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ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE
All seven councillors were returned unopposed at the elections of 5 May 2011. They each completed an Acceptance of Office Form, which will be kept on file. They also agreed to continue to abide by the Code of Conduct. It was agreed that Mr John Sladen would complete the form on his return from abroad.
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REGISTER OF MEMBER’S INTERESTS
Each of the councillors completed the appropriate form which will be duly sent to Uttlesford District Council.
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ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN
The council unanimously re-elected Mr McCarthy as Chairman of the Council for 2011/12 and he duly signed the Acceptance of Office Register. Mr McCarthy thanked his fellow councillors for their continued support.
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ALLOCATION OF SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
It was agreed that there be no change in these as published on the website and noticeboard.
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NOMINATION OF PROPER OFFICER AND RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL OFFICER OF THE COUNCIL
The Clerk was unanimously confirmed in these roles.
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MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 12 April 2011
were taken as read and signed as a correct record by the Chairman.
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MATTERS ARISING
(not covered elsewhere) None
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CORRESPONDENCE
The Clerk had written to Mr Basham regarding the clarification of the Grass Cutting Contract but so far had received no reply. – Action ML
It was agreed that the Clerk would distribute Newcomers Packs to three sets of new residents and the pack would be reviewed at the next meeting.
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MEETING REPORTS
None
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ANNUAL MEETING
This was scheduled for Friday 13th May. The clerk agreed to provide copies of the Agenda, Previous Minutes and a brief Financial Statement. – Action ML
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TOURISM
Miss Frost raised issues that are creating the need for discussion on tourism in Hempstead. The village has an award winning churchyard, high quality amenities at the village hall and a welcoming, independent pub. In addition, the walk booklets are proving to be very successful and it is intended to increase, over time, the number of these to cover six walks. It was agreed that a display of a footpath map would be useful.
All the above create a demand for parking to accommodate visitors. This had already been identified as an issue when events have taken place in the village centre or church with disruption on Church Hill becoming a significant problem. Various sites were discussed but with no immediate solution. It was agreed that it had been very useful to have this raised and it was hoped that fresh ideas would be forthcoming and the matter discussed at a future meeting.
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QUALITY PARISH STATUS
It was agreed to bear this issue in mind and use the guidelines as a check against best practice rather than go through the whole process of registration.
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ENVIRONMENT
Village Green Issues
Mr Haylock reported the two signatures had been finalised and the forms were with solicitors to be sent to the Land Registry.
Registration of Common Land
The clerk had met with John Cockman and it was agreed to clarify the status of the two parcels of land in the centre of the village before completing the appropriate forms. – Action ML
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FINANCE
Cheques were signed to:
| Mr B Kitchen |
Website Registration |
£146.09 |
| Mr J Basham |
Grass Cutting |
£300.00 |
The End of the Year Financial Statements were examined. It was noted that a grant of £1000 for grass cutting had not yet been paid despite the invoice being received a long time ago. ECC has agreed the sum outstanding but requested the re-sending of the invoice. Payment would be forth coming.
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HIGHWAYS
Footway
No progress reported either from the Chairman or Councillor Walsh.
Potholes
Potholes on the road to Saffron Walden have been filled and despite the improvement there was some apprehension expressed as to the quality of the workmanship.
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FOOTPATHS
Headland Management Scheme
Mr Haylock reiterated that as a gesture of goodwill, paths that he had cut previously would be cut again this year, whether or not funding was forthcoming. Contracts were proving prohibitive with expensive gates expected to be provided at his expense.
P3
Miss Frost was still awaiting a response from Debbie Poskett concerning agreed proposals. She was trying to push these issues to a conclusion to enable cutting to take place next month.
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PLANNING
No comments had been forwarded to the Planning Department concerning developments at Lakehouse Farm and the Swimming Pool at Spitlands Barn. It was noted that there was an enforcement notice concerning a standing caravan at Hempstead House.
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DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS
Annual Meeting Friday 13th May 8pm.
Thursdays 9th June, 7th July and 11th August at 8pm.
The meeting closed at 9.45pm.
