Minutes of the December Meeting of Trimdon Parish Council held in Trimdon Grange Community Centre on Tuesday 9 December 2014 at 7:00pm.
Prior to the meeting commencing William Nelson and Jonathan Garbutt, representatives from Hope Construction Materials, were in attendance to talk to the Parish Council and members of the public regarding their proposed application to DCC for approval for changes to new working practices. Jonathan Garbutt explained that it is necessary to update planning conditions every 15 years. The three main proposals are:
• Permission to extract sand
• Permission for a ready mix concrete plant
• Permission to extend the date for extraction to 2042 (currently 2018)
Councillors asked if this work is likely to result in any form of ‘planning gain’ for community projects. Jonathan Garbutt advised that they currently pay a substantial levy to the government, but they would be prepared to consider supporting individual projects.
Both gentlemen were thanked for their attendance.
Present: Councillor John Burton (in the Chair) and Councillors Denise Davison, George Elliott Snr., George Elliott, Margaret Elliot, Bernadette Oliver, Ian Quinn, and Paul Trippett.
Anne Delandre, Clerk to the Council, was in attendance; County Councillor Peter Brookes was in attendance to report on Durham County Council issues and Sergeant Alex Clarke, Durham Constabulary, was in attendance for part of the meeting.
One member of the public was also in attendance.
82. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest.
Resolved that the above be noted.
83. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received from Sheila Appleton, Eileen Dickinson, Margaret Hughes, Julie Thompson and Keith Thompson.
Resolved that the above apologies be accepted.
84. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
A member of the public requested permission to erect two notices on open spaces requesting that residents dispose of dog waste in the appropriate manner.
Resolved it was agreed that this request be granted.
85. POLICING IN THE PARISH
Sergeant Alex Clarke, Durham Constabulary attended the meeting and reported the crime figures for the period 11 November 2014 to 9 December 2014.
TRIMDON VILLAGE
Theft (Motor Vehicle ) – Incident
Criminal damage – 1 incident
Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)
All ASB 86 incidences (up 16% on 2013)
Youth ASB 42 incidences (up 17% on 2013)
TRIMDON GRANGE/COLLIERY
Arson – 1 incident
Theft (Motor Vehicle) – 2 incidences
Criminal damage – 1 incidence
Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)
All ASB 52 incidences (down 9% on 2013)
Youth ASB 18 incidences (up 64% on 2013) – but based on very low figures
Dwelling burglaries – male charged and placed before court where he has remained in custody.
HMIC National Report on how police forces investigate crime across England and Wales has been published. Forces are rated outstanding; good; requires improvement and inadequate (non- ranked). Durham was the only force in the country to be ranked outstanding. Only six individual outstanding grades were awarded across England and Wales with Durham receiving two. The congratulations to Durham Constabulary were conveyed to Sergeant Clarke by the Parish Council.
Resolved that the above report be noted.
Sergeant Clarke was thanked for his attendance and left the meeting.
86. MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 11NOVEMBER 2014
Resolved that the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Parish Council held on 11 November 2014 (previously circulated) be accepted as a true record and signed by the Chairman.
87. UPDATE ON PROGRESS OF RESOLUTIONS FROM THE LAST MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL ON 11 NOVEMBER 2014
In respect of Item 79(e) – replacement of bulbs at Trimdon Grange Play Park, the Clerk advised that the quotation submitted includes undertaking a full inspection of the masts and floodlights as well as the replacement of all four lamps. Enquires with DCC have confirmed that they are unable to undertake the work.
Resolved that Abacus be authorised to carry out the work as quoted at Trimdon Grange Play Park.
88. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
a) To receive the following planning application:
DM/14/03528/FPA 2 Broadway Avenue Trimdon Village
Erection of storage building to rear (retrospective)
Resolved that no comment be made in respect of the above planning application.
89. FINANCIAL
a) The Clerk advised that confirmation has been received from DCC of the tax base for 2015/2016 together with a request that the precept by set and DCC notified by 30 January 2015.
Resolved it was agreed that the Clerk submits a report to the next meeting of the Parish Council to be held on 13 January 2015.
b) The Clerk advised of the outcome of the Local Government Pay Award for 2014 and 2015 recommended by the National Joint Council for Local Government Services.
