This is The North East | CommuniGate | CASSOP-CUM-QUARRINGTON PARISH COUNCIL Feedback HOME PARISH NEWS Parish Council Minutes 2004 Parish Council Minutes 2005 Parish Council Minutes 2006 Parish Council Minutes 2007 Parish Council Minutes 2008 Local and National Government: Elected Members Community Safety: Police and Neighbourhood Watch Neighbourhood Wardens Schools Churches and Chapels Libraries Hotels, Guest Houses, Pubs, Clubs etc. Disclaimer POWERS & DUTIES OF PARISH COUNCILS Parish Origins Links for CASSOP-CUM-QUARRINGTON PARISH COUNCIL Guestbook January 2007 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 17th January 2007 in Cassop Community Centre at 7 p.m. Present: Councillors Armstrong, G. Marsden, M. Marsden, Raine, Richardson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt, Syer and Tickell (Councillor M. Robinson in the chair). 1 Apologies Councillor Higham and County Councillor MacWilliams. 2 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 Cassop, 1 Case of Criminal Damage in Parkhill and 1 Case of Assault, 2 Cases of Theft and 8 Cases of Criminal Damage in Bowburn. Members thanked P.C. Cockburn for his attendance, whereupon he left the Meeting. 3 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 20th December 2006 Councillor Syer requested that Minute no. 119 (3) shown on Page v of the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 20th December 2006 be amended to show that “the proposed works on the Depot Allotment Site were being undertaken by Durham City Council in partnership with Bowburn PARC and the Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership”. Resolved that the relevant Minute be amended and that, thereafter, the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 20th December 2006 be agreed and signed a true and accurate record. 4 Points to Note The Clerk informed Members that he had sought details from Durham City Council of Local Parish Entrants in the various categories of the Beautiful Durham Competition 2006. Local Entrants with the highest marks in each Village in the 2006 Competition are to be presented with an inscribed Plaque and other Local Entrants are to be presented with a Certificate of Merit. 5 Miners’ Old Coal Wagon 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. A Design & Access Statement has been submitted to Durham City Council in support of the Planning Application for the Miners’ Coal Tub. Assistance with the information required for the Statement has been provided by City Council Officers. The Clerk informed Members that, even though the Application was likely to be considered by City Council Officers under Delegated Powers, a Final Decision about the Application would still require a minimum of 5-6 weeks’ waiting time in order to allow for a Period of Objection from local residents (if any). Members of the Parish Council also examined and accepted the revised Location Plan for the Tub on Durham Road, Bowburn. Councillor Syer referred to arrangements for a Service of Dedication for the Tub after Planning Permission had been granted. The Clerk further informed Members that Durham City Council, as the owner of the proposed location site, had now granted permission to the Parish Council to locate the Tub at Durham Road, Bowburn. Resolved that the information provided by the Clerk be noted. 6 Parish Council Risk Assessment The Clerk informed Members that, in conjunction with the Internal Auditor, he had recently conducted a Risk Assessment of the Parish Council’s Procedures and Work Conditions. The Clerk reported to Members that he and the Internal Auditor were satisfied with Financial Control Procedures, Implementation of Financial Regulations, Budgetary Control Procedures, Publication of the Parish Council’s Minutes & Agendas of its Monthly Meetings etc. The Clerk expressed concerns to Members about only one area of responsibility. In the event of the sudden serious illness, death or enforced retirement of the present Clerk, there are no current plans in place to arrange an immediate replacement in order to ensure the smooth continuity of Parish Council business. The Clerk informed Members that the Parish Council’s Internal Auditor, Mr. Gavin Bestford, who also serves as a Parish Clerk for a nearby Parish Council, had indicated that he would be prepared to step into such a vacancy on a temporary basis, under terms & conditions to be agreed at that time, until a new permanent Parish Clerk could be appointed by the Parish Council. Resolved that the Parish Council accepts the proposals put forward by the Parish Clerk to meet this possible future contingency and Mr. Bestford’s kind offer of assistance be accepted. 7 Parish Council Budget 2007-2008 The Clerk informed Members that a Meeting of the Parish Council’s Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee had been held on Wednesday, January 3rd 2007 at Bowburn Community Centre. The Meeting had been 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. A copy of the 2007/2008 Budget Proposals, recommended by the Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee to the full Parish Council, was attached to the Agenda for the January 2007 Monthly Meeting of the Parish Council. The new commitments for 2007/2008 set out in the Budget Paper included money for Landscaping Work on the Group Garage Site, Landscaping Work on the Doorstep Green Site and Footpath Improvements. Resolved that the Parish Council accepts the full recommendations of its Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee on Budget Proposals for the Parish Council for the financial year ending 31st March 2008. The Parish Council is pleased to note that spending commitments have been kept to a level which ensures that there is no increase in the level of Annual Precept to be levied upon Durham City Council for the financial year ending 31st March 2008. The Annual Precept is borne by Council Tax Payers in the Parish Area. 8 Allotments, Garages & Cemetery Allotments The Clerk informed Members that he had sent out 44 Consultation Letters to the Allotment & Garage Tenants on the Depot Site, concerning the Work Proposals set out in detail at the December 2006 Monthly Meeting. Tenants have been requested to submit their responses by January 31st 2007, giving them a full calendar month to reply to the Parish Council. The Clerk informed Members that he had written to Mr. John Tindale of Durham City Council, as instructed, setting out Members’ concerns about the Works Proposals as follows: The need for sets of bollards or stiles at the entrance to each resurfaced footpath on the Depot Site where those entrances lead onto the Recreation Ground in order to deter motorcyclists or motor scooter riders from using the footpaths. The need for dog litter bins as Members feel that improved footpaths on the Depot Site are likely to lead to an increase in dog fouling problems there. The installation of Street Lighting Columns on the Central Footpath on the Depot Site may interfere with Tenants’ Rights of Vehicular Access to their allotment plots in order to remove garden rubbish, supply water to their plots etc. Members instructed the Clerk to make enquiries of Northumbrian Water about the potential cost of laying a water supply pipe along the length of the Central Footpath whilst it was being excavated for possible resurfacing work. Garages No report Cemetery The Clerk informed Members that the Inspection of Memorials in Bowburn Cemetery had taken place on Friday, December 22nd 2006. The Inspection had revealed that thirteen Memorials required some form of repair to make them safe. Some of the thirteen Memorials needed to be laid down in their Grave Spaces as soon as possible and then they could be re-erected at a later date. The other Memorials required some form of less urgent repair work to correct levels of movement or instability detected by the Inspection Officers. Durham City Council’s Legal Services Department is applying to the Durham Diocesan Board to have an Interlocutory Order granted, so that the most urgent work of laying down Memorials can be done by City Council Officers. After this work is completed, application will be made to the Board for a Faculty Order, so that other repair works to Memorials can be done by various bereaved families or, in their absence, by the Parish Council as the relevant Burial Authority. The Clerk informed Members that the cost of repair work to Memorials, which could fall to be paid by the Parish Council in the last resort, could total up to £500.00. 9 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. 10 Correspondence received From Durham County Council re Temporary Road Closures (Bowburn) – Received From Durham County Council re Co. Durham Environment Awards 2006 – Received From Durham Police Authority re P.C.C.G. Forum Meeting (January 2007) – Received From Premier Waste Management re Joint Stocks Quarry Liaison Group (Minutes 30th November 2006 Meeting) – Received From N.E. War Memorials Project re Winter 2006 Newsletter – Received 11 Planning Applications (nil) Resolved that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations made by its Planning Sub Committee in respect of planning matters considered on behalf of the Parish Council by the Planning Sub Committee. 12 Accounts (Expenditure) P. Thorpe — Salary (paid net of Income Tax & N.I.) — Mid Dec. 2006 to Mid Jan. 2007 — Cheque No.: 48819 — £465.15 P. Thorpe — Mileage/Parking Fees — 50 @ 52.7p — Cheque No.: 48819 — £29.95 P. Thorpe — Stamps — 69 @ 32p — Cheque No.: 48819 — £22.08 P. Thorpe — Stamps — 14 @ 23p — Cheque No.: 48819 — £3.22 P. Thorpe — Stamps — Other Rates (Consultation Letters) — Cheque No.: 48819 — £19.36 P. Thorpe — E-m@il Facility (Aol) — Monthly Fee (Part) — Cheque No.: 48819 — £15.99 P. Thorpe — Office Stationery — Printer Ink Cartridges — Cheque No.: 48819 — £13.9 P. Thorpe — Office Stationery — A3/A4 Envelopes — Cheque No.: 48819 — £6.39 H.M. Revenue & Customs — National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) — Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax (Part) — Cheque No.: 48820 — £186.43 H.M. Revenue & Customs — Income Tax Deduction (Craig Prince) — Employee Deduction (Part) — Cheque No.: 48820 — £11.96 Bowburn Community Association — Hire of Room — Parish Council Meetings (Sept. to Dec. 2006) — Cheque No.: 48821 — £45 Bowburn Village Celebration — Purchase of Column Space — Bowburn Interchange Newsletter — Cheque No.: 48822 — £150 Craig Prince — Allotments Super’t — Net Monthly Fee (Jan.) — Cheque No.: 48823 — £42.39 Accounts (Income) 12TH DECEMBER 2006 – 10TH JANUARY 2007 (nil) Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved. 13 Date of Next Meeting Agreed the date of the next Meeting be Wednesday, 21st February 2007 at the Bowburn Community Centre. February 2007 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 21st February 2007 in Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. Present: Councillors Armstrong, Barker, G. Marsden, M. Marsden, Raine, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Syer, Temporal and Tickell (Councillor M. Robinson in the chair). County Councillor MacWilliams was also in attendance. 14 Apologies: Councillors Higham, Richardson & Shutt 15 Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn was unable to attend the Monthly Meeting to give a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area. However, he sent an e-m@il report indicating that there had been no Reported Offences in Cassop or Parkhill. There were 2 Cases of Burglary (Home), 1 Case of Burglary (Other), 4 Cases of Theft and 7 Cases of Criminal Damage in Bowburn. Members noted P.C. Cockburn’s Report. 16 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 21st January 2007 The Clerk informed Members that Minute no. 4 (1) of the Monthly Meeting held on 17th January 2007 should be amended to read that Parish Plaques are to be awarded to those Local Village Entrants in the Beautiful Durham Competition 2006 who achieved the highest marks in their Village and to the Entrant with the highest overall mark in the Parish Area. Councillor Syer requested that Minute no. 8 (Allotments) of the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 17th January 2007 be amended to show that “stiles or kissing gates are required only at those footpath entrances which lead onto Bowburn Recreation Ground”. Resolved that the relevant Minutes be amended and that, thereafter, the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 17th January 2007 be agreed and signed a true and accurate record. 17 Points to Note The Clerk informed Members of the names of those Local Parish Entrants in the various categories of the Beautiful Durham Competition 2006 who are to be presented with an Inscribed Parish Plaque and the other Local Entrants who are to be presented with a Certificate of Merit. The Clerk informed Members that the Audit Commission wishes to extend the appointment of Messrs. BDO Stoy Hayward LLP as the Parish Council’s External Auditors to cover the financial year ending on March 31st 2007. Resolved that the Cassop-cum-Quarrington Parish Council offers no objection to the Audit Commission’s proposal. The Clerk informed Members that the Council’s Insurers (Messrs. Allianz Cornhill) had declined to accept a claim on behalf of the Motor Insurance Bureau for reimbursement of the Parish Council’s costs in repairing the damage to a Village Entrance Stone at Parkhill. The Stone was damaged in a traffic accident involving an uninsured driver in May 2006. Resolved that the information be noted. Members held a brief discussion about the permissions available from the County Council’s Street Lighting Section for attachment of Hanging Flower Baskets on Street Lighting Columns in the Parish Area. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to confirm the details of available permissions in the Parish Area. The Clerk added that he would confirm that it is in order to attach Hanging Flower Baskets onto the Street Lighting Columns on the Bowburn Doorstep Green Site for the first time in Summer 2007. 