MINUTES OF SIBLE HEDINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE VILLAGE HALL, PARKFIELDS, SIBLE HEDINGHAM ON MONDAY 12TH FEBRUARY 2007 AT 7.30 P.M.

In the chair: Dr. N. Edwards
Present: Councillors C. Cannell, R. Falco, R. Green, G. Massey, M. Rudge, J. Skittrall, E. Snarey & A. Weatherley. Mr. A. Corder-Birch (Clerk), Mr. D. Finch (County Councillor), Mrs. J. Beavis & Mrs. W. Scattergood (District Councillors), Mr. J. Tame (Youth Council), Sgt. B. Tomsett & PCSO D. Green (Essex Police). Together with 28 (twenty eight) members of the public.

268. Apologies for absence                       
Mr. P. Day (working late), Mr. J. Hatfield (illness), Mr. D. Holmes (emergency call out), & Mr. A. Law (holiday)
Mr. S. Bolter (District Councillor)

269. Declarations of Interest
No interests were declared.

270. To confirm minutes of previous meeting held 8th January 2007
The minutes of the previous Parish Council meeting held on 8th January 2007, having been previously circulated, were taken as read, were confirmed and duly signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

271. Matters arising from the minutes
a) Old Parish Council Minute Books
The Chairman and Clerk reported that enquiries were continuing to ascertain the present whereabouts of Mr. David Moore, a former Clerk, in the hope of tracing the old Parish Council minute books.    

b)Proposed speed reduction measures at High Street Green
A reply had been received from Highways making recommendations for speed reduction measures in High Street Green upon which Mr. R. Falco will consult residents.

c) Station Road development
The Clerk reported that BDC and the developers had agreed to the name of ‘CHARLTON CLOSE’, which was proposed by the Parish Council.  However Constable Homes will be using the marketing name of ‘The Meads’ but will revert to ‘Charlton Close’ as the eventual street name.

d) Tree on Beagrie development site
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that the tree near the stream adjacent to the Beagrie development site will not be moved and the developer had agreed to look after it in future.

e) Development at the former Premdor site
The Clerk reported that Mr. B. Taplin, Enforcement Officer of BDC, had written to Wimpeys regarding the alleged breaches of the S106 Agreement namely working out of permitted hours and failure to provide BDC and SHPC with a monthly report of works. 

f) Development of former Cinema site
Mr. E. Snarey reported that the developer had moved the fence off the pavement immediately after the last Parish Council meeting.  He also reported that there was a large amount of mud on the road and pavement which needs to be kept clean. 

272. Public Comment
Mr. & Mrs. K. Beavis enquired about the progress concerning the holding reservoirs in Wethersfield Road.  (Please see minute 275 below).

114

Mr. A. Smith raised highway issues including proposed roundabout at junction of Alexandra Road and Swan Street and re-arrangement of parking bays in front of shops near this junction.   The Chairman suggested that a meeting should be arranged with Mr. Smith at the PC Office to progress this issue.   Mr. Finch also agreed to take these matters up with ECC Highways.
Mr. Smith and other residents raised a number of anti social behaviour issues particularly in Alexandra Road and the Recreation Ground, including verbal abuse, underage drinking, drug use and broken glass from alcohol bottles.   It was accepted that some good work had been achieved by the Schools and Youth Council but this was spoilt by some youths who need to be controlled.   Another Dispersal Order and an Alcohol Abatement Order were requested.   
The Police and Councillors emphasized the importance of reporting all crimes and urged residents to telephone the Police on 01376-551312.  Neighbourhood Policing leaflets had been distributed to all residents containing full contact details.   Volunteers were requested for both Special Constables and Community Speed Watch. 
Sgt. Tomsett reported that the group of youths causing criminal damage had been identified as had its successor group.  Over 50 arrests had been made and 108 offences detected and penalties imposed.   Boy Racers including those in Swan Street had been identified, ten arrests made and two cars impounded.  The Police was doing its best and extra policing was being provided for Sible Hedingham including another PCSO.
A special public meeting including all Councillors, the Police, Community Wardens and residents of the village was suggested to specifically discuss criminal and anti social behaviour problems in the village.           
Mrs. J. Jelly, Mr. J. Nicholson and other residents raised issues concerning the Recreation Ground, including parking, lights and possibility of vandalism.  The Chairman explained that the decision to go ahead with the multi sports area had already been taken by the PC subject to grant funding being available.  However the concerns of the local residents would need to be considered.   In answer to a question, he confirmed that the multi sports area would include tennis if possible.    Residents expressed concern about vandalism and Mr. Skittrall gave details of the proposed extra strong double fencing to try and stop vandalism.   Mr. Nicholson enquired if funding could be used at Hedingham School to improve facilities there but Councillors explained that the School has its own funding arrangements.   Mr. Parkin considered there was no point in a Youth Shelter on the Recreation Ground as the existing shelter had been badly damaged by youths.   It was confirmed that no decision had so far been made concerning a proposed Youth Shelter.   A special public meeting to specifically discuss Recreation Ground issues was suggested.     

