This is The North East | CommuniGate | CASSOP-CUM-QUARRINGTON PARISH COUNCIL Feedback HOME PARISH NEWS Parish Council Minutes 2004 – 2005 Parish Council Minutes 2006 – 2007 Parish Council Minutes 2008 – 2009 Parish Council Minutes 2010 – 2012 Parish Council Minutes 2013 – 2014 Local and National Government: Elected Members Community Safety and the Environment Schools Churches and Chapels Libraries Hotels, Guest Houses, Pubs, Clubs etc. Disclaimer POWERS & DUTIES OF PARISH COUNCILS Parish Origins Publication of Parish Council Information Scheme Annual Reports Parish Plan Code of Conduct Links for CASSOP-CUM-QUARRINGTON PARISH COUNCIL Guestbook Parish Council Minutes 2008 – 2009 January 2008 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 16th January 2008 in Bowburn Community Centre at 7.00 p.m. Present: Councillors Blakey, G. Marsden, Raine, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson (Councillor M. Robinson in the Chair). County Councillor MacWilliams was also in attendance. 1 Apologies Councillors Higham, M. Marsden, Morgan, Richardson, Syer and Tickell. The Chairman informed Members that Councillor Tickell had suffered a fall recently and he remained indisposed at home. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to send Councillor Tickell a bouquet of flowers and a get well card with Members’ good wishes for his speedy recovery. 2 Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn attended the Monthly Meeting to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area. There had been 1 Case of Burglary (Other) in Cassop, but no Reported Offences in Parkhill. There had been 7 Cases of Theft and 3 Cases of Criminal Damage in Bowburn. Members of the Parish Council thanked P.C. Cockburn for his attendance, whereupon he left the Meeting. 3 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 19th December 2007 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 19th December 2007 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. The Clerk informed Members at this point that the amendments to be made to the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 21st November 2007 had been done and the amended Minutes had been duly signed by the Chairman of the Parish Council. Resolved that the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 19th December 2007 be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. 4 Points to Note 1) The Clerk informed Members that the Public Notice at the Doorstep Green Site had now been repaired and reinstalled. Resolved that the information be noted. 2) The Clerk informed Members that he had sought information from Durham City Council about a proposed starting date for the Landscaping Scheme at the Group Garage Site, Bowburn. The Project Officer will contact the Clerk after an Officers’ Project Review Meeting at the City Council has taken place. Resolved that the information be noted. 3) The Clerk informed Members that a request had been received from Bowburn Community Association concerning the receipt of possible financial assistance from the Parish Council towards the costs incurred in providing the Christmas Pantomime 2007 at Bowburn Community Centre. Councillors Maggie and Stan Robinson each declared a Personal Interest in the above matter. Resolved that a contribution of £383.25 be paid to the Community Association to enable it to break even concerning the costs incurred and income received from the Christmas Pantomime 2007. 5 Miners’ Coal Wagon for Bowburn The Clerk reminded Members that the Parish Council had intended to prepare its own Memorial Plaque to be attached to the newly opened Mining Heritage Memorial in Bowburn. He apologised to Members for not bringing this matter to their attention prior to the Opening Ceremony in December 2007. The Clerk informed Members that the recommended wording for the Parish Council Plaque should be as follows: “Erected by Cassop-cum-Quarrington Parish Council in honour and memory of all those who worked at Bowburn Colliery” The Clerk thanked Councillor Syer, who had provided the details of the chosen inscription to the Clerk by e-mail, although he was unable to attend the Monthly Meeting in person. Councillor Raine and some of her colleagues kindly repaired vehicle accident damage done to the Gravelled Surround in front of the Heritage Memorial during recent inclement weather. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to contact the Engraver, Mr. David Carter of Coxhoe, to put arrangements in place to have the Parish Council Plaque engraved. 6 Footpaths Scrutiny The Clerk informed Members that a Meeting with the County Council’s Footpaths Officer, Mrs. Elaine Field, had taken place on Tuesday, 8th January 2008 at 10 a.m. in Bowburn Community Centre. (Councillors Raine, Stan Robinson and Syer were present at the Meeting). The Footpaths Officer mentioned that she had undertaken a recent Survey of the Footpaths on the Bowburn Walkway and she had photographed and listed a series of problem areas, which she has encountered during the Survey. Copies of the Survey List and Photographs were circulated at the Meeting. The Footpaths Officer also volunteered to undertake a Search at the Local Land Registry to accurately identify names of Local Landowners, on whose land Proposed Footpath Improvements and Repairs were desired. After details of the Land Search were passed onto the Clerk, a Joint Meeting could be set up between Local Landowners, Parish Councillors, Mrs. Field and the new County Council Rights of Way Officer, Mrs. Alice Gull, to discuss Proposed Improvements and Repairs. If agreement is reached with Local Landowners about Footpath Proposals, then Site Meetings can be arranged with the County Council Service Direct (and other contractors if necessary) to seek price quotations for the required works. A request had also been received from the Secretary of the Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership asking the Parish Council to pass on the Partnership’s concerns about the state of Footpath no. 29 to the County Council Footpaths Officer. Resolved that (1) the above information about the Meeting with the County Council Footpaths Officer be noted. (2) the Clerk be instructed to contact the County Council Footpaths Officer regarding the Partnership’s concerns about Footpath no. 29. 7 Purchase of Column Space in the Bowburn Interchange The Chairman informed Members that she had held an informal discussion with Mike Syer, Secretary of Bowburn Village Celebration, concerning the purchase of regular column space in the Bowburn Interchange. The regular column space would be required in order to publish Parish Council Annual Reports, regular Newsletters issued during the year to update Electors about Parish Council Business and to publish news items supplied by Parish Councillors themselves. The Parish Council would be obliged to publish an Annual Report and regular Newsletters if it sought to achieve Quality Status (see the next Minute Item). Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to write to Mr. Syer seeking a price quotation for the Newspaper Column Space required by the Parish Council in the Bowburn Interchange. 8 Parish Council Quality Status The Clerk referred Members to the Report, previously circulated to them, setting out the Criteria, which must be met by the Parish Council if it wishes to achieve Quality Status. He indicated that, in principle, the Parish Council already met most of the Criteria mentioned in the Report, apart from the Qualification Requirement of the Clerk and the need for publication of regular Newsletters to inform the Electorate about Parish Council Business (see previous Minute Item). The Clerk informed Members that he was agreeable to undertake the Mentoring Sessions and Portfolio Preparation Work required in order to acquire the Certificate in Local Council Administration (C.I.L.C.A.). Resolved that (1) Cassop-cum-Quarrington Parish Council agrees to seek Quality Status Accreditation after all of the Criteria Items mentioned in the Clerk’s Report are achieved. (2) Cassop-cum-Quarrington Parish Council agrees to bear the cost of an estimated 50 additional man-hours required to be spent by the Clerk in seeking the C.I.L.C.A. Certificate. 9 Parish Plan The Clerk informed Members that the Parish Council would be expected to prepare a Parish Plan if they wished to achieve Quality Status. The purpose of the Plan, amongst other things, would be to set out a series of objectives and targets that the Parish Council would seek to achieve within a given time frame for the benefit of its Electors. The Plan would be prepared after consultation with Local Electors to see what they wanted from the Parish Council. The Clerk informed Members that funding for a Parish Plan may be available from a Regional Bursary, administered by the Durham Rural Community Council, using monies provided by Durham County Council. In addition, the Chairman informed Members that funding for a Parish Plan may also be available from Durham City Council and that, to this end, a letter of enquiry had been sent to the Leader of Durham City Council. The City Council had acknowledged the Parish Council’s enquiry letter by referring to the preference to use an experienced consultancy firm to prepare a “Parish Plan Template”, as a number of Parish Councils had previously enquired about Parish Plan Funding. The “Template” would be adjusted to suit each individual Parish Council’s particular circumstances. The Clerk informed Members that the likely costs of preparation of a Parish Plan would be not less than £1,500.00 and could be as much as £5,000.00, depending upon the level of consultation by the Parish Council with its Local Electorate. Resolved that (1) the action of the Chairman in writing to Durham City Council be approved. (2) the information provided by the Chairman and the Clerk be noted. 10 Correspondence received Durham County Council – Patching & Drainage Works at Ramsey Street, Tursdale – Received Durham County Council – Parish Paths Funding 2008 – Received Durham County Council – Summary of Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2007-2011 – Received Durham County Council – Crowtrees Heritage Group Meeting Agenda 17th January 2008 – Received Durham County Council – Civil Parking Enforcement (Request to attend Parish Council Meeting) – Received City of Durham – Parish Plan Funding (Acknowledgement Letter) – Received City of Durham – Procedure for Complaints against Members (Request to attend Parish Council Meeting) – Received County Durham & Darlington Area Forum of P.C.C.G.’s – Meeting at County Hall, Durham (January 10th 2008) – Received County Durham & Darlington Fire & Rescue authority – Integrated Risk Management Planning Draft 5 Year Improvement Plan 2008/2009 – Received North East War Memorials Project – Newsletter no. 8 (Winter 2007/2008) – Received 11 Planning Applications City of Durham Redevelopment of Bowburn Recreation Ground (Resubmitted Application) Received Capita Symonds Erection of access ramp to entrance of Bowburn Junior School Received Mrs. Y Ryle Erection of Extension Tunstall Cottage, Old Cassop Received Resolved that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations made by its Planning Sub Committee in respect of planning matters considered on behalf of the Parish Council by the Planning Sub Committee. 12 Accounts (Expenditure) P. Thorpe Salary (paid net of Income Tax & N.I.) Mid Dec. 2007 to Mid Jan. 2008 492.83 P. Thorpe Mileage/Parking Fees 30 @ 55.8p 16.74 P. Thorpe Stamps 17 @ 34p 5.78 P. Thorpe Stamps 1 @ 24p 0.24 P. Thorpe Stamps Other Rates 0.48 P. Thorpe E-m@il Facility (Aol) Monthly Fee (Part) 15.99 H.M. Revenue & Customs National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax 200.64 H.M. Revenue & Customs Income Tax Deduction Employee Deduction (Craig Prince) 13.46 Craig Prince Allotments Super’t Net Monthly Fee (Jan.) 47.77 Simply Stripes Repair of Sign Doorstep Green 29.38 Bowburn Com.Assoc. Room Hire Parish Meetings 53 Cassop Com. Assoc. Room Hire Parish Meetings 40 Bowburn Com.Assoc. Xmas Panto 2007 Financial Contribution 383.25 Accounts (Income) – 13TH DECEMBER 2007 – 9TH JANUARY 2008 Nil Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved. 13 Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Meeting be Wednesday, 20th February 2008 at Bowburn Community Centre at 7.00 p.m. February 2008 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 20th February 2008 in Bowburn Community Centre at 7.00 p.m. Present: Councillors Barker, Blakey, G. Marsden, Morgan, Raine, J. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt, Syer and Tickell (Councillor S. Robinson took the Chair in the absence of the Chairman, Councillor Margaret Robinson and the Vice-Chairman, Councillor Howard Armstrong). County Councillor MacWilliams was also in attendance. 14 Apologies Councillors Armstrong, Higham, M. Marsden, Richardson and M. Robinson. The Chairman informed Members that Councillor Margaret Robinson was indisposed at home. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to send Councillor Margaret Robinson a bouquet of flowers with Members’ good wishes for her speedy recovery. 15 Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn attended the Monthly Meeting to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area. There had been 1 Case of Theft in Cassop and 1 Case of Assault and 1 Case of Criminal Damage in Parkhill. There had been 4 Cases of Theft, 3 Cases of Criminal Damage and 1 Case of Burglary (Home) in Bowburn. Members of the Parish Council thanked P.C. Cockburn for his attendance, whereupon he left the Meeting. 16 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 16th January 2008 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 16th January 2008 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. Resolved that the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 16th January 2008 be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. 17 Points to Note 1) The Clerk read out to Members a copy of a letter sent by Arriva Bus Services to the Clerk to Coxhoe Parish Council. Although Arriva Bus Services ruled out the possibility of diversion of their Service 55 to travel via Cassop, Quarrington Hill, Coxhoe and Bowburn arriving at the Tesco Store in Dragonville at the present time, they have promised to look at the financial viability of the request in the future. Resolved that the information be noted. 2) The Clerk also read out to Members the contents of an e-mail received from Mr. Brian Race, the County Council Engineer responsible for the design of the new Bowburn to Wheatley Hill Link Road. Mr. Race set out in the e-mail details of the drainage system incorporated within the Scheme to control the flow of rain water draining away from the Link Road in order to reduce the future risk of flooding in this area after heavy rainfall or a rapid thawing of snow. Despite these reassurances, Members of the Parish Council reaffirmed their concerns about flooding risks within Bowburn itself, as they felt that the risk of flooding in the area adjacent to the Library was still present, due to the need to upgrade the existing surface water drainage system in this area. Several Members, who have lived in Bowburn for many years, confirmed that existing pipework had not been upgraded for several years and that it was no longer capable of dealing with the demands placed upon it by recent Housing Developments in Bowburn. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to contact Durham County Council, Durham City Council, Northumbrian Water and the Environment Agency in order to convene a Joint Meeting of all involved parties to discuss this issue further and attempt to reach a consensus of view. 18 Review of Charges The Clerk reminded Members that they had resolved at their Monthly Meeting in March 2006 to increase the rental charges for allotments, fields and garage sites by 5% with effect from April 1st 2006, although, upon the Clerk’s recommendation, they had resolved to make no changes to the scale of charges for use of the Cemetery. The Clerk reminded Members further that they had resolved at that Monthly Meeting in March 2006 to again review the scale of charges for annual rental of allotments, fields and garage sites as well as the scale of charges made for use of the Cemetery before April 1st 2008. The Clerk now submitted a written Report to Members setting out the likely scale of charges to be levied for rental of the Parish Council’s allotments, fields and garage sites if they agreed to increase rent levels by an additional 5% or 10% of their current levels. The Clerk further recommended that the scale of charges for use of the Cemetery should, once again, remain unchanged, due to the already declining demand for burial services in the Parish Area. Councillors Jimmy Robinson and Andrew Shutt declared Personal Interests in the matter being discussed. Resolved that the scales of charges to be levied in respect of the Parish Council’s allotments, fields and garage sites be increased by 5% with effect from April 1st 2008 and that the scale of charges for use of the Cemetery should remain at its present level. A copy of the Approved Scale of Charges for Parish Council’s Allotments, Fields and Garage Sites with effect from April 1st 2008 is included in the Clerk’s Report attached to the Parish Council’s Minute Records. 19 Footpaths Scrutiny The Clerk informed Members that he had received correspondence from Mrs. Elaine Field, the County Council’s Footpaths Officer, showing the results of her recent Searches of the Local Land Registry. Mrs. Field had previously volunteered to undertake a Search at the Local Land Registry to accurately identify names of Local Landowners, on whose land (or near to whose land) Proposed Footpath Improvements and Repairs were desired. After details of the Land Search were passed to the Clerk, a Joint Meeting could be set up between Local Landowners, Parish Councillors, Mrs. Field and the new County Council Rights of Way Officer, Mrs. Alice Gull, to discuss Proposed Improvements and Repairs. If agreement is reached with Local Landowners about Footpath Proposals, then Site Meetings can be arranged with the County Council Service Direct (and other contractors, if necessary) to seek price quotations for the required works. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to write to the identified Local Landowners with a view to convening the proposed Joint Meeting at Bowburn Community Centre to make progress on the desired Footpath Repairs and Correction of the Route of Footpath no. 29. 20 Parish Council’s Annual Report for 2007 The Clerk gave Members a brief outline of the details of the Parish Council’s Annual Report for 2007, copies of which had been previously circulated to Members by e-mail or surface mail, along with their Monthly Meeting Agendas. The Clerk informed Members that the Annual Report had also been previously sent to the Bowburn Interchange, for inclusion in its latest edition. Councillor Syer declared a Personal Interest in the matter being discussed. Resolved that the Parish Council adopts the Annual Report for 2007 as a true and accurate record of its achievements in 2007 and its plans for the future. A copy of the Approved Annual Report for 2007 is attached to the Parish Council’s Minute Records. 21 Parish Plan Arrangements The Clerk informed Members that the Durham Rural Community Council does not provide specific funding to assist Parish Councils with financing the cost of their Parish Plans. However, the Community Council can assist Parish & Town Councils with the preparation work on their Parish Plans. The Clerk reminded Members that Durham City Council has also indicated that experienced consultants can prepare a “Parish Plan Template” for those Parish & Town Councils, who are seeking assistance with funding and preparation arrangements for their Parish Plans. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to contact Durham Rural Community Council and Durham City Council to obtain more information about exactly how they can help the Parish Council with its Parish Plan. 22 Allotments, Garages & Cemetery The Clerk informed Members that the Landscaping Scheme at the Group Garage Site is expected to commence during the first week in March 2008. Resolved that the information be noted. The Clerk also informed Members that there had been no recent progress concerning the sale of Allotment no. 5 at Tursdale to Mr. L. Wheeler, the sitting tenant. Mr. Wheeler has failed to respond to a series of letters sent to him since September 2007. The Parish Council is seeking confirmation about the status of the allotment site (whether or not the Purchaser wishes to erect a garage on the site) and seeking the name and address of Mr. Wheeler’s Legal Representative. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to write to Mr. Wheeler once again in an attempt to secure the information required and if there is no satisfactory reply before March 15th 2008, then Members will consider Withdrawal of the Consent given to the Sale of the Allotment Plot and Recovery of Valuation Fees previously paid by the Parish Council. 23 Correspondence received Local Government Review Programme Office – Series of Launch Events to publicise the forthcoming changes in Local Government – Received Durham County Council – Temporary Road Closures (Hett Mill) – Received Durham County Council – Community Engagement Advisory Group – Received Durham County Council – Provision of Metal Recycling Facility and End of Vehicle Life Facility at Tursdale – Received Durham County Council – Planning Application (Access Ramp) (Bowburn Infant & Nursery School) – Received Durham County Council – Countywide Magazine (Feb/March 2008) – Received Durham County Council – Sure Start Magazine (February 2008) – Received Durham County Council – County Durham Sustainability & Environment Partnership Newsletter – Received Durham County Council – Flooding Risks at Bowburn Beck – Received Durham County Council – Probable Ownership of Land adjacent to Footpaths requiring Repairs or Improvement – Received County Durham Economic Partnership – Building Our Future (Consultation Summary) – Received City of Durham – Early Retirement Letter (Chief Executive) – Received City of Durham – Standard Application Form and Planning Application Verification – Received County Durham Learning – Disabilities Partnership Board Newsletter no. 19 (January 2008) – Received Department for Communities and Local Government – Consultation on Orders and Regulations (Conduct of Local Authority Members) – Received Department for Communities and Local Government – Local Petitions and Calls for Action (New Statutory Duty for Local Authorities?) – Received Arriva Buses – Diversion of Local Bus Services – Received Audit Commission – Re-Appointment of External Auditors – Received Office of the Information Commissioner – Updated Model Information Scheme (Scheme must be adopted by January 2009) – Received Government Office North East – North East Regional Spatial Strategy – Received CDALC – Details of new powers for Principal Authorities to create Parish Councils – Received CDALC – Newsletter no. 17 (February 2008) – Received 24 Planning Applications Ogden Group of Companies – Outline Application for Retail Development (Entrance of Bowburn South Industrial Estate) – Application Papers Seen B.Rutherford – Erection of Agricultural Building (Land to West of Cassop Farm, Old Cassop) – Application Papers Seen Van Dalen (UK) Limited – Provision of Metal Recycling Facility Tursdale Business Park – Application Papers Seen Durham Villages Regeneration Co. – Erection of 73 Dwellings (Land at Prince Charles Ave. & Horton Cres., Bowburn) – Application Papers Seen Resolved that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations made by its Planning Sub Committee in respect of planning matters considered on behalf of the Parish Council by the Planning Sub Committee. 25 Accounts (Expenditure) P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net of Income Tax & N.I.) – Mid Jan. to Mid Feb. 2008 – £492.83 P. Thorpe – Mileage/Parking Fees – 40 @ 55.8p – Mid Jan. to Mid Feb. 2008 – £22.32 P. Thorpe – Stamps – 24 @ 34p – Mid Jan. to Mid Feb. 2008 – £8.16 P. Thorpe – Stamps – Other Rates – Mid Jan. to Mid Feb. 2008 – £1.44 P. Thorpe – E-m@il Facility (Aol) – Monthly Fee (Part) – Mid Jan. to Mid Feb. 2008 – £15.99 P. Thorpe – Florists’ Charges – Bouquet (W. Tickell) – Mid Jan. to Mid Feb. 2008 – £23.00 P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – Copy paper/Labels – Mid Jan. to Mid Feb. 2008 – £8.72 H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) – Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax – £200.64 H.M. Revenue & Customs – Income Tax Deduction – Employee Deduction – (Craig Prince) – £12.33 Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t – Net Monthly Fee (Feb.) – £43.74 CDALC – Office Publications – Model Standing Orders – £14.98 Accounts (Income) – 10TH JANUARY – 13TH FEBRUARY 2008 Nil Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved. 26 Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Meeting be Wednesday, 19th March 2008 at Bowburn Community Centre at 7.00 p.m. March 2008 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 19th March 2008 in Bowburn Community Centre at 7.00 p.m. Present: Councillors Barker, Blakey, G. Marsden, Morgan, Raine, Richardson, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, Shutt, Syer and Tickell (Councillor M. Robinson in the Chair). County Councillor MacWilliams was also in attendance. 27 Apologies Councillors Higham, M. Marsden and S. Robinson. The Clerk informed Members that Councillor Stan Robinson was currently in hospital. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to send Councillor Stan Robinson a get well card with Members’ good wishes for his speedy return home. 28 Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn attended the Monthly Meeting to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area. There had been No Reported Offences in Cassop or Parkhill. There had been 6 Cases of Theft and 2 Cases of Assault in Bowburn. Members of the Parish Council thanked P.C. Cockburn for his attendance, whereupon he left the Meeting. 29 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 20th February 2008 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 20th February 2008 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. Resolved that the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 20th February 2008 be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. 30 Local Assessment Procedure (Complaints against Local Authority Members) The Chairman introduced Mrs. Clare Greenlay, Durham City Council’s Monitoring Officer to Members. Mrs. Greenlay was accompanied at the Monthly Meeting by Mr. Basil Ingleby, the Chairman of the City Council’s Standards Committee. Mrs. Greenlay gave Members a detailed briefing about their duties and responsibilities under the Code of Conduct for Members and details of the revised arrangements for Local Examination of Complaints against Members by the City Council’s Standards Committee. Mrs. Greenlay answered questions from various Members about Declarations of Interest, Financial Limits on Declaration of Gifts and Hospitality, the main changes in the Updated Code of Conduct for Local Authority Members etc. Members thanked Mrs. Greenlay and Mr. Ingleby for their attendance at the Monthly Meeting, whereupon they left the Meeting. 31 Points to Note 1) The Clerk informed Members that a grant of £500.00 had been received from the Durham Rural Community Council towards the costs of Clerk Training for the Certificate in Local Council Administration. Clerk Training is required in order that the Parish Council can apply for Quality Parish Status in due course. Resolved that the information given be noted. 2) The Clerk informed Members that he had received correspondence from the County Council indicating that it was taking seriously Parish Council Members’ concerns about the future potential risks of flooding in Bowburn. The letter indicated that County Council Officers were actively engaged in setting up a Meeting of Involved Parties on the issue in the near future and Parish Council Representatives would be invited to attend the Meeting when it is convened. Resolved that the information given be noted. 3) The Clerk informed Members that he had made arrangements to procure a List of Local Entrants in the Durham City in Bloom Competition 2007. The Clerk reminded Members that, in previous years, a Commemorative Plaque had been awarded to the Local Entrant with the highest score in each category of the Competition entered. Other Local Entrants had been awarded a Commemorative Certificate. Plaques and Certificates are presented to the Recipients at the Monthly Meeting or they are sent out by surface post. Resolved that the information given be noted. 32 Review of Parish Council Standing Orders The Clerk informed Members that a Review of the Parish Council’s Standing Orders was required in order to take account of recent changes in the Law concerning the Code of Conduct for Members, Rights of Members of the Public to attend Monthly Meetings etc. The Clerk informed Members that he had sent email attachments with the NALC Version of Model Standing Orders enclosed to online Members for their scrutiny. Printed hard copies of the NALC Version Model Standing Orders were made available to Members present at the Monthly Meeting, who are not online. The Clerk requested Members to read through the NALC Version of Model Standing Orders in order to discuss their possible Adoption by the Parish Council in an amended form at the Monthly Meeting in April 2008. If Members decided to adopt the NALC Version of Model Standing Orders, then they would need to insert their own Monetary & Time Limits into various Standing Orders e.g. Period of Notice required for Motions to be placed before the Monthly Meeting (S.O. 17), Speech Limits in Rules of Debate (S.O.’s 29 (D) and (I)) etc. Resolved that the Review of Parish Council Standing Orders be deferred until the Monthly Meeting in April 2008. 33 Footpaths Scrutiny The Clerk informed Members that he had received correspondence from Durham City Council, indicating that it would not object to Members’ efforts to obtain the Correction of the Route of Footpath no. 29. Messrs. Nolan Redshaw, Land Agents acting for Messrs. Redscape Limited of Accrington, Lancs., the other identified Local Landowner in the area of Footpath no. 29, have requested copies of larger Local Maps in order to advise their Clients more accurately on this matter. The Clerk informed Members that he had not received a reply from Mr. & Mrs. R. Stevenson of Tursdale House Farm, Croxdale concerning their views about Proposed Footpath Repairs at an intersection of Footpaths 36 & 37. A Joint Meeting is to be set up between Local Landowners, Parish Councillors, Mrs. Field and the new County Council Rights of Way Officer, Mrs. Alice Gull, to obtain consensus about Proposed Footpath Corrections and Repairs. If agreement is reached with Local Landowners about Footpath Proposals (or no objections are raised by them), then Site Meetings can be arranged with the County Council Service Direct (and other contractors, if necessary) to seek price quotations for the required works. Resolved that (1) the Clerk be instructed to write to the County Council’s Footpaths Officer with a view to convening the Proposed Joint Meeting at Bowburn Community Centre. The Joint Meeting is desired to make progress on the required Footpath Repairs and Correction of the Route of Footpath no. 29. (2) the Clerk be instructed to write to Durham Green, the Owners of land adjoining Bridleway no. 36, requesting some enforcement action against the continuing problem of littering and occasional fly tipping occurring in that region. Durham City Council is reluctant to intervene where such nuisances occur on privately owned land. 34 Allotments, Garages & Cemetery The Clerk informed Members that work on the Landscaping Scheme at the Group Garage Site had commenced on 15th March 2008. Resolved that the information be noted. The Clerk also informed Members that there had been no response from Mr. L. Wheeler of Ramsey Street, Tursdale concerning the sale of Allotment no. 5 at Tursdale. Mr. Wheeler has failed to respond to a series of letters sent to him since September 2007. The Parish Council has sought confirmation of the status of the allotment site (whether or not the Purchaser wishes to erect a garage on the site) and details of the name and address of Mr. Wheeler’s Legal Representative. The Clerk further informed Members that the Valuation Price for Allotment no. 5 at Tursdale had now become out of date after six months’ validity. The Clerk recommended to Members of the Parish Council that Consent to the Sale of Allotment no. 5 at Tursdale be withdrawn due to lack of response from the Applicant. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to write to Mr. Wheeler informing him that Consent to the Sale of the Allotment Plot no. 5 at Tursdale has now been withdrawn and Recovery of Abortive Valuation Fees previously paid by the Parish Council would be sought. 35 Parish Plan Arrangements The Clerk informed Members that the Durham Rural Community Council is organising a Presentation for Officers & Members of Parish Councils called Parish & Community Planning on April 2nd 2008 at Annfield Plain. Resolved that the Chairman & Clerk be authorised to attend the Presentation on behalf of the Parish Council. 36 Correspondence received Crowtrees Heritage Group – Meeting Agenda (March 13th 2008) – Received Durham City Council – Members’ Briefing Information concerning Proposed Kerbside Recycling Scheme using a Recycling Facility at Tursdale – Received Durham County Council – Invitation to judge Children’s Easter Card Competition 2008 at Bowburn Library – Received Durham County Council – Proposed Composting of Pre-Shredded Green Waste at Coxhoe Quarry – Received Durham Police Authority – Dates and Venues of Meetings (Durham P.C.C.G.’s)(April & Oct. 2008) – Received Durham Rural Community Council – Seminar of Parish Planning (April 2nd 2008) (The Greenhouse, Annfield Plain) – Received Scope – National Request for Parish & Town Councillors to assist in door to door charity collections – Received Standards Board for England – Newsletter no. 8 (March 2008) – Received 37 Planning Applications CWS Retail Financial Services – Erection of 2 externally illuminated fascia signs etc. (Co-op. Foodstore, Prince Charles Avenue, Bowburn) – Received Mr. Q. Jiang – Erection of Extension at 57, David Terrace, Bowburn – Received The Clerk informed Members that he had not yet received any correspondence from Durham County Council or Durham City Council concerning a proposed Household Waste Recycling Facility, which is due to commence operations at Tursdale. However, a “Members’ Briefing Note” on the matter had been circulated through the surface mail by the Waste Collection Officers at Durham City Council. The proposed service is due to commence on April 1st2008 and it is to be administered by Messrs. Greencycle of Enfield, Middlesex. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to contact the Planning Services Department at Durham City Council to find out what enforcement action is to be taken to ensure that the proposed recycling operations do not commence at Tursdale until Planning Permission has been sought by the Proposed Operator after proper consultation with stakeholders. Resolved that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations made by its Planning Sub Committee in respect of planning matters considered on behalf of the Parish Council by the Planning Sub Committee. 38 Accounts (Expenditure) Derwentside D. C. – Office Stationery – Parish Letterheads – £272.30 P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net of Income Tax & N.I.) – Mid February to Mid March 2008 – £492.83 P. Thorpe – Mileage/Parking Fees – 114 @ 55.8p – £63.61 P. Thorpe – Stamps – 19 @ 34p – £6.46 P. Thorpe – Stamps – Other Rates – £0.48 P. Thorpe – E-m@il Facility (Aol) – Monthly Fee (Part) – £15.99 P. Thorpe – Home Office Use – Quarterly Allowance – £95.00 P. Thorpe – Home Telephone Use – Quarterly Allowance – £41.00 P. Thorpe – Florists’ Charges – Bouquet (M. Robinson) – £10.00 P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – Black Ink Cartridges – £9.80 P. Thorpe – Postal Charges – Rec. Delivery (Wheeler) – £1.04 H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) – Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax (Part) – £200.64 H.M. Revenue & Customs – Income Tax Deduction (Craig Prince) – Employee Deduction (Part) – £12.33 Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t – Net Monthly Fee (Mar.) – £43.74 Accounts (Income) 14th FEBRUARY – 12th MARCH 2008 Durham R.C.C. – Quality Status Grant – Clerks’ Training – £500.00 Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved. 39 Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Meeting be Wednesday, 16th April 2008 at Bowburn Community Centre, immediately after the Annual Meeting for 2008. April 2008 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 16th April 2008 in Bowburn Community Centre, immediately after the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council. Present: Councillors Barker, Blakey, G. Marsden, Morgan, Raine, Richardson, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt and Syer (Councillor M. Robinson in the Chair). County Councillor MacWilliams was also in attendance. 40 Apologies Councillors Higham and M. Marsden 41 Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn was not able to attend the Monthly Meeting to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area. However, he supplied the following details of Crime Incidents by e-mail. There had been No Reported Offences in Parkhill, although an Incident of Theft of Play Equipment was reported in Cassop. There had been 1 Case of Burglary (Home), 1 Case of Burglary (Other), 4 Cases of Theft and 3 Cases of Criminal Damage in Bowburn. Members instructed the Clerk to contact P.C. Cockburn about recent incidents of unauthorised tree felling by young persons in Parkhill. 