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Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 3rd October 2005
Present: Councillors Sayce, Barwick-Bell, Chainey, Davison,
Hall, Hedley, Martin, Wade, Warhurst-Walker
Mrs M Williams, Clerk
Also present: District Councillor Mrs A Dale, Hexham Courant
Reporter – Helen Compson, Journal Reporter – Amy Hunt
Apologies: Councillors Drew and Levitt, District Councillor
Mike Collins.
The meeting began at 7.00 p.m. with a special meeting
held to discuss proposals regarding “no waiting restrictions” for
Birches Nook Road. This part of the meeting was attended by 28 residents
(7 from Birches Nook Cottages, 3 from Glen Avenue/Main Road, 11 from Birches
Nook Road), parish councillors and Jim Long, Engineer – Traffic Management
of the County Council.
The notes on this meeting are at the end of these minutes.
The Parish Council meeting commenced at 7.30 p.m.
Mrs Sayce opened the meeting by apologising to those members
who had not been informed of the death of Councillor Bill Bouch. She went
on to say that everyone had appreciated the hard work and contribution that
Bill had made to the Parish Council and the village. She then asked for a
minute’s silence in memory of Councillor Bouch.
05/46 Declarations of Interest –
Councillor Mrs Anne Davison declared an interest in a planning application
for a porch for her own house, 11 Birches Nook Road.
05/47 Minutes
The minutes of the Meeting held on 5th September were agreed as a true record.
Concern was expressed about the legality of reporting that the garage was
to be prosecuted. It was however agreed that the Minutes were a record of
what had been said and the prosecution was a matter of fact.
05/48 Matters Arising –
It was reported that there continued to be trouble at Kate’s Plain
and with young people playing on the railway track.
05/49 Public Participation
County Councillor Thompson advised that papers had been taken from the newsagent’s
early on Saturday morning and thrown into Branch End Play Area. He felt there
was a need to send a letter to the police raising concerns about such events,
highlighting the fact that the newsagent’s livelihood was put at risk
by such behaviour, and stressing that this was not the first time that such
an event had occurred.
05/50 Correspondence
A letter had been received from Graham Ashley requesting that steps be taken
to take out Tree Preservation Orders on trees in the field below Branch End
Play Area. This was agreed.
Mr Thompson suggested that the birch trees in the bottom
corner of Branch End Play Area were blocking the view from Garroway.
05/51 Brief Reports from Advisory Groups and Council
Representatives
a) General Purposes Group
As a result of the death of Councillor Bill Bouch, it was agreed to start
the process to elect a new parish councillor. Councillors were asked to advise
possible interested candidates.
Parish Plan – a brief report was circulated
at the meeting. A Parish Appraisal had been published in 1997, and if work
were to begin now, a revised appraisal or parish plan could possibly be published
in 2007. Its purpose would be to identify the aspirations and needs of residents,
individually and in groups, and also the people and organisations who could
or should meet those needs and aspirations.
It was recommended and agreed that further information
be obtained about the current funding arrangements and conditions and the
time scale for the funding programme; and also that the possible involvement
of students at Prudhoe Community High School be discussed with the School
as part of a “bridge building” opportunity.
Mrs Warhurst-Walker offered to look at what “citizenship” in
the school curriculum involves.
Planting for planters is to be deferred until November.
New seat on New Ridley Road – Mrs Warhurst-Walker
offered to speak to the land owner about the possibility of siting a seat
at the bottom of Charlton’s drive.
b) Footpaths & Environment Group
BOATS – Councillor Chainey outlined the latest position.
Apperley Track – The County Council
would have been prepared to look at the possibility of change of status to
a bridleway. The owner of the land does not wish this to be considered and
therefore the County must follow the BOAT route.
BOAT 48 at Kipperlyn will be a designated
BOAT.
BOAT 45 past Christmas Cottage – it
might be possible to look at a diversion of this route during the “window
of opportunity” created by the delay between confirming the route as
a BOAT by the court and the final confirmation. However all relevant landowners
would have to be consulted and agree to the proposals – the cost to
the applicant might be £900. It was proposed, and agreed that nothing
further be done until the owner of the land had made a formal application.
The status of the route as a footpath remains unchanged.
BACK LANE – there is now no way in
which the route over the Back Lane can be extinguished. The possibility of
the residents and Northumbrian Water coming to a wayleave agreement has been
overtaken by events. Mr Chainey agreed to investigate possible courses of
action with regard to the Back Lane. It was stressed that users have the
right to pass along the Back Lane but not to congregate in it.
The barrier at the bottom of the path adjacent to Kimberley
Gardens has still not been repaired. Tim Fish is to be asked about this – councillors
were concerned that this was a safety issue.
The next meeting of the Footpaths Group is on 10th October.
Tim Fish is to be asked what is happening about FP13.
c) Play Facilities Group
A spreadsheet of work required to be done on the play areas was circulated
and the recommended actions agreed. Mrs Davison was thanked for drawing up
the spreadsheet.
