January 2006

Minutes of the Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 18th January 2006 in Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m.
Present: Councillors G. Marsden, M. Marsden, Raine, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt, Syer and Tickell (Councillor M. Robinson in the chair).

1. Apologies
Councillors M. Higham and Temporal.
2. Tribute to Mr. Douglas Dowling
Members of the Parish Council stood in two minutes’ silence as a mark of respect for Mr. Douglas Dowling, the former Allotments Superintendent, who passed away recently.
3. Police Consultation
P.C. Cockburn gave Members a verbal report on recent offences committed in the Parish Area. The report indicated that there had been 1 Case of Criminal Damage in Cassop, 1 Case of Criminal Damage in Parkhill and 1 Case of Burglary (Other), 5 Cases of Criminal Damage and 1 Case of Theft in Bowburn.
Members discussed the continuing anti-social behaviour problems associated with the Co-operative Society Building in Prince Charles Avenue, Bowburn. Concerns were also expressed about the continuing dilapidated state of repair of the building. P.C. Cockburn indicated that his colleague, Inspector Dodds, had held a meeting within the previous couple of days with Mr. Matthews of DTZ International, the owners of the building.
P.C. Cockburn undertook to find out from Inspector Dodds what plans the owners have to improve the structure and security of the building and report back to Members of the Parish Council. Members thanked P.C. Cockburn for his report, whereupon he left the Meeting.
Carol Brown from Durham City Council’s Economic and Community Development Section attended the Meeting to introduce herself and to give Members a brief talk about her role with the City Council. Members of the Parish Council offered Carol an open invitation to attend any future Meeting of the Parish Council if she felt that it would be of benefit to Members of the Parish Council. Members thanked Carol for her visit, whereupon she left the Meeting.
4. Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 21st December 2005
Resolved that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on 21st December 2005 be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record.
5. Points to note
The Clerk reminded Members that the Parish Council has made a provision in its Budget for 2005/2006 to provide financial assistance to Bowburn & Cassop Community Centres with regard to forthcoming capital schemes.
The Clerk had written to the Treasurer of Bowburn Community Centre and the Secretary of Cassop Community Centre to request that priced quotations be sought from reputable builders and suppliers in connection with their proposed schemes. Councillor Muriel Marsden submitted priced quotations on behalf of Cassop Community Centre from MFI and Homebase for supply of kitchen equipment and from a reputable joiner for installation of the equipment for a kitchen refurbishment scheme. Councillor Muriel Marsden declared a personal interest in this matter.
The Clerk informed Members that he had been told by Mrs. Dorothy Baker, Treasurer of Bowburn Community Centre, that the Community Centre’s Committee were considering a scheme of window replacement at the Centre or replacement of some security doors.
Resolved that the Parish Council agrees to pay the sum of £2,100.00 from its 2005/2006 Budget to assist with the cost of the kitchen refurbishment scheme at Cassop Community Centre.
The Clerk sought further clarification from Members about the selection of Parish Plaque Winners and Certificate of Merit Winners in the Beautiful Durham Competition 2005.
Resolved that the Entrant with the highest mark from each Village would be awarded a Parish Plaque. A Plaque will also be awarded to the Parish Entrant with the highest overall mark.
The Plaque Winners are:
Mrs. J.Y. Robson (Old Quarrington)
Mrs. P.A. Ward (Coxhoe)
Mr. R. Atkinson (Bowburn) **
** Mr. Atkinson wins an additional Plaque for achieving the highest Parish Entrant Mark in the 2005 Competition.
Certificate of Merit Winners are:
Mr. & Mrs. J. McKee (Bowburn)
Mrs. J. Broughton (Bowburn)
Mr. L. Spark (Bowburn)
A. Peat (Bowburn)
A. Gallagher & A. Staff (Bowburn)
The Clerk reminded Members that Durham County Council’s Street Lighting Section had previously indicated that approvals would be likely to be granted for use of various Lighting Columns in Bowburn for attachment of Hanging Flower Baskets in Summer 2006 as part of the Centenary Celebrations.
The Clerk indicated that he would write to the Street Lighting Section at this time to confirm that the relevant approvals would be granted. In addition, the Clerk will seek advice on the size of permitted attachments on Lighting Columns. The Clerk will also confirm whether or not a request to use certain Lighting Columns in Cassop would be granted.
6. Footpaths & Rights of Way
The Clerk had no new items to report to Members.
Resolved that Parish Councillor Sylvia Raine be nominated to serve as Parish Representative on the County Council’s Footpaths Liaison Group.
7. Allotments, Garages & Cemetery
Allotments
No report.
Garages
No report.
Cemetery
The Clerk gave Members details of the price quotations received from Durham County Council and Durham City Council in connection with the proposed resurfacing of the Cemetery Road. Members decided not to accept the price quotations received from the County Council, but they instructed the Clerk to seek further clarification about the price submitted by Durham City Council and report back to the next Monthly Meeting.
No response had been received from Mr. David Ward, who undertook the resurfacing of the upper part of the Cemetery Road some years ago.
Resolved that the information be noted.
8. Correspondence received
Durham County Council: Temporary Road Closure (Hett Mill) – Received
Bowburn PARC: Invitation to Meeting (February 2006) – Received
Environment Agency: Consultation about Nuclear Power Stations – Received
County Durham & Cleveland County Training Partnership: Training Course (February 2006) – Received
County Durham & Cleveland County Training Partnership: E-Learning Libraries Service – Received
O.D.P.M.: Standards of Conduct in English Local Government – Received
Crowtrees Heritage Trails Project: Minutes of Meeting (January 2006) – Received
9. Planning Applications
J.M. Bean (Revised Application): Extension to the front and Conservatory and Dormer Windows to the rear of 4, Quality Row, Cassop – Received
T. Wise: Retention of raised garden area with decking & balustrade (7, Barrington Way, Bowburn) – Received
Mr. & Mrs. R. Stevenson: Extension at the side of Tursdale House Farm Cottage – 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.
10. Accounts (Expenditure)
Name Description Details Cheque No. £ p
P. Thorpe Salary (paid net of Income Tax & N.I.) Mid Dec. 05 to Mid Jan. 06 048722 437.02
“ Mileage/Parking Fees 30 @ 52.7p “ 15.81
“ Stamps 31 @ 30p “ 9.30 “ “ 0 @ 21p “ 0.00
“ E-m@il Facility (Aol) Monthly Fee (Part) “ 12.99
“ Office Stationery Colour Ink Cartridge “ 4.95 “
“ Punch Pockets “ 2.30
Inland Revenue National Ins./Income Tax Deduction Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax 048723 172.23
Cleveland Land Serv. VAT Payment Doorstep Green 048724 854.62
BDO Stoy Hayward External Audit Audit Fee 2004/2005 048725 293.75
City of Durham Grasscutting Services Cemetery 2005 048726 190.35
Bow. Comm. Centre Hire of Room Monthly Meetings 048727 40.00
Cass. Comm. Centre Financial Assistance Kitchen Refurbishment 048728 2,100.00
Accounts (Income)
15TH DECEMBER 2005 – 11TH JANUARY 2006
Name Description Details £ p Various Clients Grave & Excl. Right Fees Cemetery 68.00
Moved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved.
11. Date of Next Meeting
Agreed the date of the next meeting be Wednesday, 15th February 2006 at the Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m.


February 2006

Minutes of the Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 15th February 2006 in Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m.
Present: Councillors G. Marsden, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt, Syer, Temporal and Tickell (Councillor M. Robinson in the chair).

12. Apologies
Councillors Higham, M. Marsden and Raine
13. Police Consultation
P.C. Cockburn gave Members a verbal report on recent offences committed in the Parish Area. The report indicated that there had been no Reported Offences in Cassop, 2 Cases of Criminal Damage in Parkhill and 10 Cases of Criminal Damage, 3 Cases of Burglary (Other), 2 Cases of Assault, 1 Case of Violent Disorder and 2 Cases of Theft in Bowburn.
P.C. Cockburn also gave Members an update about a recent meeting between Inspector Dodds and DTZ International, the owners of the Co-op. Building on Prince Charles Avenue, Bowburn. P. C. Cockburn informed Members that arrangements were under way for contractors engaged by DTZ International to do improvement works on the Co-op Building. Members thanked P.C. Cockburn for his report, whereupon he left the Meeting.
14. Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 18th January 2006
Resolved that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on 18th January 2006 be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record.
15. Points to note
The Clerk reminded Members that the Parish Council has made a provision in its Budget for 2005/2006 to provide financial assistance to Bowburn & Cassop Community Centres with regard to forthcoming capital schemes. The Treasurer of Bowburn Community Centre was still awaiting priced quotations from suppliers concerning supply of replacement windows for the Community Centre.
The Clerk informed Members that he had been able to trace the Company, which had originally supplied Parish Plaques to the Parish Council several years ago. Arrangements would be made to order a new batch of Plaques, four of which would be suitably inscribed for the Local Parish Winners of the Beautiful Durham Competition 2005.
Resolved that a Certificate of Merit be also awarded to the Landlady of the Hare & Greyhounds Public House in recognition of the outstanding floral contribution made to the Village of Bowburn in 2005.
A request from Durham City Council for sponsorship towards the Beautiful Durham Competition 2006 was regretfully declined.
The Clerk informed Members that Durham County Council’s Street Lighting Section has confirmed in writing that approvals have been granted for use of various Lighting Columns in Bowburn for attachment of Hanging Flower Baskets. The Clerk displayed Street Maps showing the location of the approved Lighting Columns. Approvals were also confirmed for use of various Lighting Columns in Cassop for Hanging Flower Baskets, but confirmation was still awaited for the use of Lighting Columns requested in Parkhill.
The Clerk read out to Members an e-m@il letter received from Parish Councillor Raine concerning the idea of a Centenary Clean Up Campaign for Bowburn. Unfortunately, Councillor Raine was unable to attend the Meeting in person.
Members discussed Councillor Raine’s idea at length and it was resolved that the idea should be supported by the Parish Council. The Clerk was instructed to write to Durham City Council to inform the Council about the project and to seek practical assistance from the City Council with regard to supply of protective clothing, litter bags and arrangements to dispose of filled litter bags etc.
Details of the Centenary Clean Up Campaign for Bowburn are to be publicised in the Bowburn Interchange to seek public volunteers to assist Parish Councillors with the Clean Up Campaign.
The Clerk was also instructed to ask the City Council’s Litter Clearance Teams for Bowburn to pay special attention to the Co-op. Building in Prince Charles Avenue in order to deal with increased littering after recent incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area.
The Chairman gave Members a verbal report on proceedings at a recent Meeting of Bowburn PARC, which she had attended on behalf of the Parish Council.
Members thanked the Chairman for her verbal report and awaited formal Minutes of the Proceedings of the Meeting.
16. Review of Fees & Charges
The Clerk submitted to Members a Report recommending an increase in Annual Allotment, Field and Garage Site Rents and some Cemetery Fees. The Clerk indicated that there had been no increase in Annual Allotment, Field and Garage Site Rents for, at least, five years and an increase of up to 10% in these rental charges effective from April 1st 2006 would restore them to their 2001 values.
Members discussed the Clerk’s recommendation but, after a proposal made by Councillor Stan Robinson, which was seconded by Councillor George Marsden, it was resolved that increases in charges effective from April 1st 2006 would be limited to around 5% of the existing charge levels and a further review would be undertaken in two years’ time.
Councillor Tickell proposed that there should be no increase in Annual Allotment, Field and Garage Site Rents, but this proposal was not seconded and it was withdrawn.
(Councillor Jimmy Robinson and Councillor Shutt declared personal interests in the matter under discussion).
A decision about an increase in Cemetery Charges was deferred until the next Monthly Meeting due to time constraints on the current Meeting.
17. Footpaths & Rights of Way
The Clerk reported to Members that he had written to the County Council’s Rights of Way Officer concerning a request to make a currently undesignated footpath into a Right of Way. The footpath is on the line of the old railway track from the former level crossing at Coxhoe to a point east of the site of West Hetton Lodge. Part of the footpath lies in Coxhoe Parish and part lies in Cassop-cum-Quarrington Parish. The Rights of Way Officer is investigating the matter.
The Clerk also informed Members that the Local Neighbourhood Warden from Durham City Council has contacted Morgan House Care Centre about removal of the deposits of builders’ rubble etc. dumped next to Bridleway no. 36. The Warden has also contacted the County Council’s Rights of Way Officer about the issues of damage to Bridleway no. 36 being caused by lorries using it for delivery access and damage to Footpath 39 (?) being caused by horse riders.
Resolved that the Clerk’s Report be noted.
18. Allotments, Garages & Cemetery
Allotments
No report.
Garages
No report.
Cemetery
The Clerk gave Members details of a revised price quotation for replacement of the tarmac road surface and sub-base material on the Cemetery Road. The price quotation was received from Messrs. Terra Firma Landscape Services of Merryoaks, Co. Durham, who have been approached by Durham City Council to undertake the work on its behalf as the City Council does not currently possess the correct road resurfacing machinery to undertake the work. The quotation has been submitted to the Parish Council after a second site visit to the Cemetery was made.
Resolved that the price quotation of £12,725.00 from Messrs. Terra Firma Landscape Services of Merryoaks, Co. Durham be accepted. The sum of £9,975.00 is quoted for the excavation of the existing Cemetery Road Surface, edging off of vegetation to expose existing edge kerbs, replacement of damaged edge kerbs, replacement of base material to excavated area, laying of bitmac to Cemetery Road area and final site clearance & reinstatement of kerblines with soil and seed. The further sum of £2,750.00 included in the price quotation covers laying of new kerblines from the Cemetery Gate to the external roadway and extension of the tarmac road surface from the Cemetery Gate to the edge of the external roadway.
The Clerk also informed Members that price quotations had been received from Durham City Council concerning grasscutting arrangements for the 2006 Season for Bowburn Cemetery and Bowburn Doorstep Green. The Clerk indicated that he wished to challenge the amount of the quotation for grasscutting at the Doorstep Green Site.
Resolved that the action of the Clerk be confirmed.
19. Correspondence received
Durham County Council – Environment Awards 2005 Entry – Received
Durham County Council – Parish Paths Newsletter No. 21 – Received
Durham County Council – Get on in County Durham 2006 – Received
County Durham Association of Local Councils – Guidance re H.M. The Queen’s 80th Birthday Celebrations – Received
Ditto. – District Council Area Representation – Received
Ditto. – Association Newsletter (Spring 2006) – Received
County Durham & Cleveland County Training Partnership – Training Course (April 2006) (Disability Discrimination Act) – Received
Ditto. – E-Learning Libraries – Received
Crowtrees Heritage Trails – Minutes of Meeting (January 2006) – Received
Councillor S. Raine – Letter re Bowburn Regeneration (Removal of Trees) – Received
20. Planning Applications
Mr. Cheesey – Erection of extension to rear of 9, Front Street South, Cassop – Received
Mr. Bilkho – Erection of Dwelling House 5-7, The Leases, Bowburn – Received
Mr. W. & Mrs. L. Graham – Erection of extension to rear of
61, Henry Avenue, Bowburn – Received
Mr. & Mrs. T. Corbett – Erection of conservatory to rear of
23, Millford Way, 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.
21. Accounts (Expenditure)
Name Description Details Cheque No. £ p
P. Thorpe Salary (paid net of Income Tax & N.I.) Mid January to Mid February 2006 048729 437.02
“ Mileage/Parking Fees 62 @ 52.7p “ 34.37
“ Stamps 32 @ 30p “ 9.60 “ “ 0 @ 21p “ 0.00
“ E-m@il Facility (Aol) Monthly Fee (Part) “ 12.99
“ Postal Charges Recorded Delivery “ 2.26
“ Office Stationery Purchase of Fax Machine “ 69.99
“ “ Photocopying/Envelopes “ 2.72
Inland Revenue National Ins./Income Tax Deduction Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax 048730 172.23
City of Durham Litter Bin Clearance Doorstep Green 048731 183.83
Accounts (Income)
12TH JANUARY – 8TH FEBRUARY 2006
Name Description Details £ p
Various Clients Cemetery Fees Excl. Right/Headstone 77.00
Moved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved.
22. Date of Next Meeting
Agreed the date of the next meeting be Wednesday, 15th March 2006 at the Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m.


