Parish Council Minutes – December 2013

Broomhaugh & Riding Parish Council

Minutes of the Council meeting held on Monday 9th December 2013 in the Parish Hall.

Councillors present:

Cllr. Malcolm Reid (Chairman)                            Cllr. Andy Dunhill

Cllr. Jill Mills                                                                Cllr. Brian Singer

Cllr. Eileen Carew                                                       Cllr. Bill Cairns

 

In attendance:

Cllr. Anne Dale – Northumberland County Council

Mrs Catherine Harrison – Parish Clerk

Public (8): Mrs T Craft, Mrs B Davison, Mr G Davison, Mrs S Matheson, Mrs J Rowntree, Mrs L Stephenson, Mr R Walker and Mrs H Yates.

Cllr. Reid opened the meeting at 7.40pm.

1.         Apologies

None given.

2.         Declaration of Interests

No disclosures of personal and prejudicial interests from Councillors on matters to be considered at the meeting were given.

3.         Approval of the minutes of the meeting of 11th November 2013

It was agreed that the minutes of the Council meeting held on 11th November 2013 were a true record and duly signed off by Cllr. Reid.

4.         Matters arising from the September meeting other than those listed on the agenda

(i)         Minutes 5(i) Grass cutting

It was reported that an invoice had not yet been received from NCC for grass cutting.  When it was issued the Clerk would ensure that it was based on the actual number of times the grass had been cut.  Cllr. Dunhill reported that he had contacted the RM Cricket Club who used a firm based in Ovingham.  They warmly recommended this firm for flexibility and reliability and it was agreed to ask them to quote for the grass cutting contract next year together with NCC.

ACTION: CH

  (ii)        Minute 5(ii) – Speed activation signs

Only councillors had reported any problems with the signs to the Clerk.  As both signs were now malfunctioning the Clerk should contact the installers and ask for them to be repaired.

ACTION: CH

 (iii)       Minute 5(iii) – Long Rigg

Long Rigg was discussed in the public pre-meeting in which Richard Walker for Long Rigg had proposed a lease arrangement.  He was asked to investigate a suggested time period and preparedness for valuation fees possibly in the £500 to £1000 range.  See also item 11.

ACTION: RW

 (iv)       Minute 5(iv) – Dene Close Wall

It was reported that the letters would shortly be sent to the residents of Dene Terrace.

(v)        Minute 5(vii) – Railway Footbridge

Cllr. Dunhill reported that that he continued to monitor the railway footbridge and awaited further news from Network Rail as to how they would solve the drainage issue.  Also discussed was the road bridge above the railway line the parapet of which was leaning badly.  Cllr. Singer reported that he had phoned the emergency number back in July and someone from Network Rail had been to view the bridge but no feedback had been received.  It was agreed that the Clerk should write to Network Rail to ask if they planned to repair the wall.

ACTION: CH

 (vi)       Minute 6 – West end bus shelter

It was reported that the order had been placed for the bus shelter and a date for the installation was awaited.

 

(vii)      Minute 8 – Arrangement for deposit account

Cllr. Reid reported that instead of opening a deposit account at a new bank it would be much easier to open a second account at HBOS.  This was agreed unanimously by the councillors.

ACTION: CH

 (viii)     Minute 16 – Damage to verge and footpaths in Millfield Road

It was reported that there were ongoing discussions with both Northern Powergrid and Debmat to repair verges and footpaths in Millfield Road.

(ix)       Minute 18(ii) – Waste bin in Mill Race Garden

The Clerk reported that she had received a quote from NCC to provide and install a waste bin in Mill Race Gardens.  She had also obtained costs for purchasing the bin through an alternative company but if the Council chose this option NCC would charge for emptying the bin.  It was agreed that the Clerk would establish how much the Council is charged by NCC for emptying bins.

ACTION: CH

 5.         Election of Vice-Chairman and additions/changes to responsibilities

Cllr Reid proposed Cllr. Dunhill for Vice-Chairman. This was seconded by Cllr. Mills and agreed unanimously by the other councillors.

It was also reported that a second councillor should sit on the Village Hall Trust’s Committee. Cllr. Cairns had offered to do this and it was unanimously approved by the councillors.

6.         Funding Requests

Gymnastics Club

A request for funding from the RM Gymnastics Club had been received to enable it to restart.  A new committee had been formed and interest had been shown from a number of parents.  The Club asked for funding towards obtaining a CRB check for a new coach, marketing costs to relaunch the club, official registration and stock for funding a tuck shop.

All councillors felt that this was an important village amenity and that financial help should be offered although they felt unable to offer funding towards a tuck shop or for registration.  It was unanimously agreed to offer £194 to cover the CRB check and marketing costs.

ACTION: CH

 (i)               RM Pre-School

A request for funding was received from the Pre-School to help restore their garden by the single tennis court.  An initial application for £150 was made however Mrs Yates reported that they had subsequently had a gardener quote for the work and they had been informed that the fence needed replacing.  The work to the garden and new fence would cost in the region of £2000.

As the PC had already been aware of the problems with the fence this would be dealt with separately by the PC.  The Pre-School were asked to resubmit their request for funding just taking into account the repairs to the garden and this would be considered at the February meeting.  Cllr. Dunhill offered to meet representatives from the Pre-School to discuss the work required.

ACTION: AD/Pre-School

 (ii)              Additional donations

It was reported that funding requests had been received from the Citizens’ Advice Bureau and the Great North Air Ambulance.  In addition, the Council normally gave donations to Community Action Northumberland (CAN), Age UK and Tynedale Hospice.  Last year, the Council had also given a donation to Tynedale Sports Council.

It was unanimously agreed to give a £50 donation to each of the following organisations:

Citizens’ Advice Bureau

Age UK

Tynedale Hospice

Great North Air Ambulance

CAN

7.         Tennis Club

(i)  Management Plan

A written response from the Tennis Club to the Mill Close residents had been received which, in summary, suggested that the use of the multipurpose court be limited to 10 hours per week during a one year trial.  Mr & Mrs Davison reported that they and other residents were still unhappy with this – the 10 hours could be any day of the week whilst in earlier proposals two weekdays had been excluded.  They also asked for Sundays to be restricted to tennis only.  Mrs Matheson reported that they had taken advice on how to operate the bookings for the multipurpose courts and they had been advised not to restrict days.

Cllr. Reid summarised the discussion and reported that he felt that the Tennis Club had gone a considerable way to meet the residents’ requests.  He therefore proposed that the PC proceed with instructions for the PC’s solicitors to prepare the lease but requested that the Tennis Club give consideration to the option of restricting the use of the court to tennis only on part of Sunday afternoons.  This was agreed unanimously by the councillors.

Cllr. Mills requested to see a copy of the actual agreement with Sports England so she could review the grant conditions.

ACTION: Tennis Club

 (ii) Screening

The issue of screening was discussed. Cllr. Reid reiterated that the offer to part pay for screening plants applied to it being planted adjacent to the fence bordering the houses and not by the tennis court.  After this clarification, Mr Davison indicated that he would now reply to the Council.

(iii) Disabled Access

It was noted that the Tennis Club should not recommend that disabled badge holders park in Mill Close.

(iv) Tennis Club Committee

Cllr. Reid reported that he would like the Tennis Club Committee always to include at least two Riding Mill residents.  As the Tennis Club’s constitution could be changed at any time he suggested that this stipulation should be inserted in the lease.

8.         Village Shop

(i)         Thank you to the Turner Family

It was reported that a number of gifts from the Parish Council and Village Hall Trust had been arranged for Frank Turner on his retirement.  A photograph of Bobby and Frank would be installed in the Foyer of the Parish Hall on 20th December to which Frank would be invited to attend should he wish.  There was also a proposal to erect a seat in Bobby’s memory but Mrs Stephenson asked the PC to perhaps consider another idea as the village already had 16 seats which all needed maintaining.

(ii)        Future of the Shop

It was reported that the future of the shop would hopefully be resolved once legal issues had been concluded and that the plan was for a tenant to lease the shop.  As soon as any definite information was known it would be publicised.

