GENERAL MEETING – MINUTES
Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership - Charity Number 1112151
Tuesday 19 June 2007. From 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Present: M Bell, J Blackburn, J Blakey (left 7.30), S Colquhoun, P Dawe, N Dixon, J Geyer, K Griffiths, R Jackson,
R Millerchip (From 8.25), S Millerchip, S Raine, A Richardson, Maggie Robinson, Maureen Robinson, S Robinson,
A Shutt, W Stainthorpe, S Thompson, R Walsh, S Walworth, D Whittaker, A Wilson
In Attendance: B Cockburn, J Elder, G Marsden, M Ridley, Ian Hunter Smart
1. Apologies for absence: P Sinclair, M Syer, J Wilson
J Anson, K Barber, R Cowen, K Haigh, G Hutchinson, J Kane, J Kelly, R Millerchip,
2. Police Report: Parkhill 2 theft; Cassop 2 theft, 1 damage; Bowburn 1 robbery, 4 burglaries, 3 theft: 2 damage.
The mini street safe scheme has finished but as a result:
There are now two police officers working out of the police station in Bowburn; A day of action targeted vehicle
licences; A school visit to Years 5 and 6 on Anti-social behaviour which should be of a long term benefit; Home
visits accompanied by a City Housing Officer let parents know that anti-social behaviour could affect council house
tenancies; The Fire Brigade gave fire and safety advice; Neighbourhood Wardens provided 2 skips for unwanted
items; Licensed Premises were reminded of the voluntary ‘Over 21 Scheme’ on Fridays and Saturdays.
A member reported that because of the success of the Street Safe Scheme in Bowburn antisocial behaviour had
moved to the football field in Parkhill. PC Cockburn said the 2 policemen from Bowburn would transfer to Parkhill to
deal with the problem. Another member hoped that the problems would not re-occur now that the Scheme had
finished. However the police were confident that things would remain as at present.
Members reported an increase in the use of air guns in the South Industrial Estate.
Members thanked the Police because they appreciated the benefits of the Street Safe Scheme and members
agreed for a letter of thanks to be sent to Inspector Dodds. (Action Janet)
The local County Councillor explained that the 6 month road closure for David Terrace and Philip Avenue reported
in the Northern Echo was completely unfounded and would not happen.
He also announced that there would be a Public Enquiry, date to be arranged, into Parking and Proposed
Developments in Robert and Philip Avenue.
PC Cockburn and Councillor Williams were thanked for their attendance and left the meeting at 6.55pm.
3. Masterplan Reports:
Highways: When the construction of the Link Road causes the temporary closure of the road to Sherburn, concerns
were expressed about possible problems at the junctions onto the A177. The Western Spine Road is to be put
forward for the 2009/10 Transport Plan 3. The City was asked for a copy of the ‘evidence’ prior to the Cape Site
appeal. K Laidlaw replied that the statements on behalf of the City Council will be put online, and similarly the
‘Cape’ proofs of evidence when they are received. The ‘criteria’ for the Community Transport Project has not been
confirmed by the funders as yet. G Wingrove is investigating the possibility of mini-roundabouts at the Bowburn
North Industrial Estate and the Jet Filling Station. There is no update on the Regional Spatial Strategy concerning
the Road/Rail Interchange at Tursdale.
It was reported that the Durham MP is looking into the Road/Rail Interchange at Tursdale.
Parkhill: The group have had a very positive meeting about PH park development, costing £317 500.
A representative expressed concerns that J Tindale was not at the meeting for their presentation, as promised.
Members agreed to ask the City Council for a CDO to attend the monthly Partnership meetings in future so that they
could ‘gauge the feeling’ of the members. (Action Janet)
Heritage Room: No further progress.
Centenary: The Centenary oak tree is growing well. The secretary has made enquiries about the availability of the
Bush Big Band for a Xmas dance on 14 December.
A member enquired why the Centenary Group is still in existence. The chair explained that some funding still
remained for future dances. A member reminded the meeting that there was to be a plaque erected on the site of
the Centenary oak tree and photographs will be taken.
Youth: There had been a joint meeting with the Youth Club, Community Centre and the City Council to discuss the
way forward with both projects with feedback from both committees. There will be ongoing discussions and contact
with various funders to consider the two specialist facilities and possible financial support.
Church: Nothing further to report as regards funding but the church demolition is now complete.
1Environment: There have been site visits with Durham County Council officers to various locations throughout the
village to inspect and view areas which have been identified by the group to be in need of improvement. This was
reported to the environment group. Durham County Council URRI (Urban & Rural Renaissance Initiative) Officers
are currently working with Julie to prepare some plans and costs, and subject to matched funding they are
considering contributing to schemes that meet the U&RRI criteria. The next meeting is 4 July, Lawson Rd Centre,
9.30am.
