At the October 2009 meeting Slaley Parish Council spoke with two members of Post Office Limited about the problems experienced with the mobile Post office provision. Read more on page 562
Minutes of Slaley Parish Council, Monday October 12th 2009, in Slaley Commemoration Hall 7.30 p.m.
A Special discussion beginning at 7.30 p.m.
with Jane Briginshaw and Ian Carlton of Post Office Limited.
PC Chairman introduced Jane Briginshaw and Ian Carlton and thanked them for attending especially Jane Briginshaw who had travelled from Stockport.
JB said that Mobile Post Office vehicles in Cumbria have been working successfully for ten years covering 36 communities. In 99% of cases the mobile provision was a useful means of providing a service in rural areas. Post Office Ltd had continued to make improvements to the van and service over the years.
Winter provision was discussed. At the public meeting in July 2008 the PC and the public had stressed that Slaley is an exposed village with lots of ice and snow, and we were assured the van would get through. The PC suggested that vehicles could be improved, for example by the use of 4X4 vehicles or snow tyres so that winter conditions would not be a such a problem. JB replied that winter problems had not been an issue in other locations including the Lake District and the north of Scotland. It was up to Mr Nichol, the service provider, to assess road conditions for the safety of the van. JB and IC said that snow tyres were not available to post vans, or needed, across the country and their provision would put extra cost on the mobile service. Margaret Ward explained that winter tyres had enabled Slaley Village Shop to operate successfully for over forty years. The Post Office representatives agreed to discuss the question of winter tyres at a higher level.
Van breakdowns were also discussed. There is a backup vehicle for the north of England based at Darlington. However, we were told it takes a day to transfer IT equipment to the replacement vehicle, therefore for short term repairs (windscreen) it is not viable to use the back up vehicle. The IT equipment is configured to a particular area (the Slaley equipment is configured to Stocksfield). To repair one section of the equipment there has to be a complete shut down before the repair can be made. There is no half and half manual/technology operation. Equipment requires GSM Satellite configuration and takes a full day to re-co figurate once an error has been found. If the normal vehicle was involved in an accident or would predictably be off the road for several days/weeks for some reason then the back up vehicle would be used.
We were told that Post Office Engineers are learning all the time about the IT equipment. At the moment all repairs have to be done at base (Stocksfield for Slaley). Outreach service in public buildings has the same element of problems as the mobile provision - the IT equipment has to be brought in and installed at each visit, so transportation problems and IT equipment failure apply in the same way. Faults can occur in the outreach equipment, or at the host post office (Stocksfield) or nationally.
We agreed that getting the message to customers when a break down has occurred is the most difficult and important problem to solve. Preprinted posters informing the public of problems could be provided; where to put these posters is the problem. It was finally agreed that Martin,the postmaster, contact both Slaley Village Shop and the Parish Council Clerk when a problem occurs. Poster sites will be agreed and and advertised in the parish news sheet and Slaley notes.
Loss of service when bank holidays come into the equation were acknowledged as not being a perfect system. Post Office Ltd has a priority repair contract for its mobile vans thus ensuring that they are off the road as little as possible. IC reported that the take up of Post Office services at Slaley is commercially viable and Slaley is increasing. The service is set for the long term. The public must be encouraged to use the Post Office servic. Security on the mobile Post Office van was discussed and we were assured that protection of both the driver and custromers was a major consideration. Mobile services around the country have proved to be very safe.
Jane Briginshaw and Ian Carlton were thanked for their attendance and this portion of the meeting ended at 8.30 p.m.
After the PO representatives had left, the question of extra lighting at Parks Side, especially when the Post Office Mobile is operating during winter months, was discussed. Clerk has spoken with Neil Johnson at NCC, (Neil.Johnson@northumberland.gov.uk Telephone 01670 534130). Whilst he agrees that the lighting is inadequate at the bungalows NCC have no money for street lighting. He thought that a light in the centre of the square would cost in the region of £1,000 and if the PC were able to fund the improvement the work could be carried out by the end of November. It was agreed to ask for a definite estimate for this. Extra lighting would also benefit a site for posters saying the service was out of action etc. If possible this work could be undertaken through the Beacon grant award.
1. Apologies: Councillor Mrs A. S. Robson & County Councillor C.W. Horncastle.
Present: Councillor I.C. Hancock in the Chair. Councillors S. Davison, Mrs C. A. Brooks, Ms M Palmer, Mrs L. Norris. Clerk Mrs P. Wilson.
Public: Margaret Ward & Alex Page. Courant Reporter: Rebecca Dixon. Slaley Notes & Community Trust Executive Committee Member: Michael Elphick.
2. Declaration of Interests and Hospitality Record.
None
3. Minutes of September Parish Council Meeting (circulated pages 555- 559 + appendix 1 page 560 appendix 2 page 561).
Proposed as a true record by Cllr. L. Norris and seconded by Cllr. C.A. Brooks the minutes were approved and signed.
