MINUTES OF SIBLE HEDINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE VILLAGE HALL, PARKFIELDS, SIBLE HEDINGHAM ON MONDAY 11TH AUGUST 2008 AT 7.30 P.M._______________________________________

In the chair: Mrs. J. Beavis
Present: Councillors C. Cannell, R. Falco, R. Green, E. Jones, A. Law, G. Massey, M. Rudge, J. Skittrall, A. Stewart and F. Swallow.
Mr. A. Corder-Birch (Clerk)
Mr. J. Tame (Youth Councillor)
together with 3 (three) members of the public.

104. Apologies for absence
V. Mullender (family commitment), E. Snarey (family commitment) D. Finch and W. Scattergood.

105. Declarations of interest
There were no declarations of interest.

106. To co-opt new Councillor to fill Casual Vacancy
The Chairman reported that the Interviewing Panel had met and recommended that Mrs. Elspeth Jones be co-opted. It was therefore proposed by Mr. J. Skittrall, seconded by Mrs. G. Massey and carried that Mrs. E. Jones is co-opted onto the Parish Council to fill the casual vacancy.

107. Declaration of Acceptance of Office
Mrs. E. Jones then signed her Declaration of Acceptance of Office, which was countersigned by the Clerk.
Mrs. Jones had no interests to declare.

108. Election to Advisory Groups
Councillors were elected to Advisory Groups as follows:
Recreational Areas and Amenities: Mr. A. Stewart
Finance and Funding: Mrs. E. Jones
Emergency Planning: Mrs. E. Jones and Mr. A. Stewart

109. To confirm minutes of previous meeting held 14th July 2008
The minutes of the previous Parish Council meeting held on 14th July 2008, having been previously circulated, were taken as read, were confirmed and duly signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

110. Matters arising from those minutes
There were no matters arising.

111. Public Comment
Mr. T & Mrs. M. Harkins of 9 Yeldham Road enquired why they had not been informed of a meeting on 1st August 2008 regarding a mobile home in their back garden. They had been assured by BDC that planning permission was not required but later received a visit from Mr. B. Taplin, Planning Enforcement Officer, BDC. Mr. Harkins stated that the replacement fence, with concrete posts was the same as the original fence. Miss. C. Cannell explained that SHPC had received complaints from neighbours who had witnessed the arrival of the mobile home and had consequently taken advice from BDC as the planning authority. The issue had been investigated and BDC confirmed that planning permission was not required. SHPC must investigate complaints received and it was confirmed that notice of the meeting on 1st August had been publicized.
Mr. Grenville Davey of 43 Alderford Street reported upon parking problems at the Mill end of Alderford Street. Visitors to Forest Homes regularly park in Alderford Street when there are empty spaces in their car park. The problem is exacerbated when seminars and training courses are held at Forest Homes. Miss. C. Cannell and Mrs. J. Beavis both explained that the planning application for extension of car park had been opposed as it encroaches into the Conservation Area. Mr. Ladkin had assured BDC and SHPC that there would be adequate spaces in the extended car park for seminars and training courses. It was agreed to write to Mr. Ladkin to inform him of the public’s concern and to ask him to ensure that all visitors park in his car park when empty spaces are available and not in Alderford Street.

112. Chairman and Vice Chairman’s reports
The Chairman reported upon the following:
The great success of the THF08 event and thanked Mr. J. Tame and Councillors for all their hard work.
The new SHPC website set up by Mrs. G. Massey who was thanked for her hard work and the excellent photographs.
The new plant tub in Alderford Street is now in position. Mr. A. Law thanked SHPC for providing this and reported that residents of Alderford Street were looking after it.
PCSO D. Green will shortly be leaving on a six months secondment to Police Headquarters. It was agreed to write and thank her for her services and to also write to Chief Inspector Gooden asking if she can return to SH at the conclusion of her secondment.
The new barrier had been erected near the football pitch at Oxford Meadow.
The new gates had been erected at Rippers Court and the residents of Station Road are delighted.
There is concern about vehicles gathering at the junction of Recreation Road and Hawkwood Road with Warburton Avenue. The Police had been informed of the concerns of SHPC and residents. Mr. J. Skittrall confirmed that this is a NAP issue.
A protocol issue was also addressed, which was noted.
The Vice Chairman had nothing to report outside the agenda.

