Parish Council Minutes 17th November 2011

• Mr S McCarthy (Chairman)
• Mr David Haylock
• Mr A Weedon
• Mrs Sara Scott
• Mr David Drane
• The Clerk

• WPC Bamford
• Simon Howells (District Councillor)

Apologies:

• Mr J Sladen
• Miss D Frost
• Simon Walsh (County Councillor)

Prior to the meeting proper the Council discussed with W.P.C. Bamford some of their concerns.

WPC Bamford said that her current shift patterns meant that she would only be able to attend meetings quarterly. The nuisance of motorcycles was discussed and it was accepted that would be hard to gather appropriate evidence of illegal activities. More obvious police presence was discussed for speed control and general sense of security. It was also mooted that perhaps the police could add their weight to the crucial topic of the footway through the village as a safety issue.

Then District Councillor Simon Howell addressed the meeting. He announced that council tax would be frozen for another year. The changes to waste collection were revisited and he continued to support the Parish Council’s effort to progress the pedestrian footway project. He said that the £333 available for Hempstead from the housing levy bonus could be accessed when a specific expenditure project was planned.

The meeting proper began at 9.18pm

89. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 13 October 2011

    were taken as read and signed as a correct record by the Chairman.

90. MATTERS ARISING

    It was agreed to defer the purchase of the salt bin. The salt bags would be again mentioned in the next newsletter making it clear that they were for public areas such as roads and pavements. (Action point: SM to write in newsletter)

91. CORRESPONDENCE

    The clerk stated that he had received various health and safety documents and would ensure that they were distributed. (Action Point: ML to copy and ensure all participants receive a copy)

92. ENVIRONMENT

    Village Green
    Lloyd Simpson of Essex Legal Services had contacted the clerk to say that he had been unable to find any reasons why the land had been de-registered. We would have to continue to apply for registration. It would strengthen the case if we could supply witness statements that the land had been used for leisure and village purpose without let or hindrance for twenty years. The clerk encouraged as many people as possible to supply statements and photos. (Action Point: Councillors to pass photos and witness statements to Clerk as soon as possible)

93. AIMS and OBJECTIVES

    it was agreed to defer discussion of these, the Budget and next year’s Precept until the next meeting. (Action point: Clerk to put on next agenda)

94. FINANCE

    The following accounts were approved and a cheque signed:

    British Legion

    Remembrance Day Wreath

    £25.00

95. HIGHWAYS

    Village Footway
    The Council discussed their dismay and growing anger at the complete lack of progress or any dialogue on this issue. There was an agreement that if nothing was heard soon then more forceful action possibly involving press and other local media may be the only alternative.

    Community Speedwatch
    The Chairman reported that Mr David Tupman was organising this and had been in touch with Essex Police.

96. PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY

    Bridleway Ruses to Boblows
    The section up to the main road had been finished. The council noted how speedily this work had gone ahead compared to the pedestrian footway, particularly considering the relatively low volume of horses using the path.

97. MAINTENANCE

    The contractor had pollarded the trees in the centre of the village but the hedge beside the village hall was yet to be trimmed.

    Jubilee Planting
    Mr Haylock reported that it may be possible to obtain 420 saplings and stakes

98. PLANNING

    No issues, though conditional approval has been granted for the single storey extension to Hempstead House and for the change of usage at Anso Corner Farm previously discussed.

99. VILLAGE HALL

    It was reported that the AGM had taken place

    Future meeting dates – Thursdays 15 December, 12 January and 9 February all at 8pm in the Village Hall.

    The meeting closed at 9.43pm