THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING TRIMDON FOUNDRY PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TRIMDON ON WEDNESDAY 10TH OCTOBER 2012
837. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
838. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
839. POLICE MATTERS
840. PLANNING MATTERS
841. CORRESPONDENCE
842. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
843. RESIDENT’S REPORTS
844. RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PRESS AND THE PUBLIC
845. CLERK’S REPORT
846. FINANCIAL MATTERS
847. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
PRESENT:- COUN J GRIGG (CHAIR)
Mesdames:- L Grigg & D Kelly
Messrs:- N Kell, J France, B D Ferguson & County Councillor M Nicholls
837. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence had been submitted and were accepted on behalf of Councillor A Jackson.
838. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member, were approved.
839. POLICE MATTERS
The Chairman welcomed the Police and the Neighborhood Wardens to the meeting. Statistics were given on reports since the last meeting. Speedwatch had been carried out that morning on Wingate Road with 4 cars out of 72 speeding. Acting Sgt P Gooden had come along to the meeting as requested to discuss the issues of cross border policing. It was assured that there were regular meetings, excellent communication and joint operations between the two Forces. Acting Sgt Gooden answered the issue of a recent incident where the perpetrator had crossed into Trimdon Colliery; he advised that when a report was made via the 101 telephone number the nearest resource would be asked to attend, regardless of what Force it was, that was how tasks were allocated. Acting Sgt Gooden said if there were specific reports/incidents if they could be passed to him he would investigate them further. A Local Member commented that when the County was reorganized assurances were given that cross border policing issues would cease to exist. He reported that in Rodwell Street it was felt by the general public this was an “uncrossable” boundary. He felt there needed to be an education programme to get the message across to the public and this misconception needed to be ratified. Acting Sgt Gooden assured he would pass this sentiment on to his superiors with a suggestion that a joint patrol, leaflet drop and or press release be issued to try and educate the public. It was also suggested that this Parish Council bring their concerns to the attention of Trimdon Foundry Parish Council. The Neighborhood Warden Team Leader, Mr Gary McCardle introduced himself to the meeting, and then gave his report which covered litter clearance notices and dog fouling patrols.
A local resident asked if consideration could be given to the introduction of a 20mph speed limit, he felt that one of the main issues currently was speeding cars throughout the village, he also asked for bollards in the back streets to stop vehicles from just “passing though”. It was explained bollards had been installed at the top of Luke Street, with one being removed; and there would be problems for service vehicles if there was a bollard in the middle of the street. The Police assured they would feedback the 20mph suggestion.
RESOLVED the report be noted and the Police and Neighborhood Warden be thanked for their attendance. FURTHER RESOLVED that (i) Trimdon Parish Council be advised of this Parish Concerns on the cross border policing issues; (ii) the suggestion of a 20mph speed limit being introduced be investigated further by the Police; (iii) if possible the Police arrange for educational material to be published regarding the cross border policing issues.
840. PLANNING MATTERS
Applications
(i) Erection of 5 No Wind Turbines and assoc infrastructure
Land at Wingate Grange
Wingate Grange Wind Farm Limited (a subsidiary of Infinis Wind Holdings Ltd)
Members had asked for clarification on this application. The Clerk advised that she had spoken to the planning Officer dealing with the windfarm applications in the County and he had advised; there were only two “live” applications pending for large Wind Farms in the area – the one for Infinis and one of the East Coast. There had been several other enquiries but no other applications had been received and made public. There had been an application South of Station Town, this had been withdrawn. Mr Folley made assurances that the Infinis application had always been for 5 turbines. Members views were now requested, previous concerns were regarding the potential increase in traffic and the transportation of the masts to site, along with the number of sites being given approval in the nearby surrounding areas will result in the village being surrounded by wind farms. Following considerable discussion it was RESOLVED the Parish Council express its objection to this application, on the grounds that East Durham was already served by windfarms and further turbines were felt to be excessive and unnecessary.
The Clerk reported receipt of a further two applications following compilation of the agenda:
(i) Temporary siting of a 50m meteorological mast, Blakley Hill Farm, Station Town, and
(ii) Temporary siting of a 50m meteorological mast Greenhill Farm, Sedgefield.
RESOLVED objections be offered to these applications.
841. CORRESPONDENCE
Consideration was given to a list of correspondence received since the last meeting, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member. A letter had been received from two garden holders which was considered.
RESOLVED:-
(i) that the correspondence received since the last meeting be noted and received;
(ii) approval be granted for Mr F Ashurst and Mr E Wilson to become joint tenants of the garden currently used by Mr Wilson, on the grounds that Mrs Ashurst’s garden had now become unusable due to flooding.
842. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
(a) Orange Scooter
It was reported there was an orange scooter speeding around the village. RESOLVED this be reported to the Police for attention.
