Neasham Parish Council

25/001 - WELCOME

K Sandick welcomed Councillors to the meeting. Apologies for absence were accepted from C Bayes (Working).

25/002 – DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 A Declaration of Interest in Minute 25/008.8 by M Hannaford as he is a Trustee with the Tees River Trust. Although not a direct Declaration of Interest, G Crute reported that L Swinhoe, who had been very helpful in liaising with parish councils as part of his brief, had retired. G Crute stated that he had sent a letter thanking him for his support.

25/003 - MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 4 March 2025 were confirmed as a correct record.

25/004 – VACANCY ON PARISH COUNCIL

J Chapple was introduced as a new member of the Parish Council and formally signed the Acceptance of Office. The Declaration of Members Interest Form was also signed and handed to the Clerk to forward to Darlington BC.

25/005 – PACT MEETING

The previous meeting had been held on 27/03/25 in the Neasham Room which had been well attended by Neasham parishioners, which included two newcomers to the village and a new councillor for Hurworth. One item of concern was the number of heavy goods lorries passing through the village and particularly their speed descending Neasham Hill with worries of damaging parked cars. In an attempt to reduce this speeding, Highways had introduced a 40mph limit on the approach. E Miller reported that at a recent NFU meeting they had been advised to phone in every incident as this could help move the area up in the policing tables in respect of response. Members are reminded that the next meeting is to be held on 23/04/25 in Middleton SG Cricket Club.

25/006 – ROADS AND FOOTPATHS

1. The Chair reported that he understood that the work to re-instate road markings throughout the parish boundary had been carried out.
2. L Tostevin reported that the white line at the junction to Dinsdale Park had been carried out, but she felt it should have been longer because of the layout. The Chair agreed to inspect on site. It was agreed that visibility on the approaches to the entrance to Dinsdale Park were appalling however the request to Highways for the installation of additional warning signs is still under discussion and L Tostevin will refer back any comments to them. It is understood that Highways are extremely unlikely to agree to the installation of a traffic mirror. It was noted that the approach road from Neasham was subject to damage from the water draining off the golf course.

25/007 ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

1. It had been noted that the Agency had been carrying out clearance work in the Kent Beck area but it not confirmed as to whether these are now complete.
2. Letter from the Agency in which they confirmed an ongoing problem with moles. Although they do not represent a threat to the integrity of the flood bank, the Agency do like to control their numbers to avoid any “surface scour” affect at high water levels. With regard to the penstock sluice they confirmed that they do clear the sluices regularly but occasional build up of debris does not represent a risk as the valves do not take an active role in flood prevention.
3. Approximately a year ago the Agency had met with the Chair and Vice Chair to discuss removal of overgrowing vegetation, at the rear of dwellings on Teesway. This causes grass in these areas to die off thereby affecting stability of the flood bank surface. Some properties had been actioned on, but the Agency would like a further meeting later this year to clear the remaining areas.

25/008 – VILLAGE GREEN

1. P Dunn reported the garden areas were in good condition for this time of the year and the program was developing ready for the season. “Tete-A-Tete” plants purchased (invoice previously approved) and planted for early display.
2. Purchase of plants and manure, planting up and maintenance of gardens and flower tubs will be from the previously approved supplier.
3. The Chair reported on the Reading Room event on the village green on 21 June, which will have a “40’s” theme. The ducks in the Duck Derby will be replaced by battleships. The Hurworth band had been booked and the Chair will arrange for a canopy to be erected in case of inclement weather.
4. The Vice Chair reported on the Neasham PC proposals for VE Day 80 anniversary celebrations on 8 May. The proposals by the Vice Chair as set out in his email 24/03/25 were approved. “Tommy Silhouette” and flag, bunting etc had been delivered, however he would be seeking some assistance in putting it up. The Chair reported that C Bayes was trying to organise a children’s tea party by moving the Reading Room lunch club to that date. It was agreed that “Tommy” should located near the Roll of Honour and well anchored down.
5. The Vice Chair reported that he not yet received any response from the Land Registry regarding updating of the records of the village green. He understood that their responses were behind schedule generally, but he would chase them up.
6. The Vice Chair reported that A Weighell and family were happy with the wording for the J Weighell memorial. Following debate on the construction of the memorial the option of a rock with the top planed off forming a slope to which the memorial plaque would be fixed. It was agreed that the Vice Chair should proceed and finalise the proposal.
7. Following the decision by the current volunteers not to continue with the maintenance of the defibrillator and floatation device, M Hannaford volunteered to take on the role. It was agreed that the Clerk should send a letter of thanks to the current volunteers.
8. M Hannaford informed the members that the Tees Rivers Trust were renewing their Landowner Agreement to enable the Trust to treat invasive plant species e.g. Giant Hogweed on its land.  The timing was good as the Duck Derby planned for late June, is approaching and the riverbank needs to be treated 4-5 weeks before the event.