42 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 19th March 2008 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 19th March 2008 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. Resolved that the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 19th March 2008 be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. 43 Civil Parking Enforcement Measures The Clerk introduced Mr. J. McGargill from Durham County Council to Members. Mr. McGargill attended the Monthly Meeting to give Members details of changes to Civil Parking Enforcement Procedures commencing in October 2008. From October 2008, the County Council will take over responsibility from the Police and the Traffic Warden Service for Enforcement of Parking Regulations in the Durham City Council Local Government Area. Fine Notices issued by County Council Officers for Parking Offences and certain Moving Traffic Offences will be recoverable through the Courts as Civil Debts as such Offences will become Civil Offences in Law. It is proposed to extend the Scheme gradually to other Local Government Areas in the Durham County Area in various stages up to the year 2010. In the event of a dispute over the legality of a Notice about a Parking or Moving Traffic Offence, the National Parking Adjudication Service will act as Arbitrators in order to settle the dispute. Mr. McGargill answered questions from various Members about the changes before he left the Meeting with Members’ thanks for his attendance. 44 Points to Note 1) The Clerk informed Members that he had been notified by the National Joint Council for Local Government Services that Casual User Car Allowance Rates for Local Council Clerks had been increased from 55.8 pence per mile to 58.7 pence per mile (first 8,500 miles per annum) with effect from April 1st 2008. Resolved that the information given be noted. 2) The Clerk informed Members that he had received a request from Jan Hillary, Public Relations Manager at Durham City Council, to invite Mr. Phil Collings, Director at the Sirius Group of Companies and Mr. Geoff Woodcock, Operations Director at Esh Developments to give Members a briefing about proposals for reclamation of land at the Former Cape Site at Bowburn. Resolved that the above named gentlemen be invited to attend the Monthly Meeting of the Parish Council to be held on Wednesday, May 21st 2008, immediately after the Annual General Meeting of the Parish Council. 3) The Clerk informed Members that he had arranged to place a Public Notice on the Parish Council Notice Board on the exterior wall of the Community Centre requesting that members of the public should not deposit litter along the Beckside, Pathways and other problem areas of the Depot Allotment Site. In addition, Members indicated that a serious litter and dumping problem was getting out of hand on Land adjoining Bridleway 36. Councillor James Robinson disclosed that a Litter Clean Up Project involving the use of Community Service Offenders could be arranged by work colleagues at the County Probation Service to deal with the above-mentioned problem litter areas if permission to enter Private Land could be obtained from Messrs. Durham Green, the Owners of Land adjoining Bridleway 36. Resolved that (1) Members of the Parish Council support Councillor Robinson’s proposal and that (2) the Clerk be instructed to contact Messrs. Durham Green, as a matter of urgency, to seek the required permission to enter onto their Land to commence the Clean Up Project along Bridleway 36 in addition to the Clear Up of litter along the Beckside, Pathways and other problem areas of the Depot Allotment Site. 4) The Clerk informed Members that he had been notified by the County Durham Association of Local Councils that a new Draft Model Publication of Information Scheme had been prepared to replace the existing Scheme brought into use in order to comply with provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Consultation upon the new Draft Scheme would commence in June 2008, with a view to the Adoption of a new Publication of Information Scheme by Local Councils by January 2009. Resolved that the information given be noted. 5) The Clerk informed Members that the Parish Council Plaque to be attached to the Mining Heritage Memorial on Durham Road, Bowburn had been delivered. Councillor Syer showed the Plaque to Members of the Parish Council present at the Monthly Meeting. Councillor Syer endeavoured to have the Plaque attached to the Memorial as soon as possible. Resolved that the information given be noted with great pleasure. 6) The Clerk, under instructions from Members, had made further contact with Mr. Mike Young, Estates Manager (North East) for Tarmac Limited to enquire about publication of proposals for the future use of Old Quarrington Quarry. Mr. Young had replied that the Company would be in a position to announce proposals for the Quarry in the Summer of 2008. Resolved that the information given be noted. 7) The Clerk informed Members that he had received an e-mail from Councillor Armstrong resigning his Office as a Parish Councillor, due to his work commitments. The Clerk, on behalf of Members as well as himself, acknowledged Councillor Armstrong’s valued contribution to the Parish Council over his years in Office. The Clerk drew Members’ attention, in particular, to Councillor Armstrong’s excellent research work in connection with the Parish Council’s Letter of Objection to Opencasting Proposals for Bowburn a few years ago. Resolved that (1) a Letter of Appreciation for his contribution to the Parish Council be sent to Mr. Armstrong and that (2) the Consequential Vacancy for a Parish Councillor be publicised on the Parish Council Notice Board at the Community Centre. 8) The Clerk informed Members that he had made arrangements with a Local Engraver to have Commemorative Plaques prepared for relevant Category Winners, Highest Scorers and the Highest Overall Scorer in the Parish Area for the Beautiful Durham Competition 2007. Resolved that the information given be noted. 9) The Clerk informed Members that he had sent to the Publisher a Draft First Quarterly Parish Council Newsletter to be published in the next available edition of the Bowburn Interchange. The next edition of the Interchange is due to be published in June 2008 Resolved that the information given be noted. 45 Review of Parish Council Standing Orders The Clerk had previously informed Members that a Review of the Parish Council’s Standing Orders was required in order to take account of recent changes in the Law concerning the Code of Conduct for Members, Rights of Members of the Public to attend Monthly Meetings etc. In addition, the Clerk had sent email attachments with the NALC Version of Model Standing Orders enclosed to online Members for their scrutiny. Printed hard copies of the NALC Version Model Standing Orders had been made available to those Members present at the March 2008 Monthly Meeting, who are not online. After a brief discussion, Members decided to consider the Review of Standing Orders at a Special Meeting of the Parish Council’s Finance and Forward Planning Sub-Committee, which all Members are entitled to attend. Resolved that the Review of Parish Council Standing Orders be considered at a Meeting of the Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee to be convened on Wednesday. May 14th 2008 at Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. 46 Footpaths Scrutiny Members discussed the convention of the next Joint Meeting between Parish Councillors and the County Council’s Footpaths Officer. The Meeting was required to make progress concerning the proposed Improvement Works on Footpath 36/37, the Correction of the Route along Footpath 29 and the proposed Maintenance and Improvements required as a result of the Survey undertaken along the West Bowburn Way last year. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to contact the County Council’s Footpaths Officer with a view to convening a Joint Meeting of interested parties at a mutually convenient time and venue. 47 Allotments, Garages & Cemetery Garages The Clerk informed Members that the major work on the Landscaping Scheme at the Group Garage Site had been completed. However, a Site Inspection by Councillor Stan Robinson and the Clerk revealed that some grass seeding work was required along the left hand side of the Entrance Road into the Garage Site. The embankment along the right hand side of the Entrance Road required to be levelled off before grass seeding was also done there. In addition, kerb edging stones needed to be placed along the left hand edge of the hardcored area on the Garage Site to reduce the risk of the grassed embankment falling away and future water collection at this point. Resolved that the information be noted. 48 Parish Plan Arrangements The Clerk informed Members that Durham City Council had notified him that the sum of £4,000.00 had been set aside within their Budget for 2008/2009 Financial Year to provide financial assistance to the Parish Council with the costs of preparation of its Parish Plan. Members discussed the nature and extent of Public Consultation required to help produce a Parish Plan. Members recognised that some duplication of effort would occur in this area as some Public Consultation had been conducted in the Bowburn and Parkhill areas in connection with the Master Plan prepared on behalf of the Durham Villages Regeneration Company. The Clerk pointed out that, in any event, the Parish Council’s financial resources were much more limited than those being allocated through the Master Plan and that the Villages of Cassop, Tursdale and Old Quarrington were not included in the Master Plan anyway. The Chairman and the Clerk also gave Members brief verbal reports about their attendances at the recent one day Seminar at the Offices of the Durham Rural Community Council about Parish Plan Preparation. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to contact the Durham Rural Community Council, which has indicated that it has extensive experience with Public Consultation Exercises, to seek resolution to the difficulties foreseen about Public Consultation on the Parish Plan. 49 Correspondence received Durham County Council – Building Schools for the Future Newsletter no. 5 (March 2008) – Received Durham County Council – Primary Strategy for Change(2008-2023) Strategy Document for Primary Education – Received Durham City Council – Outline Statement for Parish Council Election Expenses (May 2007) – Received Durham Police Authority – (Durham Police C.C.G.) (April 2008) – Received Audit Commission – Confirmation of Re-Appointment of External Auditor from 2007/08 to 2011/12) – Received County Durham Learning Disabilities Partnership Board – Newsletter no. 20 (March 2008) – Received BDO Stoy Hayward LLP – Audit Spring Briefing 2008 – Received Crowtrees Heritage Group – Minutes of Meeting (March 13th 2008) – Received Joint Stocks Quarry Liaison Group – Meeting Agenda (September 2008) – Received Great North Air Ambulance Service – Donation Request – Received Durham Miners’ Heritage Group – Donation Request – Received 50 Planning Applications Mr. & Mrs. Brown – Erection of Conservatory at 5, David Terrace, Bowburn – Received Mr. & Mrs. Anyan – Erection of Conservatory at 5, Kirbys Drive, Bowburn – Received Greencycle plc – Retrospective Application for change of use to Recycling Recovery Facility at Tursdale Business Park – Letter sent Co. Council J. Reilly O’ Donnell – Erection of Extension at Cassop Farm House, Old Cassop – Received B. McKibbin – Retrospective Change of Use from Public Open Space To Private Garden (31, William Street, Bowburn) – Received Resolved that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations made by its Planning Sub Committee in respect of planning matters considered on behalf of the Parish Council by the Planning Sub Committee. 51 Accounts (Expenditure) P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net of Income Tax & N.I.) – Mid March to Mid April 2008 – 508.12 P. Thorpe – Mileage/Parking Fees – 10 @ 55.8p – 5.58 P. Thorpe – Mileage/Parking Fees – 84 @ 58.7p – 49.31 P. Thorpe – Stamps – 9 @ 36p – 3.24 P. Thorpe – Stamps – 16 @ 34p – 5.44 P. Thorpe – Stamps – 58 @ 24p – 13.92 P. Thorpe – Stamps – Other Rates – 0.52 P. Thorpe – Recorded Delivery – Letter to L. Wheeler – 1.04 P. Thorpe – E-m@il Facility (Aol) – Monthly Fee (Part) – 15.99 P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – Fax Roller Replacement – 17.95 P. Thorpe – Miscellaneous Costs – Notice Board Padlock – 1.4 P. Thorpe – Miscellaneous Costs – Photocopy Charges – 0.6 H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) – Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax – 183.04 H.M. Revenue & Customs – Income Tax Deduction – Employee Deduction (Craig Prince) – 11.2 Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t – Net Monthly Fee (Apr.) – 44.87 City of Durham – Election Costs – Recharges for May 2007 – 218.08 CDALC – Subscription – 2008/09 Financial Year – 431.03 City of Durham – Business Rates 2008/09 – Cemetery – 170.94 Durham Company – Refuse Collection – “ – 302.92 BVC – Publication Charges – Annual Report 2007 – 320 Community Assoc. – Room Hire Charges – Monthly Meetings – 42 David Carter Design – Supply of Plaque – Mining Memorial – 117.5 Accounts (Income) – 13TH MARCH – 9TH APRIL 2008 Various Tenants – Annual Rents 2008/09 – Allotments, Garages etc – £780.00 Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved. 52 Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Monthly Meeting be Wednesday, 21st May 2008 at Bowburn Community Centre, immediately after the Annual General Meeting for 2008. Annual General Meeting 2008 Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held Wednesday 21st May 2008 at Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. Present: Councillors Blakey, Higham, G. Marsden, M. Marsden, Morgan, Raine, Richardson, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Syer and Tickell (Councillor A. Richardson took the Chair after his election). County Councillor Mac Williams was also present. 1. Apologies Councillor Shutt 2. Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 16th May 2007 The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 16th May 2007 were agreed and signed as a true record. 3. Appointment of Chairman of the Parish Council Councillor Syer proposed and Councillor Raine seconded a Motion that Councillor A. Richardson be elected as Chairman. No further nominations were received and Councillor A. Richardson was duly elected as Chairman and he assumed the Chair of the Meeting after his election. Councillor Richardson read out to Members his Declaration of Acceptance of Office as Chairman of the Parish Council. 4. Appointment of Vice Chairman of the Parish Council Councillor Syer proposed and Councillor Blakey seconded a motion that Councillor Raine be elected as Vice Chairman. No further nominations were received and Councillor Raine was duly elected as Vice Chairman. 5. Appointment of Delegates to C. D. A. L. C. It was proposed by Councillor Syer and seconded by Councillor Raine that Councillors Raine, Richardson and Tickell be elected as Delegates to the County Association. It was agreed that all three Members would be available as Delegates to the County Association and the District Association of Parish Councils. 6. Annual Accounts and Balance Sheet for the year ended 31st March 2008. A full copy of the Annual Accounts, Bank Reconciliation and Balance Sheet for the year ended 31st March 2008 had been circulated to all Members. Resolved that the Annual Accounts, Supporting Statements, Bank Reconciliation and Balance Sheet for the Financial Year ended 31st March 2008, which the Clerk had circulated, be approved. The Former Chairman signed these documents, together with the Council’s Receipts and Payments Book for the Year ended March 31st 2008. In addition the Former Chairman and the Clerk signed Sections 1 (Statement of Accounts) and Section 2 (Parish Council Governance Statement) of the Annual Return to be sent to the External Auditor. 7. Completion of Internal Audit (2007/2008 Annual Accounts) The Parish Council’s Internal Auditor, Mr. Gavin Bestford, had completed the Internal Audit of Accounts and had certified Section 4 of the Annual Return. There were no items which he had deemed necessary to bring to the attention of Members. The Notice of External Audit will be displayed for the requisite period and the Annual Return has been submitted to the External Auditor, Messrs. BDO Stoy Hayward LLP. Resolved that the information be noted. 8. Dates for Future Meetings Resolved that Meetings will continue to be held on the third Wednesday in each month excepting in August, when there will be no Meeting. Two Monthly Meetings each year will be held at Cassop. May 2008 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 21st May 2008 in Bowburn Community Centre, immediately after the Annual General Meeting of the Parish Council. Present: Councillors Blakey, Higham, G. Marsden, M. Marsden, Morgan, Raine, Richardson, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Syer and Tickell (Councillor A. Richardson in the Chair). County Councillor Mac Williams was also present. 53 Apologies Councillor Shutt 54 Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn attended the Monthly Meeting to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area. There had been No Reported Offences in Cassop, although 2 Incidents of Theft were reported in Parkhill. There had been 1 Case of Burglary (Other), 5 Cases of Theft, 5 Cases of Criminal Damage and 1 Case of Assault in Bowburn. Members of the Parish Council thanked P.C. Cockburn for his attendance, whereupon he left the Meeting. 55 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 16thApril 2008 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 16th April 2008 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. Resolved that the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 16th April 2008 be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. 56 Reclamation of Land on the Former Cape Asbestos Site, Bowburn The Clerk introduced Mr. Phill Collings of Sirius Remediation Ltd. and Mr. Geoff Woodcock of Esh Developments to Members. The Visitors attended the Monthly Meeting by invitation in order to give Members a briefing about Plans for Reclamation of the Former Cape Asbestos Site at Bowburn. The briefing was accompanied by an Information Slide Show, after which the Visitors answered Members’ questions about the Plans. Mr. Collings and Mr. Woodcock promised to give Members’ periodic Works in Progress Reports about the Scheme as it evolved. Members thanked Mr. Collings and Mr. Woodcock for their attendance at the Monthly Meeting. Resolved that the information received be noted and that the Progress of the Scheme be monitored. 57 Points to Note 1) The Clerk reminded Members that a previous Meeting of the Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee set to undertake a Review of the Parish Council’s Standing Orders had been postponed. After a brief discussion, Members resolved that another Meeting of the Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee should be convened on Wednesday, June 11th 2008 at Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. to undertake the Review of Standing Orders. 2) The Clerk informed Members that he had received an offer from Mrs. Lesley Millgate of the Durham Rural Community Council to attend a Monthly Meeting of the Parish Council to give Members a briefing about Parish Plan Preparation. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to invite Mrs. Millgate to attend the Monthly Meeting on June 18th 2008 at Cassop Community Centre to give Members a briefing about Parish Plan Preparation. 3) The Clerk informed Members that he had arranged a Meeting at the Group Garage Site with the City Council Project Supervisor on May 22nd 2008 to arrange the final steps to be undertaken to complete the Landscaping Scheme. Resolved that the information given be noted. 4) The Clerk informed Members that a provisional date had been set for a Meeting of Interested Parties, concerning Flooding Problems at Bowburn. The Date of the Meeting had been set for Thursday, June 12th 2008 at 10 a.m. in Bowburn Community Centre. Resolved that the information given be noted. 5) The Clerk informed Members that he had received a telephone call from a representative of Haslam Homes concerning the circumstances surrounding the removal of the Children’s Play Equipment at Tail upon End Lane, Bowburn. The caller indicated that Haslam Homes may offer a sum of compensation to the Parish Council regarding the damage done to some of the Play Equipment removed. Resolved that the information given be noted. 6) The Clerk reminded Members that he had previously contacted Mr. Mike Young, Estates Manager (North East) for Tarmac Limited to enquire about publication of proposals for the future use of Old Quarrington Quarry. Mr. Young had indicated that the Company would be in a position to announce proposals for the Quarry in the Summer of 2008. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to contact the Company once more to establish whether it was yet in a position to publish proposals about the future of Old Quarrington Quarry. 7) The Clerk was instructed by Members to send a letter of thanks to Mr. Malcolm Bell of Dallymore Drive, Bowburn, concerning the work done attaching the Parish Council’s Plaque to the Mining Heritage Memorial on Durham Road, Bowburn. 58 Presentation of Commemorative Plaques and Certificates of Merit (Beautiful Durham Competition 2007) The Clerk informed Members that, in line with previous years’ practice, he had arranged to have a Set of 13 Commemorative Plaques inscribed to be awarded to Local Parish Entrants in the Beautiful Durham Competition 2007. The Plaques have been awarded each year to the Local Entrants, who have achieved the highest points scores in each Competition Category entered. Plaques are also awarded to those Local Entrants who have achieved the highest points score in their Village and to the Local Entrant who has achieved the highest points score in the whole Parish Area. Certificates of Merit are awarded to other Local Entrants. The Clerk presented the Commemorative Plaques and Certificates of Merit to those Award Winners, who attended the Monthly Meeting. Resolved that the Congratulations of the Members of the Parish Council be given to all Local Parish Entrants in the Beautiful Durham Competition 2007. Members expressed the wish that the Awards be offered next year to those Local Entrants in the Beautiful Durham Competition 2008. 59 Vacancy for Parish Councillor The Clerk informed Members that there had been three applications received concerning the Vacancy for a Parish Councillor. The Vacancy has arisen due to the resignation of the previous Incumbent. The Clerk gave Members details of the names and addresses of the three candidates concerned. Members were informed that, as there had been no request made to the Elections Officer at Durham City Council for a Parish Election, they were free to co-opt one of the three candidates or another eligible person onto the Parish Council, if they so desired. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to contact each of the candidates and request that they each submit a short Letter of Experience to the Clerk, explaining how their previous experience in Public Service or Community Service had prepared them for the role of Parish Councillor. Members resolved that, notwithstanding the approaching time limit previously set for the Duration of Meetings, the Conduct of Business of the Monthly Meeting should continue. 60 Acquisition of Picnic Tables The Clerk informed Members that Mr. Jim Milburn, who had previously donated the Mining Heritage Memorial to the Parish Council, had offered to make three sets of Picnic Tables available to the Parish Council at a cost of £80.00 each. The Tables are constructed of treated timber and they each consist of a Table and attached Seats. Members discussed the possibility of locating two of the Picnic Tables at Children’s Play Areas in Tursdale and Cassop and the third Table could be located at the Bowburn Doorstep Green Site. Resolved that (1) the Clerk be instructed to write to Mr. Milburn accepting his offer and (2) enquiries be made of Durham City Council about potential installation costs for the Picnic Tables. 61 Footpaths Scrutiny The Clerk informed Members that a Meeting had taken place between Parish Councillors and Mrs. Elaine Field, the County Council Footpaths Officer, on May 7th 2008 at Bowburn Community Centre. The Meeting was convened to make progress about the ongoing matters of Footpath Repairs and Improvements along the route of the West Bowburn Way and the Improvements required along Footpath 36 and 37. Arrangements were made to meet up with representatives of County Council Service Direct on a date in June 2008 to walk along the route of the West Bowburn Way in order to quantify the exact nature of repairs, replacements and improvements required and set a price for the works to be done. In addition, a price quotation could be prepared for the works needed along Footpath 36 and 37. The Clerk would then be required to seek an another price quotation for both sets of works from an alternative Contractor, whose name and address appears on a County Council List of Recommended Contractors. Mrs. Field advised Members that it would be prudent to contact the Local Landowners once more to inform them about progress on the Footpath Matters and invite them to attend the Walkabouts, if they so desired. Resolved that Councillors Raine, Stan Robinson and Syer be designated to attend the Footpaths Walkabout in June 2008 along with the Clerk, Mrs. Field and representatives of County Council Service Direct. 62 Correspondence received Durham County Council - Temporary Footway Closure (Tail Upon End Lane, Bowburn) - Received Durham County Council - Road Surface Dressing Programme - Received Durham County Council - Greencycle Planning Application - Received Durham County Council - Countywide Magazine (April/May 2008) - Received Durham County Council - Local Government Review Update - Received Durham City Council - Mayor’s Appeal 2008 - Received County Durham P.C.T. - Conference for Key Local Stakeholders - Received District of Easington - Preferred Options Core Strategy - Received Durham R. C. C. - Calor Village of the Year 2008 - Received CDALC - Newsletter no. 17 (February 2008) - Received CDALC - Local Determination of Complaints - Received NALC - Annual Conference 2008 (Eastbourne) - Received 63 Planning Applications Mr. Bickhu - Removal of Barge Boards and Insertion of Replacement Windows (Rear of Bowburn Post Office) - Received Mr. B. Rutherford - Erection of Agricultural Building (Pilmore Farm, Cassop)(Revised Application) - Received Mr. A. Powell - Removal of existing Conservatory and Erection of Extension (8, Leyland Close, Bowburn) - Received Johnson Brothers - Proposed Anaerobic Digestion of agricultural manure, crops etc. to produce electricity (Quarrington Farm) - Received Resolved that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations made by its Planning Sub Committee in respect of planning matters considered on behalf of the Parish Council by the Planning Sub Committee. 64 Accounts (Expenditure) Short Cuts - Plaque Engraving - Beautiful Durham Comp. - £156 P. Thorpe - Salary (paid net of Income Tax & N.I.) - Mid April to End May 2008 - £706.66 P. Thorpe - Mileage/Parking Fees: 113 @ 58.7p - £70.13 P. Thorpe - Stamps: 19 @ 36p - £6.84 P. Thorpe - Stamps: 2 @ 27p - £0.54 P. Thorpe - Stamps: Other Rates - £3.23 P. Thorpe - E-m@il Facility (Aol) - Monthly Fee (Part) - £15.99 P. Thorpe - Office Stationery - Black Ink Cartridges - £9.80 P. Thorpe - Office Stationery - Monitor Screen Wipes - £5.90 P. Thorpe - Recorded Deliveries - Annual Rent Reminders - £2.19 H.M. Revenue & Customs - National Ins. Tax Deduction (Thorpe) - Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax - £309.14 H.M. Revenue & Customs - Income Tax Deduction - Employee Deduction (Craig Prince) - £11.20 Craig Prince - Allotments Super’t - Net Monthly Fee (May) - £44.87 G. Bestford - Internal Audit Fee - 2007/08 Financial Year - £80 Allianz Insurance - Annual Premiums - Year to May 31st 2009 - £631 City of Durham - Licence Fee - Mining Memorial Site - £65 Accounts (Income) 10TH APRIL - 14TH MAY 2008 Various Tenants - Annual Rents 2008/09 - Allotments, Garages etc - £1,307.00 Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved. 65 Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Monthly Meeting be Wednesday, 18th June 2008 at Cassop Community Centre at 7 p.m. June 2008 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 18th June 2008 in Cassop Community Centre at 7 p.m. Present: Councillors Blakey, Higham, G. Marsden, M. Marsden, Morgan, Richardson, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt and Tickell (Councillor A. Richardson in the Chair). County Councillor Maria Plews was also present at the Monthly Meeting. 66 Apologies Councillors Raine and Syer 67 Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn attended the Monthly Meeting to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area. There had been No Reported Offences in Parkhill, although 1 Incident of Theft was reported in Cassop. There had been 2 Cases of Burglary (Home) and 6 Cases of Theft in Bowburn. Members of the Parish Council thanked P.C. Cockburn for his attendance, whereupon he left the Meeting. 68 Minutes of the Annual General Meeting and the Monthly Meeting, both held on 21st May 2008 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 21st May 2008 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. The Clerk informed Members that the Parish Council’s Internal Auditor recommended that approval of the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting should be sought at the next following Monthly Meeting, rather than at the next Annual General Meeting. The Chairman also asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 21st May 2008, immediately after the Annual General Meeting should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. Resolved that the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting and the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 21st May 2008 be agreed and signed as true and accurate records. 69 Vacancy for Parish Councillor The Clerk reminded Members that there had been three Applications of Interest received in respect of the Vacancy for Parish Councillor. The Applicants were Mrs. Angela Richardson of Parkhill, Mrs. Janet Blackburn of Bowburn and Mr. William Temporal of Bowburn. Each of the Applicants had submitted to the Parish Council, as requested, a Letter of Experience giving details of previous Public and/or Community Service. The Clerk read out each Letter of Experience to Members. The Clerk explained to Members that Ballots of Parish Council Members Present would be held in secret until one Applicant for the Vacancy received an Absolute Majority of Votes Cast over all other Applicants. First Round Ballot Papers were handed out to all Parish Council Members Present in the Meeting Room. Mrs. Lesley Millgate from the Durham Rural Community Council, a Visiting Speaker, agreed to act as an Independent Scrutineer to count the Votes Cast. All Eleven Parish Council Members Present at the Monthly Meeting cast a Ballot in the First Round and the Result of that Ballot showed that Mr. Temporal received Seven Votes and Mrs. Blackburn received Four Votes. The Clerk declared that Mr. Temporal had received an Absolute Majority of Votes Cast in the First Ballot over all other Applicants and it was resolved that William Temporal be co-opted to serve as a Parish Councillor on Cassop-cum-Quarrington Parish Council. The Clerk thanked Mrs. Millgate on behalf of the Members of the Parish Council for her agreement to act as Independent Scrutineer in the Ballot to select a Parish Councillor. 70 Parish Plan Arrangements The Clerk informed Members that a grant of £4,000.00 had been promised by Durham City Council to help fund Parish Plan Preparation. The City Council had decided to donate available grants directly to eligible Parish Councils, as each Parish had decided to make its own arrangements for Parish Plan Preparation. The source of funding had been made available to the Parish Council through the auspices of Councillor Margaret Robinson. Resolved that Members of the Parish Council offer their grateful thanks to Councillor Robinson for her efforts in securing the last Grant from the City Council to assist in Parish Plan Preparation. The Clerk introduced Mrs. Lesley Millgate and one of her colleagues from the Durham Rural Community Council to Members of the Parish Council. Mrs. Millgate attended the Monthly Meeting to give Members a briefing about the logistics involved in Parish Plan Preparation. Mrs. Millgate answered Members’ questions about such things as the previous experience of Durham Rural Community Council in Parish Plan Preparation and the likely time frame and costs involved in preparing a Plan. Resolved that the Parish Council convenes a Meeting of its Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee to decide whether or not to recommend to the Parish Council to prepare a Parish Plan and, if agreed, to set up a Steering Group of Members to oversee the progress of the Plan during its preparation. 71 Parish Elections 2009 The Clerk informed Members that correspondence had been sent by the Department for Communities and Local Government to the Acting Chief Executive of Durham County Council concerning the possibility of holding Parish Council Elections in 2009. The Department is concerned that public feeling may not be in favour of waiting six years between 2007 and 2013 before the next round of Parish Elections are scheduled, in accordance with the Structural Change Order for this Area (S.I. 2008 no. 493). The Acting Chief Executive of Durham County Council, Mr. John Richardson, has been requested to seek the views of Key Stakeholders in the Area to determine whether there is any local support for Parish Elections in 2009, which would be followed with further Parish Elections in 2013 after a normal Term of Office has run its course. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to contact Steve Ragg, the Executive Officer at CDALC, to inform him that Members of Cassop-cum-Quarrington Parish Council are not in favour of Parish Elections in 2009, due to the extent of avoidable cost involved. 72 Points to Note 1) The Clerk reminded Members that they had previously consented to award a Long Service Medallion to Councillor Margaret Robinson to commemorate her 12 Years of Service as Chairman of the Parish Council between 1996 and 2008. Initial enquiries have revealed that the costs of specially commissioning a one-off Medallion would be prohibitive and Councillor Robinson has graciously discounted such an option on cost grounds. Enquiries are now being made concerning the possibility of obtaining a Medallion from Durham City Council and adapting it to meet the needs of the Parish Council. Resolved that the information be noted. 2) The Clerk informed Members that he had received a written request from the Secretary of the Bowburn Banner Group, Mr. Mike Syer, to use the Bowburn Doorstep Green Site to assemble the Banner Group’s Procession on Miners’ Gala Day on July 12th 2008. Previous arrangements made by the Banner Group for Miners’ Gala Day had fallen through, due to circumstances outside of the Group’s control. Resolved that Approval be given to the Members of Bowburn Banner Group to assemble their Procession at the Bowburn Doorstep Green Site on Miners’ Gala Day on July 12th 2008. 3) The Clerk gave Members a briefing about the unusual circumstances concerning the Tenancy of Allotment no. 5 at Tursdale. The Clerk informed Members that he was seeking clarification about the domestic arrangements of the Sitting Tenant before allowing the Tenancy to continue. Resolved that the information be noted. 4) The Clerk informed Members that the Initial Meeting of all Interested Parties, concerning Flooding Problems at Bowburn, had taken place on Thursday, June 12th 2008 at 10 a.m. in Bowburn Community Centre. The Meeting was addressed by Mr. Geoff Race of Durham County Council. The Clerk informed Members, some of whom could not be present on the day, that the Meeting had been extremely informative and that all of the relevant concerns had been aired at the Meeting. A comprehensive slide show was given, which showed all of the affected locations and work which has been or is proposed to be done. Special attention was given by the County Council’s Ecology Department to the Protected Legal Status of the Water Vole and its Habitat. Mr. Race undertook to forward electronic copies of the slide show data to persons present at the Meeting. Resolved that the information given be noted. 5) The Clerk reminded Members that he had contacted Mr. Mike Young, Estates Manager (North East) for Tarmac Limited last year to enquire about Publication of Proposals for the Future Use of Old Quarrington Quarry. The Clerk contacted Mr. Young again within the last few weeks about the Quarry Proposals. Mr. Young has replied that the Company would enter into Public Consultation as soon as Proposals were ready. Resolved that the information be noted. 73 Acquisition of Picnic Tables The Clerk informed Members that he had written to Mr. Jim Milburn, as instructed, to accept his offer to supply the Parish Council with three brand new Picnic Tables. A conditional price quotation of £300.00 plus VAT per Table has been made by Durham City Council for installation of the Tables. The price quotations can be confirmed when the precise dimensions of the Tables are obtained from Mr. Milburn. Resolved that the information be noted. 