Minutes of the cluster meeting

Held on Monday 25th October 2004, at 7.30.p.m in the village hall, Sible Hedingham.

Between Braintree District Council, Gosfield, Great Yeldham, Little Yeldham and Sible Hedingham Parish Councils.

Present were:  

Representing Braintree District Council: Sara Moutard, Quality Councils and Parish Charter.

District Councillors for Sible Hedingham: Mr. Stephen Bolter, Mrs. Jo Beavis and

Mrs. Wendy Scattergood.

Representing Essex Police Force: Sgt. Bernie Tompsett.

Representing Sible Hedingham Parish Council: Chairman Mrs. Gillian Massey, Cllrs. Christine Cannell, Peter Day, Norman Edwards and Martin Rudge.

Representing Gosfield Parish Council: Mrs. Margaret Pawsey,   Mr. Bob Walters, Mrs. Joanne Main.

Representing Little Yeldham Parish Council: Mr. P. Clayton, Mrs. M. Greenwood.

Representing Great Yeldham Parish Council: Mr. C. Cumaranatunge, Mr. R. Liming.

1. Apologies for Absence.

District Cllr. Nigel McCrea, Cllr. J. Ferrando, Cllr. J. Skittrall, Cllr. E. Snarey.

        

2. Minutes of the last Cluster Meeting hosted by Gt. Yeldham held on 5 th May 2004.

The Minutes of the last meeting were circulated, read, and accepted as being   a true record of that meeting.

3. Matters Arising.

Item 1 - District Cllr. Wendy Scattergood reported that the matter was being looked at and is still ongoing.   A meeting is to be arranged and representatives will be invited to attend from Councils who are interested, whether they meet the criteria or not.

Sara Moutard added that a less complex, less contentious, simple statement of joint working linked to the Parish Charter was being formulated.

Item 3 - Sara Moutard reported that there had been a very poor take up of the briefing sessions in November.   Clerks at the meeting advised that they had only just received notification of these sessions.   Sara Moutard suggested that one session in November and another in Spring might be a better spread of the sessions, rather than holding them all in November.   She thought the sessions would prove very useful.

Item 6 -   Chairman M. Greenwood advised that they could find no way round this problem.

Item 7 - The outcome had in fact helped Great Yeldham.

4. (Great Yeldham) What has happened to the assurances given at the previous meeting regarding a community policeman?

Great Yeldham lost their community policeman because, under the existing policy, personnel are moved to service another area.   Sgt. Tompsett felt that this Home Office policy was flawed in that it falls down on designated numbers.   However, the same formula should be used to show that current policing levels are not working.   The formula is based upon house numbers within an area, when they should be based upon the crime level.   He felt that the police force was working on the barest minimum at the moment, so contracting doesn't work.

Mr. R. Liming feared that the situation re: contracting will make the situation worse.   He suggested that the Cluster Group should speak with one voice and say that the present situation is unacceptable.  

Gosfield advised that their Neighbourhood Watch had complained about lack of response when calling the police, so they had written letters which had done the round, yet nothing had been resolved.   The Clerk for Sible Hedingham was asked to write to Superintendent Sue Harrison on behalf of the whole Cluster Group.

Sgt. Tompsett advised that recruiting had proved difficult.   When he had joined Halstead Police Station there had only been 3 officers.   This number had now been enhanced, due to amalgamation, to a sergeant and six officers; PCs Mullender and Pike count as one post and PCSOs are not included in his figures.

When asked how the situation might be bettered, Sgt. Tompsett advised by word of mouth and highlighting the situation in the parish magazine to help recruitment.

District Cllr. Wendy Scattergood advised that it would cost £12,700 per annum per PCSO, but taxpayers already pay for a police service.  

Great Yeldham added that concerning the recruitment of PCSO's and the recent offer of a half price service, it was thought that smaller parishes would be out of the running because of the high cost involved.   It might be a good idea to employ one between several parishes to keep costs down.   However, policing was already paid for under Council Tax and it seemed we were to pay, and pay again.

Sara Moutard advised that BDC had allocated a budget for matched funding for PCSOs and there was still money to be had from this budget.   She encouraged parishes to approach BDC for funding.

Sible Hedingham raised the point of terrorist threats at Stansted, which has now been designated as the specific airport to deal with such activities.   However, if a threat proves to be a hoax, it transpired that the parishes from which police had been drawn to attend Stansted would have to pay the bill.   When there had been a 3-day stand off, resulting in an expenditure of some £3m, the government had paid the costs.   Surely, as terrorist threats will increase, and Stansted is now the designated airport through which to route any possible terrorist action, it is up to the whole country to share the burden of any cost, not just the local parishes?   It seems that local parishes are indeed paying, again and again!

Cllr. Wendy Scattergood advised that police used within the parameter of the airport are paid by BAA.

5. (Gosfield) Rural Policing Levels.