Branch End Play Area
Branch End Play Area Regeneration Group – the group will continue
with its efforts to raise funds for at least a further two months and until
decisions on outstanding funding applications have been received. It was
noted that a play area at Haydon Bridge had been developed as part of a village
green project which had widened the scope for funding. Offers in kind are
to be included in the amount of funds promised. The next meeting of the Group
is on 6th October.
It was agreed that Brendan Foster should be asked to “paint
in” the fund raising on the BEPA thermometer.
There is no planning gain for the remainder of the Parish
from the Broomley development. Any gain is in Broomley itself. County Councillor
Thompson can only fund new projects from the Small Improvement Grants.
Mrs Davison is to get prices for a self-closing metal
gate for BEPA.
It was agreed to repair the Twist at a total cost of £277
plus VAT.
Kate’s Plain
A letter had been published in the Courant highlighting the current problems
at Kate’s Plain. It was accepted that residents of Brumwell Court and
Mount View Terrace were suffering as a result of the anti-social behaviour
of a few young people. It was acknowledged that Kate’s Plain is secluded
and “out of sight”.
There had been further damage to the fences and gate.
The damage has been reported to the police. A claim is to be made against
the insurance but it was felt that the insurance would not keep paying out
for future claims of this nature. Nor was it felt to be satisfactory for
parish council and residents to have to bear the cost of repeated repairs.
The play area had been closed early on Friday 30th September with the agreement
of the Chair. There had been people drinking alcohol in the field and trouble
had been reported to the police.
The question of smaller goals being provided was discussed.
Clarification was needed about the age group for whom the goal posts were
provided.
Living Spaces are to make an inspection of Kate’s
Plain on 27th October.
Work on the new seats for Kate’s Plain is to start
immediately.
Mrs Sayce and Mrs Davison are to be invited to Prudhoe
Community High School.
Tynedale are to be asked about current legislation on
drinking on play areas.
A letter is to be written to the police seeking clarification
on the latest law on playgrounds and streets and the treatment of young people.
Tynedale Local Development Framework – Mrs
Sayce outline the options set out in the documents and Mrs Dale explained
the documentation – Mrs Sayce, Mrs Davison and Mr Hall are to study
the documents and formulate a response.
d) Sports Facilities Group
Skate Park – a brief report was circulated at the meeting. The
Parish Council has tried for over a year without success to identify any
area of land which could be used for a Skate Park without diminishing the
quality of life for nearby residents. In the light of existing heavy commitments
for both funding and members’ time, it was recommended and agreed that
no further time be spent on the possible creation of a Skate Park in the
Parish unless or until there is a major change in relevant circumstances.
It was understood that should a skate park be developed at Mickley it would
be open to anyone who wished to use it.
e) Planning & Highways
The Planning Report had been circulated.
It was agreed to monitor the situation with regard to
the advertising signs on the A695.
There were no objections to the planning applications
submitted.
No Waiting at Cross Street – Mrs Warhurst
Walker advised that some residents were opposing the proposals for waiting
restrictions on Cross Street. It was alleged that employees of the shops
were parking all day in the bays. It was asked if there could be residents’ only
parking behind Alexandra Terrace. If parking on Cross Street is lost then
residents of Alexandra Terrace will suffer. It was felt that yellow lines
on Cross Street should make access to the back of Alexandra Terrace easier.
It was noted that the Parish Council had received no comments either in favour
of or objecting to the proposals for No Waiting on Cross Street. It was felt
that the back of Alexandra Terrace could be marked as a private road and
the householders could arrange for a notice to that effect to be erected.
Statement of community Involvement - the Planning & Highways
Group is to look at this documentation and agreed a response.
Advertising Light Boxes – it was agreed that
where these have been erected on shop walls the situation will be monitored
to ensure that they are turned off at night time.
f) Communication
Newsletter – it was reported that readers were finding this an interesting
communication containing useful information.
Website – it was agreed to defer discussion
on this.
g) Council Representatives
Councillor Chainey reported on the recent meeting of the Eastern Parishes
Forum. He advised that discussions had been held on:
- Ovingham Bridge – there is no prospect of a replacement.
If the bridge closed there is no alternative river crossing from Prudhoe.
- Wind Turbines – there is a tendency to oppose
these because of the scenic value of the Northumberland countryside.
- Review of the Forum and its purposes – the Forum
might be restructured to include Prudhoe. It provides a platform where matters
of common interest can be discussed. The next meeting of the Forum is in
November and Ian Hall will attend.
05/52 Finance
The Accounts for September were accepted.
Additional payments were agreed:
Burlinson Print - £155.10
Robin Watson Sigh & Design - £152.75
Glasdon (U.K.) Ltd - £178.20
Harrod (UK) - £1034.00 - £880 to be refunded by Football Club – Parish
Council to reclaim VAT
05/53 Other business
A suggestion had been received that a named resident, who has done a lot
for the economy and profile of the North East, should be put forward for
an honour.
