THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING TRIMDON FOUNDRY PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TRIMDON ON WEDNESDAY 12TH MARCH 2008

244. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
245. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING,
246. POLICE MATTERS
247. PLANNING MATTERS
248. CORRESPONDENCE
249. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
250. RESIDENT’S ISSUES
251. CLERK’S REPORT
252. FINANCIAL MATTERS
253. ALLOTMENT GARDENS – RENTAL & AGREEMENTS
254. LAND AT THE RECREATION AREA LEASED FROM CISWO
255. CHAIRMAN’S EXPENSES
256. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING


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

244. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor L Grigg. 

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

246. 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.  It was reported that the Road Policing Unit were aware of the problems with speeding vehicles and Members were asked to pass on any information relating to the time of incidents etc to the Police that may assist with their operations. The Police were asked to assist with extra patrols of the recreation area following several attacks of vandalism to Council owned property.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.

247. PLANNING MATTERS
Applications
Proposal Dormer Bungalow & Garage
At Land West of Beech Grove, Trimdon
For Mr R Taylor
RESOLVED that concerns be expressed as to the ownership of this land and also the access and road safety/traffic movement at the site.

Proposal Grain Store
At West Holling Carr Farm
For Mr S Horn
It was asked if the Clerk could clarify the exact location of this site as it was believed to fall outside of the parish boundary. RESOLVED that this course of action be followed.
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248. CORRESPONDENCE
Consideration was given to a list of correspondence received since the last meeting, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member.  Two additional letters had been received, one from Groundwork Trust regarding Community Spaces and details of a Parish Planning Event.
RESOLVED that the correspondence be received.

249. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
(i)  Bags for recycling
Reports were given on the bags for recycling had been delivered during recent heavy winds and had been blown all around the village. It was understood that reports had been made to enviro call about this. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
(ii) Concessionary Bus Passes
It was reported that concessionary bus passes were due out shortly.  There was to be a change in the passes in that they could now be used for journeys all over the country and the carers pass was also to be made available. Durham County also operated with no restrictions on times the passes could be used. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
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(iii) EDF
Councillor A Jackson had been nominated as the Parish Council’s representative on the local committee established to vet applications to the newly established community fund for the villages that fall within the windfall area of the new wind turbines. The first meeting had been held and the Council’s representative gave details of the funding process and reported that the first set of applications had to be submitted by the 31st March 2008.  It was suggested that the residents of Rodwell Street should apply for funding towards their making up of the street. RESOLVED that this course of action be followed.
(iv) Windsor Street – Traffic Calming Measures
It was reported that the improvements to the rear of Windsor Street with the installation of the speed humps were imminent.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted. 
(v) Notice board – Wingate Road
A Member noted that the notice board needed repairing. RESOLVED that the Clerk make arrangements for this work to be carried out.
(vi) Unmade Land next to the Post Office
A Member expressed his concern that an elderly local resident had fallen down on un made up land next to the Post Office.  This area was well used by local people for parking; it was felt this was a difficult matter to pursue any further as the land in question was privately owned.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
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(vii)  Gateways
It was reported that this had been a productive site meeting with a compromise being reached worked around a collapsible structure. RESOLVED that progress be awaited.
(viii) Rear of Rodwell Street/Windsor Street
The County Councillor had been in discussions with Groundwork East Durham regarding any assistance that they may be able to give to residents with the making up of this road.  It was suggested that perhaps match funding could be obtained with partners all making a contribution.  He had also been speaking to the MEP on the matter.  He would advise on any further progress when he could.  A Local Member mentioned a Durham County Council pilot scheme where finances had been made available to do works and were re paid on the sale of the property.  RESOLVED that further progress be awaited.
(ix) Wingate Nature Reserve – Footpaths
The Officer dealing with this matter had given assurances that the paths in the Nature Reserve would be re-inspected in the spring when the weather had improved. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
(x) Greenlane Nurseries
It was reported that this application was being put before the Panel on the 18th March 2008 for consideration.  The Local District Councillor intended to give his support to the application on the grounds of it complementing the nearby Nature Reserve and bringing with it employment and enhancing facilities available locally.  RESOLVED that the outcome be awaited.
(xi) Allocation of Bus Passes
It was reported that this had been a very positive meeting and the County Councillor thanked parents for their interest.  Other Members also thanked parents for pulling this meeting together.  It was reported that the school were looking into starting a scheme depending on the numbers of users to get together and put a dedicated bus service on for the young people.  RESOLVED that further information be awaited.
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(xii) Untidiness of Areas around the Village
Members were concerned at the untidy state of several areas around the village, all of which had been previously reported to the District of Easington. In particular the area next to the Fish Shop had a trailer propped up dangerously by a fridge and the steel and concrete fencing next to the roadside was in a dangerous condition.  Litter picking was also needed around the village.  RESOLVED that these items be reported to the appropriate authorities.
(xiii) Citizens Advice Bureau
The Council’s representative gave an update with this organization and the issues it was facing.  It was agreed that this was a valuable well used service which would be a great loss if it were not available to the village residents.  The Member assured that he would keep the Council informed. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
(xiv) Vandalism Attacks
The Chairman reported on recent attacks of vandalism and damage at the recreation Area.  The Clerk reported that quotes were being sought for the installation of lighting and CCTV which it was hoped may qualify for funding from S106 monies and would help combat these problems.  The fencing that was to be installed was hoped would also help reduce problems in the Recreation Area.  RESOLVED that approval be given for the repair works to the existing fencing around the recreation area and window in the Unit and prices for improvements, be awaited.
(xv) Dog Fouling – Malvern Crescent
It was asked if a dog fouling bin along with no dog fouling notice could be installed at this location. RESOLVED that this request be made to the District of Easington.
(xvi) Damage to the Chicane – Malvern/Margaret Terrace
It was reported that the chicane had been damaged  RESOLVED that this reported to Durham County Council Highways Section.
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250. RESIDENT’S ISSUES
Allocation of Bus Passes
The parents reported that they were continuing with petitions and thanked the Council for their support. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
Disabled Access to the Recreation Area
A local resident asked if there was disabled access to the Recreation Area.  It was confirmed that there was wheelchair access but unfortunately access was limited and would very soon not be available for motorized buggies/scooters. This was as a result of trying to prohibit access by unauthorized vehicles. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
Gritting
It was asked if any further information was available regarding the reduction in gritting carried out in the village during recent bad weather.  It was explained that there had been budget cuts at DCC, nevertheless local Members were pushing against cut backs in this area.  RESOLVED that progress be awaited.
Rubbish – Wimpey Site
Concern was expressed at the rubbish blowing around that appeared to come from the building site. The area next to the garden society and around the Fish Shop was also hi lighted as well as the area which was the former Matt Watchman garage opposite Foundry Mews.  RESOLVED that this be reported to the District of Easington. 
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251. CLERK’S REPORT
Consideration was given to the Clerk’s report covering the following items:-
Concerns regarding Parklands, School Houses, Trimdon
A formal complaint with the District of Easington’s Chief Executive about the non-determination of this application had been filed. A holding reply had been received. RESOLVED that a full reply be awaited.
Site Meeting for the Gateways Project
Footpaths – Nature Reserve
 Cinnammon Drive – Water Lying on the road
St Aidans Crescent
Bowling Green
RESOLVED that at the moment no further gate be installed at the Recreation Area.
Hardys Lodge
Burials
Request for an Allotment Garden
Quality Councils
RESOLVED that the request from the Regional Development Officer (NALC) be held in abeyance until such time as the Parish Council were in a position to consider applying for Quality Status. 
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252. FINANCIAL MATTERS
(i) Accounts for Payment
RESOLVED that the accounts as listed totaling £967.13 be passed for payment.

(ii) Bank Reconciliation – February 2008
RESOLVED that the Bank Reconciliation for February 2008, be accepted.  FURTHER RESOLVED that should it be necessary the Clerk increase the Council’s Fidelity Guarantee Insurance cover.
 
253. ALLOTMENT GARDENS – RENTAL & AGREEMENTS
Following the new rental agreement being posted out to each holder it was generally agreed that all tenancies and locations of sites needed to be clarified as well as consideration to the level of rent charge. RESOLVED that a site visit be held and every effort be made to update the records held for those that rent garages and garden sites from the Parish Council.   FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk prepare a report detailing other Parish Councils charges for allotment/garage site rents for Member’s consideration.
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254. LAND AT THE RECREATION AREA LEASED FROM CISWO
The Clerk advised that a representative of CISWO had offered to come along to a future meeting to give details on the area of land leased from them to the Parish Council which was known as the former memorial garden. RESOLVED that the representative be invited to attend a future meeting and a session be set aside prior to the main meeting for this discussion. 

255. CHAIRMAN’S EXPENSES
The Clerk asked for Member’s approval to pay for the Chairman’s mobile phone on a top up basis at £15.00 per quarter.  The Chairman claimed no other allowance and this was by way of covering his expenditure for calls made on Council business. RESOLVED that this course of action be agreed.

256. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED the date and time of the next meeting be Wednesday 9th April 2008.




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