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THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING TRIMDON FOUNDRY PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TRIMDON ON WEDNESDAY 8TH APRIL 2009

416. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
417. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
418. POLICE MATTERS
419. PLANNING MATTERS
420. CORRESPONDENCE
421. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
Chairmans’ Report
422. Resident’s Reports
423. CLERK’S REPORT
424. SIGNING & SEALING OF DOCUMENTS – TRANSFER OF ALLOTMENT SITE AT LUKE STREET
425. RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PRESS AND THE PUBLIC
426. FINANCIAL MATTERS
427. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING


PRESENT:- COUN. J GRIGG (CHAIR)
Mesdames:- L Grigg & D Kelly
Messrs:- T Anderson, B D Ferguson, A Jackson & M Nicholls

Prior to the start of the meeting the Chairman referred to the excellent work and support that had been given over the years by the local District Councillors.  It was agreed that a letter of thanks and appreciation be sent to Councillor Freak and McGonnell.

416. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence had been submitted on behalf of Councillors B Wilson and K Gregory.

417. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member, were approved.
(a) Minute Number 406 – Youths gathering next to Malvern Crescent Bungalows
In this connection the Chairman read out a petition received from the residents of 1 – 7 Malvern Crescent, requesting gates being installed to help stop anti social behaviour.  The Chairman gave the background to this matter and suggested a type of fence like that constructed at the former memorial garden.  He asked if the PCSo’s could have this area on their beat.  PC Godber gave details of action taken by her in contacting the Estates Section at the District of Easington, (now DCC), and East Durham Homes where a response was awaited.  RESOLVED copy of the correspondence be forwarded by the Clerk to the two organizations given and progress be awaited.
(b) Minute Number 407 – B122 Notice of an Application Affecting a Caution of Title
Members were circulated with a copy of the decision received from the Durham Land Registry raising the caution and registering the land to Durham County Council.  RESOLVED that further developments be awaited along with a reply to the Parish Council’s interest in some of the land at this location.
(c) Minute Number 409 – Former Chapel PC Godber had arranged for the shuttering to be replaced.  It had been but had now been damaged again, along with the gate.  This had been reported to Dere Developments for action.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
(d) Minute Number 411 – Bowling green
As agreed at the last meeting the hedge had been cut down and the it had been disposed of by a controlled burn with the Police and Fire Brigade being advised.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
  
418. POLICE MATTERS
The Police then gave an update on the crime statistics since their last report. An update was given on issues raised at the last meeting as well as progress with an issue relating to the misuse of a quad bike and verbal abuse.  There was a report made that a youth had been riding a mini moto at the tope of Rodwell Street and the rear of Luke Street early evening.
RESOLVED that the Police be thanked for their efforts and the information given be noted.       

419. PLANNING MATTERS
Members were circulated with a copy of a letter from the Principal Planning Services Officer updating the Town Council on the consultation procedure will change to the issuing of a weekly list of all applications received in the County Area.  The responsibility would then lie with each Town and Parish Council to check this list and identify any applications of interest to them.  This letter was dated the 30th March 2009 and was received on the 31st, with changes being implemented from 1st April 2009.  The Clerk offered her opinion on the new arrangements which she felt would be extremely time consuming.  RESOLVED that a request be made that planning applications relating to Deaf Hill and Trimdon be provided in a list form on a weekly basis.

420. CORRESPONDENCE
Consideration was given to a list of correspondence received since the last meeting, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member.  
RESOLVED that:-
(i) all those available attend the AAP meeting to be held on 29th April 2009
(ii) the remainder of the correspondence be received.

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421. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
Lack of Litter Bins
A general comment was made on the lack of litter bins on the main street through the village resulting a lot of litter blowing around.  A bin had been damaged and not replaced at the bottom of Rowell /Windsor Street. RESOLVED that a request for bins and a replacement bin at the location given, be made.
Joint Trimdons
It was reported that at a recent Joint Trimdon Meeting it had been agreed that the Joint Trimdons and Trimdon 2000 would amalgamate.  As County Councillors Peter Brookes and Lucy Hovvels would be attending the AAP Meetings.  It was suggested that the Chairman, J Grigg, should be put forward for a place on the AAP.  The Clerk assured that both she and the Chairman would be attending the initial meeting of the AAP and encouraged any other Members to go along if they were available.  Reference was made to the consultation from the Boundary Commission where responses were required for no later than 8th June 2009.  A second period of public consultation would follow when the Boundary Committee’s draft recommendations for County Durham were known.
It was suggested that this Parish should be included within the Trimdon boundary.  RESOLVED that this be considered further following the AAP Meeting to be held on 29th April 2009.
Windfarm Meetings
It was reported that three proposals were to be put forward, it was noted that Joint Trimdon had a Masterplan; it was suggested that this Parish Council should perhaps look to producing an environmental appraisal using this as a starting point.  It was stressed that this Parish Council needed to be represented at the Windfarm Meetings.  Councillor Jackson intended going along on the 9th June 2009 to the next meeting.  The Clerk would attend in his lieu if work commitments meant he could not attend.  RESOLVED that progress be awaited.
The Messenger
Progress was given on the current production.  RESOLVED that no further contribution be made towards the cost of producing the Messenger and investigations be made into producing their own newsletter.
County Councillor’s Report
Several new dog bins had now been put out in the village.  Work on the dropped kerbs was due to start on the 6th April 2009.  Pressure was being put on to obtain a grant towards works required to the school kitchen.
Changes to the buses, times and routes were being challenged as there had not been proper consultation.  Some of the changes were just a change in the operating number and so did not result in a reduction of service.
The planning application submitted by Mr Atwal, Waycott had right of access issues and a copy of an e mail was given to the Clerk on this matter.  A price had been given on the cost of bringing the road at Windsor Street up to an adoptable standard of between £3,000 to £5,000.  County Councillor Nicholls was willing to make a contribution towards this work if the Parish Council would provide the remainder of the funding.  He felt that partnership schemes were the way forward to achieve joint goals.  RESOLVED that a rolling programme of environmental improvements be agreed in principle and the first scheme be the work to the un adopted road at Rodwell/Windsor Street with match funding from the County Councillor.   Comment was made on the number of boarded up homes in between private owner occupiers.  Reference was also made to the vetting of tenants.  The County Councillor assured he would look into this.