18 Footways Scrutiny Project The Clerk informed Members that he had received a request from the County Council’s Footways Scrutiny Project for Members’ comments concerning suggested footway improvements in the Parish Area. Various Members have submitted comments to be forwarded to the Scrutiny Group including reference to the following matters: More prominent signage to be provided by Statutory Utilities and their Contractors at highways excavation sites. The need for firm completion dates of such work projects by Statutory Utilities and their Contractors and the imposition of financial penalties for non-compliance. Publication of accessible lists of (programmed) works to be done by Statutory Utilities and their Contractors. Continuation of programmes for installation of dropped kerbs for wheelchairs and pushchairs. 19 Proposed Post Office Closures The Clerk informed Members that he had received correspondence from Postwatch concerning the Government’s Consultation regarding the future structure and funding of the Post Office Network. The key proposals in the Consultation Document include a programme of up to 2,500 proposed Post Office Branch Closures, with an expected division of 50:50 between urban & rural areas. Members expressed their grave concerns about the likely impact on all communities of such a sizeable programme of proposed closures. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to respond to the Government’s Consultation expressing Members’ concerns about the likely social and economic effects of such a range of closures if they are implemented. 20 Street Furniture for Seasonal Hanging Baskets The Chairman opened a brief discussion about a proposal to acquire new items of Street Furniture specifically designed to accommodate Seasonal Hanging Baskets. A Brochure illustrating examples of the relevant items was circulated amongst Members present. The Clerk referred to the suggestion, mentioned at previous Monthly Meetings of the Parish Council, about the possibility of using the new Street Lighting Columns on the Doorstep Green Site for the attachment of Seasonal Hanging Flower Baskets. Resolved that further discussion on the matter of possible acquisition of new Street Furniture be deferred until the next Monthly Meeting of the Parish Council on March 21st 2007. 21 Allotments, Garages & Cemetery Allotments The Clerk informed Members that the conveyances of the parcels of land at Tursdale sold to the applicants, Mr. & Mrs. A. Richardson and Mr. & Mrs. B. Bell, had now been completed. The Clerk also informed Members that he had not yet received any reply from the Government Office North East (GONE) concerning the request for consent to dispose of Allotment no. 5 at Tursdale. The sitting tenant had applied to the Parish Council to acquire the freehold interest in the allotment garden. The Clerk informed Members that he had received a response from Northumbrian Water concerning the cost of a water supply pipe to be installed underneath the Central Footpath on the Depot Allotment Site. However, Northumbrian Water had not provided all of the required cost information as requested. The Clerk informed Members that he would request a measurement of the precise length of the Footpath area where the pipe would be installed. Resolved that the information given by the Clerk with respect to the three matters mentioned above be noted. The Clerk also informed Members about the results of the Tenants’ Consultation Exercise concerning the proposed works on the Depot Allotment Site. The Clerk informed Members that those Depot Allotment Site Tenants who responded to the Consultation Letter, had voted in favour of the proposed works on the Site. Resolved that, in light of the majority of the Tenants who replied to the Consultation Letter being in favour of the proposed works on the Site, the Parish Council authorises the aforesaid works to be undertaken on the Depot Allotment Site at a future date to be notified to the Parish Council. Garages Members also held a discussion about the proposed landscaping works on the Group Garage Site, for which a budget provision has been set aside in the financial year ending March 31st 2008. Resolved that a Site Meeting be held on Saturday, March 3rd 2007 at 9.30 a.m. to determine what form of landscaping works need to be done. The Clerk is instructed to arrange with relevant Officers of Durham City Council to undertake a Site Survey. Cemetery With reference to the recently completed Inspection of Memorials at Bowburn Cemetery, Councillor Syer enquired whether the Memorials Inspection Staff at Durham City Council had offered any professional opinion about the type of Monument Repair illustrated in a photograph, which he had recently submitted to the Parish Clerk. The Clerk promised to follow up this enquiry with the City Council’s Cultural Services Department, which had undertaken the recent Monuments Inspection. 22 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. 23 Correspondence received Durham County Council – Local Government White Paper and Unitary Council Proposal – Received Do. – Road Closures – Received Do. – Local Action 21Newsletter (Winter 2006) – Received Do. – Building Schools for the Future Newsletter – Received Do. – Countywide Magazine (Feb./Mar. 2007) – Received City of Durham – Consultation on Amendments to the Model Code of Conduct for Members – Received CDALC – December 2006 Newsletter No. 10 (includes reference to Local Govt. Bill) – Received Do. – February 2007 Newsletter No. 11 (includes Amendments to Model Code of Conduct for Members) – Received Do. – Local Govt. Bill (Appointed Councillors) – Received Do. – Local Transport Funding for Parish Paths – Received Do. – Fund Raising Advice – Received Do. – Buckingham Palace Garden Parties – Received NALC – Review of Quality Parish Council Scheme – Received Department for Communities and Local Government – Revised Code of Conduct for Local Authority Members (Consultation Paper) – Received Natural England – Mineral Valleys Project (January 2007) – Received 24 Planning Applications K. Moody – Erection of detached garage at rear of 27, Henry Avenue, Bowburn – Received S. Appleby – Erection of single storey extension to 28, Millford Way, Bowburn – Received G. Hutchinson – Erection of two storey extension etc. to 37, Millford Way, Bowburn – Received B. Rutherford – Erection of Agricultural Building (Pilmore Farm, Old Cassop) – Member investigated Mr. Stobbs – Erection of single storey extension to rear of 20, Barrington Way, Bowburn – Received Cassop-cum-Quarrington Parish Council – Erection of Colliery Memorial (Refurbished Miners’ Coal Tub) – Received P. Stott – Erection of detached dwellinghouse (Cassop Farm) (Revised Application) – Received Resolved that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations made by its Planning Sub Committee in respect of planning matters considered on behalf of the Parish Council by the Planning Sub Committee. 25 Accounts (Expenditure) P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net of Income Tax & N.I.) – Mid Jan. to Mid Feb. 2007 – 048824 – £465.15 “ – Mileage/Parking Fees – 89 @ 52.7p – “ – £52.30 “ – Stamps – 54 @ 32p – – £17.28 “ – “ – Other Rates – “ – £2.20 “ – E-m@il Facility (Aol) – Monthly Fee (Part) – “ – £15.99 “ – Office Stationery – Printer Ink Cartridges – “ – £10.00 H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) – Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax – 048825 (Part) – £186.43 H.M. Revenue & Customs – Income Tax Deduction – Employee Deduction (Craig Prince) – 048825 (Part) – £11.96 Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t – Net Monthly Fee (Feb.) – 048826 – £42.39 Durham Company – Refuse Collection – Cemetery (2007/2008) – 048827 – £276.65 Bowburn Community Association – Christmas Pantomime 2006 – Financial Contribution from Parish Council – 048828 – £250.00 Short Cuts – Plaques Inscription – Beautiful Parish Comp. – 048829 – £38.00 City of Durham – Legal Services – Sales of Land (Tursdale) – 048830 – £998.75 Accounts (Income) 11TH JANUARY – 14TH FEBRUARY 2007 A. Richardson – Licence Fee & Legal Costs – Licence to Access Land – £65.00 Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved. 26 Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Meeting be Wednesday, 21st March 2007 at Bowburn Community Centre. March 2007 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 21st March 2007 in Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. Present: Councillors Armstrong, Barker, Higham, G. Marsden, M. Marsden, Raine, Richardson, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt, Syer and Tickell (Councillor M. Robinson in the chair). 27 Apologies – None 28 Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn was unable to attend the Monthly Meeting to give a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area. His colleague, P.C. Blair, gave Members a verbal report indicating that there had been no Reported Offences in Parkhill. There had been 2 Cases of Theft in Cassop, 1 Case of Burglary (Home), 1Case of Burglary (Other), 3 Cases of Theft, 3 Cases of Thefts from Cars, 1 Case of Assault and 15 Cases of Criminal Damage in Bowburn. Members thanked P.C. Blair for his Report, whereupon he left the Meeting. 29 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 21st February 2007 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 21st February 2007 were a true and accurate record. Resolved that the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 21st February 2007 be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. Beautiful Parish Competition 2006 Awards The Clerk presented Parish Council Plaques to those people who had achieved the Highest Mark for their Local Village in the Parish Area in the Beautiful Durham Competition 2006. Other Local Village Entrants in the Competition were awarded a Certificate of Merit. Awards were presented to the following people present at the Monthly Meeting: Mrs. J.Y. Robson (Plaque Winner – Old Quarrington) A. Gallagher (Certificate of Merit – Bowburn) Mrs. A. Richardson (Certificate of Merit – Parkhill) Mrs. M. Robinson (Certificate of Merit – Parkhill) Mrs. P. Ward (Certificate of Merit – Parkhill) The Clerk joined Members of the Parish Council in offering warmest congratulations to all Plaque and Certificate of Merit Winners in the Beautiful Parish Competition. 31 Points to Note The Clerk informed Members that he had attended a Meeting at the Doorstep Green Site with Mrs. Michele MacCallam of Groundwork East Durham. Mrs. MacCallam had passed to the Clerk details of routine grounds maintenance work required to be done on the Doorstep Green by the service provider. Saplings damaged on the Site have been replaced and parts of the spiral plant bed have been replanted. The Clerk informed Members that he was still awaiting details from the Police about the vehicle insurance of the driver who crashed into the front wall of Bowburn Community Centre on January 2nd 2007. Various Plant Containers belonging to the Parish Council were damaged in the accident. The Clerk informed Members that an invitation had been received from Bowburn Library to nominate a Parish Councillor to judge this year’s entries in the Children’s Easter Card Competition on Tuesday, April 3rd 2007. The Parish Council has previously donated the sum of £50.00 to provide funding towards the cost of the event. Resolved that Councillor Margaret Robinson be asked to judge this year’s Competition Entries. The Clerk informed Members that he had written to the County Council’s Street Lighting Section to confirm details of the permissions available for attachment of Hanging Flower Baskets on Street Lighting Columns within the Parish Area. The Clerk had also requested confirmation that it is in order to attach Hanging Flower Baskets onto the Street Lighting Columns on the Bowburn Doorstep Green Site in Summer 2007. The Clerk informed Members that he had received a letter from the Secretary of the Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership concerning permission to locate a Notice Board on Parish Owned Land near the Play Area in Tursdale. The Clerk notified Members that the Parish Council could not permit the location of a Notice Board belonging to any Third Party on Parish Owned Land, as this would render the Parish Council liable to repair and maintain the Notice Board. The Parish Council would be under a Statutory Duty of Care to protect all persons who enter its land to view the Notice Board. The same Duty of Care exists with Visitors to the Cemetery. Furthermore, the Parish Council would be unable to insure a Notice Board belonging to a Third Party. Therefore, the Parish Council would be obliged to meet any compensation claims addressed to it (arising out of personal injuries etc.) out of its own limited resources. The Clerk informed Members that he had written to the Secretary of the Community Partnership setting out the above-mentioned points. In addition, he has supplied additional information which he has obtained to the Secretary of the Partnership about the ownership of two other sites for location of a Notice Board at the entrance to Tursdale from the A688 road. The Secretary of the Partnership has notified the Clerk that she is pursuing these lines of enquiry with the County Highway Authority. Resolved that the information be noted. The Clerk informed Members that a request for a funding contribution from the Parish Council’s Play Equipment Budget for 2007/2008 had been received from the Secretary of the Parkhill Residents’ Association. The Association is seeking to set up a multi-purpose play area on the playing fields at Parkhill. Councillor Shutt declared a personal interest in the matter under discussion. Resolved that a contribution of £6,500.00 be awarded to the Parkhill Residents’ Association. The Clerk informed Members that, as instructed, he had written to the Post Office Network Consultation at the Department of Trade & Industry concerning the expected Post Office Closures in the United Kingdom. Postwatch has responded to the Parish Council’s Letter of Concern about proposed closures with thanks for its support. The Clerk was instructed to contact the County Council’s Footpaths Officer to seek details of progress on Members’ concerns regarding Footpath 29. 32 Miners’ Coal Wagon for Bowburn The Clerk informed Members that Planning Permission had been granted by Durham City Council to install the Miners’ Old Coal Wagon at Durham Road, Bowburn. The Clerk reminded Members that a Plinth had to be installed on the Site, upon which the Miners’ Coal Tub would be placed. In addition, a Service of Dedication and an Inauguration Ceremony should be arranged when the Tub was in place. