MINUTES OF SIBLE HEDINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE VILLAGE HALL, PARKFIELDS, SIBLE HEDINGHAM ON MONDAY 9TH MARCH 2009 AT 7.30 P.M._______________________________________ .

In the chair: Mrs. J. Beavis
Present: Councillors C. Cannell, R. Falco, R. Green, A. Law, G. Massey, M. Rudge, J. Skittrall,
E. Snarey, A. Stewart and F. Swallow.
 Mr. A. Corder-Birch (Clerk)

281. Fire regulations
Details were given of the fire regulations relating to the Hall and in particular the whereabouts of the fire exits, the assembly point in Parkfields and that vehicles must not be removed from the Hall Car Park.
282. Apologies for absence
Councillors E. Jones (late home), D. Finch and W. Scattergood.

283. Casual Vacancy
The Clerk reported that Mr. V. Mullender had resigned as a result of a change in personal circumstances and consequently a casual vacancy exists. It was agreed to thank Mr. Mullender for his past service and to wish him well in the future.

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

285. To confirm minutes of previous meeting held 9th February 2009
The minutes of the previous Parish Council meeting held on 9th February 2009, having been circulated, were taken as read, were confirmed and duly signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

286. Matters arising from those minutes
Litter
The Clerk reported that the BDC CCTV van would attend at a particular location in the village to try and catch the culprits who regularly drop litter. The Community Warden or a PCSO will be in attendance to issue a FPN.
Former Blacksmith’s Cottage, Prayors Hill
The Clerk confirmed that the Police had been notified of the damage and entry to the former Blacksmith’s Cottage. The Police were in contact with the owner and investigations were continuing.

287. Public Comment
There was no public comment.

288. Chairman and Vice Chairman’s reports
The Chairman thanked Mr. J. Skittrall and his team for the flood prevention work carried out during February. The Chairman had noticed an increase in the amount of correspondence received from residents on a variety of issues and arising from this it was resolved to encourage residents to make more use of the website and Mrs. Massey agreed to facilitate this. The Chairman thanked the Clerk for making the arrangements for the dinner on 27th February, which had been very enjoyable. The Vice Chairman reported that the bench in memory of Mr. Keith Metson should be delivered this week for erection in the GOR. Mr. Skittrall had visited residents in Station Road to ascertain why floodwater had risen so quickly, which was as a result of silt in the pipe under Hedingham School grounds and the former railway embankment. The Clerk had contacted the School and had been informed that the pipe is due to be cleaned out this year. Some dead trees on the former railway embankment were causing concern to nearby residents and the School’s tree surgeon will inspect the trees and visit the residents concerned to discuss.

289. Youth Council Report
In the absence of Mr. J. Tame, no report was given.
However Mrs. G. Massey and Mr. F. Swallow reported that the arrangements for THF09 were progressing. Mrs. Massey reported that Rev. P. Corson had introduced a Church Youth Leader who had been very helpful. Mr. F. Swallow expressed concern that a grant application had not been made whilst he was on holiday and Mrs. J. Beavis advised upon other sources of funding.

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

291. District Council Report
In the absence of Mrs. W. Scattergood no report was given.
Mr. F. Swallow reported that the BDC Public Transport Working Party was starting interviews with four service providers in the District (one rail and three bus) to see if services can be better coordinated, rather than introduce new services. Mr. E. Snarey expressed concern that timetables had been amended before they had been published making them redundant. Timetables need to be placed at bus stops.
Mrs. J. Beavis reported upon the flooding in February and that she had asked the Rt. Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst MP to take up various issues with the Environment Agency. Thereafter a public meeting will be held to which ECC, BDC, Police, Castle Hedingham and Great Yeldham Parish Councils will be invited. Councillors considered that a recent letter from the Environment Agency was “dismissive” and were far from satisfied with the reply. Pressure will continue to be applied upon the Environment Agency to call them to account for failing to carry out their duties. Dr. R. A. Green reported that contrary to the claims of the Environment Agency the floodgates at Hulls Mill could not be controlled by the Mill owner because he was an absent owner so the Environment Agency must take responsibility and control, the floodgates. Apparently the Agency has a monitoring device in the River near Hulls Mill and it was agreed to enquire its purpose.
Mrs. Beavis was concerned about the number of empty houses in the village and had asked the BDC Homeless Persons Officer to inspect, investigate and report back.

