Neasham Parish Council

1. Declarations of Interest
None declared.

2. Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 2 September 2025 were approved and signed.

3. Reaching Out, Communications and Events
3.1 Village Newsletter
Progressing well, ensuring that all aspects of village life are covered. Contributions are being received from various parishioners. C. Bayes to produce a paragraph on a Neasham History Night, encouraging locals to find interesting facts about their property and the village.

3.2 Reading Room – Financial Support
F. Oliver was welcomed and expressed appreciation for the Parish Council’s support and the good working relationship with the Reading Room.
Current events include the quarterly lunch club, Duck Derby, Christmas Party, and Christmas Carols. Support for these events would be appreciated.
There are currently no maintenance requirements needing Parish Council assistance.
It was agreed that a printer would be stored at the Reading Room for shared use by Neasham Parish Council and the Reading Room.

3.3 Parish Council Contact Details
Updated and previous contacts have been notified of changes in roles.

4. PACT Meeting
4.1 Feedback from Previous Meeting
Nothing to report.

4.2 Next Meeting
Confirmed for 9 October 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in Neasham Reading Room.

5. Roads and Footpaths
5.1 Dropped Kerbs Survey
Contact between Darlington Borough Council (DBC) and the resident is ongoing.
C. Bayes has agreed to offer support if required.
Thanks were extended to L. Tostevin for connecting the Council with the appropriate contacts at DBC.

6. Environment Agency Matters
6.1 Safety Fence (East Bank to Kent Beck)
G. Crute has inspected the area. The fence remains intact and, with an additional safety barrier behind it, is considered secure.

7. Village Green
7.1 Winter Planting and Planters
P. Dunn provided a report on the village planters. Preparations for next year are underway to ensure that containers are correctly positioned.

7.2 Tree Maintenance – Pump House Leylandii and New Lane Cherry Tree
Work appears to have been completed on the Leylandii, though it is not yet confirmed who carried it out.

7.3 Winter Bulbs and Grant
P. Walters confirmed that an Eco Grant is available and that Parish Councils are well placed to apply.
P. Dunn will obtain cost estimates for required materials.

8. Planning
8.1 Planning Applications
No new applications have been received since the last meeting.

9. Risk Management
9.1 Power Supply Test Certificate – Village Green Junction Box
Ongoing.

9.2 Risk Management Report – Quarter 2
Completed by B. Crossen.

9.3 Defibrillator Maintenance
The Clerk to order additional pads before the next meeting.

10. Finance
10.1 Payments (September)
• Zurich Insurance – £528.08 (previously approved and paid)

10.2 Online Banking
M. Hannaford now has access to online banking. The next step is to provide the Parish Clerk with access.

10.3 Budget and Precept 2025/26
To be a main topic at the next meeting.

11. Environment Agency Flood Resilience
11.1 Flood Warden Information Event
Event not yet held.

12. Ward Councillor Matters
12.1 Reports from Ward Councillors
• The Stockton and Darlington Railway 200th anniversary event was a success, with thousands watching the replica Locomotion No. 1 cross the Skerne Bridge.
• Resident parking zone survey: residents may contact L. Tostevin if they believe any areas in Neasham should be considered for resident-only parking (currently for information-gathering purposes only).
• Roadworks between Neasham and Middleton St George have been completed, improving several key sections.

13. Correspondence
Nothing to report.

14. Other Village Matters
14.1 Introduction Protocol for New Councillors
To be discussed at a later meeting.

14.2 Remembrance Sunday
G. Crute is making preparations for the event.

14.3 Speed Signs
K. Sandick is liaising with suppliers to source a replacement that is less disruptive for nearby residents.

14.4 Neasham History Talk
To coincide with the Parish Assembly.

14.5 Other Matters Raised
The Parish Council is considering website options that maintain governance and process diligence while reducing reliance on any single individual. C. Bayes and Clerk to review next steps and provide recommendations at next meeting.

15. Date of Next Meeting
The next Ordinary Parish Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 4 November 2025.