Minutes - 19th October

Wolsingham Parish Plan Committee Meeting, 19th October 2004, in the Pavilion

Present: R. Hopkinson, D. Pattison, S. Foster, S. Lockwood (Rural Transport Officer, Durham County Council), K.L. Rogers, D. Gascoigne, E. Bloomfield.
Apologies: M. Shepheard, F. Shepheard, M. Lambard, J. Lambard, K. Rogers, E. Ridley.

1. The proposal to appoint a vice-chairman was deferred to the next meeting. In the absence of K. Rogers, D. Pattison chaired the meeting.

2. E. Ridley (Environment Group) had contacted Caroline Beck, a landscape gardener, with regard to improving the western and eastern approaches to the village. M. Shepheard (Environment Group) had expressed concern about the frequency of emptying the dog waste bins. As this is the responsibility of Wear Valley Council, G. Dobson will pursue the matter with them, in particular the schedule for cleansing streets, hand-sweeping the footpaths and emptying the dog-waste bins and litter bins. D. Pattison reported that only one person has been prosecuted so far for allowing a dog to foul. Wolsingham Parish Council could prosecute if necessary. It could become part of the Parish Plan that the Parish Council “should become more pro-active” in this matter.

3. D. Pattison reported that Mr. Crooks is likely to continue his dental practice (P.Plan/provision of health services).

4. D. Pattison (Transport Group) reported that F. Shepheard and D.C.C. have set up a parking survey in the village, to take place over the weekend of 29th & 30th October, 2004, subject to proper authorisation from the Parish Council. D. Pattison would ask G. Dobson to send this authorisation as soon as possible. Three numerators would be in the village from 7am to 7pm, with beat times, categories of vehicles, streets and zones specified. The results should be available approximately one week after the survey. D.C.C. are kindly waiving their 10% administration fee. The Parish Council will be able to claim back the V.A.T. The cost of the survey will be around £1460.

5. Transport Group: R. Hopkinson produced a document from the sub-group which will be put forward at the next full meeting. S. Lockwood was asked about the range of transport services available in addition to Weardale Motors and the Rural Ride service. This information could be included in the Town Crier. S. Lockwood was asked about the feasibility of incorporating a town shuttle into existing services. The suitability of the roads and the availability of turning space would have to be taken into account.

6. Plans from S. Lockwood: Plans were shown concerning the improvement to the bus stand on the South side of the Market Place. There was some discussion over the materials to be used. S. Foster indicated that there is evidence to establish the definition of this land as ‘Highway’. These improvements will take place as soon as possible.

7. Young Persons’ Issues: K.L. Rogers reported that North Berwick had been successful in running a ‘Youth Café’, and that the authority would be contacted to see how thy had achieved this. R. Hopkinson reported that there is a Weardale Youth Panel, which is looking at the provision of services for young people in the dale. K.L.Rogers will contact the three panel members from Wolsingham for further contact and meeting details.


Date of next meeting:
Thursday, 11th November at 7pm., in the Pavilion.