Resolved that the Clerk be authorised to implement the pay award as agreed by the NJC.
c) Details of expenditure requiring payment by cheque were submitted.
Resolved that the payments be approved.
d) The Clerk submitted the schedule of payments made between 1 November 2014 and 30 November 2014.
Resolved that the schedule of payments be approved.
e) The Clerk submitted the schedule of receipts received between 1 November 2014 and 30 November 2014.
Resolved that the schedule of receipts be approved.
f) The Clerk submitted the bank reconciliation statement (Instant Access Account) for the period ended 30 November 2014. This was cross referenced with the Bank Statement.
Resolved that the bank reconciliation statement (Instant Access Account) be approved and the Chairman sign the Bank Statement as confirmation of the balance.
g) The Clerk submitted the bank reconciliation statement (Current Bank Account) for the period ended 30 November 2014. This was cross referenced with the Bank Statement.
Resolved that the bank reconciliation statement (Current Bank Account) be approved and the Chairman sign the Bank Statement as confirmation of the balance.
90. CLERK’S REPORTS
a) Report on the refurbishment of bus shelters
The Clerk reported on the work required to bus shelters across the parish. A programme of work had been scheduled and it was recommended that work be carried out to those bus shelters that had been categorised at Priority 2. In addition, it was recommended that all Perspex bus shelters be steam cleaned. It is anticipated that the total expenditure will be in the region of £4,000. County Councillor Peter Brookes has already committed £2,000 from his Neighbourhood Budget towards this work.
Resolved that the proposed programme of works be approved.
Resolved that the works identified as Priority 2 be undertaken.
Resolved that all Perspex bus shelters be steam cleaned.
b) Feedback from Christmas Lights Switch On 5 December 2014
It was agreed that the Christmas Lights Switch on had proved a success. It was acknowledged, however, that improvements could be made for future years and that schools throughout the parish could be involved. Particular thanks were made to Paul Trippett, Ian Quinn and the Clerk for their contribution towards the success of the night. It was also recommended that a Sub-Group be established next year to arrange the Switch On for December 2015.
Resolved that the above reported be noted and that a Sub Group be formed to arrange the Switch On for December 2015.
c) Quotation for replacement mower
The Clerk advised that it is necessary to replace the present grass Mower and a quotation has been received from Carrs Billington.
Resolved that the Clerk be authorised to purchase a replacement Mower.
d) Quotation for Flower Planters
The Clerk gave details of a quotation for Flower Planters; with a further quotation awaited. If the Parish Council wishes to purchase these planters consideration of the cost will need to be taken into account when the budget is prepared for 2015/2016.
Resolved that the above be noted.
91. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
a) CDALC Newsletter Issue 50 December 2014 – the Clerk apologised that the Newsletter had been omitted with the Agenda.
Resolved that the above be noted.
b) Letter from Trimdon United FC
The Clerk advised that a letter from Trimdon United Juniors FC had been address to Paul Trippett (Chair of the Trimdon College Community Association) asking him to continue to lobby his colleagues at the Parish Council to retain their excellent financial support.
Resolved that a response be sent to Trimdon United Juniors FC advising that the Parish Council recognises the good work of the Community College and that it will continue to consider financial support of the Community Association.
REPORT FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR PETER BROOKES
• DCC piloting 20mph speed limit near 33 schools across the county
• DCC completed pilot scheme to register private landlords – to be rolled out across the county
• DCC implemented Living Wage currently £7.32 an hour
• Meeting schedule to agree Job Description and Person Specification for Development Worker to work across community associations within the Trimdons
• Wellness on Wheels (WOW) bus to be operational from 19 January 2015
• £40K distributed to community projects across the county – Trimdons well represented
• Request for play area adjacent to Trimdon Village Hall to be jointly improved by Parish Council and funding from Neighbourhood Budget
92. COUNCILLOR MATTERS – FOR INFORMATION
a) A request has been received from Trimdon United Juniors Under 8’s for a financial donation towards the cost of Goal Posts to allow them to continue to play in the Teesside Junior Alliance.
Resolved that the Clerk be tasked to progress this request.
–
–
–