MINUTES OF SIBLE HEDINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE VILLAGE HALL, PARKFIELDS, SIBLE HEDINGHAM ON MONDAY 8TH DECEMBER 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, E. Snarey and A. Stewart.
Mr. A. Corder-Birch (Clerk)
Mr. D. Finch (County Councillor) and 1 (one) member of the public.
208. 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.
209. Apologies for absence
Councillors V. Mullender (working away), F. Swallow (in London), J. Tame and W. Scattergood.
210. Declarations of interest
Mr. A. Law declared a personal interest in connection with the request for a grant from The Friends of Alderford Mill as he is a member. Mrs. J. Beavis declared a personal interest in connection with car parking issues as a trader in the village. There were no other declarations of interest.
211. To confirm minutes of previous meeting held 10th November 2008
The minutes of the previous Parish Council meeting held on 10th November 2008, having been previously circulated, were taken as read, were confirmed and duly signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
212. Matters arising from those minutes
Water Management
Mr. E. Snarey reported upon communications with the Environment Agency regarding water management in the vicinity of Alderford Mill and confirmed that it was their responsibility to open and close the floodgates. Consequent upon the high level of the River Colne on 1st December, the Clerk reported upon his communications with the Environment Agency who had opened the floodgates within half an hour. Their new (Sheffield) contact number for this purpose is 0800 807060 and the postcode for Alderford Mill namely CO9 3HX must be quoted. Mr. A. Law produced a copy of a sketch plan for all Councillors showing the critical water level to be reached to request the Environment Agency to open the flood gates. The Chairman thanked Mr. A. Law and the Clerk for their prompt action in getting the river level lowered so quickly.
213. Public Comment
Mr. R. Darkins raised various matters concerning the BDC car parks in Summerfields and that SH had lost 10 (ten) car parking spaces in the village in recent years, through the provision of disabled spaces and double yellow lines, which is causing more parking along Swan Street. Concern was expressed about the possibility of BDC imposing car parking charges. Mrs. J. Beavis confirmed that BDC were considering a ticket machine from 2010. If so there was concern that Summerfields and Spring Way may be used for car parking and therefore the issue of proposed charges should be addressed now. It was suggested that if more disabled parking is provided in the car park in front of the Co-op then the existing disabled spaces in the top BDC car park could be released. Mr. A. Law agreed that more disabled spaces were required in front of the Co-op. Miss. C. Cannell was doubtful if BDC could remove disabled spaces from the top car park because of DDA requirements. Mr. E. Snarey pointed out that disabled people could park on double yellow lines. Mrs. J. Beavis reported that she had met Mr. M. Galley of BDC in the lower car park and four extra parking spaces will be marked out, as a temporary measure to see if it works and if so will be made permanent. Miss. C. Cannell was concerned that if BDC impose charges then people will go elsewhere for shopping. Mrs. G. Massey agreed that it would be “an absolute disaster” if parking charges are imposed. Mr. A. Stewart considered that if more cars are parked in Swan Street it would lead to tail backs and traffic chaos. He is opposed to parking charges and considered that the cost of meters will be more than the revenue raised. Mrs. E. Jones pointed out that parking along Swan Street is a traffic calming measure. Concern was expressed about the congestion along Summerfields and that it was difficult for residents to get in and out of the Summerfields estate. Mr. D. Finch suggested that SHPC offer to take over responsibility for both car parks from BDC, which Mr. R. Darkins supported. The Chairman suggested that the car parking issue is again placed on the agenda for the January 2009 PC meeting and that in the meantime it is referred to the Recreation and Amenities Committee to consider in more detail. It was also suggested that another car park is required in SH and representations to BDC will be considered.
Arising from the above item, Mr. J. Skittrall reported that traders are using the lay-by in Brook Meadow, which was intended for residents.
214. Chairman and Vice Chairman’s reports
Mrs. J. Beavis thanked the Vice Chairman, the Chairman and Spokespersons for all Committees and Advisory Groups and all Councillors for their help, hard work and support through the year. Mr. J. Skittrall endorsed the Chairman’s comments and in return thanked the Chairman for all her good work.
