MINUTES OF A MEETING OF CHOPPINGTON PARISH COUNCIL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE HELD ON 10 SEPTEMBER 2025.
Members present:
Cllr H Allsopp
Cllr K Burn
Cllr D FitzGerald (arrived 6.30pm from NCC meeting)
Cllr G Huntley (Chairman)
Cllr M Jackson (arrived 6.10pm from NCC meeting)
Cllr J Rowell
In attendance:
Ms A Brindley Parish Clerk/Responsible Finance Officer, Mr D Iley Admin/Finance, and Mr R Delap Operations Manager .
CD&E 012/25 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
Apologies were received from Cllr A Cottrell and Cllr L Watson (leave) which were agreed as valid reasons by Members
CD&E 013/25 2. MEMBERS’ DECLARATION OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY AND OTHER REGISTERABLE INTEREST(S).
None were received
CD&E 014/25 3. PUBLIC QUESTIONS
- Request for a Bus Shelter. A resident contacted the Parish Council regarding the possibility of installing a bus shelter near Anchor Housing on Ashington Drive. The Parish Clerk explained that a survey had been conducted in the past, during which some residents raised concerns that a bus shelter might encourage anti-social behaviour. However, as this consultation took place some years ago, the resident agreed to speak with neighbours to gauge whether attitudes may have changed. Members agreed that, should there be support for the proposal, the Parish Council would need to consult with all residents residing in the vicinity of the proposed site to be brought back to committee for consideration.
- Unofficial flying of flags. The Parish Council had been contacted regarding its policy on the unofficial flying of flags on County Council property (e.g.lighting columns). Residents were being advised to report locations of such flags via Northumberland County Council (NCC) and the Fix My Street platform. The Parish Clerk observed that while callers to the Parish Council were not opposed to the flying of the Union Flag or St George’s Flag on appropriate occasions, they expressed concerns about the indiscriminate and unofficial display of flags at unsuitable public sites. Members were informed by County Councillors who had just returned from a County Council meeting that this was being addressed by NCC.
CD&E 015/25 4. TO RECEIVE AND AGREE AS A TRUE RECORD THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 25 JUNE 2025
The minutes were received and accepted as a true record. The Chairman was authorised to sign as such.
CD&E 016/25 5. TO CONSIDER ANY MATTERS ARISING.
There were no matters arising from the minutes not already on the agenda for discussion
CD&E 017/25 6. REPORT FROM THE NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE.
The Parish Clerk explained that this is a standing item on the agenda; however, attendance by the Neighbourhood Police has been limited due to a clash between the Council’s meeting schedule and police shift patterns. The Clerk suggested removing it from the agenda and arranging a separate meeting outside of the regular committee timetable, at a time more convenient for police representatives to attend.
CD&E 018/25 7. UPDATE FROM THE PARISH CLERK ON CURRENT ISSUES.
- Street Furniture. The Operations Manager has been obtaining quotes for the larger bins, as agreed at the meeting held on 25 June. The seating at Cleaswell Park is in need of refurbishment, and contractors are being sought to replace the slats. Additionally, two bench seats from Riverside Park have been vandalised and are currently held at the depot. However, it is unlikely they are in a salvageable condition.
- Trees and Green areas – The hedge cutting around the field at Guide Post is scheduled for mid September, after the procurement process undertaken last year, the work is being undertaken by Tyne Valley Woodlands. The work is included in the budget, and at a reduced price as we no longer cut the area on the perimeter of the Appleby Centre.
The Appleby Centre has received planning permission to erect a pallisade fence around the perimeter of their land along Woodhorn Drive and as part of this work their perimeter hedge has been severely cut back. This has prompted comments to the Parish Council regarding the condition of the hedging; however, it is clarified that this is not the responsibility of the Parish Council.
Weed Control: Members were advised that the Local Services Team would be spraying for the 3rd time areas that showed resistant weed growth.