A discussion was held on how the shop could win back passing trade. Cllr. Dale reported that she had tried on previous occasions to improve parking outside the shop but that this was not possible due to the road layout and that the only possibility was to think about removing the double yellow lines directly outside the shop.

ACTION: ADa if requested.

 9.         Core Strategy

Cllr. Dunhill had circulated a draft response to the Core Strategy in advance of this meeting.  As it considered issues such as housing and green belt development it required a fuller discussion by the PC than this meeting allowed.  It was therefore agreed to convene a working group to meet later in the week to approve or amend the response document.

ACTION: AD

 10.       Fencing Repairs

Quotes for fencing work at the weir, on the footpath from the station to Broomhaugh and at the tennis court had been received.  As it was a large expense further quotes would be required.

ACTION: CH

 11.       Road gritting

It was reported that NCC had indicated that in future it would not be providing grit for unadopted roads.  A green bin would need to be purchased and it would be replenished but at a cost to the residents or the PC.

Cllr. Dale advised the PC to do nothing at the moment as the yellow grit bins had not been removed and were currently full.  She also reported that NCC would no longer clear gulleys or sweep leaves on unadopted roads.  She advised Long Rigg residents to seriously consider having their road adopted and offered to look into what the requirements would be to enable this.

ACTION: ADa

 12.       Marchburn Lane

A request for an ex gratia payment of £50 to the Marchburn Lane Residents’ Association was received and approved unanimously by the councillors.

ACTION: CH

 13.       Handyman

A report was received.  Work had been undertaken to complete the edging on the path adjacent to the single tennis court and the four benches and picnic tables in the play park had been cleaned and painted with wood preservative.  Mrs Stephenson also reported that she would be planting the alder trees by the river bank later in the week.

14.       Budget

The proposed budget for next financial year was circulated.  Capital expenditure projects were discussed and the following were considered:

(i)               Lighting on the footpath from Broomhaugh to the station.

Costs for such a project were unknown but could be very high.  The Clerk should explore different options and report back;

ACTION: CH

(ii)              Wheelchair access from the Parish Hall car park to the play park and tennis courts.

This was considered a high priority.  Possible costs £3000

(iii)            Gateway access at the east end of the village

Cllr. Dunhill had met with representatives of NCC to discuss this and it was a possible measure to reduce the speed of cars entering the village.

This was considered a high priority.  Possible costs £2000

(iv)            Additional speed activation signs either flashing or showing actual speed.

Costs to be advised.

As some of the costs were unknown all the capital expenditure projects would be investigated and if necessary funds from the reserve account would be used.

 

After discussion a standstill precept of £35,000 was unanimously agreed.

ACTION: CH

 15.       Planning

It was reported that the following planning application had been received and was being considered by NCC.  The Parish Council had raised no objections.

13/03491/FUL& 13/03492/FUL Extension to east and west elevations, Hopton House, Riding Hills

It was also reported that the Parish Council had not objected to the planning application for a single storey bungalow development at Broomhaugh.

16.       Finance

(i)  The following payments were authorised:

CAN – Boss Accountancy Training and software              £40

SLCC Subs                                                                                           £101.00

TVRUG Subs                                                                                      £5.00

Northumbrian Water – Cricket Pavilion                               £26.86

C Harrison – November salary and home allowance payment                 £345.82

C Harrison –     Expenses £21.60,

Misc expenditure – Photo and frame £45,

Stationery and photocopying £91.93                                                                                                                                                      Total                                 £158.53

Royal British Legion – Poppy wreath & Donation               £50.00

Mrs L Stephenson – alder trees and linseed oil                   £17.76

Mrs E Carew – present for Frank Turner                              £130.00

Standing Orders:

Homevend – December                                                                         £75

(ii) A copy of the current year to date accounts was received for record which showed the amount spent from each budget.

17.       Minor Matters

 (i)         Edible Riding Mill

Cllr. Reid reported that he had written an article for the Parish News suggesting that use be made of land owned by the PC for commemorative gifts to the village of trees or bushes with edible fruit.  He had asked villagers to make their views known to councillors and proposed that it was an item for discussion at the February meeting.

It was agreed to hold such a discussion in February.

 (ii)        Clerk’s Contract

Cllr. Reid reported that he felt it important that all councillors were aware of the clerk’s conditions of employment and suggested that each member of the Council receive a copy of her contract for information.  It was agreed that the Clerk would send each councillor an email copy which they should store securely and then delete should they step down as a councillor.

ACTION: CH  

 18.       Date of the next meeting

It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Monday 10th February 2014.

With no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 10.21pm

Parish Council Minutes – November 2013

 

Broomhaugh & Riding Parish Council

 

Minutes of the Council meeting held on Monday 11th November 2013 in the Parish Hall.

 

Councillors present:

Cllr. Malcolm Reid (Chairman)                                   Cllr. Andy Dunhill

Cllr. Jill Mills                                                                Cllr. Brian Singer

Cllr. Eileen Carew

Co-opted at meeting: Mr Bill Cairns

 

In attendance:

Cllr. Anne Dale – Northumberland County Council

Mrs Catherine Harrison – Parish Clerk

Public (10): Rob Archer, S Newman, A Newman, Barbara Purvis, Jean Rowntree, Linda Shepherd, Sue Soulsby, Linden Stephenson, Richard Walker and Brian Young

 

Cllr. Reid as Chairman opened the meeting at 7.47pm and welcomed Mrs Catherine Harrison, the new Parish Clerk.

 

1.         Apologies

None given.

 

2.         Declaration of Interests

No disclosures of personal and prejudicial interests from Councillors on matters to be considered at the meeting were given.

 

3.         Co-option of Councillor

Cllr. Reid proposed and Cllr. Mills seconded that Mr Bill Cairns be co-opted as a Councillor. This was unanimously agreed by the councillors. Cllr. Cairns then signed the requisite form and was welcomed to the Council.

 

4.         Approval of the minutes of the meeting of 9th September 2013

It was agreed that the minutes of the Council meeting held on 9th September 2013 were a true record and duly signed off by Cllr. Reid.

 

5.         Matters arising from the September meeting other than those listed on the agenda

(i)                  Minute 6c – Grass cutting

It was noted that the grass had been cut eight times and other designated areas strimmed only three times – the contract had allowed for sixteen cuts and areas to be strimmed six times.  It was agreed that the Clerk would contact NCC and ask for a rebate on the contract and that Cllr. Dunhill would contact the Cricket Club for recommendations as to a possible alternative contractor;

ACTION: CH/AD

 

(ii)                Minute 10 – Speed activation signs

Cllr. Reid reported that he had not yet contacted the installers but would do so shortly.  Concerns were expressed that the signs seemed to be triggered randomly or continued to flash once traffic had passed.  Members of the public were asked to report all such examples to the Clerk who would keep a record to send to the installers along with a request for a correct trigger speed and the relocation of the eastern sign;

ACTION: MR/CH

(iii)               Minute 13 – Long Rigg

Cllr. Mills reported that she had been in touch with the valuers but before proceeding she and Cllr. Reid would like to meet with the Long Rigg Residents’ Association representatives to discuss various ideas. It was agreed to arrange a meeting and report back to the December PC meeting;

ACTION: JM/MR

(iv)              Minute 17 – Dene Close Wall

Cllr. Mills reported that the letter referred to in the previous Minutes from 1999, lodged with the then PC’s solicitor, had not been found (the requirement to retain this type of document was only six years).  From all discussions it would appear that the ownership of the wall was never properly recorded on residents’ deeds.  Cllr. Reid suggested coming to a common sense agreement with the current residents.  His suggestion would be that the PC withdrew any claim to the wall and the properties would assume ownership.  This would entail responsibilities for the residents but would also allow them freedom to make an opening in the wall should they so wish.  Cllr. Reid agreed to write to all residents to outline his proposals;

ACTION: MR

(v)               Minute 18 – Remembrance Day

Cllr. Mills had attended the Remembrance Day Service.  It was noted that next year the Clerk should inform Alison White as to who would be attending the service and laying the wreath;

ACTION: CH

(vi)              Minute 22 – Format of Agendas

It was noted that the format of the Agenda had now been changed to include a summary of correspondence received from residents and also any consultation documents on which the PC had been asked to comment.  The consultation documents would also be displayed on the ridingmill.org website whenever possible;

 

(vii)            Minute 22 – Railway Footbridge

Cllr. Dunhill reported that Network Rail engineers had been to look at the footbridge but were still deciding on how to solve the drainage problem.  One suggestion had been to drill a drainage hole in the bridge but Cllr. Dunhill reported he was not in support of this solution.

