Pick up a weed and a piece of paper every day to keep your pavements clear
GENERAL MEETING - Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership - Charity Number 1112151
Tuesday 16 May 2017 from 6.00pm
Present H Armstrong, M Bell, J Blackburn, J Blakey, R Cowen, K Griffiths, M McKeon, D Paget, G Parker,
T Phillips, S Raine, J Richardson, M Ridley, M Stone, M Syer, S Walworth
1.Apologies: G Kitson, F Salisbury, In attendance: D Cullingford, S Dunn, J Taylor
2. Declarations of interest: Declarations of interests would be made as required throughout this agenda.5
3. Security (i) Police: Email report from CPSO Abby Pattison April/May: Bowburn – 1 burglary; 8 Theft; 7 Antisocial
behaviour; 2 criminal damage – 2 cars were damaged in the George Street and Henry Avenue;
2 wheelie bins were set on fire to the rear of Stevenson Street and enquiries are ongoing.
At this meeting it was noted that illegal tipping had been reported at the BT substation.
3 (ii) PACT: No future dates available
3 (iii) Neighbourhood Wardens: Wardens have contacted residents in the colliery rows concerning dustbins.
Wardens contact 03000 261000 to report environment offences or to DCC or to your local County Councillors
Jan Blakey (03000 268685), Stuart Dunn (03000 264342) and Maura McKeon (03000 268789).
4. Integra61 update: David Cullingford & James Taylor, on behalf of the Citrus Group, updated members.
A Reserved Matters application had recently been submitted re landscaping and planting for Phase 1 which
were contained within the successful outline permission. Once this was approved, no further permissions
would be needed.
Phase 1 infrastructure: A short-list of twenty possible contractors had been reduced to two, one of whom
would soon be appointed to carry out infrastructure works for Phase 1. The first works would be:
• The access, plus the new A688 roundabout and the estate road to the proposed housing development
• The installation of utilities – including a new water supply (from Spennymoor) and electricity (reserved
from the Thinford primary sub-station).
S106 and S278 agreements had been signed and it was expected that infrastructural work would start in
September 2017 and take 8/9 months to complete.
Junction 61 improvements: Off-site highways work principally at Junction 61 – for which £1.85m had been
allocated by Highways England (HE) – would be done either by HE directly or DCC, and must be done by
2020 or 2021 (for funding reasons), which was earlier than would have been expected if the grant had not
been obtained. There will be a time when Junction 61 will have a higher traffic capacity than strictly necessary.
Business sites: There had been considerable interest in the business use sites, despite Brexit, because there
was limited choice of sites for such large buildings. (The site would be suitable for Nissan “tier 2” and “tier 3”
suppliers – i.e. those not needing to be within 10 minutes travelling time of the Washington site.)
Phase 1 developments: Citrus was “in legals” with possible developers of the first residential (150 houses) site
and of the pub & hotel site. However contracts had not yet been exchanged.
Ravensworth: Citrus had objected to the Ravensworth planning application for a 68 bedroom hotel and a large
pub:
• On highways grounds;
• As it does not accord with land use allocated in the City of Durham Local Plan
• As the left-in, left-out only access arrangement would not work – U turns on the A688 and in the
Services entrance opposite would be inevitable. Ravenshaw’s proposed 30mph limit was contrary to
the approved plans for the new A688 roundabout and off-site highways works which assumes a 60mph
limit
Citrus’s view was that there is insufficient demand for 2 hotels and 2 pubs and if allowed, the Ravensworth
application would delay or jeopardise the delivery of the Integra 61 development as Citrus would most likely
lose its operator. Moreover the Ravensworth scheme would make no contribution to the huge infrastructure
costs involved in bringing forward the employment uses on the wider site..
Rights of way: Rights of way across the site would be kept open, as far as possible, but there may be
temporary diversions. Footpath no. 1 would remain open initially, as NWL require daily access to the sewage
treatment works; then diverted after the new roundabout and access had been constructed.
Archaeology: Trenching work, on Phase 1 only, would take about three weeks and were likely to take place
over the summer along with demolition of the old farm buildings.
5. Minutes: Meeting 18 April: The minutes were approved as a true record and agreed by members.
Matters arising: Recycle plant: A group size of 10 people could visit the plant; it takes around 1 ó hours
alongside a discussion/information session. Visitors need to be fit and able to walk on uneven surfaces and
around moving vehicles. Should any visitors be unable to do this a drive around the site will be available.
