cllr S Davison reported that the area between South Park and the Rose & Crown is OK.
Cllr A Robson reported that fouling appears overnight between Parks Side Bungalows and the Commemoration Hall.
There is always an improvement in mid summer. Culprits could be seen during the light nights.
14. Parish Plan Annual Heritage Review
The 2009 review was presented to the meeting although the photographs were not included.
15. A.O.B.
a) Complaint made from a Councillor that wheelchairs and double buggies are unable to travel the footpath because of parked cars on the footpath. A request was made through Slaley Notes on Friday June 5th, one particular vehicle remained on the footpath over the weekend, (see agend item 5 above)
b) PW had a swarm of bees at her main house doorway Friday May 29th, 12 midday. PW telephoned NCC and spoke to four different people over the next hour. She was finally told that since bees are protected the NCC pest control could not help. By 2 p.m. with more bees getting into the house PW telephone the Hexham Courant where a very helpful reporter gave her telephone numbers for local Bee Keepers, but none were immediately contactable. Eventually Northumberland Pest Control advised that a bee keeper was needed to find the queen bee, but could not provide any help to find one. About 6 p.m. bee keeper Roz Doonan replied to PW's message and gave the necessary advice and assistance. Slaley Notes will provide Roz’s contact details and these should be included in the future edition of the Where to Buy Locally leaflet. The PC agreed that NCC ought to be able to provide bee keepers association contact details for such emergencies.
c) Mobile Post Van Provision at Slaley. Monday May 25th Bank Holiday – no provision.
Tuesday May 26th – no provision on any Tuesday. Wednesday May 27th – system was down, no transactions could take place – six people waiting with urgent business, including Margaret Ward wanting to bank her Village Shop takings. Margaret says that when the Shop system failed it was approximately 2/3 hours before it was up and running again. When Margaret's PO was open all day, 5 days each week, a temporary breakdown was not too serious. In this instance, with the mobile PO, Slaley had its last service at 9.45 a.m. Saturday May 23rd and was unable to do business until 4.20 p.m. Thursday 28th May. The PC wondered if the mobile van was getting the same IT service as the village Post Office did.
It was reported by a Councillor that the van sometimes closed early, or at least the doors were closed early. Clerk to check with some of the residents if they have noticed this.
d) The grass at Parks Side has recently been cut and looks messy. A close watch should be kept.
e) The parish roadside grass verges have been cut today. Monday June 8th.
f) Cllr Palmer is concerned about continued speeding in the center of the village she asked if more 30-mph sings could be placed either side of the school. Cllr Hancock recalled that we were told that it is illegal to place repeater signs where regular street-lights exist. Cllr Hancock to check on the school transport plan for the yellow flashing signs at school times.
g) East Burnside Bridge at The Glen crossroads appears to have a crack at the Lead Road junction. There is often dampness and Cllr Hancock suspects subsidence.
h) Request a copy of the vehicle volume and weight survey undertaken by NCC on the U8080 at the TRO sign. Clerk to contact Colin Charlton about this with a copy to Northumbria Police.
16. BOATs update.
E-mail from Stephen Rickitt 20/5/09 confirming that the Magistrates Court had made the order reducing the width to 5 metres on Byway 44. Clerk to request written confirmation should be sent to all affected properties.
17. Date of July 2009 meeting. Monday July 13th.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 10 p.m.