(ix) Future Plans for B&PCP
Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership - Charity Number 1112151
AGENDA: For General Meeting B&PCP – Charity Number 1112151 Tuesday 21 September 2010
1. Apologies for absence
2. (i) Police Report (ii) Leesa Bennison Community Cohesion Officer
3. Masterplan Updates – Economic Regeneration Team Leader and Project Leaders
(i) Highways (ii) Parkhill (iii) Community Centre (iv) Youth Centre
(v) Unadopted Roads, Environment and URRI (vi) Park Project
(vii) (a) Regeneration Working Group – Update and questions for DVR
(b) Walkabout and Housing Issues
(viii) East Durham Rural Corridor AAP meeting on 15 September 4. Minutes of General meeting and matters arising: 17 August 2010
5. Report - Trustees’ meeting: 7 September 2010
6. Correspondence
7. Items of Any Other Business: 8. Treasurer’s Report: Register title of issue for Item 11
Raffle Draw Quiz – ‘Singing’ for fund raising
9. Reports and matters arising:
(i) Parish Council (ii) County Durham Plan and Big Society related to the area of benefit
(iii) Quarry Liaison Committee (iv) 12 Villages Representative
10. Group Noticeboard: Please contact the representatives after the meeting if you have any questions.
>Banner: Mike Syer >BVC: Mike Syer >Church: Maureen Robinson
>Football Teams: A Wilson, G Hutchinson >History: Mal Bell >Website: Gary Hutchinson
11. Any Other Business
12. Date and Time of Next Meeting: Future meetings: 19 October 2010. 16 November, 21 December
At 6.30pm in Bowburn Community Centre
____________________________________________________________________________________________
General Meeting
Tuesday 17 August 2010 From 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Present: W Bates, M Bell, J Blackburn, J Blakey, R Cowen, K Griffiths, K Haigh, S Jennings, G Kitson,
R Millerchip, D Paget, V Richardson, Maureen Robinson, J Shields, M Syer, S Thompson, R Walsh, S Walworth
In Attendance: J Anson, J Bellis, G Marsden, M Ridley, S Stephenson
1. Apologies for absence: R Jackson, S Raine, Maggie Robinson, M Williams
2. Police: Members were given a copy of the September edition of the Police News. Contact details were given out
for Leesa Bennison, the officer for hate crime known officially as a ‘Community Cohesion Officer’,
3. AAP Promotion:
Jane Bellis AAP Co-ordinator, and Sandra Stephenson AAP Community Support Project Officer attended the
meeting to promote the work of our local Area Action Partnership (AAP), the East Durham Rural Corridor.
Jane explained that the priorities for 2009/2010 are Young People, Community Spirit, Traffic and Transport.
She described the following projects: Youth Pod at Trimdon, Youth Shelter at Sedgefield, Free Cycle Programme
and Skate Park Coaching at Coxhoe, Mentoring Scheme for 16–25 years which could be extended, Play in the Park
sessions; Speedwatch Scheme delivered through the PACT meetings, Limestone LinX Cycle way, Lighting in
Bowburn and Parkhill plus a footpath in Parkhill, and Fishburn Community Centre; Community Garden.
There was a successful Busabout in July to share information about the different areas in the AAP and possible
ideas for future projects, but keeping the same three priorities.
The following ideas will be taken to the Board; Mobile Youth Provision which could be extended to Adult Learning
and a Library; Extending the Cycle Ways throughout the AAP from Bowburn to NETpark in Sedgefield.
It is proposed that a Steering Group of two representatives from each Partnership will discuss possible cycle routes
with an officer from Durham County Council.
Sandra Stephenson introduced herself and explained her role as supporting Jane in achieving the three priorities of
the AAP and informing of future funding.
The next Board meeting of the AAP is 15 September in Kelloe School, please register to ensure a place.
The next Forum meeting of the AAP is 17 November venue to be decided.
A member agreed that the Limestone LinX was increasing in popularity but such schemes need to be emphasised
in the Core Strategy to minimise the need to travel by car.
There was also a request to discuss significant planning applications in each AAP.
Jane had taken advice on this and could bring in agencies related to a planning application but not discuss the
planning application itself.
Jane and Sandra were thanked for their attendance and left the meeting at 7.10pm
14. Masterplan Updates – Economic Regeneration Team Leader and Project Leaders:
(i) Highways: It was agreed to seek a traffic monitoring exercise on Prince Charles Avenue as there is perceived
speeding on this road. The proposed lighting on the C12a may extend the 30mph speed limit. The footpath at
Parkhill is on land in DCC ownership and once it has been upgraded and 2 street lights installed the adoption
section will follow the required process to adopt the footpath. The shortfall in the grant for the above scheme is to be
funded by local Cllrs Morgan and Plews. The Speedwatch units for the AAP will be stored in Newton Aycliffe the
headquarters for the Sedgefield police Division, and other police areas in the AAP will be notified. It was agreed to
check the accuracy of footpath 29 on the digitised footpath. Concern was expressed about the removal of hedges
along a bridleway in Croxdale which allows cows to wander. Footpaths which are in a poor state across Mary
Terrace are in the ownership of DCC but not adopted. A member informed the meeting that if the road to the tip was
stopped up completely on another occasion, there would be objections.