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to arrange a Site Meeting with Mr. Westgarth of the City Council to arrange a timetable for installation of the Plinth for the Miners’ Tub. 33 Street Furniture for Seasonal Hanging Baskets The Clerk reopened discussions about the possible purchase of purpose built Flower Trees upon which to locate Hanging Flower Baskets. The Chairman referred to a brochure received from Messrs. RWT Fabrication of Kelloe illustrating the type of Street Furniture required. Members instructed the Clerk to ascertain from Park Grove Nurseries a price quotation for refilling and watering the various Hanging Flower Baskets, Flower Tubs & Planters used during the Summer Season 2006. Members wished to verify that there would be sufficient Budget Provision for the 2007/2008 Financial Year to cover the costs of a Summer Floral Display in 2007. 34 Development of Land at Tail upon End Lane, Bowburn The Clerk informed Members that he had received a letter from Durham City Council requesting comments from the Parish Council concerning proposed Residential Development at Tail upon End Lane, Bowburn. The Parish Council leases an area of Land at Tail upon End Lane for a Children’s Play Area. After a discussion on the matter, it was Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to reply to the City Council’s enquiry, indicating that “an alternative Play Area should be provided in Bowburn to replace the Play Area, which is proposed to be given up at Tail upon End Lane. A substantial additional amount of funding for Play Equipment should also be made available. Members also felt that Play Equipment Provision should not be concentrated solely at Bowburn Recreation Ground, but that it should be spread all across Bowburn”. 35 Allotments, Garages & Cemetery Allotments The Clerk informed Members that the Blackthorn Hedgerow at the boundary of the Depot Allotment Site had now been replanted to remove gaps caused in recent months by anti-social behaviour. The Clerk informed Members that he was still awaiting a response from Northumbrian Water concerning a full price quotation for supply of a water supply pipe to be installed underneath the Central Footpath on the Depot Allotment Site. Resolved that information received in respect of the above mentioned two items be noted. Garages The Clerk informed Members that a Site Meeting had taken on Monday, March 19th 2007 at the Group Garage Site with Mr. John Westgarth of Durham City Council to arrange for a price quotation in respect of Landscaping Works on the Site. The Clerk also liaised with the Practice Manager at the Medical Centre to inform her of the proposed works and to establish exact boundary limits with the Medical Centre Land. Resolved that the information be noted. Cemetery With reference to the recently completed Inspection of Memorials at Bowburn Cemetery, the Clerk informed Members that the Registrar to the Durham Diocesan Court had insisted that the proposed Interlocutory Order for the Cemetery should be advertised in the local press, as well as at the Cemetery, prior to its approval by the Diocesan Court. Resolved that the information be noted. The Clerk also informed Members that a couple of Monuments at the Cemetery had been slightly damaged after an invasion of loose horses. The Clerk proposed that arrangements to repair the non-tended Monuments affected be made with the Stonemasonry Firm, which is eventually engaged by the Parish Council to repair the Monuments identified in the recent Inspection of Monuments, requiring repair at public expense. Resolved that the Clerk’s recommendation on the above-mentioned matter be approved. The Clerk also informed Members that, as a consequence of the latest invasion of animals into the Cemetery, a price quotation for replacement of the Cemetery Gates had been obtained from Messrs. RWT Fabrication of Kelloe. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to obtain an alternative price quotation for Replacement Cemetery Gates from Messrs. City Fabrications on the Bowburn Industrial Estate. It was also Resolved that a Meeting of the Parish Council’s Finance & Forward Planning Sub Committee be convened to discuss further the following matters: Responses from Durham City Council concerning additional Play Equipment for Bowburn (requested as a consequence of the proposed Termination of the Lease of Land at Tail upon End Lane, Bowburn). Landscaping Works at the Group Garage Site after exact Boundary Limits with the Medical Centre are established. Receipt of Price Quotations and Design Illustrations for Replacement Cemetery Gates. Receipt of Price Quotations for Flower Trees. 36 Correspondence received Durham County Council – Local Government Review – Received Durham County Council – Temporary Road Closures (A688) – Received Durham County Council – Temporary Speed Limits (C12a) – Received Police Community Consultative Group – Meeting Agenda (March 14th 2007) – Received CDALC – Sec. of State for Comm. & Local Govt. Commission on Role of Local Councillors – Received Dept. for Constitutional Affairs – Advice on Memorial Safety – Received Quarrington Hill Community Association – Crowtrees Heritage Trails Project Meeting Agenda April 5th 2007 – Received 37 Planning Applications Durham County Council – Erection of Kitchen Ventilation Equipment at Bowburn Junior School *** – Received Durham County Council – Alterations to Entrance of Cassop Primary School – Received Mr. & Mrs. Hughes – Erection of Extension at 75, Park Avenue, Coxhoe – Received R. Dunne – Erection of Conservatory at 23, Leyland Close, Bowburn – Received Durham City Council – Supplementary Planning Document on Provision of Affordable Housing (Consultation) – 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. *** Councillor Raine declared an interest in this item. 38 Accounts (Expenditure) P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net of Income Tax & N.I.) – Mid Feb. to Mid Mar. 2007 – £465.15 P. Thorpe – Mileage/Parking Fees – 76 @ 52.7p – £40.05 P. Thorpe – Stamps – 40 @ 32p – £12.80 P. Thorpe – Stamps – Other Rates – £0.88 P. Thorpe – E-m@il Facility (Aol) – Monthly Fee (Part) – £15.99 P. Thorpe – Home Office Use (Quarterly Allowance) – £95.00 P. Thorpe – Home Telephone Use (Quarterly Allowance) – £41.00 P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – Printer Ink Cartridges– £19.97 H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) – Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax – £186.43 H.M. Revenue & Customs – Income Tax Deduction – Employee Deduction (Craig Prince) – £11.96 Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t – Net Monthly Fee (Mar.) – £42.39 City of Durham – Play Area Improvts. – Elizabeth Vale, Cassop – £4,950.00 Cleveland Land Serv. – Doorstep Green – Final Certificate – £4,448.22 Accounts (Income) 15TH FEBRUARY – 17TH MARCH 2007 City of Durham – Heart of Villages Grant – Cassop Notice Board – £830.00 Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved. 39 Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Meeting be Wednesday, 18th April 2007 at Bowburn Community Centre, immediately after the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council. I agree these to be a true record of the Monthly Meeting held on Wednesday, 21st March 2007 at Bowburn Community Centre. Annual General Meeting 2007 Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held Wednesday 16th May 2007 at Bowburn Community Centre at 7 p.m. Present: Councillors Armstrong, Barker, Blakey, Higham, G. Marsden, M. Marsden, Morgan, Raine, Richardson, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt, Syer and Tickell (Councillor M. Robinson took the Chair after her re-election). County Councillor Mac Williams was also present. 1. Apologies No apologies 2. Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 17th May 2006 The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 17th May 2006 were agreed and signed as a true record. 3. Appointment of Chairman Councillor Shutt proposed and Councillor Muriel Marsden seconded a motion that Councillor M. Robinson be re-elected as Chairman. No further nominations were received and Councillor M. Robinson was duly re-elected as Chairman and she resumed the Chair of the Meeting after her re-election. 4. Appointment of Vice Chairman Councillor Shutt proposed and Councillor S. Robinson seconded a motion that Councillor H. Armstrong be re-elected as Vice Chairman. No further nominations were received and Councillor Armstrong was duly re-elected as Vice Chairman. 5. Appointment of Delegates to C. D. A. L. C. It was proposed by Councillor Shutt and seconded by Councillor M. Marsden that Councillors Raine, M. Robinson, S. Robinson and W. Tickell be re-elected as Delegates to the County Association. It was agreed that all four Members would be available as Delegates to the County Association and the District Association of Parish Councils. 6. Annual Accounts and Balance Sheet for the year ended 31st March 2007. A full copy of the Annual Accounts, Bank Reconciliation and Balance Sheet for the year ended 31st March 2007 had been circulated to all Members. Resolved that the Annual Accounts, Supporting Statements, Bank Reconciliation and Balance Sheet for the Financial Year ended 31st March 2007, which the Clerk had circulated, be approved. The Chairman signed these documents together with the Council’s Receipts and Payments Book for the Year ended March 31st 2007. 7. Completion of Internal Audit (2006/2007 Annual Accounts) The Parish Council’s Internal Auditor, Mr. Gavin Bestford, had completed the Audit of Accounts and had certified Section 4 of the Annual Return. There were no items which he had deemed necessary to bring to the attention of Members. The Notice of Audit had been displayed for the requisite period and the Annual Return had been submitted to Messrs. BDO Stoy Hayward LLP. Resolved that the information be noted. 8. Dates for Future Meetings Resolved that Meetings will continue to be held on the third Wednesday in each month excepting in August, when there will be no Meeting. Two Monthly Meetings each year will be held at Cassop. April 2007 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 18th April 2007 in Bowburn Community Centre, immediately after the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council Present: Councillors Barker, G. Marsden, Raine, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt, Syer and Tickell (Councillor M. Robinson in the chair). 40 Apologies Councillors Armstrong, Higham, M. Marsden and Richardson 41 Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn attended the Monthly Meeting to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area. There had been 1 Case of Theft in Parkhill. There had been 1 Case of Theft and 1 Case of Criminal Damage in Cassop and 3 Cases of Burglary (Home), 8 Cases of Criminal Damage and 2 Public Order Offences in Bowburn. Members thanked P.C. Cockburn for his Report, whereupon he left the Meeting. 42 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 21st March 2007 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 21st March 2007 were a true and accurate record. Resolved that the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 21st March 2007 be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. 43 Minutes of the Meeting of the Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee held on 11th April 2007 The Clerk read out to Members present the Minutes of the Meeting of the Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee held on 11th April 2007. The Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee had discussed the following matters: Play Equipment for Bowburn Group Garage Site Landscaping Scheme Gates for Bowburn Cemetery Purchase of Flower Trees Resolved that Minute no. 3 (Group Garage Site Landscaping Scheme) should be amended to include reference to the offer on loan of a security camera to the Bowburn Medical Practice. The resolution shown at the end of Minute no. 3 is to be amended to show refusal of the request for a financial donation on this occasion from the Bowburn Medical Practice for purchase of a security camera. Resolved that, subject to the amendments referred to in the preceding paragraph, that the recommendations of the Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee made at their Meeting on 11th April 2007 be accepted by the Parish Council. 44 Points to Note The Clerk informed Members that it would not be necessary to hold an Election in May 2007 for Seats on the Parish Council as the number of nominations received by the Electoral Returning Officer for seats on the Parish Council did not exceed the number of places available. The Clerk read out the names of the duly returned Parish Councillors and the respective Electoral Wards, which they will represent as from May 3rd 2007. Resolved that the information be noted. The Clerk informed Members that, due to family bereavement, the Proprietor of the Park Grove Nurseries could not undertake the Preparation and Watering Schedule for the Hanging Flower Baskets, Containers and Tubs to be used for the Summer Season 2007. The Clerk informed Members that, as a consequence of this occurrence, he had sought an alternative price quotation for the Summer Flower arrangements from Messrs. Thinford Nurseries, who had assisted in the Preparation and Watering Schedule for the Summer Season 2006. The Clerk informed Members that the Parish Council’s Budget for 2007-2008 had been updated to meet all anticipated costs involved with the Summer Floral Display in each of the Villages in 2007. Resolved that the information be noted. The Clerk informed Members that, at last, he had received details from the Police about the vehicle insurance of the driver who crashed into the front wall of Bowburn Community Centre on January 2nd 2007. The Clerk reported that he had passed these details onto the Treasurer of Bowburn Community Association, as that organisation had suffered considerable financial loss as a result of the accident. The Parish Council will seek reimbursement of the cost of damaged flower containers. Councillor Syer informed Members that he had received a request from a local resident in Bowburn for a ban on ball games being played by children over primary school age on the Bowburn Doorstep Green. Apparently, there had been instances of older children using intimidating behaviour towards younger children using the Doorstep Green. After a discussion by Members, it was Resolved that a ban on ball games being played by children over primary school age on the Doorstep Green be implemented. Councillor Syer also informed Members that children from Bowburn Junior School will be marching in procession to Bowburn Community Centre in celebration of St. George’s Day on Monday, April 23rd 2007. Resolved that a Delegation of Members of the Parish Council would meet the children’s procession when it arrived at the Community Centre. Councillor Syer also recommended to Members that it would be prudent to participate in the Consultation Exercise about the future use of Bowburn Community Centre. The Parish Council should emphasise its use of the Community Centre as a regular Meeting Place for Parish Councillors and a Provider of an Internal & an External Notice Board for Parish Council matters. Resolved that the recommendation of Councillor Syer be accepted. 