215. Youth Council Report
In the absence of Mr. J. Tame no report was given.
216. County Council Report
Mr. D. Finch reported upon representations from members of the public in SH about icy roads in the village. He had taken up all these issues with ECC Highways and was assured that there was no reduction in gritting roads in the area. The Social Care Inspection Service had awarded ECC three stars, which is excellent with many good comments. ECC had been highly commended for their support for public transport services (except for the 352 bus service). The current financial position is of great concern to ECC and BDC who are trying to help residents with benefits. ECC is looking at the creation of a Bank of Essex (to help small businesses with loans) and the development of Essex Credit Union. Small businesses are encouraged to take up Small Business Rate Relief, as 60% of businesses, which qualify do not do so. ECC is trying to help the Community and Businesses in Essex by improving their cash flow.
Mr. J. Skittrall enquired about gritting roads and was informed that ECC grit about 45% of roads in Essex.
Mr. A. Stewart enquired about the Post Office Scheme and Mr. Finch confirmed that the saving of Post Offices is at the forefront of the ECC agenda and that several had already been saved. Mr. E. Snarey reported that the 352 bus had been replaced by another service but was concerned about the confusion caused and about the use of Braintree Bus Park. Mr. Finch reported that Cllr. Joe Pike was actively challenging First Bus about their services, which is still being actively discussed. Mr. Finch confirmed that ECC do provide subsidies to bus services but this has to be carefully monitored. Mr. Finch was thanked for attending the meeting and for his report.
217. District Council Report
In the absence of Mrs. W. Scattergood and Mr. F. Swallow no report was given. Mrs. J. Beavis promoted the Small Business Rate Relief and Homelessness. BDC was concerned about residents struggling to pay Council Tax and all local authorities were conscious of the tough years ahead.
218. Planning
The minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting held on 7th November 2008 had been circulated and it was resolved that the minutes be accepted in lieu of a report.
219. Footpaths
Dr. R. Green had nothing to report. Mr. M. Rudge reported that footpath 33 across Grays Hall Meadow was becoming overgrown on both sides by grass. It should be 40 inches wide but the current width varies between 20 and 26 inches. The path looks neglected and he asked if it could be restored to its original width. Mr. J. Skittrall reported that the work would be carried out during early Spring 2009 when the grass will be cut back and weed killer applied.
220. Recreation and Amenities Committee Report
The minutes of the Recreation and Amenities Committee meeting held on 21st November 2008, which had been circulated to all Councillors was accepted in lieu of a report. Arising from these minutes Mr. J. Skittrall reported, that the paving slabs at High Street Green would be laid this week. The tennis court renovation looks excellent and a grand opening will be arranged for one Saturday morning in the near future.
221. Riverside Walk
The minutes of the Riverside Walk Meeting held on 1st December 2008 had been circulated and it was resolved that the minutes be accepted in lieu of a report. The Chairman referred to the commitment cards and encouraged all Councillors who support the project to complete and return them to the Clerk.
222. SARA report
Miss. C. Cannell reported that Mrs. J. Beavis and herself had attended the last SARA meeting at Great Yeldham Police Station on 26th November 2008. Statistics were improving as crime in the area was dropping. She also reported that the ASB problems arising from the BDC car parks off Sumnmerfields were being addressed. In view of the confidentiality agreement Miss. Cannell was not allowed to report upon other items raised at the last SARA meeting. Mrs. E. Jones reported upon an incident, which had occurred on 6th December at the Co-op cash point and of car horns and bad driving. She was advised to report this to the Police and to take vehicle registration numbers in future. The Clerk reminded Councillors of the Beat Surgery on 9th December at PC Office. Mrs. G. Massey stated that Lesley Burch, BDC Community Safety Officer, had visited PC Office on 5th December and reported upon her visit to the residents of Hedingham Place regarding the BDC car parks opposite. Mr. A. Stewart considered that the latest Community Warden’s report was “farcical”.
223. To consider social events for elderly in the Village
It was noted that the SH Neighbourhood Policing Team had arranged an older persons day on 8th December to promote local support services and raise awareness of safety issues, which had been supported by SHPC.
