Minutes - April 2008

Held on Thursday, 17th April 2008 – 7.30pm in the Committee Room of Blackmore Village Hall.

Members present: Mrs Barnes (Parish Clerk), Mr Bennett, Mr Brown, Mr Giordan, Mr Hall (Vice Chairman), Mrs Henwood (Chairman), Mr Keeble, Mr Lennon, Mr Marr, Ann Naylor (District Councillor), Mrs Nelson (Treasurer), Mrs Smith, Mrs Stran and Mrs Thomas.

Mr Smith (Editor) - Herald Magazine was also present.

Apologies for absence were received from Mr Dean and Mrs Town.

AMENDMENTS

The minutes of the previous meeting, having been circulated, were signed as a correct record with the following amendment: Mr Lennon was present at the previous Parish Council meeting.

OPEN FORUM

There were no Parishioners present so the meeting proceeded with the following correspondence being read out by the Clerk.

CORRESPONDENCE

2747. Invoice received from ‘Hot and Cold plumbing’ of £147.00 for work carried out. Approval for payment was agreed.

2748. The Clerk confirmed receipt from BBC of the notice of persons elected on Parish Council and all eleven applicants were uncontested.

2749. EALC renewal of yearly membership, costing £481.15. Approval sought and agreed. The Clerk also advised that she had applied for and received a training grant of £250.00 from EALC. Also all members could receive a newly agreed reduction of 15% on the Parish Council’s insurance cover with AON/Allianz Insurance Company, which would mean an approximate saving of over £386.00 on the usual premium.

2750. Email received from ECC regarding the A12 Parishes meeting on 22nd April 2008. The Clerk would email the Parish Councils comments regarding the area we have close access to the A12 which may be affected, being; Swallow Close, Wyatts Green Road and Hook End Road, into Blackmore Road and Kelvedon Hatch.

2751. Letter from ECC advising the introduction of 1 APP Application forms – Method of submission and requirements for supporting information submitted with applications for Planning permission and revision of application fees. The new application forms and further guidance will be available from 1st May 2008 on the following website: www.essexcc.gov.uk/planning

2752. The Clerk advised receipt of the notice of alteration to the register of electors

2753. ECC life database transferral to new address confirmed. Information handed to Mr Giordan.

BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORTS

County Councillor, Ann Naylor discussed with the Parish Council the plans for localism with BBC and ECC. Fundamentally this was considered to be a good idea but does however require regular meeting attendance by Parish Councillors, which is not always feasible.

Ann Naylor also suggested the Clerk contact Wendy Jackson at BBC for the bus information and to go on their mailing list with updates etc.

Ann Naylor also felt it would be a good idea to involve the Parish youths with the Youth Centre Project. This would encourage them to be more involved and positive towards what it has to offer them and perhaps the Scout masters could assist with this communication.

Mrs Henwood, Borough Councillor, advised she had attended the licensing meeting this month. Nothing further to report.

POLICY & RESOURCES COMMITTEE

2754. FINANCE

The following cheques were approved for payment:

CHEQUES DRAWN AT APRIL 2008 PC MEETING

165.00	Post Office Ltd	Bus Tax (1 year) – due 30.4.08
-	S Barnes	Clerks salary
-	S Barnes	Internet contribution
-	S Barnes	Clerks office space/heating
75.00	petty cash
-	R Nelson	Treasurer – book keeping
196.06	HM Revenue & Customs	Tax and NI contributions - Clerk
238.38	Essex County Council	Clerks first pension contribution
481.15	EALC	membership renewal (due June)
140.77	Tann Autos	yearly wheelchair service
1138.00	Kelhatch Press	Publication of Herald magazine
4582.50	Mott Butcher Partnership	Y.Centre proj/structural eng.*
740.25	B A Turner	“ “ “ structural*
375.00	Mark Beaver	“ “ “
1404.13	Daniel Connal Partnership	“ “ “ *
5338.03	Manders & Shaw	“ “ “ qty survey*
32.00	EALC	Clerks minutes & agenda course
134.00	Heatherland Ltd	skip hire (inv.no. 10980)
40.00	Essex Wildlife Trust	yearly membership for P. Council
528.75	Anvil Shutters & Doors	repair of bus garage doors
147.00	Hot & Cold plumbing svcs	Inv. No 59
230.41	Glasdon UK Ltd	2nd order – replacement waste bin
202.04	M D Landscapes	Grass cutting (as listed)
62.86	I C Brindle	lifebuoy & throw line – pond
85.00	R D Potter	Maintenance
56.88	BT Payment services	Office phone bill

* Grant received from ECC (nett of VAT figure)

Payment due in May – for approval

Bus Insurance - (current Insurers premium : £1160.72). Approval agreed.

