Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership - Charity Number 1112151
Tuesday 19 February 2008 From 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Present: K Barber, W Bates, M Bell, J Blackburn, J Blakey, S Colquhoun, R Cowen, P Dawe, N Dixon, J Geyer,
A Gregory, B Gregory, K Haigh, R Jackson, B Jennings, G Kitson, R Millerchip, A Richardson, V Richardson,
Maureen Robinson, M Syer, R Walsh, C Whitfield
In Attendance: B Cockburn, G Marsden, M Ridley, J Tindale, M Williams
1. Apologies for absence: John Kane, Judith Kane, I Hunter Smart, S Raine, Maggie Robinson, D Whittaker
2. Police Report:
Crime Statistics – 15 January to date: Cassop 1 Attempted Theft; Parkhill 1 Assault – arrested; Bowburn 1 Burglary,
1 Assault – arrested, 4 Thefts, 3 Criminal Damage – 1arrest.
Alcohol is still being confiscated but the number of offences is declining. Information is passed onto the Licensing
Committee which could result in loss of licences. Youth nuisance still exists and it is no worse than in other areas,
but young people are gathering under the Motorway Bridge, on the Cape site, and behind Park Hill estate.
An update was asked on the theft of metal gullies. PC Cockburn said it was still a problem locally and nationwide.
MW, County Cllr, informed that County is sourcing heavy duty plastic covers.
The meeting thanked PC Cockburn for his presence at the meeting as he left at 6.45pm
3. Masterplan Updates – Community Development Officer report and Project Leaders:
The chair introduced John Tindale who explained the current football situation with reference to the Park Project.
JT reported that the Park working group meeting, 11 February, was very positive until AW had raised the issue of
the Youth Development Plan and the allocation of pitches alongside the playing of the adult football teams.
AW had said that if his plans were not put in place, even if the current adult teams had to play elsewhere, he would
withdraw the Youth Development Programme.
JT continued by saying that all parties involved agreed to meet with the City Council on 18 February to resolve the
problem. Unfortunately AW did not attend and no discussion took place. The City Council received emails from AW
saying that he would not attend any further meetings until a series of submitted questions were answered by the
City regarding future provision for the Youth Teams. AW had informed that he would be holding a press conference
on 26 February.
The City feels that the questions cannot be answered until all those involved are available for discussion and it is
impossible to answer the question of what will happen when the Unitary Council is in operation.
Without the Youth Development Plan the City is not in a position to apply for the Football Foundation funding which
it would do immediately after the hoped for planning permission on 13 March.
JT asked the meeting to consider the situation and put the following options:
Delay the whole scheme and wait for the football situation to be resolved.
Suspend funding on the Football element until resolved; develop the Rec, referred to as the Bottom Park.
Withdraw funding on the Football element; develop the Bottom Park; put excess funding into other projects.
The Total Park Scheme costs £1.7M; Grant from B&PCP is £720 000.00 = 41% of costs.
Without Football element cost £1.1M; Grant from B&PCP, if 41%, would be £477 000.00
After an in-depth discussion John replied that in theory it is possible to split the scheme but the worry is that future
funding (Sport England) would be reduced by the lower overall total. Fortunately that finance is restricted to the
Bottom Park so the football does not affect that part of the funding.
Suspending the Football phase should not put at risk the funding because there are indications that the Football
Foundation would continue to give their support to the scheme.
There is a need to clarify the names of the Youth Football committee, but seven names have been recorded with
AW as secretary and a named chair.
The meeting agreed to progress the Bottom Park and delay the construction of the Football grounds until further
investigations have been made into the Youth Development Plan with the hope that the situation is resolved.
The meeting thanked John for his attendance as he left the meeting at 7.30pm.
Correspondence from the City Council – a cycle route through the park would cause safety issues and the lease
does not allow cycling.
A member said that at the regeneration group it was reported that CISWO would not allow adoptable paths and this
ruled out cycling.
Members were puzzled by the inconsistency of the no cycling issue and allowing a BMX track.Highways: The Wheatley Hill Link roadworks are on time; future plans for the Western Spine Road are being
discussed at the County; enquiries are going ahead to investigate the crossing at the Hare and Greyhound; there is
information on the Wheels to Work scheme; checking if the land at the Jet garage could be used for a roundabout.
