February 22, 2010

Creating a circular orchard at Minsteracres

A very special event is being held at Minsteracres retreat centre on the first Saturday in March. This is a community tree planting day to create a beautiful circular orchard of 75 trees and will be the first major planting done in the Peace Garden, which is being designed and created with co-operation from many different groups who use the retreat centre there, including a group of refugees/asylum seekers who were responsible for the original concept of a 'peace' garden.

There can't be many (if any) new orchards of this size planted in Northumberland these days.This one is doubly noteworthy as it will be circular - planted as two concentric circles and divided by paths to form a Celtic cross. We hope to have adults and children working together through the day. Volunteers are very welcome and will be greatly appreciated - I believe hot soup will be provided at lunch time. To get there follow the A68 south from the Riding Mill roundabout for about 2 miles the centre is signposted and is about half a mile along a road on the right.

Janis Irvine adds that "Minsteracres is a near neighbour and I'm sure many in Slaley would be interested in the good things that are going on over there."

Posted by Editor at 03:38 PM

February 08, 2010

Slaley Gardening Group's 2010 Programme

The Slaley Gardening Group, led by Nigel Green, has announced its 2010 Programme.

  • Thursday 28th January: "The Walled Gardens of Northumberland", a talk by Veronica Goulty
  • Saturday 13th February: A visit to Howick Hall to see the snowdrops.
  • 25th March: A talk about Bees and Honey making, by Mr Bill Hunter.
  • 29th April: Quiz night; bring along surplus seeds and plants.
  • 28th May: (To be confirmed)
  • 24th June: Club visit to members' gardens.
  • 29th July: Gateshead Flower Show (Friday 30th, Saturday 31st or Sunday 1st August)
  • 26th August: No Meeting.
  • 30th September: Harrogate Flower Show.
  • 28th October: "Orchids", a talk by Mr Chris Barker.
  • 25th November: "Gardens And Garden Design Through The Ages", a talk by Dr Yellowley.
  • 23rd December: Yes it's that time again! Quiz, drinks and nibbles.
Posted by Editor at 10:48 AM

February Parish Council meeting postponed!

The February meeting of Slaley Parish Council has had to be postponed (on account of the Clerk's illness). It is hoped to re-schedule this for next Monday, February 15th.

Further announcements will be posted here.

Posted by Parish Clerk at 10:05 AM

February 01, 2010

Slaley Parish Council December 2009 minutes

No street light at Parkside bungalows. Read more on agenda item 4a

Minutes of Slaley Parish Council, Monday December 14th 2009, in Slaley Commemoration Hall 7.30 p.m.

1. Apologies: None
Present: Councillor I.C. Hancock in the Chair. Councillors S. Davison, Mrs C. A. Brooks, Mrs L. Norris, Mrs A. S. Robson & Ms M Palmer. Clerk Mrs P. Wilson.
Public: None. Courant Reporter: None. Slaley Notes & Community Trust Executive Committee Member: Michael Elphick.

2. Declaration of Interests and Hospitality Record.
None.

3. Minutes of November Parish Council Meeting (circulated pages 569- 574 + appendix 1 page 575, appendix 2 page 576, appendix 3 page 577, appendix 4 page 578 & appendix 5 page 579). Proposed as a true record by Cllr. A.S. Robson and seconded by Cllr. C.A. Brooks the minutes were approved and signed.