292. Planning
The minutes of the Planning Committee Meetings held on 13th February and 6th March 2009 having been circulated, were accepted in lieu of a report.
Miss. C. Cannell reported that a LDF meeting would take place at Causeway House, Braintree on 16th March. Mrs. J. Beavis emphasized that it was important for SHPC to be represented, as SH is a key service village. It was agreed that Mrs. J. Beavis would attend together with Mrs. G. Massey or Mr. J. Skittrall.
Mr. A. Stewart asked if an enquiry could be made with BDC as to why their Planning Officers failed to produce evidence at a recent public inquiry in support of a S106 contribution for highway improvements in SH. It was agreed to write to BDC, asking for an explanation and if they will meet the loss.

293. Footpaths
Dr. R. Green reported that the first proof of the footpath map had been received from Mr. D. Norton of Norplan and a copy was produced for inspection. Dr. Green and Mr. A. Corder-Birch had attended a meeting with Mr. Norton when numerous amendments and improvements had been suggested, including an enlargement of the centre of the village on the reverse of the map. An additional quote of £150.00 for the enlarged map had been received. It was proposed by Dr. Green, seconded by Mr. A. Stewart and carried that the additional quote of £150.00 be approved. Mr. Norton will prepare a revised proof and copies will be circulated to the Footpaths Advisory Group.

294. Hedingham Riverside Walk Report
Mr. A. Corder-Birch reported that two meetings of the Steering Group to form the Hedingham Riverside Walk had taken place on 12th and 26th February 2009. The third meeting had been arranged for 19th March 2009. The new organization will be known as HEDINGHAM RIVERSIDE WALK and the following officers had been elected: Brian Stacey (Chairman), John Nicholson (Vice Chairman), Anne Larkin (Secretary) and Angela Weatherley (Treasurer). A lengthy discussion had taken place upon the Constitution, which it was hoped to finalize at the next meeting. It is also intended to appoint three Schools representatives for Hedingham Comprehensive, St. Peters Primary and DeVere Primary.
The path had recently been excavated so the route can be clearly seen.
Mr. Corder-Birch reported that he had attended the annual River Colne Countryside Project meeting on 5th March, which was chaired by Mrs. W. Scattergood. Mr. Richard Parmee, project coordinator had detailed the progress of the Hedingham Riverside Walk and of the good support from Sible Hedingham. Unfortunately Colchester Borough Council had given notice that their funding for the RCCP will cease on 6th June 2009 and Mr. Corder-Birch had therefore urged BDC to seek additional funding so that this worthwhile project can continue in the Braintree District. Mrs. J. Beavis reported that the BDC Halstead Local Committee would consider further funding for RCCP on 18th March. Dr. R. A. Green emphasized that it is vital to continue this important project.

295. Recreation and Amenities Committee Report
The minutes of the Recreation and Amenities Committee meeting held on 19th February 2009, having been circulated, were accepted in lieu of a report.
Mr. Skittrall circulated a “Task List” following the Village inspection on 28th February 2009, a copy of which is attached to these minutes as appendix 3. Arising from this list the following items were reported and discussed:
Trees had been planted along Yeldham Road.
It was agreed to pay Mr. B. Coe an additional £15 for grass cutting around lay-by and sign in Yeldham Road and to ask ECC Highways for reimbursement.
Representatives of St. Peter’s PCC will be invited to a meeting at PC Office to discuss issues concerning the Churchyard including litter, rubbish heaps and the fence to be repaired.
GCH will be asked to (i) remove storage containers and skip, (ii) to provide three benches for grass area at entrance and (iii) to plant seasonal shrubs along borders at Oxford Meadow.

