General Meeting Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership
Charity Number 1112151
Tuesday 17 March 2009
Present: J Blackburn, M Bell, K Calvert, S. Colquhoun, R Cowen, A Gregory, K Griffiths, K Haigh, R Jackson,
J Kane, G. Kitson, R. Millerchip, A Richardson, V Richardson, Mgt Robinson, S Robinson, J Shields, M Syer,
S Thompson, R Walsh (Chair), S Walworth, D Whittaker
In Attendance: J. Anson, T Harrison, G. Marsden, M. Ridley
1. Apologies for absence: J Kushnirenko, S Raine, M Robinson, M Williams
W Bates, J Blakey, M Dee, N Dixon, J Geyer, B Gregory, I Hunter Smart,
2. Police Report: PH 0 incidents; Cassop 1 Theft; Bowburn 2 Burglary, 6 Thefts, 2 Criminal Damage.
Youth Nuisance in Parkhill and Bowburn.
A member said that there had been a positive response from the Community Police to unwanted door-to-door
callers in Parkhill.
It was asked why the damage to the Co-op wall was not classed as criminal damage.
PC Cockburn said he was told that the bricks could be re-used so it was not classed as criminal damage.
Parish Cllr Mgt Robinson reported that the Parish had contributed to the Bobbies on Bikes scheme, which was
helping the area.
3. URRI – Updates of the schemes at the Co-op, Somals, Romaine Square, and future plans for the scheme.
Tamsin Harrison reported that Durham Road had been allocated £100 000 but costs had risen to £105 792 and it
was unlikely that the remaining £100 000 would cover the designated schemes at Somal’s and Romaine Square.
The Co-op wall and paving has now been allocated £80 000 which includes a sum to cover contingencies. The
repairs to the vandalised wall cost £767.00, and the Security Guard cost £1424.00. Service Direct is to split the
extra costs 50/50 and possible solutions are being sought to overcome the vandalism until the wall is finished. The
total spend to date is £186 559. There is still work to fit railings on the wall at the Co-op.
For information – The owners of the Co-op are to maintain the landscaped area in front of the Co-op, having
changed their minds about allowing it to be adopted by the County Council.
The projected cost for Somal’s car park area is £60 000 as it requires a sub-base to support the tarmac.
Tamsin felt that Romaine Square could have a paved area but it is not in too bad a condition, and plans for this area
may cost more than the £30 000 allocated to this scheme.
There may be other funds that could be used on phase 2, and a possibility of materials donated from Tarmac. The
owners of the properties had been asked to contribute to the schemes but they had declined.
New funding of £50 000 for Phase 3 could be used to upgrade further areas in Durham Road as it is URRI money to
be used for public works. There would need to be a public consultation to decide on the use of this new money.
Member: Had the damage to the Co-op wall been reported to the police?
Tamsin: It had been. It was agreed to have more frequent patrols, and there was a request for local information.
Members felt that Romaine Square was in an appalling condition; Somal’s may not require a disability access; and it
was suggested that the Esh Group may contribute materials.
Member: Felt that security costs were the responsibility of the contractor.
Tamsin: Explained that Service Direct do make savings on costs in other areas of spending.
Member: Suggested that there could be part landscaping and part car park in front of the businesses.
The final costs should be known by the end of March. Tamsin will notify the Partnership of these by 9 April so that
the trustees can put together alternatives for spending the remaining funds. (Action Tamsin Harrison)
Tamsin was thanked for her attendance and left the meeting at 7.15pm.
4. Masterplan Updates – Community Development Officer and Project Leaders
Highways: No meeting
Parkhill: Nothing to report.
Heritage Room: Security has been put on the door. Greater security is needed on the windows. The room has been
cleaned but no equipment has been put in to date.
Community Centre: DVRC meet on 27 March to consider the recommendation by cabinet.
Julie met the sub-group with K Bradshaw and Stephen Hawley. C&A Pumps are to be appointed as the electrical
and mechanical consultants, and a small group will meet with C&A to consider the electrical requirements of the
Centre. The next Community Association sub-group is arranged for 2 April.
125 March K Haigh or R Cowen will represent the Partnership at the Community Centre AGM, beginning at 6.30pm.
Youth Centre: Awaiting a decision on the Awards for All funding for the refurbishment.
Church: Contractors are being investigated for the partition door. Child and vulnerable persons policies have been
drafted for discussion and adoption.
Centenary – Bowburn School: 26 March Re-union Night 6.30pm. Contact the school for tickets or if you have any
memories or photos of your days in Bowburn School. 10 July Birthday Party and Opening of the Garden.
Unadopted Roads: The last City Council Cabinet meeting was in February so the report will go to I Thompson in the
County Council. Information regards the Equity Share Scheme and the County Council cabinet report will be
included in Julie’s report.
A member was disappointed that the Three Streets scheme had not gone through the City Cabinet procedure
earlier.
