Launch of Masterplan is 28 November from 2.00pm to 8.00pm in Bowburn Community Centre
MINUTES
Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership
Charity Number 1112151
GENERAL MEETING
Tuesday 21 November 2006 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Present: M Bell, B Bellis, J Blackburn, J Blakey, K Calvert, S Colquhoun, R Cowen, P Dawe, N Dixon, J Geyer, K Haigh, J Halford, J Kane, R Millerchip, A Richardson, A Shutt, W Stainthorpe, M Syer, S Thompson, R Walsh, D Whittaker, A Wilson
In Attendance: B Cockburn, M Ridley, P Sinclair
1. Apologies for absence: M Dee, J Eden, C Feenan, K Griffiths, G Hutchinson, R Jackson, S Raine, Maggie Robinson, Maureen Robinson, G Stoker, J Tindale, S Walworth,
2. PC Cockburn: Incidents. Parkhill – 2 criminal damage with one person arrested;
Bowburn – 2 burglary, 5 theft, 6 criminal damage, plus youth nuisance on the Philip Avenue building site.
A member enquired about the hole in the wall at the Coop and Bruce says he is still concerned about the area but DTZ, the agent, does not move quickly on reports of vandalism. If anyone can give a statement about incidents, Bruce would appreciate that.
Another member asked about the procedure for reporting bonfires, because material had not been cleared away when reported. Bruce thought that the City Council would have so many incidents that they may not have been able to respond to all of them. He felt that there had been improvements over the last year, but the member was not so sure.
Another member reported youth nuisance in the colliery streets, and another described bike riding on footpaths. Bruce noted these points and would check if there was any information on these incidents.
When Bruce had finished his report he left for another meeting.
3. Carol Feenan: In the absence of Carol, Pam Sinclair read out the updates on the Masterplan Projects: Environment: J Westgarth, City of Durham, working with Mike Syer,
Un-made Roads: County writing to all residents concerned.
Recreation: Project/funding timetables being drawn up for next Project Management Meeting on 27 November.
Church: Continuing to use the Methodist Chapel.
Parkhill: Consultation event carried out.
Youth: Steve Hawley/Carol Feenan met with M Syer and J Beck to inform of the project management role the City of Durham could provide. It was left to Steve to draw up detailed specifications for the whole project.
Heritage: List of equipment with estimates has been obtained and will be discussed at the next meeting.
Centenary: Bush Big Band Dance Evening 15 December. Tickets only £5, including buffet supper.
4. Masterplan: Update of each project and the group news if appropriate (e.g. Community Centre, Church).
Highways: A representative of Parkhill Residents’ Association suggested that item (6) ‘Provide safe crossing point on the B6291 in Parkhill’ could be taken out of the plan. It was thought that Parkhill already has sufficient safe crossing points.
Members’ comments included making the crossing point safer with a pedestrian or pelican crossing, but the Parkhill resident felt that it would impede the flow of traffic close to a dual carriageway.
It was agreed to leave in item (6) with a query.
Environment: There has been no meeting but there has been an enquiry to J Westgarth concerning off street parking.
Unmade Roads: No further update.
Recreation: There is to be a meeting with the City Council on 27 November for an update on the plans.
Community Centre: Awaiting plans and costs. 5 December the pantomime.
Church: There is a change of the project priority because the portacabin was not permanent, therefore not possible. They would like a Parish Hall, which will be attached to the Church, added to the Masterplan.
The chair asked if this should be passed by the members, but it was pointed out that this was a change of a statement of need and not necessary.
Parkhill: There was some consultation about the children’s play area in Parkhill on 11 November, which will continue until Christmas, and the plans are in the shop window for the children to give their views, because feedback was wanted from all residents.
The plans are going to need more money and they are looking for matched funding, but there are no definite costings as yet. They have three quotations.
Parkhill is a ‘No Calling Zone’, meaning that there will be no cold callers. It is a pilot scheme through the Neighbourhood Watch.
A member suggested that a similar scheme could be investigated for Bowburn, and Mike will check on this.
Parkhill’s Christmas Party for the children is 15 December at 5.30pm.
Youth: Prices are being worked out for the refurbishment of the Youth Centre.
Heritage: Funding is being investigated for the Heritage Centre. There is progress on the book and Mike was complemented on the excellent work he has done on this project.
Centenary: Children planted bulbs in the planters at Parkhill and in the green at Prince Charles Avenue. Thank you to everyone who helped. An oak tree will be planted in Mary Terrace next week. Tickets are available for the Bush Big Band on 15 December and, as there is a raffle that night, there is a request for prizes. They can be left with Dawn, Janet, Maureen, Paul, or Janet can collect them if you let her know.
