Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting

Minutes of Meeting held on Monday 14th March 2005

At 7.30pm at the Village Hall, Parkfields off Alexandra Road

Present

Councillor G. Massey, Chairman, Councillor J. Skittrall, Vice Chairman.

Councillors C. Cannell, C. Chapman, P. Day, N. Edwards, R. Green, A. Law, M. Rudge, E. Snarey,

Clerk I. Smith

The chairman welcomed eight members of the public.

County Cllr. D. Finch (meeting), District Cllr. W. Scattergood (meeting), District Cllr. J. Beavis (meeting), ).   District Cllr. S. Bolter arrived at 8.55pm due to attendance at an earlier meeting.

Councillors J. Ferrando (unwell), J. Hatfield (work commitments), D. Holmes (bereavement).

2. Declaration of Interest

Cllr. Chapman declared an interest in planning application 05/00271/FUL.

3. Public Comment

Mrs. J. Jelley advised the meeting that she was alarmed at the press item concerning the building of a new surgery in Great Yeldham, as it appeared that surgery hours at Castle Hedingham and Sible Hedingham may be greatly reduced.   The Clerk advised that she had spoken to Dr. Marshall who had affirmed that there were no proposals to reduce surgery hours in either village.   A meeting with the Primary Care Trust to discuss parishioners concerns is to be held at the Old Court House at 7.45pm on Wednesday 16 th March 2005.

Cllr. Edwards suggested that the Clerk writes to the Primary Care Trust on behalf of the Parish Council, seeking their assurance regarding continuation of a full   medical service to the patients in Sible Hedingham.

Mrs. Butler raised the issue of ASBO's because of vandalism in the village.   She said that the youths have nowhere to go and asked if the PC could put pressure on the Youth Club to provide more options.   She went on to say that the 10-11 year olds don't go to the Youth Club because it is so full.   The ECC funds the Youth Club and could be approached for more help.   Mrs. Butler also voiced her concerns about the sale of alcohol to minors.   Older youths have been known to purchase large quantities of alcohol during an evening, and

pass this on to under-aged people.   The Parish Council affirmed that they had constantly reminded shopkeepers of their legal obligations in this field, however alcohol was very widely available and could be bought from any supermarket outside the parish.  

Item 13 was brought forward as a parishioner was in attendance concerning this matter.   Mr. Nicholson gave an account of the state of the pavement outside Rich Traditions, which had been broken up by vehicle constantly parking on the pavement.   During the recent snow and icy conditions, it had proved virtually impassable by pedestrians who had to resort to stepping in the main road to avoid the deep slush and icy puddles.   Mr. Nicholson also advised that although bollards had been installed outside the Co-op, he had actually witnessed a 4x4 vehicle drive over the kerb past the last bollard and asked that a further two

bollards be installed to curtail this activity.   There was wide discussion concerning the problem of parking

on the pavement throughout the village and although the police were constantly being requested to monitor the situation, it seemed there was little they could actually do.

Cllr. Chapman to investigate how this problem is dealt with under the Highways Act 1980 and report back.   The Chairman advised she would speak to Neil Rogers, PCSO, re fines for parking on the pavement.

4. Minutes of the Last Meeting held on 14th February 2005

Item 7 of the January Minutes should read Robert Carter, not Robert Palmer.

Cllr. Edwards was shown as being present and absent, when in fact he was absent.

Item 7, top of page 216 - the word cause had been omitted.

5. Chairman's Report

On Friday, 4 th March, a letter was printed in the Hal stead Gazette from Mr. Eric Judd.   This letter was quite critical of the Parish Council and I felt it warranted a reply.   I therefore sent a letter to the paper, hoping for publication on March 11 th .   Unfortunately, instead of printing my rebuttal of Mr. Judd's comments, a further letter, unfavourable to this council, was printed.   I have now had an assurance from Ben Attenborough that my letter will be published next week.

Vice-Chairman Skittrall and I were invited to Bulmer Village Hall on February 22 nd to meet the Bishop of Chelmsford, John Gladwin.   The bishop was hosting a tea for PC Chair and Vice-Chairmen and we made a few contacts among neighbouring villages and took part in a question and answer session with the Bishop on Rural Affairs.

6. Vice-chairman's Report

My first concern is to reply to the scathing attack that we received recently in the local press.   I agree that any person has the right to air their views in public, but such statements must refer to all the facts.

