HEXHAM TOWN COUNCIL
I HEREBY GIVE YOU NOTICE THAT a meeting of the Council will be held in the Council Chamber, Prospect House, Hexham on Monday 5 September 2011 at 6.45pm when the following items will be discussed:-
A G E N D A
1. Declarations of interest - planning applications only. [See memorandum enclosed]. 2. To consider Planning Applications received [list enclosed]. 3. [at 7.00 pm approximately] Apologies for absence. 4. Council will hear residents on any matters they may wish to raise in regard to Hexham. 5. To agree minutes of the Town Council meeting held on the 1 August 2011, enclosed. 6. Matters arising, if any. 7. Declarations of interest. [See memorandum enclosed]. 8. Accounts for Payment [See list enclosed]. 9. Committee reports. a. To receive minutes of the Burial Board Management Committee meeting held on 8 August 2011, enclosed. [This item is deleted. Minutes are still to be approved by Committee]. b. To receive minutes of the Remembrance and Armed Forces Days Working Group meeting held on 8 August 2011, enclosed. 10. Correspondence. 11. To consider any actions possible that may improve the safety of Hallstile Bank during winter months. Minute 5243ii refers. [Last email sent by J Long of NCC is attached.] 12. Cllr N J Holder will propose “the Council shall in future not hold any meetings during the month of August.” 13. Cllr J V R Hare will propose “the Council set up a Working Group to organize an event celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of HM The Queen, including input celebrating Armed Forces Day 2012.” [See memorandum enclosed]. 14. Any urgent matters at the Chairman of the meetings discretion. [Matters to be raised under this item should be written out [if possible] and handed to the Chairman of the meeting or the Clerk of the Council before the meeting begins].
Derick Tiffin, Clerk of the Council 30 August 2011
Hexham Town Council Council Office, St Andrews Cemetery West Road, Hexham NE46 3RR Tel: 01434609575 Email: [email protected] www.hexhamtowncouncil.gov.uk Hagenda0911 HEXHAM TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 1 AUGUST 2011
5239. PRESENT. Councillor J V R Hare the Town Mayor in the Chair together with Cllrs: A R Travis, J B Jonas, D Kennedy, T Robson, G C Ferguson, P Dixon, Mrs. J E Lloyd, N J Holder, M F C Donnelly and A Snowball. 5240. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE. Apologies for absence were received from Cllr: Mrs. B E Smith and Mrs. C E Robinson. 5241. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION. Concern about the condition of some trees on Beaumont Street were raised by Mr. P Clark and it was AGREED Northumberland County Council will be asked to inspect and advise. 5242. MINUTES. It was AGREED the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on 11 July 2011, having been circulated, be signed as a true record. 5243. MATTERS ARISING. i. HEXHAM RIVER TYNE HYDRO SCHEME. Minute 5225 refers. It was AGREED the Council will give its fullest support to the scheme and will continue to do so as a partner in the scheme. On a comment by Cllr. A R Travis regarding VAT the Clerk confirmed that if and when the Council is asked to incur any expense on the Scheme he will clarify to Council the VAT liability prior to any expenditure decision however at this time there is no question of any expenditure having to be undertaken by the Council. ii. HALLSTILE BANK WINTER CONDITIONS. Minute 5228i refers. It was AGREED this matter should be further considered by Council at a future meeting. iii. EXCESSIVE NUMBER OF STREET SIGNS. Minute 5228ii reefers. It was noted copies of the replies sent by Ms. C Bruce of NCC to the Civic Society had now been received. iv. TYNE VALLEY RAIL USERS GROUP. Minute 5228iii refers. The Group newsletter had been received and will be circulated to Cllrs J B Jonas and N J Holder who will report on any items relevant to the Council in due course. v. POUNDSTRETCHER STORE. Minute 5234 refers. It was reported the owners had advised redecoration of the store frontage will begin shortly. vi. TYNE GREEN. Minute 5228iv refers. It was noted an arranged meeting with Northumberland County Council had been cancelled. Hopefully another meeting will be arranged soon. The Clerk also reported vandalism to the play area meant a new part at a cost of £428.00 was required. It was AGREED the part should be ordered. vii. POLLING STATIONS REVIEW. It was noted the possible costs the Council would incur on a by election should an additional polling station be sited on Bishopton Way were in the region of £1800 plus the normal by election cost of up to £5000.00. It was AGREED to take no final decision until the County Council had completed its review of electoral arrangements. 5244. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. No declarations of interest were made. 5245. ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT. It was AGREED to authorise payments in accordance with the lists circulated and attached hereto. 