MINUTES OF A MEETING OF CHOPPINGTON PARISH COUNCIL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE HELD ON 2 JULY 2019
Members present:
Cllr H Allsopp
Cllr E A Barrell
Cllr K Grimes
Cllr G Huntley
Cllr A Iley (part attendance)
Cllr J Rowell
Cllr P S Vaughan
Cllr L Watson
In attendance:
Mr D L Nicholson, Parish Clerk, Ms A Brindley, Deputy Parish Clerk and Mr D Thoburn
CD&E 001/19 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received from Cllr J Foster (family obligation). The meeting accepted that this was a valid reason for absence.
CD&E 002/19 2. MEMBERS’ DECLARATION OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY AND OTHER REGISTERABLE INTEREST(S)
No declarations were made.
CD&E 003/19 3. TO APPOINT A CHAIRMAN TO SERVE FOR 2019/20
Cllr G Huntley being the sole nominee was appointed to serve as Chairman for the council year 2019/20.
CD&E 004/19 4. TO APPOINT A VICE CHAIRMAN TO SERVE FOR 2019/20
Cllr L Watson being the sole nominee was appointed to serve as Vice Chairman for the council year 2019/20.
CD&E 005/19 5. PUBLIC QUESTIONS.
The Parish Clerk reported that one question has been raised by a local resident who is concerned at the lack of accessible play facilities for children living in Stakeford Crescent and the surrounding area. A petition was received by members.
RESOLVED: Members expressed their support for the aims of the petition and asked that the issue be considered as part of agenda item 8.
CD&E 006/19 6. TO NOTE THAT MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING HELD ON 13 FEBRUARY 2019, PREVIOUSLY REPORTED TO THE PARISH COUNCIL ON 10 APRIL 2019.
Members noted the minutes as received.
CD&E 007/19 7. SPORT IN THE COMMUNITY
The meeting received a report from Mr D Thoburn whose company Professional Football Coaching (PFC) provides sports in schools and community for the Parish Council.
The programme that has been developed for the Parish Council provides sports opportunities for people of all ages living in the parish. This is delivered through sports facilities at the Welfare, Guide Post playing fields, our local schools and by deployment of the Parish Council’s mobile sports court.
Doug detailed the work being undertaken to develop girls football, walking football and inclusive coaching for those who have additional needs including complex and multiple learning disabilities and difficulties, speech, language and communication needs, physical and sensory needs.
Members expressed their appreciation of the work that is being undertaken by Doug and his team to develop opportunities for our local community.
CD&E 008/19 8. PLAY AREA REPLACEMENT AND THE PROCUREMENT PROCESS.
The Parish Council has responsibility for 6 play areas within the Choppington Parish Council boundary:
Cambridge Road
Church Avenue
Eastgate
Liddell’s Field
Milburn Grange
Welbeck Road
Northumberland County Council is responsible for the play area located within Cleaswell Park.
Prior to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in 2009 play areas were maintained by Wansbeck District Council. On LGR responsibility rested with Northumberland County Council (NCC) and through an agreement (Local Charter) between NCC and Northumberland Association of Local Councils (NALC) it was suggested that local councils should take responsibility for maintenance and provision of all play areas. In 2012 Choppington Parish Council accepted responsibility for those play areas listed above.
The Parish Council meets its legal responsibilities in respect of safety through a combination of measures, which include regular inspection of play equipment and surfaces.
Members noted that the location of play areas does not give children equitable access, with children in central Stakeford being particularly disadvantaged.
The Parish Council appointed a preferred supplier for play facilities in 2012 in advance of commissioning the renewal/refurbishment of facilities at Milburn Grange and Welbeck Road. The preferred supplier has been contracted to supply a new facility at Church Avenue.
The Parish Council has previously recognised the need to upgrade remaining facilities and has earmarked funds for the replacement of those play areas located at Cambridge Road, Eastgate and Liddell’s Field during this financial year. It is anticipated that local County Councillors will access contributing funds from Northumberland County Council.
The Parish Clerk asked members to consider whether a full procurement exercise be undertaken with quotations being requested from a range of suppliers including its preferred supplier for the renewal of facilities at Cambridge Road, Eastgate and Liddell’s Field..
RESOLVED:
- Members authorised the expenditure of no more than £150,000 from earmarked funds for the removal of existing facilities at Cambridge Road, Eastgate and Liddell’s Field and for their replacement.
- Members considered a full procurement exercise be undertaken in relation to Eastgate and Liddell’s Field, as suggested in this report.
- It was agreed that a working group be established with delegated responsibility for all decisions relating to the procurement exercise and for the award of contract(s) for the supply and installation of new play facilities.
- The Parish Clerk was asked to investigate opportunities to provide play facilities for children living in areas distant from existing facilities.
- Members asked that a letter be sent to the petitioners referred to in minute CD&E 05/19 to indicate the Parish Council’s intention to consult with residents on children’s play facilities.
CD&E 009/19 9. WEST SLEEKBURN VILLAGE HALL CONTRACT.
The Parish Clerk explained that the preparation of contracts for tenancies was normally conducted through delegated responsibility to the Parish Clerk as the Proper Officer. The tenancy agreement being prepared for the rental of the West Sleekburn Village Hall is unusual in character in that it is of 30 years duration for a peppercorn. Legal advice is being taken to protect the Parish Council’s interests and independent advice is being sought to support community trustees representing West Sleekburn Community Trust. The Parish Clerk asked if members were satisfied with these arrangements and if so to ask the Parish Council to consider governance in relation to this matter.
Agenda, Part 2 – No matters for consideration.
The meeting concluded at 19.55
Chairman……………………………………………………….. Date……………………..