Re County Durham Plan: It was agreed to register support for the Relief Road; Concern over the proposed bus lane
at Shincliffe, CO2 emissions in Durham Road: Accuracy of the ‘housing’ map in Coxhoe.
Cllr Blakey said that as the result of an accident in Prince Charles Avenue there will be priority road markings at the
junctions with Bede Terrace.
A member informed the meeting that the hedge had been taken out along the footpath with approval as it was less
than 100 years old, and funded by Natural England, but this member agreed that the beast were a problem.
On the consultation for the County Durham Plan the trustees asked that if Thrislington Quarry becomes a strategic
site, traffic routes should avoid travelling through Bowburn.
There were questions about the upgrade of the footpath from Newburn Avenue to Mary Terrace, and completing the
URRI scheme in Durham Road West – when funding comes through these improvements can be made.
(ii) Parkhill: No update.
(iii) Community Centre:
Works are progressing well, and the project group will meet on Friday. The Biffaward has been confirmed and
decisions can be made about finishing touches to the main areas – painting, carpets and blinds. There is a state-of-
the-art kitchen and the computer room looks very modern. The Open Day celebration is to be 12 November.
(iv) Youth Centre: The Summer activities include a weekly evening meeting and outings which are going well. The
new boiler has been fitted. The inside is looking very good and a visit can be arranged by contacting Mike.
Unfortunately the outside is not in such a good condition and needs a lot of work.
(v) Unadopted Roads and (viii) Environment: Julie will bring an updated report on the new County Council form to
the next meeting as well as new costings and agreements, once it was known what AAP funding has come through
for the Parkhill and Bowburn lighting and footpath schemes. (Action Janet)
The unadopted roads report should be ready by September and will also be taken into consideration.
Three Streets continue to fund raise, and there is a Quiz Night in Bowburn Club on 17 September – open to all.
(vii) Park Project: After the last Park Working Group meeting in Lawson Road Centre there was a walkabout in the
Park. Overall everyone was pleased with the results and progress; the CCTV signage is in place; safety fencing still
needs to be removed from the beck; the new levels work well and have been seeded; stone picking has been done;
the football pitches are seeded – work is on schedule and budget; the costs of phase 2 will be known for the next
Park meeting; the road to the car park has been damaged and this will be discussed with the contractor; the back
Broadmeadows road is water free; there is concern about the state of the cottage, which is not in the Park Group’s
remit, and pressure will be put on the necessary services to find a solution to the problem.
A member at this meeting was concerned that the beck still needs to be cleared – this will happen in November
when a dead tree will also be removed.
A member praised the work done in the park but thought that the connection between the back road to
Broadmeadows and the play area should have been retained; the cycle path in the Bottom Park needs to be
reconnected, after part was broken up leaving bare soil.
It is hoped that the Broadmeadows path may be upgraded if a drive is put in to the cottage; the cycle path was
noted at the walkabout and the soil will be covered with a suitable material.
A member asked if there would be seating in the Park, if so some residents may want to fund a memorial seat.
Seats have been considered and when the main works are done, finishing touches will take place, and thanks were
given for the suggestion of funding seats.
A member asked when the football pitch is walkable, because it is being walked on.
The pitch will be ready in 16 weeks and there will be a small fence around the pitch. Perhaps a polite notice may
discourage people from walking across the pitch, which could be in the Interchange newspaper.
The lights are off in the Park – this is being checked.
2(viii) URRI: See item 4(v).
(ix) (a) Regeneration Working Group: No update.
(b) Walkabout and Housing issues: Cllr Blakey reported that there had been a wrong choice of roof tiles for
the Robson Crescent houses but this has been put right. The boarded up houses in Prince Charles Avenue have
been let.
Tail-upon-End Lane site (TuE): Thefts have been reported; speeding traffic and parking on the road is causing
problems and traffic calming measures are being discussed.
A resident from TuE made members aware of problems she is experiencing with damp in her house, and her
concern that the limit on the number of occupied houses may be exceeded for tankering sewage from the site.
Members were sympathetic to the problem of damp and thought that the owner to take up this matter appropriately.
Concerning the tankering of sewage (R Walsh declared an interest) - after some discussion it was agreed to:
• Determine the planning conditions for the TuE site.
• Determine the number of occupied houses and those which are imminent for occupation.
