Minutes of the Meeting of Trimdon Parish Council held in Trimdon Grange Community Centre on Tuesday 14 July 2015 at 7:00pm.
Present: Councillor John Burton (in the Chair) and Councillors Sheila Appleton, Denise Davison, George Elliott, George Elliott Snr., Ian Quinn and Paul Trippett.
Anne Delandre (Clerk to the Council) was in attendance to record the minutes, and County Councillor Peter Brookes was in attendance to report on Durham County Council issues.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Denise Davison declared an interest in planning application (DM/15/01497/FPA).
Resolved that the above be noted.
34. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received from Margaret Elliott, Eileen Dickinson, Margaret Hughes, Bernadette Oliver, Julie Thompson and Ian Thompson.
Resolved that the above apologies be accepted.
35. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
There were three members of the public in attendance. Two attendees referred to the request received from Sedgwick Associates requesting support for the proposed planning application for the erection of up to 138 dwellings, a health centre and the provision of public open space at land at off Hurworth Burn Lane, Trimdon Village. They wished to express their objections to any planning application. It was confirmed that a planning application has not yet been received but that their objections would be noted, should such an application be received.
The third attendee requested an update on the proposal to install an additional street light at Northside Trimdon Grange. The Clerk confirmed that the Parish Council had paid Durham County Council the design fee. She agreed to contact DCC for an update.
Resolved that the above be noted.
36. POLICING IN THE PARISH
Sergeant Alex Clarke, Durham Constabulary was unable to attend the meeting but had furnished the Clerk with the following information for the period 9 June 2015 – 9 July 2015.
TRIMDON VILLAGE
Burglary (other) – 1 incident
Criminal Damage – 4 incidences
Assault – 1 incident
All ASB down 4% based on the same period of 2014
TRIMDON GRANGE/COLLIERY
Assault – 2 incidences
All ASB down 21% based on the same period of 2014
Resolved that the above report be noted.
37. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 9 JUNE 2015
Resolved that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on 9 June 2015 (previously circulated) be accepted as a true record and signed by the Chairman.
38. UPDATE ON PROGRESS OF RESOLUTIONS FROM THE LAST MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL ON 9 JUNE 2015
The Clerk advised that she had written to the occupiers of Nos. 1 – 14 Low Hogg Street asking if they would be prepared to contribute towards the cost of installing a 12 bay parking layby. Two residents had responded; neither is prepared to pay towards the cost, primarily because they could not be guaranteed a parking space even if they made a contribution towards it.
Resolved that the above be noted and that no action be taken on the provision of the 12 bay parking layby.
39. JOHN HANNON – SEDGEFIELD DISTRICT RELIEF IN NEED CHARITY
John Hannon (Sedgefield District Relief in Need Charity) attended the meeting to explain the criteria for funding applications to the Charity.
John gave details of the history of the Charity, which dates back to 1630, as well as the criteria applicants need to satisfy to qualify for funding. All applications must be supported by a professional, including local Councillors. Applications are considered twice a year and can be submitted to John either by email, phone call or in writing. Applications requiring immediate consideration can be approved by the Chairman.
John was thanked for his presentation and left the meeting.
Resolved: that the above be noted.
40. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
The following planning applications were submitted for consideration:
DM/15/01714/PUT
Land to the South of Broadway Avenue
Salters Lane, Trimdon Village
Outline application for the Broadway Avenue erection of up to 50 dwellings
(All matters reserved)
DM/15/01830/PND
The Grange, Northside Terrace, Trimdon Grange
Demolition of former club building
DM/15/01497/FPA
Land South of 56 Front Street, Trimdon Village
Erection of 3 no. garages
Resolved that application DM/15/01714 be supported; no comment be offered in respect of
application DM/15/01830/PND; a site visit be carried out to application DM/15/01497/FPA
41. FINANCIAL
a) Details of expenditure requiring payment by cheque were submitted.
Resolved that the payments be approved.
b) The Clerk submitted the schedule of payments made between 1 June 2015 and 30 June 2015.
Resolved that the schedule of payments be approved.
c) The Clerk submitted the schedule of receipts received between 1 June 2015 and 30 June 2015.
Resolved that the schedule of receipts be approved.
d) The Clerk submitted the bank reconciliation statement (Instant Access Account) for the period ended 30 June 2015. 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.
e) The Clerk submitted the bank reconciliation statement (Current Bank Account) for the period ended 30 June 2015. 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.
