Minutes 13th July 2021
WOLSINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of Meeting Held
Tuesday 13th July 2021, 7.00pm
Town Hall, Wolsingham
Present:
A Vipond, A Savory, D Jones, I Rodgers, D Sugden (Chair), Owain Gardner, E Johnson, AM Parkin, Y Bell, J Bell
1. Apologies for absence:
P C Dobson
2. TO RECEIVE QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:
No members of the public present.
3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:
Reminded of personal interests to be declared.
4. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD 18TH MAY 2021:
Minutes of the AGM 18th May - signed as true record.
Parish Council Minutes – 18th May
Cllr J Bell raised concerns with paragraph 12, he has also raised these concerns in a letter dated 3rd June. He would like the minutes to be corrected from ‘seeking judicial review’ to ‘considering judicial review’.
The minutes were signed as a true record with the above amendment.
5. MATTERS ARISING:
a. Weardale Practice Response
Dr Hackett responded very quickly to Cllr Sugden’s letter to the Weardale Practice raising concerns re the provision of GP services in Wolsingham. Dr Hackett understood these concerns and reassured that the Weardale practice were not thinking of withdrawing services from Wolsingham but at present the surgery on the market place is not suitable as there is no one way system available.
They have also recently lost two practice managers and are recruiting to these positions which is at the moment slowing the process of moving on.
Dr Hackett assured Cllr Sugden that they are intending to come back and may consider the possibility of using the St Anne’s centre in the future.
Cllr Savory let the meeting know that she had heard nothing of a withdrawal of services through the Adult Health and Wellbeing group.
Cllr J Bell commented that the surgery would be much better off occupying freehold property rather than leasehold. This would all need to be looked at through the correct NHS channels.
b. (2a) B.O.A.T
Byways issue
Cllr Jones – appraised the meeting regarding the byways issue. He had spoken with Chloe Gill, Community Police Officer, Weardale. The REBOOT operation from DCC, Durham Constabulary and the Forestry Commission are trying to stop the improper use of the byway. DCC are considering trying to close the byway for three years to let the area regenerate.
Officers will continue to deploy in the area and may possibly attend a meeting in the future to update the Parish Council.
c. (2b) Melbourne Place
Concerns re overuse of Glyphosate
Cllr Savory advised that the Clean and Green Team had made site visits. They had noted the areas had been sprayed and walked through and were a mess. A complaint from a resident of Wolsingham has gone to a senior member of County Hall. We were made aware however that although there are complaints of the use of Glyphosate there are also others that want the weedkiller used to keep the weeds under control.
Cllr Savory will ask for a copy of the response from DCC to the resident.
d. (8) Thornley Wood Car Park
Cllr Rogers reported that the visit from the Clean and Green Team had been very positive. A new much larger bin has now been installed. Cllr Rogers also brought up that from the January minutes reference was made to a donation of £200 to the Clean and Green Team and given that they have done everything possible, he would like to make sure they got the £200.
Action: DS to check January minutes.
e. (10a) Waskerley Beck Signs
Cllr Savory informed the meeting that a site meeting had took place and full risk assessment would be conducted, the results of which are not back to date. As soon as it is back Cllr Savory will request a copy.
f. (10e) Footpath 50 Fencing
The fence has been replaced, it is a nice and tidy job and overall councillors are happy that the matter is resolved.
g. Cllr Savory raised that a speeding survey had taken place at the West End. The results were not yet in but as soon as they are Cllr Savory would report back to the Parish Council.
6. TOWN CLERK:
a. Wellbeing
Cllr Sugden updated – Gordon is well and getting better. He may be back in mid August, he is eager to be back and doing his work.
b. future support, admin assistant/trainee/apprentice
Cllr Sugden raised the concern re planning for succession. The current clerk has enormous knowledge of the area, legalities and contacts etc. To be able to pass on this knowledge would be advantageous to the Parish Council.
Cllr Sugden raised the possibility of an admin assistant/trainee/apprentice to work alongside the clerk one day a week, although noting that there are no guarantees a trainee would stay in the position.
Cllr Savory commented that she has had a conversation with the clerk, and he would like to return to work as soon as he is able. He does not intend to retire for 3 years, therefore would there been any advantage to paying an extra wage for 3 years with no guarantees that a trainee once trained would stay in the position.
Cllr Rogers raised that maintaining records/filing system is key to passing on information. Gordon would be a difficult clerk to replace and acknowledged that adequate notice would be given before the clerk’s retirement.