(At this point Councillor Anderson gave his apologies and left the meeting).

Proposed Play Area
Progress on the proposed play area next to Lilac Crescent/Wood Terrace was requested.  The Clerk advised that a request had been made to Home Housing for the Parish Council to install a play area on land in their ownership on perhaps a leased basis and a reply was awaited.  RESOLVED that a reply be awaited.
Updates
Updates on various environmental matters was requested – the land to the rear of Nattress Terrace and the removal of asbestos on private land.   These were given verbally at the meeting.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.

Chairmans’ Report
The Chairman gave a progress report on works carried out since the last meeting.  He asked for the contractor that was to install CCTV at the recreation area to source and arrange for installation of the pole necessary to site the camera.  It was suggested that a further grit bin be ordered for the footpaths/bus route at Malvern/Margaret Terrace next to the aged persons bungalows.  RESOLVED that further bin be ordered for this location. 
Progress on the permission to put out the planters at various locations in the village was requested.  The Clerk advised she had some paperwork to submit to DCC which would be done shortly.  EDC were to plant up the area around the notice board.  He was pleased to report the dog bins requested had been put in place. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
The Chairman asked for a progress report on the trusteeship of the Recreation Area.  The Clerk gave an update and assurance that progress was being made.

PRIOR TO DISCUSSION ON THE FOLLOWING ITEM COUNCILLOR L GRIGG DECLARED AN INTEREST AND TOOK NO PART IN THE DISCUSSION WHICH ENSUED.
Deaf Hill Miners Banner Group
The Chairman reported receipt of a request for a donation towards the costs of taking the banner around the County in 125th Anniversary celebrations.  RESOLVED that a donation of £125.00 be made.
Post Office
A request had been received from the Manager of the Post Office for a contribution towards a handrail to assist in accessing the Post Office from the new entrance following a security breach.  The Clerk advised that any contribution would need to be made under Section 137 and if agreed would be made with no responsibility being accepted by the Parish Council.  RESOLVED that a donation of £40.00 be made.

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422. Resident’s Reports
Wingate Nature Reserve
It was asked what progress had been made to the removal of the tyres in the field next to the Wingate Nature Reserve.  RESOLVED that this be chased up.
Top Shop
It was reported that the concrete to the frontage of the Top Shop, Wingate Road was badly damaged.  RESOLVED that this be reported for action.
A request was made for support with problems of anti social behaviour with a youth using a quad bike.  It was confirmed that the Environment Section DCC needed to be contacted for assistance.

PRIOR TO DISCUSSION ON THE FOLLOWING ITEM COUNCILLORS L & J GRIGG DECLARED AN INTEREST AND TOOK NO PART IN THE DISCUSSION WHICH ENSUED.

Pigeons – Malvern Crescent
A resident attended the meeting to express her concerns at pigeons being kept in a nearby garden which she felt was causing health problems to her family.  It was suggested that she take this matter up with the Estates and Environment Sections at the local office of DCC.  RESOLVED that the Clerk also make a report on the resident’s behalf.

423. CLERK’S REPORT
Consideration was given to the Clerk’s report covering the following items:-
Opening of Safe
RESOLVED endorsement of the action taken in opening this safe at a cost of £64.40 be given.
Contract Renewal
RESOLVED that endorsement of action taken in signing the contracts for grounds maintenance and trade waste be given, it being noted that all existing contracts are to be transferred to the new authority, (Durham County Council).
Progress – Enforcement – Smith
Rubbish and Dog Fouling
Bowling Green
Grit Bins
Recreation Area
RESOLVED that action being taken by the Clerk with the Council’s Solicitor, be endorsed and progress be awaited.
Play Area – Lilac/May Crescent
A progress report was given on this proposal.  RESOLVED progress with this request be awaited.
Request for an increase in hours by the Clerk
RESOLVED that the Clerk’s hours be increased to 16, to be reviewed.

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424. SIGNING & SEALING OF DOCUMENTS – TRANSFER OF ALLOTMENT SITE AT LUKE STREET

Approval was requested for the Chairman and Vice Chairman, along with the Clerk to sign the transfer document relating to the Allotment site, Luke Street, from Wingate Parish Council.
RESOLVED that approval be given.  FURTHER RESOLVED that a letter of thanks and appreciation be forwarded to Wingate Parish Council in agreeing to this transfer.

425. RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PRESS AND THE PUBLIC
IN VIEW OF THE CONFIDENTIAL NATURE OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED THE COMMITTEE PASSED THE FORMAL RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PRESS & PUBLIC FROM THE MEETING, PURSUANT TO THE PUBLIC BODIES (ADMISSIONS TO MEETINGS) ACT 1961 AND THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (ACCESS TO INFORMATION), ACT 1985.

426. FINANCIAL MATTERS
(i) Accounts for Payment          
RESOLVED that the accounts as listed totaling £6,756.79 be passed for payment.
 
(ii) Bank Reconciliations – February & March 2009
Bank reconciliations were presented for the months of February and March 2009.  RESOLVED that these be accepted.

427. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED the date and time of the next meeting be Wednesday 13th May 2009 at 6.30pm, following the Annual Electors Meeting to be held at 6.15pm.


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