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Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 5th September 2005
Present: Councillors Sayce, Barwick-Bell, Chainey, Davison,
Drew, Hedley, Martin, Wade.
Mrs M Williams, Clerk
Also present: District Councillor Mrs A Dale, Sgt S Davies,
British Transport Police, Newcastle, Sgt Jan Harrison, PC Vicky Byrne, Northumbria
Police, Prudhoe
Members of the public – Messrs. Davison, Harding,
Newton, Mrs F Nicholson, Hexham Courant Reporter – Helen Compson.
Apologies: Councillors Bouch, Hall, Levitt, Warhurst-Walker,
District Councillor Mike Collins, County Councillor Ray Thompson
Mrs Sayce opened the meeting by welcoming those present.
She advised that letters received from the County Council regarding No Waiting
on Birches Nook Road and Cross Street would be included on the Agenda for
discussion.
05/37 Declarations of Interest –
Councillor Mrs Anne Davison declared an interest in the subject of No Waiting
on Birches Nook Road.
05/38 Minutes
The minutes of the Meeting held on 4th July 2005 were agreed as a true record.
05/39 Matters Arising – A response had been
received from the NHS Trust regarding concerns over Hexham Hospital.
05/40 Public Participation
Station - Sgt Davies of BTP advised that following concerns raised
by Councillor Chainey, regarding incidents at Stocksfield Station, he had
come to the meeting to address these concerns. He said that there had been
fewer reported incidents at Stocksfield Station over the summer holidays.
Mr Chainey advised that he was concerned that action be taken before a serious
incident occurs. Sgt Davies advised that BTP had received 6 calls some of
which related to low level disturbance. The perpetrators had been taken home
to their parents. Sgt Davies pointed out the BTP covered a huge geographical
area and that it was not always possible to respond to concerns promptly.
The County Council had been asked if the Community Wardens can respond to
some incidents. Mr Chainey said that he was largely concerned on two issues
- The possible risk to life
- The reduction in the quality of life for himself and his neighbours
It was stressed that the Community Support officers are
an effective and high profile force who will continue to patrol the district.
It was agreed that Councillor Chainey should continue
to liaise with BTP both as an individual and on behalf of the Parish Council.
Other police matters – Sgt Harrison advised that
Northumbria Police were very grateful for the support and kindness of residents
in the Birches Nook area on the night of the tragic shooting in July.
Sgt Harrison advised that any reports to the police regarding
firearms were taken very seriously.
It was stated that there were occasions problems of congregation
of young people and subsequent disturbance near the Cricket Club.
Mrs Barwick-Bell advised that there was evidence of alcohol
usage in both play areas. Sgt Harrison advised that Branch End Garage is
to be prosecuted for selling alcohol to under-age customers.
Mrs Davison advised that she had received no complaints
of problems at the play areas over the summer holidays, with the exception
of one report of drugs being used at Branch End.
No Waiting at Any Time – Birches Nook Road and
Cross Street
Residents of both these areas and the Parish Council had received letters
from the County Council with proposals to impose No Waiting restrictions
on Birches Nook Road and Cross Street.
Three residents from Birches Nook Road were present.
Alan Davison –
- Agreed that something had to be done about parking at the junction of Birches
Nook Road and the A695.
- He was concerned about a possible safety problem at the brow of the hill
on Birches Nook Road as this was a blind summit.
- He asked if there are any alternatives to the proposals and if the restrictions
can be implemented in stages. If they could and there proved to be a problem
could the solutions be fast-tracked.
- He feared that the parking restrictions would increase the traffic levels
at the southern end of Birches Nook Road.
- He was concerned that the restrictions might result in problems of access
to properties.
Ian Newton
- The driveways need protecting
- The brow of the hill could be a problem
- He suggested:
a 10 metre length of double yellow lines at the junction.
Double yellow lines at the bend (the narrowest part of the road
Double yellow lines at the hammerhead at the southern end of Birches Nook
Road.
Dennis Harding
- Welcomed the proposals
- The question of access to Birches Nook Road for large vehicles had been
a problem for a long time. The refuse wagon reverses all the way up Birches
Nook Road.
- The proposals will cause a problem higher up the road.
- Yellow lines might be installed along both sides for the whole length of
the road.
Eileen Drew commenting on behalf of Alan Hamilton
- Could the nursery accommodate parking for a fee – the answer to this
was felt to be negative as the nursery is open for long hours and has only
limited parking for its staff and customers.
- Could the Baptist Church accommodate parking for a fee
- Could the Sportsfield Car Park accommodate parking for a fee.
Anne Dale
Some kind of residents only parking scheme might be considered.
It is possible for at least some residents to park cars at the rear of Birches
Nook Cottages.
There is the need for a scheme to balance the needs of all residents and
users of Birches Nook Road.
The question was asked as to whether Birches Nook Road
is an access road or a car park.
It was agreed that Mr Long, the County Council engineer
be asked to attend a Parish Council meeting to listen to the concerns of
the residents and the Council.
