Mr & Mrs Wadeson and Mr Haines were present to express their concern regarding the problems relating to Bridge Street and Bridge End; they were also speaking on behalf of several other residents who were unable to attend, but had the same concerns. In brief these were:

Volume, speed of vehicles – particularly relating to motor bikes, who contravened traffic regulations and would drive over the footpath of the bridge.

Size of vehicles – relating to delivery vehicles, public transport and transporters

Bridge – once again the possibility of a weight restriction was requested and primrose lines outside the entrance to Meadowview to provide a ‘pull in’ area for traffic negotiating the bridge.

Flood Prevention: There had been no dredging carried out by the Environment Agency for some time, and trees were growing in the river again. Also, some properties at the back of Rutland Terrace, had constructed small bridges over the brook, against the advice of the Environment Agency

There concerns had the unanimous support from the Council and the Clerk was asked to arrange a site meeting between residents, Cllr Roger Walters and Highways; to advise the Environment Agency regarding the river and the building of crossing points by residents; write to the police about monitoring the activities of bikers and other drivers; and contact Jim Bartley PRoW Officer regarding the footpath behind Rutland Terrace.

These were recorded by Cllrs Ruffle (Finance item 8) and Hayward (Finance item 12).

These were received from Cllr Slemmings who was on holiday.

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

RCCE – Best Kept Village: Notification had been received to advise the village had reached the finals of the 2009 competition. The judges wished to come to visit the village on 23 June for a presentation and arrangements were discussed; it was agreed that representation from various parts of the community was important, particularly the younger members. The presentation needs to cover the business, community, communications and subsistence aspects of parish life.

Notice Board: The supplier had contacted the Clerk to say delivery could be made by the weekend.

Playground: New toddlers’ swings plus chains, had been ordered from Sutcliffe Play, at a good price of £256 plus VAT.

Street Lighting Survey: If the work has been completed satisfactorily payment will be made under the July financial statement.

Allotments: There had been a very positive response following the item in the BT and it was hoped

Long Green: The signs have been delivered and Cllr Hayward with install these.

These were approved and signed as a true record of income and expenditure incurred by the Parish Council. Proposed Cllr Holmes, Seconded Cllr Hayward. The Audit Commission return was signed by the Chairman and Clerk.

These had not yet been delivered therefore there was no need to prepare a cheque for payment.

Pavilion Hire: The Clerk had received a payment of £6 for hire of the pavilion but wished to point out that the usual charge is £12 per hire.

The Action Plan for 2008-2012 was discussed. Six ‘Aims’ were identified (1) The Improvement of Sports & Leisure Facilities; (2) Provision of Affordable Housing; (3) Proactive Approach to Provision of Children and Young People in the Community; (4) Enhancing the Environment (i) Quiet Space (ii) Reducing carbon footprint by encourage use of local services and use of public transport; (iii) Long Green – protection of land; (5) Traffic Management.

Members were asked to look at their copies of the Action Plan and, based on the discussions, let the Clerk let have any comments over the next couple of weeks. An updated Plan could then be prepared for the July meeting.

09/00712/FUL 3 The Corniche, erection of conservatory. There were no objections to this quite small structure.

09/00085/TPOCON 34 Durham Close, Tree Work: reduction in size to Ash Crown. Cllr Walsh confirmed he had no objection.

09/00097/TPOCON Bridge Farm, Removal of Leylandii. Cllr Walsh confirmed he had no objection.

Pavilion : Cllr Slemmings had submitted the Expression of Interest in respect of the Greenfields Community Fund

Playground: It was agreed to purchase the bark and ask MDLandscapes if they could deal with this before 23 June when the judges would be visiting the area.

Broken Glass: It was confirmed that it was one of the duties of the Village Handyman to deal with this under the Partnership Agreement with BDC.

Pot Holes Braintree Road/Brook Street : Temporary work had now been carried out and permanent work is to be carried out at the end of July.

Bell Lane: A letter had been received from Highways advising that the only way they felt they could deal with the problem of damage to Town House, was with the provision of yellow lines. The Chairman would speak to the owner of Town House before a decision was made.

A letter had been received from BDC advising that a Draft Supplementary Planning Document on External Artificial Lighting was available for public consultation. A copy of the letter would be circulated and the document could be accessed on their website. Any responses were required by 17 July 2009.

(a) Living Landscapes in Essex: Cllr Hayward advised of this event which was a joint venture with Essex County Council, EWT and The Deer Initiative.

(b) Local Committees: Cllr Walsh advised that there was a new format for awarding funding and we should put forward particular projects where financial support would be required.

(c) Pipers Meadow: Following comments to the BT regarding the cutting of the area the Clerk was asked to contact Ray Tabor to check if it had been appropriate and plans for future cutting.

(d) Little Bardfield VDS: This parish had now produced their own publication and the Clerk would obtain one for circulation.

(e) Apologies: Cllr Holmes would be unable to attend the July meeting as she would be on holiday .

This would be held on 15 July 2009

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.45 pm