5246. PLANNING APPLICATIONS. It was AGREED there were no objections to the planning applications received in accordance with the list[s] circulated. 5247. COMMITTEE REPORTS. There were no committee reports to consider. 5248. TRAINING EVENTS a. COUNCILLORS REFRESHER COURSE. The NALC is to hold a refresher training course for Councillors on the 20 September 2011 at the Community Centre between 7.00pm and 9.00pm at a charge of £5.00 per attendee. Cllrs J V R Hare, N J Holder, G C Ferguson, T Robson and Mrs. J E Lloyd AGREED they would wish to attend. b. NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY COUNCIL PLANNING TRAINING. It was AGREED if the NCC held training meetings at a Hexham venue there was more likelihood of attendance by Councillors than for meetings held at Morpeth or similar distant venues. The NCC will accordingly be asked to hold future training events at Hexham. c. BUDGET PLANNING. A suggestion by the Clerk that there should be an informal meeting at which Councillors could consider advance planning for the 2012/13 budget was AGREED. Cllrs J V R Hare, N J Holder, T Robson, Mrs. J E Lloyd, A R Travis and D Kennedy expressed a desire to attend. The Clerk will circulate all Councillors on this matter shortly. 5249. WIND ENERGY PROJECT. Advance notice of a planning application for the installation of two [2] windmills on land at Hexham Racecourse was noted. There will be a public exhibition of the proposals at the Racecourse on 7 September 2011 between 12 noon and 7 pm. The formal planning application will be made thereafter. 5250. PRESENTATION. It had been intended to have a presentation to the meetng by Ms. L Grieve on the Sure Start Initiative but due to personal reasons she was unable to attend. It was AGREED she should be invited to a future meeting. 5251. LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN 2012/13. The list of current 2011/12 Transport Plan requests had been circulated and it was AGREED the following amendments be put forward for the 2012/13 Local Transport Plan. The requests will in due course be considered for inclusion by Northumberland County Council. a. 04850. In addition include a request for a 20MPH limit throughout the town though there was no firm agreement on where it should start – either in substitution for the present 30MPH limit or as well as the 30MPH limits but exact limit sites to be agreed but would be closer to the town centre. In addition the speed limit should be extended westwards beyond the proposed new fire station. b. 05107 [& 04181]. These were not supported. c. 01512 Junction to be access off Causey Hill only. d. 02272 & 04940. Delete as now an ongoing process by NCC. e. 02746 This is an urgent request. f. 03519 The road markings need repainting. g. 03440. Add signage – No U Turns. h. 03891 This would also create extra parking facility. i. 04785 & 04787. These are similar requests and are not supported – delete. j. 05062 Delete - no longer needed [within 20MPH area]. k. 02318 Query - when will survey be carried out? Also consider one-way traffic scheme using Burn Lane. l. 02240 & 00534 No longer supported. m. 04411 Query - when will results of survey be known? n. 05005 Not required but line markings need repainting. o. 04181 Should be deleted by NCC ongoing action. 5252. TOWN PLAN. Cllr Mrs. J E Lloyd stated the Localism Act presently being considered by Parliament would give statutory force to local plans and she felt that a Local Plan for Hexham would be for the benefit of the town and of course the Council and Councillors. A Plan would last for five years and then be kept under review. She proposed and it was AGREED the Council should prepare a Town Plan. She then proposed a Working Group of Councillors should report to the Council with recommendations for implementing the proposal. This too was AGREED and the Working Group will comprise Cllrs J V R Hare and N J Holder [ex officio] and Cllrs Mrs. J E Lloyd, M F C Donnelly, G C Ferguson and D Kennedy. It was hoped the Working Group will be able to report before the end of the calendar year. 5253. PARKING STRATEGY. Cllr D Kennedy spoke on the forthcoming implementation of the Northumberland County Council parking strategy. This will mean traffic orders will be enforced by the County Council and he warned road users this means parking regulations will be strictly enforced. For instance loading bays must only be used for loading and unloading. Some parking ‘problems’ were then noted: [1] The use of Selegate Surgery car park by residents of Hencotes after surgery hours. [2] The use of the Cloister car park until it is actually transferred to the Abbey ownership. [3] The times for parking should allow for actual business hours. For example residents in some areas should be able to use spaces after [say] 5.00pm when businesses close rather than 7.00pm when regulations state. 5254. NEXT MEETING. The next meeting of the Council will be held on 5 September 2011 commencing at 6.45pm.
