Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership
Charity Number 1112151
GENERAL MEETING
Tuesday 19 September 2006 from 6.30pm to 9.30pm
Present: M Bell, R Bellis, J Blackburn, J Blakey, K Calvert, S Colquhoun, R Cowen, P Dawe, M Dee, N Dixon, K Griffiths, K Haigh, R Jackson, J Kane, R Millerchip, S Raine, Maggie Robinson, A Shutt, M Syer, S Thompson, R Walsh, S Walworth, D Whittaker (7.10pm)
In Attendance: B Bates, B Cockburn, J Eden, C Feenan, S Hawley, M Lee, M Ridley, G Stoker, J Tindale, A Ward
1. Apologies for absence: J Halford, A Richardson, Maureen Robinson, A Wilson
2. PC Cockburn: Incidents: Parkhill – 1 arson, 1 burglary where the thief had reached the front door keys through the letterbox. The lesson is that keys should be left in a secure, inaccessible place; Cassop – 2 criminal damage. Bowburn – 5 thefts of a hosepipe, caravan, garden bench, car parts and motor fuel; 1 criminal damage to the bonnet of a vehicle; 1 public order offence.
Information is still being collated on youth anti-social behaviour and alcohol misuse.
A member reported that a car had stopped on the estate and bought alcohol, some of which was given to youngsters. PC Cockburn requested the registration number of the car.
Another member informed PC Cockburn that it was only Community Support Officers who would not move their vehicle from the verge outside the park on Sunday, 23 July.
Bruce said he would speak with the Sherburn police, who were on duty that day.
3. Baydale CCTV: Andy Ward (Baydale Control System Ltd)
Carol explained that the proposed CCTV system would cover the Park and Co-op area.
Since Andy had been to the earlier meeting the Park scheme had been proposed and it was the most expensive to transmit so he has tried to combine both the Park and Co-op schemes.
The Park scheme could have 3 cameras connected from the Park to the Community Centre of the same quality as the City Centre pictures, which could be stored for 30 days.
The Co-op would have a wireless camera system which would transmit to the city via the Community Centre. This camera can be moved.
The total cost of both these systems is approximately £83 000.
A member asked how much space it takes in the Community Centre and was told a box of about 19 inches.
On the question of vandalism, Andy said that would be almost impossible, but an anti climb collar can be fixed at a relatively low cost.
Asked about picture quality, Andy explained that fibre optic pictures do not degrade, but wireless does lose some definition but very little.
On the matter of who is responsible for security inside the building, Andy would have to raise that matter.
The question of a link from Coxhoe Sports Centre and sharing the costs with Bowburn was raised, but Andy did not see that going ahead as they may be using a broadband system.
There was concern about finding £5 000 annual revenues, long term running costs, and maintenance costs but Carol stated that the City looking at ways to consume the cost.
JT asked if the Partnership wanted to go ahead with CCTV.
Further discussion would take place with the trustees.
Paul thanked Andy for his presentation.
4. Park Development Proposal
Stephen Hawley (Projects Manager), Michael Lee (Technical Support Manager), J Tindale, C Feenan
Carol showed the meeting the revised plan of the Park project and stated that she had received 727 replies to the questionnaires of which there was a resounding ‘yes’ vote for the footpaths, toilets and football grounds.
MS asked about the Youth Shelter, and Carol said that it had been taken out of the plan but was to be progressed with the Youth Centre.
Mgt.R stated that there had been no consultation with the Parish concerning the use of the footpath through the allotments.
JT reminded Mgt.R that this matter had been discussed at the last Parish meeting, and the PARC group had been told that the Parish could see no problem using the path for the CCTV.
MS queried who would pay for the long term maintenance of the path and lights, and of the possibility of an adoptable standard for the path.
SH explained that the County Council would take responsibility for the path to the school, and negations could be made with the County for the one through the allotments, if the Parish permit.
JT introduced the Funding Plan and noted that this was the first occasion for feedback, but he felt that it covered what the community wants. Stephen had costed the projects along with the potential amount of funding. JT would like an indication of what the Partnership thinks of the costs and the element of Bowburn Regeneration Funding.
Carol Feenan highlighted the important points of the ‘Funding Plan’.
The Sensory Garden is for completion by July 2007 and would include a ‘Riverbank Clear Up’. The picnic tables would be throughout the park.
A member asked if starting work on the Sensory Garden would count as retrospective funding and jeopardise the funding for the rest of the Park.
A discussion took place on phasing the projects from the Park scheme to overcome the possibility of retrospective funding.
Mgt.R was concerned that Parkhill would not be able to apply to Biffaward for their children’s play area but was told that was not the case.
ML stated that ‘Refurbish Existing Park Cottage’ should be taken out of the plan.
A member asked if private companies could contribute.
CF explained that 55% of private funding was needed to secure the Sport’s Foundation funding and each firm will be been asked to sponsor one piece of equipment, or part of.
It was asked why the Coalfield’s Regeneration Fund had not been used and another member had discovered that they were releasing only amounts of up to £3000.
A member brought up the original question of the Partnership agreeing to spend £750 000.
JT would like the partnership to agree to a figure to take the applications forward.
Members felt that more discussion was needed.
ML made the point that discussion can take place on the global figure but the individual costings were confidential. When consideration was made it may be worth setting priorities and a delay does not substantially alter the costs.
JT would have liked feedback tonight but realises that it is a huge figure.
