The Council met in the Village Hall on Thursday 12 November 2009 at 8pm
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Also Present:
Apologies:
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Before the meeting opened, Cllr Simon Walsh reported on recent County matters and Mr McCarthy gave an update on Hempsteads footway project. Mr McCarthy asked that Cllr Walsh keep up the pressure on the Highways Department to ensure that progress does not falter. Cllr Walsh left the meeting. The Chairman opened the meeting at 8.20pm.
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MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 15 OCTOBER 2009
were taken as read and signed as a correct record by the Chairman.
MATTERS ARISING
- ECC Highways West Area Annual Meeting Friday 18 December 2009 Public Rights Of Way Improvement Programme 2010-2011
Miss Frost will try to attend this meeting, work commitments allowing.
CORRESPONDENCE
- ECC
Street Lighting Private Finance Initiative not applicable as no street lights in parish
- UDC
Adoption of little used Red Telephone Kiosks Clerk to reply Hempstead can not lose public telephone facility as village is in a very poor reception area for mobile phones. - Action CD
- RNIB
campaign to raise awareness of dangers of cars parking on and blocking pavements while not a massive problem in the parish the Clerk was asked to write and ask for increased powers to PCSOs to help alleviate this problem countywide. - Action CD
- ECC
Statement of Community Involvement Minerals & Waste Development Framework noted.
MEETING REPORTS
- North Uttlesford Community Forum
no meeting since last report, next meeting 14 January 2010
- Parish Planning Workshop
no meeting since last report
- West Essex Area Forum
no meeting since last report, next meeting 17 November 2009, attendance is not possible due to work commitments, Clerk to send apology - Action CD
- Walden in Transition
no meeting attended since last report
ENVIRONMENT
Village Green Issues
A reply from EALC regarding the transferring of title of common land and village green parcels from private ownership to Parish Council ownership was received shortly before the meeting. Mr Haylock will read the Legal Topic Notes and Land Registry information supplied. Miss Frost will also review the Land Registry information and then liaise with the Land Registry regarding their fee basis. - Action DH/DF
Sight Lines
Ben Smeedon, UDC Tree Officer had reviewed the trees obstructing views of the church and in his opinion some of the trees could be trimmed but it was not necessary. However, the Council discussed some old photos showing lovely open views. Mr Weedon was asked to bring some photos to the next meeting so that the matter could be discussed further. - Action AW
THE GLEBE
Mr Sladen reported that the next meeting of the Village Hall Management Committee was scheduled for 16 November, so the status matter had yet to be discussed/approved. - Action JS
FINANCE
The following accounts were approved for payment and cheques drawn up:
| S McCarthy | Village Clear Up Day refreshments | £24.40 |
| Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal | Remembrance Day Wreath | £20.00 |
Accounts to 31 October were reviewed in anticipation of the budget discussions at the next meeting.
HIGHWAYS
Footway
Mr McCarthy had received copy correspondence to Cllr Walsh advising that background processes were still being carried out. An email had also been received from Iain Hurwood, indicating that approval was being sought to secure funds to enable movement of telegraph poles and BT equipment. They were also seeking funds for the legal costs of land acquisitions and looking for compulsory purchase powers for land required, should this become necessary. The accommodation work requirements will also be discussed with landowners in due course. The Clerk was asked to contact Cllr Walsh in January to ensure that contact is maintained and the project does not get side-lined. - Action CD
Update on Ongoing Matters
Mr Drane reported that the access to Harvey Way had been completed. Mr McCarthy will advise Environmental Services so that the residents of Harvey Way will have their refuse collected with the rest of the village on Fridays. The drainage and ditch work on Anso Road had also been completed Mr Sladen will monitor the effects. The railings at the duck pond on Church Hill had been repainted. Repair of the sign at the junction of Anso Road and the B1053 is still outstanding. White gates on the verges at the entrance to the village were discussed; however the verges are too narrow for installation. Mr McCarthy noted that neither PC Dawn Bamford nor any other police personnel had attended our meeting. - Action DD
Mr Drane was asked to contact Ray Curtis (ECC Highways) to establish what other solutions are available for slowing traffic in the village. Mr McCarthy thanked Mr Drane for a job well done.
Community Speed Watch
no further information had been received before this meeting.
FOOTPATHS
Re-alignment scheme
Official notice for public consultation to change FP51 and FP71 to bridleways had been received and displayed on the noticeboard.
P3
Miss Frost had applied to P3 for kissing gates for the field neat Quail Farm Cottage. Miss Frost will ask Mr Sills if the stiles on his Hempstead land are all registered. - Action SM
MAINTENANCE PROJECTS
- Drinking Fountain
Mr Haylock will remind Mark Halls again that the golden pineapple still needs attention. - Action DH
- War Memorial Surround
Following the newsletter request for comment regarding the refurbishment of the war memorial surround, none had been received. The Council would consider options for discussion at the next meeting, together with a budget and suggestion of grants to be sought. - Action ALL
COMMUNICATIONS
Website - Miss Frost and Helen Philip (web editor) have reviewed the website and are in the process of updating information.
Newsletter - next newsletter deadline 20 November 2009
EMERGENCY PLAN
Mr Sladen reported that the Emergency Committee had reviewed the plan and an updated version will be emailed in due course. Mr Sladen asked that the plan be printed out to ensure access even in the case of power failure.
PLANNING
- PLANNING UTT/1803/08/FUL Lakehouse Farm
no decision to date
- APP/C1570/A/09/2108227/WF Highbanks
dismissed
The proposals to alter 2 footpaths to bridle ways - one progressing and one still to be decided
- Enforcement Notice ENF/170/09/B Anso Corner tyres dumped in ditch
no further information obtained, Mr Sladen will contact UDC for further action under the Emergency Plan umbrella.
- Enforcement Notice ENF/261/09/B Hillside
brick house painted white in conservation area
VILLAGE HALL
The AGM was held on Monday 19 October no member of the public attended.
STANSTED AIRPORT
nothing new to report.
Future meeting dates - Thursday 17 December 2009, Thursday 14 January and Thursday 11 February 2010.
The meeting closed at 9.40pm.
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