74 Footpaths Scrutiny The Clerk informed Members that the Walkabout along the West Bowburn Way intended to involve Parish Councillors and Mrs. Elaine Field, the County Council Footpaths Officer, had taken place on June 9th 2008, starting at Bowburn Community Centre. The Walkabout had been arranged to make progress about the ongoing matters of Footpath Repairs and Improvements along the route of the West Bowburn Way as well as the Improvements required along Footpath 36 and 37. However, on the day, the representative of County Council Service Direct in attendance merely discussed a price quotation for work along Footpath 36/37 after meeting Parish Councillors at the end of the West Bowburn Way. The Clerk informed Members that, in order to seek clarification on these matters, he had subsequently e-mailed Mrs. Field to confirm whether or not County Council Service Direct would submit price quotations for improvement works on the West Bowburn Way as well as the work required on Footpath 36/37. The Clerk also asked about the certainty of Parish Paths Funding for both Schemes before arrangements were made to seek any price quotations from Private Contractors for the Works. Resolved that the information be noted. 75 Correspondence received Durham County Council - Letter of Response concerning Parish Council Objections to Recycling Planning Application (Greencycle Plc) - Received Durham County Council - Countywide Magazine (June/July 2008) - Received Durham County Council - Local Government Review Update (No. 2) - Received Durham County Council - Temporary Road Closure (Sherburn House) - Received Durham County Council - Temporary Road Closure (Coxhoe)(1) - Received Durham County Council - Temporary Road Closure (Coxhoe)(2) - Received Durham County Council - Temporary Road Closure (Bowburn) - Received Durham County Council - Temporary Road & Footpath Closure (Cassop) - Received Durham City Council - Community Governance Review - Received Durham Police Authority - Appointment of 3 Independent Members - Received National Grid - Public Consultation Events (Proposed Spennymoor Substation Upgrade) - Received County Durham Foundation - Information Survey - Received County Durham Learning Disabilities Partnership Board - Newsletter No. 21 (May 2008) - Received County Durham Sustainability and Environment Partnership - Newsletter No. 37 (May/June 2008) - Received Crowtrees Heritage Group - Meeting Agenda (Thursday, June 19th 2008) - Received Mencap - Request for Financial Donation - Received 76 Planning Applications Mrs. C. Brown - Erection of extension (7, Durham Road West, Bowburn) - Received Durham Villages Regeneration - Substitution of House Types (two dwellings) (Housing Development at Tail upon End Lane, Bowburn) - Received Mr. J. Quanzhong - Erection of extension (57, David Terrace, Bowburn) - Received Mr. M. Robinson - Erection of extension (43, Luke Avenue, Cassop) - Received Mr. Ferguson - Erection of garage and single storey extension (40, Bede Terrace, Bowburn) - Received The Clerk read out to Members the contents of an e-mail letter submitted by Councillor Syer, drawing Members’ attention to the need for an Application for Variation of Planning Conditions required in respect of the Housing Development at Tail upon End Lane, Bowburn. Members’ attention was drawn to the need for Approval of an adequate Site Drainage Scheme and Approval of a Scheme for expanding the Sewage Treatment Works at Peat Edge, including a Capacity Study of the Sewerage Network. Resolved that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations made by its Planning Sub Committee in respect of planning matters considered on behalf of the Parish Council by the Planning Sub Committee. 77 Accounts (Expenditure) P. Thorpe - Salary (paid net) - June 2008 - £508.12 P. Thorpe - Mileage/Parking Fees - 92 @ 58.7p - £57.80 P. Thorpe - Stamps - 29 @ 36p - £10.44 P. Thorpe - Stamps - Other Rates - £2.60 P. Thorpe - E-m@il Facility (Aol) - Monthly Fee (Part) - £15.99 P. Thorpe - Home Office Use - Quarterly Allowance - £95 P. Thorpe - Home Telephone Use - Quarterly Allowance - £41 P. Thorpe - Office Stationery - Meetings Book/Paper - £2.93 P.Thorpe - Office Equipment - New Office Chair - £30 H.M. Revenue & Customs - National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) - Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax - £183.04 H.M. Revenue & Customs - Income Tax Deduction - Employee Deduction (Craig Prince) - £11.20 Craig Prince - Allotments Super’t - Net Monthly Fee (June) - £44.87 City of Durham - Landscaping Work - Group Garage Site - £13,160 Accounts (Income) - 14TH MAY - 11TH JUNE 2008 Various Tenants - Annual Rents 2008/09 (Allotments, Garages etc) - 291.00 Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved. 78 Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Monthly Meeting be Monday, 21st July 2008 at Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. July Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 21st July 2008 in Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. Present: Councillors Blakey, Raine, Richardson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Syer, Temporal and Tickell (Councillor A. Richardson in the Chair). 79 Apologies Councillors G. Marsden, M. Marsden and County Councillor MacWilliams 80 Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn attended the Monthly Meeting to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area. There had been 1 Incident of Burglary (Home) in Parkhill, 1 Incident of Theft in Cassop and 8 Cases of Criminal Damage, 2 Cases of Burglary (Home), 2 Cases of Burglary (Other) and 3 Cases of Theft in Bowburn. Members of the Parish Council thanked P.C. Cockburn for his attendance, whereupon he left the Meeting. 81 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting, held on 18th June 2008 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 18th June 2008 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. Members requested that Minute no. 70 (Parish Plan Preparation) be amended to state that a Meeting of the Parish Council’s Finance & Forwarding Planning Sub-Committee be convened to decide whether or not to recommend to the Parish Council that a Parish Plan be prepared and, if so, that a Steering Group of Members be selected to oversee its progress. Resolved that the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 18th June 2008 be suitably amended and, thereafter, be agreed and signed as true and accurate record. 82 Points to Note 1) The Clerk reminded Members that they had previously consented to award a Long Service Medallion to Councillor Margaret Robinson to commemorate her 12 Years of Service as Chairman of the Parish Council between 1996 and 2008. The Clerk informed Members that he had acquired a suitable Medallion from Durham City Council at no cost and that he had made arrangements to have the Medallion inscribed with Mrs. Robinson’s name and details of her Service as Past Chairman. Resolved that the information be noted. 2) The Clerk informed Members that he had attended a Site Meeting at Tursdale Garage Site on Wednesday, June 25th 2008 with the Chairman. Mr. Steve Harris, a Specialist Officer from Durham City Council, was also in attendance. The Meeting was convened in order to examine suspected asbestos waste, which had allegedly been dumped on the Garage Site by the sitting Garage Site Tenant. Mr. Harris confirmed that the dumped waste did contain asbestos. Arrangements were made with Mr. Harris to have the asbestos safely and carefully removed from the Garage Site in controlled conditions. The Garage Site was cordoned off with a Warning Notice on display until the asbestos removal could be undertaken. Arrangements were made to notify local families with children and the neighbouring Garage Site Tenant of the problem. Resolved that the sitting tenant of the Garage Sites be contacted about the health hazard left on the Sites after the Garages have been demolished, along with details of the anticipated costs of asbestos clearance incurred by the Parish Council. 3) The Clerk had previously informed Members that the Initial Meeting of all Interested Parties, concerning Flooding Problems at Bowburn, had taken place on Thursday, June 12th 2008 at 10 a.m. in Bowburn Community Centre. The Meeting was addressed by Mr. Geoff Race of Durham County Council. The Clerk informed Members that a further Meeting was expected to be convened in late July or early August in order to receive reports on work in progress. Resolved that the information given be noted. 4) Councillor Tickell informed Members that vehicles involved in the asbestos clearance and removal at the Former Cape Site in Bowburn were driving past Henry Avenue, Bowburn, causing residents’ complaints about window vibration. Mr. Tickell informed Members that the Representatives from Sirius Remediation Ltd. and Esh Developments who had attended the Monthly Meeting of the Parish Council in May 2008 had given an undertaking that their vehicles would be driven via Shincliffe towards Hartlepool whilst clearance operations were ongoing. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to contact Mr. Collings and Mr. Woodcock, who had attended the Monthly Meeting in May 2008 to inform them of residents’ complaints. 83 Parish Plan Arrangements The Clerk informed Members that a brief discussion about Parish Plan Preparation, which had taken place at a recently convened Meeting of the Parish Council’s Finance & Forwarding Planning Sub-Committee had not led to any firm recommendation about a Parish Plan. Resolved that Mrs. Lesley Millgate of the Durham Rural Community Council be invited to attend the Parish Council Monthly Meeting on Wednesday, September 17th 2008 to give Members further information about what levels of public consultation could be purchased from DRCC for various levels of money invested by the Parish Council. 84 Acquisition of Picnic Tables The Clerk informed Members that he had contacted Durham City Council several weeks ago to enquire when the sets of Picnic Tables to be purchased from Mr. Jim Milburn could be installed. A reply to the enquiry was still awaited. A conditional price quotation of £300.00 plus VAT per Table had been previously made by Durham City Council for installation of the Tables. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to seek alternative price quotations for installation of the Picnic Tables from Messrs. RWT Fabrication of Kelloe and Messrs. R. & C. Builders of Bowburn. Members referred to the dilapidated state of the Grass Maze on the Doorstep Green Site and the need for further weeding of the Flower Beds there. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to contact Paul Parker at Durham City Council to arrange some routine maintenance and weeding on the Site. 85 Footpaths Scrutiny The Clerk informed Members that a verbal price quotation received by the County Council Footpaths Officer, Mrs. Field, from County Council Service Direct for the Desired Improvements to Footpaths 36/37 would be in the region of £20,000-£25,000. It is clear that the County Council’s Annual Footpaths Budget is insufficient to fund this amount for the Scheme. The Clerk informed Members that, in order to seek further clarification, he had e-mailed Mrs. Field to confirm whether or not the County Council could provide funding for the desired Repairs and Improvements along the West Bowburn Way. The Clerk reiterated that the Parish Council needed to be certain about Parish Paths Funding for the Scheme before arrangements could be made to seek any price quotations from Private Contractors for the Works. Resolved that the information be noted with concern. 86 Allotments, Garages & Cemetery Allotments The Clerk informed Members that the signed correspondence expected from the Sitting Tenant of Allotment no. 5 at Tursdale concerning his future intentions concerning the Tenancy had not yet been forthcoming. The Clerk reminded Members of the previous history of this particular Tenancy. Resolved that the Clerk write once again to the family home to enquire about the Tenant’s intentions concerning the Allotment Tenancy. Garages The Clerk informed Members that arrangements would have to be made once more with the City Council to level off and reseed the grassed area at the lower end of the Group Garage Site in Bowburn. A vehicle laden with a skip has travelled along the Garage Site Access Track, across the above-mentioned grassed area, over the adjacent Public Footpath and into the Parking Area adjacent to the DJ Evans Youth Centre Building. Vehicular access into the Youth Centre Parking Area has recently become more accessible due to the removal of some of the concrete bollards and low level railings, which used to protect the integrity of the Public Footpath. A discussion took place amongst Members about the extent of allowable vehicular access over the Track on the Group Garage Site. Some Members insisted that full vehicular access right through the Garage Site was permissible, according to an interpretation of Terms and Conditions set down in the Original Conveyance Document for Acquisition of the Garage Site Land from the Coal Authority in December 1997. The Clerk pointed out to Members that Site Maps, attached to the Original Conveyance Document, revealed that the Access Track on the Garage Site was a circular route, which entered and left the Site at the bottom of Bow Street, Bowburn at the time of the Land’s acquisition. This circular route, he said, did not reach the perimeter of the Garage Site at any point. At the present time, the unmade up dirt access track had come to an end about 20 yards from the perimeter of the Garage Site Land. The Clerk also reminded Members that unrestricted vehicular access right through the Garage Site could lead to the occurrence of accidents, rendering the Parish Council liable to payment of compensation if a member of the public is injured, whilst on the Garage Site. The Parish Council has a Statutory Duty of Care to visitors on its land, whether their presence is authorised or not. Councillor Syer declared a Personal, but not Prejudicial, Interest in the matter under discussion. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to write to Mr. Jones, Chief Executive to CISWO, about the Coal Authority’s intended legal definition of Vehicular Access Rights across the Garage Site. Mr. Jones should be invited to undertake the Site Survey of the Garage Site, which he promised to do at the Joint Meeting of Interested Parties at Bowburn Community Centre in November 2007. At this point in the Monthly Meeting, Councillor Raine proposed and Councillor Syer seconded a Motion that the Standing Order concerning the Duration of Meetings be suspended. The Motion was carried and the Monthly Meeting continued. 87. Correspondence received Durham County Council - Special Meeting about Post Office Closures - Received Durham County Council - Local Community Arrangements in the new Unitary Authority for County Durham - Received Durham County Council - Temporary Road Closure (Hett Mill Level Crossing) - Received Durham County Council - Temporary Road Closure (Park Avenue, Parkhill) - Received Durham County Council - School Travel Planning (Bowburn Junior School) - Received Dept. for Communities and Local Government - Publication of North of England Plan (Revision of Draft N.E. Spatial Strategy) - Received Crowtrees Heritage Group - Meeting Agenda (July 17th 2008) - Received Woodland Trust - Acquisition of 168 acres of Woodland at Low Burnhall for Wildlife Habitat - Received CE Electric UK - Parish Council Liaison - Received Durham City L.S.P. - Digital Version of Local Transport Map - Received County Durham NHS Primary Care Trust - Commissioning PCT Transition - Received CDALC - Newsletter No. 19 (June 2008) - Received 88 Planning Applications R. Pringle - Erection of Garage at the side of Forge Farm Cottage, Old Quarrington - Received N. Simpson - Erection of dwellinghouse and detached garage on land at Luke Avenue, Cassop (Revised Application) - Received Resolved that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations made by its Planning Sub Committee in respect of planning matters considered on behalf of the Parish Council by the Planning Sub Committee. 89 Accounts (Expenditure) P. Thorpe - Salary (paid net) - July 2008 - £508.12 P. Thorpe - Mileage/Parking Fees - 38 @ 58.7p - £24.21 P. Thorpe - Stamps - 12 @ 36p - £4.32 P. Thorpe - Stamps - Other Rates - £1.30 P. Thorpe - E-m@il Facility (AOL) - Monthly Fee (Part) - £15.99 H.M. Revenue & Customs - National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) - Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax - £183.04 H.M. Revenue & Customs - Income Tax Deduction - Employee Deduction (Craig Prince) - £11.20 Craig Prince - Allotments Super’t - Net Monthly Fee (July) - £44.87 Craig Prince - Allotments Super’t - Petrol Costs & Mileage - £19.42 P. Thorpe - Salary (paid net) - August 2008 - £508.12 P. Thorpe - E-m@il Facility (AOL) - Monthly Fee (Part) - £15.99 H.M. Revenue & Customs - National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) - Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax - £183.04 H.M. Revenue & Customs - Income Tax Deduction - Employee Deduction (Craig Prince) - £11.20 Craig Prince - Allotments Super’t - Net Monthly Fee (Aug.) - £44.87 BVC - Cost of Column Space - Quarterly Newsletter - £320.00 Durham Company - Fuel Surcharges - Ref. Collect. (Cemetery) - £13.64 City of Durham - Install Play Equipment - Cassop Play Area - £3,815.54 Accounts (Income) - 12TH JUNE – 14TH JULY 2008 City of Durham - Parish Plan Preparation - Funding Grant - £4,000.00 Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved. 90 Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Monthly Meeting be Wednesday, 17th September 2008 at Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. September 2008 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 17th September 2008 in Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. Present: Councillors Barker, Blakey, Higham, G. Marsden, Raine, Richardson, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt, Syer and Tickell (Councillor A. Richardson in the Chair). 91 Apologies Councillors M. Marsden, Morgan and Temporal. 92 Police Consultation Neither P.C. Cockburn nor any other Police Officer were able attend the Monthly Meeting to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area. However, P.C. Cockburn had notified the Clerk by e-m@il prior to the Monthly Meeting that there had been No Incidents Reported in Parkhill or Cassop. There had been 2 Cases of Criminal Damage, 5 Cases of Burglary (Other) and 8 Cases of Theft in Bowburn within the previous four weeks. Members of the Parish Council noted P.C. Cockburn’s Report. The Clerk was instructed to send a letter to the Local Inspector of Police, Colin Williamson, drawing attention to the need for more Police Patrolling in the Villages within the Parish Area. Councillor Syer mentioned two recent crime incidents involving rail track theft and damage to a private house, which were not on the above-mentioned Crime Statistics. The Clerk pointed out that the incidents may have occurred more than four weeks ago. 93 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting, held on 21st July 2008 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 21st July 2008 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. Councillor Syer requested that Minute no. 86 (Allotments, Garages & Cemetery) be amended in four places to reflect more accurately certain points appertaining to the discussion of the matter of Vehicular Access Rights for the D. J. Evans Youth Centre Management Committee, as CISWO Tenants, across the Parish Council Owned Group Garage Site. Resolved that the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 21st July 2008 be suitably amended as Councillor Syer suggested and that, thereafter, they should be agreed and signed as true and accurate record. 94 Points to Note 1) The Clerk reminded Members that they had previously consented to award a Long Service Medallion to Councillor Margaret Robinson to commemorate her 12 Years of Service as Chairman of the Parish Council between 1996 and 2008. The Clerk informed Members that Mrs. Robinson did not wish to have a Public Presentation of her Long Service Medallion, but wished to receive it at home. The Clerk informed Members that he had presented Mrs. Robinson with her Medallion during August 2008 at her home. Resolved that Members, once again, offered their thanks to Mrs. Robinson for her many years of service as Chairman of the Parish Council. 2) The Clerk reminded Members that the second Meeting of Interested Parties concerning Bowburn’s Flooding problems had been convened at Bowburn Community Centre on September 1st 2008. Members discussed further the matters arising from the Meeting. Resolved that the Clerk seek publication of the Minutes of the Meeting for circulation to Members. 3) The Clerk informed Members that reports on the work in progress on Asbestos Clearance at the Former Cape Site had been received for the months of July and August 2008 and had been circulated to Members. The Clerk confirmed that he had passed on Councillor Tickell’s previous concerns about Cape Site vehicles travelling through Bowburn to Mr. Woodcock of Esh Developments. Mr. Woodcock had replied that he had informed Members of the Parish Council at the May 2008 Monthly Meeting that vehicles exiting the Cape Site en route to Hartlepool would travel via Shincliffe and that vehicles returning to the Cape Site from Hartlepool would travel through Bowburn. Resolved that the information be noted with concern. 4) The Clerk informed Members that the Picnic Tables purchased from Mr. Jim Milburn had been placed in storage at the City Council’s Dragonville Depot pending installation at Bowburn, Tursdale and Cassop. Councillor Blakey informed Members that she had received a number of telephone calls from residents in Bow Street and Burn Street, Bowburn objecting to the installation of a Picnic Table on the Doorstep Green, due to the potential risk of large groups of young people gathering at the Picnic Table Location at night, which could lead to littering and youth nuisance problems. Resolved that the Clerk inform Mr. Paul Whittle at the City Council that installation of the Picnic Table in Bowburn had been temporarily deferred and that arrangements for installing the other Tables in Cassop and Tursdale should go ahead. 5) The Clerk informed Members that a Site Meeting had taken place at various locations in Bowburn between Parish Councillors and Mr. Brian Harker of the Durham County Probation Service concerning the range of tasks, which could be assigned to Supervised Groups of Young Offenders undertaking Community Service. The work undertaken would involve larger areas of grass strimming on Allotment and Garage Sites, pruning of overhanging hedgerows on the Depot Allotment Site and further litter picking along Bridleway 36 and other locations. Mr. Harker informed Members present at the Site Meeting that the County Probation Service could not accept payment for work done by Young Offender Groups, but it could accept the donation of a piece of strimming or hedge cutting equipment for use by other Offender Groups doing Community Service in the future. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to make enquiries about the costs involved in making such a donation to the County Probation Service. 6) The Clerk reminded Members that he would be attending the first of a series of six Monthly Mentoring Sessions leading to the completion of the CiLCA Course (Certificate in Local Council Administration). The first session would take place on Wednesday, September 24th 2008 at County Hall, Durham under the supervision of Mr. Mike Waterston C.P.F.A., Clerk to Shildon Town Council. The awarding of the CiLCA Certificate to the Clerk is one of the steps required to be undertaken by the Parish Council and its Members in order to achieve Quality Parish Status. Resolved that the information be noted. 95 Parish Plan Arrangements The Clerk welcomed Mrs. Lesley Millgate of the Durham Rural Community Council to the Monthly Meeting of the Parish Council. Mrs. Millgate had been invited to the Monthly Meeting to give Members further information about what levels of public consultation work could be purchased from DRCC for various levels of money invested by the Parish Council. Mrs. Millgate gave Members a detailed briefing on what types of work could be undertaken by DRCC on Parish Plan Preparation, what aspects of the work needed to be done by a Parish Plan Steering Group with Executive Powers and the varying types of finished product, which could be achieved depending upon Members’ wishes. Mrs. Millgate went on to answer Members’ questions on Parish Plan Arrangements. Resolved that a Meeting of the Parish Council’s Finance & Forward Planning Sub- Committee be convened on Wednesday, October 1st 2008 at Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. to discuss, amongst other things, the recommendation to the Parish Council of Granting of Executive Powers to a Parish Plan Steering Group in respect of decisions concerning Parish Plan Preparation and Nominations of Persons to serve on a Parish Plan Steering Group. At this point, a Motion, proposed and seconded by Members Present under Standing Order no. 46 (Suspension of Standing Orders), was approved to allow the Business of the Monthly Meeting to continue after the expiry of the first 90 minutes. 96 Review of Parish Council Standing Orders Resolved that further discussion of this item be referred to a Meeting of the Parish Council’s Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee to be convened on Wednesday, October 1st 2008, due to the pressure of other business on this Month’s Meeting Agenda. The Sub-Committee would be asked to consider a Review of Parish Council Financial Regulations. 97 Use of Parish Council Owned Premises for Local Service Delivery by the Unitary County Council. Resolved that discussion of this item be deferred until the next Monthly Meeting of the Parish Council on Wednesday, October 15th 2008 under Points to Note, due to the pressure of other business on this Month’s Meeting Agenda. 98 Scheme of Local Determination of Complaints against Members Discussion of this item did not take place due to the pressure of other business on this Month’s Meeting Agenda. As Members’ comments upon the new Local Determination Scheme were sought by the County Durham Association of Local Councils (CDALC) by September 30th 2008, the Clerk wrote to the County Association on Members’ behalf. The Clerk indicated to CDALC that Members had previously given only positive comments on the new Local Scheme. The Executive Officer of CDALC had replied to the Clerk indicating that responses received from other Parish and Town Councils in the County Durham Area were unanimously positive about the new Local Arrangements. 99 Footpaths Scrutiny Resolved that discussion of this item be deferred until the next Monthly Meeting of the Parish Council on Wednesday, October 15th 2008 under Points to Note, due to the pressure of other business on this Month’s Meeting Agenda. 100 Allotments, Garages & Cemetery Allotments Signed correspondence from the Sitting Tenant of Allotment no. 5 at Tursdale confirming that he wished to continue with the Tenancy had now been received. Mr. John Tindale of Durham City Council has written to the Parish Council indicating that Closure of Footpath 13 on Depot Allotment Site would not be required until Phase 2 of the Recreation Ground Improvement Works were due to commence. Garages A reply from Mr. Jones, Chief Executive of CISWO, indicating that “he did not wish to become involved in what he deemed to be a private dispute” between the Parish Council and the DJ Evans Youth Club, concerning Vehicular Access Rights across the Group Garage Site, Bowburn had been received. The Clerk has written to Mr. David Dodd, Solicitor for the Coal Authority, who had prepared the Original Conveyance of the Garage Site Land from the Coal Authority to the Parish Council in 1997. Mr. Dodd should be able to confirm for the Parish Council what was the original intent regarding the relevant clauses covering “exceptions and reservations” in the Original Land Conveyance. The emergency clearance of asbestos deposits left on Garage Sites at Tursdale had been completed by specially trained personnel brought in by Durham City Council. The Sitting Tenant has terminated his Garage Site and Allotment Tenancies at Tursdale. 101 Correspondence received Durham County Council - Conditions for Attachment of Festive Decorations onto Street Lighting Columns - Received Durham County Council - Unitary Authority Local Dev. Framework Minerals and Waste (Public Participation Database) - Received Durham County Council - Proposed Erection of Parent Waiting Shelter with Base and Footway Link (Bowburn Junior School)(Plan Application) - Received Durham County Council - Withdrawal of Planning Application Proposed Composting of Green Waste at Coxhoe Quarry (Premier Waste) - Received Durham County Council - Countywide Magazine (August/Sept. 2008) - Received City of Durham - Community Governance Review - Received City of Durham - Community Citizen’s Awards - Received City of Durham - Information for Community Groups - Received City of Durham - Opening Ceremony Parkhill Play Area - Received Durham Police Authority - Your Police, Your Say Session Friday, Sept 19th 2008 (Town Hall, Durham) - Received Durham Police Authority - P.C.C.G. Meeting October 15th 2008 (Town Hall, Durham) - Received CDALC - Disposal of Surplus Assets from L.A.’s, NHS, Police etc. - Received CDALC - Newsletter No. 20 (July 2008) - Received CDALC - County Council Proposals to Boundary Committee concerning Number of Unitary County Councillors - Received CDALC - Community Governance Review (Unparished Areas) - Received Trimdon Parish Council - Area Action Partnerships - Received County Durham Link - Local Involvement Network - Received NALC - Level of Burial Fees (England) - Received National Grid - New Sub-Station at Spennymoor - Received Red Cross - Reception at Raby Castle (Sept. 2008) Spotlight on Work of Red Cross - Received Joint Stocks Liaison Group - Meeting Agenda (Sept. 25th 2008) - Received County Durham L.D. P.B. - Newsletter No. 22 (July 2008) - Received Churchwardens and PCC Christ the King, Bowburn - Service of Dedication Saturday, September 13th 2008 - Received County Durham Foundation - Donation Request - Received North East War Memorials Project - Final Newsletter No. 9 (Summer 2008) - Received 102 Planning Applications Bankmachine Limited - Installation of ATM at 29B, Prince Charles Avenue, Bowburn - Received Ditto - Erection and Display of internally illuminated sign above ATM at above-mentioned address - Received Bowburn Junior School - Erection of Parent Waiting Shelter with Associated Pedestrian Access and Hardstanding - Received Bowburn & Parkhill Comm. Partnership - Erection of 3 Free Standing Notice Boards at Tursdale (1) and Bowburn (2) - Received J. Hewitson - Erection of Conservatory at 64, Dene View, Cassop - Received Haslam Homes - Application for House Type Substitution on various plots (Tail upon Lane, Bowburn Housing Development) - Received Primesight - Erection of 2 internally illuminated display units 4-5, The Leazes, Bowburn (Post Office) - Letter of Objection Mrs. A. Cairns - Erection of Garage at 40, Dene View, Cassop - Received Mrs. J. Howe - Erection of Roof Extension at 15, Cambridge Terrace, Bowburn - Received Resolved that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations made by its Planning Sub Committee in respect of planning matters considered on behalf of the Parish Council by the Planning Sub Committee. 103 Accounts (Expenditure) P. Thorpe - Salary (paid net) - September 2008 - £508.12 P. Thorpe - Mileage/Parking Fees - 102 @ 58.7p - £60.77 P. Thorpe - Stamps - 19 @ 36p - £6.84 P. Thorpe - Stamps - Other Rates - £1.04 P. Thorpe - E-m@il Facility (AOL) - Monthly Fee (Part) - £15.99 P. Thorpe - Home Office Use - Quarterly Allowance - £95.00 P. Thorpe - Home Telephone Use - Quarterly Allowance - £41.00 P. Thorpe - Office Stationery - Disks & Ink Cartridges - £19.80 P. Thorpe - Long Service Medallion - Mrs. M. Robinson - £8.00 H.M. Revenue & Customs - National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) - Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax (Part) - £183.04 H.M. Revenue & Customs - Income Tax Deduction - Employee Deduction (Craig Prince) (Part) - £11.20 Craig Prince - Allotments Super’t - Net Monthly Fee (Sept.) - £44.87 J. Milburn - Purchase Picnic Tables - Play Area and Other Use - £240.00 Thinford Nurseries** - Flower Baskets, Tubs, Barrels, Containers etc. - Supply, Installation and Watering Charges - £4868.97 Bowburn Community Association - Room Hire - Parish Council & Sub-Committee Meetings - £84.00 ** The charges paid to Thinford Nurseries covering the Months of June, July & August 2008 include £725.17 VAT. Accounts (Income) - 15TH JULY – 10TH SEPTEMBER 2008 [No transactions.] Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved. 104 Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Monthly Meeting be Wednesday, 15th October 2008 at Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. October 2008 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 15th October 2008 in Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. Present: Councillors Barker, Blakey, G. Marsden, M. Marsden, Morgan, Raine, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt, Temporal and Tickell (Councillor Raine in the Chair). 105 Apologies Councillors Higham, Richardson and Syer. 106 Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn attended the Monthly Meeting to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area. There had been 1 Case of Burglary (Other) and 1 Case of Theft in Parkhill, 1 Case of Criminal Damage, 2 Cases of Burglary (Other) and 1 Case of Theft of a Car in Cassop. There had been 1 Case of Assault, 4 Cases of Criminal Damage, 1 Case of Burglary (Other), 5 Cases of Theft and 1 Case of Theft of a Vehicle in Bowburn. The Clerk reminded Members that, as instructed, he had written to Inspector Williamson of Durham Constabulary expressing Members’ concerns about the general need for more Police Patrolling within the Villages of the Parish Area. The Clerk reported further that he had written for a second time to Inspector Williamson about a reported problem of regular underage drinking occurring upon the outskirts of the Depot Allotment Site. Members thanked P.C. Cockburn for his report, whereupon he left the Monthly Meeting. 107 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting, held on 17th September 2008 The Vice-Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 17th September 2008 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. The Vice-Chairman read out a number of amendments to the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 17th September 2008 requested in his absence by Councillor Syer. Resolved that amendments to the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 17th September 2008 regarding the Monthly Crime Statistics and the Declaration of Interest by Councillor Morgan concerning Vehicular Access over the Group Garage Site be made as Councillor Syer has requested and that, thereafter, the Minutes should be agreed and signed as true and accurate record. 108 Points to Note The Clerk informed Members that he had received a telephone call from the County Council’s Footpaths Officer, Mrs. Field, concerning the Parish Paths Funding Request in respect of Repairs and Improvements to the West Bowburn Walkway. Mrs. Field sought confirmation that the Parish Council is content to seek Funding Assistance for this Project in the 2009/2010 Financial Year. The Clerk informed Mrs. Field that this was the case and she agreed to contact the Clerk again early in 2009 to finalise arrangements for the 2009/2010 Funding Bid. The Clerk apologised to Members for the postponement of the Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee Meeting set for October 1st 2008. The Meeting required to be reconvened in order to consider making recommendations on the following matters to the Parish Council (a) Amendment of Proposed New Standing Orders to grant Executive Authority to a Parish Plan Steering Group. (b) Nomination of Parish Councillors to serve on a Parish Plan Steering Group. (c) Review of NALC Model Financial Regulations prior to Adoption by the Parish Council. Resolved that the Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee be reconvened on Monday, October 27th 2008 at Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. The Clerk informed Members that reports on the work in progress on Asbestos Clearance at the Former Cape Site had been received for the months of July, August and September 2008 and they had been circulated to Members. Members expressed their concerns that vehicles entering or leaving the Former Cape Site were travelling through Bowburn at various times of day with their empty load areas uncovered and creating dust problems, whilst some vehicles were apparently ignoring no right turn signs in the Cape Site Area. The Clerk informed Members that Mr. Woodcock from Esh Developments had requested an invitation to attend the November 2008 Monthly Meeting of the Parish Council to give Members a Report on the progress of Asbestos Clearance Work on the Site. Resolved that: (1) More information and precise visual identification about vehicle movements in Bowburn were required before complaints could be made to the Site Operators. (2) Mr. Woodcock of Esh Developments be invited to attend the November 2008 Monthly Meeting of the Parish Council. 