Minutes - February 2007

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

Held on Thursday, 15 February, 2007 in the Committee Room of the Blackmore Village Hall.

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

Terry Smith - Editor - Herald Magazine and two members of the public were also present.

 

Apologies for absence were received from Mr. Hall and Mrs. Thomas.

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

Item 1887 - Projects a) - Should read “An application for a grant would be made based on a cost of £15,500, not as stated.”

 

MEETING ADJOURNMENT :

Mr. Giordan, in attendance, wished to report on his progress with regard to the Blackmore Website and is reported under Item:

 

CORRESPONDENCE

1944. REVISED MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT FOR LOCAL AUTHORITY MEMBERS

Clerk reported that the above document had been received - passed to Mrs. Town to read and comment.

•  INGATESTONE & FRYERNING PARISH COUNCIL
Email received from above with regard to risk assessments, she wished to compare what we do with theirs - to be investigated.

•  NEW LEGISLATION FOR MOBILE PHONES
Letter from ECC gives new legislation with regard to the use of mobile phones - agreed should be placed on the Website.

•  BRENTWOOD CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE'S STRATEGY
Above document received from Lucy Gill - BBC - passed to Recreation Committee for comment.

1948. CHELMSFORD CATHEDRAL - 27.4.07 - SERVICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Clerk reported that members are invited to attend the above for a special Civic Service at Chelmsford Cathedral at 7.30pm on 27.4.07. Noted.

•  POST OFFICE NETWORK CONSULTATION
Clerk reported that a letter had been received from Postwatch with regard to the above. Chairman to assist Clerk with reply.

•  COUNTY COACHES
Clerk reported that a copy of a letter sent by County Coaches to a person complaining about the speed of school buses being driven in the rural areas had been received and noted.

•  CHILDLINE - RECYCLING OF MOBILE PHONES
Clerk reported that a letter had been received as above. Agreed should be passed for possible inclusion on the Website.

 

BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORTS

Ann Naylor, Essex County Councillor, reported that street lights in the Uttlesford and Maldon area will be turned off between 12 midnight and 5am - it is thought that other areas will follow. Mrs. Henwood stated that she felt that it would be better if the lights were turned off between 1 and 5 am, when there would be less people on the streets.

Mrs. Henwood had nothing to report.

POLICY & RESOURCES COMMITTEE

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

1952. FINANCE

The following cheques were approved for payment:

CHEQUES DRAWN DURING MONTH PRIOR TO MEETING

£32,132.40 Doe Sport - Balance of first invoice for MUGA

CHEQUES DRAWN AT FEBRUARY 2007 P C MEETING

£129.00 Heatherland Ltd - Skip Hire
£36.91 Leather Bottle - Payment for electricity used for Xmas Lights.
£85.32 BBC - Inspection of Play Areas Jan. 07
£14.80 Alans DIY Home Centre - Materials
£85.32 BBC - Inspection of Play Areas Dec'06
£40.00 EALC - Fee for Course to be attended by MH & TH (Original cheque lost in post)
£144.80 BT - Phone bill
£152.00 R.D. Potter - Maintenance work
£12.27 R.D. Potter - Expenses
£- Mrs. D. Mills - Heating & Lighting Allowance
£9.00 Mrs. D. Mills - Contribution to Broadband
£239.02 Essex County Council - Pension Payment
£82.45 Petty Cash - included £38 for postage - Mag Invoices.
£- Mrs. R. Nelson - Treasurer - Accounting of Parish Books
£- Mrs. D. Mills - One months salary - includes rent of Parish Office
£168.11 Inland Revenue - Tax payment taken from Clerk's salary.

•  FINANCIAL POWERS
Mrs. Nelson read to the Meeting details of the Parish Accounts to the end of the month.

1954. COMMUNITY POLICE MEETING

A Meeting had taken place on 1 February at Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall.. It was understood that Mr. Hall had attended and that there was a good attendance.

1955. COMMUNITY BUS

Clerk reported that the bus had been repaired satisfactorily - we had been required to pay £100 excess on the insurance to the Garage repairing the bus. Thanks to Mrs. Thomas who had taken and collected the bus.

1956. BLACKMORE CENTRE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Further meeting had taken place with the Architect, plans to be given to the Structural Engineer for a costing and to ascertain what can be done on the site. John Riley has retired and will be replaced by Gemma Jeffries.

Once the plans are ready there will be a public meeting for parishioners to comment.

Mrs. Henwood reported that this will be a linked project with the Old School application.

