Sedgefield Village Residents' Forum
The Forum meets on the 4th Monday of every month (except December) at 7pm, usually in the Parish Hall but any change of venue will be published.
REPORTS
Jottings from the September Residents Forum Meeting
The September meeting was held in Ceddesfeld Hall since the Drama Festival was taking place in the Parish Hall - once again congratulations to the Players for their success.
We had a surprise visitor to the meeting 'Wheelchair Charlie' (real name David Hughes). David is touring the Country campaigning on behalf of the disabled and carrying out disability access assessments of public buildings. He will be sending a report on what he found in Sedgefield but did mention that our new Community Hospital shows several problem areas. David has a wealth of knowledge of legislation and funding available relating to disability issues, he is passing this information on the Town Council.
The meeting discussed and reported on many outstanding issues - all reported in the minutes. Minutes are available in the Library, Town Council, village Websites, and by email should you want them. (Contact Jayne at the Town Council with your email address.)
A very relevant report was given on refuse collection. The Borough Council are continuing to respond to required targets on recycling (and rightly so) - we must all play our part in this. However, it should be noted that we might all have to have more wheelie bins to accommodate the sorting of waste, possibly 3. So we all need to think about where we might keep 3 wheelie bins!!! The bins can be unsightly if kept at the front of properties and indeed a health hazard if lids are not completely closed. We have many terrace properties in the village where it is almost impossible to move bins to the rear so this issue needs to be thought about if more bins are introduced. - to be fair the Borough Council are aware of this and are thinking of ways to deal with the problem.
The next meeting is October 23rd (misprint in the last Sedgefield News Diary page said the 27th) in the Fletcher Room of the Parish Hall.
The AGM will be on November 27th again in the Fletcher Room everyone is welcome to any of the Forum meetings.
Jottings from Sedgefield Village Residents Forum
There was no Forum meeting in August, so no formal issues to report or comment on. However, here are a couple of things for your information and consideration.
Sedgefield Borough Council (SBC) is currently seeking community views on the SBC Local Development Framework. This framework affects us all and can be accessed on www.sedgefield.gov.uk. Comments need to be with SBC by October 10th. The document gives several options to issues - for example referring to housing development "focus development in regeneration areas, reduce development in main towns and increase development in villages" another is "Update and revise town centre boundaries and consider need for new boundary in Sedgefield Village" (We haven't yet been able to find out if this means increase or decrease our town centre area). The document also identifies the need for more housing in relation to the development of Netpark.
The document refers to Sedgefield Borough being in the Tees Valley City Region other documents don't list Sedgefield Borough as being part of the Tees Valley City Region and now reports say the Gordon Brown wants to 'water down' the City Region initiative - all very confusing and concerning - is being in the Tees Valley City Region the best option for us in Sedgefield?? We need more information and consultation on this issue.
Other issues currently in focus are the proposed 10 additional wind turbines (Butterwick Plantation area) and your views on the proposed new build of the Community College (what facilities would the community possibly like to be included).
The next Forum meeting will be at 7.00pm on October 23rd in the Fletcher Room of the Parish Hall. Forum meetings take place on the 4th Monday of each month - information can be found on the village notice board, the Library, Town Council Offices and on the village web sites - everyone is welcome.
Jottings from July Residents Forum Meeting 24th July 2006
July's meeting reported on issues from the Borough Residents Federation, the Borough Area 3 Forum meeting and discussed updates on all ongoing issues raised by residents.
The minutes, which are available on the village websites, from the Town Council Offices and in the Library, give more detail on all the agenda items.
There is no August meeting (everyone having a holiday break!), the September meeting will be on the 25th at 7pm in the Fletcher Room of the Parish Hall - there should be several further results to report at that meeting.
In the mean time it has just come to our attention (August 8th) that Durham County Council (DCC) are progressing the application for the 'animal waste' incinerator at Bolams. There is to be a site meeting on August 16th and officers are recommending approval of the application.
The Residents Forum has immediately sent a letter to DCC expressing considerable concern. The Forum wrote to DCC in January of this year expressing concern at the lack of information given to the local community on this issue and the need for consultation with the community. Progress on the application then seemed to 'stall', however, DCC did explain that the Forum and anyone else who had written to them on the issue would be contacted when DCC had gathered further technical information.