45 Local Government Review The Clerk informed Members that the Executive Officer of the County Durham Association of Local Councils has notified Clerks of Parish & Town Councils in the Durham County Area that the Government intends to accept the Proposal of Durham County Council for a single Unitary County Council throughout the County Area, except Darlington. The Local Government Minister, Mr. Phil Woolas, is seeking comments from all Stakeholders in the Review Exercise about the recommended proposal by June 22nd 2007. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to contact the Executive Officer of the County Durham Association of Local Councils in order to arrange a General Meeting of the County Association as a matter of urgency to discuss how Parish and Town Councils should respond to the recommended Proposal. 46 Miners’ Coal Wagon for Bowburn The Clerk informed Members that a Site Meeting had taken place on April 5th 2007 to discuss the timetable for installation of the plinth for the Miners’ Heritage Memorial at Durham Road, Bowburn. Mr. Westgarth of Durham City Council had indicated that the plinth would be likely to be installed during Mid-May 2007. Resolved that the information be noted. 47 Footpaths Scrutiny Councillor Syer raised the matter of the continuing problem concerning litter dropping, fly tipping and accumulation of wind borne litter along part of the length of Bridleway 36 opposite the Bowburn Community Centre. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to write to Mr. David Thornborrow, Head of Planning Services at Durham City Council, to seek his assistance in helping to tackle problems associated with persistent fly tipping and refuse dumping by commercial organisations operating in the vicinity of Bridleway 36. The Parish Council is seeking to make local businesses more aware of the legal waste disposal centres in the area and the penalties associated with non-compliance of legal responsibilities. 48 Allotments, Garages & Cemetery Allotments The Clerk informed Members that Northumbrian Water could not provide a price quotation for supply of a water supply pipe to be installed underneath the Central Footpath on the Depot Allotment Site. Arrangements were being made to seek a price quotation from Durham City Council for the work concerned. Garages The Clerk informed Members that the new security fencing around the Medical Centre and the new Car Park Entrance Gates to the Medical Centre were now in place. Members present at the previous Meeting of the Parish Council’s Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee had expressed concerns that part of the Medical Centre’s land now lay outside the new fencing boundary and that land may be overlooked when future grasscutting work is done by the Medical Practice’s Contractor. The quotation requested from Durham City Council for landscaping works on the Group Garage Site was still awaited. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to write to the Medical Practice politely reminding them that grass on the Medical Centre land lying outside the new Boundary Fence should still be cut by the Medical Practice’s Contractor and that loose grass cuttings should be properly disposed of. The letter should also inform the Medical Practice that, unfortunately on this occasion, their request for a financial donation to help pay for a security camera is to be turned down. Cemetery The Clerk informed Members that the Interlocutory Order in respect of Bowburn Cemetery had now been granted. The Clerk is now seeking confirmation of the date when urgent Category 1 Repair Works (laying down of dangerous headstones) can be done. The Clerk also informed Members that a price quotation for replacement of the Cemetery Gates in the sum of £700.00 had been obtained from Messrs. RWT Fabrication of Kelloe. Arrangements made to obtain an alternative price quotation for Replacement Cemetery Gates from Messrs. City Fabrications had not been responded to. The previously held Meeting of the Parish Council’s Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee had decided to recommend, in the interests of progress on this matter, acceptance of the price quotation actually received from Messrs. RWT Fabrication of Kelloe in the sum of £700.00. Resolved that the recommendation of the Parish Council’s Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee be accepted and that Messrs. RWT Fabrication of Kelloe be asked to commence installation of the Replacement Cemetery Gates as soon as possible. Members also discussed their concerns about the forthcoming construction of the new Bowburn to Wheatley Hill Link Road and its close proximity to the one corner of the Cemetery Land. The Clerk read out to Members a letter received from Durham County Council’s Highways Department, responding to the Parish Council’s previous enquiry asking for details of any protective screening or safety barriers to be put in place to protect the privacy of mourners or funeral parties at the Cemetery. Resolved that the Clerk write again to the County Council’s Highways Department to seek details of any proposed tree planting works or acoustic barriers being put into place to help preserve the privacy of visitors to the Cemetery. Finally, the Clerk informed Members that, as a consequence of the recent untimely death of the former tenant of the Cemetery Field, he had enquired whether Mr. Ward’s partner wished to continue the said tenancy. Mr. Ward’s partner, Miss Bulmer, has indicated that she wishes to continue with the tenancy of the Cemetery Field. A review of the annual rents of all allotments, garage sites and Fields is due by March 31st 2008. Resolved that the tenancy of the Cemetery Field be transferred to Miss Mandy Bulmer on the existing terms & conditions of the tenancy. 49 Correspondence received Durham County Council – Countywide Magazine (April/May 2007) – Received Durham County Council – County Durham Fairtrade Directory – Received City of Durham – Planning Document on the Provision of Affordable Housing (Consultation) – Received City of Durham – Crowtrees Heritage Trail Project (Minutes of Meeting on February 1st 2007) – Received Chief Constable (Durham Constabulary) – Briefing about Constabulary Funding 2007-2008 – Received CDALC – Revised Model Code of Conduct for Local Authority Members – Received Dept. for Communities and Local Government – Revised Model Code of Conduct forLocal Auth. Members (S.I. No. 1159/2007) – Received Environment Agency North East – Nuclear Power Station Authorisations – Received War Memorials Project – Newsletter (Spring 2007) – Received DU Services CIC – Community Hubs – A Living Network – Received Mineral Valleys Project – Newsletter no. 7 (Spring 2007) – Received 50 Planning Applications The Church of Christ the King (Bowburn) – Demolition of existing Church and erection of Replacement Church/Community Centre – Received Durham Villages Regeneration Company – Erection of 86 Dwellings at Tail upon End Lane, Bowburn – Planning Sub-Committee to discuss Mr. Wilson – Erection of Conservatory at 26, Leyland Close, Bowburn – Received B. Rutherford – Erection of Agricultural Building, Pilmore Farm, Old Cassop (Revised Application) – Received M. Smith – Erection of Extensions at The Paddocks, Old Quarrington – Received Mr. & Mrs. Cheesey – Erection of Garage & Extensions at 9, Front Street South, Cassop – Received Resolved that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations made by its Planning Sub Committee in respect of planning matters considered on behalf of the Parish Council by the Planning Sub Committee. *** Councillor Raine declared an interest in this item. 51 Accounts (Expenditure) P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net of Income Tax & N.I.) – Mid March to Mid April 2007 – £466.8 Mid April 2007 – Mileage/Parking Fees – 76 @ 52.7p – £36.27 Mid April 2007 – Stamps – 26 @ 32p – £8.32 Mid April 2007 – Stamps – 70 @ 23p – £16.1 Mid April 2007 – Stamps – Other Rates – £4.48 Mid April 2007 – E-m@il Facility (Aol) – Monthly Fee (Part) – £15.99 Mid April 2007 – Office Stationery – Printer Ink Cartridges – £15 Mid April 2007 – Office Stationery – Black Ink Cartridge – £5.9 H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) – Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax (Part) – £182.86 H.M. Revenue & Customs – Income Tax Deduction (Craig Prince) – Employee Deduction (Part) – £11.96 Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t – Net Monthly Fee (Mar.) – £42.39 City of Durham – Removal of Asbestos Roofing Panels – Depot Allotment Site – £235 CDALC – Annual Subscription + 2007/08 & Booklets + Parish Councillors Guide (19th Edition) – £519.7 City of Durham – Cemetery Rates – 2007/08 Financial Year – £164.28 Accounts (Income) – 18TH MARCH – 10TH APRIL 2007 Name Description Details £ p Various Clients–Annual Rental Income (Allotments & Garages) – £682.00 Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved. 52 Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Meeting be Wednesday, 16th May 2007 at Bowburn Community Centre, immediately after the Annual General Meeting of the Parish Council. May 2007 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 17th May 2007 in Bowburn Community Centre, immediately after the Annual General Meeting of the Parish Council Present: Councillors Armstrong, Barker, Blakey, Higham, G. Marsden, M. Marsden, Morgan, Raine, Richardson, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt, Syer and Tickell (Councillor M. Robinson in the Chair). County Councillor Mac Williams was also present. 53 Apologies – None 54 Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn attended the Monthly Meeting whilst off duty to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area. There had been no Reportable Offences in Cassop or Parkhill. There had been 3 Cases of Burglary (Other), 7 Cases of Theft, 1 Case of Assault and 1 Case of Illegal Possession of Drugs in Bowburn. Members thanked P.C. Cockburn for his Report, whereupon he left the Meeting. 55 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 18th April 2007 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 18th April 2007 were a true and accurate record. Resolved that the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 18th April 2007 be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. 56 Points to Note The Clerk informed Members that he had arranged to obtain an alternative price quotation in respect of the Parish Council’s Insurances from Messrs. Zurich Municipal Insurance. This initiative was undertaken to follow up a previous recommendation of the Parish Council’s Internal Auditor. Resolved that the Clerk’s action be approved. The Clerk informed Members that he had received a request for a financial donation from a Community Group known as the Bowburn Unmade Roads Group. The donation was required to help with funding a scheme costing a total of £155,000 to upgrade roads and footpaths to an adoptable standard in Lansdowne Crescent, Grange Park Crescent and Neville Terrace, Bowburn. The County Council is prepared to do the relevant works if the costs are met by funding from outside sources. Members discussed this request at some length and it was resolved that the Scheme in its entirety could only succeed with a Multi-Agency approach being undertaken. This approach would involve funding from Local Authorities, Public Authorities and the Local Householders themselves. The Clerk was instructed to respond to the Community Group’s Representative along these lines and to invite the Group to seek a discretionary donation from the Parish Council in October 2007. The Clerk informed Members that a request had been received from Councillor Syer for permission to allow Bowburn Banner Group to lead the Band and Parade through the Doorstep Green Site on July 14th 2007. The Banner Group’s insurance arrangements and Official Road Closures on the day were all in place. Councillor Syer declared a personal interest in this matter. Resolved that Councillor Syer’s request be granted. The Clerk informed Members that a request had been received from a Freelance Picture Editor working for Cambridge University Press to use a photograph of Cassop Primary School seen on the Parish Council’s Website. The picture is required as an insertion into an educational textbook for the use of foreign students learning English. Resolved that the request be referred to the Head Teacher of Cassop Primary School for his permission. 57 Parish Clerk’s Salary Scale The Clerk informed Members that, with effect from April 1st 2007, he had reached the highest point on the approved range on his Salary Scale LC1. The Salary Range agreed by the Parish Council at the time of the Parish Clerk’s appointment on January 1st 2001 was Points 15-21 on Scale LC1. The Clerk also notified Members that a new Scale of Car Allowance Rates had been approved by the National Joint Council for Local Authority Services with effect from April 1st 2007. Resolved that the information be noted and the new Car Allowance Rates be implemented. 