Unadopted Roads: J Anson was unsuccessful in obtaining funds from the Parish Council but the group may apply
for a discretionary contribution towards the costs. The group continues to apply for funding from local councillors.
Park Project: Arrangements have been discussed for playing football at Kelloe during the proposed upgrade of
pitches in Bowburn. P Woodward, FA, will discuss the Development Plan, Business Plan, and Funding Application.
A Wilson will attend this meeting.
Park Management Meeting: CISWO has agreed the 25 year lease, and indicated that they do not want the new
pathways to be adopted, but paths will be constructed to an adoptable standard. It was agreed that the City of
Durham would maintain footpaths, if necessary, but legal services will further discuss footpath adoption issues with
CISWO. The planning application has been submitted.
The Management Group suggested that the Tender Process for Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3 part 5 be started.
A member of the Park group explained that plans had come to a standstill. As it takes 13 weeks for planning there
was a need to start the tendering process as the lease and footpaths were deal with. The Phases include the
bottom of the Park (Rec) for improved operation of Construction, Design and Management Regulations and could
gain an overall cost discount.
A member asked about the level of matched funding and was told that there was very little, to which more than one
member replied that tenders would not be considered until funding was in place, and were the Park group expecting
the Regeneration Funds to be released?
The Bowburn Park member answered in the negative, but argued that in possibly 4 months time accurate figures of
costs and matched funds could be known and then they would ask for the Regeneration Funds.
The Bowburn Park member said that all attempts would be made to get matched funding. A member for Parkhill
noted that they had been seeking funds for the last two years. However Bowburn Park felt they had not been made
aware of the imposition of matched funding.
A further member was sure that the cost of tendering would fall on the City Council and should be started.
The Bowburn Park member added that the group had given £6000 from PARC for costs.
A member asked if all surveys had been done as post tender negotiations can cost money.
The Chair suggested that the City Council management fee could cover these costs.
The Chair informed the meeting that one representative from the Partnership Management Committee and one
representative from the Park Group would be invited onto the tendering committee.
A City Councillor suggested that the Park Project Management Group should include a City Councillor, and they
should be made aware of such meetings. It was suggested from a member that this request should come from the
City Councillors.
RJ proposed, and DW seconded that the tendering process be started,
Members agreed that a sum of £500 000.00 for the Park Project can go to tender.
However if the matched funding, required by the City Council, is not found then no funds allocated to the Park
Project by the Partnership will be released.
Community Centre – Vote for Rep: Members were asked if one of them would represent the Partnership at the
Community Centre Committee meetings once a month as the present representative is not in good health and has
stood down. No members put their name forward for nomination.
4. Tail-upon-End Lane Site:
The Partnership has registered an interest in addressing the Council Committee, if and when this is scheduled.
At the Tail-upon-End Lane site it was felt that the mounds of earth left after pilot holes had been dug were
dangerous. It was also wondered why they ran parallel to Kirby’s Drive. (Action Janet)
5. Minutes of last meeting and matters arising - 15 May 2007:
After a typing error in Item 11 Website, ‘used’ for ‘use’, was corrected the minutes were accepted as a true record.
J Anson brought up the following matters arising:
Item 10 - Planning has passed on contact details concerning the query about facing distances on Philip Avenue.
Item11 - Nothing was formally agreed about the funding details from the FA.
AOB - All Partnership members should have received letters asking for a response about the Unitary Authority.
A member had not been able to attend the Gala Theatre to discuss the Unitary Council but informed the City that
the comments were personal and not on behalf of the Organisation. Another member felt that the Partnership’s
database should not have been used, but the chair pointed out that the City already had a database of residents.
26. Minutes and Matters Arising from last Trustees’ meeting: The minutes for April and 9 May were distributed.
22 May - To be as fair to all projects it was decided to send the Masterplan to all local firms inviting their support for
the schemes.
Two courses were attended by trustees (a) Changes to the Charity Act (b) An update on European Funding.
7. Correspondence:
> E-mail from I Hunter Smart informing that no decisions had been made about the criteria for admissions to
Johnston Comprehensive after the closure of the Whinney Hill site in 2008.
> E-mail from PG Herbert informing of a public enquiry on 10 July at 10am in St Aiden’s College for the Cape site.
> E-mail from D Thornborrow informing of the procedure for the planning application of Tail-upon-End Lane.
> Letter to Cllr Vasey raising concerns about the rumour that Bowburn would be outside the catchment area for
Durham Johnston School. Copies to all relevant people concerned in this matter.
> Letter from D Wilcox saying that provided the noticeboard outside the library is not within the highway he would
not object, but permission must be sought from the library.
> Letter from the MP noting that the report to Cabinet on 24 May had been withdrawn. She will be meeting with the
relevant officer at Durham County Council.
> Letter from Cllr Vasey noting that there are no catchment areas in County Durham and once Whinney Hill closes
Durham Johnson Comprehensive School ceases to be the closest secondary school to Bowburn. Discussions are
ongoing and the existing arrangements continue for the 2008/2009 academic year.
