Held on Thursday, 19 July, 2007 – 7.30pm in the Committee Room of Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall.
Members present: Mrs. Henwood, Chairman, Mr. Bennett, Mr. Hall, Mr. Lennon, Mr Keeble, Mr Giordan, Mr. Marr, Mrs Stran, Mr Dean, Mrs Nelson, Treasurer, Mr Brown, and Mrs. Barnes, Parish Clerk .
Terry Smith - Editor - Herald Magazine was also present.
Apologies for absence were received from Mrs Smith, Mrs Town and Mrs Thomas.
The Minutes of the previous Meeting, having been circulated, were signed as a correct record with the following amendments:
The addition of items relating to the risk report on Walter Hobbs Recreation Field, namely: the play area, spring animal, multi-play and the small swings
CORRESPONDENCE
2267. BLACKMORE PRIMARY SCHOOL
Clerk advised she had received a letter from Blackmore Primary School thanking the Parish Council for the kind donation towards their swimming pool funds. A timetable of the availability of the pool would be included in the Parish Magazine.
2268. NEW SPEED RESTRICTIONS
Notice of alteration had been received in respect of the above FROM County Councillor Ann Naylor. The document advised the new speed restrictions in the Parish, with implementation effective from July '07 onwards. Details of the new restrictions were also published in the Brentwood Gazette on 4.7.07.
BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORTS
Nothing to report.
POLICY & RESOURCES COMMITTEE
A Meeting of the Policy & Resources Committee had taken place on Tuesday 19 June at 7.30pm at Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall. Items raised were dealt with under the appropriate minutes. Mrs Nelson, Treasurer, read out the year end accounts and it was proposed by Mr Bennett, Seconded by Mr Hall and agreed by all to accept the accounts and finances as outlined.
It was agreed the Clerk would send a copy of our Income and Expenditure accounts up to 31 March 2007, to Mr Brandon Lewis and Mr Bob McLintock, CEO at BBC.
It was also agreed by all that the Parish Council would finalise Diane Mills pension on her retirement. The Clerk is to remit the cheque for the full balance in respect of the above.
It was also suggested that any reasonable additional costs to any Councillors receiving the minutes from the Clerk electronically, as opposed to post or as delivered hard copies, would be re-imbursed yearly.
The £55 yearly subscription fees to the RCCE was agreed and the Clerk to remit cheque and subscription renewal.
2279. FINANCE
The following cheques were approved for payment:
CHEQUES DRAWN AT JULY 2007 P C MEETING
£- Clerks salary
£- Clerk - office allowance, heating, electricity, rent etc.
£- Clerk - Broadband contribution
£471.50 HM Revenue and Customs - Tax / NI - clerk's
£- R.Nelson - Book keeping
£36.50 A to Z Supplies - Stationery
£90.47 BT - Phone line - inc. transfer to new clerk (less agreed discount for late installation)
£185.35 BT - Fax line - inc. transfer to new clerk
£52.87 Nicks Tyre Services - bus puncture
£56.05 Powergen - Blackmore Millennium park
£734.04 MDL Landscapes - grass cutting
£110.74 Computer Technix - installing network to Clerks office
£22.70 Alans DIY - parts supplied to R Potter
£134.00 Heatherland Ltd - skip hire
£26.73 Old Forge Garden Machinery Ltd - parts supplied to R Potter
£44.42 “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “
£94.00 Canon
£111.72 Petty cash
£1078.00 Kelhatch press - Herald Magazine, printing etc.
£25.00 Chris Evans Florists - flowers for Mrs Askers funeral on behalf of PC
£575.84 R D Potter - works carried out
£137.83 J Oddy & Sons - supply of gate
£68.09 HJ Looker - supply of ironmongery
£15.99 Nicks Tyre Services - 2nd puncture to Bus
£85.32 BBC - play areas inspection
Receipts:
£12,851.46 from Blackmore Village Hall - RE : Construction of MUGA
£11,694.00 from Blackmore Village Hall - RE : Construction of MUGA
Payment:
£20,254.65 Agreed by all - Payment to Doe Sports Ltd RE : MUGA Construction
2280. FINANCIAL POWERS
Mrs Nelson read to the Meeting details of the Parish Accounts to the end of the month.
2281. COMMUNITY POLICE MEETING
The next meeting will take place on 30 August at 8.00pm at Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall.