Cllr J Bell raised the option of delegating some jobs to councillors, but it was noted that the jobs that the clerk does are very specific to the clerk.
Agreed to defer to September meeting when we will have more information.
7. COMMUNICATIONS:
a) DCC re footpath 91 cutting
DCC contacted the Parish Council to ask of footpath 91 could be cut by us and recharged back to DCC. It was arranged for Simon Makepeace to do this and the cost be recharged back to DCC.
b) Postofficenearme.com, request for web link
We were asked if we would add a link for the above on our website.
Cllr Sugden checked the link and found that the information was not up to date and therefore we would not add the link to the website.
c) Melbourne Place request for feedback
A reply has been sent to Mr Gardiner from the Chair.
d) Glyphosate use, further concerns
As noted above we are aware that this is a difficult issue, although there are many that do not want this to be used, there are also many that do want it to keep the weeds under control.
The matter is being looked into by DCC
e) P Allison, information about request for vary footpath
The Parish Council had been provided with a draft for this scheme to be able to consult with the Parish Council.
Proposing to move the footpath away from the farmyard seemed reasonable and the Wayfarers had thought this would be an improvement to the existing footpath. Mr Allison had offered to maintain the footpath and it maintained a degree of bridle way.
Cllr Rogers raised concerns that he did not think it was necessary. This is a well established route, byres appear to be gated off, is there any necessity with regard to health and safety have there been any reported near misses? Two footpaths had been fenced off across the land and there were problems with fencing and getting across the route, concerns raised with moving the footpath to the top of the field.
Cllr J Bell – declared an interest.
It was agreed that the council should have a look at this as a whole and a site meeting was agreed for Monday 19th July at 6pm. Mr Allison would be informed of the visit and hopefully would be able to meet to discuss.
f) Request to increase woodlands, Rob George
Durham County Council would like to increase the woodland in the region. We are asked if there are any suitable areas in Wolsingham. It was agreed that Mr George should come along to the next meeting to discuss and explain what the plans are.
g) 18 Meadhope Street
The Parish Council were made aware of concerns of the erection of a high fence and a hot tub at the property. Also, the existing chimney has been replaced at the property. DCC Planning have been informed and are looking into whether a planning application was made for the chimney. As Meadhope Street is in a conservation area permission should have been sought. The Planning Enforcement Officer will look into this.
8. HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY:
a) Health and Safety Council Statement – website (review due Mar 2020)
This statement was due to be reviewed in March 2020.
Reference to paragraph 1.3 – “if appropriate the Parish Council will seek advice regarding health and safety requirements.”
Health and Safety requirements have changed as follows.
b) H&S requirements for contracts – David Jones
Cllr Jones appraised the council re three principle legislations:
- Health & Safety at work
- Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 which reinforce Health & Safety at work
- Specific responsibilities on council as a client in contracts, and what we need to do prior to contracted works – new responsibilities.
c) H&S Responsibilities – David Jones
Guidance to be sought, advised of a two day training course.
Cllr Jones will see what needs to be revised on the website and will look into this for the next meeting.
A Health & Safety poster setting out responsibilities needs to be installed in the Town Hall as this is a matter of law. Cllr Jones will order one.
9. TOWN HALL:
a) Temporary booking arrangements (Katy Barsby)
Katy Barsby will take calls and bookings temporarily.
St Anne’s is currently unavailable for booking due to Covid vaccinations. The council have been informed that the last vaccinations should be the 6th August. No one will be using the facility until after the next batch of vaccines.
10. ANGATE STREET TOILETS:
a) Planning consent received, progress report
We are still waiting for detailed plans in order to put out to tender. Until these are received we cannot progress.
11. RECREATION GROUND:
a) Tennis Courts, progress report
Cllr Jones reported the survey has been completed although the drawings were not yet available. These will be available at the next meeting. The sulphate survey was ok being within the first limit.
The Parish Council are to look at the plans and consider whether the tennis courts are feasible and where they will be located. Not enough space near Skate Park.
It was agreed for discussions to take place at the next meeting when the survey was available re the possibility of moving the football field.
Cllr J Bell reported that concerns had been raised with him re the suggestion of moving football field from Wolsingham Football Team. The football team would like some certainty as to where the pitch will be located and are reluctant for the pitch to be moved.