4. Matters Arising.
a) 4a 9/11/09 Lighting at Parkside. A replacement for the existing street light outside No 6 Parkside was needed, unfortunately due to red tape the old lamp was disconnected before the new lamp was ready for connection. Therefore the elderly residents were without a street light for many days. Following a visit to the mobile Post Office on the evening of Monday December 7th, the Clerk made a complaint to Neil Johnston (NCC Highways) that the whole site was in darkness and there were bollards blocking access along the footpath. We were told that replacement of the light was being carried out for NCC Highways while the additional light requested by the PC was to be installed by NCC Street Lighting. The two departments had not spoken to each other despite the fact that the workmen who will install the additional light had been on and off site several times during the past six weeks. The Chairman and Clerk met Christopher Bolt on site on Wednesday 9th December and agreed the position and the price. An order has since been issued. After Mr. Bolt and his chief Mr. Phillips were told that the matter had been reported to the Hexham Courant, the replacement lamp outside Number 6 Parkside was quickly connected and became operational on Friday evening. The second light will not be connected until sometime in 2010.
b) 15 9/11/09; 4c 12/10/09; 6 14/9/09; 4a 13/7/09 & appendix 1/130709 Disability Access at proposed works at St. Mary the Virgin Church Slaley. A breakdown of work and costs received and circulated by e-mail 8/12/09
c) 13 9/11/09 Audited accounts for Slaley Community Trust and St. Mary the Virgin received and circulated.

5. Public Participation.
None.

6. Community Trust Report
No official monthly report.
Catherine Lincoln, on behalf of Community Trust, e-mailed for key dates for inclusion in a parish list that will be posted on web site. It is hoped that this will avoid clashes with events of interest or similar audiences. Clerk replied with AGM date.

7. Matters for Discussion with County Councillor Colin W. Horncastle.
a) 17 b Nov meeting Planning Permission 20050557: Renewal of temporary planning permission for permanent use of land as outdoor pursuits area etc. CC Horncastle was to check if the permission had been temporary or permanent. No answer received to date.

8. Correspondence.
a) NCC letter from Steven Mason re Local Government Finance Act + Northumberland Charter for Local Councils from Bill Batey + NCC appendix of Slaley implications (None) Circulated and noted.
b) NCC Housing Developer Funds for Outdoor Sport and Play – four application rounds in 2010. Clerk to write and ask if Slaley funds are still ring-fenced for Slaley.
c) Hexham Courant offer of FoC article in Tynedale Visitor 2010 by Friday Feb 5th. Last year's entry agreed, with a small modification.
d) Brian Massey e-mailed a copy of his correspondence to NCC highways regarding surface problem on C280 between Dukesfield road end and bridge over Devil’s Water.
e) Tynedale Sports Council invitation to awards evening 1/12/09. circulated no-one attended.
f) NCC invitation to the welcoming home of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers on 8/12/09 circulated by e-mail 17/11/09. No-one attended.
g) Campaign to Protect Rural England request to Parish Council Chairman asking what the policies are for protecting trees and hedgerows. Cllr Hancock to reply.
h) Thank You letters from Slaley Commemoration Hall, Slaley Community Trust, CAN, Age Concern Northumberland, Tynedale Hospice & Great North Air Ambulance for grant cheques.
i) E-mail 12/11/09 from D. Francis re Postal Scam and advising Councillors not to call the Parcel Delivery Service.
j) E-mail 14/11/09 from D Francis re NALC County Committee short of 5 people from West area.
k) E-mail 16/11/09 from D Francis re NCC Regeneration Service Funding Bulletin (13 pages)
l) E-mail 17/11/09 re Invitation to Fusiliers return 8/12.
m) E-mail 20/11/09 re RSN monthly newsletter.
n) E-mail 21/11/09 re Statement of Gambling Policy
o) E-mail 27/11/09 Sustainable Communities Act Amendment Bill
p) E-mail 30/11/09 West Area Committee meeting 8/12/09, West Wylam.
q) E-mail 2/12/09 Putting People First Newsletter – December issue.
r) E-mail 7/12/09 NSP quarterly newsletter ‘Maters Arising’
s) E-mail 8/12/09 Central Tynedale CF mt 15/12/09 - topic parking in Hexham.
t) E-mail 10/12/09 December issues of the RSN Parish newsletter
u) E-mail 14/12/09 NSP Results of Northumberland ‘Place Survey’
v) E-mail 14/12/09 CAN December Newsletter
w) CE Electric UK information leaflets and posters; Martin’s Sports Ground Maintenance & Construction; Northumberland news Issue 3, Rekk Youth Shelters leaflet; Clerks 7 Councils Direct November 2009; North Pennines News Autumn & Winter.

