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

You can download a copy of these minutes here (PDF file).
Broomhaugh & Riding Parish Council

Minutes of the Council meeting of 10th December 2012 held in the Parish Hall at 7.45pm

Present: Cllrs Mills (in the Chair), Reid, Carew, Singer and Dunhill. County Cllr Dale and 4 members of the public were also present

1. Apologies: Cllr Howe

2. Declarations of interest: None

3. Cooption of Councillor: Cllr Mills proposed and Cllr Reid seconded that Lucy Seghal be coopted as a Councillor. This was unanimously agreed with effect from the signing of the requisite form.

4. Minutes of the meeting of 12th November 2012 were agreed as a true record, subject to noting in 5(b) that Cllr Dale had reported that the County Council would remove one of the trees; and that in (8) – Cllr Reid, not Dunhill – would order the bicycle stands.

5. Matters arising:
a) Trees: After the County Council have removed one tree in Church Lane, the other two trees near Church Close will be removed by the Council’s tree surgeon, at a price cap of £800. Cllr Dunhill will liaise on this. AD
b) Footpaths: A meeting between Cllr Dale, Tim Fish (NCC Footpaths Officer), Cllrs Dunhill and Reid and two members of the public – Keith Gibbard and Paul Goldsmith the desirability was discussed of a new footpath from Riding Mill to Grey Court on the Corbridge Road. An informal meeting with the land owner’s agent will be held. A Footpaths Working Group should be set up as part of the Parish Plan revision. Funding a new footpath might be provided from resources to be explored by Tim Fish. The Clerk would send Cllr Dale details of the very muddy footpath by Wentworth Grange to refer to the County. It was reported that the pavement on the north side at the west end of the village was overgrown again. MA/ADe
c) Speed Camera: The mobile unit has now been bought for use on the A695. Cllr Dunhill represents the Parish Council on the Working Group responsible for managing its use. AD
d) Long Rigg: The Long Rigg residents Association would revert to the Council on the amount of the Council’s preliminary legal costs.
e) The Nick: Work is due to start on the repairs. Response to Cllr Mills suggestion that the Sandy Bank Residents Association pay £500 towards the cost was awaited.
f) Parish Plan: the Working Group – Cllr Dunhill, Penny Hawley, Jason Tennet, Paul Goldsmith – had met to discuss items for inclusion; and would meet again in January. Cllr Dale had made enquiries at County Hall about the possibility of downgrading the A695 and suggested it be included in the Parish Plan revision.
g) Cycle storage: Cllr Reid had ordered 2 pairs of stands. He would check the value for insurance purposes and Mr Dodd would be asked for a quote for fixing them – to be agreed by email and subject to later ratification.(~£300 was quoted). MR
h) Flashing lights: there are still problems with the signal lights not working. However it was noted that the weather had been very poor with no sun to charge the systems. It was agreed to notifiy Swarco so there is a record of problems but without asking them to come out. MA
i) Bees: Following a request that either the keeper of the bees near the Ross’s bench on the old A68 or the bench itself be moved to obviate the threat of bee stings, the Rosses’ letter for the Parish magazine was altered to seek suggestions from the village for a fresh site for the bench. JM/MA
j) Super fast broadband: A letter would be delivered to all villagers to encourage them to sign up. Generally there was a very positive reception. The letter would be put onto the website. AD

6. Handyman report/ Contract: Only 3 benches still require intensive treatment. Light treatment only will be necessary in the future. The cost of a second bench below Bobby’s shop would be sought. MA

7. Bus shelter alteration: Cllr Reid suggested that the bus shelter at the east end of the village, on the south side, be altered by enlarging the window substantially so that passengers can see an approaching bus from inside the shelter. Mrs Stephenson would get a quote for the work. It was also suggested writing to the bus company asking buses to stop anyway at the bus stop in case people were inside. MA

8. Planning:

(a) Considered by Northumberland County Council and granted permission:

12/01800/VARYCO Alteration to plans for Grovefield

(b) Under consideration by the Parish Council:

12/03333/FUL Extension at Burnview, Broomhaugh

9. Finances: a) the financial statement for November was accepted.

b) the following payments were authorised:

Northumbrian Water £10.58
Homevend/27 (handyman) £75.00
Marchburn Lane Residents Assn. (S.137 ex gratia) £50.00
SLCC subscription for 2013 £100.00
G Dodd, fixing bench at Weir £220.00
MFAnderton, Salary/November £433.64
MFAnderton, Salary/ December £433.64
MFAnderton, Expenses/November £90.15

Cllr Reid asked to see the Bank of Ireland letter again about the security of reserves in the bank as local authorities could be excluded from the compensation arrangements.MA

c) Budget/Precept: Following detailed discussions on the draft figures, it was agreed to ask the County Council for a precept of £35,000 for the year 2013/14. MA

10. Minor Matters:
a) Cllr Mills reported that an application to the County had been made by a local resident for a sign to prevent large vehicles from entering the lane leading to the small rail bridge at Broomhaugh.
b) Cllr Reid reported on the meeting he had attended between the County Council and East Tynedale Forum.

