THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING TRIMDON FOUNDRY PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TRIMDON ON WEDNESDAY 13TH AUGUST 2008

316. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
317. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
318. POLICE MATTERS
319. PLANNING MATTERS
320. CORRESPONDENCE
321. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
Chairman’s Report
322. RESIDENT’S ISSUES
323. CLERK’S REPORT
324. RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PRESS AND THE PUBLIC
325. FINANCIAL MATTERS
326. CHAIRMAN’S TELEPHONE ALLOWANCE
327. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING


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

316. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors D Kelly, J Freak, K McGonnell, M Nicholls, N Young.

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

318. POLICE MATTERS
Crime Statistics
Neighbourhood Inspector Paul Harrison had sent his apologies for the meeting but hoped to be in attendance at the September meeting.
The PCs in attendance gave an update on activity within the village since the last meeting, and the incidents reported had been looked at in detail as per their type and category. The Police representatives also made reference to the letter received in connection with vehicle speeds which confirmed that monitoring was to be carried out.  Members and the public were encouraged to make reports to the Police which may help with their intelligence relating to times of incidents etc. A Local Member asked if the Police were taking any action regarding the theft of heavy metal objects; the Police assured that this matter was in hand.
RESOLVED that the information given be noted and the results of monitoring by the Police on speeding traffic be awaited.

319. PLANNING MATTERS
Proposal: Change of Use of Land to Caravan Site & Assoc works (access track, hard standing, landscaping, utility block, septic tank etc) and stables with yard area
At Land off Wingate Road
For Mr J Smith
The Parish Council were minded to strongly object to this application.
The main grounds of objection were as given for previous applications relating to this parcel of land; the access intended to be used by the applicant.
It was felt that this access was unacceptable on the grounds of pedestrian safety for those that wish to use the recreation area safely walking their dogs or taking young children to the play area. This access is not considered safe and adequate nor capable of serving the amount of traffic that may visit the site.
The application was not within the settlement boundary and is classed as agricultural land. The Parish Council are also concerned that works have already been carried out. The Parish Council also felt that there were already sufficient gypsy-traveller sites provided in Durham County and were worried about the broader implications of allowing this application to be approved for other areas in the District.
RESOLVED that these objections be submitted in response to the consultation.

320. 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)a donation of £100 be made to the Citizen’s Advice Bureau;
(ii)the remainder of the correspondence be received.

321. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
Wind Farm Funding
The Council’s representative reported that Durham County Council Foundation were to administer grant applications from the EDF funds.  He intended to keep Members updated on this matter.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.

Unadopted road - Rodwell Street
Progress was given with this matter in that a working Panel had been set up to look into un adopted streets throughout the County.  Following discussion it was RESOLVED that the Parish Council submit a bid on behalf of the local residents for funding towards the scheme from Section 106 monies.
Transport for School children
It was reported that a petition with over 800 signatures had been passed to Phil Wilson MP and it was extremely pleasing to note that a bus would now be provided for the children of the village, free of charge. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
Drinking outside
A Local Member was concerned that residents had been in touch with her about residents drinking outside of St Aidans and Rodwell Street.  It was suggested they report this to Envirocall as well as Street Wardens and the Police.  RESOLVED that this course of action be followed.

Planning Issue – Land off Wingate Road
The Local Member advised that he had been in touch with both the District and County Council regarding what was seen as the establishment of a gypsy encampment.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.

Speeding Cars and Anti Social Behaviour
The Local Member expressed his concerns at the amount of speeding cars and anti social behavior with particularly young people.  RESOLVED that progress with traffic monitoring by the Police be awaited.

Chairman’s Report
The Chairman reported on various site meetings he had throughout the month.  He and the Clerk had also visited the Durham Land Registry to check out the boundaries to the land off Wingate Road and obtain office copies of the title deed and the Council’s Solicitors W Murray Humphrey and Son to make sure all Parish Council owned areas were properly registered.  RESOLVED that the action taken be endorsed.

He reported that a further request had to be made for another speed hump in Windsor Street.  RESOLVED that the Clerk submit this request.

