Wednesday 21^st May 2025, 6.30pm. Bellingham Town Hall – Main Hall. 

Present: Clerk. One member of the Public. C.Cllr Riddle.
Councillors: Wilkinson, Tilley, Knudsen, Richardson, Kirkbride, Moore, Armstrong, Turner.

Annual Meeting of the Parish Council

1. Chairman’s report
A report was read aloud by Cllr Wilkinson. Included in the appendix, below. 

2. Election of Chair and Vice Chair
Cllr Ant Kirkbride was nominated for Chair by Cllr Joyce Knudsen, seconded by Cllr Brian Tilley. 
Cllr Brian Tilley was nominated for Vice Chair by Cllr David Turner. Thanks were extended to Cllr Wilkinson for his work acting as Chair since the resignation of Martin Dickson-Green. 

The new Chair outlined plans for a parish plan, this will be the priority for 25/26. This will act as a vision statement for the parish. Public consultation will take place to determine the priorities of the parishioners.

3. Discussion of policy amendments as needed
No changes needed at this time.

Annual Parish Meeting

Public participation and feedback from parishioners

Thanks were expressed to the full council for their ongoing service to the parish, including giving their attention to the play area and village.

May Parish Council Meeting – Annual General Meeting

Part A

Public Participation

i.The construction work at the former mart site is generating waste wood. Could this be used by villagers? Further investigation needed, suggestion to speak to NT&RCP and the School. ii. Esh are sweeping the mart site in a bid to keep it tidy. iii. Further discussion of the wall near the town hall was halted as ownership still unclear. iv. Fence near Riverside Path to be reported on Fix My Street.

Part B

1.

Apologies for Absence

Cllr Irving.

2.

County Councillor Report

i.The Chair extended congratulations to C.Cllr Riddle who returned to office after recent elections. Its hoped we will continue our working relationship. 
ii. Some changes to the Portfolios of C.Cllrs has taken place, Cllr Riddle is now overseeing Environment, farming and rural affairs. iii. The Local Transport Plan was signed off last year with work set to take place in future. iv. The Council Leader remains Conservative Glen Sanderson. v. The confusion over road closures was discussed, it was suggested that the clerk ask at the next liaison meeting between Clerks and NCC that Parish clerks could consult on TTRO (road Closure orders) bringing their local knowledge to avoid unnecessary issues.

3.

Acceptance of Office Declarations and Declarations of interest

Cllrs signed acceptance of office forms and the return of Declarations of Interest forms is in hand. 

4.

Minutes of the last meeting

An error was adjusted in the attendance line, otherwise agreed as correct and signed.

5.

Matters arising from the minutes

i. The Dementia Friends meeting on Wed 14^th was a big success, attendance was quite high and the speaker was very engaging and educational. A school based event in future has the support of the headteacher, plans still to be confirmed. Cllr Kirkbride and Jane Morton to liaise. ii. The catch at the play area has been replaced to keep the gate shut. Investigation needed into the hinges which were recently replaced but found to be broken again. 

6.

Planning 

6.1

Applications 

None 

6.2

Decisions from NCC 

24/03468/FUL – Northumbrian Water – Compound near Boat Road – GRANTED
25/01042/FUL – Melissa’s Beauty Box - GRANTED

7.

Finances

7.1

Income

Country Store – Flower Tub £50.

7.2

Expenditure

All expenses approved. 

7.3

Bank Balances

£24,086.43, £7,080.18, £11,498.46

8.

Correspondence - None

9.

Borderlands

No update. Next meeting to be held 24^th of June. 

10.

Reports - None

10.1

Clerk – Allotment Rent backdated from Hesleyside. An £800 bill has been received for rent from 2021 -25 as annual invoices have not been sent. Would allotment rent need to rise to cover increasing costs? CW to add this matter to the agenda for next month. 

10.2

Cllr Wilkinson – Speeding through Village. Could a Vehicle Activated Sign be used to discourage speeding? This is believed to be prohibitively expensive but locals have suggested fundraising. CW to obtain quote and ask who Wark PC worked with. Cllr Kirkbride to liaise with police colleagues. 

10.3

Cllr Wilkinson – Rose Garden. Street cleaner to be asked to weed the rose garden? CW to action. Weeds are also bad at Reenes Way and Briar Hill Play area. Could NCC share their timeline for weed spraying in village? CW to ask Greg Gavin. Ask Karbon again about landscaping at Reenes Way.

10.4

Clerk – Parking, Pennine Way near Town Hall. The narrowing of the road by parked cars and the poor visibility near the bend is causing repeated narrowly avoided accidents. Could the yellow lines be extended? CW to request NCC attention. 

10.5

Clerk – Allotment care. Some complaints received about overgrown allotments in contravention of the rules. A letter of reminder is to be sent to relevant allotment holders. CW to action. 

11.

Any urgent business

i.The Town Hall obtained 3 quotes for insurance. BPC agreed to a donation to cover the cost of the best value option, £1926.81. A request was made to provide the hall free of charge for PC meetings. ii. Concern over dropped Kerbs was raised again. CW to report Tyne Bridge again to NCC. Can other locations be suggested by Cllrs? iii. CW requested permission to suggest to nearby parishes that BPC’s What On page be adopted more widely as a place to advertise events and aim to avoid clashes of similar activities. Permission granted providing events are for community rather than commercial benefit. iv. Cllr Kirkbride suggested a bench and plaque could be erected in memory of Elaine Hunter in acknowledgment of her work towards establishing the park. All in agreement. v. The school has applied for £50,000 grant Rural Asset Multiplier Program to pay for increased sports provision and wrap-around activities. vi. The matter of the unused vehicle permanently parked in a public bay in Manchester Square was discussed. vii. In advance of the digital switchover Parishioners who use BT, EE or Plusnet are encouraged, if needed, to register with their supplier that they are vulnerable. This will not happen automatically. viii. Some damage to the play equipment is being monitored, as the official Rospa inspection takes place soon the results are awaited. ix. CW to ask for an updated site map of the Mart Site to be made public. 

12.

Any restricted business - None

13.

Date of next meeting 

Wednesday 18^th of June 2025

Meeting Closed:

20.35