THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING TRIMDON FOUNDRY PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TRIMDON ON WEDNESDAY 9TH MAY 2007
PRESENT:- COUNC G MARTIN (CHAIR)
Mesdames:- J Freak, L Grigg, D Kelly
Messrs:- B D Ferguson, J Grigg, A Jackson
N W Young
136. TO SIGN THE DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE
All Members of the Parish Council signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office as Councillor for Trimdon Foundry Parish Council.
137. TO SIGN AND AGREE TO OBSERVE THE CODE OF CONDUCT
The Council RESOLVED to adopt the Model Code of Conduct for Members including paragraph 12(2), effective immediately. Each Member signed and agreed to comply with the Code of Conduct.
138. TO ELECT A CHAIRMAN
Nominations were requested for the position of Chairman. RESOLVED that Councillor George Martin be elected to the position of Chairman of the Parish Council for the ensuing year.
At this point the Chairman thanked Members for their support and welcomed Dawn Kelly and Neil Young on to the Council. He also thanked Tony and Alice Mason for their years of service to the Parish Council and a small presentation was made to mark their retirement.
139. TO APPOINT A VICE CHAIRMAN
Members were asked to appoint a Vice Chairman and it was RESOLVED that Councillor J Grigg be appointed as Vice Chairman for the ensuing year.
140. APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVES TO OUTSIDE BODIES
RESOLVED that the following Members be appointed to represent the Parish Council on the bodies/organisations listed:-
EASINGTON AREA ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL COUNCILS
(Councillor B D Ferguson)
COUNTY DURHAM ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL COUNCILS
(Councillor B D Ferguson)
TRIMDON STATION COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
All Members
CONSULTATIVE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCILS & DISTRICT OF EASINGTON
Any Member wishing to attend
WEST AREA FORUM
(Councillor G Martin)
CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
(Councillor B D Ferguson)
TRIMDON 2000 LTD
(Councillor D Kelly – if constitution permits)
141. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors M Nicholls and K McGonnel.
142. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member, were confirmed as a true record.
Matters Arising
(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 with the Leader of the District of Easington and the issue be followed through as far as needs be, via the Local Government Ombudsman if necessary.
143. POLICE MATTERS
An update on incidents within the Parish since the last meeting was given particularly in relation to the recreation area. The Police representative advised that he would be willing to submit a request for assistance towards funding fencing works to the next Street safe meeting. Details were given with progress on a particular problem with anti social behavior and the Clerk read out the response received from East Durham Homes in this regard.
RESOLVED that the information given be noted.
144. PLANNING MATTERS
(a) Proposal: Private Garage
At 3 Deaf Hill Tce
For Mr & Mrs D Greer
(b) Proposal: Change of Use from Garage & Study to Hairdressing Salon & Rear Extension Private Garage
At Rivendell, St Aidans Tce
For Mr D Goodrum
RESOLVED that no comments or observations be made in relation to these applications.
145. CORRESPONDENCE
(i)How to be a Good Councillor – Training Sessions
(ii)Durham Rural Community Council Meeting (DRCC), Thursday 17th May 2007, 10.00 – 1.00pm
(iii)Declaration of Acceptance following Elections
(iv)NJC Car Allowances 2007/08
(v)Cracking the Code – One Day Conference, Birmingham
(vi)Communications Awards 2007
(vii)Invitation to the Official Opening of a new Mencap Building
(viii)Trimdon Carnival
(ix)Unclassified Rear of Tobin Street, Coronation Tce, St Aidans Tce, Sation Road and Luke Street – Temporary Road Closure
(x)Local Government Re-Organisation – Invitation to a Question & Answer Session, 2nd June 2007
RESOLVED that Councillor B D Ferguson be given authority to represent the Parish Council at the five “How to be a good Councillor” training sessions at a cost of £123.38. FURTHER RESOLVED that the remainder of the information given, be noted.
146. MEMBER’S INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
(a)Fencing to the rear of Malvern Crescent
The Local Member asked that this repair be taken up with East Durham Homes once again. RESOLVED that this course of action be followed.
(b)Dog Bins
It was reported that the site developer Wimpey had re-located the dog bin. RESOLVED that this be taken up with Officers at the District of Easington.
(c)Fencing
Progress with the fencing of the recreation was requested; the Clerk would report back with prices. RESOLVED that a further report on fencing costs for the Recreation Area be awaited.