The stream by the Sugar Loaves is not our responsibility, but is has been cleared by Mr. Moores, our warden, on may occasions when a risk of flooding may occur.   On a recent stormy night myself and Councillor Chapman spend the evening providing sand bags where required and clearing all drains of leaves.   We also cleared the blocked drains by the brook which remove water from Swan Street, and also removed all the rubbish from the grid in the brook to avoid flooding.   Earlier on this particular night the Chairman and I had toured the whole village to establish any problem areas.   So it is not God's help people require, it's a reliable Parish Council.

The bus shelter in Station Road is cleared on a weekly basis, but it is an assembly point used by pupils and children and would need to be cleared every day to remove all rubbish, this of course is not practical.

The rubbish behind the bungalows in Oxford Lane has been cleared once, so this is down to the people who continue to dump there.   We will pursue this matter and if it does not stop, further action may be required.

The footpath from Station Road to Christmas Fields is cleared once a week; once again this path is used by youngsters and it is not practical to clear it more than once a week.

Grass verges in the village are worn away by lorries, one of which is the refuse lorry.   The problem is that cars parked on these estates make it impossible for any delivery or service vehicle to negotiate a corner without mounting the verge.   We will pursue this issue once again with BDC.   Alternatively, there could be no street parking, or no large vehicles allowed; once again this is just not practical.

Parking at Christmas Fields.   A previous Parish Council was asked to deal with this issue 10 years ago.   Since 12 th January 2005 the current Parish Council has contacted BDC and "No Parking" signs are on order.   The main perpetrator, who has verbally abused one of the tenants, has been dealt with by BDC.   New signage is being chased on a weekly basis.

The electricity sub-station, Christmas Fields.   Within 5 minutes of the problem of vandalism to this installation being reported to me, both EDF and the Police were informed.   We are not satisfied with the response from EDF and I the compound of the sub-station is not permanently restored by 15/03/05, Sible Hedingham Parish Council will report the matter to The Health and Safety Executive.

To conclude this rather lengthy report, our part-time warden Mr. Moores phoned me on Friday evening rather upset by the item published in the Halstead Gazette.   It took some time to convince him that this was not a personal criticism.   I would, however, remind the people of this village that Mr. Moores is a part-time warden who is responsible for all the litter picking, village maintenance and all the emergency repairs, plus all the extra jobs I give him to safeguard the people of this village.   I will not, under any circumstances, accept criticism of the work he carries out.   We are to lose the services of Mr. Moores at the end of April, and it will be interesting to see the increase in the repair accounts when all tasks will be carried out by sub-contractors.   We hope that we will be able to retain some of his services.

Finally, a new prospective councillor asked a previous office of SHPC what was involved in becoming a councillor.   "Oh, we just have a meeting once a month" was the reply.   How wrong that statement was!

Thank you for your patience Madam Chairman.

7. County /   District Councillors' Reports

The Chairman outlined key points of County Councillor Finch's report in his absence.

Council Tax has been set at 2.9% - the lowest charge since Council Tax was introduced in 1994. £1,000 grant to all Parish Councils will be paid in April and can be spent on pretty much whatever the Parish Council sees fit. County finances are in good shape, with a small under spend predicted. Waste and recycling targets for the County have been surpassed at 32%. Record investment in Capital projects i.e. schools, community facilities etc.

District Councillor Wendy Scattergood's report was read by the Chairman in her absence:

The good news for people living in the rural communities in the Braintree District, is that following extensive consultation that I have undertaken with Parish Councils, the Conservative administration has agreed to a list of initiatives to help tackle rural issues and improve community life.

The two areas which the administration has identified as key priorities for 2005/6, are Anti-Social behaviour and support to the rural communities.

The Parish Support grant increase by 10% is the first rise for 8 years.

We will meet 50% of the cost of Parish Council elections.

We will fund a Parish Ranger one for each Cluster (12 in all)

We will fund flashing slow signs, one for each Cluster.

We will appoint a Parish Council liaison officer who will provide a point of contact with Parishes and rural communities and who will provide ongoing updates to rural communities about the work of the District Council in their area through parish magazines and other means. We have purchased two smart cars branded with BDC and Police logos for use by PCSOs and Council staff in rural areas.

We are at the present time providing match funding for 4 PCSOs. We have created a new Rural Communities Development Fund, to develop the economic, environmental and Social well being of rural parishes This year a total of £100,000 will be available in grants of up to £5,000 for projects that aim to improve aspects of community life.

