Minutes of the October Meeting of Trimdon Parish Council held in Trimdon Community College, Elwick View, Trimdon on Tuesday 8 October 2013 at 7:00pm
Present: Councillor George Elliott Snr. (in the Chair) and Councillors Bernadette Oliver, Paul Trippett, John Burton, Ian Quinn, Margaret Hughes, Keith Thompson. Eileen Dickinson, Sheila Appleton and County Councillor Peter Brookes.
Anne Delandre, Clerk to the Council, was also in attendance and Sergeant Alex Clarke, Durham Constabulary, was in attendance for part of the meeting.
1. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest.
2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received and accepted from Julie Thompson, George Elliott and Margaret Elliott.
3. POLICING IN THE PARISH
Sergeant Alex Clarke, Durham Constabulary attended the meeting to give an update on crime figures for Trimdon Village, Trimdon Grange and Trimdon Colliery. Sergeant Clarke has been in post for a couple of months and is based at Sedgefield. He advised the Council of the good news that, as part of Durham Constabulary’s Neighbourhood Policing, the Inspector has confirmed that there will be the presence of a Police Sergeant in Trimdon. The Sergeant will cover the areas of Sedgefield, Fishburn and Trimdons in addition to Shildon.
The crime figures for the period 16 July 2013 – 8 October 2013 are as follows:
| TRIMDON VILLAGE | TRIMDON GRANGE/COLLIERY |
| Burglary (Dwelling) – 1 incident | Burglary (Dwelling) – 1 incident |
| Burglary (Other) – 2 incidences | Burglary (Other) – 4 incidences |
| Criminal Damage – 8 incidences | Criminal Damage – 1 incidence |
| Vehicle Crime – 3 incidences | Vehicle Crime – 9 incidences |
| Violent Crime – nil | Violent Crime – nil |
| Theft – 6 incidences | Theft – 4 incidences |
Sergeant Clarke confirmed that there has been an increased in reported crime in the last three months. He hoped that there is merely a ‘spike’ in crime and that things will calm down. Durham Constabulary is working to keep crime down – but is conscious that we are now approaching the dark nights.
Sergeant Clarke was thanked by the Committee and left the meeting.
4. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
It was noted that the name of County Councillor Peter Brookes’ name had been omitted from the list of councillors present at the last meeting.
It was resolved that with the above amendments the Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 8 October 2013 (copies previously circulated) be confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chair.
5. MATTERS ARISING
The Clerk reported that the fencing at Trimdon Grange Allotments had been installed and was pleased to report that the work had been completed to a very high standard.
The Clerk advised that she had contacted DCC Head of Technical Services regarding the potholes around the village green as was awaiting a response.
The Clerk was pleased to advise that details of the Christmas Light Switch On would be advertised in the Durham County News which would be distributed to all residents.
The Clerk confirmed that she had written to DCC Planning and Environmental Health Departments regarding the complaint at 27 North Moor Avenue, Trimdon Colliery and was awaiting a response.
It was agreed that the above updates be noted.
6. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
The following planning application was considered:
| 7/2013/0404/DM | Mr W Steel Hillcrest | Demolition of existing garden room |
| Front Street | and erection of replacement |
It was resolved that no comment be made.
