Wednesday 19^th March 2024, 7pm. Bellingham Town Hall – Meeting Room. 

Present: Clerk. Three members of the Public. 
Councillors: Wilkinson, Tilley, Knudsen, Richardson, Kirkbride, Armstrong.

Part A

Public Participation

The Bellingham in Bloom committee reported that by reducing the number of baskets/tubs and recruiting more help they will manage the labour without assistance this year. Funding has been acquired from The Ray Wind Fund. Numerous local businesses have agreed to sponsor a tub(s), some paying the group direct and some liaising via the PC. It was agreed the scheme is important to locals and visitors and an £800 donation was granted. Its hoped continued sponsorship will reduce this burden to the parish council in future. 

Part B

1.

Apologies for Absence

Cllrs Moore, Irving, Turner.

2.

County Councillor Report

None received. 

3.

Declarations of interest

Cllr Wilkinson re Bellingham in Bloom. 

4.

Minutes of the last meeting

Agreed as correct and signed.

5.

Matters arising from the minutes

5.1

Cllr Armstrong reported a positive response from Esh to complaints of damage arising from the work at the Northumbrian Water site at the Boat Road. 

5.2

The clerk met with Jane Morton to discuss how BPC can raise Dementia Awareness. Several public events are planned with details to follow. 

5.3

The matter of off lead dogs in cemetery has been dealt with locally and a reminder published.

6.

Planning 

6.1

Applications - None

6.2

Decisions from NCC 

24/04087/FUL – Solar, PV, Anton Hill Farm Wark - Granted

7.

Finances

7.1

Income

Interest £8.80. Interest £5.42.

7.2

Expenditure

Chris Mowatt (Landscaping) - £968,
C Woodcock (Clerk Wages) - £205.95,
Natalie Green (Cleaning) - £199.33,
Brierley Maintenance (Street Cleaning - 20hrs) - £320,
Town Hall Rent - £20, Country Store £109.70, Medi Trans Uk £104.72, 

All expenses approved. 

7.3

Bank Balances

£10,324.80, £7,069.52, £11,481.15

7.4 

Donation Request

Bellingham in Bloom - £800 granted. 

8.

Correspondence

8.1

NCC have shared paperwork pertaining to the Parish Elections happening in May. 

8.2

Northumberland National Park Authority request for representatives. Cllrs to consider.

9.

Borderlands

£250,000 is to be made available to NTRCP for plans to install pods for business use at Station Yard. 

10.

Reports - None

10.1

Cllr Irving – Railings at Manchester Square. In Cllr Irving’s absence clerk has chased this matter up with NCC.

11.

Any urgent business

11.1

Criminal damage reported to the ‘springer’ in the play area. Repair to be organised and police to be notified. 

11.2

The defibrillator, which was donated to BPC from the school and passed to the Bellingham Police station for use, is being well utilised. Two replacement sets of pads have been organised by Cllrs Irving and Kirkbride. 

11.3

The damages wall on Pennine Way below Hillside is observed as worsening. Clerk to raise with NCC and C.Cllr Riddle to seek swift repair. 

12.

Any restricted business - None

13.

Date of next meeting 

Confirmed as Wednesday 16^th of April 2025, 7pm. 
The clerk gave apologies for October’s meeting at which Cllr Tilley has kindly agreed to take minutes. 

Meeting Closed:

20.15