______Chairman HEXHAM TOWN COUNCIL
ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT 5 SEPTEMBER 2011 Payments are authorised by LGA1972s14;s144;s145;s214;s215 or PCA1957
Payee Detail Amount VAT Net Cheque Ref. number Telefonica Ltd Telephone account 167.92 27.99 139.93 Ddb 5020 Safe Secure 24 Alarm systems monitoring 15.60 2.60 13.00 Ddb 8215 Robson Print Ltd Stationery 62.40 10.40 52.00 106581 5045 Safe and Secure Install new alarm system 768.00 128.00 640.00 106582 8215 24 Monitoring ltd to premises HSBC Charges 42.06 42.06 Ddb 5015 David Dixon Propane 50.99 2.43 48.56 106618 7005 Stokoe Rodger Bookkeeping charge 480.00 80.00 400.00 106584 5005 David Dixon Wheelbarrow 45.00 7.50 37.50 106618 7010 David Dixon Grease, blade, line etc 53.78 9.85 43.93 106618 7020 David Dixon Propane 50.99 2.43 48.56 106618 7005 David Dixon Propane 50.99 2.43 48.56 106618 7005 David Dixon Weedkiller 69.60 11.60 58.00 106618 7005 Purdy’s Skip Hire One lift QB allotments 168.00 28.00 140.00 106585 7200 Northfire Annual service 104.00 104.00 106586 7015 extinguishers Jewson Ltd Measuring tape 7.19 1.20 5.99 106587 7020 Burncliffe Replace emergency light 38.22 6.37 31.85 106588 8215 Electrical Ltd unit Topsigns Allotment numbers 43.20 7.20 36.00 106590 7200 J T Dove Ltd Window fasteners [Lodge] 7.24 1.20 6.04 106591 8215 J T Dove Ltd Concrete 35.94 5.99 29.95 106591 7015 Matthew Charlton Roof repairs [Lodge] 239.40 39.90 199.50 106592 8215 Slaters Ltd Jewson Ltd Tarmacadam 8.89 1.48 7.41 106594 7015 W & M Top soil 198.00 33.00 165.00 106595 7015 Thompson Ltd BT plc Accounts 290.56 48.42 242.14 Ddb 5020 HSBC Bank charges 29.87 29.87 Ddb 5015 C Armstrong and Stationery 9.30 1.55 7.75 Ddb 5045 Son HEXHAM TOWN COUNCIL ADDITIONAL ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT 5 SEPTEMBER 2011 Payee Detail Cheque VAT Net of Cheque Ref. amount VAT number D Tiffin Postages 34.15 34.15 106597 5035 NCC Local Govt. September 2282.60 2282.60 106617 6005 Pension Scheme HMRC PAYE 6 2608.80 2608.80 106607 6000 Staff wages September 8865.64 8865.64 106609/15 6000 Dale Garage Diesel 148.57 24.76 123.81 Ddb 7005 Dale Garage Diesel 95.59 15.94 79.65 Ddb 7005 Dale Garage Diesel 149.29 24.88 124.41 Ddb 7005 David Robinson Compost, fertilizer 29.99 5.00 24.99 106598 7020 Nurseries ltd J T Dove Ltd Paving, cement, gravel 215.75 35.96 179.79 106599 7020 Hexham Grant aid 2010/11 1st 15000.00 15000.00 106600 8010 Community instalment Partnership Costco Bird food 41.10 41.10 Ddb 7020 Wholesale Ltd VPplc Artificial turf [R/Day] 594.00 99.00 495.00 106601 7400 VPplc Grave mats set 297.60 49.60 248.00 106601 7010 Northumbrian Rates 88.01 88.01 106602 8220 Water PWLB Loan installments 4951.69 4951.69 Ddb 8200 Viking Direct Paper products 179.89 29.98 149.91 106603 7020 Lloyd Ltd Service repairs to Dane 293.63 48.93 244.70 106604 7015 mower Henderson Number posts [Allotments] 19.80 3.30 16.50 106605 7200 Fencing Stone Technical Rebuild stone pillar 2989.09 498.18 2490.91 106606 8215 Services Ltd Npower Floodlights 269.29 12.82 256.47 Ddb 7600 P Sewell, Account 30.68 30.68 106616 7020 dairyman