Sgt. Tompsett was asked about the removal of police caravans and he answered that it will only happen when PCSOs are in place.   It may be that the caravans would be deployed in other needy areas.

He added that the Special Constabulary had been very effective in helping in areas, but of the original 12 only 2 remained but they are not paid and he suggested an honorarium be put in place to encourage recruits.   PCSOs are a midway option, He reported that a local lady had now been employed to work at Great Yeldham police station for 8 hours a week.   She is undergoing training at the moment and he was unsure as to what days and hours she would be available.

Sara Moutard advised that BDC pays for extended hours.

6. (Gosfield) Progress on Community Bus Schemes.

Great Yeldham reported that the long awaited Saturday night service to Freeport was now a fact.   There would be one 30-seater bus running which would make three return trips, instead of the originally proposed one trip.   The bus would also run to Braintree Railway Station and is timed to meet train arrivals.   The 332 service starts at 18.10 from The Green at Great Yeldham and arrives at Freeport at 18.52.   The next service starts at 20.10, with another at 22.10.   It is hoped to get it up and running about two weeks before Christmas.

7. (Little Yeldham) Planning Policy regarding the use of redundant farm buildings.

District Cllr. Scattergood advised that diversification is being encouraged and usage for holiday flats and commercial premises are being considered; but not residential housing.   A listed barn which is in danger of serious deterioration if not refurbished might be considered for use as a home.   There is no easy answer and every case is considered on its own merit.   She handed out a briefing note outlining the policy.

Little Yeldham also brought up the matter of a slice of land which bordered on the next parish and which might be used for residential purposes.   It was difficult to learn of any planning outcome because it fell just outside their parish.   The Members were concerned that if permission was granted, it would set a precedent.   They questioned the Agricultural Restriction Listing and what the policy involved.   Cllr. Scattergood advised that decisions were made on an individual basis and varied by District.   She will check the facts and advise accordingly.

8. (Little Yeldham) Parish Plans and Design Statement.

Little Yeldham is considering putting a Parish Plan together.   Sara Moutard advised that Jan Cole at Causeway House is very good at helping parishes with this issue.

Sible Hedingham advised that they had an ongoing plan which should be finished by February.   However, they had obtained funding to help with costs, but this source of revenue had since dried up.

Cllr. Scattergood advised that if parishes wanted a say in the Eastern Region Plan, then they would have to put their own plan in place.   She thought some other funding may become available, possibly through government sources.   She added that a Design Statement was vital for parishes, otherwise their wishes may not be considered when the Eastern Region Plan comes on stream.

Sible Hedingham said that BDC had a review plan in place; doesn't this mean starting all over again?   Cllr. Scattergood said that there was going to be a totally different planning process; she was undergoing training at the moment and had suggested that someone from parish councils should sit on the committee in order to understand the process.

Sible Hedingham wondered if there was any point in producing a Village Plan which has no effect in the end, as the District Plan couldn't be changed.   Cllr. Scattergood advised that it was very important in that it helps villages to keep their own identity.

Sara Moutard added that this is a whole new process which will affect everything and suggested it be placed on the next Cluster Group Agenda.   She would be happy to invite someone along to brief the parishes at that meeting.

9. (Little Yeldham)The lack of road gritting during bad weather.

Little Yeldham asked what the criteria was for road gritting.   Sara Moutard read out the criteria for gritting, which she had received from Mick Everitt at Highways.   Gritting was carried out hourly, depending on weather conditions, and the lorries are fitted with      a tracking system to show which areas have been treated.

• Roads to be gritted had to fall into category a or b.

• More than 5 buses per day, 5 days per week, had to be using the road before gritting would be considered.

Great Yeldham suggested sand/salt boxes to relieve the problem.

Sible Hedingham pointed out that the pavements in Halstead had been gritted twice a day, whereas pavements in Sible Hedingham had proved treacherous, with accidents happening to pedestrians.

10. (Gosfield) Skate Parks - Has anyone any experience of problems experienced?

Gosfield is considering providing a skate park for 11-13 year olds and sought advice from parishes that had knowledge of any pitfalls of which to be aware.

Great Yeldham already had a BMX track and are thinking about a skate park, but is experiencing opposition from residents.

Sible Hedingham has a base in place and is scaling down the pieces of equipment to be installed from 5/6 to 2/3.   The base will also be used for multi-use equipment for non-skate board users.

Sara Moutard advised that Jean Twinn was the skate park expert and would prove very helpful as she holds a whole host of information.   It is also very helpful to get the youngsters involved from the outset.  

Sible Hedingham added that there is a very nice small skate park at Pebmarsh, and that Tony McDonald had proved very helpful.

Cllr. Jo Beavis said that criteria had been set in that the children had to form a group and obtain a grant.   However, it had taken a long time and had caused a great deal of animosity.   Whereas the skate park at Sible Hedingham was surrounded by residential properties, Gosfield has more open space which could be considered.

