THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING TRIMDON FOUNDRY PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TRIMDON ON WEDNESDAY 14TH APRIL 2010

558. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
559. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
560. POLICE MATTERS
561. PLANNING MATTERS
562. CORRESPONDENCE
563. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
Chairman’s Progress Report
564. CLERK’S REPORT
565.  RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PRESS AND THE PUBLIC
566. FINANCIAL MATTERS
567. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING

PRESENT:- COUN J GRIGG (CHAIR)
Mesdames:- L Grigg & D Kelly
Messrs:- B D Ferguson, J France, A Jackson & N Kell

558. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence had been submitted and were accepted on behalf of Councillor M Nicholls, (on holiday) & B Wilson.

559. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member, were approved.

560. POLICE MATTERS
The Police gave an update on the crime statistics since the last meeting.  Local Members gave details of problems with anti social behaviour from residents and the Police assured that extra attention would be given to the problems areas identified.  It was reported that the Community Speedwatch Scheme had been implemented as requested. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted and the Officers be thanked for their attendance.

561. PLANNING MATTERS
The Clerk advised receipt of details of the following:-
Approval
Unit 3, Wingate House, Front Street, extract flues for Mr Butler

Applications
Proposed Detached dormer bungalow & garage (resubmission)
At Beaumont Nursery
For Mr C James

Proposed Fascia Signs (retrospective)
At Top Shop, Wingate Road
For C Humble (agent)

RESOLVED that no comments be offered on the details given.

562. 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 the contents of the correspondence list, be noted.

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563. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
Boxing Club
A Local Member reported that he had been approached by a person that currently ran a boxing club in Thornley and wanted to extend this to the village, especially as many of those that went along came from Trimdon.  The Clerk, Chairman and other Members had also spoken to this gentleman about possible suitable venues.  It had been suggested that the School would be a good location but it was not known if an approach had been made about this.  It was asked that this be suggested again to Mr Robinson.  RESOLVED that this course of action be followed.
Carpet Shop
It was reported that there had been some interest in this property.  RESOLVED that further developments be awaited.
Pot Holes – Windsor Street
It was reported that these had still not been repaired.  RESOLVED that they be reported once again for attention.
3 Luke Street
It was reported that there was lots of rubbish to the rear of the property and water running.  RESOLVED that these items be reported.
Bins – Play Area
It was asked that arrangements be made for this rubbish bin to be emptied.  RESOLVED that such a requested be made.
Smith Site
A Local Member asked what progress was being made with regard to enforcement with this site.  Details of recent activity at the site and at other locations in the village were given.  The Clerk advised Members of the contents of a reply from Chris Simmonds, Solicitor, DCC.  Members were extremely frustrated at what they saw as a lack of action with this matter.  Following considerable discussion and consideration it was RESOLVED that a Special Meeting be called as soon as possible with an invitation being extended to the appropriate Officer(s) from DCC to come along and appraise Members with this matter.
Landscaping Schemes – Memorial Garden & Noticeboard Area
Details of security whilst on site and the period of the works was discussed.  RESOLVED the Clerk speak to the contractor and clarify both issues and advise the Chairman accordingly.
PACT Meetings
Councillor L Grigg attended these meeting on the Parish Council’s behalf and gave some feedback from them and reported that one of the main issues was that of anti social behaviour and nuisance caused by residents.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
Former Chapel Site
It was asked if there had been any progress with this matter.  RESOLVED that the Clerk chase this matter up.

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Chairman’s Progress Report
Garage-Luke Street
It was reported that a notice of the Council’s intention to demolish this garage had been posted and the Police contacted about the removal of the abandoned car that was in it.  RESOLVED that the action taken in this regard, be endorsed. 
Station Road East
It was reported that the illegal dumping of waste was starting again in this area.  RESOLVED that this be reported. 
Signs
The Chairman asked that consideration be given to the erection of signs advising “Keep off the Grass” and gave the Clerk details of a vendor for these.  RESOLVED that signs be ordered for various areas in the village.
Grounds Maintenance
It was reported that the tractor mower had got stuck when cutting the recreation area.  There was discussion on the drainage in the area.  Discussion were ongoing regards storage of a vehicle in the recreation area.  RESOLVED that progress be awaited.
Walkway
There was lots of rubbish and illegal tipping along the walkway from the Retreat to the steel houses and the trees needed trimming back.  To the rear of Malvern Crescent a great job had been carried out with that stretch of path where trees and hedgerow had been trimmed back. RESOLVED that this be reported.
Bowling
The leaks in the cabin had been repaired and the bowlers had been asked to keep it tidy.  They had requested a footpath from the car park to the green.  RESOLVED that prices be obtained to carry out this work. 

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564. CLERK’S REPORT
The Clerk’s report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member, was considered under the following headings:-
Burials
Former St Paul’s Church
Contract Renewal
RESOLVED the action taken by the Clerk in signing these contracts between the Parish Council and Durham County Council for 2010/11, be endorsed.
County Durham Association of Local Councils
I have just received the renewal subscription for our membership to this organization.  The charge is 13.19p per elector which equals a charge of £149.44. RESOLVED approval be given to renew this subscription at a cost of £149.44.
Home Housing – Proposed Play Area
RESOLVED that Home Housing be asked if they would consider a minimum of a ten year lease on the land for a play area.
Landscape Works
Members were advised that a comparative price had been obtained from Brambledown Landscapes.  The Clerk had requested a few amendments to the works which had resulted in an increase in price of £500.00 in total.  RESOLVED approval be given to a further £500 being added to this scheme, as detailed in the Clerk’s report
Land Search Enquiry
Allotments
RESOLVED these matters be considered at the Allotment Working Party.
Annual Audit for the year ending 31st March 2010
It was reported the Annual Return & supporting documentation was required to be sent to BDO by the audit date of 18th June 2010. RESOLVED this be noted and approval be given for the Clerk to use Stuart Wilbur of RBS to carry out the internal audit assessment on the Parish Council’s behalf.
Chairman’s Mobile Phone
RESOLVED that approval be given for this to be extended and a £20.00 +vat sim only contract with O2.

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565.  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.

566. FINANCIAL MATTERS
(i) Accounts for Payment                  
RESOLVED that the accounts as listed totaling £5,892.15 be passed for payment.
(ii) Bank Reconciliation – March 2010
The bank reconciliation was presented for March 2010. 
RESOLVED that the bank reconciliation for March be accepted.

567. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED that the date and time of the next meeting be Wednesday 12th May 2010 at 6.30pm with the Annual Electors Meeting being held at 6.15pm.

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