MINUTES
Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership
GENERAL MEETING
Tuesday 20 September 2005 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Present: W Bates, J Blackburn, J Blakey, M Bell, R Bellis, K Calvert,
S Colquhoun, R Cowen P Dawe, N Dixon, J Geyer, J Gray, K Haigh, J Halford,
R Jackson, J Kane, M Milburn, R Millerchip, Maggie Robinson, Maureen Robinson,
S Robinson, A Shutt, M Syer, B Temporal, B Tickell, J Thompson, R Walsh,
S Walworth, C Whitfield, D Whittaker, A Wilson
In Attendance: B Cockburn, F Brettwood, J Niblo, M Ridley, J Tindale
1. Apologies: J Beck, M Dee, L Kirby, G Hutchinson, A Richardson, C Thompson,
D Whitfield
2. PC Cockburn: The usual problems in the area of the Co-op/Bowling Green during
the Summer holidays had been few this year, but the young people may have found
somewhere else to gather. A majority of houses have been demolished but the new
building may cause a disturbance.
Mike suggested that work in the Philip Avenue area could start towards the end of
the year, and demolition in Horton Crescent should be soon on a phase by phase
basis. Paul told the meeting that there would not be any security because that could
create a target for nuisance, but the situation will be monitored during the demolition.
3. Minutes of the last meeting, 16 August 2005:
Billy Tickell asked for these corrections: there was an agreement that the land on the
former Cape site had been designated for industrial use; there are wild orchids on the
site; there is the impression that the area is a dump and needs clearing up but it is
not that bad; the proposal is for a business park but they are going to build houses
and it is not a site for housing and the City planner had agreed with Bill; the asbestos
clearing is a load of rubbish and only the caravanners created rubbish; Bill who had
worked at Cape would object to houses; there is also the problem with traffic.
Discussion followed about to the Cape site being in Shincliffe Parish, but in the
settlement of Bowburn therefore we should have a say in the planning. It was pointed
out that the asbestos guidelines have changed and commercial developments would
never cover the costs and future development must be looked at sensibly.
Once the corrections were made, the minutes were accepted as a true record
(moved by D Whittaker and seconded by K Haigh).
4. There were no matters arising.
5. Treasurer: The Awards for All grant has now been spent on start up costs and
equipment, leaving £247.51 for general spending by the Partnership from the £500
from the City Council and a £30 private donation.
£11 497 had been paid into the Partnership account to be used exclusively for the
Home Front Recall events.
6. Correspondence:
Draft Masterplan received for distribution in the village. (19 August 05)
City Council confirmed the planning permission, subject to conditions, for Philip
Avenue, Robert Terrace and David Terrace. (Letter 5 September 05)
The secretary sent the following letters to:
John Tindale, Community development Officer, informing him that funding for Mr. and
Mrs. Somal was not agreed as the Community Chest does not fund businesses or
make retrospective payments. (Letter 23 August 05)
1Peter Thorpe, clerk of C&Q Parish Council, to arrange a meeting with the Parish
Councillors. (Letter 7 September 05)
Peter Thorpe for a donation from Parish funds for running costs of the Partnership.
(Letter 15 September 05)
Peter Thorpe for monies to fund a Centennial Commemorative gift for the children.
(Letter 15 September 05)
Tom Punton to express further concerns over the bio-diversity areas. (Letter 15
September 05)
Mr. Hudson, clerk to Shincliffe Parish Council, to invite him to the Consultation Event.
(Letter 15 September 05)
Secretaries of local groups to offer them the opportunity to elect a group
representative to vote at Partnership meetings. (Letter 16 September 05)
7. Reports:
John Tindale, Community Development Officer:
John asked what publicity was needed for the Consultation Day and it was agreed to
leaflet every house via the distributors of the Interchange newspaper.
The Partnership was asked to add a quote to a press release concerning the
Consultation Event. Janet and Paul will email this to John.
John explained the Community Chest, of which none of the £100 thousand has been
spent. It is a flexible and easy grant to access. The applications will be scrutinised
by Maureen and Paul, plus two members of the City Council, but the latter do not
have a vote. The applications will be brought back to a full Partnership meeting for
discussion and agreement.
Fiona Brettwood Project Manager:
Fiona requested more photographs for the Masterplan. The Consultation Event will
have themed boards and questionnaires to prioritise details on environment, traffic
and transport, heart of the village, recreation and leisure, heritage and culture, jobs,
housing and community projects.
A member asked that Old Quarrington and Tursdale be recognised on the
Masterplan to encourage those residents to participate in the consultation.
Fiona replied that this was not deliberate oversight, but she had focussed on
Bowburn because that was where the houses were coming down. Then the area
had been extended to include Parkhill.
She asked that the Masterplan be checked for correctness and a fair analysis of the
strengths and weaknesses of the area.
There was concern that certain areas on the Masterplan were not the remit of the
Partnership, but Fiona suggested that perhaps it should be the Partnership and
Community who prioritise what is wanted for the area.
Information was sought as how much influence we have on decisions for the two by-
passes when one of them appears to have been shelved.
Mike offered a suggestion that although there may be difficulties in getting the by-
passes, if the roads were important to residents then they should ask for them to be
retained on the plan.