109 Requests for Financial Assistance The Clerk read out to Members a list of applications for financial assistance received from various Community Groups, Heritage Groups, Schools and other Organisations. Resolved that (1) the amounts set out in the following table be paid to the applicants mentioned. LIST OF APPROVED DONATIONS 2008-2009 - (CHEQUE NOS. 048968-048986) (19 GRANTS) Bowburn Banner Group - Donation - 100.00 Bowburn Bowling Club - Donation - 100.00 Bowburn Community Association - Donation - 100.00 Bowburn Infant & Nursery School - Donation - 100.00 Bowburn Junior School - Donation - 100.00 Bowburn Library (Children’s Easter Card Competition 2009) - Donation - 50.00 Bowburn Local History Society - Donation - 100.00 Bowburn Parc - Donation - 100.00 Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership - Donation - 100.00 Bowburn Toddler Group - Donation - 100.00 Bowburn Youth Football Club - Donation - 100.00 Bowburn Youth Project - Donation - 100.00 Cassop Community Centre - Donation - 100.00 Cassop History Society - Donation - 100.00 Cassop Kickers Line Dancing Group - Donation - 100.00 Cassop Primary School - Donation - 100.00 Cassop Victoria Inn (Pub Games Teams) - Donation - 50.00 Durham Horticultural & Craft Show - Donation - 100.00 Parkhill Residents’ Association - Donation - 100.00 Total Amount of Donations Awarded - 1,800.00 ======= Members’ Declarations of Personal Interest in one or more of the above-mentioned School or Community Groups’ Applications are shown on Page 7 of these Minutes. 110 Local Service Delivery Points for Unitary Council Use (Parish Council Premises) Members held a brief discussion about the possibility of rendering assistance to the Unitary County Council when and if the Parish Council owned suitable office accommodation in the future. 111 Parish Plan Arrangements The Clerk apologised to Members for the postponement of the planned Meeting of the Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee set for October 1st 2008, due to his indisposition. The Clerk reminded Members that the Meeting is to be reconvened on Monday, October 27th 2008 at Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. The Meeting will, amongst other things, consider the recommendation to grant Executive Authority to a Parish Plan Steering Group and nomination of persons to serve on a Parish Plan Steering Group. 112 Model Publication of Information Scheme The Clerk informed Members that the Parish Council is obliged to adopt a Publication of Information Scheme for the benefit of its Electors not later than January 1st 2009. The Information Commissioner has prepared a Model Publication of Information Scheme, which Local Authorities may adopt without amendment, if they so desire. The Model Scheme incorporates a Draft Publication Scheme Commitment Document and a Guide to Proactively Published Information for the Public, which includes definitions of information covered in the Core Classes of Information in the Scheme and details of the means by which such information can be accessed (i.e. Website Access, Hard Copies of Data sent by Surface Mail and Pre-Arranged Inspection of Documents etc.). The Clerk arranged to send Members copies of the Model Scheme Guide to Published Information and the Commitment Document so that the papers can be examined prior to recommended Adoption of the Model Scheme at the November 2008 Monthly Meeting. Resolved that the information be noted. 113 Allotments, Garages & Cemetery Allotments The Clerk informed Members that he had been notified by Mr. John Tindale of Durham City Council that Closure of Footpath No. 13 on the Depot Allotment Site would not be necessary until Phase 2 of the Bowburn Park Improvement Works is ready to proceed. Resolved that the information be noted. Garages The Clerk informed Members that he had received a reply from Mr. David Dodd, Solicitor to the Coal Authority, about the interpretation of Terms and Conditions set down in the Original Conveyance Document for Acquisition of the Group Garage Site Land from the Coal Authority in December 1997. Mr. Dodd clarified that a Right of Vehicular Access through the Group Garage Site had been reserved in the Conveyance Document for the Coal Authority, its Successors (CISWO) and their Tenants or Licensees, providing that such a Right had been exercised since the date of the Land Transfer to the Parish Council. The Clerk recommended to Members that, in order to avoid further disagreement, an accommodation be agreed between the Parish Council and the DJ Evans Youth Centre Management Committee about the exercise of Vehicular Access through the Group Garage Site. The Clerk recommended that a Lockable Gate with Adjacent Fencing be erected at the southernmost perimeter of the Group Garage Site Land. A Lockable Gate with shared keys would permit Vehicular Access for the Youth Centre Management Committee into the Car Parking Area of the Youth Centre, but would not permit Vehicular Access through the Group Garage Site to the public at large. The Clerk reminded Members that the Parish Council, as a Local Authority, has a Statutory Duty of Care to Visitors to its land (whether they are authorised to enter onto that Land or not). The Parish Council could be made liable to meet the cost of injury compensation claims from ordinary members of the public if General Vehicular Access was permitted. The Clerk also recommended to Members of the Parish Council that such a Lockable Gate would limit possible damage to the adjacent Public Footpath running alongside the southernmost boundary of the Group Garage Site and in front of the DJ Evans Youth Centre. By this means, the Parish Council would be better able to repudiate any possible charge from a Third Party that the Parish Council is, in any way whatsoever, partially or wholly responsible for damage to that Public Footpath. A Motion was proposed and seconded that a Lockable Gate and Adjacent Fencing at the southernmost perimeter of the Group Garage Site be erected immediately, as the Clerk had recommended, in order to resolve the disagreement about Vehicular Access to mutual satisfaction between the afore-mentioned parties. An amendment to the Original Motion was proposed and seconded to the effect that the recommended works be deferred until the anticipated Site Survey of the Pathway on the Group Garage Site by CISWO Officers is concluded. A Vote was taken upon the Amendment to the Original Motion and the result was a tie with Four Votes cast for the Amendment and Four Votes cast against the Amendment (Four Members abstained from the Vote). The Vice-Chairman rendered a Casting Vote in favour of the Amendment and the Amendment, as set out above, was carried. Therefore, the Original Motion was lost. Councillor Morgan declared a Personal Interest in the matter under discussion. Resolved that Proposed Works on the Group Garage Site be deferred until CISWO Officers had completed their Site Survey of the Pathway. Cemetery The Clerk informed Members that a complaint had been received from a Parishioner concerning an overhanging (flowering cherry tree) in the Cemetery. The Parishioner’s late brother-in-law had recently been interred in the Cemetery and difficulties with digging the Grave Space had been encountered. The Parishioner had requested that Members of the Parish Council give consideration to the removal of the cherry tree as it would cause problems with the future interment of the Parishioner’s sister. Resolved that (1) the Clerk be instructed to arrange a Site Meeting at the Cemetery with an Arboriculturist shown on Durham City Council’s Recommended List and ascertain whether any other trees are likely to cause difficulties with the use of Grave Spaces in the Cemetery. (2) Prepare a Petition to be signed by the Chairman of the Parish Council and the Clerk to the Parish Council requesting the Durham Diocesan Court for a Faculty Order to permit the felling, uprooting and removal of any trees in addition to the above-mentioned flowering cherry tree which may cause problems with the future use of Grave Spaces in the Cemetery. The Clerk mentioned that a letter had been received by e-mail from another Parishioner referring to the fact that the Cemetery Gates were regularly left open by Visitors, despite a Notice located on the Cemetery Entrance Gates requesting Visitors to close the Gates after each visit. The Parishioner also referred to the theft of certain memento items from his son’s Grave Space. The Clerk indicated to the Parishioner that a news item would be placed in the next Edition of the Bowburn Interchange Newsletter about closure of the Cemetery Gates. Resolved that the above information be noted. Members discussed the offer of surplus trees to use at the top end of the Cemetery from Messrs. Haslam Homes at the Housing Development in Tail upon End Lane, Bowburn. Councillor Stan Robinson reported that Durham County Council would provide trees to screen the Cemetery from the overlooking new Bowburn to Wheatley Hill Link Road. Resolved that the above information be noted. At this point, a Motion, proposed and seconded by Members Present under Standing Order no. 46 (Suspension of Standing Orders), was approved to allow the Business of the Monthly Meeting to continue after the expiry of the first 90 minutes. 114 Correspondence received Durham County Council - National Tree Week November 26th to December 7th 2008 - Received Durham County Council - Countywide Magazine (October/November 2008) - Received Durham County Council - Temporary Road & Footway Closures Horton Crescent, Bowburn (September 2008 to March 2010) - Received Durham County Council - Building Schools for the Future Newsletter No. 6 (September 2008) - Received Durham R.C.C. - Newsletter (Autumn 2008) - Received CDALC - Newsletter No. 21 (September 2008) - Received CDALC - Annual Report 2007/2008/Notices of AGM - Received Dept. for Communities and Local Government - Consultation on the Making and Enforcement of Bye-Laws - Received Postwatch Northern England - Notice of Merger with National Consumer Council and Energywatch - Received Minerals Valley Project - Final Newsletter No. 8 (Autumn 2008) - Received NHS County Durham PCT - NHS Constitution Consultation - Received Standards Board for England - Newsletter No. 3 (September 2008) Received 115 Planning Applications C. Peters - Erection of 2 no. two storey semi-detached dwellings and alterations to adjacent bungalow on Land adjacent to 6, Hollyhock Terrace, Coxhoe - Received S. Scarr - Variation of Planning Application Approval (Extension of Opening Hours at 2, Romaine Square, Bowburn)) - Clerk to seek Clarification The Clerk reported to Members that a previous Planning Application made by Primesight to erect two internally illuminated signs at 4-5, The Leazes, Bowburn had been refused. Resolved that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations made by its Planning Sub Committee in respect of planning matters considered on behalf of the Parish Council by the Planning Sub Committee. 116 Accounts (Expenditure) P. Thorpe - Salary (paid net) - October 2008 - 048963 - £508.12 P. Thorpe - Mileage/Parking Fees - 60 @ 58.7p - “ - £37.12 P. Thorpe - Stamps - 19 @ 36p - “ - £6.84 P. Thorpe - E-m@il Facility (AOL) - Monthly Fee (Part) - “ - £15.99 P. Thorpe - Office Stationery - Ink Cartridges - “ - £14.70 H.M. Revenue & Customs - National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) - Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax - 048964 (Part) - £183.04 H.M. Revenue & Customs - Income Tax Deduction - Employee Deduction (Craig Prince) - 048964 (Part) - £11.64 Craig Prince - Allotments Super’t - Net Monthly Fee (Sept.) - 048965 - £46.56 Co-op. Funerals - Refund of Overpaid Fee - Interment of K. Latue - 048966 - £70.00 Parkhill Residents’ Association - Contribution towards Cost of Play Equipment - Parkhill Children’s Play Areas - 048967 - £9,750.00 Accounts (Income) - 11TH SEPTEMBER – 8TH OCTOBER 2008 Co-op. Funerals - Burial Fees - Cemetery - £166.00 Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved. 117 Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Monthly Meeting be Wednesday, 19th November 2008 at Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. November 2008 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 19th November 2008 in Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. Present: Councillors Blakey, G. Marsden, Morgan, Raine, Richardson, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt, Temporal and Tickell (Councillor Richardson in the Chair). 118 Apologies Councillors Higham, Muriel Marsden and Syer. 119 Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn, accompanied by a Woman Police Constable, attended the Monthly Meeting to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area. There had been 1 Case of Criminal Damage in Cassop and 4 Cases of Criminal Damage, 6 Cases of Burglary (Other), 3 Cases of Theft and 1 Case of Theft of a Car in Bowburn. Members thanked P.C. Cockburn for his report, whereupon he and his lady colleague left the Monthly Meeting. 120 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 15th October 2008 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 15th October 2008 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. Resolved that the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 15th October 2008 be agreed and signed as true and accurate record. 121 Reclamation of Land on the Former Cape Asbestos Site, Bowburn The Clerk introduced Mr. Geoff Woodcock from Esh Developments Limited, who attended the Monthly Meeting to give Members an updated report on the Asbestos Clearance Work on the Former Cape Site. Mr. Woodcock and his colleague intended to give a projector based presentation to Members, but an IT malfunction compelled the visitors to give a verbal presentation, accompanied by laptop pictures of the worksite. Mr. Woodcock’s colleague confirmed that Asbestos Clearance Work on the Site should be largely completed by early December 2008. Existing soil and mineral deposits on site will be used to assist future development work there, minimising further heavy traffic movements on or around the Site Area. Mr. Woodcock and his colleague answered Members’ extensive questioning on the Site Activity and where Asbestos Deposits had actually been found. Resolved that the information provided by Mr. Woodcock and his colleague be noted. 122 Points to Note The Clerk requested Members’ approval to purchase a replacement flower tree for Parkhill, in place of one which had been stolen earlier in the year. Resolved that a replacement tree be purchased at a cost of £300.00. The Clerk reported to Members that the External Audit of the Parish Council’s Accounts for the Financial Year Ended March 31st 2008 had been completed. There had been no items upon which the External Auditor had to make a qualifying report for Members’ attention. Resolved that the information be noted. The Clerk informed Members that arrangements were in place for the new Unitary Authority to issue Precept Request Letters to Parish & Town Councils for the Financial Year 2009/2010. Resolved that the information be noted. The Clerk sought Members’ approval for the purchase of a Hedge Trimmer in the sum of £250.00 for the Durham County Probation Service in lieu of grass cutting, hedge trimming and litter collection work done by Community Service Groups. The County Probation Service is unable to accept direct payment for work done by Community Service Groups. Resolved that the purchase of a Hedge Trimmer in the sum of £250.00 be approved. The Clerk informed Members that he had attended the Annual General Meeting of the County Durham Association of Local Councils on Saturday, November 1st 2008 at Spennymoor Town Hall. The Clerk had been accompanied by Councillors Stan & Maggie Robinson, Sylvia Raine and William Tickell. Members present at the AGM gave the Monthly Meeting a briefing about matters discussed at the AGM, including discussions on new funding arrangements for CDALC from the new Unitary Authority. Resolved that the information be noted. The Clerk informed Members that the cost of the accident repairs to the culvert on the edge of the Depot Allotment Site would be met by the Contractor’s Insurers, not the Parish Council as had been reported. Resolved that the information be noted. The Clerk gave Members a report upon ongoing excavation works undertaken by Durham County Council near Bowburn Community Centre with reference to recent flooding problems. Resolved that the information be noted. The Clerk informed Members that he had received notification from the National Joint Council for Local Government Services about a National Pay Award of 2.45% backdated to April 1st 2008 for Parish and Town Council Clerks. The Clerk requested Members to approve the backdated Award. Resolved that the new Pay Scales for Parish and Town Council Clerks authorised by the National Joint Council for Local Government Services be approved and implemented with immediate effect. 123 Planning Applications Applicant Details Action Barry Martin & Associates Change of Use of Land to Equestrian Stud Farm & Racing Stables etc. (Land surrounding Cornforth Moor) Application Papers Required Barry Martin & Associates Change of Use of Land to Equestrian Riding School Including Erection of Log Cabin for Residential Use Land between A1M and A688 (Cornforth Moor) Application Papers Required Barry Martin & Associates Change of Use of Land for Temporary Grazing for a Period of three years for eight horses (including erection of Field Shelters) Application Papers Required Ogden Group of Companies Removal of Condition 12 of Former Planning Approval (Allow Single Operator to use Floorspace on Land adjacent to Entrance of South Bowburn Ind. Estate) Seek Members’ Advice R. Howe Erection of Conservatory and Porch 1, Grange Park Crescent, Bowburn, Received P. Haselhurst Erection of Extension 36, Griffiths Court, Bowburn Received Resolved that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations made by its Planning Sub Committee in respect of planning matters considered on behalf of the Parish Council by the Planning Sub Committee. 124 Review of Parish Council Standing Orders and Financial Regulations The Clerk informed Members that the Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee had held a series of Meetings during the previous few months to consider a review of Parish Council Standing Orders & Financial Regulations. The Sub-Committee had examined the NALC Model Versions of Standing Orders and Financial Regulations and amended these documents to suit the Parish Council’s needs. The Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee recommends the amended NALC documents to the Parish Council for adoption. Resolved that the amended NALC Versions of Standing Orders and Financial Regulations be adopted by the Parish Council with immediate effect. 125 Model Publication of Information Scheme The Clerk informed Members that the Parish Council is obliged to adopt a Publication of Information Scheme for the benefit of its Electors not later than January 1st 2009. The Information Commissioner has prepared a Model Publication of Information Scheme, which Local Authorities may adopt without amendment, if they so desire. The Model Scheme incorporates a Draft Publication Scheme Commitment Document and a Guide to Proactively Published Information for the Public, which includes definitions of information covered in the Core Classes of Information in the Scheme and details of the means by which such information can be accessed (i.e. Website Access, Hard Copies of Data sent by Surface Mail and Pre-Arranged Inspection of Documents etc.). Copies of the above-mentioned Scheme Documents had been sent out to Members online and by surface mail for their prior inspection before the Monthly Meeting. The Clerk recommended to Members that the Model Publication of Information Scheme be adopted by the Parish Council. Resolved that the Model Publication of Information Scheme as described above be adopted by the Parish Council with effect from January 1st 2009. 126 Area Action Partnerships The Clerk reminded Members that a Public Meeting was to be held on Thursday, November 20th 2008 at Coxhoe Village Hall at 6 p.m. to discuss geographical boundaries of the proposed new Local Area Action Partnerships. Resolved that the information be noted. 127 Allotments, Garages & Cemetery Allotments No Report Garages No Report Cemetery The Clerk reminded Members that a complaint had been received from a Parishioner concerning an overhanging (flowering cherry tree) in the Cemetery. The Parishioner had requested that Members of the Parish Council give consideration to the removal of the cherry tree as it would cause problems with the future interment of the Parishioner’s sister. The Durham Diocesan Court had now granted an Interlocutory Order, which permits the Parish Council to uproot and remove the flowering cherry tree, which is causing the most urgent problem. A Period of Notice of not less than 28 days must elapse before a Faculty Order is granted by the Diocesan Court, which would allow any objectors to voice their concerns about removal of the other five trees causing concern in the Cemetery. At this point, a Motion, proposed and seconded by Members Present under New Standing Order no. 23 (s) (Suspension of Standing Orders), was approved to allow the Business of the Monthly Meeting to continue after the expiry of the first 90 minutes. 128 Correspondence Received From Details Action Durham County Council Official Opening Ceremony Oct. 30th 2008 (New Bowburn to Wheatley Hill Link Road) Received Durham County Council Proposed Installation of new Bench Seats Bowburn to Wheatley Hill Link Road Received Durham County Council Winter Salting Routes 2008/2009 Received Durham County Council (County Councillors Blakey and MacWilliams) Request to accept Donation from County Council Members’ Initiative Fund Edith Cavell Roses in Bowburn Flower Beds Received Durham County Council Local Meeting at Coxhoe about Area Action Partnerships Received Durham Police Authority Borough Forum of C.C.G.’s (December 9th 2008) Received CDALC Newsletter No. 22 (November 2008) Received Department for Communities and Local Government Codes of Conduct for Local Authority Members and Employees (A Consultation Document) Received Messrs. BDO Stoy Hayward Notice of Conclusion of External Audit 2007/2008 Received Easington Community College Open Evening and Display (Nov. 13th 2008) Received County Durham L. D. P.B. Newsletter No. 23 Received Mineral Valleys Project Newsletter No. 9 (Autumn 2008) Received County Durham Sustainability and Environment Partnership Newsletter No. 38 (Autumn 2008) Received Premier Waste Premier Update-Compost Issue Received 129 Accounts (Expenditure) Name Description Details Cheque No. £ p P. Thorpe Salary (paid net) November 2008 048987 597.89 “ Mileage/Parking Fees 56 @ 58.7p “ 34.77 Stamps 10 @ 36p “ 3.60 “ “ Other Rates “ 1.82 “ E-m@il Facility (AOL) Monthly Fee (Part) “ 15.99 “ Office Stationery Ink Cartridges (6) “ 29.60 “ “ A3 Envelopes “ 1.75 H.M. Revenue & Customs National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax 048988 (Part) 240.26 H.M. Revenue & Customs Income Tax Deduction Employee Deduction (Craig Prince) 048988 (Part) 11.64 Craig Prince Allotments Super’t Net Monthly Fee (Sept.) 048989 46.56 Bowburn Village Celebration Column Space (Bowburn Interchange) Parish Newsletter 048990 320.00 City of Durham Bowburn Doorstep Green Maintenance Works 048991 (part) 229.13 City of Durham Installation of Picnic Tables Cassop and Tursdale 048991 (part) 705.00 City of Durham Rent of Land at Cassop Village Stone 048992 1.50 BDO Stoy Hayward External Audit Fee Audit of Parish Accounts 2007/2008 048993 334.88 Thinford Nurseries Watering of Hanging Flower Baskets Bowburn & Cassop 048994 705.00 Durham Diocesan Registry Cost of Interlocutory Order Removal of Cemetery Tree 048995 247.00 A. Shutt Hire of Strimmer Cemetery 048996 120.00 J.M. Raine Purchase of Hedge Trimmer County Probation Service 048997 255.00 R. & C. Builders Provision of Gate Depot Allotment Site 048999 129.25 Cheque nos. 048968 to 048986 (both nos. inclusive) refer to Donations of Financial Assistance made to various Schools, Community Groups and Sporting Groups under Statutory Powers Cheque no. 048998 cancelled. Accounts (Income) 9TH OCTOBER – 12TH NOVEMBER 2008 Name Description Details £ p Co-op. Funerals Burial Fees Cemetery 33.00 Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved. 130 Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Monthly Meeting be Wednesday, 17th December 2008 at Cassop Community Centre at 7 p.m. December 2008 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 17th December 2008 in Cassop Community Centre at 7 p.m. Present: Councillors Blakey, G. Marsden, M. Marsden, Morgan, Raine, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt, Syer and Tickell (Councillor Raine in the Chair). 131 Apologies Councillors Higham and Richardson. Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn attended the Monthly Meeting to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area. There had been 1 Case of Burglary (Home) in Cassop, 1 Case of Theft from a Car in Parkhill and 4 Cases of Criminal Damage, 1 Case of Burglary (Other) and 2 Cases of Theft in Bowburn. Members thanked P.C. Cockburn for his report, whereupon he left the Monthly Meeting. Bowburn Business Park Proposals Mr. Angus White of Messrs. Arthur Naylor (Chartered Surveyors) of Newcastle upon Tyne attended the Monthly Meeting by invitation to give Members a briefing about his Client’s Proposals for the Bowburn Business Park. Mr. White distributed copies of the map of the proposed layout of the Business Park, including the proposed new road layout in the vicinity of the Bowburn Motorway Services Area. Mr. White answered Members’ questions about his Client’s Proposals before leaving the Meeting. Members discussed the Business Park Proposals after Mr. White’s departure. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to write to Mr. White at Messrs. Arthur Naylor (Chartered Surveyors), advising him that the Parish Council broadly supports the Business Park Proposals, including the introduction of a Wild Life Preservation Corridor and the Proposed Archaeological Surveys of the Area. However, Members wished to express their disappointment that the proposed hammerhead road layout does not extend as far into their Client’s land as it could have. Members expect that upgrading of the Local Sewerage Network is likely to be needed as a consequence of the Business Park Proposals. 134 Planning Applications Applicant Details Action Barry Martin & Associates Change of Use of Land to Equestrian Riding School Including Erection of Log Cabin for Residential Use Land between A1M and A688 (Cornforth Moor) Ascertain if Horses will cross A688 Miss L. Frew Change of Use of (Adjacent Vacant) Land to Domestic Garden etc. near to 34, Surtees Avenue, Bowburn Received W. Parkinson Erection of Extension 24A, Durham Road West, Bowburn Received Resolved that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations made by its Planning Sub Committee in respect of planning matters considered on behalf of the Parish Council by the Planning Sub Committee. 135 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 19th November 2008 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 19th November 2008 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. Resolved that the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 19th November 2008 be agreed and signed as true and accurate record. 136 Points to Note The Clerk reported to Members that the replacement flower tree for Parkhill, approved at the November 2008 Monthly Meeting, had been purchased from RWT Fabrication of Kelloe at a cost of £250.00, a saving of £50.00 as compared with the expenditure sum approved. Resolved that the information be noted. The Clerk reported to Members that the purchase of a Hedge Trimmer for donation to the Durham County Probation Service, approved at the November 2008 Monthly Meeting, had been purchased from J. M. Raine of Byers Green at a cost of £255.00. The County Probation Service is unable to accept direct payment for work done by Community Service Groups under the supervision of County Probation Staff. The Clerk informed Members that a Precept Request Letter had been received from the Corporate Director (Resources) of Durham County Council in respect of the Financial Year 2009/2010. The County Council has requested that details of the Parish Council Precept Requirements be forwarded to the Corporate Director by January 23rd 2009. Resolved that a Meeting of the Parish Council’s Finance and Forwarding Planning Sub-Committee be convened on Wednesday, January 14th 2009 at Bowburn Community Centre, commencing at 7 p.m., to prepare recommendations to the Parish Council about a Budget for the Financial Year ending on March 31st 2010. The Clerk informed Members that the latest Meeting of Interested Parties about Bowburn’s Flooding Problems had taken place at Bowburn Community Centre on December 15th 2008. Members were informed about a number of repairs and improvements made to the surface water drainage systems in Bowburn, including removal of a major blockage consisting of an abandoned drainage cover and loose bricks in the system adjacent to Bow Street and Burn Street, Bowburn. Members were given a Checklist of Works still to be done by various Agencies, including Clearance Works at Bowburn Beck. The Clearance Works are partly the responsibility of the Parish Council as Riparian Owner of the Land. The Clerk had requested that the County Council provide an itemised list of operations to be undertaken at the Bowburn Beck, along with a list of Recommended Contractors capable of undertaking the works. Councillor Margaret Robinson informed Members that the Former Five Villages Officer at the County Council had informed her some time ago that Ownership of the Land in the Bowburn Beck Area is shared by several parties. Resolved that the Clerk’s action in seeking details of Recommended Contractors to undertake the Bowburn Beck Clearance Works be confirmed. Members agreed to the request of Councillor Raine, acting as Chairman at this Monthly Meeting, to consider a number of specific items not on the Meeting Agenda, which she considered to be in need of Members’ urgent consideration. Parish Council Standing Order 17 was, therefore, suspended for the duration of the discussion of the following four items: The need for an Emergency Tree Preservation Order to protect a number of trees situated at the rear of Henderson’s Factory in Bowburn. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to write to the City Council’s Director of Planning Services seeking the installation of an Emergency tree Preservation Order in respect of the above-mentioned trees. The Litter Free Durham Group are to join Councillor Raine in a Local Litter Collection on January 3rd 2009. Resolved that the above information be noted. A Consultation Event is to take place at Quarrington Hill Community Centre on Thursday, January 8th 2009 between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. about future plans for Old Quarrington Quarry. Resolved that the above information be noted. A request had been received from a Local Elector asking the Parish Council to recommend advice on Financial and Economic Assistance available to small local businesses suffering hardship because of the current national economic downturn. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to write to the County Council’s Economic Development Officer requesting that details of National and Local Economic and Financial Assistance available to small businesses be sent to the Local Elector concerned. At this point, a Motion, proposed and seconded by Members Present under New Standing Order no. 23 (s) (Suspension of Standing Orders), was approved to allow the Business of the Monthly Meeting to continue after the expiry of the first 90 minutes. 137 Area Action Partnerships The Clerk reminded Members that a Public Meeting had taken place on Thursday, November 20th 2008 at Coxhoe Village Hall to discuss geographical boundaries of the proposed new Local Area Action Partnerships. Various Members of the Parish Council gave the Monthly Meeting verbal reports about the Proceedings of the Public Meeting at Coxhoe. Members of the County Council’s Cabinet will make final decisions about the roles, responsibilities and organisation of the Local Area Action Partnerships in January 2009. Resolved that the information be noted. 138 Allotments, Garages & Cemetery Allotments The Clerk reported to Members that, before reletting of the Site could take place, a series of works were required to refurbish an Allotment Site at Tursdale, which had recently been vacated by the Sitting Tenant. Works required included extensive grasscutting over the whole Allotment Site, removal of fallen and obscured timbers on the Site and demolition of two Derelict Allotment Sheds. The Clerk reported to Members that a numbers of letters had been sent to the Former Tenant instructing him to clear up the Allotment Site in accordance with the Terms of his Tenancy Agreement. Initial Site Inspection undertaken in December 2008 with an Officer of Durham City Council revealed that the remedial works could cost up to £1,000.00. The Clerk reluctantly recommended that the Parish Council should not pursue recovery of these potential costs (nor the anticipated costs of the previous Garage Structures Clearance) due to the ill health of the Former Tenant, who now lives outside the Parish Area. Resolved that (1) the Clerk arranges with the Allotment Superintendent to have the grassed areas on the Allotment Site cut down before other works on Site are arranged. (2) the Clerk be instructed to write to the Former Tenant of the Allotment Site, expressing the Parish Council’s annoyance at the derelict and unkempt state of the Allotment Site recently vacated by him. The letter should refer to the significant costs likely to be incurred by the Parish Council in order to relet the Allotment Site. Garages No Report Cemetery The Clerk reminded Members that a complaint had been previously received from a Parishioner concerning an overhanging flowering cherry tree in the Cemetery. The Durham Diocesan Court had now granted an Interlocutory Order, which has permitted the Parish Council to have the flowering cherry tree uprooted and removed as it was in danger of undermining existing and future Grave Spaces. A Period of Notice of not less than 28 days expiring on December 31st 2008 must elapse before a Faculty Order is granted by the Diocesan Court, which would allow the removal of other trees causing concern about undermining Grave Spaces in the Cemetery. Resolved that (1) the above-mentioned information be noted. (2) the Clerk be instructed to write to Messrs. Haslam Homes of Gateshead to enquire about possible relocation of surplus trees removed from the Tail Upon End Lane Housing Development to the Cemetery to provide perimeter screening cover. 139 Correspondence Received From Details Action Durham County Council Countywide Magazine (December 2008/January 2009) Received Durham County Council (Comments by 11th Feb. 2009) Public Consultation (Pupil Admission Arrangements from Sept. 2010 onwards) Received Durham County Council Location of Proposed Bench Seats (Bowburn to Wheatley Hill Link Road) Received Durham City Council Bowburn Park Opening Ceremony Thursday, December 11th 2008 (1. 30 p.m.) Received County Durham and Darlington Area Forum of P.C.C.G.’s Meeting on December 9th 2008 at 6 p.m. Council Chamber at County Hall, Durham Received Valuation Agency Rating Revaluation 2010 (Cemetery Area) Received Co. Durham Victim Support Funding Request Received Campaign to Protect Rural England Newsletter (Winter 2008) Received County Durham L. D. P.B. Newsletter No. 24 (December 2008) Received Woodland Trust Funding Request Received Deric Youth Bus Project Launch of Youth Bus (December 4th 2008) County Hall, Durham at 1. 30 p.m. Received CE Electric UK Winter 2008 Information Leaflet Received NHS County Durham and Darlington PCT Annual operational Plan 2009/2010 Received Information Commissioner Publicity about Freedom of Information Received 140 Accounts (Expenditure) Name Description Details Cheque No. £ p DTech Computers Computer Repairs Motherboard Installation 049000 141.75 P. Thorpe Salary (paid net) December 2008 049001 519.41 “ Mileage/Parking Fees 78 @ 58.7p “ 47.69 “ Stamps 6 @ 36p “ 2.16 “ “ Other Rates “ 5.38 “ E-m@il Facility (AOL) Monthly Fee (Part) “ 15.99 “ Purchase of Epson Copier/Printer/ Scanner Model SX105 “ 59.99 “ “ 3 year Free Replacement Warranty “ 12.99 “ Office Stationery Ink Cartridges Multipack “ 19.99 “ “ Black Ink Cartridge “ 6.99 “ Office Equipment 3 year Free Replact. Warranty “ 12.99 “ Home Office Use Quarterly Allowance “ 95.00 “ Home Telephone Use “ “ 41.00 H.M. Revenue & Customs National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax 049002 (Part) 190.13 H.M. Revenue & Customs Income Tax Deduction Employee Deduction (Craig Prince) 049002 (Part) 11.64 Craig Prince Allotments Super’t Net Monthly Fee (Dec.) 049003 46.56 RWT Fabrication Supply of Hanging Flower Tree etc. Replacement of Stolen Item 049004 275.00 Oliver’s Tree Services Removal of Tree Cemetery 049005 134.55 S.L.C.C. Society Membership Membership Year 2009 049006 117.00 Accounts (Income) 13TH NOVEMBER – 10TH DECEMBER 2008 Name Description Details £ p - - - - Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved. 141 Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Monthly Meeting be Wednesday, 21st January 2009 at Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. January 2009 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 21st January 2009 in Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. ]Present: Councillors Barker, Blakey, Higham, G. Marsden, M. Marsden, Morgan, Raine, Richardson, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt, Syer, Temporal and Tickell (Councillor Richardson in the Chair). (Councillor Temporal thanked Members of the Parish Council for the Get Well Card sent to his wife wishing her a speedy recuperation from her recent bout of illness). 1 Apologies None Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn was unable to attend the Monthly Meeting to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area. However, he did send an e-mail to the Clerk giving details of those Offences. There had been 2 Cases of Criminal Damage in Cassop, 1 Case of Criminal Damage in Parkhill and 6 Cases of Criminal Damage, 1 Case of Burglary and 2 Cases of Theft in Bowburn. Resolved that the details of the Report be noted. 