Present: Cllr, Ruffle (Vice Chair), Hayward, Hockley, Slemmings, Holmes, Walsh

The Chairman welcomed the members of the public. Ms Considine raised several points regarding (i) proposed traffic scheme in Bridge Street – which would be discussed further under the appropriate Agenda item; (ii) the concerns raised by her, Mrs Henry and Mrs Bullen regarding a dog on land adjacent to a public footpath – reference had been made to both the Dog Warden and PRoW Officer; (iii) Community Speed Watch – contrary to the impression previously understood, the residents confirmed they were still interested in receiving training under this scheme. There was a new requirement for eight rather than six people and they assured the Council that other names would be forthcoming. The Clerk would advise the scheme’s organisors, at Police HQ, accordingly.

Cllrs Ruffle and Slemmings recorded declarations under Finance.

Apologies were received from Cllrs Dyson (Personal) and Walsh (Business).

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

Chris Moor gave an update on the position regarding land purchase and a number of aspects were examined. Further details of the discussion were noted and it was agreed that Chris would provide a short note of the current position, to be placed in the Bardfield Times, asking for interested parties to contact English Rural Housing or the Clerk. This information would confirm both the need and scale of the development.

The Chairman thanked both Chris and Moira for giving their time and bringing the Council up to date with the current position and the proposals to move the scheme along.

Fountain - Water Checks: The Clerk had contacted BDC and their health inspector confirmed she would attend site and under tests on 17 November. A report would follow.

St Mary’s Villas: Clerk has been in conversation with Cllr Finbow and Mrs Crisp. Cllr Finbow is willing to pursue this and has met with Mrs Crisp and spoken to Greenfield Housing. He advised that he would be attending a Highways meeting at which he was going to discuss the provision of a drop kerb into Alienor Avenue. He has also spoken to Greenfields about clearing trees and undertaking appropriate intermediate work.

Village of the Year: Great Bardfield was awarded first place in two categories – Business and Communications – in the Regional finals. The National results to be announced on 24 November were eagerly awaited. RCCE Judges will be visiting the village on 4 December at 2.00pm – to be hosted in the Town Hall – and to include visit to Museum and CIP – refreshments and presentation by Cllr Dyson.

Long Green: The additional signage had been delivered to Cllrs Hayward who gave a further update. He had met with Doug Joyce, and a number of suggestions had been raised about the purchase of suitable trees and hedging plants and other items including protection, for the trees, from deers. The intention was to undertake planting on the left hand side at the Coney Green end and it was felt that £250 would cover the expenditure. Cllr Slemmings added that it might be worthwhile including plants for the Quiet Space area in any orders – there could be a cost saving on volume and delivery.

Hill House Land: No further action taken regarding contacting Mr Birkett in view of recent serious accident in which his son was involved.

Greenfield Funding Application: Decision date delayed until 25 November 2009

Police: A public meeting was to be held in the Council Chamber, Saffron Walden on 2 December to be attended by the new Chief Constable of Essex, Mr Jim Barker-McCardle.

An update of activities had been provided by PC Carter at the Three Fields meeting held on 17 November as well as activities with the new radar speed gun.

Highways: The Bridge Street site meeting of 16 November had taken place and it had been agreed that a scheme would be drawn up to include double yellow lines for a distance along the entrance to Meadowview and the area opposite the entrance to Northampton Meadow. New signage would be installed – existing signs on the bridge were incorrect and new ones would be larger with yellow backing.

Bell Lane: The Area Highways Manager is anxious to receive a response to the scheme for yellow lines. Although details were passed to Mr & Mrs Graham a response has not been received from them as to their views. The Clerk was asked to respond (i) the lines covered too large an area and displace too many vehicles; could a shorter length be considered or is governed by regulation. The area in Bell Lane was not a problem as vehicles did not park in the area marked; (ii) that there was some doubt as to their effectiveness – apart from displacing residents cars – as the use of very large vehicles, on an unsuitable road, and poor driving is just as likely to be responsible; (iii) could the installation of double yellow lines in fact encourage more use of the area by unsuitable large vehicles because drivers will feel they can negotiate the area more easily?

Footpath to PO / Blue Egg: A response had been received from the County Solicitor, following the Council’s request, for a speedy completion to the legal paperwork. This advised that they were waiting for the conclusion of necessary work by the property valuers.

(b) Parish Support Grant: The Clerk had responded to Graham Butland’s letter regarding the possible withdrawal of the PSG and the impact this would have on rural parishes. BALC had also written, urging members to lobby their District Councillors. Cllr Finbow had made it clear he would not support the withdrawal of these funds. The outcome of the BDC December Cabinet meeting is awaited.

There were no objections to the following applications, all in respect of tree work:-

00269/TPOCON Place Farm – extensive general maintenance work

00267/TPOCON Place House – various work to English Yew and Cedar

00246/TPO The Old Vicarage (York House) – reduction of Silver Birch

00281/TPOCON The Old Police House –reduction 2 Ash trees and remove Ivy

Cllr Slemmings gave an update on the funding situation and that the result was expected on 25 November. It was hoped that the application would be successful, and if a significant amount was achieved, then the main structure could go ahead; other areas could be dealt with as and when funding became available. The Firework Event, which had been carried out by volunteers as the PTA were considering not holding the event, had gone very well despite the appalling weather and the field had been protected as far as possible. It needed to be confirmed whether the PTA would undertake this event next year.

BDC – Notification of Off Street Parking – a full copy of the report is available to view on the Council’s web site under Council & Democracy / Committee Meetings / Cabinet 12.10.09

Hand Rail – alongside Old Nursery School was in a dangerous condition. This had been reported on several occasions to BDC and would now be reported to Greenfields.

Scooters on Playingfield: Cllr Hockley had reported motor scooter riders driving across the field at night. Although the Clerk contacted the police within minutes they weren’t able to attend site; registration numbers had also been provided.

Overhanging Branch: These were in the garden of South Lodge in the Dunmow Road and the Clerk was asked to mention that they were rather low and overhanging the footpath.

This would be held on 16 December 2009.

 There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.10 p.m.