THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING TRIMDON FOUNDRY PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TRIMDON ON WEDNESDAY 8TH JULY 2009

454. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
455. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
456. POLICE MATTERS
457. PLANNING MATTERS
458. CORRESPONDENCE
459. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
CHAIRMANS REPORT
460. RESIDENT’S REPORTS
461. CLERK’S REPORT
462. COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
463. RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PRESS AND THE PUBLIC
464. FINANCIAL MATTERS
465. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING


PRESENT:- COUN. J GRIGG (CHAIR)
Mesdames:- D Kelly
Messrs:- B D Ferguson & A Jackson 

454. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence had been submitted and were accepted on behalf of Councillor Mrs L Grigg, T Anderson, M Nicholls and B Wilson.

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


456. POLICE MATTERS
The Sgt I Dickinson gave an update on the crime statistics since the last report and then gave a progress report on issues raised at the last meeting.  Members were concerned at the increase in activity by motorbikes being ridden at high speeds through the village.  Details were also given of regular problems of anti social behavior and noise and nuisance on a particular estate.  Problems with young people and alcohol were also an issue and the Sgt assured that a programme of test purchasing was to be carried out shortly. 
RESOLVED that the information given be noted.       

457. PLANNING MATTERS
PRIOR TO CONSIDERATION OF THE FOLLOWING APPLICATION COUNCILLOR B D FERGUSON DECLARED HIS INTEREST, (AS AN LEA SCHOOL GOVERNOR), AND TOOK NO PART IN THE DISCUSSION WHICH ENSUED.

Proposed demolition of timber lean-to extension and replacement masonry extension to form new nursery entrance, parent waiting and clocks area, and new access ramp, Deaf Hill Primary School, Station Road West

Members were pleased to receive details of this application and asked that a letter of support be forwarded.  RESOLVED that this course of action be agreed.

Details of two further applications, which were outside the Parish Boundary, but that the Clerk felt would be of interest to Members were reported, one of which was the proposed hospital development at Wynyard, Billingham.

Appeal against refusal of Planning Permission
Proposal: Change of Use of Land to Caravan site etc
At: Land off Wingate Road
For: Mr J Smith

Copies of the letters submitted on behalf of the Parish Council were circulated for Members.  It was reported that the appeal against the refusal decision was to be heard by an inspector from the Planning Inspectorate by way of what was called a “local hearing” on the 11th August 2009.  This was to be held at the Community Centre, Station Road, Trimdon Station.
It was also reported that receipt of barrister’s legal advice was imminent, upon receipt it would need to be considered and a judgement made upon how the case can be progressed.
The Chairman read for the meeting a letter received by a local resident from his MP on this matter.

RESOLVED that progress be awaited.


Back to top^

458. 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 the correspondence be received.


459. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
Grass Cutting Methods
A Local Member was concerned that aluminum cans were not removed before grass cutting causing them to be shredded leaving very sharp debris. RESOLVED that this be monitored and concerns be forwarded to Durham County Council.
Rubbish Bins
It was reported that rubbish bins had still not been replaced.  The Clerk assured she would chase this up.  RESOLVED that this be reported once again.
Footpath Damaged
It was reported again that the footpath outside of 1 Windsor Street had a hole in it which was dangerous.  The Clerk confirmed a report had been made and assured this would be reported again.  RESOLVED this be reported once again.
Development works to the Top Shop
A Local Member reported on an issue with building materials at this site.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.

Chairmans’ Report
Double Yellow Lines
A site meeting had been held with the relevant Officer to discuss the yellow line road markings on the main street being extended past the carpet shop.  Assurances were given that this work would be carried out within the next six months.  RESOLVED that progress be awaited.
Derelict site of the Former Chapel
A site meeting was to be held with the Fire Officer and other relevant parties in an attempt to get this site properly cleared.  It was reported  County Councillor Nicholls had been working tirelessly on this issue, which was much appreciated.  RESOLVED that progress be awaited.
Anti Social Behavior – Beech Grove
It was reported that the Street Wardens had been asked for their support with this problem.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
Dog Fouling
The main paths through the village and green areas were continuing to suffer from dog fouling despite attempts to catch offenders.  This was also covered in the Clerk’s report where an item had been placed on the Trimdon Times web site in an effort to appeal to people’s better natures.  RESOLVED that efforts continue with reporting dog fouling.
New Manager – Deaf Hill Ward Regeneration Partnership
The Chairman was pleased to report that a new Manager had been appointed, Mr Derek Bradley.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.