All Parish Councils should receive during week beginning 14th March an invitation to the launch of the NEW FUND.   This is to take place on 17th May at Causeway House. The objective of the evening is to encourage and assist Parish Councils to apply for funding, and to provide an opportunity to ask questions relating to the criteria and application process.

If you require more details prior to the May meeting please contact me.

District Councillor Steve Bolter's report was read by the Chairman in his absence:

School Traffic and Litter

The new Braintree District Council Parking Attendants are intended to be self financing and are thus required to spend much of their time dealing with breaches of parking regulations which attract a fixed penalty. They can however spend time working in an advisory capacity at problem spots. I have advised their manager of the problems outside St Peter's school and he will send one or two Attendants along.

The Attendants are also empowered to issue £50 penalties to those dropping litter or dumping rubbish. Penalties for major rubbish dumping can be up to £20,000 and all council staff are expected to report any dumping they see.

If residents see rubbish being dumped and are prepared to give a witness statement, they should contact the Environment Protection Team on 01376 51414 Ext 2223 who will, with help the Environment Agency, attempt to secure a prosecution.

The District is about to issue a public education leaflet on litter and dumping.

East of England Plan (Regional Spatial Strategy)

The Leader of Braintree District Council reported that The East of England Regional Assembly deplores the Government's grossly inadequate proposed funding of transport infra-structure costs associated with the additional 478,000 houses planned for the region between 2001 and 2021.   The Assembly has made it clear that it now regarded its endorsement of the draft East of England Plan as suspended, pending a re-examination of the Government's willingness to support its own aspirations adequately in financial terms.   Consultation on the Plan closes on the Wednesday 16 th of March.

District Councillor Jo Beavis's report was read by the Chairman in her absence:

The main point was that Cllr. Beavis was having trouble in arranging a convenient date with Simon Amstutz for the meeting and presentation concerning the Riverside Walk project.   She will advise Members when the date has been finalised.

8. Matters Arising

Item 3 - Costs and feasibility study will be pursued by the Chairman.

Item 5 - Only one comment was received from Cllr. Green concerning siting of green waste amenity vehicle.

Item 8 - The Clerk wrote to householders at 186 & 188 Swan Street.   No replies received.   However, Cllr. Law advised that the householder at no. 188 is now able to park in Cygnet Court, due to the fact that the tenant who opposed this has now moved.

Item 10, Footpaths - BDC has advised that this footpath is the responsibility of the PC.   Cllrs. Massey and Skittrall to inspect and report back to the Members.

Item 12 - Vice-Chairman Skittrall still awaiting response.

Item 14 - Chairman still awaiting response.

Item 18 - BDC have set monies aside for the PC for this issue.   The sub-committee to meet and prepare a bid.

Item 20 - Still in the process of being written.   Chairman will pass a copy to Councillors when completed.

9. Correspondence - Appendix 1

Cllr. Chapman enquired about the defra Cleaner Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill.   Clerk to advise him of website address.   A copy of this Bill, over 90 pages long, is available in the office for perusal. 

10. Committee Reports

Planning:

There were NO OBJECTIONS to the following applications:

05/00271/FUL - Land to rear of 140-142 Swan Street.   Proposed resiting of bungalow 3.5m westward - amendment to approval no. 04/01115/FUL.

05/00332/FUL - Meadowside, Lamb Lane.   Proposed loft conversion.

There was NO OBJECTION to the following application, save inclusion of a clause restricting its use as separate dwelling in the future.

05/00379/FUL - Sugar Lane Farmhouse, Sugar Lane. Demolish existing garage and stables and erect new garage with granny annexe above.

A proposal to accept the Planning Committee's decision was put by Cllr. Cannell.   Seconded. Cllr. Rudge.   Agreed unanimously.

Burial Ground

Cllr. Skittrall advised that the extension of the burial ground should serve the parish's needs for the next 35 years.   Quotes had been received for fencing, plus a pair of 10-feet wide gates, at £8,265.00.   The water connection would cost £422.00 and would be carried out by Anglian Water. All pipework, including a standpipe, double return valve and tap, would cost £895.00.   55 metres of 1metre wide tarmac path and a suitable edging would cost £4,200.   Purchase of a bier was priced at £2,500.00.   Total cost estimated at £16,282.00.   Further quotes to be sought for all these items.  