ACTION: AD

 

6.         West End Bus Shelter

Cllr. Carew reported that the site for the bus shelter was complicated – a number of roads met and, with the hillside behind, there were drainage issues.  There had been some discussion about installing a bus shelter without a base but NCC insisted on a base construction.  The quote from NCC for installing the bus shelter base works including all drainage was £4750 excluding VAT.  The cost of the shelter from their preferred supplier, Clear Channel, was £4000 excluding VAT.

 

Quotes from other suppliers had been obtained but could not really be compared as they couldn’t offer the complete package.  It was also felt that if NCC completed the base any later drainage problems could be easily rectified.

 

Normally Standing Orders required three quotes for expenditure of this level, however, Cllr. Reid proposed to suspend Standing Orders for this one item on safety grounds and to accept only one quote.  This was seconded by Cllr. Singer and unanimously agreed by the councillors.  It was agreed to appoint NCC to undertake the base work and Clear Channel to supply the shelter.

ACTION: CH/EC

 

Cllr. Dale offered a grant of £1000 towards the cost of this work.

 

7.         Local Transport Plan

It was reported that the following three priorities had been submitted:

(i)     Pedestrian and cyclist road safety improvements between Stocksfield and A68/A695 roundabout at Riding Mill;

(ii)    Pedestrian safety – widening of pavement outside St James Terrace;

(iii)  Highways safety – realignment of A68 signage at Broomley/Healey junction.

8.         Arrangement for deposit account and signatories for current account

Before a further bank account could be opened for half the PC’s reserves as previously agreed, Standing Orders required signatories to be agreed by resolution of the PC.  Cllr. Reid proposed that the following five councillors should become bank signatories:

Cllr. Reid, Cllr. Mills, Cllr, Dunhill, Cllr. Carew, Cllr. Singer.

Cllr. Mills seconded this and it was agreed unanimously by the councillors.

ACTION: CH

 

9.         Tennis Club Management Plan

(i)         Rob Archer reported that as the residents had only responded to the Tennis Club Management Plan on 8th November he felt unable to comment as he needed to meet with other members of the Tennis Club first.  He agreed to report back to the December PC meeting.

ACTION: RA

Cllr. Mills requested to see a copy of the initial grant offer from Sports England to check what was stipulated as regards offering multiuse facilities.

ACTION: RA

 

Cllr. Mills also raised discussions she had had with the solicitors re the lease.  The PC had to ensure it was not giving away an asset worth over £2million i.e. the land could not be put over for housing and raise such sums.  As this was clearly not the case Cllr. Mills proposed that no formal valuation was required because the land was worth manifestly below the sum of £2million.  This was seconded by Cllr. Singer and unanimously agreed by the councillors.

 

(ii)        Cllr. Reid reported that he felt it fair that the PC offered some support to local residents because of the changes and had offered that the PC meet half the cost of any plant screening chosen by Mrs Soulsby and Mr & Mrs Davison, the two closest residents, between the properties and the path.

 

Mrs Soulsby reported that whilst appreciative of the offer she felt that she should not be asked to pay and that it should be the responsibility of the Tennis Club.  She also requested that hedging be planted on the opposite side of the path closer to the courts, however, this was land currently used by the Pre-School for a garden.  It was noted that a laurel hedge would cost approximately £160.

 

Cllr. Reid reiterated that the offer only applied to her side of the path.  The PC might consider making a greater contribution but it would be a one-off offer and the PC would take on no obligation for trimming.  Mrs Soulsby agreed to consult her neighbours.

ACTION: SS

 

10.       Standing Orders

It was unanimously agreed to adopt the Model Standing Orders for Smaller Parish Councils compiled by the Northumberland Association of Local Councils.  Cllr. Reid duly signed a copy of the Standing Orders.

 

11.       Budget

Cllr. Reid reported that the budget for next year would be set at the December meeting but asked all councillors to put forward any suggestions for large expense items in advance of this meeting.

 

Cllr. Mills raised the suggestion of repositioning the bus stop on the westbound side of the A695 opposite The Wellington as she felt currently the pavement was too narrow to accommodate the bus stop safely.  Cllr. Dale suggested that she spoke to Margaret Field at NCC to see if she could suggest alternative sites for the bus stop.

ACTION: JM/EC/ADa

 

It was agreed to hold a meeting in advance of the December PC meeting with the Clerk to review current and forecast spending.

ACTION: ALL

 

12.       Joint Area Committee and Parish Town Council Meeting

Cllr. Reid reported that he had found this meeting useful.  Among items discussed were improvements to highway safety for pedestrians and the proposed re-opening of Gilsland Station.

 

Cllr. Reid proposed that the PC support the opening of the station.  Only verbal support was required at this time.  The councillors unanimously agreed to give their support to the campaign.                                                                          ACTION: MR

 

 

13.       Planning

It was reported:

(i)                  that the following planning applications were under consideration by NCC:

13/03059/OUT            New dwelling, Highfield, Sandy Bank (PC – no objections)

13/03390/FUL             New dwelling, Land south of 1 & 2 the Bungalow, Broomhaugh

13/03263/FUL             Extension, Long Rigg, Long Rigg

13/03370/FELTPO      Tree work, St James Church

 

(ii)                that the following planning applications had been considered by NCC and granted permission:

13/02169/FELTPO      Tree work at woodland east of Hollin Hill Terrace, Riding Mill

13/02166/FUL             Construction of single storey side extension, Parish Hall, Riding Mill

13/02865/VARYCO    Land west of Kingmead, Sandy Bank

13/02861/CLPROP     Change of use of garage, Rowan Tree, Long Rigg

 

14.       Handyman

Reports were received.  Work had been undertaken in the Spinney to cut back vegetation, paths had been edged adjacent to the single tennis court and grass cut and other works completed in the play park.

 

The Clerk requested that the handyman look at the notice board as it was currently very difficult to open and close and needed to be sanded and resealed.

 

15.       Finance

The following payments were authorised:

C Harrison – September salary and home allowance payment                  £172.91

Matthew Charlton – materials                                                                  £72.00

Tyne Rivers Trust – contribution to plaque installation event                     £53.60

RM Cricket Club – contribution to grass cutting                                       £560

RM Allotments’ Association – contribution to insurance                           £73.90

Ward Hadaway – invoice in respect of Tennis Club Lease                        £327.60

C Harrison – October salary and home allowance payment                      £345.82

C Harrison – expenses

(funeral wreath, stationary, postage, travel, additional hours)                   £242.55

Standing Orders:

Homevend – September                                                                        £75

Homevend – October                                                                             £75

 

It was reported that the Clerk had worked 13 extra hours which had been anticipated when she commenced this role and it was agreed to pay her at the pro-rata hourly rate.

 

16.       Correspondence

Cllr. Reid reported that a number of residents of Millfield Road had written to the PC to report damage to the verges due to electricity cables being laid and to large lorries parking on the road whilst delivering tarmac to a resident’s house in Marchburn Lane.

It was agreed to write to NEDF to request that they re-turf the verges now rather than reseed them in the spring.  It was also agreed to write to Mr Turner to ask him to contact Debmat and request that the damage to the pavement be repaired.