MAYORS ALLOWANCE - ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
Payee Detail Cheque VAT Net of Cheque Ref. amount VAT number J V R Hare Refund fare for 463.78 463.78 106596 5030 Metzingen twinning Balance 1874.62 5030
INCOME RECEIVED AUGUST 2011 RECEIVED DETAIL CREDITED INVOICE DATE REF Various Cemetery fee 735.00 hdw11/66 080811 4010 Various Cemetery fee 893.00 Hdw11/67 080811 4010 Various Cemetery fee 735.00 Hdw11/68 080811 4010 Various Cemetery fee 1209.00 Hd11/69 160811 4010 Community Cheque cancelled 15000.00 106523 8010 Partnership David Dixon Cheque cancelled 268.18 106593 050911 7005 David Dixon Cheque cancelled 137.05 106583 050911 7005 HSBC Card charge refunded 32.00 ------5015 HMRC VAT refund 24765.07 011010-310311 050811 ----- NCC Precept 2 of 2 114000.00 ------180811 4025 Various Cash refund 5.70 ------300811 7020 HEXHAM TOWN COUNCIL
THE FOLLOWING PLANNING APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY COUNCIL AT 5 SEPTEMBER 2011
Reference Description Applicant 11/01474 Window opening to second floor rear at 3 S Rowarth Wentworth Place Hexham 11/01473LB Construct window opening to second S Rowarth floor rear at 3 Wentworth Place Hexham 11/01748 Construct one four bedroom dwelling at C Payne Viewlands Osborne Avenue Hexham 11/01`331 Single storey orangery with balcony Mrs. L Caley above at Little Garth Leazes Lane Hexham 11/01781 Construct conservatory at ‘Lawnswood’ G Kidd pp. Mr. Dunphy Eilansgate Hexham 11/01895 First floor side extension at 10 Robson J Fletcher Drive Hexham 11/01879 Single storey rear extension and sun room Mrs. S Lowdon at 6 Ridley Close Hexham 11/01904 Install photovoltaic panels on roof at Northumberland C C Priory School, Dene Park, Hexham
NOTE: Any objections made on applications must be ‘material planning reasons.’ There is no definitive list but examples are:- National planning policy. Policies in adopted and emerging regional and local development plans. Suitability of the site for the proposal. Visual appearance of the proposal and relationship with the surrounding environment. Landscaping issues:- lack of light; over shadowing; over development. Building materials and height:- scale; design; layout in comparison with neighboring developments. Impact on listed buildings; conservation areas or their settings. Effect on residential amenity of neighbours. Local needs of area such as employment, commercial or social facilities.
