MenuMinutes of a meeting of Amble Town Council held on Thursday 13th September 2012 at 6.30pm in the Council Office, The Quayside, Harbour Road, Amble.
1. PRESENT: Councillors Hinson (Chairman), Arckless, Bilboe, Palin, Weir, Revd Nicholson, Mrs Dargue and Mrs Lewis together with the Clerk, Miss Brown.
James Willoughby from the Gazette and Mrs Guthrie of Acklington Road were also attendance.
2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Cllr Miss Morrison – Personal commitments and County Councillor Watson –other commitments. The apologies were accepted on the proposal of Cllr Mrs Lewis, seconded by Cllr Mrs Dargue and agreed.
3. ACCEPTANCE OF DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Cllrs Mrs Lewis and Weir declared a personal and therefore prejudicial interest in agenda item 11.2 being treasurer and Chairman of Amble Action Group.
4. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME: (maximum 15 minutes)
Mrs Guthrie requested a feasibility study be done of the indiscriminate parking on Acklington Road, vehicles parked over the dropped kerb and partially over the paths impeding prams/wheelchair users who were then forced onto the road to continue on their journey. This also caused dangerous problems for children and mothers with toddlers crossing the road to the Welfare.
Mrs Guthrie also raised concerns over the entrance to the Welfare; there being no barrier to stop the children running out onto the road.
The Clerk would enquire over the enforcement of dropped kerbs. Cllr Arckless would contact Highways re: access to schools for safety.
Suggestions from the members were including an article on this subject in the newsletter, approaching the schools re: safety, the possibility of a pedestrian crossing. The Clerk would also contact Northumbria Police for their views on this area.
Mrs Guthrie was left the meeting at 6.47pm
5. MINUTES: TOWN COUNCIL
5.1: The Minutes of the meeting of Amble Town Council held Thursday 12th July 2012 were circulated and adopted on the proposal of Cllr Hinson, seconded by Cllr Mrs Lewis and agreed
5.2: The Minutes of the meeting of Amble Town Council held Thursday 17th July 2012 were circulated and adopted on the proposal of Cllr Hinson, seconded by Cllr Bilboe and agreed.
6. CLERK’S REPORT:
6.1: Images of Radcliffe Memorial sent to War Memorials Trust 23/07/12
6.2: ‘Story of Amble’ booked gifted to HRH Prince of Wales 23/07/12
6.3: Request for update sent to resident re: wall at High Street 30/07/12
6.4: Grass cutting briefing note circulated to members 02/08/12
6.5: Local Transport Plan Programme 2013-14 circulated to members 02/08/12
6.6: Request for Building Control to look at back of shop premises on North Street for safety 08/08/12
6.7: Request for Environmental Health to give advise over concerns relating to demolition and works 08/08/12
6.8: Resident concerns of tree damaging property reported to NCC 08/08/12
6.9: Letter send to traders re: update on parking restrictions on Queen Street 13/08/12
6.10: Metal pole protruding from bollard on Henderson Street reported to NCC 14/08/12
Reported again on 05/09/12
6.11: Local Development Plan response submitted 15/08/12
6.12: Request for advise from NCC on locating seat at bus stand outside Gloster Park 16/08/12
6.13: Request to solicitor for proposal in writing 20/08/12
6.14: Suggested date of meeting out to resident of North Street/North View 20/08/12
6.15: Details of printing allowance for members circulated for information 30/08/12
6.16: Details of Parish Transfer meeting/Charter circulated to members 30/08/12
6.17: Email to schools querying their plans for Local Democracy Week 30/08/12
6.18: Potholes on Leazes Street reported to NCC 30/08/12
6.19: Enquiry to British Legion about any plans they may have to commemorate 100th Anniversary of WW1 31/08/12
6.20: Enquiry to Doug Wilson for update 05/09/12
6.21: Removal/replacement of seats commenced
6.22: Letter of invite to Remembrance Services sent out
6.23: Clerk to attend SLCC Branch Training day on 26/09/12
6.24: NCC Parking fine info circulated to members
7. AGENDA ITEMS FROM CLERK’S REPORT: None.
8. CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATIONS and REPORT: The Chairman commented that it had been a busy 2 month for the Town with the Jubilee, Olympic Torch and Royal Visit. On a personal note he also commented on his own golden wedding celebrations.
Full Chairmans comments attached.
Cllr Revd Nicholson left the room at 7.01pm
9. REPORTS FROM COUNTY COUNCILLORS:
9.1 County Councillor Arckless: gave his report, copy available on request.
Cllr Revd Nicholson returned to the room at 7.06pm
9.2 County Councillor Watson: had informed prior to the meeting that he would be willing to help fund the new planter commemorating the Jubilee/Olympics through his Members Small Schemes but would require details as soon as possible.
10. REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES ON OUTSIDE BODIES & REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED BY MEMBERS AS PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS:
Cllr Miss Morrison had left her reports from the meetings of Amble Action Group and Amble Youth Project. The Clerk read them out. They are available on request.
Cllr Mrs Lewis attended a meeting of the Christmas Lights Committee and highlighted a problem the Committee had regarding Insurance. Cllr Mrs Lewis proposed the Clerk investigate whether it was possible for the Town Council insurance to cover the volunteers putting up the Christmas Lights and report details back to the Finance Committee. This was seconded by Cllr Mrs Dargue and agreed.
Cllr Mrs Lewis also produced a report of the workshops she and Cllr Weir had attended as private individuals regarding the future of the former Northumbrian Foods factory. A copy is available on request.
11. AGENDA ITEMS:
11.1: Consideration of future Garden Awards – Cllr Revd. Nicholson raised her concerns over the total number of certificates particularly for the Central area in this years garden awards; Cllr Mrs Lewis commented that it was the decision of the judge to pick out the gardens that would receive awards. Other concerns were raised and after a brief discussion, Cllr Mrs Lewis proposed a working party be set up at the January meeting of the Town Council to look at the 2013 Garden Awards, this was seconded by Cllr Revd Nicholson and agreed.
11.2: Consideration of making representations to NCC re: extending opening hours of public conveniences – The Clerk detailed Cllr Miss Morrison’s request and it was proposed by Cllr Arckless to send a letter to Northumberland County Council enquiring if opening hours could be extended over the summer season, this was seconded by Cllr Bilboe and agreed. Cllr Mrs Lewis explained this had been tried previously but discontinued due to the amount of vandalism.
11.3: Consideration of utilising Prison workshop for the replacement/refurbishment/supply of town seats and litter bins – The Clerk informed that HMP Northumberland were willing to meet to discuss this further. Cllr Mrs Dargue proposed Cllr Weir meet with HMP Northumberland, this was seconded by Cllr Mrs Lewis and agreed.
11.4: Consideration of future actions/creation of working group to move forward the Paddling Pool(s)/Play area – The Clerk would contact NCC Officer Terry Garnick for more information re: the pool base coating prior to the October meeting of the Council when a working party would be arranged.
11.5: Consideration of Town Clock Accuracy for Remembrance Service – The Clerk would continue to maintain the accuracy of the clock.
11.6 Consideration of Chairman’s Christmas Reception – The Chairman hoped to hold the reception at the Masonic Hall but would return with details of the event to the October Meeting of the Council. He proposed the Finance Committee look at from where any extra funds would be available and report back to full Council; this was seconded by Cllr Arckless and agreed.
11.7 Consideration of location for commemorative Olympics/Jubilee Planter – Cllr Arckless was willing to add some funds from his County Council Members Small Scheme money; it had been indicated previously that this could be placed at this end of Rotary Way to match that at the Warkworth end. Cllr Mrs Lewis was opposed to the planter being constructed on Rotary Way as this would mean spending Amble tax payers’ money in the Warkworth Parish; she also felt the design should incorporate some commemorative feature. Cllrs agreed to the construction of a planter but would consider all options for location at the next meeting of the Council.
11.8: Consideration of amendments to Planning Terms of Reference – The Clerk presented the amendments which were accepted on the proposal of Cllr Mrs Lewis, seconded by Cllr Mrs Dargue and agreed.
11.9: Consideration of Local Democracy Week – The Clerk informed that Amble Links First School had expressed an interest in Councillors visiting the school on the afternoon of 18th October. Cllrs Arckless, Hinson, Weir, Mrs Dargue and Mrs Lewis were all available to attend. They would meet following the meeting of the Finance Committee to discuss content of visit etc.
11.10: Radcliffe War Memorial Restoration Project – The Clerk informed that a condition survey had been carried out on the Radcliffe Memorial and quotes for the required work requested. An update would be made available at the October meeting of the Council.
11.11: Consideration of the future of ~Flow – The Clerk informed that ~Flow would be returning to Amble on 20th September and the future of the project was uncertain. Cllr Mrs Dargue proposed supporting in principle the return of ~Flow to Amble for public use dependant on costings. This was seconded by Cllr Arckless and agreed.
Cllrs Weir and Mrs Lewis left the room pending consideration of the following having declared interests earlier in the meeting.
11.12: Consideration of payment of funds for Amble Action Group licenses and insurance cover for Christmas Event – Cllr Arckless proposed releasing funds ring-fenced for the administration of Amble Action Group, to cover the cost of licences and insurance for the Christmas Lights Fayre and parade. This was seconded by Cllr Mrs Dargue and agreed with 4 in favour and 2 against.
