Parish Council Minutes 23rd April 2010

• Mr S McCarthy (Chairman)
• Mr David Drane
• Miss D Frost
• Mr David Haylock
• Mrs Sara Scott
• Mr J Sladen
• Mr A Weedon
• Parish Clerk

• Cllr Sue Schneider, District Councillor

Apologies:

Before the meeting opened, Cllr Schneider reported on recent District matters. She advised the Council that she has been elected Chairman of Uttlesford District Council for 2010/11. On behalf of the Parish Council, Mr McCarthy congratulated Cllr Schneider and wished her well in this position. Cllr Schneider then left the meeting.

The Chairman opened the meeting at 8.15pm

1. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 11 MARCH 2010

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

2. MATTERS ARISING

   There was none.

3. CORRESPONDENCE

   • UDC
     confirmation of order to divert path 11 Great Sampford and path 45 Hempstead
   • EEC
     notification of timetable revision to Service 7 – Saffron Walden to Cambridge
   • Saffron Walden Police
     introductory email from PC Nicola Lark, Neighbourhood Specialist Officer for Thaxted and Newport. She also explained non-attendance at April meeting despite wishing to “engage with the community”. The Clerk was asked to reply with dates of forthcoming PC meetings and to arrange a meeting, together with Mr McCarthy, to discuss policing issues in Hempstead. – Action CD

4. MEETING REPORTS

   • North Uttlesford Community Forum
     no meeting since last report
   • Parish Planning Workshop
     no meeting since last report.
   • West Essex Area Forum
     no meeting since last report
   • Walden in Transition
     no meeting attended since last report

5. ANNUAL MEETING

   A small change was needed to the Annual Report in respect of the change of Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator. Once completed the Clerk will arrange 200 copies of Annual Report, Agenda and notice for inclusion on the May newsletter – Action CD

6. ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

   the occurrence of incidents of vandalism has significantly increased, despite the police and parents being advised. Considerable discussion ensued and it was felt that better police support was needed – Miss Frost will contact both Saffron Walden police station and PC Ryan McNamara. Mr McCarthy will write something for the May newsletter. – Action DF

   It was felt that if there was somewhere for the youngsters to be together the vandalism would stop. Locating a suitable piece of land is seriously being considered. Mr Haylock to check the Glebe insurance policy to see whether this activity could be encompassed on the Glebe itself. – Action ALL/DH

7. ENVIRONMENT

   Village Green Issues
   Mr Haylock will report at next meeting. – Action DH

8. FINANCE

   Registration form for telephone banking was signed to assist the Clerk in dealing with the bank by phone.

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

   NALC	2010/11 subscription	£13.50
   B Kitchen	UK2 Ltd – email fwdg and spam filter renewal	£29.35
   EALC	2010/11 Subscription	£108.17
   East Anglian Children’s Hospice	Donation	£50.00
   J Sladen	Ridgeons – post for dog litter bin	£4.23

9. HIGHWAYS

   Mr McCarthy reported that ECC, Highways have now appointed land agents. Joe Bicheno, Traffic Engineer ECC has been supplied with a list of the residents along the B1054 affected by the footway in order that they can all be contacted to arrange meetings to discuss land acquisition and/or accommodation works required.

   Mr Tupman was provided with the details of the Community Speed Watch meeting but it is unclear as to whether he attended.

   Mr Drane was continuing to liaise with Ray Curtis (ECC Highways) with regard to the poor condition of the roads, some of which were due to be repaired before the end of the month. The posts at the bottom of Church Hill had been repaired. – Action DD

   When the Clerk meets with PC Nicola Lark a request for speed checks to take place in the village in the near future must be made. – Action CD

10. FOOTPATHS

    P3
    The request to ECC to continue to use a contractor for 2010 for path cutting was agreed by P3 and Miss Frost submitted the relevant schedules. Verbal approval for the full grant application was received just prior to this meeting. Mr Haylock continues to review the rules of the Headland Management Scheme and has drawn up a list of relevant landowners and FAQs. His review will be reported back at the June meeting. – Action DH

    Miss Frost had finalised the leaflet for Walk 1 whilst recognising that the details will never be 100% accurate due to the changes beyond our control. A supply will be left in the pub.

11. MAINTENANCE PROJECTS

    • Drinking Fountain
      Mr McCarthy and Mr Haylock had again reminded Mark Halls of the outstanding work.
    • War Memorial Surround
      Mr McCarthy had received a quotation of £1,200 for labour. The cost of the slabs from Ridgeons would be in the region of £1,000 and the five posts would probably need to be moved at say £250 making an estimated cost of £2,500. Mr Weedon reported that the War Memorials Trust offer 50% grants between £3,000 and £20,000. UDC offer a Community Project Grant – Mr Haylock was asked to complete an application for £1,250 for submission before the deadline of 22 May 2010. IT WAS AGREED that the remaining 50% of the cost will come from Parish Council reserves. – Action SM/AW

12. COMMUNICATIONS

    Website – various updates are in progress.
    Newsletter – next newsletter deadlines 20 May 2010. The Clerk will provide copies of the Annual Meeting agenda/notice and the 2009/10 Annual Report for attachment to the May newsletter. – Action CD

13. EMERGENCY PLAN

    updated plan to be finalised shortly.

14. PLANNING

    • UTT/1803/08/FUL – Lakehouse Farm
      no decision to date
    • Enforcement Notice ENF/170/09/B – Anso Corner
      tyres dumped in ditch
    • Enforcement Notice ENF/264/09/B – Harvey House, Hempstead Hall
      business being run without planning permission
    • Enforcement Notice ENF/93/08/B – Barn at Hempstead Hall, Finchingfield Road
      Possible breach of condition C.6.2 of planning permission UTT/1604/04/FUL
    • UTT/0702/10/FUL – Barn opposite Wincelow Hall Wincelow Hall Road Hempstead
      Change of use of barn from storage to B1 (office) use – in circulation

15. VILLAGE HALL

    the outside tap has not been reinstated

16. STANSTED AIRPORT

    nothing new to report.

    Future meeting dates – Thursday 13 May, Thursday 10 June and Thursday 8 July 2010.

    Annual Meeting Date – Friday 14 May 2010

    The meeting closed at 9.45pm.