The meeting closed at 10.30pm

The meeting to consider approval of the minutes of the Confidential meeting held on 10th December was not opened but adjourned.

You can download a copy of these minutes here (PDF file).
Broomhaugh & Riding Parish Council

Minutes of the Council meeting of 12th November 2012 held in the Parish Hall at 7.45pm

Present: Cllrs Mills (in the Chair), Reid, and Dunhill. County Cllr Dale and 4 members of the public were also present

1. Apologies: Cllrs Howe and Carew

2. Declarations of interest: None

3. Cooption of Councillor: Brian Singer was co-opted onto the Council.

4. Minutes of the meeting of 8^th October 2012 were agreed as a true record, subject to deleting ‘still’ in item 5(a); and substituting ‘had been painted’ in 9(d) for ‘would be’ painted.

5. Matters arising:

(a) Flashing lights: The solar panels have been changed for larger units and the warranty has been extended until November 2013. That the sign below Bobby’ shop is not working satisfactorily would be reported to Swarco. MA

b) Trees:  A quote was accepted to remove the two intertwined trees at Church Close for £800, as was a quote for £60 to remove a limb from a tree near the double tennis courts. Cllr Dunhill was given discretion regarding the decision for the 3^rd tree at Church Close. Cllr Dale noted that the county council would remove one of the trees. MA

c) Weir: A quote of £220 to install the base and the bench at the Weir was accepted. The Clerk would ask Mrs Stephenson whether a similar quote would apply to a proposed new bench below Bobby’s. MA

d) Northumberland Core Strategy Meeting: The responses received by the County Council were reviewed.

e) Long Rigg: the Parish Council’s solicitors had quoted nearly £1000 for advice on the Long Rigg Association’s proposal to acquire the road. They felt this was too expensive without a commitment in principle from the Parish Council. The Council were not prepared to give a view without legal advice. Following some discussions, Cllr Reid felt that an informal response could be given which would in no way be binding on any subsequent action after legal advice had been received; the Council were sympathetic to the aims of the Long Rigg Association. Paul Goldsmith, who was present, would take these views back to the Association.

f) The Nick: The quote of £4069 given by the County Council for the work for the Parish Council’s account has been confirmed as a final figure. Cllr Dale had allocated funding for the rest of the work involving. The Clerk would confirm to Duncan Roberts at the County Council and with Cllr Howe. MA

g) Yellow lines near the Millennium Hall: these had been finished following the completion of the gas works. Cllr Dunhill reported that drivers were still parking illegally outside the Millenium Hall. The “Slow” sign on will probably not be painted on the Main Road at the East end of the village until the next financial year.

6. Handyman report/ Contract: Report given by Mrs Stephenson was accepted.

7. Parish Plan Update: Cllr Dunhill wished the Plan to be reviewed; although it was agreed to delay an update until after the Council elections next year, a preliminary review would be started with a working party including Cllrs Dunhill and Singer, Paul Goldsmith and Jason Tennant. AD/BS

8. Cycle Storage Facility: An offer of free stands has been received from the County Council.  Near the Parish Hall and in the Old Playground were the preferred sites. Cllr Dale would check with Highways as to their suitability. If so, Cllr Reid would order 2 for each site. MA/ADe

9. Footpath Grants: Cllr Dale had dealt with this. The footpath‘s officer from the County, Tim Fish, would meet with Cllr Dale, Keith Gibbard and Paul Goldsmith. ADe

10. Parking on Double Yellow lines: Cllr Dale would raise with the County Council the enforcement notices served on homeowners parking on the pavement within a double yellow lined area at Riding Cottages as the Police had previously informally allowed parking  there. ADe

11. Planning:

(a) Considered by Northumberland County Council and granted permission:

11/00903/FUL House at land west of Kingmead

12/01316/FUL New access at Shepherd’s Dene

12/01311/FUL Extension at 13 Station Close

12/01156/FUL Extension at 51 Station Close

12/01800/VARYCO Alteration at Grovefield

(b) Considered by the Parish Council with no objections:

12/03004/CCD Advertising signs on Broomhaugh roundabout

Following further discussion, the Council agreed to reverse its comment in (b) MA

12. Finances: a) the financial statement for October was accepted.

b) the following payments were authorised:

Wardhadaway – re Tennis Club and covenants £3,593.00

Wardhadaway – re Millfield Road Bridge £405.00

Tyne Rivers trust – Weir contribution £4,200.00

Tyne Valley RUG – annual subs. £5.00

Homevend/26 £75.00

RM Cricket Club – grasscutting contribution £667.00

MF Anderton, Salary/October £433.64

MF Anderton, Expenses/October £57.69

Following discussion, it was agreed to share the Torch Relay Fund surplus between the Tennis Club (£100), Cricket Club (£50) and the Karate Club (£50) because of their contributions to the events.

c) S.137 donations: It was agreed to make payments of £50 to the following: Royal British Legion, Great North Air Ambulance, Community Action Northumberland, Age UK, Tynedale Sports Council and Tynedale Hospice at Home.

d) Preliminary budget discussions were held. The Clerk would update the sheet accordingly and make some alterations in layout for a final discussion at the next meeting. MA

13. Minor Matters:

a) Cllr Dunhill reported that a meeting to progress Superfast Broad band would be held soon;

b) Molehills in the Play Park needed raking again.