05/54 Date of Next Meeting:
7th November 2005
The meeting closed at 9.45 p.m.
Notes on the Meeting held with residents of Birches
Nook, Parish Councillors and Jim Long of the Northumberland County Council,
prior to the meeting of the Parish Council on 3rd October.
28 residents (7 from Birches Nook Cottages, 3 from Glen
Avenue/Main Road, 11 from Birches Nook Road) and parish councillors attended
the meeting.
Mrs Sayce, Chairman of the Parish Council, opened the
meeting by welcoming those present and Jim Long, Engineer – Traffic
Management of the County Council.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the proposals
by the County Council to introduce No Waiting at Any Time restrictions on
Birches Nook Road.
Mr Long opened his remarks by stating that currently the
proposals were proposals and that nothing was set in stone. The County had
already received a few responses to the proposals put forward.
Residents comments:
(Glen Avenue) – The proposal will chase more cars into the bus
lay-by. The lay-by had been built following compulsory purchase of land on
Glen Avenue. A single yellow line had been promised at the time of construction
of the lay-by but had never materialised. Usually two County Council vans
are parked in the lay-by – these have now disappeared but may well
return. At night-time and weekends the bus lay-by is full of parked cars
and the bus drivers cannot see passengers. He also alleged that houses in
Birches Nook Cottages were being advertised for sale with parking available
opposite.
(Birches Nook Road) - Is in favour of the proposal.
There have been near misses at the junction. She is concerned that the proposals
will result in parked cars moving up the hill and impeding access to driveways
on Birches Nook Road.
(Birches Nook Road) – Something needs to
be done at the junction. Also concerned about the blind summit on the brow
of the hill in Birches Nook Road and access to driveways. There is a need
to think of the implications of the proposals.
(Birches Nook Cottages) – Agree with the
proposal in principle but concerned that the problem will be transferred
to higher up Birches Nook Road and onto the Main Road. Could there be marked
spaces except for where near the road narrows and designated parking for
residents of Birches Nook Cottages.
(Birches Nook Cottages) – there are 9 cars
belonging to Birches Nook Cottages. If they park on the Main Road it could
impact on the trade of the shops at Birches Nook. 600 plus vehicles an hour
pass through Birches Nook in the mornings. There are existing laws to prevent
parking on the junction – this is a police matter.
(Birches Nook Road) – the refuse collection
cannot always take place on Fridays and bins have to be left out on Birches
Nook Road until arrangements can be made for a special collection. Alternative
collections cost money.
County Councillor – Single yellow lines only
operate until 6 p.m.
(Birches Nook Cottages) – has a flexible working
pattern and is concerned about her personal safety if she has to park far
away from her property. Also concerned about the condition of the road surface
and asked if street lighting could be provided on Birches Nook Road.
(Birches Nook Road) – Refuse vehicle is not
the only wide vehicle which might require access. Ambulances and fire engines
are also wide. Birches Nook Road is also narrow further up the hill.
(Birches Nook Cottages) – The bin wagon has
a problem at the narrowest part of the road. Fire engines are 8_ ft wide.
Parking for the nursery must have been an issue when planning
permission had originally been given.
(Fern Hollow) - Nursery employees park further
up the road to allow parents to pull into the nursery car park. She has grave
concerns if yellow lines are put on the road. Parents cannot be asked to
park on Main Road when dropping off children.
(Birches Nook Road) – supports the proposal
? but thinks it does not go far enough. Yellow lines need to be supplemented
by others and in the hammer head – so parking is clearly demarcated.
There is probably enough space for regular users.
County Councillor – asked if parking areas
could be allocated to particular households and that visitors were given
passes.
Chairman – felt that there were few houses
on Birches Nook Road without sufficient on-site parking. Most parking would
be required by residents of Birches Nook Cottages and employees of the nursery.
(Glen Avenue) – again stressed the need for
single yellow lines in the bus lay-by and said that there were 16 vehicles
belonging to residents of North View Terrace and Glen Avenue. He also expressed
concern at the speed of vehicles coming up Aspen Bank.
(Birches Nook Road) – would hate to have
to park on Birches Nook Road on cold wet winter nights – would probably
park on the Main Road.
If drivers parked for long periods outside the butcher
he can lose £500 in takings in a morning.
(Birches Nook Road) – Drives on each side
of Birches Nook Road are “stepped” which could cause problems.
Need to take a big swing to get into some of the drives and available space
is limited.
(Birches Nook Road) – could residents of
Birches Nook Cottages not find space within their own sites to park. Safety
for all road users is paramount.
County Councillor – suggested that Mr Long
and his colleagues together with Mr Thompson, himself, should consider the
proposals and alternative suggestions.
Police should be asked to look at alleged parking offences
at the junction and on Birches Nook Road.
Mrs Sayce closed this part of the meeting and thanked
residents for their contributions and Jim Long for attending.
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