THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING TRIMDON FOUNDRY PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TRIMDON ON WEDNESDAY 10TH JUNE 2009

442. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
443. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
444. POLICE MATTERS
445. PLANNING MATTERS
446. CORRESPONDENCE
447. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
County Councillor’s Report
Chairmans’ Report
448. RESIDENTS REPORTS
449. CLERK’S REPORT
450. RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PRESS AND THE PUBLIC
451. FINANCIAL MATTERS
452. REMOVAL OF RUBBISH TO THE REAR OF NATTRESS TERRACE
453. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING


PRESENT:- COUN. J GRIGG (CHAIR)
Mesdames:- L Grigg & D Kelly
Messrs:- T Anderson, B D Ferguson, A Jackson & M Nicholls

442. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence had been submitted and were accepted on behalf of Councillor K Gregory.

443. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member, were approved.
Matters Arising
Minute Number 436- Removal of barrier at land North of Prospect Place/ Rear of Gatenby’s
The authority to remove this barrier had been queried.  This action had been agreed at the previous meeting and a notice of intention to remove the barrier had been posted by the Clerk.  No further action had been taken by the Parish Council , although a price for the work had been submitted.  RESOLVED that further developments be awaited.

444. POLICE MATTERS
The Police then gave an update on the crime statistics since their last report.  Details were given on instances of rowdy behaviour and nuisance which has resulted in many reports being made to the Chairman. The Police asked for extra vigilance against bogus callers and suggested that id be always requested and if in doubt make a call to the Police.  Success with operation Milkshake was reported and the Police asked for any assistance with intelligence through themselves or even Crimestoppers.  It was asked what vetting process was being used for new tenants to private rented properties.  It was agreed the sooner the Landlord’s Charter was agreed the better.
RESOLVED that the information given be noted.       

445. PLANNING MATTERS
The Chairman advised that works to the frontage of the Top Shop were in progress.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.

446. 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) the situation with 1-7 Malvern Crescent continue to be monitored;
(ii) the summary report from the launch event for the AAP’s be noted;
(iii) the remainder of the correspondence be received.


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447. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
EDFE Meeting
The Council’s representative gave a report following his attendance at the Wind Farm Meeting held on the 9th June 2009.  There were only two applications made, this and one from Wingate.  He reported on a successful application made by the Deaf Hill Miners Banner Group for a case for the banner which would be from either the Grass Roots Fund or from EDFE.  
RESOLVED that progress be awaited.
Asbestos Garage and Cars Parking in Luke Street
A Local Member gave details of problems being caused by a large number of cars being parked in the street and also his concerns at what appeared to be a garage with asbestos.  RESOLVED that the Clerk be given exact location/address details to enable enforcement action to be taken.
Footpath Damaged
It was reported that the footpath outside of 1 Windsor Street had a hole in it which was dangerous.  RESOLVED this be reported to DCC for action.
Rubbish Bins
The rubbish bin at Rodwell Street had still not been replaced and also the bin at the Post Office had been pulled off.  RESOLVED that these be reported.
Problems with Allocation of Allotments
This issue was to be considered fully within the section of the Clerk’s report.
Station House
Concern was expressed at the road going into this property.  Another Local Member expressed concern from residents.  The Chairman advised the rights of way evidence forms had been completed by local residents and were to be sent off to Durham County Council for attention.  RESOLVED that progress be awaited.


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County Councillor’s Report
It was reported that the programme for dropped kerbs was continuing.  The path to the fish shop had been attended to and the Gateway signage was being pursued.  Contributions had been made from his donation fund to the Residents Association and the Banner Group.  Traffic Calming measures for May/Wood Crescent had been taken up with Officers as well as Rodwell/Windsor Street.  There was to be a meeting in July on the changes to the bus services.  Improvements works to the school kitchen were reported to be on schedule.  He reported on the site meeting held to consider various environmental matters in the village and that arrangements had been made for a site meeting to be arranged with Dere Developments on the derelict former chapel site.
The County Councillor advised that he had been given the portfolio of Adult Services and Welfare Rights and if the Parish Council wanted an Officer to come out to a future meeting this could be arranged.  He advised that there was excellent advice and support available form the unit and that it was the hope that information would be broadcast in Doctor’s surgeries around the County.  A progress report on the recommendations made by the Boundary Committee was given.  It was to be suggested Trimdon Foundry and Deaf Hill were to be combined with Wheatley Hill, Thornley, Ludworth and Haswell Plough.  It was agreed that Members wanted a united village and asked if it could be considered that the 200 or so houses in Trimdon Colliery be included in this proposal.  RESOLVED that this suggestion be put forward to the Boundary Committee and further progress be awaited.    

Deaf Hill Miners Banner Group
The Council’s representative reported thanks from the Group following the Council’s donation.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
Land to the Rear of Nattress Terrace
Progress was requested with this planning matter.  The Clerk advised she had not further progress to report.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
Rear of Station Road East
Comment was made on the excellent work in clearing and fencing this area by Durham County Council – Keith Scott.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
Fires
A Local Member expressed his extreme concern at the frequency and number of illegal fires being lit in the village.  More recently the boundary issue for Policing had been a problem and it was felt that more effort should be put in to co-ordinate forces and it was suggested that this be taken up with Durham County Council and through the AAP.  RESOLVED that this course of action be agree and letters be sent to DCC and the AAP with a copy to the local County Members.
Rodwell Street/Luke Street
The bollard at this location had been damaged.  RESOLVED that this be reported for repair.


