|
COMMUNITY TRUST
PARISH COUNCIL
Agendas
& Minutes
Accounts
CHURCHES
LOCAL
GROUPS
|
Draft Minutes
MEETING OF CRASTER PARISH COUNCIL
Thursday 20th October 2016 - 7:15pm in the Craster Memorial Hall
Present
Chair: Cllr Owen
Parish Council members: Cllr
Pearson, Cllr Smith, Cllr Punton, Cllr Brooks, Cllr Sutherland
Clerk: Ruth Younger
2104. Declaration of interests
Cllr Punton and Cllr
Pearson declared an interest in the items related to the Craster
Community Trust.
2105. Apologies received
Cllr Gallon, Cllr Baird,
Cllr Craster and County Cllr Cairns.
2106. Minutes of the previous meetings
It was noted that there
was a typo under item 2089 – the minutes were amended by hand to
correct the repetition of ‘feel’.
The minutes were
unanimously accepted as an accurate record of the meeting.
Proposed: Cllr Brooks
Seconded: Cllr Smith
2107. Matters arising from the minutes not
covered elsewhere on the agenda
Cllr Brooks reported
that she had investigated the damage reported at the bus shelter
footpath. She found no problems but did notice that the surface of the
road where the buses turn is uneven and damaged. After some discussion,
it was agreed that Cllr Punton would take some photographs of the site.
Action: Cllr Punton to report to
the Highways Department at NCC and report back at the next meeting.
Cllr Smith and Cllr Owen
reported that the owners of 1, 2 and 3 Seaviews have taken action to
clear the public footpath they are responsible for.
Action: The Clerk to write to
number 4 again and ask them to take action urgently.
The Clerk reported that
a reply was received from NCC about road closure signs at Tower
archway: Yes signage was put up at the junctions at either end of the
closed off road. the signage indicated The Cottage Inn, Stables
Nursery and Tea Room, Craster Tower Holiday Cottages as open.
2108.
Parish Council vacancy
Nothing to report.
2109.
County Councillor's update.
Cllr Cairns emailed a
report to all Parish Councillors which was read at the meeting.
She asked for
clarification on which NCC proposal the Parish Council supported for
the Quarry Car Park. It was unanimously agreed that the Parish Council
support the option to enlarge the car park and increase the number of
spaces by the maximum amount. While they understand NCC may be
reluctant to invest at this level, they pointed out that this would be
made back over time from parking charges.
Cllr Owen read his email
to County Cllr Cairns regarding Professor Percy and the proposed layout
of the car parking spaces. After some discussion, Cllr Pearson
suggested that a representative from NCC should be asked to attend the
next Parish Council meeting to talk through the design.
Action: Clerk to contact NCC.
Cllr Owen reported that
he had received thanks from a local resident for the spraying that had
taken place at the grasscrete. It was suggested that the rest of the
work take place before 8am, with signs erected the day before to advise
that the parking area would not be available.
2110.
Planning Matters
a.
16/02736/VARYCO: Removal of condition 10 (study window obscurely glazed)
Comment submitted: Thank
you for alerting Craster Parish Council to the amendment to the
application 16/02736/VARYCO. After examining the new proposals, the
Parish Council would like to withdraw their objection to the original
application. They support this revised application because they are
satisfied that this revision protects the privacy of neighbouring
properties. Approval noted.
b.
16/02780/FUL: Upgrading of sewage works at Dunstan Hall.
Approval noted.
c.
16/03551/FUL: Proposed replacement of porch
Unanimous agreement to
submit a comment of ‘no objection’.
d.
16/03422/FELTPO: Tree felling and pruning to TPO trees
Unanimous agreement to
submit a comment of ‘no objection’.
2111.
Future of Parish Council after May 2017
Cllr Sutherland reported
that he would not be re-standing in May 2017. After some discussion, it
was agreed that the Clerk should find out the procedure for reducing to
Parish Council from 10 to 9 members. This item will be discussed again
at the next meeting.
Action: Clerk to investigate and
report back at the next meeting.
2112.
Christmas Tree
Cllr Pearson reported
that the CCT did not have sufficient funds to contribute to the tree
this year. It was unanimously agreed that the Parish Council should
cover the cost. There was a discussion about the ceremony to turn on
the lights and it was agreed that the children of the village would be
asked to do this, followed by carols around the tree for the whole
village on 17th December. Cllr Brooks will inform ‘The Net’.
Proposed: Cllr Smith
Seconded: Cllr Owen
Action: Cllr Punton to investigate
the cost of a 15ft traditional tree and report back at the next
meeting.
2113.
