Minutes of April 2009 Parish Council Meeting

Wednesday 22nd 7pm in the Village hall.

Present Visitors:
  1. None

  1. Apologies
    1. Cllr B Fieldhouse
    2. Cllr F Fabi
      3. Cllr F. Fabi has tendered his resignation from the Parish Council. Discussion on a replacement councillor resulted in a request to be made to Darlington BC for advice on procedure to be adopted.

  2. Declaration of interest in items on the agenda
    1. Cllr P Bence declared an interest in Manor Farm development.

  3. Approval of previous minutes
    1. The minutes of the previous meeting were read, amended, agreed and signed by the Chairperson as a true record of the March 2009 meeting.

  4. Matters arising from previous minutes
    1. No. 33 High Street
      2. Parish Clerk awaiting response from Darlington BC.
    2. Traffic Survey
      3. Previous survey declares no speeding problem, and discussion regarding parking problem in village by visitors considered several options but none were identified as being practicable. (Legally enforceable) Suggestions welcomed.
    3. Village Litter Pick was well attended and successful.
    4. Bus Shelters
      5. They have not been painted this year so far, tidying carried out by vehicle from Transport Unit not council. A letter was sent by the parish clerk concerning the removal of the pole remaining after the information board was removed. Arrival has lost the contract with DBC and from 5th May 2009 the operator will be Scarlet Band but this will mean no change to the existing service.

  5. Planning matters
    1. Comments have been completed ref: 23, The Green.

  6. Matters raised by councillors 7 days prior to meeting
    1. Advert in Parish News
      2. It was agreed to include Cllr Brian Jones contact details with the Parish Councils contact information in the "Parish News".
    2. Manor Farm
      3. Due to declarations of interest, this item was rescheduled to be last in agenda.
    3. Use of air gun by resident and resulting complaint
      4. This was considered to be outside of Parish Council remit
    4. Dog Fouling
      5. Anti-social elements are allowing dog fouling on the village green, and the parish clerk is instructed to contact the Darlington BC dog warden requesting surveillance and possible action.
    5. Future of Bishopton
      6. Discussions took place on ways to stimulate community and social activities within the village. Some social events in the past have been poorly attended or cancelled due to lack of interest. Councillors expressed intention to support any residents who wish to undertake a village project, and to continue with meetings between the Parish Council, the Village Hall committee and Church committee. Cllr Jones pointed out that funds were available on a per elector basis from within the precept monies for activities in the general village interest.
    6. Village Name Plates
      7. Darlington BC Highways rules prevent stone signs being situated less than 2 metres from thoroughfare, and verges around village are simply not wide enough. They also have to be within any 30mph signs. (Some neighbouring villages are not subject to same restrictions as they do not come under Darlington BC). Consideration was given to a central village green sign, but decision deferred for opinions to be sought.

  7. Village Green
    1. Report on tree works
      2. The council decided to pay for work already carried out. No further work to be done for the time being.
    2. A Village work party is planned for Sunday 10th. May 2009 at 10.30am. All residents are encouraged to participate, but no flyer will be distributed.

  8. AGM
    1. The parish council Annual General meeting will be held on Wednesday 20th. May 2009 at 7.00pm. A flyer will be produced and distributed.

  9. Wind Farm Proposals
    10. Following copyright clearance and fact ratification, a handbill will be produced and distributed. No new applications were received by Sedgefield or Darlington BC prior to 17th. April. A council representative will attend the North east meeting of the BWEA (the wind farm developers trade body).
    Darlington BC legal department are considering the legality of DBC Councillors who did not attend either the meetings or the site visits for the wind farms voting on the proposals.

  10. New Residents
    1. None Reported

  11. Financial
    12. Precept for the year 1.4.2009 to 31.3.2010 of £4,500 received from DBC and a grant of £1,111.00 was paid to the Village Hall association.
    Notification of impending audit received.
    VAT reclaim for £161.09 received.
    Payment of £30 for repair works performed was proposed and seconded.

  12. Correspondence
    1. Calor Village of the Year
      2. An invitation to participate was received.
    2. Notice of statutory audit received. (see 10 above).
    3. Information regarding public sector Equality Duties received.
    4. Durham Rural Community News received.

  13. A.O.B
    1. A Vote of thanks was proposed and seconded for the outgoing parish clerk, Sue Bell, and the Councillors expressed unanimous thanks for the excellent work done by Sue for the council.
    2. A resident requested and received a standard letter concerning access to property over the village green (pedestrian and vehicular access via tarmac areas is allowed).
    3. A complaint was received regarding wording of previous minutes concerning some village properties. The parish clerk instructed to provide letter in reply.
    4. Manor Farm (Deferred from 6.2)
      5. Cllr. P. Bence left the meeting. The Chairperson was instructed to contact Darlington BC before AGM regarding time scales for restarting work, any outstanding conditions to be met, etc.

Next Meeting - 20th May, 2009 – 7:00 pm
Annual General Meeting.
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