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Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 3rd March 2008
Present: Councillors Pete Barrass, John Davison, Steve Gleadhill, Ian Hall,
Norman Hooks, Barbara Gravenor, Melna Martin, Dave Porter, Mrs M Williams, Clerk
Also present: District Councillors Colin Argent, Mrs Anne Dale, Mrs Eileen Drew.
County Councillor Ray Thompson.
Three members of the public.
Gemma Sommerville, Hexham Courant Reporter.
Apologies: Councillor Julia Sayce, Diane Hinchcliffe, Lizzie Clark.
In the absence of Mrs Sayce, Ian Hall took the Chair.
07/100 Declarations of Interest –
Mr Gleadhill declared an interest in discussions on the development at Burnside.
07/101 Minutes
The Minutes of the meeting held on 4th February 2008 were agreed (Proposed by Steve Gleadhill and seconded by Norman Hooks)
07/102 Matters Arising
Burnside Development – no response to his enquiry to the developers had been received by Steve Gleadhill. Mr Gleadhill advised that a significant number of trees have been removed. It was stated that the development of this site was dragging on and the Parish Council is to seek further clarification on progress. It was suggested that the developers were waiting for cables to be laid before further steps could be taken.
Welton Close – We have been advised that Tynedale are to put a sign up stating that the area is for play not parking. It is believed that this issue is splitting the community of Welton Close. Once further clarification has been received from Tynedale on this issue it will be discussed further by the Parish Council.
Toilets at Branch End – a letter had been received from Branch End Garage stating that they were unwilling to publicise the use of their toilet to the general public but would not turn away anyone in need. It was pointed out that there was a toilet in the surgery.
It was suggested that should the Branch End corner be developed, provision might be made for a public toilet in any surch development.
Ayton Close Play Space – Tynedale are to write to Wimpey requesting that the wall be repaired.
07/103 Traffic Calming Measures – Provision of Vehicle Activated Traffic Signs (VATS)
A revised report on this issue had been circulated and Mr Barrass was thanked and congratulated on his efforts. It was agreed that the VATS should be ordered from Dorman Varitext and that the signs would flash 'Slow Down 30'.
The initial locations for the VATS are agreed with County and the Police (verbally) as:
- Eastbound opposite the entrance to Brumwell Court
- Westbound – just below Sourdust Pottery
The signs are mobile and can be moved to other sites as agreed in the future.
County Councillor Thompson is to pay for these three signs through the County Council small grants schemes and application is to be made immediately to the County for these monies.
It was also agreed that the Parish Council will order, on behalf of Prudhoe Town Council, a third sign to be located near Mickley School.
The Parish Handyman is to be trained in the Maintenance and moving of the signs.
Pete Barrass and the County Council were thanked for bringing this project to a successful conclusion.
07/104 Public Participation
The Pastures - it was reported that once again there were notices on the trees advising that action was to be taken as the roots were allegedly damaging property.
Storm Damage – Councillor Thompson advised that the trees blown down by the recent storm had been very quickly removed and the Cade Hill Road cleared by the County.
Councillor Thompson left the meeting.
07/95 Correspondence
Correspondence received had been listed on the agenda and was noted.
07/105 Finance
The Accounts for February had been circulated and were agreed.
The Bank Reconciliation paper was noted.
The additional cheque for Brambledown (MUGA) - £33200.35 was agreed.
Grass Cutting and General Maintenance Tenders – a paper had been circulated and the recommendations contained therein were agreed.
Cricket Field Rent: A paper had been circulated and it was agreed to advise the County of the current position and to return the £80 rent.
Cash Flow Loan – it was agreed that a first tranche repayment be made to Tynedale.
07/106 Brief Reports from Advisory Groups and Council Representatives
a) Footpaths, Gardens & the Environment.
A report of the most recent meeting of the ROW & Environment Group was tabled. It was suggested that the development of the South Bank of the River path be included in the Parish Plan.
BOAT at Hindley - it was alleged that shooting was taking place near the BOAT and also near the B6309. It was also alleged that horseriders were now afraid to use this route and that the management of Broomley Grange have complained about shooting problems. It was suggested that the problem is the shooting rights let to Hindley Estate.
b) Communication
NE43 News – Because of the amount of items to be included in this issue, it was noted that it would require 6 pages. Photographs are to be included at the last minute.
c) Play Facilities
The report of the Play Facilities Group had been circulated.
Branch End
It was reported that the litter bins are not being emptied regularly.
The ground condition is still not good.
Kompan are to be asked to move the corner gate at the junior end of the play area in order to make an access on a more level part of the ground.
The pathway is still to be constructed – it is hoped that work should be completed by the end of April.
Official Opening – it was suggested that the Big Lottery be asked if the event can be put back until the ground was in a more suitable condition.
Soil – needs to be loosened.
RoSPA Report (summer 2007) – Ian Hall and Diane Hinchcliffe are to look at this with the Clerk.
Sensory Garden – nothing to report – little can be done until the path has been completed. Shrubs, etc. must not be too high so as to ensure a clear view of the play area from the road.
