0721.08  CORRESPONDENCE.  All correspondence received since the May meeting had been listed on the agenda and circulated to all councillors.

a)     Green Rigg Wind Farm.  Applications are open for Community Groups to apply to the Green Rigg Wind Farm Grant Fund.  Suggestions for funding were new cricket net, improvements to the Jubilee Garden and tree planting.

b)     Local Plan Examination – Consultation on Main Modifications.  The consultation runs from Wednesday 9 June 2021 until 5:00pm on Wednesday 4 August 2021.  It was noted that there are no modifications relating to Matfen Parish.

0721.09  PLANNING APPLICATIONS.

0721.10  VILLAGE ISSUES AND HIGHWAYS MATTERS.

a)     To consider request for open access to the defibrillator.  A request had been received for the PC to consider leaving the defibrillator cabinet unlocked and readily accessible for immediate use.  This is common practice for areas and there is no issue from an insurance point of view.  After discussion, it was AGREED to arrange for the defibrillator cabinet to be left unlocked.

b)     To consider request for a memorial bench outside the Village Hall/Shop.  A request had been received for a memorial bench in memory of a family pet to be placed outside the Village Hall/Shop.  After discussion, this request was declined.  Several requests had been received over the years and the PC had declined all requests.

c)      To discuss and consider actions arising from the tree survey and consider replanting to replace any felled trees.  The tree survey had been received from Woodsman Arboricultural Consultancy which had identified 6 trees requiring immediate attention (4 being PC responsibility) and 4 medium priority trees.  Costs will be obtained from local contractors for the work required.  A management plan for the remaining trees will be put in place.

d)     To consider priorities for inclusion in the Local Transport Plan 2022-2023.  Northumberland County Council is once again giving Parishes the opportunity to submit 3 priorities for inclusion in the LTP 2022-2023.  After discussion, it was agreed to submit the following priorities:-

·        Fenwick – 30mph speed limit.

·        Matfen Piers to Vallum Farm.  Road resurfacing.

·        Improvements to Standing Stone corner – resurfacing and safety improvements.

e)     To discuss footpath access used by parishioners, currently closed.  Several discussions had taken place among residents and the PC regarding access routes through Matfen Hall wood which had now been blocked off.  It was noted that this was private land, and the landowner was allowed to do this.  Cllr K Mavin had spoken to the Public Rights of Way Officer, NCC who advised that if a route has been used for a number of years, then residents/PC could challenge the decision of the  landowner to close off the route.  Residents/PC would need to provide evidence that the routes have been used in excess of 20 years, providing history of access.  It was noted that these particular routes have been given as a privilege rather than a right of access.  It was unfortunate that these particular routes had been closed without any communication with the Parish Council or the residents.  Cllr K Mavin is to contact the representatives of Matfen Hall to discuss the routes and see if a compromise could be reached.

f)       To discuss maintenance plan for Parish Council assets.  Over the years various items had been added to the Parish Council Asset Register with no maintenance plan in place for the asset.  The Cricket Club had carried out various improvements to equipment and assets over the last two years and it was suggested that the Parish Council could make an annual contribution to the Cricket Club for maintenance of equipment. There would be no labour costs as the work is carried out by volunteers.  It was AGREED to make a contribution of £300 per year, this would be reviewed annually.

g)     To discuss how to improve communications within the village/parish.  The website needs to be better utilised with the news page linking to the Matfen Village Facebook page.  Cllr J Dempsey to arrange for the clerk to become an admin on the Village Facebook page.  Any posts will have the comments turned off.

h)     To receive reports from councillors on any village issue/highways matter which require attention.  It was noted that NCC had not cut the grass in the play area. Thanks were expressed to Phil and Mark Chaffer who had tidied the area and cut the grass.  here had been a problem with access to the area via the maintenance gate.  Action:  Mrs Senior to contact NCC

Repairs to the fence around the water course had still not been repaired.  Action:  The clerk will chase NWL.

i)       To replace picnic bench in Ingoe.  It was noted that the picnic bench had been relocated to Matfen and a replacement is required for Ingoe.  Action:  The clerk to order a new picnic bench for Ingoe.

0721.11  TO DISCUSS HOW THE PARISH COUNCIL CAN SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS.  It was noted that Matfen is fortunate to have some willing volunteers to carry out various jobs in the village.  It was AGREED that a  delegated powers policy should be created to allow the Chairman and Clerk to authorise items of expenditure up to £100 without the need to consult other councillors.  Action:  The clerk will prepare a  Delegated Powers Policy for agreement at the next meeting.

0721.12  ANY OTHER BUSINESS [FOR INFORMATION ONLY].  It was agreed to place the following items on the      agenda for the July meeting; improve communication within the village/parish; look at information for the               website and gallery; maintenance plan for Parish Council assets.

0721.13  DATE OF NEXT MEETING.  The next meeting is to be held on Tuesday 21^ST September 2021 at 7.00pm in Matfen Village Hall.