MINUTES OF SIBLE HEDINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE VILLAGE HALL, PARKFIELDS, SIBLE HEDINGHAM ON MONDAY, 10th DECEMBER 2007 AT 7.30 P.M.

In the chair: Mr. J. Skittrall
Present: Councillors C. Cannell, R. Falco, R. Green, A. Law, G. Massey, M. Rudge, E. Snarey, & A. Weatherley.
Mr. A. Corder-Birch (Clerk).
Together with 2 (two) members of the public.
                       
248. Apologies for absence                       
Councillors J. Beavis (attending a course) S. Brown (a cough), V. Mullender (ill health), F. Swallow (another meeting), Mr. D. Finch, Mr. J. Tame and Mrs. W. Scattergood.

249. Declarations of Interest
The following interest was declared:
Mr. E. Snarey declared a personal interest in connection with the planning application relating to 149-151 Swan Street as he is a customer of the applicant.    
No other interests were declared.

250. To confirm minutes of previous meeting held 12th November 2007
The minutes of the previous Parish Council meeting held on 12th November 2007, having been previously circulated, were taken as read, were confirmed and duly signed by the Chairman as a correct record. 

251. Matters arising from the minutes
a) Vodaphone mast
Mr. M. Rudge reported that the vodaphone mast at the former Tanner’s Dairy site is in working order and the site had been made more secure.

252. Public Comment
Miss. Devan Raymond, a School Councillor at Sible Hedingham Primary School requested a zebra crossing at the junction of School Road with Alexandra Road and Church Street.   The Parish Council agreed that further attention to this junction is required and that the best location for a zebra crossing is where the new pram crossing has been provided.  The school parking issues previously raised had not been resolved.  It was agreed to raise all these issues with ECC Highways, Mr. D. Finch and at the Halstead Traffic Management Liaison Meeting.   

253. Chairman and Vice Chairman’s reports
On behalf of the Chairman, Mr. J. Skittrall reported that Shell Garage had completed the construction of the footpath, which was excellent.   He also reported upon a successful meeting with Mr. P. Partridge of BDC on 7th December 2007 at which Mrs. J. Beavis and Mr. A. Corder-Birch had also represented the PC.   Arrangements had been made for a mechanical sweeper to sweep Swan Street four times a year at no cost to SHPC.  Seven litter bins had been ordered which BDC will provide f.o.c.  The grass cutting issues on two sites off Alexandra Road will be investigated and checks made upon ownership and responsibilities.  BDC will provide a lorry and driver four times a year for voluntary litter picks to include the Halloween event.   In view of the continuing growth of SH, consideration will be given to increased funding for street cleansing.     
           
254. Youth Council and THF 08 Reports
Mr. J. Tame sent a written report which was read by the Clerk.   The third meeting of the recently elected Youth Council had taken place and representatives elected to represent the Youth Council at meetings of NAP and the children’s drop in centre.  The Youth Club will reopen in January 2008 with stricter rules and members having to sign in.    The Cinema nights should start at St. Peter’s Primary School in the New Year.   The first THF08 meeting was successful and ideas included an all weather ice skating rink and a battle of the bands competition.         

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

256. Braintree District Council Report
In the absence of the three District Councillors no report was given.  
                              
257. Planning
The minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 30th November 2007 had been circulated to all Councillors and it was resolved that the minutes be accepted in lieu of a report.  
Miss. C. Cannell reported that the following applications had since been received and recommended as follows:
07/02389/COU – Foxborough, Halstead Road – Change of use of land to create 40 x 30 metre outdoor riding arena with surrounding timber fence – no objection – although no provision made for lighting it was agreed to ask that if lighting is required in future then this must be the subject of a separate application.
(Mr. E. Snarey took no part in the discussion on the following item)
07/02404/COU – 149-151 Swan Street – Change of use from residential to offices and new shop front – no objection subject to condition that public footpath from Swan Street to Brook Meadow is not obstructed.
07/02409/LBC – Alderford Mill, Alderford Street – To alter existing gate operating/lifting equipment – no objection.
It was proposed by Mrs. G. Massey, seconded by Mr. M. Rudge and carried that the above recommendations are approved.
The Clerk circulated written notes to Councillors of a site visit and meeting with representatives of Premdor held on 27th November 2007, which was accepted in lieu of a report.   Since the meeting the Chairman had consulted the Primary School and Mr. D. Finch regarding the possibility of the School being relocated and was informed that there are no plans in the foreseeable future to relocate the school or the library.   The PC expressed its disappointment with the view of the School, ECC and the Education Committee.   A further meeting with Premdor is expected during mid January 2008 and a public meeting will be arranged in the Village Hall in due course.   Mr. E. Snarey expressed concern about the appearance of the Wimpey site and representation at meetings with Premdor.   It was resolved that representation should continue as before namely by SHPC Planning Committee and the Clerk.         

258. Footpaths and Riverside Walk
Dr. R. A. Green reported that Mrs. Hill had difficulty with closing the new gate on the footpath adjacent to Hawkwood Manor and was concerned about the safety of sheep.    Dr. Green had inspected the gate which was working perfectly well and the matter had been satisfactorily resolved with Mrs. Hill.  Dr. R. A. Green was thanked for his report.
With regard to the Riverside Walk, the Clerk reported that the full length had been inspected but unfortunately some encroachment had taken place at the rear of some dwellings in Spring Way.  Some areas of land owned by BDC had been regularly mown, trees and shrubs planted, piles of garden waste deposited, bonfire sites, garden furniture and even a jetty constructed into the river complete with boat and fishing tackle.   The relevant residents will be written to and asked to remove their unauthorized plants, structures, etc., within a reasonable time.   Arrangements were made for a litter pick and rubbish clearance to take place on Saturday, 16th February 2008, weather permitting and it was agreed to ask BDC to provide a lorry and man, high vis. jackets and litter pickers. 
          
