Mr Graham was present to discuss the damage continually caused to his property by vehicles entering and exiting Bell Lane. He also wanted to thank the Council for their continued support. Members noted Mr Graham’s concerns and, as the item was on the Agenda, it would be discussed in more detail at the appropriate time.

There were no declarations.

There were no apologies

These were approved and signed as a true record of the meeting. Proposed Cllr Ruffle, Seconded Cllr Hayward.

Rural Housing: Since our last meeting the UDC Rural Housing Schemes publication has been circulated. It has been confirmed that a visit to existing projects would be arranged for 3 April and the Clerk is awaiting confirmation of time. There was a brief discussion about the importance of the PCs influence and input into allocation and this will be discussed further as appropriate

School Council: Copy of January Minutes sent together with offer to pay for cleaning materials that are used on the Causeway Bench.

Road Gritting: ECC Maintenance Policy Engineer confirmed that Brook Street is in the Precautionary Network because of the bus services. Problems have occurred because the village location is at the meeting point for three of their Precautionary Salting routes. They will also have a word with drivers regarding a section of the High Street that is getting missed out. It was reported that additional gritting has since taken place and the situation would be monitored.

Notice Board: Since this report was prepared confirmation has been received from Stansted Community Trust that an award of £1000 has been made. It now remains to determine the location.

Playground Work: Cllr Hockley reported that work was well underway in accordance with the recommendations of the inspection report

Street Lighting Survey: Details of the work have been received and will be undertaken over the next few weeks.

Additional Sand Bin: New bin is insitu and BDC hope to deliver the sand by Friday 20^th March.

Road Sweeping: The Clerk has spoken to the Clerk of Steeple Bumpstead who said they do not employ a village road sweeper, although the village handyman, on occasions, has been asked to sweep an area. They receive a similar Street Scene grant from BDC as we do.

Amenity Land: David Whipps advised of the amendments requested by the Council and asked to forward the letter to Mr Birkett. As yet no response has been received.

(a) CW Low Verge Cutting Contract : Mr Low has offered to renew his contact at the existing price of £31 per mile plus VAT. This was accepted.

00250/FUL 2 Lime Villas – construction of vehicular access. The drive way has already been constructed and this application was regarding the provision of a dropped kerb. There were no objections.

00267/LBC 4 Hill House Cottages – 2 x ventilation grills. There were no objections

Pavilion Fund Raising: The Clerk has prepared a spreadsheet detailing funds raised in respect of calendar sales, fund raising events and donations. Cllr Slemmings also passed on a donation from Mr Leitch in the sum of £25 which needed to be added to the total.

An "Expression of interest" form is being completed for the Greenfields Community Housing CHIP Fund and the Clerk and Cllr Ruffle are assisting in providing evidence of government policy that supports the need for the project. This is at District, County, Regional and National level.

Pavilion Redecoration: Arrangements were moving ahead and Cllr Slemmings had met with the leader for Community Workers Payback scheme. In addition to dealing with the interior of the pavilion, the working party hoped to paint the outside to provide a suitable surface for the graffiti art. There was also the possibility that painting of the railings and posts along the Causeway could be undertaken.

(a) Police: The recent incidents of burglary were discussed and Cllr Dyson’s conversations with the police about making residents aware of the need to be vigilant.

(b) Highways: Bell Lane: Members discussed the points raised by Mr Graham and the options available. These were limited, but included an ‘armco’ barrier to protect the corner of the building; chevrons on chimney. The Clerk was asked to find out what an ‘armco’ barrier looked like. The reinstatement of the pavement, to its historic width, would be suggested to Highways as this would result in vehicles being further away from the property when negotiating the corner.

Bushetts’ Farm: Cllr Hayward updated members on this correspondence with Highways and the work required to repair the access road.

It was agreed to ask Moira Groborz, the Housing Enabler at RCCE, if she would be able to give a presentation on Rural Housing including the report of the Great Bardfield survey and examples of local projects.

Allotments: There had been some movement here and the Clerk would speak to one of the residents who had made enquiries and the Chairman would speak to Tansy Morris (although she may be suited now). Regarding development of the site, it was suggested that some funding could be available through the Braintree Local Committee.

Additional Bin: It was decided that the existing bin at the Causeway should remain insitu and not to install an additional bin in Braintree Road.

Emergency Kit: The Clerk outlined the proposed content of a kit that could retained in the CIP or Town Hall for emergency use.

Long Green: Jim Bartlett (PROW Officer) is liaising with Cllr Walsh. There are some difficulties regarding protection of the lane, for instance in establishing if it is a right of way across the whole width.

Council Tax: It was noted that the PC had achieved its aim of a zero increase in Council Tax and the village figure was -0.2.

This will be 15 April 2009 at 8.00pm and Parish Assembly on 24 April 2009 at 8.00pm

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.45 pm