Monday 28 February 2011

Parish Council Notes - February 2011

It was so good to know that at long last it appears that the culvert at the Pack Horse Bridge has now been cleared. NCC worked hard to dig a large hole and remove much of the gravel which has made the burn run so very slowly. However, following all the recent rain it appears that all is well and the Parish Council hope that at long last the burn will not block again and flood.

Once again the post box which was donated to the village some time ago was discussed. Has anybody any good ideas how it can be used? If you have a bright idea, please let one of the Councillors know.

Once again, the condition of our roads was discussed. There are pot holes in many places but those on Horsley Road have been reported as very dangerous. Also so many of our drains are becoming blocked by leaves and when it rains there are many places throughout the village with standing water. These have all been reported and it is hoped that NCC may find the money to put them right.

Councillor Holden was able to report that the Playbuilder Scheme is progressing well and the scheme should make its target day of the the 31 March. It was good to note that quite a few people had attended the "pop in" and it was very good that there were several offers of help when the scheme is up and running.

Councillor Jordon is forming a new "Village Plan" and needs the village's support and ideas. She has placed a notice on the boards in the village and would be delighted to receive any ideas for the requests which should be included in the survey. The last Plan was produced six years ago, when more than 50 ideas were brought forward. These have all been investigated and many introduced.Green Ovingham who were represented at the meeting offered their support

The next meeting of the Council will be 14th April (the first of the new financial year) and the Annual Meeting will be held 12 May.

Parish Council Notes - January 2011

The Council welcomed Ian Heslop to the meeting on his co-option. The Councillors hope that he will enjoy working alongside them, and already his input is being felt.

It has now been decided to split the field previously let as grazing land, some going to the Allotments Association and a larger amount to be kept as grazing land and let. There was much discussion over this decision as Green Ovingham had prepared plans for the Council which they hoped would allow them to take over the field. Although sympathising with the Group the Council felt that their decision should stand. They did, however, have much pleasure in granting Green Ovingham £100 towards their running expenses. The Council was also glad to hear of the many things which the Group has done in the past and hope to do in the future.

It may be noted that one culvert at the burn remains blocked, even though it had been hoped that the heavy rainfall would clear the gravel. However, as I write this I have just had the assurance from the Northumberland Bridge Inspector that a much deeper hole will be dug which should take away the gravel.

The Parish Council has agreed to pay for a longer grass cutting schedule this year. If you do have complaints about grass cutting, please report them to the Parish Council.

The Council have received complaints that horses are being ridden on the pavements and in one place have left droppings. This is very anti-social and the Council would ask all residents to report back and let them know if this happens again. The same rules concerning dog-fouling apply to horses, so please do help us stop this occurring.

There will be vacancy for a clerk in the future. If there is anybody who would like to know more about what the position involves, please ask Georgina on 01661 831897.

The March Meeting will be held 16 March at 7.15 in the Reading Room.

Thursday 17 February 2011

Village Appraisal

Cllr. Doreen Jordon is putting the wheels in motion to start the process of conducting a village appraisal.

A village appraisal is an important opportunity for residents and village organisations to flag the issues which are of concern to them and about which the parish council might have some influence. We all know it is a time of big change in the level and manner in which public services are to be delivered - even if at the moment we don't yet know just how these might change.

For starters, Doreen would be grateful for suggestions from residents and village organisations about what issues they feel might be included in the appraisal. If you have suggestions, please email them to Doreen at . Alternatively, you can contact any of the other councillors or clerk whose contact details are on the website.

Sunday 13 February 2011

Parish Clerk Vacancy

Our clerk is due to retire soon. If you are interested in the position and would like details of the post, please contact Georgina Harper on 01661 831897.