58 Local Government Review The Clerk informed Members that the Executive Officer of the County Durham Association of Local Councils had notified him that there were no plans to hold a Special Executive Committee Meeting of CDALC to discuss the above matter. The Executive Officer informed the Clerk that CDALC remains apolitical on this matter, as each Town & Parish Council had its own views about the Government’s recommended proposals for Local Government Review in County Durham. The Executive Officer reminded the Clerk that the Chief Executive of the County Council is hosting a Question and Answer Session for Chairs & Clerks of Parish & Town Councils in County Durham about the Government’s recommended proposals on Saturday, June 2nd 2007 at 10 a.m. in County Hall, Durham. Resolved that the Chairman and Clerk be asked to attend the Meeting at County Hall and report back to Members. Members were aware that the deadline for receipt by Government of any comments about the Government’s recommended proposals for Local Government Review in County Durham is June 22nd 2007. 59 Miners’ Coal Wagon for Bowburn The Clerk informed Members that permission to occupy land at Durham Road, Bowburn with the Miners’ Heritage Memorial had now been received. However, the City Council’s price quotation for installation of a gravelled surround area and a concrete base for the Memorial is £3,000.00. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to seek an alternative price quotation for the installation of a gravelled surround area and a concrete base for the Memorial. 60 Footpaths Scrutiny The Clerk informed Members that he had contacted the County Council’s Footpaths Officer to seek information about any progress on the various Footpath Issues raised by Members last year. Resolved that the information be noted and that the Clerk be instructed to write to the County Council to seek confirmation about whether any of the items submitted as Works eligible for Parish Paths Grant Assistance in 2006-2007 would be able to be carried forward and become eligible for Grant Assistance in 2007-2008. 61 Allotments, Garages & Cemetery Allotments – No report. Garages – No report. Cemetery The Clerk had previously informed Members that the Interlocutory Order in respect of Bowburn Cemetery had now been granted. The Clerk has received confirmation that the urgent Category 1 Repair Works (laying down of dangerous headstones) have been done by the City Council’s Environmental Services Department. The Faculty Order has now been granted by the Diocesan Court and price quotations can be sought from Registered Stonemasons to undertake necessary repair works on Monuments as set out in the Inspection Report prepared by Durham City Council. Resolved that quotations be sought from two local Stonemasons to undertake those repair works to Monuments, which are the responsibility of the Parish Council. The Clerk also informed Members that replacement Entrance Gates had now been installed at the Cemetery. Members discussed the need for a Notice to be placed on the Entrance Gates, reminding visitors to close the Gates when leaving the Cemetery. Members also discussed their concerns about the forthcoming construction of the new Bowburn to Wheatley Hill Link Road and its close proximity to one corner of the Cemetery Land. The Clerk read out to Members a letter received from Durham County Council’s Highways Department, responding to the Parish Council’s previous enquiry asking for details of any protective screening or safety barriers to be put in place to protect the privacy of mourners or funeral parties at the Cemetery. Resolved that the Clerk should contact the County Council’s Highways Department again to seek details of any proposed tree planting works or acoustic barriers being put into place to help preserve the privacy of visitors to the Cemetery. 62 Correspondence received Durham County Council – Local Government Review – Received Durham County Council – Local Transport Issues – County Councillor seeks comments Durham County Council – Temporary Road Closure – Received City of Durham – Local Government Review – Received City of Durham – – Received Government Office (North East) – Stopping Up of Highway (Lynn Crescent, Cassop) – Received Standards Board for England – Revised Code of Conduct for Local Authority Members – Received CDALC – Newsletter no. 12 (April 2007) – Received N.E. War Memorials Project – Newsletter no. 6 (Summer 2007) – Received 63 Planning Applications Artful Ink Ltd – Single Storey Extension to 7A, Durham Road West, Bowburn – Seek copy applic’n papers Johnson Bros. (Resubmitted Application) – Discharge of reserved matters (Erection of Agricultural Dwelling, Quarrington Farm, Old Quarrington) – Received A. Lake – Extension to 14, Leyland Close, Bowburn – Received G. & P. Hutchinson – Extension etc. to 37, Milford Way, Bowburn – Received The Planning Sub-Committee has recommended that the Clerk be instructed to write to Durham City Council with regard to Members’ concerns about the proposed Housing Development at Tail upon End Lane, Bowburn. The Clerk wrote to Durham City Council on May 9th 2007. Resolved that Parish Council accepts the recommendations made by its Planning Sub Committee on this matter. 64 Accounts (Expenditure) City of Durham – Legal Fees & Charges – Miners’ Memorial – £180 Bowburn Comm. Association – Room Hire for Meetings – January to April 2007 – £53 P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net of Income Tax & N.I.) – Mid April to Mid May 2007 – £490.75 P. Thorpe – Mileage/Parking Fees – 50 @ 55.8p – £29.70 P. Thorpe – Stamps – 49 @ 32p – £15.68 P. Thorpe – Stamps – Other Rates – £4.76 P. Thorpe – E-m@il Facility (Aol) – Monthly Fee (Part) – £15.99 P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – A4 Envelopes – £1.68 H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) – Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax (Part) – – £199.22 H.M. Revenue & Customs – Income Tax Deduction (Craig Prince) – Employee Deduction (Part) – – £11.96 Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t – Net Monthly Fee (May) – £42.39 RWT Fabrication – Provision of New Gates – Cemetery – £700 City of Durham – Wayleave – Tail upon End Lane – £3.50 C. Prince – Petrol/Mileage – Strimming Village Stones – £12.82 Accounts (Income) – APRIL – 9TH MAY 2007 Various Clients – Annual Rental Income – Allotments & Garages – £903.00 Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved. 65 Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Meeting be Wednesday, 20th June 2007 at Cassop Community Centre at 6.30 p.m. June 2007 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 20th June 2007 in Cassop Community Centre at 6.30 p.m. Present: Councillors Blakey, Higham, G. Marsden, M. Marsden, Morgan, Raine, Richardson, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson and Tickell (Councillor M. Robinson in the Chair). County Councillor Mac Williams was also present. 66 Apologies Councillors Shutt and Syer 67 Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn attended the Monthly Meeting to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area. There had been 1 Case of Criminal Damage and 2 Cases of Theft in Cassop and 2 Cases of Theft in Parkhill. There had been 4 Cases of Burglary (Home), 3 Cases of Theft, 1 Case of Robbery and 2 Cases of Criminal Damage in Bowburn. P.C. Cockburn also informed Members that, in future, 2 Police Community Support Officers would be based at Bowburn. Members thanked P.C. Cockburn for his Report, whereupon he left the Meeting. 68 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 16th May 2007 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 16th May 2007 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. Resolved that the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 16th May 2007 be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. 69 Points to Note The Clerk informed Members that arrangements were well advanced in respect of supply and installation of Seasonal Hanging Flower Baskets, Tubs & Planters at various locations in the Parish Area. Final authorisation was awaited from the County Council’s Street Lighting Section for use of some Street Lighting Columns. Resolved that the information be noted. Members thanked County Councillor MacWilliams for his intervention in this matter. The Clerk informed Members that he had lodged a claim with Norwich Union Insurance in respect of the replacement cost of two Flower Tubs, formerly situated outside of Bowburn Community Centre. The Tubs had been destroyed in a traffic accident on January 2nd 2007. Resolved that the information be noted. The Clerk informed Members that an order had been placed with Messrs. Peterlee Signs & Graphics to supply and install new signs required at the Doorstep Green Site and at the Cemetery. 70 Local Government Review The Chairman and the Clerk gave Members a verbal summary of the Proceedings, which had taken place at the Meeting of Chairpersons and Clerks of Local Town & Parish Councils with County Council Members & Officers on Saturday, June 2nd 2007 at 10 a.m. in County Hall, Durham. The Meeting had been convened by Mr. Mark Lloyd, the Chief Executive of Durham County Council, to discuss the possible implications of the Government’s recommended proposal for a Single Unitary Council in the County Durham Area (excluding Darlington). However, Mr. Lloyd was not actually present at the Meeting on the day. The Clerk had previously sent out a written summary of the Meeting Proceedings to Members of the Parish Council on 11th June 2007 with the Chairman’s approval. A full discussion ensued amongst Members of the Parish Council about the possible implications of the Government’s proposal for the County Durham area, along with any implications for additional budgets for Local Parish Councils. However, the Main Speaker at the Meeting at County Hall, Durham repeatedly cautioned Parish & Town Council Representatives present, that Members of the existing County Council could not tie the hands of the new County Durham Council (if appointed) over possible devolved budgets. The new County Durham Council would not take office as a “shadow authority” until April 2008 and would not assume the full responsibilities of its predecessor authorities until April 2009. Only the new County Durham Council could take the final decision about possible Partnerships with Parish & Town Councils over future service provision. Resolved that the information contained in the Reports of the Chairman & the Clerk be noted. 71 Miners’ Coal Wagon for Bowburn The Clerk informed Members that he had arranged a Site Meeting with a Representative of Messrs. Lumsden & Carroll on Thursday, June 21st 2007. The Meeting had been arranged in order to obtain an alternative Price Quotation for Preparation of a Gravel Surround and Concrete Plinth for the Miners’ Heritage Memorial. The Clerk informed Members that the City Council’s Price Quotation for the work has been revised from £3,000.00 to £2,500.00 Resolved that the information be noted. 72 Footpaths Scrutiny The Clerk informed Members that a Meeting had taken place between Parish Councillors, the Parish Clerk and the County Council’s Footpaths Officer, Mrs. Elaine Field, on Monday, 11th June 2007 at Bowburn Community Centre. Parish Councillors present at the Meeting were Councillors Maggie Robinson, Sylvia Raine, Stan Robinson and Mike Syer. Matters discussed at the Meeting with Mrs. Field were: The use of the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund to finance provision of hardcore to make improvements to Local Footpaths 36, 37 & 39. Provision of better signposting on Local Footpaths, including destination information on signposts for benefit of visiting walkers. Provision of Cross-Boundary Walkways. The Clerk informed Members that he was advised to re-establish contacts with neighbouring Parish Councils about this idea. Resolved that the information be noted. 73 Allotments, Garages & Cemetery Allotments The Clerk informed Members that Government Office North East (GONE) had finally given its approval to the sale of Allotment no. 5 at Tursdale to the sitting tenant. Resolved that the Clerk make arrangements to progress the sale of the Allotment as soon as possible. Garages The Clerk informed Members that the price quotation received from Durham City Council in respect of the proposed Landscaping Scheme for the Group Garage Site at Bowburn totalled £11,200, compared with a Budget Provision in the current financial year of £4,500 for the Scheme. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to obtain an alternative price quotation for the proposed work from Messrs. Lumsden & Carroll of Bowburn. Cemetery The Clerk informed Members that a Notice requesting visitors to close the Entrance Gates at the Cemetery after each visit was being prepared. A Temporary Notice is in place for the time being. Arrangements are to be made to provide insurance cover for the new Entrance Gates. The Clerk mentioned to Members that a recent assessment of the repair work required on Monuments at the Cemetery revealed that some Monuments not shown on the City of Durham Inspection Report also required repair work. The assessment had been commenced by a Registered Stonemason from Messrs. William Allison & Sons of Bishop Auckland. Following the revelation that Monuments other than those mentioned in the City of Durham Report require repair work, the Clerk arranged to have a further independent examination of the Monuments in the Cemetery undertaken by Messrs. William Allison & Sons and the Company would report back to the Parish Council as soon as possible with an estimate of the likely cost of all Monument repairs required. The City of Durham’s Legal Services and Cultural Services Departments have been informed of this latest development. The Clerk indicated that damage could have been done to Monuments in the Cemetery not mentioned in the City of Durham’s Inspection Report after the recent intrusion into the Cemetery of unsupervised horses in February 2007. Resolved that the Parish Council confirms the action of the Clerk in this matter. The Clerk gave Members an update concerning recent correspondence received from the County Council’s Highways Department concerning screening and noise reduction arrangements at the corner of the Cemetery, which lies closest to the new Bowburn to Wheatley Hill Link Road. Resolved that the information be noted. Finally, the Clerk informed Members that permission had been given to Messrs. Bethell Power Services, a sub-contractor to Durham County Council, to prune some overhanging tree branches coming out of the Cemetery. The pruning work was necessary in order to ensure safety clearance for overhead power lines running adjacent to the Cemetery. Resolved that the Parish Council confirms the action of the Clerk in this matter. 