MINUTES OF THE HETTONTOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY18th APRIL, 2017 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS,

THE HETTON CENTRE AT 7.00 p.m.

Present: Councillor David Wallace, Mayor in the Chair

Councillors:Mrs. Adamson, Mrs. Allcock, Mrs Campbell,Costello, Cummings, Coulson, Elvin, Geddis, Hepple, Holt, R. Heron, Mrs. J. Heron,Ms. Pearson, Mrs. Sinnott,Mrs. Turner, Mrs. G. Wallace. (17).

Prior to the commencement of the Meeting the Mayor made the following statement:-

‘To advise both Members of the Council and members of the public that the Meeting may be recorded by both audio and video and photographs may also be taken. Indeed the Town Council are recording the Meeting, in accordance with their adopted policy. Any objections to this should be stated before the commencement of the Meeting.’

Prior to the meeting due to the attendance of more than 30 members of the public attending the meeting, therefore due to capacity issues the meeting was moved to be held in the Function Suite, The Hetton Centre.

The Mayor announced that therefore the meeting would not be officially recorded as Council Policy, as no equipment was available in the Function Suite.

7.00 p.m. Public Participation

The Mayor briefed the public on Rules of Public Participation, however, the Council agreed to an extension of time allocated due to the large attendance, however, each person to be allowed to speak on one topic for 3 minutes each.

It was determined that residents had attended to report and voice their concerns regarding youth disorder issues in the Town and the hope that authorities could combat the problems.

All residents were asked to give their name and address when presenting their report and the Town Clerk would note all matters:-

Mrs Georgina Smith of Alexander Drive referred to youth disorder in Springfield Estate area, in particular the problem of cyclists and motor bikes riding up and down at great speed across the access steps, Alexander Road/Alder Road, causing great danger to pedestrians and children.

Ms Diane Barron of StephensonClose similarly reported youth disorder issues at this area and HettonLyonsCountryPark, she had discussed issues with Gentoo and Northumbria Police, however, to date no resolution or solution found. She stated residents need help to feel secure and safe in their own homes.

Mrs Maureen Wiseman of Hollowdene expressed the concern of residents of open drug taking and drinking in the area.

Neil Bland of The Crescent stated every resident was present to express their disgust and concern of unruly youths on the street. He said that shots had been fired and damaged vehicles travelling on the highway.

Janice Robson-Parmley of Garden Estate explained that trouble was increasing in the area as two properties in Garden Estate were being used as drug dealing locations on a daily basis. The Police have been involved and are aware of the problem, however, still ongoing, the properties were privately rented and landlords were not living in the area and had no involvement in control. There was also ongoing vandalism problem of youths damaging property and brick walls knocked down.

Julia Woodhouse of Patterdale Street stated that as an ex-army wife she had lived in many towns, however,felt that in Hetton-le-Hole there was a culture of disrespect from youths to the town and residents, leading to a dirty, litter, vandalised area; we need to persude a pride in the area as Hetton-le-Hole could be a nice town to live in.

David Bowen of Elvet Greenfeels that CCTV control is inadequate and that Northumbria Police only have two CPSO’s operating in the area. He asked what the Town Council could do to improve matters, he stated that Hetton could be a nice place to live in and that Hetton Lyons Country Park is really a ‘jewel in the crown’ but is being spoilt by a night time culture of vandalism, drink and drug abuse, which residents are fearful of.

Chris Bishop of Hetton Workmen’s Club reported extensive criminal damage by youths to the bowling green surface and memorial benches. The Police were advised on 101 but no further action seen and reporting issues takes 40 minutes call out, which is too late for any action.

Duncan Mathews in support of mr. Bishop also stated neighbourhood issues were mainly caused by the tenants of the privately rented properties which were increased in number it was very evident that there was no pride or loyalty to Hetton.

Kay Rowham of Lyons Avenue stressed for 5-6 years litter and disorder had been a problem and what is needed is more investment into Town both financially and in commitments. The Police do need to address issues.

The Mayor thanked all for this contribution and explained that all were regularly addressed at Town Council Meeting to raise with Sunderland City Council and Northumbria Police. Indeed the Town Council had been pro-active and had invited Dame Vera Baird, Northumbria Police Crime Commissioner to meet with the Town Councillors to examine all problems.

Cllr Mrs Turner explained to the Meeting that Sunderland City Council were looking at ways of appointing Litter Enforcement Officers, to implement new laws and guidelines.

1.To Receive, Accept and Approve Apologies for Absence

Apologies were received in advance of the Meeting from Councillors Mrs. Anderson, Blackburn, and received on the night from Councillors Defty and Green (4).

2To receive, accept and approve the Minutes of the last Meeting of the Town Council held on Tuesday21st March, 2017

Cllr Elvin referred to previous comments that in Part 4 of the Environmental Enforcement Act Local Authorities can implement a fine of £75.00 by undertaking a Litter Enforcement power with the relevant Enforcement Officers employed and challenged why Sunderland City Council were not being productive in this.

