Monday 9^th June 2025, 7pm.

Corsenside Parish Hall, West Woodburn
 

Apologies for Absence – Cllr D. Mole,

Declarations of interest & Declarations of acceptance of office
Cllr C. Hamilton in respect of The Gun at Ridsdale & the Corsenside Flood Resilience team, Cllr C. Hawman in respect of North Tyne Youth and The Gun at Ridsdale. Cllr D. Mole Parish Show Committee. The councillors have signed new Acceptance of Office forms. 

Opportunities for members of the public to raise issues - None

Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting, agreed as correct and signed

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting, agreed as correct and signed.

Matters arising from the minutes 

i. The U road extending from Armstrong street damaged by flooding has been swiftly repaired by NCC. ii. The ground slip on the A68 at West Woodburn (which is the cause of the temporary traffic lights) has been investigated further by NCC. The repair has been given high priority and NCC estimate it will happen in late summer. Cllrs asked the clerk to remind NCC how long this has been and the inconvenience imposed on the community and those passing through and to press for a quick resolution. CW to share precise date once NCC have given confirmation. iii. Issues arising from parking at the entrance to Armstrong Street remain of high concern. The Gun have given permission to erect signage in their porch. Reminders also to be placed in the noticeboard to draw attention of those parking along the A68. Its is hoped that continued discussion of this matter locally, including in the pub and online will help raise awareness. iv. Further reports received of narrowly avoided accidents caused by vehicles overtaking illegally in Ridsdale will be reported to the Police.

Notification of any other business for discussion, at the Chair’s discretion, under item 18 below – One point. 

County Councillor’s Report – none 

Ongoing Actions List – Both the Clerk and the Chair are making efforts to reach TWM or Prism to follow up on the warranty for the faulty Vehicle Activated (speed) sign in West Woodburn, to secure a repair. Ongoing.

Play Area & Village Green 

i. The formal safety inspection from ROSPA will take place soon, results awaited. ii. The Heritage Lottery has granted the funding application for the wetland wildflower meadow. CW to bring recommended purchases to the next meeting for confirmation. Discussion ongoing over how this could be unveiled at the Parish Show. iii. Several hours of cleaning and weeding in the car park has been completed. iii. Clerk has attempted to get three quotes for repair of the gates at the former school field. Two local companies who were approached 5-6 weeks ago and reminded more recently have not yet sent their quote. It was decided to accept the £52 quote from Brierley Maintenance and commission this repair as soon as possible.

Volunteers and Community Spending

It is hoped that through dialogue with NCC C.Cllr John Riddle will be able to secure an exception to allow for funding of a new defibrillator from the money ring fenced for this Ward.

Wind Power Stations – Report read aloud. Please see online appendix.

Parish Hall 

The AGM took place on 29^th of May. John Clyde and Richard Virden have stepped down as trustees. The Council extends gratitude to them both for the work both have contributed to the parish hall over many years.

Planning Matters

a)

For decision - none

b)

Decisions from NCC - none

Correspondence -none

Reports

i. Clerk – Standing orders and Financial regulations including winter meetings
Recommended changes to the Standing Orders and Financial Regulations were accepted. ii. The rules surrounding appropriate meeting places were discussed since the council has historically needed alternative premises in winter. It is hoped that coming changes at the village hall will allow clement conditions and affordable use all year round negating the need to move elsewhere. 

Finances

a)

Invoices for payment – all approved

b)

Bank Balance - £16,079.02

c)

Annual Governance and Accountability Return for 2024-2025.  i. Internal review of Financial Procedure – review of effectiveness of the system of internal controls, banking mandate, asset register recording. No changes. ii. No actions needed following the report of the internal auditor in 2024. iii. Annual Internal Audit Report discussed. iv. Annual Governance Statement section 1 approved v. Accounting Statement section 2 approved. vi. Certification of Exemption approved vii. The Chairman and clerk signed the Annual Governance Statement and the Chairman signed the Accounting Statements. viii. RFO to set the period for the exercise of public rights using the suggested dates ix. The Certificate of Exemption was signed by the Chairman & the RFO. 

Matters for discussion at the Chair’s discretion

i. The recent election left two vacant seats on the council. It is felt that young parishioners and the farming community are currently under represented. Further councillors from East Woodburn and or Ridsdale would allow for a very even geographical spread. The vacancies are to be promoted. Clarity over the legalities of co-option following an election to be sought from NCC or NALC.

Date of next meeting - Monday 7^th of July, 7pm

Meeting closed at 8.40

Arising Actions:

Responsibility:

• CW to plan purchases for wildflower meadow
• CW to press NCC for quick resolution to A68 landslip repair and confirm when work will take place.
• CW to follow up re sign warranty - ongoing. 
• CW to instruct gates repair
• CW to ask for defibrillator fund from J.Riddle. (ongoing)
• CW to share details of ‘what’s on’ page (ongoing)
• CW to check the period of time allowed for co-option following an election.

CW

Parish Clerk: Christine Woodcock, 44 Brierley Gardens, Otterburn NE19 1HB. corsensideparishclerk@hotmail.com