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[Administration]

PONTELAND PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL HELD AT THE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH HALL ON THURSDAY 10 APRIL 2008

Present: Councillor R G Ramsay (in the Chair)

Councillors Mrs E Armstrong, P M Armstrong, Mrs I Brumwell,
Mrs J Butcher, D Butler, A S Cave, E P Charleton, T A Chilton,
H McKay and Mrs E E Thompson

179. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

An apology for absence was received from Councillor J W Worth.

180. MINUTES

The Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 13 March 2008 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

181. MATTERS ARISING

(i) Minute 162 – Age Concern Northumberland
A letter of thanks had been received from the above organisation.

182. PLANNING
(i) Planning Committee
Minutes of the Planning Committee meetings held on 18 March 2008 were circulated for information.

(ii) Report on recent planning decisions

The Chairman reported on the following:
(i) Development at Broadway - Deferred pending another site visit being held
(ii) ***** of new dwelling – 17 - Refused
Runnymede Road

183. APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS

(i) Community Action Northumberland

A request had been received from the above organisation for a grant towards their work.
RESOLVED – A grant of £75.00 be approved


183. APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS (Continued)

(ii) Ponteland Party in the Park 2008

An application had been received from the Party in the Park Committee asking for a donation towards the cost of providing portable toilets for the event to be held on 8 June. The cost would be no more than £400.

RESOLVED – A payment towards the cost of providing toilets of no more than £400 be approved.

(iii) Ponteland Local History Society

A grant application had been received from the above organisation for funds towards the cost of hosting a History day in Ponteland at the Memorial Hall for all societies, clubs etc to display their individual histories.

RESOLVED – A grant of £500 be approved.

184. ENVIRONMENT WORKING PARTY

Minutes of a meeting of the above Working Party held on 31 March 2008 had been circulated.

RESOLVED –

(i) Seven Stars
Write again to the Brewery, with a copy to the Borough Council.

(ii) Sponsorship update
a) Produce an article for ‘Pont News and Views’ publicising the sponsors, and thanking them for their support.
b) Purchase four more barrier baskets at a cost of £80 each.

(iii) Hanging Basket Quotations
Defer the decision on the new supplier until the next Working Party meeting to be held on 14 April and that this decision be delegated to the Working Party in view of the timescale.

(iv) Purchase of Water Bowser
Defer the decision to purchase a water bowser until the next Working Party meeting and that this decision also be delegated to that group.

(v) Spring Litter Pick
The date chosen be Saturday 26 April at 10am and this would be publicised in Pont News and Views.

(vi) Mole Treatment in the Park
Do not proceed with mole killing.

185. APPOINTMENT OF CLERK/DEPUTY CLERK

The Chairman reported that Kathleen Mavin had been appointed as Clerk to the Council with effect from 28 April 2008 and that Jeanette Dodd had been appointed as Deputy Clerk also from that date.

The Chairman wished to thank the current postholder, Judith Oliver for her hard work and dedication over the last ***** years.

186. CASTLE MORPETH BOROUGH COUNCIL REPORT

Reference was made to the ‘Culture Calendar’ produced by CMBC and the poor reference to events in Ponteland. The Clerk was asked to take this up with the Borough Council.

It was also suggested that CMBC be asked to place an advertisement in Pont News and Views relating to the availability of funds from the Community Fund.

187. NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY COUNCIL REPORT

Reference was made to the forthcoming Elections to be held on 1 May 2008.

188. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT ON RECENT EVENTS

(i) Joint Meeting with CMBC/Parish Councils – 19.3.08

The Chairman reported on his attendance at the above meeting. He stated that Town and Parish Councils were most unhappy with the documents being produced in relation to Characteristic and Belonging Communities.

It also appeared that Officers were willing to have a meeting to discuss information relating to services provided which would assist in any bid for devolved duties.

(ii) Callerton Lane Play Sign

The above sign had now been erected in the play area.
It was also reported that works would be commencing on the surfaces in the play area on 17 April.

(iii) Mayor’s Sunday Service and Parade

It was reported that all Parish Councillors would be invited to attend the above event by Councillor Mrs Brumwell who would take over as Mayor of Castle Morpeth from 15 May. This would be at the Memorial Hall and Councillors were reminded that the Council had committed themselves to having the War Memorial cleaned this year and the works would therefore be carried out by 18 May 2008.

(iv) Mayor of Castle Morpeth

The Chairman took this opportunity to congratulate Councillor Mrs Brumwell who would become the last Mayor of Castle Morpeth Borough Council on 15 May 2008.

(v) Crime & Disorder Report
PC Jon Gray was in attendance and gave an update on the current situation relating to crime and disorder in the area.

189 REPORTS BY PARISH COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES ON LOCAL
ORGANISATIONS

Councillor Chilton reported on a recent meeting of the Prestwick Pit Liaison Committee.
Councillor Mrs Armstrong reported that Mr Tony Plumb of Banks wished to pass on his thanks to Judith Oliver for her help and support over the years.
Councillor Charleton reported that Ponteland Cricket Club had received the High Sheriffs Award and a £500 grant.
Councillor Butler had attended the Friends of Ponteland Park AGM which had been well attended with approximately 30 people in attendance. They wished to pass on their thanks to the Council for their support over the year. The Committee were re-elected ‘en-bloc’.

190. ACCOUNTS AND BANK RECONCILIATION

The Accounts Committee approved payments totalling £12,321.47 and the transfer of this sum from the Council’s Deposit Account to its Disbursements Account.
The Bank Reconciliation for February 2008 was also approved.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING – THURSDAY 8 MAY 2008 AT 6.45 PM AT MERTON HALL

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