March 2006

Minutes of the Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 15th March 2006 in Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m.
Present: Councillors Barker, G. Marsden, M. Marsden, Raine, Richardson, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt and Syer. (Councillor M. Robinson in the chair).

23 Apologies
Councillors Armstrong, Higham, Temporal & Tickell
24 Presentation of Parish Council Awards
The Clerk presented a Parish Council Plaque to Mrs. J. Y. Robson of Heugh Hall Row, Old Quarrington in recognition of her outstanding entry in the Large Garden Section of the Beautiful Durham Competition 2005. The Clerk also presented a Parish Council Certificate of Merit to Mrs. J. Broughton of Durham Road, Bowburn in recognition of her entries in the Floral Container Section and the Yard/Patio Section of the Beautiful Durham Competition 2005. The Clerk promised to hand deliver Parish Plaques & Certificates of Merit to those recipients who could not attend the Monthly Meeting.
25 Police Consultation
P.C. Cockburn gave Members a verbal report on recent offences committed in the Parish Area. The report indicated that there had been no Reported Offences in Parkhill, 1 Case of Burglary (Other) in Cassop and 5 Cases of Criminal Damage, 1 Case of Burglary (Other), 2 Cases of Arson and 5 Cases of Theft in Bowburn.
P. C. Cockburn once again reassured Members that arrangements were under way for contractors engaged by DTZ International to do improvement works on the Co-op Building. Members thanked P.C. Cockburn for his report, whereupon he left the Meeting.
26 Co-option of New Parish Councillor
Councillor Mike Syer proposed and Councillor George Marsden seconded a Motion that Mr. Alan Richardson of Ramsey Street, Tursdale be co-opted onto the Parish Council to fill a vacancy for a Parish Councillor. The Vacancy for a Parish Councillor has been advertised at Bowburn Community Centre for five weeks in November & December 2005.
Resolved that Mr. Alan Richardson be co-opted onto as a new Parish Councillor.
27 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 15th February 2006
Resolved that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on 15th February 2006 be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record.
28 Points to Note
The Clerk reminded Members that the Parish Council has made a provision in its Budget for 2005/2006 to provide financial assistance to Bowburn & Cassop Community Centres regarding future capital schemes. The Treasurer of Bowburn Community Centre has submitted priced quotations from suppliers concerning supply and installation of replacement windows for the Community Centre (£1,200.00) and a new fax/copier for the Community Centre (£902.85).
Resolved that the sum of £2,100.00 be paid to Bowburn Community Centre
The Clerk informed Members that a Site Meeting at Clarence Street, Bowburn concerning possible vehicle parking problems had been reconvened, following the installation of a new County Councillor for the Ward. Parish Councillors G. Marsden, Raine, M. Robinson, S. Robinson and Syer attended the Site Meeting. After a discussion of the situation, it was decided to arrange for the installation of white “No Waiting” lines on the roadside opposite the Local Bakery in order to ease any possible parking congestion at this location.
The Clerk informed Members that he was arranging a Meeting between interested Members and the Local Neighbourhood Warden concerning the Centenary Clean Up Campaign for Bowburn.
The purpose of the Meeting is to arrange, amongst other things, practical assistance from the City Council with regard to supply of protective clothing, litter bags and arrangements to dispose of filled litter bags etc. The Meeting will bring together all interested Parish Councillors in order to assess the strength of support for the Campaign.
The Clerk informed Members that it would be prudent to engage a new Allotments Superintendent to replace Mr. Douglas Dowling, who died recently. The Clerk was instructed to seek advice from Finance Staff at Durham City Council regarding the merits of employment of a casual worker or engaging someone on a casual fee paying basis.
Members expressed the view that the vacancy for an Allotments Superintendent should be publicised.
29 Review of Fees & Charges
The Clerk reminded Members that he had submitted a Report to the Parish Council at their Monthly Meeting in February 2006 recommending an increase in Annual Allotment, Field and Garage Site Rents and some Cemetery Fees. Members had resolved that increases in Annual Allotment, Field and Garage Site Rent Charges effective from April 1st 2006 should be limited to around 5% of the existing charge levels and a further review of these rents would be undertaken in two years’ time.
A decision about an increase in Cemetery Charges had been deferred until the next Monthly Meeting due to time constraints on the February 2006 Meeting.
The Clerk gave Members a list of the revised Allotment, Field and Garage Site Rent Charges applicable from April 1st 2006.
Resolved that the revised increases for Allotment, Field and Garage Site Rents effective from April 1st 2006 be approved. It was also resolved that the Cemetery Charges should not be changed at the present time.
30 Footpaths & Rights of Way
Members expressed their concerns once again that fly tipping was continuing at an increased level along the sides of Bridleway no. 36. After a lengthy discussion, Members agreed that the Clerk should contact Durham City Council to arrange enforcement action upon the relevant landowner. Members were of the view that the City Council could arrange clearance of the fly tipped rubbish alongside the Bridleway and recharge the clearance costs upon the landowner, who should be made more aware of the growing problems on his land. Members also instructed the Clerk to contact the Footpaths Officer at Durham County Council to enquire about the possibility of relocation of the gateway on Bridleway no. 36. If the gateway is moved closer to the main road which leads onto the Bridleway, then vehicle drivers intent upon fly tipping would find their access to the Bridleway blocked and they would remain in full view of pedestrians and other drivers on or near the main road.
Resolved that the agreed action be approved.
31 Allotments, Garages & Cemetery
Allotments
No report.
Garages
No report.
Cemetery
The Clerk informed Members that works on resurfacing of the Cemetery Road would commence on Monday, 20th March 2006 and it is expected that works should be completed by the end of March 2006.
Resolved that the information be noted and that the Chairman be authorised to make application to the Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership for a Grant to cover partial reimbursement of the costs of the work on the Resurfacing of the Cemetery Road.
32 Correspondence received
Durham County Council re: Parish Paths Scheme Action: Agenda Item (May 2006)
Durham Police Community Consultative Group re: Meeting Agenda (March 2006) Action: Received
N.A.L.C. re: Local Councils Open Day Action: Received
Countryside Agency re: Celebrating Doorstep Greens Action: Received
C.E. Electric UK re: Dedicated Telephone Line Action: Received
County Durham & Cleveland County Training Partnership re: E-Learning Libraries Action: Received
County Durham & Cleveland County Training Partnership re: Training Events 2006 Action: Received
County Durham & Darlington Acute Hospitals NHS Trust re: Consultation upon Plans to form a Foundation Trust Action: Received
Crowtrees Heritage Trails re: Minutes of Meeting (February 2006) Action: Received
Kelloe Village Community Partnership re: Reopening of Swimming Pool at Kelloe Primary School Action: Received
33 Planning Applications
C. Barlow for Erection of extension at 8, Clarence Street, Coxhoe Action: Received
Johnson Brothers for Application for approval of reserved matters (erection of farmworker’s dwelling pursuant to previous outline approval 4/04/437) (Quarrington Farm, Old Quarrington) Action: Received
VestBrown Ltd.*** for Outline application for residential development (Land adjoining 11, Parkfield, Parkhill, Coxhoe) Action: Letter of Objection
Mrs. D. Collins for Siting of Mobile Catering Unit (Fleet Motors Car Park, Bowburn South Industrial Estate) Action: Received
Mr. Connor for Erection of Porch & Extension (41, Millford Way, Bowburn) Action: Received
P.K. O’ Connelley for Change of Use to Children’s Indoor Play Area (Units 12a & 12b, Bowburn South Industrial Estate) Action: Received
*** Councillor Mike Syer declared a personal interest in this matter.
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.
34 Parish Clerk’s Pay Award 2006
The Clerk informed Members that he had received notification from the National Association of Local Councils (N.A.L.C.) that agreement had been reached on a Salary Award for Parish Clerks effective from April 1st 2006. The agreement offered an overall increase of about 2.95% in rates of pay for Parish Clerks.
After a brief discussion, it was resolved that the new rates of pay should be implemented from the effective date.
35 Accounts (Expenditure)
P. Thorpe: Salary (paid net of Income Tax & N.I.)(Mid February to Mid Marc h 2006 ) Cheque No. 048732 : 437.02
P. Thorpe: Mileage/Parking Fees ( 20 @ 52.7p ) Cheque No. 048732 : 12.24
P. Thorpe: Stamps (33 @ 30p ) Cheque No. 048732 : 9.90
P. Thorpe: Stamps (0 @ 21p ) Cheque No. 048732 : 0.00
P. Thorpe: E-m@il Facility (Aol)(Monthly Fee (Part)) Cheque No. 048732 : 12.99
P. Thorpe: Quarterly Allowance (Telephone Use ) Cheque No. 048732 : 41.00
P. Thorpe: Quarterly Allowance (Home Office Use ) Cheque No. 048732 : 95.00
P. Thorpe: Office Stationery (Black Ink Cartridge ) Cheque No. 048732 : 4.95
P. Thorpe: Postal Charges (Recorded Delivery ) Cheque No. 048732 : 1.30
Inland Revenue: National Ins./Income Tax Deduction (Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax ) Cheque No. 048733 : 172.23
Shaw & Sons Ltd.: Office Stationery (Receipts & Payments Ledger ) Cheque No. 048734 : 57.46
Valuation Agency: Valuation Fees (Land at Tursdale (3 parcels of land) ) Cheque No. 048735 : 1,339.50
Durham Horticultural & Craft Show 2006: Request for Sponsorship (Financial Donation ) Cheque No. 048736 : 100.00
Bowburn Community Centre: Windows Replacement and new Fax/Copier (Ditto. ) Cheque No. 048737 : 2,100.00
Insignia Ltd.: Purchase of Plaques (Beautiful Parish Awards ) Cheque No. 048738 : 452.96
Accounts (Income)
9TH FEBRUARY – 8TH MARCH 2006
Various Clients Cemetery Fees Excl. Right of Burial 35.00
Moved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved.
36 Date of Next Meeting
Agreed the date of the next meeting be Wednesday, 19th April 2006 at the Bowburn Community Centre, immediately after the Parish Council’s Annual Meeting.