The Forum has received no information from DCC and all of a sudden (in the August break) there is a site meeting followed by a planning meeting to decide on the application. The DCC report is on their website (not easy to find) but our community is entitled to have public information and discussion on an application such as this which could have considerable impact on the whole village and surrounding area.
No doubt there will be further developments before you read this and obviously before the September Forum meeting. Do please take note of any developments, this application could impact on us all - we need opportunity to find out!!!! And your opinion is important.
16th August 2006 Postscript to July jottings
I have just returned from the planning meeting, which considered Bolams application for an animal waste incinerator, and I am please to report that the application has been refused. Myself and residents made presentations to the committee and credit must go to those residents (who lived in close proximity to Bolams) who gave professional and convincing presentations.
The planning committee recognised the lack of consultation and the potential detrimental and possible dangerous impact such and incinerator could have on our whole community - let us all remember the whole community could have been affected. All but one of the County Councillors on the planning committee voted against the application and our thanks must go to them - I will leave you to guess which County Councillor voted in favour!!!
Bolams have the opportunity to appeal against the refusal so we need to remain aware and make sure we are consulted on any further developments.
Julia Bowles
Jottings from Sedgefield Residents Forum Meeting held on 26th June 2006.
Another interesting meeting - Mr Charlie Walton Head of Planning and Technical Services at Sedgefield Borough Council gave some interesting insights into the planning process and procedures placed on Sedgefield Village. Several concerns were expressed and recorded with the Borough.
Concern was expressed at the meeting regarding the state of the newly surfaced paths in Ceddesfeld grounds - we have been informed that the contractors have been asked to do remedial work. We are also told that the lighting should soon be in place. A request has been made for the publication of the spend of the £50,000 of 'Peoples Millions' money awarded for the work in Ceddesfeld grounds.
As usual detail on the meeting can be found in the Minutes available from the Town Council, in the Library and on the village web sites.
By the time we read this the results of the referendum will be known and it is hoped that co-ordinated and agreed action can be progressed. It was anticipated that a formal referendum on the issue would ensure the whole process was seen to be fair and transparent. It has, however, proved to be controversial - the outcome and review will be very interesting and will surely be raised at the next Forum meeting!!!
The next meeting will be held on July 24th, it was agreed that no meeting would be held in August, the September meeting will be on the 25th and the AGM on November 27th (all at 7pm in the Fletcher Room of the Parish Hall).
Everyone is welcome, and we welcome all input - you don't have to have any particular issue just an interest in our community.
Jotting from Residents Forum meeting held on 22nd May
Another full and interesting meeting.
Correspondence had been received from the Minister responsible for the Post Office regarding resident's issue with Sedgefield's official address and postcode. The letter stated that the Post Office will accept the use of the geographical County and current post code i.e. Sedgefield, Co Durham TS21etc. So it's now official you don't need to include Stockton-on-Tees and the now non-existing Cleveland - however, don't hold your breath on all those computers recognising that we are not part of Stockton and Cleveland no longer exists.
Discussion again took place on drinking in the village and the associated anti-social behaviour and broken glass. There is an opportunity for Sedgefield village to be a trial area in the Borough for an order controlling drinking in some public areas (some areas would be recognised as acceptable for drinking outside). The Forum has written to the Town Council urging them, as a matter of urgency to take the appropriate action for the village to be a 'pilot' area.
Many ongoing issues were discussed - information can be found in the minutes which are available from the Town Council Offices, the village web sites or directly to you by email if you leave your contact email with the Town Council. We've also put a notice with info on meetings on the new notice board (outside the library) - have you noticed the notice board has two additional legs now (to keep it upright - who designed it we wonder??)
At each meeting there is an update on the illegal encampment issue in Old Beacon Lane. Whilst the following information was not available for the May meeting and will be discussed at the June meeting this seems an opportune time to briefly update everyone.
The residents complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman was "that Durham County Councils (DCC) practice of tolerating unauthorised encampments on Old Beacon Lane, discriminates against the local residents who feel, at times, effectively excluded from the area and subject to unacceptable nuisance"
The Ombudsman has now given her findings within her powers (too lengthy to explain here) but basically she found the residents concerns to be justified and that the expectations of residents are fair and reasonable. She did not however go as far as immediate gating of the area but must offer DCC the chance to manage any illegal encampment in line with strict criteria, which she has laid down. She emphasised that it is essential that ANY INCIDENTS OF CONCERN in Beacon Lane should be reported- please do so. This can be done directly to the Police (get an incident number) to the Town Council to David Hillerby on 01740 621343 or Julia Bowles on 01740 620409.
