THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING TRIMDON FOUNDRY PARISH COUNCIL
HELD IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TRIMDON ON WEDNESDAY 12TH DECEMBER 2007

211. Election of New Parish Councillor
212. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
213. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
214. POLICE MATTERS
215. PLANNING MATTERS
216. CORRESPONDENCE
217. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
218. RESIDENT’S ISSUES
219. CLERK’S REPORT
220. FINANCIAL MATTERS
221. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING

PRESENT:- COUNC J GRIGG (CHAIR)
Mesdames:- L Grigg & D Kelly
Messrs:- B D Ferguson, M K Gregory, A Jackson, K McGonnell, M Nicholls & N Young

211. Election of New Parish Councillor
The Chairman welcomed Mr Keith Gregory on to the Parish Council. Mr Gregory duly signed the Acceptance of Office.

212. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor J Freak.

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

214. POLICE MATTERS
Crime Statistics
The Chairman welcomed the Police representatives who gave an update on crime figures in the Ward, and responded on the matters raised at the last meeting.  The Police confirmed that there were no incidents reported on the evening of the Village Firework Display; this was felt to be a positive indication of the success of the event. Members asked if attention could be given by the road policing unit with the problem of speeding motorists. Details were also given on the successful grant award of £3,500 made by the Community Safety Partnership towards the cost of fencing works to the recreation area.  The Chairman thanked the Officers and the CSP for this grant.  
RESOLVED that the information given be noted.

215. PLANNING MATTERS
Applications
Amended Plans – correction to site boundary
(i) Proposal Stables & General Purpose Agricultural Building
At Land South of Hardy’s Lodge, Wingate Road
For Mr & Mrs J Smith
RESOLVED that in view of the timescale involved, the action taken by the Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman, in responding on the Parish Council’s behalf, once again objecting to this application, be endorsed.

(ii) Proposal House with integral Studio/Workshop (Resubmission)
At Land Rear of West View
For Mr A Smallwood
RESOLVED that as agreed at the last meeting the Parish Council offer it’s support for this application.

(iii) Proposal Two storey rear extension (Resubmission)
At4 Windsor Street
For A & D G Gibson
RESOLVED that no comments be offered on this application.

Planning Decisions
(iv)Proposal Substitution of House Type
At Plots 42, 44, 45, 46, 47 & 50 Cinnamon Drive
RESOLVED that this decision be noted.

(v)Greenlane Nurseries, change of use from Nursery to Garden Centre
Members had been circulated with a letter requesting support for a possible change of use from nursery to garden centre.  RESOLVED that the action taken by the Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman, in giving the Parish Council’s support for this potential application, be endorsed.

(vi) New Planning Documents
Members were circulated with a copy of the Affordable Housing Policy Statement and Saved Planning Policies documents produced by the District of Easington. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
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216. 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) the correspondence be received;
(ii) a letter of support be sent for Electrolux, Spennymoor;
(iii) the revised pay scales for Clerks be adopted.

217. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
Post out at the end of Windsor Street
It was reported that this post had not been reinstated.  RESOLVED that the Clerk report this once again.

Proposed Site Meeting
The District Councillor advised that he was to arrange a site meeting with the relevant Officers of the District of Easington along with the Chairman.  This walk about was to inspect the many areas in the village that were becoming semi derelict and used as rubbish tips, where developers had not finished works etc. It was agreed that although new developments were being carried out their improvement to the appearance of the village was being spoilt by these untidy areas in the village.  RESOLVED that progress be awaited.

Planning Application – Parklands, School Houses
The District Councillor had been trying to get some progress with this matter also.  RESOLVED that all efforts continue with this matter.

Anti Social Behaviour – Next to the Top Shop
The Local Member reported unruly behaviour of youngsters gathering outside of the Top Shop.  RESOLVED that this be reported to the Police and Street Wardens for attention.

Facilities for Young People
A Local District Ward Member asked what facilities were available for young people in the village.  The Chairman confirmed that a youth pod had been put in place but youth worker support had not yet been secured. RESOLVED that the information given be noted.