April 2006

Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 19th April 2006 in Bowburn Community Centre, immediately after the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council.

Present: Councillors Armstrong, G. Marsden, Raine, Richardson, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt, Syer, Temporal and Tickell (Councillor M. Robinson in the chair).
County Councillor MacWilliams was also in attendance.
37 Apologies
Councillors Higham and Muriel Marsden.
38 Police Consultation
P.C. Cockburn gave Members a verbal report on recent offences committed in the Parish Area. The report indicated that there had been no Reported Offences in Parkhill, 2 Cases of Criminal Damage in Cassop and 5 Cases of Criminal Damage, 1 Case of Burglary (Home), 1 Case of Assault and 3 Cases of Theft in Bowburn. Councillor Temporal declared a personal interest in one of the matters referred to by P.C. Cockburn. Members thanked P.C. Cockburn for his report, whereupon he left the Meeting.
39 Visit of Guest Speaker (Mr. Steve Ragg, Executive Officer of the County Durham Association of Local Councils).
The Clerk introduced Mr. Steve Ragg, the Executive Officer of the County Durham Association of Local Councils (CDALC), to Members of the Parish Council and Members welcomed Mr. Ragg to the Meeting.
Mr. Ragg gave Members a brief overview of his role as Executive Officer of CDALC and the future plans he had to improve the Association’s role and representation of Parish & Town Councils in the Region. Mr. Ragg gave Members an update on negotiations which have taken place recently concerning Local Government Review Proposals. He informed members that a series of separate meetings have taken place between Representatives of the Lyons Committee and County Council Representatives and District Council Representatives.
Mr. Ragg also informed Members about the relevant Contact Officers at Durham County Council to deal with Footpath and Rights of Way Issues.
In conclusion, Mr. Ragg informed Members about the future day to day work plans for the Association including Training Courses for Members and Clerks and Training Courses about Members’ Code of Conduct. Members thanked Mr. Ragg for his visit and his talk to them, whereupon he left the Meeting.
40 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 15th March 2006
Councillor Syer requested that the Minute no. 31 of the above Monthly Meeting held on 15th March 2006 be amended to read that the Parish Council has resolved to confirm the Chairman’s action in seeking partial reimbursement of the cost of resurfacing of the Cemetery Road from the Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership.
Resolved that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on 15th March 2006 be so amended.
41 Points to Note
The Clerk informed Members that Legal Officers at Durham City Council intended to seek redress against Messrs. Newton Moor Construction about damage to City Council Land adjacent to the new Housing Development on the site of the former Builder’s Yard at the rear of Clarence Street, Bowburn. The Clerk had informed the City Council that the Parish Council also had concerns about obstruction of the footpath next to the Housing Development, concerns about pedestrian safety on that footpath and unauthorised vehicle parking on Parish Council Land adjacent to the Housing Development.
Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to contact the relevant officers at the City Council to inform them that, in addition to the foregoing concerns, they wished to have damage, which has been done to the drains in Wylam Street, Bowburn during the course of the Housing Development, repaired by the Builders as a matter of urgency.
The Clerk informed Members of the Parish Council that a Meeting between interested Members and the Local Neighbourhood Warden concerning the proposed Centenary Clean Up Campaign for Bowburn had taken place on April 10th 2006 in Bowburn Community Centre.
Arrangements have been made, amongst other things, to provide assistance from the City Council with regard to supply of protective clothing, litter bags and arrangements to dispose of filled litter bags etc. The Clerk has also arranged to have a news item publicising the Campaign posted on the Parish Council Website, mentioned in the Bowburn Interchange and in the Durham Advertiser. The first Clean Up Tour of Bowburn is set to take place on Saturday, May 6th 2006 at 9.30 a.m.
Resolved that the information be noted.
The Clerk informed Members that only one application for the position of Allotments Superintendent had been received, although the position has been publicised on the Parish Council’s Notice Board at Bowburn Community Centre. The Clerk was instructed to prepare a Formal Contract of Employment Document to govern the duties of the Superintendent, when appointed, and arrange to contact the applicant to attend an informal interview with an Interview Panel in due course.
Resolved that the terms & conditions of the Post of Allotment Superintendent be approved by the Parish Council at its next Monthly Meeting.
The Clerk and the Chairman gave Members an update concerning arrangements for supply and location of flower tubs for the Bowburn Centenary Celebrations in the summer.
42 Parish Owned Land near Lansdowne Crescent, Bowburn
Members held a brief discussion about whether any action was needed concerning possible trespass over or unauthorised use of a small parcel of Parish Owned Land near Lansdowne Crescent, Bowburn.
Resolved that no action be taken unless any specific misuse of the land actually occurs.
43 Footpaths & Rights of Way
The Clerk informed Members that he had contacted the Rights of Way Officer at Durham County Council to seek news of any recent developments upon the issues, which the Parish Council has previously referred to him for action. The new Rights of Way Officer for South East Durham is Mr. Michael Murden, who replaces Mr. Kevin Telford.
44 Allotments, Garages & Cemetery
Allotments
The Clerk informed members that he had renegotiated the proposed charges to be made by Durham City Council for grasscutting work on the Doorstep Green Land during the 2006 Season. The City Council will recalculate their charges for the full Season after a precise measurement of the capacity of the work involved and the time and manpower required for the first cut of the Season.
Garages
No report.
Cemetery
The Clerk informed Members that works on resurfacing of the Cemetery Road had been completed. The Contractor, Messrs. Terra Firma Landscaping Services, will supply a number of small boulders to be placed on each of the kerb sides at the Cemetery Entrance and in front of the recently uprooted small branch turnaround half way up the Cemetery Road. The boulders are intended to stop vehicles ploughing up the grassed verges at the Cemetery Entrance and at the grassed over turnaround location.
Resolved that the information be noted.
45 Correspondence received
From Durham County Council re County Durham Environment Awards – Action: Received
From Durham County Council re Easter Card Competition 2006 – Action: Received
From City of Durham re Code of Conduct Seminar – Action: Received
From City of Durham re Bowburn Draft Conservation Area Appraisal (Consultation Procedure) – Action: Letter to Heritage Officer
From Crowtrees Heritage Trails re Agenda for Meeting (April 2006) – Action: Received
From DEFRA re Clean Neighbourhoods Act – Action: Received
From Groundwork East Durham re Newsletter – Action: Received
46 Planning Applications
P.K. Connelley for Change of use to indoor children’s play area (Unit 12A & 12B Bowburn South Indust. Estate) Action: Received
D. & C. Watts for Erection of Conservatory to rear of 30, Monteigne Drive, Bowburn Action: Received
Mr. & Mrs. Robertson for Erection of Conservatory to rear of 60, Dene View, Cassop Action: Received
Mr. Stott for Erection of Detached Dwelling (Old Cassop) Action: Local Member
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.
47 Accounts (Expenditure)
P. Thorpe: (Salary (paid net of Income Tax & N.I.) – Mid March to Mid April 2006) Cheque No. 048739 : 453.24
P. Thorpe: (Mileage/Parking Fees – 70 @ 52.7p) Cheque No. 048739 : 40.29
P. Thorpe: (Stamps – 24 @ 32p) Cheque No. 048739 : 7.68
P. Thorpe: (Stamps – 13 @ 30p) Cheque No. 048739 : 3.90
P. Thorpe: (Stamps – 58 @ 23p) Cheque No. 048739 : 13.34
P. Thorpe: (E-m@il Facility (Aol) – Monthly Fee (Part)) Cheque No. 048739 : 12.99
P. Thorpe: (Office Stationery – Ink Cartridges) Cheque No. 048739 : 8.90
P. Thorpe: (Office Stationery – Envelopes/Photocopying) Cheque No. 048739 : 2.90
P. Thorpe: (Postal Charges – Recorded Delivery) Cheque No. 048739 : 1.30
Inland Revenue: (National Ins./Income Tax Deduction – Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax) Cheque No. 048740 : 178.29
Terra Firma Landscaping: (Resurfacing of Tarmac Road – Cemetery) Cheque No. 048741 : 12,725.00
City of Durham: (Business Rates – Cemetery) Cheque No. 048742 : 160.21
City of Durham: (Rent of Land – Tail upon End Lane) Cheque No. 048743 : 3.50
J. M. Raine Ltd.: (Equipment Repairs – Grass Strimmer) Cheque No. 048744 : 10.81
Accounts (Income) (9TH MARCH – 12TH APRIL 2006)
Various Clients Allotment & Garage Rents Year ending 31.03.07 769.00
Moved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved.
48 Date of Next Meeting
Agreed the date of the next meeting be Wednesday, 17th May 2006 at the Bowburn Community Centre, immediately after the Annual General Meeting.