Cllr. Bolter advised that in order to offset the noise, it was helpful to site it where there was already some background noise; i.e. close to a road.

11. Services provided by BDC for the unparished town of Braintree, compared to those received by the local parishes.

Great Yeldham asked if BDC would share monies out more fairly between parishes, as expenditure on major items of equipment used in partnership contracts with BDC was very high.

Cllr. Scattergood said she fully understood his argument and felt the same way; more fairness was needed.   The matter was discussed at a Cabinet meeting and it was agreed that a fairer system was needed.   Cllr. Scattergood added that they are very aware that the situation has deteriorated and will be discussed at the Cabinet Budget meeting.   She may have some good news to impart after February next year.

12. The funding of village halls in Braintree and Witham from council tax to which rural areas have contributed, when rural villages have to fund their own village and community halls via the parish precept as the Parish Support Grant paid has not increased in line with costs.

Sara Moutard advised that BDC owns halls, but only one is in a village at Silver End, and there is the   Senior Citizens' Centre in Halstead; some of the buildings are listed.   She reported that they try to make them run profitably and a recent survey resulted in demolition of some village halls; rebuilding them on a different sites.

Sible Hedingham suggested an increase in the PSG would help, as this has been frozen for a long time.   Cllr. Scattergood agreed.

Cllr. Bolter advised that Earls Colne had drawn the attention of BDC to this matter.   As a result when halls were disposed of in Witham, some monies were made available to smaller village halls.

Cllr. Scattergood said she had been working to get a fairer system implemented since 2002.   It was a major piece of work and took a long time to get the best solution for all.

13. (Gosfield) Supply of recycling bags from BDC.

Gosfield questioned the cost of green sacks for garden refuse from BDC, as no other green sacks would be collected.  

Sible Hedingham replied that when on a visit to the recycling plant on the Open Day, it was seen that the green sacks were put into the same landfill site as the black sacks; an option was being looked at to provide biodegradable sacks.   When asked why glass was not collected, it was pointed out that it was considered too dangerous.  

Sara Moutard replied that special equipment is used and that 35p per bag also paid for its collection and disposal.   It was a statutory duty for BDC to collect black sacks, but not green; hence they were collected together to keep costs down.   She also added that compost bins are available from BDC.

Cllr. Scattergood advised that the nearest compost site is at Ipswich and that landfill charges are constantly increasing.

Cllr. Bolter added that BDC is gradually changing its system, acquiring new vehicles which would be very expensive.   There is a scheme in operation which is gradually spreading elsewhere and it is under surveillance to see if it works well.

Sible Hedingham advised that it was not interested in foregoing the collection of black sacks for the collection of green bags because of the maggot problem in summer when the black sacks just sat there.

Sara Moutard had some notes on recycling to be passed round and advised that recycling would commence on 10 th December 2004 in Little Yeldham.   Little Yeldham asked if there was a site for fabric recycling?   Did it include garments as well?   Sible Hedingham advised that any materials, even shoes, are considered.    Cllr. Scattergood added that there was a charity shop in Braintree which sells scraps of material; she would advise Little Yeldham of the name.

14. (Great Yeldham) CCTV - Are images clear enough for prosecution purposes?   Does anyone have experience of this aspect?

Little Yeldham advised that equipment is available for hire which produces clear images.

Sara Moutard added that a review is in the process of being sent out.   CCTV installed   in Braintree town centre does not produce clear pictures and no prosecutions have resulted from its use.   However, it has been helpful with fly tipping.   BDC is securing more mobile CCTVs, rather than static cameras.

Sible Hedingham suggested contacting the Clerk at Borley, as two prosecutions had resulted in them using CCTV surveillance.   Sible Hedingham is embarking upon a mobile CCTV system and was advised that images produced depend on just which lens is used and how the CCTV is targeted.

Sgt. Tompsett added that Jeff Butler, Crime Prevention Officer, can advise on CCTV usage.

Cllr. Beavis said that posters can also be used to inform that cameras are in operation.

Gosfield added that the ploy of letting it be known that the new lighting around the Pavilion in Gosfield had concealed cameras installed had been used to good effect.

Sible Hedingham replied that a similar ploy hadn't worked at the Village Hall!

Braintree District Council - Updates, Briefing Notes and Information.

15. Community Safety Audit.

16. Anti-Social Behaviour.

17. CCTV Update.

Sara Moutard referred to the briefing Notes sent out in September which dealt with the above subjects and said she was available to answer any questions parishes might have.

18. Date, time and place of next Cluster Group Meeting.

Cllr. Scattergood requested that the meeting timetable for BDC should be studied before arranging Cluster Group Meetings, in order that they do not clash.

Little Yeldham will host the next Cluster Group Meeting, to take place March/April 2005.   Details to be advised.

The meeting closed at 9.15pm.