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

478. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
479. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
480. POLICE MATTERS
481. PLANNING MATTERS
482. CORRESPONDENCE
483. LETTER OF COMPLAINT & RESPONSE
484. ELECTORAL REVIEW OF COUNTY DURHAM
485. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
Chairman’s Report
County Councillor’s Report
486. RESIDENT’S REPORTS
487. CLERK’S REPORT
488. RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PRESS AND THE PUBLIC
489. FINANCIAL MATTERS
490. TRIMDON STATION RECREATION GROUND – DRAFT ORDER
491. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING

PRESENT:- COUN. J GRIGG (CHAIR)
Mesdame:- L Grigg
Messrs:- B D Ferguson & M Nicholls

478. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence had been submitted and were accepted on behalf of Councillor A Jackson, T Anderson & B Wilson.

479. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member, were approved.
(i) Minute Number – Request to Extend Garage – 6 Luke Street
The Clerk advised that she and the Chairman had met on site with Mr Barnes following his request to extend his garage.  Mr Barnes had spoken to nearby garden plot holders who did not have a problem with this proposal. RESOLVED that the action taken in granting permission for Mr Barnes of 6 Luke Street to extend his garden to the rear by 10ft, be endorsed.
(ii) 5 Nattress Terrace – Fence
Unfortunately Ms Carter had given her apologies as she could not attend the meeting because she was ill.

480. POLICE MATTERS
The PC Godber gave an update on the crime statistics since the last meeting and then a progress report was given on issues raised at the last meeting.  Details were given of discussions at the PACT Meeting and Members were advised that there would be a confidential post box in place at the Post Office for reports to be made to the Police.  The PACT priority over the next four weeks was to be street drinking on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  There was discussion on the problems still being experienced with anti social behavior by residents of 1-7 Malvern Crescent, in aged persons bungalows.  This would be looked into for progress by the Police. RESOLVED that the information given be noted.       

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481. PLANNING MATTERS
Application: Erection of two storey office block with parking provision, landscaping and boundary treatment
For Alan Richardson
At: Vacant site at Trimdon Grange Industrial Estate, Trimdon Station
RESOLVED that no comments be offered on this application.
Approval
Hay Shed (Retrospective) at Emerald Cottage, Wingate Road, Trimdon Station, Mrs L Smyth
RESOLVED the details on the approval, be noted.

482. 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 a donation of £50.00 be made towards EDPIP, and £75.00 towards Communicare.  FURTHER RESOLVED that the remainder of the correspondence be received.

483. LETTER OF COMPLAINT & RESPONSE
Members were circulated with a copy of a complaint received from Mrs G Kemp of Rose Cottage, Rose Street, Trimdon.  The complaint was a Code of Conduct issue.  The reply made in response to the complaint was read out at the meeting.
RESOLVED that this reply be accepted and a copy be forwarded to the complainant.

484. ELECTORAL REVIEW OF COUNTY DURHAM
Members were circulated with an extract, in particular the section relating to Deaf Hill and the Trimdons, of the draft recommendations made in respect of the electoral review of County Durham which appeared to support the representations made by the Parish Council for the 500 or so houses in Trimdon Colliery to be included in the Trimdon Foundry Parish Ward.  Further consultation would take place in April 2010 on the final draft when produced.
RESOLVED that further developments be awaited.

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485. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
Noticeboard Area
Progress on this matter was requested and the Clerk advised that she was to seek interest from firms to prepare a scheme for this area.  RESOLVED that an environmental improvement scheme for the main noticeboard area be investigated further.
Planning – Smith Site, Wingate Road
Following the Planning Inspector’s decision progress with this matter was requested, Members were frustrated and asked what was going on and why nothing was being done.  Following discussion it was RESOLVED that a letter be sent to the Chief Executive of Durham County Council asking for urgent action on this issue. 

Chairman’s Report
Grit Bins
It was asked when these would be placed out again and filled.  This would be done shortly.  RESOLVED that arrangements be made to place out the grit bins purchased by the Parish Council.
Planters
Prices had been obtained for planters.  An offer had been made by a local plant nursery to provide the planters, compost and plants.  A further price had been obtained for planters similar to those in Murton at over £400.00 each.  RESOLVED that approval be given to obtain a further eight planters at £25.00 each, plus compost and plants.
CCTV
The Chairman reported that works to install the CCTV monitoring system at the recreation were now complete.  This equipment had been installed following Police advice.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.  
The former Matt Watchman site
This area was becoming overgrown again and wagons were regularly parking on it. RESOLVED that the Clerk report this and make contact with the owner.

