Present: Cllrs Dyson (Chairman), Ruffle (Vice Chairman) Hayward, Hockley, Slemmings, Walsh

The members of the public were concerned with various problems in and around Bridge Street – discussed at the June meeting – and wished to discuss them with the Parish Council. The points noted were (i) a request for a speed reduction, (ii) yellow lines along Meadowview, (iii) volume of traffic and inappropriate parking, (iv) Community Speed Watch. The Council were sympathetic with the concerns raised and advised that a meeting was to be held on 17 July with representatives of the County Council, Police, and Highways when all these points would be raised.

Footpaths 8/24: Also raised was the problem of loose dogs on the footpath area adjacent to the Water Mill. Jim Bartley, PRoW Officer for ECC, had walked the area with a resident on 15 July, and although the dogs could be heard they were not loose. However, reported evidence from several residents, was that they no longer walked, or were reluctant to walk, with their dogs along this route, because they felt intimidated. They said that approaches to the landowners had not met with a positive response and the Parish Council were asked to intervene. It was agreed that an approach would be made to them to explain the position.

A declaration was recorded by Cllr Slemmings in respect of the Financial Statement.

Apologies were received from Cllr Holmes who was on holiday.

These were approved and signed as a true record of the meeting. Proposed Cllr Walsh, seconded Cllr Hockley.

RCCE Village of the Year 2009: Members were delighted to have achieved this award, and wished to note, that the success was achieved by the support and involvement of many members of the community.

Rural Housing: A message had been received from Chris Moor, of English Rural Housing Association, to say she had some good meetings with the landowner and kept BDC up to speed. The landowner had asked for some suggested site layouts and a further update would be provided after the summer.

Youth Notice Board: This was awaiting installation and, as a matter of courtesy, Cllr Slemmings would confer with the Manager of the Co-op, who had already given agreement to the sign being located at the shop. The exact site needed to be marked out and the Clerk would contact a local contractor who had carried out similar work.

Street Lighting Survey: This had been completed and a completed schedule would be prepared for the members.

Amenity Land: It was agreed that the land would be maintained until the next stage of development could take place. The intention was to achieve the original layout – for which some grant funding had already been achieved. Now that the access point had been cleared it was important to install a gate – wide enough for maintenance equipment – to ensure this was obvious and would be kept clear.

Boxted Wood: Although the future of this proposed eco village was uncertain, it was agreed to attend meetings of the ‘working group’ to keep fully informed. Cllr Holmes had indicated she could attend the meeting on 10 August and other members would be able to attend the subsequent meeting on 17 September 2009.

Allotments: The Chairman was to meet with Julie Lowe and Tansy Morris to discuss the development of the site; Tansy had agreed to lead the group of interested residents.

River Maintenance: The Clerk had contacted the Environment Agency, and John Claydon had apologised for the poor service, but said that an autumn clearance would take place. However, the Clerk had reported that earlier intervention was required as the situation was very bad. He would also ask a colleague to check the complaints received, about some residents of Rutland Place, building bridges over the brook which were inhibiting the flow of water. He had given the Clerk contact details and she would be able to liaise with them.

(b) Engagement of a Project Manager: To be discussed under Part II due to confidential nature (Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960 & LGA 1972 s.100)

00152/FUL: Rosewood, Mill Road: This application was refused by BDC and the Clerk would circulate the Decision Notice.

00828/FUL: Westfield House, Dunmow Road: This application was discussed and its impact on the street scene and neighbouring properties. Cllr Slemmings would undertake a site visit and report back to the Clerk; it was noted, on the day of this PC meeting, a Planning Notice had not been displayed at this property.

(i) Toddler Swings - the new swings had now been installed.

(ii) Hire of pavilion - it was confirmed that hire cost was £12. However Cllr Slemmings advised that a local band had asked to rehearse there in exchange for finishing the re-decoration. This was agreed and the situation would be reviewed; members felt it was a positive sign of use of the building.

(iii) Cllr Slemmings reported on stage II of the Greenfield Application.

(i) Forthcoming resurfacing work, at the end of July, in Mill Road and Brook Street/Braintree Road was noted.

The Clerk had prepared a new plan based on the discussions at the June meeting and subsequent comments received from Cllr Hayward. The Chairman and Clerk would meet to discuss areas of responsibility, monitoring and success criteria etc and update the Plan accordingly. Members were asked to provide any additional comments they may have by 31 July.

Vetting & Barring Scheme (VBS): From12 October 09, new measures will be introduced to help prevent unsuitable people from undertaking paid or volunteer work with children or vulnerable adults. Details to be circulated.

RCCE Pond Management Course: To be run at Writtle Village Hall on 8 October 2009 – details to be circulated.

Braintree Local Committee – Local Priorities and Action Plan: Result of Workshop held on 1 July 09 had been received – details to be circulated. The Clerk raised the question of being able to access funds for smaller projects, as previously, and Cllr Walsh advised there were some ‘reserve’ funds and to contact Kitty Barrett who would be able to help.

Parish Emergency Planning Awareness Evening: This would be held on 10 September at Causeway House, 18:30 – 20:30. The Clerk and some members hoped to attend.

Fountain: The Clerk had spoken to Mark Hitchcock and explained the concern of the PC and complaints received from residents. He suggested that a ‘temporary’ pipe be run along the existing route, by-passing the pond, to get the water back into flow. The Council agreed that if work was unable to commence after the August holiday period then another contractor would be sought. Mr Hitchcock would be advised accordingly.

Bardfield Charities: A copy of the 2008/09 Financial Statement had been provided and would be circulated.

Essex Wildlife Trust: Cllr Hayward reported on a meeting he had attended and referred to the problems with Pipers Meadow. It would appear that much of the planting of the Oxlip had been spoilt.

The Essex Local Area Agreement 2009-2011: A copy would be left in the CIP.

The Finance Committee will meet on Monday 10^th August 2009 in the CIP; Cllrs Slemmings and Hayward will attend.

The next meeting of the full Council will be held on 16 September 2009 at 8.00pm

There being no further business the Meeting closed at 9.45 pm