1957. MULTI GAMES AREA

Clerk reported that confirmation of the loan from the PWLB had been received and passed to the Treasurer.

A letter had been received from Jody Greenfield, Crime Reduction Officer, Essex Police with regard to the site and the tennis courts hut. Noted by members.

Clerk reported that further Invoices had been received from Doe Sport - Mr. Bennett to ascertain if funds were in place for payment to be made. Clerk advised that she had received a cheque for £20,000 from the Village Hall Committee.

1958. BLACKMORE WEBSITE

Mr. Giordan had presented to the meeting details of his proposals for the Blackmore Website. A copy of the proposals being passed to each member for comment.

Mr. Giordan had spoken to the person who currently compiles the Blackmore Website and he will be happy to include a section for the Parish Council.

It was agreed that members will return their comments to the Clerk within the next two weeks.

1959. RURAL HOUSING

Mrs. Town had still not been able to contact the Rural Housing Enabler. Clerk will try to make contact with her.

1960. MOBILE LIBRARY

Clerk reported that an email had been received from the Library Service. It appears that in spite of 3000 responses to the proposed review of the mobile library they had agreed to reduce the present service. The Clerk giving details of the newly revised criteria.

1961. YOUTHS - BLACKMORE VILLAGE

Problems continue. Graffiti on signs etc. throughout the Parish are being dealt with by PCSO Susan Payne.

1962. BRENTWOOD BOROUGH PARISH COUNCIL ASSOCIATION

Nothing further to report.

1963. VACANCY - PARISH COUNCILLOR

Notices have been displayed. If there has been no request for an election by 13 February, the position can be filled by co-option. The Clerk awaits the contact of the Elections Officer in this respect..

1964. CLERK'S RETIREMENT

Clerk reported that there had now been two applicants for the position of Clerk. It was agreed that applicants will be invited until Easter. After that date interviews will take place.

 

BLACKMORE MILLENNIUM PARK

1965. PROGRESS REPORT

A Meeting of the Millennium Park Committee had taken place on 24 January, 2007, attended by Mr. Keeble, Chairman, Mr. Hall, Mr. Bennett, Dr. Jennings, Mr. Nelson, on behalf of Mrs. Nelson. Apologies from Mr. Daldry.

Clerk was instructed to obtain two quotes for refurbishment of shell paths. Prior to the work being carried out, it was agreed that the weed killing treatment should be carried out - Wrights Farm had quoted £98.00,.

With regard to the Blackmore Youth Centre project, further meetings had taken place - modification to part of the Village Hall complex is considered the best compromise, as well as being a less costly option. It was proposed that the MUGA could also be incorporated into any agreement on the use/availability of the Youth Centre Area. As a matter of principle it was felt that the Scouts should hold the head lease for this particular area.

It was agreed that this years Firework Display should be provisionally booked for 3 November 2007.

PLANNING COMMITTEE

1966. PLANS

Two Notice of Appeals had been received in respect of Landay, Spring Pond Meadow - demolition of detached garage at the side and erection of two no. bedroom bungalow and Former Youth Centre and Library, The Green, Blackmore - Alterations to and change of use of former youth centre to two bedroom dwelling, demolition of former Library and erection of three bedroom dwelling house together with associated works to form garden areas and four parking area.

Mrs. Smith, in attendance at the Meeting, expressed concern about the Former Youth Centre and Library appeal, she said she and her neighbours are very much against the development and asked for the Parish Council's support. In spite of the appeal it was understood that ECC will submit further plans for the site there being a need for a linkage between this and the new Youth Centre application which it is understood is desirable for the likelihood of approval.

Coach House - Church Street - Still no response from BBC.

1967 . OUTSTANDING ENFORCEMENT ISSUES

The Clerk reported that she had received a telephone call from Alice Lucas, BBC Enforcement Officer, she had been a little upset that we had written registering our disapproval at her lack of response to enforcement issues in the Parish. This had been followed by an email in respect of the following:

Plots 1, 2 & 3 - Chelmsford Road - Each plot is subject to a valid enforcement notices, some of the occupiers have previously been prosecuted for non-compliance with the notices. The cases in respect of all three plots are subject to interdepartmental actions and being dealt with under both planning and housing powers and with regard to the Human Rights Act and the personal circumstances of the occupiers. The details of which are treated in confidence by the Council in accordance with the Data Protection Act and the relevant regulations.

No further enforcement notices are required at this time in respect of all three sites as all the necessary notices are already in place.

Bluebell Farm - Spriggs Lane - This appeal was dismissed in January 2007 and therefore planning permission refused. The Case Officer, Bruce Acton, will be producing a report for the weekly list in due course on this decision - a meeting had recently taken place with the applicants and we will be kept informed of the outcome.