9. Financial Report.
a) Cheques to be signed
Cheque No 398 NCC empty dog bin & empty litter bin £314.18 each = £628.36
Proposed by Cllr L. Norris & seconded by Cllr C.A Brooks the cheque was signed.

10. Current Planning Applications.
20090906: Certificate of lawfulness for proposed single storey rear extension. Middle Grange, Slaley Village. No objections
20090918: Demolition of outbuildings and construction of car port to side of dwelling. South Cottage, High Clear. No objections
20090928: Amendments to previously approved application 20090396 use of silage clamp building for livestock housing, Flothers Farm. Will present silage pit and slurry lagoon be large enough?
20090902: Extension to Livestock Building. Flothers Farm. No Objections
20090787: Re-consultation as amended Outline. Construction of one residential unit. Winter House, Slaley
20090787: Construction of one residential unit. Winter House, Slaley.
A note from NCC arrived with a copy of new ownership certificates. Object.
20090410: Two storey extension to side. Linnel Hill. Pending. – ask if this is still to be determined.
Decisions from Planning Authority

11. Post Christmas Meal for Over 60s Update
a) Terms and Conditions arrived from Slaley Hall for signature.
b) Only 12 people confirmed attendance. Reminder through Slaley notes. Agreed to cancel unless numbers increase significantly.

12. Community Forum Update. Notes from 24/11/09 meeting attached as appendix 1/141209.
a) E-mail from Brian Massey 28/11/09 checking all the e-mail addresses for members.
b) Invitation to Slaley parish ‘community’ to the January 27th (Wednesday) 2010 ‘Five Rural Parishes Community Forum’ meeting at Slaley Commemoration Hall. Meeting has two topics: Rural broadband and the lack of liaison between Highways staff and Councillors. Slaley Notes to carry record this and posters to be placed in village.
c) E-mail from Colin Horncastle to Stuart Lawson asking for justification for two Locality officers attending the preparatory meeting for the group on Nov 24th when NCC finances are so strapped.

13. Precept Spending 2010/2011. Updated Precept Sheet partially agreed at November meeting attached as appendix 2/141209.
a) Further work was undertaken on the Precept and after private discussion the Clerk’s salary was agreed at £3,000.00.
b) It was also agreed that the cost for the extra street light at Parkside £1050 and a grant of £650 towards St. May the Virgin Slaley disabled access through the Lych gate be made from the Beacon Grant.
c) It was clarified by Cllr Brooks that funding for the proposed new village signs with planters as discussed agenda item 6 14/9/09 would be sought through the Community Trust via the NCC Community Chest allocation.

14. Cllr A.S. Robson report from meeting on 20/11/09 NCC draft Voluntary & Community Sector Funding Policy. (see 8n 9/11/09)
NCC currently give £1.5m to the Voluntary Sector + £150k through the Community Chest the latter split into West, North & East. For the 2010/11 the proposed fund total will be £1.3m which includes and increased £300k for the Community Chest grants to all none-profit organisations. Official minutes are expected early in January.
Cllr. Robson also attended the Local Development Framework Day at Hexham Racecourse (see 7b 9/11/09 & 8d). The Perfect 10 were discussed the main being Transport and Affordable Houses. Different needs in different areas was apparent. Several tables of eight each with a member of NCC or NSP taking the notes to be fed into the Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS). A report is expected early January.

