Minutes - December 2007

Held on Thursday, 13TH December, 2007 – 7.30pm in the Committee Room of Blackmore Village Hall.

Members present: Mrs Barnes (Parish Clerk), Mr Bennett, Mr Giordan, Mr Hall (Vice Chairman), Mrs Henwood (Chairman), Mr Keeble, Mr Lennon, Mrs Nelson (Treasurer), Mrs Thomas, Mrs Town.

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

Apologies for absence were received from Mr Brown, Ann Naylor, Susan Payne, Police Community Support Officer (P.C.S.O), Mrs Smith, Mrs Stran.

AMENDMENTS

The minutes of the previous meeting, having been circulated, were signed as a correct record with the following amendments:

2496 - Should read Hook End Lane not Road.

2525 – Under Football pitches – P.L.T - Letter sent to Cricket Club rather than Football grounds man.

2525 – Should have deleted (i) “Multiplay” and replace with (i) Arson Incident B.11 07.

OPEN FORUM

No members of the public were present for an Open Forum.

CORRESPONDENCE

Marie Curie had written to ask whether the Parish Council would take a box of daffodils next March. Mrs Town will ask the Blackmore Post Office whether they would like to take up this opportunity.

Notice boards – The Clerk had received a brochure with details of heavy-duty notice boards; she will obtain prices.

Minibus Club – information received about a bus insurance company; the Clerk will request a quote after ensuring that they are a bona-fide company backed by Lloyds of London. A copy of their standard policy should also be obtained. EALC have notified the Clerk of their new contact details. These are available for Councillors, if required.

Essex County Council has provided details of community funds/grants available. Copies were given to Mr Keeble and Mr Hall. Mr Keeble was asked to complete the form if it was of interest.

Shaws have notified the Clerk of available forms, records and registers if required by local Councils. It was confirmed that the previous Parish Council minutes have now been bound, are being copied, in part, by Mr Giordan and will be reviewed for the Herald by Mr Terry Smith prior to lodging at the Essex Records Office.

BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORTS

Mrs Henwood reported on the Brentwood Borough Council’s plans to introduce sub-committees, which will have the benefit of involving more interested people. In addition, changes are planned in the organisation/location of various Council departments at the Town Hall. It is intended that departments will be located in a more practical manner, with more open-plan areas. Mr Bennett commented that it was not so long ago that the committees were being stream-lined and reduced in numbers. However, Mrs Henwood reported that the Council considered that an expansion of involvement in the committees would be beneficial and more efficient. The planning meeting in January 2008 will include the plans for the Blackmore Old School.

POLICY & RESOURCES COMMITTEE

The Clerk reported that Blackmore Cricket and Football club rents have been received, in the sum of £1,625.

2531. FINANCE

The following cheques were approved for payment:

CHEQUES DRAWN AT DECEMBER 2007 PC MEETING

£-	Clerks salary
£-	Clerk - office allowance, heating, electricity, rent etc
£-	Clerk - Broadband contribution
£236.48	HM Revenue and Customs - Tax and NI - S Barnes
£-	R.Nelson - Book keeping
£ 30.00	S.L.C.C. – Annual clerks membership
£1168.00	Kelhatch Press – Herald mag. Publication
£145.12	BT Payment services
£ 14.29	Three Valleys Water - @ Blackmore War Memorial
£134.00	Heatherland Ltd – Blackmore skip hire
£1545.12	Town & Country Ltd – Ted Marriage Rec. field, Green Lane ditch, Outings lane junction.
£440.63	A Smith grass services – spreading of cockle shells at Millennium field
£247.38	R D Potter – services against Invoice No. TOJ2007/033.
£ 25.20	Three Valleys Water – playing field at Blackmore
£ 78.96	Pest Patrol Ltd – 2nd mole treatment at Mill Lane Play area
£101.50	A to Z Supplies – Tipps X provisions and replacement 1st aid.
£ 75.00	Petty cash
£876.70	Tipps X R Hall – cheque from post office made payable to Blackmore Parish Council in error

Receipts:

As mentioned under Policy & Resources Committee above.

