THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING TRIMDON FOUNDRY PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TRIMDON ON WEDNESDAY 8TH DECEMBER 2010
615. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
616. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
617. POLICE MATTERS
618. PLANNING MATTERS
619. CORRESPONDENCE
620. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
Chairman’s Progress Report
621. RESIDENT’S REPORTS
622. CLERK’S REPORT
623. RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PRESS AND THE PUBLIC
624. FINANCIAL MATTERS
625. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
PRESENT:- COUN J GRIGG (CHAIR)
Messrs:- B D Ferguson, J France, A Jackson & N Kell
615. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence had been submitted and were accepted on behalf of Councillor L Grigg & M Nicholls.
616. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member, were approved.
617. POLICE MATTERS
The Police gave an update on the crime statistics since the last meeting. It was reported that the off road bike section had been in operation and had been a massive hit, giving improvements in all areas. Follow up/feedback on the incident in the village mentioned at the last meeting was requested.
A local resident was at the meeting and asked for Police support with the issue on anti social behavior at a bus stop near her home that was being used by youths to gather and cause a nuisance. She passed a list of issues on to the Police for their attention and action.
RESOLVED that the information given, be noted and the Officers be thanked for their attendance, and the Chairman wished Officers all the best of the Season on behalf of the Parish Council.
618. PLANNING MATTERS
The Clerk advised receipt of details of the following Appeal that had been lodged:-
Proposed Change of use to caravan site etc
At Land Rear of Waycott
For Mr & Mrs Smith
RESOLVED that the Clerk forward the Parish Council’s strongest objections to this appeal to the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol.
Decisions
Mobile Home & attached general purpose building (retrospective) at
Land East of Ashley House, Thornley Road, Trimdon for Mr Carr
This had been granted approval. RESOLVED that the information given be noted.
619. 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 contents of the correspondence list, be noted.
620. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
Bollards at the bottom of Windsor Street/Luke Street
Progress on this matter was requested. The Clerk advised that Highways DCC had confirmed that this bollard had not been taken out by them and they had now placed an order for it to be replaced. RESOLVED that this be monitored.
Grit Bins
Information was requested on the current situation with gritting in the village was requested. It was confirmed that there were two bins to be placed out but the ones that were out were being regularly filled. RESOLVED that the remaining two bins be placed out as soon as possible.
Street Light
It was reported that the bottom light at the lane leading to the recreation area was still not lit. The Clerk advised that the lights were not adopted and as such the Parish Council would need to arrange and finance any repair. RESOLVED that a repair be arranged and a request be made for these street lights to be adopted by DCC.
Barrier to the Recreation Area
Progress was requested and given on this matter. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
Double Parking on Wingate Road
It was reported residents on Wingate Road were having problems accessing/exiting their property due to motorists double parking and being inconsiderate. RESOLVED that this situation be monitored.
Snow Clearance
A Local Member reported that he had been approached by residents in his street complaining at the depth of snow that had not been cleared making conditions very difficult for motorists and pedestrians alike. It was suggested if winters were going to continue to be as severe as they had been over the past two years, that the Parish Council should build into its budget provision for snow clearance. It was also suggested that a small sub group be established to deal with these issues. The Clerk advised that the cemetery turning circle would need to be cleared if there was not a thaw, and other areas were given for attention. RESOLVED that i) a Winter Issues Subgroup be set up, and Members wishing to be involved advised the Clerk at the next meeting; ii) sums be included in the estimates of expenditure to finance essential snow clearance on areas that had not been attended to by the County Council; and iii) contact be made with the local farmer that had assisted with this last year to have him on stand by to carry out snow clearance works on behalf of the Parish Council.