ACTION: CH/MR

 

17.       Vexatious Communications

Cllr. Reid reported that he considered Mr B Young’s letters regarding covenants and complaints to be obsessive and as harassing to the Council and as such proposed that the Council’s policy on vexatious communications be implemented meaning that only the first fresh item in the first letter, email or other form of correspondence, sent to the Clerk, the Chairman or any Councillor, would be dealt with by the Parish Council between successive meetings for the following year.  Cllr. Mills seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously by the councillors.

ACTION: CH/MR

 

18.       Minor Matters

            (i)         Request for Funding from Citizens Advice Bureau

A request for funding to support the work of CAB was received.  It was noted that it was usual to consider other applications for funding at this time of year.  The Clerk should compile a list for consideration at the December PC meeting;

ACTION: CH

(ii)                Request for waste bin in Mill Race Garden

It was agreed to ask that the Dog fouling bin be removed and replaced with a large multipurpose bin instead;

ACTION: CH

(iii)               NDL Sports Survey

It was noted that Rob Archer had already completed this survey and it was not necessary for the PC to respond;

(iv)              Core Strategy

It was reported that the Core Strategy sub-group would meet on 13th November to formulate a response.  This would be circulated prior to the December PC meeting so that it could be considered at the meeting.  Cllr. Dunhill noted that there were no specific green belt land proposals that affected Riding Mill;

(v)               Tennis courts

Rob Archer reported that all three courts were now operational and since the re-opening 500 people had used them and both adult and junior coaching sessions had been offered.  The final interim payment from Sports England had been received and would now be used to upgrade the walkway to the double tennis courts and the club house;

(vi)              Stabilisation of the river bank by the tennis courts

Linden Stephenson suggested that trees be planted to stabilise the river bank where it had been disturbed following work on the tennis courts.  She had contacted Tyne Rivers Trust and they had suggested planting alder trees. She suggested planting 12 alder trees at a cost of £0.90 each plus £0.99 each for a rabbit guard.  It was agreed to authorise this expense;

ACTION: LS

(vii)            Frank Turner’s retirement

It was reported that Frank would be retiring on 29th November 2013.  The PC wished to record their thanks to Frank for his huge service to the village and would write to him accordingly;

ACTION: ALL

It was also discussed whether there should be a memorial to Bobby.  A number of different groups were considering ideas.  It was suggested that a joint proposal should be put to Frank outlining some suggestions and asking for his views.

 

19.       Date of the next meeting

It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Monday 9th December 2013.

 

With no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 9.38pm

 

 

 

 

Parish Council Minutes – September 2013

 

Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 9th September

at Riding Mill Parish Hall.

 

Councillors present:

 

Cllr. Malcolm Reid (Chairman)

Cllr. Jill Mills

Cllr. Eileen Carew

Cllr. Andy Dunhill

Cllr. Brian Singer

 

 

In attendance:

Cllr. Anne Dale – Northumberland County Council

Ms. Yvonne Probert – minutes secretary

Public(14): Linda Shepherd, Jean Rowntree, June Newton, Eve Downs, Barbara Purvis, Craig Mitchell, Carole Green, Jack Hannon, Sue Soulsby, Steve Plaskitt, Magdalene Letswaart, Rob Archer, Bill Law, Linden Stephenson

 

 

Cllr Reid as Chairman opened the meeting at 7.48pm.

  1. Apologies – None given

 

  1. Peter Howe’s resignation and the Council’s thanks

Cllr Reid commended and thanked the former Vice Chairman, Peter Howe for his contribution to the Parish Council.

Action – Cllr. Reid to write press release for Parish News.

 

  1. Declaration of interests – None given

 

  1. Approval of the minutes of the meeting of 8th July 2013

Item 9a. was changed to read ‘it was reported that the Methodist hall noticeboard appeared to be inadequate’. The minutes were then agreed as a true record, and duly signed off by Cllr Carew and Cllr Reid.

 

  1. Minutes of the confidential meeting of 11th March 2013

The Chairman confirmed that these minutes had been approved at the April meeting but missed off the minutes.

 

  1. Matters arising from the July meeting other than listed on agenda

b. cheque for the Village Hall Trust remains unpaid (£40)

c. grass cutting -It appears we have not had the contractual number of cuts & the position is being checked with NCC

Action – Cllr Reid to follow up on the cheque and we are awaiting a response from NCC regarding the grass cutting.

 

  1. Report on Weir plaque

Cllr. Reid reported that a plaque contributed by the Tyne Rivers Trust would be installed by the March Burn weir cascade on 3rd October 2013.

 

 

 

  1. Tennis Club draft management plan

A report was given to the meeting by Rob Archer on the progress being made by the Tennis Club with online bookings, security, events, maintenance, pedestrian and disabled access. The Parish Councillors commended the committee for their work; they looked forward to receiving the final version of policies and procedures after consideration had been given to constructive proposals put by the neighbouring residents, so that the PC could amend the lease appropriately; also so that ideas on planting or screening could be implemented.

 

  1. Report on pavement widening on Main Road

Cllr Dunhill reported that works were ongoing to improve pedestrian access from Sandy Bank to the village and to improve crossing provisions of the Main Road, These were due to be completed within a week.

 

  1. Update on speed activated signs

The Chairman reported that the signs appeared to have been set at 34mph and should be at 30mph.

Action – Cllr Reid to review with installers.

 

  1. Local Transport Plan (LTP) – 3 priorities to be agreed

Cllr Dunhill reported that ideas had been discussed.

County Cllr Dale suggested:

  1. Resurfacing of the public footpath from the Slaley Road to the ‘Blue Bridge’ on the March Burn
  2. Junction improvements on A68 into Healey and Broomley

Deadline is the 27th September 2013. Cllr Dunhill would invite other suggestions through the website Cllr Singer proposed a planning committee meeting and this was agreed.

Action – Cllr Dunhill to implement the consultation and to submit the agreed 3 priorities

 

  1. Update on west end bus shelter progress

Cllr Carew informed that the quotes for a shelter were £3,399 and £5,048 plus around £4,000 for the concrete base. The 1952 bench would be retained and a budget of £10,000 has already been allocated.

Action – Cllr Carew to continue with plans for the shelter

 

  1. 13.             Longrigg update

Cllr Mills had written again to the valuer but had no reply.

Action – Cllr Mills to contact valuers again.

 

  1. Confirmation of external audit

The external auditors had required that 3 sets of figures on the financial statements, to include 2 cheques that had been issued but not cleared within the financial year, should be amended by the Clerk; Cllr Reid had checked this with the external auditors. Councillors confirmed the amendment.

 

 

  1. Arrangements for deposit account and signatories for current account

The Chairman suggested that funds are spread between bank accounts to reduce risk. It was agreed that the Council should place deposits in two different bank groups. Three banks (Nat West, Lloyds and Triodos) were suggested. The Council would investigate further on choice of banks. All Councillors would be signatories, with a minimum of two signing any cheque.

Action – Further research.

 

  1. Handyman’s report

Report circulated.

Action – Parish Council to review the need for further tree cutting.

 

  1. Dene Close wall

The Chairman reported that the actions of the Parish Council in removing ivy and pointing the roadside of the wall of Dene Terrace to remove obstruction to the pavement emanating from a wall with uncertain ownership were ex gratia (ie. good will and not establishing precedent). During that work a gap in the wall was created with the agreement of neighbouring properties to allow safer access to the station for residents of Station Close. The minuted record of the previous dispute (1999) about a gateway, for which the District Council’s opinion was that the wall belonged to the properties, had not included seeing the deeds to the properties adjoining the wall. The PC will continue to try to establish the ownership of the wall.

Action – Cllr Reid to write to neighbouring properties.

 

  1. Remembrance Day arrangements – Cllr Mills to be the PC representative.

 

  1. Planning – A report on recent planning applications was circulated; confirmation on how the Parish Council receives notifications is needed.

Action – Planning application notifications to be confirmed by new Clerk.

 

  1. Finance – Additional items were added; £58.58 for Cricket pavilion water rates; £42.70 to the WI for floral arrangements at the entries to the village; final payment to previous clerk. Agreed by all Councillors.

