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 20 June 2017 from 6.00pm
Present M Bell, J Blackburn, J Blakey, J Geyer, M McKeon, D Paget, C Parker, G Parker, S Raine (Chair),
J Richardson, M Syer,
1.Apologies: R Cowen, T Phillips, M Ridley, In attendance: S Dunn
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 – 6 Theft; 16 Anti-social
behaviour; 4 criminal damage
This month 3 youths have been served with PIN notices (Police Information Notice - where there are
allegations of harassment. This note explains what these are, and why they are used) due to their involvement
in anti-social behaviour at the youth club.
Members felt it was important to be aware of who the local police officer/PCSO is and agreed to continue
requesting monthly police reports on crime statistics and areas of concern. It was not felt necessary that the
police should attend monthly, but in view of the police’s commitment to community policing they should be
requested to attend a Partnership meeting at least twice per annum to answer follow-up questions. JANET
3 (ii) PACT: This month’s PACT meeting will be a “PACT walk & talk” around the Co-op area on Thursday 22
June from 6.30pm; all are welcome.
Members felt that it would be useful to know the name of the new sergeant for the area. JANET
3 (iii) Neighbourhood Wardens:
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. Minutes: Minutes of the Annual General Meeting 16 May: The minutes were approved provisionally.
Minutes of the General Meeting 16 May: The minutes were approved and agreed by members.
5. Trustees: Joyce Geyer, Maura McKeon, Gary Parker and Jackie Richardson were welcomed as trustees
onto the management committee, making a total of 10 out of a maximum number of 15 trustees.
Agreed that the trustee’ minutes are agreed by email following quarterly meetings.
6. Finances: Income: May Quiz, Tea and Raffle of £84; Co-op Community Fund of £885.91 for the history
book; Fun Day donation of £250 from Joanne Ridley and a grant of £927 from the James Knott Fund.
Expenditure: Rent of £23; Quiz prizes of £15 and £10; Refreshments of £11.
Endowment Fund: The most recent statement showed a possible £381 available for grants. Enquiries will be
made about setting up a small grant fund making awards of up to £100. MIKE
The Partnership encourages contributions into the Bowburn & Parkhill Community Fund for future applications.
Such contributions should be made to Count Durham Community Fund and are eligible for Gift Aid. ALL
History book: In progress. MIKE
6ii) Raffle prize: C Parker won the prize kindly donated by S Raine; Martin Ridley will donate a prize in July.
6iii) Quiz: The new quiz ‘Pretty as a Picture’ is on sale at £1 with a closing date of 12 August 2017.
7. Item for Any Other Business: Coxhoe waste recycling site.
8. Current Masterplan:
8A Regeneration Fund:The start date for the railings along the C12A is the week beginning 3 July.
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.
Pick up a weed and a piece of paper every day to keep your pavements clear
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
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
20/06/17 8 households have been contacted in Durham Road to inform them
that the gas boxes will be fitted between 28 and 30 June. MARTIN, JANET
Please suggest other environment projects. ALL
8B Reports:
8Bi) Surtees Avenue: Agreed to make enquiries about the residents’ support for the green space at Surtees
Avenue before a possible planning application, and encourage the residents to attend the Partnership
meetings to gather their opinions. JANET
8Bii) Bowburn Industrial Relief Road:
Mr David Taylor, Legal Manager DCC, said that it was his understanding that the Council will be considering
the merits of the relief road as part of the preparation of the preferred Options for the County Durham Plan.
He was satisfied that the answers which the Council are giving to enquiries by prospective purchasers
accurately reflect the current position and would not give rise to any liability on the Council’s part.
At this meeting the County Councillors advised that the former County Durham Plan does not exist and the
future Plan begins afresh based on the consultation document ‘Issues and Options’.
Members agreed that Bowburn/Parkhill Partnership represents residents in the area and our reasons for the
Relief Road in the ‘Issues and Options’ should be taken into account. However the Partnership would like to
strengthen our arguments by writing to DCC highlighting our reasons and pointing out that there is provision
for a future new road by the Esh Group, the Fire Department and Integra 61. There are concerns about the air
quality along the A177. RICHARD
Agreed to ask for an air quality survey along the A177 approaching the MW Junction 61 as there are concerns
when traffic accelerates from a standing start in the rush hour traffic. JANET
8Biii) Carlin Close Steps: The steps from the C12A to the estate are finished and in use.
The area needs to be cleared of the protective fencing which was around the steps, and the wire mesh which
was removed and damaged when the boundary fencing for the site was erected. JANET
8B iv) Hill Top View: It was reported in May that Chris Baxter, DCC, confirmed that the approved plan does
show a footpath link from the site to the A177 - the footpath link is still to be introduced. JANET
Trief kerbs: DCC Highways will review the trief kerbs in relation to the dangerous parking opposite the Infant
School at opening and closing times of the school.
