Minutes - January 2007

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

Held on Thursday, 18 January, 2007 in the Committee Room of the Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall.

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

Terry Smith - Editor Herald Magazine was also present.

Apologies for absence were received from Mr. Brown, Mr. Dean, Mr. Hall, and Mrs. Nelson, Treasurer.

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

CORRESPONDENCE

•  JIM FITZPATRICK - MP

Clerk read to the meeting a letter received from above at the Department of Trade & Industry in relation to the rural post office network and in response to the letter sent to him on this subject.

The letter asked for responses to their consultation document published on 14 December which include proposals for the overall framework needed to keep the national coverage of the network. They particularly asked for comments on four items specified.

Agreed Clerk should respond.

•  REGISTER OF ELECTORS 2007 - NOTICE OF ALTERATION

Clerk reported on the above.

•  THE ODD JOBBERS

Letter received from Mr. Potter of the above, advising that his charges will increase at from the 1 April 2007 as follows:

£7.50 per hour - grass cutting only.
£8.50 per hour - maintenance and repair work.

Agreed.

•  BBC SPORTS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2006 - 2001

Clerk reported that she had received above from Jo Cory, Sports Development Officer at BBC, she asks that the Parish Council look at the draft and return any comments and amendments as soon as possible. Agreed should be passed to the Recreation Committee for discussion.

BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORTS

Ann Naylor, Essex County Councillor, was on holiday and not in attendance and Mrs. Henwood, Borough Councillor had nothing to report because of the Christmas recess.

POLICY & RESOURCES COMMITTEE

A Meeting of the Policy & Resources Committee had taken place on 8 January 2007. Attended by Mrs. Henwood, Chairman, Mr. Bennett, Mr. Hall, Mr, Keeble, Mrs. Town and Mrs. Nelson, Treasurer. Apologies from Mr. Marr. The Minutes of the Meeting are as follows under the relevant items.

1886. FINANCE

The following cheques were approved for payment:

CHEQUES DRAWN DURING MONTH PRIOR TO MEETING

£420.00 Blackmore Parochial Charity - Rent of WHRF
£40.00 EALC - Course fee for Mr. Hall and Mrs. Henwood.
£20,000 Doe Sport - First payment for MUGA

CHEQUES DRAWN AT JANUARY 2007 P C MEETING

£282.00 Spray & Bake - Repair to roller door on garage.
£35.00 Essex Wildlife Trust - Annual Sub'n
£14.27 Powergen - Millennium Park
£2820.00 Brian Ward & Son - Tree work TMRF
£129.00 Heatherland Ltd - Skip Hire
£82.21 K.L. Electrical - Repair to street light - the Green
£- 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
£61.08 Petty Cash
£- Mrs. R. Nelson - Treasurer - Accounting of Parish Books
£12.00 Brentwood Town Twinning Ass. - Annual Subscription.

1887. FINANCIAL POWERS

In Mrs. Nelson's absence Mr. Bennett reported on the recent P & R Meeting.

BUDGET/PRECEPT 2007/08

Mr. Bennett presented to the meeting details of the Parish Budget for the year 2007/08.

The P & R Meeting had discussed whether any items of expenditure should be returned to Brentwood Borough Council, in order to offset the forthcoming 10% reduction in the contribution from BBC. The only alternative, if the Parish Council wished to maintain its current level of expenditure, would be to increase the Parish precept. Mrs. Henwood confirmed that BBC would only maintain those areas which were their property and this would exclude all the parish play areas etc - a major part of the Parish's expenditure. It was noted that highways were a possible area for which responsibility could revert to BBC.

The forecast to end March 2007 and the budget for 2007/08 were reviewed in detail and agreed in principle. The shortfall between normal Parish running expenses and income was £17,966.

The P & R Meeting reviewed the options for meeting the shortfall and it was agreed that the reduction in BBC contribution will have to be replaced by an increase in the parish precept, Mrs. Henwood will include a suitable explanation about the need for this increase in her report in the Herald.