3 Points to Note The Clerk reported to Members that two Donations of £50.00 each had been received from County Councillors Blakey and MacWilliams Member’s Initiative Fund. The Donations had been made to secure the purchase of a batch of Edith Cavell Roses to be located at the Mining Heritage Memorial Site on Durham Road, Bowburn. Resolved that County Councillors Blakey and MacWilliams be thanked for their kind donations. The Clerk reported to Members that arrangements had been made with Messrs. R. & C. Builders to effect Fencing Repairs at the Doorstep Green Site. Resolved that the information be noted. The Clerk informed Members that as previously instructed, he had written to Mr. David Thornborrow, Head of Planning Services at Durham City Council, seeking emergency action to protect trees located behind Henderson’s Factory and Esh House at Bowburn from unauthorised felling. Mr. Hurlow of the Planning Services Department has subsequently contacted Councillor Margaret Robinson to inform her that he will contact her as the Local City Councillor if there are any developments affecting the relevant trees. Resolved that the information be noted. Councillor Raine informed Members that Mr. Mike Young of Tarmac Limited desired an Invitation to attend the Monthly Meeting of the Parish Council to be held on 18th February 2009 to brief Members about the Company’s Future Proposals for Old Quarrington Quarry. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to write to Mr. Young offering him an Invitation to attend the February 2009 Monthly Meeting. Planning Applications Members instructed the Clerk to send a further letter sent to Mr. Angus White of Arthur Naylor (Chartered Surveyors), who represent Durham Green. The letter would press home the point that it would be logical to extend the Business Park’s Roadway Proposals through their Client’s Land Holding, into the Area owned by the Ogden Group of Companies and up to the Cape Site. Such a comprehensive Road Improvement would thereby provide mutual benefit to the whole Industrial Estate Area and would facilitate any future Infrastructure Improvements. The Clerk informed Members that the land adjacent to 34, Surtees Avenue, Bowburn was reported as unused Land. (The relevant Application referred to a change of use to a domestic garden by the occupier of the above address). The Clerk also informed Members that he had been assured by the Planning Officer that it would be “highly unlikely” that exercising horses would be made to cross the A688 Road between Bowburn and Tursdale (Relevant Application had been for a Change of Use of Land for an Equestrian Riding School on Land between the A1(M) and A688 at Cornforth Moor). Applicant Details Action Roadchef Motorways Ltd. Erection of two storey extension to side of Hotel providing 16 additional bedrooms Travel Inn, Road Chef Lodge, Tursdale Rd., Bowburn Write Letter of Support Resolved that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations made by its Planning Sub Committee in respect of planning matters considered on behalf of the Parish Council by the Planning Sub Committee. 5 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 17th December 2008 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 17th December 2008 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. Resolved that the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 17th December 2008 be agreed and signed as true and accurate record. 6 Parish Council Budget Proposals 2009/2010 The Clerk informed Members that a Meeting of the Parish Council’s Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee had taken place on Wednesday, January 14th 2009 at Bowburn Community Centre. The Meeting had been convened to discuss recommendations to be made to the Parish Council on Budget Proposals for the Financial Year ending on March 31st 2010. Members of the Parish Council discussed the Sub-Committee’s recommendations and made two amendments to the Proposals whereby, firstly , an additional sum of £2,000.00 would be set aside for Play Equipment for Tursdale and Cassop, with a view to making an annual provision of this amount for this purpose, to be spent three-yearly, and, secondly, a sum of £1,815 be allocated to clearance works along Bowburn Beck, these sums to be taken from the Proposed General Contingency Provision for 2009/2010. Resolved that (1) the amended recommendations of the Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee for the Parish Council Budget for the Financial Year ending on March 31st 2010 be approved and adopted by the Full Parish Council. (2) the £2,000 play equipment provision for 2009/10 be assigned to a fund for equipping play areas in Cassop and Tursdale and that an equivalent amount be set aside annually for that purpose until further notice. (3) the £5,000 street lighting provision for 2009/10 be assigned to the provision of three schemes, with a total estimated cost of £50,000, (a) along the C12a between Broadmeadows and Hallgarth Estate, (b) along the Lane beside Mabey’s Yard, between the bottom and top of Runcie Road, and (c) in certain cul-de-sacs in Park Hill, and that applications be made to Durham County Council and to Durham City Council’s Bowburn Improvement Fund for the balance of the costs of these schemes. (4) The Parish Council seeks an Annual Precept of £24,875 from Durham County Council in respect of the Financial Year ending on March 31st 2010. A copy of the Revised Budget Proposals for 2009/2010 Financial Year Approved by the Parish Council is attached to this Set of Minutes. N.B. This Approved Budget will be amended to show the sum of £1,815 previously allocated to a General Contingency Provision now being allocated towards Beck Clearance Works. 7 Parish Plan Arrangements The Clerk reminded Members that, at a Meeting of the Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee held on Monday, October 27th 2008, 5 Parish Councillor Nominations had been recommended to serve on the Parish Plan Steering Group. The Parish Councillor Nominations made are as follows: Councillor Sylvia Raine Councillor Margaret Robinson Councillor Mike Syer Councillor George Marsden Councillor William Tickell Mrs. Lesley Millgate from the Durham Rural Community Council, who has been advising the Parish Council on Parish Plan matters, has indicated that there are no requirements to seek Non-Parish Councillor Representatives for the Steering Group from any particular religious, ethnic or social background. Resolved that (1) the Parish Councillor Nominations for the Parish Plan Steering Group be approved and (2) the Clerk be instructed to place an advertisement in the next Edition of the Bowburn Interchange Newsletter and on the Parish Council’s Website seeking enquiries from persons interested in filling 4 Non-Parish Councillor Vacancies on the Parish Plan Steering Group. At this point, a Motion, proposed and seconded by Members Present under Standing Order no. 23 (s) (Suspension of Standing Orders), was approved to allow the Business of the Monthly Meeting to continue after the expiry of the first 90 minutes. 8 Town and Parish Councils Draft Charter The Clerk informed Members that he had received a Town and Parish Councils Draft Charter Document from Mr. Steve Ragg, Executive Officer of the County Durham Association of Local Councils. The Document attempts to lay down the guidelines for a Co-operation Agreement between the new Unitary Council and existing Parish and Town Councils after the Vesting Date of April 1st 2009. Resolved that a Special Meeting of the Parish Council’s Finance & Forward Planning Sub-committee be convened on Wednesday, January 28th 2009 at Bowburn Community Centre at 6.30 p.m. to discuss the contents of the Draft Charter and prepare observations to be notified to Mr. Ragg before February 11th 2009. 9 Allotments, Garages & Cemetery Allotments The Clerk reminded Members that, before reletting of the Site could take place, a series of works were required to refurbish an Allotment Site at Tursdale, which had recently been vacated by the Sitting Tenant. Works required included extensive grasscutting over the whole Allotment Site, removal of fallen and obscured timbers on the Site, filling in of two vehicle inspection pits and demolition of two Derelict Allotment Sheds. The Clerk informed Members that the Allotments Superintendent would be able to commence a Programme of Grass Cutting on the Allotment Site over two forthcoming weekends and the two unauthorised inspection pits excavated by the outgoing tenant would be filled in and concreted over. The Clerk informed Members that filling in of the excavation pits would be the subject of an additional payment to the Allotments Superintendent as it was outside of his usual work remit. Resolved that the Clerk’s work arrangements made with the Allotments Superintendent be approved. Garages No Report Cemetery The Clerk reminded Members that the Durham Diocesan Court had granted an Interlocutory Order, which has permitted the Parish Council to have a flowering cherry tree with undermining roots uprooted and removed. A Period of Notice of 28 days expiring on December 31st 2008 has now elapsed and no objections to the proposed removal of other undermining trees in the Cemetery have been received. The Granting of a Faculty Order is now awaited from the Durham Diocesan Court, which would allow the removal of the other trees causing concern in the Cemetery. Resolved that the above-mentioned information be noted. The Clerk was instructed to follow up the enquiry previously made to Messrs. Haslam Homes about the possible relocation of surplus trees (removed from the Housing Development Site at Tail upon End Lane, Bowburn) to the Cemetery. The Clerk was also instructed to contact the County Council to enquire about arrangements to repair damaged hedgerows along the Cemetery Access Road. Damage to the Hedgerows has been caused by Site Vehicles during the course of completion of the Bowburn to Wheatley Hill Link Road Scheme. Finally, the Clerk was instructed to make enquiries about costs involved and Prospective Contractors who could provide a Garden of Remembrance Area in the Cemetery. 10 Correspondence Received From Details Action Durham County Council Draft Gambling Licensing Policy Draft Licensed Premises Licensing Policy Draft Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Licensing Policy (Consultation Documents) Reply to Wear Valley District Council by 20/02/09 County Durham Link Newsletter No. 1 (November 2008) Received CDALC Newsletter No. 23 (January 2009) (Includes Details of new Wellbeing Powers) Received Department for Communities and Local Government Consultation Document for Code of Recommended Practice on L.A. Publicity Received 11 Accounts (Expenditure) Name Description Details Cheque No. £ p P. Thorpe Salary (paid net) January 2009 049007 519.41 “ Mileage/Parking Fees 50 @ 58.7p “ 31.25 “ Stamps 20 @ 36p “ 7.20 “ “ Other Rates “ 0.00 “ E-m@il Facility (AOL) Monthly Fee (Part) “ 15.99 “ Office Stationery Sansdisk Memory Stick “ 11.74 “ “ A4 Copy Paper “ 1.69 H.M. Revenue & Customs National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax 049008 (Part) 190.13 H.M. Revenue & Customs Income Tax Deduction Employee Deduction (Craig Prince) 049008 (Part) 11.64 Craig Prince Allotments Super’t Net Monthly Fee (Jan.) 049009 (part) 46.56 “ “ Strimmer Repairs & Oils 049009 (part) 90.33 Bowburn Community Association Meeting Room Hire Parish Council/ Sub-Committee Meetings 049010 42.00 Accounts (Income) 11TH DECEMBER 2008– 20TH JANUARY 2009 Name Description Details £ p County Councillors Edith Cavell Roses Members’ Init. Fund 100.00 Co-op. Funerals Cemetery Fees Various Clients 33.00 Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved. 12 Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Monthly Meeting be Wednesday, 18th February 2009 at Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. February 2009 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 18th February 2009 in Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. Present: Councillors Barker, Blakey, G. Marsden, Raine, Richardson, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Syer, Temporal and Tickell (Councillor Richardson in the Chair). (County Councillors MacWilliams and Plews were also in attendance). 13 Apologies Councillors Higham, Muriel Marsden, Morgan and Shutt 14 Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn was unable to attend the Monthly Meeting to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area. However, he did send an e-mail to the Clerk giving details of those Offences. There had been 1 Case of Criminal Damage in Cassop, No Reported Offences in Parkhill and 3 Cases of Criminal Damage, 1 Case of Burglary (Other) and 3 Cases of Theft in Bowburn. Resolved that the details of the Report be noted. 15 Proposals for Old Quarrington Quarry (Guest Speaker from Tarmac Limited) The Clerk introduced Mr. Mike Young, Estates Manager from Tarmac Limited and his Associate, Mr. William Nelson, Site Manager at Old Quarrington Quarry to Members of the Parish Council. Mr. Young had requested an Invitation to attend a Monthly Meeting of the Parish Council to give Members a briefing about Tarmac’s Future Proposals for Old Quarrington Quarry. Mr. Young showed Members a Visual Display of the Old Quarrington Quarry Site and neighbouring locations, pictured during various stages of the Proposed Quarry Development during the next 10-15 years. Mr. Young assured Members that the Company had no plans for Coal Extraction at Old Quarrington Quarry. He also assured Members that proper Dust Management Protocols would be put in place to minimise inconvenience to Local Residents in the Quarry Area and along Vehicle Access and Egress Roads in the Area. Mr. Young also pointed out that Quarry Vehicles would not travel through Bowburn in the future as they would use the new Bowburn to Wheatley Hill Link Road for their journeys. Mr. Young and Mr. Nelson answered a number of questions raised by Members during and after the Visual Display Presentation. Resolved that the information concerning Old Quarrington Quarry supplied by Mr. Young be noted with pleasure and that he and Mr. Nelson be thanked for their attendance at the Monthly Meeting. 16 Points to Note The Clerk reported to Members that he had contacted Durham County Council’s Street Lighting Section about permission to re-attach Hanging Flower Baskets on various Street Lighting Columns in Parkhill and Cassop during the Summer Season 2009. The relevant Lighting Columns had not been available in 2008 due the construction of the Bowburn to Wheatley Hill Link Road Scheme in the Parkhill Area and Housing Development in Cassop. Resolved that the Clerk’s action be confirmed. The Clerk reported to Members that he had sent details of work proposals for the West Bowburn Way to two Contractors, whose names appear on the relevant Small Traders’ List of Durham County Council. It is hoped to attract Parish Paths P3 Grant for the financial year ending on March 31st 2010 for various Repairs and Improvements along the West Bowburn Way. Resolved that the Clerk’s action be confirmed. The Clerk informed Members that Mr. David Bainbridge from Durham County Council had responded to his letter about the locations of proposed Bench Seats along the Bowburn to Wheatley Hill Link Road. Mr. Bainbridge indicated that funding for the proposed Bench Seats was tied into the General Construction Costs of Road Scheme itself, so that they must be located at the chosen points along the verges of that road. It was noted by Members that one of the Bench Seats would actually be located in Shincliffe Parish. Resolved that no further action be taken. The Clerk informed Members that an advertisement had been prepared for inclusion on the Parish Council Website and in the Bowburn Interchange Newsletter seeking applications from Non-Parish Councillors for Service on the Parish Plan Steering Group. Resolved that the Clerk’s action be confirmed. The Clerk reported to Members that, upon application, he had received Forms ST1 and FR1 from the Land Registry, concerning the possible Acquisition by the Parish Council of Land by Adverse Possession. After a brief discussion by Members, it was Resolved that no further action be taken. 17 Planning Applications Applicant Details Action Mabey Plant Hire Limited Outline Application with all matters reserved for Residential Development of 36 Dwellings Mabey Hire Limited Depot Send Letter with Observations Acorn Business Park (Durham) Limited Outline Application for Business and Employment Park including Works to A688 Motorway Service Area Link and Works to A1(M) Junctions 60, 61 and 62 Send Further Letter with Observations R. Singh (3, Ash Terrace, Bowburn) Change of Use of Ground Floor Shop (Class A1) to Non-Residential Institution (Class D1) and Change of Use of First Floor to Class B1 (Business) What is Non-Residential Institution Resolved that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations made by its Planning Sub Committee in respect of planning matters considered on behalf of the Parish Council by the Planning Sub Committee. 18 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 21st January 2009 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 21st January 2009 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. Councillor Syer requested that Minute No. 6 of the Monthly Meeting held on January 21st 2009 (Parish Council Budget Proposals 2009/2010) be amended to read as follows: “The Clerk informed Members that a Meeting of the Parish Council’s Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee had taken place on Wednesday, January 14th 2009 at Bowburn Community Centre. The Meeting had been convened to discuss recommendations to be made to the Parish Council on Budget Proposals for the Financial Year ending on March 31st 2010. Members of the Parish Council discussed the Sub-Committee’s recommendations and made two amendments to the Proposals whereby, firstly, an additional sum of £2,000.00 would be set aside for Play Equipment for Tursdale and Cassop, with a view to making an annual provision of this amount for this purpose, to be spent three-yearly, and, secondly, a sum of £1,815 be allocated to clearance works along Bowburn Beck, these sums to be taken from the Proposed General Contingency Provision for 2009/2010. Resolved that (1) the amended recommendations of the Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee for the Parish Council Budget for the Financial Year ending on March 31st 2010 be approved and adopted by the Full Parish Council. (2) the £2,000 play equipment provision for 2009/10 be assigned to a fund for equipping play areas in Cassop and Tursdale and that an equivalent amount be set aside annually for that purpose until further notice. (3) the £5,000 street lighting provision for 2009/10 be assigned to the provision of three schemes, with a total estimated cost of £50,000, (a) along the C12a between Broadmeadows and Hallgarth Estate, (b) along the Lane beside Mabey’s Yard, between the bottom and top of Runcie Road, and (c) in certain cul-de-sacs in Park Hill, and that applications be made to Durham County Council and to Durham City Council’s Bowburn Improvement Fund for the balance of the costs of these schemes. (4) The Parish Council seeks an Annual Precept of £24,875 from Durham County Council in respect of the Financial Year ending on March 31st 2010. A copy of the Revised Budget Proposals for 2009/2010 Financial Year Approved by the Parish Council is attached to this Set of Minutes. N.B. This Approved Budget will be amended to show the sum of £1,815 previously allocated to a General Contingency Provision now being allocated towards Beck Clearance Works.” Resolved that the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 21st January 2009 be amended as set out above and then agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. 19 Street Lighting Schemes The Clerk informed Members that a Meeting between Parish Councillors and Representatives of the Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership had occurred on Thursday, February 12th 2009 at the Lawson Road Community Centre, Bowburn. Unfortunately, Miss Julie Anson from Durham City Council was unable to attend the Meeting due to traffic congestion caused through snow drifts on that day. Unfortunately, the Meeting failed to agree upon the means by which grant assistance could be obtained from the Community Partnership for part of the cost of the three Lighting Schemes referred to in Amended Minute No. 6 of the Monthly Meeting for January 2009. The total cost of the above-mentioned Street Lighting Schemes is estimated to be £50,000.00 Resolved that the Parish Council agrees to donate to the Community Partnership the approved sum of £5,000.00 allocated in its Approved Budget for 2009/2010 towards the overall cost of the Proposed Street Lighting Schemes for Bowburn and Parkhill. 20 Bowburn Beck Clearance Works The Clerk informed Members that a Meeting had taken place on Tuesday, February 3rd 2009 at Bowburn Community Centre between Representatives of Durham County Council, Durham City Council and Cassop-cum-Quarrington Parish Council to discuss progress on the Bowburn Beck Clearance Scheme. Mr. Gerry Jones of Durham County Council circulated copies of Site Maps showing the Division of Riparian Ownership of the Beck Side Land between Cassop-cum-Quarrington Parish Council and Durham City Council. Mr. Jones reported that the County Council had prepared, as promised, a Schedule of Required Works for Beck Clearance on the Parish Council’s Area and had sought to obtain Priced Quotations from experienced Contractors competent to undertake the Works. Mr. Jones reported to the Meeting that only County Council Service Direct would be prepared to submit a Priced Quotation for the Clearance Works and the value of that Priced Quotation was mentioned to those present at the Meeting. The Clerk reported to Members at the Monthly Meeting of the Parish Council that Messrs. Sirius Remediation Limited would be prepared to submit a Priced Quotation for the Beck Clearance Works, subject to a Site Visit confirming the extent of the Required Works. The Clerked informed Members that a Site Meeting with Mr. Brown of Sirius Remediation Limited was to be urgently convened for Wednesday, February 25th 2009, with Councillors Stan Robinson, Mike Syer and the Clerk present in order to progress the matter of a Priced Quotation from Messrs. Sirius Remediation Limited for the Beck Clearance Works. Finally, the Clerk informed Members that a Double Taxation Rebate of £3,865.00 from Durham County Council had been confirmed for receipt by the Parish Council in 2009/2010 Financial Year. Councillor Margaret Robinson had informed Members at the January 2009 Monthly Meeting that such a Rebate was expected to be received from the County Council for several future financial years. The Clerk informed Members that this Rebate of £3,865.00, along with the General Contingency Provision for 2009/2010 of £1,815.00, would be sufficient to meet the Parish Council’s Estimated Beck Clearance Costs, based on the value of the County Council Service Direct Works Quotation. Resolved that (1) the information supplied by the Clerk be noted and that the Clerk’s recommendation for use of the Double Taxation Rebate for 2009/2010 and the Annual Contingency Provision for 2009/2010 to offset the anticipated Bowburn Beck Clearance Costs be approved. Any future specific grants received towards Beck Clearance Works would be used to finance a Proposed Garden of Remembrance Area in the Cemetery. (2) a Special Meeting of the Parish Council be convened at a future date before the next normal Monthly Meeting in order to consider the Priced Quotations received from Contractors for the Beck Clearance Works as soon as practicable. At this point, a Motion, proposed and seconded by Members Present under Standing Order no. 23 (s) (Suspension of Standing Orders), was approved to allow the Business of the Monthly Meeting to continue after the expiry of the first 90 minutes. 21 Town and Parish Councils Draft Charter The Clerk informed Members that he had received a response from Mr. Steve Ragg, Executive Officer of the County Durham Association of Local Councils concerning the Parish Council’s observations about the Proposed Town and Parish Councils Draft Charter Document. The Document attempts to lay down the guidelines for a Co-operation Agreement between the new Unitary Authority and existing Parish and Town Councils after the Unitary Authority Vesting Date of April 1st 2009. Mr. Ragg informed the Clerk that the Document was merely an early Draft of the Proposed Charter and that a more precisely worded Charter Document would be prepared for review by CDALC Member Authorities as soon as possible. Resolved that the information be noted. 22 Allotments, Garages & Cemetery Allotments No Report Garages No Report Cemetery The Clerk informed Members that the Durham Diocesan Court had granted a Faculty Order, which gives permission for the removal of various trees causing concern about Undermining of Grave Spaces in the Cemetery. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to arrange for the removal of the identified trees in the Cemetery by Messrs. Oliver’s Tree Services as soon as possible. The Clerk informed Members that he had received a response from Messrs. Keepmoat Homes concerning the enquiry previously made to Messrs. Haslam Homes about the possible relocation of surplus trees (removed from the Housing Development Site at Tail upon End Lane, Bowburn) to the Cemetery. Messrs. Keepmoat Homes have indicated that the relevant trees can be transferred from their present location to the Cemetery and replanted as desired. However, the tree replanting must be done by a Specialist Tree Planter and this service and associated relocation costs of the trees must be paid for. Resolved that the above information be noted The Clerk also informed Members that the County Council had responded to the Parish Council’s enquiry about arrangements to repair damaged hedgerows along the Cemetery Access Road. Mr. Brian Race of the County Council’s Highways Department has confirmed that the hedgerow damage would be repaired as part of the Road Building Contract. Finally, the Clerk informed Members that he had made enquiries about Prospective Costs and Contractors involved in the preparation of the Garden of Remembrance Area in Tudhoe Cemetery. Staff at Spennymoor Town Council, which administers Tudhoe Cemetery, confirmed that the Town Council itself had set up the Garden of Remembrance Area in that Cemetery and that they would forward details of the costs involved in due course. Resolved that the information be noted. 23 Correspondence Received From Details Action Durham Rural Community Council Newsletter (Winter 2009) Received County Durham Sustainability and Environment Partnership Newsletter No. 39 (February 2009) Received County Durham Learning Disabilities Partnership Board Newsletter No. 25 (February 2009) Received Community Consultation Ltd. Rural Parish Council Insurance Scheme Received Durham District Partnership Community Network AGM on February 26th 2009 at County Hall, Durham Received Great North Air Ambulance Fundraising Letter Received Tarmac Limited Minutes of Old Quarrington Liaison Group Meeting (December 2008) Received Northern Rock Foundation Newsletter No. 18 (Winter 2008) Received 24 Accounts (Expenditure) Name Description Details Cheque No. £ p P. Thorpe Salary (paid net) February 2009 049011 519.41 “ Mileage/Parking Fees 105 @ 58.7p “ 63.54 “ Stamps 43 @ 36p “ 15.48 “ “ Other Rates “ 3.12 “ E-m@il Facility (AOL) Monthly Fee (Part) “ 15.99 “ Office Stationery Black Ink Cartridges “ 13.68 “ “ A4 Copy Paper “ 1.60 “ Electrical Accessories Plug Adaptors “ 1.96 “ Computer Accessories DSL Phone Filters “ 15.62 H.M. Revenue & Customs National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax 049012 (Part) 190.13 H.M. Revenue & Customs Income Tax Deduction Employee Deduction (Craig Prince) 049012 (Part) 11.64 Craig Prince Allotments Super’t Net Monthly Fee (Feb.) 049013 46.56 Bowburn Youth Project Financial Donation 2008 Replacement Cheque (First Cheque 048979) 049014 100.00 Accounts (Income) 15TH JANUARY– 11TH FEBRUARY 2009 Name Description Details £ p Various Clients Cemetery Grave Space/ Headstone Fees 40.00 Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved. 25 Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Monthly Meeting be Wednesday, 18th March 2009 at Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. March 2009 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 18th March 2009 in Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. Present: Councillors Barker, G. Marsden, Morgan, Richardson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt, Syer and Tickell (Councillor Richardson in the Chair). 26 Apologies Councillors Higham, Muriel Marsden and Raine 27 Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn was unable to attend the Monthly Meeting to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area since the last Monthly Meeting. However, he did send an e-mail to the Clerk giving details of those Offences. There had been 1 Case of Theft in Cassop, No Reported Offences in Parkhill and 2 Cases of Burglary and 6 Cases of Theft in Bowburn. Youth Nuisance Problems have been reported in Parkhill and Prince Charles Avenue & Bede Terrace, Bowburn. Resolved that the details of the Report be noted. 28 Presentation of Chairmanship Training Certificate to Councillor Richardson The Clerk informed Members that he had received a Certificate of Completion of Chairmanship Training from the County Durham and Cleveland County Training Partnership in respect of Councillor Richardson. The Clerk congratulated Councillor Richardson upon his success and presented his Certificate to him. Resolved that Members add their congratulations to Councillor Richardson on his training success. 29 Points to Note The Clerk reported to Members that he had received a reply from the Durham County Council’s Street Lighting Section about permission to re-attach Hanging Flower Baskets on various Street Lighting Columns in Parkhill and Cassop during the Summer Season 2009. The letter from the Street Lighting Section indicated that Lighting Columns had to be periodically stress tested and that testing costs currently stood at £45.00 per column Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to reply to the County Council’s Street Lighting Section reminding them that the relevant columns in Parkhill are new installations and should not require further testing. In addition, the Parish Council had previously received Approval to use the various Lighting Columns in Bowburn, Parkhill and Cassop and that this Approval should be effective for several years. The Clerk reported to Members that he had sent details of the Parish Council’s Newsletter No. 4 (2009) to the Bowburn Interchange for publication. The Newsletter would also be published on the Parish Council Website. Resolved that the information be noted. The Clerk informed Members that he had received details of the Local Parish Entrants in the Beautiful Durham Competition 2008. In previous years, the Parish Council has awarded a Commemorative Plaque or Certificate to Local Parish Entrants. In addition, Plaques have been awarded for the Highest Mark achieved in each Village and the Highest Mark achieved in the Whole Parish Area. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to arrange for the preparation of the various Commemorative Plaques and Certificates required, so that they may be presented to the Winners at the Monthly Meeting on April 15th 2009. The Clerk reminded Members that they had a Picnic Table held in storage to be used for the Bowburn Area. Resolved that Members agree to Councillor Syer’s suggestion that the Picnic Table be donated to the DJ Evans Youth Project for installation in the Courtyard at the Parish Council’s expense. Councillor Syer declared a Personal Interest in the matter. The Clerk reported to Members that the Executive Officer of the County Durham Association of Local Councils (CDALC) had requested contributions from interested parties in connection with the Compilation of Area Action Partnership Profiles. (Geography of Your Area). Contributions are required to be submitted to Gemma Gorsberry at Sedgefield Borough Council (Tel. No. 01388 816166) (ext. 7767) Resolved that the information be noted. 30 Planning Applications Applicant Details Action J. Chaplin Erection of Extension at 9, Barrington Way, Bowburn Received Keepmoat Homes Application for Substitution of House Types (Tail Upon End Lane Housing Development) Received Ogden Group of Companies Variation of Condition 12 of Planning Permission (Increase of Gross Floorspace) (Land at Entrance of South Bowburn Industrial Estate) Members agreed to support the Application Mathewson Ltd Erection of two storey Office Building with Associated Storage, Car Parking and Infrastructure Works (Land adjoining P C Henderson Site) (Bowburn North Industrial Estate) Contact Mr. Inch at City Council (Tree Survey) S. Scarr Variation of Condition 3 of Planning Approval (Extended Opening Hours at 2, Romaine Square Bowburn) Support Variation of Approval R. Singh Change of Use of Ground Floor Shop (Class A1) to Non-Residential Institution (Class D1) and Change of Use of First Floor to Class B1 (Business) Members agreed to support the Application Resolved that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations made by its Planning Sub Committee in respect of planning matters considered on behalf of the Parish Council by the Planning Sub Committee. 31 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 18th February 2009 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 18th February 2009 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. Resolved that the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 18th February 2009 be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. 32 Minutes of the Special Meeting held on 13th March 2009 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the previously circulated Minutes of the Special Meeting held on 13th March 2009 (Bowburn Beck Clearance Works) should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. Resolved that the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Parish Council held on 13th March 2009 be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. 33 Bowburn Beck Clearance Works The Clerk informed Members that a Special Meeting of the Parish Council had taken place on Friday, March 13th 2009 at Bowburn Community Centre. Copies of the Minutes of the Special Meeting had been sent to Members by post and e-mail before the date of the March 2009 Monthly Meeting. The Clerk informed Members who could not be present at that Special Meeting that the Price Quotation received from Messrs. Sirius Remediation Limited had been accepted and that the Clerk had been instructed to liaise with staff at Bowburn Community Centre to ensure that washing and recreational facilities would be available to Sirius Remediation Workers for the duration of the Clearance Works at the Beck. Resolved that (1) the information be noted and that the Clerk should notify Mr. Gerry Jones of Durham County Council’s Highways Department and Mr. Tim Coult of Durham County Council’s Ecology Department of the Clearance Work Arrangements. (2) the Clerk be instructed to write to Durham City Council informing them of the Parish Council’s Clearance Work Arrangements. The Clerk should ask whether the City Council can arrange Clearance Works on their part of the Bowburn Beck to run simultaneously with those of the Parish Council. Councillors Maggie Robinson and Mike Syer declared personal interests in the above matter, due to their Membership of Bowburn Community Association. In conclusion, the Clerk gratefully acknowledged the advice received from Councillor Raine concerning her suggestion to seek a Price Quotation for the Beck Clearance Works from Messrs. Sirius Remediation Limited. 34 Footpaths Update The Clerk reminded Members that he had previously written to Mr. Gary Macklin of Chester-le–Street and Messrs. CDS Builders of Barnard Castle about a Site Visit concerning the Proposed Repairs and Improvements to the West Bowburn Way. Resolved that a date for the necessary walkabout along the West Bowburn Way with the Contractors be arranged for a date in April 2009 to suit the mutual convenience of Members who have agreed to attend the Site Visit. 35 Allotments, Garages and Cemetery Allotments No Report Garages No Report Cemetery The Clerk asked Members whether they wished to authorise the removal of other trees in the Cemetery after the completion of recent Tree Removal Works. Resolved that no further action about tree removal be taken at the present time. The Clerk informed Members that Repair Works to resolve the Flooding Problems encountered along the Cemetery Access Road had now been completed. Resolved that the information be noted. 36 Correspondence Received From Details Action Durham County Council Countywide Magazine (March/April 2009) Received Durham County Council Parish paths P3 Funding Application Forms Received City of Durham Old Cassop Conservation Area Appraisal Received Link County Durham Newsletter (March 2009) Received CDALC Newsletter No. 24 Received CDALC Notice of Special General Meeting April 4th 2009 (County Hall, Durham) Received County Durham and Cleveland County Training Partnership Certificate of Completion of Chairmanship Training Received BDO Stoy Hayward LLP Spring 2009 Briefing Notes Received Spinal Injuries Association Fundraising Letter Received CE Electric UK Community Update Newsletter (Spring 2009) Received East Durham Leader Launch Arrangements (March 31st 2009) Received Came & Company Parish Council Insurance Scheme Received Standards Board For England Newsletter No. 4 (February 2009) Received Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) Newsletter (Spring 2009) Received The Clerk informed Members about a Publicity Notice (attached to the CDALC Newsletter) from the Boundary Commission, concerning the first Consultation Stage of Divisions in the Electoral Review of the new Unitary Authority in County Durham. Comments about this Stage of the Review are requested to be sent to the Boundary Committee by June 8th 2009. 