Parkhill: The park plans are on target to start in May. P Sinclair (CDO) is moving areas.
Heritage Room: No movement.
Community Centre: Revised plans and estimates are being prepared by S Hawley.
Correspondence from the Community Centre – affiliated groups need to send a rep to at least two meetings and the
AGM to pay non-affiliated rates.
It was agreed that PD is the temporary rep until a long term delegate is found.
Youth Centre: The main communal areas have been painted through a grant gained by the young people.
Thanks were given for the Community Chest money which was spent immediately on updating the Weights’ Room.
Church: The plans for the church have been passed; a business plan is being drawn up; grants have been applied
for and received.
The chair reported that the Charity Commission should give a decision by Friday, 22 February 2008.
MS reported that F Brettwood had indicated that the Church was a ‘Key Opportunity’ in the Masterplan.
Environment: Members were asked to think about the recommendations from 9 January for the next meeting.
MW, County Cllr, has asked for a survey of street lighting in Marlene Avenue.
MS said that at the Regeneration meeting it was reported that there is an embargo on the path from Runcey Road
to the Community Centre.
Unadopted Roads: Thanks were given for the Community Chest money; an order has been sent to the County
Council so that the repairs can be carried out.
J Richardson, County Council, is trying to get the loan scheme through to adopt the roads in the Three Streets.
MW, County Cllr, said there was a meeting on Wednesday with D Carruthers and R Lugg; the legal implications are
causing delays.
A member reported that Balfour Beatty has offered to clear the drains in the Three Streets before repairs start.
The URRI scheme is due to start in Durham Road on 6 May 2008.
Centenary – Bowburn School: A Time line will tell the history of the century related to the school; the next meeting
will prioritise events. There was a request for class group photographs from all schooldays in Bowburn.
The chair asked all projects in the Masterplan to produce a written summary of the achievements for 2007/08 and
forecast where the group hopes their project will be going during 2008/09.
This is to prepare for the: AGM; Annual returns to the Charity Commission; Annual update of the Masterplan.
Could you please be ready to submit your ideas to the April meeting or send them to Janet? Thank you.
4. Minutes of last General meeting: 15 January 2008:
Once the correction of substituting “Parochial Church Council” for ‘Diocese’ in the Church report had been changed,
the minutes were proposed as a true record by R Walsh, seconded by M Syer, and the meeting agreed them
unanimously.
Matters arising:
> Item 3 Environment: Waste Permits for trailers or vans can be applied for personally from County Hall; by a form
collected from the library; or electronically – remember fly tipping is illegal.
>Email from B Spears explaining that only projects that had gone through Cabinet would receive funding at present.
The new Authority would have to sign off any large contracts that run after 2009; monies for Parkhill have been
allocated from different sources and should be secure as will the schemes at the Co-op etc provided they are
completed quickly.
> No reply as yet from Cllr Williams about County Council spending during the Interim period.
> Email copy of letter to E Field from the Parish Council including B&PCP’s concerns over Footpath 29.
> Contact P Parker, City Council, on 0191-3018203 to report the house numbers of owners allowing their dogs to
foul the area.5. Report - Trustees’ meeting: 22 January 2008:
J Blakey is to be a funding officer; discussed an Action Plan for the B&PCP; enquired about a reduction in price for
the insurance; identified possible training courses through CEDI; an outline planning application for a supermarket
has been submitted by Ogdens for their site.
6. Correspondence:
> Letter from Parish Council informing that the landscaping work at the Group Garage Site in Bowburn is due to
start in the first week of March.
> Letter from A Niven, Ecology, explaining that no land had been bought by the County in the nature reserve.
A member thought that County Council land previously unfenced has now been fenced off.
7. Items of Any Other Business – Register title of issue for Item 12: Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP)
8. Treasurer’s Report:
> After payments to the Junior School from the Community Chest, Big Band Night, Room Hire and Quiz Winners
the balance of funds is £1931.09.