The Ombudsman recognised that residents will still be asking for immediate gating and to this end we are arranging a meeting with DCC to progress this and clarify their position and interpretation of the Obmundsman's report.
Still no response on this issue from our MP despite his promise to get back to us in September 2005 and the Constituency Office chooses to ignore all contact and reminders - wonder if this will change as elections approach ????
As always everyone is welcome to Forum meetings - it's often better than what's on tele!!!!
Jottings from Sedgefield Village Residents Forum meeting of April 24th 2006
April's meeting did not follow the standard format i.e. minutes etc. as we had two different groups of guest speakers one being representatives from the Village Pub Watch Group to discuss the concerns of residents re drinking, noise, broken glass, anti-social behaviour etc. Everyone shared the concerns with licensees also wanting to seek solutions. It was pointed out that alcohol is not the only problem it is apparent that the use of drugs contributes to the problems. It was identified that the village needs a greater police presence and a meeting will be organised to progress this as well as further investigation into banning drinking in the streets.
The second speakers were from Durham County Council (DCC) with news that finally there is money available to start the junction changes on the A689/Stockton Road. Work should commence in a couple of months time. Traffic will have to use Station Road for a time whilst the work is done. Many at the meeting repeated the view that a roundabout would have been a much better and safer option than the proposed changes but the Officers present could not comment on why it could not have been a roundabout - We wonder why!!!!. The plans for the proposed changes are available in the Town Council offices for anyone to view. Whilst the changes may not be all that everyone feels is necessary hopefully the junction will be made much safer.
By the time you read this the referendum on community facilities should have been well publicised - hopefully when there is a clear way forward everyone can work together to make it happen.
You will find more detail on the above issues in the minutes and the May meeting will report on all other ongoing issues.
As always minutes and agenda are in the library and on the two village websites and a copy can be collected from the Town Council offices; you can also have all information emailed to you all we need is your email address (Jane in the Town Council Office will deal with email contact, please let her know if you are interested)
Of course we now have the new notice board outside the library (very posh) although it seems a shame that all that space at the back is wasted - but we are told use of that would have cost more money!!!. Also the grassed area around the boards will be paved - very sensible! The Residents Forum will have some space on it so notices will appear shortly when we know how much space we have.
Don't forget forum meetings are the 4th Monday in the month in the Fletcher Room of the Parish Hall at 7pm everyone is welcome - do come along.
Jottings from Sedgefield Village Residents Forum Meeting on 27th March 2006.
Some new faces at this months meeting, it's really good to see that the Forum is beginning to be somewhere that residents can bring concerns to be discussed and hopefully resolved.
Unfortunately no one from Durham County Council would attend the meeting to give an update and answer questions on the A689/Stockton Road junction, just a brief note was sent by DCC leaving many unanswered queries. We will try to have someone from DCC attend the April Forum meeting.
Other road safety issues were discussed, the existing zebra crossing could be made safer by being upgraded to a 'pelican' or 'puffin' crossing and it was agreed that there is a need for a safe crossing over North End Road (Black Lion corner to other side). The forum will be progressing these issues.
No further updates on the proposed animal incinerator at Bolams. Apparently DCC are still compiling information and will write to people who have expressed concern when they have considered all the data.
Sedgefield Borough Council (SBC) is implementing an initiative to licence private landlords in certain areas of the borough to tackle antisocial behaviour issues. Whilst our village does not have huge problems the Forum together with the Town Council will be looking at ways any private lets in the village can be efficiently managed.
The new build of houses and flats beside the Community Hospital is under way. It appears that it is the highest density housing application ever approved by SBC - should we be pleased about this? Maybe this fact should have been highlighted to residents for their comments before approval was given - the village cannot support much more traffic etc.
Good news is that we should soon, finally, have notice boards in the village (near the library) this will make it much easier for everyone to keep up to date and aware of what is happening in the village.
Do come along to a Forum meeting you don't have to have a particular issue to raise but everyone's views and opinions are valued. Meetings are the 4th Monday in each month next one is May 22nd 7.00pm in the Fletcher Room of the Parish Hall. (Minutes are available on the 2 village web sites and in the Library.)
Jottings from Sedgefield Village Residents Forum
The meeting was held on Monday 27th February was attended by 20 residents.