It was agreed that the Parish Council would write to Mr N Elliott to give confirmation that the field could be certainly used for the upcoming season as the tennis courts would not be imminent. Also Mr Elliott may like to attend a meeting to put across his concerns.
b) Kiosk/Toilets at St Anne’s, progress report
Detailed plans are awaited. We can proceed when received, to put out to tender.
12. ALLOTMENTS:
a) Site wall fallen, progress report
Discussions were held at the May meeting. Durham County Council tree officer had reported the tree could not be taken down. Cllr Sugden went to meet with Mr Pybourne. A formal application was sent to Tree Officer to remove the limb of tree causing the trouble to the wall on the 14th June, but advised this may take 6 weeks for a response. (Confirmation received 14th July from DCC that limb of tree could be removed)
A letter had been received from Mr and Mrs Pybourne and they felt the offer of £150 and removal of the tree limb was inadequate, stating that the roots of the tree are the cause of the problem and this will also be an issue with the other five trees in the near future.
Cllr J Bell told us that there was a lot more responsibility for the Parish Council. Cllr Bell had been to see the wall and meet with Mr Pybourne to try to understand the issues. It is thought the wall has been there for 100+ years, well before the trees. The tree has grown to the point where it is pushing the wall over. Other locations with the same problems are developing. In his opinion and with his knowledge, this will rest with the landowner and the damage to the wall has been made by the tree. He would like all six trees removed and the wall repaired. This will also be the case with the other trees which will continue to damage the wall. The difficulty may be to get permission to remove or cut down the trees in the conservation area.
A decision was taken to amend the application to remove a limb of the tree to seek to remove all six trees. This decision lies with Durham County Council. The Parish Council are taking this issue seriously. The maintenance of the other five trees may need to be looked at in the meantime.
Cllr J Bell – alerted councillors to a similar problem of a tree in a neighbouring property pushing a boundary wall at the recreation ground.
b) Request for greenhouse on allotments
Gerry Brown allotment plot 3 has requested a 6x10 greenhouse on flagstone base. This would be within the arrangements for the allotments. Agreed by Parish Council.
c) Neglected allotments
Cllr Y Bell reported that, at the bottom of the allotments, two plots were overgrown and this was infringing on the other allotments.
Action: To write to the leaseholders of the allotments to ask for them to be properly maintained as in their contract with a time frame of three months. Non-maintenance may result in contracts not being renewed at the end of the lease term. Noted annual inspection usually takes place in September and April. There is a waiting list for the allotments and certainly an increase in the number of people that would like one.
Cllr J Bell raised the possibility of an annual fee plus a deposit which would be forfeited if the allotments were not maintained and this would be returnable if the allotment were in a good condition. Action: for discussion when the contracts are due to renewal next.
13. MEMBERS ISSUES:
a) Preparation for Wolsingham Show Fairground
Cllr Savory appraised the meeting re the Fair on the 1st weekend of September. A meeting will go ahead Friday 16th July 2021 at 11am with the Chair, Police and Cllr Savory re safety regulations, applying for road closure, also Covid regulations this year and insurance to check. Any councillors would be welcome to attend.
b)
Cllr Savory had attended Tom’s Copse – Demesne Mill and it was recognised that the Wayfarers do great work. Cllr Savory was asked about a seat at the side of copse. Money could be made available from Cllr Savory’s neighbourhood budget to have a seat installed just across from the stone.
Seat agreed by the Parish Council.
c)
Cllr Savory reminded the Parish Council that Wolsingham School Head Teacher Mr Ferstenberg moves on this Friday. The Parish Council would like to wish him good luck for the future. Action – Chair to email.
d)
Cllr Savory informed the council of a wish to hold a Flower Festival next June. Permission had been sought from Reverend Whalley and the Church Wardens. WRECAS funds. This would be a week long festival with lots of things involved and is in the early stages of planning. Thoughts have been given to Songs of Praise, NHS, Primary and Secondary School involvement. A substantial part of the cost will come from Cllr Savory’s members budgets. The Parish Council were asked to make a contribution to this Cllr Savory declared an interest and left the room as this was discussed.
Agreed in principle to support the project with a donation of £500. To be reviewed nearer to the time.
e)
Cllr O Gardner had received a letter with concern over noise from Spar forecourt and cars exiting. Agreed problems with noise were really a matter for Environmental Health within Durham County Council. Agreed that the Parish Council write to Spar to acknowledge they had received the complaint also to signpost the complainant to Environmental Health.
