3 October 2023

Parish Councillors are hereby summoned to a meeting of Neasham Parish Council on Tuesday 3 October 2023, 6:30PM, in Neasham Reading Room to transact the business listed in the agenda below.

Members of the public are entitled to attend Parish Council Meetings as a non-participating attendee (unless confidential matters are under discussion) but may speak only at the invitation of the Chair. Those wishing to speak on any matter during the meeting must give written notice giving brief details to the Clerk or Chair at least two days prior to the meeting.

Agenda

  1. Chair’s welcome and apologies for absence.
  2. Declarations of interest in items on the agenda.
  3. Approval of the minutes of the ordinary meeting held on 5 September 2023, as previously circulated.
  4. Matters arising from the previous meeting.
  5. PACT Meeting.
  6. Roads and footpaths.
    • J Weighell had again reported, to Darlington, BC the lack of cutting to a verge in New Lane.
    • Process of recording the condition (including photographs) as evidence) of the existing main roads running through the village. That could support any complaint to Darlington  BC, should an increase in heavy lorries through the village and causing further damage.
  7. Environment Agency Matters.
    Remedial work to Agency stile to footpath off Sockburn Lane.
  8. Village Green.
    • Update on ownership of the trees on the Abbey side of Kent Beck. Some trees growing on the Neasham side of the and any action required by Neasham Parish Council.
    • A quotation of £180 had been received from Miss Trees for reducing the Cherry Tree (T6), which will now probably have to be done in February 2024.
    • Outstanding works to the Memorial Garden including installation of baffle to lectern and repairs to raised bed retaining board.
    • Outstanding expenditure to the Millennium Garden under the second “Levelling Up” grant.
    • Darlington BC have appointed a new Rights of Way Officer responsible for the Neasham area.
  9. Planning.
    • Applications received since last meeting:-
      None.
    • Decisions received since last meeting: -
      None.
    • 22/00875/FUL Dinsdale Park Golf Club. At the September meeting in was agreed to write to Darlington BC to complain about process that resulted in the application being approved by Darlington BC. Subsequent to the meeting a query arose as to whether the complaint should be on a formal or informal basis. The members who had been present at the parish council meeting were balloted and it was unanimously resolved that it should be a formal complaint.
    • Update on Appeal against enforcement notice for the siting of 4No mobile caravans and associated works, at Skipbridge, Neasham Road.
    • The clerk has forwarded a reminder to Darlington BC regarding updates on planning applications by email.
  10. Risk Management.
    • Scheduled inspections due in September are the Consolidated Village Green Schedule (incorporating items previously listed separately), Trees.
    • The quarterly Risk Management Report has been circulated.
  11. Finance.
    • Previously approved payments made in September:- G Cute £35.66 (Expenses), Zurich Municipal £507.74 (Insurance), RBL £50.00 (Wreath), Clerk £504.00 (Salary), £126.00 HMRC (PAYE).
    • The Finance Report for the second quarter has been circulated.
    • Review of the expenditure to date in respect of the Levelling Up Fund second grant.
    • An application to Banks Moor House Wind Farm Community Fund for a grant has been submitted on line via the link in their email dated 12/09/23, which was based on the scope of works and budget agreed between the Chair and Vice Chair. Subject to the application being approved by Banks, the members will be asked to confirm their approval of the scheme overall and also agree any required S137 approval.
    • A proposal has been brought forward to resume purchase of portable lighting as previously approved as part of the second levelling up grant.
  12. Reaching Out and Communications.
    • Suggestions from members welcomed for moving forward on reaching out and communications.
    • Clarification to differentiate between Neasham PC formal and personal posts on Facebook.
    • Detailed confirmation of delivery addresses by volunteers of council “flyers” to ensure all properties are covered. List of addresses as circulated.
  13. Ward Councillor Matters.
  14. Correspondence (as circulated in September).
    • Various emails from NALC regarding Newsletter (06/09, 20/09), Event (19/09). For information only.
    • An email from NALC/De Monford University (20/09) requesting participation in a survey on recent local elections had been completed by the Clerk.
    • An email received 09/09/23 with advice over Courier Fraud and other issues
  15. Other village matters.
    • The CLCA/NALC Annual General Meeting had been held on Thursday 21/09/23 at Guisborough.
    • Update on arrangements for the Neasham PC Remembrance service in November.
    • An email had been received from a parishioner regarding Bully XL dogs, however this is not an issue that the parish council can address.
  16. Date of the next ordinary Parish Meeting has been set as Tuesday 7 November 2023.