May 2006

Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 17th May 2006 in Bowburn Community Centre, immediately after the Annual General Meeting of the Parish Council.
Present: Councillors Higham, G. Marsden, M. Marsden, Raine, Richardson, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt, Syer, Temporal and Tickell (Councillor M. Robinson in the chair).
County Councillor MacWilliams was also in attendance.
49 Apologies
Councillor Armstrong.
50 Police Consultation
P.C. Cockburn gave Members a verbal report on recent offences committed in the Parish Area. The report indicated that there had been no Reported Offences in Parkhill, 1 Case of Criminal Damage in Cassop and 5 Cases of Criminal Damage, 2 Cases of Burglary (Home), 1 Case of Burglary (Other) and 9 Cases of Theft in Bowburn. Councillor Temporal declared a personal interest in one of the matters referred to by P.C. Cockburn. Members thanked P.C. Cockburn for his report, whereupon he left the Meeting.
51 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 19th April 2006
The Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 19th April 2006 were agreed and signed a true and accurate record.
52 Points to Note
The Clerk informed Members that the Parish Council had been awarded an Award or Commendation in respect of the Bowburn Doorstep Green Project under the County Durham Environment Awards Scheme 2005. The Awards Presentation Ceremony is to tale place in the Durham Room at County Hall, Durham on Thursday, June 15th 2006.
Resolved that the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Parish Council and the Parish Clerk be asked to accept the invitation to attend the Awards Presentation Ceremony at County Hall, Durham.
The Clerk informed Members that arrangements had been made with Groundwork East Durham to have damaged saplings replaced on the Doorstep Green Site.
The Clerk informed Members that an informal interview had taken place on Friday, May 12th 2006 in Bowburn Community Centre with Mr. Craig Prince, the prospective new Allotments Superintendent. General details of the terms & conditions of the post were discussed with Mr. Prince by the Clerk, the Chairman of the Parish Council and Councillor S. Robinson.
Resolved that the final terms & conditions of the Post of Allotment Superintendent be approved by the Parish Council’s Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee at a Special Meeting to be held on Wednesday, May 31st 2006 at 7 p.m. in Bowburn Community Centre.
The Clerk gave Members an update concerning arrangements for the supply and location of hanging flower baskets for the forthcoming Bowburn Centenary Celebrations. Arrangements are also now in place for increased Public Liability Insurance to cover the risk of accidents to the members of the public whist the hanging flower baskets and flower tubs are on display. The Clerk was instructed to contact the Plant Nursery to arrange for supply of flowers to mark the entrance to Old Quarrington, adjacent to the Cemetery Road.
The Clerk informed Members that he had invited Mr. Michael Hurlow, the City Council’s Heritage & Design Manager, to attend the Monthly Meeting on June 21st 2006 at Cassop Community Centre. Mr. Hurlow has been informed of Members’ concerns regarding the partial inclusion of the Depot Allotment Site within the proposed boundaries of the Bowburn Conservation Area.
The Clerk informed Members that Durham City Council will shortly arrange a Joint Site Meeting between representatives of the City Council, the Parish Council and Newton Moor Construction to resolve the difficulties which have been identified during the Company’s recent occupation of the Housing Construction Site adjacent to Clarence Street, Bowburn.
The Clerk informed Members that a request had been received from Mr. & Mrs. B. Hopcroft, the occupiers of the Old School House, Tursdale, for a formal Transfer of the Licence Agreement which refers to the land between the Old School House and the allotment land in front of no. 61, Ramsey Street, Tursdale. The current Licensees, Mr. & Mrs. B. Bell, have given their consent to the Transfer of the Licence Agreement.
The Clerk informed Councillor A. Richardson that, as he would have a prejudicial interest in the above matter, he could not take part in any discussion of that matter and that he must vacate the Meeting Room whilst the matter was under discussion. Councillor Richardson duly left the Meeting Room whilst Members discussed the matter.
Resolved that the above-mentioned Licence Agreement between the Parish Council and Mr. & Mrs. B. Bell be transferred in favour of Mr. & Mrs. B. Hopcroft.
53 Parish Paths 2006/2007
The Chairman asked Members to submit any proposals for grant assistance under the County Council’s Parish Paths Initiative to the next Monthly Meeting of the Parish Council.
54 Footpaths & Rights of Way
The Clerk informed Members that he had been contacted by the County Council’s Rights of Way Officer to say that a Work Referral Notice has been arranged to relocate the Gateway on Bridleway no. 36. The local landowner has agreed to the relocation of the Gateway. The relocated gate will be in full view of the A177 and this alteration should hopefully deter fly tippers who are regularly using the Bridleway and neighbouring land as illegal rubbish tipping areas. The Clerk was asked to arrange for a Map of Designated Footpaths within the Parish Area to be e-mailed to Members who have requested it.
Allotments, Garages & Cemetery
Allotments
No report
Garages
No report.
Cemetery
The Clerk informed Members that he had contacted the Contractor, Messrs. Terra Firma Landscaping Services, to supply a number of small boulders to be placed on each of the kerb sides at the Cemetery Entrance and in front of the recently uprooted small branch turnaround half way up the newly resurfaced Cemetery Road.
The Clerk also informed Members that he would contact the Director of Community services at Durham City Council to arrange for extension of their grasscutting work for the Parish Council to include the area surrounding the BMX Cycle Track at Parkhill.
Resolved that the information be noted.
56 Correspondence received
County Durham & Darlington Borough Forum of P.C.C.G.’s re Meeting of Forum (June 2006) Action: Received
City of Durham re Lord Mayor’s Appeal 2006-2007 Action: Received
City of Durham re Crowtrees Heritage Trails (Minutes of Meetings) Action: Received
Durham City Centre Youth Project re Notice of Annual General Meeting Action: Received
County Durham & Cleveland County Training Partnership re Training Courses (June 2006) Action: Received
C. D.A.L.C. re Business Plan 2006/2007 Action: Received
C. D.A.L.C. re Newsletter (May 2006) Action: Received
County Durham & Darlington Acute Hospitals NHS Trust re Plans to form a NHS Foundation Trust Action: Received
O.D.P.M. re Local Authority Byelaws in England (A Discussion Paper) Action: Received
Ofcom re Removing Public Call Boxes (A Guide to the Rules) Action: Received
57 Planning Applications
Mrs. N. Crozier for Erection of extension to rear of 11, Parkfield, Coxhoe Action: Received
Durham Villages Regeneration for Erection of 86 Dwellings etc. on land bounded by Philip Avenue & Robert Terrace, Bowburn Action: Seek copy of Application
V. Parks & A. Dunn for Erection of extension to side of 6, Barrington Way, Bowburn Action: Received
Mr. & Mrs. D.C. Watts for Erection of Conservatory to side of 30, Monteigne Drive, Bowburn Action: Received
R. Cairns for Erection of Conservatory to rear of Victoria Inn, Cassop Action: Received
Mr. Bilkhu for Erection of Dwellinghouse 5-7, The Leazes, Bowburn (Revised Scheme) Action: Received
J.M. Bean for Erection of extension to front of & conservatory to rear of 4, Quality Row, Cassop Action: 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.
58 Accounts (Expenditure)
Cleveland Land Serv. – Doorstep Green (Works Valuation No. 6) Cheque No. 048745 : 1,806.42
C.D.A.L.C. – Annual Subscription (2006/2007) Cheque No. 048746 : 393.16
P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net of Income Tax & N.I.) (Mid April to Mid May 2006) Cheque No. 048747 : 465.15
P. Thorpe – Mileage/Parking Fees (40 @ 52.7p) Cheque No. 048747 : 22.88
P. Thorpe – Stamps (25 @ 32p) Cheque No. 048747 : 8.00
P. Thorpe – Stamps (1 @ 23p) Cheque No. 048747 : 0.23
P. Thorpe – E-m@il Facility (Aol) (Monthly Fee (Part)) Cheque No. 048747 : 12.99
P. Thorpe – Office Stationery (Black Ink Cartridge) Cheque No. 048747 : 4.95
P. Thorpe – Office Stationery (Fax Ribbon Replacement) Cheque No. 048747 : 19.95
H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins./Income Tax Deduction (Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax) Cheque No. 048748 : 186.43
Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t (Net Monthly Fee (May)) Cheque No. 048749 : 40.00
City of Durham – Reflective Waistcoats (Bowburn Clean Up) Cheque No. 048750 : 50.00
Allianz Cornhill – Insurance Premiums (2006/2007) Cheque No. 048751 : 580.95
H.M.R.C. – Income Tax Deduction (Allotments Super’t) Cheque No. 048752 : 11.30
Community Assoc. – Committee Room Hire (Parish Council Meetings) Cheque No. 048753 : 40.00
Accounts (Income) (13TH APRIL – 10TH MAY 2006)
Various Clients: Allotment & Garage Rents Year ending 31.03.07 1,157.00
Moved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved.
59 Date of Next Meeting
Agreed the date of the next meeting be Wednesday, 21st June 2006 at the Cassop Community Centre.


June 2006

Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 21st June 2006 in Cassop Community Centre at 7 p.m.
Present: Councillors G. Marsden, M. Marsden, Raine, Richardson, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt, Syer, Temporal and Tickell (Councillor M. Robinson in the chair).
60. Apologies
Councillors Armstrong, Higham
61. Police Consultation
P.C. Cockburn gave Members a verbal report on recent offences committed in the Parish Area. The report indicated that there had been 1 Case of Criminal Damage in Parkhill, 1 Case of Criminal Damage in Cassop and 5 Cases of Criminal Damage, 2 Cases of Arson, 1 Case of Burglary (Other) and 4 Cases of Theft in Bowburn. Members thanked P.C. Cockburn for his report, whereupon he left the Meeting.
62. Bowburn Draft Conservation Area
Mr. Michael Hurlow, the City Council’s Heritage & Design Manager, attended the Monthly Meeting to give Members an insight into the procedures undertaken and the timescale involved with the Bowburn Conservation Area Appraisal. Mr. Hurlow paid particular attention to Members’ concerns about the seemingly indiscriminate prescription of the Conservation Area’s Boundaries through the midst of the Depot Allotment Site. He confirmed that, as far as any costs or benefits of Conservation Area Status was involved, it did not matter greatly whether the boundaries of the Conservation Area wholly included or wholly excluded the Depot Allotment Site. Mr. Hurlow left copies of Draft Conservation Area Appraisal Reports and other literature for Members’ information, whereupon he left the Meeting. Members thanked Mr. Hurlow for his attendance at the Meeting.
63. Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 17th May 2006
The Clerk apologised to Members for omitting Item no. 7 of Minute no. 52 of the Monthly Meeting held on 17th May 2006 from copies of Minutes circulated to Members. The Clerk read out to Members the full text of the previously omitted item, which referred to the Transfer of a Licence Agreement concerning land adjacent to the Old School House, Tursdale. Members had approved the Transfer of the Licence Agreement to Mr. & Mrs. B. Hopcroft, the present occupiers of the Old School House, Tursdale.
Thereafter, the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 17th May 2006 were agreed and signed a true and accurate record.
64. Minutes of the Meeting of the Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee held on 31st May 2006
The Minutes of the Meeting of the Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee held on 31st May 2006 were agreed and signed a true and accurate record.
65. Points to Note
The Clerk informed Members that he had attended the Awards Presentation Ceremony for the County Durham Environment Awards 2005, which took place in the Durham Room at County Hall, Durham on Thursday, June 15th 2006. He had been accompanied by Councillor Margaret Robinson, Michele MacCallam from Groundwork East Durham and a representative from Cleveland Land Services. The Parish Council received a Commendation for its Bowburn Doorstep Green Project.
The Clerk informed Members that arrangements made with Groundwork East Durham to have damaged saplings replaced and parts of the Grass Maze replanted on the Doorstep Green Site had been confirmed
The Clerk gave Members an update concerning arrangements for the placement of Hanging Flower Baskets and Flower Tubs for Bowburn and Cassop. He informed Members that the Parish Council’s existing Public Liability Cover had been extended to include the additional Hanging Flower Baskets and Flower Tubs to be placed in the Parish Area this summer.
Members discussed a proposal to jointly arrange for the provision of new Notice Boards at various locations in the Parish Area with the Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership. Some Members expressed reservations about a joint arrangement with the Community Partnership and the matter was put to a vote.
Six of the eleven members of the Parish Council present voted in favour of writing to the Community Partnership with a view to entering into a joint arrangement with them, two Members voted against the proposal and the remaining three Members abstained from the vote.
Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to write to the Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership to enquire about the full extent of the Partnership’s proposals about provision of Notice Boards and the amount of funding which the Partnership intends to put into the project.
The Clerk informed Members that arrangements had been put in place to repair the damaged Village Entrance Stone at Parkhill and raise the height of the Stone to improve its overall visibility. The Clerk also informed Members that the person, who has been arrested and charged with causing Criminal Damage to the Village Entrance Stone, has also been charged with driving without insurance, so the cost of the damage repair cannot be recovered from the driver’s insurance.
Resolved that the possibility be explored of recovering the costs of repair to the Village Stone from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board.
Members discussed the possibility of providing flower tubs at Old Quarrington. Members were of the view that, until the grass verges on the outskirts of Old Quarrington (adjacent to the Cemetery) were cut down, then it would be pointless to place any flower tubs at the present time.
Resolved that flower tubs be placed on the outskirts of Old Quarrington as soon as practicable.
66. Parish Paths 2006/2007
The Chairman reminded Members that she had requested details of any proposals about footpath works & improvements etc. to be submitted to this Monthly Meeting of the Parish Council. The Parish Council intends to submit works proposals for grant assistance, if possible, under the County Council’s 2006/2007 Parish Paths Initiative. Members submitted details of reinstatement works required at the junction of Bridleways 36, 37 and Footpath 39, reinstatement works required along Footpath no. 3, improved signposting on footpaths throughout the Parish Area, the installations of further Walkways and Stile Improvements throughout the Parish Area etc.
Resolved that the Parish Council submits these works proposals to the County Council’s Footpaths Officer. The works should be undertaken during the current financial year under the County Council’s Parish Paths Scheme.
67. Footpaths & Rights of Way
The Clerk informed Members that he had received a Map from the County Council’s Rights of Way Officer showing the proposed relocation of the Gateway on Bridleway no. 36. The relocated gate will be in full view of the A177 and this relocation should hopefully deter fly tippers who are regularly using the Bridleway and neighbouring land as illegal rubbish tipping areas. The Clerk also informed members that a Map of Designated Footpaths within the Parish Area had been e-mailed to Members who are online.
68. Allotments, Garages & Cemetery
Allotments – The Clerk informed Members that he had instructed the new Allotments Superintendent to undertake grass strimming work on the Garage Site at Back Burn Street and on Allotments no. 3 (plot let to new tenant) & 47 (sitting tenant has been in hospital) on the Depot Site.
The Clerk also informed Members that he had contacted the Director of Community services at Durham City Council to seek a price quotation for seasonal grasscutting work in respect of the grassed area surrounding the BMX Cycle Track at Parkhill.
Garages – No report.
Cemetery – No report
69. Correspondence received
Durham County Council: re Rights of Way Improvement Plan (Consultation Timetable) – Received
Durham County Council: Notification of Works (Henry Avenue, Bowburn) – Received
Durham County Council: re Durham Park & Ride – Received
Durham County Council: re Action Packed Futures Festival 2006 – Received
Durham County Council: re Building Schools for the Future – Received
Durham County Council: Partnership 21 Spring Newsletter – Received
County Durham & Darlington Area Forum of P.C.C.G.’s: re Forum Meeting (June 2006) – Received
City of Durham: re Seat Sponsorship – Received
Crowtrees Heritage Trails Project: Minutes of Meeting (May 2006) – Received
County Durham & Cleveland County Training Partnership: re Training in Chairmanship Skills (2 Sessions) – Received
Tarmac Limited: re Old Quarrington Quarry Liaison Meeting – Received
70. Planning Applications
Application from M. Taylor for Change of use of land to residential curtilage & erection of wall (2, Robson Crescent, Bowburn): Received
Application from Charles Church (NE) Ltd. for Various tree works within Bowburn Tree Preservation Order: Received
Application from Premier Waste Management for Proposed Solid Waste Aerobic Digester Plant (Tursdale Business Park): 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.
71. Accounts (Expenditure)
P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net of Income Tax & N.I.): Mid May to Mid June 2006 (cheque no. 048754) – £465.15
P. Thorpe – Mileage/Parking Fees: 46 @ 52.7p (048754) – £26.04
P. Thorpe – Stamps: 45 @ 32p (048754) – £14.40
P. Thorpe – Stamps: 2 @ 23p (048754) – £0.46
P. Thorpe – E-m@il Facility (Aol): Monthly Fee (Part) (048754) – £12.99
P. Thorpe – Office Stationery: Ink Cartridges (048754) – £9.90
P. Thorpe – Office Stationery: A3 Envelopes (048754) – £3.88
P. Thorpe – Postal Charges: Recorded Delivery (048754) – £1.00
P. Thorpe – Telephone Allowance: Quarterly Payment (048754) – £41.00
P. Thorpe – Office Allowance: Quarterly Payment (048754) – £95.00
H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins./Income Tax Deduction : Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax (048755) – £186.43
H.M. Revenue & Customs – Income Tax Deduction: Employee Deduction (Craig Prince) (048755) – £11.30
Craig Prince, Allotments Super’t – Net Monthly Fee (June): (048756) – £40.00
Gavin Bestford, Internal Auditor – 2005/2006 Fee: (048757) – £70.00
Derwentside D.C. – Office Stationery: Parish Letter heads (048758) – £207.97
J.M. Raine Ltd. – Strimmer Repair: Parts Replacement (048759) – £26.50
Accounts (Income)
11TH MAY – 14TH JUNE 2006
Various Clients – Annual Rents – Allotments/Garages: £241.00
Moved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved.
72. Date of Next Meeting
Agreed the date of the next Meeting be Wednesday, 19th July 2006 at the Bowburn Community Centre.