A letter had been received from the Town Council giving the promised update of the Council's actions in response to issues raised at the November open meeting of the Forum and subsequent issues raised at each Forum meeting.
Everyone acknowledges the difficulties in dealing with anti-social behaviour issues but progress can be made if we work together. A representative from the Forum will attend the next Pubwatch meeting and there is an urgent need for interested persons (of all ages) to come forward to help establish youth services in the village - the young people of our village need a place of their own to meet.
The Forum will continue to pursue residents' issues to get a satisfactory outcome no matter how long this might take. On going issues such as the A689/Stockton Rd junction are not forgotten; we hope to have someone from Durham County Council (DCC) at the March forum meeting to give an update and answer questions. Many residents are expressing concern regarding the proposed animal incinerator at Bolams, the Forum has written to DCC with concerns and await further information. However, we would urge residents to work together on this problem as well as send individual comment to DCC.
Minutes of the meeting are available from March 20th online on both village websites, in the library and from the council offices and if any resident wishes to have this information e-mailed directly, please contact Jane at the Council Offices (jane@sedgefield.net) with your e-mail address.
If anyone has an issue that they wish to raise and have discussed do not hesitate to come along to our monthly meetings which are held on the 4th Monday of each month at 7.00pm in the Fletcher Room, Parish Hall. (March 27th, April 24th etc).
Jottings from SEDGEFIELD VILLAGE RESIDENTS FORUM meeting held on 23rd January 2006.
Members were informed of the Town Council's response to issues raised at the open meeting on the subject of atmosphere in the village environs particularly at weekends. There has been a firm commitment to address every point raised and to this end the council has submitted a plan of action and an agreement to regularly update the Forum of progress.
Recent cutting back of lower branches of trees within the churchyard and the removal of a bench near the lychgate was not seen as dealing with the problem of youths gathering at these places, despite being carried out on the advice of a Crime Prevention Officer.
Members were reporting increased difficulty in crossing Church View/North End due to volumes of traffic at certain times. Apparently previous requests for a zebra crossing have been refused.
The Forum has requested the Town Council to supply information of any planning application which might have an impact on the village as a whole. Recent applications have included the application for 69 dwellings on Neville Drive, the construction of an incinerator at the George Bolam premises and a request to not comply with noise restrictions at a proposed "wind farm" between Thorpe Thewles and Wynyard !!
Reports were received from Forum Sub Groups. Full details can be found in the minutes which are available on the Town Council Website and in the Town Council offices and library from February 20th 2006.
See above for dates of future meetings. All residents are most welcome. This is your opportunity to have your say on any matter affecting you or your neighbourhood.
Notes from Sedgefield Village Residents Forum - December
The Forum did not have a meeting in December but there are one or two things that we think you should be aware of:-
The results from the November meeting consultation have been sent to the Town Council for them to discuss and progress, we anticipate updates from the Town Council at Resident Forum meetings.
Over the Christmas period the application from Bolams to build an incinerator on their site to burn animal waste hit the headlines. Again very few people were aware that this application had been submitted in November. Any objections and comments need to be with Durham County Council by February 15th 2006.
There is a potential impact to the whole village from such an incinerator and residents should have the information and time to consider and co-ordinate their views. The January meeting will raise the issue, however that is after you will have received this Newsletter.
The Forum will be examining ways in which we can make residents aware of planning applications at the earliest opportunity.
Sedgefield Borough Council (SBC) are wanting residents from across the Borough to share their views on how green and open spaces should be used and improved. SBC needs public input to create a detailed plan, there is a web site for comment on www.sedgefield.gov.uk or contact Chris Myers on 01388 816166. The web site is not at all easy to access and use.
We have many green and open spaces in the village that need protection and improvement. Again this issue will be raised at the January meeting, maybe to avoid missing the opportunity we should ask the Town Council to co-ordinate village residents comments.
Council Taxes will be going up shortly - the controversial issue of how much SBC are spending on changing the Borough Logo will obviously contribute to increases. SBC state that they consulted on the change of logo - again we have little evidence of any consultation - are there any village residents out there who were involved in any consultation.
The Forum will continue to try to address issues which residents raise. Do come along to the meetings, everyone is welcome. Meetings are held on the 4th Monday of each month at 7pm in the Parish Hall.
November Notes
The November forum meeting took the form of a topic discussion session; this was planned as a result of many residents wishing to see an end to and reversal of the anti-social behaviour trends in the village.