8Bv) MW A1(M) junction 61: Mr John McGargill, DCC, advised that the advanced directional signage will be as
existing for all legs of the junction where Coxhoe is signed from Bowburn, the A1M slip and A688; The traffic
signals will operate full time; The proposal (for the new roundabout) includes widening of the junction entry
from Bowburn. To achieve this widening it is likely land is taken from the central island. The rail the
Partnership refer to (in the NW corner) sits at the top of the embankment and therefore if removed would need
Pick up a weed and a piece of paper every day to keep your pavements clear
to be replaced. Current standards would require a vehicular safety barrier. At this stage no detailed design has
taken place and it is only at that stage would the requirement be identified to remove the rail. Certainly this will
be a matter for consideration and would be identified through a safety audit when the junction improvements
are brought forward.
Agreed to arrange a meeting with Mr McGargill concerning the proposals for 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: Plans to remove the folding doors in the Left Hand Games Room have been agreed
8Bviii) Youth Club: Volunteers were thanked at an evening celebration.
Visit any time; Contact the Youth Club on 07788277321 and Facebook.
Gym: New members always welcome. Times: Mon to Sat AM 9.15-11.30am; Evenings Tue to Thur 6-8.30pm
8Bix) Coal column: No update available. MIKE
8Bx) Primary school: The councillors have held discussions with the head teachers – see below
School parking at the Infants School: Double yellow lines are not the answer because it is legal to drop off and
take a child into school then board at the school. Letters will be sent to school users cautioning about
dangerous parking.
8B xi) Shops: Heron and Morrisons do not think that the ‘Cooperage’ shop is suitable. JANET
9. Correspondence: Gillian Parvin, a former Durham County Council assistant officer for Bowburn was
wished a long and happy retirement.
10. Reports and matters arising:
10i) East Durham Rural Corridor AAP: Next Meeting 19 July from 5.00 pm, Quarrington Hill centre.
10ii) County Councillors:
Knitted Poppy project will reach the target to commemorate the soldiers fallen at the Somme.
Discussions held on a light controlled crossing at Park Hill on readiness for the housing development.
Heard the concerns of the residents in Surtees Avenue regarding the proposed houses on the green space.
The schools in Bowburn have been contacted concerning the new Primary School, and councillors hope to
have a consultation arranged before the end of this term.
The contracts of the teaching assistants should be concluded before the end of this term.
10iii) Cassop-cum-Quarrington Parish Council meeting 17 May 2017:
The Parish discussed a planning application by Keepmoat for housing on land at Park Hill, (Hallam Land), and
various objections were raised, regarding play facilities being unavailable for several years, road safety issues
etc. A letter of objection was sent (n.b. Keepmoat have now asked for a meeting with the Parish). BT’s Anne
Marie Cork had responded to complaints about mess left by BT workers/contractors. She agreed this was
unacceptable, and following maps, photographs etc sent by Cllr Raine on behalf of the Parish, the problem
had been dealt with. Any future complaints should be reported immediately, to Ms Cork. Ogden’s stated they
are not responsible for providing litter bins on Bowburn Industrial Estates. The Parish is to ask DCC to do so.
Next Parish Meeting is 1 July meet at 9.30am in Bowburn Community Centre.
Neighbourhood Plan: The results have been collated.
10iv) Quarry Liaison: No progress. SYLVIA/RICHARD
11. Group Noticeboard:
(i)Banner: Eve of Gala concert by Backroom Band starts at 6.30pm. Bands should get through Old Elvet
quicker this year as only half the bands will play at the County Hotel. This year is Bowburn’s turn to play. The
banner will be draped to remember the 50 years since the closure of the pit, and in memory of Richard Evans
of Bowburn, and of Keith Fairburn, secretary of the Kippax Band.
(ii) BVC Interchange: Issue 83 is ready for delivery. Unfortunately no one has yet responded to the appeal for
new volunteers. However some members present volunteered to help with deliveries.
The next Quiz Night will be held on Friday 14 July 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: The Resources Room is open every Wednesday 1pm till 3pm.
(v) Fun Day: The Fun Day is arranged for Saturday 30 September 2017. Again this year grants will fund the
cheap rides, at 50p per ride.
12. AOB: A member is concerned that the opening hours of Coxhoe Waste Recycle Site encourage fly-tipping.
Agreed to request that the hours are reviewed. JANET
13. Date/Time of Next Meeting and AGM: 18 July 2017 at 6.00pm in Bowburn Community Centre