July 2006

Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 19th July 2006 in Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m.

Present: Councillors Barker, G. Marsden, M. Marsden, Raine, Richardson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt, Syer, Temporal and Tickell (Councillor M. Robinson in the chair).
The Clerk informed members of the public present at the Monthly Meeting that they were not allowed to speak at the Meeting unless authorised to do so by the Chairman. The Clerk further advised members of the public present that the use of recording devices during the course of the Meeting was not allowed.
73 Apologies
Councillors Armstrong and Higham
74 Police Consultation
P.C. Cockburn gave Members a verbal report on recent offences committed in the Parish Area. The report indicated that there had been 1 Case of Criminal Damage and 1 Case of Assault in Parkhill, No Reported Offences in Cassop and 3 Cases of Criminal Damage, 2 Cases of Burglary (Home) and 3 Cases of Theft in Bowburn. Members thanked P.C. Cockburn for his report, whereupon he left the Meeting.
75 Report from the City Council’s Community Development Officer, Mrs. Carol Feenan
Carol Feenan, the City Council’s Community Development Officer, attended the Meeting and gave Members an overview of the Bowburn PARC’s action plans for Bowburn. The City Council has assumed responsibility for implementation of these plans as Bowburn PARC does not possess the necessary charitable status to obtain certain grants available. Mrs. Feenan accompanied her talk with various display boards to be located in the Meeting Room for several days after the Meeting to allow Members to view them at leisure. The Clerk reminded Mrs. Feenan that a promised letter to be addressed to the Parish Council seeking approval for expenditure plans affecting land in Parish Ownership had not yet been received.
Resolved that information contained in Mrs. Feenan’s verbal report to Members be noted.
76 Report from Mr. Angus White (Naylors Chartered Surveyors) (Proposed Bowburn Business Park)
Mr. Angus White, representing Messrs. Naylors (Chartered Surveyors) attended the Monthly Meeting to give Members details of updated proposals concerning the Proposed Bowburn Business Park. Members’ concerns about road safety issues, connected with the original proposals discussed in 2005, have now been addressed in the revised proposals. Mr. White represented his Client, Mr. David Martin, who did not attend the Monthly Meeting on this occasion. Mr. White circulated copies of updated Site Plans for the Proposed Business Park for Members’ information and he answered a number of Members’ Questions about the proposals.
Resolved that information contained in Mr. White’s verbal report to Members be noted.
77 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 21st June 2006
Councillor Syer requested that Minute no. 65 (5) of the Monthly Meeting held on 21st June 2006 be amended to include reference to the fact that the base of the Village Entrance Stone at Parkhill had been raised. This work was in addition to the accident damage repairs.
Resolved that the relevant Minute of the Monthly Meeting be amended and that, thereafter, the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 21st June 2006 be agreed and signed a true and accurate record.
78 Points to Note
The Clerk informed Members that he had received official photographs of the Parish Council’s recent Awards Presentation Ceremony. The Presentation formed part of the County Durham Environment Awards 2005, which took place at County Hall, Durham on Thursday, June 15th 2006. The Parish Council received a Commendation for its Bowburn Doorstep Green Project.
The Clerk gave Members a further update concerning arrangements for the placement of Hanging Flower Baskets and Flower Tubs for Bowburn and Cassop.
The Clerk informed Members that the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board would not provide reimbursement of the repair costs to the damaged Village Entrance Stone at Parkhill. However, he informed Members that reimbursement of the repair costs may be received from the Motor Insurance Bureau.
Resolved that the information be noted.
The Clerk informed Members that grass-cutting on the site of the BMX Cycle Track had now been undertaken by Durham City Council, on behalf of the Parish Council. Grass-cutting had been delayed, due to the need for use of smaller grass cutters to cope with the undulating terrain on the Cycle Track.
The Clerk informed Members that a letter had been sent to the Secretary of the Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership concerning the joint provision of Notice Boards at various locations in the Parish Area.
Resolved that the information be noted.
The Clerk informed Members that the Parish Council’s Internal Auditor had certified that there were no matters to bring to Members’ attention, concerning the Final Accounts of the Parish Council for the year ended 31st March 2006. However, the Clerk did refer to the Internal Auditor’s general advice that Section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) need only be used to sanction Parish Council expenditure where no other statute provided relevant authority.
Resolved that the Audited Accounts of the Parish Council for 2005 -2006 be accepted.
79 Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership
The Clerk welcomed Mr. John Tindale, Economic & Community Development Manager from Durham City Council, to the Monthly Meeting. Mr. Tindale attended the Monthly Meeting in the absence of Mr. Brian Spears, the Chief Executive of Durham City Council, who had to attend a City Council Meeting. Some Members of the Parish Council discussed with Mr. Tindale their concerns about the state of relations between Parish Councillors and officials of the Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership. Councillor Syer proposed a Motion that no further action be taken on this matter and his proposal was seconded by Councillor Raine. The matter was put to a vote. Five Members voted in favour of Councillor Syer’s proposal, two Members vote against the proposal and three Members abstained from the vote. Councillor Mike Syer declared a personal interest in the matter under discussion.
Resolved that the Motion be carried and a letter of thanks be sent to Mr. Tindale.
80 Footpaths & Rights of Way
The Clerk reminded Members that Durham County Council requires any comments about the proposed Rights of Way Improvement Plan to be submitted on or before October 31st 2006. The Clerk informed Members that issues which the Improvement Plan would seek to address included:
Were there any missing links in the Rights of Way Network that Members would like to see completed?
Are there any problem paths that Members continually receive complaints about?
Which paths are used most and would benefit from future improvement works?
Which paths cross main roads and require safer signage and/or crossing points?
Resolved that (1) a Meeting of the Lighting & Footpaths Sub-Committee be convened as soon as possible in order to discuss the above questions and
(2) all Members of the Parish Council be eligible to attend future Meetings of the Lighting & Footpaths Sub-Committee.
The Clerk also informed Members that he had submitted details of proposed works on Parish Footpaths and Bridleways under the County Council’s Parish Paths Initiative 2006/2007 to the County Council.
81 Allotments, Garages & Cemetery
Allotments
The Clerk informed Members that he had received an application from Mr. L. Wheeler of Ramsey Street, Tursdale to purchase the freehold interest in Allotment no. 5 at Tursdale. The Clerk informed Councillor Alan Richardson, who is a near neighbour of Mr. Wheeler, that it would be advisable for him to declare a personal interest in this matter. After a brief discussion on the matter, it was resolved that Members would attend a Site Meeting at Tursdale to view the allotment before a final decision about a possible sale of that allotment is made.
The Clerk reminded Members that approval of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to any sale of allotment land would be required by virtue of Section 8 of the Allotments Act 1925.
Garages
No report.
Cemetery
The Clerk informed Members that works had recently been completed on removal of accumulated clay deposits at the Cemetery. The works were required as the clay deposits were resting close to Purchased Grave Spaces. The Clerk also informed Members that arrangements had been made to undertake an inspection of monuments placed in the Cemetery to meet Health & Safety requirements.
82 Correspondence received
From: Durham County Council re Notification of Works (Crowtrees Lane, Bowburn) – Received
From: Durham Police Authority re PCCG Meeting (October 2006) – Received
From: City of Durham re Community Citizens Award 2006 – Received
From: Do. re Nomination of Parish Representative (City Council Standards Committee) – Received
From: Do. re Consultation about Draft Licensing Policy (Gambling Act 2005) – Received
From: Durham City Centre Youth Project re Annual Report 2006 & Summer 2006 Activity Programme – Received
From: Crowtrees Heritage Trails Project re Minutes of Meetings (June 2006) – Received
From: Do. re Heritage Trails & Sensory Trails (Celebration Launch July 2006) – Received
From: County Durham & Cleveland County Training Partnership re Inspection of Play Areas for Volunteers – Received
From: Do. re Speaking in Public Training Course – Received
From: Do. re Code of Conduct for Members Member/Officer Relationships Training Courses – Received
From: Cassop Community Centre re Open Afternoon (22nd July 2006) – Received
From: NALC re Community Empowerment Awards – Received
From: County Durham & Darlington Fire & Rescue Service re Best Value Performance Plan 2006/2007 – Received
83 Planning Applications
From: J. & P. Williams – Erection of Conservatory to rear of 34, Luke Avenue, Cassop – Received
From: Mr. & Mrs. Rand – Erection of Conservatory to rear of 18, Barrington Way, Bowburn – Received
From: Charles Church (NE) Ltd. – Felling of 2 Trees protected by Tree Preservation Order – Further enquiries
From: T. Wise – Retention of raised garden area with decking & balustrade and erection of 2.1m. fence 7, Barrington Way, Bowburn – Received
From: C. Kell – Erection of detached garage (Land to east of Steetley Terrace, Quarrington Hill) – 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.
84 Accounts (Expenditure)
P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net of Income Tax & N.I.) (Mid June to Mid July 2006) – £465.15
P. Thorpe – Mileage/Parking Fees ( 134 @ 52.7p) – £70.62
P. Thorpe – Stamps (37 @ 32p) – £11.84
P. Thorpe – Stamps (1 @ 23p) – £0.23
P. Thorpe – E-m@il Facility (Aol) (Monthly Fee (Part)) – £12.99
P. Thorpe – Purchase of new printer (Epson D88) – £69.00
P. Thorpe – Purchase of USB Lead (“) – £4.90
P. Thorpe – Office Stationery (Ink Cartridge (T680)) – £4.95
P. Thorpe – Office Stationery (Ink Cartridges (D88)) – £15.00
P. Thorpe – Postal Charges (Recorded Delivery) – £3.00
P. Thorpe – Postal Charges (Surcharge Payment) – £1.04
P. Thorpe – Petrol (Grass Strimmer) – £10.00
H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins./Income Tax Deduction (Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax) – £186.43
H.M. Revenue & Customs – Income Tax Deduction (Employee Deduction (Craig Prince)) – £11.30
Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t (Net Monthly Fee (July) and travelling costs) – £52.65
Park Grove Nurseries – Hanging Baskets & Flower Tubs (Bowburn & Cassop (First Stage)) – £3903.16
P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net of Income Tax & N.I.) (Mid July to Mid August 2006) – £465.15
P. Thorpe – Mileage/Parking Fees ( 20 @ 52.7p) – £12.34
P. Thorpe – E-m@il Facility (Aol) (Monthly Fee (Part)) – £12.99
H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins./Income Tax Deduction (Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax) – £186.43
H.M. Revenue & Customs – Income Tax Deduction (Employee Deduction (Craig Prince)) – £11.30
Accounts (Income) – 15TH JUNE – 12TH JULY 2006
Various Clients – Cemetery (Burial/Excl. Right Fee) – £136.00
Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved.
85 Date of Next Meeting
Agreed the date of the next Meeting be Wednesday, 20th September 2006 at the Bowburn Community Centre.