Would the owner of Alpine Lodge consider cutting back
his garden to widen the road. It was thought that this might involve trees
which have a preservation order on them.
Councillors were concerned that any objections to the
proposals might delay their implementation.
It was stressed that residents were free to respond to
the County Council letter individually.
Brettonby Avenue – As no residents of Brettonby
Avenue/Alexandra Terrace or Meadowfield Terrace were present at the meeting
and therefore no comments on the proposals had been received it was agreed
that a letter be sent to the County Council supporting the proposed restrictions.
Mrs Martin expressed surprise that the County Council
should be supporting the “Speed Kills” campaign, but were apparently
unable to supply small “Beware Children Playing” signs at Birkdene.
Other matters –
Mrs Nicholson, a resident of Merryshields Terrace raised concerns about the
volume and speed of the traffic along the A695. She said that she felt that
traffic in both directions was at times exceeding the speed limit.
Mrs Nicholson also said that she was disappointed that
the residents had not been advised that a wedding reception was to be held
at the Sportsfield and that the entertainment would include fireworks. This
comment was accepted and noted should there be a similar event in future.
05/41 Correspondence
Correspondence received since the July meeting had been listed on the agenda
and was noted.
Correspondence had been received from the British Heart
Foundation regarding Physical Activity in the North East. Mrs Sayce to look
at the questionnaire.
Correspondence had been received from Local Works regarding
the Campaign for the Sustainable Community Bill – it was agreed to
support this campaign by writing to Peter Atkinson MP and deploring the regrettable
decline in local shops and facilities. A copy of this letter to be sent to
the Hexham Courant.
A letter had been received from Prudhoe Community Partnership
requesting the Parish Council to nominate a representative to their Executive
Committee. It was agreed that as Darren Levitt is already a member of the
PCP Executive, he be asked to represent the Parish Council.
Correspondence had been received from the North East Regional
Assembly with regard to VIEW: Shaping the North East document. Mr Chainey
gave the background to this document and advised that it was a significant
document from which future structure plans are supposed to “hang”.
Mrs Dale suggested that housing numbers need to be looked at and expressing
concern that no housing growth has been allowed for. It was felt that as
a Parish, concern should be expressed at the imbalance of smaller more affordable
properties. Mr Chainey agreed to draft a response.
Response to a letter requesting financial support from
Crimestoppers was postponed.
A consultation exercise from the Northumberland Fire & Rescue
Service was noted
Correspondence from Lynne Smith regarding bad behaviour
at Branch End Play Area had been dealt with and was noted.
Mrs Sayce agreed to represent the Parish Council at the
NALC AGM in October.
05/42 Brief Reports from Advisory Groups and Council
Representatives
a) General Purposes Group
Parish Plan
The Group nominated to look at the question had not met and the matter was
deferred. Mr Chainey advised that he had some information.
Christmas Tree at Branch End
A proposal to provide lights at Branch End was tabled and agreed. It was
agreed that white lights would be provided at a maximum cost of £170.
A letter had been received from BT proposing that the
phone box at Glen Avenue be converted to card used. It was suggested that
BT should be asked if phonecards will continue to be issued and not to object
to the proposal.
Netball Club – a request for funding had been received
from the Junior Netball Club. It was agreed to request a copy of their most
recent accounts before making a decision.
It was agreed that organisations requiring grant aid from
the Parish Council should in future include copies of their accounts when
making application for funding.
b) Footpaths & Environment Group
BOATS
Mr Chainey brought members up-to-date with events over the summer. He advised
that Alex Bell of the County Council had done all that he could be expected
to do and had made the following recommendations to the recent meeting of
the Rights of Way Committee of the County Council.
- BOAT 45 – to become a footpath along most of
its length with the section in front of Christmas Cottage to be downgraded
to a bridleway. This matter to be referred to a magistrates’ court.
- BOAT 46 to become a BOAT for a short length - Alex Bell had tried to avoid,
at least for the time being, investigation into the remainder of this route.
- The alleged BOAT at Kipperlynn to be accepted as a BOAT.
- The various footpaths in Birkdene to be extinguished.
Other Footpaths matters
Mr Chainey advised that the downside for the proposals for BOAT 45 will prevent
the diversion of the path behind Mount View Terrace.
Mr Chainey advised that all outstanding matters pertaining
to footpaths are to be discussed with the Footpaths Officer, Tim Fish.
Footpath 11, Kimberley Gardens to Crabtree Road – it
was reported that grass cuttings are being tipped in the path.
Mr Chainey asked that any comments on Footpaths be directed
to him.
Clarification was sought on the status of the path to
the new lake beyond the railway. It was said that this was originally hoped
to be part of the new south bank path. It was felt that practically there
was no problem using this route. Mr Hooks had advised that he could not take
Healthy Walks walks over the Belasis Burn. Mr Chainey is to liaise with Mr
Hooks on this matter.
Provision of a new seat on New Ridley Road – is
to be deferred to October.
Planters - it was agreed to defer this matter till October,
but in the meantime to ask the Plants & Gardens Society for advice.