Paul thanked the architects Michael and Stephen before they left the meeting.
5. John Tindale (Economic and Community Development Manager):
Ogden’s Site: JT gave out plans of the proposed development on Ogden’s site showing food stores and car park. He does not know who the supermarket operator is but the largest store is bigger than the local plan of 1100 m2. The disadvantages are that Ogden’s have been directed to use the Industrial estate access and the car park is huge which could attract antisocial behaviour.
A member asked about a size comparison with other supermarkets.
JT said that it is slightly larger than a Neto or Lidl, and would be one fifth the size of Dragonville’s Tesco.
Certain members felt that there was a problem with extra traffic and pedestrian access.
It was asked when this would go ahead but JT did not know but added that he did not think that Ogden’s would have submitted an application if it was not ready to go ahead.
Another member gave the information that this application had been listed in the Northern Echo which JT was not aware of.
Mike Syer and Maggie Robinson took no part in this item on the agenda.
Cape Site: JT has met Hallam Land Management who will be reporting to the planning committee on 11 October. Peter Herbert, City of Durham Planning Department, feels that Hallam had a favourable response from the village and would like to have the views of the Partnership It was agreed to write to the City highlighting any support or areas of concern surrounding the plans. (Action Janet)
6. Update Masterplan - Carol Feenan (Community Development Officer):
Carol distributed the predicted costs of the Masterplan Projects and the amount needed from the Bowburn Regeneration Fund, which amounted to less than the £1.8 M.
Certain items needed costs i.e. Environment, Parkhill recreation, which Mgt.R said she had, Youth Shelter and the History Book.
The Church reported that they did not need money for the temporary accommodation but may ask for money for the Church Hall.
A member was worried about the question marks showing no estimated funding.
7. Minutes of last meeting and matters arising – 15 August 2006:
After inserting ‘Church’ before council in the church report, the minutes were taken as a true record.
There were no matters arising.
8. Report and matters arising – Trustees 16 August 2006:
They will be discussed at the Trustees meeting.
9. Items of Any Other Business – Register title of issue for item 14: Old Quarrington - FORGE
10. Treasurer’s Report:
General Fund - Balance £460.96, Centenary Fund - Balance £2 360.42, Community Chest - Nil.
11. Correspondence:
> R Blackman-Wood:– Invitation to funding session, 6 October, 2pm to 4pm, Brandon Community Hall.
>Durham County Council:– display of plans for Durham Johnston School, 9 Oct – 14 Oct, Bowburn Library.
> J Tindale re Dedicated Worker:– guarantees that the City Council will provide as much resource as possible to bring the Masterplan to reality. C Feenan is working almost exclusively in Bowburn and will do so for the foreseeable future. Staffing will be reviewed in the future, when there is the demand.
> B Spears re land in Prince Charles/Horton Crescent:– DVRC will produce sketch plans later in the year. This is part of a larger scheme to include Tail Upon End Lane which will be subject to departure procedures. Once initial proposals on both sites are completed it will be discussed with the Partnership, possibly by the end of the year.
12. Reports:
> Regeneration Working Group: There had been no mention of the planning proposal for the Prince Charles/Horton Crescent site being part of a larger scheme to include Tail Upon End Lane.
There were 10/11 out of 90 young people interested in the apprenticeship scheme.
The demolition of the boarded up houses in Horton should be completed in 2/3 weeks time.
The Masterplan is still being written and may be ready for November.
Concerns had been expressed about the state of the building site, lack of telephones, and a damaged car. The site is registered with the Considerate Constructors Scheme but there is no sign displaying contact numbers.
> Parish Council: No meeting in August
> Quarry Liaison Committee: The next meeting will be in Oct/Nov. There is a sign for lorries to stop for pedestrians and horses.
> LSP: It was made clear that no new businesses will be from outside the area on the business park.
> 12 Villages/SRB6 Representative: Annual Conference has the theme of Community Development on 30 September in Bowburn Community Centre from 9.30am to 2.30pm. Judith Green is conducting a 12 Villages Appraisal. A Dry Stone Wall Course takes place on 14, 15, and 21. There will be an inventory of the graveyard.
13. Group Noticeboard:
Banner: Had a very successful evening for the Edith Cavell banner; took the Centenary banner to the New Herrington parade. There are more events on 14 October and 15 December.
BVC: The next meeting is on Thursday and the next edition is in October.
Football Teams: The under 16 boys now have a team, along with 100 younger boys and girls. The under 11’s and 16’s play at home on Sunday at 1.30pm. Please give them your support.
History: Meet on Thursday
Website: August had the most visits ever in 1 month, showing a fantastic growth in the site. The most popular site was the Banner pictures. The ‘message’ site gives a voice to all, mainly about the mess from the building site. The Community Centre site is being developed. Contact the site via george@stokers.net.
Youth Centre: Raised £154 at the Summer Fair. 2 girls enjoyed a residential at Hamsterley Forest. Some clearing work was done in the garden which will continue. Tuesdays - lads club will do art work on the Sports Hall walls. Wednesdays - Turn Back Time project. Wednesday - afternoon NEETs will use Derik bus. New seats have been donated from Mid Durham Projects club. Over the summer 32 young people attended more than 1 session and some went to all the sessions.
14. Any Other Business: Julie Bearpark will be having a FORGE meeting next week.
15. Date and Time of Next Meeting: Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month.
Next meeting is 17 October 2006