Minutes - April 2007

MEETING OF THE BLACKMORE, HOOK END & WYATTS GREEN PARISH COUNCIL

Held on Thursday, 19 April, 2007 in the Committee Room of the Blackmore Village Hall.

Members present: Mrs. Henwood, Chairman, Mr. Bennett, Mr. Brown, Mr. Dean, Mr. Giordan, Mr. Hall, Mr. Keeble, Mr. Lennon, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Stran, Mrs. Town, Mrs. Mills, Parish Clerk and Mrs. Barnes, prospective Clerk .

Terry Smith - Editor - Herald Magazine and one member of the public was also present.

Apologies for absence were received from Mr. Marr, Mrs. Nelson and Mrs. Thomas.

The Minutes of the previous Meeting, having been circulated, were signed as a correct record.

  Mrs. Henwood welcomed to the Meeting Mrs. Susan Barnes the prospective Clerk, to replace the present Clerk.

 

CO-OPTION OF NEW COUNCILLOR

It was agreed, following clearance from Brentwood Borough Council Elections Officer, that Mr. Bruno Giordan is co-opted to the Parish Council. Mr. Giordan was required to sign the Declaration of Acceptance of Office Book, countersigned by the Clerk.

MEETING ADJOURNMENT

Mrs. Henwood adjourned the Meeting and invited Mr. Manders of Swan House to speak.

Mr. Manders wished to seek the views of the Parish Council with regard to the development of the site, owned by him, next to his property. He wishes to build a house on the site for his daughter.

It was agreed that the drawing presented will be discussed at the next Planning Committee.

 

CORRESPONDENCE

•  THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES (MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT) ORDER 2007

Clerk reported that a copy of the above had been received - agreed copy should be passed to all Parish Councillors. Member of the public in attendance requested a copy of the document - agreed.

•  BRENTWOOD IN BLOOM COMPETITION

Details of the above had been received - Clerk had displayed posters on noticeboards.

•  HANNINGFIELD AWARDS

Details of above award scheme for young people had been received - Clerk to pass to Scouts.

•  REGISTER OF ELECTORS

Copy of the above received.

•  DCA - MEMORIAL SAFETY

Letter received from above - Clerk to pass the information to Rev. Canon Ivy Crawford.

BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORTS

Ann Naylor was not in attendance as she was on holiday. Mrs. Henwood reported that due to the forthcoming elections there had been very few meetings at BBC.

POLICY & RESOURCES COMMITTEE

A Meeting of the Policy & Resources Committee had not taken place.

2084. FINANCE

The following cheques were approved for payment:

CHEQUES DRAWN AT APRIL 2007 P C MEETING

£25.98 R.D. Potter - Expenses
£75.50 R.D. Potter - Maintenance Work
£147.35 Tann Autos - Service of four wheelchairs
£2577.99 Allianz Cornhill Insurance plc - Insurance renewal
£52.50 Mr. P.J. Chatten-Berry - Two call-outs to attend to Computer
£721.43 M.D. Landscapes - Grass cutting
£129.00 Heatherland Ltd - Skip Hire
£229.13 The Play Inspection Co. Ltd. - Risk Assessments 3 Areas
£165.00 Post Office Ltd. - Tax renewal on bus.
£334.68 Brentwood Borough Council - Inspection of Play Areas & Bin emptying.
£120.00 Society of Local Council Clerks - Annual sub'n.
£5875.00 J.K.N. Associates - MUGA - Consultants fee.
£9.00 Mrs. D. Mills - Contribution to Broadband
£- Mrs. D. Mills - Heating & Lighting Allowance
£- Mrs. D. Mills - One months salary - includes rent of Parish

Office

£257.45 Essex County Council - Pension Payment
£86.24 Petty Cash - includes postage for Magazine Invoices
£- Mrs. R. Nelson - Accounting of Parish Books
£210.15 Inland Revenue - Tax taken from Clerks salary
£250.00 David Nelson - Pond Consultant

Receipts:

£25,702.90 from Brentwood Borough Council - Precept payment

Payment :

Public Works Loan Board - £1,489.39 - payable on 10.5.07

2085. FINANCIAL POWERS

Mr. Bennett read to the Meeting details of the Parish Accounts to the end of the month.