15. BOATs update.
a) Cllr D Short reported upgrading of the RoW network at the Hexhamshire end. Concrete ford over the Devil’s Water, new footbridge, ditch clearance and surface dressing. Hexhamshire PC had been informed by NCC that it had been paid for out of RoW funds that needed to be spent by the end of the financial year as no money could be carried forward (see Hexhamshire Notes from Friday 11/12/09)

16. A.O.B.
a) Townfoot village sign damage reported to NCC Highways.
b) Computer down on mobile Post Office Monday & Wednesday December 7th & 9th, Working again on Thursday evening. However it meant that no cash could be banked or withdrawn. No foreign parcels could be sent. Also on Wednesday December 9th the staff on the mobile unit needed to ask for help from the base at Stocksfield, but the mobile telephone would not work therefore no assistance could be given.
c) Questions arose regarding which trees, if any, had been cut back when the electric company switched off the power for the purpose. It appeared that some of the specified trees have been cut and some have not. Clerk to enquire if village trees have been cut back.
d) Increased parking on the single-track entrance into South Park is causing an obstruction for several residents, especially those at numbers 5 & 6, visitors and deliveries. Sometimes vehicles are parked on the footpath, which is illegal, and sometimes on both footpaths so that nothing can move. Residents have complained to number 4 South Park and have asked that their visitors should be encouraged to park on the additional roadside parking recently established outside number 9 South Park. For short periods these requests have been met, but it is becoming a stressful regular occurrence. After discussion it was agreed to (i) report to Milecastle Housing; (ii) report to local community police officer.

17 Date of January 2010 meeting.
Monday January 11th 2009

Posted by Parish Clerk at 08:56 AM

SlaleyParish Council November 2009 minutes

Slaley Councillors discuss the NCC distribution of Northumberland News. Read more on agenda items 7d and 8a

Minutes of Slaley Parish Council, Monday November 9th 2009, in Slaley Commemoration Hall 7.30 p.m.

1. Apologies: Councillor Ms M Palmer.
Present: Councillor I.C. Hancock in the Chair. Councillors S. Davison, Mrs C. A. Brooks, Mrs L. Norris, Mrs A. S. Robson & County Councillor C.W. Horncastle. Clerk Mrs P. Wilson.
Public: Hugh McKendrick. Courant Reporter: None. Slaley Notes Jean Elphick. Community Trust Executive Committee Member: Michael Elphick.
2. Declaration of Interests and Hospitality Record.
Cllr Mrs C. A. Brooks as a member of the CT declared an interest on agenda item 6.
County Councillor C.W. Horncastle declared an interest on agenda item10.

3. Minutes of October Parish Council Meeting (circulated pages 562- 566 + appendix 1 page 567 & appendix 2 page 568).
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). Lighting at Parks-Side in relation to the Post Office (see Special discussion last paragraph page 563). E-mail from Neil Johnson, no design ready yet for additional light due to staff illness. Cost will be between £1k - £2k depending upon access to electricity cables. If NCC install the light then it will be adopted for maintenance and energy purposes by the County. It was decided that no action could be taken until the actual estimate arrives.
b) 4a 12/10/09; 4a 14/9/09 Alan Bawn has replied that if Parish Councils fund their own VMS Speed Units and the location is agreed by NCC officers and the maintenance is with the PCs then a second unit can be purchased to reduce the costs of rotation. It was decided not to purchase a second unit with the Beacon Grant.
c) 4b 12/10/09; 4e 14/9/09. 8f 10/8/09: A salt bin has been positioned at Parks Side Bungalows. Clerk to purchase a strong shovel for the bin.
d) Parish Plan October AP Update 10 12/10/09 request to MR for any progress:
(i) Keep Slaley Lively section - Moyra Riseborough reported that she had hoped to start a Business Group to help with purchase of office supplies, insurance etc. This had not got off the ground partly due to the economic climate and partly through lack of interest.
(ii) Communicate More Effectively section - Moyra Riseborough reported that she was looking forward to the updated Slaley web site where hopefully it would be used by more people and with interlinks to different sites in the community i.e. accommodation and places to eat. The Business Directory and Where to Buy Locally were lost in the present web site system she felt.
(iii) More Services for Older People section - Moyra Riseborough reported that initially talks with Age Concern indicated that finding suitable transport for the shopping trips was a real problem. These customised vehicles were limited and got booked up well in advance, consequently when the shopping trips were finalised often the coaches had been hired elsewhere. Slaley people are currently joining the Age Concern trips with Blanchland parishioners. Moyra has sent an e-mail dated 4/11/09 confirming that she is handing out Posters locally and trying to regenerate interest in trips by Age Concern visiting local people. Copy of the Poster was presented to the meeting and the Councillors felt it should be displayed in the Village Shop and other parish notice boards. The Councillors asked about help for younger disabled parishioners (below Age Concern remit). Cllr Brooks suggested ADAPT.

