Great Bardfield Parish Council
'ESSEX VILLAGE OF THE YEAR 2009'
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Great Bardfield Parish Council
'ESSEX VILLAGE OF THE YEAR 2009'
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GREAT BARDFIELD PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 14 JANUARY 2009 Present : Cllrs Dyson (Chairman), Hayward, Walsh, Ruffle, Slemmings, HolmesIn attendance: Head Teacher, Mrs Barney, and members of the School Council; Mrs Alex Snell, Mrs Katie Parker, Mr Jim Irish, PC Peter Carter and PCSO Gail Chittenden
PUBLIC FORUM The Chairman welcomed all those in attendance, particularly members of the School Council who she invited to speak first, following an explanation of the role of the Public Forum. (a) School Council (SC): Present were Nick Glidden – Chairman - Eleanor Pantlin, Vice Chair, Elizabeth Cole – Clerk, and Molly Barrett – Treasurer. The SC wished to draw several things to the Council’s attention (i) that street lighting in some areas of the parish was considered inadequate – mainly the route from the village centre to Bendlowes Road; (ii) bench on Causeway Green was in need of maintenance, which work they would like to undertake; (iii) dog mess continued to be a big problem and a request for more dog poo bins was made; (iv) more items of play equipment was required for younger children. They also wished to say how much the school enjoyed being involved in the Oxlip Project, that the new demountable class room was a big success and the new car park area at the rear of the school should be completed by the summer. Members responded to the above. The children’s offer of help to clean the bench was appreciated and the work could be carried out under supervision, with the appropriate clothing and the Council would happy to cover the cost of the materials used. The SC was also advised that the lack of playground equipment was being looked at as part of the Pavilion Project. Regarding dog mess, the Chairman explained how many times she had reported it and that additional dog bins were not necessarily the answer. Two new ones had been installed during 2008 but the real problem was that a few owners did not take responsibility. However, she suggested that they produce an article for the BT and posters which the Clerk would be happy to display in the boards around the village. Cllr Walsh said that perhaps over the playingfields and other green areas flags could be used as markers to highlight the problem and perhaps shame people into positive action. The Chairman thanked them for attending and looked forward to an invitation to one of their meetings and a copy of the Minutes of the meeting would be sent to them once they had been approved. (b) Rosewood: An application was on the table and Mrs Snell, owner of the adjacent property, wished to highlight some of her concerns before the matter was discussed. These were noted and the Council assured her that these would be taken into account during their discussion. (c) Other Items: Mr Irish raised the following points (d) Police: PC Carter were able to respond to some of the questions and concerns raised by Mr Irish and the SC and he also said he and the PCSO were happy to visit at any time and indeed, ran ‘surgeries’ at the school. He explained that Bardfield was a very safe place to live, with only two crimes reported between 13 December and 13 January. Regarding an enquiry about road accidents near the Blue Egg, PC Carter advised that there had been two incidents on 29th and 30th December but no one was injured. Cllr Walsh advised that he had been out to look at the surface which was causing some problem and had instigated some safety measures. The police confirmed that until the damaged 30mph signs were installed they would probably not be able to prosecute motorists who exceed this limit. The Clerk would chase County again on this. Essex Police were now promoting an e mail based newsletter which people could sign up to and the Clerk was given a notice to publicise this. The Chairman thanked those attending and said they were welcome to stay for the rest of the meeting but would not be able to speak once it opened.
1. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST These were received from Cllr Walsh (Planning, SACT) Cllr Holmes (BT)
2. APOLOGIES Apologies had been received from Cllr Hockley due to the illness of a family member.
3. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 17 DECEMBER 2008 Following a minor amendment (4c Quality Council re-accreditation) these were approved and signed as a true record of the Meeting. Proposed Cllr Walsh, seconded Cllr Slemmings.
4. CLERK’S REPORT Amenity Land: Members had a copy of the draft letter from Holmes and Hills which requested Mr Birkett to remove his shed to enable the PC to use their legal access to the land. It was agreed this should be sent following changes – the letter to be sent in Mr Birkett’s sole name, the word ‘mown’ be replaced with ‘maintained’ and a time period of 28 days be inserted. Causeway Green: A fresh quote had been received from Alan Kemp and it was agreed to accept the cost of £100 to remove dead trees, £20 to remove branches from the Oak tree to improve sight lines, £50 to ensure tree stumps were cut down safely below ground. Footpath – PO/Blue Egg: No further news and shop has been closed for refurbishment. Audit Statement: The Clerk said she had now written to the Audit Commission at the request of EALC who were to take up the matter as a number of other Councils were similarly concerned. However payment would be sent with a letter noting the concerns, including the fact that grant funding achieved was increasing the charges made by the Commission, rather than charges being only related to the Precept income. Memorial Bench: Still waiting to hear from the Samms family. Muddogs: The Clerk would put in writing the conditions regarding the parking of vehicles at the playingfield.
5. FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR JANUARY 2009
(b) Donation: A cheque had been received in the sum of £100 via Strutt & Parker, from the new owner of Stebbings Farm (a portion of which lies in this parish). This was a welcome if unexpected gift and it was agreed to place it in the pavilion fund account and respond to Strutt & Parker accordingly. (c) Transfer of Funds: The Clerk asked that, now more cheques were being paid in connection with professional fees for the pavilion project, funds should be transferred to the main checking account to meet this expenditure. Grant funds so far achieved were, in the main, to cover such costs including the most recent £5K from CIF expected shortly. This was agreed and proposed by Cllr Walsh, seconded by Cllr Ruffle.
6. PLANNING (a) 02215/FUL 12 Northampton Meadow, demolition of detached garage and erection of two storey rear and single storey side and rear extension. The overall appearance of the property was improved by the changes and the materials used were in keeping with existing. The property still had off road parking. There were no objections. (b) 02284/FUL Rosewood, demolition of existing dwellings and outbuildings and erection of four bedroom family home with outbuildings. After studying the plans, making a site visit and listening to the concerns of the immediate neighbour, it was agreed that there were a number of areas of concern. The introduction of a new property in this area was not unwelcome as it would be a considerable improvement to the existing. It was felt, however, that such things as the change in access and the proximity to the neighbouring Orgers Farm needed to be addressed before full support could be given. An additional fact was that the previous owner, Mr Percy Walsh, had been granted a ‘personal tie’, on 21 October 1959, and the Clerk was asked to enquire of BDC as to its significance or otherwise.
7. PLAYINGFIELDS/PAVILION (a) Playingfield Inspection: Cllr Hockley had obtained a quote from Kevin Wade to carry out remedial/repair work on areas of concern identified in the inspection report, estimated at £250. Cllr Hockley advised the Clerk that he would deal with some of the other low risk items. The expenditure, which had been previously discussed, was approved. (b) Youth Club Notice Board: The Clerk reported that she was applying (on behalf of the Youth Club) for funds towards the purchase of a dedicated notice board for ‘youth news’. If successful it was hoped to locate it centrally and the Co-op would be approached for their support. (c) Pavilion Project: Cllr Slemmings reported on the progress so far and the disappointment and concern caused by the change of officers at the FA, which was affecting our bid for funding. (d) Pavilion Damage: Cllr Slemmings explained that a plumber (Peter Fitt) had to be called in when pipes burst during recent extreme cold weather and had dealt with eight repairs. This work had to be carried out as an emergency, but it was also agreed that essential repairs should take place, to ensure that there was a supply of hot water to the building. The Clerk would contact Cornhill regarding a claim.
8. POLICE / HIGHWAYS Police: A full discussion and report had been noted under Public Forum. Highways: Re painting of the ‘Keep Free’ markings outside the Brook Street surgery had been requested after access problems. Cllr Ruffle asked if a similar request could be made regarding the markings outside the Town Hall. Beslyns Road drain was blocked again and not coping with surface water – to be reported. Durham Close name sign – report to BDC.
9. RCCE Housing Survey This was a very welcome report and supported the need for such housing. A presentation had been given by RCCE at the Mid Essex Forum on 6 January and the report had been highlighted and caused considerable interest. Unfortunately the land identified as a suitable site had not been approved by BDC but this would be discussed further. Cllr Hayward would raise the matter at a forthcoming meeting he was to attend.
10. BARDFIELD TIMES The Clerk reported on the number of complaints she (and members) had received regarding the inability for advertisers to make contact either to make payment, renew contracts or to place ads. In addition there was the problem the Council were having in being able to make monthly reports. The Clerk was asked to arrange a meeting with BT team members to discuss the matter further.
11. CORRESPONDENCE All items had been circulated or contained within the Agenda.
12. ITEMS OF REPORT (a) Do 'poo' bags left near the stile off Beslyns Lane (b) Verge area Mill Road being eroded because of vehicles – ask Highways if there is some way to protect this.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.25 p.m. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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clerk@greatbardfield-pc.gov.uk
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