THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING TRIMDON FOUNDRY PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TRIMDON ON WEDNESDAY 8TH OCTOBER 2008

339. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
340. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
341. JOINT TRIMDONS PARTNERSHIP
342. POLICE MATTERS
343. PLANNING MATTERS
344. CORRESPONDENCE
345. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
Chairman’s Report
346. CLERK’S REPORT
347. RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PRESS AND THE PUBLIC
348. FINANCIAL MATTERS
349. Cutting of Bowling Green
350. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING


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

PRIOR TO THE START OF THE MEETING THE CHAIRMAN WELCOMED COUNCILLOR BRIAN WILSON, COUNTY COUNCILLOR, TO THE MEETING.

339. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
There were no apologies for absence received.

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

341. JOINT TRIMDONS PARTNERSHIP
The Chairman welcomed Mr Peter Brookes to the meeting.  Mr Brookes in turn thanked members for the invitation to talk about the Joint Trimdons and gave the background to the Partnership being established.  He felt the approach in tackling issues together as one community with the priority being given to matters such as youth provision, access to transport, environmental improvements, access to health care etc.

He spoke on the proposals for Area Action Partnerships being of the opinion that the Trimdons should be included in a rural partnership for East Durham.  This was an issue which was discussed with opinions being offered on the proposed partnerships.  It was generally agreed a change in behaviors was essential along with finding new ways to engage with people; how to make them work was vitally important.

In closing Mr Brookes felt there were excellent opportunities for the villages to work together and shape their own destiny.  The Chairman thanked Mr Brookes for coming along to the meeting to give Members information on the new arrangements.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
 
342. POLICE MATTERS
The Chairman welcomed Neighborhood Inspector Paul Harrison and Sgt Steve Hawkes to the meeting.  Inspector Harrison explained that he was a great supporter of giving people a voice and was pleased to be able to come along and answer questions from Members and the public present at the meeting.  He gave details on current operations and re-affirmed the importance of assistance from community intelligence.  He encouraged people to report incidents to the Police, which help them to build up a pattern and to work smarter.  The Chairman opened the meeting for a question and answer session and issues including off road motorbikes and scooter; scrap men; CCTV; young children using pony and traps; traffic and traffic safety.  It was suggested that the Local MP Phil Wilson be contacted for his support on the matter of young children using pony and traps.  The Chairman thanked the Police for their attendance.  RESOLVED that the information given, be noted and Phil Wilson be contacted as suggested.

343. PLANNING MATTERS
PRIOR TO CONSIDERATION OF THE FOLLOWING ITEM BOTH THE CHAIRMAN J GRIGG AND COUNCILLOR L GRIGG DECLARED AN INTEREST AND TOOK NO PART IN THE DISCUSSION WHICH ENSUED.
Proposal Two Storey Side & Single Storey Front Extension
At 8 Malvern Crescent
For Mr D Longstaff
Members were advised of an amendment to this application which was the deletion of the front garage section and change to the rear roof design.  RESOLVED that whilst the appearance to the street scene would now be altered the Parish Council’s objections to the proposal remain unaltered.
Proposal Single Storey Rear Extension
At 6 Foundry Mews
For Mr P Mandeville
RESOLVED that no comments be offered on this proposal.

Planning decision
Proposal Conversion of Barn to Tea Room with Sales Area, Dropswell Farm, Mr T Christian
RESOLVED that the details of this decision be noted.
344. 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 thatthe correspondence be received.

345. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
Street Signs and Cleaning
The Local Member reported that street signs were still not in place at Windsor Street and Rydale Court.  It was asked if the reason for the street cleaning not being carried out in Rodwell Street following the installation of speed humps.  It was confirmed that the County Councillor had arranged a site meeting to consider installation of further speed humps.
RESOLVED that progress with these issues be investigated by the Clerk.
Fires in Allotment Gardens
A Local Member reported that a holder was constantly setting fires and had lots of rubbish in his garden.  RESOLVED that a reminder on the terms of their agreement be sent to this holder.
Pony & Traps
Concerns were expressed once again with the practice of young people travelling on local roads with pony and traps; danger to motorists and their ability to handle the vehicle.  RESOLVED as agreed a letter be sent to the Local MP expressing concern at this practice.
Public Transport
There were continuing issues wt Arriva in connection with the routes and condition of the buses.  There was to be a meeting at DCC early in November to try and resolve these issues.  RESOLVED that progress be awaited.
Condition of the Recreation Area
A Local Member expressed her concern at the condition of the recreation area in relation to glass and litter.  She asked if a litter pick could be requested before and after the firework display.  RESOLVED that this request be made.
Street Furniture
Progress on orders for the notice board and planters was requested, and the Clerk gave an update.  RESOLVED that progress be awaited.
Donations by energy companies
It was reported that with this funding there were no regulations or obligation for monies to be paid, unlike under the Section 106 obligations.  The Clerk confirmed that the County Durham Foundation had been in touch regarding the establishment of a working Party/Panel and the contact details for Councillor Jackson had been passed on to them.  RESOLVED that progress be awaited.
Former Purvis’
A Local Member reported problems of vermin with this site.  RESOLVED that this be reported. 