273. Chairman and Vice Chairman’s reports
The Chairman reported with great regret that Miss. Lily Harrington had died in Hospital earlier in the day.  She was 95 years of age and was therefore one of the oldest residents in the village.  She had been landlady of the Bell where her Mother had previously held the license for a record 66 years.   She had given much valuable information about the history of the village to both the Chairman and Clerk and would be sadly missed.        
The Chairman referred to the Library which now stands isolated between two developments.  A site meeting had taken place in December 2005 with representatives from ECC and the developer.  In January 2006 the developer sent his proposals and specifications for a new library, with flats above to ECC but there has been no feed back from ECC since then.   The Chairman had spoken to Mr. D. Finch who will try to move the scheme forward.
The Chairman also expressed concern about the proposed expansion of Stansted Airport and was strongly supportive of Mr. C. Sewell a resident of Alderford Street who had sent an email identifying the serious problems that would arise in our area. 
The Vice Chairman reported that the Clerk and himself, had recently witnessed a possible near miss over Sible Hedingham when two jets had appeared flying very close together.  The Clerk had written to the Air Traffic Controller at Stansted Airport asking for information under the Freedom of Information Act and a reply was awaited.   Mr. J. Hatfield is also pursuing the matter.
The Vice Chairman also reported that he recently attended the funeral of Mr. Martin Cooper as representative of SHPC.  Mr. Cooper will be sadly missed for his work for Hedingham Hawks but his widow will continue as Club Secretary.  Mr. Skittrall will be attending a meeting with Hedingham Hawks in two weeks.

115

274. Youth Council Report
Mr. J. Tame reported that the Youth Council had recently received £1,000 for cinema equipment and £750 for a Youth Fest at Hedingham School.  Applications for grants in respect of the tennis court site had been acknowledged and the results were awaited.  Mr. Tame was thanked for his report and left the meeting.

275. Essex County Council Report
Mr. D. Finch reported upon the present position with regard to the acquisition of the remaining land for flood lagoons.   This should be completed in about 3 or 4 months and the construction should start about 4 months later.  He confirmed that all archaeological and other studies were complete and that ECC and himself were committed to the scheme.  Mr. Finch will speak to ECC Highway Officers and the Vendors to try to speed up progress.  Mr. Finch will be holding a surgery in PC Office on 14th February for residents to discuss this and other ECC and Essex Police issues with him.   The Parish Council agreed to make the meeting room at PC Office available to Mr. Finch and the District Councillors representing Sible Hedingham to hold surgeries for residents when required.   Mr. Finch was thanked for his report and left the meeting.

276. Braintree District Council Reports

a) Mrs. J. Beavis briefly reported on the housing issues which were ongoing.  She kindly did not comment further in view of the pressure to complete the meetings long agenda.  

b) Mrs. W. Scattergood reported that Mrs. Beavis and herself had signed a motion opposing the second runway at Stansted.  She gave an update concerning the East of England Plan particularly the concern about expansion into Greenfield sites and the A120 road.  BDC had referred 14 items back to the Government.   

c) Mr. S. Bolter sent a written report which was read by the Clerk.  Mr. Bolter had been informed of concerns about traffic in Wethersfield Road and will be investigating if 30m/h repeater roundels could be installed and if the footway could be raised, both for road safety and to prevent water from the road running into front gardens.   He invited residents to contact him with any concerns.