Payment:

Nothing to report

2532. FINANCIAL POWERS

The Parish Accounts for November 2007 were issued and reviewed by the meeting. Mr Bennett queried why the income of £1,600 re the MUGA was not included; Mrs Nelson confirmed that this was currently being kept outside of the Parish accounts as it was related to the MUGA but this will be corrected for the future.

It was agreed the subject of precept and the consideration to raise funds through Council tax is to be discussed at the next P&R meeting. The Policy & Resources meeting was scheduled for Monday 7th January 2008 at 3.00 p.m. at Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall.

2533. COMMUNITY POLICE MEETING

The meeting on 20th November 2007 was attended by Mr Keeble and Mrs Town. It was reported that the meeting was not very satisfactory.

The Clerk will write to the Brentwood Chief of Police to stress that with the closure of Kelvedon Hatch police department, the P.C.S.O will have to commute from Chelmsford to Brentwood Police Station which will waste a huge part of her time. In addition, the two PC’s formerly at Kelvedon Hatch have been reduced by one, cutting the local resources by 50%.

2534. COMMUNITY BUS

It was noted that there are a couple of scratches on the rear wheel-arches but they are not too significant. There were no other points to report.

2535. BLACKMORE CENTRE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Ursula Morhall of Brentwood Borough Council (BBC) had previously stated that the Parish Council would receive £80,000 from the sale of the former Youth Centre and Library.

Mrs Henwood reported that she had received an email from Ruth Gray of BBC, asking for the details of the Chair of the Parish Council and his address. Mrs Henwood had responded confirming that as the Parish Council’s costs for a new Youth Centre had increased at least three-fold since this project had commenced, then BBC should guarantee that the Parish Council should receive a larger amount of money from the sale. The Parish Council authorised Mrs Henwood to negotiate this on it’s behalf.

2536. BLACKMORE SPORTS ARENA - (FORMERLY MUGA)

The next Committee meeting is scheduled for 23rd January 2008. Mr Keeble reported that the sports arena was well-attended and proving very successful. If this situation continues, it should be possible to repay the loan to the Council at an earlier date although it was acknowledged that this might not be the best course of action for the Parish Council.

2537. BLACKMORE WEBSITE

Mrs Henwood regretted that she had not been able to give an update to Mr Giordan as promised; this would be done as soon as possible. The Clerk will email accurate up to date copy of the minutes for inclusion.

2538. RURAL HOUSING

No update. Still being looked at by Moira Groborz. It was noted that rumours were circulating that the plot of land which the Council had identified for this purpose may be under offer to a private individual/builder. Representation will be made to BBC that this is an ideal site for affordable housing.

2539. MOBILE LIBRARY

Nothing to report. Mr Giordan reported that the schedule for 2008 is now available.

2540. YOUTHS - BLACKMORE VILLAGE

It was reported that there has been very little trouble with youths in the village over the past few weeks. Mr Hall reported that there had been three burglaries in the village during the past 24 hours.

It was agreed that the Clerk would write to the new Chief Inspector at Brentwood Police Station asking for a proposed course of action and an update on the problem of speeding, moped and quad bikes in the Parish. The Clerk also advised of an email from Susan Payne confirming she had visited the parents of the youths reported to be speeding on mopeds in the Parish and the parents had confiscated the mopeds from the youths.

2541. BRENTWOOD BOROUGH PARISH COUNCIL ASSOCIATION

Mr Hall reported that this meeting was virtually worthless; it has developed simply into a “talking shop” with no decisions being made. As this is a cost to the Parish Council, serious consideration should be given to cancelling the Council’s membership in 2008.

Mr Bennett commented that the decision to reduce the discretionary grant over the next five years has impacted on this meeting, as this had previously been a major lobbying issue. It was difficult for the parishes to reach agreement on other matters as each parish had different agenda/requirements.

Mr Bennett had reminded Brandon Lewis about the commitment to review the discretionary grant arrangements but nothing had yet been forthcoming from this.