RESOLVED: Approval for the hedging work at Guide Post field was given by Members
- Youth Activities: During the school summer holidays, the Parish Council provided free sport sessions, and the youth club ran on their usual Thursday evenings.
- Health and Safety. The Parish Council had been advised of an incident in a play area when the Fire Service had attended to remove a child from a toddler seat. The Parish Clerk has made a request for further information but has not yet received a response to the request either from the Fire Service or NCC. The toddler seat will need to be replaced.
- Welbeck Road/Morpeth Road Estate play area. The resurfacing work approved at the meeting of the 25 June has been requested to start mid September after the return to school. However the Parish Clerk reported that we do not have the exact start date from contractors Straughans. The Parish Clerk reported that grass matting had been vandalised at Cambridge Road play area and that due to the tripping hazard this posed the play area had been closed. The Parish Clerk was seeking quotes for repair from Kompan and W L Straughan.
- Members were advised that playzone construction began the previous day, the 9th of September. County Councillors advised that the Leader of the County Council, Glen Sanderson had announced at the County Council prior to the CD&E meeting, that he was intending a visit to Cleaswell Park and the site of the PlayZone. The Clerk agreed to follow up with his office
- Neighbourhood Plan. The Parish Clerk recommended scheduling a meeting of the steering group. Councillors Jackson and FitzGerald, had indicated previously their wish to be included, and it was agreed that County Councillor Spriddell should also be invited to be a member of the steering group.
RESOLVED: Councillors agreed the next steering group for Monday 22nd September 2025 at 1.30pm
9.Liddell’s Field Barrier. There is a longstanding intention to install a barrier at the entrance to Liddells Field to restrict vehicular access from the A196. Discussions have taken place with Local Services and Highways regarding suitable options, with consideration given to ensuring continued access for maintenance vehicles as well as safe passage for wheelchair users and pushchairs.
The recommended solution is a combination of an A-frame barrier and a lockable gate. Although a solution, Members expressed concerns that the proposed gated entry could impede emergency vehicle access, particularly for fire services responding to incidents at the front of the terraces.
RESOLVED: OM to follow up quotations for the scheme however investigate further how emergency access could be facilitated.
10.Morpeth Road Estate steps to riverside. The Parish Clerk reported that the Operations Manager was holding discussions with NCC regarding work required by NCC to make some necessary repairs.
Agenda, Part 2.
Members resolved that in consideration of standing order 3 and because of their special and confidential nature, the following items require discussion in the absence of press and public.
CD&E 019 Award of Grants. The Parish Clerk advised that the annual allocation to Vets league Snooker was being paid, however this year Choppington Snooker team was not playing and therefore would not require an allocation.
Grant for Allotment Association at Choppington. The Council was advised by Public Protection that a fire incident had occurred at the Choppington Allotment site. A Public Protection Officer attended the scene and observed that a tenant had been burning unsuitable wood while attempting to clear a newly acquired plot. The officer issued a formal letter advising the tenant to cease such activity.
However, the officer expressed concern that the tenant still faces significant challenges in disposing of remaining materials, including asbestos, large quantities of wood, and other waste. Although the allotments are in the process of being transferred to the Parish Council, they are currently under the management of Northumberland County Council (NCC) and the officer is also in discussion with a relevant NCC officer about the situation.
To address the issue, she recommended that a plan be developed for the safe removal of the waste, potentially involving Council support or assistance to the Allotment Association. In seeking a solution, the Parish Clerk proposed offering a grant to the Association to fund a skip for waste removal.
RESOLVED: That the Parish Clerk approach the Allotment Association with the offer of a grant of £500 with the caveat that it must be used to clear the problem plot.
There being no further matters requiring consideration the meeting concluded at 19.50
Chairman………………………………………………………..Dated……………………
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF CHOPPINGTON PARISH COUNCIL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE HELD ON 25 JUNE 2025.