Mr. Bennett proposed that the Parish Precept for 2007/08 is set at £12.70 for a category ‘D' property to produce £18,017. Seconded by Mrs. Henwood. All agreed.

PROJECTS

The P & R Meeting had reviewed the following potential parish projects as follows:

•  Football - it was agreed that work required to improve the drainage on the football pitches would be deferred until after the current football season. An application for a grant (£15,500) would be submitted at that time. Application is being made to the Football Foundation for a grant of £7,500; leaving £8,000 to be paid by the Parish Council pending receipt of a possible local authority grant of £6,000. The Parish Council would have to finance at least the balance of £2,000 as part of its normal maintenance budget.

•  Vehicle activated speed signs - it was noted that these would cost £6,500 each x 4 = £26,000. Whilst a grant of £4,000 may be available from Highways and a further £12,000 from ECC, this would have to be matched by the Parish. It was considered that, whilst desirable, this expenditure could not be committed in the coming financial year and therefore the project would be moved down the priority list.

•  Ponds - Mrs. Town reported that the cost of pond refurbishment will not be known until later in the week. The project remain a high priority.

•  Allotments - whilst desirable, it was agreed that there were insufficient funds for this to be included as a major project in the coming financial year.

Mrs. Henwood reported that she had spoken to the organisers of the Village Fayre who had advised that any application for assistance should be made after the Village Fayre, rather than before. It was considered that the potential support from the Village Fayre could be quite limited.

Mr. Bennett outlined the Council's cash situation and its financial commitments through 2006/07 and 2007/08 as follows:

Revenue overspend 2006/07 £ 3,000
Grant given to Tipps Cross £ 5,000
MUGA grant £ 7,500
Grant given for Youth project £10,000

£25,500

Less BVH Loan repayments £ 2,400
Reduction in resources £23,100

The amount together with the temporary financing of the Football Project and the MUGA VAT, represent a substantial proportion of our available cash resources and for this reason, the remaining projects could not be considered for the time being.

Mr. Bennett proposed acceptance of the Budget for 2007/08 as presented. Seconded by Mrs. Henwood. All agreed.

1888. COMMUNITY POLICE MEETING

Nothing to report. Next meeting at Tipps Cross on 1 February, 2007 - 8pm.

1889. COMMUNITY BUS

The Clerk reported that unfortunately the roof of the bus had been damaged by a recent user who had tried to go under a height barrier, forgetting that we have a luggage rack on top! The matter is being dealt with thorough the Insurance Company - Clerk arranging. The Bus will be out of action for a week whilst the repairs take place.

It was agreed that a notice should be placed in the bus warning the drivers of the height of the vehicle - Mr. Keeble to order suitable sign when details supplied.

1890. BLACKMORE CENTRE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

The Minutes of the P & R Meeting states that Mr. Hall had outlined the VAT regulations regarding extensions and/or conversions versus new buildings. He confirmed that VAT was not chargeable on a newly built extension to the Village Hall, provided it has its own entrance and toilets. The appropriate form would need to be completed and given to the builder so that he can issue an invoice without VAT for this. However, VAT is chargeable on any renovations or conversion of the existing building and as the Village Hall is not VAT registered, the VAT charged would not be recoverable.

Mr. Hall further confirmed that the Scouts would hold the Head Lease for the new extension in order that they can obtain the appropriate funding from Scout Headquarters.

Mrs. Henwood advised that members of the project would be arranging with Mr. Keane to discuss their application in the near future.

1891. MULTI GAMES AREA

The Minutes of the P & R Meeting states that Mr. Bennett had reported that the Council's £24,622 loan request in respect of the MUGA had been approved by the Secretary of State. However, it was noted that the recovery of VAT element of the overall project needed to be examined. Mr. Bennett outlined the regulations and following very careful consideration, the

Meeting concluded that the day-to-day running of the MUGA could not be categorised as a business activity as it is being managed by Blackmore Village Hall as part of its community activities. It was therefore agreed that the application form would be submitted to the Public Works Loan Board at the earliest opportunity. The Parish Council will claim back the VAT element as part of its normal return.