Mr Giordan suggested that one possible solution might be that the whole of the Parish precept could be raised from the Parish, giving the Parish the ability to decide on allocation of monies raised. Following discussion, it was determined that this was not a practical route for the Parish Council to follow.

Mr Hall remarked that if the central Brentwood ratepayers were unable to afford a rate increase, it was unrealistic to expect the Blackmore parishioners to pay significantly higher rates.

BLACKMORE MILLENNIUM PARK

2542. PROGRESS REPORT

Mr Keeble reported that the cockleshells had been spread on the paths. However, more shells would have been better and for future records, approximately 35 cubic metres were required for this job. Mr Keeble reported that the removal of the debris from the fireworks display and bonfire has been completed.

PLANNING COMMITTEE

2543. PLANS

The Clerk read out a letter received from BBC stating that despite a previous commitment made by Brian Keen, BBC monthly updates on enforcements could not be given due to lack of resources at BBC. However, specific matters could be raised with Alice Bloom of the Planning Department and general information on what had been done was available from the weekly list. The Clerk was asked to contact BBC prior to the next planning meeting on 14 January 2008, to establish progress on outstanding enforcements.

Coach House – building works are underway, with the intention of fulfilling the published plans.

Mr Giordan commented that some of the walls around the Priory are leaning in a potentially dangerous manner.

Mrs Town reported that she had spoken to the owner of the bungalow on the Village Green, near the pond. The owner, Mr Brown, stated that he was keeping the bungalow for his son. This situation will be carefully monitored.

2544. OUTSTANDING ENFORCEMENT ISSUES

Poppy House, Chelmsford Road, Blackmore, CM4 0SD - Nothing to report.

Bluebell Farm - Spriggs Lane – Further plans had been submitted and received by Clerk, who had passed to Mr Marr for discussion at next Planning meeting.

Oak Tree Farm, Chelmsford Road, Blackmore, CM4 0PZ – Outcome still pending from BBC.

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

A Meeting of the Environment Committee had taken place on 3 December 2007. Attended by Mrs Town (Chairman), Mrs Smith, Mrs Thomas, Mr Dean

Apologies - Mr Lennon, Mr Brown

2545. DRAINS CLEARANCE & ROAD SWEEPING

Monitoring.

2546. VILLAGE SPEED

Still waiting for speed strips. Clerk has written to the Police at Brentwood and BBC regarding the complaint and concerns raised regarding the increase of HGV’s and lorries passing through the village. The concern has been raised of potential damage which could be caused to the bridge at Blackmore.

2547. ALLOTMENTS

The Council is still looking for a suitable field. The Clerk to contact Mr Marriage regarding renting of part of the set-aside field opposite to St Lawrence Gardens. Mr Marriage’s details may be available from Stuart Jennings, Ivy Crawford or Diane Mills. Clerk will contact them.

2548. MOPED RIDERS

Moped riders still riding up and down Church Street and meeting in village hall car park and speeding through the Parish. Clerk has written to the Police regarding this.

2549. PARKING - BLACKMORE VILLAGE

Clerk spoken to Chris Brimley, BBC to accept proposal as outlined.

2550. “CATS EYES”

Still not done - Clerk continues to chase for response.

2551. VANDALISM

Ray Potter mending broken seat on village green and broken post and chains on Horsefayre Green.

2552. POND

The second silt analysis report has now been received. The Environment Committee will contact Mr J Gaymer regarding silt disposal.

2553. YELLOW LINES (CHURCH STREET)

No parking notices had been displayed in Church Street. Mrs Town had established that the bottom end of Church Street (next to the church) was owned by the Borough Council. Mrs Town will contact them regarding improving and then maintaining this area to an acceptable standard (the road surface of which is disgraceful).

2554. GUNNELL’S CORNER - BANK

Clerk had spoken to BBC as path not wide enough for wheelchair access and reported complaints of the danger to wheelchair users. The Clerk confirmed an inspection had been carried out by Tom Hayes, BBC on 7.12.07 and he said that this had previously been mapped out but the work was overlooked. It is now on the system again and will be done in the next 2-3 weeks. Being monitored.