All planning applications are now on line at http://publicaccess.northumberland.gov.uk/online-applications. If Hexham Town Council objects to an application listed above the objection is lodged on line. In the absence of an objection recorded on line the comment ‘No objections’ is to be assumed. The decisions on all planning applications are now on line at http://publicaccess.northumberland.gov.uk/online- applications. HEXHAM TOWN COUNCIL
THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL PLANNING APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY COUNCIL AT 5 SEPTEMBER 2011
Reference Description Applicant 11/01738 Demolish conservatory and construct N Barrett single storey extension at Stable House Lowgate Hexham 11/01905 Install photo voltaic panels on roof at Northumberland County Council Wentworth Leisure Centre Hexham 11/01948 Construct timber store at 5 Temperley J Askell Place Hexham [Retrospective] 11/02017 Construct porch, terraces and balcony, Mrs. S Coe amend parking area, re-roof extension at ‘Clontibret’ Allendale Road Hexham 11/02055 Single storey extension to connect A Blamire dwelling to garage at West Summerods Allendale Road Hexham 11/01812 Permit use of Causey Hill Caravan Site H Daly for 12 months of year 11/01949LB Convert coach house and install spiral J Askell staircase to first floor at 5 Temperley Place Hexham HEXHAM TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE TOWN COUNCIL REMEMBRANCE & ARMED FORCES DAYS WORKING GROUP MEETING HELD ON 8 AUGUST 2011
35. PRESENT. Cllr J V R Hare in the Chair with Cllr T Robson and Messrs. T E Gillanders, K W Dodd, D M Coates and P Clark. 36. WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN. It was AGREED Cllr T Robson be Chairman of the Working Group and he then took over the Chair. 37. APOLOGIES. Apologies for absence were given on behalf of Cllrs. A Snowball, Mrs. I C Brook, N J Holder and also for P Robson Esq. 38. MINUTES. It was AGREED to receive the minutes of the previous Working Group meeting held on 14 December 2010 and which had been circulated to Council 10 January 2011 and any recommendations agreed. Any matters arising are dealt with below. 39. REMEMBRANCE DAY 2011. The following items were considered and are RECOMMENDED:- i. The standard bearer’s arrangements within and during the Abbey Service need to be clarified and Peter Robson and Cllr J B Jonas need to agree these arrangement and bring a report to the next meeting. ii. Programmes. Additional volunteers to hand out programmes are needed and Cllr P Robson agreed he will arrange for three more from 41 Club. iii. Additional artificial turf has been ordered. [As previously agreed by Council]. iv. Tom E Gillanders is to be programme editor, not Cllr T Robson as previously minuted, but his wife Eileen will proof read if requested. It was RECOMMENDED photos of war graves to be used in programme, should be obtained at a cost of £3.00 each. v. Alan Hodgson had not been able to provide a list of last year’s wreath layers. It is hoped this information can be obtained elsewhere and it was noted is needed by K W Dodd asap. vi. RAF Spadeadam will be asked to send a representative. [They have since been approached and are not able to assist as the base has very few permanent members]. vii. Brampton Silver Band has been booked at a fee of £200.00. viii. It was AGREED the gazebos used last year for shelter should not be used again though there will always be one needed to shelter the PA system. ix. Clerk of the Council is to provide D M Coates with the parade order for voluntary contingents assembling at Moot Hall. x. As many Poppy wreaths as required should be ordered as soon as possible. 40. DIARY DATES. a. 15 September 2011 – 11.15 am in Hexham Abbey. RAF Memorial ceremony. b. 18 September 2011 – 11.45 am at the War Memorial Battle of Britain Remembrance Service. c. Parade Marshalls briefing – 10.30 am at the War Memorial on 8 November 2011. d. War Graves Remembrance ceremony – 10.30 am at the Cemetery on 12 November 2011. e. Laying of Poppy Wreath at the War Memorial plaques at Hexham Hospital Chapel – approximately 11.45 am on 12 November 2011. f. Remembrance Day is 13 November 2011. 41. NEXT MEETING. It was AGREED the next meeting will be held at 11.00 AM on Monday 5 September 2011.
Chairman...... HEXHAM TOWN COUNCIL
Memorandum to Council When I was elected as Mayor one of my questions to the Clerk of the Council was what are we doing to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of HM The Queen? This question led to an informal meeting between the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland, the Clerk and 39 Regiment RA and after further informal meetings, I RECOMMEND the Council sets up a Working Group to carry through the organisation of a celebration event.
I therefore propose “the Council set up a Working group to organize an event celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of H M The Queen, including input celebrating Armed Forces Day 2012.”