Mr. Bennett reported that since the P & R Meeting we have received approval of the loan from the P.W.L.B.

The following people were suggested as a sub committee of the Blackmore Village Hall to act as liaison on the running of the MUGA:-

Mr. R. Keeble, Chairman
Mr. A. Barclay, Mrs. G. Barclay, Mr. C. Blackwell (Blackmore V. Hall)
Mr. K. Bennett, Mr. T. Lennon (Blackmore Parish Council).

It was considered that the above group of people would provide a good representation from all interested parties. The Committee should meet as required but not less that four times a year and details of Income and Expenditure on the MUGA should be provided at each meeting. - Clerk instructed to confirm in writing with Mr. Keeble, Chairman.

1892. BLACKMORE WEBSITE

Mrs. Town reported that Mr. Giordan had contacted the existing Blackmore Website organiser who will be happy for a sub section to be included for the Council. Details to be supplied.

1893. RURAL HOUSING

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

1894. MOBILE LIBRARY

Nothing to report.

1895. YOUTHS - BLACKMORE VILLAGE

Nothing to report.

1896. BRENTWOOD BOROUGH PARISH COUNCIL ASSOCIATION

Nothing further to report.

1897. VACANCY - PARISH COUNCILLOR  

Nothing heard from Elections Officer - Clerk to chase.

1898. CLERK'S RETIREMENT

Clerk reported that there had been no applicants to date for the position of Parish Clerk. Mrs. Henwood will prepare a further advertisement for this post.

BLACKMORE MILLENNIUM PARK

1899. PROGRESS REPORT

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

£52.40 Received for the Fireworks wands.

PLANNING COMMITTEE

Meetings of the Planning Committee had taken place on 19 December, 2006 - attended by Mr. Marr, Chairman, Mrs. Town. Apologies from Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Stran, Mr. Dean and Mr. Brown and on 8 January 2007, attended by Mr. Marr, Chairman, Mrs. Town, Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Stran. Apologies from Mr. Dean and Mr. Brown.

1900. PLANS

The plans considered at the above meetings were discussed.

Mr. Marr reported that further plans for the development of the site at Kings Acre, Fingrith Hall Road, had been received and considered by the Planning Committee. Their comments had been that they would again strongly object to the application as they do not consider that the amended design is materially different to the previous submission.

A reply had still not been received from Mr. McLintock with regard to Balihi & 20 Meadow Rise and his attendance at a recent Planning Meeting.

Coach House - Church Street - Still no response from BBC in spite of Mrs. Henwood chasing them.

1901 . OUTSTANDING ENFORCEMENT ISSUES

No reply to the letter sent to Mr. Keane with regard to the monthly update required on enforcement issues and the negative response of the Enforcement Officer.

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.

1902. PROPOSED ORANGE BASE STATION - COPYHOLD FARM

Nothing further to report.

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

A Meeting of the Environment Committee had taken place on 10 January, 2007, attended by Mrs. Town (Chairman), Mrs. Smith, Mr. Lennon and Mrs. Thomas. Apologies from Mr. Brown and Mr. Dean.

1903. 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.

1904. THREE VALLEYS WATER

Letter from BBC states that they have inspected the reinstatement carried out by the Water Company in the public highway and found it to be satisfactory. The sunken area is in private land and not their responsibility. This is a matter that should be taken up by the resident with the Three Valleys W.C.

•  VILLAGE SPEED

Email from Essex Police advises that speed strips will be put in but could we identify the locations by giving the number of an adjacent telegraph pole. Mrs. Town to obtain this information.