277. Planning
a) Planning applications
Miss. C. Cannell reported that the following applications had been considered by the Planning Committee and recommended as follows:
06/02573/FUL – Forest Homecare, 61 Alderford Street – Erection of one and a half storey extension to office building – opposed on grounds that applicant has failed to complete S106 Agreement in connection with an earlier permission on the site and that full compliance is required before any further application can be considered. 
07/00060/FUL and 07/00061/LBC – Carters Barns, High Street Green – Amendment to previous approved applications 06/01533/FUL and 06/01534/LBC - Demolition of existing redundant grain silos and erection of double car port, 4no. stables and tack room – no objection conditional upon no further development on this site in future.
07/00135/FUL – 21 Grays Mead – Erection of granny annexe attached to existing dwelling – opposed on grounds that too large for site, may affect neighbouring properties and it is considered that application is contrary to RLP 17.
 It was proposed by Miss. C. Cannell, seconded by Mr. J. Skittrall and carried that the above recommendations of the Planning Committee are approved.

b) Planning decisions
Miss. C. Cannell reported upon the following planning decisions:
06/02076/FUL – 10 School Road – erection of four bay cart lodge and store – granted.
06/02141/FUL – 20 Grays Mead – erection of two storey side extension and demolition of existing garage – refused.
06/02248/FUL and 06/02249/LBC – Forest Home, 58 Swan Street – erection of single storey extension and seven car parking spaces – granted.
06/02257/FUL and 06/02258/LBC – Searles, 34-36 Alderford Street – Installation of solar panels on rear elevation – granted.

116

06/02276/FUL – Hobarts, High Street Green – Erection of front and rear conservatory – granted.
06/02302/FUL – Land rear of 13 Church Street – erection of cart lodge – refused.
06/02389/FUL – Uplands, Prayors Hill – erection of two storey and single storey extension and conservatory – granted.
06/02395/FUL – Fantasy, 15 Rectory Road – formation of vehicular additional access to existing bungalow – refused on highway grounds namely that adequate visibility splay could not be provided. 

278. Village Design Statement
Mrs. G. Massey reported that the VDS Advisory Group had met on 31st January and that an exhibition was being planned.  It was hoped that Jan Cole of RCCE would be involved.  Funding applications were progressing.  Mrs. Massey was thanked for her report.

279. Footpaths and rolling programme
The Chairman reported that the survey for the footpaths rolling programme in Sible Hedingham had been completed.   However the large amount of necessary work that had been identified by the survey still needed to be completed.   Mr. G. Wilkinson and Mr. D. Finch had both promised that this work would be completed by 1st April 2007.  A farmer at Southey Green has caused many problems over the years.  The current problems affecting footpaths 77, 63, 72 and 66 were identified and photographed in February 2006 and passed to the enforcement section at ECC but a year later the problems remain and no enforcement has taken place.    This matter had therefore been referred to Mr. D. Finch to pursue.               

280. Riverside Walk
It was confirmed that the current planning application in respect of 61 Alderford Street will not proceed until the previous application is complied with namely the completion of the S106 Agreement.  The previous application must be legitimized before the current application will be considered.

281. Water Management
a) Alderford Street brook
The Chairman reported that Mr. S. Tullett of BDC had arranged for contractors to clear out Alderford Brook on 26th February 2006.  The Clerk had prepared a circular letters to all residents in Alderford Street advising them of the work to be carried out and requesting no parking that day.  The Clerk had notified the Police and Community Wardens and had made arrangements with BDC for no waiting cones.

b) Holding Reservoirs at Wethersfield Road and Cobbs Fenn

(Please see minute 275 above)

282. Update on Recreation Ground including renovation to toilets
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that Mr. D. Gilbrook had completed the plans for renovation to toilets but the specification was not yet available.  When received and approved by the PC then quotes from builders will be requested. 
Quotes had been obtained for a ramp and path to toilets and suitable gates had been located to comply with DDA requirements, which will prevent access by motor bikes.  The Clerk will now apply to the third round of the ECC Community Initiatives Fund for a grant towards disabled access gates, path and ramps to toilets.

283. To consider proposed use of Village Hall Car Park for sports events on Recreation Ground
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that Sible Hedingham Village Hall Management Committee had agreed to make their car park available for persons using the Recreation Ground for sports facilities.
                                                                 
284. Proposed Youth Shelter on Recreation Ground
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that a suitable design for proposed Youth Shelter had not yet been agreed with the Youth Council.