> Letter of acknowledgement from C Roberts, Head Teacher of Durham Johnson Comprehensive School.
The meeting was told that at the MP’s surgery a Shincliffe resident had also expressed concern about the future of
places for local children at Durham Johnston Comprehensive School.
Another said that the subject would be discussed at a Governors’ meeting of the Junior School.
> Email from J Anson sending the database of local firms.
> Letter from R Laxton, Head of Libraries, asking for details of the proposed noticeboard outside Bowburn Library.
> Letter to S Banwell, Planning Expectorate, asking for a copy of the Inspector’s decision on the Cape site.
> Letter to M Murden correcting the numbering of Footpath 39 to 29.
A Parish Councillor asked that the matter of footpath 29 went through the Parish Council as it is their responsibility,
and being attended to by the Parish.
8. Items of Any Other Business - Register title of issue for item 13: None.
9. Treasurer’s Report:
Income to the end of May amounted to £2461.21. Deposits were £100. Giving a balance of £2561.21.
Winners of Connecting Words Quiz: 1st Prize - J Lister, 2nd prize - M Minto, 3rd Prize - K Hill.
Profit from the Quiz amounted to £53.00. Thank you to everyone who took part and the next quiz is in July.
10. Community Chest:
There was one application from the Hare & Greyhound Darts and Domino Teams. The group has submitted a
quotation for the team shirts which completes the paperwork. J Blackburn, P Dawe presented the application to the
meeting. The funding for £2446.28 is for darts and domino equipment, plus team shirts.
As there were no objections the application for funding was granted.
A member informed the meeting that the whole of the Community Chest money would be available for small groups.
None would be taken back by the City Council.
11. Reports and matters arising:
> Regeneration Working Group: The Executive Summary of the Masterplan is now ready.
Maggie Robinson and R Jackson requested copies. (Action Janet)
> Walkabout: There is a dangerous hole next to the footpath on David Terrace. Northumbrian Water have tested
and are of a leak.
Jan Blakey will go on the next walkabout.
A member asked about the collapsed road in Prince Charles Avenue.
The chair explained that Haslam Homes had been made aware of this and will check the problem in approximately
six months to see if further repairs will be needed.
Haslam have given an undertaking to replace damaged kerbs on the junction of Philip Avenue/Horton Crescent.
3> Parish Council: Letter to Unadopted Roads Group saying that they were sorry but no funds could be granted , and
suggesting that householders should try to gain funds.
Have discussed with the County Council the question of the Unitary Council but there are no right answers.
The gravel half circle for the “miner’s coal tub” could cost £3000, so another estimate is needed. Also planning
permission is required. Dangerous headstones will be repaired by the Parish if relatives cannot be traced.
A member asked what happens if relatives do not pay. The Parish Councillor said that they would be liable.
Members were requested to ask visitors to close the gates at the cemetery until a notice to this effect is put up.
The Parish has submitted objections to the Tail-upon-End Lane site.
> Noticeboard: Permission has been given for the site outside the library if it is not placed on Highways’ land, and
permission is sought from the library service.
> Quarry Liaison Committee: W Nelson of Tarmac will contact the secretary about a future date for the presentation.
A member thought that there had already been a public meeting and was informed that it was at Quarrington Hill.
> LSP: No update.
> 12 Villages Representative: No update.
12. Group Noticeboard:
> Banner: Mugs are on sale showing each of the four banners plus other memorabilia.
13 July, Eve of Gala, two free events – 5.30pm to 6.30pm under-13’s Disco, and about 8pm Brass Band concert.
14 July, Gala day, 8.30am parade starts from Crowtrees WMC to Dallymore Drive where buses will take everyone
into Durham for free, though donations would be accepted. The return journey is from the New Inn, top of Church
Street, at about 3.30pm.
A member noted that Parkhill was not included this year, but it was explained that different areas of the village were
being covered each year.
> BVC: The ‘June’ Interchange is being delivered. The next Issue will be in September.
A member queried why there was no entry form for the Beautiful Parish Competition, and this was because of lack
of space.
> Football Teams:
Youth teams: 24 June, 3pm, under-15s Boys’ team start on Bowburn football field with M Ridley as manager.
1 July Presentation in Crowtrees WMC.
Crowtrees FC has a new - secretary M Hunter and manager D Foster. Training starts this week, contact
crowtrees@aol.com for more information. Some new players have already signed up.
> History: The ‘Book of Dates’ is to be available on disc. Trips being organised will be open to all.
24 June 2pm in Bowburn community Centre, Talk on Genealogy.
> Website: No update
13. Any Other Business: None
14. Date and Time of Meetings:
*****Awaiting confirmation “Quarry Presentation” 17 July at 6.00pm*****
Next general meeting is on 17 July 2007 at 6.30pm
4