Minutes of the Meeting of Trimdon Parish Council held in Trimdon Grange Community Centre on Tuesday 9 June 2015 at 7:00pm.
Present: Councillor John Burton (in the Chair) and Councillors Sheila Appleton, Denise Davison, George Elliott, Margaret Elliott, Eileen Dickinson, Margaret Hughes, Bernadette Oliver, 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. Sergeant Alex Clarke attended part of the meeting to report on policing in the parish.
20. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillor Bernadette Oliver declared an interest in Item 29(b) – Illegal parking on the village green.
Resolved that the above be noted.
21. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received from Julie Thompson and Ian Thompson.
Resolved that the above apologies be accepted.
22. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
There was one member of the public in attendance. The member of public complained that the Dog Waste Bin opposite Galbraith Terrace was in need of repairs and requested that both seats on the Watch Bank be replaced.
Resolved that the Clerk contacts Durham County Council to request a replacement bin and that both seats be replaced as soon as possible.
23. POLICING IN THE PARISH
Sergeant Alex Clarke, Durham Constabulary, attended the meeting and reported on the crime figures for the period 12 May 2015 – 9 June 2015.
TRIMDON VILLAGE
Burglary (other) – 1 incident
Criminal Damage – 2 incidences
Assault – 1 incident
All ASB 32 incidences (down 3% on 2014)
Youth ASB 16 incidences (down 6% on 2014)
TRIMDON GRANGE/COLLIERY
Burglary (other) – 1 incident
Arson – 1 incident
Assault – 2 incidences
All ASB 11 incidences (down 35% on 2014)
Youth ASB – 4 incidences (same figure 2014)
Resolved that the above report be noted.
Sergeant Clarke was thanked for his attendance and left the meeting.
24. AUDITOR’S REPORT ON THE 2014/2015 ACCOUNTS
Alan Brown (Alan Brown & Co. Accountants) was in attendance to present the financial figures for the year ended and to present the Annual Return.
There were no areas of concern raised by the Auditor who commented that the Parish Council had introduced a computerised accountancy package which was producing timely and accurate financial information.
Resolved that the Accountant’s report be noted and that the Chairman and Clerk (as the Responsible Financial Officer) be authorised to sign the Annual Return for submission to the External Auditors.
25. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 12 MAY 2015
Resolved that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on 12 May 2015 (previously circulated) be accepted as a true record and signed by the Chairman.
26. UPDATE ON PROGRESS OF RESOLUTIONS FROM THE LAST MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL ON 12 MAY 2015
The Clerk advised that in respect of Planning Application No DM/15/01124/COL (Parkwood Horse Close Lane, Trimdon Village – Certificate of lawful proposed use as a care facility under Use Class C3) she had consulted with the Chairman and offered the same response as the previous application (DM/14/00957/COL) that the Parish Council would like to comment that it has concerns as to the suitability of this location as a care facility for children as it considers that such a rural and isolated location would make it difficult for young people to become integrated within the local community.
Resolved that the above be noted.
27. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
The following planning applications were submitted for consideration:
DM/15/01360/FPA
East House Farm, Trimdon Village
Grain store and extended access track/hardstanding areas to serve Building
DM/15/01394/FPA
10 Cleveland Avenue, Trimdon Village
Erection of front porch and two storey side extension
Resolved that no comment be offered in respect of the two planning applications.
28. 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 May 2015 and 31 May 2015.
Resolved that the schedule of payments be approved.
c) The Clerk submitted the schedule of receipts received between 1 May and 31 May 2015.
Resolved that the schedule of receipts be approved.
d) The Clerk submitted the bank reconciliation statement (Instant Access Account) for the period ended 31 May 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 31 May 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.
29. CLERK’S REPORTS
a) Schedule of Fixed Assets: 31 March 2015
The Clerk had circulated the Schedule of Fixed Assets for the period ending 31 March 2015 which reflected the disposal of assets and the purchase of new assets during the financial year. The total at 31 March 2015 is £744,418.