O’Briens will provide the high-vis jackets and hard hats but not the safety footwear; visitors need to make their
own arrangements for this footwear. Available dates for a visit will be passed on to those interested. JANET
Pick up a weed and a piece of paper every day to keep your pavements clear
Spruce up: Bowburn was the biggest of the schemes so far and ideas discussed but not done in the week of
the Spruce Up hope to be done in the coming weeks such as; footpaths around the service station by a
specialist team; salt bins with specialist equipment to make the holes deep enough to house the bins; all bins
on the A177 have been replaced; other bins around Bowburn will be replaced in due course because only a
limited number can be ordered per area. Play areas have been passed on to a different team. The Co-op is
now aware of the graffiti; as it is a private building DCC cannot remove it. DCC have limited powers to deal
with the bins in the colliery streets but a letter drop has been carried out.
6. Finances: Income: May Tea and Raffle money of £12; ‘It’s Spring’ quiz money £72.
Endowment Fund: The Partnership encourages contributions into the Bowburn & Parkhill Community Fund for
future grant applications. Such contributions should be made to Count Durham Community Fund and are
eligible for Gift Aid. ALL
Co-op Local Community Fund: We await the funding of £885.91 via The Charities Aid Foundation.
History book: In progress. MIKE
6ii) Raffle prize: M Syer won the prize kindly donated by G Kitson;
J Blackburn won the prize kindly donated by A Shutt. Sylvia Raine will donate a prize in June.
6iii) Quiz: Winners of ‘It’s Spring’ - 1st S Raine Old Quarrington, 2nd C Chantler Bath, 3rd M Banks Skegness.
The new quiz ‘Pretty as a Picture’ for Partnership funds is on sale at £1 with a closing date of 12 August 2017.
7. Item for Any Other Business: Waste bin on C12A
8. Current Masterplan:
8A Regeneration Fund:The materials for the railings have been ordered and work should start in two weeks.
Project Notes
Prince Bishop B&B corner
Point houses Durham
Rd
DCC conservation does not recommend raking out pointing which is satisfactory as it could harm the
bricks and allow water to seep in.
Grass strimming and
weed strimming
Check with DCC; Pay Parish Council to do this.
Weeds growing in front houses look unsightly and blight the area; with the help of the Parish litter
pickers it is proposed to strim the weeds.
20/09/16 There was to be a site meeting in Durham Road with Jimmy Bennett and Martin Briscoe on 21
September to discuss the strimming.
18/10/16 The Partnership was given permission from DCC to strim the grass verge from the Methodist
Chapel to the bus stand opposite the Hare & Greyhound, and advised to write to Ogden to ask them to
cut back the hedges to make the highway safe and tidy up the area. Awaiting a reply.
15/11/16 Agreed to contact Jimmy Bennet about making the hedges safe as there had been no
response from Ogden’s.
15/11/16 Cllr Blakey informed that there will be a ‘Village Spruce Up’ in April 2017.
15/11/16 Cllr Blakey has requested that the flower beds be removed from the front of Mary Terr and
shrubs be taken out of the corner of Prince Charles Avenue.
17/01/17 First suggestions were made for the ‘Village Spruce Up’ of clearing the pavement of weeds
along the C12A to the Hallgarth Estate; Paint outdoor seating where necessary.
21/02/17 A walkabout has been arranged with DCC on 27 February.
21/03/17 Chris Hindmarch, DCC, with Jan, Janet, Mike and Sylvia covered a large area of Bowburn and
noted areas that were in need of cleaning and clearing in the week of 3 April, or later if necessary.
18/04/17 Spruce Up works: Opposite Community Centre – Strimmed, raked and re-seeded. Edged
paths in front of Community Centre and Shops; Pruned shrubs next to library. Grass cut next to Tattoo
shop; Pruned shrubs at side of Chemist. Tided area opposite Slater Place – Cut back verge and
strimmed. Removed tree post next to pit memorial; Weeded Memorial area; Planted 5 Birch either side
of the two memorials. General road sweeping of all paths and channels; General litter pick and cleaning
of public open space. Checked and cleaned DCC bus stops; Pavings washed where required.
Replaced/installed bins at: Bus stop opposite the Hair Hut & Business Centre, Community Centre,
Traffic Lights, Carpet Shop, Mary Terrace , Main road bus stops x2.
16/05/17 Chris Hindmarch answered the ‘Spruce Up’ queries: See Item 5.
