THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING TRIMDON FOUNDRY PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TRIMDON ON WEDNESDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER 2007
171. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
172. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
173. POLICE MATTERS
174. PLANNING MATTERS
175. PROPOSED CLOSURE OF ST PAUL’S CHURCH - PROGRESS
176. CORRESPONDENCE
177. REQUEST FOR TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES
178. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
179. RESIDENT’S ISSUES
180. CLERK’S REPORT
181. FINANCIAL MATTERS
182. MAINTENANCE OF THE BOWLING GREEN
183. APPOINTMENT OF A CASUAL WORKER FOR THE GENERAL AREAS IN THE VILLAGE
184. CLERK’S CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT
185. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
PRESENT:- COUNC G MARTIN (CHAIR)
Mesdames:- J Freak, L Grigg & D Kelly
Messrs:- B D Ferguson, A Jackson &
J Grigg
171. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor M Nicholls and N Young.
172. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member, were confirmed as a true record.
173. POLICE MATTERS
Crime Statistics
The Chairman welcomed the Police representative who gave an update on crime figures in the Town, and responded on the matters raised at the last meeting.
Anti Social Behaviour
An update was given on recent operations following the Special Meeting held with the cricketers following problems during a cricket match in the summer. In response to the issues discussed Sgt Hawkes advised that an operation had been carried out over the last 5 weeks with great success, the feedback had been positive with this multi agency operation with a focus on anti social behavior and over 400 hours of foot patrols being carried out in the village. He gave details of what action, warrants etc had been issued and he felt that there had been a lot achieved in the five week period. He reported on the funding being secured by the Streetsafe Board for fencing to the main access points to the recreation area from this Parish Council ward boundary and he hoped that the consultation would be positive with Trimdon Parish Council regarding proposals to secure areas of access from their boundary; the difficulty being that the recreation area fell with the District of Sedgefield. He was pleased with the operation and hoped for it to continue. In summary the fencing would prohibit access, provide a proper car parking area in the area next to the memorial garden and it was suggested CCTV could be investigated. The Police also indicated they were willing to give support with match fixtures.
Details were given on operations used with off road motorcycles.
The suggestion put forward by the Resident’s Association and supported by the Parish Council for an alcohol free zone the Police felt would need consultation. Parish Boundaries were not an issue but for the Order to be effective cross border co-operation was essential. The Parish Council indicated that they were willing to take this issue up with the Sedgefield CDRP.
The Police thanked the Parish Council for it’s support during the operations, in turn the Chairman thanked the Police for their efforts and excellent work.
RESOLVED that the information given be noted and the Parish Council take up the matter relating to alcohol free zones with Sedgefield CDRP.
174. PLANNING MATTERS
(i) Application
ProposedRear Kitchen Extension
At 3 Deaf Hill Terrace, Trimdon Station
For Mr & Mrs Greer
RESOLVED that no comments be made with regard to this application.
(ii) Refusals
(a)Proposed Two Storey Rear extension including Room in Roofspace
At 4 Windsor Street
(b) Proposed Agriculture Store/Hay Shed
At Land east of Salters Lane, Trimdon
RESOLVED that the details of this decision be noted.
(iii) Parklands, School Houses
RESOLVED that this matter be taken up with the District of Easington once again to seek a decision and conclusion on the application.
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175. PROPOSED CLOSURE OF ST PAUL’S CHURCH - PROGRESS
The Clerk circulated notification of the final decision received from the Church Commissioners concerning the draft scheme. Members were extremely disappointed with the decision to close St Paul’s Church and to learn in the response that neither the District Councils of Easington or Sedgefield made any comment on the proposed closure.
RESOLVED that the information given be noted and the Local District Councillors take this matter up on the parish Council’s behalf and report back on their findings in due course.
176. CORRESPONDENCE
Consideration was given to a list of correspondence received since the last meeting, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member.
RESOLVED that:
(i)Poop scoops be purchased and made available free of charge for a trial period from the Community Centre, and this be advertised in “The Messenger”;
(ii)It be noted that the Parish Council had no objections or comments to make on the review of polling stations and polling places, Members being happy that those used currently, being the Community Centre and Residents Association were accessible to residents in the Ward.
(iii)the remainder of the correspondence be received.