42. CLERK’S REPORTS
a) Request by local residents (Skerne Sports Day knows everybody will rally for Neonatal care essentials) to use Skerne Play Park to host a Family Day and for a financial contribution towards the event
The Clerk confirmed that a request has been received to use Skerne Play Park for a Family Day and for a financial contribution of £200 towards the running costs.
Resolved that the residents be authorised to use Skerne Play Park to host the Family Day and that a contribution of £150 be made (subject to proof of expenditure).
b) Feedback on meeting with representatives of Trimdon Village Hall Association: request for funding
The Clerk confirmed that a meeting had taken place with representatives from the Parish Council and the Village Hall Management Committee regarding their request for a financial donation.
Resolved that a donation of £4,000 under the Local Government Act 1972 S.133 be granted for the financial year 2015/2016.
c) Feedback on RoSPA inspections of Play Parks
The Clerk confirmed that the annual inspections of the Play Parks had been carried out by RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents). None of the play equipment had been categorised as high risk and requiring immediate attention. The Clerk will prepare a Report and an Action Plan to be submitted to a future meeting.
Resolved that the above be noted.
d) Request for trees to be planted on Trimdon Village Green to replace two felled trees
The Clerk advised that a request has been received for two new trees to be planted to replace the two trees that were felled as a result of disease. In addition it was reported that the remaining trees stumps had been left protruding and could present a hazard.
Resolved that two trees be planted at the appropriate time and that the trees stumps be removed.
e) Feedback from External Auditors – Audit for the year ended 31 March 2015
The Clerk confirmed that feedback on the Audit for the year ended 31 March 2015 had now been received from the external auditors, BDO LLP. A minor error had been highlighted on the Annual Return – the amount of borrowing had been incorrectly stated in the Annual Return. A recommendation had been made that in future years the Annual Return includes the correct amount of loan outstanding.
Resolved that the above recommendation be noted and that the Annual Return be approved and the Notice of Audit be displayed for the appropriate two week period.
43. CORRESPONDENCE
a) Letter of complaint regarding flooding at Trimdon Grange Cemetery
The Clerk confirmed that a letter of complaint has been received from a resident with a family member buried at the Cemetery that the Cemetery is often waterlogged.
Resolved that a site visit be undertaken by the Chairman and Vice-Chairman to investigate the complaint.
b) Trimdon Banner Association: request for financial donation towards attendance at Durham Miners Gala
A request has been received for a donation towards attendance at Durham Miners Gala
Resolved that a donation of £350 be made under the Local Government Act 1972 s.137.
c) Trimdon Community Youth Club: request for donation
A request has been received from Trimdon Community Youth Club for a contribution towards a two week holiday programme for the Junior Youth Club and a donation towards tombola prizes for a fundraising event.
Resolved that a donation of £200 be made towards the holiday programme under the Local Government Act 1972 s.137 and a donation of £30 towards tombola prizes be made under the Local Government Act 1972 s.137.
d) Push4Darcie; request for donation towards Charity Event
A request has been received for a financial contribution of £500 towards an annual event Push4Darcie to raise money towards funds for 4Louis. The Clerk confirmed that she had requested Push4Darcie to complete an Application Form under the Grants/Donations Policy but this had not yet been received. It was noted that the event in question had already taken place.
Resolved that no action be taken on the request.
e) National Association of Local Councils Magazine: Summer 2015 – circulated with the Agenda
Resolved that the above be noted.
f) DCC Notification of Bridleways: Temporary Rights of Way Closure Notice
Details have been received on temporary rights of way closures to facilitate the Northbridge Music event.
Resolved that the above be noted.
44. COUNTY COUNCILLOR UPDATE
• Special Labour Group to be held – full extent of financial cuts will not be known until after Chancellor’s Autumn Statement but £107M may need to be saved
• New Vice Chairman to be appointed following the death of Councillor Robin Todd
• Disruptions on Milburngate Bridge, Durham, to carry out £1M road repairs not as bad as anticipated
45. COUNCILLOR MATTERS – FOR INFORMATION ONLY
• It was suggested that members of the Parish Council should ‘walk the footpaths’ later in the year
• Request received from resident for football pitch to be ‘marked out’ on Play Park at Trimdon Colliery
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Trimdon Parish Council Meeting 14th July 2015