Chairman’s Report
The Chairman reported on various site meetings he had throughout the month.  It was asked if the change in bus route be brought up at the meeting of DCC with Arriva.  He reported on works that had now been completed wit the fencing at the fish shop and the former Matt Watchman site being tidied.  Work on the hedge at St Aidans was to be carried out shortly.  North Western Utilities were trying to make the sub station “out of bounds” and reports had been made regarding the two garages next to the Memorial Gardens.  It was suggested that County Councillor Wilson be requested to assist with dropped curbs.  It was suggested that the dog waste bin be re-located further down on the path to the cemetery.  In closing he agreed that in considering unitary arrangements and area action partnerships non elected bodies should not have control.   
RESOLVED that the report be accepted and action be taken where appropriate.

Resident’s reports
Bus Stop – opposite Top Shop
It was reported that this well used bus shelter needed repairing.  RESOLVED that this be reported.
Dog Bins
Dog bins were requested for May Crescent.  RESOLVED that the request be made.
Trimdon Messenger
Concern was expressed that items that had been submitted by the deadline were not being included.  RESOLVED this be taken up with the Editor.
 
346. CLERK’S REPORT
Consideration was given to the Clerk’s report covering the following items:-
Fireworks Display Sunday 2nd November 2008, 6.00pm
RESOLVED endorsement of action taken in engaging Phoenix Security; asking the Round Table to support the event selling glow in the dark novelties and providing a burger van; engaging the services of the St Johns, contacting the Licensing Section at the District of Easington and advertising on the web site and getting posters out be given. 
Poppy Appeal – Remembrance Day Parade
RESOLVED endorsement be given for action taken in placing an order for a 17” poppy wreath to be used in the Remembrance Day Service at a cost of £16.50 and Councillors Mr and Mrs Grigg would be representing the Parish Council at the Parade.
Surfacing works – Memorial Garden
As discussed at the last meeting works were required to the entrance and levels to allow access for emergency vehicles to the recreation site on the installation of bollards to the alternative entrance.  A price had been obtained from a local contractor who had carried out work for the Parish Council at a reasonable price and to a good standard.  The price for these works was £681.50 and RESOLVED endorsement of action taken, in consultation with the Chairman, in arranging for these works to be carried out, be given.
Lap top & broadband
RESOLVED approval be given for the Clerk to purchase a lap top and for the Parish Council to pay for the monthly rental for broadband.  The lap top would be written off over a three year period, and would cost approximately £1,009.00 plus vat, with all of the necessary programmes etc, and would be the property of the Parish Council.
Street Lighting to the Recreation Area
To progress the works for the installation of street lights an order for a supply had to be made with NEDL at a cost of ££1,458.18.  An order with Npower for the supply had been placed also.  There was an extra cost of £21.00 to install the kiosk within the fenced area where the recreation units are.  It was hoped the lights be in place prior to the fireworks event to assist safe pedestrian access to the site.  RESOLVED that endorsement of action taken, in consultation with the Chairman, be given.
Cemetery
Excellent progress had been made in the cemetery by the contractor employed on a trail basis and endorsement of action taken in planting shrubs rather than bedding plants along the middle path in the cemetery was given.  A complaint had been received which had been taken up with the District of Easington.  RESOLVED approval be given for the arrangement with the local contractor currently employed in the cemetery to continue now at half a day per week until March 2009.

Garages to the Rear of Nattress Terrace
Planning Application – Smith
Casual Vacancy
The District of Easington advised that requests for an election had been made.  Notice of an election was to be posted.  RESOLVED progress be awaited. 
Excess Vehicular Speed
A reply had been received from Traffic Management, Durham County Council.
National Tree Week – 26th November to 7th December
RESOLVED an application be made for tree planting in the Parish.

347. 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.

348. FINANCIAL MATTERS
(i)Accounts for Payment          
RESOLVED that the accounts as listed totaling £4,086.73 be passed for payment.

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

349. Cutting of Bowling Green
It has now been a year that we have used a contractor to carry out the maintenance for the bowling green.  The Clerk had now obtained prices from two further sources for this work and gave Members details of the prices submitted.

RESOLVED the price from JT Groundsman and Gardening Services of £2,500 for a years maintenance for the bowling green, be accepted. 

350. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED the date and time of the next meeting be Wednesday 5th November 2008 at 6.30pm.