General Meeting
Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership - Charity Number 1112151
Tuesday 21 July 2009 From 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Present: B Bates, M Bell, J Blackburn, J Blakey, R Cowen, A Gregory, K Griffiths, K Haigh, R Jackson (Chair till
7.15pm), G Kitson, R Millerchip, S Raine, V Richardson, Maureen Robinson, M Syer, R Walsh (Chair from 7.15pm),
S Walworth, D Whittaker
In Attendance: J Anson, G Marsden, M Ridley
1. Apologies for absence: B Cockburn, N Dixon, J Geyer, A Richardson, Maggie Robinson, M Williams
2. P.C. Cockburn sent the following report to the meeting:
Cassop Damage to silage bales at Hill Top Farm, Theft of fencing railings from Pilmore Farm
Park Hill Theft of hanging baskets from the roadside
Bowburn Damage to (i) front door in William Street, (ii) front door in Bow Street, (iii) window in Philip Avenue,
(iv) motor vehicle in Horton Crescent
Premises broken into (i) Co-op with no property stolen, (ii) outhouse in Marlene Avenue with 2 mountain bikes
taken, (iii) garage in Bow Street with radio removed from car within.
Theft (i) Transit from Premier Inn, (ii) front number plate from car in Leyland Close, (iii) pedal cycle from yard in
Walker Street.
Members were concerned at the increase in crime numbers and would like a reason for this, and if extra policing or
a Street Safe scheme was a possibility throughout the village and the Play Park. (Action Janet)
3. Masterplan Updates – Community Development Officer and Project Leaders:
Highways: Limestone Linx cycle project - It was agreed to find out more information at the meeting on 27 July.
Proposed ‘Cape’ site plans – It was agreed to object to the layout as it would hinder the construction of an effective
and functional road for Bowburn and the Industrial Estate; as it would create ‘desire lines’ and unsafe crossing
points; attach a condition to ensure that the drainage plans do not adversely affect the construction of an Industrial
Highway. (Action Janet)
Minibus Training – The cost of training is now £1089.75, and the next medicals take place on 19 August.
Parkhill: Julie Anson reported on behalf of P Henderson that the consultation for the Community Room has
concluded but is not conclusive, and a further report is being prepared for September.
JA will investigate the difficulties being experienced. (Action J Anson)
1Heritage Room: A security cupboard will be installed this week in preparation for the opening of the room.
Community Centre: DESCO is the consultant for the heating and electrics and their outline specs and costs will be
discussed by the committee on 22 July, with a view to works starting in October.
Funding: Julie Anson reported that the centre will register with ENTRUST to apply for funding from Biffa.
Co Durham Foundation has limited funding to £1000 and a new application will apply for one item for the kitchen.
Esh Charitable Trust has suspended funding – a disappointing loss of possibly £30 000.00.
Youth Centre: £5000.00 has been granted from Sherburn Hospital, and further funding is expected. Work will start
in August.
Church: Maureen Robinson reported that Hendersons had given a quote for the sliding door gear and had
recommended a joiner. A structural engineer will give advice about hanging the doors this week.
Centenary – Bowburn School: The Birthday Celebrations and Centenary Garden, partly funded by the Community
Chest, were celebrated on 10 July and opened by Cllr B Myers. The weather was kind and the party was well
attended. The children enjoyed themselves throughout the day.
Unadopted Roads: An email from Dave Wafer seemed to suggest that the Equity Share scheme was no further
forward since the report from David Warburton and Anna Tankerville in November 2008.
Park Project: Tenders for Phase 11 are due by 12 noon on 22 July. K Haigh and M Ridley will attend the meeting to
officially open the tenders at 2.00pm on 22 July. If one of the tenders is acceptable, work on the drainage, lighting
and CCTV will start in August. The bottom path in the Rec will be tidied up to an acceptable state.
A member asked about the method and costs of drainage in the park.
