Minutes - December 2006

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

Held on Thursday, 14 December, 2006 in the Committee Room of the Blackmore Village Hall.

Members present: Mrs. Henwood, Chairman, Mr. Bennett, Mr. Hall, Mr. Keeble, Mr. Lennon, Mrs. Stran, Mrs. Town, Mrs. R. Nelson, Treasurer and Mrs. Mills, Parish Clerk.

Ann Naylor, Essex County Councillor, Terry Smith - Editor Herald Magazine, Mr. Tytherleigh of the Citizens Advice Bureau and one member of the public were also present.

 

Apologies for absence were received from Mr. Brown, Mr. Dean, Mr. Marr, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Thomas

The Minutes of the previous Meeting, having been circulated, were signed as a correct record with one alteration:

Item 1792 - It was agreed that Mr. Marr should prepare a letter for the Clerk to send to Mr. McLintock, Chief Executive of Brentwood Borough Council with regard to the unsatisfactory way the Planning Department had dealt with two applications - Balihi, Hook End Road and 20 Meadow Rise and his recent attendance at the Planning Committee Meeting.

 

MEETING ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Tytherleigh of the Brentwood Citizens Advice Bureau advised that they would like to give assistance to our Parishioners in completing Benefit Applications. There are many people who are in great needs of benefit support but do not know how to make an application. The CAB have secured a Grant for this service which will be launched in April 2007 and seek the help of the Parish Council with regard to advertising and venues for the proposed surgeries.

It was agreed that Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall could be used and the Clerk will contact the Baptist Church to ask if they would be prepared to allow use of a room, the Baptist Church being more central than the Village Hall. Notices will be placed on the Parish Boards and Mr. Smith will enter an item in the March Magazine.

Mr. Tytherleigh advised that home visits can be arranged. .

 

CORRESPONDENCE

•  ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL COUNCILS

The following item had been received from the above:

“The Funding Game & How to Win It” - Course to be held on 1.3.07 - Agreed Mrs. Henwood and Mr. Hall to attend.

•  SOCIETY OF LOCAL COUNCIL CLERKS

Clerk advised that the Annual Subscription to the above is due but as she is to retire at the end of July she did not think it should be renewed. Meeting asked that Clerk enquire if the membership is transferable to new Clerk, if this is possible then it should be renewed otherwise left to the new Clerk.

•  LOCAL GOVERNMENT INTERNATIONAL BUREAU

Clerk reported that an invitation had been received to the roadshow - “From localism to globalism - East of England, Europe and the wider world” - Venue County Hall, Chelmsford - 19.1.07. Noted by members.

 

BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORTS

Ann Naylor, Essex County Councillor and Mrs. Henwood, Borough Councillor reported on items relating to the Parish.

POLICY & RESOURCES COMMITTEE

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

1831. FINANCE

The following cheques were approved for payment:

£2.26 Three Valley Water - Blackmore Rec. Field
£10.79 Three Valley Water - War Memorial
£183.30 H.J. Looker - Christmas Lights
£170.63 BBC - Inspection of Play Areas
£129.00 Heatherland - Skip Hire
£1186.75 Adventure Playgrounds - Repair of Aerial Runway and replace swing seats.
£98.34 A to Z Supplied - Materials
£464.13 Town & Country Landscapes - Trees Horsefayre Green - Ditch x 2 Green Lane - Area at Outings Lane.
£575.84 A.G.P. Electrical Services - Xmas lights
£5875.00 P.M.D. Construction - Tipps Cross Extensions - £5000 plus VAT - which we will get refund on.
£371.50 R.D. Potter - Maintenance Contract
£34.09 R.D. Potter - Expenses
£- Mrs. R. Nelson - Treasurer - Accounting of Parish Books
£- Mrs. D. Mills - One months salary - includes rent of Parish Office
£- Mrs. D. Mills - Heating & Lighting Allowance
£9.00 Mrs. D. Mills - Contribution to Broadband.
£239.02 Essex County Council - Pension Payment
£209.07 Inland Revenue - Tax taken from Clerk's salary
£95.10 Petty Cash - Includes wine & mincepies - TX & Parish Meetings.
£1027.00 Kelhatch Press - Mag. Print - August
£1010.00 Kelhatch Press - Mag print - Dec.
£40.00 EALC - Course Fee - 1.3.07

Mr. Hall asked if we had received payment for the wands sold at the Firework Display - Mr. Keeble advised that this is in hand.