113. Youth Council and THF 08 Reports
Mr. J. Tame reported upon the success of the THF08 event, which was very well attended. He thanked SHPC for its support and in particular Mrs. G. Massey and Mr. F. Swallow. He also thanked Mr. J. Skittrall for arranging a trailer for the band. About £700 was raised and an average of 350 people were on the Recreation Ground at any one time. He confirmed that a THF09 event will be arranged and that more publicity will be provided next year. Mr. F. Swallow reported that there had been little support for Speed Watch. Mr. A. Stewart offered his services and will speak to Mr. Swallow out of the meeting. It was agreed to write letters of thanks to PCSO Green, PC Pike, PC Mullender, PC McMaster, Lesley Burch of BDC and Anne Thrussell of the Youth Service. The Youth Council will be holding elections during September 2008. Consideration will be given to a Halloween event at the Recreational Areas and Amenities Advisory Group meeting on 18th August. Mr. Tame was thanked for his report.

114. County Council Report
In the absence of Mr. D. Finch no report was given.

115. District Council Report
In the absence of Mrs. W. Scattergood no report was given. Mr. F. Swallow and Mrs. J. Beavis had nothing to report.

116. Planning
The minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting held on 1st August had been circulated and it was resolved that the minutes be accepted in lieu of a report.
Arising from these minutes it was reported that the fence at Summer Hill, High Street Green had been reduced to an acceptable height. With regard to the mobile home at 9 Yeldham Road it was resolved to accept BDC’s advice that planning permission is not required. It was agreed that no further action is necessary in respect of Summer Hill and 9 Yeldham Road.
Miss. C. Cannell reported upon mistakes in the letter from BDC regarding 16 School Road and clarified the position. All Councillors on the Planning Committee were urged to view the pending applications in the PC Office before each meeting and to record their comments on the front sheets.



117. Footpaths
Dr. R. Green reported upon his meeting with Mr. David Norton of Norplan who had quoted £550.00 for artwork for a full colour, A2 sized map of scale 1:14,000 for a footpaths map of Sible Hedingham. The map will include the new Riverside Walk, the Pauline Stevens Walk, the Mills Walk, etc. and will be for sale at the PC Office, the Library, etc. A quote for printing costs is awaited. Mrs. E. Jones enquired about copyright and it was confirmed that the copyright would be owned by SHPC. It was proposed by Mr. F. Swallow, seconded by Mr. R. Falco and carried that the quote of £550 for artwork is approved. It was agreed that the Parish Council is committed to the footpath map and to make provision for it in next years budget but to also apply for grants towards the cost if possible. The Finance and Funding Advisory Group will consider funding and grants.
Complaints had been received regarding a missing tread on a stile along footpath 47 between Swan Chase and Lamb Lane. It was agreed to ask P3 for a kissing gate or a self-closing gate (depending upon the use of the meadows). If P3 supply a gate f.o.c. it was agreed that SHPC will arrange erection.
The enforcement action regarding two stiles on Southey Green Farm was reported and thanks were recorded to Dr. N. Edwards for his letter to ECC.
It was agreed to purchase the latest edition of “Rights of Way – A guide to Law and Practice” at £30.00.

118. Riverside Walk
Mr. A. Corder-Birch reported that Mr. R. Parmee of RCCP and himself had completed the grant application to ECC CIF, which had involved several hours work, two journeys to Braintree and one to Chelmsford. The result should be known late November 2008. The application had included all necessary work along the existing Walk but had excluded the cost of the footbridge because unfortunately ECC Highway Officers had raised various issues, which need to be resolved. If and when ECC give permission for a footbridge a separate grant can be applied for at a later date. In the absence of a bridge it was noted that some walkers are entering on land, which is not part of the walk. In the circumstances it was agreed to ask Mr. Parmee to consider erecting an appropriate sign. The formation of ‘Friends’ organizations for the Riverside Walk and Alderford Mill was discussed. It was resolved to support the suggestion of a joint ‘Friends’ organization for both. A preliminary meeting will shortly take place with Mr. Parmee (RCCP), Mr. J. Stack of The Green Light Trust, Miss. H. Crow of BDC, the ECC Millwright and Parish Council representatives to discuss the formation of a joint ‘Friends’ organization. Mr. A. Law reported that a group of volunteers to man the mill was also being arranged.