117

285. Report of second round of ECC Community Initiatives Fund Grants
The Clerk reported that he had served on the Judging Panel, with Mrs. W. Scattergood and others at Causeway House, Braintree on 23rd January for the second round of ECC CIF grants.   The Panel had considered applications amounting to about a quarter of a million pounds and had awarded about £150,000 towards projects in the Braintree District.  This had included £6,000 towards a roundabout for disabled and other children for the Recreation Ground.   The total cost was £12,201 and therefore following consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman an expression of interest had been lodged with the Essex Environment Trust for the balance.   This will be considered in the spring and if favourable a formal application will be made.  The Clerk was thanked for his report and for his work in connection with applying for grants.

286. Report of meeting with Community Wardens held 26th January 2007

The Chairman gave a brief report of the meeting between SARA Councillors, the Clerk and the Community Wardens at the PC Office on 26th January.   The Wardens had the same powers as PCSOs which included dealing with abandoned vehicles, issue of notices for no car tax and removal of graffiti.  At  that time the Community Wardens had not been fully trained in all areas and the Clerk was requested to write to Mr. P. Partridge regarding this.  The Clerk read his reply stating that to date Community Wardens have been authorized with seven powers as follows:

i) Request name and address of a person acting in an anti-social manner.

ii) Request name and address for FPN (Fixed Penalty Notice) and offences that cause injury, alarm & distress to another person or damage or loss of another’s property.

iii) Confiscate alcohol from young persons.

iv) Confiscate cigarettes and tobacco products from young people.

v) Power to stop cyclists if they are suspected of having committed the offence riding on a footway.

vi) Issue FPN for riding a bicycle on a footpath.

vii) Photograph persons who have received a FPN away from a Police Station.

By the end of February 2007, they will be authorized to issue FPN for Littering and Dog Fouling.   The Clerk also reported that Councillors and public could meet Community Wardens in SH on 14th and 28th February from 1.45 to 4pm at the Mobile Police Unit junction of Alexandra Road and Swan Street.  The Clerk confirmed that reports were being received from BDC detailing the work and activities carried out by the Community Wardens in SH each month, which is included in Councillors correspondence.  The Community Warden will patrol Alderford Street with the Police on 26th February to keep it free of vehicles when the clearance work is carried out. 

287. Report of SARA Meeting held 7th February 2007.
Mr. J. Skittrall gave a brief report of the SARA meeting between the Police and Councillors at Great Yeldham Police Station on 7th February.  He emphasized that all crimes must be reported to the Police with as much detail as possible.  There was a great need for additional Special Constables in SH of each gender.

288. Reporting incidents to Police and anti-social behaviour

Reference was made to a serious attack in SH on 9th February when a man was critically injured and remained in Hospital.  Mr. Skittrall reported that he will be working on an official press release with Sgt. Tomsett to include the work of SARA.

289. To approve proposed additions to insurance cover and additional premium
The Clerk reported that the PC was considerably under insured in several areas and many assets of the PC were not even covered.   With the help of the Vice Chairman a long list had been prepared of new items to be insured and areas where significant increases are required.   This would necessitate an increase in the annual premium from £1,982.91 to £3,458.37.   It was suggested obtaining a quote from another insurer to compare.  Thereafter it was proposed by Mrs. G. Massey, seconded by Mr. J. Skittrall and carried that the Clerk be authorized to make a decision in the best interests of the PC.

118

290. Litter picking duties
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that complaints had been received alleging that litter in some areas was not collected.  He confirmed that Mr. K. Metson collected litter in all areas regularly.  It was hoped that the Community Warden will issue fixed penalty notices to offenders from 1st march 2007.

291. To consider litter clearance along Crosspath (footpath no. 36)
Mrs. G. Massey reported that the litter along Crosspath was very bad.  The litter had been cleared the previous week but was bad again.  It was agreed to ask the Community Warden to patrol Crosspath and to issue FPNs where possible.   A Land Registry search to ascertain the ownership of Crosspath was awaited.

