THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING TRIMDON FOUNDRY PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TRIMDON ON WEDNESDAY 9TH FEBRUARY 2011
637. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
638. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
639. POLICE MATTERS
640. PLANNING MATTERS
641. CORRESPONDENCE
642. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
Chairman’s report
643. RESIDENT’S REPORTS
644. CLERK’S REPORT
645. RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PRESS AND THE PUBLIC
646. FINANCIAL MATTERS
647. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
PRESENT:- COUN J GRIGG (CHAIR)
Mesdame:- D Kelly
Messrs:- B D Ferguson, J France, A Jackson & N Kell
637. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence had been submitted and were accepted on behalf of Councillor L Grigg & M Nicholls.
638. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member, were approved.
639. POLICE MATTERS
The Police gave an update on the crime statistics since the last meeting. Sgt Hawkes advised that speed watch equipment had been deployed in answer to speeding problems; the percentage monitored was less than 1% however they would continue to monitor the situation and would re-deploy but it would not justify escalation at this stage. The Chairman reported on the meeting held with the Local MP relating to absentee landlords and details were given on discussions at the last two PACT meetings where anti social behaviour and this was one of the issues of concern. Sgt Hawkes assured that he would raise the concerns of the community with the relevant organizations/officers. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted and the Sgt Hawkes be thanked for his attendance.
640. PLANNING MATTERS
County Durham Plan: Draft Settlement Study
The Clerk advised that she had studied the contents of the document and from what she could see Trimdon Station and Deaf Hill missed off completely. RESOLVED a letter of grave concern at this omission be sent.
641. 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 donations of £50.00 be made to the Great North Air Ambulance and Butterwick House Children’s Hospice and the remainder of the contents of the correspondence list, be noted.
642. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
Replacement Bollard – Luke Street
Progress was requested with this matter and it was confirmed that Unitary Councillor Nicholls was chasing its replacement. RESOLVED that progress be awaited.
Dog Fouling
It was reported that the matter of dog fouling on the main pathway to the front of Commercial Street was suffering from constant dog fouling and residents were making complaints. RESOLVED that this be reported for attention.
Dangerous Parking
It was reported that with the current building works on Commercial Street there was an increase in parking at the entrance next to the Home and the papershop causing a danger at the junction. RESOLVED this be reported to the Police for their support.
Grit Bin – Windsor Street
Thanks were recorded for the placement of a grit bin at this location. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
Roadside gulleys – Wingate Road
It was reported that these had still not been cleaned out. RESOLVED that these be reported once again.
Traffic Issues
It was reported that motorists were using Luke and Rodwell Street avoiding the roadworks and traffic lights. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
Anti social behavior and speeding traffic
It was reported that there was still a problem with youths using drugs, and this had been reported to the Police. There was also an issue with speeding traffic. RESOLVED that the information given be noted and this be monitored.
Scrap Metal Dealers
It was reported that there were over twenty operators working in the village. RESOLVED that the information given be noted.
Chairman’s report
Reported on site meetings, he re iterated the issues with dog fouling and indiscriminate parking. He referred to the Citizens Advice Bureau and the suggestion that out reach services should be closed. The Parish Council objected strongly to them withdrawing their fortnightly visit to the village. This was a very well used service which the Parish Council did their best to support financially and it was suggested that a strongly worded letter be sent campaigning for outreach services to be retained as they were a vital service to the community.
The path next to Knorwood was to be repaired shortly, weather permitting. It was asked that the bowling green maintenance be monitored. A report was given on the lack of consultation given to the withdrawal of the transport used to assist the luncheon clubs. A demonstration had been given to the new CCTV system. Details were given on the withdrawal of funding to the Community Centre and the cut backs from DCC. The reliance on the Parish Council financial assistance was even more needed and following consideration it was agreed that the annual donation to the Partnership be increased to £4,500.00. It was suggested that a letter requesting financial support be sent to Trimdon Parish Council towards community facilities offered such as the luncheon club and youth clubs, stressing that these were open to all users from all sections of the Trimdons. RESOLVED a donation of £4,500 be agreed to the Deaf Hill Ward Regeneration Partnership; a letter be sent to CAB about their outreach services; a letter be sent to Trimdon Parish Council to ask for their financial support with the work of the Partnership.
643. RESIDENT’S REPORTS
Yellow Lines
Progress was requested with this work and this was given.
Play Area
Progress was requested with this proposal, this was covered in the Clerk’s report.
Environmental Appraisal
Mrs Carter a report following the visit carried out that day and summarised the areas and issues raised. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
644. 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/Burials
Site Meetings
Former St Pauls Church
Premiere Court
1 Nattrass Terrace
RESOLVED that approval be given to a fence being erected, in the interests of safety.
Proposed Play Area
Issues with Private Landlords
There was a joint meeting with the Local MP Phil Wilson on Friday 28th January to discuss the problems in the village with absentee landlords. Mr Wilson assured he would speak to the Police, and would try to organize a meeting to talk to landlords about their responsibilities and how they can fulfil their obligations.
Allotment & Garages
Rent demands have been sent and rents were being steadily received. A request had been received from one of the residents of Luke Street to purchase their plot. Members felt this was not a decision that could be made at this time, with valuation work pending. RESOLVED that the valuation be awaited and consideration be given to this request at that point.
Dog Training Sessions
The Clerk reported receipt of a request from Sarah Kitching to use the recreation area for dog training sessions. The need for full insurance cover and for the area to be cleaned up after each session was stressed, however it was agreed in principle the Parish Council had no objections to this request. RESOLVED that the Clerk be given authority to pursue this request further and keep Members advised.
Allotments
RESOLVED Mr Hoole and Mr Haigh be requested to reinstate the fence between their gardens. FURTHER RESOLVED the Clerk write to Mr Wilson to tidy up his plot and remove the scrap car that had been there for many months.
645. 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.
646. FINANCIAL MATTERS
(i) Accounts for Payment
RESOLVED that the accounts as listed totalling £2,669.93 be passed for payment.
(ii) Bank Reconciliation – January 2011
RESOLVED that the bank reconciliation for the month of January 2011, be accepted.
647. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED that the date and time of the next meeting be Wednesday 9th March 2011
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