2282. COMMUNITY BUS
The Clerk reported 2 punctures on separate occasions within the last month which were repaired. Also, that the new system for out of hours collection and return of the keys and log book are successfully in operation and a smaller, letter-box size folder was in use.
2283. BLACKMORE CENTRE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
The Clerk reported that a letter had been received from Mr John Daldry advising a fee of £250 to prepare the deeds. Clerk passed letter to Gill Jefferyes.
2284.
BLACKMORE SPORTS ARENA - (FORMERLY MUGA)
The area has been completed, the dressed surface applied and is fully in use. Signage advertising the sponsorship by the Football Foundation has been erected. It was agreed that the Clerk would settle the bill from Doe Sports of £20,254.65. Customs and Excise have confirmed that as the Parish Council were not the authority applying for the grants, the only recoverable VAT on the project would be in respect of the Parish Council grant of £7,500 and the Public Works Loan Board loan of £24,622. This amounts to £4,784.12. It was ascertained that the Football Foundation grant application was in the name of ‘Blackmore Village Hall and Sports & Social Club' and it was agreed that Chris Blackwell would contact a business colleague with VAT expertise to see if there was any way he thought that the VAT could be recovered through the Village Hall or the Sports and Social Club. Primarily, K Bennett would make contact with Customs and Excise to discuss the problem with them. Clerk to pass on details of person to contact. In the meantime, the Village Hall would meet the shortfall of £12,851.46 so that the Parish Council could pay the Doe Sports final account. K Bennett also agreed to raise the question of further finance through the Parish Council.
The arena is currently only being used by local teams and not yet been publicly advertised.
Regarding the naming and official opening. It was agreed that the new name to be adopted with immediate effect is ‘Blackmore Sports Arena' and whilst the official opening has not yet been arranged, Ann Blake has agreed to have a bench at the area in memory of her son and possibly a small plaque.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 10 October 2007 at 8.00pm at Blackmore Village Hall.
2285. BLACKMORE WEBSITE
Clerk agreed to email Minutes to Mr. Giordan for inclusion on website.
Mr Giordan circulated ‘FAQs' for approval and inclusion on website. It was agreed that Mr Giordan would update the website from the Parish Council minutes or from BBC literature. The name and address of the Parish Clerk was to be changed and Ann Naylor's details were to be included.
The Clerk would also contact BBC to remind them of the Clerks change of details for inclusion on their website.
2286. RURAL HOUSING
Mrs Town to contact Rural Housing regarding consideration of the site at Wrights Lane for rural housing.
2287. MOBILE LIBRARY
Nothing to report.
2288. YOUTHS - BLACKMORE VILLAGE
Regarding the problem of damage caused by vandals, Roger Keeble is collating information and quotations as CCTV with remote monitoring is being considered to assist with any further incidents.
2289. BRENTWOOD BOROUGH PARISH COUNCIL ASSOCIATION
Nothing to report. Next meeting 17 September 2007.
2290. CLERK'S RETIREMENT
Mrs Henwood, Chairman, read out the card sent by Diane Mills in thanks of her retirement meal and gift, a painting of a scene at Blackmore by local artist Phil Hinde, in commemoration of her service to the Parish Council.
2291. CODE OF CONDUCT
The draft revised ‘code of conduct standing order' was read out and discussed. The alterations were agreed as follows:
Under the inclusion of 16.b) the word ‘published' to be removed.
Amendment to 19.c) to read : ‘between £500 - £1,000'.
Amendment to 19.d) to read : ‘below £500'.
Amendment to 19.e) to read : ‘below £500'.
Clerk to re-type and circulate.
On each future Parish Council agenda, it shall include a period of up to 15 minutes at the beginning of each meeting where any attending public can have the opportunity to discuss any matters of concern or query, whereby creating a public forum.
Mr Hall proposed, seconded by Mr Lennon, all agreed the above amendments to be put in place at the time of the meeting on 19.7.07.
2292.
ROADWAY RENTS
Clerk advised of 2 payments received relating to Kelby, The Green and 9 St Lawrence Gardens, Blackmore.
BLACKMORE MILLENNIUM PARK
2293. PROGRESS REPORT
Next Meeting will take place on 15 August 2007 – 8pm at Blackmore Village Hall.