Cllr Dunhill proposed that a letter is written to thank Mr Thompson for his excellent voluntary grass cutting service work; this was agreed.

Action – Chairman to write letter of thanks to Mr Thompson

 

  1. Any correspondence issues not covered by item 6 – A formal ‘in confidence’ complaint had been received against Cllr Reid but the Parish Council cannot proceed unless the confidentiality condition is removed or the complaint is withdrawn.

 

  1. Minor matters
    1. 1.      Future agenda format – Cllr Singer proposed that the future agendas should include the correspondence and any public consultations/consultative reports (e.g. LTP). This was agreed by all Councillors and to be included on the website too.

Action – New clerk to ensure new format is adopted

  1. Report from County Cllr Dale – The County Council propose to install a post at the East end of the village as an alternative location for the speed activated sign, and a nearby sign at the entrance to the road leading to the 3 tonne limited bridge over the railway warning of the restriction. These were welcomed.
  2. Cllr Dale has also requested that the hand held speed gun be be used in the area.
  3. Pavement slabs outside Wellington pub – This pavement has been replaced and bollard installation will follow.
  4. Railway station foot bridge – Cllr. Andy Dunhill expressed concerns about water collecting on the half landing on the foot bridge as a potential hazard in icy weather. The Parish Council agreed to write a letter.

Action – Cllr Andy Dunhill to write to Network Rail.

 

  1. Date of next meeting – 11th November 2013

 

With no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 9.28pm.

 

 

Actions from 09/09/13   meeting: By whom:
2. Vice Chairman thanks – press release for Parish   News Cllr Reid
6. Grass cutting – contact NCC Cllr Reid
10. Speed activated signs – review instalment   specifications Cllr Reid
11. LTP – planning committee meeting Cllrs Dunhill and Singer
12. Bus shelter – continuation of project Cllr Carew
13. Longrigg – contact valuers again Cllr Mills
15. New bank accounts – further research Cllr Reid and new Clerk
16. Handyman Report – further tree cutting Cllr Dunhill
17. Dene Close Wall – letters to neighbouring   properties Cllr Reid
18. Remembrance Day – representation Cllr Mills
19. Planning – Future notifications New Clerk
20. Finance – letter of thanks to Mr Thompson Cllr Reid and new Clerk
22. Minor items – New agenda format and updating   website New Clerk
22. Minor items – Railway foot bridge letter to   Network Rail Cllr Dunhill

 

 

 

 

 

Parish Council Minutes – July 2013

Broomhaugh & Riding Parish Council

Minutes of the Meeting of the above Parish Council, held on Monday, 8th July 2013 in the Parish Hall at 7.45 pm

Present: Cllrs Howe (in the Chair), Mills, Carew and Singer. County Cllr Dale was present before and during the meeting. 7 members of the public were in attendance.

  1. Apologies: Reid, Dunhill. It was announced that the Parish Council no longer employs the former Clerk, Monica Anderson, and that Councillor Howe is taking on the role of the clerk on a temporary basis until a new clerk can be employed.
  2. Declarations of Interests: none
  3. Minutes of 13rth May 2013: These were agreed as a true record
  4. Matters arising
    1. Moles: A suitable mole catcher has still not been found it was agreed to continue the search for a suitable person.
    2. Bus shelter at West end of the village This matter is in progress. Councillor Dale suggested that she would seek finance from the County Council to help fund the bus shelter.
    3. Clarification of lists on assets register: It was noted that this still has to be done.
    4. Tennis Club Plans: Councillor Mills explained that the Council’s solicitors had been asked to draft a new lease. A tidy up evening was planned for 9/7/13: volunteers were called for.
  5. Parish Plan update: Paul Goldsmith from the Parish plan working group reported on progress concerning the drawing up of the Parish plan. He explained that the parish plan represents a mechanism by which a neighbourhood plan may be drawn up. It is part of the constitution of the Parish plan that it cannot prejudice a future neighbourhood plan; hence care was being taken to ensure this. 21 people will have to agree aspects of a neighbourhood plan. A Parish plan can produce Ideas whereas a neighbour plan asks for input. Councillor Dale asked if all relevant documents had been received and she advised that the Parish council and others worked closely together.
  6. Handyman report: The monthly report was noted. The Cricket club bench has been refurbished.
  7. Planning: There were no planning applications to be considered or decisions to report.
  8. Finance:
    1. It was agreed to approve the Handyman’s monthly standing order for June and July.
    2. The following payments were authorised:
      1.                                                         i.      MF Anderton / Salary May                                £433.64
      2.                                                       ii.      Methodist Church, room Hire                             £24.00
      3.                                                     iii.      G Dodd, addit. Work to Dene Tce. wall             £150.00
    3. It was agreed to seek banks in Hexham and approve a bank to move the reserve account to.

 

  1. Minor matters:
    1. Barbara Purvis , Secretary of the Longrigg Property owners Association, askedwhat  progress had been made in respect of the proposed acquisition of Longrigg by LPRO. Cllr Mills replied that the Parish Council was waiting to hear from the Valuation Office   B. Purvis handed over a proposal from the LPRO for consideration by the Parish Council.
    2. A request was received for a contribution from the Parish Council to the Mill Race Garden. A grant of £40 was agreed
    3. Councillor Dale reported that the bench at Dene Close had been replaced with a new one by ISOS.
    4. It was reported that the Methodist Hall notice board  appeared to be inadequate.
    5. Councillor Howe reported that the verge at the bottom of Whiteside Bank, added to the list of NCC grass cutting last year, had not been cut this year. Councillor Dale will look into this.
  2. The meeting closed at 8.25pm.

 

Date of next meeting: Monday 9th September 2013.

Agreed as an accurate record by the Vice chairman.

 

 

Peter Howe………………………………………………………………………………………..14 July 2013.

 

Parish Council Minutes – March 2013

Broomhaugh & Riding Parish Council

Minutes of the Council meeting of 11th March 2013 held in the Parish Hall at 7.45pm

Present: Cllrs Mills (in the Chair), Carew, Howe, Reid, Dunhill, Singer and Sehgal. County Cllr Dale and 5 members of the public (including 2 from the Tennis Club) were present.

  1. Apologies: None
  2.  Declarations of interest: None
  3. Minutes of the meeting of 11th February 2013 were agreed as a true record, subject to 15 minor amendments.
  4. Matters arising:

a)      Trees: A price of £230 to remove 2 trees and a dead tree at the Tennis Club was agreed. It was also agreed to put a small piece of fencing behind the removed trees at Church Close to secure the adjacent garden.

b)      Tennis Club Plans: The Club were waiting on tender details for the proposed work after which a detailed costed plan would be put to the Parish Council.

c)      Speed signs: The wrong parts, which had been in place since the signs had been installed, had been replaced. Swarco would be asked to extend their warranty. MA

d)      Annual Parish Meeting:  Tuesday, 23rd April, Tuesday in the Millennium Hall was chosen to fit in with room availability.                                                                          MA

e)      Moles in Play Park: the mole catcher initially asked to do the work had been unavailable. Alternate names were being looked at. Cllr Dale offered to help with this as well.                                                                                                                                         MA/ADe

f)       Parish Plan review: The working party had concentrated on the response to the NCC’s Sore Strategy Preferred options consultation so no further progress had been made on the Parish Plan.

g)      Handyman’ payment: this had been changed to a standing order.

5.    Handyman report: The price for another bench below Bobby’s identical to the existing one was £500 from Jackson’s with £220 for fixing plus bolts. Cllr Carew asked that no further donations of benches be made without a maintenance fund. The ownership of the fence and wall in Dene Close and of the fence on the road to the station was discussed as repairs were needed to both. It was agreed to make enquiries including ownership of the land behind the Wellington.           MA/Ade

Quotes had been obtained for repairing the Spinney wall:  £740 if done before Easter; £320 for the station wall if only part was done but £1050 to repair the whole length – and fill in three holes.