Receipts:

Clerk confirmed receipt of £250.00 – Full grant allowance for Clerks training.

Clerk confirmed receipt of BACS payment of £26,643.90 from BBC – first half of Parish Precept 2008/09.

Clerk confirmed receipt of balance of ECC grant for Youth Centre Project of £6743.00. Invoices can now be paid as per March minutes.

Clerk confirmed reimbursement from the Blackmore Village Hall of £521.36 for the electricity bill at Blackmore Millennium Park.

Payment:

Nothing to report.

2755. FINANCIAL POWERS

Mrs Nelson then read out the details of the financial reports which having been circulated were an up to date record of the Parish Councils accounts. She confirmed that expenditure was only slightly over budget. Grass cutting was slightly over budget. Salaries were only slightly higher due to the handover period of Parish Clerks.

Mr Bennett proposed, and all agreed that a reserve of £3,000 for the Community mini bus should be set aside in the budgeting so that by 2010 there should be enough funds to replace it then.

Mrs Nelson also advised that the external auditor had been changed from Lubbock Fine to the Audit Commission.

2756. COMMUNITY POLICE MEETING

Meeting scheduled for 3 June 2008 at Fane Hall, Kelvedon Hatch.

2757. COMMUNITY BUS

The Clerk confirmed the bus had been serviced this week and a cost of £29 had been incurred for wiper blades and light bulbs. There was also a recall by Fords to check the rear axle which was checked and proven to be OK.

The Clerk would also ensure the bus will be taxed at the end of April, the cost for this is £165.00.

The Clerk confirmed receipt of the bus insurance renewal from BJK Insurers of £1160.72, which was approved by all.

The Clerk will also contact Anvill Shutters and Doors to obtain the longer winding manual operating handle.

2758. BLACKMORE CENTRE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

It was confirmed by Mr Hall that a leaflet had been hand delivered to every house in the Parish for the ‘buy a brick campaign’ and would be monitored. VAT forms had been passed to Mr Bennett for review and completion.

2759. BLACKMORE SPORTS ARENA - (FORMERLY MUGA)

The Committee meeting took place on 9th April 2008 and the items covered were minuted under the appropriate heading.

Mr Hall advised that PCSO, Susan Payne is looking at hiring the arena (MUGA) to engage and speak with the local youths in the area in the hope this will stop them mis-using the facilities in the future. Mr Keeble reported that children are kicking the balls over the wire fence and climbing into the area to play.

2760. BLACKMORE WEBSITE

There are no problems with the website and it is running OK and being monitored by Mr Giordan. The Clerk will email the correct and current minutes for inclusion.

2761. RURAL HOUSING

Nothing further to report regarding the site of ‘Lathams yard’, which was suggested to Moira Groborz for affordable housing.

2762. MOBILE LIBRARY

Nothing to report.

2763. YOUTHS - BLACKMORE VILLAGE

As covered under item 2759, with nothing further to report.

2764.BRENTWOOD BOROUGH PARISH COUNCIL ASSOCIATION

Nothing to report.

BLACKMORE MILLENNIUM PARK

2765. PROGRESS REPORT

It was agreed that quotations would be sought and John Daldry would draw up plans for improvements to the entrances and gated areas and that the entrance to the village hall car park should be improved and opened up by installing a large double gate next to the kissing gate. Mr Daldry is currently arranging for plans to be drawn up for the entrance to the village hall car park and the proposed 5 bar gate entrance to the field.

There is to be scheduled an earlier meeting to discuss the arrangements and roles and responsibilities for the 2008 fireworks display, sometime in September.

Diary dates:

Blackmore Music Festival – Saturday 12th/Sunday 13th July.

Austin Heeley/motor rally – Saturday 19th July.

Date of next meeting : 11th June 2008 at 8.00pm in the Committee Room of Blackmore Village Hall.

PLANNING COMMITTEE

2766. PLANS

The Planning Committee meeting was held on 7th April 2008 at 3.30pm. The items were dealt with under the appropriate headings as per the minutes circulated.

2767. OUTSTANDING ENFORCEMENT ISSUES

The Clerk will chase BBC for an update on enforcement issues, monthly.