The Clerk advised that an e.mail had been received from The Village Fete committee in response to the Clerk's request. They gave written acceptance that should there be any adverse weather conditions, the field would be reinstated by them. However the Clerk advised that upon several requests to Stuart Lucas regarding same for the Music Festival, there was still no response. Mr Keeble agreed to speak to Stuart Lucas regarding this.
Regarding the sale of the Quiz night to raise funds for the village fireworks display. The draft ticket was agreed by all and the Clerk to print 140 tickets. They would go on sale for £7.50 including a ploughman's meal. There will be no own food or drink permitted.
Regarding the supply and spreading of the cockle shell path. Mr Hall met with Mr Adrian Smith to discuss and obtain the quotation for the spreading and weed killing. The cost for supply from CPA Horticulture was £21 per cubic metre, the cost for spreading and levelling by Mr Adrian Smith (based on 21 cubic metres) was £375 plus weed killing cost of £150. A copy of the quotations had been passed to Mr Keeble. It was agreed by all that the Clerk would contact both CPA Horticulture and Mr Smith to organise the required volume.
PLANNING COMMITTEE
2294. PLANS
Plans had been passed to Ian Marr for discussion at Planning meeting on 8 August 2007, 3.30pm at 60 Orchard Piece, Blackmore.
2295. OUTSTANDING ENFORCEMENT ISSUES
Poppy House, Chelmsford Road, Blackmore, CM4 0SD - Letter received by Clerk from Alice Lucas regarding the erection of gates and fencing at the above address, contents as follows: ‘Following an investigation of this matter, it was apparent planning permission is not required for this development and in these circumstances there is no action the Council can take'.
Bluebell Farm - Spriggs Lane – Further plans have been submitted for use of the site, but mobile home still remains on site without planning permission. BBC have not taken enforcement action.
Coachman Cottage - Still no response from BBC.
Oak Tree Farm, Chelmsford Road, Blackmore, CM4 0PZ – The Clerk advised she had received a complaint from a resident at Chelmsford Road regarding the mobile home occupants. She had seen an advertisement in the Brentwood Gazette advertising the sale of a mobile home plot in the region of £150,000 for a 1 acre plot. She was very concerned about this as understood the plot to be on greenbelt and subject to eviction notices. She had phoned BBC who had not advised of any action. Mrs Henwood, Chairman had also reported it and is pending outcome.
ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
A Meeting of the Environment Committee had taken place on
9 July, 2007. Attended by Mrs. Town (Chairman), V Dean, W Brown, T Lennon and A Thomas.
Apologies - A Smith
Clerk passed list of works carried out by R Potter to committee and asked that their list be updated.
2296. DRAINS CLEARANCE & ROAD SWEEPING
Roads swept first week in July.
2297. VILLAGE SPEED
Still awaiting installation of speed strips by Police. Section 59 notices being given to reported vehicles.
2298. ALLOTMENTS
Still looking for suitable field.
2299. MOPED RIDERS
Mopeds still being ridden in excess of speed limit. Some given section 59's. It was reported that whilst we need to report registration numbers, some mopeds and quad bikes alike, don't always have them displayed. Quad bikes are also becoming a problem for parishioners and pillion passengers are not wearing crash helmets. H Town had a discussion with Susan Payne who is finding it increasingly difficult to trace riders without registration plates.
2300. PARKING - BLACKMORE VILLAGE
Clerk had chased and given new request to Peter Rose regarding the yellow lines.
2301. “CATS EYES”
Still not done - Clerk had chased.
2302. VANDALISM
Being monitored.
2303. POND
Mr T Smith had received one quote, out of three, in the region of £17,500. Awaiting other 2 quotes. Mr Smith also informed that the Farmer has accepted the silt on his field. He also mentioned the funding from Essex Initiatives who meet twice a year to discuss and consider cases. The next application must be submitted by September. Mr Smith to look into.
2304. SIGNPOSTS & SIGNS
Clerk had requested signs to be cleaned with BBC. Pending confirmation of works. Some have been replaced.
2305. YELLOW LINES (CHURCH STREET)
Clerk has chased BBC, Peter Rose. Pending confirmation of works.
2306. GUNNELL'S CORNER - BANK
Grass and greenery been cut back but Clerk has chased BBC regarding the fallen bank which is still on the pavement, causing obstruction.
