Minutes of the Meeting of Trimdon Parish Council held in Trimdon Grange Community Centre on Tuesday 14 November 2017 at 7:00pm.

Present:  Councillor John Burton (in the Chair) and Councillors Denise Davison, Eileen Dickinson, George Elliott, Margaret Elliott, Ian Quinn, Margaret Hughes, Bernadette Oliver, David Smith, Keith Thompson 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 County Council matters.

71. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received from Rob Gilbert and Leslie Oliver.
Resolved that the above apologies be approved.

72. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Ian Quinn declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in Item 76(a) – Fox and Hounds, 23 Front Street, Trimdon Village refers – and took no part in the discussion or vote.
Resolved that the above be noted.

73. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
There were no members of the public in attendance.
Resolved that the above be noted.

74. MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 10 OCTOBER 2017
It was agreed that the minutes of the meeting be agreed as a true record, and signed by the Chairman.
Resolved that the above be noted.

75. UPDATE ON PROGRESS OF RESOLUTIONS FROM THE LAST MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL 0N 10 OCTOBER 2017
• The Clerk advised that the first meeting of the Allotment Committee will be held on Tuesday 5 December at 7:00pm
• It was noted that Trimfest 2017 had delivered many high-quality performances but, in general, it had been poorly supported.  It was recommended that a Working Party be established in January to plan the 2018 programme, with an emphasis on it becoming more locally focused.
Resolved that the above be noted.

76. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
a)    The following planning applications were considered:

DM/17/03267/FPA
The Red Lion,  Front Street North, Trimdon Village
Conversion of PH and outbuildings to 3no. dwellings to rear

DM/17/03217/FPA
Fox and Hounds, 23 Front Street North, Trimdon Village
Conversion of PH to 3no. dwellings including demolition of rear off shoots and detached brick out building

DM/17/03350/PNA
East House Farm
Application for prior notification of agricultural development

The Clerk reported that application DM/17/03267/FPA had already been approved by Durham County Council and application DM/17/03350/PNA did not require prior notification.

Resolved that the Clerk’s comments be noted and that a letter of support in favour of planning application DM/17/03217/FPA be submitted as this property is currently empty and, subject to vandalism, and its redevelopment would enhance the local environment.                           

77. FINANCIAL
a)    The Clerk submitted the schedule of payments made between 1 October 2017 and 31 October 2017
Resolved that the schedule of payments be approved.

b)    The Clerk submitted the schedule of receipts received between 1 October 2017 and 31 October 2017
Resolved that the schedule of receipts be approved.

c)    The Clerk submitted the bank reconciliation statement (Instant Access Account) for the period ended 31 October 2017.  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.

d)    The Clerk submitted the bank reconciliation statement (Current Bank Account) for the period ended 31 October 2017.  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.

78. CLERK’S REPORTS
a)    The Clerk advised that all parish and town councils in County Durham have been requested to adopt a revised Code of Conduct in order to standardise the procedure across County Durham. A draft copy of the Code of Conduct had been circulated with the Agenda.
Resolved
1.    That the report be noted.
2.    That that the revised Code of Conduct be adopted.

b)    A report on the Christmas Tree Lights Switch-on to take place on Friday 8 December had been circulated with the Agenda.  The Clerk was requested to offer free transport to residents living in Trimdon Grange and Trimdon Colliery to be able to attend the event.
Resolved
1.    That the report be noted.
2.    That the quotation for the supply and installation of three Christmas trees be accepted.
3.    That the quotation for the supply of four Children’s Fairground Rides be accepted.
4.    That the proposed expenditure on refreshments be agreed.
5.    That four banners advertising the event be purchased and placed throughout the parish.
6.    That free transport be offered for residents living in Trimdon Grange and Trimdon Colliery

c)    It was noted that the Trimdon Temperance Band Drum has recently been discovered and has been offered to Trimdon Parish Council on the understanding that it is displayed within the parish.  Dyno Plumbing & Heating, a local business, have agreed to display the drum alongside other mining memorabilia.
Resolved
1.    That the Parish Council agrees to become custodian of Trimdon Temperance Band Drum.
2.    That the drum is added to the Register of Fixed Assets with a nominal £1 value.
3.    That the drum is added to the parish council’s insurance.
4.    That Dyno Plumbing & Heating be allowed to display the drum on the proviso that the business remains within Trimdon Parish Council boundary.

79. CORRESPONDENCE
a)    The Parish Clerk advised that Durham County Council has now provided a quotation for the upgrade and retention of 15no. lights on the B1278 on the Watch Bank between Trimdon Grange and Trimdon Village and 4no. lights on the B1278 at Co-operative Terrace, Trimdon Grange. Acceptance of this quotation will ensure that the lights are upgraded and remain in place for at least another ten years.
Resolved that the parish council enters into a Service Level Agreement with Durham County Council for the provision of new lighting on a ten-year contract.

b)    A request has been received from Trimdon Toddlers for a contribution towards their Christmas Party for approximately 25-30 children.
Resolved that a donation of £100 be approved under the Local Government Act 1972 S.137

c)    A request has been received from a resident of Front Street North for a tree in front of her house on the village green to be removed.  It was noted that this location is designated Village Green status and removal would have to be approved by Durham County Council.
Resolved that the parish council is unable to agree to this request as the area is designated as Village Green status.

80. COUNTY COUNCILLOR UPDATE

  • The revised offer made to Teaching Assistants has now been balloted and accepted
  • Budget cuts continue – consultation currently taking place with the public for £40M reduction in 2018/2019
  • £40K AAP Participatory Budget to be balloted – It’s Up to You Event taking place on Saturday 25 November.  Everyone is encouraged to visit and cast their vote
  • £30K funding has been secured for the upgrade of the Gym at TCC – the heating has already been installed and is having a positive impact
  • Following the introduction of Universal Credit there has been a noticeably increase in the number of people accessing the local Food Banks

 

81. COUNCILLOR MATTERS – FOR INFORMATION ONLY

  • A request for additional funding towards the repairs to the Cemetery Wall at Trimdon Village will be forwarded to the next parish meeting
  • Complaints have been received regarding a local resident selling fruit and vegetables in the garden of their property which is believed to be against local licensing conditions

 

 

Page added 15th March 2018