Bluebell Farm - Spriggs Lane – The application for a lawful development certificate has now been refused and consideration is now being given to the most appropriate course of action in respect of the enforcement notice which exists on the property.

Oak Tree Farm, Chelmsford Road, Blackmore, CM4 0PZ – This case is still pending further legal action – It was reported by the Committee that there are now two mobile homes on this site. Mrs Henwood has contacted BBC regarding this and is awaiting an update.

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

A Meeting of the Environment Committee had taken place on 7th April 2008. Attended by Mrs Town, Mrs Smith, Mrs Thomas and Mr Lennon

Apologies – Mr Brown and Mr Dean

2768. DRAINS CLEARANCE & ROAD SWEEPING

Gullies cleared. BBC inform us we may be unable to erect posts on triangle by pond (unsure as to whether this ground belongs to Parish Council or BBC). Clerk has asked BBC to check possibility of this. Drains still blocked at Blacksmiths alley.

2769. VILLAGE SPEED

Clerk has written to BBC to inspect and assess possible damage to the bridge at Blackmore, by the pond, caused by HGV’s.

2770. ALLOTMENTS

Still looking for suitable site. Mr Gaymer assisting.

2771. MOPED RIDERS

Monitoring

2772. PARKING - BLACKMORE VILLAGE

Notice has been up in excess of 3 weeks as stated by BBC. Clerk to chase for work.

2773. “CATS EYES”

Still not done - Clerk continues to chase for response but is told still no budget.

2774. VANDALISM

Monitoring

2775. POND

Mr Hall confirmed we have received a grant of £9,000 and in the process of applying for a further grant of £9,500, which has to be submitted next week. Mr Hall thinks we should have decision for final grant by mid June, but work orders would have to be placed now to dig it out. Mr Hall proposed we place the work orders and if we are not successful with the grant, the work would have to be re-evaluated, perhaps to complete one pond in the interim. This was agreed and the Clerk is to contact Mrs Town and Mr Smith to proceed. The lifebelt and throwing line has been passed to Mrs Town and Mr Brown to erect a post to house it once the pond work completed.

2776. YELLOW LINES (CHURCH STREET)

Mr Hulse to include in his April budget – resurfacing rough ground. Awaiting reply from Mr Hulse. The Clerk has chased Mr Lawrence this week.

2777. POST - SOAP HOUSE CORNER

Ray Potter attending.

2778. VILLAGE GREEN - (DIP)

Awaiting J Sharpe to attend.

2779. NOTICEBOARDS

Ray Potter refurbished all notice boards and will repair the leaking Tipps Cross notice board. The Clerk advised she did not appear to have the key for the fishing notice board by the pond and would ask Ray Potter to remove the old padlock and replace with a new one which she will give him. The notice board at Blackmore requires the inside of the glass to be cleaned and will ask Ray Potter to deal with.

2780. MILL LANE HEDGE

Mr Hulse, BBC confirmed this field and hedging was carried out by the private landowner and therefore not the responsibility of the Council.

2781. DOG BIN - FANTAILS

BBC phoned the Clerk to say they had a problem locating the overflowing dog waste bin. The Clerk gave directions and it was cleaned the same day. Awaiting notification of cost to the Parish Council.

2782. HOLE – CHURCH STREET

Mr Hulse, BBC reported that this had been inspected and found to be a minor defect and not dangerous but agreed to repair next few weeks. Monitor.

2783. TIPPS CROSS – CROSS ROADS (HEDGE)

Mr Hulse, BBC thinks this work has now been completed and will check.

2784. ROAD SIGNS –HOOK END LANE/BLACKMORE ROAD

All work completed as requested.

2785. MEADOW RISE – (GRASS SEEDING)

Mr Hulse confirmed this is scheduled next few weeks. Monitor.

2786. BUS SHELTERS

Clerk confirmed response from Mr Hulse, BBC regarding this. He said that a suitable location would need to be agreed with the highway authority, the Parish should then consult with surrounding properties for comments before proceeding. Mr Hulse is happy to meet with the Parish Council should we require.

Clerk to contact Essex County Council for permission to move bus stop.

2787. BUS SEAT – HOOK END ROAD

Ray Potter has the wood and is replacing the wooden seat which was stolen.

HERALD MAGAZINE

2788. NEXT EDITION

Mr Smith advised that the magazine is going well and payments, with the exception of a few December invoices, have now been received but he is confident of receiving most, if not all payments. Mr Smith is monitoring this as some were new advertisers and whoever does not settle will no longer be allowed to advertise. The deadline for the next publication is Sunday 20th April 2008.