2307. PLANTERS ETC
Island to be done week commencing 8th-15th July. All the jobs should hopefully be completed by 23rd July.
2308. POST - BULL ALLEY
Hope to be completed by 23rd July.
2309. SOAP HOUSE CORNER
Hope to be completed by 23rd July.
2310. VILLAGE GREEN
Mrs Town to contact J Sharp.
2311. VERGES - MEADOW RISE
BBC monitoring.
2312. NOTICEBOARDS
Hope to be completed by 23rd July.
2313. SERVICE LANE - TREE WORK
Mrs Town to investigate.
2314. HORESEFAYRE GREEN
Hope to be completed by 23rd July.
2315. SERVICE LANE – DOG FOULING
Still no sign. Clerk has chased.
2316. TREES – VILLAGE GREEN ETC
Mr Dean had received a quotation. To be discussed at environment committee meeting on 2.8.07.
2317. PARKING - SCHOOL
No further update. Head Teacher writing to parents.
2318. RURAL POST OFFICES
Clerk received a letter from Bob McLintock, BBC advising that Post Office Ltd are currently undertaking consultation on the transfer of Post office Services from 30 High Street to Brentwood Books, Baytree Centre. The Council has objected to the transfer and are encouraging concerned residents to contact Post Office Ltd to lodge their objections.
Clerk holds the contact name and address for anyone wishing to contact them forming their objections and she can be contacted regarding this.
The Clerk also advised of an independent Post Office Watchdog, and she holds details of this for anyone who may wish to contact them.
2319. STABLE YARD – ACCESS
Clerk had sent letter to Mr J Daldry regarding this, pending response.
2320. GREEN LANE FENCE
Housing Department dealing with.
2322. HEDGE TRIMMING – WOLLARD WAY TO ROUNDABOUT
Clerk had written requesting BBC to cut hedges from Wollard Way to roundabout, and hedges outside the school, from School to Village Hall.
Been reported to Susan Payne.
2324. VILLAGE GREEN
Mrs Town to contact person who made complaint.
2325. CAR MOTIFS
Been reported to Susan Payne.
2326. GIFT VOUCHERS - PLANT WATERING
Clerk had spoken to Ted Asker who informed 2 people watered plants. Clerk to organise 2 gift vouchers at £15.00 each.
2327.BUS SHELTERS
Bus shelters in area had been refurbished by Mr Potter and Mr Dean and ‘No Smoking' signs displayed inside, as requested by Derek Cox of BBC, as they are more than 50% enclosed.
2328. HOOK END SIGN
Clerk had chased. Derek Cox of BBC confirmed a works order had been raised. Work has now been carried out and the sign is fixed back in place and hedge and greenery trimmed around it so it is clearly visible.
2329. DOG BIN - FANTAILS
Committee proposed a bin to be positioned as many have requested it. Clerk awaiting instruction from Environment Committee meeting on 2.8.07.
Next meeting : 2 August 2007, 7.30pm at Crossehouse, Blackmore.
HERALD MAGAZINE
2330. NEXT EDITION
Due in September. Deadline for such is Friday 27.7.07.
Mr Smith advised he had entered the Herald Magazine for the Best Magazine Competition.
Mr Smith also suggested we consider placing more pictures/photo advertisements promoting our events, etc. These are at a cost of approximately £6.00 each.
Mr Smith will also consider placing an advertisement in the Magazine highlighting the problem with bogus callers, particularly the elderly, should be aware and cautious not to let any unauthorised callers into their homes without seeing warrants or ID cards first.
As Mr Smith has now taken on the invoicing for the magazine and has computerised it. With the extra work involvement, it was agreed by all that he should be reimbursed for his time at an additional £50 per quarter, plus a one-off payment of £100 for his initial time and work involvement in implementing this system.
RECREATION COMMITTEE
A meeting of the Recreation Committee had taken place on
10 July 2207 at Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall. Attended by Mr. Hall, Chairman, Mr. Dean, Mrs. Stran, Mr. Lennon, Mr Bennett.
Clerk had passed the list of works carried out by R Potter and asked they be updated at their next committee meeting on 7.8.07.
2331. TED MARRIAGE RECREATION FIELD
Hedges - Clerk to instruct Town & Country to proceed with work commencing first week in August 2007.
Spring Animal - R Potter to remove spray paint by vandals.
