Minutes of Craster Parish Meeting: Tuesday 17th January
2017
A Parish Meeting was
held on Tuesday 17th January at 7pm in Craster Memorial Hall. The
following notes summarise what was said.
The meeting was well
attended, with approximately 45 residents in attendance.
Cllr Bryn Owen, Chair
of
Craster Parish Council, opened the meeting and welcomed residents and
the guest speakers.
1.
The
Minutes of the Parish Meeting held on 20th April 2016 were unanimously
agreed as as accurate record of the meeting.
Proposed: Michael Craster
Seconded: Marion Gallon
County Councillor
Kate
Cairns reported that work would start in the Quarry Car Park on 27th
February and was expected to take four days. It would be resurfaced and
re-lined to create more bays by changing the layout. She also reported
that the work at the gateway to the village had been stopped because of
the concerns raised by the Parish Council about the removal of trees,
but Cllr Cairns has agreed it should go ahead.
Cllr Owen highlighted
the elections for the Parish Council in May and the current vacancy on
the Parish Council.
2.
Defibrillator Training by Alex Mason (North East Ambulance Service
Community Development Officer) and representatives of the Stephen Carey
Fund.
Alex Mason heard
concerns raised by local residents about the defibrillator not being
used at incidents in Seahouses and the Jolly Fisherman in Craster. She
agreed to investigate the incident in Craster and report back via the
Parish Council.
The practical
training
then took place and a hand out was given to everyone attending.
3.
Neighbourhood Plan
Cllr Owen reported
that
as no one came forward to help, the Parish Council decided not to start
the process of creating a Plan at the moment.
4.
Residents Parking Scheme
Cllr Owen reported
that
there was nothing further to report on this issue. Northumberland
County Council are prioritising traffic management work. Residents
expressed their frustration at the delay in any progress being made and
highlighted the continuing problems of visitors parking in the village.
Cllr Owen added that
the
Parish Council would be discussing a possible petition scheme, which
will challenge Northumberland County Council’s position. Residents
supported any action that would improve their situation. The
possibility of installing bollards on the Bogue Road was also discussed.
5.
Precept
Cllr Owen explained
that
the Parish Council had to set the precept for 2016/2017 and they would
like to hear from local residents. They suggested two options:
a. Set
the precept at £2500 so that over 4-5 years, the reserves will drop to
a recommended level (around twice the annual income).
b. Set
the precept at £3000 which would work as a neutral budget and leave
reserves at their current level.
Residents asked a range
of questions and a discussion followed. There was a majority vote in
favour of option ‘b’. Residents were keen that the Parish Council
invested in projects to improve the village.
Cllr Owen reported
that
the Parish Council were hoping to support the Craster Community Trust
by purchasing equipment for the play park. He asked for other costed
schemes to be put forward for consideration.
The meeting closed at
9.20pm
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