March 2005 Parish Council Minutes

WOLSINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF A COUNCIL MEETING HELD
TUESDAY 8th MARCH 2005
AT 7.00 PM IN THE TOWN HALL
PRESENT: J. Anderson Chairman, D. C. Pattison, Vice Chair, Clrs. I. Gardiner, M. Bell, K. Rogers, W. Pounder, K. Charlton, Mrs. V. Welsh, Mrs. E. S. Ridley, Mrs. M. Epsley, Mrs. C. Gatenby
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE : None
2. POLICE REPORT
Acting Sergeant F. Hewitson , gave the police report for February, The number of calls to the office had been well down , albeit the crime figures were significantly up, there being 12 crimes, 1 burglary other, 7 damage ,probably all youth related, & 4 thefts. The seven incidents of damage were mainly of a minor nature.
Sgt Hewitson gave a Durham Constabulary opinion and brief on the Hunting Legislation and how the Durham Force would handle the matter,
“ Durham Constabulary , like other police forces across the country , will have difficulty in enforcing the new legislation, but that does not mean we will not try . It is neither feasible nor practical for our officers to try and monitor all the activities of hunts, but where we receive complaints of alleged illegal activity we will investigate, gather evidence , and prepare files for submission to the Crown Prosecution Service. Ultimately they will decide what action , if any, will be taken in individual cases”.
The nature and quality of complaints to the police was found to be of a very poor quality , as descriptions were vague, , no names and addresses were given,. If inaccurate or poor information is given ,this will lead to a poor investigation taking place.
A councillor reported an incident that had been telephoned in which had taken a response time of 30 minutes, which was a poor reflection on a modern day force response time, 9 minutes had been wasted just to get the message through.
3. MINUTES OF LAST MEETINGS HELD 8th February 2005
Signed as a true record. Moved Clr. D.C. Pattison, seconded Clr. K. Rogers.
4. MATTERS ARISING
The Chairman wanted the matter on any other business matters clarified, and any business transacted at the finance meetings to be only recommendations , which would be ratified at the full council meeting. Any item for discussion , which would not come under any of the main business headings, to be notified to the Chairman at the start of the meeting , Any matter with a legal or expenditure nature could not be classed as any other business .
Clr. Ridley had been unable to arrange a meeting to discuss the Junior Parish Council, however the Wolsingham Community School and College had put forward ten names ,and the Primary School would also put names forward.
5. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
1. Durham County Council , Environment Awards, it was suggested that the part of the Market Place in front of the Baptist Chapel be put forward for an Environment Award, this was not agreed, a letter to be sent to Durham C.C. for a job well done.
2. Durham Assoc. Of Parish & Town Councils Model Contract of Employment & Job Description, noted
3. Durham County Council , Paddling Pools, Larger Pools designed for swimming or other activities , Health & Safety Guidelines. The Parish Council have no paddling pools or swimming pools, recommendations noted.
4. DEFRA Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill , noted.
5. Countryside Agency ,The Conclusive Map of Open Countryside & Registered Common Land in Upper North West England – Area 4, received with interest.
6. Wolsingham School & Community College , the Headteacher , Ms. A. Crawshaw, request, to attend Parish Council meeting , a meeting to be arranged for the next finance meeting and to commence at 6.30 pm.
6. YOUTH FACILITIES
7. COMMUNITY CENTRE
8. RECREATION GROUND
1. Minutes of meeting held 16th February , agreed and signed as a true record.All recommendations contained in the minutes were approved and tenders for the supply of materials, equipment could be started.
2. The provision of a youth shelter was agreed in principle, but where to place and the financing would have to be discussed further.
3. The chairman was willing to do a litter pick in the recreation field Wednesday 9th March and any volunteers would be welcomed. The clerk advised the chairman that it was the contractors job to do this, however the chairman thought the “place needed” tidying up ready for Easter and would do the work himself if need be.
4. Wolsingham Football Academy , Memorial Tournament , in memory of
Mike Cavender , on opening of new community building , agreed to tournament , fast food van, and Parish Council to provide a trophy if required.


9. BOWLING GREEN
10. ALLOTMENTS
11. TOWN HALL/MARKET PLACE
Minutes of meeting re: Annual Fun Fair , with Clark Brothers. Copy enclosed
Comments noted and another meeting to be arranged as soon as possible .
12. ANGATE STREET TOILETS
13. COMMUNITY CENTRE
The Chairman reported , good progress was being made , the workmanship, & quality of the stonework was also to a high standard.
The clerk to contact the solicitors of the Sister Of Mercy regarding the official opening of the centre.
A metal grid had been recommended for the outside door leading to the football store.
14. FOOTPATHS
Clr. I. Gardiner asked if it could be possible to have Durham C.C. with funding from the Mineral Valleys Project to construct a footpath linking the old show-ground with Crook Lonnen, and also to contact Sustrans to see if they could help, agreed.
The North Pennines Partnership had arranged a cycle way to start and finish at Wolsingham, Clerk to ask for information on route etc..
15. NEWSLETTER
16. CLERKS BUSINESS
Minutes of meeting on Waste Disposal 1st March 05, agreed and signed as a true record. The Chairman had visited two Waste Disposal Sites at the week end and gave a report on his findings, and the operation of the sites and also left permit application forms.
A list of potential sites , which had been prepared three years earlier by the County Council was discussed and any further sites to be added to the list and forwarded to Durham County Council for consideration.
Chairman’s announcement re Royal Garden Party , John Anderson to attend in July, the whole of the Parish Council congratulated John & Marjorie and wished them well.

17. PLANNING
The following applications have been approved
1. Alteration & Extension to dwelling , erection of detached garage , 5 , Leadgate Terrace
2. Conservatory & replacement windows 7, Demesne Court
3. Retrospective installation of 3 solar panels , 10 , Meadhope Street.
4. Harperley Hall
5. Land at Harperley Gardens
6. new windows West Park Farm

The following applications have been received:

1. Take Down Tree after storms The Leazes, Leazes Lane
2. Kitchen & Bedroom extension 23, Rectory Lane
3. Conversion of existing garages Golden Lion Lane, into three bedroom dwelling. The Council were not in favour of this development as it would take garage spaces away and increase parking in the Market and was not in keeping with the draft Parish Plan which the Council had approved. Clerk to write giving reasons for objection to Wear Valley D. C.
4. Removal of 4 lower level branches 7 Demesne Mill
5. Tree to be removed Fiddlers Bridge Cottage
6. Replacement of External Front Door, 15 , Angate Street
7. Double Storey Extension & Double garage 13, Rectory Lane
8. One & Two Storey extension 73, Lydgate Lane
18. FINANCE
1) Minutes of meeting held 1st March, agreed as a true record and signed.
Demesne Mill draft design of additional parking agreed , clerk to write to Durham C.C. to have plans drawn up for submission to Wear Valley D. C. Planning Dept.
2) Great North Air Ambulance request for donation agreed to donate £50.