• Determine whether the site has a combined sewer
Any related concerns will be passed on. (Action CllrJB, RC)
(x) East Durham Rural Corridor (AAP): At the meeting on 21 July: DCC gave a presentation on the County Durham
Plan in relation to the East Durham Rural Corridor. Cllr Brookes described his role and what he could bring to the
board. Links are being made with the Local Children’s Board and NETpark. AAP news is made through newsletters,
distribution lists and e-bulletins and possibly Bluetooth. The forum on 5 July was successful but it is hoped that
more people will attend such events in the future.
To register for the AAP meeting contact: marie.ainscough@durham.gov.uk, Tel 0191 527 4807,
Website: www.durham.gov.uk/eastdurhamruralaap
(xi) Future Plans of Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership (B&PCP)
Members were given the trustees’ suggestions of priorities for future plans from their meeting of 3 August – to be
considered at the September meeting.
4. Minutes of last General Meeting: 20 July 2010
The minutes of the July meeting were approved as a true record and agreed by members.
5. Report - Trustees’ meeting on 3 August 2010:
The meeting concentrated on prioritising the ‘Future Plans for B&PCP’ to bring to the general meeting.
7. Correspondence:
> G Woodcock, Esh Group, was open to suggestions for an Entrance Sign to the village, depending on the design
and location. Members were asked to put forward ideas. (Action All)
The Landscape Contractor will be consulted about planting bulbs in the verge at the relocated bus stand.
One member noted that the stone sign is very nice but it is low and the flowers hide vital information.
One attendee noted that there were now no self-build houses on The Grange site - without any consultation.
A member informed that the Parish Council had noted variations to the original planning application, but had
stressed that the relief road should be protected.
> BIG SOCIETY, Free course organised by the Urban Forum. Contact www.urbanforum.org.uk
> Green and Playing Fields Unite, finding out if there was interest in the lack of protection for greenfield sites in
planning policy.
Members at this meeting expressed an interest in finding out further information. (Action Janet)
> County Durham Sports Awards Scheme 2010, contact Durham County Council for the necessary forms.
8. Items of Any Other Business:
(i) Durham Johnston School
(ii) Bungalows on Cape site
(iii) Bogus callers
9. Treasurers update: The treasurer reported on the following:
Income of £12.60 tea/raffle in July. Payments of quiz prize money and August tea/raffle monies on the night.
Raffle Draw: The prize was won by J Shields, with thanks to J Blakey for the prize.
Quiz – The new quiz is “Singing” for fundraising at £1 per entry.
310. Reports and matters arising:
(i) Parish Council – No report
Meetings: 18 August in Cassop Community Centre and 15 September in Bowburn Community Centre at 7pm.
(ii) Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) – Keep under consideration.
(iii) Quarry Liaison Committee – The next meeting will be in December.
(iv) The 12 Villages - Bearpark’s Playbuilder fund was not approved; Brandon partnership relaunch after joining with
two other partnerships; Cassop the seating provided by a private donation has been vandalised, but is being
replaced using Regeneration monies; U Moor action group has had survey done for a village plan, and a Gateway
to the village funded through the AAP; W Rainton village fair on Saturday 28 August; E Winning has had a problem
with mini motors, the play area has started, everyone is welcome to the Funday on 18 September.
11. Group Noticeboard: Please contact the representatives after the meeting if you have any questions.
> Banner: Mike Syer – Thanks were given to the Church for storing the Centenary Banner. Visits will take place to
Boldon, Heweth, the Tommy Hepburn memorial, Houghton Feast. The Heritage Open Day is 11 September in the
community centre; 2011 the Ohio Band leads Bowburn into the Durham Gala and may play at the Park opening.
> BVC: Mike Syer – The deadline for the next edition is 31 August. There was a request for stories and pictures.
> Church: Phase one is almost finished; the garden is almost complete; a hedge will screen the back of the garden
and a trellis will screen a container; a stone cross will take the place of the noticeboard, which will be moved; a
wrought iron fence will go around the grounds; trees next to the church will be replaced with shrubs; thanks were
expressed to Cllrs Blakey and William’s for funding hymn books; the new vicar is settling in and hopes to visit some
partnership meetings in future.
> Football Teams:
Bowburn Youth: M Ridley – Training takes place outside the village; the club has been awarded Charter Standard;
105 sets of new strips have been bought.
> History: No meeting. It was reported that the History Room should be ready by the end of the month.
> Website: No report.
12. Any Other Business: (i) The process for a child getting a place at DJS stays the same until 2012 – having a
brother/sister already in the school and the distance from the school – which is not what parents want.
(ii) A question was asked about the criteria for the Aged Miners Homes – the letting is split between the housing
association Durham Aged Miners Homes Association, and the council.
(iii) A warning was given that young people were distracting older people in the bungalows in the late evening.
Two young people knocked at front doors whilst another went to the back doors to attempt to get into the house.
13. Date and Time of Next Meeting on the third Tuesday of the month is 21 September Future meetings: 19 October, 16 November, 21 December
2010
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