Parish Council Minutes 18th August 2005

• Mr S McCarthy (Chairman)
• Miss D Frost
• Mr D Haylock (Left 9.25pm)
• Mrs A Midgley
• Mr A Thomas
• Mr A Weedon
• Parish Clerk

• Mr J Sladen (On Holiday)

38. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 21 JULY 2005

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

39. MATTERS ARISING

    • Highway Matters
      A reply from Mr Hardy had been received and circulated to all the councillors. The Clerk had written to Cllr Walsh but no reply had been received to date.

    • Path at Pond
      Miss Frost stated that the path at the front of the pond was not very satisfactory in its current form. It was decided that a hard surface would be more suitable. Miss Frost will obtain quotes accordingly.– Action DF

    • Hedge at Waterloo Cottage
      The Chairman had approached the absent owner of Waterloo Cottage who had agreed to pay the £350 quoted to cut back the hedge on the roadside which had become very overgrown and was obstructing the traffic. The work has duly been carried out and the debris removed. A bill was presented to the owners (who are now resident) and this was paid immediately.

    • Fixed Penalty Notices for Littering etc
      The Clean Neighbourhoods & Environment Act 2005 allows for parish councils to issue fixed penalty notices (FPN) for various offences. The implementation of the provisions is currently under review and this council will continue to monitor the situation.– Action CD

40. BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION 2005 – PRIZE MONEY

    Despite a note in the newsletter for suggestions on how to spend this money, no replies had been received. Mr McCarthy requested the councillors to return to the next meeting with drawings/costings etc for the ideas suggested at this meeting.– Action ALL

    In order to try to retain the title a review of the presentation of both the village and application form was done. Mr Weedon was requested to approach the PCC regarding the Church notice board.– Action AW

41. HIGHWAYS/ROAD SAFETY

    Mrs Midgley reported that the Locally Determined Plan (LDP) meeting was scheduled for 8 September and general discussion ensued regarding how the presentation should be made and by whom. It was decided that Mr McCarthy would draft an initial A4 sheet stating the issues the PC were pursuing, a succinct history of the footpath plan and raising pertinent questions as appropriate. This would be circulated to all other councillors for review. Subsequently approach would be made to Mr Purkiss to arrange for attendance at the meeting (of Mrs Midgley, Mr Thomas, Mr Haylock and Mr Weedon). Mrs Midgley would send Cllr Schneider a copy of the presentation when finalised and ask for her support at the September meeting. Mrs Midgley would also try to ascertain the members of the committee.– Action SM/CD/AM

    Mr Thomas reported on the motorcycle accident on the B1054 at the junction with Coach Road. The limited information provided by Dunmow Traffic Police stated that the victim had sustained serious but not life threatening injuries. Further information would be sought.– Action AM/AT

    Mrs Midgley had become aware that a problem may arise with the school buses in September due to the diversions for Sewards End. She would continue to pursue this matter.– Action AM

42. CORRESPONDENCE

    • Essex County Council
      Request for information to update Life database – agreed.– Action CD

    • Uttlesford District Council
      Thank you from Chairman of UDC for donation.

43. WEBSITE

    Miss Frost confirmed that two copies of Dreamweaver software had been purchased and were currently being initiated. When the updated site was complete it was intended to hold a presentation to the PC and possibly representatives of village societies. There are technical issues still to be resolved regarding internet connection, but it is anticipated that the date will be towards the end of 2005 or the beginning of 2006. Mr McCarthy also requested that the website be registered with the various search engines available.– Action DF

44. QUALITY COUNCIL STATUS

    Mr McCarthy and Mr Haylock wished to attend ‘Raising the Profile’ course being held by Essex Training Partnership (ETP) on 14 September. Tickets are £26 each. This was approved.

45. PARISH APPRAISAL/PLAN

    The clerk had contacted the Rural Community Council of Essex (RCCE) for information. However the relevant Field Officer was away but would make contact on her return.

46. FINANCE

    Mr Weedon drew the Council’s attention to the initiative that Saffron Walden museum has recently launched to establish a Research and Resource Centre. They are looking to raise £0.5 million and then try to obtain a matching Heritage Lottery Grant. In accordance with section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972 the Council resolved to donate £100 to this initiative.

    The following accounts were presented for payment and cheques drawn up:

    J. Basham	Grass cutting August	£180.00
    D. Haylock	ETP course x 2	£52.00
    UDC	Dog Litter Bin	£99.88
    SW Museum	Donation	£100.00
    Dreamweaver	Confirmation of Amount	£538.15
    Receipts
    re Waterloo Cottage	Current Account	£350.00

47. PLANNING

    There was nothing to report

48. VILLAGE HALL

    Mr McCarthy confirmed there had been a meeting where the new licensing rules were reviewed.

49. STANSTED AIRPORT

    Mr McCarthy reported on the Night Flights Restriction Consultation. It was agreed that a response should be submitted endorsing the submission of the Stop Stansted Expansion campaign but also to ask why if there are restrictions on night flights that flights are still scheduled to arrive at 2.30am.– Action CD

The dates of the next meetings are 15 September, 12 October and 10 November.

The meeting closed at 9.55pm.