MINUTES OF A MEETING OF CHOPPINGTON PARISH COUNCIL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2025 at 6:00PM
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Cllr H Allsopp
Cllr K Burn
Cllr G Huntley (Chairman)
Cllr M Jackson
Cllr A Cottrell
Cllr L Watson
IN ATTENDANCE:
Mr D Iley Admin/Finance, and Mr R Delap Operations Manager .
CD&E 020/25 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
Apologies were received Cllr D Fitzgerald (prior NCC meeting) Cllr J Rowell (family commitments) these were approved by the meeting, Parish Clerk Angela Brindley (unwell).
CD&E 021/25 2. MEMBERS’ DECLARATION OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY AND OTHER REGISTERABLE INTEREST(S).
None were received
CD&E 022/25 3. PUBLIC QUESTIONS
No questions from the public were received.
CD&E 023/25 4. TO RECEIVE AND AGREE AS A TRUE RECORD THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 10 SEPTEMBER 2025
The minutes were received and accepted as a true record. The Chairman was authorised to sign as such.
CD&E 024/25 5. TO CONSIDER ANY MATTERS ARISING.
There were no matters arising from the minutes not already on the agenda for discussion
CD&E 025/25 6. PARISH CLERK REPORT (TAKEN BY OPERATIONS MANAGER IN THE ABSENCE OF PARISH CLERK)
The Operations Manager updated members regarding street furniture:
i. New bins have now been installed in Cleaswell Hill Park.
ii. Plans for larger bins outside local shops are facing challenges due to supplier costs, but alternative quotes are being sought to ensure best value. Additionally, several post‑mounted bins have been removed or replaced following faults and issues linked to anti‑social behaviour.
iii Playzone is progressing with construction works completed, power connections and surface markings are still to be undertaken. It envisaged that handover from the contractor will take place soon. The Parish will be exploring funding opportunities in partnership with Northumberland County Council.
iv Festive Lights – The lights have required a few repairs; they are due to be switched on Friday 28th November.
v. Liddells Field Access. A design proposal was circulated to the meeting. The proposal seeks to restrict access to unauthorised vehicles while maintaining pedestrian access. Subject to approval by emergency services and Northumberland County Council, quotes for installation will be obtained, followed by consultation with residents.
RESOLVED: Members approved support for the approach.
CD&E 026/25 7. SPORTS REVIEW
The Operations Manager presented the Sport Review Report, emphasising the importance of building on past successes while exploring new opportunities.
RESOLVED: Members welcomed the proposals outlined and approved the report and actions included for the budget 2026-27.
CD&E 027/25 8. YOUTH REVIEW
The Operations Manager presented the Youth Report, outlining the Parish Councils strategic objective to develop youth activities. A key element of the new proposals is to develop a Youth Programme with young people by deploying a detached youth team, initially operating around Cleaswell Park.
It was also hoped that with time, we will establish a Youth Panel, ensuring young people have a voice in local decision making.
RESOLVED: Members welcomed the proposals and approved the report and all actions to be included in the budget 2026-27
CD&E 028/25 9. SAFEGUARDING POLICY. Members received the safeguarding policy which had been circulated previously
RESOLVED: Members approved the policy and requested safeguarding training
CD&E 029/25 10. IT POLICY. Members received the IT policy acknowledging it was comprehensive.
RESOLVED: Members approved the policy.
CD&E 030/25 11. COMMUNITY GOVERNANCE REVIEW. Members
accepted that this was only an initial pre consultation submission and that the full consultation will take place between February – September 2026. The Review process is due to be concluded by November 2026.
RESOLVED: Members agreed to the submission of the status quo
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.
Consideration of any matters referred from part 1 of the agenda.
None
There being no further matters requiring consideration the meeting concluded at 21.20