SANDHOE PARISH COUNCIL

 

 

The minutes of the Council meeting held on Thursday 20th January 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, H Learman, J Pennie

 

Also Present

 

County Councillor Mrs J B Fearon, P Rodger (resident of the Parish), W C Grigg (Clerk to the Council)

 

Apologies

 

Councillor R Macfarlane, District Councillor N Fearon

 

Resident’s Concerns

 

The Chairman proposed that agenda item 4  Parking Problems at Anick would be discussed under 'Resident’s Concerns' before the Council went into full Council.  This was fully agreed.

 

The Council together with P. Rodger fully discussed all the problems with parking at Anick and the reports back to the Council from Northumbria Police, Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service and NCC Highways Section.

 

The Green at Anick is registered as a Village Green and is registered to Sandhoe Parish Council as the information supplied to this Council by NCC.

 

It may be possible that the owners of the Rat Inn at Anick may like to consider obtaining some land adjoining the property and increase the size of their car park.  This would be their choice and decision.  This Council could not become involved in this issue as it is a private matter.

 

All the problems to residents were discussed and NCC have agreed to visit the site in the near future, and any further comments to that already circulated at the meeting will be forwarded to this Council.

 

It was agreed the Council would ask Northumbria Police to patrol the area on a more regular basis, especially at weekends and lunchtimes, and if necessary give warnings or take action against offenders who are causing obstructions on a regular basis.

 

1.       The Minutes of the Council Meeting held on the 21st October 2004

 

The minutes of the Council meeting held on the 21st October 2004 were signed as a correct record.

 

2.       Matters arising from the Minutes of the Council meeting held on the 21st October 2004

 

Ref 6(a) Location on Planning Applications

 

A letter has been received from Helen Winter, Chief Planning Officer, in regards this matter explaining the arrangements in the past and the present arrangements.  It was agreed to forward this letter to Councillor R Macfarlane for his comments.

 

3.       Planning Matters

 

         a) Planning Decisions

 

         Ref. 20041257  Mrs J Wilson, 2 North View, Corbridge Road, Hexham.

Change of use of vacant storage area to taxi office with parking for two taxis; part of Tyne Valley Tyres building, Foundry Industrial Estate, Bridge End, Hexham.

 

Granted permission dated 24/11/04.

 

b) Planning Applications

 

Ref. 20041585  J M Jackson/Osprey Commercial Properties Ltd  2 Park Farm Courtyard, High Easthorpe, Malton, North Yorkshire

Construction of two builders merchants units with fenced compound for storage service and parking, Bridge End Sawmill, Bridge End, Hexham.

 

No objection.

 

Ref. 20050031  Mr Pickering, 2 East Oakwood, Oakwood

Construction of conservatory to rear of above location.

 

No objection.

 

4.       Financial Matters

 

         a) Income

 

         Bank Interest                                             £

 

27/10/04      C/A                               0.13

27/11/04      C/A                               0.12

27/12/04      C/A                               0.09

27/12/04      D/A                               1.58

 

b) Payments                                     £

 

08/11/04      W C Grigg (fee)               120.00

08/12/04      W C Grigg (fee)               120.00

08/01/05      W C Grigg (fee)               120.00

20/01/05      NCC (rent of room)            15.00

20/01/05      W C Grigg (administration) 20.00

20/01/05      W C Grigg (stationery)        30.00

 

         c) Statement of Accounts at 21/01/05

 

         Deposit Account     £273.11

         Current Account     £1315.61

 

         d) Precept 2005/2006

 

The Council fully agreed after a full discussion a precept of £3,500 for the year 2005/2006.

 

e) Clerk's Fees

 

It was fully agreed to increase the Clerk's fees to £140.00 per month from the 1st February 2005.

 

5.       Correspondence

 

1.       Note from the ODPM in regards to the Freedom of the Information Act 2000 which came into force 1st January 2005.  Under Section 36 of the Act, Parish and Town Councils and Parish Meetings, the Secretary of State has authorised the Clerk to give primary authorisation and the Chairman of the Council secondary authorisation.

 

The letter explains Section 36 of the Freedom of the Information Act 2000 which the Clerk explained, and is filed in the general file P.C. 0/5 if Councillors wish to see further details.

 

This Council adopted the Model Code some time ago and has been accepted by the Commissioners of the Freedom of Information Section.

 

2.       Notice from Northumbria Police that they will be doing a foot patrol within the parish on:-

 

23/02/05      1330 hrs - 2030 hrs

29/06/05      1330 hrs - 2030 hrs

31/08/05      1330 hrs - 2030 hrs

 

3.       Notice from NCC re. NCC Budget 2005/06 asking the Council if they have any comments on the NCC budget.

 

This Council had no comments and requested the Clerk inform NCC this is a waste of time and resources by NCC contacting Parish Councils.

 

6.       Urgent Business Allowed by the Chairman

 

1.       Beaufront Road Conditions

 

Councillor H Learman reported on the condition of the Beaufront Road, especially between Beaufront Red House and Anick Grange, including the conditions of the verges.

 

The Clerk has already asked the local Inspector NCC to inspect the area and he has reported back that he could not put the request into the system as he felt it was satisfactory, and would look at it again in February 2005.

 

A request for a further inspection and works be carried out is to be sent to NCC, requesting a further inspection be carried out as soon as possible and if possible repair works be carried out.

 

2.       Notice re. APM and AGM 2005

 

It is not necessary to publish notice of these meetings held on the same evening in the local press as long as notices are displayed within the Parish.  The Council fully agreed not to place an advert in the local press to save costs to the Council's budget.

 

3.       NCC Rights of Way Survey

 

NCC have issued a survey in regards to Rights of Ways throughout Northumberland.  Councillor J Pennie agreed to complete the survey and forward to NCC.

 

4.       Road Signs within the Parish

 

Five signs within the Parish are missing or damaged.  Councillor J Pennie agreed to provide a full list of the signs missing or damaged and forward these to the Clerk to discuss with NCC.

 

5.       Blocked Gullies/Drains

 

Councillor M Baxter reported blocked gullies and drains in various locations within the Parish.  NCC are to be asked to inspect and clear the gullies and drains on the highways.

 

6.       Bi-Annual Joint Tynedale Parish/Town Council Discussion Forum

 

Councillor R Macfarlane and the Clerk attended this meeting on the 19th January 2005.  The Clerk briefly reported on the topics discussed.

 

         (a)     Freedom of the Information Act.

(b)     The Way Forward for Local Authorities following the North East Regional Assembly Referendum.

         (c)      Tynedale Council's Budget 2005/2006.

         (d)     Presentation on the Contract and Technical Services Department.

 

7.       Date of Next Meeting

 

It was confirmed the date of the next meeting will be held on the 21st April 2005 at 7.00 pm.  This will be the APM and AGM of the Council.

 

The meeting closed at 8.30 pm.