Clerk reported that a copy of a letter sent by a resident of Meadow Rise to BBC Planning Department, in respect of damage being caused to the verges in Meadow Rise by Contractors working at 20 Meadow Rise following the granting of planning permission for the extension to the property. He felt that Contractors should be held accountable for reinstatement of the verges.

It was understood that the resident had deposited cones on the affected areas to try to prevent further damage.

Balihi - Hook End Road - A reply had not been received to the letter sent recently. Mr. Bennett reported that he understood that alterations are being made to the recently granted planning permission.

1968. PROPOSED ORANGE BASE STATION - COPYHOLD FARM

Nothing further to report.

 

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

A Meeting of the Environment Committee had taken place on 5 February 2007, attended by Mrs. Town (Chairman), Mr. Dean., Mrs. Smith, Mr. Lennon and Mrs. Thomas. Apologies - Nil.

1969. DRAINS CLEARANCE & ROAD SWEEPING

BBC Dealing with Blackmore Road and Tipps Cross. Blacksmith's Alley is still not being swept or drains cleared on a regular basis. Clerk had chased.

1970. THREE VALLEYS WATER

Most areas dealt with. Church Street residents are responsible for the hole which is on their private driveway.

1971. VILLAGE SPEED

Numbers of telegraph poles given to Clerk to pass to local Police.

1972. STABLE YARD ACCESS

Further copy letter sent to Mr. Daldry received from Mr. Rose with regard to this site. Meeting requested, to be arranged.

1973. ALLOTMENTS

Committee following up offer of field for rent.

1974. XMAS LIGHTS

Mr. Pavitt had disconnected lights until next year. Mr. Wallace had submitted bill for electricity for payment.

1975. MOPED RIDERS

Still very noisy.

1976. PARKING - BLACKMORE VILLAGE

Clerk had chased - still lots of problems with parking on pavements, near miss accident reported. Person pushing pram forced into road. Clerk to pursue.

1977. “ CATS EYES”

Still not done outside Copyhold Farm. Clerk had chased again.

1978. VEHICLE ACTIVATED SIGNS

Mrs. Town awaiting call from Mr. Rose - 7.2.07.

1979. TREES - SERVICE LANE

Mrs. Town had heard from Electricity Board that they will be working in Service Lane in next few weeks and will be planting trees as promised.

1980. VANDALISM

Still no reply from Youth Service. Fence had been broken on Chelmsford Road, hydrant uprooted. BBC to be asked to repair fence on and over the bridge to Blackmore Mead.

1981. PONDS

Consultation charge will be £250.00 for investigations and reports to be carried out. Mrs. Town proposed acceptance of the charge, seconded by Mrs. Smith. All agreed.

1982. BLACKSMITH'S ALLEY

Letters sent to residents. Remove from Agenda.

1983. SIGNPOSTS

BBC dealing - Clerk to chase again.

1984. YELLOW LINES - CHURCH STREET

Clerk had chased again.

1985. GUNNELL'S CORNER

BBC advise that an order has been placed for this work to be carried out.

1986. PLANTERS ETC

Committee to contact Mr. Potter with regard to suitable planting. Suggestion had been made that sponsors should be found - cover cost of plants etc. Thanks would be placed in Herald.

1987. SHRUBS - OLD SCHOOL

Ann Naylor had given assistance in getting someone out to look at the problems of the overgrown shrubs which are now being dealt with. 

1988. SIGN- BLACKMORE MEAD

New sign has been ordered.

1989. VILLAGE GREEN - DEAD TREES

Mr. Sharp had quoted £320 plus VAT to remove dead trees on Village Green and to deal with dead trees etc on Library Green. Mrs. Town proposed acceptance of the quote, seconded by Mrs. Smith. All Agreed.

Clerk to instruct Mr. Sharp accordingly.

1990. POST - BULL ALLEY

Mr. Potter to paint with white reflective paint which he has ordered.

1991. BUS STOP - SWAN HOUSE

In hand.

1992. TREE - LIBRARY GREEN

See Item 1989.

1993. SHRUBS - LIBRARY GREEN

Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Town have volunteered to prune shrubs at this area.

1994. SOAP HOUSE CORNER

Post broken - Mr. Potter asked to repair.

1995. TELEGRAPH POLE - HORSEFAYRE GREEN

Clerk had spoken to BT men when working at site - now repaired.

