Whalton Parish Council
Minutes of Meeting Held on Tuesday 18th May 2004 .
1 Present ; Councillors Scott (Chairman) Grix, Norton, Richardson, District Councillor Jeans Mr D Feeney (Clerk) and 2 members of the public.
2 Apologies for absence: Councillors Dodd, Waterworth
3 Declarations of Interest : none at this stage
4 Minutes of Previous Meetings
The Minutes of the Meetings held on 18th May and 8th June 2004 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman
5 Matters Arising
The Clerk reported on the findings of the Internal Auditor and Members resolved to:-
> formally adopt the arrangements previously outlined for the operation of the Taxi Voucher Scheme
> make the appropriate transfer of funds from the No. 2 Account to the General account.
Councillor Richardson:-
> asked if a date had yet been set for a meeting with Mr. Edmundson of Castle Morpeth Borough Council and was advised that the matter was still outstanding.
> noted that the Dog Fouling signs had deteriorated and Members agreed to wait and see if fouling became an issue again before replacing the signs.
> stated that the Library questionnaire had been submitted
> commented on the siting of 30 MPH signs and the need for “Repeaters”
> highlighted the article in “Gateway” magazine about the Rural West Partnership
> noted that the distribution of the “Gateway” magazine was not proving effective and that Castle Morpeth Borough Council be asked consider alternative arrangements.
Mrs Richardson declared an interest and withdrew from the Meeting
The Chairman commented on lack of representation at a meeting of the Castle Morpeth Borough Council Planning Committee concerning 16 Manor Close. The Clerk explained the reason for non attendance.
Mrs Richardson returned to the Meeting
Councillor Jeans informed the Meeting that he is seeking dedicated Officer support for the Rural West Partnership on the same basis as the other Partnerships within Castle Morpeth Borough Council.
6 Grass Cutting , Ogle Village.
Members resolved that:-
> a “Thank You” letter be sent to Mr and Mrs Roberts for the work carried out on a voluntary basis over many years
> Castle Morpeth Borough Council be asked to undertake the work in future as it is their responsibility
Signed..................................
Date.....................................
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7 Planning
> Land Adjacent to Rosley. Members were sympathetic to restoration but are opposed to sporadic development in open countryside
> Poplar Trees, The Rectory. The decision of Castle Morpeth Borough Council was noted.
> Lodge Cottage, Ogle Castle. Members agreed in principle to the proposal but were concerned about the footprint and height of the scheme
> Tranwell, 4 dwellings. Members decided to offer no comment
> Frequency of Meetings. In view of the extra meetings necessitated by the number of Planning Applications members resolved that the Clerk be paid an additional sum of £30 per meeting (£25 as salary and £5 as travelling expenses)
8 Taxi Voucher Scheme . There were no matters requiring consideration.
9 Northumberland County Council .
Members considered the Local Transport Plan, Integrated Transport Priorities request and resolved to submit the following requests:-
> Ponteland By Pass
> Improvements to the Whalton/Meldon and Whalton/Bolam roads. In addition Members sought information from the County Council as to why traffic was encouraged to use a route from Whalton to Bolam via Meldon rather than using a route from Whalton via Belsay
> General repairs to the road through Whalton from Morpeth to Belsay
10 Finance
The following payments were approved:-
> Northumberland Association of Local Councils, subscription £56.63
> D Feeney, salary and expenses for three months ended 30th June 2004 £290.75
> Whalton Village Hall, £3,000.00
11 Information Items
The following were available to Members:-
> Castle Morpeth Borough Council
> Best Value Local Performance Plan 2004/5
> Notice of venue for Council/ Committee Meetings
> “Gateway Magazine”, June 2004
> Northumberland County Council, Area Committee, 19th May and 8th June 2004
> Northumberland Community News, Vol. 24 No. 3
> Northern Rock Foundation, “Rock Report”, No. 9, Summer 2004
12 Any Other Business
There was none.
18 Date and Time of Next Meeting
Tuesday 21st September 2004, Whalton Village Hall at 7.30pm
Chairman.............................................
Date.....................................................
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