The increase in salaries for the Clerk and Treasurer were agreed and will take effect from 1.4.07.

Letter had been received from the Audit Commission stating that Lubbock Fine had been appointed as the Parish Council's Auditor.

Mr. Bennett reported that he had sent a letter to the Chairman of Brentwood Borough Council in respect of the reduction in the funding to Parish Councils. A reply had been received which was read to the Meeting. The letter stated that because of Government cuts in the way they now allocate grants, this is being passed on to the Parishes. They are looking to move to a different type of funding structure, in order that money may be allocated more fairly.

2086. COMMUNITY POLICE MEETING

Next meeting will take place at Fane Hall, Kelvedon Hatch on 15 May 2007.

2087. COMMUNITY BUS

Unfortunately there had again been a problem with the roller door which prevented someone from using the bus they had booked. The electricity supply had been cut off to the garage which prevented the door from working. It is now working again. Mr. Hall said that it appeared that somehow the supply had been cut off - it is a mystery how this happened.

It was agreed the users affected by this should be given their next use free of charge.

2088. BLACKMORE CENTRE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Plans have been submitted to BBC - a letter of acknowledgement confirmed this. The application should be considered in May. Mrs. Henwood stated that we will have to sign away the consent given for the building on the Millennium Park.

Mrs. Henwood reported that the Committee are now looking to apply for grants from various sources. The total cost of the new building is estimated at £267,000, which includes the car park, this also includes a £20,000 contingency fund. The car park will be located in the Millennium Park, the surface being a hard standing where the grass grows through.

A cheque for £132.50 - the cost of the planning application - had been received from the Friday Club.

2089. MULTI GAMES AREA

A meeting of the MUGA Committee had taken place on 3 April 2007, attended by Mr. Keeble, who was elected as Chairman, Mr. Barclay, Blackmore Sports and Social Club Chairman, Mr. Bennett, Parish Councillor, Mr. Blackwell, Treasurer, Blackmore Village Hall, Mr. Lennon,

Parish Councillor. A copy of the Minutes had been passed to all Parish Councillors.

Everything appears to be progressing well, 5 Peak slots have been taken and 1 Off Peak. £735 had been banked to the end of March. There is significant interest in the facility even though it has not yet been advertised.

Final surface has now been applied.

2090. BLACKMORE WEBSITE

Mr. Giordan stated that the Blackmore Website compiler had requested a history item on the Parish Council etc. Mr. Giordan presented what he had compiled in this respect which will be passed to all Parish Councillors for comment. Those members who have an email facility were asked to pass on their email addresses to Mr. Giordan.

2091. RURAL HOUSING

Mrs. Town reported that she had arranged to meet Rural Housing Enabler on 1 st May at 10am.

2092. MOBILE LIBRARY

It was reported that the Mobile Library had broken down twice recently.

2093. YOUTHS - BLACKMORE VILLAGE

It was reported that considerable nuisance had again been caused by youths on scooters, cars etc. in the Nine Ashes Road and at the Village Hall each evening at about 9pm. The Police had attended and had agreed to give it high priority. Clerk requested to write to Police again to ensure that this is the case, copy to Ann Naylor, Eric Pickles, Madeline Henwood.

It was reported that hypodermic needles had been found in the play tunnel in the Play Area here.

2094. BRENTWOOD BOROUGH PARISH COUNCIL

ASSOCIATION

Nothing further to report.

2095. VACANCY - PARISH COUNCILLOR

Vacancy now filled - remove from Agenda.

2096. CLERK'S RETIREMENT

Mrs. Susan Barnes had been selected by Mrs. Henwood and Mr. Hall as the most suitable candidate to fill the vacancy when the Clerk retires on 8 July 2007. The engagement of the new Clerk was discussed in Committee, Mrs. Barnes and Mrs. Mills being asked to vacate the Meeting.