A sewage leak from the manhole near the Tennis Courts had been reported; and the surface  of Millfield Road had been damaged when the lampposts had been painted. Cllr Dale agreed to look into both matters.                                                                                                               ADe

6. Core Strategy review: The response had been prepared by the working group who were congratulated on the paper produced. Subject to several minor amendments to be sent to Cllr Dunhill as soon as possible, the Clerk would post the response by the required date.          AD/MA

7. Protecting Council Reserves: The County Council had been unable to advise on this. It was agreed to look at suitable instant access accounts with the Cooperative Bank.                        MA

8. Allotments: A suggestion to use the football part of the Sports Field for allotments would be referred to the Parish Plan review when the village would be invited to give an indication of need.

9. Path between Broomhaugh and the station: Cllr Dale had received a complaint about the surface of this but the County Council’s Footpath Officer had inspected it and decided there was no significant problem.

10. Planning:

Considered by Northumberland County Council and granted permission:

13/00228/FUL             Extension at Burnview, Broomhaugh

11. Finances: a) the financial statement for February was accepted. Having reviewed the budget figures to the year end, it was agreed there were sufficient funds to repair the walls in the Spinney and at Dene Close. Cllr Howe agreed to give the contractor details for a lime based mortar mix.                                                                                                                                                 PH

b) the following payments were authorised:

Homevend/30                                                                         75.00

NCC/Work on Nick                                                                  4882.80

MFAnderton, salary/Feb.                                                        433.64

Northumbrian Water                                                              10.48

Communicorp (subs. for Clerks & Councils Direct)                12.00

12. Minor Matters:

a) Election forms were distributed to Councillors.

b) Footpath 16: the poor condition of the footpath from Broomhaugh to Roe House was raised again and Cllr Dale would be informed.                                                 MA

 

The meeting closed at 10.05pm

 

 

 

 

Parish Council Minutes – May 2013

The next Parish Council meeting will be on Monday 8th September. These Minutes also give the dates for all meetings up to May 2014.

 

Broomhaugh & Riding Parish Council

Minutes of the Meeting and Annual Meeting of the above Parish Council, held on Monday, 13th May 2013 in the Parish Hall at 7.45 pm

Present: Cllrs Mills (in the Chair for items 1 to the beginning of 5), Reid (in the Chair for items 5 onwards), Dunhill, Howe, Carew and Singer. County Cllr Dale was present only before the meeting. 7 members of the public were in attendance including 3 from the Tennis Club.

  1. Declarations of acceptance: All councillors signed the forms of acceptance
  2. Apologies: None
  3. Thanks to retiring Councillor: The council was grateful to Lucy Sehgal for her time.
  4. Approval of Standing Orders: It was agreed to approve these.
  5. Elections: Chair: It was agreed to elect Cllr Reid as Chairman;

It was agreed to elect Cllr Howe as Vice Chair;

The Chairman proposed to delegate to Councillors the Chairman’s authority to take decisions in their respective areas subject to the usual confirmation at the next Parish Council meeting, and this was agreed as follows:

VHT representative – Cllr Carew

Parish Plan review – Working group Cllr Dunhill

Planning Sub Committee– Cllrs Dunhill, Howe and Singer

Website monitoring – Cllr Dunhill

Legal/FOI matters – Cllr Mills

Appraisals – Cllrs Carew and Singer

Handyman/Amenity matters/Playpark inspections – Cllr Dunhill

Minutes – Chairman of the meeting

Accounts – Cllr Howe

  1. Declarations of interest: None
  2. Minutes of 23rd April 2013: These were agreed as a true record
  3. Matters arising – a) Changing bank accounts: it was agreed to defer a decision and consider splitting the reserve between 2 or more banks.

b) Flashing speed signs: It was noted these were working correctly and the warranty had been extended until the end of March 2014. The Clerk would write to Swarco concerning reducing the trigger speed to 30mph.                                                MA

c) Moles: it was agreed to find a suitable person for mole catching.           MA

9.  Handyman report: The monthly report was noted. It was agreed to accept a quote of £190 for making a gap in the wall on Dene Terrace. £320 has already been agreed for repointing the rest of the wall. The Parish Council indicated it would listen to a request for an increase in payment if it was needed.

10. Tennis Club Plans: The update report was noted. The Parish Council agreed to let the club modify the back of the in-goal area on the single court by extending into the Council’s land. It was agreed to ask Wardhadaway to renew the lease and remove the final clause on reinstatement subject to legal advice.                                                                 MA

11. Parish Plan review: The Working Group had met and would prepare a report for the Council in the near future.

12. Walls: Covered by item (9) above.

13. Storage for VHT: It was noted the VHT intended to extend the Hall to make increased storage space.

14. Bus shelter: an updated quote had been received from the County Council for the work. An alternative style of shelter had been suggested. The Clerk would explore the option before work is begun.                                                                                    MA/EC

15: Dates of Council meetings: It was agreed to hold Council meetings for the next year on the second Monday of June, July, September, November, December for 2013 and February and March for 2014. The APM for 2014 would be held provisionally on the same day as the PC meeting in May 2014.

16. Planning: The following applications had been considered by Northumberland County Council and granted permission:

13/00323/VARYCO     Parish Hall Car Park sign

13/00493/FUL             Conservatory at 5 Oaklands

13/006660/PRUTPO    Tree prune at 8 Meadow Park

It was agreed temporarily to tape over the part of the car park sign related to flooding and order a new sign with the correct wording.                                                               PH/MA

17. Finance:

a) It was agreed to accept the receipts and finance report, including that; the Clerk was testing a new accounts system and would report back.                                                       MA

b) The following payments were authorised:

Grant to VHT for 2013/14 (s. 137)                                          2000.00

Homevend/32                                                                             75.00

Dennis Castelow (repair to weir bench)                                     30.00

Viking/paper/toner cartridge                                                     70.51

SLC/training course                                                                   90.00

PB Basnett (internal auditor)                                                  157.50

Aon Insurance (annual premium)                                           2782.92

Gordon Dodds, repointing wall in Spinney                             770.00

Gordon Dodds, pointing of wall at Dene Terrace                  760.00

Dodwell Bros. Ltd; release of retention                                 276.92

MFAnderton/Salary April                                                        433.64

MFAnderton, expenses re training course                             199.75

NALC – annual subs.                                                               172.20

It was agreed not to accept a 5% reduction on the insurance premium for committing to three years.

c) Assets register: The Assets Register was noted. It was agreed to clarify the lists further for Councillors                                                                                                                        MA

d) Risk Assessment: this was accepted by councillors. It was agreed to amend the banking risk from L (low risk) to M (medium risk).

e) The Governance Statement on the annual return – It was approved.

f) 2012/13 annual Accounts and Annual Return: These were approved

18. Minor matters: The Clerk would draw the attention of Network Rail to apparent incomplete work on the station bridge refurbishment and that trees were growing round their electricity cables.

The meeting closed at 10.00

 

19. Confidential Matters: Pursuant to section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 it is resolved that, because of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted, the public and press leave the meeting during consideration of these items( to discuss the Clerk’s terms and conditions).

Date of next meeting: Monday 10th June 2013.

 

Parish Council Minutes – April 2013

You can download a copy of these minutes here (PDF file).

Broomhaugh & Riding Parish Council

Minutes of the Council meeting of the 23rd April 2013 held in the Millenium Hall at 7.10pm

Present: Clls Mills (Chairperson) Reid, Dunhill, Carew (taking Minutes), County Cllr Dale and 8 members of the public.

1. Apologies Brian Singer, Peter Howe

2. Declarations of interest. None

3. Minutes of Council meeting of 11th March 2013 were agreed with amendments to item 7 to read:

Protecting council reserves; The County council had been unable to advice on this. It was agreed to look at suitable instant access accounts with the cooperative bank.

4. Matters arising

2 trees at the entrance to the double courts at the Tennis Club have now been cut down.

5. Tennis Club plans

The report from the Riding Mill Tennis club sent to the PC on the 8th April was discussed.