2555. POST - SOAP HOUSE CORNER

Clerk has emailed Ray Potter; he is aware and will attend.

2556. VILLAGE GREEN - (DIP)

Mrs Town has contacted J Sharp. He will fill as soon as he has soil.

2557. NOTICEBOARDS

The Clerk had reminded Ray Potter about repairs to the notice boards but due to illness, this work has not been completed. The Clerk will tidy up the notice boards, using both the fronts and backs. Consideration will be given to new notice boards where the existing ones are in particularly bad condition (i.e. Wyatts Green).

2558. SERVICE LANE – DOG FOULING

Ray Potter is aware a sign is required saying ‘please clean up after your dog’ as he may stock spares. It was reported by Committee that the problem has been noticeably better since the mention in the Herald Magazine. To be monitored.

2559. RURAL POST OFFICES

Being monitored until early 2008 for any updates.

2560. MILL LANE HEDGE

Whilst BBC has now cut the hedge at Mill Lane, Mr Dean reported that this job had left a lot of debris in the area. The Clerk will chase BBC to complete the job as it only appears half done, making a level cut and take away the rubbish. BBC has cut the hedge alongside the alleyway in Jericho Place. The hedge was cut to about 4 foot high, leaving a clear view into the gardens adjacent to the path which was not deemed as suitable.

2561. DOG BIN - FANTAILS

New bin still with Ray Potter for positioning. Clerk will chase.

2562. HOLE – CHURCH STREET

Mrs Town received a complaint from Mr D Lee, Shaw Cottage, Church Street, Blackmore. Hole has been left by the Gas Board which has not been re-filled. The Clerk has tried speaking with Gas Board to no avail. Without a reference number, department contact or date works completed it is impossible to trace. Mrs Town not even sure if Gas Board responsible. Clerk to obtain Mr Lee’s contact details and will speak to him for information. The Clerk has endeavoured to find out more details from Mr Lee and if nothing further is received from him, it was agreed that this item will be removed from the agenda.

2563. ALLEYWAY – ORCHARD PIECE/FINGRITH HALL ROAD

Weeds very high along both sides of alleyway between Fingrith Hall Road and Orchard Piece. The Clerk had again written to BBC this week so will chase.

2564. SEAT - BLACKMORE VILLAGE BUS STOP

Plastic seats too low. Ray Potter to construct wooden seat and coat with preservative. Clerk will email Ray Potter environment minutes for action.

2565. LOOSE KERBSTONE - ORCHARD PIECE

Clerk had written to BBC requesting re-instating, awaiting response. Clerk will chase for response.

2566. LIFEBELTS – (POND)

The Clerk supplied information and costs of lifebelts to Mrs Town.

2567. TIPPS CROSS – CROSS ROADS (HEDGE)

Clerk had written to BBC and will chase as hedge needs trimming on corner of Tipps Cross Lane and Blackmore Road junction, visibility very bad for motorists.

2568. ROAD SIGNS –HOOK END LANE/BLACKMORE ROAD

Clerk to write to BBC to reinstate or repair finger post indicator at junction of Hook End Lane and Blackmore Road as broken. Also bent sign on junction of Wenlocks Lane and Blackmore Road. Also bent sign on Poplar Close.

2569. MEADOW RISE – (GRASS SEEDING)

Clerk will contact BBC (Mr Hulse) requesting seeding of patch of verge opposite to No. 56 Meadow Rise. To be monitored by Mr Pavitt.

2570. AOB - BUS SHELTERS

Mrs Town will review the replacement/renewal of bus shelters. Mr Dean commented that bus shelters were standard throughout the villages.

Next meeting: 7 January 2008 – 7.30pm at Crossehouse, Blackmore.

HERALD MAGAZINE

2571. NEXT EDITION

Mr Smith thanked Mr Dean for distributing the December magazines. He reported that 34 payments for advertisements in the December issue have already been received, which is very satisfactory. The deadline for the March issue is Friday 25th January 2008.

RECREATION COMMITTEE

A meeting of the Recreation Committee had taken place on 4 December 2007 at Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall. Attended by Mr. Hall, Chairman, Mr Bennett, Mr Keeble, Mr Lennon.