7. CLERK’S REPORT
ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
The following accounts were submitted for payment:
| DD | Xerox | 330.37 | Lease of Photocopier |
| 403539 | Trimdon Brass Band | 500.00 | Financial Donation |
| 403540 | RBL Poppy Appeal | 50.00 | Financial Donation |
| DD | Fleet One | 452.71 | Fuel |
| 403541 | I C Liddle | 452.40 | Hedgecutting |
| DD | Ford | 379.86 | Van Lease |
| 403542 | Anne Delandre | 48.44 | Clerks Expenses |
| 403543 | Northern Tubs Limited | 630.00 | Garden Tubs |
| DD | livin | 36.48 | Garage Rent |
| 403544 | G Smith | 28.00 | Hire of Rotavator |
| 403545 | D Jordan | 180.00 | Security – Skerne Playground |
| 403546 | Spoilt Cheque | ||
| 403547 | CE & CM Walker | 916.80 | Grass Cutting |
| 403548 | Village Hall Assoc. | 227.50 | Grant – CAB |
| 403549 | Trimdon DCC | 900.00 | Grant – Trimdon Village Cemetery |
| 403550 | HMRC | 1,092.30 | Tax & NI |
| 403601 | DC Pension Fund | 678.97 | Pensions |
| 403602 | CDALC | 43.16 | Publication – Model Standing Orders |
| DD | Carrs, Billington | 5.89 | Equipment |
It was resolved that the accounts be paid.
BUDGET STATEMENT FOR 2013/2014 (Quarter 2)
The Clerk apologised that the budget statement for Quarter 2 was not complete, but re- circulated Quarter 1 in order to consider the proposed budget for Grants/Financial Assistance and Bus Shelters/Garden Seats.
It was recommended that the proposed budget of £20,000 for Grants/Financial Assistance be agreed, however, it was suggested that before a budget for Bus Shelter/Garden Seats be agreed, an inspection of all bus shelters and garden seats be undertaken.
It was resolved that a budget of £20,000 for Grants/Financial Assistance be established and that a small Working Group consisting of Councillors George Elliott Snr., John Burton, Ian Quinn and Peter Brookes (as an ex-officio member) be established to carry out a review of the current provision of bus shelters and garden seats, prior to a budget being set for their refurbishment/replacement.
ESTABLISHMENT OF PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
It was noted that a new Personnel Committee will need to be established to agree the
Clerk’s Contract of Employment and other policies.
It was resolved that a Personnel Committee be established consisting of Councillors George Elliott Snr., George Elliott, John Burton, Bernadette Oliver and Peter Brookes (as an ex-officio member).
WINTER MAINTENANCE OF FOOTPATHS
The Clerk asked members to consider areas of the parish that would be suitable for additional maintenance of footpaths by the Parish Council.
It was resolved that the entrances to parish churches be treated as a priority and that other areas be prioritised at the discretion of the Ground Maintenance Staff.
REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT – GREAT NORTH AIR AMBULANCE
A request has been received from the Great North Air Ambulance for a financial donation from the Parish Council’s 2014/2015 budget.
It was resolved that the Clerk seeks advice as to whether it would be appropriate to make a donation. Any such donation to be held in abeyance until the end of the financial year to determine the level of spending of grants/donations.
DCC CONSULTATION – GARDEN WASTE COLLECTION
The Clerk advised that DCC is currently consulting on proposed changes to the garden waste collection that will ensure that all residents across the county are receiving an equitable service. This will involve an annual charge of £20 per property from 2014/2015. Members expressed concerns as to how those residents who do no sign up to this scheme will dispose of their garden waste and whether it will lead to more ‘fly tipping’.
It was resolved that Councillor Paul Trippett corresponds with Durham County Council advising of the Parish Council’s concerns of the impact of the proposed changes to the garden waste collection.
DCC CONSULTATION – COUNTY DURHAM PLAN
The Clerk advised that DCC is currently consulting on the County Durham Plan which will influence future development until 2030. One outcome of the current Plan is that the proposed development at Rose Street, Trimdon Grange has been removed.
The Council expressed concerns that Trimdon will not be granted a future housing ‘allocation’ as it was felt that more housing is needed throughout the three villages to ensure they are kept ‘alive’. It was noted that both the schools and doctors’ surgeries have spare capacity.
It was resolved that the Clerk makes appropriate representations to Durham County Council on the County Durham Plan.