It was agreed that the job of Parish Clerk is offered to Mrs. Barnes, the Clerk to write accordingly. On Mrs. Barnes acceptance of the position the Clerk should write to all the other applicants advising that the position is now filled.

BLACKMORE MILLENNIUM PARK

2097. PROGRESS REPORT

A Meeting of the Millennium Park Committee had taken place on 21 March, 2007. Attended by Mr. Keeble, Chairman, Mr. Hall, Mr. Daldry, Dr. Jennings, Mr. Nelson. Apologies for absence from Mr. Bennett. The Minutes of the Meeting had been passed to all Councillors.

It was agreed that the Clerk should arrange for weedkilling of the shell paths - £98.00 being quoted for the work. The Clerk had applied for quotations for replenishment of the shell paths - one response only received that he no longer deals with such work. Clerk will chase other.

The Firework Display this year will be held on 3 November 2007. Quiz Night to support the event will be on 7 September. Mr. Keeble has booked the Blackmore Hall.

Request had been made to put a rail across the top of the existing frame outside BVH to take Firework and Farmers Market signs. Agreed Clerk should ask Mr. Potter to carry out this work.

Mr. Keeble asked the Meeting if they would consider allowing an event on the Millennium Park to celebrate the anniversary of the Austin Healey Sprite marque. The event to take place in June or July 2008.

Mr. Keeble made the proposal as above, seconded by Mr. Brown. All agreed.

It was agreed that the event would not be permitted if we had very wet weather, vehicles would not be permitted on to the field if the surface was not firm enough to sustain such use.

PLANNING COMMITTEE

A meeting of the Planning Committee had taken place on 2 April 2007, attended by Mr. Marr, Chairman, Mrs. Town, Mrs. Stran. Apologies from Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Dean and Mr. Brown.

2098. PLANS

Plans received and considered at the Planning Meeting were discussed.

The application for two houses on the King's Acre site had been approved. Surprise was expressed that this has now been allowed, when eight applications of very similar design had been turned down.

2099. OUTSTANDING ENFORCEMENT ISSUES

Plots 1, 2 & 3 - Chelmsford Road - Nothing to report.

Bluebell Farm - Spriggs Lane - Nothing to report

Coachman Cottage - Mrs. Town asked if there had been any progress with regard to this site. Mr. Giordan said that there had been a meeting in February but since then nothing had been heard. It was not known if any enforcement notices had been served. Mrs. Henwood agreed to contact Alice Lucas, Enforcement Officer at BBC.

Kelby - The Green - Mrs. Town asked if anything can be done about this property that has been left empty, the bank on the garden area is falling into the river here and will eventually cause a blockage. Clerk to write to the owner asking that the area is cleared.

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

Meeting of the Environment Committee had taken place on 2 April 2007, attended by Mrs. Town (Chairman), Mr. Brown, Mr. Dean., Mrs. Smith. Apologies - Mr. Lennon. 

2100. DRAINS CLEARANCE & ROAD SWEEPING

Monitor.

2101. VILLAGE SPEED

Numbers of telegraph poles given to Clerk to pass to local Police for Wyatts Green.

2102. STABLE YARD ACCESS

Due to be started on 9.4.07. BBC, Parish Council and Landlord not willing to supply Planters etc. Did not start as informed - Clerk to chase.

2103. ALLOTMENTS

Looking for suitable field.

2104. MOPED RIDERS

Mini moped still being ridden - wrong side of road, no helmet, no registration no.

2105. PARKING - BLACKMORE VILLAGE

Letter from Police - PCSO Susan Payne has spoken to residents parking in dangerous places - most have observed request, Orchard Piece resident has not.

Mrs. Town had spoken to resident of Blackmore Road about double yellow lines being extended outside her property approx. 15ft from junction of Blacksmith's Alley to prevent dangerous parking - she is happy for this to go ahead. Owner of van is now parking further along road making it easier for drivers when leaving Blacksmith's Alley.