37 Accounts (Expenditure) Name Description Details Cheque No. £ p P. Thorpe Salary (paid net) March 2009 049015 535.78 “ Mileage/Parking Fees 60 @ 58.7p “ 35.22 “ Stamps 10 @ 36p “ 3.60 “ “ Other Rates “ 5.68 “ E-m@il Facility (AOL) Monthly Fee (Part) “ 15.99 “ Home Office Use Quarterly Allowance “ 95.00 “ Home Telephone Use “ “ 41.00 H.M. Revenue & Customs National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax 049016 (Part) 200.58 H.M. Revenue & Customs Income Tax Deduction Employee Deduction (Craig Prince) 049016 (Part) 11.64 Craig Prince Allotments Super’t Net Monthly Fee (Feb.) 049017 46.56 Bowburn Village Celebration Publication Charges (Quarterly Newsletter) Bowburn Interchange 049018 320.00 County Durham and Cleveland C.T.P. Provision of Chairmanship Training Councillor Richardson (Nov. 2008/Jan. 2009) 049019 108.00 Olivers Tree Services Removal of Trees Cemetery 049020 273.25 Accounts (Income) 12TH FEBRUARY– 11TH MARCH 2009 Name Description Details £ p Various Clients Cemetery Grave/Headstone Fees 73.00 Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved. 38 Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Monthly Meeting be Wednesday, 15th April 2009 at Bowburn Community Centre, immediately after the Annual Meeting of Electors at 7 p.m. April 2009 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 15th April 2009 in Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. Present: Councillors G. Marsden, Morgan, Raine, Richardson, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt, Syer, Temporal and Tickell (Councillor Richardson in the Chair). (County Councillor M. Plews was also in attendance). 39 Apologies Councillors Higham and Muriel Marsden 40 Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn was unable to attend the Monthly Meeting to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area since the last Monthly Meeting. 41 Presentation of Awards (Local Parish Entrants Beautiful Durham Competition 2008) The Clerk presented Commemorative Plaques to various Local Parish Entrants in the Beautiful Durham Competition 2008, who had assembled in the Meeting Room in Bowburn Community Centre. The Clerk made Special Mention of Mr. & Mrs. C. Robson of Old Quarrington, who had achieved the particular honour of the Highest Mark in their Individual Competition Category for the Parish Area, the Highest Mark for Old Quarrington and the Highest Mark in the whole of the Parish Area. Resolved that (1) Members of the Parish Council offer their congratulations to all of the Local Parish Entrants in the Beautiful Durham Competition 2008. (2) Members agree to fund the cost of framing the Certificate to be presented to Mrs. Joyce Broughton. 42 Points to Note The Clerk reported to Members that arrangements had been made with Messrs. RWT Fabrication of Kelloe to supply a guard rail to be placed on either side of the Mining Memorial on Durham Road, Bowburn. It is intended to plant the donated Edith Cavell Roses and other small shrubs and plants on either side of the Mining Memorial. Resolved that the information be noted. The Clerk reported to Members that he had received a request from Mrs. Janet Blackburn of Bowburn to be permitted to join the Parish Plan Steering Group. Resolved that Mrs. Blackburn be invited to join the Parish Plan Steering Group. The Clerk informed Members that he had received further correspondence from the County Council’s Street Lighting Section concerning permissions required for use of the relevant Lighting Columns in Bowburn, Parkhill and Cassop for Hanging Flower Basket Attachments in Summer 2009. The Clerk informed Members that he would reply to the County Council giving (once again) details of Lighting Columns required in Parkhill and Cassop and giving (once again) details of the Parish Council’s Public Liability Insurance Cover. Resolved that the information be noted. The Clerk reported to Members that he had received information that Former City Councillor George Marsden had been made an Honorary Alderman of the City and Former City Councillor Margaret Robinson had her name added to the Honours Board showing the List of City Councillors with Long Service at the Town Hall, Durham. These Honours had been bestowed on the Former City Councillors prior to the Abolition of the City Council on March 31st 2009. Resolved that Members of the Parish Council offer their heartiest congratulations to Former City Councillors Robinson and Marsden on the receipt of their Honours. 43 Planning Applications Keepmoat Homes – Felling of Group G5 of White Poplar Trees adjacent to Junction of Tail Upon End Lane and the Driveway of Bowburn Hall Hotel – Write Letter of Concerns to County Council Keepmoat Homes – Variation of Condition 10 of Approval 07/00311 – (To allow Interim Arrangement for Foul Sewage Disposal & Occupation of 40 Dwellings on Tail upon End Lane Housing Development, Bowburn) – Write Letter of Concerns to County Council S. Hinds – Erection of Single Storey Extension and Partial Conversion of Existing Outbuilding at – 17, Prince Charles Avenue, Bowburn – Received D. Wake – Erection of Single Storey Extension – (Fairview, Durham Road West, Bowburn) – Received Mr. M. & Mrs. S. Hammond – Erection of Agricultural Building – Heather Lad Inn, Cassop (Revised and Resubmitted Application) – Write Letter of Concerns to County Council Northumbrian Water Limited – Proposed Upgrading of Bowburn Sewage Treatment Works – (Comments to be sent to County Council by April 29th 2009) – Write to County Council reserving Right to Respond at a later date. Premier Waste Management – Proposed Waste Recycling Facility at Tursdale, Co. Durham – (Comments to be sent to County Council by April 30th 2009) – Write to County Council reserving Right to Respond at a later date. The Clerk informed Members that Planning Application No. 09/00062 (Proposed Housing Development at Mabey Hire Limited Depot at Bowburn) had been granted by the County Council, subject to conditions. Resolved that the information be noted. 44 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 18th March 2009 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 18th March 2009 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. Councillor Syer requested that the wording of the Resolution made in Minute no. 29 (4) be amended to read “Councillor’s Syer’s suggestion”. In addition, Councillor Syer requested that Minute no. 30 be amended to reflect Parish Council Members’ support of Planning Application No. 08/138 received by Durham City Council from the Ogden Group of Companies and Planning Application No. 09/063 received from Mr. R. Singh. Resolved that the above-mentioned amendments be made and that, thereafter, the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 18th March 2009 be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. 45 Bowburn Beck Clearance Works The Clerk informed Members that the Bowburn Beck Clearance Works had been completed by Messrs. Sirius Remediation Limited on Monday, March 30th 2009. Mr. Phil Brown from the Company showed the Clerk the Completed Works which had been done, which had been subject to the limitations placed upon the Company by the County Council’s Works and Method Statement prepared in July 2008. The limitations included a Works Completion Date no later than March 31st 2009 and prohibition of the use of any machinery on site to dredge the Beck, clear dumped litter in the Beck or strim back overhanging vegetation in the Beck. These prohibitions were set in place to safeguard the existence of Local Water Voles, a Protected Species of Wildlife living in certain places on the Beckside. Various Parish Councillors reported to the Monthly Meeting that a number of verbal complaints had been received from Local Allotment Tenants and Residents concerning “the small amount of work actually done by the Contractor, compared with the amount of money which the Contractor is to be paid”. The Clerk reported to Members that no letters or e-mails registering any written complaints had been received by him. The Clerk reported further that a recent Site Visit to the Beckside showed that a number of items of rubbish had been recently dumped in the Beck since the Clearance Works had been completed. There was also evidence of vandalism damage to the tarmac surfacing at the lower end of the Footpath, adjacent to Allotment No. 39A on the Depot Site. After a lengthy discussion, it was resolved that a Site Meeting at the Beckside be arranged as soon as possible with Local Parish Councillors, Mr. Terry Coult of the County Council’s Ecology Unit and Mr. Brown of Sirius Remediation to satisfy Members’ concerns that the Clearance Works were completed within the limitations set by the County Council’s Works and Method Statement for the Scheme. 46 Footpaths Update The Clerk informed Members that he had arranged a walkabout on Tuesday, April 21st 2009 at 2 p.m. to show the two prospective Contractors the locations of the Proposed Repairs and Improvements required to be done along the West Bowburn Way. Resolved that (1) the Clerk accompany various Parish Councillors (subject to availability), the Contractors and the County Council’s Parish Paths Officer on the proposed walkabout on April 21st 2009, in order to assist in the preparation of Priced Quotations for the required Footpath Repairs and Improvements. (2) the Clerk be instructed to write to the relevant Local Landowners to invite them to attend the walkabout, if they so desire. 47 Allotments, Garages and Cemetery Allotments No Report Garages No Report Cemetery The Clerk informed Members that R. & C. Builders were in a position to supply additional kerbstones to be placed on either side of the Entrance to the Cemetery. Resolved that the Parish Council agrees to meet the cost of purchase and installation of the kerbstones to be fixed at the Entrance to Bowburn Cemetery. 48 Correspondence Received Durham County Council – East Durham/Sedgefield and the Trimdons AAP Launch Event (April 29th 2009) – Received Durham County Council – Business Rates Deferral Scheme 2009/2010 – Received Durham County Council – Consultation on Proposed Fouling of Land by Dogs (County Durham) Order 2009 – Received Durham County Council – (Bowburn Library) – Letter of Thanks – (Judging of Easter Card Competition 2009) – Received Durham Police Authority – (Your Police, Your Say) – Police Community Consultative Group – (Monday, May 11th 2009) – Received BDO Stoy Hayward LLP – Annual Return & Supporting Documents (Year ending March 31st 2009) – Received Link County Durham – Newsletter No. 2 (March 2009) – Received Tarmac Limited – ALSF Grant Scheme 2009/2011 – Received Information Commissioner – Freedom of Information Act – Explanatory DVD – Received 49 Accounts (Expenditure) County Council – Provision of – Play Equipment – Replacement of stolen items at Cassop – £1,150.00 CDALC – Annual Membership – 2009/2010 Subscription – £460.48 County Council – Non-Domestic Rates – Cemetery – £179.45 Shortcuts – Plaque Engraving – Beautiful Durham 2008 – £180.00 P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net) – April 2009 – £523.31 P. Thorpe – Mileage/Parking Fees – 74 @ 58.7p – £49.34 P. Thorpe – Stamps – 28 @ 36p – £10.08 P. Thorpe – Stamps – 60 @ 27p – £16.20 P. Thorpe – Stamps – Other Rates – £2.68 P. Thorpe – E-m@il Facility (AOL) – Monthly Fee (Adjust) – £2.05 P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – Black Ink Cartridges – £20.54 P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – PC Screen Cleaning Kit – £5.00 H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) – Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax – (Part) – £185.52 H.M. Revenue & Customs – Income Tax Deduction – Employee Deduction – (Craig Prince) – (Part) – £11.60 Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t – Net Monthly Fee (Feb.) – £46.60 Helping Hand Co. – Litter Scoops – Litter Collection Squads – £51.66 Sirius Remediation – Clearance Works – Bowburn Beck – £2,422.76 R. & C. Builders – Various Repairs – DoorstepGreen/Cemetery – £218.50 Durham Company – Refuse Collection – Cemetery (2009/2010) – £430.11 CDALC – CiLCA – Mentoring Sessions – County Hall, Durham – (Oct. 2008-March 2009) – £170.00 Murray Memorials – Refund of Fees – Overpaid Headstone Fee – £5.00 ** Cheque No. 049025 was a replacement cheque for No. 049019 (cheque drawn in favour of the wrong payee). Accounts (Income) 12TH – 31ST MARCH 2009 Various Clients – Headstone Fees – Cemetery – 19.00 Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved. 50 Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Monthly Meeting be Wednesday, 20th May 2009 at Bowburn Community Centre, immediately after the Annual General Meeting at 7 p.m. May 2009 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 20th May 2009 in Bowburn Community Centre, immediately after the Annual General Meeting of the Parish Council. Present: Councillors Blakey, Higham, G. Marsden, M. Marsden, Morgan, Raine, Richardson, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt, Syer, Temporal and Tickell (Councillor Richardson in the Chair). (County Councillor MacWilliams was also in attendance). 51 Apologies None 52 Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn attended the Monthly Meeting, accompanied by his colleague, P.C. Neil Wilkinson, to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area since the last Monthly Meeting. There had been 1 Case of Assault, 1 Case of Burglary (Other) and 1 Case of Criminal Damage in Cassop, 1 Case of Assault and 3 Cases of Criminal Damage in Parkhill and 3 Cases of Assault, 1 Case of Criminal Damage and 2 Cases of Theft in Bowburn. The Clerk and Councillor Raine arranged with P.C. Wilkinson to meet in the Community Car Park on Friday, May 22nd 2009 at 9.45 a.m. to examine the vandalism damage and littering problems occurring along the Beckside Pathway. Members of the Parish Council are keen to instigate a regular Police Patrol along the Beckside Pathway to help deter fly dumping, littering and underage drinking in that area. Members thanked P.C. Cockburn and P.C. Wilkinson for their attendances at the Monthly Meeting, whereupon they left the Meeting Room. Resolved that the information given by P.C. Cockburn be noted. 53 Planning Applications2009 Dunelm Acorn Homes (Application 0347) – Reserved Matters Application pursuant to Outline Approval 06/00631/OUT for the erection of 121 Dwellings (Phase 1) (Former Cape Site) – Write Letter of Concerns to County Council Keepmoat Homes – (Application 0263) – Variation of Condition 10 of Approval 07/00311 (To allow Interim Arrangement for Foul Sewage Disposal & Occupation of 40 Dwellings on Tail upon End Lane Housing Development, Bowburn) – Letter of Concerns Written to County Council Keepmoat Homes – (Application 0264) – Felling of Group G5 of White Poplar Trees adjacent to Junction of Tail Upon End Lane and the Driveway of Bowburn Hall Hotel – Application Withdrawn Mr. M. & Mrs. S. Hammond – (Application 0213) – Erection of Agricultural Building – Heather Lad Inn, Cassop – (Revised and Resubmitted Application) – Application Refused Mathewson Ltd – (Application 0128) – Erection of two storey Office Building with Associated Storage, Car Parking and Infrastructure Works – (Land adjoining P C Henderson Site) – (Bowburn North Industrial Estate) – Application Granted Mabey Plant– Hire Limited (Application 0062) – Outline Application with all Matters Reserved for Residential Development of 36 Dwellings – Mabey Hire Limited Depot – Application Granted The Clerk requested that Members of the Parish Council offer their thanks to those individual Parish Councillors who had donated a considerable amount of their (unpaid) time to help frame responses to the County Council Planning Service about recent Planning Applications. In conclusion, Members instructed the Clerk to contact the County Council Planning Service to enquire about the possibility of receiving an abridged version of the Weekly List of Planning Applications, which merely referred to Applications for the Durham City Local Area. Resolved that the above-mentioned information be noted. 54 Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Electors held on 15th April 2009 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Electors held on 15th April 2009 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. Resolved that the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Electors held on 15th April 2009 be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. 55 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 15th April 2009 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 15th April 2009 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. The Clerk pointed out that Minute no. 47 required amendment to reflect the fact that the Parish Council had agreed to meet the cost of installation and fixing of kerbstones at the entrance to Bowburn Cemetery. Resolved that, subject to the above-mentioned amendment, the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 15th April 2009 be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. 56 Points to Note The Clerk reported to Members that the Edith Cavell Roses donated by County Councillors Blakey and MacWilliams should be available from Thinford Nurseries within a couple of months when the plants had established strong enough rooting systems on them. Resolved that the information be noted. The Clerk informed Members that he was aware that the County Council’s Street Lighting Section would refuse permission for use of Lighting Columns in Parkhill for Hanging Flower Basket Attachments in Summer 2009. Information received from Councillor Morgan indicated that the County Council had installed a new Impact Reactive Type of Street Lighting Column in the vicinity of the new Bowburn to Wheatley Hill Link Road Scheme. This new type of Lighting Column was not suitable to receive any form of attachment. The Clerk was instructed to notify Thinford Nurseries about the acquisition and location of new Hanging Flower Trees for Parkhill to ensure that Seasonal Hanging Flower Baskets were attached to the Flower Trees at the appropriate time. Resolved that (1) the information about the new Parkhill Lighting Columns be received with regret and (2) County Councillors Morgan and Plews be thanked for the kind donation of the cost of the new Parkhill Hanging Flower Trees. The Clerk reported to Members that he had largely completed his Portfolio of Competence to be sent for Assessment to the Accredited Verifier in order to achieve the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA). The Clerk sought Members’ approval for reimbursement of the salary cost of his time spent (42 man-hours) and mileage incurred (52 miles) between September 2008 and March 2009 in preparation of the Portfolio. Resolved that the Clerk be reimbursed the salary and mileage cost incurred in preparation of his Portfolio of Competence for the CiLCA Qualification. 57 Parish Council Annual Report 2008 The Clerk gave Members a verbal report about the contents of the Parish Council’s Annual Report 2008. The Clerk had previously sent an e-mail attachment to online Members and written by surface mail to offline Members about the Annual Report’s contents Resolved that details of the Annual Report 2008 be approved and accepted. 58 Bowburn Beck Clearance Works The Clerk informed Members that he had attended a Site Meeting on Wednesday, May 6th 2009 with Mr. Phil Brown from Sirius Remediation, Mr. Terry Coult from the County Council’s Ecology Department and Local Parish Councillors at the Bowburn Beck. The Meeting had been convened to assure Local Councillors, some of whom had received complaints from Local Parishioners, that the recent Beck Clearance Works had been completed in accordance with the County Council Ecologist’s Works and Method Statement prepared in July 2008. after an inspection of the Beck and notice of recent fly dumping of rubbish in the Beck, it was agreed that the Clearance Works had been completed in accordance with the County Council Ecologist’s Works and Method Statement. It was agreed with Mr. Brown from Sirius Remediation that further work cutting back an overhanging bush should be done and a heavy concrete slab should be removed from the Beck by his operatives. Members at the Site Meeting were greatly concerned at evidence of vandal damage to the tarmac surfacing of the Beckside Footpath and the loss of some of the protective wooden barrier located at the Beckside. Resolved that the decision of the County Council Ecologist, Mr. Coult, about the Beck Clearance Works be noted and that the Clerk be instructed, as a matter of urgency, to seek a price quotation from Messrs. CDS Builders for reinstatement of the tarmac surfacing on the Beckside Footpath and the protective wooden barrier alongside the Beckside Footpath. At this point, a Motion, proposed and seconded by Members Present under Standing Order no. 23 (s) (Suspension of Standing Orders), was approved to allow the Business of the Monthly Meeting to continue after the expiry of the first 90 minutes. 59 Parish Plan Steering Group The Clerk reminded Members that Councillors Raine, Margaret Robinson, George Marsden, Syer and Tickell had been authorised by the Parish Council to sit on a Parish Plan Steering Group (Minute No. 7 of the January 2009 Monthly Meeting refers). Subsequently, in response to a Public Advertisement placed in the Bowburn Interchange, Mrs. Janet Blackburn had applied to become and had been accepted as a Non-Parish Council Member of the Steering Group (Minute No. 42 (2) of the April 2009 Monthly Meeting refers). An Application had now been received from Mrs. Angela Richardson of the Parkhill Residents’ Association also seeking approval to become a Non-Parish Councillor Member of the Parish Plan Steering Group. Resolved that (1) Mrs. Angela Richardson be welcomed onto the Parish Plan Steering Group as a Non-Parish Councillor Member. (2) The Inaugural Meeting of the Steering Group be convened on Wednesday, June 10th 2009 at Bowburn Community Centre, immediately after the Meeting of the Parish Council’s Finance and Forward Planning Sub-Committee commencing at 6 p.m. The Clerk is instructed to invite Mrs. Lesley Millgate of the Durham Rural Community Council to attend the Meeting. 60 Footpaths Update The Clerk reminded Members that a Walkabout had taken place on Tuesday, April 21st 2009 to show two prospective Contractors the locations of the Proposed Repairs and Improvements required to be done along the West Bowburn Way.In the event, only Mr. Malcolm D.F. Stubley of CDS Builders at Barnard Castle was able to attend and do the Walkabout on the day. Mrs. Elaine Field, the County Council’s P3 Paths Officer, Councillors Raine and Syer and the Clerk also attended the Walkabout. Fresh notes and photographs were taken of the current Repairs and Improvements, which were required to be done along the West Bowburn Way. Mrs. Field is to seek the approval of Statutory Undertakers such as Network Rail for Proposed Repairs and Refurbishments to their stiles and bridge-ways etc., notwithstanding that those bodies remain responsible for regular repair and maintenance of their own outdoor furniture. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to write to Mr. Stubley of CDS Builders to seek a written quotation for the required Repairs and Improvements to the West Bowburn Way as noted by Councillor Raine and Mrs. Field, including repairs to stiles and other equipment in ownership of the Statutory Undertakers. 61 Allotments, Garages and Cemetery Allotments The Clerk notified Members that a request had been received from Mr. R. Collinson of 64, Ramsey Street, Tursdale to vary the Tenancy of his Allotment Nos. 28 and 29 at Tursdale to incorporate his wife, Mrs. Laura Collinson, as a Joint Tenant with him. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to request a letter from Mrs. Laura Collinson herself agreeing to the request for a Joint Tenancy of Allotment Nos. 28 and 29 at Tursdale. The Clerk referred to correspondence he had received from Mr. & Mrs. B. Hopcroft and responses from Mr. & Mrs. A. Richardson of Tursdale, concerning a dispute over access to Parish Council Owned Land adjacent to the School House, Tursdale, where Mr & Mrs. Hopcroft are in residence. Both Mr. & Mrs. Richardson and Mr. & Mrs. Hopcroft have obtained separate Licences from the Parish Council to occupy the above-mentioned Land from time to time in order to gain access to their own adjacent properties to undertake periodic maintenance and improvement works. Councillor Richardson declared a Personal Interest in this matter and took no part in the determination of the matter. Resolved that the matter be left as a private issue between the two sets of parties and the Parish Council should not intervene. Cemetery Councillor Margaret Robinson informed Members that a grant towards the anticipated costs of the Proposed Garden of Remembrance in the Cemetery could be made available from CDENT. Resolved that the information be noted. The Clerk informed Members that a letter of thanks had been received from Mrs. V.A. Bowes of Barnes Road, Darlington. Mrs. Bowes expressed her thanks for the removal by the Parish Council of a tree growing close to her late father’s grave. Mrs. Bowes had concerns about the tree undermining her father’s grave over a period of time. Resolved that Mrs. Bowes’ letter be noted with thanks. 62 Correspondence Received Durham County News (May 2009) – Received Durham County Council – East Durham Rural Corridor/Sedgefield– A.A.P. Launch Event (April 29th 2009) – Received Durham County Council – Civic Service in Durham Cathedral on Saturday, May 30th 2009 – Received Durham County Council – (Bowburn Library) – Letter of Thanks (Easter Card Competition) (Judging of Entries 2009) – Received Durham County Council – Registered Traders Scheme– (Posters and Leaflets) – Received Durham Police Authority – Police Community Consultative Group – (Wednesday, May 20th 2009) (County Hall) – Received Durham Rural Community Council – Newsletter (Spring 2009) – Received Joint Stocks Quarry– Liaison Group Meeting Agenda (Thursday, May 7th 2009) – Received Premier Waste– (Joint Stocks Landfill Site) – Temporary Closure of Coxhoe Internal Road – Received Equality and Human Rights Commission – Details of forthcoming Equality Bill – Received Charter Trust for the City of Durham – Mayor’s Appeal 2009/2010 – Received Durham Horticultural & Crafts Show – Fundraising Letter 2009 – Received 63 Accounts (Expenditure) Comm. Association – Financial Donation – Beck Clearance Works – 049035 – £100.00 P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net) – May2009 – £523.31 P. Thorpe – Mileage/Parking Fees – 84 @ 58.7p – £53.31 P. Thorpe – Stamps – 32 @ 39p – £12.48 P. Thorpe – Stamps – Other Rates – £3.61 P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – Black Ink Cartridges – £8.99 P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – C5/A4 Envelopes – £5.32 P. Thorpe – Miscell. Items – Padlock for Noticeboard – £3.00 P. Thorpe – Miscell. Items – Frame for Certificate – £6.00 H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins./ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) – Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax – £185.52 H.M. Revenue & Customs – Income Tax Deduction – Employee Deduction – (Craig Prince) – £11.60 Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t – Net Monthly Fee (May) – £46.60 RWT Fabrication – Supply of Metal Railing – Mining Memorial Site – £250.00 P. Thorpe – Pay Arrears (paid net) – CiLCA Qualification – £284.43 P. Thorpe – Mileage – CiLCA Qualification – £30.52 P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – Black/Colour Cartridges – £30.18 P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – A4 Copy Paper & Meetings Note Book – £3.14 H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins./ Tax Deduction(Thorpe) – Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax – £180.76 County Council – Licence Fee – Mining Memorial Site – £65.00 Gavin Bestford – Internal Audit Fee – 2008/2009 Audit – £80.00 Allianz Insurance – Insurance Premiums – Year to May 31st 2010 – £647.79 Bowburn Village Celebration – Publication Costs – (Bowburn Interchange) – Publication of Information Scheme – £600.00 Accounts (Income) APRIL 1ST TO MAY 8TH 2009 Various Clients – Annual Allotment & Garage Site Rents – Year ending March 31st 2010 – £2,055.00 Various Clients – Annual Licence Fees – Land at Tursdale – £60.00 Various Clients – Headstone Fees– Cemetery – £12.00 Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved. 64 Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Monthly Meeting be Wednesday, 17th June 2009 at Cassop Community Centre at 7 p.m. June 2009 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 17th June 2009 in Cassop Community Centre at 7 p.m. Present: Councillors Blakey, Higham, G. Marsden, M. Marsden, Morgan, Raine, Syer and Tickell (Councillor Raine was in the Chair). (County Councillor MacWilliams was also in attendance). 65. Apologies Councillors Richardson, Margaret Robinson, Stan Robinson and Shutt 66. Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn attended the Monthly Meeting, accompanied by his colleague, Acting Sergeant Mark Ogilvie, to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area since the last Monthly Meeting. There had been 1 Case of Criminal Damage in Cassop, No Reported Offences in Parkhill and 2 Cases of Assault, 1 Case of Criminal Damage, 1 Case of Theft of a Car and 1 Case of Burglary (Other) in Bowburn. Members thanked P.C. Cockburn and Sergeant Ogilvie for their attendances at the Monthly Meeting, whereupon they left the Meeting Room. Resolved that the information given by P.C. Cockburn be noted. 67. Planning Applications 2009 Dunelm Acorn Homes (Application 0347) – Reserved Matters Application pursuant to Outline Approval 06/00631/OUT for the erection of 121 Dwellings (Phase 1) (Former Cape Site) – Write Letter of Concerns to County Council Keepmoat Homes (Application 0263) – Variation of Condition 10 of Approval 07/00311 (To allow Interim Arrangement for Foul Sewage Disposal & Occupation of 40 Dwellings on Tail upon End Lane Housing Development, Bowburn) – Application Withdrawn Keepmoat Homes (Application 0264) – Felling of Group G5 of White Poplar Trees adjacent to Junction of Tail Upon End Lane and the Driveway of Bowburn Hall Hotel – Application Withdrawn Acorn Business Park (Durham) Ltd. (Application 0071) – Outline Application for Business and Employment Park with associated access arrangements including works to A688, Motorway Service Area Link and A1(M) Junctions 60, 61 and 62 – Planning Permission Granted (with conditions) Hepplewhite Quarries (MRA/4/1(1)) – Proposed Review of Old Mining Permissions (ROMP Assessment) (Old Quarrington & Cold Knuckles Quarries) – Seek Meeting (County Council Planning Officer) Tarmac Northern Limited (1) CMA/4/47, (2) CMA/4/48 & (3) CMA/4/49 – Proposed Extension to existing Cold Knuckles Quarry, Proposed Variation to existing Planning Approval (Old Quarrington Quarry) & Proposed re-establishment of secondary aggregate recycling facility (Old Quarrington Quarry) – Seek Meeting (County Council Planning Officer) (Claire Teasdale) Various Persons (Application Nos. 0346/0348/0354/0355) – Applications for Change of use to Domestic Garden (Application Nos. 346 & 355), Change of use to Domestic Garden and Erection of High Close-Boarded Wooden Fence (Application No. 354) & Change of Use of Open Space to Domestic Garden (Application No. 348) – Send Letters of Objection in respect of all Applications. The Clerk requested that Members of the Parish Council offer their thanks to those individual Parish Councillors who had donated a considerable amount of their (unpaid) time to help frame responses to the County Council Planning Service about recent Planning Applications. Resolved that the above-mentioned information be noted. 68. Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 20th May 2009 The Vice-Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 20th May 2009 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. Resolved that the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 20th May 2009 be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. 69. Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 20th May 2009 The Vice-Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 20th May 2009 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. Councillor Syer requested out that Minute no. 61 (Allotments Report) should be amended to delete a personal statement about an Allotment Tenant at Tursdale, who is seeking to enter into a Joint Tenancy in respect of his two Allotments. Resolved that, subject to the above-mentioned amendment, the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 20th May 2009 be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. 70. Points to Note The Clerk reported to Members that the Edith Cavell Roses donated by County Councillors Blakey and MacWilliams should now be available from Thinford Nurseries at any time as the plant root systems are strongly established. Resolved that the information be noted. The Vice-Chairman raised the issue of proliferating charity collection bins (?) situated at various public places in Bowburn. There are concerns that the bins seem to be located for indefinite periods of time and could lead to incidents of vandalism. In addition, there are road safety issues to be considered if the loaded bins distract the attention of passing motorists. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to write to the County Council expressing the Parish Council’s concerns regarding the need, if any, for Street Licensing Permits, Planning Permission or Trading Standards Authorisation for such bins. The Clerk reported to Members that he had written to the County Council’s Street Lighting Section, as instructed, to ascertain whether or not the County could make up the shortfall in funding required to finance the proposed Local Street Lighting Works as set out in the Parish Council’s 2009/2010 Budget Proposals. Resolved that the information be noted. Members requested that Future Agenda Items be set aside for Provision of Salt Boxes in Cassop (September 2009 Monthly Meeting) and the Provision of Speed Visors to be discussed as a Future Item for the Parish Council’s 2010/2011 Budget. At this point, a Motion, proposed and seconded by Members Present under Standing Order no. 23 (s) (Suspension of Standing Orders), was approved to allow the Business of the Monthly Meeting to continue after the expiry of the first 90 minutes. 71. Review of Parish Council’s Annual Budget 2009/2010 The Clerk gave Members a verbal report about the alterations to the Parish Council’s Budget for 2009/2010 recommended by the Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee. The various recommended Budget alterations are as follows: Expenditure Budget Provisions Reduction of the Budget Provision set aside for the Bowburn Beck Clearance Works from £5,680 to £2,225 (A Budget Reduction of £3,455). Appropriation of the Budget Provisions previously set aside for a Parish Council Contribution towards Footpath Improvements (£2,000) and Remedial Works on a Tursdale Allotment Garden and Tursdale Garage Sites (£1,000). (These Appropriations represent a Total Budget Reduction for these Proposed Expenditure Heads of £3,000). Balancing Adjustment of Budget Provision for Landscaping Works at the Doorstep Green from £1,000 to £729. (A Budget Reduction of £271). Creation of a new Budget Provision for a Proposed Garden of Remembrance at Bowburn Cemetery. The First Annual Budget Provision is set at £3,000 and utilises the majority of the First Annual Double Taxation Relief Grant from Durham County Council for 2009/2010. (New Budget Provision of £3,000). Creation of a Budget Provision for Recurrent Administrative Expenses (New Budget Provision of £2,633). Income Budget Provisions Revision of Budgeted Income from Vat Recovery in respect of the Financial Year ending March 31st 2009 (Reduction of Income Provision of £760). Addition of Budget Provision for Financial Contribution from County Council Members towards costs of Purchase of Flower Trees (New Budget Provision of £500). The above recommended alterations to the Parish Council’s Budgeted Income and Expenditure for the Financial Year ending March 31st 2010 allow the Parish Council Budget to remain in balance. Resolved that above-mentioned alterations to the Parish Council Annual Budget for 2009/2010 be approved and accepted. 72. Parish Plan Steering Group The Clerk informed Members that a date for the Inaugural Meeting of the Parish Plan Steering Group had to be postponed due to a family bereavement of the Guest Speaker to the Meeting, Mrs. Lesley Millgate. An alternative date has still to be mutually agreed as Mrs. Millgate is not available for a prospective Meeting on Wednesday, July 8th 2009. Resolved that the information be noted. 73. Footpaths Update The Clerk informed Members that a price quotation had been received from Messrs CDS Builders of Barnard Castle for £4,030.00 in respect of the various Repairs and Improvements required along the West Bowburn Way. An initial response from Mrs. Field, the County Council’s P3 Parish Paths Officer, had indicated that the quotation seemed “reasonable”, subject to clarification about a couple of items mentioned in the quotation. Formal Acceptance of the Price Quotation from CDS Builders and an offer of Grant Assistance from the County Council is still awaited. Messrs. CDS Builders have also been requested to submit a separate quotation for repairs to a boggy area along an intersection of Footpath 36/37, where a large area of ground has been badly churned up by horse riders using the area, due to an alternative route being closed off. The area is very boggy and becomes impassable to walkers after heavy rainfall. Finally, Messrs. CDS Builders have been asked to submit a price quotation for repairs to the tarmac path surfacing and wooden partitioning along the side of the Bowburn Beck, adjacent to the Charlesworth Close Housing Development. Resolved that the information contained in the Clerk’s Report be noted. 