The Minutes having been distributed to Members it was moved by Cllr Hepple and seconded by Cllr Mrs. Sinnottand RESOLVED that they be accepted as a true record.

3To Consider matters arising from the Minutes

Cllr Elvin referred to the strength of feeling expressed by residents and litter problems need to be addressed.

He also referred to the issue of Hetton Library closure and asked that the City Officers concerned should as promised meet with Town Councillors to discuss all matters.

4.To Record Declarations of Interest for Members for any items on the Agenda

Cllr Geddis made a declaration to Item 11 as a Member of the Culture for Hetton Sculpture Group.

5.Reports from Members Ward Matters to be Investigated

The Mayor Cllr Wallace reported on the success of voluntary litter picks ongoing using the equipment purchased by the Mayor for use by any community group.

Cllr Sinnott also urged all Town Councillors to engage with groups and become involved.

Cllr Campbell whilst commending the volunteers also stated it should be done by the official Sunderland City Council Officers, she suggested that questions should be asked about neglect of Hetton area.

In connection with this she urged City Ward Councillors to give official monthly reports to the Town Council. She stated this should be done as a matter of course.

Cllr Elvin on behalf of Cllr Defty reported that several derelict properties in Derwent Street, Richard Street, High Street, BogRowSchool, urged a report to go to Sunderland City Council to use their enforcement powers to take necessary action on the owners.

Cllr Geddes referred to Police data and reports regarding break-ins and burglaries in the Town, which showed a volume increase. He felt that Police were not being diligent with giving attention to this problem.

Cllr Mrs Heron referring to issues stated these were a problem general to society dating back to decisions taken in the 1980s Thatcher Government. However, Hetton Downs was improving with new developments and residents.

Cllr Turner stated on a positive note the City Council were promoting wellbeing and were programming leisurely walks around H.L.C.P. and all attending had commented on how pleasant the walks were in Hetton.

Cllr Sinnott stated that the potholes in Houghton Road had now been repaired following reports by Hetton Town Council.

Cllr Holt urged that M. P. Bridget Phillipson was involved in all police issues of concern and advised of the invitation to Vera Baird PCC.

Cllr Coulson commented on the prvious meeting with the Community Police Inspector Quinn, who had made various commitments to the Town Council.

Cllr Coulson reported a dangerous kerbing adjacent to 8 Grange View, East Rainton. He also reported the ongoing traffic speeding problem at Rainton Bridge Industrial Estate, heavy traffic with no real infrastructure to support all the employment of over 3 thousand people on the site. He stressed that there is a need for an examination of the need for the Metro extension to the area and suggested HTC requests a meeting with NEXUS.

6.To Receive and Accept the Minutes of the Planning and Development Committee held 11th April and Application 17/00743/FULL, RaintonBridge Industrial Estate

Cllr Heron, Chairman of the Committee gave a verbal report to the meeting and whilst supporting the recommendations of the Committee expressed concern at the need for addressing general traffic issues and problems and the reason to resurrect the desire and requirement for an official by-pass route for the Town.

Minutes were agreed and approved.

7.To Receive and Accept the Minutes of the Staffing and Training Meeting held Thursday, 6th April, 2017

The Chairman, Cllr Heron gave a Report on the Meeting. However, Cllr Campbell, who had not been able to attend due to illness, stated she had the need to ask further questions relating to the Town Clerks Term of Contract and Conditions, in support Cllr Geddes wished to examine all issues and had specific questions which had not been addressed.

Cllr Elvin highlighted the Clerk’s Terms and Conditions stated the specific hours of work and when available to the public.

Cllr Heron stated that as sole-employee the Town Clerk’s workload and attendance hours were flexible as to the requirements of the Council’s business, it often referred to late evening meetings and duties.

The Minutes of the Meeting were deferred and Cllr Heron asked that any further questions be Members should be directed to him in writing for investigation and response.

8Youth Disorder

Members were advised that as discussed and agreed by full Council, Dame Vera Baird, Northumbria Crime Commissioner be invited formally to meet with the Council to examine all issues. The invitation letter to be copied to Inspector Quinn, Hetton Community Team and Bridget Phillipson M.P. for information.

9Sculpture for Hetton

Recent correspondence response to the Town Council, it was moved to be passed to the Finance and Resources Committee for action.

10.To Receive a Nomination for Champion of the Community Award

The Nomination of I. G. was received, having been submitted by Cllr Campbell. It was agreed to accept the nomination which would be made in Civic Year commencing May 2017.

11Mayor’s Diary and Engagements

The Mayor gave a report on recent events Brass Band Concert and Civic Charity Dinner and thanked all for the fantastic support which had greatly benefitted his nominated charities of New Dawn Club and Hetton 36th A.T. Cadets..

Signed

Councillor D. Wallace

Mayor

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