Whalton Parish Council
Minutes of Meeting Held on Tuesday 21st September 2004 .
1 Present ; Councillors Scott (Chairman), Dodd, Richardson,Waterworth Mr D Feeney (Clerk) .
2 Apologies for absence: Councillors Grix, Norton ,District Councillor Jeans
3 Opportunities for the Public to raise matters.
There were no items
4 Declarations of Interest : none at this stage
5 Minutes of Previous Meetings
The Minutes of the Meetings held on 20th July, 10th and 31st August 2004 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman subject to the addition of the correct date in respect of the July Meeting
6 Matters Arising
Members discussed the implications of publishing the Minutes of Meetings on a Web Site. After a lengthy consideration of the issues Members decided that a copy of the agreed Minutes would be placed in the Village Hall and that a notice about this would be placed on the Notice Board.
Castle Morpeth Borough council Planning department is to be asked to send a copy of all planning decisions to the Parish Council.
Councillor Dodd left the Meeting.
7 Northumbria in Bloom
> Councillor Richardson advised Members that in the recent competition the Village had gained an “Award of Merit” and that the comments from the Judges were highly favourable
> members noted that there were a number of weeds where spraying before Winter would be useful but that Northumberland County Council only spray once a year so regrettably the matter will have to be addressed from local resources.
> the possibility of employing a “Village Warden” is to be considered a future Meeting
> The Clerk reported that Castle Morpeth Borough Council had recently found a small trophy (in respect of a “Tidy Garden Competition”) belonging to Whalton Parish Council and that it was now available. Members agreed that the item be returned to the Parish.
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8 Planning
> Castle Farm, front sun lounge. Members had no objections to the proposal
> Shilvington Cottage. Members agreed to submit the following comments:-
> there is a significant increase in the “footprint” of the development
> the material proposed for the link is not appropriate
> it appears that the majority of the space in the proposed walkway is actually for occupation
> East House. Members had no objections to the proposal but agreed that the matter should be drawn to the attention of the Conservation Officer
9 Taxi Voucher Scheme .
A cheque for £210.00 was approved in respect of payment to J Turnbull.
10 Northumberland County Council .
A Northumberland County Council.
> Local Transport Strategies. Members considered the three documents and highlighted the need for flexible arrangements in an area with a small population
> Integrated Transport Programme. Members agreed to support proposals for a By Pass in respect of Ponteland and that all outstanding requests for improvements within the Parish be repeated. Members noted that the results of a County Council survey about the state of the roads are still awaited.
> Northumberland Flag. Members agreed to request a flag at nil cost
B Northumberland Association of Local Councils
> Annual general Meeting, 16th October 2004, noted
> Local Strategic Partnership. Councillor Scott was nominated by Councillor Waterworth and seconded by councillor Richardson for position of Parish Council representative on the Partnership.
11 Finance
A Completion of External audit for year ended 31st March 2004. Members examined the certificate from HLB AV Audit plc attached to the Annual Return and noted the comments about the Taxi Voucher Scheme. The matters referred to had already been addressed (see Minutes of 20th July 2004). Members agreed that as a matter of practicality payments in respect of Taxi Vouchers would be if necessary be authorised in arrears.
B The following payments were approved:-
> HLB AV Audit plc £141.00
> D Feeney, salary and expenses for three months ended 30th September 2004 £408.23
C The balance on the 30 Day Notice Account was £4,043.43
12 Information Items
The following were available to Members:-
> Northumberland County Council, Area Committee,
> 14th July and 8th September 2004
> Local Transport Plan, Annual Progress Report 2003-4
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> Northumberland Community News, Vol. 24 No. 4
> Office of Deputy Prime Minister,
> Draft Code of Conduct for Local Government Employees
> Review of Restrictions of Political Activities of Employees
> Countryside Agency, Rural Strategy
13 Any Other Business
There was none.
18 Date and Time of Next Meeting
Tuesday 16th November 2004 at 7.30pm (Venue to be decided in light of possible work to Village Hall)
NB Date amended to Tuesday 23rd November at 7.30pm due to need to obtain Code of Conduct exemptions in respect of possible financial support to Village Hall
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