74. Allotments, Garages and Cemetery Allotments The Clerk notified Members that a letter had been received from Mrs. Laura Collinson of 64, Ramsey Street, Tursdale agreeing to be included in a Joint Tenancy with her husband, Mr. Russell Collinson, in respect of Allotment Nos. 28 and 29 at Tursdale. Resolved that Members of the Parish Council agree to offer a Joint Tenancy to Mr. Russell and Mrs. Laura Collinson in respect of Allotment Nos. 28 and 29 at Tursdale. Garages No Report Cemetery No Report 75. Correspondence Received Durham County Council – County Durham Local Development Framework (Preparation of a Core Strategy) – Received Durham County Council – Area Action Partnership Launch Event (Summary Report) – Received County Durham LINk – County Durham Local Involvement Network – Received County Durham Sustainability and Environment Partnership – Newsletter no. 20 (June 2009) – Received Tarmac Limited – Old Quarrington Liaison Group Meeting, Meeting Agenda June 5th 2009 – Received CDALC – Newsletter no. 25 (May 2009) – Received 76. Accounts (Expenditure) P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net) – June 2009 – £523.31 P. Thorpe – Mileage/Parking Fees – 45 @ 58.7p – £27.00 P. Thorpe – Stamps – 35 @ 39p – £13.65 P. Thorpe – Stamps – Other Rates – £5.51 P. Thorpe – E-m@il Facility (AOL) – Monthly Fee (April/May) – £19.98 P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – Replacement Mouse – £11.90 P. Thorpe – Home Office Use – Quarterly Allowance – £95.00 P. Thorpe – Home Telephone Use – Quarterly Allowance – £41.00 H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) – Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax – £185.52 H.M. Revenue & Customs – Income Tax Deduction – Employee Deduction (Craig Prince) – £11.60 Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t – Net Monthly Fee (June) and Mileage – £54.23 RWT Fabrication – Supply and Install 3 Hanging Flower Trees – Parkhill Area – £760.00 Cassop Comm. Cent. – Room Hire – Monthly Meetings – £60.00 Durham Company – Cemetery Refuse Coll. – Old Bulk Container – £11.00 Accounts (Income) MAY 15TH TO JUNE 10TH 2009 Various Clients – Annual Rentals – Allotment/Garage Sites – £257.00 Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be approved. 77. Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Monthly Meeting be Wednesday, 15th July 2009 at Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. July 2009 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 21st July 2008 in Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. Present: Councillors Blakey, Raine, Richardson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Syer, Temporal and Tickell (Councillor A. Richardson in the Chair). 79. Apologies Councillors G. Marsden, M. Marsden and County Councillor MacWilliams 80. Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn attended the Monthly Meeting to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area. There had been 1 Incident of Burglary (Home) in Parkhill, 1 Incident of Theft in Cassop and 8 Cases of Criminal Damage, 2 Cases of Burglary (Home), 2 Cases of Burglary (Other) and 3 Cases of Theft in Bowburn. Members of the Parish Council thanked P.C. Cockburn for his attendance, whereupon he left the Meeting. 81. Minutes of the Monthly Meeting, held on 18th June 2008 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 18th June 2008 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. Members requested that Minute no. 70 (Parish Plan Preparation) be amended to state that a Meeting of the Parish Council’s Finance & Forwarding Planning Sub-Committee be convened to decide whether or not to recommend to the Parish Council that a Parish Plan be prepared and, if so, that a Steering Group of Members be selected to oversee its progress. Resolved that the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 18th June 2008 be suitably amended and, thereafter, be agreed and signed as true and accurate record. 82. Points to Note 1) The Clerk reminded Members that they had previously consented to award a Long Service Medallion to Councillor Margaret Robinson to commemorate her 12 Years of Service as Chairman of the Parish Council between 1996 and 2008. The Clerk informed Members that he had acquired a suitable Medallion from Durham City Council at no cost and that he had made arrangements to have the Medallion inscribed with Mrs. Robinson’s name and details of her Service as Past Chairman. Resolved that the information be noted. 2) The Clerk informed Members that he had attended a Site Meeting at Tursdale Garage Site on Wednesday, June 25th 2008 with the Chairman. Mr. Steve Harris, a Specialist Officer from Durham City Council, was also in attendance. The Meeting was convened in order to examine suspected asbestos waste, which had allegedly been dumped on the Garage Site by the sitting Garage Site Tenant. Mr. Harris confirmed that the dumped waste did contain asbestos. Arrangements were made with Mr. Harris to have the asbestos safely and carefully removed from the Garage Site in controlled conditions. The Garage Site was cordoned off with a Warning Notice on display until the asbestos removal could be undertaken. Arrangements were made to notify local families with children and the neighbouring Garage Site Tenant of the problem. Resolved that the sitting tenant of the Garage Sites be contacted about the health hazard left on the Sites after the Garages have been demolished, along with details of the anticipated costs of asbestos clearance incurred by the Parish Council. 3) The Clerk had previously informed Members that the Initial Meeting of all Interested Parties, concerning Flooding Problems at Bowburn, had taken place on Thursday, June 12th 2008 at 10 a.m. in Bowburn Community Centre. The Meeting was addressed by Mr. Geoff Race of Durham County Council. The Clerk informed Members that a further Meeting was expected to be convened in late July or early august in order to receive reports on work in progress. Resolved that the information given be noted. 4) Councillor Tickell informed Members that vehicles involved in the asbestos clearance and removal at the Former Cape Site in Bowburn were driving past Henry Avenue, Bowburn, causing residents’ complaints about window vibration. Mr. Tickell informed Members that the Representatives from Sirius Remediation Ltd. and Esh Developments who had attended the Monthly Meeting of the Parish Council in May 2008 had given an undertaking that their vehicles would be driven via Shincliffe towards Hartlepool whilst clearance operations were ongoing. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to contact Mr. Collings and Mr. Woodcock, who had attended the Monthly Meeting in May 2008 to inform them of residents’ complaints. 83. Parish Plan Arrangements The Clerk informed Members that a brief discussion about Parish Plan Preparation, which had taken place at a recently convened Meeting of the Parish Council’s Finance & Forwarding Planning Sub-Committee had not led to any firm recommendation about a Parish Plan. Resolved that Mrs. Lesley Millgate of the Durham Rural Community Council be invited to attend the Parish Council Monthly Meeting on Wednesday, September 17th 2008 to give Members further information about what levels of public consultation could be purchased from DRCC for various levels of money invested by the Parish Council. 84. Acquisition of Picnic Tables The Clerk informed Members that he had contacted Durham City Council several weeks ago to enquire when the sets of Picnic Tables to be purchased from Mr. Jim Milburn could be installed. A reply to the enquiry was still awaited. A conditional price quotation of £300.00 plus VAT per Table had been previously made by Durham City Council for installation of the Tables. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to seek alternative price quotations for installation of the Picnic Tables from Messrs. RWT Fabrication of Kelloe and Messrs. R. & C. Builders of Bowburn. Members referred to the dilapidated state of the Grass Maze on the Doorstep Green Site and the need for further weeding of the Flower Beds there. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to contact Paul Parker at Durham City Council to arrange some routine maintenance and weeding on the Site. 85. Footpaths Scrutiny The Clerk informed Members that a verbal price quotation received by the County Council Footpaths Officer, Mrs. Field, from County Council Service Direct for the Desired Improvements to Footpaths 36/37 would be in the region of £20,000-£25,000. It is clear that the County Council’s Annual Footpaths Budget is insufficient to fund this amount for the Scheme. The Clerk informed Members that, in order to seek further clarification, he had e-mailed Mrs. Field to confirm whether or not the County Council could provide funding for the desired Repairs and Improvements along the West Bowburn Way. The Clerk reiterated that the Parish Council needed to be certain about Parish Paths Funding for the Scheme before arrangements could be made to seek any price quotations from Private Contractors for the Works. Resolved that the information be noted with concern. 86. Allotments, Garages & Cemetery Allotments The Clerk informed Members that the signed correspondence expected from the Sitting Tenant of Allotment no. 5 at Tursdale concerning his future intentions concerning the Tenancy had not yet been forthcoming. The Clerk reminded Members of the previous history of this particular Tenancy. Resolved that the Clerk write once again to the family home to enquire about the Tenant’s intentions concerning the Allotment Tenancy. Garages The Clerk informed Members that arrangements would have to be made once more with the City Council to level off and reseed the grassed area at the lower end of the Group Garage Site in Bowburn. A vehicle laden with a skip has travelled along the Garage Site Access Track, across the above-mentioned grassed area, over the adjacent Public Footpath and into the Parking Area adjacent to the DJ Evans Youth Centre Building. Vehicular access into the Youth Centre Parking Area has recently become possible due to the removal of some of the concrete bollards and low level railings, which used to protect the integrity of the Public Footpath. A discussion took place amongst Members about the extent of allowable vehicular access over the Track on the Group Garage Site. Some Members insisted that full vehicular access right through the Garage Site was permissible, according to an interpretation of Terms and Conditions set down in the Original Conveyance Document for Acquisition of the Garage Site Land from the Coal Authority in December 1997. The Clerk pointed out to Members that Site Maps, attached to the Original Conveyance Document, revealed that the Access Track on the Garage Site was a circular route, which entered and left the Site at the bottom of Bow Street, Bowburn at the time of the Land’s acquisition. This circular route did not reach the perimeter of the Garage Site at any point. At the present time, the unmade up dirt access track had come to an end about 20 yards from the perimeter of the Garage Site Land. The Clerk also reminded Members that unrestricted vehicular access right through the Garage Site could lead to the occurrence of accidents, rendering the Parish Council liable to payment of compensation if a member of the public is injured, whilst on the Garage Site. The Parish Council has a Statutory Duty of Care to visitors on its land, whether their presence is authorised or not. Councillor Syer declared a Personal Interest in the matter under discussion. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to write to Mr. Jones, Solicitor to CISWO, about the Coal Authority’s intended legal definition of Vehicular Access Rights across the Garage Site. Mr. Jones should be invited to undertake the Site Survey of the Garage Site, which he promised to do at the Joint Meeting of Interested Parties at Bowburn Community Centre in November 2007. At this point in the Monthly Meeting, Councillor Raine proposed and Councillor Syer seconded a Motion that the Standing Order concerning the Duration of Meetings be suspended. The Motion was carried and the Monthly Meeting continued. 87. Correspondence received Durham County Council – Special Meeting about Post Office Closures – Received Durham County Council – Local Community Arrangements in the new Unitary Authority for County Durham – Received Durham County Council – Temporary Road Closure (Hett Mill Level Crossing) – Received Durham County Council – Temporary Road Closure (Park Avenue, Parkhill) – Received Durham County Council – School Travel Planning (Bowburn Junior School) – Received Durham County Council – Temporary Rights of Way Closure (A688) (Bowburn to Wheatley Hill Link Road) – Received Dept. for Communities and Local Government – Publication of North of England Plan (Revision of Draft N.E. Spatial Strategy) – Received Crowtrees Heritage Group – Meeting Agenda (July 17th 2008) – Received Woodland Trust – Acquisition of 168 acres of Woodland at Low Burnhall for Wildlife Habitat – Received CE Electric UK – Parish Council Liaison – Received Durham City L.S.P. – Digital Version of Local Transport Map – Received County Durham NHS Primary Care Trust – Commissioning PCT Transition – Received CDALC – Newsletter No. 19 (June 2008) – Received 88. Planning Applications R. Pringle – Erection of Garage at the side of Forge Farm Cottage, Old Quarrington – Received N. Simpson – Erection of dwellinghouse and detached garage on land at Luke Avenue, Cassop (Revised Application) – Received Resolved that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations made by its Planning Sub Committee in respect of planning matters considered on behalf of the Parish Council by the Planning Sub Committee. 89. Accounts (Expenditure) P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net) – July 2008 – £508.12 P. Thorpe – Mileage/Parking Fees – 38 @ 58.7p – £24.21 P. Thorpe – Stamps – 12 @ 36p – £4.32 P. Thorpe – Stamps – Other Rates – £1.30 P. Thorpe – E-m@il Facility (AOL) – Monthly Fee (Part) – £15.99 H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) – Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax – £183.04 H.M. Revenue & Customs – Income Tax Deduction – Employee Deduction (Craig Prince) – £11.20 Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t – Net Monthly Fee (July) – £44.87 Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t – Petrol Costs & Mileage – £19.42 P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net) – August 2008 – £508.12 P. Thorpe – E-m@il Facility (AOL) – Monthly Fee (Part) – £15.99 H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) – Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax – £183.04 H.M. Revenue & Customs – Income Tax Deduction – Employee Deduction (Craig Prince) – £11.20 Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t – Net Monthly Fee (Aug.) – £44.87 BVC – Cost of Column Space – Quarterly Newsletter – £320.00 Durham Company – Fuel Surcharges – Ref. Collect. (Cemetery) – £13.64 City of Durham – Install Play Equipment – Cassop Play Area – £3,815.54 Accounts (Income) 12TH JUNE – 14TH JULY 2008 City of Durham – Parish Plan Preparation – Funding Grant – £4,000 Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved. 90. Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Monthly Meeting be Wednesday, 17th September 2008 at Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. August 2009 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 19th August 2009 in Cassop Community Centre at 7 p.m. Present: Councillors Blakey, Higham, G. Marsden, M. Marsden, Morgan, Raine, Richardson, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson and Temporal (Councillor Richardson was in the Chair). 90. Apologies Councillors Shutt, Syer and Tickell 91. Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn was unable to attend the Monthly Meeting to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area since the last Monthly Meeting. However, he submitted a later Report by e-mail. There had been 1 Case of Theft from a Vehicle and 1 Case of Burglary (Other) in Cassop, 1 Case of Criminal Damage in Parkhill and 1 Case of Fraud, 1 Case of Assault, 3 Cases of Theft, 2 Cases of Theft of a Vehicle, 1 Case of Burglary and 2 Cases of Burglary (Other) in Bowburn. Resolved that the information given by P.C. Cockburn be noted. 92. Planning Applications 2009 ** Dunelm (Bowburn) Limited (Application no. 09/00620/VOC) – Variation of Condition 6 of Planning Approval 06/00631/OUT to allow phasing of required Highway Infrastructure Improvements (Land at Former Cape Site, Bowburn) – Send Letter expressing Members’ Concerns and Objections to the County Council Mr. & Mrs. Field (Application no. 09/00604/FPA) – Erection of two storey extension to side of 20, Millford Way, Bowburn – Details noted G. Straughan (Application no. 09/00609/FPA) – Demolition of existing single storey extension and replacement with new two storey extension to side of 30, Luke Avenue, Cassop – Details noted C. Oliver (Application no. 09/00570/FPA) – Erection of first floor extension to side and extension to rear of Dene House, Farm House, Cassop – Local Member aware of details of Application Dunelm Acorn Homes (Application 09/00347/RM) – Reserved Matters Application pursuant to Outline Approval 06/00631/OUT for the erection of 121 Dwellings (Phase 1) (Former Cape Site) – Approval, subject to Conditions, supported Keepmoat Homes (Application 09/0448/VOC) – (To allow Interim Arrangement for Foul Sewage Disposal & Occupation of 40 Dwellings on Tail upon End Lane Housing Development, Bowburn) (Resubmitted Application) Variation of Condition 11 of Approval 07/00311 – Approval, subject to Conditions, supported. Letter to be sent to County Council seeking details of Approval Conditions ** Councillor Blakey declared a Personal Interest in the above Application (Dunelm (Bowburn) Limited. The Clerk requested that Members of the Parish Council offer their thanks to those individual Parish Councillors who had donated a considerable amount of their (unpaid) time to help frame responses to the County Council Planning Service about recent Planning Applications. Resolved that the above-mentioned information be noted. 93. Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 15th July 2009 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 15th July 2009 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. Resolved that the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 15th July 2009 be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. 94. Points to Note The Clerk reported to Members that Mr. Steve Bainbridge of the County Council’s Highways Department had responded to him about reinstatement of the various Bench Seats removed during the construction of the Bowburn to Wheatley Hill Link Road Scheme. Mr. Bainbridge has confirmed that the Seats at Parkhill and Old Quarrington would be reinstalled close to their original locations and other seats would be located on the roadside verges of the new Link Road. Resolved that the information be noted with great satisfaction. The Clerk informed Members that Councillor Muriel Marsden had obtained Regeneration Funding from Messrs. Haslam Homes to install Log Planters, Flower Beds and a Bench Seat at various locations in Cassop. Councillor Marsden explained to Members that Planning Permission from the County Council for the various Environmental Improvements was required and that she was requesting the Parish Council to take over future maintenance and insurance responsibility for those Environmental Improvements. Resolved that (1) the Parish Council agrees to assume maintenance and insurance responsibility for the various Environmental Improvements to be made in Cassop and (2) the Parish Council agrees to submit a Planning Application to Durham County Council on behalf of Councillor Marsden in respect of the various Environmental Improvements mentioned above. The Clerk informed Members that the Parish Council’s Application to the County Council for a refund of Business Rates in respect of Bowburn Cemetery had been successful. The County Council had refunded the sum of £259.38, which equated to 18 months’ worth of Business Rates for the Cemetery. Resolved that the information be noted. The Clerk informed Members that the County Council Planning Service had decreed that Charity Collection Boxes (?) in Bowburn required Planning Permission if they had been in situ for several months and had become semi-permanent structures. Members were informed that the County Council would invite Retrospective Planning Applications in respect of the remaining Charity Collection Boxes (?), but enforcement action would not be pursued if such Applications were not received. Resolved that the information be noted. The Clerk informed Members that the Edith Cavell Roses funded by donations from County Councillors Blakey and Mac Williams from their Members’ Initiative Funds had now been planted on either side of the Mining Memorial on Durham Road, Bowburn. The Roses were located alongside shrubs and plants donated by Councillor Margaret Robinson. 95. Nomination of Representatives to EDRC Local Councils Committee and Election of Officers to the Executive Committee of the County Durham Association of Local Councils (CDALC) The Clerk informed Members that they needed to nominate two Representatives to accompany him to bi-monthly Meetings of the East Durham Rural Corridor AAP Local Councils Committee. The Committee acts as a liaison tool between the County Durham Association of Local Councils (CDALC) and the Local Area Action Partnership (AAP). The Clerk apologised to Members for failing to notify them of previous Meetings of the new Local Councils Committee in April, May and July 2009. Minutes of those previous Meetings have been passed to Members for their information. The next Meeting of the Local Councils Committee is to be held on Tuesday, September 15th 2009 at Coxhoe Village Hall at 7 p.m. Resolved that (1) Councillors Raine and Margaret Robinson be nominated to act as Representatives of the Parish Council to attend the EDRC Local Councils Committee. Members of the Parish Council will review Nomination of Members to attend future Meetings of the Local Councils Committee at the next Annual General Meeting of the Parish Council in May 2010 and at each AGM thereafter. (2) Members move Re-election of the existing Officers of the Executive Committee of the County Association of Local Councils at the Annual General Meeting in October 2009. At this point, a Motion, proposed and seconded by Members Present under Standing Order no. 23 (s) (Suspension of Standing Orders), was approved to allow the Business of the Monthly Meeting to continue after the expiry of the first 90 minutes. 96. Bowburn Flooding Problems The Clerk informed Members that a Meeting to discuss progress on solving Bowburn’s Flooding Problems took place on August 3rd 2009 at Bowburn Community Centre. County Council Officers present at the Meeting gave a verbal report on all repair and improvement works done to date, including the Bowburn Beck Clearance Works undertaken by the Parish Council in March 2009. It was reported that some repair works still required attention on land in private ownership. The attention of County Council Officers was drawn to a fractured water pipe in front of Allotment 39 on the Depot Site, which exudes a lot of water after heavy rainfall. Officers also referred to the imminent commencement of the second phase of Improvement Works on the Bowburn Recreation Park, which included the long awaited installation of field drains on the Site, which should eliminate regular flooding seen at the lower end of the Recreation Park Area. Officers at the Meeting also confirmed that the fresh water and foul water drainage systems and the highway access road in the Charlesworth Close Housing Development had not yet been formally adopted by the County Council, probably due to the Developer, Newton Moor Construction, having gone into Receivership. Resolved that (1) the above information be noted by Members and (2) that the Clerk be instructed to write to the County Council asking that Authority to formally adopt the fresh water and foul water drainage systems and the highway access road in the Charlesworth Close Housing Development to ensure that future maintenance and insurance responsibility was accepted by the County Council. 97. Parish Plan Steering Group The Clerk informed Members that the Inaugural Meeting of the Parish Plan Steering Group had taken place on Monday, August 10th 2009 at 7 p.m. in Bowburn Community Centre. A Guest Speaker, Mrs. Lesley Millgate of Durham Rural Community Council, attended the Meeting to speak to the Steering Group. Initial discussions about the Parish Plan focussed around the best method of seeking the views of the Local Electorate about Parish Plan Objectives. In addition, Mrs. Millgate sought contact details for as many Local Community Groups as possible to be included in the Consultation Process. Finally, Mrs. Millgate offered to compile a Schedule of Future Bi-Monthly Meeting Dates for the Steering Group as well as formulation of a Service Level Agreement, clarifying which work on the Parish Plan could be done free of charge and which work would be charged for. Mrs. Millgate indicated that a colleague, Mr. Carl Marshall, a Rural Development Officer at Durham Rural Community Council, would attend the next Meeting of the Steering Group to become involved in the Rural Development Council’s contribution to the Parish Plan. Resolved that the information be noted. 98. Footpaths Update The Clerk informed Members that he had not received a response from Messrs CDS Builders of Barnard Castle in respect of a work commencement date for the various Repairs and Improvements required along the West Bowburn Way, approved for grant assistance by the County Council under its P3 Parish Paths Programme. The Clerk was instructed to contact the County Council’s P3 Parish Paths Officer concerning details of ownership of land alongside Bridleway 36 where a long standing water leak had still not been dealt with. Resolved that the information contained in the Clerk’s Report be noted. 99. Allotments, Garages and Cemetery Allotments The Clerk informed Members that an alternative Price Quotation for the Works on the Beckside Footpath had been obtained from Messrs. R. & C. Builders in the sum of £800.00 plus VAT. The County Council’s Ecology Department is to be consulted before any Works commence on the Site due to the presence of Water Voles in the Beck. Councillor Richardson declared a Personal Interest in the above matter. Resolved that the Clerk is instructed to clarify that Messrs. R. & C. Builders have made a detailed examination of the whole Footpath Area before works commence on the Repair Scheme. Subject to the above proviso, the Quotation received from Messrs. R. & C. Builders in the sum of £800.00 for the repairs to the Beckside Footpath shall be accepted and the Clerk is instructed to arrange for a date for the repair works to commence. The Clerk should ensure that the works commencement date should not clash with the commencement date for adjacent Footpath Works being done by Durham County Council elsewhere on the Depot Site and on land adjacent to the Bowburn Recreation Park. In addition, the Clerk informed Members that he had been notified about the expected date for commencement of those Improvement Works on the Depot Site by the County Council. The Works referred to Tarmac Resurfacing of the Central Footpath and Partial Resurfacing of the Upper Part of the Beckside Footpath and Installation of Lighting Columns along the Central Footpath. The Works are expected to commence in September or October 2009. The Clerk informed Members that he had written to all of the Tenants on the Depot Site informing them of the anticipated Works. Garages No report Cemetery The Clerk reported to Members that a Preliminary Works Specification for the Proposed Garden of Remembrance in the Cemetery had been received from Messrs. New Level Landscapes of Murton, Co. Durham. Resolved that the information be noted. 100. Correspondence Received Durham County Council – Adjudicator’s Decision regarding Admission Criteria to Community Secondary Schools for Sept. 2010 and beyond – Received Durham County Council – EDRC AAP Update and First Board Meeting – Received Durham County Council – EDRC Area Action Partnership Details of First Board Meeting May 29th 2009 – Received Durham County Council – Chairman of County Council (Details of Civic Functions) – Received Durham Police Authority – P.C.C.G. meeting Dates (Autumn 2009) – Received Durham Rural Community Council – Training Course on Participatory Budgeting (PB) – Received CDALC – Upcoming Training Workshops – Received CDALC – Newsletter No. 26 – Received County Durham link – Newsletter No. 3 (June 2009) – Received Golder Associates – Durham County Strategic Flood Risk Assessment – Received 101. Accounts (Expenditure) P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net) – August 2009 – £523.31 P. Thorpe – Mileage/Parking Fees – 70 @ 58.7p – £43.09 P. Thorpe – Stamps – 18 @ 39p – £7.02 P. Thorpe – E-m@il Facility (AOL) – Monthly Fee (July) (Part) – £9.99 P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – Colour Ink Cartridges – £21.87 P. Thorpe – Replacement Padlock – Parish Noticeboard – £2.60 H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) – Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax – £185.52 H.M. Revenue & Customs – Income Tax Deduction – Employee Deduction (Craig Prince) – £11.60 Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t – Net Monthly Fee (Aug.) – £54.23 BVC – Parish Newsletter – Bowburn Interchange – £320.00 County Council – Removal of Tyres etc. – Tursdale Allotments – £69.00 S.L.C.C. – Cost of Publication – Clerk’s Manual 2007 – £47.00 Thinford Nurseries – Filling of Flower Baskets and Watering – June & July 2009 – £4,679.01 County Council – Planning Application – Cassop Planters, Benches – £85.00 Accounts (Income) JULY 9TH TO AUGUST 11TH 2009 County Council – Business Rate Refund – Cemetery – £259.38 Various Clients – Excl. Right of Burial – Cemetery – £35.00 Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be approved. 102. Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Monthly Meeting be Wednesday, 16th September 2009 at Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. September 2009 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 16th September 2009 in Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. Present: Councillors Barker, G. Marsden, M. Marsden, Morgan, Raine, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt, Syer, Temporal and Tickell (Councillor Raine was in the Chair). Members welcomed Councillor Tickell back to the Monthly Meeting after his recent illness. 103 Apologies: Councillors Blakey, Higham and Richardson. 104 Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn attended the Monthly Meeting with a PCSO Colleague to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area since the last Monthly Meeting. There had been 1 Case of Burglary (Other) in Cassop, 1 Case of Criminal Damage in Parkhill and 5 Cases of Criminal Damage, 2 Cases of Theft and 4 Cases of Burglary in Bowburn. Members thanked P.C. Cockburn for his report, whereupon he left the Monthly Meeting. Resolved that the information given by P.C. Cockburn be noted. 105 Planning Applications 2009 Cassop-cum-Quarrington Parish Council - Siting of Timber Planters at 7 locations around Cassop and siting of Timber Bench with associated hardstanding - and landscaping - The Application be supported B. Rutherford, - Pilmore Farm, Old Cassop - Erection of Agricultural Livestock Feeding Pen - Received R. Glendinning, - 5, Broadmeadows, Bowburn - Erection of Roof atop existing Garage and Porch to existing Dwelling - Received J. Friedlander, - Whitwell South Farm, Bowburn - Change of use, conversion, extension and alteration of redundant agricultural buildings to form 3 no. residential dwellings together with associated parking, access and landscaping - Details of Application to be forwarded to Environment Agency The Clerk requested that Members of the Parish Council offer their thanks to those individual Parish Councillors who had donated a considerable amount of their (unpaid) time to help frame responses to the County Council Planning Service about recent Planning Applications. Resolved that the above-mentioned information be noted. 106 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 19th August 2009 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 19th August 2009 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. Councillor Syer requested that details of action taken by Members upon two Planning Applications referred to in Minute no. 92 (Messrs. Dunelm (Acorn) Homes and Messrs. Keepmoat Homes) be amended to read that the Conditional Approval of the Applications by Durham County Council be supported. Resolved that the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 19th August 2009 be amended as requested and then agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. 107 Points to Note The Clerk reported to Members that correspondence had been received from the Boundary Committee for England about Proposals for a Recommended Number of Elected Members for the new Unitary Authority and Proposed new Electoral Divisions for certain parts of the new Unitary Authority Area. Comments about the Proposals are to be sent to the Boundary Committee by December 7th 2009. Resolved that the matter be deferred to the Monthly Meeting on 21st October 2009 for a fuller discussion. The Clerk informed Members that he had received correspondence from NALC about a backdated 2009/2010 Pay Award for Local Council Clerks, which has been notified by the National Joint Council for Local Government Services. The Pay Award amounted to a 1% increase on Salary Spinal Column Points for Clerks, whose annual salaries are set on Spinal Column Points 11 to 49 inclusive. Resolved that the information be noted and that the Increase on the Clerk’s Annual Salary effective from April 1st 2009 notified by the National Joint Council for Local Government Services be approved. The Clerk reported to Members that a reply had been received from the County Council concerning the Parish Council’s request for Adoption of the Highway Access and Foul and Fresh Water Drainage Systems at Charlesworth Close, Bowburn. The County Council confirms that it holds a Bond in respect of the Highways on the Charlesworth Close Development, but the Foul and Fresh Water Drainage Systems are considered to be private systems unless they are adopted by Northumbrian Water Limited. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to write to Northumbrian Water Limited and request the Company to consider Adoption of the Foul and Fresh Water Drainage Systems at Charlesworth Close, Bowburn. 108 Durham County Council City of Culture Bid 2013 The Clerk informed Members that he had received correspondence from the County Durham Association of Local Councils informing him that Durham County Council is preparing a Bid for City of Culture Status for Durham City for 2013. After a discussion of the information from CDALC by Parish Council Members, it was Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to write to the Leader of the County Council, Councillor Simon Henig, pledging the full support of the Parish Council for the County Council’s bid. 109 Provision of Winter Seasonal Salt Boxes for Cassop Members discussed the feasibility of provision of additional winter seasonal salt boxes in Cassop, supplemental to the salt boxes already located by the County Council in mandatory locations. Any additional slat boxes located in Cassop would have to be “adopted” by the Parish Council and maintained and insured at Parish Council expense. After a discussion by Members, it was resolved that no additional boxes would be provided at Cassop. Members were very mindful of the liability for possible injury or damage compensation which could fall upon the Parish Council if additional winter salt boxes were provided at non-mandatory locations in Cassop. 110 Parish Plan Steering Group The Clerk informed Members that the next Meeting of the Parish Plan Steering Group is due to take place on Thursday, September 24th 2009 at 6.30 p.m. in Bowburn Community Centre. A Guest Speaker, Mrs. Lesley Millgate of Durham Rural Community Council would be accompanied by a colleague, Mr. Carl Marshall, a Rural Development Officer when she attended that Meeting. Resolved that the information be noted. 111 Footpaths Update The Clerk informed Members that he had received a response from Messrs CDS Builders of Barnard Castle in respect of a work commencement date for the various Repairs and Improvements required along the West Bowburn Way, approved for grant assistance by the County Council under its P3 Parish Paths Programme. Mr. Stubley of CDS Builders indicated that he expected to be able to commence work on the West Bowburn Way in November 2009 after the completion of a Barn Conversion Contract, upon which his Company is currently engaged. The Clerk also informed Members that he had confirmed with the County Council’s Parish Paths Officer, Mrs. Elaine Field, that the Parish Council’s Grant Award for this Scheme was valid up to March 31st 2010 and the Approval could be extended past that date if required. The Parish Paths Officer also confirmed that, in certain circumstances, Voluntary Groups could undertake Footpath Repair Works. Mrs. Field was referring to an alternative means of repairing damage done by horse riders to a boggy area of Footpath 36 and 37. The Clerk further informed Members that he was seeking to establish details of a Contact Officer at Northumbrian Water Limited in order to arrange a further site visit along Bridleway 36, where a longstanding water leak was still requiring their attention. The Clerk has written to Northumbrian Water enclosing a County Council Area Map dated January 1997 showing the existence of a water pipe along the length of Bridleway 36. Resolved that the information contained in the Clerk’s various Reports be noted. At this point, a Motion, proposed and seconded by Members Present under Standing Order no. 23 (s) (Suspension of Standing Orders), was approved to allow the Business of the Monthly Meeting to continue after the expiry of the first 90 minutes. 