THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING TRIMDON FOUNDRY PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TRIMDON ON WEDNESDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2008

362. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
363. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
364. POLICE MATTERS
365. PLANNING MATTERS
366. CORRESPONDENCE
367. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
368. RESIDENTS REPORTS
Chairman’s Report
369. CLERK’S REPORT
370. RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PRESS AND THE PUBLIC
371. FINANCIAL MATTERS
372. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING



PRESENT:- COUN. J GRIGG (CHAIR)
Mesdames:- L Grigg
Messrs:- B D Ferguson, K Gregory, A Jackson & K McGonnell

362. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence had been submitted on behalf of Councillor J Freak, A Anderson, B Wilson and Councillor M Nicholls.

363. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member, were approved.
Matters Arising - Minute Number 345 – Pony & Traps
The Clerk reported receipt of a reply from Phil Wilson MP.  RESOLVED that further information, be awaited.

364. POLICE MATTERS
The Police gave an update on the crime statistics since their last report.  Members gave details of continuing problems with speeding cars and reported on an accident where a car had mounted the chicane.  Member asked if there had been any information as to how the re organization of local government may affect the Police in particular in relation to the boundaries.  The Police advised that they had no information to offer on this matter.  A member of the public asked about the effectiveness of CCTV cameras in particular following a recent incident of anti social behavior on his street.  The Police gave their opinion on cameras and their effectiveness.  The Chairman thanked the Police for their attendance and wished them all the best for the Season.
RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.

365. PLANNING MATTERS
(i) Appeal against refusal of Planning Permission
For Change of Use from Open Space to Private Garden (Retrospective)
At Land Adjacent Parklands, School Houses
By Mrs L Foster
Members were advised of receipt of details of the appeal lodged by Mrs Foster against the planning decision made by the District of Easington.  The Chairman referred to matters raised in her statement which referred to the Parish Council and confirmed that Mrs Foster had never approached the Parish Council about problems with the area of land next to her house.
RESOLVED that a further statement be made to the Planning Appeal Inspectorate immediately.

(ii) St Paul’s Church
The Clerk reported receipt of an e mail from the Senior Planning Officers at the District of Easington.    It advised that the Planning Department are in a position to approve the application for the conversion of the Church under delegated powers, subject to conditions that will include ones that deal with the relocation of the clock and war memorial.  The conditions will state that no works may commence until agreement has been reached over the re-siting of both the clock and the war memorial.  The Parish Council will be included in discussions when information is received.  It may be that the clock is not relocated, but that a legal agreement is signed that ensures that any future owners are responsible for the clock’s maintenance.

At this point the Chairman advised that he had been approached by Mr Mills regarding the re-siting of one of the commemorative plaques within the community centre.  Members gave approval for this to go ahead.

The Clerk also reported on an outstanding electricity account for the clock.

Following discussion it was RESOLVED that :-
(i)further developments be awaited with the conversion of the church, in particular the relocation of the clock and war memorial, earlier discussions on the war memorial being sited on the village green being noted;
(ii)approval be given for the re-siting of the plaque by the Partnership
(iii)   the outstanding electricity bills for the lighting of the church clock be paid in full by the Parish Council.

(iii)Change of Use of Land to Gypsy Caravan Site etc Land off Wingate road, Trimdon for Mr Smith
It was reported that this application was to be considered at the Panel Meeting of the District Council on the 16th December 2008.   Both the Chairman and the Clerk intended going along to the meeting and for one of them to speak and make representations. RESOLVED that developments be awaited.   


366. CORRESPONDENCE
Consideration was given to a list of correspondence received since the last meeting, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member.   Members gave consideration to a request to increase the annual contribution to Citizens Advice Bureau.  In connection with Area Action Partnerships Ways Of Working, Function, Governance & Budgets – Consultation Document – December 2008 further concerns on the composition of the AAPs was discussed. 
RESOLVED (i) that the correspondence be received; (ii) the CAB be requested to provide details of levels of support from other Parish Council and this request be reconsidered at that time (iii) that Clerk respond with the proposal that as there is now a two tier system of local government in County Durham, that a number of elected Member Board positions should be allocated to Town & Parish Councils.


367. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
Wind Farm Meeting
The Council’s representative reported on the discussions at the meeting. RESOLVED further developments be awaited.
Parklands
The Local Member reported he had been researching and trying to find photographic evidence in support of the Parish Council’s claim that a right of way exists.  RESOLVED that the information given be noted.
A New Hospital For Hartlepool, Stockton & Parts of Easington & Sedgefield
Members reported that they had gone along to one of these open events.  Concerns were for accessibility and transport issues for patients and their visitors.  RESOLVED that these concerns be forwarded to the Trust.
Unadopted Road – Rodwell Street
The Local Member reported that he understood an Officer had been appointed by DCC to undertake a pilot study of 10 areas in connection with unadopted roads and he asked if the Parish Council would support Rowell Street being put forward as one of the pilot areas.  RESOLVED that this request be supported.

Chairman’s Report
The Chairman reported on various site meetings he had throughout the month.
He asked that investigations be made into a barn like construction to the rear of The Retreat.  He reported that Northumbrian Water had been I touch with him about obtaining access to the water meters to the rear of Gatenbys and the former chapel which was now informally blocked off.
He asked for approval for the Parish Council to match fund any contribution made through the county Councillor’s allocation for improvements and he suggested this be prioritized for dropped kerbs.
With the CAB contribution he very much supported the vital work they did in the village but agreed with finding out how much was received from other Parishes then for the request to be re-considered.
He asked that the rubbish to the rear of Station Road East be reported.
He reminded everyone that poop scoop bags were available free form the community centre.
In considering Section 106 funding he suggested that consideration be given to the installation of play equipment on the green where the houses were demolished within the area of May Cresent/Wood View.  The Clerk pointed out that the Parish Council did not own any land in this area and any such move would need to be supported by the land owner and residents.
The Chairman asked for everyone’s support in pushing for Arriva to return to their original bus route for the village as discussed at the last meeting.
RESOLVED that the report be accepted and action be taken where appropriate.

368. RESIDENTS REPORTS
Impounding of Horses
It was reported that horses were continuing to be tethered at the Recreation Area.  The Clerk confirmed she had written several times to the owner of the horses and that she would get advice on what course(s) of action were open to the Parish Council to take action with this matter. RESOLVED that this course of action be followed.
“Black Path”
A Local resident asked if anything could be done about repairing what was locally known as the “black path”.  The Chairman assured that this had been reported several times and that he would continue to pursue this repair.  RESOLVED that progress be awaited.

369. CLERK’S REPORT
Consideration was given to the Clerk’s report covering the following items:-
Trimdon Web Site
RESOLVED that approval be given to Members and Officer contact details being placed on the web site.
Windfarm Funding
Trust Deed for the Recreation Area
Members assistance in helping to establish the link between Trimdon Station Recreation Ground Committee and the Parish Council was requested by the Solicitors working on our behalf.
Parklands – School Houses
RESOLVED that an approach be made to purchase of a section of land in the ownership of the County Council on the corner of the section involved.  This would be for the purposes of potential for a war/memorial/miners memorial/enhance the village green.
Section 106 Monies – Environmental Improvements
Cemetery
Details of a recent issue were brought to the attention of Members.  RESOLVED that the action taken in this regard be endorsed and the increase in the fees for an internment to £220.00 be implemented as from 1st December 2008.
Horses on the Recreation Area
Bowling Green
37-46 Beech Grove
Street Cleaning Problems – Luke Street
Street Wardens
Garden & Garage Rents
RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.

370. RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PRESS AND THE PUBLIC
IN VIEW OF THE CONFIDENTIAL NATURE OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED THE COMMITTEE PASSED THE FORMAL RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PRESS & PUBLIC FROM THE MEETING, PURSUANT TO THE PUBLIC BODIES (ADMISSIONS TO MEETINGS) ACT 1961 AND THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (ACCESS TO INFORMATION), ACT 1985.

371. FINANCIAL MATTERS
(i)Accounts for Payment          
RESOLVED that the accounts as listed totaling £8,829.79 be passed for payment.

(ii)Bank Reconciliation – November 2008
RESOLVED that the Bank Reconciliation for November 2008, be accepted. 

(iii)Budget Setting 2008/09
Consideration was given to the report prepared by the Clerk giving a summary of requirements to assist with the setting of the precept figure for 2009/2010.

Following discussion taking into account the changes with the unitary authority arrangements it was RESOLVED that the Parish Council set a precept of £62,528.00 representing an increase of 3.5% on last year’s figure. 


372. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED the date and time of the next meeting be Wednesday 14th January 2008 at 6.30pm.


BEFORE CLOSING THE MEETING THE CHAIRMAN WISHED EVERYONE A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS & PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.