2106. “ CATS EYES”

Still not done - Clerk had chased.

2107. VEHICLE ACTIVATED SIGNS

No fund available at this time to pursue.

2108. TREES - SERVICE LANE

Trees planted - remove from Agenda.

2109. VANDALISM

Bridge and fence have been repaired.

Fence still needs repair on Green Lane stream - children paddling in stream. Resident concerned about safety here.

2110. PONDS

£500 received from Environment Agency. Letter of thanks being written by Mrs. Henwood. Pond working party had carried out cleaning and dredging of pond.

2111. SIGNPOSTS

Still not done - Clerk had chased. Now nine months since first requested.

2112. YELLOW LINES - CHURCH STREET

Still no action by BBC with regard to “No Parking” sign on “no man's land” - Clerk had written again.

2113. GUNNELL'S CORNER

Still not done. Clerk had chased again.

2114. PLANTERS ETC

Mr. Potter has quoted with regard to the Mini Roundabout garden:-

To remove and cart soil from mini roundabout - replace with membrane, soil, grit and light slate chippings - including labour - £200.00
Plants - suitable for dry garden - £150.00

Total - £350.00

Garden would be low maintenance - one off planting.

Agreed Environment Committee will discuss at their next meeting.

2115. SHRUBS - OLD SCHOOL

Done - Remove from Agenda.

2116. SIGN- BLACKMORE MEAD

Done - Remove from Agenda.

2117. POST - BULL ALLEY

Mr. Potter to paint with white reflective paint which he has ordered. Clerk had chased again.

2118. BUS STOP - SWAN HOUSE

Mr. Manders in attendance happy to discuss bus shelter. He would consider this being removed further along towards Church street entrance, this to be considered at the time of an application for planning permission on the site adjacent to Swan House.

2119. SHRUBS - LIBRARY GREEN

Done.

2120. SOAP HOUSE CORNER

Post broken - Mr. Potter asked to repair. Clerk had chased.

2121. SEAT - VILLAGE BUS STOP

Done

2122. DUCKS CROSSING SIGN

Damage assessed - Mr. & Mrs. Town to repair.

•  SPRING CLEAN DAY

8 Volunteers from Blackmore, 9 from Hook End - about 30 bags of rubbish collected. Committee request BBC are asked to clear Hook End Lane - too dangerous for people to clear ditches. Also ask that attention is given to ditch in St. Lawrence Gardens which is in a very bad state. PCSO Susan Payne assisted with the Springclean.

2124. VILLAGE GREEN

Mr. Sharp has agreed to fill in hole when it has dried out.

2125. VERGES - MEADOW RISE

Clerk had written with regard to posts being extended to verge at entrance of Meadow Rise/junction Blackmore Road as residents are now parking here.

Mrs. Town reported that resident at other end of Meadow Rise is concerned that residents will park on the verges here. Mrs. Henwood reported that she has heard that BBC are to plant trees here.

•  SPRING BULBS

Committee had considered request to purchase more spring bulbs. Due to lack of funds unable to provide this year - Clerk is able to assist with some bluebell bulbs.

•  ECC TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC

Details of the above had been received for Nine Ashes Road during road resurfacing work.

•  QUIET LANE UPDATE 2007

Item passed to Committee from last Meeting to be read by Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Town.

•  NOTICEBOARD - HOOK END ROAD

Has been repaired by Mr. Potter. Agreed all noticeboards need refurbishing - Clerk to instruct Mr. Potter for this work in his maintenance programme, also to include Millennium Park sign.

•  SERVICE LANE - TREE WORK

Electricity Board have trimmed trees on Service Lane but have not cleared away. Clerk to ask them to clear.

2131. BEND - HOOK END ROAD

Lunnon's lorry has spilt soil on bend of Hay Green Lane - Clerk to ask BBC to remove.