4. Matters Arising.
a) 4a 14/9/09 Extra speed unit in Slaley village request. Alan Bawn replied that the rules are unchanged since the original installation - a sign must not be permanent and its siting must be rotated. He has suggested to senior managers that this requirement should be revisited but as yet has had no response.
b) 4e 14/9/09, 8f 10/8/09 - winter salt bins. Reply from Highways: Salt bins are provided and maintained by NCC for roads that are not on a gritting route. The Parks Side Bungalow site in the village will be provided by NCC. The banks listed on the B6306 already get grip heaps provided although it is on the gritting route. Clerk spoke with Duncan Roberts on 01434 611108.
c) 6 14/9/09 meeting between Dr Hancock, and Reverend Irvine see agenda item 4a of July 13th minutes page 537 and appendix 1/130709, page 544 - a Public Meeting on the subject will take place on October 14th.
c) 15 b 14/9/09 Cllr Norris reported that residents on the U8080 & U8081 had now received official notification that Byway 44 had been reduced in width by the Courts.
5. Correspondence.
a) Slaley School telephoned and reported that personal invitations had been sent to the residents at Parkside to join the children for their Harvest Lunch. There have been no acceptances and the school wished to report to the PC that it is trying to engage with the community.
b) Dog Fouling in village September 25th reported to Chairman. A reminder in Slaley Notes and parish Newsletter about dog fouling was requested.
c) Classic Rally Association have permission to run a navigation section through Slaley Forest 29/10/09 between 17.15 – 19.00
d) Northumberland Wildlife Trust request for financial aid. It was agreed not to provide financial assistance.
e) Government gateway User ID number received by the Clerk.
f) NCC: dated 17/9/09, The Drift Road: magistrates Court reduced the width of the Drfit Road to 5 metres.
g) Correspondence from Brian Massey re erosion on grid reference 945 582 on south side of road. It would appear that Mel Richardson has instructed Kevin Allen to repair with “a bit of concrete”.
h) NCC Definitive Map Modification order (No 15) 2009 as from 5/10/09. BOAT No 44 Width of road reduced to 5 metres. Receipt acknowledged and returned to Alex Bell.
i) E-mail 14/9/09 from Fire Service re Bonfire and Fireworks
j) E-mail 15/9/09 re Playbuilder Programme Roadshow
k) E-mail 6/10/09 from D Francis re National Agreement on Clerk’s recommended salary
l) E-mail 6/10/09 RSN - Plan beyond recession
m) E-mail 6/10/09 NHS Swine Flue update 25/9/09
n) E-mail 6/10/09 Defra Open Up Coastline (6 pages)
o) E-mail 6/10/09 Weekly Focus 5/10/09 & 12/10/09
p) E-mail 6/10/09 D Francis - Electoral Review – NALC are suggesting that a new map will be produced to ensure that each of the 67 C Councillors will have roughly equal number of electors.
q) E-mail 6/10/09 D Francis – NALC Awards + Area committee/local councils round of joint meetings.
r) E-mail 6/10/09 D Francis – People and Places Bulletin (the 4 page attachment seems to be produced by the NSP).
s) E-mailed 6/10/09 – CAN news.
t) E-mail 6/10/09 Slaley school newsletter
u) E-mail 7/10/09 Invitation Queens Hall on 9/10/09.
v) E-mail 9/10/09 West Area Committee Mt 15/10/09 Allendale Village Hall
w) E-mail 9/10/09 NALC by e-mail hardy copy to follow.
x) E-mail 12/10/09 NCC New event available: LDF Special Bulletin. Northumberland Local Development Framework Interactive consultation website (8 pages).
y) E-mail 12/10/09 NCC New event available: Community Planning Bulletin.
z) E-mail 12/10/09 from Standard Committee re meeting at County Hall for PC Chairman 19/10/09 at 4 p.m.
aa) Lloyds TSB new legislation; Tynedale Hospice at Home leaflet; Queens Hall Arts Centre September – December 09 programme; Adapt News Autumn 2009; Kompan catalogue; CPRE Overview Autumn 2009; Wicksteed catalogue; Society of Local Council Clerks letter; NHS Choose well campaign copy of publicity material; CAN ‘Meet the Funders’ information for 19/10/09; War Memorials Trust conference 2/12/09 at the University of Newcastle, Member of Society of Local Council Clerks volunteer needed for the NALC County Committee (not circulated as PW is not a member). Littlethorpe Hardwood Shelters advertising leaflet; Northumberland News Issue 1 October 2009; NALC & CAN hard copy of e-mailed version see above).
6. Financial Report
a) Cheques to be signed:
No 387 Alex Evison September grass cutting £85.66
No 387 BDO Stoy Hawward LLP Audit £155.25
Proposed by Cllr Hancock & seconded by Cllr Norris the cheques were signed.
