THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING TRIMDON FOUNDRY PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TRIMDON ON WEDNESDAY 14TH MAY 2008
267.ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
268.APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
269.APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVES TO OUTSIDE BODIES
270.APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
271.MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
272.POLICE MATTERS
273.PLANNING MATTERS
274.CORRESPONDENCE
275.MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
276.RESIDENT’S ISSUES
277.CLERK’S REPORT
278.FINANCIAL MATTERS
279.RECEIPT OF TENDERS – LIGHTING TO THE RECREATION AREA
280.DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
PRESENT:- COUNC J GRIGG (CHAIR)
Mesdames:- J Freak, L Grigg & D Kelly
Messrs:- B D Ferguson, K Gregory, K McGonnell & M Nicholls
267.ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
RESOLVED that Councillor J Grigg be elected to the position of Chairman for the ensuing year.
268.APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
RESOLVED that Councillor B D Ferguson be appointed to the position of Vice Chairman.
269.APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVES TO OUTSIDE BODIES
Councillor Ferguson advised that unfortunately he was unable to represent the Parish Council on the CAB due to work commitments. Members were in agreement that this was an excellent service well used by the village and it was important to be represented.
RESOLVED that the following appointments be made:-
EASINGTON AREA ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL COUNCILS
Councillor B D Ferguson
COUNTY DURHAM ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL COUNCILS
Councillor B D Ferguson
TRIMDON STATION COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
All Members
CONSULTATIVE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCILS & DISTRICT OF EASINGTON
Any Member Wishing to attend
WEST AREA FORUM
Vacant – to be appointed
CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
Vacant – to be appointed at the next meeting.
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270.APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors A Jackson & N Young.
271.MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
a copy of which had been circulated to each Member, were approved.
Matters Arising
Minute Number 262 (iv) Production of a Newsletter
RESOLVED that further consideration be given to this funding upon receipt of an invoice/request for a contribution towards the production of the Messenger.
272.POLICE MATTERS
Crime Statistics
The Chairman welcomed the Police representatives who gave an update on crime figures in the Ward, and responded on the matters raised at the last meeting. An update was given on the Road Policing Unit where there were no reports of speeding vehicles. Member’s suggested that the Unit patrol at around 7 – 10pm when the problems were the most severe. Reference was made to the recent crash into the show house fence on Cinnamon Drive. The Police in turn asked for reported to be made to them. Details were also given to the Police of problems with anti social behavior and under age drinking at the recreation area which it was accepted was in the Sedgefield District but it was suggested the young people involved were from this Ward. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
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273.PLANNING MATTERS
Applications
Proposal Front Porch & Rear Garden Room Extension (Retrospective)
At 1 Windsor Gardens
For Mr N P Collins
Proposal Bedroom & Shower Room Extension
At 9 May Crescent
For Mrs S Hatton
RESOLVED that no objections be offered on these applications.
Proposal Stables & Storage Building (Resubmission)
At Land South of Hardy’s Lodge Wingate Road
For Mr & Mrs Smith
RESOLVED that strong objections be offered to this application on the grounds of road and pedestrian safety and that there appeared to be no material change to the original application.
Proposal Change of use from open space to private garden (retrospective)
At Land Adjacent to Parklands, School Houses
For Mrs L Foster
This application was to be considered by the District Council on the 20th May 2008. RESOLVED that the objections as offered previously be strongly re-affirmed and the Chairman represent and speak on the application at the Planning Panel Meeting to be held on the 20th May 2008. FURTHER RESOLVED that the objection to the fence as it is restricting a right of way be pursued further with the County Council.
Decision
Proposal Garage
At 3 Russell Crescent, Mr Clemmett
RESOLVED that the decision be noted.
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274.CORRESPONDENCE
Consideration was given to a list of correspondence received since the last meeting, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member.
In connection with Members Allowances it was reported that there was currently a matter involving benefits and how the allowance affected them and further details would be reported back as soon as they were known.
RESOLVED that:-
(i)the correspondence be received;
(ii)further information on Members Allowances be awaited.
275.MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
(i)Hardy’s Lodge
It was reported that enforcement notices had been posted by the District of Easington asking the owner to clean up this site.
RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
(ii)Rear of Rodwell Street/Windsor Street
It was asked if any further information was available on this pilot study. The County Councillor advised that he would source the information and pass it on as soon as he was able. RESOLVED that this course of action be agreed.
(iii)Traffic Calming – Windsor Street
It was reported that the traffic calming measures had been installed but it was felt that the speed humps were not big enough to have the desired impact and a further one or two were needed to the end of the street on a blind corner.
RESOLVED that this matter be taken up with the County Council.
(iv)Traffic Speeds at May Crescent
Progress was requested on this matter. The County Councillor advised that he would get hold of the list of priorities for traffic calming and advise Members accordingly. RESOLVED that the information be awaited.
(v)Allocation of Bus Passes for School Children
It was reported that a petition had been compiled with over 800 signatures on it and it was continuing. It had been suggested that it be presented to Ed Balls in London and it was asked if the Parish Council could assist with financing such a trip. It was suggested that this be presented to the local MP Phil Wilson who was to have a Ward Surgery on Saturday 17th May 2008. RESOLVED that this course of action be suggested to the parents.