5. Public Participation.
It was suggested that catagorising people once they reached 60 years was sometimes seen as derogatory. ‘Older people’, ‘Pensioners’, ‘Elderly’ etc. were words which conjured up old and frail individuals. It was suggested that the PC carefully refer to such people as ‘The Over 60’s’.
Mr. Elphick reported that he hoped the updated web site would have progress made or be available by Christmas.

6. Community Trust Report Circulated and attached as Appendix 1/081109
The Councillors discussed the request for financial help towards the repair of the school hut. The question was asked “is the repair due to wear and tear or vandalism?” Mr. Elphick replied that it was general maintenance because the roof was rotten. The roof may or may not have been damaged by vandalism. Any grant which the PC made would be seen as a good-will gesture to the school. There was a great deal of discussion about this and finally a vote was taken: “Who supports the award of a grant to the CT towards the school hut repairs?”. There were no Councillors in favour - they agreed that it was unclear that the need for repairs had any connection with the Community Trust-sponsored public use of the school grounds. Cllr Brooks abstained from voting.

7. Matters for Discussion with County Councillor Colin W. Horncastle.
a) NCC draft budget early February. To achieve the £20m shortfall it is proposed that all NCC departments should take the same % reduction in funding.
b) Local Development Framework LDF Drop-in-Day at Hexham Racecourse.
c) Day- care Centres to close. He believed that the changes had the potential to improve support for many people but would disadvantage the relatively few regular users of the drop-in centres.
d) Northumberland News posted to 142,000 households. Jill Dixon Executive Director for Performance is responsible for this publication and is taking the back-lash from the adverse publicity attracted to the publication. It will however, for contractual reasons, continue for the full twelve months.
e) Young people involvement in local government– Young Mayors etc.
f) November date for meeting with Slaley Headteacher about NCC support for public use of school premises has been cancelled due to illness.
g) Richard Powell has moved to a different position. Susi Goncu now heads CFs for this area.