> Quiz £1.00: The answers for ‘All Creatures Great & Small’ are creature related and in alphabetical order.
Note the Return Date is 11 April.
9. Community Chest:
There were four new applications:
(1) From Crowtrees Indoor Games Club to buy a coin operated pool table and score board. The group is asking for
the full cost of £953.99. The group submitted the necessary quotations.
Funding of £953.99 was granted without any objection.
(2) From Crowtrees Carpet Bowls Club to re-equip the club with new equipment and its members with new bowling
attire. The group is asking for the full cost of £1250.66. The group submitted the necessary quotations.
Funding of £1250.66 was granted without any objection.
(3) From The Lazy C Country & Western Club for a PA and Mixer system. The group is asking for the full cost of
£922.35. The group submitted the necessary quotations.
Funding of £922.35 was granted without any objection.
(4) From Bowburn Banner Group to contribute to the funds associated with the Ohio Brass Band during the Brass
Band Festival and Durham Miners Gala. The Group is asking for part funding of £835.00 and submitted an
expenses sheet for the event.
W Bates, M Bell, J Blackburn, J Blakey, P Dawe, N Dixon, M Syer, R Walsh declared an interest.
R Millerchip and K Haigh presented the application.
Funding of £835.00 was granted without any objection.
10. Reports and matters arising:
> Regeneration Working Group/Walkabout – plus questions for next meeting:
The planning application has been resubmitted for Horton Crescent; D Robinson has won the regional apprentice of
the year competition (Members agreed to send a letter of congratulations); Co-op and URRI could not meet to
discuss plans for the front of the co-op, but Tamsin Harrison will investigate; queries about storm water being
directed into Whitwell beck need to be investigated further; plans are to improve the sewerage works rather than
move them; sewerage drain will be enlarged in the eastern half of Philip Avenue; Masterplan can reflect community
feeling on the retention of the PO; transplanting of trees in Tail upon End Lane may be impossible as they may die;
the CEDI scheme ends on 31 March 2008.
A member asked that the drains are cleared of silt before it sets and causes major problems.
> Cape Public Enquiry: The Esh Group could begin the industrial development aspect of the Cape site next month.
> Tail-upon-End Lane Site: See above for sewerage works.
> Parish Council: No report.
> Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS): Have until April to comment on the modifications. The policy has not changed on
the Tursdale site as there may be a need for it in the future. The land for the Road Rail Freight Terminal is back in
new RSS plan which protects the land from development.
Onshore Wind Farms may be developed on the East Durham limestone area. A member feared that it could open
the possibility of using the escarpment in Bowburn for such a scheme.> Noticeboard: Awaiting written permission for the library site and then the application for planning permission will
be submitted for all three noticeboards.
> Quarry Liaison Committee: See Correspondence.
> LSP: At the AGM guest speakers gave a presentation on the proposed Unitary Council. J Blackburn was elected
as a new representative on the Community Network Committee. Over the past year the policy groups have
focussed on Health Improvement, Safety and Open Space Needs Assessment.
> 12 Villages Representative: No report.
11. Group Noticeboard: Please contact the representatives after the meeting if you have any questions.
> Banner (MS): 14 March Brenda Collins reunion concert with Krack of Dorn; 24 February the Centenary Banner
goes to Tanfield Railway; July the Ohio State Brass Band comes to Bowburn.
> BVC (Maureen Robinson): Haslam Homes is to fix pin kerbs and the railings to the War Memorial; 20 March at
6pm AGM; the Parish Council’s quarterly reports will be published in the Interchange for the Bowburn area and
separately for Cassop.
> Football Teams (GP): The Hare & Greyhound FC have played three games, won 2 drew 1; the game this week
was called off because of frost; there is a home game this week; thanks go to M Ridley for getting the holes filled in
the middle of the field.
> History (MB): The group are selecting photos for the school project.
> Website: No report.
12. Any Other Business: ROWIP are concerned with footpaths in the county. They are to produce and maintain an
accurate digital record of the Definitive Map by May 2009.
13. Date and Time of Meetings:
General Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month.
Next meeting is on 18 March 2008 at 6.30pm