It was said that holding tanks will be used to control the flow of water.
Bins and benches will be installed in the sensory garden as soon as possible. The ‘garden’ has now been tidied.
A member was impressed with the work done on the Sensory Garden but weeds were coming through again.
There is now a temporary footpath to Beaumont Close.
Unfortunately the £200 000 funding expected from the Football Foundation has been reduced to £175 000, and
plans may have to be scaled down for Phase 111. A Park Working Group will be re-instated in August.
It was agreed to permit a change of ownership of the Container purchased from the Community Chest by the
Pigeon Club to Bowburn Youth FC when:
(i) The Pigeon Club makes an official handover of the Container to Bowburn Youth;
(ii) Bowburn Youth FC agree to pay for Moving and Maintaining the Container, also if and when Bowburn Youth FC
had no further use of the container it would be donated to an agreed owner in the Area of Benefit. (Action Janet)
Environment and URRI:
> Durham Road: Work is due to start this week at the Cooperage and opposite on Durham Road West to the paper
shop. The crossing point will move slightly downhill.
Bollards will be placed where broken paving show overrun on the footpath and in front of the Cooperage.
Julie agreed to investigate the fixture of a bollard at the bottom of Durham Road to stop parking on the pavement.
> Works have started on the Somals/China Delight car park using the remaining funds from the Co-op with the
addition of £2000 from Cllrs Blakey and Williams.
It was reported that the owners of the properties are delighted that the work is taking place.
> Ogden’s site: Cllr Blakey expressed an interest in this topic.
Peter Herbert, planning officer, has confirmed that an increase in floor space for a supermarket has been agreed,
and outline planning consent is in place. There are potential operators but names are not known.
Julie affirmed that P Herbert is in favour of these proposals.
Julie was thanked for her attendance, and left the meeting.
4. Minutes of last General Meeting and: 16 June 2009
(R Walsh took the position of chair)
The minutes were approved as a true record.
Correspondence written by the Secretary in accordance with decisions of the June meeting were noted.
Item 9 Quarry: Cllr Blakey declared an interest in this matter and took no part in the discussion thereon.
Concerns were expressed about the loss of a circular path, and over restoration of limestone grassland, and the
possible loss of an efficient water pressure.
Item 11 AOB: Keepmoat Homes was informed that the make shift ramp in Kirby’s Drive had collapsed. The concern
was passed on to NEDL, because they had caused the problem, and the drive is now repaired
A request for a drop kerb in David Terrace has been reported - it still needs to be done.2Matters arising:
Item 2: A member raised concerns that the vandalism at the Co-op was not classed as a criminal offence. (Action Janet)
5. Report – Trustees’ meeting: 7 July 2009
> It was agreed to bring concerns about the planning application on ‘Cape’ to the General meeting for approval.
> A mandate from Unity Bank on the change of signatories was agreed. A £100 limit on cash withdrawals was set.
The next Trustees’ meeting is on Tuesday 4 August 2009.
6. Correspondence:
> G Hutchinson requesting support for a Fun Day in 2010. It was agreed to give him advice and support.
> Freedom of Information commissioner writing to inform that the dividend received by the former Durham City
Council from DVRC over the period 2005 to 2009 covers the whole City Council area and was £2 947 845.00.
> Mr Terry Collins in answer to the concerns of Cllrs Blakey and Williams. During Phase 11 of the Park in Bowburn
signage will be replaced; additional drainage will be installed; however the stop pole will be replaced in the barrier
and the sunken surface on the Multi Use Games Area will be repaired as a matter of urgency.
> Claire Teasdale confirmed receipt of the Partnership’s concerns about the Quarry.
> Fliers from Skillshare.
7. Items of Any Other Business:
(i) Concern about Durham Johnson School. (ii) The road to Old Quarrington.
8. Treasurer’s Report and Fundraising:
Accounts: The Treasurer explained that he had received the audited accounts after the change of treasurer and
gave a verbal report. In June, tea, raffle and ‘Tree Week’ monies had been paid in; and a payment for a quiz prize
had been paid out.