1832. FINANCIAL POWERS

Mrs. Nelson read to the meeting details of the Parish Accounts to the end of the month.

It was agreed that a P & R Meeting will be held on 8 January 2007 to discuss the Council's budget for the forthcoming year. All Chairman of Committees and past and present Council Chairman to attend.

1833. COMMUNITY POLICE MEETING

Nothing to report.

1834. COMMUNITY BUS

Mr. Hall reported that he had spoken to the roller door people and they have agreed not to charge us for the new motor which had been installed following the repair to the roller door. We will just pay the labour charge.

1835. BLACKMORE CENTRE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

New plans being drawn up - Parish Council's approval to be sought before presentation to BBC Planners.
An appeal to be made by ECC to the Secretary of State with regard to the application for development of the Old School site.

1836. MULTI GAMES AREA

Clerk reported that an amended Invoice had been received from Doe Sport Limited for the first application payment in the amount of £44,363.00 plus £7,764.40 VAT - payment to be made by 8.1.07 at the latest. They also enclosed amended copies of their Conditions of Contract which should be completed and returned.

The Clerk reported that Mr. Lucas had sent to her the paperwork for the Public Works Loan Board application approved, he states, by the Council members in October of up to a maximum loan of £34,000. Clerk was not aware of this agreement and had passed to Mr. Bennett for him to pursue.

Mr. Bennett stated that Mr. Lucas's statement was incorrect, no agreement had been made, the Parish Council had however, indicated that they would offer support in an application to the Public Works Loan Board. He had spent two days sorting out the application which then is required to be authenticated by Essex Association of Local Councils - Joy Sheppard had already been contacted with regard to the refund of the VAT, she indicates that this is possible if the Parish Council are the Custodian Trustees of the Hall.

Mr. Bennett reported that on investigation the loan amount required is £24,000 not £34,00 as indicated.

Mr. Hall proposed acceptance of the application for a loan of £24,000 to the Public Works Loan Board, seconded by Mrs. Henwood. All agreed.

Mrs. Town asked how this will affect the Parish Council. Mr. Hall stated the only affect will be to our borrowing powers, nothing else.

Mr. Bennett stated that the Parish Council should have some input in the MUGA and therefore a sub committee should be formed.

1837. BLACKMORE WEBSITE

A letter had been received from Mr. Bruno Giordan, following his attendance at the last Parish Council Meeting he had looked at the work required to support a website . A lot of work would be involved to set up a website initially but the maintenance would not be a major problem. However he would question whether it is in the interest of the Parish Council to have a separate site.

After some discussion it was agreed that Mr. Bruno, who was present at the meeting, would contact the existing Blackmore website with a view to the Parish Council being able to use this site. He will report back.

1838. RURAL HOUSING

Mrs. Town had still not been able to contact the Rural Housing Enabler but would continue to telephone her.

1839. MOBILE LIBRARY

Clerk had written as instructed - no response as yet.

1840. YOUTHS - BLACKMORE VILLAGE

Ann Naylor advised that a special meeting was to take place with regard to evening buses for youngsters which will enable visits to neighbouring towns.

1841. BRENTWOOD BOROUGH PARISH COUNCIL ASSOCIATION

Nothing further to report.

1842. VACANCY - PARISH COUNCILLOR

It was agreed that Clerk should advise Jim Stevens, Elections Officer at BBC that Stuart Lucas has resigned and will leave the Parish Council at the end of the year. The position will then be advertised and if there are no nominations the Council will be permitted to co-opt a new member.

1843. CLERK'S RETIREMENT

Clerk reported that there had been no applicants, to date, for the position of Parish Clerk.

 

BLACKMORE MILLENNIUM PARK

1844. PROGRESS REPORT

A Meeting of the Millennium Park Committee had not taken place during the month.

Clerk reported that the Village Hall Booking Secretary has asked when the Parish Council would like to book the Hall for the Firework Display next year - Agreed 3.11.07. Clerk to advise accordingly.

 

PLANNING COMMITTEE

Meeting of the Planning Committee had taken place on 16 November, 2006 - attended by Mr. Marr, Chairman, Mrs. Town, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Stran and Mrs. Thomas. Apologies from Mr. Dean and Mr. Brown.