Members present:
Cllr H Allsopp
Cllr K Burn
Cllr D FitzGerald
Cllr G Huntley (Chairman)
Cllr M Jackson
Cllr J Rowell
Cllr L Watson
In attendance:
Ms A Brindley Parish Clerk/Responsible Finance Officer, Mr D L Nicholson DPC, Mr D Iley Admin/Finance, and Mr R Delap Operations Manager .
CD&E 001/25 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
Full attendance
CD&E 002/25 2. MEMBERS’ DECLARATION OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY AND OTHER REGISTERABLE INTEREST(S).
None were received
CD&E 003/25 3. TO APPOINT A CHAIRMAN TO SERVE FOR 2025/26.
There being only one nomination Cllr G Huntley was duly elected to serve as Chairman for the council year.
CD&E 004/25 4. TO APPOINT A VICE-CHAIRMAN TO SERVE FOR 2025/26.
There being only one nomination Cllr L Watson was duly elected to serve as Vice-Chairman for the council year.
CD&E 005/25 PUBLIC QUESTIONS.
The Parish Clerk confirmed the Council had not received any public questions
CD&E 006/24 6. TO RECEIVE AND AGREE AS A TRUE RECORD THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 19 FEBRUARY 2025
The minutes were received and accepted as a true record. The Chairman was authorised to sign as such.
CD&E 007/25 7. TO CONSIDER ANY MATTERS ARISING.
CD&E 035/24.6 The Parish Clerk referenced the letter sent from the Parish Council to the Northumberland County Council’s Director of Housing and Planning Mr. R Murfin to advise of the problems residents experienced during the build at Stakeford Crescent and consequent actions that needed to be built into future projects to protect residents from such disruption. Evidence so far is that the construction company Bowmer and Kirkland undertaking the work at Ringway School is working in a considerate and exemplary way. There is no escape from the noise and dust, however the site entrance had been tarmacked before work started allowing delivery lorries to stand on site and not on the access roads and making it easier to clean lorries down before exiting along residential streets. Notices giving contact details are clearly shown and residents are being regularly informed of progress by a newsletter delivered to their homes. Councillors with direct experience of the build agreed that it was a relief that so far, the inconvenience of the build had been assuaged by the consideration of the construction company.
CD&E 036/24. Construction of the PlayZone will start on 8th of September conveniently after school holidays.
CD&E 008/25 8. TO AGREE TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE COMMITTEE.
The terms of refence were accepted as presented.
CD&E 009/25 9. UPDATE FROM THE PARISH CLERK ON CURRENT ISSUES.
- Youth activities during the summer school holidays. In addition to the mobile court with PFC running throughout the holidays ,ABS will provide 2 weekly afternoon sessions of 2 hours sports related activities over 4 weeks. This will be open to children between the ages of 7-12years and will be free to attend.
- Play Areas – Welbeck Road. Members resolved that in consideration of standing order 3 and because of the confidential nature, this item required discussion in the absence of press and public
- Litter bins Project – As part of his induction, Operations Manager Rob Delap undertook a project to survey all litter bins in the area. The survey included documenting their location, size, condition, and suitability for purpose. This task served as an effective way to become familiar with the locality and was carried out with the support of a Local Team member responsible for emptying the bins, who also provided valuable insights into issues at specific sites. One notable finding was that the litter bin located in front of the Co-op requires emptying seven days a week due to high usage. It was suggested that a larger bin model, potentially one that houses a wheelie bin, could better accommodate the volume of waste over weekends. To assist with planning and ongoing maintenance, the Operations Manager developed an interactive map using What3Words to precisely plot the 100 bin locations. This system can also be expanded to include the locations of other street furniture.