September 2006

Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 20th September 2006 in Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m.

Present: Councillors Barker, G. Marsden, Raine, Richardson, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt, Syer and Tickell (Councillor M. Robinson in the chair).

86 Apologies
Councillors Armstrong, Higham and M. Marsden.

87 Police Consultation
P.C. Cockburn sent a report by e-mail on offences committed between 19th July and 20th September 2006 in the Parish Area. The report indicated that there had been 1 Case of Burglary (Home), 1 Case of Arson and 1 Case of Theft of a Car in Parkhill, 1 Case of Theft, 1 Case of Robbery and 4 Cases of Criminal Damage in Cassop and 3 Cases of Burglary (Other), 8 Cases of Theft and 5 Cases of Criminal Damage in Bowburn. Members thanked P.C. Cockburn for his attendance, whereupon he left the Meeting.

88 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 19th July 2006
Councillor Syer requested that Minute no. 79 be amended to show that he had declared a personal interest in the matter being discussed.
Resolved that the relevant Minute of the Monthly Meeting be amended and that, thereafter, the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 19th July 2006 be agreed and signed a true and accurate record.

89 Points to Note
The Clerk asked Members to recall that the Parish Council had previously received correspondence from Durham County Council concerning the joint use (between the County Council and Parish Councils) of a lengthsman. The County Council has now published information about a Scheme whereby a lengthsman is jointly used by them and three Parish Councils in the Chester-le-Street area.
Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to investigate the matter further by contact with the County Council.
The Clerk informed Members that a request had been received from the County Durham Association of Local Councils for the Parish Council to nominate representatives to attend a newly reconvened Durham City Local Parish Councils Committee. The Chairman of the Parish Council, Mrs. Margaret Robinson, is acting as Secretary to that Committee pro tem.
Resolved that, in addition to Councillor Margaret Robinson, Councillors Raine & Richardson be nominated to attend Meetings of the Durham City Local Parish Councils Committee.
The Clerk informed Members that he had received a reply from the Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership concerning a Joint Meeting with Members of the Parish Council. The proposed Meeting is meant to discuss the joint provision of Notice Boards at various locations in the Parish Area.
Resolved that a meeting between representatives of the Parish Council and the Community Partnership be convened on Wednesday, 4th October 2006 at Bowburn Community Centre.
The Clerk requested Members to set a date when Hanging Flower Baskets in Bowburn & Cassop could be taken down and the watering schedule be terminated for the season.
Resolved that the Hanging Flower Baskets in Bowburn & Cassop be taken down at the end of September 2006 and the relevant Plant Nurseries be notified accordingly.
The Clerk informed Members that two incidences of subsidence and a newly discovered pot hole have been noticed along footpaths adjacent to the new Housing Development near Wylam Street, Bowburn. The Clerk further informed Members that he had brought these matters to the attention of Mr. Brian Splevins at Durham City Council, who is to convene a meeting with the Developers in order to seek restitution from them concerning various incidences of damage which have resulted from work activity on or around the Development Site.
Resolved that the information be noted and that progress in seeking restitution for the defects noticed would be monitored with interest.

90 Miners’ Old Coal Wagon
Members of the Parish Council welcomed Mr. Jimmy Milburn of Shincliffe to the Monthly Meeting. Mr. Milburn, a retired mine worker, has kindly agreed to donate a Coal Wagon to the Parish Council. In addition, Mr. Milburn requested that the Parish Council agree to undertake various works of refurbishment on the Coal Wagon before displaying the finished vehicle at a permanent display site in Bowburn. It is intended to repaint the Wagon and permanently attach it to a length of rail with sleepers so that it replicates a working vehicle. Mr. Milburn and Councillor Syer have ascertained that the costs of refurbishment by Messrs. Dyer Engineering of Annfield Plain would be in the region of £700.00 and Mr. Milburn kindly agreed to make a private donation towards the cost of the refurbishment work. Mr. Milburn agreed to undertake additional works on the Wagon when it is on the display site. Members felt that this vehicle would provide an excellent reminder of Bowburn’s Industrial Heritage in Bowburn Centenary Year when it is eventually located at its display site. Members held a discussion about a preferred location to house the refurbished Wagon in Bowburn.
Resolved that Members of the Parish Council accept Mr. Milburn’s kind donation of the Coal Wagon and agree to meet the confirmed restoration costs by Messrs. Dyer Engineering of Annfield Plain for the Wagon.
Members also resolved that Mr. Milburn’s further kind donation towards the costs of refurbishment of the Wagon be gratefully considered and that the fully refurbished Wagon should be located opposite the War Memorial on Durham Road, Bowburn. It was further resolved that the wagon be located on the Doorstep Green Site at Bow Street & Burn Street, Bowburn if the first choice of location is not authorised by the owner of the land.
It was finally resolved that a letter of thanks be sent to Mr. Milburn to acknowledge his kind donation of the Wagon and the offer of a cash donation towards the costs of refurbishment of the Coal Wagon.

91 Report of Proceedings (Meeting of Community Partnership)

The Chairman gave Members a verbal report concerning the proceedings of the latest Meeting of the Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership.

92 Footpaths & Rights of Way
The Clerk informed Members that a Meeting had taken place recently with Mrs. Victoria Lloyd, the County Council’s Footpaths Officer, to discuss progress on outstanding footpath issues and works included in the Parish Council’s Parish Paths Application for 2006-2007.
Parish Councillors Stan Robinson, Syer and the Chairman, Mrs. Margaret Robinson, were in attendance at the Meeting along with the Clerk.
Members discussed with Mrs. Lloyd the possible future diversion of Footpath 29 and the various matters set out in the Parish Paths Letter dated 4th July 2006 from the Parish Council to Mrs. Lloyd. The matters discussed included the provision of hardcore on certain Bridleways and Footpaths, better signposting and stile improvements on Footpaths throughout the Parish Area and the establishment of new Walkways. The Clerk informed Members that he had written to the Clerks of Croxdale & Hett and Shincliffe Parish Councils to seek out interest in establishment of cross-boundary Walkways between Parishes.
The Footpaths Officer gave her blessing to Parish Council arrangements for grasscutting on Footpaths 3 & 9 in the Parish Area and undertook to offer reimbursement of the Parish Council’s costs on this matter.

93Allotments, Garages & Cemetery

Allotments
The Clerk informed Members that a Site Visit had taken place at Tursdale on August 24th 2006 in connection with an application from Mr. L. Wheeler of Ramsey Street, Tursdale to purchase the freehold interest in Allotment no. 5 at Tursdale.
Members present at the Site Visit reported their observations to the full Parish Council and, after a discussion on the matter, it was resolved that the application from Mr. Wheeler to purchase the freehold interest in allotment no. 15 be approved. Mr. Wheeler attended the Site Meeting at the Parish Council’s invitation.
Councillor Alan Richardson, who is a near neighbour of Mr. Wheeler in Tursdale, has previously declared a personal interest in this matter.
The Clerk reminded Members that approval of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to the sale of allotment land would be required by virtue of Section 8 of the Allotments Act 1925.

Garages
The Clerk informed Members that two derelict garage structures on the Depot Site had been demolished on Health & Safety grounds and to avoid encouragement of vandalism on the Site. Arrangements had been made with Durham City Council, who demolished the garages on behalf of the Parish Council, to erect temporary security fencing on the demolition sites until permanent fencing replacement has been completed by Messrs Charleton Fencing. A price quotation of £230.00 had been accepted by the Chairman in respect of the fencing replacement by Messrs Charleton Fencing.

Cemetery – No report

94 Correspondence received
Durham County Council – Statement of Community Involvement – Received
Durham County Council – Reorganisation of Durham Johnston Comprehensive School – Received
Durham County Council – Durham Literature Festival 2006 – Received
Durham County Council – Notification of Highways Works – Received
Durham Police Authority – Local Policing Summary 2005-2006 – Received
City of Durham – State of the City Debate – Received
City of Durham – Local Development Framework – Received
City of Durham – Crowtrees Heritage Trails Project – Received
Kelloe Community Partnership – Open Meeting (Kelloe Learner Pool) – Received
C.D.A.L.C. – The Commons Act 2006 – Received
C.D.A.L.C. – Newsletter no. 8 (September 2006) – Received
County Durham & Cleveland County Training Partnership – Training Courses (September & December 2006) – Received
Joint Stocks Quarry Landfill Site Liaison Group – Minutes of Meeting (July 2006) – Received

95 Planning Applications
Mr. Vickers – Erection of Conservatory 2, Carey Close, Bowburn – Received
Mr. & Mrs. Pringle – Demolition of existing Barn and erection of two new Barns (Forge Farm, Old Quarrington) – Local Member
J. M. Bean – Alterations & extensions to 4, Quality Row, Cassop – Received
Mr. & Mrs. Goodchild – Erection of extension & detached garage 28, Henry Avenue, Bowburn – Received
T. D. Richardson – Erection of extension “Moor Edge”, Newton Villas, Coxhoe – Received
L. Riley – Retention of detached garage (Land to rear of 66, Ramsey Street, Tursdale) – Received
Ogden Group of Companies – Outline application for retail development (Land adjacent to Entrance of S. Bowburn Ind. Est.) – Members’ Comments
Mr. Wilkinson – Erection of Conservatory Rear of 3, Kirby’s Avenue, Bowburn – Received
Moordale (NE) Ltd. – Erection of 13 dwellinghouses (Land off Wylam Terrace, Coxhoe) – Received
M. Hammond (revised scheme) – Erection of agricultural building (Land to rear of Heather Lad Inn, Quarrington Hill) – 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.

96 Accounts (Expenditure)
Bowburn Co. Assoc. – Room Hire (Committee Room) £20.00
Thinford Nurseries – Supply & water Hanging Baskets (Bowburn & Cassop) £1424.10
City of Durham – Removal of Clay Heap (Cemetery) £822.50
Cleveland Land Services – BMX Cycle Track (Valuation no. 2) £611.66
P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net of Income Tax & N.I.) (Mid August to Mid Sept. 2006) £465.15
P. Thorpe – Mileage/Parking Fees (122 @ 52.7p) £66.09
P. Thorpe – Stamps (42 @ 32p) £13.44
P. Thorpe – Stamps (4 @ 23p) £0.92
P. Thorpe – Telephone Allowance (Quarterly Payment) £41.00
P. Thorpe – Office Allowance (“) £95.00
P. Thorpe – E-m@il Facility (Aol) (Monthly Fee (Part)) £15.99
P. Thorpe – Office Stationery (Ink Cartridges (D88)) £24.9
P. Thorpe – Postal Charges (Recorded Delivery) £1.00
P. Thorpe – Office Stationery (Envelopes/Notebook) £6.08
H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins./Income Tax Deduction (Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax) £186.43
H.M. Revenue & Customs – Income Tax Deduction (Employee Deduction (Craig Prince)) £11.30
Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t (Net Monthly Fee (July) and travelling costs) £40.00
Durham Company – Litter Clearance (Cemetery 2006-2007 ) £241.44
Park Grove Nurseries – Hanging Baskets & Flower Tubs (Bowburn & Cassop (First Stage)) £3903.16
City of Durham – Garage Demolition (Depot Site) £558.13
Thinford Nurseries – Water Hanging Baskets (Bowburn & Cassop) £423.00
Thinford Nurseries – Water Hanging Baskets (Bowburn & Cassop) £211.5
Mrs. A. Gallagher – Rubbish Clearance (Allotment on Depot Site) £20.00

Accounts (Income) – 13TH JULY – 12TH SEPTEMBER 2006
Various Clients – Cemetery(Exclusive Right Fees) – £35.00

Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved.

97 Date of Next Meeting
Agreed the date of the next Meeting be Wednesday, 18th October 2006 at the Bowburn Community Centre.

October 2006

Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 18th October 2006 in Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m.