1845. PLANS

The plans considered at the above meetings were discussed.

The Clerk reported that Mr. Marr had, as requested, composed a letter to Mr. McLintock, Chief Executive, in respect of his treatment at the recent Planning Committee Meeting and with regard to the applications - Balihi and 20 Meadow Rise. A reply is awaited.

Coach House - Church Street Mrs. Henwood reported that she had chased Planning Department about a response to the resident of Church Street. Nothing heard.

1846 . OUTSTANDING ENFORCEMENT ISSUES

The Clerk read to the Meeting a letter that had been received from Mr. Bruno Giordan, following his attendance at the last Parish Council meeting where the possible outsourcing of the Brentwood Planning Department was discussed, he raised several points with regard to this but in conclusion wished to strongly recommend that it is opposed if it becomes an active discussion point within the Council.

Plot 1 - Chelmsford Road - Nothing further heard.

Plot 2 - Chelmsford Road - Nothing further heard

Plot 3 - Chelmsford Road - Nothing further heard.

Bluebell Farm - Spriggs Lane - Notice of Appeal was heard at the Council Offices on 14 December 2006 at Town Hall, Brentwood. Decision awaited.

Conifers - Hook End Road - Property has now been sold - remove from Agenda.

Clerk reported that she had, as instructed, written to Mr. Keane reminding him that he had given assurance that we would be kept updated on a monthly basis on outstanding Enforcement items. Also to make him aware of the comments of Alice Lucas that we should obtain such information from the Weekly Report. Reply still awaited.

Chitrals - Wyatts Green Road - Notice of Appeal had been received in respect of demolition of existing building together with the residential development of the site - Comments to be submitted by 26.12.06. Meeting did not wish to comment.

A copy of a letter submitted to BBC by Mr. Ken Bennett was available for inspection in respect of the recent Balihi planning application.

1847. PROPOSED ORANGE BASE STATION - COPYHOLD FARM

Nothing further to report.

 

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

A Meeting of the Environment Committee had not taken place due to illness.

1848. DRAINS CLEARANCE & ROAD SWEEPING

Nothing to report.

1849. THREE VALLEYS WATER

Nothing to report.

1850. VILLAGE SPEED

Nothing to report.

1851. VERGES - MEADOW RISE

Mrs. Henwood, at the recent Meeting with BBC, had raised the problems still being experienced with verges in Meadow Rise. They suggest planting trees - residents not keen on this idea.

1852. ESTATE AGENTS BOARDS

Clerk reported that a letter had been received from the Planning Department stating that, further to recent telephone conversations, they had now written to the Estate Agents who display their boards for local events, reminding them of the rules when displaying the boards.

1853. STABLE YARD ACCESS

Clerk reported that details had been received from BBC of the Restriction of Waiting Amendment Order with regard to the Disabled Bay, The Green, Blackmore. Further action is awaited.

1854. ALLOTMENTS

Mr. Lennon gave a progress report.

1855. XMAS LIGHTS

Mr. Pavitt had displayed lights - he advises that if we require them to be higher in the trees we would have to hire a cherry-picker. He asks where he should store the spare lights - agreed an be kept in Barney's Store. It will be necessary to remove the connecting cables between the trees - agreed he should arrange this. We are also happy for the lights to remain connected to the Leather Bottle if Mr. Wallace is happy with this.

1856. MOPED RIDERS

Nothing further to report.

1857. PARKING - BLACKMORE VILLAGE

Still no response from BBC - Clerk had written to BBC asking that the yellow lines are reinstated on the junction of Blackmore Road/Blacksmith's Alley.

1858. “ CATS EYES”

Still not done outside Copyhold Farm.

1859. VEHICLE ACTIVATED SIGNS

Mrs. Town to arrange meeting with Mr. Rose. Funding to be discussed at

P & R Meeting in January.

1860. TREES - SERVICE LANE

Nothing heard.

1861. VANDALISM

Clerk reported that she had written to Eric Pickles MP and Gaynor Sproules of ECC Youth Service as requested.

1862. HOLE - TIPPS CROSS LANE

Nothing to report.

1863. PONDS

Nothing further to report - funding to be discussed at P & R Meeting.