1996. SEAT - VILLAGE BUS STOP

Seat needs cleaning, covered in green, people unable to use. Mr. Potter asked to clean.

1997. DUCKS CROSSING SIGN

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

1998. BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION

Agreed we should enter again this year.

2000. ECC - NEW SPEED LIMITS

Letter from ECC - New proposed Speed Limits - Committee disappointed Hook End Lane and Chelmsford Road from Spriggs Lane to the Green has not been included.

2001. SPRING CLEAN DAY

Spring Clean Day this year will be 24 March.

2002. BEEHIVE CHASE/MILL LANE

Van driven over grass verge causing damage - vehicle number given but Clerk unable to proceed - driver information cannot be obtained from Police, no name on side of vehicle.

2003. OUTSTANDING WORKS

Mr. Potter appears to have a lot of outstanding work - Committee suggest finding someone else.
Agreed it might be difficult to find someone else - Clerk to sent Mr. Potter a list of outstanding works.

2004. VILLAGE GREEN

Committee report that there is a deep muddy hole on the Village Green. Mrs. Town to speak to a local garden designer to ask if he has any soil available from his garden work to fill the hole.

2005. FARMER'S MARKET SIGNS

Signs are still being erected on the roundabout - Clerk to write asking them to refrain from this.
Farmer's Market sign outside Village Hall had been slashed in half - Mr. Keeble is pursuing with local Police.

2006. PARKING ON FOOTWAYS

Further complaints of parking on the footways at Rose Cottage and Orchard Piece. BBC will visit sites.

2007. NEXT EDITION

At printers - should be ready for distribution after this weekend.

 

RECREATION COMMITTEE

A meeting of the Recreation Committee had taken place on

9 February, 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.

2008. TED MARRIAGE RECREATION FIELD

Hedges - Quote received from J. Sharp - pass to Recreation Committee.

Notice - Main Entrance - Work completed.

Main Gates - Work still not done by Mr. Potter after promising it would be done on Friday 12 January.

Play Area Fencing - Work still not done.

Spring Animal - Still awaiting action by Mr. Potter.

Kissing Gate - Wyatts GreenLane - Bottom bar cracked needs attention urgently by Mr. Potter.

Fence adjacent to Main Gate - Wyatts Green Road - Broken Bar with 4” nail projecting needs attention.

Play Area Fence - Awaiting Mr. Potter's attention after his inspection..

2008. MILL LANE PLAY AREA

Matta Surface - Play Area - Quote to make Matta Surface safe is £100, agreed by full Council - Awaiting action by Mr. Potter.

Mole Hills - 14 Hills in field, 3 in Play Area. Working party will deal with. Mr. Dean at Meeting stated that the mole hills have been flattened.

2009. WALTER HOBBS RECREATION FIELD

Football Pitches - Plans for longer term - Costing of £15,500 to be confirmed. Applications for grants from the following: Football Foundation and ECC being prepared for submission.

Benches (2) - Work completed.

Aerial Runway - Work completed. 

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

Damage to Football Field - Work completed.

Football Pitches - Pitches need cutting because of exceptional growth.

Hexagonal Swing Area - Bark needs raking and weeding - work party will attend to this on Saturday 3 March.

2010. TIPPS CROSS REMEMBRANCE HALL

Nothing to report.

2011. SPORTS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

Mr. Bennett, at the request of the Recreation Committee had read the above document and reported to the meeting his findings. Clerk to respond accordingly to BBC.

2012. PLAY AREA EQUIPMENT

Two companies had been in touch with regard to Play Equipment. Mr. Hall and Mrs. Henwood to attend Seminar at Dunmow on 8 March re grants. Also Clerk had provided details of a website “Everychildmatters.gov.uk” which gives information with regard to possible grants.

2013. RISK ASSESSMENT - PLAY EQUIPMENT

Committee recommend that inspection and risk assessment is carried out this year - recommend Play Inspection Company - cost of three sites £195 plus VAT. Mr. Bennett proposed acceptance of the proposal, seconded by Mr. Dean. All agreed.

CLERK'S REPORT

2014. COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Recreation 26.2.07 7.00pm Tipps Cross R. Hall
Environment 6.3.07 7.30pm Crossehouse
Planning 12.3.07 3.30pm 60 Orchard Piece

 

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

2015. SOAP HOUSE CORNER

Mrs. Smith complained that there are branches overhanging into the road at this site. Clerk to ask BBC to deal with.

2016. STANSTED

Mr. Bennett reported on the latest Newsletter received with regard to the developments at Stansted.

 

There being no further business, the Meeting closed at 9.50pm.

 

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