Clerk reported that a reply had been received from Eric Pickles, MP, he asked if the areas of concern are Blackmore, Hook End or Wyatts Green. He also asked if the Parish Council is going to pay for the Vehicle Activated Signs or are we looking to the Police Authority. He notes our concern about the youths misbehaving and has written to Chief Supt Andy Adams about this. Clerk to reply to Mr. Pickles on the issues raised.

1906. VERGES - MEADOW RISE

Residents have coned off grass areas. Cars not parking on these areas. Monitor when cones removed. Remove from Agenda.

1907. ESTATE AGENTS BOARDS

BBC Have written to Estate Agents updating them on the rules for displaying their boards for local events. Monitor. Remove from Agenda.

1908. STABLE YARD ACCESS

Appropriate order displayed for change to disabled bay etc. Work still to be done.

1909. ALLOTMENTS

Mr. Lennon has details from Doddinghurst Parish Council on how they set up their allotments - Meeting to discuss next steps of setting up our scheme to be arranged.

1910. XMAS LIGHTS

Mr. Pavitt to disconnect lights till next year. Committee recommend more lights for Xmas Tree.

1911. MOPED RIDERS

Monitoring.

1912. PARKING - BLACKMORE VILLAGE

Still waiting for BBC to reinstate yellow lines on Blackmore Road, junction Blacksmith's Alley. Clerk requested to chase.

1913. “ CATS EYES”

Still not done outside Copyhold Farm. Clerk to chase.

1914. VEHICLE ACTIVATED SIGNS

Not to be taken up due to BBC cuts.

1915. TREES - SERVICE LANE

Nothing heard.

1916. VANDALISM

Reply received from Eric Pickles, MP - Reported under Item 1906. No reply received from Gaynor Sproules, Youth Service.

1917. PONDS

Meeting of Pond Committee had taken place on 11.1.07 - Mr. Terry Smith had agreed to contact Environmental Representative for guidance on dredging. Mrs. Town contacting other Parish Council's who have had similar projects. Mr. Lennon to look into grants available.

1918. BLACKSMITH'S ALLEY

BBC Advise that it is not their responsibility to clear overgrown areas - cards have been posted through doors of residents asking them to clear their respective areas.

1919. SIGNPOSTS

Letter received from BBC advising that Highways Inspector has inspected areas of concern and works orders have been raised and will be carried out as soon as possible. Letter also received advising that the broken sign at Swallows Cross, reported by the Clerk, will be repaired.

1920. YELLOW LINES - CHURCH STREET

Still no response from BBC. Clerk to chase.

1921. GUNNELL'S CORNER

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

1922. PLANTERS ETC

Redesigning roundabout too expensive this year. Mr. Potter to use plants that do not require continual watering.

1923. SHRUBS - OLD SCHOOL

Nothing heard.

1924. SIGN- BLACKMORE MEAD

BBC Advise that new sign has been ordered.

1925. VILLAGE GREEN - DEAD TREES

Mr. Sharp to look at trees and fell if thought necessary.

1926. POST - BULL ALLEY

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

1927. BUS STOP - SWAN HOUSE

Mrs. Town had spoken to owner of trees and he will look at problem.

1928. GRASS CUTTING

A letter had been received from M.D. Landscapes advising that there will be no increase in their charges for the forthcoming year.

•  TREE - LIBRARY GREEN
Two dead trees to be removed when Mr. Sharp inspects trees on Village Green.

•  SHRUBS - LIBRARY GREEN
Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Town have volunteered to prune shrubs at this area.

•  SOAP HOUSE CORNER
Post broken - Mr. Potter to be asked to repair.

•  TELEGRAPH POLE - HORSEFAYRE GREEN
Still not done - is this dangerous. Clerk to chase.

•  SEAT - VILLAGE BUS STOP
Seat needs cleaning - covered in green - people unable to use. Mr. Potter to be asked to clean.