119 Recreational Areas and Amenities Report
Mr. J. Skittrall reported upon the following items:
The new swings had been installed and were in good use.
The new radar lock had been fitted to the disabled toilet.
The CCTV quotes had been obtained to support the grant application.
Two more litter bins are to be installed in the village.
The Village Sign in Alderford Street will be cleaned this week.
All items belonging to SHPC had been removed from The Windmill.
Seats are to be renovated and re-erected.
Quotes for the tennis courts are in progress.
A meeting with Mr. P. Robinson will take place during August to discuss tree planting.
Efforts had been made to contact Mr. P. Cook but no response to date.
Mrs. G. Massey had taken on responsibility from Mrs. A. Weatherley for grant applications in respect of the renovations to the tennis court area.
Hedingham Hawks had tidied up the property they occupy in Oxford Meadow.
Mrs. G. Massey reported that as a result of the efforts of Mrs. A. Weatherley a grant of £10,000 had been offered by the Foundation for Sports and Arts. The offer was subject to conditions, which were acceptable to the PC. It was proposed by Mrs. G. Massey, seconded by Mr. J. Skittrall and carried to accept the conditions and grant and Mrs. Massey was authorized to complete the acceptance letter. The Essex Environment Trust had also indicated that a grant of £10,000 may be offered but will not meet until November to confirm this. The Finance and Funding Advisory Group will consider meeting any shortfall from General Funds in order that the work can be carried out in one go rather than in stages.


120. Culina Logistics Limited of Haverhill
Mrs. G. Massey and Mr. J. Skittrall gave a report of a meeting of Sturmer Parish Council, which they had recently attended when representatives of Culina Logistics were present. Culina operate from a factory along Haverhill By Pass and one 45 tonne lorry will arrive and depart from their premises every six minutes for 24 hours a day, 363 days a year. Mr. J. Collar, District Councillor for Sturmer had originally raised this issue at the Halstead Traffic Liaison Meeting in June but the situation had since changed, as the majority of lorries were likely to come from Tilbury via the M11 to Haverhill and not through SH on the A1017 as originally stated. Nevertheless it was agreed that Councillors would continue to observe and record any Culina lorries passing through SH. SHPC will be invited to attend the next Sturmer Cluster Meeting. Mrs. Massey and Mr. Skittrall were thanked for attending this meeting and for their report.

121. HGV’s using local roads
The Parish Council was requested by a member of the public at the previous meeting to consider the issue of HGV’s using local roads as short cuts and in particular the roads in the vicinity of Wethersfield Road and Morris Green. ECC has the power to make weight and width restriction limits, except for access, on relevant roads. ECC Highways had already indicated that they would place a weight and width restriction limit on Lamb Lane, Watery Lane and Sandy Lane following construction of the flood lagoon at Cobbs Fenn and it was agreed to ask ECC Highways to consider making weight and width restriction limits on roads in the vicinity of Morris Green as well.