Gas meter boxes in
Durham Road
After agreeing that the Partnership could contribute a reasonable sum towards improving this problem, it
was agreed to contact all residents in Durham Road to gain ideas as to how to smarten up the gas
boxes.
16/08/16 Three residents from Durham Rd agree with the refurbishment of the gas boxes.
20/09/16 Costing new gas boxes is in progress.
18/10/16 RJL Plumbing gave a quote of £192, including VAT, to replace each gas box after checking for
gas leaks.
It was agreed to contact the residents of houses in Durham Road which have a damaged gas box about
their replacement, and contact all residents in Durham Road to agree to the painting of the boxes.
15/11/16 There have been no objections to refitting damaged gas boxes; one person does not want the
gas box painted.
17/01/17 It was hoped to paint the gas boxes if suitable quality paint could be found that was acceptable
by DCC and could then be paid for by the Regeneration Pot along with new gas boxes where needed.
21/02/17 When the weather is drier the gas boxes will be repaired, and painted with Multi Surface Paint.
21/03/17 and 18/04/17 Agreed to replace the damaged gas boxes immediately
Pick up a weed and a piece of paper every day to keep your pavements clear
Then paint the boxes black to match the street furniture in Durham Road - when the weather is suitable,
apart from No 4 Durham Road.
16/05/17 Martin and Richard Lloyd (plumber) found up to 8 gas boxes could need
replacing - 5 definites; 3 have damaged doors which may not repair. The quote is £192
per new gas box. 8 boxes X £192.00 = £1536.00 (worst case scenario); plus the added
cost of painting. £4837.50 remains in the Regen Pot. Julie Anson will be informed.
All 8 householders will be written to and informed of the above. JANET
Please suggest other environment projects. ALL
8B Reports:
8Bi) Coop building (DM/17/01168/FPA): Mr Nadra Aslam has submitted an application to provide 10
residential units on the upper floor which requires 2 extensions; Redevelop the downstairs to include a take
away and a restaurant, and 27 parking places to the front of the building.
Members made it clear that the building is unattractive and needs improving, and the existing parking is poor.
They agreed that a new parking arrangement with a suitable access onto the highway is required. They noted
that the application states that there is no provision for recyclable waste or dispose of trade effluent or waste.
Members felt that this issue needs a full assessment to learn if this is the case. RICHARD
Parkhill: Three paths appear to link with either the existing bridleway from Parkhill to Old Quarrington or the
claimed footpath in the Wildlife Site. Members agree that the plan should show how to secure the links and
whether any trees or parts of hedgerow need to be removed - it is assumed that one of the links will take
advantage of a gap in the hedge, but it should be confirmed. Certain lengths of the road network are block
paved at the end of cul-de-sacs but the central oval road and two road junctions are also shown to be block
paved. Members were concerned about any part of the road network not being adopted, but particularly about
lengths of road that form part of the access throughout the proposed estate. RICHARD
Fire and rescue Service extension:
As the building extensions did not affect the proposed Relief Road members had no objections.
8Bii) Bowburn Industrial Relief Road:
Mr David Taylor, Legal Manager DCC, confirmed that current searches are not revealing any proposals for a
new road, and he is checking with the Highway Development Manager the current status of this proposal.
At this meeting it was said that the Relief Road was in the last Plan so has been known about, and if DCC are
not advising people about this road this could lead to future problems with new residents. Further, it was
suggested that it needs to come "up the agenda" as all the developments in Bowburn and Coxhoe proceed.
8Biii) Carlin Close Steps: Keepmoat have been let down by a contractor and will get the steps from the C12A
to the estate finished as soon as possible. They had mistaken the railings for the damaged fence and these
need to be checked. They do not take responsibility for the damaged footpath alongside the site. JANET
8B iv)Hill Top View: Chris Baxter confirmed that the approved plan does show a footpath link from the site to
the A177. He has visited the site and noted that there is a fence been erected at this location and has
contacted the developer to remind them that this footpath link needs to be introduced. The development is still
ongoing and he will monitor the progress, in particular the footpath link.
Cllr Blakey reported that the footpath link will be introduced.
Trief kerbs: It appears that the kerbs have caused people to park, dangerously, further from the kerb.
There is no footpath next to the trief kerbs to stop people crossing the road opposite the railings at the school.
8Bv) MW A1(M) junction 61: Awaiting a response to the query about a consultation date for the improvements
to the MW roundabout. JANET
8Bvi) Bowling green hedge: The concrete post will be made safe when the height barrier is installed. MARTIN
8Bvii) Community Centre: Everything is going well at the centre. The next board meeting is Tuesday 22 May.