1864. BLACKSMITH'S ALLEY

Clerk reported that she had, as requested, written to BBC about overgrown vegetation.

1865. SIGNPOSTS

Still nothing heard in spite of a further letter being sent.

1866. TREES - HORSEFAYRE GREEN

Done - delete.

1867. YELLOW LINES - CHURCH STREET

Still no response from BBC.

1868. GUNNELL'S CORNER

Work awaited.

1869. PLANTERS ETC

Nothing to report.

1870. SHRUBS - OLD SCHOOL

Nothing heard.

1871. SIGN- BLACKMORE MEAD

Clerk had written. Nothing heard.

1872. VILLAGE GREEN - DEAD TREES

Mrs. Town to speak to J. Sharp.

1873. POST - BULL ALLEY

Mr. Potter to paint.

1874. BUS STOP - SWAN HOUSE

Mrs. Town still to speak to owner of trees.

 

MAGAZINE COMMITTEE

1875. NEXT EDITION

Deadline for March Herald is end of January 2007. Clerk reported that letter had been received from Kelhatch Press advising that their prices will increase from January 2007 ie 64pp - £790 - increasing by £30 for extra 4 pages. Agreed.

 

RECREATION COMMITTEE

A meeting of the Recreation Committee had taken place on 5 December, 2006, attended by Mr. Hall, Chairman, Mr. Bennett, Mr. Lennon, and Mr. Keeble. Apologies: Mr. Dean and Mrs. Stran.
The Minutes of the Meeting are as follows together with the comments of this Meeting.

1876. TED MARRIAGE RECREATION FIELD

Oak Trees - Rear of Wyatts Green Lane - Work completed satisfactorily.

Hedges - The hedge next to the fence of the Play Area needs to be trimmed back along the whole length of that one side. Also needs repair to hole in the wire fence, behind the hedge, just beyond the Play Area. Awaiting quote from Mr. Sharp.

Notice - Main Entrance - Sign containing Clerk's details is still loose. Awaiting repair by Mr. Potter. Clerk has reminded by email.

Main Gates - Both gates to the field need inspection and making secure. Gate latch is missing at Wyatts Green Road and locking nut is missing at Wyatts Green Lane entrance. Still awaiting action by Mr. Potter.

Play Area Fencing - Hole in wire in the rear fence of the Play Area (now about a foot wide), still awaiting repair. Clerk has reminded Mr. Potter yet again.

Silver Birch - Dead tree has been removed.

Trailer - There is a trailer in the hedge, in the far corner of the field behind the dog bin. Mr. Potter has been asked to remove.

Spring Animal - Has been sprayed with yellow paint. Clerk to ask Mr. Potter to clean.

1877. MILL LANE PLAY AREA

Nothing to report.

1878. WALTER HOBBS RECREATION FIELD

Football Pitches - Plans for longer term - Total cost will be over £14000. Parish Council or another source would need to provide half the cost, as Football Foundation will only provide matching grants. Grant application has to be made soon if work is to be ordered and carried out before next season. P & R to discuss..

Benches (2) - Two seats still awaiting repair. Clerk has reminded Mr. Potter yet again.

Aerial Runway - Completed satisfactorily.

Hexagonal Swing - Work completed.

Aerial Runway Area - Still awaiting fence repair and cleansing by Mr. Potter.

1879. TIPPS CROSS REMEMBRANCE HALL

Nothing to report.

 

•  ESSEX AMBULANCE SERVICE

Clerk reported that a letter had been received from the above in response to her letter. The East of England Ambulance Service has purchased Fire Service Preferred Padlocks for every front line vehicle with the Essex locality. It is therefore hoped that access to the recreational areas within our Parish will no longer be a problem to their crews.

 

CLERK'S REPORT

1881. COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Planning 8.1.07 3.30pm 60 Orchard Piece

P & R 8.1.07 7.00pm Tipps Cross R. Hall

Recreation 9.1.07 7.00pm Tipps Cross

Tipps Cross M.C. 9.1.07 8pm Tipps Cross R.H.

Environment 10.1.07 7.30pm Crossehouse

Millennium Park 24.1.06 8pm BVH

 

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Nothing to report.

 

There being no further business, the Meeting closed at 10.15pm.

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