Apologies: Mr Dean, Mrs Stran

2572. TED MARRIAGE RECREATION FIELD

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

2573. MILL LANE PLAY AREA

Moles – Second treatment had been carried out on 8 November 2007. Less activity has been reported but Mr Dean will monitor.

Risk Report – Ray Potter was in attendance.

Spring Animal – Ray Potter to clean and re-paint ASAP. Clerk had emailed and will email again in form of copy of minutes.

Junior Swing – Nuts loose. Also brackets on framework, to be blanked off. Clerk had emailed Ray Potter to instruct him to also clean and re-paint them. Clerk will send email as above.

2574. WALTER HOBBS RECREATION FIELD

Football Pitches - Plans for longer term - The Clerk had received a letter from the Cricket Club apologising for various matters which had been drawn to their attention and outlining the actions that had been taken to redress the situation. The Clerk will write and thank the Club for the work they had undertaken and their constructive letter and attention to resolve this, which was much appreciated.

The Committee confirmed that the whole field had been spiked with compressed air (quasi treated). Also a plant grant of £804 had been applied for to cover the cost of trees, whip hedging and planting.

Waste Bins- 2 new bins with Ray Potter, awaiting installation. 1) To replace bin on right hand side of field, and 2) outside play area by dog bin. Clerk emailed reminder and will email recent committee minutes.

Bench – To be removed by Ray Potter. Sited at bottom corner of field at Service Lane side. Clerk had emailed reminder and will email minutes.

Arson Incident – The Police are still investigating the arson at the aerial runway and nearby bin.

Risk Report - Ray Potter was in attendance.

Play Area - Chain link fencing and kick board to be replaced where necessary. Clerk e.mailed Ray Potter and will email minutes.

Spring Animal – Work has been done but still awaiting painting. Clerk will email reminder in form of recreation minutes.

Next meeting : 8 January 2008 - 7.00pm at Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall

CLERK’S REPORT

2575. MEETING DATES

Planning	14.01.08	3.30pm	60 Orchard Piece, Blackmore
Recreation	08.01.08	7.00pm	Tipps Cross R. Hall
Environment	07.01.08	7.30pm	Crossehouse, Blackmore
Tipps Cross Mgmnt	08.01.08	8.00pm	Tipps Cross R Hall
Parish Council	17.01.08	7.30pm	Tipps Cross R Hall
Millennium Pk Mtg	23.01.08	8.00 pm	Blackmore Village Hall

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Mr Bennett reported that a large article on “Anchor Staying Put” had been included in the latest issue of the Brentwood magazine, “Vision”. Related to this, Mrs Henwood reported that at a meeting today, the price for the installation of a step at a local resident’s home was reduced to £225. The Council representatives confirmed that they were undertaking a review of all their contractors. This matter will be reviewed in three month’s time.

2576. XMAS PARTY/NEW YEAR - SUGGESTIONS

The Parish Council New Year meal will be held on 3rd January 2008, 7.00 p.m. for 7.30 p.m. sit-down, at the Bricklayers Arms in Stondon Massey.

2577. CCTV - VILLAGE HALL

Nothing to report in way of update.

2578. DRAINS – OUTSIDE TIPPS CROSS HALL

Mr Hall had previously reported that the drains outside the Remembrance Hall were blocked with acorns and debris since BBC swept the roads recently. The Clerk confirmed she has written to them requesting they unblock them as soon as possible and before heavy rainfall makes the problem worse.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

2579. WASTE BIN – BY BLACKMORE VILLAGE SCHOOL

Mrs Henwood reported she is visiting Mr Graham regarding the position of his waste bin, (revisited) on 14.12.07. A representative is also attending from BBC to try and resolve this matter once and for all.

2580. COMPLAINT – ELM TREE HOUSE, FIRST AVENUE

Mrs Henwood reported: First Avenue – a complaint has been made about non-permitted residential use of stables etc. at the rear of Elm Tree House in First Avenue. The Council have been notified and are monitoring/following up.

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