25/009 - PLANNING

1. Applications received since last meeting:-
   None
2. Decisions posted since last meeting: -
   None.
3. L Tostevin reported on a letter from Darlington BC regarding their Local Plan.  The current plan was due for review in 2027. Currently Darlington BC’s figures for housing meet the Government’s target, but there is an opportunity for developers to identify potential sites for inclusion. There was no debate on the submission of a Regeneration Plan to the MHCLG.

25/010 – RISK MANAGEMENT

1. Scheduled Inspections due in March:- Village Green (Inspection report signed off).  The Vice Chair commented on the tree inspections as follows:-a) Almond tree next to the Square, chopped off previously but needs use of a tractor to pull up roots, 2) It was agreed to take the shrubs in the Millenium Garden off the Register and include with the garden inspection, 3) It was agreed to take the Hazle bush at the east end of the village off the register as it was being trimmed by others.  4) Miss Trees had reported that the old Cherry tree at the end of New Lane would require removing within 12 months because of potential damage to telephone cables.
2. One defect raised in March, blocked grille to sewer outlet sluice referred to Environment Agency and closed by Neasham PC. Subsequent to the meeting M Hannaford reported that the blockage had been cleared.
3. Testing of power supply to village green junction box, contact with Northumbrian Water is required..

25/011 – FINANCE

1. Previously approved payments made in March:- Clerk £18.30 (Memory stick & paper), G Crute £130.37 (2 Years expenses), RBL £278.96 (Tommy Silhouette & VE day flag etc), AC Media £70.00 (Advice in 2024), Clerk £575.28 (Quarterly salary), HMRC £144.00 (PAYE), ICO £47.00 (Data protection).
2. A further letter of complaint sent to NS&I regarding change of address not having been actioned. Yet another form had been sent to the old address. This form was the same one as that submitted in November, but was completed and returned after the current meeting.

25/012 – REACHING OUT AND COMMUNICATION

Vice Chair’s proposals for improving reaching out via Facebook which had been circulated were agreed. It was confirmed that the church warden had received the keys for the new noticeboard at Low Dinsdale, but they appear not to be using it. It is understood that the board was considered to be too big, despite prior notification of the size. It was also agreed to review use of the brochure boxes to all boards as they appeared to be in an untidy state.

25/013 – WARD COUNCILLOR MATTERS

1. P Walters reported that Hopetown were holding a celebratory “Rock Stars” event from 3 April to 22 June featuring three iconic locomotives with free tickets bookable on line. He also reported that “Hurworth Chippie” has closed and will reopen as a bistro together with the Otter and Fish being rebranded as La Vita
2. L Tostevin reported that a query had been raised from a lady at Skipbridge enquiring ownership of the wooded strip of land on the opposite side of the road with overhanging branches that could become dangerous and broken branches blown towards her house. It was noted that Darlington BC can cut back trees if a danger to road users. The Vice Chair pointed out that Darlington BC Legal Dept could find out who owns the land in question. The matter should be referred to Hurworth as the land is in their parish.

25/014– CORRESPONDENCE

1. Various emails from NALC regarding Chief Executive’s Bulletin (27/02, 06/03, 13/03, 20,03, 27/03), Events Newsletter (04/03, 11/03, 18/03).
2. Email from RECCC (19/02) – Cyber Threat February Updates.

25/015– OTHER VILLAGE MATTERS

1. Members are reminded that Reading Room AGM is on Thursday 10 April 2025 at 7.00pm when a photograph of John Weighell will be unveiled.
2. Date of the Parish Assembly was agreed as the 20th May. The Chair stated that it would be an informal meeting with the format the same as last year.
3. In response to a question by the Vice Chair as to what was happening in respect of neighbourhood planning, L Tostevin stated that Neighbourhood Boards were being set up involving 75 local authorities.

25/016 – DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting is the Annual Meeting on Tuesday 6 May 2025 to be followed immediately by the next Ordinary Parish Meeting. The meeting concluded at 7.55pm.