(d)Condition of the Shop Frontage
Members were concerned at the dangerous state of the shop front and roof and asked that the Clerk contact the owner, Mr Hitch to request his attention to this building. RESOLVED that this course of action be agreed.
(e) Bus Timetable Changes
It was reported that the J Line service was to be discontinued with Go North East replacing it, it was hoped with an improved service. RESOLVED that the information given be noted.
(f) Ambulance Service
Further progress was given on this matter. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
(g) Rear of Station Road East
It was reported that there was even more rubbish and rats had been reported by residents and a visit had been made by pest control. RESOLVED that this be reported to the District of Easington.
(h) 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 and at the continued vandalism and anti social behaviour being experienced. It was reported that the two seats to the front of the changing rooms had been stolen. It was agreed that the play area should be kept closed at particular times and a suitable notice be displayed to explain why. The issue of staffing was discussed again 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.
(i) Citizen’s Advice Bureau
The Council’s representative on this organization gave an update on recent discussions. RESOLVED that this situation be closely monitored and reported back on at future meetings.
(j) Rear of Purvis Terrace
It was reported that Northumbrian Water had not re-instated this gulley following works. RESOLVED that this be reported.
(k) Delivery of the Messenger
This matter had been taken up and Members were advised that alternative options for delivery of the free newsletter were being considered in an effort to resolve any delivery problems. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
(l) Traffic Problems – Windsor Street
Progress on consideration of the traffic measures submitted to DCC was requested. RESOLVED that this matter be followed up and a progress report be made to a future meeting.
(m) Replacement of pin curbs – Windsor Street
It was reported that the pin curbs had not been replaced following works carried out on behalf of Northumbrian Water. RESOLVED that this be reported.
(n) School Sign
Members reported that the school sign in the village had been knocked sideways. RESOLVED that this be reported.
147. CLERK’S REPORT
(a) Seated Area to the Front of the Units
An update was given, the meter installed by Npower was not adequate and needed to be altered; this was to be done. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
(b) Vandalism to the Recreation Area
Since the last meeting there had been more vandalism with a tree being burnt and damaged. The District of Easington were requested to take this tree out and make safe. Members reported that the seats had now also been stolen and with damage to the sports fields prices for the fencing works were needed urgently. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
(c) Keys for the Recreation Areas
Councillor Grigg had arranged for the cutting of new and replacement keys on behalf of the Parish Council and details were given as to who was a key holder. RESOLVED that the information given, be noted.
(d) Water Supply to the Allotments
Plans were awaited form Northumbrian Water and then a price would be requested for the supply of pipe work. RESOLVED that Financial Regulations and Standing Orders be waived to allow the Clerk to approach Alan Iceton to carry out the work. Mr Iceton has been used for the past two plumbing jobs and has been found to be reliable, carried out work to a good standard and was cost-effective.
(e) Request for a Dog Bin
A request had been received for a dog bin next to Railway House, to the steps to the right hand side of the Post Office. RESOLVED that this request be agreed to.
(f) Consultation – Planning Application for 10 Houses at Cinnamon Drive
The Planning Department confirmed that 1-10 Holme Lea Terrace were sent letters regarding this application on the 12th March 2007. RESOLVED that the information given be noted.
(g) Declaration of Office
RESOLVED endorsement of action taken, following consultation with the Chairman in ordering a book to contain the declarations of Acceptance of Office from Shaw and Sons Ltd at a cost of £78.50, be given.
PRIOR TO CONSIDERATION OF THE FOLLOWING ITEM COUNCILLOR B D FERGUSON DECLARED AN INTEREST AND TOOK NO PART IN THE DISCUSSION WHICH ENSUED.
(h) Local Government Review
Correspondence had been received from the District of Easington giving an update on this issue. Members supported the District of Easington in their Durham District Councils bid and were concerned that representation would be reduced drastically if the County Council’s bid was successful; whilst appreciating that it may remove the “village split” with the boundary being a definite issue. Members felt that this matter needed full and proper consideration. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk compile an appropriate reply to the District of Easington.
148. CLOSING OF ACCOUNTS 2006/07
The Financial Statement was presented, a copy of which had been previously circulated, for approval and signature by the Chairman. RESOLVED that the statement be accepted.
149. DATE & TIME OF THE NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED the next meeting be held on Wednesday 13TH June 2007 at 6.30pm
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