THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING TRIMDON FOUNDRY PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TRIMDON ON WEDNESDAY 14TH DECEMBER 2011
737. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
738. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
739. POLICE MATTERS
740. PLANNING MATTERS
741. CORRESPONDENCE
742. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
743. RESIDENT’S REPORTS
744. CLERK’S REPORT
745. RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PRESS AND THE PUBLIC
746. FINANCIAL MATTERS
747. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
PRESENT:- COUN J GRIGG (CHAIR)
Mesdames:- D Kelly, & L Grigg
Messrs:- B D Ferguson, A Jackson & J France
737. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence had been submitted and were accepted on behalf of Councillor N Kell and County Councillor Nicholls.
738. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member, were approved.
739. POLICE MATTERS
Details were given on the incidents and statistics since the last meeting. Members reported there were four cars parked on the newly installed yellow lines on the main street. The Police reported that this type of incident would now be covered by Civil Parking Enforcement Officers but he assured he would visit the site after the meeting and pass the details on accordingly. This was extremely important matter as parked traffic was blocking the view of on coming traffic for the school crossing patrol. Details were given on the new police reporting telephone number for non emergencies 101 as from 13th December 2011. Members gave the Police details of anti social behavior being experienced from a group of youths throwing eggs, mud stones etc at house and vehicles. The Police were aware of the issue and were taking the appropriate action.
RESOLVED that the information given, be noted and the Police be thanked for their attendance.
740. PLANNING MATTERS
There were no planning details received this month. It was however asked that the Chairman and Clerk progress the enforcement matters that were outstanding. RESOLVED that this course of action be followed.
741. CORRESPONDENCE
Consideration was given to a list of correspondence received since the last meeting, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member.
Members commented on the recommendations made by the Local Government Boundary Commission with the Ward Division now including all of the Trimdons, Wheatley Hill, Thornley and two streets in Haswell Plough. This would be a County Council three Member Ward and the elections would be 2013. Until then the status quo would exist. There was also a consultation document on the closure of waste disposal sites, Thornley being one of the sites ear marked for closure. RESOLVED that the correspondence received since the last meeting be noted and received. FURTHER RESOLVED that representations be made on the closure of the Thornley waste disposal plant, for fears that this may cause an increase in fly tipping.
742. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
(a) Luke Street
It was asked that a report be made for the street to be cleaned.
RESOLVED the Clerk make a request for this action.
(b) Stop Tap
It was reported that there was a stop tap protruding up into the drain and restricting the proper flow of water/sewage. RESOLVED this be reported to Northumbrian Water for attention.
(c) Fly Tipping next to Knorwood on Wingate Road
It was asked could the fly tipping being carried out next to Knorwood be reported. It was also asked if the owners could be approached once again about restrict the access to the recreation area next to her property. RESOLVED the Clerk make the report about the fly tipping and write to Mrs Nibb about the access issues.
(d) Maintenance of the bowling green
It was reported that a site meeting had been held with the greenkeeper of Sedgefield Cricket Club and he was interested in the work offered. RESOLVED that the Clerk obtain a price for this work and advise Members at the next meeting.
It was also reported that several trees needed pruning next to the green and also the ceiling in the cabin required repairing.
RESOLVED that these items be attended to prior to the start of the season.
(e) Dog Fouling
Members were concerned at the proliferation of dog foul on the footpaths through the village, especially on the main route to school. Recent signage purchased by the Parish Council had been damaged in the wind and needed to be re fixed. RESOLVED that the constant problem with dog fouling be reported for attention and enforcement action.
(f) Proposed Play Area. May/Wood Crescent
It was asked if there was any progress with this item. The Clerk advised that she was hopeful that there would be progress in the New Year following being in contact with Officers at Home Housing. In considering this proposal comment was made on keeping in mind to avoid plastic in the playground as equipment in a nearby play area had been vandalised and burnt out. RESOLVED progress be awaited.
(g) Chairman’s Report
The Chairman reported that he had a busy month. He reported on receipt of a letter form a local resident about the street lights being out in Rydale Court. Highways Action Line had advised that the light shad not been adopted by the County Council and were still the responsibility of the developer. This was taken up by both the Chairman and County Councillor Nicholls and successfully resolved.
He reported on the site meeting with the County Council on the parking improvement scheme suggested for Tobin Street. It was suggested three lay bys be installed at a cost of approximately £17,000 and could be programmed for April/May, subject to consultation being successful. RESOLVED that approval be given to this scheme, the Parish Council financing the project, with perhaps some assistance from the County Councillors. The fence had been repaired on the bridge/Horse Close Lane and the stone had been replaced next to Knorwood. The bus stop at Russell Crescent had been completed and thanks had been given from Mrs Defty for the Parish Council and County Councillor Nicholls support in achieving this. A meeting had been held with Officers of Groundworks to discuss the contents of the draft Community Appraisal. He was to meet with Officers on the memorial/pit wheel scheme on the 13th January 2012. He advised on the services changes advised by ARRIVA in January 2012. He asked if a request could be made for a traffic survey along with a re assessment of the priority rating agreed for the Parish in terms of gritting. RESOLVED the items given be attended to.
743. RESIDENT’S REPORTS
(i) Dog Fouling
Concern was also expressed by residents at the amount of dog dirt on the footpaths in the village.
(ii) Green Area next to Sycamore Drive
It was asked if it could be reported that this green was being churned up by motorists. RESOLVED this be reported for action.
744. 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:-
Cemetery
Maintenance of Playground & Equipment
A works order had been placed for the works given following the inspection.
Valuation of the Allotment/Garage Sites
A site meeting was held with the Allotment Working Party and progress was reported to Members. Members were asked to consider the rental charges to be applied. It was agreed that charges needed to be fair and affordable and using the square meterage for charging was felt to be the preferred method for charging. RESOLVED a meeting be held with the Valuer and a progress report be made to the next meeting. FURTHER RESOLVED that approval be given for the Clerk to delay in sending out rental requests until this issue was fully resolved to Member’s satisfaction.
Business Rates Refund
Former St Pauls Church
The Clerk reported that there was an issue with the electric supply and she was in communication with the new owner in an attempt to resolve these. RESOLVED that the information given be noted.
745. 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.
746. FINANCIAL MATTERS
(i) Accounts for Payment
RESOLVED that the accounts as listed totaling £3,965.99 be passed for payment.
(ii) Bank Reconciliation – November 2011
RESOLVED that the bank reconciliation for the month of November 2011, be accepted.
(iii) Estimates of Income & Expenditure 2012/13
Members gave consideration to the setting of the precept to be given to Durham County Council and the report prepared by the Clerk in this regard. RESOLVED that the precept be set at £64,715.00 a 4% increase on the previous year. FURTHER RESOLVED that a press release be prepared to be placed on the web site, in the notice board and included in the next Partnership Newsletter.
747. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED the date and time of the next meeting be Wednesday 11th January 2012.
In closing both the Chairman and Clerk wished everyone all the best for the Christmas and New Year.