Parish Council Minutes 12th December 2013

• Mr Sean McCarthy (Chairman)
• Mr David Drane
• Mr Alan Weedon
• Mr David Haylock
• Mrs Sara Scott
• The Clerk

Apologies:

• Miss Diana Frost
• Mr John Sladen
• County Councillor Simon Walsh

The Parish Council meeting was opened at 8.03 pm

81. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

    held Thursday November 14, 2013 were agreed as a correct record.

82. MATTERS ARISING

    There were none, not covered elsewhere

83. PLANNING

    Mr McCarthy reported that he would be putting in plans to refurbish Church Farm Cottage.

84. CORRESPONDENCE

    Councillor Walsh’s Report: This had been circulated prior to the meeting and the councillors were dismayed to note that an engineer had come to inspect the long standing drainage problem at the bottom of Church Hill and looked at another issue entirely. It was hoped that the pressure would be maintained by Councillor Walsh to progress this and the Footway Project.

    Helicopter Flights: A letter from a resident concerning Helicopter activity was noted and it was agreed that on one particular occasion there had been multiple landings and take offs which was disturbing for both residents and livestock. However, it appears that the CAA state that it is up to the pilot to ensure safety and considerate use. 28 flights a year are allowed. The council agreed that the clerk should write to the concerned resident and explain that they would be monitoring the situation.

85. HIGHWAYS

    Pedestrian Footway
    There had been no real issues raised by residents at the public meeting, though the residents of The Old Vicarage were apprehensive about their hedge. As this was only to be trimmed back it should not prove a problem. Funds could be available from the money set aside by the Parish Council to deal with any unexpected outcomes. Originally this was for legal fees but not subsequently needed. The owners of Watendlath had not attended the meeting but had expressed some concern when Highways Department had carried out some marking out of the route. The Chairman agreed to meet with them.

    Speed Limits outside the Village
    Although the Parish Council would like to pursue this long standing issue it was acknowledged that the only way forward would be to make representations to the Local Highway Panel for funding. It was agreed that, regretfully, this could not be done whilst the council was still pressurising for the funds to complete the Footway Project.

    Other Highways Issues
    Mr Drane was still chasing outstanding issues.

86. ENVIRONMENT

    Water Leaks
    Re-inspection of the problem was awaited as previously noted.

    Water Pump Area
    This is to be discussed with the builder Mr Halls for ideas on the best way to proceed on the refurbishment of the area.

87. PARISH COUNCIL OBJECTIVES

    The final list was noted. Village Jobs List, that Miss Frost agreed to update, would be discussed at the next meeting.

88. FINANCE

    Cheque for payment was signed
    to R D Haylock and Son for £120 for partial second cut of public rights of way.

    Budget for 2014/5
    The final Budget was noted and it was agreed that this and the Plans and Objectives document should go onto the website.

    Parish Precept
    The Form for the Parish Precept was signed by the Chairman for £7530, which with the compensatory grant of £470 would give the parish an income of £8000 for 2014/5.

    Slee Donation
    It was agreed that this item would be deferred until the next meeting

89. PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY

    There was a query about the actual route of Footpath 63 on the boundary of the parish with Steeple Bumpstead and Miss Frost was investigating.

90. COMMUNICATIONS

    Website
    The draft ‘Landing Page’ for which Miss Frost had prepared a draft would continue to be worked on.

91. VILLAGE HALL

    It was reported that at the AGM of the Village Hall Management Committee Mr Sladen had stood down after many years of diligent service as Chairman and Richard Crane had been elected in his place. Ms Dittrich would take over the duties of Treasurer from Mr Cockman who had also given many years of loyal service.

    The Chairman concluded the meeting by wishing everyone a Happy Christmas

DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS – Thursdays January 9, February 6 and March 6 all at 8pm in the Village Hall.

The meeting closed at 9.55 pm