Park Project: The Youth FC have prepared a development plan to go to the FA so that the plans for the football
area, Phase 3, can be amended, and then brought back to the Partnership for consultation.
A member queried the new fencing in the ‘daisy field’ and it was said that it had been there for about six months to
mark out the demarcation line as to the ownership of the land.
A member asked if an amended plan would reduce the costs of Phase 3, but Julie explained that phase 2, lighting,
paths and CCTV, would be paid for purely from the regeneration money.
It was said that if Phase 2 was included as a joint application with Phase 3, and the work started, probable funding
for Phase 3 could not be granted retrospectively.
A member hoped that the new plans would still achieve the best facilities for everyone.
Julie explained that it is the Development Plan which attracts money to the scheme as the outcomes must be
achievable to gain the funding.
It was said that the new Youth FC had known that the Development Plan needed to be realistic. There is only one
football pitch and only a limited number of teams can play on it. Youth FC was putting forward suggestions to
reduce costs as follows: Remove the car park from the plan; Reduce the fencing; Install an all weather pitch;
Suggest the Bowling Club share the changing rooms.
A member was pleased to see that there was a realistic view for the future plans.
It was asked why extra changing rooms were needed and it was said that the FA required them.
It was asked if the FA required grass pitches for certain games but it was not thought to be the case.
Environment:
Julie met with the Environment Sub Group, and with City and County Councillors, Highways and Lighting Officers,
to reaffirm the projects and discuss the ‘Mabey’ footpath and Parkhill lighting in more detail. Cllr Blakey is to put
£3500 into the Runcie Road/Community Centre footpath, and the Parish Council is to put £5000 to lighting schemes
(See minutes of February 09). This means that there is a shortfall of £3500 overall. Investigations are ongoing
regarding land ownership and Julie is preparing the report, again to go to the County Council officer Ian Thompson.
Julie was thanked for her attendance and left the meeting at 7.40pm
5. Minutes of last General meeting and matters arising: 17 February 2009
The minutes of the last meeting were approved as a true record.
It was noted that when Sirius finish at the Cape site, probably next week, they begin clearing Phase 1 of the beck
owned by the Parish Council.
Members had noticed that Lumsden & Carroll wagons were travelling from Cape, south through Bowburn with loads
of concrete that was uncovered. The secretary was asked to notify G Woodcock. (Action Janet)
6. Report - Trustees’ meeting: 3 March 2009:
> There was a presentation by R Seechan of Zodiac Training which provides a wide range of free training for NVQs.
Programmes are delivered on-line or paper based. Find out more www.zodiactraining.co.uk
A member informed the meeting that Bishop Auckland College provided similar facilities for learning.
> It was agreed to ask Tamsin Harrison to attend the March general meeting.
> It was agreed to ask Mr Thornborough whether a variation in the planning conditions had been granted to tanker
the sewage on Tail-upon-End Lane site.
It was asked if there was a breach of the planning conditions.
2An email was read out from Mr Andrew Inch which explained that “No building shall be occupied on site until the
increased capacity at the sewage treatment works and, if required, the sewerage network have been constructed
and commissioned in accordance with the agreed scheme.
As development has commenced, it is likely that there may be some properties occupied prior to the completion of
the STW and as such, Haslam Homes (Keepmoat) and Northumbrian Water Limited have agreed a tankering
solution to dispose of waste off-site in the interim period.
This solution would not strictly comply with the terms of the original planning condition, but … this would be a
satisfactory interim arrangement. Keepmoat Homes have been encouraged to submit an application to vary this
condition, and formalise matters, and I shall advise Keepmoat of the need to do this.”
The Trustees noted the launch date of the East Durham Rural AAP on 29 April at Sedgefield Community College.
The trustees agreed that the road should be wider to access the Industrial Highway from the Durham Green site.
7. Correspondence:
> A letter has been sent to Mr David Marrs concerning the lack of funds remaining in the Regeneration Pot.
> S Walworth passed on her thanks on behalf of her husband to those concerned for the completion of the work to
drop the kerbs at Oxford Terrace. Mr Walworth can now travel with ease between Bowburn and Coxhoe.
> Flyers were circulated concerning:
Empowering Communities – 19 March; Climate Durham – 19 March; Our Health, Our Future – 20 March;
Community Safety and Well Being – 21 March; Dodgeball – 3 April; LINk – 8 and 21 April; Newsletter NHS;
8. Items of Any Other Business: Bus shelter at Hallgarth
9. Treasurer’s Report:
The Treasurer tabled a written summary of transactions and balances. In February there were no expenditures and
£5351.12 remained in the funds, made up of Restricted Funds - £3236.92, and Unrestricted Funds - £2114.20.
Raffle for Fundraising: The raffle was won by A Richardson. With thanks to A Gregory for donating the prize.