Cllrs Weir and Mrs Lewis re-entered the meeting.
12. REPORT FROM THE CEMETERIES MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE:
12.1: The Minutes of the Meeting held Thursday 19th July 2012 were adopted on the proposal of Cllr Palin, seconded by Cllr Mrs Lewis and agreed.
13. REPORT FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE:
13.1: The Minutes of the Meeting held Thursday 26th July 2012 were adopted on the proposal of Cllr Hinson, seconded by Cllr Mrs Lewis and agreed.
13.2: The Minutes of the Meeting held Thursday 30th August 2012 were adopted on the proposal of Cllr Hinson, seconded by Cllr Mrs Lewis and agreed.
14. REPORT FROM THE ALLOTMENT AND PLAYGROUNDS COMMITTEE: None.
15. REPORT FROM THE PLANNING COMMITTEE:
15.1: The Minutes of the Meeting held Tuesday 14th August 2012 were adopted on the proposal of Cllr Hinson, seconded by Cllr Mrs Lewis and agreed.
15.2: The Minutes of the Meeting held 10th July 2012 were adopted on the proposal of Cllr Bilboe, seconded by Cllr Hinson and agreed.
15.3. Planning report in the month of August was available to view.
16. COMMUNICATIONS:
16.1: NCC – Local Transport Plan Programme 2013-14 deadline 28th September. Priorities were listed as follows:
1. Review of parking regulations, restriction orders in Amble particularly in Queen Street
2. Chicane on Acklington Road
3. Previously reported junctions requiring double yellow lines
4. Crossing from chemist on Percy Street.
5. Dropped kerbs from Church Street to Middleton Street.
16.2: NCC – Public Debate – Stopping the sale of Cheap Alcohol – the Members did not wish to attend.
16.3: Invitation to Alnwick Autumn Charity Ball – circulated to members, Cllr Hinson would attend, expenditure would be paid for personally.
16.4: DCLG – Payments by Parish Councils Consultation – deadline 11th September This was circulated for information and no response was submitted on behalf of the Council.
16.5: Clerk/Chairman training sessions, to accommodate the Members who wished to attend the training session the meeting of the Cemeteries Committee was deferred to 5.30pm on 25th October. It was agreed the Clerk would also attend this training course to help in the understanding of the role of Chairman.
16.6: Northumberland Town and Parish Associate Membership with NEPO – The Clerk would circulate details to the Members for information.
16.7: NCC Local Council Charter and Key contacts list – This information was available for the Clerk to enable direct contact with the Key Officers at NCC.
16.8: NCC – Post Core Strategy consultation engagement workshops – Cllrs Hinson, Weir and Mrs Lewis all wished to attend the North area (1) session. Cllr Miss Morrison would also be asked if she wished to attend.
17. INFORMATION ITEMS AND ITEMS FOR CIRCULATION:
17.1: Local Councils Update – September 2012
12.2: The Clerk Magazine – September 2012
12.3: NCC – Finding Bulletin 20, 21, 22, 23
12.4: NCC – Matters Arising Issue 11
12.5: CANNY news August
These were moved en bloc on the proposal of Cllr Arckless seconded by Cllr Hinson and agreed.
(All items will be placed on information table for interested Members)
Information items are not to be taken away from the Meeting but photocopies can be made, if required.
18. DATE & TIME OF NEXT MEETING:
18:1 The date & time of the next Meeting will be on Thursday 11th October 2012 at approx. 6.30pm. in the Town Council Meeting Room, The Quayside, Amble
Under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public will be excluded from the Meeting during consideration of the following items on the Agenda due to sensitive on the proposal of Cllr Hinson, seconded by Cllr Bilboe and agreed.
Public Version of Private
P01: The Minutes of the meeting of Amble Town Council held Thursday 17th July 2012 were circulated and adopted on the proposal of Cllr Mrs Lewis, seconded by Cllr Mrs Dargue and agreed.
P02: Consideration of quotes for bus shelter repairs – This was deferred to the next meeting of the Finance Committee for further discussion. The Clerk would forward the survey details, the work costings and the earmarked funds available to Members before the meeting.
P03: Correspondence from Land Registry re: land at High Street:
The Clerk detailed the recent additional request from the solicitors regarding the extending of the agreed width of land to be transferred from 0.4m to 0.6 m. Cllr Mrs Lewis proposed agreement to this request with the provision of access to the Council owned land for the purposes of constructing the wall and thereafter repairing, maintaining and up keeping the same subject to reasonable notice and the putting right of any damages incurred as a result of constructing, repairing, maintaining and up keeping. This was seconded by Cllr Palin and agreed. The meeting closed at 9.20pm.