Kates Plain – Diane Hinchcliffe and Ian Hall had met with parents and it is suggested that a seat be constructed round the tyre and that the tyre then be planted up.
d) Local Government Re-organisation
Tynedale have called a meting for 19th March to discuss Belonging Communities – it is hoped that Dave Porter, Barbara Gravenor, Norman Hooks and Julia Sayce will attend.
e) Sports Facility Group
Sportsfield Managements – Agreement with Sportsfield Users to be deferred until the April meeting.
MUGA Management Agreement – to be deferred until the April meeting. – The Sportsfield Management Group to continue negotiations on this issue
The prices proposed for the use of the MUGA were agreed.
Sportsfield/MUGA Leases – Ian Hall and the Clerk had met with the solicitor to discuss this issue. The main cause for concern was the clause regarding the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 which would affect security of tenure at the end of the term.
After some discussion it was agreed that the Council did not wish to risk losing security of tenure on either the Sportsfield or the Multi Use Games area and that the solicitors be instructed accordingly. It was therefore
Proposed by Dave Porter and seconded by Norman Hooks and agreed unanimously that in relation to the lease for the multi use games area the solicitors be instructed that the Parish Council did not wish to be contracted out of the Landlord & Tenant Act.
Proposed by Dave Porter and seconded by Norman Hooks and agreed unanimously that in relation to the lease for the sportsfield the solicitors be instructed that the Parish Council did not wish to be contracted out of the Landlord & Tenant Act.
It was also proposed by Dave Porter and seconded by Norman Hooks and agreed unanimously that the Parish Council would accept responsibility for the fence but as this clause was a departure from the original lease is would hoped that the landlord would split the cost 50/50.
It was reported that the solicitor had suggested that Allendale Estate be requested to sell the additional piece of land used for MUGA and whilst noting that there would be additional costs involved with surrendering the lease it was agreed to defer this matter.
f) General Purposes Group
A request had been received from Crimestoppers for grant aid and it was agreed to make a grant of £25.
Closure of Rural Post Offices – a letter had been received from Tynedale suggesting that Parish Councils write to the Network for Change Programme pointing out that the suggested consultation time for closure of post offices in Tynedale should be increased so as to avoid the summer holiday period. It was agreed to contact the Network for Change Programme.
Youth Service - Norman Hooks advised that he has another meeting with Lucy Roberts planned and that it was hoped to start an under 13s youth club at SICA on 11th March. The youth service is currently recruiting youth workers. It was pointed out that the Prudhoe Youth Association will always require a “larger slice of the cake” in order that it might provide a satisfactory service. There have been no youth club facilities in Stocksfield (at SICA) for 12 months. When the club was functioning it was going well but it was felt that younger children do not always follow on. It was pointed out that the Kids Club meets at Broomley School out of school hours and in holiday time.
A report on a meeting to draw up a contract for the funds to be paid to the Youth Service had been held and the meeting had recommended and it was agreed that:
Members agreed to recommend to the Parish Council that, subject to the re-introduction of youth activities by Prudhoe Youth Association for the young people in Stocksfield, the level of financial grant awarded for the current fiscal year should be made available to that Association for the fiscal year commencing April 2008. Members also agreed to recommend to the full council that where this service was not being delivered, for whatever reasons, a pro-rata reduction in the level of the grant would be imposed.
With regard to grant applications for future years it was agreed to recommend to the full council that a pro-forma application form be prepared and should be made available to all organisations providing a service to the young people who live in Stocksfield. Details regarding how to obtain this form would be on display on the various appropriate notice boards in the village. Compelted forms stating the activities on offer and whether the request for financial assistance would be for capital expenditure or running costs would then be considered by the council in preparation for inclusion in the following year’s expenditure.
The recommendations were accepted.
g) Policy Group
Windfarm Developments – it was agreed that this issue would be looked at by the Footpaths & Environment Group and that they should form a sub-group of interested parties to look at this issue.
h) Parish plan
A progress report had been circulated
i) Planning
The Report had been circulated
j) Transport & Highways
John Davison advised that County Highways were undertaking a survey on New Ridley Road. There continue to be problems with parked cars and there is some speeding.
It was also suggested that there were problems with 'boy racers' between the school and the station.
Station Car Park – a meeting is to be arranged with representatives of Northern Rail and network Rail. It was agreed that John Davison, Barbara Gravenor, Norman Hooks and Ian Hall would represent the Parish Council.
Traffic Action Group – nothing further to report.
Pavements – concern was raised about the condition of the pavement between Ford Rise and Lint House and this is to be raised with County.
Concern was raised about the footpath in the front of Welton Close and this issue is to be raised with Tim Fish.
k) Council Representatives
Mrs Hinchcliffe had attended a meeting at Prudhoe Community High School and this had been circulated.
07/107 Other business - none
Dave Porter gave his apologies for the April meeting.
07/108 Date of Next Meeting - Parish Council 7th April 2008
The meeting closed at 10.30 p.m.
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