Mr Smith advised PCSO, Susan Payne had advised she had been using the speed gun in the Parish and had sent out over 40 letters to speeding offenders, all of whom were from within the Parish.

Mr Smith asked if he could accept advertising for houses for sale in the Parish. This was agreed to be acceptable with the provision the magazine would not be over-run with this type of advertisement in the future.

RECREATION COMMITTEE

A meeting of the Recreation Committee had taken place on 8th April 2008 at Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall. Attended by Mr. Hall, Chairman, Mr Keeble, Mr Bennett and Mrs Stran.

Apologies: Mr Dean

2789. TED MARRIAGE RECREATION FIELD

Spring Animal - Ray Potter to remove spray paint by vandals. Clerk had emailed Ray Potter, pending action.

2790. MILL LANE PLAY AREA

External Fence – The fence near the junction of Hook End Road and Hay Green Lane had been damaged by a car and Clerk liaising with driver’s insurers HSBC. Ray Potter had submitted repair quotation which the Clerk has passed to the insurers, pending settlement.

2791. WALTER HOBBS RECREATION FIELD

Football Pitches - Plans for longer term - Pitches to be sanded. Grant received from Essex Initiative Scheme to cover this. Catch board fence to be erected when grant from Football Foundation is confirmed.

Waste Bins- Both bins now delivered with Ray Potter and pending installation.

Arson Incident – Clerk had received response from Essex Police Headquarters requesting the crime reference numbers which the Clerk has obtained from Susan Payne and forwarded. Pending information back on the youth’s details.

Replacement slide – Installation of new slide is scheduled around the beginning of May. Ted Hall will be present to guide. Ray Potter to be advised by Clerk of installation date so he can be present to install safety ‘matting’.

Field External Fence – There are two serious gaps in the external fencing. One behind the aerial runway (approx. 8ft x 4ft) and the other in the back corner of the field, adjacent to Service Lane (approx. 4ft x 4ft). Ray Potter to be asked to inspect and provide an estimate for cost of reinstatement. Clerk has asked Ray Potter to inspect and provide an estimate for cost of reinstatement.

Risk Report:

Spring Animal – Waiting re-painting in the spring. Clerk has reminded Ray Potter. Pending completion.

CLERK’S REPORT

2792. MEETING DATES

Planning	28.04.08	3.30pm	Crossehouse, B’more
Recreation	06.05.08	7.00pm	Tipps Cross R. Hall
Environment	01.05.08	7.30pm	Crossehouse, B’more
Tipps X Management AGM	13.05.08	8.00pm	Tipps Cross R Hall
Annual Assembly Meeting	15.05.08	7.00pm	Tipps Cross R Hall
Parish Council AGM	15.05.08	7.30pm	Tipps Cross R Hall
Community Police Meeting	03.06.08	8pm	Fane Hall, K. Hatch

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

2793. BUS SHELTERS – NO SMOKING SIGNS

Mrs Smith advised that our ‘no smoking’ signs we placed in all the bus shelters are constantly being removed by vandals. This is an ongoing concern and we are considering an alternative solution.

2794. BUS SHELTER – TIPPS CROSS

It was reported that a wooden slat had been broken and the Clerk requested to ask Ray Potter to repair.

2795. DUMPING - HOOK END ROAD

It was reported that several mounds of soil and builders waste had been dumped in the hedgerow and grass clearing opposite ‘Sunrise’, Hook End Road. This is in addition to the long-standing trailer/container which had previously been dumped in the same location. The Clerk will speak with BBC and ask they inspect the area and give a decision as to solution to stop future tipping here as it is suspected the builders renovating the house opposite are depositing waste there.

2796. SAPLINGS PLANTED IN FIELD – WYATTS GREEN

The Clerk had contacted the Land Registry office for further information. Mr Hall had provided map reference numbers for the field’s location to do this. The Clerk had spoken to both BBC and the Land registry and it was established that whilst they could provide details of ownership of the field it would not show up any plans for the site. BBC confirmed to date, no plans had been submitted and could not assist us at this stage. It was agreed that the planning committee would look out for any future plans submitted and comments would have to be made within the usual two week period at that time so at this stage, the cost to carry out a search would prove fruitless. Monitor.

There being no further business, the Meeting closed at 9.30 pm.

 

 

 

URL: http://www.blackmorevillage.co.uk/