(vi)Re-call of the blue waste bins – Rodwell Street
It was asked if the District Council could be contacted to seek clarification on the re-call of blue waste bins by them. Apparently the bins had been used and collected some three years ago but then were re-called as the collection vehicle could not access the street. RESOLVED that the Clerk investigate this matter and report back to Members.
(vii)Citizens Advice Bureau
The Council’s representative gave details on proposals for this service to be carried out by a private business and was concerned at what accountability and security would be afforded for those using it if that was to happen. He was currently taking this up with the Minister. RESOLVED that progress be awaited.
(viii)Fishburn Ambulance Station
Further details on the changes to this service were given. RESOLVED that further progress be awaited.
(ix)Members Allowances
A Local Member reported on this issue and assured that he would keep Members updated with discussions. RESOLVED that further information be awaited.
(x)Chairman’s report
The Chairman had once again held various site meetings during the month. The main concern was of building sites remaining unfinished. And he referred in particular to the former Matt Watchman garage site where wagons were now starting to park. RESOLVED that this be reported. He referred to the dangerous fencing next to the Fish Shop. The Clerk confirmed that she had reported this and the County Councillor confirmed he had too. The Chairman reported on taking part in the village appraisal along with Councillor Mrs L Grigg on the 14th May 2008 and the report was awaited from the consultants involved. A request had been made by residents for a litter bin next to the Fish Shop. RESOLVED the Clerk make this request to the District of Easington. Several areas were to be attended to by the Horticultural Maintenance Section namely the site of the former play equipment at the Recreation Area; the fencing the rear of the bungalows at Malvern Crescent was to be taken down; a handrail had been requested to the steps and a wire fence was to be put up at St Aidans Crescent to help stop litter. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
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276.RESIDENT’S ISSUES
(a)Litter Bin
It was reported that the rubbish bin next to the former Co-op was constantly full and was being turned around. RESOLVED that this be reported to the District of Easington.
(b)Dropped Curbs
A local resident reported that he was having some difficulty in traveling around the village in his motorized vehicle and accessing some areas because he felt there were insufficient dropped curbs. The Chairman suggested a list be made by the resident concerned of specific locations where access was a problem and this could be then looked into. RESOLVED that this course of action be agreed to.
Transport for local Schoolchildren
A local resident asked for assurances that assistance in trying to resolve this problem would continue. He suggested that awareness should be raised with parents of Primary school children that this is an ongoing issue and one which cause them difficulties when their children were to start their secondary education. RESOLVED that those who sat as school governors be asked to raise this issue at their next school meeting.
(c)Dangerous Parking – Guappos
It was reported that there was an issue with parking that was causing a danger to pedestrians and motorists. RESOLVED that this be taken up with the local Police.
(d)Windsor Street – Name Plate
Progress with this request was asked for. RESOLVED that this be taken up with the District of Easington for attention.
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277.CLERK’S REPORT
Consideration was given to the Clerk’s report covering the following items, most of which had already been discussed under Member’s reports:-
Inspection of Play Areas
RESOLVED endorsement of the action taken in arranging for unused play equipment to be cut out be given.
Payment of Retention Monies – East Durham Groundworks
RESOLVED approval be given to pay the retention monies of £690.25 plus vat to Cleveland Land Services for the youth play area.
Cemetery Lodge Bungalow – progress on enforcement action
Cemetery
RESOLVED endorsement of the action taken in arranging for a repair to the cemetery tap be given.
Fidelity Guarantee Cover
RESOLVED that it be noted that the level of fidelity guarantee cover had been increased to £255,000.
Audit 2007/08
RESOLVED it be noted that the Audit would be carried out on 1st August 2008 and the arrangements for internal audit be noted.
Village Appraisals
RESOLVED the results of the village appraisal be awaited.
Steps to the Bowling Green
The Clerk reported that the Bowlers had made a further request for steps and a gate to be installed at the bowling green. Following discussion it was RESOLVED that HPS be asked to install a gate and steps be agreed. FURTHER RESOLVED that Standing Orders be waived to allow this work to be carried out by HPS).
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278.FINANCIAL MATTERS
(i)Accounts for Payment
RESOLVED that the accounts as listed totaling £1,633.07 be passed for payment.
(ii)Bank Reconciliation – April 2008
RESOLVED that the Bank Reconciliation for April 2008, be accepted.
(iii)Statement of Accounts 2007/08
RESOLVED that Statement of Accounts as circulated for 2007/08 be approved and signed by the Chairman.
(iv)Annual Governance Statement
RESOLVED that the Council’s Annual Governance Statement be approved.
PRIOR TO CONSIDERATION OF THE FOLLOWING MATTER COUNCILLOR B D FERGUSON DECLARED AN INTEREST AND TOOK NO PART IN THE DISCUSSION WHICH ENSUED.
279.RECEIPT OF TENDERS – LIGHTING TO THE RECREATION AREA
Members gave consideration to this report. It was intended to seek further tenders for the provision of a CCTV system and this would be reported to Members separately. It was anticipated these works would be funded from Section 106 monies.
RESOLVED that the tender received from Service Direct, DCC in the sum of £4,982.00 +vat be accepted and Standing Orders be waived in order to accept this tender.
280.DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED the date and time of the next meeting be Wednesday 11th June 2008 at 6.30pm.
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