Back to top^

460. RESIDENT’S REPORTS
Planning Appeal – Smith
Mr Kell reported receipt of a reply from Phil Wilson MP on this issue.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
Anti Social Behaviour of Neighbours
Concern was expressed at the Police report and felt the situation in the Village was getting worse.  The Chairman commented on the desperate need for the introduction of the Private Landlords Charter and the need in his opinion for more vetting by East Durham Homes.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.

461. CLERK’S REPORT
Consideration was given to the Clerk’s report covering the following items:-
Signage for Car Parks
RESOLVED that the price from Peterlee Signs and Graphics for £104.96 be accepted.
Land to the Rear of Nattress Terrace – Dog Fouling
Dog Fouling - Green to the Front of Malvern Terrace
A complaint had been received on dog fouling.  A request had been made to DCC for a “No Dogs Allowed” sign to be erected after dog walkers using this area repeatedly for a dog walking and toilet area.  Ken Craggs put an excellent article on the web site asking for consideration from dog walkers.  RESOLVED that this action be endorsed.
Keith Scott
Removal of Rubbish to the Rear of Nattress Terrace
RESOLVED that the suggested letter be sent to all residents of Nattress Terrace and arrangements be made to remove the spoil/rubbish.
CCTV Equipment
RESOLVED that the arrangements be made for the columns to be  installed at a cost of £815.00 + vat then arrangements be made for cctv to be installed.  FURTHER RESOLVED that further prices be obtained for the system. 
Cemetery
Playground Inspections
RESOLVED that endorsement of action taken by the Clerk in agreeing and signing the Service Level Agreement from DCC be given.
“Black Path”
Enquiries into ownership with Home Housing Group. RESOLVED progress be awaited.
Proposed Play Area – Lilac Crescent
A holding reply had been received on the request to use land for a play area.  RESOLVED that progress be awaited.
Winter Maintenance
RESOLVED that the action taken in responding to this consultation be endorsed.
Boundary Committee Review
RESOLVED that further information and progress on the Review, be awaited.
Policing Issues
Details contained within letters received from Phil Wilson MP were given to Members.  These had been incorporated into a letter sent to the AAP Co-Ordinator with copies to the County Councillors.  RESOLVED that progress be awaited and a copy be sent to Sgt Dickinson.
Food Concession – Fireworks Event Sunday 8th November 2009
Members were asked for any contact they may have. RESOLVED that any contacts be given to the Clerk.
Speed Activated Signs
Application for a Scheme under the Charities Act 1993
RESOLVED that the Parish Council make an application for a Scheme under the Charities Act 1993 for land at the Recreation Area, Rear of Nattress Terrace, Trimdon Station.
Resignation
The Clerk advised that she had received an indication from a Local Member that he wished to resign from the Parish Council due to work commitments.  RESOLVED that consideration of this resignation be deferred to the next meeting of the Parish Council.
 
Back to top^

462. COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

A copy of a draft complaints procedure had been circulated to each member for their consideration.

RESOLVED that the complaint procedure be adopted and used whenever necessary by the Parish Council.

463.  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.

464. FINANCIAL MATTERS
(i) Accounts for Payment          
RESOLVED that the accounts as listed totaling £1,312.85 be passed for payment.
 
(ii) Bank Reconciliations – June 2009
Bank reconciliations were presented for June 2009.  RESOLVED that these be accepted.


465. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED that a recess be called for August and the date and time of the next meeting be Wednesday 9th September 2009 at 6.30pm.