292. To make arrangements for litter pick in those areas not already covered
Mrs. A. Weatherley reported that she was arranging a litter pick in those areas of the village, such as High Street Green, which were not already covered by Mr. K. Metson.  Mr. P. Partridge of BDC had kindly agreed to provide litter pickers, plastic bags and high visibility jackets.  Councillors and volunteers were requested to help with the litter pick on 25th March for which Mrs. Weatherley will prepare a route.  Mrs. Massey suggested liaising with PCSO Deb Green to organize young persons to help.  Mr. Snarey also suggested asking the local Schools for help.

293. Report of meeting with ECC Highways on 31st January 2007.
The Chairman reported upon a meeting with Miss. J. Martyn and Mrs. O. Cowell of Highways together with Mr. D. Finch, Mrs. J. Beavis and Mr. A. Corder-Birch which took place in the village on 31st January.  A large number of highway issues were discussed and various sites visited.   A letter from Highways dated 5th February was circulated to all Councillors.   Although it was pleasing that a number of items had been resolved and work will be carried out, it was unfortunate that no work will be carried out on some remaining problems.  Mrs. J. Beavis offered to liaise with the Primary School concerning the traffic problems in School Road, which was agreed.      

294. Report of Halstead Traffic Management Liaison Meeting on 12th February 2007.
The Clerk gave a report of the Halstead Traffic Management Liaison Meeting which he had attended earlier in the day.    Among the items discussed were problems with SATNAV and large vehicles traveling along unsuitable country lanes.  Any such problems in SH should be reported to Rosemary Wilkinson, Highways Department, County Hall or to Olive Cowell who will forward them on.    The next meeting will take place on 11th June 2007 when Mrs. G.Massey will represent SHPC.

295. To replace bottled water with tap water at meetings
It was proposed by Mrs. G. Massey, seconded by Miss. C. Cannell and carried that tap water should replace bottled water at future Meetings on the grounds of being greener and a saving on expenses.  It was agreed to inform Mr. P. Day of the decision and to ask him to continue as ‘cupboard monitor’.

296. Safety Report on Recreation Ground
Mr. J. Skittrall reported that he had completed his annual safety inspection of the Recreation Ground and had sent a copy to ROSPA.   One wooden structure requires some new timbers which had recently arrived and this replacement work should be completed in two or three weeks.  All trees had been checked and three dangerous boughs had been removed.   The two new maple trees had been planted.

297. 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) A letter of thanks is sent to Lord Hanningfield of ECC thanking him for the ECC CIF grant.

b) It was agreed to book Mrs. G. Massey and Mrs. A. Weatherley on the Funding Game course on 1st March 2007 and the cost of £20 each was approved (unless Mrs. Massey is able to attend as VDS representative).

c) A letter from Mr. T. Collings relating to the state of a footpath and hedge in Swan Street should be referred to Highways for action.

119

d) Information about football funding from Football Foundation was passed to Mr. J. Skittrall as was information about strong fencing from Clerks and Councils Direct.

e) The BTCV Catalogues were on loan to Mrs. Weatherley who will return them to PC Office for perusal by other Councillors.

298. Accounts for payment
The accounts listed in appendix 2 were presented for payment.  It was proposed by Mr. J. Skittrall, seconded by Mrs. G. Massey and carried that the accounts are paid.

299. Any other business/exchange of information/agenda for next meeting
a) Mrs. G. Massey deplored the fact that many Schools in Essex closed one day the previous week as a result of a very small amount of snow compared with only five Schools closed in the whole of Suffolk which had significantly more snow.

b) Mr. M. Rudge reported he was regularly monitoring the emptying of litter and dog bins in Grays Hall Meadow.  Persons unknown were regularly placing dog muck in a litter bin, which was very unpleasant for Mr. K. Metson when emptying the bin.   The Community Warden will be asked to investigate and take action after 1st March 2007.

c) ‘No Litter’ signs were still awaited from BDC.   There had been a problem with metal signs stolen and therefore they were being replaced by plastic signs.  The site meeting with Mr. M. Galley of BDC was postponed by him a couple of times last year and had still not taken place.   Mrs. W. Scattergood will endeavour to re-arrange the site meeting followed by Mr. Galley’s attendance at a PC Meeting.

d) Mrs. A. Weatherley suggested a brain storming meeting to try and resolve the issues with young persons.  It was agreed to consider a public open meeting at the next PC Meeting.