8. Correspondence.
a) NCC complimentary copy of the Northumberland News No 2 being delivered to every household by Royal Mail (PC noted the Hexham Courant letter from Dr. Stan Beckensall on 16/10/09 and on 23/10/09 from Phil Harley and an- unrecorded writer. Apart from the content they complain of the cost of production and postage. See 7d above. Councillors were annoyed that the PC had received a separate copy but acknowledged that it was not in the PC's power to influence this wasteful expenditure of tax-payers money for the current year.
b) David Smurthwaite requested by e-mail a colour poster be printed and placed on notice board advertising indoor coaching of women’s cricket. This was done.
c) West Northumberland Citizens Advice Bureau. Request for financial aid. Agreed for 10/11
d) NSP revising the Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS). Current SCS published September 2007, NCC has asked that as the SCS be revised. Meetings until Christmas will identify ‘The Perfect 10’ outcomes central to making the county a better place to live. Closing date 15/1/10 draft due in Spring 2010. County Councillor C.W. Horncastle did not know of this - Clerk to Scan and forward via e-mail.
e) NHS Improving hospital services, hard copy of e-mail
f) Tynedale Hospice at Home is looking for Volunteers
g) (2 copies of each) NALC AGM 14/11/09 Agenda, Subscriptions paper B, Annual Report 08-09 Booklet (Point No 2 is a large section on the Charter for local Councils). CAN AGM on 4/11/09 with agenda and 2008 minutes + election of Executive Committee.
h) E-mailed 15/10/09 Central Tynedale Community Forum meeting on Monday 19/10/09.
i) E-mailed 16/10/09: NHS Commissioning Board meeting 23/10/09.
j) E-mailed 20/10/09: People and Places Mid October Bulletin (6 pages).
k) E-mailed 20/10/09: 28/10/09; 9/11/09 Weekly Rural Focus for Oct 19th, 27th & Nov 6th.
l) E-mailed 22/10/09: Invitation to Area Committee meeting (reply on line).
m) E-mailed 22/10/09: Free Home Insulation Available.
n) E-mailed 23/10/09: Meeting 20/11/09 to discuss NCC draft voluntary & community Sector Funding Policy. Cllr. Mrs AS Robson will attend and report.
o) E-mailed 28/10/09: 12 pages of ‘Joint Funding Bulletin For All’ Bulletin No 38.
p) E-mailed 29/10/09: NHS Improving hospital services for Northumberland & North Tyneside. (see8e above).
q) E-mailed 2/11/09: Communities Survey – For Parish Councillors – Survey for The State of Rural Services Report. Focus on public transport, affordable housing, primary schools, facilities for young people and support services for older people. Cllr Hancock been on line to look at the survey – he felt it was aimed at the general public.
r) E-mailed 4/11/09 agenda for West Area Committee on 10/11/09 at Stocksfield

9. Financial Report.
a) Cheques to be signed:
Cheque No 393 Grant – Commemoration Hall £1,000.00
Cheque No 394 Grant – St. Mary’s Churchyard £0,050.00
Cheque No 396 Grant – Community Trust £0,120.00
Cheque No 394 Grant – Age Concern £0,100.00
Cheque No 392 Grant – Slaley Show £0,325.00
Cheque No 395 Grant – Community Action Northumberland £0,020.00
Cheque No 389 Grant – Whitley Chapel YFC £0,100.00
Cheque No 390 Grant – Air Ambulance £0,150.00
Cheque No 388 Grant – Tynedale Community Hospice (new) £0,100.00
Cheque No 397 Commemoration Hall Hire of Room £0070.00
Proposed by Cllr L. Norris & seconded by Cllr AS Robson the cheques were signed.

10. Current Planning Applications.
20090787: Construction of one residential unit. Winter House, Slaley.
Copy of Laburnum Lodge Reply was tabled.
Hugh McKendrick was able to provide further information.
It was agreed that the Clerk contact the School/School Governors and ask if they have been consulted.
Typed page from Cllr Hancock Object.
20090410: Two storey extension to side. Linnel Hill. Pending,
Decisions from Planning Authority
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. Granted
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. Granted
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. Granted
The meeting noted a Hexham Courant article on 30/10/09 entitled "Holiday Site Reaps Rewards" reporting that "the new managing company invested £275,000 on improved facilities including rewiring, Installation of a new water and sewerage system, refurbishment of the toilet block and reception blocks". The article also states "In the coming months we plan to invest in a number of further improvements including the layout of the park and the installation of wireless Internet and CCTV". Question Would any of these require planning permssion? Probably Not.

11. Post Christmas Meal for Over 60’s Update.
E-mail sent with information to 18 addresses - only one confirmation via Post Office.
Slaley Village Shop has a poster and many booking forms.
Slaley Notes carried an article
Newsletter carried announcement in the November issue details to follow in December.

