Great Bardfield Parish Council  

'ESSEX VILLAGE OF THE YEAR 2009'

Present: Cllrs Dyson (Chairman), Hayward, Hockley, Slemmings, Holmes

There were no members of the public present.

Cllr Hayward recorded his non pecuniary interest under Planning.

Apologies had been received from Cllr Ruffle, who was on holiday; Cllr Walsh was not present.

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

The Fountain: Mr Hitchcock had contacted the Clerk to explain that some of the delay in continuing the work is due to work being carried out on willow trees in the area. However, he had ordered the manhole cover and would start work on the source, as requested. The Clerk said she would contact him in two weeks to get an update on the situation and request a written estimate for the remainder of the work; the Council could then decide how they would proceed.

Affordable Housing: The Clerk had spoken to Moira Groborz at RCCE, who said the response to the survey had been good, and she would be providing the Council with the results in due course. Following the complaints regarding the ambiguity of the questionnaire, she agreed that this should have been picked up before they were sent out, and accepted that this could have impacted on the response levels.

Amenity Land Update: Following discussion regarding the work so far and it was agreed that Mr Kemp be asked for a price to provide a post and rail fence along the boundary with Mr Jolly’s land, as opposed to the close boarded fence originally planned. Whether or not to use the land for allotments was also considered, but it was acknowledged that the EET grant would not be awarded for this purpose, and it was agreed therefore to continue with the project as originally planned and monitor its use.

Police: It was confirmed that Robert Chambers, Chair of the Essex Police Authority would be attending the Cluster meeting on 18 November, hosted by Finchingfield PC.

Causeway Green: (i) It was agreed that the dead tree should be removed – Mr Kemp would be asked to price this and (ii) The Clerk would press ECC to undertake the repainting of the post and rails along the Causeway however, if unsuccessful, the PC would undertake the work in next Spring.

Refuse Collections: There had been some complaints regarding the wheeled bins but overall it had been a fairly smooth transition. The Clerk would obtain a further supply of recycling bags to keep at the CIP. However, the withdrawal of the garden refuse facility was still a matter of discontent by those residents who used it and the subject of numerous letters and e mails. BDC had once again passed on incorrect information about the PCs involvement and this had now been corrected and an apology received.

(a) Financial Statement October 2008

This form, which is the first stage of the 2009/10 Precept submission, was signed by the Chairman and Clerk. This is submitted with a breakdown of the 2007/08 expenditure which BDC require to monitor how PC funds are used and the figures have to concur with the submission to the external auditor.

The PC’s requirement for the forthcoming financial year will be discussed at the November meeting.

01668/ful Land South of Charity Farm – erection of agricultural cart lodge. Cllr Hayward left the room while this application was discussed. There seemed to be no cause for objection to this unobtrusive, small agricultural building set well back from the road. Accompanying documents were a little confusing as they refer to a ‘proposed barn’, however, providing the building is a cart shed, positioned as indicated, the PC would have no objection.

Cllr Slemmings gave an update on the pavilion project and his meeting with the architect, as previously agreed, and the employment of a QS, Mr Roy Smith, to prepare an initial outline budget for the overall project. To facilitate fundraising he has been asked to provide a breakdown of costs, for various aspects of the project, as opposed to a lump sum which can be firmed up at a later date. Cllr Slemmings is to arrange a meeting with the architect and Mr Smith to discuss the matter further. He has also submitted a funding application to Greenfields Community Housing, in the sum of £20,000, to provide an ‘outdoor gym’, which equipment can be used for young and old alike.

Police: There were several matters that had caused concern over recent weeks. There was a brief discussion about the recent unpleasant incident at the Youth Club and the disappointment with the police response. Cllr Hayward reported that after contacting police when vehicles were being driven across farm land, not only did they not attend site they have not been in touch at all. Another incident was when neighbours suspected a break in at a property, the police were contacted at approximately 7.30 pm, but took nearly two hours to attend.

Highways: The Clerk has discussed the damage and repair to the bridge with the appropriate officer at ECC. He confirmed that the bridge has been repaired to its original length and the proposal was to maintain and not rebuild the additional length. Apparently the original bridge was extended prior to the installation of the footpath, to prevent vehicles from driving into the river, and there was no longer this need. The officer was happy to meet with members to discuss it further if they wished, however it was agreed that the proposal was acceptable with the proviso that any further damage is attended to and the bridge is always maintained.

There was a letter from BDC asking PC to ensure they maintain a supply of sandbags and Cllr Hayward would mention, in his BT article, that these are available from the CIP.

All other correspondence has been circulated or included within an Agenda item.

Bucks House: A complaint had been received by Highways regarding the pots positioned outside this property. The owners were very upset to receive a letter ordering them to remove them on the grounds that the location forms a visibility sight splay and the containers could obstruct a driver’s view. The Clerk had spoken to the Area Manager who explained that, following such a complaint, they had no choice but to take action. However, they were happy to meet with the house owners to discuss a possible way forward. The PC would not be directly involved in this but felt they would wish to support an appropriate proposal that would resolve the matter.

River Pant: There was concern about the lack of maintenance and the possibility of flooding as a result. The Clerk would contact the Environment Agency.

RCCE: The new Chairman, George Courtauld, made a brief visit to the village on 14 October, when he met with Cllr Slemmings, the Clerk and Jenny Rooney, and had the opportunity to visit the Museum, the CIP and discuss the VDS and the pavilion project.

Pipers Meadow: Since EWT had been involved with the Oxlip Project, routine maintenance work had not been carried out, and the meadow was not inviting to walkers. The Clerk would contact Ray Tabor, and if possible make arrangements for MDLandscapes to cut a swathe through the site. It was also suggested that simple bench seats be installed – prices would be obtained for this.

Newlands Avenue: It was reported that a photographer was seen in the garage area and enquiries would be made of GCH to see if they had any knowledge of this.

Blocked Drain: Bendlowes Road outside no.28 causing problems with the system in this area, and would be reported.

Meadowview Cart Lodge: Damaged tiles would be inspected and repairs organised as appropriate – damage was caused by trees from Pipers Meadow.

Town Hall: Report the need to attend to a wasps nest and remind the Chairman of the problem of falling tiles from Cottage Room roof.

Greens & Commons Course 24 October 2008: It was agreed that the Clerk could attend this EALC course which would be helpful in view of changes in legislation.

11. DATE OF NEXT MEETING: This would be held on 19 November 2008.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.30 p.m.

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