177. REQUEST FOR TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES
Members were circulated with the response from Durham County Council following the request made for mini roundabouts on the junctions of Station Road with St Aidans and Malvern Crescent. The suggestions had been considered but could not be supported for road safety reasons. At each location where the side road joins the main road, the introduction of a mini roundabout would have the affect of moving the give way line back into the side road. This would severely reduce visibility for motorists exiting the side roads and require them to enter the roundabout “blind” before they could determine whether it was safe to do so. Where a similar mini roundabout was introduced it resulted in numerous accidents and complaints, and was eventually removed and replaced by the original junction layout.
RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
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178. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
Member’s Reports
(a)Lane Blocked to the rear of Commercial Street
Details were given of action taken by local residents in blocking up this access. The District of Easington and Durham County Council as well as the Police had been advised of this action and asked for their advice/help with clearing this. RESOLVED further developments be awaited.
(b)Dumping of Household Rubbish
There was a large amount of household rubbish being dumped on the “old line” public footpath. RESOLVED that this be reported.
(c)Development of 4 Bungalows at Rydal Court
Members were concerned that despite works being started at this location the site was becoming unsightly standing semi derelict. RESOLVED that this matter be investigated.
(d)Trimming of Trees on Station Road
The Local Member asked if arrangements could be made via the County Council to have these trees trimmed back as they were obstructing the footpath. RESOLVED that this be reported.
(e)Water Supply to the Allotment/Leisure Gardens
A Local Member reported receipt of a letter of thanks from Mrs P Chatterley, 74 Station Road East, Trimdon Station thanking the Parish Council for laying on a water supply to the gardens and allotments to the rear of Luke Street. RESOLVED that the letter be gratefully received.
(f)Electricity Connection to the Recreation Units
It was hoped that the connection would be completed, although there was quite an amount of work left to do to connect the supply.
RESOLVED that approval be given for this work to be completed, and standing orders be waived in this instance to allow the contractor engaged locally to be used to finish the work.
(g)Traffic Problems – Rear of Luke Street
It was reported motorists were continuing to use this back street as a short cut.
RESOLVED that the County Council be contacted once again regarding progress on the request made to implement traffic calming measures at this location.
(h)Warm Front Programme
Councillor Freak gave details this District of Easington programme. RESOLVED that the information given be noted.
(i)Asset Based Community Development Training
Councillor Kelly gave details on training currently available. RESOLVED that the information given be noted.
(j)Land at Former Watchman Garage
The Local Member asked for progress on the proposal to build 4 houses on this land. RESOLVED that the Clerk investigate this and report back to Members.
(k)Building Schools for the Future
Councillor Ferguson gave an update on this programme where currently this involved secondary schools it was hoped that this would be extended to primary schools. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
(l)Closure of Fishburn Ambulance Station
Progress on discussions with this matter where the new MP Phil Wilson was taking this issue up on his constituents’ behalf. RESOLVED that progress be awaited.
179. RESIDENT’S ISSUES
(i)Access Roads to the Rear of Rodwell and Windsor Street
A petition was presented to the Parish Council seeking their support in improving the rear access roads of Rodwell & Windsor Street to a standard where they will be adopted by Durham County Council. At the meeting the representatives advised that they had been in touch with Phil Wilson MP and they asked if the Parish Council could assist with the costs of getting a survey undertaken as a first step to getting prices for this work. It was suggested that the residents get the costs of such a survey and come back to the Parish Council for this to be considered. The Clerk also needed to clarify if such a grant could be made.
RESOLVED that this course of action be followed.
(ii)Off Road Motorcycles and Break Ins
A Local resident reported that he and his neighbours were experiencing problems with off road motorcycles which had lead to action being taken in blocking off the access discussed earlier in the meeting to the rear of Commercial Street. It was asked if perhaps the Parish Council could arrange for a style or kissing gate to be put in place which would stop the access by motorcycles. Members explained that there were restrictive covenants in place and it was thought that the owners of the land in question were Wingate & Wheatley Hill Grange Estates, Stead & Stead being thought to be their agents. An apology was also given to the recent disturbance from dogs. RESOLVED that the blockage of this access route and possible improvements to prohibit unauthorised vehicular access be looked into further by the Clerk.
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180. CLERK’S REPORT
Consideration was given to the Clerk’s report covering the following items:-
Contributions From S106 Agreements
Members suggested that floral displays and CCTV cameras for the recreation area be looked into along with the development of a village green in the centre of the village, as discussed previously.
