THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING TRIMDON FOUNDRY PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TRIMDON ON WEDNESDAY 10TH FEBRUARY 2010

532. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
533. VACANCY
534. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
535. POLICE MATTERS
536. PLANNING MATTERS
537. CORRESPONDENCE
538. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
COUNCILLORS REPORT
CHAIRMANS REPORT
539. RESIDENT’S REPORTS
540. CLERK’S REPORT
541. ABUSE OF GREEN AREAS IN THE VILLAGE    
542. RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PRESS AND THE PUBLIC
543. FINANCIAL MATTERS
544. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING

PRESENT:- COUN. J GRIGG (CHAIR)
Mesdame:- L Grigg & D Kelly
Messrs:- B D Ferguson, J France & A Jackson

532. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence had been submitted and were accepted on behalf of Councillor M Nicholls.

533. VACANCY
The Chairman outlined the current situation regarding the filling of this vacancy.  Councillor Ferguson proposed Mr Elliott.  This was not seconded.  Councillor L Grigg proposed Neil Kell which was seconded by Councillor Kelly.    The vote was unanimous to accept Mr Kell as the co-opted Member onto the Parish Council.
RESOLVED that Mr Neil Kell be co-opted as a Member onto the Parish Council.

534. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member, were approved.

535. POLICE MATTERS
The PC Godber gave an update on the crime statistics since the last meeting attended.  She also reported on issues raised previously.  Members reported their concerns at the increase in scrap metal dealers operating in the village and also the recent fencing that had been stolen. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.

536. PLANNING MATTERS
The Clerk advised receipt of details of an approved application for Unit 3, Wingate House, Front Street, Trimdon for a new shop front for Mr K Butler.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.

537. 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:-
(i)a donation of £50.00 be made to the Great North Air Ambulance;
(ii)a donation of £50.00 be made to the British Red Cross towards the Haiti relief fund;
(iii)a donation of £50.00 be made towards the running costs of the National Play Day Event to be held in August;
(iv)if any Member wished to be put forward to attend the Royal Garden Party they would do so at their own expense; and this be adopted as  a Policy of the Parish Council;
(v)the remainder of the correspondence, be noted.

538. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
Parking on the Pavement
A Local Member expressed his concern at the parking on pavements along Luke Street, opposite the Doctors Surgery.  This was causing the pavement to crumble as well as causing a danger for motorists when coming out of junctions around this area.  It was suggested that perhaps alternative parking could be provided and asked if an approach could be made to Trimdon Parish Council in this regard.  RESOLVED that a report be made to the Highways Action Line for a repair to the pavement; a report be made to the Police about indiscriminate parking and also an approach be made to Trimdon Parish Council requesting their assistance in perhaps providing alternative car parking if possible.
Dog Fouling
A Local Members expressed his grave concern at the proliferation of dog dirt throughout the footpaths in the village.  He asked if a request could be made for a dog bin off the walkway to the rear of Russell/Woodview Crescent. RESOLVED that this request for a dog bin be made along with a report to the Dog Wardens.
Ceiling down in the cabin – recreation area
It was reported that the ceiling was down in the cabin.  RESOLVED that a repair be arranged.
Unauthorized Blocking of Access Road – Rear of Commercial Street
It was reported the fence at 5 Nattress Terrace had now been taken down and it was agreed that all unauthorized fencing should be removed, this included the fencing at the garden at 5 Luke Street.  A Local Member felt that it was now the time to get action with this matter.  The Parish Council had agreed in May 2009, (Minute Number 436 refers), to place a notice of an intention to remove this structure and carry out work to remove this.  The Notice had been posted in June 2009 but works had been carried put on hold awaiting action with the former chapel site.  It was felt that works should now be carried out to remove the structure.
A Local Member expressed his concern at what legal authority the Parish Council had to do this and asked that this be checked thoroughly before any action was taken.  Councillor Ferguson now abstained from voting on the Parish Council carrying out these works.  All of the other Members present re-confirmed the earlier decision made to remove this barrier.  RESOLVED that the Clerk clarify the legal position in the Parish Council removing this unauthorized barrier. 

