Minutes of the June Meeting of Trimdon Parish Council held in Trimdon Grange Community Centre on Tuesday 8 July 2014 at 7:00pm.

Present: Councillor John Burton (in the Chair) and Councillors Eileen Dickinson, George Elliott, Bernadette Oliver, Julie Thompson, Keith Thompson and Paul Trippett.
Anne Delandre, Clerk to the Council, was in attendance and Sergeant Alex Clarke, Durham Constabulary, was in attendance for part of the meeting.

34. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest.
Resolved that the above declarations be noted.

35. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received from Sheila Appleton, Margaret Elliott, George Elliott Snr., Ian Quinn, and Margaret Hughes.
Resolved that the above apologies be accepted.

36. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
There were no questions from members of the public present at the meeting.

37. POLICING IN THE PARISH
Sergeant Alex Clarke, Durham Constabulary, attended the meeting and reported the following crime figures for the period 10 June 2014 – 8 July 2014.

TRIMDON VILLAGE
Theft from motor vehicle – 20 year old man is to go through the Restorative Approach (RA) with the victim.
Assault on infant – ongoing investigations.

TRIMDON GRANGE/COLLIERY
Theft of motor vehicle – no witnesses and vehicle details have been circulated.
Assaults – three reported (including two domestic related). In both instances the suspects were arrested and interviewed but were released without charge due to the victims unwillingness to support a Police prosecution.
The third assault involved a neighbour dispute. A 43 year old man received an official Police caution.

ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR (ASB)
Trimdon Village June 2013 (YTD)
All ASB 40
Youth ASB 20
Trimdon Village June 2014 (YTD)
All ASB 46
Youth ASB 21

Trimdon Grange/Colliery June 2013 (YTD)
All ASB 20
Youth ASB 5
Trimdon Grange/Colliery June 2014 (YTD)
All ASB 23
Youth ASB 7

Sergeant Clarke advised that the increase in ASB was partly as a result of increased ‘off-road’ bikes and members were encouraged to report any incidences. A query was raised regarding the wearing of helmets by these riders. Sergeant Clarke to make enquiries and report to the next meeting.

The Clerk advised Sergeant Clarke that two new flower tubs had been stolen. It is hoped that these are isolated incidents.

Enquiries were also raised regarding the killing of a small dog by a lurcher. Sergeant Clarke advised that this incident is currently under investigation.

Details of the next PACT meetings were reported. Due to staffing issues the allotment watch roll-out is behind schedule but should be completed within the next two weeks. The NPT will also be assisting the caretaker at Trimdon Community College to apply anti-climb paint.

Resolved that the above report be noted.

Sergeant Clarke was thanked for his attendance and left the meeting.

38. MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 10 JUNE 2014
Resolved that the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Parish Council held on 10 June 2014 (previously circulated) be accepted as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

39. UPDATE ON PROGRESS OF RESOLUTIONS FROM THE LAST MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL ON 10 JUNE 2014
The Clerk advised that she has emailed Stuart Timmiss, DCC Head of Planning and Assets, regarding a meeting to discuss further housing development in the Trimdons, and she is awaiting a response.
Resolved that the above information be noted.

40. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
There were no planning applications for consideration.
Resolved that the above be noted.

41. FINANCIAL
a) Accounts for approval
The following cheques were submitted for payment
403720 CDALC £30.00 Clerk Training Course;  403721 W & JM Clifford £37.00 Bottle Gas;  403722 Alan Brown & Co Accountants £360.00 Audit of Accounts 2013/2014;  403723 Trimdon Village Hall Assoc. £214.00 Grant - CAB;  403724 SLCC £150.00 Clerks Training;  403725 Durham County Pension Fund £1,251.73 Pensions;  403726 HMRC £723.88 Tax & NI;  403727 DCC £285.08 Shared Charge - Entrance Gates to School;  403728 ITC Service Limited £1,077.31 Computer, Anti-Virus Software & Backup;  403729 Trimdon Banner Association £350.00 Donation;  403730 Anne Delandre £11.00 Clerk's Expenses;  403731 Trimdon Grange Community Centre £75.00 Room Hire;  403732 GB Sports & Leisure UK Ltd £786.60 Signage for Play Plarks;  403733 D Jordan £180.00 Security - Skerne Play Park;  403734 CE & CM Walker Ltd £916.80 Grass Cutting

Resolved that the above cheques be approved.

42. CLERK’S REPORTS

a) Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations

The Clerk submit a proposed policy on Employer Choices under the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Regulations.

Resolved that the proposed policy be approved.

b) DCC Proposal for a consultation to make play parks in County Durham smoke free – for information

The Clerk advised that DCC is currently undertaking a six month consultation on plans for a voluntary code banning people from smoking at outdoor play areas in the county. If members of the public are in support of the idea, Parish Councils will be asked to sign up to a voluntary code.

Resolved that the above report be noted.

43. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED

a) DCC Register of Disclosable Pecuniary and other Registerable Interests – for information

The Clerk had circulated copies of individual councillor entries on the Register of Disclosable Pecuniary and Other Registerable Interests. Members are asked to advise the Clerk of any changes or inaccuracies.

Resolved that the above be noted.

b) Letter from livin – Redevelopment of Tremeduna Grange and Trimdon House (Notification of Consultation Event)

Councillors Bernadette Oliver and John Burton had attended the event and confirmed that there were no concerns with the proposed development. The flats will be designed to look likes houses and will be allocated to people over the age of 55 years.

Livin is looking to identify an alternative location for the Nursery which is currently located at Trimdon House.

The development is due to start in November 2014 with the first lets in November 2015.

Resolved that the above be noted.

c) Learning Library – request for donation

A request for a donation of £50 has been received from the Learning Library, Spennymoor.

Resolved that this request be refused.

d) Trimdon Community College – request for raffle or tombola prize

A request for a donation towards the Youth Club Fundraising Event on 12 July 2014 has been received.

Resolved that the Clerk purchase a £25 Sainsbury Gift Voucher as a donation under the Local Government Act 1972 s.133.

e) Notice of Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places – for information

DCC is currently carrying out a review of polling districts and polling places and comments are invited regarding those stations currently used and any suggestions for possible alternative venues. It was noted that the two polling stations currently used in Trimdon Village (AAP office and Infant School) are in very close proximity and it was suggested that the car park outside Direct Carpets may be a suitable location for a portable polling station.

Resolved that the above be noted.

44. REPORT FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR PETER BROOKES
Councillor Peter Brookes was unable to attend the meeting and forwarded his apologies.

45. COUNCILLOR MATTERS – FOR INFORMATION

a) Footpath between Trimdon Colliery and Deaf Hill still requires attention.

b) Two flowering cherry trees in Trimdon Village have died and need to be removed. The Clerk to obtain prices for removal and also recommendations for suitable replacements to be planted.

Resolved that the above be noted.