THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING TRIMDON FOUNDRY PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TRIMDON ON WEDNESDAY 18TH APRIL 2007
PRESENT:- COUNC G MARTIN (CHAIR)
Mesdames:- J Freak, L Grigg
Messrs:- B D Ferguson, J Grigg, A Jackson
Prior to the start of the meeting the Chairman reported that Councillors Mr and Mrs Mason had recently lost their granddaughter. It was agreed that a letter of condolence be sent on behalf of the Parish Council.
127. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors S Mason, A Mason, D Chaytor and M Nicholls.
128. 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 119 – Proposed Redundancy of St Paul’s Church,
the Clerk advised that the Parish Council’s comments were to be put before the Bishop, along with any other comments, to seek his views. A flowchart of the procedure to be followed was given. Members were advised that the Parish Council’s representations may be considered at the Pastoral Committee on 4th July and 5th September 2007 where the Parish Council would be asked if they wished to attend and speak. Confirmation would be given when the Bishop’s reply was sent.
RESOLVED that the reply be awaited.
(b)In connection with Minute No 121 – Parklands School Houses,
the Clerk reported that no reply had been received from the District of Easington on this issue. It was unanimously
RESOLVED that the matter be taken up again with the District of Easington Planning Section and if no reply was received it be referred to the Local Government Ombudsman.
(c) In connection with the Consultation Regarding the Adoption of the Dog Control Order for the District of Easington it was
RESOLVED that dogs be prohibited from all actual playing pitch areas within the Recreation Ground.
129. POLICE MATTERS
An update on incidents within the Parish since the last meeting was given. Members again gave details of continued anti social behavior being experienced in Beech Grove, and it was requested that this be placed on the Agenda for discussion at the next Streetsafe Meeting. Details were also given of speeding vehicles and motorcycles and particulars were given to the Police.
Members were particularly concerned at the vandalism attacks and nuisance being experienced in the Recreation area and were disappointed with what they felt was a lack of support from the appropriate agencies. In discussions it was suggested that a request should be made for the Recreation Area to be designated as an “alcohol free zone”.
RESOLVED that a letter be sent to the Police, Street Wardens and East Durham Homes asking for their support with the anti social behavior problems being experienced in the village.
130. PLANNING MATTERS
PROPOSED 10 NO HOUSES
AT LAND EAST OF CINNAMON DRIVE
FOR G WIMPEY
Members commented that residents of Holmlea had not been consulted on this application.
RESOLVED that the Planning Section be asked to confirm what consultation had been carried out.
131. CORRESPONDENCE
Consideration was given to the correspondence received since the last meeting as follows:-
(i) Durham Constabulary Briefing – March 2007
(ii) Trimdon – Proposed Pastoral Scheme St Paul’s
(iii) All About Parish & Town Councils – NALC/Electoral Commission Booklet
(iv) Local Council Review – Pricing 2007/08
(v) The Darzi Review of Acute Hospital Services North & South of the Tees
(vi) DCC – Unitary Government – Stakeholder Consultation Meetings
(vii) Community Hubs – A Living Network, Friday 20th April, 10.ooam-12.30pm, Anfield Plain, Stanley
(viii) Heritage Open Day, Saturday 8th September 2007, “Celebrating Miners’ Lodge Banners”, 10.00am – 5.00pm, Bowburn Community Centre
RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
132. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
(a) Anti Social Behavior – Beech Grove
The Local Member reported that he had been inundated with complaints from nearby residents about the nuisance and disturbance being experienced in this area.
RESOLVED that this matter be taken up with the Police and East Durham Homes.
(b) Fencing
Progress with the fencing of the recreation was requested; the Clerk would report back with prices. Replacement of the fencing to the rear of bungalows in Malvern Crescent by East Durham Homes was reported.
RESOLVED that a further report on fencing costs for the Recreation Area be awaited and the repair be reported to East Durham Homes.
(c) Land to the rear of St Aidans Crescent
The Local Member was not satisfied with the reply from the District of Easington and asked that this matter be taken up once again as the area was a disgrace.
RESOLVED that this course of action be followed.
(d) Cemetery Lodge Bungalow
Members felt that the structure that had been erected, believed to be a car port was an eye sore and asked that this be taken up with the Planning Section at the District of Easington.
RESOLVED that this course of action be agreed.
(e) Holmlea/Malvern/Margaret Terrace Garage Site
Members reported that the rents had not yet been requested by the District of Easington for garages in this area. It was hoped that this was not due to consideration being given to the site for other uses such as housing.
RESOLVED that this situation be monitored.
(f) Site Meeting for Malvern/Margaret Terrace
The County Councillor had re-arranged this site meeting to take place on Tuesday 24th April 2007 at 3.00pm on site.