The meeting closed at 10.53

Confidential matters: Pursuant to section 1(2) of the Public bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960, it was resolved that, because of the nature of the business to be transacted, the public and press leave the meeting during consideration of these items. (Clerk’s conditions of service).

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

Broomhaugh & Riding Parish Council

Minutes of the Council meeting of 8th October 2012 held in the Parish Hall at 7.45pm

Present: Cllrs Mills (in the Chair), Reid, Dunhill, and Carew. County Cllr Dale and 4 members of the public were also present

1. Apologies: Cllr Howe

2. Declarations of interest: None

3. Cooption of Councillor: Postponed.

4. Minutes of the meeting of 10th September 2012 were agreed as a true record, subject to item 8, where Cllr Dale had agreed to “contribute” instead of “pay”.

5. Matters arising:

(a) Flashing lights: These are still working well. It was agreed to ask the contractors (i) to clarify when the period of warranty is ended, considering the many problems there have been; and (ii) to ask why the settings at which they react – 34mph – are set at that level, bearing in mind Cllr Reid’s wish for them to work at 30/31mph. The Parish Council still want a pedestrian crossing but the County Council oppose this. It was suggested that if the road be declassified from an ‘A’ road to a ‘B’ road to facilitate the introduction of a crossing. Cllr Dale would enquire as to the pros and cons of such a change. The ease of putting another pole at the east end of the village to move the flashing lights further east would be considered . MA/ADe

b) Trees: Mrs Stephenson and Cllr Dunhill would talk with the tree surgeon about cutting back the trees at Church Close. AD

c) Weir: Quotes would be obtained for bases for the seat replacement at the Weir (and also for a second bench below Bobby’s). Mrs Shepherd would look at the fencing to be removed to see if it is suitable for use by the VHT. Cllr Reid reported on a successful visit to the Weir by the TRT and the Environment Agency. MA to liaise

d) Northumberland Core Strategy Meeting: Cllr Reid would attend as well as the Clerk

e) Broad band meeting: Funding had been secured from DEFRA , which would be matched by the contractors as a result of work by Paul Goldsmith (who attended the latter part of this meeting). Once preliminary ideas as to how the service would be delivered had been considered, then publicity would go out to the village. Cllr Dunhill would act as the Parish Council liaison on this. The Council supported the bid.

f) Long Rigg – no progress to report.

g) The Nick: invitations for tenders had gone out but had not yet been returned. Cllr Dale will pay for the County Council part of the work to be done. It was pointed out the gully at the bottom of the Slaley Road was badly blocked and had been omitted when others nearby had been recently cleaned. Cllr Dale would report that. ADe

6. Handyman report/ Contract: Report given by Mrs Stephenson was accepted. It was agreed to increase the Handyman’s monthly rate of £70 to £75. The Clerk would notify him of the change and amend the contract accordingly. MA

7. Planning:

(a) Considered by Northumberland County Council:

still pending decision:

11/00903/FUL House at land west of Kingmead

(b) considered by the County Council and granted permission:

12/01322/FUL Garage at Silver Birches, Sandy Bank

(c) considered by the Parish Council with no objections:

12/01156/FUL Extension at 51 Station Close

(d) considered by the Parish Council with objections

12/01800/VARYCO Changes at Grovefield, Sandy Bank

8. Finances:

a) the financial statement for September was accepted. The Clerk agreed to check the detail of the General Administration heading for Councillors.

b) the following payments were authorised:

Homevend/25 £70.00

MF Anderton; Salary/September £433.64

MF Anderton; expenses/September £78.00

Transfer back to Reserve account £10,000.00

9. Minor Matters:

a) With respect to the alleged defamation action against the Council, the Council’s insurers. Solicitors would report to the Council shortly;

b) Following a complaint about the ‘Flooding’ sign in the car park next to the Parish Hall, it was agreed to ask the Planning department to remove the condition. MA

c) it was noted the double yellow lines had been partially completed and were now held up by the gas works in the village.

d) Cllr Dale reported that the Victorian lamp posts in Millfield Road had been painted – at her expense for which she was thanked;

e) A suggestion had been made that the bench and seat from the Play Park be moved to the Spinney. This would be investigated.

The meeting closed at 9.05pm