74 Correspondence received Durham County Council – Surface Dressing Programme – Received Durham County Council – Countywide Magazine (June/July 2007) – Received Durham County Council – Fairtrade Directory – Received Durham County Council – Local Action 21 Newsletter (Spring 07) – Received City of Durham – Lord Mayor’s Appeal 2007-2008 – Received City of Durham – Crowtrees Heritage Trail Project (Minutes of Meeting April 2007) – Received Government Office (North East) – Stopping Up of Highway (Lynn Crescent, Cassop) – Received Government Office (North East) – North East Regional Spatial Strategy (Proposed Changes) – Received 75 Planning Applications S. Scarr (2, Romaine Square, Bowburn) – Change of use of shop to mixed use (Café) including installation of new shopfront – Received A. Crich (16, Cambridge Street, Bowburn) – Erection of Conservatory – Received J. D. Reames – Conversion of double garage to form granny annex & single garage at 6, Westlands, Coxhoe – Received SIS/Winwood & Ridley – Erection of Satellite Dish at Co-operative Building, Bowburn – Received H. Dale – Erection of extension at rear of 36, Park Hill, Coxhoe – Received J. Napper – Erection of extension at 30, Millford Way, Bowburn – Received K. Platts – Loft Conversion etc. at 14, Cambridge Terrace, Bowburn – Received LPW Group Ltd.–Proposed HGV Brush Wash, Durham Motorway Services, Tursdale Road, 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. 76 Accounts (Expenditure) Allianz Cornhill – Insurance Premiums – Year end 31st May 2008 – £600.92 P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net of Income Tax & N.I.) – Mid May to Mid June 2007 – £482.09 P. Thorpe – Mileage/Parking Fees – 50 @ 55.8p – £49.12 P. Thorpe – Stamps – 37 @ 32p – £11.84 P. Thorpe – Stamps – Other Rates – £5.60 P. Thorpe – Other Postal Charges – Recorded Deliveries (Rent Reminders/NTQ’s) – £9.36 P. Thorpe – E-m@il Facility (Aol) – Monthly Fee (Part) – £15.99 P. Thorpe – Home Office Use – Quarterly Allowance – £95.00 P. Thorpe – Home Telephone Use – Quarterly Allowance – £41.00 P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – Ink Cartridge – £5.90 P. Thorpe – Photocopying Charges – Insurance Quotation – £1.00 H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins./Tax Deduction (Part) – Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax (Thorpe) – £193.3 H.M. Revenue & Customs – Income Tax Deduction (Part) – Employee Deduction (Craig Prince) – £11.96 Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t – Net Monthly Fee (May) – £42.39 G. Bestford – Internal Audit Fee – Financial Year 2006/07 – £80.00 Co-operative Funeral Service – Refund of Overpaid Charges – Headstone Fees (Simpson) – £9.00 Accounts (Income) – 10TH MAY – 13TH JUNE 2007 Various Clients – Annual Rental Income – Allotments & Garages – £305.00 Various Clients – Headstone Fees – Cemetery – £14.00 NEDL – Wayleave – Power Lines, Bowburn – £36.62 Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved. 77 Date of Next Meeting The Clerk requested approval to one week’s deferment for the Summons of Members to the next Monthly Meeting until 25th July 2007 at Bowburn Community Centre, due to the cancellation and rebooking of the Clerk’s annual holiday arrangement. The Clerk’s original holiday arrangement had been cancelled, due to his wife’s illness. Agreed that the date of the next Meeting be Wednesday, 25th July 2007 at Bowburn Community Centre at 7.00 p.m. July 2007 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 25th July 2007 in Bowburn Community Centre at 7.00 p.m. Present: Councillors Barker, Blakey, G. Marsden, Raine, Richardson, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt, Syer and Tickell (Councillor M. Robinson in the Chair). County Councillor Mac Williams was also present. 78 Apologies Councillors Armstrong, Higham, Muriel Marsden and Morgan. 79 Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn was not able to attend the Monthly Meeting in person to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area. However, it was later revealed that there had been no Reported Offences in Cassop and 1 Case of Burglary (Home) in Parkhill. There had been 2 Cases of Burglary (Other), 6 Cases of Theft, 1 Case of Assault and 5 Cases of Criminal Damage in Bowburn. The Clerk reported to Members that Inspector Dodds of Durham Constabulary had acknowledged the Parish Council’s Letter of Thanks regarding the Constabulary’s recent efforts with Bowburn StreetSafe Crime Initiative. 80 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 20th June 2007 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 20th June 2007 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. Resolved that the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 20th June 2007 be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. 81 Development Proposals (Old Quarrington Quarry) The Chairman informed Members that he had received e-mail correspondence from Mr. Mike Young of Tarmac regarding anticipated proposals concerning Old Quarrington Quarry. Mr. Young supplied the Clerk with details of the Mining History of the Quarry since 1952. Mr. Young indicated that Tarmac’s latest proposals for the Quarry would not be finalised and ready for public consultation until September 2007. The Clerk informed Members that Mr. Young had been invited to attend a future Monthly Meeting of the Parish Council to address Members on the matter. Resolved that the information supplied by Tarmac be noted. 82 Points to Note The Clerk informed Members that a delay in the supply of notices required for the Doorstep Green Site (Ban on Ball Games) and the Cemetery (Closure of Gates) had been suffered, due to lack of response by the previous supplier. New arrangements have now been made for supply of notices with RWT Fabrication of Kelloe. Resolved that the information be noted. The Clerk read out an invitation (on behalf of Councillor Blakey) from the Twelve Villages Network. The invitation referred to a Presentation of Certificates to Volunteers who have completed a Course in Dry Stone Walling. The Presentation takes place on Thursday, July 26th 2007 at 5 p.m. at St. Paul’s Churchyard, Quarrington Hill with a Buffet to follow. Resolved that the information be noted. Councillor Syer opened a discussion about recent flooding experienced in Bowburn on land adjacent to the Library Building after a spell of torrential rainfall. The flooding occurred after water overflowed from a nearby culvert. There were sightings of sewage water also surfacing in the area. Members expressed concerns that flooding may reoccur in the future in this area if the responsible authorities did not assess the risks involved. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to write to the County Council and the Northumbrian Water Authority about the matter, requesting that these authorities investigate whether improvements could be made to the drainage system in the area, in order to prevent a recurrence of flooding and pollution. The Clerk informed Members that the Internal Audit of Accounts for the Parish Council in respect of the year ended March 31st 2007 had been completed. There were no items that the Internal Auditor required the Clerk to bring to the attention of Members of the Parish Council. Resolved that the information be noted. The Clerk informed Members that Thinford Plant Nurseries had completed the installation of the Hanging Flower Baskets on Approved Street Lighting Columns and Flower Tubs in Bowburn, Parkhill and Cassop for the Summer Season. However, a batch of Hanging Baskets attached to a Flower Tree in Parkhill had been stolen. The Clerk assured Members that replacement Baskets could be supplied by Thinford Nurseries. Resolved that the information be noted. 83 Members’ Declarations of Financial & Other Interests The Clerk informed Returning Members of the Parish Council that he had been advised by the City Council’s Monitoring Officer that, if their Financial & Other Interests have not changed since they had made a previous Declaration, they should sign & date a letter to that effect as soon as possible. In the cases of New Members or Members whose Financial & Other Interests have changed, a Full Declaration of Financial & Other Interests Form should be completed. All Declaration Forms or Letters certifying no change should be signed and returned to the Parish Clerk as soon as possible. Resolved that the information supplied by the Clerk be noted. 84 Miners’ Coal Wagon for Bowburn The Clerk informed Members that he was still awaiting a Price Quotation from Messrs. Lumsden & Carroll in respect of the provision of a Gravelled Surround and Concrete Plinth for the Miners’ Heritage Memorial. Resolved that the information supplied by the Clerk be noted. 85 Annual Governance Statement (formerly Statement of Assurances) (Additional Item) The Clerk informed Members that the Chairman and he have been obliged to certify (on behalf of the full Parish Council) Section 2 of the Parish Council’s Annual Return to the External Auditor, Messrs. BDO Stoy Hayward LLP for the Financial Year ended 31st March 2007. Section 2 of the Annual Return, which is now referred to as the Annual Governance Statement, certifies that, amongst other things, the Statement of Accounts has been prepared in accordance with the Accounts & Audit Regulations and proper practices. The Annual Governance Statement also certifies that the Parish Council has maintained an adequate system of financial control, that it has provided a proper opportunity for the exercise of electors’ rights and that an adequate and effective system of internal audit has been maintained. Resolved that the action of the Chairman and the Clerk in Certification of Section 2 of the Parish Council’s Annual Return to the External Auditor (Annual Governance Statement) for the Financial Year ended 31st March 2007 be confirmed. 86 Footpaths Scrutiny The Clerk informed Members that he had recently contacted Mr. Angus White of Naylors Chartered Surveyors (Newcastle upon Tyne), who represent Durham Green, the Owners of Peat Edge Farm. The Clerk had contacted Mr. White concerning the Proposed Improvements to Footpath 36 discussed a recent Meeting between Members of the Parish Council and the County Council Footpaths Officer. Resolved that the information be noted. 87 Allotments, Garages & Cemetery Allotments The Clerk informed Members that he and Councillor George Marsden had attended a Site Meeting at Tursdale on 12th July 2007 with British Telecom Engineers in order to assess a suitable location for a new Telegraph Pole required to provide telephone and broadband facilities to the new Housing Development at the Old School, Tursdale. BT Engineers expressed a wish to place a new Telegraph Pole on the Parish Council Owned Land between the Old School House and Allotment no. 18 at Tursdale. Councillor Alan Richardson, who resides at Tursdale, declared a Personal Interest in the matter under discussion. Councillor Richardson informed Members that a number of residents at Tursdale had objections to the siting of a new Telegraph Pole at the above-mentioned location. It was felt that the facilities required could be adequately provided by attaching lines to an existing Pole or by using underground wiring. After a discussion on the matter, Members resolved that permission to erect a Telegraph Pole on Parish Council Owned Land between the Old School House and Allotment no. 18 at Tursdale at the desired location be refused. The Clerk is instructed to write to BT Openreach to inform them of Members’ views on this matter. The Clerk also informed Members that he had written to the District Valuer to seek a valuation for Allotment no. 5 at Tursdale. The Parish Council has received consent from the Government Office North East to sell the plot to the sitting tenant. Resolved that the information be noted. Garages The Clerk informed Members that he was still awaiting a price quotation from Messrs. Lumsden & Carroll in respect of the Landscaping Work for the Group Garage Site. Councillor Syer proposed and Councillor Raine seconded a Motion to seek a grant from the Community Chest, administered by the Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership. After a brief discussion amongst Members, it was agreed to apply for a grant as referred to in Councillor Syer’s Motion. Cemetery The Clerk informed Members that the Cemetery Gates had now been included on the Parish Council’s Insurances under Property Damage Cover. Apparently, All Risks Cover is not available. The Clerk also informed Members that he had received price quotation from Messrs. William Allison & Sons, one of two Companies from whom a quotation for Repair Work to Memorials at the Cemetery had been sought. The Company had quoted a sum of £780.00 plus VAT for Repair Work to NAMM Specifications to a total of 13 Memorials in the Cemetery. Resolved that the quotation received from Messrs. William Allison & Sons in the sum of £780.00 plus VAT be accepted and that the Repair Work be set in motion as soon as possible. Finally, Members held a further discussion concerning screening and noise reduction arrangements etc. at the corner of the Cemetery, which lies closest to the new Bowburn to Wheatley Hill Link Road. Resolved that the information be noted. 