RESOLVED that those available, attend and report back to the meeting.
(g) Introduction of Bus Passes for Carers
It was reported that the District of Easington had introduced a system whereby a carer could apply for a concessionary bus pass.
RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
(h) Bus Timetable Changes -X27
It was reported that this bus timetable was to change from the next week.
RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
(i) Building in the Cemetery
It was asked if any information had been obtained on this matter. This was to be covered in the Clerk’s Report.
RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
(j) Ambulance Service
Further progress was given on this matter particularly regarding the eligibility criteria for the use of the ambulance service.
RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
(k) Rear of Station Road East
It was reported that there was rubbish and rats had been seen.
RESOLVED that this be reported to the District of Easington.
(l) Roof of Wingate House
The Chairman advised that this roof appeared to be in a dangerous condition.
RESOLVED that this be report to the District of Easington.
(m) 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. The issue of staffing was discussed briefly and it was
RESOLVED that a report be made on the possibility of employing a groundsman/lenghthsman/handyman and all available avenues for support such as “Route Back” be investigated.
(n) Trimdon Times
The Chairman asked that efforts be made to ensure that the Trimdon Times web site was kept up to date with news from the Parish Council. This was a well used site and an excellent way for the Parish Council to keep the village updated with their work.
RESOLVED that the Clerk keep the Trimdon Times updated.
(o) Maintenance of Dog Bins
It appeared that dog bins at the Community Centre, Recreation Area and next to the new housing site at Cinnamon Drive were not being maintained.
RESOLVED that these be reported to the District of Easington.
(p) Presentation to former Members
The Chairman asked for consideration to be given to making a presentation to Councillors Mr and Mrs Mason at the AGM in recognition of their years of service to the Parish Council.
RESOLVED that a presentation be made to Councillor Mr and Mrs Mason and a small reception be held in their honour after the close of the AGM.
133. CLERK’S REPORT
(i) Seated Area to the Front of the Units
It was reported that works to this area were nearing completion and despite the vandalism attacks with all of the plants being destroyed the area complimented the buildings well and hopefully would be well used by the cricketers and the bowlers. The Clerk asked Member’s views on holding an official opening.
RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
(ii) Cemetery Pipework
The Clerk gave details of progress on preparation for these works.
RESOLVED that approval be given for the works to renew the cemetery pipework at a cost of £4,638.00. FURTHER RESOLVED that as a gesture of good faith the Parish Council pay for mesh/wire to be installed along the boundary fence line to the cemetery between Mr & Mrs Graham’s land.
(iii) Road Traffic Schemes
The schemes for mini roundabouts on Station Road and speed humps in Windsor Street had been submitted to DCC progress was awaited.
RESOLVED that progress be awaited.
(iv) Membership of the Society of Local Council Clerks, (SLCC)
Consideration was given to the invitation for the Clerk to take up membership of the SLCC.
RESOLVED that permission be given for the Clerk to join the SLCC at a cost of £65.00.
(v) Contract Renewal – District of Easington
The Clerk had requested a price to plant some perennials with colour, low maintenance, for the cemetery beds alongside the main path.
RESOLVED that the price be awaited.
(vi) Dates of Meetings
Consideration was given to the change of dates of meetings to the second Monday of the month to attract new Members.
RESOLVED that standing orders be amended and the Parish Council Meeting be moved to the second Wednesday of the month. FURTHER RESOLVED that the Annual Electors Meeting and Annual meeting be held on the 9th May 2007.
(vii) Burials – St Paul’s Churchyard
At the last meeting Members asked what building restrictions there were on the use of burials grounds. It was reported that in normal circumstances where a straightforward exhumation is required a DCA licence or Bishop’s faculty is necessary. Situations where neither licence nor a Bishops faculty are required included Pastoral Measure 1983….where church land is redeveloped, the land becomes deconsecrated. Section 6 of the Pastoral measure 1983 states “the removal of all human remains shall be affected and the remains re-interred or cremated”. It was noted that Pastoral Measure 1983, Trimdon, Proposed Pastoral Scheme was being used with St Paul’s Church.
RESOLVED that the Clerk look into this matter further, especially regarding the time limit granted on the purchase of exclusive rights for St Paul’s and report back to Members.
(viii) Firework Display – Village Event
The Clerk reported that she had met with Adam Hillary on 4th April 2007 to view and assess the site for the display. He has suggested the Parish Council employ security on the night and made various suggestions. The Clerk had also advised the Police and had completed an insurance Special Event Proposal Form for Zurich Municipal. The St Johns Ambulance were also to be contacted for a price for their attendance.
RESOLVED that further information be awaited on the organization of this event.