Present: Councillors Armstrong, Barker, Higham, G. Marsden, Raine, Richardson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt, Syer and Tickell (Councillor M. Robinson in the chair).
County Councillor MacWilliams was also in attendance.
98 Apologies: Councillors M. Marsden.
99 Police Consultation
P.C. Cockburn sent a report by e-mail on Offences committed between 21st September and 18th October 2006 in the Parish Area. The report indicated that there had been no Reported Offences in Parkhill, 1 Case of Theft in Cassop and 2 Cases of Burglary, 2 Cases of Assault, 5 Cases of Theft and 3 Cases of Criminal Damage in Bowburn.
100 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 20th September 2006
Councillor Syer requested that Minute no. 90 (Miners’ Coal Wagon) be amended to show that Members of the Parish Council would gratefully consider acceptance of the financial donation made by Mr. J. Millburn. Members resolved to accept the offered donation of £100.00 if the total costs of refurbishing the Coal Wagon and transport to its final display location in Bowburn exceeded £1,000.00.
Resolved that the relevant Minute of the Monthly Meeting be amended and that, thereafter, the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 20th September 2006 be agreed and signed a true and accurate record.
101 Points to Note
The Chairman informed Members about discussions which had taken place between representatives of the Parish Council and representatives of Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership at a Joint Meeting on October 4th 2006 at Bowburn Community Centre. The Meeting concerned a scheme to arrange joint funding for the Provision of Notice Boards. Councillor Mike Syer declared a personal but not prejudicial interest in the matter being discussed. The Chairman stated that representatives of the Partnership disclosed that they had obtained a price quotation for the supply and installation of Notice Boards and that the representatives gave details of the desired locations for the Notice Boards. Members held a discussion about the proposed joint funding arrangements and responsibility for insurance and repair & maintenance costs etc. of the Notice Boards in future years. Cash limited grant income is available from the Local Community Chest to each partner in a joint funding scheme to offset their funding costs.
Councillor Syer proposed and Councillor Raine seconded a Motion that the Parish Council should enter into a Joint Scheme with Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership to provide Notice Boards in the Partnership Area. The matter was put to a vote and four Members present voted in favour of the Motion and four Members voted against the Motion. All other Parish Council Members present abstained from the vote. The Motion was not carried.
Councillor Marsden informed Members that he had been notified that grant income from the Heart of the Villages Fund had been earmarked to provide a replacement Notice Board at Cassop Community Centre. Cassop lies outside of the catchment area of Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership.
102 Miners’ Old Coal Wagon
The Clerk gave Members an update on action taken concerning the refurbishment work on the Coal Wagon donated by Mr. Jimmy Milburn. Confirmation of the price quotation for refurbishment works by Messrs. Dyer Engineering has been sought and, subject to the price quotation being confirmed, refurbishment work on the Coal Wagon had been authorised. The Clerk had also requested confirmation from Messrs. Dyer Engineering that work would be completed before the end of November 2006, if possible, and that Mr. Milburn be give permission by the Company to visit their premises to check upon work in progress on the Coal Wagon from time to time.
Resolved that the action of the Clerk be confirmed.
103 A Christmas Tree for Bowburn
Councillor Raine opened a discussion amongst Parish Councillors about the possible provision of a Christmas Tree for Bowburn as part of the Centenary Celebrations for the Village. Members discussed the possible external locations for a Christmas Tree within the Village and it was felt that the best location for a Tree was in front of the Community Centre. This choice would ensure that all residents of and visitors to Bowburn would have the best chance of seeing the Tree. It was also accepted that a central location for the Tree would reduce the risk of vandalism.
Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to contact the Community Centre with a view to obtaining their approval to location of a Christmas Tree in front of the Centre during the Christmas Season.
104 Report of Proceedings (Meeting of Community Partnership)
The Chairman gave Members a verbal report concerning the proceedings of the latest Meeting of the Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership.
105 Section 137 Donations
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 the amounts set out in the following table be paid to the applicants mentioned.
Bowburn Banner Group – £100.00
Bowburn Bowling Club – £100.00
Bowburn Community Association – £100.00
Bowburn Infant & Nursery School – £100.00
Bowburn Junior School – £100.00
Bowburn Library (Durham County Council)
(Easter Card Competition 2007) – 50.00
Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership – £100.00
Bowburn Senior Citizens’ Club – £100.00
Bowburn Toddlers’ Group – £100.00
Bowburn Village Celebration – £100.00
Bowburn Youth Football Club – £100.00
Cassop Community Centre – £100.00
Cassop History Society – £100.00
Cassop Kickers’ Line Dance Club – £100.00
Cassop Primary School – £100.00
Durham Horticultural & Craft Show – £100.00
Keumgang Taekwondo – £100.00
Park Hill Residents’ Association – £100.00
Total Amount of 18 Grants Awarded – £1,750.00
106 Allotments, Garages & Cemetery
Allotments
The Clerk informed Members that he was seeking the approval of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to the sale of Allotment no. 5 at Tursdale.
Garages – No report
Cemetery
The Clerk informed Members that he was awaiting a response from the City Council regarding the proposed examination of Memorial Stones in the Cemetery.
In the event that the City Council could not perform the examination in house, then arrangements would be made with a Private Company to perform the examination.
107 Correspondence received
Durham County Council – Countywide Magazine (Oct./Nov. 2006) – Received
Durham County Council – Local Action 21 Newsletter (Autumn 06) – Received
Durham County Council – Notification of Highways Works – Received
Durham P.C.C.G. – P.C.C.G. Meeting (October 2006) – Received
City of Durham – Mayor of Durham’s “At Home” News – Received
City of Durham – Ethical Governance Audit – Received
Minerals Valley Project – Newsletter (Autumn 2006) – Received
Natural England – Doorstep Green Completion Certificate – Received
C.D.A.L.C. – Pilot Electoral Arrangements 2007 – Received
C.D.A.L.C. – Planning Guide for Parish Councillors – Received
County Durham & Cleveland County Training Partnership – Training Courses (November & December 2006) – Received
Quarrington Hill C. A. – Crowtrees Heritage Trails Project – Received
108 Planning Applications
Winwood & Riley Ltd.* – Change of use of former shop to betting office (Co-operative Building, Prince Charles Avenue, Bowburn) – Received
B. Rutherford – Erection of Agricultural Building, Land at Pilmore Farm, Old Cassop – Member investigating
*Parish Councillor Syer took no part in Members’ discussion on this 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.
109 Accounts (Expenditure)
P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net of Income Tax & N.I.) – Mid Sept. to Mid Oct. 2006 – £465.15
P. Thorpe – Mileage/Parking Fees – 50 @ 52.7p – £26.35
P. Thorpe – Stamps – 39 @ 32p – £12.48
P. Thorpe – Stamps – Other Rates – £2.53
P. Thorpe – E-m@il Facility (Aol) – Monthly Fee (Part) – £15.99
P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – Ink Cartridges –£ 9.80
P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – A3 Envelopes – £1.00
H.M. Revenue & Customs (Part) – National Ins./Income Tax Deduction – Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax – £186.43
H.M. Revenue & Customs (Craig Prince) (Part) – Income Tax Deduction – Employee Deduction – £11.30
Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t – Net Monthly Fee (Oct.) and travelling costs – £40
Park Grove Nurseries – Purchase Winter Stock & Watering of Hanging Baskets & Flower Tubs – – £1,186.50
Charleton Fencing – Replacement Fencing – Depot Site – £270.25
Bowburn Banner Group – Donation – Sect.137 (L.G. Act 1972) – £100
Bowburn Bowl Club – Donation – Sect.137 (L.G. Act 1972) – £100
Bowburn Community Association – Donation – Sect.137 (L.G. Act 1972) – £100
Bowburn Infant & Nursery School – Donation – Sect.137 (L.G. Act 1972) – £100
Bowburn Junior Sch. – Donation – Sect.137 (L.G. Act 1972) – £100
Bowburn Library (Easter Card Competition 2007) – Donation – Sect.137 (L.G. Act 1972) – £50
Bowburn & Parkhill Comm. Partnership – Donation – Sect.137 (L.G. Act 1972) – £100
Bowburn Senior Citizens – Donation – Sect.137 (L.G. Act 1972) – £100
Bowburn Toddlers’ Group – Donation – Sect.137 (L.G. Act 1972) – £100
Bowburn Village Celebration – Donation – Sect.137 (L.G. Act 1972) – £100
Bowburn Youth F.C. – Donation – Sect.137 (L.G. Act 1972) – £100
Cassop Community Centre – Donation – Sect.137 (L.G. Act 1972) – £100
Cassop History Soc. – Donation – Sect.137 (L.G. Act 1972) – £100
Cassop Kickers Line Dance Group – Donation – Sect.137 (L.G. Act 1972) – £100
Cassop Primary Sch. – Donation – Sect.137 (L.G. Act 1972) – £100
Durham Horticultural & Craft Show – Donation – Sect.137 (L.G. Act 1972) – £100
Keumgang Taekwondo – Donation – Sect.137 (L.G. Act 1972) – £100
Parkhill Residents’ Association – Donation – Sect.137 (L.G. Act 1972) – £100
Accounts (Income) 13TH SEPTEMBER – 11TH OCTOBER 2006
Various Clients – Burial/Headstone Fees – Cemetery – £40.00
Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved.
110 Date of Next Meeting
Agreed the date of the next Meeting be Wednesday, 15th November 2006 at the Bowburn Community Centre.

----------
Members of the Parish Council present at the Meeting of the Parish Council on 18th October 2006 made the following Declarations of Personal Interest:

Councillor Margaret Robinson (Chairman):
Membership of Bowburn Community Association
Membership of Parkhill Residents’ Association

Councillor George Marsden:
Membership of Cassop Community Centre
Membership of Durham Horticultural & Craft Show
Governorship of Cassop Primary School

Councillor Muriel Marsden:
Membership of Cassop Community Centre

Councillor Sylvia Raine:
Governorship of Bowburn Junior School
Membership of the Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership

Councillor Alan Richardson:
Membership of Bowburn Youth Football Club

Councillor Stan Robinson:
Membership of Bowburn Community Association
Membership of Parkhill Residents’ Association

Councillor Andrew Shutt:
Membership of Bowburn Bowling Club
Membership of Bowburn Community Association
Governorship of Bowburn Infant & Nursery School
Governorship of Bowburn Junior School
Membership of Parkhill Residents’ Association

Councillor Mike Syer:
Membership of Bowburn Banner Group
Membership of Bowburn Community Association
Membership of Bowburn Village Celebration
Membership of the Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership


November 2006
(Meeting cancelled)


December 2006

Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 20th December 2006 in Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m.