Cllr Savory informed the meeting that SLOW signs were going on the road in this area in the next couple of weeks.
f)
Residents from Mill Race had raised concerns with Cllr J Bell that the recreation ground car park was being used by people out of the area making their vehicles do ‘dohnuts’.
Consideration given to closing the gates of the recreation ground of an evening. Signs are still in situ to say that the car park will be locked and it is clear that this is the property of the Parish Council.
It was agreed over the next approximately three issues of the Town Crier that residents be made aware that the gates will be locked from a specific date. Cllr J Bell is willing to lock the gate of an evening. Cllr Vipond raised concerns re Emergency Services needing access at all times, a key code to be made available. Also the Fairground operators would be in and out of the recreation ground in September so it may be best to implement any change after September.
The decision was to experiment with locking/unlocking the gates, possibly towards the winter months. The times at which it would be locked would be discussed later.
g)
Cllr J Bell also raised issues of dogs fouling in the play area, with reports of fouling in the sand pit. Signs are visible on the gates that dogs are not allowed in the play area but this is difficult to enforce. Cllr Savory to ask for an increase in the presence of the warden during the summer. It was also noted that there is always good feedback from residents and visitors as to how good the playground is.
h)
Cllr J Bell – raised that the drain needs cleaning in the skate park. Mr Fletcher used to do this. Alternative arrangements may need to be made for the time being. Cllr Savory agreed to ask the Clean and Green Team to have a look at this. Cllr J Bell also raised concerns from a resident that the concrete has suffered some wear and tear. Cllr Jones will have a look at this when he is able to.
i)
Cllr J Bell – reported that the area around the skate park is not being cut when the rest of the grass is and this looks ‘shabby’. The Parish Council understood that it would be cut but the question was raised that this has recently been reseeded and therefore may not be ready to cut. Cllr Y Bell queried the possible use of shrubs in this area as an alternative solution.
Action – Cllr J Bell to try and catch the grass cutters to see if it can be ascertained as to why the area is not being cut.
j)
Cllr J Bell – raised the presence of the loose hardcore track at the skate park and should this be improved by changing to solid tarmac path? The understanding was this was a temporary measure, until the grass was established, so should the hardcore be removed? Cllr Vipond said that proper access was planned.
Action: To look at the cost of tarmac and maintenance. Cllr Jones to have a look at the feasibility of this.
k)
Cllr J Bell -suggested bowling green be more accessible. Fencing/hedging not friendly it would be good to have seating where you were able to watch the bowls from outside the ground. The barbed wire is unfriendly and perhaps they could be more accommodating.
Cllr Savory acknowledged that the bowlers take great pride in the green.
Cllr Sugden to look at the suggestion of a reduction in the height of the hedge at the bowling green or perhaps the installation of a fence rather than the hedge.
l)
Cllr Rogers raised the subject of a rejig of the Town Centre, the need to make the Market Place more attractive and the Town centre now being very underused. Cllr Sugden raised the option of Cherry Trees and the space being available for these trees. Action: to be on the agenda for the next meeting.
14. Issues raised by Mr J Bell, progress report
Cllr Sugden informed the council that Gill Errington has contacted the council asking for contact details of councillors involved within the complaint and the councils code of conduct. Decision will be made as soon as is possible.
Cllr J Bell declared an interest.
Cllr Savory – declared an interest.
Cllr J Bell said that a formal response should have been provided by the 12th July.
15. FINANCE:
a) Annual Audit Report: deferred
This was due 30th June the auditor was not in a position to do it due to Gordon’s illness. We had a deadline of Tuesday 13th July. We had notified them that the annual returns would not be back in time.
If the AGAR is not received by close of play Tuesday 13th July an official reminder would be sent with a cost incurred of £40+vat. This is unavoidable at the present time due to the clerk’s ill health. The auditor is willing to help to get the documents examined and returned.
Cllr Sugden will try to progress this but at present we are out of time and this will be done in due course.
b) Finance reports; to end June 2021
Cllr J Bell questioned, why does the Parish Council pay for fertiliser for bowling green? – this was answered as it is owned by the Parish Council.
June statement of accounts; seen and accepted.
c) Cheques for payment; Listed and approved
16. PLANNING MATTERS:
a) Use of website link for updates
No list was available at the meeting. In order to keep up to date a planning link which allows you to receive information is on the website. This allows you to be notified by email of any new planning applications and to respond accordingly.
Cllr Savory declared an interest as she is now on the Planning Committee, and in future will remain silent on planning matters or leave the room.
17. NEXT MEETING DATE:
14th September – date agreed by council