88 Correspondence received Durham County Council – B6291 Bowburn to Quarrington Hill (Proposed Traffic Calming) – Received Durham County Council – Various Roads adjacent to A688 Bowburn to Wheatley Hill Link Road (Various Temp. Road Closures etc.) – Received Durham County Council – Various Rights of Way adjacent to A688 Bowburn to Wheatley Hill Link Road (Temporary Closures) – Received Durham County Council – Unclassified Road at Lynn Crescent, Cassop and Certain Public Footpaths (Temporary Closures) – Received Durham County Council – Rights of Way Improvement Plan – Received Durham County Council – Building Schools for the Future – Received Durham County Council – Relocation of Speed Visor Pole – Received Durham County Council – Overview & Scrutiny Report 2006/2007 – Received City of Durham – Consultation on Review of Statement of Licensing Policy – Received City of Durham – Durham Community Citizens Awards – Received City of Durham – Crowtrees Heritage Trails Meeting – Received Northumbrian Water – Repairs to Bowburn Bridge & Edna Street C.S.O.’s – Received Durham City District LSP – Community Network Focus Event – Received CDALC – Newsletter (June 2007) – Received NALC – Northern Regional Conference – Received NALC – Cracking the Code – Received Sedgefield Borough Council – Tour of Locomotion at the National Railway Museum at Shildon – Received 89 Planning Applications R. Singh, 3, Ash Terrace, Bowburn – Change of use/conversion of existing shop – Received City of Durham – Redevelopment of Bowburn Recreation Ground inc. provision of new parking spaces – Received Mr. Harper, 17, Leyland Close, Bowburn – Erection of extension at – Received City of Durham – Change of use of Public Open Space to Children’s Play Area at Parkhill – Received Mr. Myers – Change of use to service/repair of vehicles etc. (Unit 2, Bowburn North Ind. Estate) – 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. The Clerk read out to Members a letter of response received from Mr. J. Tindale of Durham City Council, concerning Members’ requests to the City Council for guaranteed additional funding for Children’s Play Equipment for Bowburn and additional Play Area Provision for Bowburn. Members had sought these guarantees in response to Mr. Tindale’s request (on behalf of the City Council) for the Parish Council to relinquish its lease of land at Tail upon End Lane, Bowburn. Mr. Tindale’s response to the Parish Council was non-committal, concerning both Play Equipment Funding and Play Area Provision. Resolved that details of Mr. Tindale’s response be noted with disappointment. 90 Accounts (Expenditure) P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net of Income Tax & N.I.) – Mid June to Mid July 2007 – £482.09 P. Thorpe – Mileage/Parking Fees – 44 @ 55.8p – £29.95 P. Thorpe – Stamps – 54 @ 32p – £17.28 P. Thorpe – E-m@il Facility (Aol) – Monthly Fee (Part) – £15.99 P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – Ink Cartridges – £10 P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – A4 Copy Paper – £1 H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) – Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax (Part) – £193.3 H.M. Revenue & Customs – Income Tax Deduction (Craig Prince) – Employee Deduction (Part) – £11.96 Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t – Net Monthly Fee (July) – £42.39 County Council – Street Lighting – Column Testing Charges – £960 Accounts (Income) 14TH MAY – 11TH JULY 2007 Various Clients – Annual Rental Income – Allotments & Garages – £158 Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved. 91 Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Meeting be Wednesday, 19th September 2007 at Bowburn Community Centre at 7.00 p.m. September 2007 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 19th September 2007 in Bowburn Community Centre at 7.00 p.m. Present: Councillors G. Marsden, Morgan, Raine, Richardson, J. Robinson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, Shutt, Syer and Tickell (Councillor M. Robinson in the Chair). County Councillor Mac Williams was also present. 92 Apologies Councillors Blakey, Higham, Muriel Marsden. 93 Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn was not able to attend the Monthly Meeting in person to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area. None of his Community Support Colleagues were able to attend in his place. However, P.C. Cockburn sent an e-mail to the Clerk, which indicated that, in the period from 25th July to 14th August 2007, there had been 1 Case of Burglary (Other) in Cassop, 1 Case of Assault and 1 Case of Theft in Parkhill. There had been 3 Cases of Theft, 1 Case of Assault and 2 Cases of Criminal Damage in Bowburn. P.C. Cockburn’s e-mail further indicated that, in the period from 15th August to 19th September 2007, there had been no Reportable Offences in Cassop or Parkhill and there had been 1 Case of Burglary (Other), 1 Case of Assault, 1 Case of Theft and 7 Cases of Criminal Damage in Bowburn. In his e-mail, P.C. Cockburn apologised to Members for his absence and stated that he hoped to attend the October 2007 Monthly Meeting in person. 94 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 25th July 2007 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 25th July 2007 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. Resolved that the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 20th July 2007 be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. 95 Code of Conduct for Local Authority Members The Clerk informed Members that the Legal and Democratic Services Manager of Durham City Council had contacted him to state that Cassop-cum-Quarrington Parish Council is obliged to adopt a Code of Conduct for its Members on or before October 1st 2007, otherwise the provisions of the Government’s Model Code of Conduct become mandatory upon the Parish Council’s Members. Members entered into a discussion about Adoption of a Local Code of Conduct. The Clerk had previously supplied Members of the Parish Council with A4 sized copies of the Government’s Model Code of Conduct and/or pocket sized versions of the Code for their retention. Councillor Syer proposed and Councillor Raine seconded a Motion that the Government’s Model Code of Conduct be amended with an additional paragraph 13 (3) stating that: Registration of Members’ Interests 13 (3) You should also register in the Authority’s Register of Gifts and Hospitality any offer of a gift or hospitality with an estimated value of at least £5, which you have received, whether or not such an offer has been accepted. Resolved that Cassop-cum-Quarrington Parish Council adopts a Local Code of Conduct for its Members, which adds the above-mentioned paragraph 13 (3) to the provisions of the Government’s Model Code of Conduct. 96 Points to Note The Clerk read out to Members a letter of response received from Durham County Council regarding the Parish Council’s concerns about recent flooding on land adjacent to Bowburn Library. The letter mentioned that “the responsibility for the watercourse on the approach to the culvert (in question) will be the responsibility of the riparian owners of the adjoining land”. Members are of the view that the County Council is the riparian owner of the adjoining land. Resolved that the Clerk respond to the County Council reminding them that, as far as the Parish Council is aware, Durham County Council is the riparian owner of the adjoining land and that it should contact the Parish Council when it has reassessed the adequacy of the existing culvert for future water drainage. The Clerk informed Members that a recent Meeting with City Council Officers had taken place on the Doorstep Green Site concerning routine maintenance of the entranceway flower beds and the grassed maze area. The required maintenance work had been attended to on September 5th 2007. The Clerk requested Members’ views about the future upkeep of the grassed maze area, as City Council Officers had advised that future upkeep of this area would be costly and time consuming. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to send out a Circular Letter to Residents of Bow Street and Burn Street, Bowburn to evaluate interest in establishing a Residents’ Volunteer Group. The Group could look after these aspects of routine maintenance work. The Clerk informed Members that work was still in progress to supply and fit Public Notices at the Doorstep Green Site (Ban on Ball Games for Children over Primary School Age) and the Cemetery (Closure of Gates). Resolved that the information be noted. The Clerk informed Members that Norwich Union Insurance had finally settled the Parish Council’s claim for reimbursement of its costs for replacement of Flower Tubs. The Flower Tubs in question were damaged in a Road Accident outside of Bowburn Community Centre on January 2nd 2007. Resolved that the information be noted with pleasure. 97 Miners’ Coal Wagon for Bowburn The Clerk informed Members that work on laying the Gravelled Surround and Concrete Plinth for the Miners’ Heritage Memorial in Bowburn was expected to commence in two weeks’ time. Resolved that the information supplied by the Clerk be noted with great pleasure. 98 Annual Governance Statement (formerly Statement of Assurances) The Clerk apologised to Members as he had not been able to offer Members a discussion on this matter at the Monthly Meeting, prior to Certification (on behalf of the full Parish Council) of Section 2 of the Parish Council’s Annual Return for the Financial Year ended 31st March 2007. The Annual Return is sent to the External Auditor, Messrs. BDO Stoy Hayward LLP. Section 2 of the Annual Return required Certification by the Chairman of the Parish Council and the Clerk before July 31st 2007 (an earlier requirement than in previous years). Members had been informed of this change in procedures by e-mail prior to the Certified Return being despatched to the External Auditor. Resolved that the actions of the Clerk and the Chairman of the Parish Council in this matter be confirmed. 99 Footpaths Scrutiny The Clerk informed Members that, as instructed, he had recently contacted a number of local landowners to seek their views concerning proposals to undertake improvements to parts of some Local Footpaths within the Parish Area. Mr. R. Stevenson of Tursdale House Farm responded to the Clerk’s correspondence and asked for an informal Site Meeting to be arranged with Members of the Parish Council to discuss proposed improvements to part of Footpath no. 37. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to contact Mr. Stevenson and arrange a Site Meeting at the place where proposed improvements to Footpath no. 37 are required. The Site Meeting should be arranged at a date and time to suit Mr. Stevenson’s convenience between Monday, 24th September and Friday, 28th September 2007. 100 Allotments, Garages & Cemetery Allotments The Clerk informed Members that copies of the Valuation Agency Report on Allotment no. 5 at Tursdale had been sent to the Parish Council’s Legal Representative and Messrs. Smiths Gore of Darlington, who act at Property Agents for the Coal Authority. Apparently, Messrs. Smiths Gore are of the view that the two valuation prices quoted in the Valuation Agency Report seem to be lower than the general market level. The Valuation Agency has discussed the current state of the property market and the fairness of this particular valuation with Messrs. Smiths Gore, after seeking the prior approval of the Clerk. The Valuation Agency has indicated that it cannot perform a second valuation on Allotment no. 18 unless a second valuation fee is paid by the Parish Council. Resolved that Messrs. Smiths Gore be approached to see whether the Coal Authority would contribute towards the costs of a second valuation of Allotment no. 5 at Tursdale. Garages The Clerk informed Members that priced quotations had been received eventually from Messrs. Lumsden & Carroll in respect of the Provision of the Gravelled Surround for the Miners’ Heritage Memorial for Bowburn and the Landscaping Scheme on the Group Garage Site, Bowburn. The total value of the quotations from Messrs. Lumsden & Carroll for these Schemes exceeded the priced quotations previously received from Durham City Council for these Schemes by almost £1,500.00. During the Summer Recess Period, the Clerk had obtained the Chairman’s Approval to acceptance of Durham City Council’s priced quotations for both of the above-mentioned Schemes. In addition, the Clerk informed Members that the Parish Council had been successful in obtaining a grant of £5,000.00, subject to conditions, from the Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership to help offset the costs of the Group Garage Site Landscaping Scheme. The Chairman informed Members that she had arranged for a supply of kerbstones at a concessionary price in respect of the Landscaping Scheme on the Group Garage Site, Bowburn. Councillor Raine asked whether it would be possible for the City Council to uplift and remove the Entrance Gate Posts on the Group Garage Site. The work would be undertaken for a separate fee. Resolved that (1) the Chairman’s acceptance of the priced quotations from Durham City Council for the Work on the Gravelled Surround for the Miners’ Heritage Memorial and the Landscaping Scheme on the Group Garage Site be confirmed. (2) a letter of thanks be sent to the Secretary of the Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership in respect of the Parish Council’s successful grant application concerning the Landscaping Scheme on the Group Garage Site, Bowburn. (3) the Clerk be instructed to contact Durham City Council to ascertain whether the removal of the Entrance Gate Posts on the Group Garage Site can be undertaken and at what cost. Cemetery The Clerk informed Members that work on the Repairs to Monuments in the Cemetery required as a result of the previous Health & Safety Inspection would commence on week beginning 1st October 2007. The Chairman informed Members that she had been notified by the Durham Diocesan Court that it is not legally permissible to scatter any loose ashes onto a Grave Space. Human Ashes contained in a suitable small container may be interred into a Grave Space. Resolved that the information supplied by the Chairman and the Clerk be noted. 101 Correspondence received Durham County Council – Government Consultation on Unitary Local Government – Received Durham County Council – Local Government Reorganisation – Received Durham County Council – Countywide Magazine – Received Durham County Council – County Durham Learning Disabilities Partnership – Received Durham County Council – Parish Paths Partnership Celebrate P3 Event – Received Durham County Council – Unauthorised Bus Shelter Removal – Received Durham Police Authority – Joint Annual Report 2006/2007 – Received City of Durham – Correspondence from City Councillors – Received City of Durham – City of Durham Local Development Framework – Received City of Durham – Crowtrees Heritage Trails Project Minutes of Meeting (July 19th 2007) – Received City of Durham – Support for Bowburn Park Project – Received CDALC – Newsletter (August 2007) – Received CDALC – Members’ Code of Conduct – Received CDALC – Post Office Closure Programme – Received Government Office North East – Stopping Up of Highway, Lynn Crescent, Front Street, Cassop – Received Durham District Partnership – Open Space Needs Assessment Meeting – Received Joint Stocks Liaison Group – Minutes of Meeting (Sept. 13th 2007) – Received North East War Memorials Group – National Family History Fair, September 8th 2007 – Received 102 Planning Applications Mr. & Mrs. Bell – Erection of Conservatory at rear of 3, Lansdowne Crescent, Bowburn – Received Mr. & Mrs. C. Woodhead – Erection of Extension at rear of 19, Barrington Way, Bowburn – Received Satellite Information Services – Erection of Satellite Dish at front of Co-operative Retail Services, Bowburn – Received Resolved that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations made by its Planning Sub Committee in respect of planning matters considered on behalf of the Parish Council by the Planning Sub Committee. 