THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING TRIMDON FOUNDRY PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TRIMDON ON WEDNESDAY 14TH JANUARY 2009

373. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
374. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
375. POLICE MATTERS
376. PLANNING MATTERS
377. CORRESPONDENCE
378. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
Chairman’s Report
379. Resident’s Reports
380. CLERK’S REPORT
381. RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PRESS AND THE PUBLIC
382. FINANCIAL MATTERS
383. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING

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

373. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence had been submitted on behalf of Councillors T Emmerson, J Freak & B Wilson.

374. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member, were approved.
Matters Arising - Minute Number 345 – Pony & Traps
The Clerk reported receipt of a reply from Phil Wilson MP and from Police Headquarters.  This was an issue of concern throughout the villages of East Durham with, in some cases, reports made that roads were temporarily closed to motorists to allow road racing.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.

375. POLICE MATTERS
Sgt Hawkes introduced the new PCSO Andrew Robson to the meeting.  PCSO Robson would be covering the Trimdon Area, along with other areas and was welcomed by the Chairman.  The Police gave an update on the crime statistics since their last report.  The report was positive and showed a reduction in the statistics.  Members gave details of problems of verbal abuse and asked if the Police could assist.  It was requested that reports be made to the Police so that they could be logged and reacted to.  The problem of speeding cars was raised again as well as a problem with drinking etc in an area next to the disused chapel next to Prospect Terrace.  The Police assured that they would direct their patrols to this area and try to carry out some home visits.
RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.

376. PLANNING MATTERS
Appeal against refusal of Planning Permission
For Change of Use from Open Space to Private Garden (Retrospective)
At Land Adjacent Parklands, School Houses
By Mrs L Foster
Members were circulated with a further comment made by the Parish Council which had been sent to the Planning Inspectorate for their consideration.
RESOLVED that progress be awaited.

Planning Approval
Conversion of Church to 2 No Dwellings
St Pauls Church, Commercial Street, Trimdon
The Chairman advised that he had received many enquiries about the retension and maintenance of the war memorials and the church clock and he had assured those interested that this had been built into the conditions of the approval.
RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.

Planning Refusal
Change of Use of Land to Caravan Site and Associated Works, (Access Track etc)
Land off Wingate Road, Trimdon Station
The Clerk confirmed that notices had been put in place regarding the tethering of horses in the recreation area and she was waiting for further information that may assist with enforcing their removal.  It was also reported that it had been felt necessary to close the small children’s play area until further notice due to horses being lead to and from the recreation area.  RESOLVED that this matter be reported again to the enforcement officer for his attention.

377. 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 £25.00 be made towards Victim Support; ii) no donation be made to NEPACS as it was considered outside the permissions granted under Section 137 of the Local Government Act                            iii) the Clerk formulate an appropriate reply to the consultation from the Durham Association on the mirroring of the structure of the AAP’s and iv) that the remainder of the correspondence be received.

378. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
Allotment & Garage Sites
A Local Member reported problems on the Luke Street sites and how they are being maintained.  He asked if this continued if letters could be sent to tenants.  This was agreed.  Another Member also gave details of a fire being lit that had caused lots of smoke pollution during the Christmas Holidays and it was agreed that a warning letter be sent to this tenant.  He expressed his continuing concern at the speeding of motorists through the village.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
Garages at the memorial garden entrance to the Recreation Area
The Local District Councillor had met the Chairman on site to inspect the two garages at this site.  These garages were on land leased to the Parish Council by CISWO but no rents had been collected for them and it was not known who was using them, if at all.  A car was in one of them. RESOLVED that in an effort to tidy this area up approval be given for the garages to be demolished, following a notice being posted advising of the Parish Council’s intentions. 
Warning sign for Speed Humps
It was reported that a warning sign was still not in place advising motorists of these traffic calming measures.  RESOLVED that this be reported.
Dropped Kerbs
An assurance was given by County Councillor Nicholls that he would commit part of his grant towards a scheme for dropped kerbs through the village.  A scheme had been produced following a walkabout by the Chairman and costed as well as given priority ratings a copy of which had been circulated around the meeting.  It was agreed the Parish Council would match fund the grant from County Councillor Nicholls and it was suggested that County Councillor Wilson also be contacted to see if he could assist.  In discussing this a Local Member asked if the scheme could be extended further as they stopped at the end of Gatenby’s.  RESOLVED that this course of action be followed, and it be agreed that the high priority areas be agreed and those remaining on the list be considered further when funding was known.
Station Road East
Progress on the untidy state of the rear of Station Road East was given. RESOLVED that further progress be awaited.
Anti Social Behaviour & Poor Condition of Buildings
A Local Member expressed her grave concerns at the anti social behaviour problems being experienced with occupiers of a flat above the butcher’s shop and also the poor condition of the former Gatenby’s shop and former chapel. RESOLVED that a letter be sent to the owner of the flat, Mr Greaves regarding the anti social behaviour problems.  A report also be made to environmental health about vermin in the area and the condition of the buildings.    
Traffic Calming Rodwell/Luke Street
It was asked if any progress had been made with this problem.  It was explained that the ownership of the road in question was in dispute.  The County Councillor offered to take this issue up again on behalf of the Parish Council.     The concern at traffic speeds of vehicles travelling from Trimdon Grange on the main route into the village were given.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.

Chairman’s Report
The Chairman reported on various site meetings he had throughout the month.  He reported on progress with works being carried out.  He reported on discussions regarding derelict garages in the area next to what was known as the former memorial garden.  As discussed earlier in the meeting he asked for approval, subject to no expressions of interest being received, to arrange for these garages to be demolished and the area landscaped.  This course of action was agreed.  He asked for progress on the repair of the “black path” and to the proposal for the play area next to Lilac/May Crescent.  He asked for further pressure to be put onto Arriva to change their bus route through the village.  RESOLVED that action be taken where appropriate.

379. Resident’s Reports
Gritting
Residents were concerned at the poor level of gritting carried out during a recent cold spell, especially on bus and school routes.

Progress with Planning Issues
Residents asked for progress reports on the planning Application relating to land off Wingate Road, change of use and Parklands, School Houses, change of use.   Reports were given by the Clerk and Chairman. 

380. CLERK’S REPORT
Consideration was given to the Clerk’s report covering the following items:-
Asbestos on Land to the West of Beach Grove
Luke Street Allotment Gardens - Wingate Parish Council
RESOLVED approval be given for the Clerk to proceed with this matter and the Parish Council meet the legal costs is requested.
Request for a Salt Bin – Windsor Street
Cemetery
Maintenance
Complaint Regarding the Fees
Members confirmed the charges and service provided by Mr Davies on behalf of the Parish Council.  RESOLVED that the Clerk make the appropriate reply on behalf of the Parish Council.
Unadopted Road – Rodwell Street
Horses on the Recreation Area
Further information on the fees for this service were awaited.
RESOLVED that the report be accepted and action be taken where appropriate.

381. 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.

382. FINANCIAL MATTERS
(i)Accounts for Payment          
RESOLVED that the accounts as listed totaling £4,991.35 be passed for payment.
(ii)Bank Reconciliation – December 2008
RESOLVED that the Bank Reconciliation for December 2008, be accepted. 

383. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED the date and time of the next meeting be Wednesday 11th February 2009 at 6.30pm.