RESOVLED: Members thanked the OM for the work that had been undertaken and approved the purchase of a larger size bin, the repair of a metal bin at the East Gate play area and the replacement of suitable sized bins in the locations identified as requiring change or where currently missing.=
4. Friends of Choppington Woods. Members were informed that a new group of the Friends of Choppington Woods, is being established. Through the Neighbourhood Plan engagement process, the Parish Council recognises that Choppington Woods is a highly valued community asset. In support of this initiative, the Council has provided meeting space for the group’s early activities. The inaugural public meeting took place on 16th June, with three officers from the County Council’s Parks and Open Spaces team in attendance, at the invitation of the Parish Council, to discuss planned improvements to the Woods. County Councillors David Fitzgerald and Martin Jackson were also present and contributed to the discussions. The Friends group will be meeting on 7 July at 6pm to agree its constitution and elect officers. New members are very welcome to join.
RESOLVED: Members welcomed the formation of the group and agreed that The Parish Council would provide the financial support for accommodation at Stakeford and Bomarsund Welfare until the group is established.
5. Neighbourhood Plan. Members were disappointed to learn that the Central Government grant of up to £10,000—previously available to assist Local Councils with technical and administrative costs associated with the Neighbourhood Plan—has not been renewed. The Parish Council had included a grant income of £6,000 in this year’s budget to support these costs. Despite the withdrawal of funding, Members agreed that it remained essential to continue developing the Neighbourhood Plan. The Plan offers a degree of protection for local green spaces from development and allows the Community to have a say in where future housing may be located. Under the current National Planning Policy Framework, the County Council’s mandatory annual housing target has increased significantly—from 549 to 1,649 units per year. This sharp rise underscores the importance of having a robust Neighbourhood Plan in place to influence local planning outcomes and preserve valued green areas.
RESOLVED: To proceed with the Neighbourhood Plan, with continued support from the Planning Consultant.
6. Parish News. The Parish Clerk received suggestions from members for items for the Parish News which is being collated over the next month.
CD&E 010/25 10. Community Sports and Youth Services Strategy
Members considered a report outlining the background and current position of sports and youth provision within the Parish, which has evolved since the original strategy was introduced in 2017. While the strategy has been reviewed annually as part of the budgeting process, it has remained largely consistent demonstrating its robustness. Notably, partnerships with Stakeford Welfare continued to be strong and productive.
New opportunities are now emerging, particularly with the introduction of the PlayZone. This brings into focus the need to engage target groups identified by the Football Foundation, encouraging wider participation in sports.
The developing strategy will involve engagement with current providers, a review of other relevant service providers, and input from County-level contacts.
RESOLVED: Members approved the development of a revised Community Sports and Youth Services Strategy, with an update to be brought to the November meeting.
Agenda, Part 2.
Members resolved that in consideration of standing order 3 and because of their special and confidential nature, the following items require discussion in the absence of press and public.
CD&E 11/25 Consideration of agenda item 9.ii Play areas.
In previous Health and Safety reports to the Parish Council we had identified issues with the condition of the grass matting in certain play areas, noting that in some locations the mats were lifting or had become exposed.
Grass mats are rubber safety surfaces with open holes designed to allow grass to grow through. They are commonly used in play areas to prevent erosion and to provide a cushioned surface, offering the appearance of natural grass combined with a safer play environment. However, in high-traffic areas—particularly beneath swings and roundabouts—the grass can wear away, leaving the mats exposed. When this occurs, the mats are more susceptible to damage and pose a potential safety hazard.
While it was previously suggested that soil and grass seed could be applied to encourage regrowth, a recent inspection at Welbeck Road play area has confirmed that in some areas, this would not be sufficient. The inspection found that certain sections of the matting are too damaged and would require removal and replacement over newly laid turf. In anticipation of this meeting 3 quotations have been prepared. Two of the quotations are from play providers and another a respected landscaping contractor. All contractors were considered to be reputable, met public sector standards of health and safety and quality of work.
RESOLVED: after consideration of blind copies Members accepted the quotation from WL Straughan.
There being no further matters requiring consideration the meeting concluded at 19.35
Chairman………………………………………………………..Dated……………………