Cllr J V R Hare, Mayor of Hexham. 25/9/11
THE FOLLOWING NOTES ARE FROM AN AD-HOC GROUP MEETING HELD 15 AUGUST 2011 and I COMMEND THEM TO THE COUNCIL. 1. PRESENT. The Mayor Cllr J V R [Rad] Hare [RAD], acting as Chairman and with Messrs: Tom E Gillanders [TG], A David Boaden [DB], Capt A Iain B Moffatt [AIBM] and Derick Tiffin [DT]. Also attending a previous informal meeting had been Capt. Paul D Horne and WO1 James Murray. [39RA]. 2. Initials, if included, show who is dealing with an item. 3. The meeting was a continuation of an informal discussion held recently at which early planning for a celebration for the Diamond Jubilee of H M The Queen in 2012 combined with a celebration of 2012 Armed Forces Day had been discussed. It is now hoped the Council will agree to set up a Working Group to continue working towards ensuring Hexham celebrates both these historic and important events. 4. In order to record the current position, the various matters already discussed and considered are listed and are put to the Council to approve. 5. a. The event date is Saturday 7 July 2012. b. Her Grace the Duchess of Northumberland in her capacity as Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland has agreed to attend. She will have Navy, Air Force and Army Cadets [3] in attendance. [DT] c. Capt. A I B Moffat, Vice-Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland has agreed to attend and to be a member of the Working Group. [AIBM] d. 39 Regiment Royal Artillery will march through Hexham to Beaumont Street where the Duchess will present Afghanistan campaign medals to the troops. [39RA] e. 102 Battalion REME Pipe Band has agreed to attend [and can march in parade if 39RA wish]. [TG 39RA] f. 2344 [Longbenton] Squadron ATC Band has agreed to attend [and can march in parade] It also has a keyboards/guitar ensemble too. [DT] g. A number of other Armed Services, Cadet Forces, Civilian and School bands have or will be invited. It is intended bands play in concert throughout the afternoon. [DT AIBM RAD] h. RAF Boulmer to be contacted to see if a rescue helicopter can attend. [AIBM] i. HMS Calliope RN to be contacted to see if a Navy team can attend. [AIBM] j. RAF Red Arrows to be asked to carry out a display. [DT] k. RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to be asked to carry out a Fly past. [Spitfire and Lancaster]. [DT] It was suggested the BofB flight might not be able to over-fly the town but it would be visible from the top of the Sele on its route along the Tyne Valley but this will be a RAF decision. l. RAF to be asked for a static display in Market Place of a Harrier and a Typhoon together with RAF recruiting team. [DT] m. Preceding the 39 RA parade will be a parade of Army and Air Force Cadets; Scouts and Guides, Boys Brigade etc. followed by vintage cars and ex-military service vehicles. [DT TG DB] n. An ex RAF target drone flying display. [DB] o. Road closures for Market Place and Beaumont Street have been arranged. [DT] p. Rolling road closure through town centre will precede parade, has been arranged. [DT] q. Beaumont Hotel booked for welcome to Duchess prior to 39RA arriving on parade and for any reception agreed. [DT] [39RA] [RAD] r. Funfair has been booked for the Park. [DT] s. Use of Park and Sele has been booked [DT] t. Use of Mart [as overflow] car park has been booked. [DT] 6. NEXT MEETING. It was AGREED a meeting should be held on 20 September 2011 at 10.00AM.
Cllr J V R Hare, Mayor of Hexham. 25/9/11 HEXHAM TOWN COUNCIL
MEMORANDUM TO COUNCIL
Council will note from the paragraphs below that Egger UK is offering 50 trees to Hexham to celebrate its 50th birthday. There are a number of suggested sites for tree planting and these are listed. The sites are:- 1. Two limes to extend the existing avenue of limes [near the play area] on the Sele. 2. Three ash on the western portion of the lay-by at the ‘Red Lion’ on Corbridge Road.to complement an existing stand of trees on the eastern portion. 3. One cherry to replace tree lost in feature garden area at Tanners Court Sheltered Housing. 4. One tree to replace tree lost within Dene Park play area. 5. The remainder of the trees can be used to supplement trees lost in last winter severe weather at southern area of Highford Park estate. This area was first planted out by NCC but nearly all trees were lost and replanting will take place when NCC has funds. 6. Alternatively the remainder of the trees can be used at Wydon Water, subject to Environment Agency agreement. The Council to 1. Agree to accept the offer and send an appropriate letter of thanks. 2. Note that suggestions 1-5 are agreed by the NCC Tree Officer and NCC Parks Officer. 3. Agree which of the suggested sites should be used.