The Clerk read an email from the Community Assessment Team requesting arrangements for regular social events for older members of the community including residents of Park Court. It was confirmed that regular Coffee mornings already take place at Park Court to which other residents of the village are invited. The Thursday Club (which is supported by SHPC) meet regularly and there is a Day Centre in Halstead, which some SH residents attend. The BDC Community Transport Scheme is used to take residents to Halstead Day Centre but the ongoing cost of transport is a problem for other organisations. Mrs. J. Beavis suggested that SHPC should be an ‘enabler’ and consider promoting and/or making a grant towards a regular social event for older members of the community and to consider including this in the Annual Report. Mr. A. Stewart suggested asking GCH to help. SHPC had already raised the lack of residents at Park Court with GCH which is considering its future. Mrs. J. Beavis will also raise social events for the elderly with BDC and take it forward.
224. To consider request for grant from The Friends of Alderford Mill
Councillors considered a letter from the Secretary of the recently inaugurated Friends of Alderford Mill, requesting a grant towards a start up fund. It was proposed by Mrs. G. Massey, seconded by Miss. C. Cannell and unanimously carried that SHPC make a grant of £300. It was also agreed to offer the Friends the use of the Meeting Room at the PC office for their Committee meetings.
225. To consider request for financial support from Stop Stansted Expansion
Councillors considered correspondence from SSE requesting financial support to oppose the expansion of Stansted Airport, which was declined.
226. To consider provision of litter bin outside PC Office
Subject to the agreement of the landlord it was agreed to order a suitable litterbin in the next financial year.
227. To consider BDC car parks at Summerfields
Mrs. J. Beavis reported that BDC had ordered two bollards to lock the lower car park to prevent access and ASB overnight. BDC will erect notices in the car parks and leaflets will be delivered to all dwellings in the vicinity advising residents who park there overnight that it will be locked. The Co-op staff will be asked by BDC if they will be responsible for locking and unlocking the car park to match their opening hours and local key holders will be found for other times.
228. To confirm date of SH Annual Parish Meeting in 2009
The date of the Annual Parish Meeting was confirmed for Monday, 23rd March 2009 in the Village Hall, SH at 7 for 7.30pm.
229. Correspondence
The correspondence received and listed in appendix 1 was referred to relevant Councillors for information and action.
230. Accounts for payment
The accounts listed in appendix 2 were presented for payment. It was proposed by Mrs. G. Massey, seconded by Mr. R. Falco and carried that the accounts are paid. Arising from the accounts Mr. J. Skittrall reported upon the work, which Mr. B. Coe, Mr. B. Hoadley and Mr. K. Shears carry out in the village, which was up to date. It was agreed to record the thanks of SHPC for all their work.
The Clerk reported upon recent correspondence with the Audit Commission who had resumed as External Auditors in place of Lubbock Fine. The Audit Commission had raised a query concerning the balances, which had been distorted by outstanding cheques at the end of the financial year. In consultation with the Internal Auditor some figures had been amended. It was proposed by Miss. C. Cannell, seconded by Mr. E. Snarey and carried that the Annual Return be re-approved. It was re-signed by the Chairman and Clerk and the revised figures initialed. The Clerk will re-submit the Annual Return to the Audit Commission.
231. Any other business/exchange of information/agenda for next meeting
Miss. C. Cannell reported upon complaints from residents that recent resurfacing work on pavements was only half complete. There were missing sections and some depressions not filled in causing puddles particularly along the pavement between Rich Traditions and the Co-op. Unfortunately some of the resurfacing was already lifting out. It was agreed to place the issue of resurfacing on the agenda for the next meeting.
Mrs. E. Jones reported that grips along the highway through High Street Green were blocked and puddles of water was, laying on the road. The Chairman invited Mrs. Jones to send the Clerk details of the exact locations so that the issue could be raised with ECC Highways.
232. Confidential business
It was resolved that in view of the special or confidential nature of the business about to be transacted it is advisable in the public interest that the public and press be excluded from the remainder of the meeting and they are instructed to withdraw pursuant to the provisions of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960. The Parish Council meeting then continued in private session (see confidential minutes for Parish Councillors only).