ATTENDANCE:
Cllr H Allsopp
Cllr K Grimes
Cllr A Hart
Cllr A Iley
Cllr J Rowell
Cllr P S Vaughan
Cllr L Watson (Vice Chairman, meeting chairman)
IN ATTENDANCE:
Ms A Brindley Parish Clerk/Responsible Finance Officer, Mr D L Nicholson Deputy Parish Clerk and PCSO Rob Thompson Northumbria Police.
CD&E 040/21.1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
Apologies were received from: Cllr J Foster (NCC commitment) and Cllr G Huntley (prior commitment). The meeting accepted these as proper reasons for absence.
CD&E 041/21.2. MEMBERS’ DECLARATION OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY AND OTHER REGISTERABLE INTEREST(S).
No declarations were presented.
CD&E 042/21.3. PUBLIC QUESTIONS.
The Parish Clerk advised that no questions had been submitted.
CD&E 043/21.4. TO RECEIVE AND AGREE AS A TRUE RECORD THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 7 JULY 2021.
It was noted that the designation of Sgt Paul Davis was incorrectly recorded on minutes previously circulated. With this correction the minutes were accepted as a true record and the Chairman was authorised to sign as such.
CD&E 044/21.5. MATTERS ARISING.
On minute CD&E 037/21 the Parish Clerk reported that a draft policy on memorial seating was being considered by the policy working group.
CD&E 045/21.6. REPORT FROM NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE.
PCSO Rob Thompson reported on motor vehicle disorder and a force policing plan in respect of motorbikes. A marked reduction in the number of incidents has resulted from the plan being deployed throughout Bedlingtonshire. Reported problems on fields to the rear of East Gate have been reduced following police intervention. Over 18 months approximately 700 vehicles (cars and motorbikes) have been seized in the force area.
Police are attending a site visit with County Councillor Murphy and residents at East Farm Estate regarding recent motorbike disorders there, which also will be attended by the Parish Council.
Cllr H Allsopp expressed concern on the volume and speed of traffic through West Sleekburn. PCSO Thompson advised members that he would deploy a handheld device to measure speed and assess the problem.
The meeting expressed its appreciation for the work undertaken by local PCSOs, complimenting their skills and dedication.
CD&E 046/21.7. UPDATE FROM THE PARISH CLERK ON CURRENT ISSUES.
- Public Seating. The Parish Clerk reported that planning was underway to improve public seating. Following staff changes within the local service team, an assessment is being undertaken to ascertain inhouse capacity and which work will need to be contracted out. Quotations are being obtained for the installation of 3 memorial seats at St Paul’s Churchyard, and this will inform the appointment of a preferred supplier for future work.
- Trees and Green Areas. The Parish Clerk has received requests from 2 Riverbank East residents who would like to see trees planted on the inner grassed area. Informal consultation suggests a planting scheme be prepared for wider consultation. Required expenditure will be met from miscellaneous expenditure budget provision.
- Youth Activities. Prior to lockdown Mr A Allman delivered youth clubs for under-10s at Holy Family Church. Mr Allman has indicated that his circumstances have changed, and he is unable to continue this commitment. Mr Allman is working with the Parish Clerk to identify a qualified replacement, and it is anticipated that a youth club will be initiated after half-term.
The Parish Clerk reported a programme of holiday activities had been successfully delivered, which included activities at the Welfare, West Sleekburn, and support for a programme delivered by Choppington Together. PFC delivered an enhanced football programme in various locations.
- Play Areas. It was reported that work will shortly be completed on the replacement play area at East Green. A commencement date for the planned upgrade of Liddells Field play area will shortly be agreed. A required tenancy agreement between Northumberland County Council and the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation has not been finalized and this is delaying construction of a Multiuser Games Area adjacent to the play area. Pre-application planning advice is being sought from Northumberland County Council. A survey of adjacent households is proposed before formal planning permission is sought.
- Parish News. The Clerk requested members forward suggestions for inclusion in the next addition of Parish News.
RESOLVED:
- Members thanked the Parish Clerk for a comprehensive report, indicating support for the actions taken in respect of improvement to public seating, and for re-starting the Holy Family youth club.
- Members gave approval for proposed consultations at Riverbank East and Liddells Field.
CD&E 047/21.8. INAUGURAL MEETING OF 3 BEDLINGTONSHIRE COUNCILS.
The Chairman of Choppington Parish Council had invited the Chairman and Vice Chairman of East Bedlington Parish Council and West Bedlington Town Council to meet together with Clerks and Deputy Clerks to discuss issues of common interest. The meeting was hosted by East Bedlington Parish Council. Notes of the meeting were included with the committee agenda and are attached to file minutes.
RESOLVED:
Members expressed their support for the aims of the meeting and agreed that Choppington Parish Council invite the group to a further meeting to identify any areas of common interest.
Agenda, Part 2.
Members resolved that in consideration of standing order 3a and because of their special and confidential nature, the following items require discussion in the absence of press and public.
CD&E 048/21.1. CONSIDERATION OF REQUESTS FOR GRANTS.
Requests for grants have been received from the Veterans Snooker League and the Toddlers Group.
RESOLVED:
- A grant of £200 was made to the Veterans Snooker League.
- A grant of £300 was made to the Toddlers Group. Members further agreed that this sum be mainstreamed (included in the CPC budget for 2022/23 and subsequent years).
There being no further matters requiring consideration the meeting concluded at 11:50.
Chairman………………………………………………………..Dated……………