2 July 2024

Parish Councillors are hereby summoned to a meeting of Neasham Parish Council on Tuesday 2 July 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

  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 4 June 2024, as previously circulated. NOTE: a request had been made by a parishioner that the last sentence of minute 24/040 be amended to read “Arrangements have been agreed for the watering of the flower tubs throughout the village”.
  4. Administration Matters.
    As there had been no request for an election to fill the vacancy arising from the resignation of J Grainger, the parish council is permitted to co-opt an interested person, this appointment is ongoing.
  5. PACT Meeting.
    No confirmation has been received as to whether the meeting on 4 July at Hurworth Grange will be held. The following meeting will be on Thursday 29 August in the Neasham Reading Rooms.
  6. Roads and footpaths.
    • Updated on samples of contaminated “orange” water in the ditch along Neasham Road.
    • Any development in the retrospective planning application for vehicular access onto Neasham Road at Skipbridge.
    • Road traffic accident on Teesway, outside the Fox and Hounds on Friday 21 June.
  7. Environment Agency Matters.
    A meeting had been held with the Environment Agency’s regarding various issues but there has been no further contact yet regarding the content of these discussions, however none had been anticipated before the autumn.
  8. Village Green.
    • Summary on the planting up of the flower tubs.
    • Repair of the warped boarding to the raised bed and consideration of replacing with railway sleepers.
    • Report on necessary maintenance to the Memorial garden including planting up in current and future years together with any necessary additional support work by Pretty Gardens.
    • The repair works to Pumphouse stonework had been carried out and an inspection confirmed that the works were satisfactory.
    • Feedback on Neasham RR summer event on the green held on Saturday 22 June 2024.
    • Consideration of remedial work required to Sockburn noticeboard.
    • Planning for the Remembrance Day service to be held in November.
  9. Planning.
    • Applications received since last meeting:-
    • 24/00514/TF – Crown reduction to protected tree at 3 Riverbanks, Dinsdale Park, Middleton St George DL2 1UB.
    • Decisions posted since last meeting: -
    • None.
    • A further communication had been received from Middleton SG Parish Council setting out their suggestions to the Darlington BC Rights of Way Officer on a proposed diversion of a footpath in a field off Roman Way. Neasham PC understand that a planning application for a change of use of the field together with the erection of a small stable block and hay store has been submitted.
  10. Risk Management.
    • Scheduled Inspections due in May/June:- Village Green (consolidated), General Inspection of Electrics,
    • No defects raised as at 24 June 2024.
  11. Finance.
    • Previously approved payments made in June:- A Dargue £250.00 (Repair Pumphouse Stonework), Clerk £552.96 (Salary), HMRC £138.00 (PAYE).
    • Change of mandate for authorised signatories to bank accounts is ongoing.
  12. Reaching Out and Communications.
    • The Vice Chair had received a copy of the NALC response to the Government’s Community Energy Consultation. It is noted that their response to Q3 in the recommendation is largely in line with the draft response he had previously circulated and which was ratified by the members.
    • Availability of grants for Christmas event.
  13. Ward Councillor Matters.
  14. Correspondence (as circulated in June).
    Various emails from NALC regarding Chief Executive’s Bulletin (06/06 x2, 13/06), Events (18/06), Hardwick in Partnership (19/06), Minutes of CLCA Meeting 11/06. All listed for information only.
  15. Other Village Matters.
    Any other matter members wish to raise (not requiring formal notification).
  16. Date of the next ordinary Parish Meeting is Tuesday 3 September 2024.