UPDATE ON WEBSITE
The Clerk confirmed that she has met with representatives from Design 365, the company designing the Parish Council website, and work is progressing well. The Clerk proposed a ‘logo’ for Trimdon Parish Council which had been designed by Design 365. The Council did not approve of the proposed logo. It was suggested that art students at Sedgefield Comprehensive School may be interested in designing a logo – this could be something that would reflect both the past heritage but also represent the area as it moves forward.
It was resolved that the Clerk approaches the Head of Sedgefield Comprehensive School with a request that art students be asked to design an appropriate logo for Trimdon Parish Council.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR NEW SIGNATORIES FOR SIGNING OF CHEQUES
The Clerk reported that she will contact members of the Council on an individual basis to arrange to obtain the information required to change the names of the signatories on cheques.
It was agreed that the above be noted.
LETTER FROM RESIDENTS OF ELWICK VIEW, TRIMDON VILLAGE – IMPROVEMENT TO GREEN AREAS IN FRONT OF PROPERTIES
A request has been received, via DCC Civic Pride Officer, advising that the residents of Elwick View have improved the green areas to the front of their properties, but were requesting permission to plant whips (young trees) to block the gaps in the hedging which forms a barrier with Trimdon Junior School.
It was resolved that the request to grant whips in the hedging which forms a barrier with Trimdon Junior School be granted.
THE ISLES COMMUNITIES TURBINE ACTION CAMPAIGN – LEAFLET
The Clerk confirmed that all members had been circulated with a leaflet from the Isles Communities Turbine Action Campaign.
It was agreed that the above be noted.
DCC NOTIFICATION OF HIGHWAY OPERATION DESIGN SCHEME – GREENWAYS
The Clerk reported details of the above scheme.
It was agreed that the report be noted.
UPDATE TO LAPTOP SOFTWARE
The Clerk requested approval to update the software package on the office laptop as she was experiencing difficulties in opening a number of documents sent via email.
It was resolved that the Clerk be authorised to update the laptop software.
8. REPORT FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR PETER BROOKES
- The cuts to the County Council’s budget are ‘biting’ and there will be a reduction in capital funding to Community Centres from March 2014.
- Road marking are being undertaken across Trimdon.
- Discussions are continuing regarding the Viewing Area at Trimdon Village – there are currently highways issues but hopefully these can be resolved.
- An AAP meeting is scheduled for 23 November when funding of up to £4,000 will be agreed for community schemes; there are currently 4/5 bids from Trimdon.
- Four street lights have been replaced on Millennium Green
It was agreed that the above report be noted.
9. QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
There were no members of the public in attendance.
10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ON
It was requested that the Clerk contact Phil Wilson, MP asking if he would carry out the ceremony of switching on the Christmas lights on Friday 6 December 2013.
Ian Quinn advised that he had obtained quotations for the purchase of three ‘live’ Christmas trees to be placed at North Moor Avenue, Galbraith Terrace and Trimdon Village Green. Concerns were expressed that residents of Galbraith Terrace may not be agreeable to a permanent tree being placed in front of their properties and it was suggested that they be consulted on this proposal.
It was resolved that the Council pursues the purchase of three ‘live’ Christmas trees and that the Clerk writes to the MP requesting that he carries out the ceremony of switching on the lights and that she consults with the residents of Galbraith Terrace regarding the placing of a permanent Christmas tree in front of their properties.
TRIMDON COLLIERY ALBION FC
The Clerk reminded the Council that they agreed a donation of £100 towards the formation of Trimdon Colliery Albion FC. The Clerk advised that the football team was struggling to form and had been unable to set up a bank account. As a result, the cheque had not been issued.
It was resolved that the above report be noted and that the issuing of the donation be suspended until the football club has established.
COXHOE QUARRY LIAISON MEETING
Keith Thompson advised that he is having difficulty attending the above meetings due to work commitments, and requested that another member attend on behalf of the Parish Council.
It was resolved that John Burton attends future meetings.
11. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
It was agreed that the next meeting will be held on Tuesday 10 December 2013 in the Community Centre, Trimdon at 7:00pm
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