Quiz – ‘Around the North East’ Winners: First - A Gregory, Second - M Minto, Third - J Taylor
Raffle for Fundraising: The raffle was won by R Millerchip. With thanks to Maureen Robinson for donating the prize.
9. Reports and matters arising:
Regeneration Working Group/Walkabout:
Cllr Blakey hopes to re-start meetings with the portfolio officer on DVRC and other representatives; also Walkabouts
in Bowburn.
Prince Charles/Horton Crescent: There was flood water in Horton Crescent; Antisocial behaviour and fly tipping is
becoming a problem around this area. Members agreed to let PC Cockburn know about this. (Action Janet)
It was agreed to add George Street to this Item.
Tail-upon-End Lane site: Flood water was a problem,
Mabey housing: Nothing new to report.
Cape Site: Nothing new to report.
Parish Council:
Sylvia Raine reported:
The 17 June Meeting discussed tankering sewage from the Tail-upon-End Lane site and the ‘charity collection bins’
which the clerk is investigating; had a quotation for the West Bowburn Way and await confirmation for a grant.
The 15 July Meeting discussed the adjudication against Feeder Schools for Durham Johnston School; noted the
‘charity’ bin has been moved from Romaine Square; Flooding and Parish Plan meetings are in August.
East Durham Rural Corridor(AAP): A pre Board meeting takes place in Sedgefield on 15 June. J Blackburn and Cllr
Blakey are Board members.
Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS): Nothing to report.
Quarry Liaison Committee: Claire Teasdale the officer in charge of the Quarry/Tarmac application has confirmed
receipt of the concerns from the Partnership.
12 Villages Representative: Jan Blakey reported that there is to be a PAT testing course in Bowburn. SkillShare
have a Campaign and Lobbying course in January 2010.
10. Group Noticeboard:
Banner (Mike Syer): 10 July ‘Eve of Gala Concert’ had a disappointing audience, but the Gala had a very good turn
out on a very enjoyable day. The AGM is 23 July at 7pm in Bowburn Community Centre.
BVC The AGM is 23 July at 7pm
Poetry Competition with 2 prizes (Children and Adults), closing date 31 August: subject ‘Changes in Bowburn’
Church (Maureen Robinson): Continue fundraising for the internal divider; the car park is being tidied.
Football Teams (G Hutchinson): A report was received after the meeting.3Bowburn Youth FC is looking for players for Under 12s, 14s, 17s for more information email
bowburnyouthfc@aol.com Seven aside leagues start 12 September but need more names a.s.a.p. The club now
have over 100 children.
The Flamingo Land trip is 26 August - children who are members go free. The Presentation night was a big success
and all raffle prizes were claimed. A sponsored penalty shootout is on 9 August – look out for sponsor forms.
Cooperage FC: Have started friendly games. If you want to join or need more information - cooperagefc@aol.com.
History (Mal Bell): There was a general meeting as the speaker was unavailable.
Website (G Hutchinson): A report was received after the meeting.
Total Members 683: Total Posts 1191; Total Topics 181: Total Categories 8: Total Boards 15.
June Summary New Topics 10: New Posts 29: New Members 44: Most Online 15: Hits so far 5322.
11. Any Other Business: It was agreed to express concerns about the county criteria for admissions to Durham
Johnson School to all relevant people. (Action J Blackburn)
Thanks were extended for the pothole repairs in the Old Quarrington Road. There was concern about two yellow
coloured vehicles driving dangerously down the OQ road, and a large number of large flower pots being dumped in
the Coxhoe Wildlife Site. . (Action J Blakey)
12. Date and Time of Meetings: General Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month.
Next meeting is on 18 August 2009 at 6.30pm
Date of future meetings in 2009: 15 Sep, 20 Oct, 17 Nov, 15 Dec
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