He reported on the various works that had been completed including a new handrail had been installed on the footpath as requested and the area around the electricity sub station had been strimmed and tidied.

Councillor Grigg commented on the falling standards in the cemetery and the number of complaints being received and to his meeting on site with a potential contractor to carry out works on behalf of the Parish Council, as well as the District of Easington contract.
The Chairman reported on the well used path opposite Purvis Terrace that needed urgent attention.  Enquiries had been made with both the County and District Council as to ownership and no clarification had been received.  RESOLVED a price be obtained for this work to be carried out.

The need to improve all areas including the hedges at the allotments needed cutting; removal of the fence next to the bungalows at St Aidans Terrace and a new fence to replace the one taken down next to the Fish Shop.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.

In considering the Chairman’s report Members and the Clerk expressed their concerns at the level of service the Parish Council might hope to receive from their current provider for Winter and Summer Maintenance Contracts for all of its areas and what the transition arrangements to the new unitary authority would be. It was agreed that where necessary local contractors should be engaged to carry out required works. RESOLVED that further reports be made to Members for approval for any works required. 

322. RESIDENT’S ISSUES
Request for Dog Bins
The local resident asked for progress with this matter.  The Clerk confirmed that this request had been made and assured that she would chase this up.  RESOLVED that this request be chased up by the Clerk. 
Waste to the Rear of the Garden Society
Progress on the notice that was served to clear this area was requested. The Clerk gave details on her conversation with the Officer dealing with this matter.  RESOLVED that this matter be chased up by the Clerk.
Street Signage
It was asked if any progress had been made with the relocation of the Rodwell Street sign and the request for a sign in Commercial Street.  RESOLVED that this matter be chased up by the Clerk.

323. CLERK’S REPORT
Consideration was given to the Clerk’s report covering the following items:-
Northumbrian Water Contravention
RESOLVED that the action taken in arranging for the necessary repair to the water valve at the bowling green, be endorsed.
Vat Repayment
Complaint – Cemetery
RESOLVED that arrangements be made to enter into a contract with Mr P Dinsley to carry out maintenance work, at the costs as given at the meeting, in the cemetery on a temporary arrangement until the end of October 2008, at this point this be reviewed. FURTHER RESOLVED that a reply be made on behalf of the Parish Council on the Trimdon Times web site.
Traffic Survey
Further to information contained in the report a letter had been received confirming that the speed and traffic flow survey data had now been gathered and on the basis of the survey a specific speed enforcement campaign was to be initiated and Officers of the Road Policing Unit would target the C22 for speed enforcement attention at the intelligence led times when speeding vehicles are known to be of a particular concern. RESOLVED that progress be awaited.
The Boundary Committee for England - Durham Electoral Review – Event held on 29th July 2008
Section 106
Progress was given with this application.  Members felt that moves should be made by the Parish Council to purchase the area discussed. RESOLVED that the Clerk further report on this matter following her investigations. 
Solicitors
As covered in the Chairman’s report also, the Clerk asked Members for endorsement of action taken in the Chairman and herself visiting the Land registry and Solicitors to discuss various land matters.  It was also asked if approval could be given to W Murray Humphrey Solicitors being engaged to register all of the Parish Council’s land holdings. RESOLVED that this approval be given. 

324. 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.

325. FINANCIAL MATTERS
(i)Accounts for Payment 

Chq No	Payable To	In respect of	Amount
301469	District of Easington	Election	187.50
301470	District of Easington	Various	2,852.43
301471	Lawnhopper	Bowling Green	376.00
301472	Collingwood	Path, bowling green	41.12
301473	CAB	Donation	100.00

RESOLVED that the accounts as listed totalling £3,557.05 be passed for payment.

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

326. CHAIRMAN’S TELEPHONE ALLOWANCE
The Clerk asked for approval to investigate the most cost effective mobile telephone contract for the Chairman. RESOLVED that approval be given for this course of action.


327. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED the date and time of the next meeting be Wednesday 10th September 2008 at 6.30pm, it being noted that County Councillor Wilson was to be invited to the meeting along with Neighbourhood Inspector Paul Harrison.