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MINUTES OF MEETING
held Thursday 8 November were agreed as a correct record.
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MATTERS ARISING
There were none not covered elsewhere
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CORRESPONDENCE
Boundary Changes to Electoral Districts:
It was agreed that the clerk would respond to the consultation indicating the Parish Council’s preference for the status quo. This corresponded to the present grouping of Sampfords, Radwinter and Hempstead parishes.
Superfast Broadband:
It was agreed to circulate details of the link to express an interest in the possibility of this being available in the future.
RCCE Group Oil Purchase Scheme:
The clerk outlined the details that could provide savings of up to £70 per delivery. It was agreed to circulate these.
County Councillor Simon Walsh’s Report:
The Parish Council noted this previously circulated report.
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ENVIRONMENT
Amended papers would be sent off to Lloyd Simpson of Essex Legal Services.
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POLICING
Community Speedwatch
A report on the continued progress had been reported in the last news letter.
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HIGHWAYS
The Footway Project
The latest Highway Panel meeting had been attended by the Chairman and two members of the Road Improvement Committee. There was still strong support for the project from the panel. The Chairman had reminded the Panel that reparation costs for the landowners whose properties are affected would have to be factored in. Confirmation from the three people giving up land had been obtained in writing. The quote for legal fees at £37 000 was generally agreed to be unrealistically high. It was hoped the legal work could be done in 4 months then a further allocation of funding made available next year.
An article concerning the Footway had also appeared in the Saffron Walden Reporter. This was agreed to be a useful contribution
Anso Road
The area of road made dangerous by subsidence had now been repaired with the restoration of the railings and the bank of the ditch being reinforced by a wall of stones encased in metal mesh.
Wincelow Hall Road:
A large amount of mud had been deposited on the road and it was suggested that Mr Drane could ask for cleaning vehicle to be deployed to clear this up. He was also still pursuing the cutting of the Harvey Way hedge.
Gritting:
It was noted that Helions Bumpstead Parish would be gritting the hill down from Boblow’s to the B1054.The clerk would make contact to discuss this and express gratitude.
Increase in Rural Speed Limits:
A consultation was taking place in response to representations by the Road Haulage industry for an increase in rural speed limits. The clerk would express the council’s opposition to this move.
He would also contact Councillor Derrick Lewis to see if there was any progress on extended speed limits and double yellow lines at the top of Blagdens Hill.
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FINANCE
Cheques:
A cheque for £750 was signed to Julian Basham to replace a cheque for £600 previously issued on 6 September and £150 for the last cut of the year. The previous cheque had gone astray and been stopped at the bank. A total of £1650 had been spent on the grass cutting this year against the budget of £1800.
A cheque for £25 to the British Legion to cover the wreath was signed outside the meeting on 19 November.
Precept:
The form was signed setting the income for the Parish Council at £8000.
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MAINTENANCE
Ash Tree:
The issue of the ash tree obscuring the church was deferred until the January Parish Council Meeting.
It was agreed that Environment and Maintenance would be in future taken as one agenda item.
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COMMUNICATIONS
It had been agreed to start the re-formatting of the website and meet any costs as these would only amount to £50 or less.
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PLANNING
Mill Cottage extension: – This had just been received and would be circulated for comments. No immediate objections were raised but the details needed examining.
Fence at Little Orchard: – is on the list to be looked at by the compliance team.