8Bviii) Youth Club: The committee is working towards becoming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
Tesco will provide the youth club with spare food both during term time and every day during the holidays.
Visit any time; Contact the Youth Club on 07788277321, Facebook, or coxhoe&bowburndistrictyouthclubs.
Gym: New members always welcome. Times: Mon to Sat AM 9.15-11.30am; Evenings Tue to Thur 6-8.30pm
8Bix) Coal column: Groundwork hopes to take on the project subject to the Parish Council commissioning the
Coal Column. There are queries about future maintenance and the payment of VAT. MIKE
8Bx) Primary school: No new information.
School parking: 20mph signs funding approaching the Infant School is on hold. COUNCILLORS
8B xi) Shops: Aldi, Asda and Farmfoods are not looking to put a store in Bowburn; Coop, Heron, Lidl, M&S
and Morrisons are making enquiries; Nick Gravells of Costcutter has made a positive response to visit the
Cooperage site and speak to Ogden’s JANET
Pick up a weed and a piece of paper every day to keep your pavements clear
9. Correspondence: UK Parliamentary Week from John Bercow: Annual festival to engage people with
Parliament and UK democracy between 13-19 November. The free kit contains activities, ideas and materials
to get involved with the festival. JANET
Patient Congress: The new date for the congress will be Tuesday 20 June, 1-4pm at Cornerstones Centre in
Chester-Le-Street Methodist Church, North Burns Phone: 0191 389 8617 e-mail: d.blagdon@nhs.net
10. Reports and matters arising:
10i) East Durham Rural Corridor AAP: Next Meeting 6 June from 5.00 pm, St Alban’s hall Trimdon Grange
10ii) County Councillors: Jan Blakey, Stuart Dunn and Maura McKeon were introduced as County Councillors
for the Coxhoe Ward. There is a hope that the villages in the ward will have closer links.
Noted that there will be a consultation in Bowburn Community Centre between 4.00pm and 6.00pm for 10
houses on land at Surtees Avenue.
10iii) Cassop-cum-Quarrington Parish Council: A planning application by Ravensworth for a public house and
hotel at Tursdale Road (not part of the Integra61 development) was discussed. Members objected on highway
grounds and noted that until the new roundabout was in place no further development should take place which
would increase traffic on the already busy A688 at that point. Members were informed that funding had been
received for the height restrictor barrier at the entrance to Bowburn Park. Cllr Ridley was asked to contact
Tolley Fabrications who were to install the barrier. Parking problems at the Co-op on Prince Charles Avenue,
and also at the junction of Crowtrees Lane and Wylam Street where cars parked on the footpath were
discussed. The Clerk was instructed to contact DCC and the police to arrange enforcement measures.
a
lack of litter bins on Bowburn South Industrial Estate.
Next Parish Meeting is 3 June meet at 9.30am in Bowburn Community Centre.
Neighbourhood Plan: The results have been collated and will be discussed tomorrow 17 May.
10iv) Quarry Liaison: C Teasdale has responded to say that issues relating to Old Quarrington are being
investigated. SYLVIA/RICHARD
11. Group Noticeboard:
(i)Banner: The Centenary banner went to Kelloe to commemorate 10 men killed in the 1897 inundation.
(ii) BVC Interchange: Submit stories, information and photos for Issue 83 which is being prepared for print.
No one has yet responded to the appeal for new volunteers.
The next Quiz Night will be held on Friday 9 June in Crowtrees Club at 7.30pm.
(iii) Credit Union Bank: The bank is open on Fridays from 11 am to 12 noon in the Community Centre.
Both schools have opened a Credit Union Bank for children and family members.
(iv) History: Lee Brownson gave an interesting talk about future plans for Bishop Auckland.
John Davison will give a talk about Passchendaele and the 3rd Battle of Ypres, 1917 on 7 June in Bowburn
Community Centre, start time 7.00PM. £3 to non History Group members.
The Resources Room is open every Wednesday 1pm till 3pm.
(v) Fun Day: The Fun Day is arranged for Saturday 30 September 2017.
12. AOB:
The dog poo bin on Crowtrees Lane is damaged. It has been reported and should be replaced – see Item 5
13. Date/Time of Next Meeting and AGM: 20 June 2017 at 6.00pm in Bowburn Community Centre
Trustees: Next meeting 6 June at 6.00pm in Bowburn Community Centre.