THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING
OF TRIMDON FOUNDRY PARISH COUNCIL
HELD ON 6TH MAY 2014
Present:- COUN B FERGUSON (Chair)
Mesdames: G E Elliott and L Grigg
Messrs: J W France and J Grigg
1044. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
An apology for absence was received from G Elliott.
1045. ELECTION OF CHAIR FOR THE ENSUING YEAR
Councillor J Grigg was nominated and seconded for Chair of the Council 2014/15 and there being no further nominations was duly elected.
Councillor James Grigg then took the Chair
1046. APPOINTMENT OF VICE-CHAIR FOR THE ENSUING YEAR
Councillor J W France was nominated and seconded for Vice-Chair of the Council 2014/15 and there being no further nominations was duly elected.
1047. CODE OF CONDUCT & REGISTER OF INTERESTS
The Council considered the need to review the Code of Conduct and Register on Interests.
It was brought to the Council’s attention that the Government had made changes to the Code of Conduct. RESOLVED that the matter be placed don the agenda for the next meeting of the Council.
1048. APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVES TO OUTSIDE BODIES
RESOLVED THAT THE FOLLOWING APPOINTMENTS TO OUTSIDE BODIES BE MADE –
EDF WIND Farm Funding Councillor G Elliott
East Durham Rural Corridor AAP Councillor B D Ferguson
EDRC Local Councils Committee The Clerk
1049. DATE & TIME OF ORDINARY MEETINGS OF THE COUNCIL
RESOLVED that meetings of the Council be held on the second Tuesday in the month at 6.30 p.m. except on August.
A question was asked if the August recess was requited as there was often sufficient business for a meeting to be held and its RESOLVED that a special meeting be called in August should it be required.
The Chair was asked if the Finance Group had been disbanded.
It was agreed to check with the Clerk on her return from annual leave.
1050. THE MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
a copy of which had been circulated to each member, were accepted with an amendment in the first paragraph of Minute 1043 by the deletion of the word ‘Chairman’ and the substitution of ‘Councillor G Elliott’ in the second line.
There was further discussion on the way in which the decision to hold the May 2014 meeting in the absence of the Clerk.
1051. POLICE MATTERS
The Council received information on recent criminal activity in the Parish and other areas (43 incidents in total).
Overall there had been a reduction of 36 % in criminal activity and 35% in anti-social behaviour.
The matter of a man using a metal detector around the Parish area who was digging holes to look for objects and then not backfilling the holes was discussed.
1052. PLANNNING MATTERS
In the absence of the Clerk no planning matters were reported.
1053. CORRESPONDENCE
In the absence of the Clerk no correspondence was submitted for consideration.
Councillor Ferguson referred to a recent Audit Commission comment that fraud was on the increase and Councils needed to be more vigilant.
1054. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
Councillor France referred to the appalling condition of the changing rooms used by the footballers and it was RESOLVED that the football team be reminded of its obligation to maintain the facility in a reasonable condition.
Councillor J Grigg referred to the need to repair potholes in Tobin Street. The Police had spoken to Councillor Ferguson about this matter. He also referred to the need for the fencing at the ‘top shop’ was in need of repair and it was RESOLVED that the owner of the shop be reminded of his responsibilities especially as there were health & safety issues regarding the use of the play area by children.
Speeding vehicles was also identified as a problem and the need to make more use of the speed indictor equipment was highlighted. It was considered that the introduction of a chicane similar to that at Co-operative Terrace Trimdon Grange help to may resolve the problem.
The poor condition of the footpaths adjacent to the Council houses was also highlighted and it was accepted that DCC Highways Officers needed to be consulted regarding these footpaths and it was RESOLVED that a meeting with Highways Officers be arranged.
It was agreed that the footpath from Deaf Hill to Wingate needed attention through an arrangement with SUSTRANS and it was RESOLVED that the matter be placed on the agenda for the next meeting.
Councillor Mrs Elliott reminded the meeting that the drainage problems at the allotments had not yet been resolved.
1055. MATTERS RAISED BY THE PUBLIC
It was reported footpaths around Post Office needed cleaning.
The lack of bus services past the Aged Miners homes was discussed and it was suggested that the existing service could be re routed.
M Eadsforth informed the meeting the DCC was preparing a report on road and footpath repairs and would be available shortly.
The Police were currently monitoring anti-social behaviour at the ’top shop’ and the Neighbourhood Watch was also involved.
Fly tipping in the community centre car park was also a problem.
Off road bikers were also a problem.
The meeting closed at 6.55 p.m.
–
–
Trimdon Foundry Parish Minutes