2132. HORSEFAYRE GREEN

Seats and planters need treating. Clerk to ask Mr. Potter to deal with in his maintenance contract.

•  SERVICE LANE

Complaints of dog fouling - Clerk to ask Dog Warden to put up signs.

•  DEAL TREE CORNER FOOTPATH

Mr. Hall reported that the path here needs weedkilling to expose a width of 2 metres. Clerk to arrange.

HERALD MAGAZINE

2135. NEXT EDITION

Deadline for Magazine is 27 April 2007.

It was agreed that Mr. Smith will take over sending out of Invoices for the adverts in the Magazine.

RECREATION COMMITTEE

A meeting of the Recreation Committee had taken place on 3 April, 2007, attended by Mr. Hall, Chairman, Mr. Bennett, Mr. Dean, Mrs. Stran, Mr. Lennon, and Mr. Keeble. Apologies: Nil. The Minutes of the Meeting are as follows together with the comments of this Meeting.

2136. TED MARRIAGE RECREATION FIELD

Hedges - Quote from Town & Country Landscapes accepted - work to commence after nesting season.

Main Gates - Work completed. Delete.

Spring Animal - Sprayed with paint - Still awaiting action by Mr. Potter.

Kissing Gate - Wyatts GreenLane - Work completed - Delete.

Fence adjacent to Main Gate - Wyatts Green Road - Work completed - Delete.

Play Area Fence - Still awaiting report from Mr. Potter as to what work is required.

2137. MILL LANE PLAY AREA

Matta Surface - Play Area - Still awaiting Mr. Potter to make area safe.

Foot Brushes - Brushes need replacing - Clerk to instruct Mr. Potter (Require 2 new brushes).

2138. WALTER HOBBS RECREATION FIELD

Football Pitches - Plans for longer term - Mr. Hall reported that application for grants must be in by May - Quotes from Oddys, Does, Lunnon still not received. Mr. Hall had chased them.  

Aerial Runway Area - Will be attended to by Mr. Potter in the Spring of 2007.

Hexagonal Swing Area - New bark required - cost approx £601. Amount needed is 12 cu. Mtrs. In 25kg bags, 40 per pallett. Suppliers CPA Horticulture (Last order was in March 2006) Mr. Hall proposed acceptance of expenditure of circa £600, seconded by Mr. Lennon all agreed. Clerk to arrange order for delivery on 12 May 2007 at 8.30am.

Graffiti - 2 Areas - Aerial Runway ramps - Parish Council sign near to garage. Mr. Keeble to inform PCSO Susan Payne and report back to Council

Foot Brushes - Brushes need replacing - Clerk to instruct Mr. Potter (require 4 brushes).

2139. PLAY AREA INSPECTION (RISK ASSESSMENT)

Now carried out - very good report - items raised to be discussed by Recreation Committee.

2140. LITTER BINS

Bins reported as not being emptied for 2 weeks in all 3 play areas. Mr. Keeble had asked for BBC to inspect. Clerk reported that she had seen the Manager actually carrying out the checks, the bins were not full at that time.

Dog bins not now being emptied - Clerk will chase.

2141. TIPPS CROSS REMEMBRANCE HALL

Nothing to report.

CLERK'S REPORT

2142. COMMITTEE MEETINGS

 

Recreation 8.5.07 7.00pm Tipps Cross R. Hall
Planning 8.5.07 3.30pm 60 Orchard Piece
Tipps Cross AGM 8.5.07 8pm Tipps Cross R. Hall
Environment 10.5.07 7.30pm Crossehouse
Police Meeting 15.5.07 8pm Fane Hall
Millennium Park 13.6.07 7pm BVHall

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

2143. ROSE COTTAGE - BLACKMORE ROAD

Mrs. Henwood reported that she had received a request from the resident of Rose Cottage to use a small section of the green area next to her property to park a car. Clerk advised that this request had already been turned down several years ago by BBC.

 

There being no further business, the Meeting closed at 10.10pm.

 

 

 

 

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