296. To review High Street Green issues
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that Mrs. G. Massey and himself had inspected High Street Green It was not appropriate to move the dog bin to the footpath entrance and in fact the BDC Dog Warden had chosen the location of the dog bin, as the most suitable and it was installed by him. It was accepted that the path from the road to the post box could have been extended to the dog bin rather than installing a new path, but in view of the cost the path will not be moved. Unfortunately vehicles had made ruts across the Green, which will be filled in and some planting will take place along the paths to improve the appearance. Mr. Skittrall had spoken to Mr. Parker on site on 7th March 2009. Mr. R. Falco was happy with the work carried out, which was to the satisfaction of the majority of residents.

297. To approve quote for flyers for Annual Parish Meeting
The Chairman reported that Mrs. G. Massey had prepared an excellent leaflet for the Annual Parish Meeting and other matters. Mrs. Massey reported that a quote had been received from Paul Clark Printing for £280.00 for two-sided colour leaflet including folding and it was proposed by Mrs. J. Beavis, seconded by Mr. J. Skittrall and carried that this quote is accepted. Mrs. G. Massey agreed to make adjustments to the delivery schedule and was thanked by the Chairman for designing the leaflet.

298. To consider paying one half of cost of matting for planting new trees
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that about 180 trees had been planted in Hulls Mill Lane recently, which had required matting to protect them. It was proposed by Mr. Skittrall, seconded by Mrs. G. Massey and carried that £270.00 is paid to Hedingham Heritage Society towards the cost of the matting. There was surplus matting, which could be used for other tree planting projects in the village.

299. Speed Watch Report
Mr. F. Swallow reported that as a result of delivering leaflets eight more volunteers had come forward but unfortunately Essex Police cannot arrange any further training until after 1st April 2009 following which Mr. Swallow will make another approach to them. It was agreed to place Speed Watch on the agenda for the May 2009 meeting for Mr. Swallow and Mr. Stewart to give an updated report.

300. Report of SARA meeting
Mr. R. Falco gave a report of the SARA Meeting held on 25th February, which Mr. J. Skittrall had also attended. There had been little difference in Police statistics, which had leveled out during recent months. The BDC Car Park at the rear of the Co-op was discussed and another bollard is required between the existing bollards to stop vehicles slipping through. It was a pity that the Co-op had backed out of the agreed arrangements and therefore more help was required for locking and unlocking the bollards and someone may need to be employed to carry out this work. The negotiations with BDC to take over the car park to avoid parking charges were progressing. It was agreed to place the car park on the agenda for the next PC Meeting. The SARA meeting had also discussed the possibility of changing its name.

301. Report of NAP meetings
Mrs. J. Beavis stated that Hedingham NAP meetings, its membership and their contact details were not advertised, like other NAPs in the District. In addition the minutes of Hedingham NAP meetings did not appear on the Essex Police website. As Chairman of Hedingham NAP, Mr. J. Skittrall gave an assurance that all future NAP meetings and members contact details will be properly advertised in future and that the minutes will appear on the Essex Police website. He reported that the next NAP meeting would be on 12th March.

302. Policing issues in Sible Hedingham
Several Councillors expressed concern about the lack of visible Policing in Sible Hedingham. It was reported that youngsters were staying out all night in the village on the Recreation Ground and in the Co-op Car Parks, making noise and causing disturbance to nearby residents. Mr. J. Skittrall confirmed that these issues would be raised at the next NAP meeting on 12th March.
It was also agreed to write to Inspector Pitcher and raise the following questions:
Is PCSO D. Green returning to Sible Hedingham?
If not, will she be replaced?
Why is there a lack of visible policing in Sible Hedingham?
It was confirmed that Police attendance and a report had been requested for the Annual Parish Meeting on 23rd March.

303. Report of Essex Rural Partnership Conference
Mrs. J. Beavis gave a report of the Essex Rural Partnership Conference, which she had attended on 24th February and of the new rural strategy for Essex. The strategy including rural businesses and public transport should be published by September 2009 and will be looking ahead for the next 15 years.