122. To consider traffic issues in the vicinity of Summerfields and Spring Way
Miss. C. Cannell reported upon approaches from members of the public about the following issues:
Vehicles parking on double yellow lines adjacent to the Co-op
Large lorries turning and unloading at the rear of the Co-op
Speeding in Summerfields.
No priority markings for Spring Way into Summerfields.
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that double yellow lines were required outside the car show rooms in Summerfields opposite the existing double yellow lines.
It was resolved to invite Olive Cowell of ECC Highways to attend a site meeting in SH to discuss all the above issues, when SHPC would be represented by, Mrs. J. Beavis, Miss. C. Cannell, Mr. A. Corder-Birch, Mrs. G. Massey and Mr. J. Skittrall.
The Clerk reported that he had received numerous complaints from members of the public regarding vehicles regularly parking on the double yellow lines adjacent to the Co-op, which came into force on 7th July 2008. He advised that parking was no longer the responsibility of the Police but of BDC, whose parking attendants had been issuing parking tickets. However they did not issue tickets until vehicles had been observed for a minimum of five minutes. This rule appeared to be contrary to the Highway Code, which provided that there, should be no waiting at any time (unless there was a nearby plate giving permitted times which there was not). It was therefore agreed that Mrs. J. Beavis and Mr. F. Swallow as District Councillors raise this issue with BDC to ask if tickets can be issued as soon as cars park on double yellow lines, without parking attendants having to wait for five minutes.
With regard to the cost of Highway improvements in SH, Mrs. J. Beavis and Mr. A. Corder-Birch are pursuing BDC to ascertain what S106 monies are available for not only highways but also other community projects for the village.

123. To consider applications to BDC Local Committee for funding
It was agreed to ask the Finance and Funding Advisory Group to consider an application for a grant for the footpaths map to the BDC Local Committee meeting on 12th November 2008 (deadline 10th October 2008).

124. Photographic competition in Annual Report
Mrs. G. Massey reported that the location was Hulls Mill and Mrs. J. Beavis picked out a correct entry. A £10 voucher will be presented to Mr. Clive Collins of 57 Swan Street.

125. Correspondence
The correspondence received and listed in appendix 1 was referred to relevant Councillors for information and action. Arising from the correspondence the following items were agreed:
A letter from ECC Highways regarding proposed diversion of part of footpath 72 at Southey Green be answered with confirmation that SHPC supports the diversion.
The letter from ECC Legal Department on behalf of Highways regarding proposed parking restrictions in Alderford Street, Church Street, School Road, Alexandra Road and Swan Street be replied to confirming that SHPC supports the proposed parking restrictions.
The Fire Risk Safety Plan from SH Village Hall was carefully considered. It was resolved that Mr. J. Skittrall be appointed as the representative of SHPC responsible for checking that everyone assembles at the assembly point in Parkfields. It was noted that vehicles should not be moved out of the car park as they may obstruct emergency vehicles. An attendance list must be signed at all meetings. The Clerk will complete and return the form to Mr. O. Hawkes.
Two letters from Mrs. B. Robinson were considered and it was resolved to provide a seat with plaque as a permanent memorial to the late Mr. Keith Metson.
Various letters regarding Stansted Airport were considered and Mrs. J. Beavis offered to give evidence at the forthcoming Public Inquiry on behalf of SHPC at the request of SSE.
Letters from EET, GCH and ECC Highways regarding applications for grants were referred to the Finance and Funding Advisory Group.
It was agreed that the Clerk would reply to the letter from Mr. & Mrs. Thompson regarding various High Street Green issues. Mr. R. Falco reported that the ‘NO PARKING ON VILLAGE GREEN’, sign had been removed by a person or persons unknown. Mr. Falco had reported the loss to the Police, had made a witness statement on 9th August and a crime number had been provided. It was reported that certain residents of High Street Green had issues with the sign and dog bin but it was left to the Police to make enquiries. It was agreed to ask Concept Signs to replace the sign and to try and fix the replacement more securely.

126. Accounts for payment
The accounts listed in appendix 2 were presented for payment. It was proposed by Mr. A. Law, seconded by Mr. A. Stewart and carried that the accounts are paid.

127. Any other business/exchange of information/agenda for next meeting
Dr. R. Green reported a fly tipping problem in Hulls Mill Lane to which the BDC Clean Team had responded very quickly.
Miss. C. Cannell will write a letter of thanks to PC Duncan McMaster for dealing with a recent incident in Summerfields very promptly and professionally.
The Chairman asked Councillors to let the Clerk have available dates for the annual PC Dinner one Friday evening in January or February 2009 so that the Moot House at Castle Hedingham can be booked.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.30pm





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(Date) (Chairman)