Hempstead in Essex
Resting place of William Harvey and Sir Eliab Harvey and birthplace of Dick Turpin

Parish Council Minutes 8th July 2008

8th July 2008

CONFIRMED MINUTES OF A PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON
TUESDAY 8 JULY 2008
The Council met in the Village Hall on Tuesday 8 July 2008 at 8pm

Present:

Also Present

  • A member of the public
  • Cllr Simon Walsh, County Councillor

Apologies


Before the meeting opened, the member of the public requested a discussion on speeding issues within the village. The resident then left the meeting.

The Chairman opened the meeting at 8.15pm. However, the meeting was interrupted at 8.25pm on arrival of Cllr Simon Walsh, who reported on recent County matters and Mr McCarthy gave an update on Hempstead’s current issues. Cllr Walsh left at 9pm when the Chairman resumed the meeting.

  1. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 12 JUNE 2008

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

  2. MATTERS ARISING

    from previous Minutes, not dealt with in the main agenda.

    there were none.

  3. CORRESPONDENCE

    EALC offer of 2008 edition of Governance & Accountability – Clerk to access free download – Action CD
    UDC reply re Register of Interests recording – the Clerk was asked to advise UDC of a recent change – Action CD
  4. MEETING REPORTS

    • North Area Panel
      no meeting since last report.
    • Parish Liaison Meeting
      no meeting since last report.
    • West Essex Area Forum
      no meeting since last report.
  5. ENVIRONMENT

    Mr Weedon reported that the churchyard would be strimmed on 9 July. Further complaints had been received with regard to the lack of view of the church tower due to overgrown trees. Mr Haylock was asked to discuss with Ben Smeedon, UDC Tree Officer, the pollarding and management of the trees around the Glebe. – Action DH

  6. FINANCE

    The Clerk presented the council with an interim finance report for review.

    Approval of the full council was given for the following payment since the previous meeting:

    M Jeffrey Balance re footpath refurbishment £2,430.00

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

    J Basham Grass Cutting for June £180.00
    CPRE 2008/09 subscription £28.00
    C Dittrich Clerk’s expenses/photocopying £29.00

    Further investigation work with regard to the PAYE scheme was ongoing. The Clerk continued to chase Zurich regarding increasing the value of the assets. The bank mandate changes were being dealt with by Barclays. – Action CD

    The Audit Report and associated schedules had been formerly approved and signed by the internal auditor and the Clerk would now forward them to the Audit Commission. Risk assessment to be reviewed at the next meeting. – Action CD

  7. HIGHWAYS

    Mr McCarthy reported a site meeting with Ian Hurwood and a surveyor (both from West Area Highways, ECC) to review the course of the footway. The survey would be completed within the next few weeks and relevant design features established. Affected residents would also be able to discuss any issue of concern.

    The pre-meeting discussion with regard to speeding in the village was considered and the Clerk was asked to again make contact with Adam Pipe to investigate the current position on Community Speed Watch programme and funding issues. Cllr Simon Walsh was also asked to lobby on behalf of Hempstead to try and speed up the process. The slipways along Anso Road have been repaired. – Action CD

  8. YOUNG PEOPLE

    In the absence of Ms Phillips this matter is carried forward.

  9. FOOTPATHS

    • Re-alignment scheme
      Following the erection of the notices, a couple of minor comments have been received which have been easily resolved. Miss Frost had been approached by a resident who was delighted with the work the PC was doing with regard to footpaths, footways etc but did feel that adequate communication with the affected householders should be taking place to ensure all were aware of the changing situations. Particular reference was made to the alteration of footpaths along the edge of his property and a subsequent requirement for strengthened security. Mr Haylock was asked to approach the households bordering the newly realigned footpaths. – Action DH
    • Footpath clearance work
      Hod Jeffrey had been paid and favourable comments had been received on the work completed. Miss Frost was asked to monitor the payment of the grant from P3. – Action DF
    • P3
      Mr Haylock had completed the first cut and will commence with the second cut in due course. There is very high grass on the south east corner of the junction between the B1055 and B1053 – Mr Thomas asked to contact Highways to clear beyond their standard 1 metre. The verge of Mill Cottage is also rather overgrown – Mr Weedon to approach residents. – Action AT/AW
  10. MAINTENANCE PROJECTS

    • Drinking Fountain
      Mr Haylock was very hopeful with regard to the grant application for £1,300 to Essex Heritage Trust (next Trustee meeting scheduled for 11 July). He had also submitted an application to the Community Initiative Fund (ECC) for £1,100. Once grant money is in place Mr Haylock will arrange for a start date of the work.
    • Village Sign
      Mr Haylock and Mr Sladen had spoken to Mrs Gill Rudder and Mr David Drane as well as the Village Sign Society. It transpires that wood is the highest maintenance material with which to make a sign. Suggestions include taking a moulding of the sign for use later in recreating it in fibreglass, covering the front of the sign in protective material with a frame for stability, moving the sign to the opposite corner of Church Hill (which may need planning permission), moving it into the Church (will need to contact PCC etc) and making a new sign altogether. Miss Frost will investigate firms providing moulding services. – Action DF
    • Backdrop to War Memorial
      Mr Haylock had received verbal approval from Ben Smeedon regarding the removal of the trees behind the war memorial – the Clerk was asked to obtain written agreement. – Action CD
    • Gate at bottom of The Chase
      Miss Frost requested that the gate be locked opened as twice recently it had been shut and this causes problems to horse riders.
  11. COMMUNICATIONS

    Website – nothing to report

    Newsletter – next newsletter deadline 20 July.

  12. EMERGENCY PLAN

    Mr Haylock had been unable to get an update from Phil Hunt regarding the completion of recommendations following the flooding last year and the proposed drainage gully from Firs Cottage parking area – Mr Haylock will pursue. – Action DH

  13. PLANNING

    The Clerk had received notification that an appeal had been made to the Secretary of State in respect of UTT/1784/07/FUL – Erection of Agricultural Implement Store.

    UTT/0688/08/FUL – Shepherds Cottage approved.

    Following discussion with a UDC planning officer, the need for planning permission for the new fence beside the highway at one residence within the village was not thought to be necessary in view of the planting in front of the fence.

  14. VILLAGE HALL

    There were no matters to discuss.

  15. STANSTED AIRPORT

    There was nothing to report.

    Future meeting dates are Thursday 7 August, Tuesday 2 September and Thursday 2 October 2008

    The meeting closed at 10.05pm.