Outreach Worker: Jon Niblo reported that the area remained quiet, but a resident
gave the information that children were congregating in David Terrace. Jon will liaise
with the police and Keith Davis on this matter. There were three to four 18/19 year
olds attending the Youth Centre. The possibility of a Youth Shelter will be explored
for a possible location and for funding.
It was explained that the Partnership was going to fund a shelter from the Community
Chest but had heard that the Police may be providing a pot of money.
Maggie told members that there had been talk of a Youth Shelter three years ago.
2A member suggested that the youth meet in the Youth Club, but Jon explained that it
was not for all youth and some preferred their own space where they could
congregate safely but cause fewer public nuisances.
Regeneration Working Group: Mike reported that six applicants from Bowburn were
interested in the Apprentice Scheme, following the advert from the City Council. Late
applications would be considered and there may be an increase in the age limit.
There had been discussion on the Esh Gp Scheme, and other options through DVR.
There are six removals outstanding in Phase two, Horton Crescent, but demolition
should start before all properties are empty depending on clearance from NEDL.
As the properties come empty they will be secured with steel shutters. At this
meeting a request was made that all empty properties be secured with steel shutters.
Trustees: There had been discussion about the proposed development of the Cape
Site and the Business Park off Tursdale Road. Mr. and Mrs. Somal’s letter for
retrospective funding was considered. It was agreed to meet with the Parish
Councillors to discuss their issues of concern.
12 Villages/SRB Representative: Jan reported that the Annual Conference would be
on Saturday, 1 October, from 9.30am. It would be opened by Roberta Blackman
Wood and Fred Robins would be speaking. There would be a mock-up of an aircraft
cockpit and the History Groups from the 12 Villages would be putting on displays on
the theme of Past and Present.
There has been interest in the Sensory Trail CD from the Institute for the Blind and
other villages. They are looking to give all those that have taken part a copy.
Funding has been secured for specialist training for carers.
Home Front Recall: The group met with Jock and Carrie to confirm arrangements in
the Community Centre for the events on Friday 18 November and Friday 16 Dec.
There was a request for items from the 40’s for the display in November.
The Eden Camp visit for 19 Oct is being organised now. Senior Citizens should
contact Janet if they wish to go. Some members will be volunteer helpers.
8. Group Reports:
Banner: The last meeting set the parameters of the new banner.
The Brass Band Concert is on Friday, 30 September. Jock explained the
arrangements for excluding under 18,s from the bar area of the Community Centre.
There must be no alcohol in the Foyer and there must be a watch for fake ID cards.
BVC: Issue 35 should be ready for distribution by the end of the week. Mike asked
for volunteers to help with the extra workload of giving out the leaflets.
Centenary: Sylvia Bearpark has arranged to give a quotation for stained glass
windows at the Community Centre. The centenary committee proposed inserting
stained glass in the lounge windows. Jock expressed a wish for the windows above
the front doors of the Community Centre only to be in stained glass, but it was
suggested that funding be applied for in both areas.
Community Centre: There is an open public meeting on 26 September to ratify the
constitution. They have three licences for events in November. They have estimates
for refurbishing the heating, electrics, roof and alarms. Northern Disabilities have
discussed access to the stage via a lift rather than a ramp. It is hoped to conserve
energy by zoning the Community Centre for heating.
History: John Gray had given an excellent slide show at the last meeting.
3PARC: Carrie had brought along a plan of the proposed play area, but it was from
2002 and some of the equipment may be outdated. They have quoted for equipment
from Wicksteads and they are in contact with D Marr and H Lee.
Carrie told members that they had the lease as CISWO had not responded within the
28 days. There is still the issue of the bungalow, which was included in the lease,
but this matter will be looked into.
D Whittaker expressed her congratulations to the group on this favourable outcome.
9. AOB:
A member was concerned about the poor state of the footpath running between the
Junior School and the rear of Monteigne Drive. There is a question of responsibility.
The Parish had taken it on and asphalted it, but it has since been covered with
tarmac. If this is removed then the Parish can, once again, take on the responsibility.
Maggie expressed how upset she felt when she was unable to vote after her
prolonged illness. Discussion took place and it was explained that the CVS had
given advice on voting rights which had been implemented in the constitution and
agreed at the AGM.
A member felt that the Parish Councillors should have a vote at meetings, and it was
pointed out that no group is barred from Partnership meetings and there are no
elected representatives of groups. At present, the Parish Councillors come as
individuals and do have a personal vote in accordance with the constitution.
It was commented that, in principle, the areas of biodiversity are a good idea but the
selected areas are not working.
The Football Club had been overlooked and was asked to make a report.
Alan said that there are 80 children in the junior club making 3 boys’ and 3 girls’
teams. 65 of the children are from Bowburn and Parkhill. It is two weeks into the
season and the new members are beginning to settle. Last year the three teams
won two leagues and this year they hope to win four. Scouts are watching the
matches and Alan’s son is in the Sunderland academy.
Date and time of the next meeting:
Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month.
The next meeting is 18 October at 6.30pm
Future meetings for:
2005: 15 Nov, 20 Dec.
2006: 17 Jan, 21 Feb.
The monthly meetings are open to all. Please bring a friend.
Catch up with what is going on in Bowburn, and have your say.
Minutes can be found in:
Community Centre, Lea’s Village Shop, Library, PO, Surgery.
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