Parish Council Vacancy

If you live in the parish of Ellingham and would be interested in becoming a member of the Parish Council please contact Clerk for further information/to express your interest.

Tel 01890 820391; email ellinghampc@gmail.com

Extract from Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 8th November 2011 

Minutes of meeting held on 13^th September and notes of subsequent meetings held during September (previously circulated) were approved by Council and signed by the Chairman.

Matters arising:  Ellingham Hall – Clerk read out an email received from Mr Aidan Ruff regarding re-building work and future developments at the Hall in which he gave assurances that the Parish Council and local residents would be kept fully informed of any changes.

Matters raised by parishioners - footpath from the Avenue to A1 bus stop  - this path has become very difficult to access due to low hanging branches and foliage (as mentioned at July Parish Walkabout).  Mr Mundy to investigate and ensure that necessary work is carried out to clear the foliage. Clothes recycling bin – A parishioner had drawn attention to the very large and unsightly clothes recycling bin has been placed beside the other recycling bins at the entrance to the village.  Clerk to contact NCC and advise parishioner of outcome.

Roadcare:  Roadside soakaways (‘grips’) requiring clearance had been identified and photographed; road drain outside house opposite Ellingham School (on the U2032 Swinney) requires unblocking; a dangerous pothole has appeared in the C65 road between Henhill and the crossroads.  Clerk to report all matters to NCC Highways. 

Planning:   Notification of grants of planning applications in respect of High Nest and Broomsyde had been received.  To view details of the consents visit http://publicaccess.northumberland.gov.uk/online-applications

Flooding, Chathill:  Work being undertaken. Members agreed that it is pleasing to note progress is being made in line with advice previously given by NWL.

Trains, Chathill:  Mr Unwin has endeavoured to complete record sheets supplied by Network Rail however feels it will be more beneficial to speak with Mr Brand.

NCC:  Local Charter Consultation: Councillors agreed that first impressions of the draft document were that is it simple and straightforward with careful wording.  If there are any additional comments that members wish to make they will pass to Clerk by end of November. Delivering Local Services from April 2012:  There are no additional costs to be passed to Ellingham in 2012.

Accounts and Audit Matters.  Bank Balances:  Current A/C £1273.30; IAS A/C £1214.48; No 2 A/C £912.11.  Members discussed carry forward in No 2 account of £84.72 from Travel Voucher Scheme which ceased operation several years ago when funding ended, and unanimously agreed to absorb this amount into Parish Council funds.    Refund totalling £28.73 in respect of VAT paid received from HMRC.  Accounts presented and approved for payment:  BDO Stoy Hayward (Audit fee) £60.00; NCC (Parish Council Insurance) £166.42; Clerk salary 12.07.11- 30.9.11 £262.69; HMRC PAYE tax due £65.80; Clerk salary and expenses 01.10.11-06.11.11 £196.20.  Cheque also prepared for next HMRC PAYE tax payment of £31.20.  Audit for year ended 31.03.11 – Audit completed  Precept – Members considered previous years’ figures, projected figures to end of current financial year and the budget requirements for 2012/13. The Council unanimously agreed to maintain the precept at current level of £1600.00 for 2012/13.  Clerk to advise NCC accordingly. 

Wandylaw Windfarm/Community Fund:   Ms T Hall (Ridgewind) had emailed clerk advising there is nothing to report at present regarding commencement of construction.

The Council had carefully considered the manner in which it sought to assist in establishing the Community Fund including holding a Public Meeting and additionally had undertaken appropriate steps to secure appropriate advice at good economic value in establishing the Community Fund. The proper and reasonable cost of those legal and other services to establish the Community Fund, it is expected will be met by Ridgewind. 

            A preliminary meeting with Sintons Lawyers resulted in an initial recommendation to apply for charitable status for the Fund.  The Steering Group should be tasked with considering this and any other appropriate option to manage the Community Fund etc.  A meeting was also held with Community Action Northumberland.

 All agreed that the Steering Group should be formed as quickly as possible and Sintons and CAN invited to attend a meeting and outline the support/advice available.

As per previous discussions the Steering Group will be there will be one representative from Ellingham Estate, 2 from Ellingham Parish Council and 3 members of the wider community.  The steering group will be a ‘task and finish group’ which will meet 3 or 4 times within the next few weeks then make recommendations to the Parish Council in January 2012 which will then move the process on to the next stage, until an organisation is established which is fit for purpose, whether Trustees or otherwise. 

            Five applications had been made to be part of the Steering Group; all applicants were very capable individuals and a broad representation of the Community.  Prior to considering the applications the Council approved what it considered to be appropriate selection criteria.

Clerk to write to each applicant advising whether or not they have been successful in their application and set up first meeting for 28^th or 29^th November (6pm). 

Rats:  There have been a number of sightings of both live and dead rats.  Parishioners should continue to be vigilant and where possible use traps/bait to control the situation. The County Council provides a Pest Control Service.

Parish Plan Review:  Members agreed that the Parish Plan, produced in 2005, should be updated – this to be 

discussed further at January meeting (date:  10^th January 2012, 7.30pm).