Derick Tiffin, Clerk of the Council 30 August 2011
MEMORANDUM TO COUNCIL Egger UK would like to donate 50 trees to Hexham Town Council to mark the 50th birthday of its Austrian parent company. It is proposed that these be a mix of small saplings and larger trees of mainly the oak, ash and chestnut varieties.
Egger came to Hexham in 1984, when it took over the old Airscrew- Weyroc site which had been in the town since 1964 and now employs more than 500 people.
Since then, the Austrian family-owned business has invested heavily in the site and is a major contributor to the Northumberland economy supporting an additional 1000 indirect jobs in forestry, logging, sawmilling, haulage and associated trades.
In 2007, Egger created Europe’s most advanced chipboard manufacturing plant alongside its old factory – which was demolished once the new high-speed production lines were commissioned and working at full capacity. Not a single day’s production was lost.
The new £110 million factory was vital if the company was to meet the threat of cheap foreign competition, produce higher quality chipboard and meet increasingly-stringent emission control regulations – as well as lowering noise levels and improving the visual aspects of the site.
Although the chipboard production process was already very environmentally-friendly, Egger’s green credentials were further boosted in 2008 with the opening of its own biomass energy plant. This burns dust from the production process to generate heat that is then used to dry the wet timber brought from Kielder Forest and beyond. As well as lowering the company’s fossil-fuel consumption, it dramatically reduces the amount of waste that would otherwise have to be transported off-site to landfill.
The company has also pioneered the use of recycled wood in its products – old furniture, pallets and other wood waste that has already fulfilled its primary use. Recycled wood only forms about half of the raw material supply – but even so, the wood panel industry makes a larger contribution towards meeting Government wood recycling targets than any other sector.
Egger was recently awarded ISO 14001 accreditation in recognition of the company’s work to reduce the environmental impact of its activities, and has just invested £2 million in a waste wood recycling plant in Sunderland which serves the Hexham factory. HEXHAM TOWN COUNCIL
MEMORANDUM TO COUNCIL
Christmas Lights display 2011
The following details were not available soon enough to hold a meeting of the Christmas Lights Working group before its Chairman Cllr A R Travis departed on his holidays, so the Council is asked to consider the following. 2. The contractor [Christmas Plus Ltd] used in 2010 is RECOMMENDED. It charged at least 50% less than the charge made by the previous contractor, Northumberland County Council. 3. If a three year contract is taken there is a 7.5% discount on the £5500 charge [allowed last year as introductory discount. It is RECOMMENDED the three year contract is taken. 4. Last year no additional displays were installed as funding was not in the budget. However this year with the reduced charge made by Christmas Plus Ltd in 2010 there is a balance in the budget of £4400. This balance could be used for additional displays. It is RECOMMENDED the large trees, one each side of the gateway [near Bensons monument] into the Park, be wrapped with LED lights and these would be left in situ and so available for other events in the Park during the year. The cost would be £2500.00 leaving a surplus in current budget of £1900.00. 5. A further suggestion is to light trees along the eastern boundary of the Park. [next to Beaumont Street]. The surplus of £1900.00 should cover the costs. The installation would be subject to NCC agreement and would need undersurface cabling that could be installed by Hexham Council staff. It is RECOMMENDED this suggestion, subject to permissions being obtained, is proceeded with provided the £1900.00 balance is not exceeded. 6. The switch on of the 2011 Christmas Lights will be at 5.00pm on Friday 25 November 2011. Santa has agreed he will come along to switch on the lights.
Derick Tiffin Clerk of the Council 1 September 2011