Contracts have been awarded to G Lillico and Pavescape Ltd

Discussions are still underway re access for works to the single tennis Court and permission would need to be given from BT, the owners of the road, and the nearby householders.

The Tennis Club has also requested a small extension of land at the single tennis court. Cllr Dunhill has agreed to look into this.

Although the PC has agreed to extend the Lease to the Tennis club to 30yrs the PC have also been requested to check a clause in the lease stating that if the tennis club was no longer viable the existing Tennis club members would be responsible to make good the tennis club land.

6. Mole catching

Cllr Dale has agreed to follow this up.

7. Parish plan review

The Sub-committee are progressing well with the village plans and are considering the best ways to publicise ideas and obtain the views of residents.

8. Sewage Manhole

The Nothumbrian Water Co responded very quickly to the request for this to be repaired and all work has been completed.

9. Elections

Only 6 members of the Village residents have applied to become Parish Councillors therefore no formal elections will take place.

10. Handyman report

The damage to the bench at the weir has been skilfully repaired by Dennis Castelow

11. Road safety in the rural community

No further progress has been made on the reduction of speed through the village

12. Grass cutting

Because of poor weather in 2012 the grass was not cut as regularly as contracted. The PC demanded a rebate from the contractors .

13. Marchburn Lane and Bridge.

The Marchburn Residents association have contacted the owners of Tree Tops and the building contractors re their concerns about the heavy vehicles used to complete the extensive building work to their property. The Parish council have also agreed to contact the owners

14. Planning permission was considered by the parish council with no objections

13/00323/VARCO Parish Hall Car Park sign

13/00493/FUL Conservatory at 5, Oaklands Rise

13/00660/PRUTPO Tree prune at 8, Meadow Park

15. Finances 

The financial statements for March and the budget for training of £600 were accepted.

16. Minor Matters 

A request was made to cut down and prune 2 trees in Marchburn Lane, one that is very near telephone wires. BT will need to be contacted.

A resident has reported that the road surface on the approach to the east end of Millfield Rd bridge is showing some signs of wear, and has suggested this may be due to drivers positioning their vehicles when approaching to cross through the Bollards on the bridge.

Payments to authorise for April 2013.

VHT-rent £48.00

Stuart Burn(trees) £230.00

SLCC (books) £32.90

Aon UK Limited (extra premium for bicycle stands) £5.84

Linden Stephenson re materials £35.94

Homevend/31( by S/O ) £75.00

Date and time of next meeting Monday 13th May at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

Meeting finished at 8.30pm

Annual Parish Meeting 2013

You can download a copy of these minutes here (PDF file).

Broomhaugh and Riding Mill Parish Council

Annual parish meeting held on 23rd April 2013 in the Millennium HalL, Church Lane at 6pm

Present Cllrs Mills (chairperson) Reid, Dunhill, Carew (taking minutes) and County Cllr Dale and 4 members of the public

1. Apologies

Brian Singer, Peter Howe, and Jen Stephenson

2. Minutes of the 2012 Annual Parish meeting were agreed to be a true record

3. Chairman’s report

1. The PC has had another busy year. Although the number of councillors rose to 7 through co-option during the past year we already know as the date for nominations has passed that we will only have 6 councillors for the next 3 years. Lucy Sehgal has decided not to stand for re election and John Eakins resigned due to his move to Cumbria.

The PC will welcome any applications for co-option as there will be 3 places available to bring the strength up to 9, the full number of Councillor places on the council.

2. After 2 years of co-operation between the PC and the Tyne Rivers Trust the works to the Weir were completed in 2012 by the contractors working under the guidance of Prof Malcolm Newson, Chairman of the Tyne Rivers Trust. The area looks very picturesque and conforms to the requirements of the Enviroment Agency in respect of fish, and eels. Shortly there will be an interpretation board set up specifying the wildlife that can be seen there. The temporary fencing has been removed and a new seat has been installed to facilitate enjoyment of a quiet corner of the village .

3. The PC has had remedial work carried out by Dobson Brothers to the Millfield Rd Bridge, which should carry the bridge forward for some 10-15yrs. This requires the maintenance of the weight limit on the bridge of 3 tonnes.

On the website the PC had invited comments from the village on the long term options for the bridge, but none were received.

4. The PC together with the help from the County Council and in particular with help and financial support from the County Councillor has dealt with a problem of water running down the Nick.

A contribution was also given by Sandy Bank Association.

The PC had potential liability for any water freezing that could cause a hazard on the Nick, the Slaley Rd and the A695.Water running down the Nick now drains through the Nick and into Highways drains.

5 (i) The Interactive Solar powered speed warnings to remind traffic of the speed limit through the village were very disappointing only working intermittently. Perseverence with complaints to the suppliers has revealed that incorrect parts were installed originally, and this has now been rectified.

The solar warnings now appear to be functioning correctly

(ii) The County Council has had double yellow lines painted on Church Lane near the Millennium Hall and onto Whiteside Bank as well as at the main road end of Millfield Rd “Slow” signs to be painted on the Main Rd at Broomhaugh have been promised but have not yet been done.

(iii) Bicycle stands have been installed at the Village Hall and in the Old Playground.

6. The Main event of the year was the Olympic Torch journey through the village in June. There was a good turnout for the day with co-ordination by the PC and the VHT. The village held a sports day, and scarecrow competition as well as providing refreshments throughout the day for all the visitors.

The village was decorated with Bunting and a tricolour of flowers to coincide with the Queens Jubilee celebrations enjoyed by many at the Village Hall and organised by the Village Hall committee.

7. The Tennis Club’s application for a grant to improve its double courts and to turn the single court into an all purpose games area has been successful. The Tennis Club committee have put forward the plans to the PC who as landlords have supported the club’s application and have also given financial support.

8. The Residents of Longrigg have approached the PC re the possibility of taking over the road to enable them to manage its maintenance.

9, The Northumberland County Council has drafted a Core Strategy document for the County and a working party prepared a thorough response which the PC approved. The village plan is to be reviewed both as a routine and in the light of the Core Strategy.

10. The Handyman has continued to maintain the PC’s assets and carry out work on the trees, benches etc. All the PC’s many benches have now been renovated, and work has been carried out on trees, quite a few of which have had to be felled or trimmed.

11. The Planning sub- committee has considered 9 applications referred by the CC Planning Dept.

The PC itself has applied to the Planning Dept for permission for the village hall car park sign to be amended to delete the reference to flooding.

12. Monitoring of the Play park continues each week; one ongoing problem is molehills which spoil the grass surface of the park. Unfortunately very wet weather earlier in the year has increased activity of the moles.

13. Finally there is a list of people whom I would like to thank for their help and work for the village, in particular Linden Stephenson for her work with organising the Handyman.

She has spent much time and researched the cost of various necessary works including felling trees and repairs to walls on the Old Playground and in Dene Close

Once again I must mention a debt of gratitude owed to Anne Dale our County Councillor over the past year. She has always been quick to take up problems in the village where the County Council are involved, ready with funds to support the village plans and punctilious at attending our meetings. Apart from matters already mentioned Mrs Dale provided the funds to restore the Millfield Rd street lamps.

And of course I would like to thank my fellow councillors for their hard work and support given this year. Without them the achievements of this year would not have been realised.

4. Report from the Village Hall Trust 2013

Linda Shepherd, Chairman of Riding Mill Village Hall Trust

The Village Hall Trust continues to thrive thanks to the support and help we receive from lots of people, both in and out of the Village.

Use of the Hall has grown yet again. The Millennium Hall has 2 extra regular clubs and the Parish Hall has 3! We have had 2 weddings, both in the same week, and the halls have been used for many other functions too.

St James used the halls more frequently last summer in their Year of Eventfulness

Pam Pryor keeps busy taking bookings and very few days go by when both halls are not occupied.

The Cafe in the Foyer is as popular as ever and thanks must go to all of our volunteers

Later in the year we will be having a Garden walk about, a Village Show and a Craft Fair.