112 Allotments, Garages and Cemetery Allotments The Clerk informed Members that an alternative Price Quotation for the Repair Works on the Beckside Footpath obtained from Messrs. R. & C. Builders in the sum of £800.00 plus VAT had been accepted. Mr. Terry Coult of the County Council’s Ecology Department has met with the Contractor on site in order to establish what methods of work can be employed by the Contractor before any Footpath Repairs commence, due to the presence of Protected Water Voles in the Beck. Works on Footpath Repairs are expected to commence during the first or second week in October 2009, now that clearance has been received from the County Council’s Ecology Department. Members of the Parish Council held a lengthy and detailed discussion about the risks involved in future use of the Beckside Footpath following a recent incident there. The Beckside Footpath, even when fully repaired, has only a shallow wooden partition barrier running along the edge of the Beck itself. It is recognised that this partition would not be high enough to prevent a pedestrian falling into the Beck. However, Members acknowledged that any vulnerable small children using the Footpath would and should be accompanied by a responsible adult on their journeys and that, accordingly, the Footpath, when fully repaired and opened again for public use, should be safe. Garages No report Cemetery No Report 113 Correspondence Received Durham County Council - EDRC AAP Board Vacancy - Received Durham County Council - Annual Report 2008/2009 (Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee) - Received Durham County Council - EDRC AAP Board Meeting (September 2009) - Received Durham County Council - Durham County Newsletter (September 2009) - Received NHS County Durham - Stakeholder Event (September 2009) - Received NALC - New Mapping Opportunities for Local Councils - Received County Durham Sustainability and Environment Partnership - Newsletter No. 41 (September 2009) - Received Charter Trust for City of Durham - Mayoral Social Event (September 2009) - Received 114 Accounts (Expenditure) P. Thorpe - Salary (paid net) - September 2009 - £523.31 P. Thorpe - Mileage/Parking Fees - 50 @ 58.7p - £29.35 P. Thorpe - Stamps - 16 @ 39p - £7.02 P. Thorpe - Stamps - 43 @ 30p - £12.90 P. Thorpe - Stamps - Other Rates - £3.74 P. Thorpe - E-m@il Facility (AOL) - Monthly Fee (Aug) (Part) - £9.99 P. Thorpe - Office Stationery - Black Ink Cartridges (2) - £16.62 P. Thorpe - Miscellaneous Items - Get Well Card - £1.56 H.M. Revenue & Customs - National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) - Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax - £185.52 H.M. Revenue & Customs - Income Tax Deduction - Employee Deduction (Craig Prince) - £11.60 Craig Prince - Allotments Super’t - Net Monthly Fee (Sept.) - £46.60 Bowburn Comm. Association - Room Hire - Monthly Meetings etc. - £31.00 Accounts (Income) – AUGUST 12TH TO SEPTEMBER 9TH 2009 [Nil] Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be approved. 115 Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Monthly Meeting be Wednesday, 21st October 2009 at Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. October 2009 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 21st October 2009 in Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. Present: Councillors Barker, Blakey G. Marsden, Morgan, Raine, M. Robinson, Shutt, Syer and Tickell (Councillor Raine was in the Chair). 116 Apologies Councillors Higham, Muriel Marsden, Richardson and S. Robinson 117 Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn attended the Monthly Meeting to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area since the last Monthly Meeting. There had been 1 Case of Theft and 1 Case of Criminal Damage in Cassop, 1 Case of Burglary (Other) and 2 Cases of Theft in Parkhill and 2 Cases of Criminal Damage, 8 Cases of Theft, 1 Case of Burglary and 1 Case of Attempted Robbery in Bowburn. Members thanked P.C. Cockburn for his report, whereupon he left the Monthly Meeting. Resolved that the information given by P.C. Cockburn be noted. 118 Planning Applications 2009 Durham Villages Regeneration Company (Application no. 09/00724/FPA) ** – Erection of 5 No. Dwellings with associated parking and landscaping at Robson Crescent, Bowburn – Write to County Council expressing Members’ concerns about the Location of the Scheme M. Robinson (Application no. 09/00715/FPA) – Erection of first floor extension to side of and single storey extension to front & side of 43, Luke Avenue, Cassop – Write to County Council about Objection to the principle of front elevation property extensions Mrs. P. Francis (Application no. 09/00712/TPO) – Application to fell 1 no. Ash Tree on Grassed Area shared by Nos. 4 & 5, Kirbys Drive, Bowburn – Application Supported (Diseased Tree) W. Goodchild (Application no. 09/00526/FPA) – 28, Henry Avenue, Bowburn – Seek copy of Application Papers for Members’ viewing ** Councillors Blakey and Morgan both declared Prejudicial Interests in Application no. 09/00724 (Development at Robson Crescent, Bowburn) and left the Meeting Room whilst discussion on that item took place. The Clerk requested that Members of the Parish Council offer their thanks to those individual Parish Councillors who had donated a considerable amount of their (unpaid) time to help frame responses to the County Council Planning Service about Planning Applications. Resolved that the above-mentioned information be noted. 119 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 16th September 2009 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 16th September 2009 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. Resolved that the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 16th September 2009 be amended as requested and then agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. 120 Points to Note 1) The Clerk reported to Members that he had received correspondence from Ordnance Survey with regard to a Paper Map Copying Licence for the Parish Council. Ordnance Survey confirms that the Licence would refer to the Parish Council only, although individual Parish Council Members would have access to mapping detail for Local Authority Business Purposes. In addition, Durham County Council can share mapping detail with the Parish Council, if copyright ownership is respected. Resolved that the information be noted. 2) The Clerk informed Members that he had received reply correspondence from Durham County Council thanking the Parish Council for its support for the County Council’s City of Culture Bid 2013. Resolved that the information be noted. 121 Requests for Financial Assistance 2009 The Clerk read out to Members a list of applications for financial assistance received from various Community Groups, Heritage Groups, Schools and other Organisations. Resolved that (1) the amounts set out in the following table be paid to the applicants mentioned. LIST OF APPROVED DONATIONS 2009-2010 (18 GRANTS) Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership – Donation – £100 Bowburn Banner Group – Donation – £100 Bowburn Bowling Club – Donation – £100 Bowburn Community Association – Donation – £100 Bowburn Infant & Nursery School – Donation – £100 Bowburn Junior School – Donation – £100 Bowburn Library (Children’s Easter Card Competition 2010) – Donation – £50 Bowburn Local History Society – Donation – £100 Bowburn Village Celebration – Donation – £100 Bowburn Youth Football Club – Donation – £100 Bowburn Youth Project – Donation – £100 Cassop Community Centre – Donation – £100 Cassop History Society – Donation – £100 Cassop Kickers Line Dancing Group – Donation – £100 Cassop Primary School – Donation – £100 Durham Horticultural & Craft Show – Donation – £100 Parkhill Residents’ Association – Donation – £100 Teuk Soo Taekwondo – Donation – £100 Total Amount of Donations Awarded – £1,750 Members’ Declarations of Personal Interest in one or more of the above-mentioned School or Community Groups’ Applications are shown on Page 7 of these Minutes. 122 Electoral Review in County Durham Members discussed the recently published Local Boundary Committee Proposals for County Durham as regards the Local Parish Area. Members instructed the Clerk to write to the Review Officer (Durham Review) of the Boundary Committee for England referring to the anomaly of the Former Cape Asbestos Site being located within Shincliffe Parish Area. However, the access and facilities of the new Housing Development in that location will feed into Bowburn. Members request that the Review Officer give consideration to the proposal to vary the existing Local Parish Boundaries to include the afore-mentioned Cape Site within Cassop-cum-Quarrington Local Parish Boundaries. Members further instructed the Clerk to refer to previous overtures made by Shincliffe Parish Council to the Durham Review Officer about the same anomaly. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to write to the Review Officer (Durham Review) of the Boundary Committee for England as referred to in the above Minute. 123 Parish Plan Steering Group The Clerk informed Members that a Meeting of the Parish Plan Steering Group took place on Monday, October 12th 2009 at 6.30 p.m. in Bowburn Community Centre. A Guest Speaker, Mrs. Lesley Millgate of Durham Rural Community Council attended the Meeting. Mrs. Millgate circulated copies of a specimen Household Survey Form to members of the Steering Group for their perusal and a Survey Summary Form, upon which they could make their comments about the Survey Form’s existing contents and suggestions about additional contents which they feel should be included. Mrs. Millgate promised to forward electronic copies of both documents to the Clerk to be forwarded to Steering Group Members, especially those who could not attend that Meeting. Further discussion took place, amongst other things, about the timing of the Household Survey Delivery and arrangements for data collection and sorting by an independent IT specialist. Resolved that the information be noted. At this point, a Motion, proposed and seconded by Members Present under Standing Order no. 23 (s) (Suspension of Standing Orders), was approved to allow the Business of the Monthly Meeting to continue after the expiry of the first 90 minutes. 124 Footpaths Update The Clerk informed Members that he had contacted the County Council’s P3 Parish Paths Officer concerning the use of Volunteers to effect repairs to parts of Footpaths 36/37, which require attention, but for which no Parish Paths Funding is available in 2008/2009 Financial Year. Resolved that the above information be noted. Members discussed the overgrown state of the Black Trod Footpath (No.9) at the southern end of Parkhill. Local Residents were experiencing difficulty in using the Pathway due to overgrown tree branches and bushes hanging over from adjacent land and grass verges in need of strimming. Resolved that (1) a Site Meeting be convened urgently with a Contractor in attendance at the Black Trod Footpath to view the extent of the overgrown vegetation and to obtain a price quotation for its clearance. (2) The Clerk be instructed to contact the Land Agent representing the Church Commissioners and the adjacent Private Landowner in order to obtain permission for the desired works. 125 Allotments, Garages and Cemetery Allotments The Clerk informed Members that the repairs to the Bowburn Beckside Footpath had now been completed. The Clerk also indicated that he would contact Messrs. Sirius Remediation again in order to have the remaining item of Beck Clearance Work (Bush Pruning) completed. Resolved that the Clerk’s report be noted. Garages No report Cemetery No Report 126 Correspondence Received From Durham County Council – The County Durham Plan (Preparation for a Local Developt. Framework – Received From Durham R.C.C. – Newsletter (Autumn/Winter 2009) – Received From BDO Stoy Hayward LLP – Completion of External Audit 2008/2009 – Received From Campaign for Protection of Rural England (CPRE) – Newsletter (Autumn 2009) – Received From CDALC – Newsletter No. 27 (September 2009) – Received From County Durham Link – Newsletter No. 4 (September 2009) – Received From Durham County Council – Letter from Director for Regeneration and Economic Development (Seeking Support for City of Culture Bid 2013) – Received From Durham County Council – Letter of Thanks (Parish Council Support for City of Culture Bid 2013) – Received From Durham County Council – Spring into Action Bulb Planting Challenge – Received From Durham County Council – Durham County News (October 2009) – Received From Durham County Council – Opening of Sensory Garden (Bowburn Park) – Received From Durham P.C.C.G. – Meeting Agenda (October 2009) – Received From Joint Stocks Quarry Liaison Group – Meeting Agenda (September 24th 2009) – Received From War Memorial Trust – Conference (December 2009) – Received 127 Accounts (Expenditure) Ordnance Survey – Annual Licence Fee – Paper Mapping Service – £55.00 County Council – Refurbishment Works – Doorstep Green – £287.50 P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net) – October 2009 (inc. Pay Award) – £555.94 P. Thorpe – Mileage/Parking Fees – 60 @ 58.7p – £37.22 P. Thorpe – Stamps – 16 @ 39p – £6.24 P. Thorpe – Stamps – 10 @ 30p – £3.00 P. Thorpe – Stamps – Other Rates – £2.30 P. Thorpe – E-m@il Facility (AOL) – Monthly Fee (Sep) (Part) – £9.99 P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – Colour Ink Cartridges – £21.87 P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – Copy paper/Envelopes – £3.70 H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) – Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax – £206.67 H.M. Revenue & Customs – Income Tax Deduction – Employee Deduction (Craig Prince) – £11.80 Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t – Net Monthly Fee (Oct.) – £47.2 BVC *** – Newsletter Publication – Bowburn Interchange – £280.00 Thinford Nurseries – Hanging Baskets etc. – Watering & Maintenance – £1943.5 BDO Stoy Hayward – External Audit – 2008/2009 Annual Fee – £327.75 County Council – Rent of Land – Cassop Playing Field – £1.50 Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be approved. 128 Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Monthly Meeting be Wednesday, 18th November 2009 at Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. Members’ Declarations of Personal Interest Members of the Parish Council present at the Monthly Meeting of the Parish Council on 21st October 2009 made the following Declarations of Personal Interest: (Grants of Financial Assistance to various Schools, Community Groups and Sporting Groups) Councillor Sylvia Raine (Vice-Chairman sitting in the Chair) Governorship of Bowburn Junior School Membership of Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership Councillor Janet Blakey Membership of Bowburn Banner Group Membership of Bowburn Community Association Governorship of Bowburn Infant & Nursery School Membership of Bowburn Local History Society Membership of Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership Councillor George Marsden Membership of Cassop Community Centre Membership of Durham Horticultural & Craft Show Governorship of Cassop Primary School Councillor Dennis Morgan Membership of Bowburn Banner Group Membership of DJ Evans Youth Centre Management Committee Councillor Margaret Robinson Membership of Bowburn Community Association Membership of Parkhill Residents’ Association Councillor Andrew Shutt Bowburn Community Association Councillor Mike Syer Membership of Bowburn Banner Group Membership of Bowburn Community Association Membership of Bowburn Local History Society Membership of Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership Membership of Bowburn Village Celebration Membership of DJ Evans Youth Centre Management Committee November 2009 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 18th November 2009 in Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. Present: Councillors G. Marsden, Morgan, Raine, Richardson, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt, Syer, Temporal and Tickell (Councillor Raine was in the Chair). 129 Apologies Councillors Blakey, Higham and Muriel Marsden. 130 Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn attended the Monthly Meeting accompanied by a colleague to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area since the last Monthly Meeting. There had been 1 Case of Burglary (Other) in Cassop, 1 Case of Burglary (Other) and 1 Case of Criminal Damage in Parkhill and 2 Cases of Criminal Damage, 2 Cases of Theft and 3 Cases of Burglary (Other) in Bowburn. Members thanked P.C. Cockburn for his report, whereupon he and his colleague left the Monthly Meeting. Resolved that the information given by P.C. Cockburn be noted. 131 Planning Applications 2009 Mrs. S. Bright – (New Level Crystal Nursery) – (Application no. 09/00696/FPA) – Change of use to external caravan storage and construction of bund embankment – Write to County Council with details of Members’ concerns about highway access, security, fire risk The Clerk requested that Members of the Parish Council offer their thanks to those individual Parish Councillors who had donated a considerable amount of their (unpaid) time to help frame responses to the County Council Planning Service about Planning Applications. Resolved that the above-mentioned information be noted. 132 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 21st October 2009 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 21st October 2009 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. Councillor Syer requested that Minute no. 127 (Accounts) be amended to show that he had declared a Personal Interest in the payment of £280.00 to Bowburn Village Celebration concerning publication of a Parish Council Newsletter in the Bowburn Interchange Newsletter. Resolved that the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 21st October 2009 be amended as requested and then agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. 133 Points to Note There were no items to report. 134 Completion of External Audit of Accounts 2008-2009 The Clerk informed Members that he had received notification from Messrs. BDO Stoy Hayward LLP that the External Audit of the Parish Council’s Final Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2009 had been completed. The Clerk reported further to Members that there were no items which had come to the attention of the External Auditors, which required the issuing of a separate additional issues arising report by them. The Clerk reminded Members of the Parish Council of their collective responsibilities for such matters as ensuring that a sound system of internal control is in place to deal with the Parish Council’s financial affairs and that there are no matters of actual or potential non-compliance with laws, regulations etc by them. The full list of Members’ collective responsibilities is shown in Section 2 of the Parish Council’s Annual Return (Annual Governance Statement) for the year ended March 31st 2009. Councillor Syer requested that a copy of the Parish Council’s 2008/2009 Annual Return be sent to him. Resolved that Members note with satisfaction that the External Audit of the Parish Council’s Accounts for the year ended March 31st 2009 had been completed with no items to be reported to them. 135 Parish Council Budget Review 2009/2010 The Parish Council’s Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee met on Tuesday, November 10th 2009 at Bowburn Community Centre to review the Parish Council’s Budget for the current financial year and recommend various amendments to that Budget to the Parish Council at their Monthly Meeting on November 18th 2009. Various amendments to the Budget Provisions for such items as Street Lighting, Financial Donations and Repairs to the Beckside Footpath were proposed. A revised Budget Document (No. 7) which included all of the recommended changes was sent out to Members of the Parish Council prior to the Monthly Meeting. Resolved that all of the changes recommended by the Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee to the Parish Council’s Budget as set out in Budget Document No. 7 (2009/2010) be approved. 136 Parish Plan Steering Group The Clerk informed Members that a further Meeting of the Parish Plan Steering Group took place on Monday, November 16th 2009 in Bowburn Community Centre. A Guest Speaker, Mr. Carl Marshall of Durham Rural Community Council, attended the Meeting. Mr. Marshall and members of the Steering Group examined the contents of a specimen Household Survey Form to be distributed door to door throughout the Parish Area early in the New Year. The Steering Group amended and revised the contents of the Form to suit Local Needs in the Parish Area before its general circulation. It was confirmed that a local resident of Parkhill (a neighbour of Mrs. Angela Robinson of the Parkhill Residents’ Association) would undertake the collation of collected data from the returned Forms. Resolved that the information be noted. 137 Footpaths Update The Clerk informed Members that he had attempted to contact Mr. M. Stubley of CDS Builders of Barnard Castle to confirm a commencement date for the Works on the West Bowburn Way. Mr. Stubley had not yet responded to the e-mail enquiry. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to contact Mr. Stubley again, as a matter of urgency, to try to agree a starting date for the above-mentioned Works. The Clerk was instructed to mention Members’ concerns to Mr. Stubley about the delay in commencement of the Works. The Clerk informed Members that he had received a Price Quotation from Messrs. R. & C. Builders Ltd. concerning the proposed clearance of overgrown vegetation of the Black Trod Footpath (No.9) at the southern end of Parkhill. Local Residents were experiencing difficulty in using the Pathway due to overgrown tree branches and bushes hanging over from adjacent land and also grass verges in need of strimming. Messrs. Smiths Gore of Darlington had given permission on behalf of the Church Commissioners, an adjoining Landowner, for the clearance works to proceed as long as there was no cost or liability to their Client. Parish Councillors had also confirmed that the other adjoining Landowner was content to allow vegetation clearance works on the relevant part of the Black Trod Footpath to proceed. Councillor Margaret Robinson declared a Personal Interest in this matter. Resolved that the Price Quotation of £650.00 received from Messrs. R. & C. Builders Ltd. be accepted in respect of the Clearance Works and that the costs be disbursed from available Parish Council Funds. Parish Councillors referred to the overgrown state of hedges adjoining a property in Old Quarrington. The overgrown hedges were partially blocking a local footpath although there was uncertainty about the identity of the relevant homeowner responsible for cutting back the hedge. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to write to the County Council’s Footpaths Officer about the matter. 138 Allotments, Garages and Cemetery Allotments No report Members discussed the continuing problems caused by the fractured water pipe in front of Allotment no. 39A on the Depot Site, Bowburn. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to write to Northumbrian Water Limited about this problem. Garages No report Cemetery No Report 139 Correspondence Received Durham County Council – Invitations for the Chairman to attend various Civic Functions – Received Durham County Council – County of Durham School Benevolent Fund (Fundraising Letter) – Received Durham County Council – Circular Letter and Attachments about – Anti-Social Behaviour in Bowburn – Received Durham County Council – Durham County Newsletter (November 2009) – Received Durham County Council – Minutes of EDRC AAP Board Meeting – Received Durham County Council – Consultation about Development of – Travel Schemes and Alternatives to – Bus Services in County Durham – Received Durham County Council – Training Event for Parish and Town Councils – Received Boundary Committee for England – Letter of Acknowledgement re Parish Council Submission on Local Boundary Changes – Received 140 Accounts (Expenditure) R. & C. Builders – Footpath Repairs/Kerbs – Bowburn Beck/Cemetery – £1,122.40 P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net) – November 2009 – £555.94 P. Thorpe – Mileage/Parking Fees – 40 @ 58.7p – £23.48 P. Thorpe – Stamps – 18 @ 39p – £7.02 P. Thorpe – Stamps – 20 @ 30p – £6.00 P. Thorpe – E-m@il Facility (AOL) – Monthly Fee (Oct) (Part) – £9.99 P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – CilCA Portfolio Papers – £2.66 P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – Colour Ink Cartridges – £21.87 P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – Black Ink Cartridges (2) – £16.64 P. Thorpe – Internet Security – 75% cost AVG Upgrade – £29.08 H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) – Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax – £188.94 H.M. Revenue & Customs – Income Tax Deduction – Employee Deduction (Craig Prince) – £11.80 Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t – Net Monthly Fee (Nov.) – £47.20 A. Shutt – Grass Strimming – Cemetery (Summer 09) – £120.00 Cheque nos. 049076 to 049093 (both nos. inclusive) refer to the financial donations totalling £1,750.00 made to various Local Schools and Community Groups. A complete listing of the donations in shown in Minute No. 121 in the October 2009 Minutes of Parish Council Monthly Meeting. Accounts (Income) OCTOBER 15TH TO NOVEMBER 11TH 2009 Various Clients – Headstone Fee – Cemetery – 7.00 Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be approved. 141 Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Monthly Meeting be Wednesday, 16th December 2009 at Cassop Community Centre at 7 p.m. December 2009 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 16th December 2009 in Cassop Community Centre at 7 p.m. Present: Councillors Blakey, G. Marsden, M. Marsden, Morgan, Raine, J. Robinson, Shutt and Syer (Councillor Raine was in the Chair). The Clerk mentioned to Members that Councillor Margaret Robinson had recently been in hospital and was currently recuperating at home after an operation. He informed Members that the Chairman had authorised the purchase of a floral bouquet and get well card to be sent Mrs. Robinson. Members confirmed the Chairman’s action and wished Mrs. Robinson a speedy return to full health. 142 Apologies Councillors Higham, Richardson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson and Tickell. 143 Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn attended the Monthly Meeting to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area since the last Monthly Meeting. There had been 1 Case of Theft in Cassop, 2 Cases of Theft and 1 Case of Criminal Damage in Parkhill and 7 Cases of Criminal Damage, 4 Cases of Theft and 1 Case of Burglary (Other) in Bowburn. P.C. Cockburn distributed to Members copies of a Durham City Neighbourhood Policing Team Newsletter dated November 2009. Members thanked P.C. Cockburn for his report, whereupon he left the Monthly Meeting. Resolved that the information given by P.C. Cockburn be noted. 144 Planning Applications 2009 [No applications in the parish notified] 145 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 18th November 2009 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 18th November 2009 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. Councillor Syer requested that Minute no. 130 (Police Consultation) be amended to show that P.C. Cockburn had attended the Monthly Meeting with a colleague. Resolved that the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 18th November 2009 be amended as requested and then agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. 146 Points to Note The Clerk reported to Members that he had received correspondence from the Society of Local Council Clerks indicating that his submitted Portfolio of Evidence had failed to reach the necessary standard required to receive the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA). Resolved that the information be noted. The Clerk informed Members that he had received correspondence from Durham County Council indicating that it required details of the Parish Council’s Precept Requirements for 2010/2011 by January 30th 2010. Resolved that a Meeting of the Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee be convened on Wednesday, January 6th 2010 at Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. to discuss recommendations to be made to the Parish Council about the Budget for 2010/2011. The Clerk reported to Members that he had received correspondence from the County Council concerning Public Consultation about Schools Admission Arrangements for 2011/2012. The letter received indicates that “the Schools Adjudicator has already determined the oversubscription criteria for community and voluntary controlled secondary schools for three years from September 2010”. After a lengthy and detailed discussion on this controversial matter, it was Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to write to the County Council indicating that the Parish Council considers that it is an unreasonable constraint not to include the admission criteria for secondary schools in the public consultation. Councillor Blakey declared a Personal Interest in this matter. The Clerk reported to Members that he had also received correspondence from the Chairman of the County Council’s Safer & Stronger Communities Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Dr. David Boyes, about a Committee Working Group investigating anti-social behaviour. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to respond to Dr. Boyes’ letter, indicating that people in the Parish Area find that vehicles driving or parking on pavements, dog fouling and fly tipping cause the most annoyance. 147 Provision of NHS Dental Services in Bowburn The Clerk informed Members that he had received correspondence from Messrs. Burgess Hyder Dental Group of Durham Road, Ferryhill requesting that Dr. Hyder be permitted to address Members of the Parish Council about the provision of NHS Dental Services in Bowburn. Members noted that this Practice was merely one of a number of Practices which may be asked to tender for the provision of NHS Dental Services in Bowburn. Resolved that Doctor Hyder be invited to attend the Monthly Meeting of the Parish Council to be held on Wednesday, January 20th 2010 at Bowburn Community Centre. Members were cognisant of the fact that there would be more room for Doctor Hyder to make his presentation at Bowburn Community Centre, especially if he intended to use visual aid equipment to assist him in his presentation. 148 Playbuilder Programme 2010/2011 The Clerk informed Members that Durham County Council had secured £1.185 million from the Government’s Playbuilder Programme for the development of a minimum of 22 new or refurbished play areas for 8-13 year olds across the County over two years. The County Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from interested parties who are seeking funding assistance for their own projects, provided that they meet a number of pre-set design principles. The Expressions of Interest refer to the 2010/2011 Financial Year. Resolved that the Clerk submit an Expression of Interest Form to the County Council in connection with the Parish Council’s ongoing plans to set aside funding for Play Equipment for Cassop and Tursdale in 2010/2011 Financial Year. 149 Funding Assistance (Bowburn Community Association) The Clerk informed Members that he had received a letter from Bowburn Community Association seeking funding assistance from the Parish Council in connection with the provision of a Community Café in Bowburn Community Centre. Councillors Blakey, Shutt and Syer declared Personal Interests in the above matter. Resolved that the matter be referred to the Parish Council’s Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee Meeting to be held on Wednesday, January 6th 2010. This Meeting will formulate budget recommendations to be made to the Parish Council in respect of the Financial Year ending on March 31st 2011. 150 Footpaths Update The Clerk informed Members that he had received a communication from Mr. Stubley of CDS Builders, indicating that his Company would be able to start the various works along the West Bowburn Way somewhere between mid-January 2010 and the first week in February 2010. Resolved that the information be noted and that the Clerk be instructed to contact the various Local Landowners involved once again to advise them of the revised starting date for the Works and to confirm that they have no objection to Mr. Stubley’s workforce using the various pathways on their land to undertake the Works. 151 Allotments, Garages and Cemetery Allotments Members discussed the continuing problems caused by the fractured water pipe in front of Allotment no. 39A on the Depot Site, Bowburn. Members agreed that the repair to the fractured pipe was the responsibility of the Parish Council as the riparian Landowner. Resolved that (1) the Parish Council accepts the offer of the County Council’s Highways Department to include the necessary repair work in a contract of various works to be undertaken by the County Council in the adjoining Charlesworth Close Housing Development, although the cost of the repair to the fractured water pipe itself would be borne by the Parish Council and (2) the Clerk seeks an alternative price quotation from Messrs. Lumsden and Carroll about the cost of sinking an exploratory bore hole at the location of the water pipe to establish what works need to be done. The Clerk informed Members that the tarmacking work and installation of Lighting Columns on the Depot Allotment Site were under way. However, he had not received from the County Council any written documentation setting out the extent of the tarmacking works on the Footpaths or the precise location of the Lighting Columns on Parish Council owned land. The Project Engineer, Mr. Alderson, has promised to rectify this oversight. Members referred to the future need for laying some road planings on part of the middle footpath on the Depot Site, which is not being tarmacked, after complaints from tenants about potholes and ridges on that pathway. Resolved that the information be noted. Garages No report Cemetery No Report At this point, a Motion, proposed and seconded by Members Present under Standing Order no. 23 (s) (Suspension of Standing Orders), was approved to allow the Business of the Monthly Meeting to continue after the expiry of the first 90 minutes. 152 Correspondence Received Durham County Council – Durham County Newsletter (December 2009/January 2010 – Received Durham County Council – Safer and Stronger Communities Scrutiny Committee (Establishment of Anti Social Behaviour Working Group) – Received Durham County Council – Public Consultation on School Admission Arrangements 2011/2012 – Received Durham County Council – Government’s Playbuilder Programme Expressions of Interest 2010/2011 – Received Durham County Council – Winter 2009/2010 Salting Routes – Received Durham Police Authority – PCCG Forum Meeting (December 2009) – Received Arriva North East – Stakeholder Update (Contact Addresses) – Received Tarmac Limited – Liaison Group Meeting (December 2009) – Received DJ Evans Youth Centre – Invitation to Members to Reopening Event (Monday, January 18th 2010) – Received 153 Accounts (Expenditure) Ordnance Survey – Balance of Licence Fee – Paper Mapping Service – £7.96 Simply Stripes – Notice Board – Group Garage Site – £253.00 P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net) – December 2009 – £527.58 P. Thorpe – Mileage/Parking Fees – 40 @ 58.7p – £23.48 P. Thorpe – CiLCA Mileage – 20 @ 58.7p – £11.74 P. Thorpe – Stamps – 16 @ 39p – £6.24 P. Thorpe – Stamps – 12 @ 30p – £3.60 P. Thorpe – Stamps – Other Rates – £1.83 P. Thorpe – Postage Costs – CilCA Portfolio – £7.40 P. Thorpe – E-m@il Facility (AOL) – Monthly Fee (Nov) Part – £9.99 P. Thorpe – Home Office Use – Quarterly Allowance – £95.00 P. Thorpe – Home Telephone Use – Quarterly Allowance – £41.00 H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) – Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax – £188.94 H.M. Revenue & Customs – Income Tax Deduction – Employee Deduction (Craig Prince) – £11.80 Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t – Net Monthly Fee (Dec.) – £47.20 S.L.C.C. – Membership Fee – 2010 Calendar Year – £118.00 Bow’n Comm. Assoc. – Room Hire Fees – Meeting Venues – £62.00 Accounts (Income) – NOVEMBER 12TH TO DECEMBER 9TH 2009 Various Clients – Headstone Fee – Cemetery – £5.00 Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be approved. 154 Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Monthly Meeting be Wednesday, 20th January 2010 at Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m.  Email page  Feedback  Home HOME |PARISH NEWS |Parish Council Minutes 2004 – 2005 |Parish Council Minutes 2006 – 2007 |Parish Council Minutes 2008 – 2009 |Parish Council Minutes 2010 – 2012 |Parish Council Minutes 2013 – 2014 | |Local and National Government: Elected Members |Community Safety and the Environment |Schools |Churches and Chapels |Libraries |Hotels, Guest Houses, Pubs, Clubs etc. |Disclaimer |POWERS & DUTIES OF PARISH COUNCILS |Parish Origins |Publication of Parish Council Information Scheme |Annual Reports |Parish Plan |Code of Conduct |Links for CASSOP-CUM-QUARRINGTON PARISH COUNCIL |Guestbook