Masterplan Display - 28 November 2006, 2.00pm to 8.00pm, Community Centre:
Pam asked if the flyer advertising the Masterplan Display had been delivered to all members. From the meeting individual members living in Newton Villas, Clarence Street, and Grangepark Crescent, had not received it.
Pam Sinclair left when this part of the meeting was finished.
As well as the Masterplan Report, the event on 28 November will show the Project Priorities and Community Chest successes. Comments on all aspects of the Display can be made on the day.
Members were urged to attend the Display so that they can examine the Interim Masterplan Report, which was written by Fiona Brettwood, and commissioned by Durham Villages Regeneration (City Council plus Keepmoat). The Partnership and Focus Groups contributed to the report, and the Trustees have helped to proof-read the document.
A member asked about the role of Grimley’s in the future plans for Bowburn. Apart from certain demographics incorporated in the Report, it was thought that Grimleys did not have any other input in the report.
A member felt that there was the hint that Bowburn would become a massive development but that had been categorically denied by Fiona.
The chair hoped that the map showing houses to be demolished in Horton Crescent and Prince Charles Avenue had been updated by Fiona.
5. Minutes of last meeting and matters arising: 17 September 2006
The minutes were taken as a true record by K Calvert and N Dixon.
There were no matters arising.
6. Minutes and matters arising from Trustees:
27 September - The Trustees finalised the Regeneration Pot Application Forms plus the Guidance Notes and Notes for Completion.
24 October – The Trustees asked Fiona Brettwood for updated copies of the Masterplan Interim Report.
They decided to exhibit the successes of the Community Chest alongside the Masterplan Display.
The Parish Council has declined the offer to share the funding and use of the community noticeboards.
It was agreed that the Partnership should move ahead with this. See item 11.
8 November – Fiona Brettwood discussed the updated Masterplan and said she is in discussion to put the Masterplan into the form of a report or newsletter for every household.
7. Items of Any Other Business: Register title of issue for item 13
(i) Vandalism in David Terrace and rumours of compensation. (ii) Green bins not recycled.
(iii) Crow Trees Nature Reserve. (iv) Philip Avenue.
8. Treasurer’s Report: The Centenary funds should cover expenses for the Bush Big Band. The Community Chest has £62 080 left to spend. The General Fund increases gradually because of the quarterly quiz money.
9. Community Chest: The quotation has been received for the Fishburn Band from the BVC. The application is now complete and will be paid if the Awards For All application is unsuccessful.
Members discussed the large balance in the Community Chest and suggested that groups be encouraged to spend the money, and the possibility of changes to the criteria. Discuss at trustees’ meeting on Mon 27 Nov.
10. Correspondence:
> From P Thorpe informing Partnership of £100 from Parish Council.
> From P Thorpe giving resume of meeting of Parish Council and Partnership representatives for joint funding of noticeboards. The clerk would like to know when the Partnership needs the donation from the Parish to cover its share of the cost.
A member noted that this had not been clarified because the Parish Council cancelled its last meeting, but it was believed the Parish Council expects to apply to the Community Chest for £5000 for noticeboards.
> A copy of a letter concerning development of new houses in Horton Crescent showed an amended plan to correct the error of houses marked for demolition. Comment forms are available at Bowburn Library.
> From City Council notifying of the Swimming Pool Update Event from 6pm-8pm on 28 November.
> From CVS informing of fundraising using the Community Fonebak scheme, which attempts to recycle or re-market unwanted mobile phones for cash or vouchers.
The secretary appealed to members to donate their unwanted mobiles (and chargers), without SIM card. When 30 are donated they can be sent away.
> From KH who has been asked to attend a consultation event on 30 November regarding the Council Tax.
11. Reports and matters arising:
Regeneration Working Group, 7 November: The Apprenticeship Scheme has 4 working on the Haslam site and there are 6 others working elsewhere that makes a total of 10, which are fewer than expected.
County Durham Steering Group have gained £118 000 funding for a Settlement Renewal Officer dedicated to Bowburn for Economic Development Issues, which is effectively a project manager, and the Partnership will be consulted on the job description.
The Masterplan is set to cause a population growth, and the LDF had been pro development of Prince Charles Avenue as long as it benefits the community. There will need to be an outline planning application for Phase Two at Prince Charles Avenue because it is a large green field area and GONE would have to approve the plans.
3 Rivers Housing have tenants in 4 flats and 2 bungalows, and there should be 6 more lets before Christmas. MS and PD have viewed one of the bungalows and were appreciably impressed by its size.
DVR meet on 6 December to ratify the £720 000 allocation from the Regeneration Fund to the Park Project. It then goes to Cabinet for final ratification.
Existing road works should be completed within the week. The narrowness of roads in the plans is not unique to Durham County Council. Haslam will repair damaged kerbs but not make up the paths. The paying of compensation was raised, but Mr. Jaruga was reluctant to commit on this, because it could set a precedent.