RESOLVED that these suggestions be given further consideration at a future meeting and the District of Easington be approached about the suitability of such schemes.
Fencing To The Recreation Area
A progress report was given with this item.
Budget Monitoring April – September 2007
Members were given an update on the current financial position of the Parish Council. The Clerk advised that pre-budget discussion papers would be circulated for consideration at the November meeting to allow a precept to be agreed and set at the December meeting. RESOLVED that a further report be awaited.
Firework Display Sunday 4th November 2007 – Security & Marshalling
RESOLVED approval be given for the Clerk to engage the services of Phoenix Security at the costs detailed in the report and the St Johns Ambulance for this event and standing orders be waived in this regard.
CiLCA QUALIFICATION
It was noted that the Clerk was undertaking this training and development.
Poppy Appeal – Remembrance Day Parade
RESOLVED approval be given for a 17” poppy wreath to be ordered to be used in the Remembrance Day Service at a cost of £16.50 and Councilllors Mr & Mrs Grigg represent the Parish Council at the Parade.
Fencing Contribution – Durham County Council
RESOLVED that Councillor Nicholls assistance be requested with this outstanding payment to the Parish Council.
Replacement Of Two Manhole Covers – Recreation Area
RESOLVED that the action taken in ordering two replacement manhole covers at a accost of £50 each, be endorsed.
Water Supply To The Leisure Gardens
A progress report on the completion of these works was given.
FURTHER RESOLVED in view of this that consideration be given to the fees and charges levied for this service.
Landscaping Works To The Recreation Area
The District of Easington had been requested to undertake leveling and seeding works to the recreation area following the recent pathworks to enable proper cutting and maintenance to be carried out.
Complaints – Cemetery
A number of complaints had been received about the cemetery.
Members had inspected the cemetery following receipt of these complaints, as had the Clerk. It was felt that the area was tidy and well maintained, RESOLVED that this be relayed back to the complaints.
Cemetery - Requests For Edging To Spaces
Consideration was given to the Clerk’s report and following much consideration and discussion it was RESOLVED that no further requests for edging be considered as it was felt that this would only cause future health & safety problems when carrying out maintenance.
Cutting of Bowling Green
RESOLVED that the action taken in engaging the services of Lawnhopper to carry out immediate essential maintenance works to the bowling green at the costs as circulated to each Member, be endorsed.
Police Community Day
The Police advised they were to hold a Community Day in the Village on Thursday 20th October 2007 with the Blitz bus on site from 9am until around 5.00pm.
181. FINANCIAL MATTERS
(i)Accounts for Payment
RESOLVED that the accounts as listed totalling £5257.64 be passed for payment.
(ii)Bank Reconciliations – July & August 2007
RESOLVED that the Bank Reconciliation for the months of July & August 2007, be accepted.
(iii)Internal Audit Program
Members were circulated with a copy of the Internal Audit report carried out on the Council’s behalf by RBS. Reference was made to the VAT claim for 2005/2006 submitted by the former Clerk. This claim had been queried and the Clerk was hopeful that the payment would be made shortly. RESOLVED that the Internal Audit Report be accepted and the Clerk advised Members when the VAT claim for 2005/2006 had been settled.
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182. MAINTENANCE OF THE BOWLING GREEN
Details of a full maintenance schedule for the bowling green was circulated to each Member. RESOLVED that the schedule be approved with costs as follows:-
(a)immediate grounds maintenance & costs for the remainder of 2007 at £760.00;
(b)maintenance costs from February 2008 to the end of the season £1,900.00;
(c)cuts from March to September, 2 cuts per week at £100 per week.
FURTHER RESOLVED in the light of this increase in costs fees and charges for the service be reconsidered.
183. APPOINTMENT OF A CASUAL WORKER FOR THE GENERAL AREAS IN THE VILLAGE
Consideration was given to this issue and the pros and cons of such a measure. It was accepted that there were areas in the village that needed improvement and it was RESOLVED that further details be obtained on the possibility of a private contractor carrying out work on behalf of the Parish Council.
184. CLERK’S CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT
RESOLVEDthat the issue of the Clerk’s contract be considered by the Chairman and Vice Chairman then brought to all Members for approval prior to it’s issue to the Clerk
185. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED the date and time of the next Meeting shall be 10th October 2007 at 6.30pm.
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