It was also proposed that there might be some kind of
Stocksfield in Bloom competition for the Main Road. Footpaths
and Environment Group to consider the implications of this.
It was agreed that consideration should be given to the
provision of a planter at the corner of Birches Nook Road and the A695.
It was agreed that the owner of the Wylam Garage site
be contacted and requested to tidy the site.
Northumberland Wildlife Trust – it was reported
that the Environment Group had, over the summer, submitted an entry for the
Conservation Awards and had won a prize. Awards are to be made on 22nd September
and two representatives invited to attend.
Mr Stewart to be asked if he attended the IOG Exhibition.
Enquiries are to be made as to whether any contribution was made to his expenses
by the County. It was agreed that if he had attended then a contribution
of £50 be made towards his expenses.
It was agreed that the General Purposes Group should look
at drawing up a training policy.
c) Play Facilities Group
The Play Facilities report had been circulated.
Since the Report had been drawn up, the Group had met
and will draw up a full list of recommended actions. In the meantime the
following were suggested and agreed.
Another new litter bin will be purchased for Kates Plain
and the old damaged one removed.
Branch End Play Area – the Handyman is to be asked
to put netting along the length of the new fence to prevent lambs coming
under the fence.
Branch End Play Area Regeneration – The Regeneration
Group is disappointed that local businesses and organisation had not felt
able to support the fund raising for the project. Donations that had been
received were acknowledged with gratitude. No rejections or decisions had
been received from major funders. A decision from Awards for ALL was not
expected until December. It was stressed that in all bids the correct wording
was needed to successfully attract funds. Mrs Dale offered to see what was
actually said on the successful bid for Kates Plain to the Community Foundation.
The Group finds the prospect of raising £90,000 for the Play Area Regeneration
daunting and will re-consider the proposals at Christmas time with a view
to lowering their sights if necessary.
RoSPA Report on Play Areas – The Play Facilities
Group had held site meetings at Branch End and Kate’s Plain to consider
the recommendations made in the RoSPA report. The Group had identified further
problems at BEPA which had occurred since the report was made and will draw
up a complete list of actions to be taken. In the meantime it was agreed
that the Twist should be urgently repaired and that the stepping stones should
be removed and the ground made good. It was noted that the Parish Council
cannot be prosecuted for equipment that fails to meet current regulations
which met the regulations current at its installation.
The small gate to Branch End Play Area is to be mended
and enquiries made about the installation of a barrier on the road side to
prevent children rushing onto the road.
It was felt that the General Purposes Group should draw
up an inspection policy for the Parish Council Play Areas.
Mrs Davison and her group were thanked for their efforts
and hard work.
d) Sports Facilities Group
Skate Park - discussions to be deferred until October.
MultiGames Area Regeneration – a message
had been received from Chris Catnach advising
He had had a provisional letter from Tynedale Council
stating it is likely a bid from the MUGA group would be accepted and am in
process of completing 2nd stage application (£5000).
He is also waiting news from Barclays Spaces for Sport project. Have sent
outline of project for initial assessment. Once they reply will be able to
move ahead much faster either way.
A letter received from the Football Club regarding the
provision of goal posts had been noted.
e) Planning & Highways
The Planning Report had been circulated. Mrs Barwick-Bell was thanked for
looking after planning matters in Mrs Walker-Warhurst’s absence.
Local Transport Plan - it was agreed to request the provision
of a bus shelter at Hall Farm Close and add this request to the LTP. At the
same time comment was to be made as to the alleged excessive speed of traffic
along the A695.
A letter from Tynedale Council had been received regarding
greater involvement by Parish Councils in planning processes and it was agreed
that Mesdames Barwick-Bell, Drew and Warhust-Walker be put forward for further
training particularly at weekends.
Landslip at Smithy Burn on the A695 – an update
from the County Council on this problem had been received and was noted.
f) Communication
NE43 News - the draft of Issue 17 had been circulated prior to the meeting.
It was noted that some copies of issue 16 had not been
delivered or had been delivered late.
g) Council Representatives
Nothing to report.
05/43 Finance
The Accounts for July/August had been circulated and were accepted.
Additional payments were agreed as follows:
Tynedale £184.82
Allendale Estates W Fund £450
Prudhoe Community Partnership £5.00
Internal Auditor’s Report on 04/05 Accounts - this
had been circulated and was noted and accepted.
Approval of Audited Accounts 04/05 – the Audited Accounts for 04/05
had been circulated and were accepted for forwarding to the external auditor.
05/44 Other business
Gritting - it was agreed that a replacement grit box for the junction of
Birches Nook Road and the A695 should be requested. It was agreed that the
County be asked to fill all the Grit boxes before the onset of winter. It
was agreed to request that the County be asked to take especial care to grit
all parts of the junction of the A695 with the B6309 (Bywell Road) as it
was reported that at times the eastbound part of the junction on the B6309
appeared to be missed and could be extremely icy.
05/45 Date of Next Meeting
3rd October 2005
The meeting closed at 10.30 p.m.
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