July Minutes

WOLSINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD
TUESDAY 13TH JULY 2004
PRESENT: J. Anderson ( Chair), D.C. Pattison, V. Shuttleworth, M. Bell, K. Charlton, Mrs. V. Welsh, Mrs. E. S. Ridley, Mirs. C. Gatenby, I. Gardiner
Mr. S. Cleminson, Mr. A. Blakemore, Northumbrian Water

1) APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
B. Thompson, K. Rogers.
Prior to the meeting starting a presentation was made to the successful entries for the garden competition,
Best Garden Mrs. A. Arnison, Best Container display Mr. F. Bell
Two representatives from Northumbrian Water attended the meeting and apologised for not being present sooner as they had been requested to attend in January.. They gave an outline of how the sewage and surface water drainage system worked , with particular emphasis on new building developments , how the two systems now worked independently, surface water going to the nearest water course or soak-away and the sewage direct to the treatment works. There was a problem with the main pipe , CCTV cameras had surveyed the system to find there was a significant build up of silt and fat , which was reducing the capacity and flow, this was being dealt with.
A question was raised as to the problem of vermin , particularly rats which were using the sewage drains. Should rodents be found the first point of call should be to the District Council, who would investigate, if rodents found they would bait and liase with Northumbrian Water to eradicate the problem.

2) POLICE REPORT
Sgt. Curtis gave the police report for June, there had been 34 calls, 6 crimes reported of which 3 criminal damage, 1 theft, 1 burglary , from a dwelling house and 1 burglary other. There had been an increased police presence in June, and also British Transport police were now involved with the railway. Parking restrictions would be imposed for the inaugural run of the Weardale Railway for Saturday 17th July, in the Causeway and Wears Bank. The chairman read an e.mail from Clr. K. Rogers about a disturbance at the recreation field , a report had been given to the police but no one had attended the scene, a car registration was logged and Sgt, Curtis new who the owner was and would make a point of speaking to the owner, and would also investigate why the call had not been responded to. As a specific constable had been asked for, and that constable was not on duty the incident could well have taken no further action. It had also been noted that there appeared to be a lack of police presence through the evening and early morning, the reply was that crews now doubled–up through the night for safety reasons.
Sgt. Curtis was being moved to headquarters and in the interim the acting beat sergeant would be
P.C. Hewson.
3) MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
a) Signed as a true record.
4) MATTERS ARISING
a) Minutes of meeting held 15th June, copy previously circulated, agreed as a true record
b) Views on Paul Allison’s presentation re Low Harperley Farm & mineral extraction, following a site visit the council were minded to be in favour of the development and the Clerk to write to confirm this. There were good environmental plans, reed beds, water fowl , particularly to encourage the return of the greater bitten, increased footpaths and a need to open-up the countryside, and there was a need for gravel in the county.
c) Watering system for Hanging baskets now operational and baskets displayed

5) CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
a) Reply from Weardale Railways, re. Footpath 126, noted
b) Reply from Hyperion Homes re. St. Annes development noted.
c) DEFRA: Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000, vehicular access over common and other land.
d) Mineral Valleys Project Forum Wednesday 21st July at County Hall , Clr. K. Charlton to attend.

6) YOUTH FACILITIES
7) DEMESNE MILL
a) Reply from Durham C.C. re. Funding for car park, there were no funds available.
8) RECREATION GROUND
a) Wear Valley D.C. reply re. state of toilets in recreation ground, they agreed the standard was only moderate , on an inspection on the 5th July, the toilets were found to be “disgusting” , clerk to write further to Wear Valley D.C.
b) WRECASS letter re: community building. It was moved and seconded that the Parish Council use funds to further the development and the architect be instructed to commence the work, also a meeting to be arranged to meet with the architect as soon as possible.
c) The new adventure play equipment had been installed and a new fence erected.
d) The seats were also being repaired and extra picnic tables installed.
9) BOWLING GREEN
Agreed for Mr. John Pearson to have a plaque placed on one of the seats in memory of his late wife.
10) ALLOTMENTS
11) TOWN HALL/MARKET PLACE
a) Reply from Durham C.C. re: adoption of Market Place. Agreed for the paved area under the bus shelter to be adopted but not the area for the fruit & veg. Trader. It was also noted that the annual fair has an historic right to be held.
b) The chairman had received a letter of complaint from a resident in the Market Place objecting to the “big wheel” ride being positioned in front of his property and would like the issue raised with the fairground operator .
c) Baptist Chapel , enhancement scheme planned October/November , unanimous support for this project to go ahead.
d) It had been arranged for the caretaker to operate the CCTV system on a daily basis, and he should be named as the registered person.
e) The memorial planters had been replanted and the Chairman thanked those involved , also the plot in the Market Place.

12) ANGATE STREET TOILETS
13) FOOTPATHS
Confirmation by Secretary of State footpath diversion No. 19 Bradley Burn
There was no right of way past the Coach House Demesne Court and the church field , the padlock would be refitted.
The footpath near to Woodburn at the West End had been cleared of weeds, but it was unknown who was responsible, for the footpath apart from Durham C.C.
Thornley had been judged in the Northumbria in Bloom competition and the judges remarked on the roadside and kerbs being particularly bad, Wear Valley D.C. to be contacted to have road sweeper pass through the village.

14) NEWSLETTER
Weardale Railway , response to article in June issue of the Town Crier, Clr. Shuttleworth to deal with.

15) CLERKS BUSINESS
Holidays for caretaker 11th – 18th September agreed, Clr. Thompson to be asked to cover.
The clerk would also be taking time off , during the holiday period, but would attend to open mail and other duties as necessary.
The closed churchyard wall was being rebuilt, and approved by the diocesan office.
16) PLANNING
a. The following applications have been approved
1) Conservatory 2, Greenways
2) Detached garage, 19a West End
3) Replace UPVC front door, with hardwood panelled door, 13, Angate St.

b)The following applications have been received:
4) Durham C.C. application for tourist direction signs, Wolsingham Station, no objection
5) Replace flat roof , Old Station House, no objection
6) Internal alterations, 4 external windows and porch extension Demesne Hall, no objection
7) Side extension 21 Holywood , no objection
8) Erection of detached wooden building orchard House, Holywood. No objection
9) Rebuild single storey extension, and add bedrooms/bathrooms, 6, Blackhall Cotts., Harperley, no objection
10) Insertion of 4 velux rooflights Demesne Cott. No objection

17) FINANCE
a) Offer to purchase Windy Nook site , Weardale Building Supplies.
b) Minutes of Finance Meeting held 6th July 2004, copy circulated , agreed as a true record