Minutes Of Forum Meeting July 2012

[Malcolm Robinson]

Minutes of the meeting held on 9^th July 2012 at the Salvation Army, Hartford Road, Bedlington.

Present:

Brian Oliver – Chair Malcolm Robinson – Vice Chair

Margaret Oliver – Secretary Colin Heathcote – Radio Group

Keith Dalton –-Fo.G.P Richard Wearmouth – Salvation Army

Colin Parker – East Bed PC Lyn Horton – Leading Link

Russell Hogg – Resident/R.T. allotments Valerie Tyler – Cllr, Resident & F.o.G.P

Irene Webster – F.o.G.P Stewart P Hedley – WBTC

John Hetherington– Resident/D.P allotments Stewart Allen – Radio Northumberland

Joe Henderson – F.o.G.P

17 Members of the public

1.

Welcome and Introductions

2.

Apologies

10 apologies for absence were received.

The minutes were accepted as a true record.

3.

Matters Arising & Chairs Updates

o

The Chair informed the meeting again that the company (Veolia ES Landfill Ltd) making the planning application for wind turbines at Choppington Lane had withdrawn their application following NCC asking for further information regarding the location. It is believed that the reason for the withdrawal is because the required information would take a long time to gather.

o

The Chair, after commenting at the last meeting, that assurances had been given by the planning department that the construction of a Care Home on the former Elliott's Garage site will commence mid April (2012), reported that, as everyone can see, this has not happened.

o

It was discussed with members present about the designation of public conveniences as strategic and none-strategic. Information regarding this was given to the Chair, that a strategic toilet was looked upon as a convenience/toilet which would be used by tourists to that specific area and because of this NCC would maintain them, but it is probable that these specific toilets could be passed onto Town Councils or Parishes to maintain. There was a short discussion relating to this matter and it was asked if this issue could be raised at the next Town Council meeting, asking them if this were to happen and if the toilets are unserviceable then they ensure that NCC pays the cost of any demolition so avoiding the costs being passed onto the Parish by increasing the precept to pay for it. The Chair agreed to do this.

o

All present were informed about the Local Development Plan to which a response had been completed by the Chair. Leaflets were made available for those who were interested in making their own comments on line through the NCC website.

4.

Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) update

The Chair gave the THI update. Most members could now see how things had progressed and many present commented on how good 'Front Street' was beginning to look, but it was a shame about the vacant shop premises.

5. Police Update

There was no Police presence so this was not given.

6.

South Northumberland Radio Group (SNRG) update (Colin Heathcote)

o

"We are establishing a community interest company (CIC) with the specific aim of using it as a vehicle to apply for a full-time five year broadcasting licence. SNRG will continue to run alongside the CIC.

o

Our plans include applying for this licence and another 28-day Restricted Service Licence (RSL) to build on the success of our last RSL and give us a better foundation of experience and expertise for the long term.

o

To this end we have begun a new round of fund-raising – not only to raise the many thousands of pounds needed for the short and long term broadcasts but also to pay outstanding bills for the conversion of 90A Front Street East.

o

We got off to a pretty good and morale-boosting start when a former Bedlingtonian now living in Northern Europe who had listened to our broadcast on-line sent us £250 saying: "I thoroughly enjoyed the broadcasts during the short time Synergy was on air. "Listening gave me, an ex-pat, a rather nice feeling of once again being in touch with my roots and being a part of the community I've always loved.”

o

In May we received confirmation that the Northumbria Police Charities Fund would purchase equipment up to the value of £500, for us to use.

o

We have written to the 17 Parish and Town Councils in South East Northumberland appealing for funds. And we've also written to the 33 Northumberland county councillors with wards in the area asking if they'd donate a chunk of the £15,000 they each get annually to spend on local projects.

o

In addition we've contacted or written to Robert Rich; the Banks Group – who operate the Shotton Open Cast site; Alcan who have a legacy fund for community activities; the Duke of Northumberland; the Lloyds TSB Community Foundation fund; Proctor and Gamble; Shepherd Construction who are involved in the development of the NAREC site in Blyth, and the Big Lottery Fund. Only refusals so far: Duke of N'land who invited us to try again next year and the Lloyds TSB fund.

o

We've been invited to make a pitch for funding to West Bedlington Town Council later this week. So fingers crossed.

o

Last month I gave a Power Point Presentation to Wansbeck Small Business Forum re SNRG project and on June 25 we held our AGM at the studio.”

7.