103 Accounts (Expenditure) P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net of Income Tax & N.I.) – Mid July to Mid August 2007 – £482.09 P. Thorpe – Mileage/Parking Fees – 26 @ 55.8p – £16.31 P. Thorpe – Stamps – 17 @ 34p – £5.78 P. Thorpe – Stamps Other Rates – £0.96 P. Thorpe – E-m@il Facility (Aol) – Monthly Fee – £15.99 H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) – Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax – £193.30 H.M. Revenue & Customs – Income Tax Deduction – Employee Deduction (Craig Prince) – £11.96 Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t – Net Monthly Fee (Aug) – £42.39 Thinford Nurseries – Supply & Fill, Watering Baskets, Tubs, Stones – Bowburn, Parkhill & Tursdale – £3,656.25 P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net of Income Tax & N.I.) – Mid August to Mid Sept 2007 – £482.09 P. Thorpe – Mileage/Parking Fees – 50 @ 55.8p – £29.70 P. Thorpe – Stamps – 34 @ 34p – £11.56 P. Thorpe – Other Rates – £1.66 P. Thorpe – E-m@il Facility (Aol) – Monthly Fee – £15.99 P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – Ink Cartridges – £19.90 P. Thorpe – Photocopy Charges – Members’ Forms etc. – £5.20 H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) – Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax – £193.30 H.M. Revenue & Customs – Income Tax Deduction – Employee Deduction (Craig Prince) – £11.96 Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t – Net Monthly Fee (Sept.) – £42.39 Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t – Petrol & Mileage – 12.82 Valuation Agency – Valuation of Land – Allotment at Tursdale – £470.00 Thinford Nurseries – Watering Baskets, Tubs – Bowburn, Parkhill etc. – £1,057.50 Bowburn Community Association – Hire of Room – Monthly Meetings (May to Sept. 2007) – £60.00 Accounts (Income) – 12TH JULY – 12TH SEPTEMBER 2007 Various Clients – Depot Site/Flower Tubs – Garden Rent/Ins. Sett. £107.00 Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved. 104 Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Meeting be Wednesday, 17th October 2007 at Bowburn Community Centre at 7.00 p.m. October 2007 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 17th October 2007 in Bowburn Community Centre at 7.00 p.m. Present: Councillors Armstrong, Barker, Blakey, Higham, G. Marsden, M. Marsden, Raine, Richardson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson, (Councillor M. Robinson in the Chair). 105 Apologies Councillors Morgan, Shutt, Syer and Tickell. The Clerk informed Members that he had sent a Get Well Card to Councillor Tickell on behalf of Members of the Parish Council. Councillor Tickell has endured a recent hospital stay as a result of a broken hip. 106 Police Consultation P.C. Cockburn attended the Monthly Meeting to give Members a Report of Offences Committed in the Parish Area. There had been no Reported Offences in Cassop or Parkhill. However, there had been 3 Cases of Theft, 1 Case of Assault and 1 Case of Criminal Damage in Bowburn. Members of the Parish Council thanked P.C. Cockburn for his attendance, whereupon he left the Meeting. 107 Development Proposals (Old Quarrington Quarry) The Clerk informed Members that he had not received confirmation from Mr. Mike Young of Tarmac that he would be attending this Monthly Meeting to give Members a briefing about the Company’s Development Proposals for Old Quarrington Quarry. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to contact Mr. Young by e-mail to clarify when he will be able to attend a Monthly Meeting of the Parish Council to discuss this matter. 108 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 19th September 2007 The Chairman asked Members whether they were satisfied that the attached Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 19th September 2007 should be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. Resolved that the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on 19th September 2007 be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record. 109 Points to Note The Clerk informed Members that work in progress to supply and fit Public Notices at the Doorstep Green Site (Ban on Ball Games for Children over Primary School Age) and the Cemetery (Closure of Gates) should be undertaken within the next few days. Resolved that the information be noted. The Clerk informed Members that he had received an e-mail from the Clerk to Coxhoe Parish Council seeking support for an initiative to divert the Arriva 55 Bus Service to Tesco at Gilesgate. The diversion was being sought initially for the benefit of local residents at Quarrington Hill, but the diverted Bus Service could benefit residents of Bowburn, Cassop, Shincliffe etc. Members discussed the matter and it was pointed out that Local County Councillors for the relevant areas were already involved in this issue and, accordingly, they felt that Parish Councillors need not become involved at this stage. Resolved that the information be noted. 110 Miners’ Coal Wagon for Bowburn The Clerk informed Members that work on laying the Gravelled Surround for the Miners’ Heritage Memorial in Bowburn was now complete and refurbishment work on the Tub itself could be completed within a few weeks. Resolved that the information be noted with pleasure. 111 Footpaths Scrutiny The Clerk reminded Members that, as instructed, he had previously contacted a number of local landowners to seek their views concerning proposals to undertake improvements to parts of some Local Footpaths within the Parish Area. It has transpired that Mr. David Leng of East Grange Farm, High Shincliffe was the relevant landowner to whom the Parish Council should have written about proposed improvements to part of Footpath no. 37, not Mr. R. Stevenson of Tursdale House Farm. The Clerk informed Members that he has now written to Mr. Leng seeking his views about the proposed improvements to Footpath no. 37. The Clerk further informed Members that he had received no reply from Messrs. Naylors (Chartered Surveyors), who represent Durham Green, about proposed improvements to Footpath no. 36 nor from Mrs. Johnson of South Grange Farm, Shincliffe about proposed improvements to Footpath no. 39. Resolved that the Clerk be instructed to contact the County Council’s Parish Paths Co-ordinator to inform her about Mr. Leng’s concerns about misuse of a local footpath. The footpath, which is not a Designated Local Footpath, is being damaged by horse riders and motor cycle riders. 112 Allotments, Garages & Cemetery Allotments The Clerk previously informed Members that copies of the Valuation Agency Report on Allotment no. 5 at Tursdale had been sent to Messrs. Smiths Gore of Darlington, who act as Property Agents for the Coal Authority. Messrs. Smiths Gore are of the view that the two valuation prices quoted in the Valuation Agency Report seem to be lower than the general market level. The Valuation Agency has discussed the current state of the property market and the fairness of this particular valuation with Messrs. Smiths Gore, after seeking the prior approval of the Clerk. The Valuation Agency has indicated that it cannot perform a second valuation on Allotment no. 5 unless a second valuation fee is paid by the Parish Council. Despite a request from the Parish Council, Messrs. Smiths Gore have indicated that it is highly unlikely that the Coal Authority would be willing to contribute towards the costs of a second valuation. However, Messrs. Smiths Gore have agreed to show the Local Valuation Officer documentary evidence of other recent similar land sales in the region, which have fetched larger valuation sums than those shown in the Valuation Report for Allotment no. 5 at Tursdale. Resolved that the information be noted and developments awaited. Garages The Clerk informed Members that work on the Landscaping Scheme for the Group Garage Site should commence within the next three or four weeks, according to the Contact Officer from Durham City Council, who is organising the work arrangements. The Contact Officer has also stated it would be possible for the City Council to uplift and remove the Entrance Gate Posts on the Group Garage Site for a separate fee of £50.00. Cemetery The Clerk informed Members that work on the Repairs to Monuments in the Cemetery required as a result of the previous Health & Safety Inspection was now completed. Resolved that the information supplied by the Clerk be noted. 113 Correspondence received Durham County Council – School Travel Planning Arrangements – Received Durham County Council – Countywide Magazine Oct./Nov. 2007 – Received Durham County Council – Local Action 21 Newsletter (Issue 35) – Received Durham Police Authority – P.C.C.G. Meeting 3rd October 2007 – Received CDALC – October 2007 Newsletter – Received CDALC – Notice of A.G.M. 2007 – Received CDALC – Annual Report 2006/2007 – Received CDALC – Local Government Minister‘s Speech (Reduction of Service Performance Indicators/Ring Fencing Requirements) – Received Crowtrees Heritage Group – Minutes of Meeting 6th September 2007 – Received DEFRA – Ways of Tackling Climate Change – Received Premier Waste Management – Temporary Closure of Coxhoe Facility – Received Standards Board for England – September 2007 Newsletter – Received 114 Requests for Financial Assistance The Clerk read out to Members a list of applications for financial assistance received from various Community Groups, Heritage Groups, Schools and other Organisations. Resolved that (1) the amounts set out in the following table be paid to the applicants mentioned. Resolved that (2) a Meeting of the Parish Council’s Finance & Forward Planning Sub-Committee should be convened to recommend guidelines to the Parish Council about future grants of financial assistance. LIST OF APPROVED DONATIONS 2007-2008 SECTION 137 (LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1972) (CHEQUE NOS. 048876-048894) (19 GRANTS) Bowburn Banner Group – Donation – £100.00 Bowburn Bowling Club – Donation – £100.00 Bowburn Community Association – Donation – £100.00 Bowburn Infant & Nursery School – Donation – £100.00 Bowburn Junior School – Donation – £100.00 Bowburn Library (Children’s Easter Card Competition 2008) – Donation – £50.00 Bowburn Local History Society – Donation – £100.00 Bowburn Toddler Group – Donation – £100.00 Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership – Donation – £100.00 Bowburn Village Celebration – Donation – £100.00 Bowburn Youth Football Club – Donation – £300.00 Bowburn Youth Project – Donation – £100.00 Cassop Community Centre – Donation – £100.00 Cassop History Society – Donation – £100.00 Cassop Kickers Line Dancing Group – Donation – £100.00 Cassop Primary School – Donation – £100.00 Durham Horticultural & Craft Show – Donation – £50.00 Keumgang Taekwondo – Donation – £100.00 Parkhill Residents’ Association – Donation – £100.00 Total Amount of Donations Awarded – £2,000.00 Members’ Declarations of Personal Interest in one or more of the above-mentioned School or Community Groups are shown on Page 7 of these Minutes. 115 Planning Applications Moordale (North East) Ltd. – Erection of 12 Dwellings on Land off Wylam Terrace, Coxhoe – Received J.C. Decaux – Erection & Display of 48 Sheet Advert. Hoarding (Bowburn Post Office) – Received Durham Villages Regeneration – Erection of 75 Dwellings with associated vehicular & pedestrian access (Land at Prince Charles Avenue, Bowburn) – Received Artful Ink Tattoo Studio – Erection of Extension, 7A, Durham Road West, Bowburn – Received Resolved that the Parish Council accepts the recommendations made by its Planning Sub Committee in respect of planning matters considered on behalf of the Parish Council by the Planning Sub Committee. 116 Accounts (Expenditure) P. Thorpe – Salary (paid net of Income Tax & N.I.) – Mid Sept. to id Oct. 2007 – £482.09 P. Thorpe – Mileage/Parking Fees – 44 @ 55.8p – £26.35 P. Thorpe – Stamps – 11 @ 34p – £3.74 P. Thorpe – E-m@il Facility (Aol) – Monthly Fee (Part) – £15.99 P. Thorpe – Home Office Use – Quarterly Allowance – £95.00 P. Thorpe – Home Telephone Use – Quarterly Allowance – £41.00 P. Thorpe – Office Stationery – Floppy Disks – £6.99 H.M. Revenue & Customs – National Ins../ Tax Deduction (Thorpe) – Employer/Employee Share N.I. & Inc. Tax – £193.30 H.M. Revenue & Customs – Income Tax Deduction – Employee Deduction (Craig Prince) – £11.96 Craig Prince – Allotments Super’t – Net Monthly Fee (Oct.) – £42.39 W. Allison & Sons – Memorial Repairs – Cemetery – £775.50 Durham Company – EU Compliance Form – Refuse Collection – £32.31 City of Durham – Remedial Works – Doorstep Green – £334.88 City of Durham – Rent of Land – Dene View, Cassop – £1.50 Cheque nos. 048876 to 048894 have been used to provide the cheques to the various recipients of financial assistance granted by the Parish Council (Minute no. 114) Accounts (Income) 13TH SEPTEMBER – 10TH OCTOBER 2007 B. & P. C. P. – Community Grant Landscaping Scheme – £5,000.00 Resolved that these items of income and expenditure be also approved. 117 Date of Next Meeting Agreed that the date of the next Meeting be Wednesday, 21st November 2007 at Bowburn Community Centre at 7.00 p.m. Members’ Declarations of Personal Interest Members of the Parish Council present at the Meeting of the Parish Council on 17th October 2007 made the following Declarations of Personal Interest: (Grants of Financial Assistance to various Schools & Community Groups) 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 Trusteeship 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 November 2007 Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Cassop cum Quarrington Parish Council held on Wednesday, 21st November 2007 in Bowburn Community Centre at 7.00 p.m. Present: Councillors Blakey, G. Marsden, Raine, Richardson, M. Robinson, S. Robinson and Shutt