Resolved that the Schedule of Assets as at 31 March 2015 be approved.
b) Illegal Parking on Village Green
The Clerk advised that complaints have been received of residents parking their vehicles on the village green. In addition, complaints have also been received that the resident of 31 Front Street South is running a vehicle repair business from his rented property.
Resolved that the Clerk:
• Writes to the owner of 31 Front Street South making him aware of the complaints and requesting that he ensures that his tenant adheres to his Conditions of Tenancy
• Liaises with DCC Environmental Health Department regarding the running of a business
• Liaises with DCC Legal and Democratic Services requesting advice on enforcement action regarding the management and protection of the village green
c) Quotation from Durham County Council: Hard Standing on Lower Hogg Street, Trimdon Colliery
The Clerk advised that a quotation has been received from DCC of £24,00 plus a Design Fee of £2,400 to install 12 parking bays on land opposite Lower Hogg Street to alleviate the ongoing parking problems.
Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to write to the residents of 1-14 Lower Hogg Street to enquire whether they would be prepared to contribute towards the cost.
30. CORRESPONDENCE
a) E.On Butterwick Moor Wind Farm Community Benefits Fund/NNB Wind Farm Community Benefits Fund
Funding criteria and maps circulated for information. It was noted that John Hannon from Sedgefield Charities will be in attendance at the July meeting.
Resolved that the above be noted.
b) Sedgefield Town Council: The Sedgefield Plan
Notification has been received from Sedgefield Town Council of their decision to develop a Neighbourhood Plan and notification of Statutory Pre-Submission Consultation.
Resolved that the above be noted.
c) Great North Air Ambulance
The Clerk advised that a letter of thanks has been received from the Great North Air Ambulance for the Parish Council’s generous donation of £500.
d) Complaints from resident regarding overgrown trees and bushes on Millennium Green, Trimdon Village.
Resolved that the Chair, Vice Chair and the Clerk carry out a site visit.
e) Hartlepool and District Mencap: Invitation to attend 8th Anniversary Celebration Event (Saturday 20 June 2015)
An invitation has been received for a representative of the Parish Council to attend the above event.
Resolved that the above be noted.
f) Message from Ron Hogg, Durham Police and Crime Commissioner
It was noted that, as Durham Police Force is predominantly rural, a survey is being undertaken by the National Rural Crime Network – residents are encouraged to complete the survey.
Resolved that the above be noted.
g) Trimdon United Juniors FC
A letter of thanks had been received from Trimdon United Juniors FC for the donation of £500 towards their attendance at the Blackpool International Football Tournament. The team reached the final, just losing out by 1-0. A photograph of the team was also donated.
Resolved that the above be noted.
h) Floral Tubs
The Clerk confirmed that the three Floral Tubs recently purchased had now been planted up – one will be located in each of the three villages. Photographs of the Tubs were circulated.
Resolved that the above be noted.
31. COUNTY COUNCILLOR UPDATE
- The deaths of County Councillors Robin Todd and Alan Barker were noted
- Following the recent General Election, the Chancellor has announced a Budget for 7 July – further local authority cuts are expected which will continue to affect services
- Durham Plan – DCC is seeking a judicial review of the Inspector’s decision
- Two DCC strategic spending decisions have been taken:
• Installation of floodlights at Durham County Cricket Ground
• French Theme Park Puy du Fou at Auckland Castle - Stables at top of Watch Bank – Planners looking into situation
- Trimdon Village Hall Association Fun Day at Trimdon Community College 25 May – financial support received from Peter Brookes
- Big BRASS Bash 15 July 2015 – funding received from Peter Brookes
- Peter Brookes taking over as Chair of AAP
32. COUNCILLOR MATTERS – FOR INFORMATION ONLY
There were no items raised.
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Minutes of the Meeting of Trimdon Parish Council held in Trimdon Grange Community Centre on Tuesday 9 June 2015 at 7:00pm.