Bedlingtonshire Development Trust (BDT).

o

"Still working on our building project………now awaiting tenders for building estimates. Once we have the estimates we can then apply for the capital funding. Legal costs now down to something sensible and affordable!

o

Have been working with Leading Link on their Big Event programme which is to be staged at St Benet Biscop School. The format changed slightly from being all about the Queens Diamond Jubilee to include '60 years in Bedlington' and got a slot on Radio 4 'You and Yours'. As part of this project a Bedlington Heritage Wall is being produced.

o

Working on a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) bid to do a heritage based digital presentation as well as other heritage based items and activities.

o

The Trust was one of the principle organisers of the Bedlington Parade which preceded the Olympic Torch relay. The two other groups and personnel involved were Lyn Horton of Leading Link and Richard Wearmouth of the Salvation Army. We had BBC1 TV with us all morning and it was nice to see some of the coverage on television that night, the News Post Leader also gave us decent coverage. A big thank you to everyone who took part, especially the youngsters in the dance troops and the senior citizens who were in wheelchairs, the 'seniors' were determined to be part of the day! Over twenty very wet Bedlington Terrier dogs from various parts of the country also took part in the parade. We were the ONLY town in Northumberland to put on a self-sponsored event which directly related to the Olympic Torch Event. The Olympic Committee have let it be known that the response in Northumberland was the best in the country.

o

Currently working on a steering group which is looking at developing Gallagher Park. We now have QE11 status and with that, hopefully a sum of money to spend on improvements. These will include a development in cycling provision, namely a skills area and improvements to the downhill mountain bike track, more seats, picnic benches, litter bins and signage. We are trying to get other groups and individuals to sponsor a bin because if successful that will give us more to invest in general improvements at the Park. This time I have insisted that the sponsors will feature prominently on these bins so we can all see who backs our community efforts! Following a meeting with NCC we finally got some of the answers we have been after for years regarding the condition of the land surrounding the old spoil heap (pit heap). We now have documented evidence of the pit heap's reclamation process and now know that it is possible to put buildings on the land provided we stick to some simple construction requirements. We now just need to get the question of access answered.

o

Also working with a small committee with regard to the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) funding which has been awarded to Bedlingtonshire High School. Some of this money will help the High School develop comprehensive sporting facilities and my job is to ensure that it is made community accessible and complementary to anything we go for at Gallagher Park.

o

I have completed a full and comprehensive reply to the NCC's Local Development Framework (LDF), which is a huge one hundred and seventy page document!

o

Working along with Richard at the Salvation Army to assist him in his efforts to put on community events for the Opening Ceremony Night of the Olympics. It was found as a result of the consultation exercise I did earlier in the year that a lot of people asked for more community events, so from not a lot, we have already seen the Big Event at the Lodge, the Bedlington Parade and next we will see the Olympic Opening Ceremony event on the 27

th

July at the Salvation Army. On the 1

st

of September there will also be a 'Sustran' event in Gallagher Park celebrating the completion of the Bedlington to Blyth cycling route. Thanks to Colin Patterson's efforts too we saw 'BedRock' music festival over the Bank Holiday weekend. There should also be a Heritage weekend to look forward to. It might not be the return of the Bedlington Picnic in its heyday but I hope everyone will agree it shows what can be achieved with a bit of hard work and determination.

o

Still working closely with our umbrella groups notably the Federation of Northumberland Development Trusts (FoNDT).

o We are still working with the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Alliance for SE Northumberland and have an infrastructure strategy consultation to complete in the very near future.

o

Now working with Connect4Change (C4C) within a small group looking into a VCS Assembly for the whole county. Already taken part in the first countywide Assembly meeting.

o

Last but by no means least the old Bedlingtonshire Urban District Council's Coat of Arms. Many people said it was lost and others denied it ever existed, but we found it and used it to head-up the opening of the Bedlington (Torch) Parade. We now have to look into the legalities of using the crest, but I don't see any other organisations eligible to use it.”

8.

Any other business

o

A question was asked about what exactly was happening to the Community Centre. It was stated that building work had now been completed and decoration work is being carried out by volunteers, so if anyone was willing to give some time to help do this then it would no doubt be gratefully welcomed.

o

Discussion took place regarding Hartford Hall and it was reported that the residents have now completed the purchase of the land remaining and decisions will be made as to the future of it. The famous Gates were also discussed, with particular regard to what people would like to see happen with them….some thought they should be re-located to a more community friendly location…right in the town centre itself!

o

Stewart Allen from Radio Northumberland gave members present information about this radio station which is heard on line only and being considerably cheaper to run than an FM station they have not had to seek funding money to keep the station running. They have recently received £500 from Northumbria Police; this is in fact the first funding money they have acquired. They are involved with many people and give out regular community information which has been past-on by individual groups etc. This includes news updates, virtual information shows as well as playing various types of music. Radio Northumberland are expanding their sports reporting and linking with

various schools in the area now have several new initiatives in place.

NEXT MEETING MONDAY 8^th OCTOBER 2012 6.30pm.

Salvation Army, Hartford Road Bedlington