MINUTES OF THE ALLOTMENT COMMITTEE OF CHOPPINGTON PARISH COUNCIL WEDNESDAY 12 JUNE 2019 IN THE PARISH COUNCIL OFFICES
Members present:
Cllr E A Barrell
Cllr J Foster, (Chairman)
Cllr A Iley
Cllr K Grimes
Clr P S Vaughan
In attendance:
Mr D Nicholson Parish Clerk, Mrs A Brindley Deputy Parish Clerk and 5 members of the public
A001/19 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
Apologies were received from Cllr J Rowell (prior commitment), Cllr H Allsopp, Cllr G Huntley, Cllr L Watson, (family commitments).
A002/19 2. MEMBERS’ DECLARATION OF DISCLOSABLE
PECUNIARY AND OTHER REGISTERABLE
INTEREST(S).
No declarations were made.
A003/19 3. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR FOR 2019/20.
Cllr J Foster being the sole nominee was appointed to serve as Chair for the council year 2019/20
A004/19 4. APOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIR FOR 2019/20.
Cllr K Grimes being the sole nominee was appointed to serve as Vice Chair for the council year 2019/20
A005/19 5. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING HELD ON 16 APRIL 2019.
Members agreed the minutes as a true record, authorising the Chairman to sign as such, and there placement in the public domain.
A006/19 6. MATTERS ARISING
The Parish Clerk confirmed there had been no further incidents reported to him concerning birds of prey.
A007/19 7. QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
A security matter was brought to the attention of the Committee from a member of the public. At times gates were left unlocked, with a practice of padlocking back onto the chain rather than through the bolt. Members suggested that a notice should be sent out to each tenant reminding of their shared responsibility for security. One member of the public suggested permanently closing one gate, but it was regarded by the Clerk that both entrances were necessary so that traffic most particularly the pigeon lorry did not have to travel along the track through the site.
The meeting was concerned that this lock has deliberately been interfered with on 2 occasions and that this required the expenditure of over £200. Tenants were advised that future damage to the lock will have to be passed on to allotment holders as an annual maintenance payment in addition to allotment rents.
A008/19 8. REPORT BY THE PARISH CLERK.
Transfers of allotments.
The Parish Clerk had been advised that Northumberland County Council legal department was experiencing difficulties in contacting our legal representatives. He was following this up with the Parish Council’s solicitors.
Lettings 2019/20.
It was reported that all fees except one have been collected and this has been chased up with the tenant. There are three vacancies in addition to the two at the north end which need to be cleared. All on the waiting list had been contacted by letter to confirm their interest on remaining, those who had not replied have been removed from the list. The Deputy Clerk is working through the list for new tenants.
Security
This item had been discussed during the public question session.
The meeting closed at the conclusion of this item, there being no further business to be transacted.
Chairman…………………………………………… Date……………………………..