1 October 2024

Parish Councillors are hereby summoned to a meeting of Neasham Parish Council on Tuesday 1 October 2024, 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

Tribute by the Chair to John for his long and outstanding service to the benefit of the parish followed by a short period of silence.

  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 3 September 2024, as previously circulated.
  4. PACT Meeting.
  5. Roads and Footpaths.
    Condition of road and markings at Brass Castle/Dinsdale Park junction.
  6. Environment Agency Matters.
  7. Village Green.
    • Report on the agreed works to Memorial Garden and adjacent area including the purchase of plants, together with the season end emptying the flower tubs.
    • Trimming works to the leylandii around the pumphouse.
    • Replacement notice board for Low Dinsdale, confirmation of type and site check of dimensions.
    • Removal of Sockburn noticeboard.
    • The defibrillator was stood down by “The Circuit” after reports of its use. Subsequent inspection showed it to be intact and was reinstated as available.
  8. Planning.
    • Applications received since last meeting:-
    • None.
    • Decisions posted since last meeting: -
    • None.
  9. Risk Management.
    • Scheduled Inspections due in September:- Village Green and Trees.
    • Revised arrangements for Scheduled Inspections including appointment of Asset Overseer.
    • No defects raised in September.
    • Risk Management Report for second quarter 2024/5 as circulated.
  10. Finance.
    • Previously approved payments made in September:- RBL £50 (Wreath), Zurich £517.66 (Insurance), Noticeboard Co £1418.92 (Low Dinsdale board), Clerk £552.96 (Salary), HMRC £138.00 (PAYE).
    • Change of official office address to 2A Neasham Hill.
    • Change of mandate for authorised signatories to Barclay’s bank account finally completed. Additional signatory now required.
    • Two signatories required for NS&I account.
    • Minor amendments to Legal Expenses Cover in Zurich Insurance Schedule. Debt Recovery (£30) and Contract Disputes (£15) are now optional extras.
    • Finance report to 2Q 2024/5.
    • Suggestions by members for items of expenditure to be included in the draft Budget for presentation at the November meeting.
  11. Administrative Matters Associated with the Passing of J Weighell.
    Various actions required following the passing of J Weighell, all as list circulated separately including some already actioned.
  12. Reaching Out, Communications and Events.
    • Arrangements for the Remembrance Day service in November
    • Arrangements for Christmas event.
    • Review of Neasham PC position regarding use/posting on Facebook.
  13. Ward Councillor Matters.
    • Reports from Ward Councillors
    • Darlington BC 2024/27 Plan circulated by the Leader of the Council.
  14. Correspondence (as circulated in September).
    • Various emails from NALC regarding Chief Executive’s Bulletin (05/09), Newsletter (04/09, 18/09), Events (03/09), Legal Bulletin Update 11/09, New Website Going live (05/09, 17/07).
    • Email from Citizens Advice publicising Pension Credits Take Up which includes two posters.
  15. Other Village Matters.
    Any matter that members wish to raise (that does not require formal notification).
  16. Date of the next ordinary Parish Meeting is Tuesday 5 November 2024.