•  BUS STOP - HOOK END ROAD - SEAT
Parishioners are asking for a seat here, similar to that at Mill Lane. Meeting regrets this is not possible at present due to cuts imposed by BBC.

•  DUCKS CROSSING SIGN
Mrs. Town to assess state of damaged sign.

•  CHURCH SIGN
Mrs. Town asked if the Council would consider putting up a small sign indicating the Church. Unfortunately because of cuts in funding this would not be possible. It was understood that the Vicar is dealing with this issue.

MAGAZINE COMMITTEE

1937. NEXT EDITION

Deadline for March Herald is end of January 2007.

It was proposed by Mr. Bennetts, seconded by Mrs. Henwood, that the charges for advertising in the Herald should increase as from the March 2007 issue to - £17 - Half Page. £34 - Full Page. £45 - back & front inner pages and back page. All agreed.

RECREATION COMMITTEE

A meeting of the Recreation Committee had taken place on 9 January, 2007, attended by Mr. Hall, Chairman, Mrs. Stran, Mr. Lennon, and Mr. Keeble. Apologies: Mr. Dean and Mr. Bennett.

The Minutes of the Meeting are as follows together with the comments of this Meeting.

1938. TED MARRIAGE RECREATION FIELD

Hedges -Still awaiting quote from Mr. Sharp - Clerk to chase.

Notice - Main Entrance - Mr. Potter to endeavour to attend to this on Friday 12.1.07.

Main Gates - Mr. Potter will endeavour to attend to this on Friday 12.1.07.

Play Area Fencing - Clerk had ask Mr. Potter to replace section/sections as soon as possible.

Trailer - Committee agreed to leave trailer in hedge as it is safe. Remove from Agenda.

Spring Animal - Awaiting action by Mr. Potter.

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

Fence adjacent to Main Gate - Wyatts Green Road - Broken Bar with 4” nail projecting needs attention as considered dangerous - Clerk had instructed Mr. Potter.

Play Area Fence - Clerk to instruct Mr. Potter to inspect entire fence surround of Play Area and repair where necessary.

1939. MILL LANE PLAY AREA

Matta Surface - Play Area - Matting in front and side said to be dangerous - Mr. Hall had met with resident who had complained that the area was dangerous, as a result Mr. Hall had asked Mr. Potter to correct problem - Quoted price £100. Agreed.

1940. WALTER HOBBS RECREATION FIELD

Football Pitches - Plans for longer term - Total cost approx. £15,500.

Funding suggested as follows:

Football foundation £7.500
Parish Council £2,000
ECC Grant £6,000
_____

Total: £15,500 

Benches (2) - Two seats still awaiting repair. Mr. Keeble will contact Mr. Potter to arrange a meeting on site to agree correct benches in need of repair.

Aerial Runway - Chain and seat missing. Adventure Playgrounds had advised Clerk that they will replace this items as they cannot find original seat. 

Aerial Runway Area - Mr. Keeble will arrange a meeting on site with Mr. Potter to decide what action is required.

Damage to Football Field - A car had twice been driven around the football field and caused damage. Mr. Potter had erected a cement post to stop access to the field.

Clerk advised, that following these incidents she had heard cars racing around the roads in the early hours of the morning. The Police were called and we have been advised by the local Police that a person was arrested.

1941. TIPPS CROSS REMEMBRANCE HALL

Nothing to report.

CLERK'S REPORT

•  COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Environment 5.2.07 7.30pm Crossehouse
Planning 6.2.07 3.30pm 60 Orchard Piece
Recreation 9.1.07 7.00pm Tipps Cross
Millennium Park 24.1.06 8pm BVH
Community Police 1.2.07 8pm Tipps Cross Meeting

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

•  BUSES

Mrs. Town had heard that there are to be a cuts in our bus service. No other members were aware of this and suggested she speak to Ann Naylor - Essex County Councillor.

 

There being no further business, the Meeting closed at 9.25pm.

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