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Chairmans’ Report
Double Yellow Lines
It was asked if a further request could be made for the yellow lines on the main street be extended past the carpet shop.  RESOLVED that this request be made.
Land Next to the Fish Shop
This land needed clearing up, the owner was Mr Kennedy of Kelloe.  RESOLVED that this be taken up with the owner.
Fencing – rear of Station Road East
He was pleased to report action in this area and that this fencing would continue.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
He reported on the site meeting held on various environmental matters with DCC and he was pleased to report that the planting had now been carried out in various locations in the village.  Prices had been obtained for work to the rear of Nattress Terrace and Prospect Place.  RESOLVED that further consideration be given to these prices.

448. Resident’s Reports
Bowling Green
The representative from the bowlers was asked if they were happy with the standard of maintenance on the green this year.  They confirmed they were.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
Residents Association
It was reported the next Neighborhood Watch Meeting was to be held on the 18th June 2009.  The representative was pleased to learn that the request for speed restrictions on the estate was being considered.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.


449. CLERK’S REPORT
Consideration was given to the Clerk’s report covering the following items:-
Audit 2008/09
The Internal Audit report had been received.  RESOLVED that the contents be accepted and this be included in the documents to be sent to Audit.
Parish Newsletter
It was reported that the Residents Association and the Deaf Hill Ward Regeneration Partnership were to compile a newsletter and they would do this with the assistance of Mr Craggs.  RESOLVED that approval be given for the newsletter to be produced in partnership.
Vandalism
Insurance Renewal 2009/10
RESOLVED approval be given for the Parish Council to renew it’s insurance cover with Zurich Municipal for 2009/2010 at a cost of £4,206.57. 
Society of Local Council Clerks
RESOLVED the Clerk’s membership of the SLCC be renewed at a cost of £82.00 for the year.
Cemetery
Playground Maintenance Report
Card of Thanks & Appreciation – Ann Adamson (Post Office)
CCTV Equipment
A price has been obtained for the installation of a column for the CCTV camera at £815.00 + vat.  RESOLVED this should be considered further at the next meeting.
Roadside Planters
RESOLVED that the price of £12.00 per visit to water and tend to the roadside planters from P Dinsley be accepted.  FURTHER RESOLVED that consideration of the installation of more planters be given at a future meeting.
East Durham Rural Corridor Local AAP Local Committee
RESOLVED that Members advise the Clerk of the types of services the Parish Council would like to provide – a wish list and list of priorities for youth so that she could report back to the next meeting. 
Vehicle Activated Signs
Members were keen to investigate this type of provision further. RESOLVED that it be agreed in principle that the Parish Council purchase a vehicle activated speed sign but further prices and terms of approval etc be investigated.
Trimdon Station Resident’s Association
The Clerk reported receipt of a letter asking consideration be given to a donation towards the cost of arts and crafts materials for use at the Fun Club in the Community House.  RESOLVED a donation of £75.00 be made to this Group.
Power of Well Being
The Clerk gave Members details of this new power available to Parish Councils that could be used rather than Section 137 of the Local Government Act.  RESOLVED that this be a power that the Council strive to be able to use, understanding that there were requirements that it needed to meet before it could do so such as a qualified Clerk, training etc.
Allotment Gardens
The Clerk advised there have been several issues this month regarding the allocation and availability of gardens which she went through the details with Members.  One of the main issues was it was understood Mr Underwood had entered into a private sale for a garage, the plot was not included in this.  On this occasion the Parish Council felt it had no choice to exercise reasonable behavior and let the garage plot to him; Mr Underwood be advised that should he move then the plot must be passed back to the Parish Council.  RESOLVED a complaint procedure be drafted for use by the Parish Council.  FURTHER RESOLVED a) a letter be sent to all tenants advising that they do not own the gardens; they are rented from the Parish Council; b) Mr Underwood be advised of the Council’s decision; c) Mr Spalding of 3 Luke Street rent the remainder of the garden; d) it be accepted that Mr Robertson had been allowed to extend his garden for more growing space; e) the vacant plot at 3 Luke Street be rented to Mr C. O’ Hare as per the waiting list.  


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450. 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.

451. FINANCIAL MATTERS
(i) Accounts for Payment          
RESOLVED that the accounts as listed totalling £12,213.48 be passed for payment.
 
(ii) Bank Reconciliations – May 2009
Bank reconciliations were presented for May 2009. RESOLVED that these be accepted.

(iii) Annual Governance Statement
This document was presented to the meeting and accepted by the Council and signed by the Chairman.  RESOLVED that the Annual Governance Statement be accepted and it be included in the documents to be forwarded to Audit.


452. REMOVAL OF RUBBISH TO THE REAR OF NATTRESS TERRACE
A price had been submitted to carry out this work.  It was suggested that this price be accepted and the work carried out with a letter being sent to the residents of Nattress Terrace in relation to this.  RESOLVED the price of £1,293.75 from Collingwood Groundworks Limited, be accepted it being noted that this was a health & safety hazard and needed carrying out as soon as possible.

453. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED the date and time of the next meeting be Wednesday 8th July 2009 at 6.30pm.


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