259. Recreation Ground update

260. VDS Report
It was reported that the VDS meeting which should have taken place on 15th November 2007 will be re-arranged for the New Year.

261. SARA Meeting
Mr. R. Falco gave a brief report of the SARA meeting held on 14th November 2007 at Great Yeldham Police Station.  He gave details of those who attended and of general statistics but was prevented from giving further details by reason of confidentiality.  Mr. Falco was thanked for his report. 

262. Meeting with Chief Constable
Mr. J. T. Skittrall reported upon a good meeting with the Chief Constable on 19th November 2007 which was well attended.   His policy of more officers on the street rather than behind desks was continuing.  Strong representations were made to continue SARA meetings and the SH model is a good example of partnership working.   Some discussion took place upon feedback following crimes, which is required on some occasions but not for trivial crimes.   A letter had been sent to the Chief Constable thanking him for attending the meeting and emphasizing the importance of SARA meetings.

263. To approve Petty Cash statement
The Clerk circulated an up to date petty cash statement to all Councillors.  It was unanimously resolved that the statement is approved.

264. To consider application for grant(s) to fourth round of ECC CIF
A letter and enclosures from ECC inviting application(s) to the CIF for grant(s) was considered.   Whilst further funding is required towards the cost of refurbishing the tennis court area on the Recreation Ground an application to CIF is not appropriate because the work would have to be delayed and grants already offered would be lost.  
It was therefore resolved to apply to the ECC CIF for a grant towards work at the Riverside Walk and the Clerk was authorized to complete the application.  

265. To review parking problems in Alderford Street
Mr. J. Skittrall outlined the history of parking issues in Alderford Street and that on numerous occasions there was no space for any parking there.  Access to and from drives and entrances were frequently a problem because of unreasonable parking.    The Clerk reported that Mr. D. Finch had offered to pursue the option of double yellow lines provided it has the support of SHPC.   Following some discussion it was resolved that double yellow lines at appropriate locations should be requested providing that adequate parking provision is made for the millwright.  It was agreed that Mr. A. Law should attend at any site meetings.  Arising from this item Mrs. A. Weatherley requested that double yellow lines are provided at the junction of Church Street, Alexandra Road and School Road.   It was agreed to refer both requests to ECC Highways and Mr. D. Finch.  In addition Mrs. G. Massey will raise both matters at the next Halstead Traffic Management Liaison meeting. 
Mr. E. Snarey expressed concern about the lack of enforcement at existing double yellow lines in the village.  It was agreed that enforcement action by BDC parking attendants is required and that the Clerk write to BDC accordingly.       

266. Community Speed Watch
In the absence of Mr. F. Swallow this item was deferred.  

267. To consider application to BDC Halstead Local Committee for funding  
The Clerk reported that Mr. F. Swallow had requested approval to make an application for funding towards the cost of speed guns, high vis. jackets, etc. for Community Speed Watch amounting to £1,200.00.   In the absence of Mr. Swallow it was resolved to defer this item to the next meeting and in the meantime to ask him to make enquiries with the Police regarding the supply of this equipment f.o.c.   In any event it was agreed that the existing bid for funding for the Recreation Ground should take priority.  It was agreed to include applications for funding to Halstead Local Committee on all future agendas.   

268. To consider PC participation in future Remembrance Services in SH
Mr. J. Skittrall requested approval for SHPC to participate in and lay a wreath at the annual Remembrance Day Services in Sible Hedingham.   This was unanimously agreed and Mr. Skittrall will liaise with the Church and the Royal British Legion to make the necessary arrangements.   

269. 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 discussed:
      a)   It was agreed to help RCCE with information about SH for the Essex Local Area Agreement.
      b)   A circular from ECC relating to grants for Community and Voluntary organizations was       passed to Dr. R. A. Green.
      c)   It was agreed that the booklets from BDC regarding fly-posting and      temporary advertising of       events for charitable purposes should be safely retained.
      d)   It was agreed to place an order with Shaw & Sons for a copy of the publication ‘The Law of       Allotments’ @ £18.95.
      e)   All Councillors were invited by Derek Holmes and Daniel Robinson & Sons Limited to attend an Open Day at their new Chapel of Rest on 13th December 2007.

270. Accounts for payment
The accounts listed in appendix 2 were presented for payment.     It was proposed by Mr. R. Falco seconded by Mrs. G. Massey and carried that the accounts are paid.   The Clerk reported that the payment of grants had been applied for where appropriate.  

271. Any other business/exchange of information/agenda for next meeting
            a)            Mrs. A. Weatherley reported upon a meeting with Mr. Clive Stewart regarding grants for the renovation of the tennis court area on the Recreation Ground.    He is also the Neighbourhood Watch representative and it was agreed to invite him to PC meetings every six months to give a report.  The DVLA non taxed vehicles hot line is: 08000 325 202.
            b)            Mr. R. Falco reported that some signs at High Street Green had been erected but the speed reduction and fence issues had not been dealt with despite representations made to Mr. D. Finch at his recent surgery.     It was agreed to ask ECC Highways to place the speed reduction measures on the agenda for the next Halstead Traffic Liaison Meeting.
            c)            On behalf of the Chairman and himself, the Vice Chairman wished everyone the compliments of the season to which Councillors and the Clerk reciprocated.