Parish Council Minutes 3rd February 2011

• Mr S McCarthy (Chairman)
• Mr David Drane
• Miss D Frost
• Mr David Haylock
• Mr J Sladen
• The Clerk

• Mr John Cockman attended part time.

Apologies:

• Simon Walsh
• Mrs. Sara Scott
• Mr A Weedon

Mr John Cockman gave a detailed, in-depth and informative presentation about the issues surrounding the registration and status of the various parcels of land being considered as common or village green land. The chairman thanked him for his contribution.

The Chairman opened the meeting at 8 pm

145. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 6 JANUARY

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

146. MATTERS ARISING

     (not covered elsewhere) None

147. CORRESPONDENCE

     County Council A report from Councillor Walsh had been previously circulated and the decreased Library hours were noted.

     BT Claim The claim over damage to the BT cables had now been settled by Zurich Mutual Insurance

     Refurbished Fountain Marisa Baltrock had expressed thanks for the photos from Mr Haylock and asked for more information which Mr Haylock agreed to supply. – Action DH

148. MEETING REPORTS

     No meeting reports have been received

149. ENVIRONMENT

     Village Green Issues
     It was agreed in the light of the Mr Cockman’s presentation that the Clerk should write to Essex County Council to investigate registering two parcels of village land, namely parcel VG214 and a parcel adjacent to Brookside Cottage. – Action ML

     Dog Bin
     This had now been erected. The councillors thanked Mr Haylock.

150. FINANCE

     Cheques were signed for the following:

     B. Kitchen	Management	£80.00
     SLCC	Membership	£5.00
     EALC	Election Toolkit	£15.00

     A corrected standing order in favour of B Kitchin was signed for £80 monthly

151. HIGHWAYS

     Footway
     The chairman had met Simon Walsh to try to progress this issue by indicating that the Parish Council may be willing to contribute to the costs. He had followed up with and email and was awaiting a more definite reply. – Action SM

     Potholes
     Mr Drane was still chasing repair of potholes but these were being left until large enough to make repair more effective than shallow patching. – Action DD

     Brick Wall at Long Corner
     This had been examined by Mr Nathan of the Highways Dept. and adjudged not to be dangerous. The flooding drain at the base of the wall had caused concern over the years due to the potential harm the water spray was likely to cause to the wall and been discussed several times at Parish |Council meetings.

152. FOOTPATHS

     Headland Management Scheme
     Adam Jenkins has written a letter (not yet received) outlining the new arrangements for funding the cutting of headland paths. He was also planning to visit the area again. – Action DH

     P3
     Miss Frost is working with contractors to try to establish a plan of what can be achieved within the reduced funding levels. – Action DF

153. COMMUNICATIONS

     Some hardware difficulties had been experienced but those concerned were working to improve the situation. There were no issues with the newsletter. – Action DF

154. PLANNING

     The Chairman is still awaiting a response concerning the issue of the pond at Hempstead Hall from the Enforcement Officer. – Action SM

155. VILLAGE HALL

     The merger between Hempstead Recreation Ground Charity (The Glebe) and Hempstead Village Hall Charity has now been completed. It was agreed that the Parish Council would execute the documentation related to registering the land with the Land Registry in its name as custodian trustee of Hempstead Village Hall Charity.

     As indicated in their letter of 28 January the Village Hall Management Committee would organise this and cover all costs involved.

     It was also agreed that the Parish Council would continue to fund the cutting of the Glebe grass.

156. ELECTIONS

     It was noted that the election would be on 5 May. Publication of Notice on 28 March. Nominations by noon 5 April. It was agreed to revisit this at the next meeting and agree the date of the Annual Meeting. – Action ML

     Future meeting dates – 8pm Thursday 17 March 2001, Tuesday 12 April and Thursday 12 May.

     The meeting closed at 10.03 pm.