The attendance at the meeting was less than we had hoped for but those taking part had a very active and productive discussion. For the Forum to press for action on any issues such as anti-social behaviour we need to demonstrate a need from a high proportion of residents. Those in authority with the power to take action need to be assured that the views presented represent the wishes of the village; so it is really important that as many residents a possible give their opinions. We recognise that attending a meeting may not be the easiest or desired way for people to give their views so we will be looking at other methods of doing this. Written questionnaires and surveys are time consuming and expensive but maybe a page on the web to gather comments could be developed - what do you think?
The comments and wishes from the November meeting will be passed to the Town Council for comment and action, future Forum meetings will report progress.
Update on a couple of issues: -
The road safety group have sent further letters to Durham County Council (DCC) regarding the delay to improving safety at the A689/Stockiton Road junction (there have been several more accidents with ambulance and air ambulance attendance). An update will be given at the January Forum meeting.
Old Beacon Lane was again a complete 'no go' area for the period of the illegal encampment. The walkers, cyclist and horse-riders that did venture down the lane experience threats, intimidation and attacks from the gypsy/travellers dogs.
The gypsy/travellers left after 5-6 weeks at the direction of (DCC) leaving an unbelievable mess, which the Environment Agency declared a public health hazard. The clean up will once again cost several thousands of pounds, which, as Council Tax payers, we have to cover. The DOVE (Defend Our Village Environment) group will be seeking to establish the full cost to tax payers i.e. clean-up, provision of services to the illegal encampment (toilets, regular removal of normal 'house-hold' rubbish) Council staff attendance time, on site education provision, police time etc.
The next forum meeting will be 23rd January at 7pm in the Parish Hall when an update on many issues will be discussed. All residents are very welcome to attend.
In the mean time we wish everyone a happy, safe and peaceful Christmas and New Year and look forward to seeing you in 2006.
Jottings from the meeting held on October 24th 2005:
It was confirmed that meetings will be held on the 4th Monday of each month (not December) and all members of the community are welcome to attend. Minutes will be available on the village websites and in "hard copy" from the Advice and Communication Centre and on display in the library one week before each monthly meeting.
Updates were given from sub-group leads. Of particular note were the following:
A689/Stockton Road junction - despite the Coroner's comments, the number of accidents and a public consultation on the proposed changes to the junction, we are now told that any improvements to the layout of the junction will have to be judged along with any other highway spend across the county and will not be given any priority. The Forum finds any further delay in improving safety at this junction to be totally unacceptable and the Road Safety Group will be making representation to the county Council.
Disability Access - a request for the dropping of the step to the rear of the chemist shop is still awaiting response from the property owner. There is no money available currently for any further kerb dropping around the village.
DOVE - Durham County Council (DCC) have provided toilet facilities (Portaloos) to the illegal encampment of travellers in Beacon Lane. This was felt to be totally unacceptable especially when the Public Toilets in the village cannot be made available to the general public. The travellers have told the authorities (police and DCC) that they intend to stay until Christmas. We understand that DCC see no reason to move them on despite the fact that several residents have already experienced threats and intimidation and that they are carrying out business from the area. These travellers have recently spent some weeks illegally camped in Fishburn and have left the usual appalling mess yet the provision of facilities by DCC seems to be an open invitation and acceptance of their long-term presence in Sedgefield. DOVE is awaiting the Local Government Ombudsman's report into the DCC's actions and a response from our MP, Tony Blair reporting on his proposed actions to assist in this matter.
The Neighbourhood Watch Group continue their work in the village and would welcome new members to assist in this very valuable service.
We were advised that the Youth Forum was organising an event to engage with some of the young people on how they can be involved in influencing things that affect their age group.
The controversial Rotary Wheel erected in the flower bed on Stockton Road has been identified as requiring planning permission from the Sedgefield Borough Council. It is not known whether the Rotary Club intend to apply for permission for it to remain there or whether it is to be moved, to what many would suggest, a more appropriate area.
We were informed of Sedgefield's bid for the Lottery People's Millions. By the time we are reading this the result will be known - hope you took the time to vote for Sedgefield!!
A Public Meeting regarding the proposals for the Parish Hall has been arranged by interested parties for November following the Town Council's recent publication and we await any further information.
A report on the November open meeting will be in the next Newsletter. Do come along to any of the Forum meetings - Residents' Forums only succeed if residents take part.