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County Councillor’s Report
Former Chapel Site
Progress was given with this derelict property which had been boarded up and declared as safe by the Engineers.  It was anticipated it would be well into next year before the site would be developed.  RESOLVED that progress be awaited.
Roundabout
It was reported that investigations were being made with Sunderland City Council into a replacement figure and wanted to see what costs would be involved.  RESOLVED that a further report be awaited and it be confirmed that the Parish Council would be willing to make a contribution towards the replacement figure.
Shop Fronts
Following discussions at the last meeting it was reported that there were grants available to improve the aspect of shop frontage but that shop owners needed to support such a scheme.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
Yellow Lines
The need for this scheme was stressed with vehicles parking over the dropped curbs was causing a problem for pedestrians.  A detailed progress report had been given by the Highways Officer.  RESOLVED that progress be awaited.
Traffic Calming – May/Wood Crescent
Progress with this scheme was reported.  RESOLVED that the information given be noted.
Progress with Dropped Curbs
The programme of dropped curbs needed to continue with the ones next to the Fish Shop being next priority.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
Private Landlords
A meeting was to be held with the local MP Phil Wilson and the Head of Housing to try and make some progress with this matter.  RESOLVED that progress be awaited.  
Gritting Service
Consideration had been given to the report which included the request for gritting in the village.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
Footpaths
It was reported that the footpaths next to the Fish Shop and Cinnamon Drive were in need of repair.  RESOLVED that these be reported again.

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486. RESIDENT’S REPORTS
Planning – Smith Site, Wingate Road
It was reported that a third caravan was now on the site.  RESOLVED that this be reported to the Enforcement Officer.
Rubbish to the Rear of the Garden Society
It was asked if this could be reported for action. RESOLVED that the Clerk make a report as requested.
Environmental Appraisal
The representative from the Resident’s Association reported that they had been unsuccessful in obtaining grant funding from the Wind Farm Sub Group for funding towards carrying out an environmental appraisal.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
Letter from a Local Resident
The Police, following the PACT Meeting, handed a letter in from a local resident new to the Village asking for the Parish Council’s support and assistance regarding problems with anti social behavior and the regeneration of the area.  RESOLVED that the letter be circulated to all Members at the next meeting.  

487. CLERK’S REPORT
Consideration was given to the Clerk’s report covering the following items:-
Rodwell/Luke Street - Street Cleaning & Rubbish Bins
The Clerk asked for endorsement of action taken in ordering 4 rubbish bins for use at various locations, one being Rodwell/Luke Street.  RESOLVED that the action taken in this regard, be endorsed.
Cemetery – Request for a Seat
RESOLVED that the request be agreed to and the seat located at the far end of the cemetery be re-located.
Burials
Bowling Green
Fireworks – 8th November 2009
RESOLVED that glow in the dark novelties not be offered for sale by the Round Table this year making it a free event for parents with no pressure to buy novelties.
Bus Shelter
RESOLVED that a the view be offered that the shelter should be replaced, in the location it was in, with the shelter costing £3,000 and the Parish Council make an offer to assist with the financing of the replacement.
Maintenance of Playground Equipment
RESOLVED that the action taken by the Clerk in arranging for identified repairs to be carried out.
Traffic Calming Scheme – May/Wood Crescent
Poppy Appeal – Remembrance Day Parade
RESOLVED the action taken in ordering a 17” poppy wreath to be used in the Remembrance Day Service at a cost of £16.50, be endorsed.
Letter of Complaint – Luke Street
A letter of complaint had been received about the rubbish in the garden and yard at a property in Luke Street.  A letter had been sent to the person concerned with a request that this be cleared immediately. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.

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488. 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.

489. FINANCIAL MATTERS
(i) Accounts for Payment                  
RESOLVED that the accounts as listed totalling £9,035.98 be passed for payment.

(ii) Bank Reconciliations – September 2009
The bank reconciliation was presented for September 2009. RESOLVED that these be accepted.

(iii) Audit of Accounts
The Clerk circulated for all Members a copy of the Audit Report.  RESOLVED that the final report and its contents, be accepted.

490. TRIMDON STATION RECREATION GROUND – DRAFT ORDER

Members were circulated with an update on this matter and the Clerk advised Members of the contents of a letter received from MH Legal.  RESOLVED that it be confirmed that there was nothing in the Draft Order that was likely to cause objection and this view be forwarded to the Charity Commission.  FURTHER RESOLVED the course of action detailed in the letter from MH Legal be agreed. 

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