Local Transport Plan Priorities 2016 / 2017
Cllr Owen has contacted
NCC regarding the planned footpath down the Tower Bank and was told
that more information would be available nearer Christmas. He expressed
his frustration at this delay, when so much work had been undertaken by
Parish Councillors, such as negotiation with the land owners. It was
agreed that the Parish Council should ask County Cllr Cairns and the
Chair of the AONB to lobby NCC to ensure this work is completed over
the winter months.
Action: Clerk to contact AONB and
County Cllr Cairns
2114.
Minute archive
Cllr Pearson requested
that the CCT are given any information about the playpark lease. After
some discussion, it was agreed that Cllr Punton would take the
paperwork and take copies of anything that was useful to CCT. It would
be decided at the next meeting what should be done with the originals.
2115.
Closure of BT phone box in Dunstan
After some discussion,
it was unanimously agreed that the Parish Council would object to this
closure on safety grounds. The unreliable mobile signal in the area
means the phone box provides an essential lifeline to the community.
Proposed: Cllr Smith
Seconded: Cllr Punton
Action: Clerk to submit comment to
NCC.
2116.
EJBC
Cllr Owen reported that
the trial has come to an end and that it was agreed the cemetery would
be maintained as before. A tender process is currently underway for the
grass cutting contract. The minutes of the last meeting were circulated
by email.
2117.
Craster Community Trust
Cllr Punton reported
that he is now a keyholder for the Hall and will leave a key with
another Parish Councillor if he is unable to attend a meeting. Due to
the investment in a new sound system, and hopefully a projector and
screen in the near future, they are looking to improve security. They
are hoping to continue to upgrade the Hall to boost usage.
Cllr Punton also
reported that a ride-on lawnmower had been purchased for the playpark
area. They are installing a new secure storage shed and plan to provide
five new picnic benches on concrete pads. CCT will be submitting a
proposal to the Parish Council at the next meeting asking for support.
2118.
AONB
No report
2119.
Fixed asset maintenance
a.
Update on benches – the Clerk reported that the benches on both piers
still need to be painted and the paint on the WI bench plaque will be
removed.
b. Dog
bins – the Clerk reported that the Quarterly Inspection had taken
place. All the dog bins apart from items 1, 21 and 24 need replacing
now or in the near future. 3 litter bins could do with also do with
being replaced.
Cllr Punton reported
that he had added holes to some of the grit bins and would complete the
rest in the near future.
Action: Cllr Owen to liaise with
Cllr Gallon and NCC regarding the replacement of the dog bins and
whether they can be combined with standard bins. A proposal, with
costs, will be presented to the next meeting.
2120.
Tourist Amenities / Grant Funding
Cllr Owen reported that
he and Cllrs Punton and Gallon have been working on a bid to be
submitted for LEADER funding. Cllr Punton shared examples of what the
map board and finger posts would look like. It was unanimously agreed
that this work should continue as proposed.
2121.
Car Parking
a.
Quarry Car Park – this item was covered under item 2109
b.
Residents’ parking – it was agreed that an update was needed from NCC.
Action: Clerk to request from
County Cllr Cairns for the next meeting.
2122.
Transparency Fund
a.
Parish Council Website – NALC hope to have something available by the
end of the year.
b.
Application for grant for scanner – the Clerk reported that we will
know by 28th October if the bid has been successful.
c.
Memorial Hall internet connection – Cllr Gallon to report on this at
the next meeting.
2123.
Financial matters.
a. End
of year Financial Return and Audit
The Clerk reported that
the audit had been returned and completed. The notice is currently
being displayed and the account are available for inspection until 18th
November.
It was unanimously voted
in favour of accepting BDO’s suggested change: Section 2 does not add
up by £1. Recommendation – in future years ensure minor accounting
errors are not included.
b.
Current Account Balance:
20th September 2016:
£12,449.71
c. Spent
& Received:
12th September 2016:
£2500 received from NCC (Precept)
d.
Clerk/HMRC wages & expenses
e.
Cheques required
NCC Insurance Premium:
£173.62
Village Hall for Parish
meeting: £24 (it was agreed that this invoice was correct after the
query had been answered).
2124.
Correspondence received
Bamburgh Parish Council:
asked about the Parish Council donation to the Craster Skiff as they
have to so something similar in Bamburgh.
NCC: Revised
arrangements for Town & Parish Council Local Services Liaison
Meetings
County Cllr Kate Cairns:
Best time to carry out spraying of grasscrete.
NALC: Council Tax
Referedum consultation
Greenfingers:
maintenance contractor flyer
NCC: Sleeping rough
questionnaire
2125.
Items for Next Agenda
None
2126.
Information Share
The Clerk reported that
she is interesting in starting a CiLCA qualification. She will bring a
more specific proposal to the next meeting.
2127.
Date and Time of Next Meeting
Thursday 17th November at 7:15pm in Craster Memorial Hall
Open to Press and Public
|