B) Current bank statement £8,858.11 Includes the repayment of £1,229.91 Vat return.
C) Audit approved by BDO Stoy Hayward and the Annual Return was presented to the Council. It was approved and accepted by the Council. Notice of Conclusion of Audit and Annual Return placed on Commemoration hall Notice Board.
7. Current Planning Applications.
20090692: Certificate of lawfulness for proposed demolition of outhouse and construction of new single storey extension and conversion of garage to living accommodation. South Highclear Cottage. No objections
20090636: Variation of condition No 3 of planning permission 86/E/125 to allow caravans to be used for human habitation between 1st March in one year and 31st January in the succeeding year. Springhouse Caravan County Park. Objections request a site visit with representation by the Parish Council before application considered. Hearing on 8/10/09
20090637: Variation of condition No 5 of planning permission 75/E/460 to allow caravans to be used for human habitation between 1st March in one year and 31st January in the succeeding year and the use of one caravan unit for the purpose of human habitation by a site warden all year round. Springhouse Caravan County Park. Objections request a site visit with representation by the Parish Council before application considered. CC Horncastle has been asked to support this request. Hearing on 8/10/09
Copies of Springhouse resident objections received.
20090410: Two storey extension to side. Linnel Hill. Pending,
Decisions from Planning Authority
20050591: Conversion of existing garage to annex & construction of detached garage. Peel Flatt Cottage. Granted
20050515: Conversion of extension of integral garage, conservatory extension to living room & kitchen glazed extension to staircase & new portico to main entrance & installation of 4 dormers. Moorland View. Granted
20080046 Internal refurbishment - Slaley Hall Withdrawn?
20090162 OUTLINE Construction of 78 holiday lodges, Slaley Hall Withdrawn?
8. Community Forum meeting report
Report by Ian C Hancock circulated and attached as appendix 1/121009
Slaley will host the January meeting possible dates are Tuesday 12th, 19th or 26th or Wednesday 13th, 20th or 27th.
9. Post Christmas Meal for Elderly Update
Slaley Hall reply circulated by e-mail on 19/9/09. Either Monday 19/1/2010 or Friday 22/1/2010 – an on arrival drink, three course lunch and tea or coffee for £15.00 per person. The Councillors agreed on Friday January 22nd.
10. Parish Plan Action Plan October Update
Draft circulated as appendix 2/121009 amendments were made.
11. BOATs network consultation document (9 10/08/09) response from Slaley PC
Grammatical alterations were suggested. Additional Gingleshaugh route information and photographs produced by IC Hancock. Cllr Brooks’ photographs from the Annual Highways Report for Gingleshaugh amended to Long Edge.
12. A.O.B.
Should be moved back to last item.
13. BOATs update.
a) Sunday October 4th 2009. RF reported approximately 100 classic/ vintage bikes between 10 – 11 a.m. travelled west along the C279 and turned south on the U8078 into Slaley Forest. Councillor IC Hancock also spotted 30 of these passing his home (C270) and several more groups travelling from and on the A68. Clerk asked Forestry Commission and NCC ROW team if this was an organised event. It was not registered with anyone. Blanchland had not seen any but Dukesfield Mill residents had during the afternoon.
b) Councillor Michael Kennedy reported 6 trail bikers two miles from any RoW riding around shooting boxes on Sunday September 27th. Cllr Kennedy was calving a cow otherwise he would have approached the bikers and spoken to them
14. Date of November 2009 meeting.
Monday November 9th. (Apologies from Cllr Palmer for this meeting)
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.58 p.m.
If you have seen the recent film entitled The Age of Stupid', you may be interested in the following two films to be shown in Hexham this coming week.
'In Transition'
Sunday 15th November, 17:00 Forum Cinema, Hexham (Followed by social in Cinema Café) All welcome!
Our first showing of the new national Transition film.
It tells the story of the generation that looked peak oil and climate change square in the face, and responded with creativity, compassion and genius.
The film is directed by Emma Goude, and with input from Transition communities around the world. 'In Transition' is the perfect sequel to 'The Age of Stupid'.
There will be a £2 charge to cover costs.
'The Power of Community - How Cuba Survived Peak Oil'
Wednesday 18th November, 19:30 - Trinity Methodist Church, Beaumont Street, Hexham.
PEAK OIL is Coming - so is our film ‘The Power of Community’. This film tells the story of how Cuba successfully addressed the challenge of feeding itself and reducing its energy use.
When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990, Cuba's economy went into a tailspin. With imports of oil cut by more than half – and food by 80 percent – people were desperate. This film tells of the hardships and struggles as well as the community and creativity of the Cuban people during this difficult time. Cubans share how they transitioned from a highly mechanized, industrial agricultural system to one using organic methods of farming and local, urban gardens.
Cuba, the only country that has faced such a crisis – the massive reduction of fossil fuels – is an example of options and hope.
All Welcome. Running time 1hr. Entry £2