THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING TRIMDON FOUNDRY PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TRIMDON ON WEDNESDAY 13TH JUNE 2007

PRESENT:- COUNC G MARTIN (CHAIR)
     Mesdames:- J Freak, L Grigg, D Kelly
     Messrs:- B D Ferguson, J Grigg, A Jackson
     K McGonnell, M Nicholls & N W Young

150. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
No apologies for absence were submitted.

151. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member, were confirmed as a true record.
Matters Arising
(a) In Connection With Minute No 140 - Appointment Of Representatives To Outside Bodies Trimdon 2000 Ltd Councillor D Kelly reported that she had spoken to the Committee about this and it was felt that the constitution did not permit her to serve on both bodies.  RESOLVED that this be reconsidered at the next meeting.
(b)In connection with Minute No 142 – Parklands School Houses, the Clerk reported she had met with Grant Folley of the Planning Section, District of Easington on the 11th June 2007.  It was agreed that the Parish Council once again state their position with the application and forward copies of the advice supplied by W Murray Humphrey Solicitors to the Planning Section. This information would be submitted to a meeting of the Cabinet in July 2007. RESOLVED that the Parish Council object to the erection of any fence on the land in question and continue with arrangements to register the land as a village green and it be maintained as such once this issue had been resolved. 

152. POLICE MATTERS
An update on incidents within the Parish since the last meeting was given particularly in relation to the recreation area. Reference was made to the recent Special Meeting held to discuss incidents on the cricket pitch and the Police confirmed that the area had been robustly policed. The Parish Council were extremely grateful for this support and assistance.  Details were given of a vehicle travelling at excessive speeds through the village and through the traffic lights, the Police took details and assured they would investigate this. RESOLVED that the information given be noted.

153. PLANNING MATTERS
Applications
Proposal: Rear Ground Floor Extension & Dormer Windows
At 14 Wood View, Trimdon Station
For Mrs J Henry

Proposal: Agricultural Store/Hay Shed
At Land East of Salters Lane
For Mr D Wombwell

Proposal: Two Storey Side Extension
At The Haven Wingate Road, Trimdon Station
For Mr J Henderson

Decision
Proposal: Private Garage
At 3 Deaf Hill Tce
RESOLVED that no comments or observations be made in relation to these applications, but investigations be made as to whether or not the application on land East of Salters Lane fell within the Parish boundaries.

154. CORRESPONDENCE
(i)Declaration of interests/gifts etc
(ii)Local Involvement Network
(iii)Mentor UK Coastal and Ex Mining Areas
(iv)Legal Briefing – The Revised Code
(v)Preventing Cigarette Litter
(vi)Standards Board Guidance for the Code of Conduct
(vii)District of Easington – Adoption of the Code of Conduct
(viii)Community Ownership of property etc
(ix)Strengthening the role of rural councillors
(x)Local Government Review – DCC (leaflet to each household)
(xi)Post Office Closures
(xii)Local Authority Innovation
(xiii)Joint Trimdon Regeneration Partnership Meeting – 30th May 2007
(xiv)Devolution of Services
(xv)Win A Premier League Player with “Creating Chances”
(xvi)Community Empowerment Awards
(xvii)Wolsingham Market Place Explosion Disaster Fund
(xviii)2006/07 Annual Report – County Durham Association of Local Councils
(xix)County Durham Association of Local Councils – Executive Committee to be held on 6th June 2007
(xx)Insurance
(xxi)Football Funding
(xxii)North East Regional Spatial Strategy Proposed Changes
(xxiii)2D Support for the Voluntary & Community Sector of Teesdale & Wear Valley
(xxiv)Coast & Countryside Rangers – Newsletter June 2007
(xxv)Post Office Closures
(xxvi)Trimdon Station Resident’s Association – Request for Financial Assistance with their Summer trip to Flamingo Land
(xxvii)Trimdon Station Resident’s Association – Speed Humps May Crescent/Wood View
(xxvii) Action Packed Future Festival – 1st July 2007, Peterlee
The Clerk advised that she had made an application under the “Creating Chances” Scheme to win a Premier League Player to come along to the Firework Display in November 2007. It was suggested that the item relating to the Spacial Strategy should be discussed in further detail and be placed on the next Agenda.  The Clerk also asked for authority to act immediately on the issue relating to the closure of Post Offices when further details were given.
RESOLVED that:-
(a)NE Regional Spacial Strategy be placed on the Agenda for the meeting in July;
(b)Authority be given for the Clerk to act on the item relating to Post Office closures, opposing closures of local offices
(c)A donation of £100.00 be made to TSRA towards their trip to Flamingo Land;
(d)A request for speed humps at May Crescent/Wood View be added on to the list of traffic improvements for the village and be submitted to DCC for attention.
(e)the remainder of the information given, be noted.

155. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
(a) Fencing to the Recreation Area
The Local Member advised that following the Special Meeting held with the Police he had held a site visit on the 13th June 2007 with the Crime Prevention Officer, (CPO). The CPO advised that the Parish Council should go ahead with the fencing proposed but also suggested that the area next to the Workmen’s Club should be fenced.  This area fell within the boundaries of Trimdon Parish Council. RESOLVED that the quotations for fencing be submitted to the Streetsafe Meeting/PRIDE in Easington Teams to see if funding could be made available to the Parish Council, and upon receipt of the report from the CPO the Clerk arrange to discuss the recommendations with the Clerk of Trimdon Parish Council to seek their assistance in fencing the whole of the Recreation Area.
(b) Water Supply to the Allotment Gardens
A site meeting was to be held with the plumber nominated to carry out this work with the allotments holders that had requested a supply.  Further details were awaited and would be submitted for approval prior to work starting on site.  RESOLVED that progress be awaited.
(c)Condition of Buses being used on routes in the area
It was asked if another letter could be sent objecting to the condition of the buses being used on routes through the village.  Also on two occasions recently the X27 had failed to reach it’s final destination.  RESOLVED that a letter be sent on these matters to Durham County Council.
(d)Re-imbursement for Fencing Works – F Pearts
The County Councillor was asked if he could assist with this matter. RESOLVED that progress be awaited.
(e) General Maintenance of the Recreation Area and other Council owned areas
The Chairman commented on the general appearance of all of the Council owned areas and at the continued vandalism and anti social behaviour being experienced.  The issue of staffing was discussed again and it was RESOLVED that a report be made on the possibility of employing a groundsman/ lengthsman/ handyman and all available avenues for support such as “Route Back”/partnership arrangements with either the District or County council, be investigated.
(f) Citizen’s Advice Bureau
 The Council’s representative on this organization gave an update and details of recent discussions where the position of the organisation was given. Details of the level of assistance given to the village was given.  RESOLVED that a letter of appreciation be sent to the CAB for the help, support and assistance given to the residents of the village.
(g) Traffic Problems – Windsor Street
Progress on consideration of the traffic measures submitted to DCC was requested.  RESOLVED that this matter be followed up and a progress report be made to a future meeting.
(h)Condition of the Shop Frontages
Members commented once again on the dangerous condition of the shops and the Clerk confirmed that she had written to one of the owners in this regard.  RESOLVED that this be taken up with the District of Easington.
(i)Church Clock
The Clerk advised she had received a bill for the electricity supply for the Church Clock. Members confirmed that this was paid by the Church itself. There was discussion on the amount held in the clock fund and the Clerk confirmed that there was £494.00 currently in this fund.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.

156. ROAD WORK IMPROVEMENTS - RODWELL STREET, WINDSOR STREET AND PROSPECT TERRACE

Several residents from the above streets were in attendance and the Chairman gave them the opportunity to address the meeting.  Residents were concerned at the dangerous sate of repair that their back street was in.  The streets to the rear of their properties were un-tarmacced and they asked if the Parish Council could help in any way to request the County Council to formally adopt them and make them up to an acceptable standard. They asked if perhaps any type of grant may be available or assistance towards achieving this.  The Parish Council were very sympathetic to the residents problem and the Local County Council offered to arrange a site meeting with Officers of the County Council to see if any progress could be made with this matter.  A nominated point of contact for the residents was given as Mr Gregory. RESOLVED that progress be awaited.

157. CLERK’S REPORT
Consideration was given to the Clerk’s report covering the following items:-
(i)Seated Area to the Front of the Units
(ii)Vandalism to the Recreation Area
Approval was given to arrange for the windows to be re-glazed using the District of Easington.
(iii)Cemetery Pipework
Approval was given to arrange for suitable signage for the new tap.
(iv)Youth Engagement Service – Work in the Recreation Area
(v)Chairman’s Allowance
Following advice given approval was given for (a) the Chairman to claim an allowance (which would include expenses for his telephone bill) and (b) a budget for a Chairman’s Allowance be included to cover for hospitality.
(vi)Insurance Renewal – 14th June 2007/08
Approval was given to renew insurance cover with Zurich Municipal, the Clerk to carry out an inventory of the assets held by the Parish Council to ensure that the cover was up to date.
(vii)Groundwork East Durham – Play Strategy
(viii)Requirements of the Legislation re the Code of Conduct
Details of the Training to be offered on the 25th June and 4th July 2007 were circulated to each Member. Approval was given to arrange for an article to go in the next Messenger and endorsement of action taken in agreeing to be included in the advert to be placed by the District of Easington.
(ix)Joint Trimdon Regeneration Partnership – Report of the meeting
(x)Compensation Payment from Northumbrian Water
(xi)Letter of Thanks – Mrs Bell, Wolsingham
(xii)George Wimpey Developments
The Clerk reported that she had been approached by the Developer asking if the Parish Council had any projects that they could assist with or to help with fund raising towards a particular project.  She asked Members to give this matter their consideration and suggested that this be discussed further at the next meeting.  RESOLVED this matter be discussed further at the next meeting. 

158. FINANCIAL MATTERS
(i) Accounts for Payment
RESOLVED that the accounts as listed totalling £1130.43 be passed for payment.
(ii)Bank Reconciliations – April & May 2007
RESOLVED that the bank Reconciliations for the months of April and May 2007, be accepted.
(iii)Budgetary Control, April and May 2007, Income & Expenditure
Members were circulated with a copy of all income and expenditure up to and including the 31st May 2007. RESOLVED that this be accepted.
(iv)Appointment of Clerk as Responsible Financial Officer
RESOLVED that the Clerk be appointed as the Parish Council’s Responsible Financial Officer. FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk’s contract be considered by the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Council, with independent advice obtained through SLCC or NEREO.
(v)Display of Notice for Audit
RESOLVED that the Notice of Audit be displayed in the Parish from 25TH June to 8 July 2007, with the Audit commencing on 9th July and ending on 3rd August 2007.

159. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED the next meeting be held on Wednesday 11th July 2007 at 6.30pm