Information was given on LEADER funding, the Coalfield Regeneration Trust and the B&Q One Planet Living Award
Quiz – ‘Islands’ at £1 per entry – closing date 17 April
10. Community Chest – Judo Club:
Bowburn Judo Club requested funding for practice mats costing £2000.00
The funds in the Community Chest stood at £361, but the Toddler Group has kindly returned their cheque of
£877.00 as the group no longer needs equipment, which then gave a total of £1238 in the fund
It was agreed to pay the remaining funds in the Community Chest to the Judo Club of £1238.00 without objection.
11. Reports and matters arising:
> Regeneration Working Group/Walkabout – plus questions for next meeting
Janet read from the minutes of the Regeneration Working Group that the Park opening went well and the sensory
garden is being installed. Tenders for Phase 2 including footpaths, CCTV and lighting will be received late April.
Julie will check the issue of drainage in the park. Work at the Co-op has risen to £68K so it looks unlikely that Phase
3, Romaine Square, will be done. There is not enough in the Regeneration Fund due to other immediate financial
commitments. The City will discuss with DVR ring fencing of future dividends to cover commitments. Work on Tail-
upon-End Lane site was due to start even though there are fewer than six houses sold. DVR continues after April
and the money transfers over, however the board changes.
It was agreed to ask the Regeneration Working Group on Thursday 19 March: If the variation in the planning
condition had been submitted (See Item 6); Where the sewage would be treated; The route taken by the tankers
through the village: Which supermarket would occupy the Ogden’s site.
Prince Charles Avenue/Horton Crescent: Building is still in progress.
Tail-upon-End Lane Site: Work has re-started and machines are on site.
Cape Site – Vehicle Access, Update and Art work:
Clearance work on the site should finish next week
It was reported that uncovered wagons were carrying concrete through the village. There had not been any suggestions for the Art work. Members were asked to give this some thought. (Janet to make enquires)
(Action All)
Parish Council:
County Cllrs Blakey and Williams had donated £50 each for Edith Cavell roses to be planted at the memorial tub.
The budget has been adopted by the full council; the Parish seeks a 3% increase in precept; there is no increase in
rent for the allotments and garages.
5 Councillors have been nominated to serve on the Parish Plan Steering Group and 4 non parish councillors are
required – contact the Parish Clerk – see the Parish Newsletter in Interchange No 50 for details; the clerk is to
contact the County Council to seek repairs to damaged hedgerows caused by site vehicles during construction of
the new link road; meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 7pm.3Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS): Nothing to report.
Bowburn Beck: Phase 1, in the ownership of the Parish Council, will be cleared by Sirius next week. It is hoped that
Phase 2, in the ownership of the City Council, can also be cleared before the end of March.
Cold Knuckles Quarry: Unfortunately, because the secretary was not at the meeting on 17 February, the invitation
to the presentation by Mike Young at the Parish meeting was not passed on.
It was asked if the Parish could liaise with the Partnership to publicise any future presentations.
LSP: The LSP will finish next month. However the health improvement committee will continue to complete projects
over the next 12 months.
12 Villages Representative: Nothing to report.
Unitary Council – Area Action Partnership:
An information pack containing contact details was sent round. Everyone was encouraged to register for the above
meeting, future AAP Forum meetings, and if interested the AAP Board.
Contact: Jane Bellis - 0191 5274571, jane.bellis@easington.gov.uk OR Donna Link-Emery - 0191 5274719,
donna.emery@easington.gov.uk
The meeting on 29 April would like to vote on a name for the AAP. One suggestion was ‘Skerneside’ using the
name of the river running through the East Durham Rural AAP. Send your suggestions to Janet.
12. Group Noticeboard:
>Banner (Mike Syer): 28 March - The Centenary banner and Children’s banner will be marched at Beamish. Places
are available if you are interested.
24 April Fishburn Band play tunes from the Screen and Stage at the Community Centre - £3.50 (Unwaged £3).
11 July The band for Big Meeting is ‘Fat Al’s Big Band’ combining brass and wind instruments.
BVC (Mike Syer) Interchange Issue 50 will start circulating at the end of this week. There was a request for more
volunteers to deliver the paper. Contact Mike Syer if you are interested.
Football Teams (A Wilson): The Developments teams have started their new league and are doing well; U12 Girls
came a close second in their league, U12 Boys are improving; U14 Boys look to finish 7th in league; U18 Boys
teams played against each other.
History (Mal Bell): 24 May ‘Yesterday Belongs To You’ – see details in Interchange No 50.
Website (George Stoker): Nothing to report.
Nature Watch: The next nature walk is on Saturday 28 March starting at 9am from Rose Cottage Old Quarrington.
Walks are to be arranged on a monthly basis – look out for the next one at the beginning of May.
13. Any Other Business: A request was made for a new bus shelter at Hallgarth Estate.
14. Date and Time of Meetings: General Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month.
Next meeting is on 21 April 2009 at 6.30pm
Date of future meetings in 2009: AGM -19 May, 16 Jun, 21 July, 18 Aug, 15 Sep, 20 Oct
4