|
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 8th October 2007 in the Supper
room of the Parish Hall at 7.45pm
Present: Councillors Horton, Dunhill, Howey, Nitsch and Heslop Also present
were County Councillor Thompson, District Councillor Latham, 6 members of the
public and one member of the Press.
1. No apologies were received.
2. Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as a true record.
3. Matters arising:
Brambles: Cllrs: Howey, Dunhill and Horton walked around the village in particular
up Sandy Bank. Although they felt there was not a significant problem, some serious
trimming was deemed necessary and it was agreed to write to the home owner most
concerned. We will also request the County Council to keep a better overview
on trees/branches etc. in some dangerous areas.
4. Millfield Road update: Cllr Horton explained the
options for financing the work to be done. If the land where the tennis club
is based is sold, the money raised would cover the road/bridge works and the
move of the tennis club. The solicitors were looking into this but it was decided
to talk directly with the Charity Commission to clarify what could be done under
the Open Spaces Act which is germane to the land. It is in order for the land
to be sold as long as it is done with due respect to public consultation, notice
over 30 days and fair and impartial advertising of the land. The loan from Tynedale
Council is probably going to be agreed but they have not officially informed
the Parish Council as yet. There would be a delay of 12-18 months before the
loan repayments would begin, which would allow for other options to be implemented.
These options, the costs to the public where relevant, etc. will be sent to all
members of the Parish in the form of a fact sheet, with a return slip allowing
individual preferences to be accounted for. There are also possible changes to
consider to the local councils which could derail any actions if there is a long
delay. A draft document will be developed by the councillors for circulation
before the end of the month. The question of security to prevent fraud will also
be addressed. The clerk will consult with Tynedale’s electoral office regarding
this. It is also possible the land would accrue greater value with outline planning
permission and it was agreed to get three quotes for Estate Agents and three
for planners to look at the issue. The cost of obtaining such permission would
be small relative to the final gains.
5. Trees: When the councillors walked round they looked at
some of the other areas of amenity land. Some trees in the Playpark needed cutting
down and large branches were also causing a problem near the weir. Quotes were
obtained and the work done. (Mrs Soulsby interjected about the witch elms that
would also go bad, and this would be looked into.) The Marchburn Woods need major
management and quotes for that work would also be sought. The suggestion of including
a picnic area in the big wood was also discussed. The trees in Dene Terrace and
those belonging to the Spirit Group (the Wellington) were likely to cause damage.
Further letters would be written and councillors would also talk with the landlord.
Milecastle would be contacted concerning the cherry trees.
6. Weir stones: Amongst all the tree quotes, one was received
for recovering and re-fixing the big stones in the Weir. At £240, this was considered
good value for money and would be accepted.
7. Planning: 2007/0857 6 Meadow Park Conditional permission
2007/0534 Land at sewage plant Conditional permission
8. Correspondence:
a) General, for circulation
9. Finance:
a) The financial statement and receipts were accepted by all councillors. (This
was based on Current account changes only because of the postal strike)
b) The following payments were authorised by all councillors:-
M F Anderton/Salary/Sep £362.23
M F Anderton/Expenses/Sep £52.33
CWC/knotweed £323.13
Whiteacre tree surgs. £275.00
Viking/statny £43.36
Quote for Weir stones £240.00
10. Minor matters:
Cllr Howey has looked at Neighbourhood watch stuff and will act as coordinator
for Dene Terrace area. A request for other interested parties to contact Alison
will go in Parish News and on the website. (When delivering the consultation
document, it would be useful to use the opportunity to include items such as
Neighbourhood watch leaflets). The delivery of the leaflets will be undertaken
by the Councillors, to ensure that all residents receive the document. Mowing
around the planters was discussed, and whose responsibility it was, and Councillor
Horton volunteered to strim around them for the time being. It was also noted
that the plants in the East planter did not get much sunlight, and the W.I. would
be approached to replant with shade loving plants. The Parking letter in Broomhaugh
had been circulated but it is felt necessary to also contact the Methodist Church
and the Drama club as they caused much of the parking problem. During the course
of the meeting a formal warning was given to Mr B Young regarding his disruptive
behaviour. The next Parish Council meeting would be moved from 12th November
to 19th November.
The meeting closed at 8.55.
|
