THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING TRIMDON FOUNDRY PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TRIMDON ON WEDNESDAY 11TH JULY 2007

PRESENT:- COUNC J GRIGG (CHAIR)
     Mesdames:- J Freak
     Messrs:- B D Ferguson, A Jackson &
     K McGonnell

160: APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor L Grigg, G Martin and N Young.

161: MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member, were confirmed as a true record.
Matters Arising
(a) Minute No 140 - Appointment of Representatives to Outside Bodies - Trimdon 2000 Ltd, RESOLVED that this matter be considered further at a future meeting.
(b) Minute No 156 - Road Work Improvements -Rodwell Street, Windsor Street and Prospect Terrace - Meeting with DCC and Residents Thursday 5th July 5.30pm on site, the residents were in attendance at the meeting once again and details of the site meeting were given in Member’s reports.
(c) Minute No 157(xii) - George Wimpey Developments – Possible Projects for Funding Assistance – further consideration was given to this request.  Members gave various areas where funding could assist such as the improvement of the area next to the Fish and Chip Shop.  RESOLVED that this be suggested to the Developers.

162: POLICE MATTERS
An update on incidents within the Parish since the last meeting was given particularly in relation to the recreation area. It was reported that there had been a reduction in anti social behaviour and it was hoped that this was due to an initiative relating to the sale of alcohol. Members gave details of speeding problems being experienced in Windsor and Rodwell Street. The Police advised that they could assist and have an impact in the short term but in the long term speed restrictions needed to be put in place with the use of perhaps speed humps or other traffic calming measures.  The Clerk advised that such a request had been made to Durham County Council and that she would chase this up with them.  RESOLVED that the information given be noted.

163: PLANNING MATTERS
Applications
Proposed Two Storey Rear Extension incl. Room in Roof space
A t4 Windsor Street
For Mr & Mrs D G Robson

Proposed 8 No Dwellings
At Land at Commercial Street, Trimdon
For Dere Street Homes

Decisions
Proposal: Change of Use from Garage & Study to Hairdressing Salon & Rear Extension and Private Garage
At Rivendell, St Aidans Tce

Proposal: Rear Ground Floor Extension & Dormer Windows
At 14 Wood View, Trimdon Station

RESOLVED that a letter of objection be forwarded on the application for 8 No dwellings on land at Commercial Street on the grounds of increased traffic problems associated with a new development; noise and nuisance for the nearby commercial premises; the possible impact on Rodwell/Windsor Street; impact on the appearance of the village, visual amenity. FURTHER RESOLVED that no comments or observations be made in relation to the remainder of the applications.

164: NORTH EAST REGIONAL SPATIAL STRATEGY PROPOSED CHANGES 

Further consideration was given to the above documents and it’s importance and the implications on developments within the District, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.

165: PROPOSED CLOSURE OF ST PAUL’S CHURCH - PROGRESS

The Clerk circulated an update received from the Church Commissioners concerning the draft scheme, asking if the Parish Council intended to be represented at the meeting dealing with representations to be held in London on 4th July 2007. Members agreed that their representations stand as submitted and the Parish Council would not be represented in person, only in writing.  During discussions it was asked that the Clerk investigate the rules and regulations regarding disused cemeteries and report back to Members as soon as possible. RESOLVED that this course of action be followed and further developments be awaited.
 
166: CORRESPONDENCE
Consideration was given to the following items of correspondence:-
(i) Burial Reform – Update from NALC
(ii) Planning for a Sustainable Future
(iii) Joint Trimdon Regeneration Partnership Meeting – 3rd July 2007
(iv) Durham Association News – June 2007
(v) Vitalise – Request for Support
(vi) NALC Regional Conference, Skipton, 23rd & 24th November 2007
(vii) District of Easington Best Value Performance Plan 2007/08
(viii) BURA Awards for Community Inspired Generation 2007
(ix) Coast & Countryside Rangers Newsletter – July 2007
(x) Play Strategy – First Draft
(xi) Parliamentary Election for the Sedgefield Constituency – Notice of Election & Poll
(xii) The Future of the Rural Post Office Network
(xiii) Letter of Thanks – Tony & Alice Mason
(xiv) Trimdon Station Residents Association Neighbourhood Watch Scheme – request for support for the Village to be an alcohol free zone
(xv) District of Easington Parishes Consultative Meeting, 19th July 2007 at 2.00pm
 RESOLVED that:-
(i) no donation be made at this time to Vitalise;
(ii) a letter of support for Trimdon Station Residents Association be sent to both Police in the Easington and Sedgefield Districts and both District Councils;
(iii) the remainder of the correspondence be received.

167: MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
(a) Rodwell Street/Windsor Street – Unadopted roads
An update was given on this matter. It was suggested that East Durham Groundwork Trust may be able to source funding; perhaps Wimpey could assist “in kind” with machines/tarmac.
One of the Local Members had been making further enquiries following the site meeting. He had carried out a desk top study to calculate costings on an area basis.  He had contacted Stephen Hughes MEP to see if there was any funding available.  He asked for permission to pursue this further in consultation with the Clerk. RESOLVED that the Clerk look into what assistance may be sourced towards the cost of this work.
(b) Water Supply to the Leisure Gardens
It was reported that there were five persons that had expressed an interest in having a water supply laid on to their gardens.  It was confirmed that each would have to pay for their own supply, it was planned that there would be a master meter then sub meters. During discussion the matter of damage to the supply was brought up and it was agreed that those taking up a water supply should have a suitable clause written into their agreements and also the matter of insuring the pipework/supply be looked into.  RESOLVED that the Clerk attend to these items and approval be given for this work to be undertaken at prices as previously submitted by Northumbrian Water and Alan Iceton (Plumber).
(c) Keys to the Play Areas
Permission to get extra keys cut to allow access for the playground inspections was requested. RESOLVED that permission be granted for further keys to be made available.
 
168: CLERK’S REPORT
Consideration was given to the Clerk’s report covering the following items:-
Cemetery - Requests For Edging to Spaces
RESOLVED that this matter be considered further at the next meeting.
Fencing to the Recreation Area
An application for funding has been made via the Streetsafe Board which would meet on the 18th July 2007.  A planning application may be required for the works and it was RESOLVED the Clerk be given authority to proceed, in consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman, during the recess period should this application be approved.
Second Hand Shop, Station Road, Trimdon an update on enforcement action taken by the District Council, was given. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
Cutting of the Bowling Green
RESOLVED that a price be obtained from a contractor to cut the bowling green.
Horden Centenary Celebrations, 17th May 2007
RESOLVED that endorsement of the action taken in arranging for a taxi for the Chairman to attend this event on the Council’s behalf, be endorsed.

169: FINANCIAL MATTERS
(i) Accounts for Payment
RESOLVED that the accounts as listed totaling £772.80 be passed for payment.
(ii) Bank Reconciliation – June 2007
RESOLVED that the Bank Reconciliation for the month of June 2007, be accepted.
(iii) Annual Return for the year ended 31st March 2007 & Annual Governance Statement
The Clerk asked for Members approval to agree the content of the above document and for the Chairman to sign on the Council’s behalf.  RESOLVED that the content be approved and the Chairman sign the Section Two of the Annual Return relating to the Council’s Annual Governance Statement.

170: DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED the Council hold a recess in the month of August and the next meeting be held on Wednesday 12th September 2007 at 6.30pm.
FURTHER RESOLVED that approval be given for the Clerk to act on any urgent items during recess, in consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman and report back on any action taken to the meeting in September.