County Councillor’s Progress report
Progress was given on the yellow lining scheme to the front of Gatenby’s which was currently with the legal Department for processing.  The traffic calming scheme at Wood Crescent was progressing.  Details of discussions on the unadopted road to the rear of Rodwell Street was given, in particular the costings for the scheme.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.

Chairman’s Progress Report
The grit bins at Rodwell Street had now been delivered and now just needed to be filled.  He had held site meetings with Mark Turnbull.  He reported on the fencing and railings being stolen throughout the village.  He asked for traffic monitoring in the village.  The traffic chicanes at Malvern/Margaret Terrace were still not repaired.  He reported that he had lengthy discussions with an Officer at DCC about the gritting of the village and had been advised that the B1279 had now been reclassified to a C road.  HGV wagons had been seen accessing the Smith site after assurances had been given at the Planning Enquiry that the access would only be used by the family.  He was extremely concerned at the problems with Dog Fouling and suggested the Parish Council may be able to pursue a Dog Control Order for them to action. There had been a leak at the cemetery.  This along with the leak at the recreation area would be attended to when the weather improved.  RESOLVED that action be taken as detailed in the report.  

539. RESIDENT’S REPORTS
Black Path
This path had now been repaired by Home Housing and the works had made a vast improvement to the condition of the pathway.  RESOLVED that an expression of gratitude and thanks be forwarded to Home Housing.
Neighbourhood Watch
There were to be changes with the support given by the Police for this initiative.  Further details were awaited.  RESOLVED that the information given be noted.
Dog Fouling
Concern was expressed at the amount of dog fouling being experienced at Sycamore/Russell crescent in particular, also problems with cat fouling.  RESOLVED that this be reported.
Gritting of Roads
It was reported that there had been massive problems on the roads with the recent bad weather.  The Local MP and his agent had also been contacted about the lack of attention that had been given to the village by gritting crews.  The Parish Council were thanked for their action in snow clearing, although it was pointed out that most residents thought that it was the County Council had carried out this work.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted. 

540. CLERK’S REPORT
Snow Clearing
RESOLVED that the action taken, in consultation with the Chairman, in arranging for snow clearing at a cost of £150.00 be endorsed.
Cemetery
RESOLVED that the action taken in arranging for re-instatement works to be carried out following a burial, at no extra cost, be endorsed.
Mr Underwood – Fence
RESOLVED that the resident of 5 Luke Street be instructed to take down the fence at the garage site which he had erected without permission or approval.
Horticultural Maintenance – Durham County Council
Details of early discussions on the possibility of an operative from DCC being based at the Recreation Area were given.  RESOLVED that further progress be awaited and Members be kept duly advised.
JT Groundsman and Gardening
RESOLVED that the price submitted by JT Groundsman and Gardening of a maximum of £3,500 for the maintenance of the bowling green, be accepted.  FURTHER ERESOLVED that the Clerk make investigations with DCC about fine turf maintenance.
Kiosk Next to OAP Bungalows – 1-7 Malvern Crescent
RESOLVED that the information given on fencing works to be carried out by Northern Gas, be noted.
Former Chapel Site
RESOLVED that the information contained within the comprehensive progress report on this matter from DCC, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member, be noted.

541. ABUSE OF GREEN AREAS IN THE VILLAGE    
A Local member was extremely concerned at the mis use of the green areas in the village.  They were being used for dog walk areas and even for exercising horse.  These areas were planted with bulbs which would not survive this type of heavy traffic and the grass was becoming all churned up and was unsightly.  This was an issue that needed to be considered thoroughly by the Parish Council to suggest what measures could be taken to stop this abuse of green areas and encourage residents to use the recreation area for this type of activity.  RESOLVED that this matter be considered further.

542. 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.

543. FINANCIAL MATTERS
(i) Accounts for Payment                  
RESOLVED that the accounts as listed totaling £4,095.68 be passed for payment.

(ii) Bank Reconciliation – January 2010
The bank reconciliation was presented for January 2010. 
RESOLVED that the bank reconciliation for January be accepted.

544. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED that the date and time of the next meeting be Wednesday 10th March 2010 at 6.30pm.