Minutes of Community Development and Environment Committee 10 November 2020

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF CHOPPINGTON PARISH COUNCIL COMMUNITY DELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE HELD ON 10 NOVEMBER 2020 BY ZOOM

 

 

Members present:

 

Cllr H Allsopp

Cllr J Foster (part only) Cllr K Grimes

Cllr G Huntley Cllr A Iley

Cllr J Rowell

Cllr P S Vaughan

Cllr L Watson (part only)

 

In attendance:

 

Ms A Brindley, Parish Clerk/Responsible Finance Officer and Mr D L Nicholson, Deputy Parish Clerk.

 

CD&E 011/20  1.     APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.

 

Cllr E A Barrell presented apologies for non- attendance (work commitment). The meeting accepted this as a proper reason

for absence. Cllr L Watson explained that an appointment would prevent her from participating in the latter stage of the meeting. The Parish Clerk advised that Cllr J Foster will join the meeting as soon as possible.

 

CD&E 012/20 2.

 

MEMBERS’ DECLARATION OF DISCLOSABLE

PECUNIARY AND OTHER REGISTERABLE INTEREST(S).

 

No declarations were presented.

 

CD&E 013/20  3.     PUBLIC QUESTIONS.

 

None received.

 

CD&E 014/20  4.     TO RECEIVE AND AGREE AS A TRUE RECORD THE

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 12 AUGUST 2020.

 

The minutes were received, accepted as a true record with authority given to the Chairman to sign as such.

 

CD&E 015/20  5.     MATTERS ARISING.

 

  1. Local Transport Plan (CD&E 007/20 7.3). The Chairman of the Parish Council Cllr P Vaughan expressed satisfaction on the inclusion of cycle link routes to the west and south in the Parish Council’s LTP submission and on the availability of government

 

Cllr J Foster joined the meeting

 

  1. Traffic Calming (CD&E 007//20 7.4). Cllr J Foster as county councillor for Stakeford updated members on progress being made by Northumberland County Council

 

to develop traffic calming measures along the length of the A1147 from Bomarsund

to the Lord Barrington corner. The scheme has been the subject of consultation with residents, which has helped shape safety improvements.

Whilst welcoming the scheme, members asked that NCC minimise disruption to residents during the construction period.

 

CD&E 016/20  6.     PARISH CLERK’S REPORT.

 

  1. Local Transport Plan (LTP). In addition to the item discussed under minute CD&E 015/20 5.1 the Parish Clerk confirmed

that the Parish Council’s LTP priorities have been submitted to NCC and that

these will be followed up through officer and political representation.

 

Cllr L Watson left the meeting at this point.

 

  1. Local Services The Deputy

Parish Clerk confirmed the memorandum of understanding has been concluded and is now awaiting signature by the

Parish Clerk and Parish Council Chairman. The memorandum is supported by a number of documents, one of which is a financial agreement, which is reviewed annually. The review for the current year has been concluded and expenditure is within budget. The review included consideration of which assets should be retained in the ownership of the Parish Council and

 

which should be leased or transferred to Northumberland County Council. Those retained will be shown on the Parish Council’s asset register.

 

Looking forward the Deputy Parish Clerk reported that during the winter period the litter bin replacement programme will be rolled out, and that audits undertaken of flower beds and displays, formal shrubbery and public seating, to inform local improvements during 2021/22.

 

The following work will be included in the programme for 2021/22:

 

  1. Development of a pilot for non- chemical methods of local weed control.
  2. Improved flower tower
  3. Play area improvements including ‘accessible’ play equipment and associated infra-structure to improve
  4. Advance tree and shrubbery planting in tubs for display during 2022 and
  5. Upgrade of amenity space at the junction of Wansbeck Avenue and Stakeford
  6. Phase 1 of Riverside Park improvement

 

The Parish Clerk advised members that discussions with Bedlington Academy have identified areas where students will

 

contribute to the work programme for 2021/22 and climate change initiatives.

 

  1. Community Information. The Parish Clerk invited members to contact her with suggestions for inclusion in the next

edition of the ‘Parish News’.

 

  1. Christmas Lights. The Parish Clerk reported that in response to suggestions that Choppington Parish Council provide festive lighting, Northumberland County Council was requested to investigate the capacity of existing infra-structure to support Christmas lights at strategic points. It is unlikely that displays can be installed this year, but proposals will be prepared for consideration as part of the budget process and by the Residents

Panel.

 

RESOLVED: Members thanked the Parish Clerk for the reports and voiced approval for suggested actions.

 

Agenda, Part 2

 

The Parish Clerk confirmed there were no matters requiring consideration.

 

There being no further business the meeting concluded at 11.50

 

Chairman………………………………………………………..

Dated……………………