Residents in the area of the building site are very distressed at the amount of mud and the length of time it remains without being cleaned up.
R Bass and M Croft (Haslam) have twice met Paul and Mike on site. MS is favourably impressed by immediate response to issues raised. The test will be if this is maintained.
From experience, a resident of Lawson Road was doubtful that any promises would be fulfilled. It was suggested that the liaison committee should include a walkabout in Lawson Road.
Both sides agreed that continued communication is essential, but Haslam will not act on noms de plume so, if you want your comments acted on, please put your true name on any correspondence.
Parish Council: No scheduled monthly meeting, but there had been a special meeting to discuss the site of a coal tub which had been donated. The preferred place is on the corner of Mary Terrace opposite the War Memorial. A planning application will be submitted in due course.
Noticeboard: A member stated she had been informed that noticeboards are a Parish Council matter, which has been discussed for many years. A member explained that when a planning application is made the Parish Council is informed, but does not control the application. Old Quarrington does not want a board but the secretary thought that the proposed 5 boards could be put onto one application, in case there was a change of mind. However she was told that if an objection to one board was upheld the whole application would be denied. Another member thought the existing means of sharing information i.e. the library, shop doors etc was adequate. There seems to be some confusion around the subject. Discuss at trustees’ meeting on Monday.
Quarry Liaison Committee: There has been no information from M Thompson. It was suggested that the New Year would be a good time to ask her to move progress.
LSP: The latest strategy concerns the problems of young people and consulting young people.
12 Villages/SRB6 Representative: Committee skills at Brandon FC on Thursday 30 November. The Three Rings Sensory Trail is to tie in with Croxdale. The Dry Stone Wall Course is on 24, 25, 31 March 2007.
12. Group Noticeboard:
Banner: The new banner has been shown on 26 October and 12 November. There is an application to extend the project for a year. A DVD titled ‘Bowburn’s Centenary Banner 2006’ is on sale for £6.
BVC: There will be a December issue of the Interchange, the last full colour issue for the Centenary year, and the deadline for articles is the end of November. The Remembrance Service was well attended by about 100 people. The mining memorial will be dedicated on 16 December at 11 am in the Community Centre.
Football Teams: The pitch was marked out again most satisfactorily, but unfortunately a car has ruined it by driving across the football ground several times. The gate needs to be locked and a bottom gate erected to stop access. The Junior School is in discussion to form a school-club link, and Alan starts coaching sessions in the Junior School next week. All the teams are playing well and the girls are representing the Durham Area.
History: Discussion took place about the book, the 2007 calendar, and the possibility of forming a Family History Group as a sub group of the History Society. There was a talk on churches at the last meeting.
Website: The website continues to grow with the sports’ pages being the most popular. The message board continues to expand with new ‘For sale’ and ‘Wanted’ pages, but the most discussed topic is the mess/disruption in the Haslam Homes development. (See Item 11, above, for use of real name)
Bowburn net is being updated and should have a ‘cleaner’ web portal plus easier edit templates. Do keep visiting www.bowburn.net and pass on any ideas to George at george@thestokers.net or at home, as he recovers slowly.
Youth Centre: The centre is closed. It was inspected in July and the report came through for the last meeting to say that the building was unsafe. The biggest obstacle to opening is the front door and some minor DIY jobs. If there are any volunteers who could help, the centre could be open in a very short time. Joanne Eden is still employed and has arranged for sessions to continue in the Community Centre.
13. Any Other Business:
> Continued vandalism to the cars in David Terrace is a concern, which is not helped by the street lights being out. There is a rumour of compensation, but nothing has been confirmed.
A member said it could be for criminal damage.
> The recycling wagon went into David Terrace but did not empty the ‘green boxes’. There was a suggestion that it could have broken down because later a transit van was seen emptying boxes.
> There is a significant amount of gorse being cut out of Crow Trees Nature Reserve. This will change the character of the area and therefore the habitat. A reply from I Armstrong suggested that there was to be meadow rich grassland and S Barnes has commented that planners like tidy areas but these are deserts as far as wildlife is concerned. The biggest worry is that there is little consultation with the local neighbourhood, especially to the west of the reserve. It was agreed to write to I Armstrong with these concerns. Action Janet.
> Poor street lighting in Philip Avenue is causing accidents.
> It was asked if the Highways project could be discussed at the trustees’ meeting.
14. Date and Time of Meetings:
Bush Big Band is on 15 December 2006. Doors open 7.00pm.
Next general meeting is 19 December 2006 at 6.30pm
Dates of meetings in 2007: 16 Jan, 20 Feb, 20 Mar, 17 Apr, 15 May, 19 Jun, 17 Jul.