Fence - Play Area - R Potter to deal with. Clerk to chase.
Notice Board W.G.L entrance - R Potter is aware of and will be dealing with ASAP.
Dog Sign W.G.R entrance - R Potter has sign and to install ASAP.
Signs regarding new Parish Clerk -
(1)
Signs with new Parish Clerk name- name will be painted out.
To leave tel. No. only. R Potter to attend to.
(2) Key holder sign : R Keeble passed to R Potter and awaiting attendance.
Gates W.G.R - R Potter will attend to ASAP.
Risk Report - Ray Potter was in attendance.
Dog Pen - R Potter to attend to.
Climbing Frame - R Potter cut lugs off (2) and attending to crossbar.
2332. MILL LANE PLAY AREA
Foot Brushes - Brushes with R Potter, awaiting fitting.
Bench – Still to be removed by R Potter.
Risk Report – Ray Potter was in attendance.
Spring Animal – R Potter to clean and re-paint ASAP.
Climbing Frame – R Potter to cut lugs off.
Junior Swing – R Potter to clean swings and framework ASAP.
2333. WALTER HOBBS RECREATION FIELD
Football Pitches - Plans for longer term - £8000 grant funding agreed. Awaiting football grant. Mr Keeble applying for ‘goal post' grant for de-mountable goal posts.
Graffiti-Aerial Runway - R Potter to attend to ASAP.
Foot Brushes - R Potter to replace 4 foot brushes required.
Waste Bins- Clerk had written to BBC regarding the locking of the bins to avoid future vandalism. R Potter confirmed he has 2 bins in stock which he can site. Clerk to enquire with supplier if the interiors can be purchased independently.
Dog sign – on play area fence – Clerk ordered ‘No Dogs allowed in play area' sign.
Benches (2) - R Potter attending to ASAP.
Risk Report - R Potter was in attendance.
Hexagonal Swings - Clerk received parts and passed to R Potter. R Potter installed one, just to install 2 others.
Play Area - Chain link fencing and kick board to be replaced where necessary. R Potter attending to ASAP.
Spring Animal - New seat required. R Potter will make it and also re-paint it ASAP.
Multi-play - R Potter to grind off two plates, replace wood on platform of slide.
Small swings - R Potter to grind down or cut off the main support bolts as required
Next meeting : Tuesday 7 August 2007, 7.00pm at Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall.
2334. TIPPS CROSS REMEMBRANCE HALL
Nothing to report.
CLERK'S REPORT
2335. COMMITTEE MEETINGS
| Planning |
8.8.07 |
3.30pm |
60 Orchard Piece |
| Recreation |
7.8.07 |
7.00pm |
Tipps Cross R. Hall |
| Environment |
2.8.07 |
7.30pm |
Crossehouse |
| Millennium Park |
15.8.07 |
8pm |
Blackmore Village Hall |
| P & R |
16.8.07 |
7.30pm |
Tipps Cross R. Hall |
| Community Police |
30.8.07 |
8.00pm |
Tipps Cross R Hall |
| Blackmore Sports Arena (formerly MUGA) |
10.8.07 |
8.00pm |
Blackmore Village Hall |
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
2336.
BANKING
It was agreed by all that the Bank should be moved from Chipping Ongar to Brentwood High Street as more convenient and a bigger branch.
2337.
CLERKS OFFICE EQUIPMENT
To be agreed at next P&R meeting a budget to supply new office equipment as required by the Parish Clerk. Quotations to be obtained by Clerk.
2338.
PATHWAY - DEAL TREE CORNER
Clerk to ask R Potter to cut back and trim the pathway at Deal Tree Corner as overgrown.
2339.
BLACKMORE ROAD - BROKEN GLASS
Mr T Smith reported wine bottles had been smashed in Blackmore Road and he had reported it to Susan Payne.
2340.
RCCE - TRAINING COURSE
It was agreed by all that Mr Keeble could attend the training course at Writtle College, Chelmsford on ‘The protection and Maintenance of Playing Fields'. The cost for this is £15.00.
It was also mentioned that there are ac couple of areas which need repairing, such as the 2 goal areas on the Walter Hobbs Playing field and a budget was agreed up to £25.00 to do so. Mr R Keeble to attend to.
There being no further business, the Meeting closed at 10.25pm.
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