Present: Councillors Barker, G. Marsden, Raine, Richardson, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt, Syer and Tickell (Councillor M. Robinson in the chair).
111 Apologies
Councillors Armstrong, Higham and M. Marsden.
110 Police Consultation
P.C. Cockburn gave Members a Verbal Report of Offences committed in the Parish Area during the previous four week period prior to the date of the Meeting. The report indicated that there had been no Reported Offences in Parkhill, 1 Case of Theft in Cassop and 1 Case of Burglary (Other), 1 Case of Assault, 5 Cases of Theft and 4 Cases of Criminal Damage in Bowburn. Members thanked P.C. Cockburn for his attendance, whereupon he left the Meeting.
113 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 18th October 2006
Councillor George Marsden requested that the List of Declarations of Personal Interest shown on Page vii of the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 18th October 2006 be amended to include reference to his Governorship of Cassop Primary School.
Resolved that the relevant List of Declarations of Personal Interest be amended and that, thereafter, the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 18th October 2006 be agreed and signed a true and accurate record.
114 Points to Note
The Clerk informed Members that the Project to install a Christmas Tree on top of the Bowburn Community Centre had been shelved for this year, due to problems with expected severe weather conditions in the area and inability to secure satisfactory insurance cover.
The Clerk informed Members that he had recently paid an invoice in respect of repair of damage to the Village Entrance Stone at the southern end of Parkhill. The damage was done by an uninsured driver in May 2006 and a claim is now being made upon the Motor Insurance Bureau to reimburse the cost of that damage.
The Clerk informed Members that Durham County Council had contacted him to say that there were no further funds in its Budgets to provide Joint Finance for a Community Highways Worker. In addition, the County Council stated that only one local Parish Council expressed an interest about participation with its neighbouring Parishes and the County Council in a Joint Scheme to employ a Community Highways Worker.
Resolved that the information be noted.
The Clerk informed Members that a recent Site Meeting had taken place on the outskirts of the new Housing Development adjacent to the Depot Allotment Site. The Site Meeting had been attended by various Parish Councillors and an Officer of Durham City Council concerning the remaining defects left by the Site Developers after completion of general building work. There were instances noted of general subsidence near to the Development Site, peripheral areas on the Development Site which have not been properly landscaped but are strewn with large weeds, abandoned building site residue and damaged pavement kerbs. The City Council will prepare a summary of all damages seen and contact the Developers in order to allow them the opportunity to make reparation.
Resolved that the information be noted and developments in this matter be monitored.
Members of the Parish Council held a brief discussion about the Joint Proposals with the Community Partnership to finance the Provision of Notice Boards in the Partnership Area. Members were of the view that, after a vote on the matter at the October 2006 Monthly Meeting, the Joint Proposals could not be proceeded with further.
115 Miners’ Old Coal Tub
The Clerk gave Members a further update on developments concerning the proposed refurbishment of the Miners’ Former Coal Tub to be used as a Mining Heritage Memorial.
Messrs. Dyer Engineering had confirmed that their charges for refurbishment work on the Miners’ Tub would be £790.00, based upon welding the rail tracks, on which the Tub will rest, onto a steel plate instead of wooden sleepers.
A Planning Application for permission to locate the Miners’ Tub on Durham Road, Bowburn, opposite the War Memorial, had been lodged with Durham City Council. In addition, permission has been sought from Durham City Council, as the owner of the proposed location site, to place the Tub upon its land. Finally, enquiries have been made with the City Council’s Cultural Services Department concerning the possibility of grant assistance with the Tub’s refurbishment and associated costs.
Resolved that the information provided by the Clerk be noted.
116 Parish Council Precept 2007-2008
The Clerk informed Members that a letter had been received from Durham City Council concerning the amount of the Parish Council’s Proposed Annual Precept for the year ending 31st March 2008. The Clerk further informed Members that he had requested (and had been granted) a postponement from the City Council of the deadline date for Precept Submissions of two weeks until January 19th 2007.
The Clerk had informed the City Council that the usual Annual Meeting of the Parish Council’s Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee (which prepares a recommendation about the forthcoming Annual Parish Precept to the Full Parish Council) had been postponed in November 2006, due to the serious illness of the Chairman’s husband.
Resolved that the Clerk’s action be confirmed and that a Meeting of the Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee be convened on Wednesday, January 3rd 2007 at Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. The Meeting is to be held in order to prepare recommendations to submit to the Full Parish Council about the Proposed Parish Council Precept for the year ending 31st March 2008.
117 Audit of Parish Council’s Accounts 2005-2006
The Clerk informed Members that the External Audit of the Final Accounts of the Parish Council for the year ended 31st March 2006 by Messrs. BDO Stoy Hayward LLP had been completed. The Auditors had no items to bring to Members’ attention with regard to the completed audit.
Resolved that information reported by the Clerk be noted with satisfaction.
118 Parish Owned Land at Tursdale
(Councillor Alan Richardson declared a prejudicial interest in the following matter and left the Meeting Room during Members’ discussion about it.)
The Clerk informed Members that an application had been received from Mr. & Mrs. A. Richardson of 61, Ramsay Street, Tursdale to obtain a Licence Agreement to access the strip of land adjacent to the Old School House, Tursdale. The letter requested that the Licence Agreement was required:
To maintain from time to time their garden boundary (wall or fence) with redecoration or pointing.
To access the top of the garden area from time to time to construct a patio area or future remodelling.
To construct a possible garden brick wall all round the existing garden and future maintenance.
To have and enjoy the same rights of access as the owners of the adjacent Old School House.
The Clerk informed Members that he had written in reply to Mr. & Mrs. Richardson’s application, pointing out that they already enjoyed rights of access to the above-mentioned land without the need for a formal written agreement. The Licence Agreement granted to Mr. & Mrs. Hopcroft, the occupiers of the Old School House, was non-exclusive and it did not prevent other parties from obtaining access to the land, who had good reason for requiring it.
Mr. & Mrs. Richardson had not responded further to the Clerk’s letter of reply to them.
Members discussed the matter after noting the above-mentioned facts and it was finally resolved that a Licence Agreement be granted to Mr. & Mrs. Alan Richardson, granting them the concessions which had been set out in their letter of application.
119 Allotments, Garages & Cemetery
Allotments
(Councillor Alan Richardson also declared a prejudicial interest in this matter and remained out of the Meeting Room during Members’ discussion about it. Mr. & Mrs. Rowe are Mrs. Richardson’s parents).
(1) The Clerk informed Members that he had received a letter of application from Mr. & Mrs. H. Rowe of 67, Ramsey Street, Tursdale regarding the portion of Parish Council Owned Land at the top of Ramsey Street, Tursdale. The Land, which lies adjacent to 67, Ramsey Street, links Parish Owned Allotment Land in front of Ramsey Street with Parish Owned Land at the rear of Ramsey Street. Mr. & Mrs. Rowe had applied to rent or buy the Land at the top of Ramsey Street for use as a garden. Mr. & Mrs. Rowe also complained in their letter about rubbish left on that land during building work at the Old School.
The Clerk pointed out that the Land at the Top of Ramsey Street, referred to in Mr. & Mrs. Rowe’s letter, was not an allotment or garden area and that neither Mr. nor Mrs. Rowe were allotment tenants of the Parish Council. Requests to purchase Parish Owned Land in Tursdale had only been previously granted to sitting allotment tenants.
Members of the Parish Council felt that unnecessary cost would be involved in fencing off the land in question and that it should remain in its original state in case they wished to use it for Play Area purposes at a future time. The land lies close to the Children’s Play Area in Tursdale.
Accordingly, Members resolved to refuse the application made by Mr. & Mrs. Rowe, but they agreed to take action to deal with Mr. & Mrs. Rowe’s complaints about rubbish deposits on the land.
(2) The Clerk informed Members that the application to sell allotment plot no. 5 at Tursdale to the sitting tenant, approved by Members on September 20th 2006, was unlikely to be objected to by the National Society of allotments & Leisure Gardeners Ltd., the national lobby group for allotment holders. In addition, no letters of objection to the sale had been received by the Clerk. Statutory Approval to the allotment land disposal was still awaited from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
(3) Finally, the Clerk circulated copies of a map of the Depot Allotment Site to Members of the Parish Council. The map shows the location of works proposed to be undertaken by Durham City Council in partnership with Bowburn PARC and the Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership on the Allotment Site. The Clerk explained to Members that the Chairman and he had attended a Meeting with Officers of Durham City Council (which is undertaking the proposed works, if approved by the Parish Council, on behalf of Bowburn PARC & the Partnership) on December 4th 2006.
The proposed works entailed the Resurfacing of the Footpath which runs through the middle of the Depot Site to a County Adoptable Standard and the Provision of Street Lighting Columns along the length of the same Central Footpath. It is proposed that, if approved, the Resurfaced Footpath and the Street Lighting Columns would be adopted by Durham County Council to be maintained by that Authority in the future. Finally, it is proposed that the Footpath, which runs along the edge of the Depot Site, adjacent to the new Housing Development, should also be resurfaced, but not to an Adoptable Standard. This Footpath would be maintained at Parish Council expense in future years.
However, both Footpaths would remain in Parish Council Ownership.
Members expressed their concerns that, if Street Lighting Columns were erected along the length of the Central Footpath, it could possibly interfere with Tenants’ existing rights of vehicular access to their plots for purposes of garden refuse disposal etc. In addition, Members also expressed the need for bollards on the northern entry to the footpath to prevent its use by motorcyclists.
The Clerk informed Members that he was now obliged to write to all of the Allotment & Garage Tenants on the Depot Site to consult them on an individual basis about the Proposals of Bowburn PARC and the Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership. He explained that he would send each tenant an Explanatory Letter about the Works Proposals, a Site Map showing the location of the Proposed Works, a Tenant’s Response Form and a stamped, self addressed envelope to ensure a Reply from each Tenant as far as possible. The Clerk indicated that he would set a deadline date for Tenants’ Responses about the Works Proposals of January 31st 2007 and that a Summary of those Responses would be reported to Members at their Monthly Meeting on February 21st 2007. Details of Tenants’ Responses would be independently verified by the Parish Council’s Internal Auditor, Mr. Gavin Bestford.
Resolved that the afore-mentioned information be noted and that the Clerk be authorised to commence the Tenants’ Consultation Programme.
Garages – No report
Cemetery
The Clerk informed Members that the Planned Inspection of Memorials in Bowburn Cemetery, to be done as a Health & Safety requirement, would take place on Thursday, December 21st 2006.
120 Report of Proceedings (Meeting of Community Partnership)
The Chairman gave Members a verbal report concerning the proceedings of the latest Meeting of the Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership.
121 Correspondence received
Durham County Council – Local Government White Paper – Received
Durham County Council – Countywide Magazine (December 2006) – Received
Durham County Council – County Durham (Environment Awards 2006) – Received
Durham County Council – Parish Paths Partnership Newsletter ((Winter 2006/2007)) – Received
Durham County Council – Local Transport Plan 2001-2006 ((5 Year Delivery Report)) – Received
Durham P.C.C.G. – P.C.C.G. Meeting (January 2007) – Received
Durham P.C.C.G. – Policing Plan Priorities 2007/2008 – Received
Durham Police Authority – Strategy 2005-2008 – Received
City of Durham – Local Development Framework 2006-2021 – Received
City of Durham – Crowtrees Heritage Trails Project (Minutes October & November 2006) – Received
County Durham & Darlington Fire & Rescue Authority – Integrated Risk Management (4 Year Improvement Plan) – Received
C.D.A.L.C. – Newsletter no. 10 (includes Local Govt. White Paper details) – Received
C.D.A.L.C. – Local Authority Licensing Report – Received
C.D.A.L.C. – NALC 2007 Elections Pack Details (available at www.nalc.co.uk) – Received
Bowburn Village Celebration – Bowburn Mining Memorial (Service of Dedication) Newsquest (NE) – Received
Publications – Durham Villages & Durham City (Both books by David Simpson) – Received
CE Electric (UK) – Preparing for Winter (Information Leaflets & Posters) – Received
122 Planning Applications
Johnson Bros. (Quarrington Farm) – Application for approval of reserved matters. Siting, design & external appearance, means of access etc. (Erection of farm worker’s dwelling) – Local Member investigating
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.
123 Accounts (Expenditure)
P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net of Income Tax & N.I.) – Mid Oct. to Mid Nov. 2006 – £465.15
P. Thorpe – Mileage/Parking Fees – 50 @ 52.7p – 2£8.15
P. Thorpe – Stamps – 27 @ 32p – £8.64
P. Thorpe – E-m@il Facility (Aol) – Monthly Fee (Part) – £15.99
P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – Document Shredder – £14.99
P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – Pens/Envelopes – £3.62
H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) – Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax (Part) – £186.43
H.M. Revenue & Customs – Income Tax Deduction (Craig Prince) – Employee Deduction (Part) – £12.62
Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t – Net Monthly Fee (Nov.) and pay arrears – £44.78
City of Durham – Annual Rent of land – Dene View, Cassop – £1.50
BDO Stoy Hayward – Annual Audit Fee – Year ended 31.03.06 – £646.25
Thinford Nurseries – Watering of Hanging Baskets (Cassop) – September 2006 – £158.63
Thinford Nurseries – Watering of Hanging Baskets (Bowburn) – September 2006 – £317.25
County Council Service Direct – Repairs to Village Entrance Stone – Parkhill – £775.50
City of Durham – Planning Consent Fees – Miners’ Coal Tub – £67.50
Bowburn Comm. Association – Purchase of Poppy Wreath – War Memorial, Bowburn – £19
Interplan Sign Systems Ltd. – Purchase of Notice Board – Cassop Community Centre – £1,645
P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net of Income Tax & N.I.) – Mid Nov. to Mid Dec. 2006 – £465.15
P. Thorpe – Mileage/Parking Fees – 100 @ 52.7p – £52.70
P. Thorpe – Stamps – 52 @ 32p – £16.64
P. Thorpe – Stamps – Other Rates – £1.32
P. Thorpe – Use of Home as Office – Quarterly Allowance – £95
P. Thorpe – Use of Telephone – Quarterly Allowance – £41
P. Thorpe – E-m@il Facility (Aol) – Monthly Fee (Part) – £15.99
P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – Printer Ink Cartridges – 19.97
P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – Document Wallets etc. – £1.50
P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – Photocopying Charges – £1.00
H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) – Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax (Part) – £186.43
H.M. Revenue & Customs – Income Tax Deduction (Craig Prince) – Employee Deduction (Part) – £11.96
Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t – Net Monthly Fee (Nov.) and pay arrears – £42.39
LexisNexis – Office Publication – Local Council Admin. – £65.45
S.L.C.C. – Annual Subscription – Year ended 31.12.2007 – £95
A. Shutt – Grass Strimming – Cemetery (2006 Season) – £120
Accounts (Income) 12TH OCTOBER – 13TH DECEMBER 2006
Various Clients – Burial Fees – Cemetery – 33.00
J. Milburn – Financial Donation – Miners’ Coal Tub – 100.00
Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved.
124 Date of Next Meeting
Agreed the date of the next Meeting be Wednesday, 17th January 2007 at the Cassop Community Centre.