(ix) Trimdon 2000 Limited
A letter of thanks and appreciation has been received from Trimdon 2000 following the Parish Council’s contribution to the Trimdon Messenger. Comments were made regarding the timely delivery of the Messenger, but it was advised that there had been problems with the delivery of this issue.
RESOLVED that the letter be accepted.
(x) Various Environmental Issues
The Clerk had received a response following issues being raised with the District of Easington:-
a) land adjacent Trimdon Foundry Fish Shop – no statutory nuisance found;
b) land/building plots adjacent Malvern/Rydale Court – no statutory nuisance found
c) land rear of Station Road/St Aidens Crescent – 2 accumulations of rubbish found – to contact the Solicitor/relative of the former owner and request it’s removal;
d) letter/petition from residents of Malvern Crescent – forwarded to the Planning & Building Control Section to investigate under planning legislation re detrimental visual amenity- no reply received yet.
RESOLVED that the matter relating to the rear of St Aidens Crescent be taken up once again with the District of Easington.
(xi) Cemetery – Positive Feedback
The Clerk had visited the cemetery last week and whilst there spoke to a lady visiting a grave of a relative, she felt that the cemetery was tidy and seemed well looked after; she also mentioned the proposed closure of St Paul’s as she had just attended church that morning.
RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
(xii) Complaint – Horses tethered in the Recreation Area
Two complaints about two horses and a trailer being sited in the recreation area had been received. Appropriate action was taken by the Clerk in sending out an illegal occupancy of Council Property Notice to the owner.
RESOLVED that the action taken by the Clerk, be endorsed.
(xiii) Memorial Safety
The Department for Constitutional Affairs had written drawing to attention that concerns had arisen about the way in which unstable or dangerous memorials were being dealt with in public cemeteries.
RESOLVED that the contents of the advice be noted.
(xiv) Notice and Advertisement of the Annual Audit for the Year Ending 31st March 2007
The Audit date has been set for 10th August 2007. The Auditors are BDO Stoy Hayward once again and as agreed last year RBS are to perform the internal audit service on behalf of the Parish Council.
RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
(xv) Dog Ownership Campaign
Members were advised that there was to be a good dog ownership campaign with a series of roadshows offering free dog chipping and neutering vouchers as well as poop scoop bags. Dates were given which included a session at Wheatley Hill on 18th April 2007 between 11-3.00pm. RESOLVED that the information given be noted.
(xvi) Dog Control Order for the District of Easington
Members were advised that it was the intention to extend the existing designated “no fouling” areas within the District and increase the level of maximum fine to £80.00, (from £50.00). It was felt imperative that the Parish Council seeks to ensure safety of people engaged in sports on Parish Council facilities and it was RESOLVED that dogs are prohibited from all actual playing pitch areas.
(xvii) Memorial Seat – Letter of Complaint
The Clerk reported receipt of a letter from Mrs Bell of 13 Ferndale, Wolsingham regarding the appearance of a memorial bench gifted by her to the Parish Council on the death of her husband.
RESOLVED that arrangements be made for this seat to be fully refurbished.
(xviii) Inspection of Play Areas – Works identified
The Clerk reported that she had received a schedule of works required to the play areas following their inspection by the District of Easington. Some of the items may be covered under guarantees as they had been in place for less than a year and it was
RESOLVED that the Clerk authorize the necessary repairs, after checking with the contractor regarding their guarantees on equipment.
(xix) The Parish Councillors Guide (19th Edition)
The Clerk advised that she had placed an order for eight copies of the above Guide which would be issued to new members at the AGM along with the Code of Conduct and other necessary paperwork.
RESOLVED that the action taken, be endorsed.
(xxi) Outstanding Payment to F Peart
The Clerk gave details regarding an order placed by the Parish Council on behalf of the Deaf Hill regeneration Ward Partnership for fencing works. These works were carried out in connection with the Renaissance Project in partnership with Durham County Council; where an undertaking had been given to make a contribution towards these works. This invoice in the sum of £2,402.68 had been outstanding since 2005 and legal action had now been threatened by the Company.
RESOLVED that the Parish Council make this payment to F Peart and the contribution continue to be pursued through the County Council.
134. FINANCIAL MATTERS
RESOLVED that the accounts as listed totaling £5874.82 be passed for payment.
(ii) Bank Reconciliations April 2006 – March 2007
Members were circulated with Bank Reconciliations covering the period 1st April 2006 – 31st March 2007. The Clerk apologised for presenting a year’s worth of reconciliations and assured that in future these were to be presented monthly for Members as per requirements of Audit.
RESOLVED that the reconciliations be accepted and these be presented on a monthly basis.
135. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED the next meeting be held on Wednesday 9th May 2007 in the Community Centre, Trimdon at 6.30pm.
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