County Council Matters
The local County Member reported that he had been pursuing several issues on the Parish Council’s behalf. Firstly the full refund of the Renaissance monies paid for fencing work; traffic calming improvements for Windsor Street; Section 106 monies being used for improving un adopted roads; Arriva – the deplorable state of their fleet. He had been in discussion with the local MP about grants for youth work, pushing for funding for three rather than one year. He had been concerned that a proposal had been put forward for Wheatley Hill Fire Station to be closed. This had now been recommended for a feasibility report to be undertaken RESOLVED that the information be noted.

New Headteacher – Primary School
It was reported that a new Head teacher had now been appointed – Mr Patey.

PPI Forums
From 2008 there would no longer be Patient/Public Forums and the local Member involved would keep the Parish Council advised on developments.  He had no progress to report on the future of Fishburn Ambulance Station.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.

General Areas Around the Village
The Chairman and the local District Councillor had identified a number of areas which he classed as “black spots” which needed clearing and tidying.   RESOLVED that progress be awaited.

Gateway Markings
The Chairman had been investigating this matter further and hoped to arrange a site meeting to get some progress in getting signs for the village.  RESOLVED that progress be awaited.

218. RESIDENT’S ISSUES
Signage
A member of the public asked if assistance could be obtained to improve the signage to Windsor/Rodwell and Commercial Street.  RESOLVED that the Clerk take this up with the District of Easington.

Rodwell Street – Un adopted Road
Progress was requested.  It was reported that this was being investigated through the County Council.  RESOLVED that progress be awaited.

Area Next to the Fish Shop
It was reported that the back of a pick up wagon was being used as a skip. RESOLVED that this be reported to the District of Easington.
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219. CLERK’S REPORT
Consideration was given to the Clerk’s report covering the following items:-
Fencing Reimbursement – DCC
Confirmation of the decision on reimbursement is awaited.

Fencing contribution
The Community Safety Partnership had confirmed at their most recent meeting that they are willing to make a contribution of £3,500 toward fencing works to the recreation area. The most recent quotation received was £4,287.78 + vat.  This would mean that the Parish Council would need to pay the additional £787.78 which could be funded from capital receipts. RESOLVED approval be given to proceed with the Parish Council funding the shortfall.

Section 137 Monies
It was suggested that this type of funding may be considered although Members would need to be aware of setting a precedent for other schemes in the village.  RESOLVED that the information given be noted.

Complaint – Cemetery
Details of a complaint from Mr Ken Craggs about the way a grave had been left and the general appearance of the cemetery had been received and a reply had been made by the Clerk. RESOLVED that the complaint be noted and the reply be endorsed

Grave Preparation Fees
RESOLVED (i) approval be given to increase the cost of an internment, (adult), to £150.00 so that the Parish Council’s costs are fully covered; and (ii) a charge of £30.00 be made for the internment of ashes.

Recovery of VAT
The Clerk advised that this had now been fully recovered and was now up to date. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.

Fireworks
A donation of £10.00 had been received from a grateful resident. RESOLVED that a letter of thanks be sent to Mrs Collins of Luke Street for her donation.  

Enforcement Action Request
A progress report was given on works at this site that had re-started on 21st November 2007. RESOLVED that the information given be noted and progress be awaited.
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220. FINANCIAL MATTERS
(i)Accounts for Payment         
RESOLVED that the accounts as listed totaling £6,960.93 be passed for payment.

(ii)Bank Reconciliation – November 2007
RESOLVED that the Bank Reconciliation for November 2007, be accepted.

PRIOR TO CONSIDERATION OF THIS MATTER COUNCILLORS J AND L GRIGG DECLARED AN INTEREST IN THE DEAF HILL WARD REGENERATION PARTNERSHIP.

(iii)Budget Setting report
Members were circulated with a report prepared by the Clerk for the purpose of agreeing the estimates of income and expenditure for 2008/09 for the Parish Council. Following consideration it was:-
RESOLVED that:-
(a)the donation to the Deaf Hill Ward Regeneration Partnership be increased to £4,000.00 for 2008/09;
(b)the precept for 2008/09 be set at £60,414.00 representing a 3% increase on last year’s requirement.

221. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED the date and time of the next meeting shall be 9th January 2008 at 6.30pm.