(b) Anti Social behaviour – Windsor Street
It was reported that there had been several more instances of anti social behaviour in Windsor Street. The Chairman commented that he did feel the visible presence of the Police did help reduce these incidents in the village. RESOLVED the information given, be noted.
(c) Public Footpath – Boundary, Rear of Recreation Ground – Trimdon Station to Trimdon Colliery
It was reported that a local farmer had ploughed up the footpath which was very well used by residents to walk between the two villages.
RESOLVED that enforcement action be requested to re instate this footpath as a matter of urgency.
(d) Former Smith Site
It was reported that the site had been re instated and horses had been grazing at the site. RESOLVED the information given, be noted.
(e) The County Durham Plan
A Local Member reported he had attended a recent session on the consultation of the Plan. It was questioned once again why none of the sessions had been held near or in the village. He had raised a formal complaint about the process being applied by the County Council, and that the village was being left out. He felt that the public and rate payers of this village deserved some consideration in the plans for the future with them facing massive problems with unemployment, social inclusion and rural transport issues. He stressed this was a deprived area and would remain and become even more so. He requested the support of the County Councillor in arranging for information to be supplied to him in readiness for the public consultation event to be held on 16th October which he intended to attend. RESOLVED that these concerns be expressed to Durham County Council.
(f) Various Items
A Local Member asked for progress reports on the valuation of the allotment sites and the Clerk advised that this was being pursed. She asked for feedback from Members on the proposal put to the last meeting for the memorial Garden. Members felt it was important for the land drainage scheme to be completed prior to this work but supported the scheme. RESOLVED that approval be given for Groundwork East Durham to finalise the details and costs for this proposal for the Memorial Gardens.
(g) County Councillor’s Report
County Councillor Nicholls reported on the significant budget cuts that were being made by the County Council, he advised on the proposal for an advice line, (Welfare Rights and the CAB); the site inspection carried out covering the “blight” spots in the village; the rolling programme of council house improvements; issues with public transport and Arriva withdrawing some of its services; changes in benefits etc with the Welfare Reform Act. RESOLVED the information given, be noted.
(f) Chairman’s Report
The Chairman gave his report covering the winter bedding being planted; the drainage scheme in the recreation area nearing completion; gateway signage and traffic issues. He reported on the Centre Manager, Mr Bradley being involved in a recent road traffic accident and it was agreed a card be sent expressing the Parish Council’s best wishes. RESOLVED the Clerk request progress on the gateway signs from Durham County Council.
843. RESIDENT’S REPORTS
There were several residents in attendance at the meeting and they gave the following issues for attention by the Parish Council:-
• Speed limits in the village – 20mph suggested;
• Walkways and pathways overgrown;
• Progress with the proposed play area;
• Luke Street needed the street cleaner and had several pot holes that required attention;
• Cars parking opposite the Drs surgery and causing not only an obstruction to the residents but also damage to the pavements;
• Signage regarding horses in the recreation area;
• Gardens and garages rented by the Parish Council. Houses being offered for sale, the sale particulars needed to be clear.
RESOLVED that the appropriate reports be made to action the issues listed by residents. FURTHER RESOLVED the Clerk prepare a feasibility study in relation to the proposed play area.
844. 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.
845. CLERK’S REPORT
Consideration was given to the Clerk’s report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and had matters in it relating to:-
a) Cemetery
RESOLVED the action taken in arranging for this seat to be refurbished, be endorsed.
b) Allotments Gardens & Garages
RESOLVED the Valuation Office be asked again for their report to be finalized. FURTHER RESOLVED it be considered further by the Allotment Working Party whether or not a person buying a house should be given first refusal of the garden that was associated with it.
c) Proposed Memorial/Cenotaph
RESOLVED approval to the scheme submitted at the last meeting be given.
d) Flooding Problems
e) Maintenance of Playground Equipment
f) Former St Pauls Church – various requests
RESOLVED the information given on these items be noted.
g) dog bags
RESOLVED the action taken in ordering the dog bags via CDALC, be endorsed.
g) Rydale Court
h) Land at Waycott, Top Shop
RESOLVED the Clerk meet with Mr Atwal to investigate the details further and report back to members in due course.
i) Demolition of the former storage shed – Memorial Gardens
RESOLVED approval be given to this work being carried out in connection with the Memorial Gardens Scheme.
k) Replacement Kissing Gate
RESOLVED further prices be obtained for this work.
l) Request to Purchase a new PC
RESOLVED approval be given to this purchase.
846. FINANCIAL MATTERS
(i) Accounts for Payment £
RESOLVED that the action taken in paying accounts totaling £17,672.22 be endorsed.
(ii) Bank Reconciliations
Members were circulated with the Bank Reconciliations for August and September 2012.
RESOLVED that the reconciliations be accepted.
847. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED the date and time of the next meeting be Wednesday 13th November 2012 at 6.30pm.