From the Parish Council: July Meeting Update

Here is an informal overview of the main matters discussed at the Parish Council meeting on 21 July. The formal minutes remain the official record of the meeting and decisions made.

Neighbourhood Plan

The Council received an update from the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group and welcomed the work undertaken by pupils at Whittingham School. The children shared what they value about the parish and ideas for its future, including safer crossings, improved pavements, more places to play and protection of the natural environment.

The Council approved the draft Neighbourhood Plan survey for distribution. Two copies will initially be delivered to each household, including properties in the more remote parts of the parish.

Three public question and answer sessions are also planned, allowing residents to discuss the survey before responding. Completed surveys are due by the end of September.

Bridge Island and Road Safety

Road safety and the future maintenance of Bridge Island were again important parts of the discussion.

The Council agreed to ask Northumberland County Council to attend a site meeting to consider speeding, pedestrian safety, the extent of the 20mph limit, highway signage and grass-cutting arrangements around the island.

Members will also seek clarification about maintenance responsibilities and the options available to balance biodiversity with visibility and road safety.

The Council separately approved a further letter to Northumberland County Council about safety at the A697 junction near the former Bridge of Aln Hotel. Road safety will remain on future agendas so that progress can be monitored.

Community Governance Review

The Council considered Northumberland County Council’s Community Governance Review consultation.

Members agreed that there is no current local demand for further amalgamation with other parishes. However, the distribution of councillor seats between Whittingham, Callaly and Alnham should be reviewed to determine whether a fairer allocation could be achieved based on elector numbers.

These views will be included in the Council’s consultation response.

Parish Projects

Updates were received on several ongoing projects.

Work continues on the cast iron road signs, while a response from the proposed telephone box contractor was still awaited. Enquiries are also continuing regarding the land and arrangements connected with Whittingham bus shelter.

Following recent maintenance work, the Council agreed that the Parish Council section of the Whittingham notice board should be more clearly identified.

Tree Safety

The Council considered the findings of its recent professional tree inspection.

Northumberland County Council will be notified of the proposed work, quotations will be obtained and nearby residents will be informed before work takes place. This includes a sycamore tree on Whittingham Green which was identified as requiring urgent attention.

Council Finances and Annual Audit

The Council received its latest transaction report and accepted the bank reconciliation to 21 July.

Payments approved included costs relating to the Neighbourhood Plan, tree inspection, internal audit and transfer of information to the new Council website.

The Council also received the Internal Auditor’s report and approved the Annual Governance and Accountability Return for 2025/26. An Information Technology Policy will be prepared following one of the auditor’s recommendations.

Councillor Vacancy

The Council received an update on the vacant Whittingham councillor seat and the co-option process. Further information about the vacancy and how to apply will be published separately.

Next Meeting

The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 15 September 2026 at 7pm in Whittingham Memorial Hall.

Residents are welcome to attend. Meeting documents and other Council updates are available on the Parish Council website.