Present:  Councillors: C. Hawman (Vice- Chair), S. Smith, D. Anderson, C. Hamilton, A. Wilson & K. Traill.
Clerk: C. Woodcock.  Members of the Public: None.

 

1. Apologies for absence: Cllr D.Mole.
2. Code of Conduct (Declaration of Interest): Cllr C Hawman in respect of The Gun at Ridsdale and North Tyne Youth. Cllr K Trail in respect of North Tyne Youth. Cllr S. Smith in respect of Bellingham Middle School Parents, Teachers and Community Association & the Corsenside Flood Resilience team.
3. Opportunities for members of the public to raise issues: None
4. Minutes of Parish Meeting held on Monday the 2nd of October 2023: Signed as a true and accurate record.
5. Matters arising from the minutes: i. Cllr Traill described the productivity of the NCC Highways department following on from her reporting the path issues at Brandy Bank. M. Rowe said the worst parts of the path from the bridge to EW Road had been patched. The path from EW Road to Brandy Bank B&B would be patched and the remainder swept. The large potholes on the A68 had been repaired with a harder tarmac and future investigations would be made into the drainage down the side of the A68. A digger had cleared drainage ditches on the Lonnen, down Shaw Lonnen and some drainage on Armstrong Street and BT had also been made aware of a hole on Armstrong Street. CPC have taken possession of guidance explaining what responsibility farmers have to maintain the highways by their land. ii. Cllr Hawman reported back having spoken to The Gun that they were happy to store a litter picker for collection by locals wishing to use it. The Clerk apologised that advertising of the litter pickers was yet to be done but that the matter was in hand.
6. Notification of any other business for discussion, at the Chairman’s discretion, under item 16 below: Cllr S Smith one point, Clerk two points.
7. County Councillor’s Report: None.
8. Ongoing Issues (formally Action Point List): 91. Cllr Hamilton has spoken with TWM who explained that further checks into the Ridsdale signs were concerning and the repair of one device could not be considered complete despite previous assertions. It was agreed that the working sign be placed to the south of Ridsdale as this is at highest risk of speeding due to the topography. Installation of the replacement West Woodburn signs is planned for the coming fortnight. On a related matter, request made to the Clerk to ask NCC to repaint the 40mph roundel in Ridsdale.
9. Play Area: Cllr Hawman has made informal enquiries about external funding and, although she received a positive response from Ray Wind Fund, suspects that more than one source will be needed as RWF like to see other contributions from elsewhere. Concerns over the site for the proposed Green Gym were raised as the ground is often waterlogged. CW to seek advice about drainage options.
10. Volunteers and Community Spending: A small amount was spent on replacement signs for the Parish and a Private sign for Brae Well. A poppy wreath was procured for the Remembrance Day service.
11. Wind Power Stations & BANTR:  A. Thomson reported that “B4RN gave a presentation on their progress so far. Barrasford is now live. A 28 week build is ongoing with phase 1 due to be completed by April 24. Other phases to hopefully follow on with investment through the community hoped to rise. The rest of the meeting was taken with admin, policy reviews and preparation for the community engagement event which was held at the Gun.”  
12. Parish Hall: A Christmas Party will take place in the hall on the morning of Tuesday 12^th December.  
13. Planning Matters: a) For decision – i. 23/03188/FULL – Cragg Quary – The parish council have no objections except a concern that the planning was applied for retrospectively. CPC agree with the restrictions suggested by highways about the future use of the Bothy and the necessity of protections to the Rights of Way ii. 23/03961/VARYCO – High Nick Quarry. – While CPC have no objections to this application we would like to point out the high levels of wear the quarry traffic cause on local, often small, roads. We would therefore request a condition of receiving the planning permission be that the Quarry contribute towards the maintenance of the route between the site and the A68, as 20 years further damage is significant.
    b) Decisions from NCC – None
14. Other correspondence: i. Northumberland Theatre Company explained that the play has been changed to Christmas Carol for rights reasons. A time of Tuesday 12th of December at 7pm was decided for the performance. All ticket prices are to remain the same. ii. Legal Services from Northumberland County Council explained a formality relating to the withdrawal of a request from many years ago which was not properly completed at the time. This matter is now resolved.  iii. NCC – Precept 2024-25, a meeting time has been set for several councillors to discuss the budget for next year. iv. Anne Pender gave the council the sad news that her husband Tony Pender, a integral part of the council and wider community for many years has passed away. The council are to pass on their sincere condolences and acknowledgement of his service to the parish.
15. Finances –   a) Invoices for payment – i. Unity Trust – Bank Fees - £18.00, ii. Chris Mowatt – Grass Cutting September - £171.60, iii. Royal British Legion – Poppy Wreath £19.99
    iv. The Sign Shed – signage - £28.50, v. Clerk Wages – October, 14 hours - £175 b) Bank Balance - £13, 952.19 c) Finance Review – a productive discussion was held generating ideas to streamline future parish payments. The aim is to prevent the clerk or a councillor from needing to outlay large sums of their own money while maintaining the ability to shop flexibly and get the best possible value for money. No immediate solution could be found given the necessary security protocols, CW to seek advice from the bank and elsewhere.
16. Matters for discussion at the chairman’s discretion: i. Cllr S Smith reported that the road to Bellingham flooded twice in recent weeks underlining the importance of appropriate signage. It was questioned why when flood warnings were issued the blocked drains and gullies (previously reported) were not attended to as a matter of urgency, such blockages did cause further flooding elsewhere in the Parish. The Parish Council acknowledged how stretched the resources of the West Northumberland highways team are and felt these concerns spoke to a higher problem in the reduction of funding and proactive measures, as such a complaint will be made to MP Guy Opperman and Glen Sanderson of NCC. CW to action. ii. The clerk reported a disturbing lack of progress getting two new bins in the parish, this matter has been escalated to C.Cllr John Riddle. iii. Cllr Hamilton reported that the defibrillator, or case, at Ridsdale is intermittently flashing red, CW to investigate.
17. Next Meeting: The next meeting will be held on Monday 4th December at 7.30 – The Bay Horse.
    
    Meeting ended 9.40 pm.

Please note this is a DRAFT COPY and as such, subject to change.
Christine Woodcock, Corsenside Parish Council Clerk,   
07737518867 corsensideparishclerk@hotmail.com

 

Action Point List (November):