SANDHOE PARISH COUNCIL

 

 

The minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on the 21st April 2005 at 7.00 pm in Beaufront County First School, Sandhoe.

 

Present

 

Councillor A Winstanley (Chairman of the Council in the chair)  Councillors M Baxter, J Pennie, H Learman, R Macfarlane

 

Also Present

 

County Councillor J B Fearon  Bill Grigg, Clerk to the Council  Mrs P Crompton, Resident of the Parish

 

Apologies

 

District Councillor N Fearon

 

 

1.       Opening Remarks by the Council Chairman Councillor A Winstanley

 

         Councillor A Winstanley welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for attending.

 

2.       The Chairman of the Council's Report

 

Councillor A Winstanley, Chairman of the Council, reported in general it had been a fairly quiet year.  The Council had been and still was concerned about the re-organisation of Education in Northumberland and the effects it could have on our local school Beaufront County First School, but the school is very positive and very active.

 

The Council have had several discussions in regards to the Green at Anick, and hopefully would continue to monitor this issue.

 

The Eggar UK Ltd consultation in regards to expanding the site had taken place and the Council awaits its planning application for consultation.

 

He expressed thanks to all Council members for their support and efforts on behalf of the community.  He also expressed thanks to County Councillor Mrs J B Fearon for attending the meeting and her support to the Council.  He also expressed his thanks and the thanks of the Council to the Clerk of the Council Bill Grigg for his support and work on behalf of the Council.

 

3.       The Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held 21st April 2004

 

         The minutes of the APM held on the 21st April 2004 were signed as a correct record.

 

4.       Matters Arising from the Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on the 21st April 2004

 

         The Council's concerns in regards to a new appointment to serve the Parish Councils on the Western sector of Tynedale on Tynedale Community Partnership since the resignation of Alan Henderson some time ago.  Notice had been taken on this issue and the Community Council of Northumberland had sought nominations and held an election.  The nomination from this Council Councillor R Macfarlane had been successfully elected and now represented the Parish Councils in the Western sector of Tynedale on Tynedale Community Partnership.

 

5.       Report from the Governing Body of Beaufront County First School

 

         Councillor J Pennie LEA Governor of the school gave a brief report.  The school is going from strength to strength with a roll of 60 + 8 pupils on the waiting list with more enquiries coming in for places.

 

         Funding position is slightly better.  3 full time classes and 3 full time teachers who are excellent members of staff and good school leadership.  The Putting the Learner First 3 to 2 tier debate goes on but the school is very positive and looking forward all the time.  It is hoped the money frozen at the present time already allocation for the new classroom will be released and the new classroom built which will greatly benefit the school and facilities.  The school has a very good kitchen and excellent meals provided.

 

         County Councillor Mrs J B Fearon informed the Council of NCC full Council meeting held 19th April 2005 when after a long debate NCC voted to go over to a two tier system of education in Northumberland.  36 Councillors voted in favour of the motion and 21 against.

 

         In the local area it would possibly be 2013 - 2017 before changes were implemented.  There is and will be financial problems.  There are to be more discussions with local school partnerships.

 

6.       Residents' Concerns

 

         The Council have received a letter from a local resident who is concerned about safety issues in relation to A69 roundabout at the Bridge End, Hexham.  Copies of this letter have been sent to NCC and Roadlink for their comments, and hopefully some action will be taken to make this roundabout safer for pedestrians and drivers, as quite a few local residents walk into Hexham and find it very difficult using the crossing places.

 

         The Council decided to monitor this issue.

 

7.       Any Other Business

 

         There was no any other business to discuss.

 

8.       Close of Meeting

 

         Councillor J Pennie thanked Councillor A Winstanley for his term of office and his efforts on behalf of the Council and residents.

 

The meeting closed at 7.25 pm.