Chairman’s Progress Report
The Chairman reported that the current provider of CCTV support had gone into liquidation and a new supplier for maintenance of the system would need to be sourced. The water had been turned off up at the recreation area to try and stop any bursts or damage. It was asked that the installation of the double yellow lines be chased up for progress. He had the salt provision all in hand. He had received a telephone call about the War Memorials in the village and confirmed that the memorial panels had been re located to the Community Centre but that the organ and church clock were still in place at St Pauls. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted and action be taken where appropriate.
621. RESIDENT’S REPORTS
(a) Proposed Play Area at Wood Crescent
Progress was requested with this matter and the Clerk confirmed that a meeting would be held with Home Housing. Mrs Carter reported on discussions with East Durham Groundwork Trust on funding opportunities that may be available to assist with the scheme.
RESOLVED that the information given, be noted and progress be awaited.
(b) Bus Stop at Russell Crescent
A resident had come along to the meeting to ask if this bus stop could be re located as she was experiencing problems with anti social behaviour noise and nuisance from youths using this shelter and more recently it had been set alight a short distance away from her car. The location of the bust stop was discussed and it was accepted that this was the most appropriate site for it. During discussion it as suggested that perhaps a different type of shelter or modifications to the existing shelter may help to make it less attractive for youths to gather in. The Chairman assured that the Parish Council would take this issue up on the resident’s behalf to try and reach a satisfactory resolution to the problems and would keep her advised. RESOLVED that this matter be progressed with a request for assistance though the County Councillor.
622. CLERK’S REPORT
Consideration was given to the Clerk’s report, a copy of which had been circulated to each member under the following headings:-
Firework Display
RESOLVED approval be given to hold next year’s display on Sunday 6th November 2011at 5.30pm.
Proposed Play Area – May Crescent/Wood View
Unfortunately the meeting to progress this matter had been postponed, but would be re- arranged. It was reported that an approach had been made by East Durham Groundworks with a possible funding opportunity and it was agreed that this be pursued further.
Cemetery/Burials
Smith Site
Premier Court
A site meeting had been arranged for Wednesday 1st December 2010 to consider this matter but had been postponed due to the weather, a further meeting would be arranged in due course.
Complaint made to the Local Government Ombudsman
Section 137 Expenditure Limit for 2011/2012
It had been confirmed that the appropriate sum was £6.44 per elector, (an increase of 29p).
Works to the footpath at the end of Nattress Terrace
A cost to carry out this work of £1,613.28 had been received and it was RESOLVED that this price be accepted, submitted by Collingwood Groundworks and the works be planned for when weather conditions allowed.
Maintenance of Playground & Equipment
The inspection carried out on 28th October 2010 showed no defects other than the gate closing too quickly and shrinkage at the edges with weeds causing edges to lift. It was asked that an order be placed for two new inserts to the bins in the play areas. The bin at the Tandoori next to the steps was also missing. RESOLVED that these bins be reported for attention/replacement.
Charity Commission’s Annual Return
Allotments & Property Auction
RESOLVED a cost be obtained to carry out these valuations.
Jubilee Quiz – 1977
RESOLVED that a letter of appreciation be sent on behalf of the Parish Council.
623. 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.
624. FINANCIAL MATTERS
(i) Accounts for Payment
RESOLVED that the accounts as listed totaling £3,755.13 be passed for payment.
(ii) Bank Reconciliations – October & November 2010
RESOLVED that the bank reconciliations for the months of October and November 2010, be accepted.
(iii) Estimates of Expenditure for 2011/12
Consideration was given to the report prepared by the Clerk to allow consideration of the setting of the precept for the next financial year. In considering this matter Members made reference to the services provided by the Parish Council and improvements and increase in standards which included the cemetery; assistance and support given to the Community Centre; play area provision; free fireworks event; improvements to gritting services; floral displays and environmental improvements.
It was felt that the Parish Council were forward looking and anticipated problems and wished to make sure they had the resources to assist and support residents and following consideration RESOLVED to set the precept for 2011/12 at £62,226, representing a 3% increase on the previous year’s sum.
625. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED that the date and time of the next meeting be Wednesday 12th January 2010
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