Minutes of the Community Development and Environment Committee on 6 July 2022 (Draft)

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF CHOPPINGTON PARISH COUNCIL COMMUNITY

DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE HELD ON 6 JULY 2022.

 

Members present:

Cllr H Allsopp

Cllr K Grimes

Cllr G Huntley (Chairman)

Cllr A Iley

Cllr J Rowell

Cllr P S Vaughan

Cllr L Watson

In attendance:

Ms A Brindley Parish Clerk/Responsible Finance Officer, Mr D L Nicholson Deputy Parish Clerk, David Iley Admin/Finance Officer, Inspector Wayne Daniels, and Sgt Rob Morton, and one member of the public.

 

CD&E 001/22           1.         APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.

Apologies were received for Cllr J Foster (illness)

 

CD&E 002/22           2.         MEMBERS’ DECLARATION OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY AND OTHER REGISTERABLE INTEREST(S).

Cllr J Rowell and Cllr G Huntley declared a disclosable registerable interest in connection to a grant request.

 

CD&E 003/22           3.         TO APPOINT A CHAIRMAN TO SERVE FOR 2022/23.

 

There being only one nomination Cllr G Huntley was duly elected to serve as Chairman for the council year.

 

CD&E 004/22           4.         TO APPOINT A VICE-CHAIRMAN TO SERVE FOR 2022/23.

 

There being only one nomination Cllr L Watson was duly elected to serve as Vice-Chairman for the council year.

 

CD&E 005/22           5.         PUBLIC QUESTIONS.

                       

A member of the public asked why there were no designated cycleways within the parish, arguing that the area was not receiving investment from NCC made in every other area within south-east Northumberland, and highlighting the hazard posed to residents by cyclists using pavements.

 

The Parish Clerk explained that whilst the issue raised cannot be responded to directly, it would be referred to the Parish Council and a written answer would follow.

 

CD&E 006/22           6.         TO RECEIVE AND AGREE AS A TRUE RECORD THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 9 FEBRUARY 2022.

 

The minutes were received and accepted as a true record. The Chairman was authorised to sign as such.

 

CD&E 007/22           7.         TO CONSIDER ANY MATTERS ARISING.

 

Cllr K Grimes informed members that the NCC review into Storm Arwen has been placed in the public domain. The Chairman of the Council thanked the Parish Clerk and staff for the work being done to provide activities for young people throughout the year.

 

CD&E 008/22           8.         TO AGREE TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE COMMITTEE.

 

The terms of refence were accepted as presented.

 

CD&E 009/22           9.         REPORT FROM NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE.

 

Inspector Daniels introduced himself and Sgt Morton to the meeting, explaining their background within the police service and their responsibilities and individual knowledge of the area. It was explained that post-COVID there has been a 50% increase in demand resulting in investment in the control function and encouragement of on-line reporting. Technology to collate reports to give enhanced operational intelligence has been introduced.

 

Crime report:

  1. 3 hotspots were referenced.
  2. Domestic violence is causing concern and being monitored.
  • Anti-social behaviour although low when compared to other areas does cause distress to residents when it occurs.
  1. A serious incident where a dispute over a dog escalated and involving the use of a weapon was detailed.
  2. Problems caused by off-road bikes on the former middle school site is proving difficult to control. The Police are appealing for community intelligence.
  3. State of the art speed guns are now being deployed to combat speed offenders.
  • A discussion highlighted the need for a multi-agency initiative to provide activities and opportunities for the 12 to 17 year age group.

 

Members thanked Inspector Daniels and Sgt Morton for their attendance.

 

CD&E 010/22           10.       UPDATE FROM THE PARISH CLERK ON CURRENT

ISSUES.

 

  1. Public Seating. Members received details of phase 1 of the seat renewal programme. A memorial bench has been installed opposite the former Swan public house and a vintage seat outside Guide Post Club has been refurbished using storm Arwen fallen oak from Plessey Woods. During the coming weeks seats in Riverside Park will be repaired or renewed as required. Locations are being prepared for groups of bench seating in conjunction with the Choppington Disability Group.

 

Phase 2 is being prepared and will be reported to a future meeting.

  1. Trees and green areas. The Deputy Parish Clerk reported on measures being taken to improve grass cutting and the need to increase watering capacity. Members supported the recommendation for the purchase of a trailer mounted reserve water bowser.
  2. Youth activities during the summer school holidays. The Parish Clerk detailed multi-sport activities planned at the Welfare and Doorstep Green.
  3. Play areas. The annual RoSPA inspection has taken place which has identified the bolts holding our Covid signs onto the railings are a little too long requires shortening. Members supported the recommendation to employ a specialist contractor to shear off the excess.  The MUGA at Liddells field has been suspended and other options such as improved goal posts are being investigated
  4. Bus shelters. All shelters are now replaced with the exception of Guide Post Clinic which we are in discussions with about their external wall leaning onto the bus shelter. It had been necessary to remove a private fence to access one shelter and it was agreed that compensation of £100 be awarded to the householder.

 

CD&E 011/22           11.       PARISH NEWS.

The next edition of the parish news is being prepared and will include information of the Neighbourhood Plan and an update of work achieved to date.

 

 

CD&E 012/22           12.       PARISH ASSEMBLY.

At the Parish Assembly residents approved the recommendation for an annual Community Recognition Award scheme. Categories suggested at the Assembly were:

  1. Good Neighbour
  2. Young person
  3. Volunteer
  4. And sports achievement.

Members endorsed the recommendation and details asking for nominees will be publicised through social media and the Parish News.

 

Cllr Rowell left the meeting to attend work

 

CD&E 013/22           13.       REPORT FROM TRUSTEES.

Cllr Allsopp reported that West Sleekburn Trustees were planning a Summer Village fayre for 10th September.  They were aiming for an old fashioned fun afternoon.  Under consideration were dog, fancy dress, ugly vegetable and cake decoration competition and side shows such as tin can alley.  Trustees would be grateful for any help from Councillors on the day.

Cllr Huntley reported that the CDG was restarting, it had held a highly successful coffee morning last Friday, where the guest speaker had provided slow cookers to all attendees.  The CDG is   taking their first outing since Covid on Friday 8th July.

 

 

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.

 

 

CD&E 014/22           1.         Request for a grant of £500 from Bedlington and District Red Squirrel Group towards the monitoring, trapping and culling of grey squirrels.

 

Members declined to award a grant due

to it being outside the scope of the Parish Council.

 

 

 

Cllr G Huntley left the meeting

 

  1. Request for a contribution of £375.00 towards a

defibrillator.

 

Members agreed the contribution and extended the

offer to all local primary schools.

 

 

There being no further matters requiring consideration the meeting concluded at 12:15

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chairman………………………………………………………..Dated……………………