304. Report of RCCE Celebrating Success Conference
Mrs. J. Beavis gave a report of the RCCE Celebrating Success Conference, which she had attended on 25th February with Dr. R. A. Green and Mr. A. Corder-Birch. The Conference was devoted to Community Led Plans such as Parish Plans and Village Design Statements. These now carry more weight in the planning process and many villages in Essex had completed their Parish Plans and VDS.

305. Report from VDS Committee
Mrs. G. Massey and Miss. C. Cannell gave details of the present officers and membership of the VDS Committee, which had been strengthened with the addition of Mrs. E. Jones. Mrs. Massey will give an up to date report of progress at the next meeting.

306. To review Parish Plan
The Sible Hedingham Parish Plan had been completed, published and circulated to every household in the village in 2005. Consideration was given to the possibility of reviewing it and bringing it up to date. The majority, if not all of the issues of which SHPC has control had been completed during the last four years. Unfortunately where SHPC was dependent upon other authorities such as ECC, BDC and the Environment Agency some tasks had not been completed such as the provision of affordable housing on a site allocated for it in Oxford Meadow and the provision of a flood lagoon in Cobbs Fenn to protect Alderford Street. Whilst these items will continue to be pursued with the relevant authorities it was resolved that it will be more beneficial to SH to put all efforts into completing the VDS rather than revising the Parish Plan.

307. To consider support for new artificial sports pitch at Hedingham School
A letter from the Bursar at Hedingham School was considered requesting (a) letter of support to the Football Foundation for funding and (b) financial support for the new artificial sports pitch. It was resolved to support Hedingham School in their bid to the Football Foundation and to write an appropriate letter. It was also proposed by Mrs. G. Massey, seconded by Mr. F. Swallow and carried by seven votes to three, with one abstention, to make a nominal grant of £100.00 to Hedingham School towards its new artificial sports pitch to demonstrate the Parish Council’s support.

308. To consider chain of office for Chairman
Councillors opposed the suggestion that a chain of office be considered for the Chairman.

309. 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 noted and agreed:
That Mr. A. Stewart will attend the next Cluster Meeting on 31st March, which will include a GCH report.
That Mr. F. Swallow (and/or Mr. A. Stewart) will invite Mrs. V. Jackson of Alderford Street to join Speed Watch in view of her concerns with the speed of traffic through the village.
That Mrs. J. Beavis will arrange a meeting in the village with Mrs. A. Thornton of ECC Highways to discuss various highway issues including ‘No through road’ signs at Oxford Meadow and Summerfields. Miss. C. Cannell reported that the white lines at the Spring Way junction with Summerfields had been completed.
Mrs. J. Beavis will deal with the letter from Mr. D. Murray of New England.

310. Accounts for payment
The accounts listed in appendix 2 were presented for payment with the addition of the following accounts:
Braintree District Council – printing Speed Watch letters £170.38
Otter Wrought Iron – Expenses for Halloween event £261.67
Hedingham Twinning Association – Grant £75.00
Hedingham School – Grant towards artificial sports pitch £100.00
It was proposed by Mr. F. Swallow, seconded by Mr. R. Falco and carried that the accounts are paid and that the payments to Otter Wrought Iron and Hedingham Twining Association are made under S137 of the LGA 1972. It was agreed to make a further grant of £100.00 to the Twinning Association at the beginning of the new financial year. Mr. E. Snarey voted against the grants to Hedingham Twinning Association. Arising from the accounts it was agreed not to return to BDC for any printing work in the future in view of the excessive cost of printing the Speed Watch letters.

311. Any other business/exchange of information/agenda for next meeting
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that the Annual Internal Inspection of the Recreation Ground equipment would be carried out this month, which will be followed by the ROSPA inspection in May.
Mr. E. Snarey reported that there was a large and dangerous pothole on the junction of Prayors Hill and Wethersfield Road, which it was agreed to ask ECC Highways to repair.
Dr. R. A. Green reported that Mrs. Norma Radford was concerned about sewage pollution in the Mill Stream below Alderford Mill, which was a regular problem. Mr. J. Skittrall offered to investigate and deal with it.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.40pm




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