If the church was to close at sometime in the future, a roadway would be necessary to access the burial ground.   The PC has been advised that a minimum of 2 years notice would be given should this occur.   The cost of such a road would be in the region of £16,800.00.

The Chairman proposed acceptance of the Burial Ground Committee's recommendations.   Agreed unanimously.

Footpaths

Cllr. Rudge reported that there were heavy fallen tree branches in Oxford Lane, footpath no.31.   There were also some fallen branches at the Yeldham Road end of this footpath.

It was reported to the meeting that Pauline Stevens had recently died.   Pauline had been a great footpath walker and her advice on conditions had been invaluable.   Cllr. Chapman suggested naming a footpath in her memory.   Clerk to contact P3 to ascertain whether this is possible.

Recreation Ground

The work required to be carried out in order to comply with the RoSPA report is well in hand and should be completed in the next few days.  

The remedial work to quieten the kicker panels on the skate board equipment has now been completed.   The new litter bin has also been installed.   Signage for guidance on safety and the use of the skate board equipment has now been finalised and will be ordered this week.   The reference in the RoSPA report regarding fencing to the skate park area was a recommendation only and not a requirement.   This matter can be considered at a later date if necessary.

Vice-Chairman Skittrall and Eric Mayes visited the bottom of Recreation Ground to look at hedge planting where it has been requested by parishioners.   To give a more pleasant outlook, we feel that flowering shrubs would be more appropriate.   Mr. Mayes will provide a quotation for this work.

With the lighter evenings coming we must ensure that the Recreation Ground is used correctly to avoid problems being caused to nearby residents.

Water Management

Cllr. Snarey advised that no recent meeting had taken place.   The brook at Alderford Street had been cleared and a thank you letter is to be sent to Peter Tattersley congratulating him on an excellent job.

A lot of clearance work to trees had been undertaken at Wethersfield Road to enable work on the holding ponds to proceed without delay.

11. No Parking zone - Swan Street.

A letter has been received from ECC Highways Department setting out their reasons why they are not in favour of double yellow lines on both side of Swan Street.   It was unanimously agreed to accept their decision.

12. Proposal to pay membership fee of £25.00 to   CPRE - item 9 on Correspondence List.

Proposed Cllr. Massey, unanimously agreed.

13. Discussion on the problems of parking on the pavement

This item had been brought forward for public comment.

14. Discussion on Alcohol Free Zones within the village

This problem had been discussed some time ago when the Recreation Ground and Swan Street had been suggested.   Cllr. Rudge queried whether that meant that the May Fayre would be unable to serve alcohol?   Cllr. Chapman to check criteria for setting up Alcohol Free Zones within the village and report back.  

Cllr. Cannell offered to look through past Minutes to ascertain what procedures, if any, had been taken.

This item to be placed on the Agenda for the April meeting.

15. Possible removal of Lime tree on Recreation Ground.

Vice-Chairman Skittrall advised Members that he and Cllr. Edwards had visited the site to look at this problem.   Mr. Eric Mayes had advised that if the tree had to be removed it should be done over a 5-year period to enable the ground to settle before any building work could take place on the adjacent site.   The tree is not diseased in any way and is a healthy specimen.

The same claim had been made last year, and our insurance company advised that in their opinion the tree was not causing a problem.   Vice-Chairman Skittrall proposed No Removal of the tree. Seconded: Cllr. Massey.   Unanimously Agreed.

16. Annual Parish Meeting - Wednesday, May 11 th .

It was unanimously decided to invite the Fire Service, the Business Collective in Sible Hedingham and the Hedingham Heritage Society to the Annual Parish Meeting, as well as those organisations that were invited last year.

17. Annual General Meeting date - Monday,   May 9 th .

The Chairman explained that the reason why we had two main meetings in one week was because it allowed the Village Hall Committee better booking facilities at the hall.   Councillors were asked to advise the Clerk as soon as possible if they thought of another group which might like to attend this meeting.

18. Cluster Group Meeting date - Tuesday, 24 th May.   Little Yeldham Village Hall at 8pm.

Councillors were advised of this meeting and the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Cllr. Day advised they would attend.   Please let the Clerk know if you intend to go to this meeting as she will be asked to provide numbers for catering and seating purposes.

19. Accounts for Payment - Appendix 2

The accounts were passed for payment.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.42pm.