12. Community Forum Update. Minutes from September 09 meeting attached as appendix 2/081109.
Councillors noted the editorial in the Hexham Courant of October 23rd entitled “Forum launch marred by skepticism”. The report on the Central Tynedale Forum pointed out the close similarity in membership to the Hexham Community Partnership. The need for the two separate groups was questioned.
A meeting at Whitley Chapel Parish Hall will take place on Tuesday November 24th to discuss an agenda for the first formal meeting of the "Rural Hexham" Forum at Slaley Commemoration Hall booked for Wednesday January 27th.

13. Precept Spending 2010/2011. Balance Sheet & Precept Sheet attached as appendix 3/081109
A start was made. It was proposed by Cllr AS Robson that grants are not agreed unless an application is furnished with a recent financial balance sheet. After discussion this was agreed. A proposal that £2,100 be included in the Precept for grants, without specifying them at this stage, was also agreed.
The current grant recipients should receive a letter telling them of the new arrangements and that a formal request must be made accompanied by an up to date balance sheet for consideration during 2010/2011 and this should be received by September 30th 2010.

14. NCC West Area Committee joint meeting with Parish Councils 27/10/09 Report Circulated and attached as appendix 4/081109
There were no questions from this report and CC Colin Horncastle reported that Jim Heavyside would produce some official minutes of the meeting.

15. Report from Cllr IC Hancock of the public meeting with Reverend D. Irvine, 14/10/09 (see 4c 12/10/09; 6 14/9/09; 4a 13/7/09 & appendix 1/130709) re proposed changes to St Mary the Virgin Church building. Report circulated and attached as appendix 5/081109.
a) The question was asked if charges would be made for hiring the building and if not who would pay for the additional heating costs of keeping the Church heated during the winter months?
b) After discussion it was agreed that a letter be sent to Reverend Irvine, as Chair of Slaley PCC saying that Councillors would like to discuss further the plans, details and costs for the disabled access aspect of Stage 1. It is possible that the Parish Council could make a contribution of financial support for the disabled access.
c) The PC noted an alternative to a Churchyard memorial which has appeared at Herds House in Slaley Forest - a brass plaque is attached to a tree commemoration the local man, while angels and other adornments compliment a small plant filled remembrance garden around the base of a tree. Photograph provided.


16. BOATs update.
a) A report of two trail bikers on BOAT 21 during wet weather was reported to DB.
b) A website ‘blog’ has reported that the JLAF walked the trails in Slaley Forest, October 22nd 13.00 – 16.30 followed by a meeting in Slaley Village Hall 17.30 – 21.00. There will be a "mopping up meeting" to formulate a policy on usage of such trails. We overlooked our notice of this meeting on 30/7/09 and no-one attended to hear their findings.
c) Maggie Keyte is currently drafting a letter to NCC on Entitlement to Park under Schedule 7, Section 34, Subsection 3 of the CROW Act 2000 giving users a 15-metre parking entitlement either side of a BOAT. Cllr Hancock said that on his interpretation of this Clause, taken in conjunction with Subsection 5 (a and b) this was not a worry.

17. A.O.B.
a) Cllr Hancock reported on a telephone conversation from TH regarding 9 microlights flying out of the Wooley airstrip on a Saturday in October over Wooley Grange when one aircraft engine failed. The residents group has reported this to the Planning Authority.
b) Planning Permission 20050557: Renewal of temporary planning permission for permanent use of land as outdoor pursuits area etc. Should the PC be writing to NCC about this renewal due in 2010 ? The permission granted September 2005 states (Section 7.7) : The development accords with the development plan subject to appropriate conditions, any breaches of condition since the grant of permission ref: 20030243 have not been significant, and therefore a permanent permission is recommended. However, CC Horncastle and the PC thought that the permission had been temporary. CC Horncastle to check.
c) Still waiting for a reply from Planning department Enforcement Officer on the Slaley Hall Holiday Villas occupancy details for 2009.

18. Date of December 2009 meeting.
Monday December 14th 2009

There being no further business the meeting ended at 10.10 p.m.

Posted by Parish Clerk at 08:54 AM