THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING TRIMDON FOUNDRY PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TRIMDON ON WEDNESDAY 10TH OCTOBER 2007

PRESENT:- COUNC B D FERGUSON (CHAIR)
     Mesdame:- D Kelly
     Messrs:- A Jackson, K McGonnel & N Young

In the absence of both the Chair and Vice Chair nominations were requested to Chair the meeting and Members nominated Councillor Ferguson to take the Chair.

186. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor M Nicholls, J Freak, L Grigg and J Grigg.

187. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member, were confirmed as a true record.

188. POLICE MATTERS
Crime Statistics
The Chairman welcomed the Police representative who gave an update on crime figures in the Ward, and responded on the matters raised at the last meeting.  It was reported that there had been a dramatic reduction the crime figures given and over view of the many joint operations with partners including East Durham Homes, Home Housing etc was given. The Chairman suggested that a letter of appreciation should be sent to the Police.  In discussion reference was made to the withdrawal of the Police presence at Tony’s Blair’s residence and it was suggested that this be included in the letter of appreciation.
RESOLVED that a letter of appreciation for the hard work and effort of the Police be sent on behalf of the Parish Council. 
Anti Social Behavior
An update was given on recent operations.  During discussions the withdrawal of the presence of the Police at the ex Prime Minister’s house was given as a concern, and it was accepted that this may have given a blanket of security to residents. It was suggested that this be included as a concern in the letter to the Police.  RESOLVED that this be included.

189. NOTICE OF RESIGNATION – COUNCILLOR GEORGE MARTIN
The Clerk advised Members of receipt of a letter of resignation from the Chairman Councillor George Martin, the contents of which were read out at the meeting.

Members were saddened to learn of Councillor Martin’s intentions to resign from the Parish Council but understood and sympathized with his reasons for doing so. They asked that a letter of appreciation be sent to Councillor Martin and a presentation be arranged to recognize his and his wife’s service to the community.
RESOLVED that the action taken in notifying the District of Easington about this resignation be endorsed and progress with the filling of this vacancy be awaited.  FURTHER RESOLVED the Clerk send a letter of thanks and appreciation to Councillor Martin and make arrangements to recognize this service to the community with a small reception. 

190. PLANNING MATTERS
(i) Applications
Proposed Substitution of House Type
At Various Plots, Cinnamon Drive
ForGeorge Wimpey
RESOLVED that no comments be made with regard to this application.

Proposed Stables & General Purpose Agricultural Building
At Land South of Hardy’s Lodge, off Wingate Road, Trimdon Station
For Mr & Mrs J Smith
RESOLVED that the Parish Council object to this application for a variety of reasons which include;-
• it’s proximity to residential properties which by the nature of the use as stables and agricultural buildings may cause nuisance with smells, vermin and noise;
• there is no clear site access and road safety is felt to be an issue;
• the proximity of the buildings to the boundary of the Recreation area managed by the Parish Council will restrict access for emergency vehicles.
• There is an issue regarding ownership as it is understood a parcel of the land included in the application is rented privately by a local resident.
(ii)Decisions
Proposed Rear Kitchen Extension
At 3 Deaf Hill Terrace, Trimdon Station
For Mr & Mrs Greer

Proposed Static Residential Caravan
At West Holling Carr Farm
For Trimdon Station
RESOLVED that the details of these decisions be noted.

191. 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 the correspondence be received.

192. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
Member’s Reports
(a) Traffic problems – Windsor Street
The Local Member reported that the upgrading works being carried out on the front street were increasing the use of the rear of Windsor Street by motorists and he asked that once again this be put forward to the County Councillor as a preferred scheme.  Another Member expressed her concern that the mis use of this street would lead to a child being injured. The Clerk advised that she had been speaking to Councillor Nicholls on this matter and it was RESOLVED that it be confirmed to the County Council that this was a preferred traffic management scheme.
(b) Proposed Closure of St Paul’s Church - Progress
Following the last meeting the Local District Councillors had taken this matter up on this matter on the Parish Council’s behalf and report back on their findings in due course.  The Planning Section had also contacted the Clerk to explain why the District Council had not responded to this consultation. Members expressed their concerns once again at the possibility of the land on which the church and it’s surroundings being redeveloped for housing.
RESOLVED that the information given be noted and further investigations be made into the re-use of cemeteries/closed grave yards.
(c) Lane Blocked to the rear of Commercial Street
The Local District Councillor had taken this matter up once again. clearing this.  RESOLVED further developments be awaited.
(d) Trimdon Primary School
The Council’s representative on the board of School Governors advised that the primary school was shortly to be recruiting a new Headteacher and teaching staff.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
(e) Loss of Surgery Hours
A Local Member reported that Trimdon had received a proposal to reduce their surgery hours, which the Parish Council were actively opposing.  She was concerned that this would be mirrored in Trimdon Station and asked that Members be vigilant in watching out for any notifications/consultations etc. RESOLVED that this course of action be followed.    

193. RESIDENT’S ISSUES
(i)Access Roads to the Rear of Rodwell and Windsor Street
It was asked that the petition presented to the Parish Council at the last meeting be sent to the District of Easington. It was confirmed that both of the Local District Councillors had taken this matter up on resident’s behalf. It was asked if the Clerk could investigate if Section 106 monies could be used to support such works. RESOLVED that the actions as detailed be carried out.
(ii)Gateways Project
A local resident showed an article which gave details of the gateways signs that had been erected and he asked for justification on such spending.  The Clerk and Members outlined the project that had made these signs possible explaining that the monies used had been ear marked specifically for this work and could not be used for other areas that may seem in more need of funding. RESOLVED that the information given be noted.
(iii)Recreation Facilities
A representative of the Bowling Teams had attended the meeting to request confirmation on the future maintenance of the bowling green and the recreation unit.  The Clerk confirmed that both matters were in hand in readiness for the forthcoming season. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.

194. CLERK’S REPORT
Consideration was given to the Clerk’s report covering the following items:-
Summer Play Schemes
Details were given on assurances given by Officers that Trimdon had not been over looked in the provision of transport for these schemes.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
Fireworks Event
Details regarding arrangements for the event were given. Unfortunately the local caterer engaged could not attend and therefore the Clerk asked for approval to allow the local branch of the Round Table to come along to provide catering, sell glow in the dark novelties and have a win a teddy stall at the event.  In return a donation to the Resident’s Association would be given by the Table.  RESOLVED that the information given be noted and approval be given for the Round Table to attend as suggested.
Second Instalment of the Precept
RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.

195. FINANCIAL MATTERS
(i)Accounts for Payment        
RESOLVED that the accounts as listed totaling £578.22 be passed for payment.
(ii)Bank Reconciliation – September 2007
RESOLVED that the Bank Reconciliation for September 2007, be accepted.

197. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED the date and time of the next Meeting shall be 14th November 2007 at 6.30pm.