Present: 

Councillors: C. Hamilton (Chair), C. Hawman (Vice- Chair), D. Mole, A. Wilson, D. Anderson & K. Traill.
Clerk: C. Woodcock.  Members of the Public: One.

 

1. Apologies for absence: Cllr S. Smith
2. Code of Conduct (Declaration of Interest): No changes.
3. Opportunities for members of the public to raise issues: None.
4. Minutes of Parish Meeting held on Monday the 5^th of February 2023: A spelling mistake was corrected in section 9 and the language clarified in section 12. Signed as a true and accurate record.
5. Matters arising from the minutes: i. A much-anticipated meeting with the Environment Agency and NCC re the flooding between West Woodburn and Bellingham was cancelled at short notice when the Tynedale Area Manager for Highways called to state they could not fund new signs from their budget. The clerk is to seek a categorical answer about whether NCC are responsible for and will fund new signs. ii. Due to his ongoing and long-lasting commitments to both the local parish and Mountain Rescue it was felt by all the other councillors that Cllr C Hamilton was a very worthy nominee and as such put his name forward for attendance at the King’s Garden Party.
6. Notification of any other business for discussion, at the Chairman’s discretion, under item 16 below: Cllr K Traill two points, Clerk one point, Cllr. C. Hamilton one point.
7. County Councillor’s Report: None.
8. Ongoing Issues: 91. No update has been received from TWM about either set of signs, clerk to chase. An email relating to this matter sent to C.Cllr J.Riddle appears to have been unread so will be resent from a different address. Clerk to ask NCC for new signs for Ridsdale making the 40mph zone abundantly clear.
9. Play Area: The gates and fence of the school field have been repaired. A quote has been received from Charlton Draingage to investigate the village green and see what would be needed to combat the flooding and be able to use the area. It was decided to ask for best- and worst-case repair costs before proceeding with the investigation in case these future costs were prohibitive. CW to action. Cllr K Traill and the clerk will visit the site and assess how much space would be needed for equipment.
10. Volunteers and Community Spending: i. Plans have been made to install the new defibrillator and cabinet at Ridsdale.  
11. Wind Power Stations & BANTR: The following report was read aloud to the council: “Corsenside Parish Hall Awarded funds which will enable them to complete their extensive refurbishment completing the external cladding of the building and sheep wool insulation to two walls. The community should have the use of such a facility if required. RTC Request was granted for funding towards a Centre and Development Manager position. The RTC has made a lot of progress since new trustees were elected last summer, increasing the footfall and participation dramatically. To ensure this continues and help to secure the future of the centre this salaried position is required. The RTC is providing funds to match the award. Neil Jones Property Development Funding was awarded towards the costs of equipment to lessen the cost incurred for hire and haulage which is passed to customers, to ensure the sustained employment of subcontractors and potentially create further employment. Village Hall Funding was awarded towards the cost of the repair of dry rot in the supper room. A local tradesperson has been approached and formal quote provided. This is a one-off expense for the repair. School and Pre-school report​​ We continue to support the six primary and first schools in the area but also to include the pre schools and nurseries in this funding. B4RN It was reported that there had been two public meetings at Barrasford and Gunnerton, inviting interested parties to talk to B4RN, B4NTR and find out about the public investment. If households invest £1,500 for three years, the £60 connection fee is waived and they will receive £225 at the end of 3 years from their investment. Route 2 will be started as the contractors are on the ground and would like to keep the project rolling. Agreement was made to continue supporting this initiative.”

The council felt that the inclusion of private businesses suggested a change had been made to the funding criteria and asked the clerk to seek clarification. CW to action.

12. Parish Hall: i. A member of the parish hall committee was in attendance and a productive discussion was held about ways to support the Hall. Members of the public are urged to attend the Parish Hall AGM in May and to make more regular use of the building.  
13. Landscape Tender: The contract for parish grass cutting is due for renewal. No changes were felt to be needed other than to add in the football field on a substantive basis. It was also felt to be important that it was reiterated that weed killer is not used in the play area and that the play equipment should not be damaged by strimming. An advertising budget of £150 was agreed. CW to action.
14. Planning Matters: Planning Matters  a) For decision – None b) Decisions from NCC – None
15. Other correspondence: i. Northumberland Theater Company have announced dates for their next plays, it was agreed to request a matinee performance of the Christmas play on Sunday 5^th of January at 3pm. CW to action. ii. An invite was received to the Town and Parish Conference from NCC.
16. Finances: a) Invoices for payment – i. Defibrillator & cabinet - £900 ii. Clerk Wages – £288.33. iii. Exiam Maintenance - gate repair -
    b) Bank Balance £ 11,906.62 c) It was agreed that a payment card be set up for the use of the clerk with a spending limit of £500 per transaction and per month. CW to action.
17. Matters for discussion at the chairman’s discretion: i. The clerk raised the issue of an emergency plan which it is best practice for Parishes to have. Some guidance has been shared but it was so broad it was felt examples of plans from similar parishes would be useful before deciding how to proceed. CW to action. ii. Cllr Hamilton was disappointed not to receive a response from MP Guy Opperman after his letter about telephonic communications during power outages. iii. Cllr Traill identified an area of stone wall alongside the A68 which having fallen into disrepair is impacting the footpath. CW to contact the owners. iv. Cllr Trail reported an increase in construction traffic travelling through the parish, believed to be visiting the Mart site at Bellingham. On numerous occasions these vehicles were found to be exceeding the speed limit. CW to report to developers at the Mart Site.
18. Next Meeting: The next meeting will be held on Monday 15th April at 7.00 – Corsenside Parish Hall.
    
    Meeting ended 9.15 pm.

 

Action Point List (March):