A jumble sale will be held on the 11th May

The flat is still rented out successfully and this money pays Val Thompson’s ( The caretaker) wages.

Finally I would like to thank Val and Alan Thompson, Elaine and Martin Raeburn, Rosie Cummings who is the treasurer, Pam Pryor who is the Trust secretary, the Trustees, a growing band of people who help to make our halls as good as they are and any organisation which helps financially towards the upkeep of the Halls

5. Broomhaugh CE First School April 2013, Jen Stephenson

I hope this report gives you an idea of school life at the moment and I must apologise for not being able to attend the Meeting in person—Parents evenings and Governors Meetings have unfortunately taken over my time.

At present the number on the roll is 72 children. The capacity for school is 75 and I feel that to only have 3 spare places is quite an achievement. Obviously though things in a small school can change very quickly and just one family leaving school can have a huge impact. In September as far as predicted numbers go we are full.

As a lot of the funding from Northumberland County Council is dependent on pupil numbers we are pleased that the numbers will be healthy. However it is a continual worry that funding is reduced costs are rising and schools are being asked to pay more and more for services.

We continue to provide the children with a stimulating interesting curriculum that includes visits to other establishments e.g. Seven Stories in Newcastle, Discovery Museum, Roman Wall etc.etc. We feel that these visits can enhance the children’s learning however ,we are always aware that these trips do cost families a fair amount .

The School also participates with other events that are held with other schools in the area, for instance next week we are taking part in a Music Festival that is being held at Hexham Abbey one evening. Children seen very happy at school- in fact we always seem to have a problem of children not wanting to go home in the evenings and wanting to come to school when they are poorly!

School Staff do provide clubs for the children to join in after school activities such as Choir, Craft clubs , Sports club etc which are also well attended

The PTA work hard for us and this year they have offered to pay for new markings on the playground and will need to raise more than £2000 to fund this.

The Squirrels after school club continues to run, providing the services of after school care for working parents.

We are continually grateful for all the support and interest that the parents of our children, Governors and villagers show in the School and would like to thank the Parish council for their continuing interest.

6. County Councillor Report (TO FOLLOW)

7. Financial Statement

A Draft Financial Statement was presented

Mr Brian Young asked as to where and how many Bank Accounts were held by the Parish council.

As the PC is in the process of changing the bank Accounts clarification will be given by the Parish clerk.

Mr Young also asked if the Parish Council had waved any fee re the Release of covenants in the past year. The reply was that no covenants had been released.

The Meeting closed at 6.45pm 

 

 

Parish Council Minutes – February 2013

You can download a copy of these minutes here (PDF file).

Broomhaugh & Riding Parish Council

Minutes of the Council meeting of 11th February 2013 held in the Parish Hall at 7.45pm

Present: Cllrs Mills (in the Chair), Carew, Howe and Sehgal. County Cllr Dale, 5 members of the public, one member of the press and three representatives of the Tennis Club were also present

1. Apologies: Cllrs Reid, Dunhill and Singer

2. Declarations of interest: None

3. Minutes of the meeting of 10th December 2012 were agreed as a true record, subject to the inclusion of ‘At’ at the beginning of 5b and removing ‘and’ in 5g.

4. Matters arising:

  1. Trees: The County Council had the tree near Church Close cut down on 28th December. The price for the other trees was reduced to £700 and it was agreed the work should go ahead to protect the wall. The County would remove stumps in the future.
  2. Long Rigg- Still waiting for a reply from the Residents Association.
  3. The Nick – the work had been completed. Cllr Dale had contributed her share of the work on the Slaley Road. The Parish Council was still awaiting the invoice for the work on the Nick itself. The Sandy Bank Residents Association had agreed to contribute £500 to the cost.
  4. Cllr Dale reported on several footpath and road issues:

The footpath past Riding Lea would be upgraded in 2014;

The proposed new footpath at the west end of the village – one Land Agent acting for the owners had refused permission for a permissive footpath over part of the field;

The County Council would put a warning sign at the entrance to the small railway bridge at Broomhaugh;

The 2013 LTP programme includes the resurfacing of the A695 at the west end of the village;

£50,000 has been set aside to improve the junction of the A695 with Sandy Bank.

5. Tennis Club: Rob Archer, Steve Plaskitt from the Tennis Club and Kathie Keady from North Country Leisure summarised the plans the Tennis Club following winning a grant of £38915, which, with money they already in hand gives them almost £52,000 to spend. The double court will be resurfaced; the single court, which will be multipurpose, will be resurfaced and will have new fencing. An application for funding for signage has also been made. The Club is seeking tenders from 3 contractors to include temporary access to the double court across the Burn. Access to the double court will be improved by raising the slope at the North end of the wooden bridge and the path be renewed. There will be a management plan for the single court, which will be locked when not in use.

6. Handyman report: January’s report was for work in the Play Park and February’s report covered tidying the Spinney and Dene Terrace and treating the last bench in the Play park. It was unanimously agreed to pay the Handyman by Standing Order. MA

7. Parish Plan review: In the absence of Cllr Dunhill, Jason Tennet, as a member of the Working Party, reported on progress to date. Advice had been taken that the review would generate an updated document to the 2002 Parish Plan but it would not be a Neighbourhood Plan. A Neighbourhood Plan would have to be aligned to the Northumberland’s Core Strategy that is currently being rewritten.

8. Skateboard request: A request from a 9-year old resident for a skateboard park in the village would be included among suggestions to be considered by the Parish Plan Working Party. for further consideration. Cllr Dunhill would reply to the applicant. AD

9. Core Strategy Consultation: The Parish Plan Working Party is currently reviewing the Core Strategy on behalf of the PC. A draft document will look be presented to the Parish Council at the next meeting on 11th March and if agreed will be submitted to the County Council by the 20th March.

10. Cycle Storage: The expenditure of the £300 cost of installation of the free cycle racks provided by the County Council was formally ratified.

11. Bus Shelter: The window has been altered in the bus shelter at the east end of the village on the south side of the road at a cost of £320. A new bus shelter at the west end of the village has been included in the 2013/14 budget.

12. Pedestrian Crossing: Cllr Reid asked if the County Council would consider a crossing for the A695 again in view of publicity for a similar proposal in Otterburn. It was agreed to defer further consideration until the outcome of the Otterburn proposal was known.

13. Flashing Speed Signs: These have not worked for nearly two months. Similar signs from teh same manufacturer work in Stocksfield and an explanation of the discrepancy is to be asked from the manufacturers. MA

14. Planning:

Considered by Northumberland County Council and refused permission:

12/0333/FUL -Extension at Burnview, Broomhaugh

12/03004/CCD – Advertisements at Broomhaugh roundabout

15. Finances:

a) the financial statements for December and January were accepted.

b) the following payments were authorised:

NCC- Planning Variation for Car Park sign – £97.50

Homevend/28 (Handyman) – £75.00

RM VHT/rent – £48.00

NCC/ grass cutting for 2012/13 – £1,450.12

Homevend/29 (Handyman) – £75.00

M F Anderton/Salary January – £433.64

M F Anderton/Expenses for December (mileage for NALC CM) – £37.70

Gordon Dodd – to change window in bus shelter – £320.00

Gordon Dodd – to place cycle stands – £300.00

Linden Stephenson – materials – £15.60

c) Cllr Reid had expressed concern that the Financial Services Compensation Scheme did not apply to the Council’s Bank of Ireland savings account although the Clerk had been advised by the Bank that the account was covered by the scheme; doubt remained whether the £85,000 compensation limit applied to each Council’s account or to the totality of Councils’ accounts. Cllr Dale suggested asking the County Council’s Finance Officer if he could clarify the position and the Clerk would forward the details to her. MA/ADe

16. Minor Matters:

a) The Clerk would provisionally book 17th April for the Annual Parish meeting would be booked. MA

b) The Clerk would contact the Mole man would be chased to expedite work in the Play Park.

The meeting closed at 9.10pm