Minutes - June 2007

Held on Thursday, 21 June, 2007 – 7.30pm in the Committee Room of the Blackmore Village Hall.

Members present: Mrs. Henwood, Chairman, Mr. Bennett, Mr. Hall, Mr. Lennon, Mr. Marr, Mrs Stran, Mr Dean, Mrs Nelson, Treasurer, Mrs. Mills, Parish Clerk and Mrs. Barnes, new Clerk .

Terry Smith - Editor - Herald Magazine was also present.

Apologies for absence were received from Mr Giordan, Mrs Smith, Mr Keeble, Mrs Town, Mr Brown, Anne Naylor, Essex County Councillor.

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

The Millennium Park Committee has Mr E Hall on it and item 2181- should read BBC do not wish to put more posts on verges – not as stated, ports.

CORRESPONDENCE

2201. ESSEX WILDLIFE TRUST ANNUAL REVIEW

Clerk advised she had received a letter for the Annual Review of Essex Wildlife Trust for 2006 and the invitation to the Annual Members Day at Abbotts Hall Farm on Saturday 9 June 2007, which included the AGM. This was received too late to attend but the contents were noted.

2202. NOTICE OF ALTERATION TO THE PARISH REGISTER OF ELECTORS – Published 1st June 2007.

Notice of alteration had been received in respect of the above.

2203. LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

The Clerk advised she had received correspondence on the Local Development Framework and Sustainability Report. The contents of which were circulated and read out and the letter was passed onto Mr Marr of the Planning Committee for future reference.

2204. SMOKEFREE ENGLAND 1 JULY 2007

The Clerk advised she had received a letter from S Bennett, Director of Parks and Regulatory Services at Brentwood Borough Council. This highlighted the regulations of the new law in respect of this which will take effect from Sunday 1 July 2007. The new law is being introduced to protect employees and the public from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. From 1 July 2007 it will be against the law to smoke in virtually all enclosed and substantially enclosed public places, workplaces and in public and work vehicles. The contents of the letter were read and duly noted and the Parish Council will ensure this is adhered to and the required ‘No Smoking’ signs are positioned and sited accordingly.

2205. SCOUTS 3 PEAK CHALLENGE SUCCESS

The Clerk advised she had received an e.mail from Nigel James of the “1st Blackmore Scout Group” advising their successful completion of the 3 peaks challenge in 21 hours and 50 minutes. Thanks were also given for anyone who sponsored this event on behalf of all the Scouts, Clubs and Beavers within “1st Blackmore Scout Group”.

BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORTS

Mrs Henwood reported that plans for the Blackmore Youth Centre had been passed by Brentwood Borough Council. However the plans for the old school building and library had been failed yet again, as the car parking facilities were deemed dangerous. There was not suitable enough access for cars to enter and exit the car park safely.

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.

2206. FINANCE

The following cheques were approved for payment:

CHEQUES DRAWN AT JUNE 2007 P C MEETING

£58.51	Essex County Council - Pension (July) 1 week
344.06	HM Revenue and Customs - Tax taken from Clerks salary
88.27	Petty cash
82.25	Town & Country Landscape Co Ltd - Grass cutting etc - Back Lane
85.32	BBC - Inspection Parish Play areas
1614.80	BBC - Dog waste
7.50	EALC - New Councillors Pack
770.88	MDL Landscapes - Grass Cutting - Parishes
219.66	BBC - Trade waste
296.10	Argents Ltd - Summer bedding
129.00	Heatherland Ltd - Skip Hire
70.53	Viking Direct - Stationery
37.38	Three Valleys Water - Water - Meter Playing field, Blackmore
17.22	Three Valleys Water – Meter - Blackmore War Memorial
420.00	Blackmore Parochial Charity
650.00	Blackmore Primary School
22.14	RD Potter - maintenance Work
387.75	“ “ “ “
98.21	A to Z Supplies - Stationery
-	R Nelson - Book Keeping work - May ‘07
-	Mrs. S Barnes - Rent & Heating & Lighting Allowance
-	Mrs. S Barnes - One months salary (amended)
-	Mrs. S Barnes - Contribution to Broadband
-	Mrs D Mills - one months salary
-	Mrs D Mills - 1 weeks salary and 5 weeks holiday pay (8.7.07)
-	Mrs D Mills - Heating/lighting allowance
-	Mrs D Mills - Broadband contribution
257.45	Essex County Council - pension contribution (June)

Receipts:

£3792.99 from HM Revenue & Customs – Refund of VAT

Payment:

£1536.17 Loan payment to Public Works Loan Board on 30 June 2007.

2207. FINANCIAL POWERSMrs Nelson read to the Meeting details of the Parish Accounts to the end of the month.

2208. COMMUNITY POLICE MEETING

The next meeting will take place on Thursday 30 August at Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall.

2209. COMMUNITY BUS

The Clerk advised she had found someone to clean the Community Bus each month and this was approved. Clerk to also position a suitable weather-proof post box outside her house for safe return of the Community Bus folder as it is too large to fit through a letterbox or find a more suitably sized folder.

2210. BLACKMORE CENTRE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

The Clerk reported that a letter had been received from Bob McLintock, Chief Executive & Town Clerk for Brentwood Borough Council, confirming the planning application would be heard on Wednesday 20 June 2007 and was pending a decision. Mrs Henwood, Chairman, reported that she had attended the meeting and that the plans had been passed for the alterations to, and conversion of one squash court together with the construction of an extension to the Village Hall to provide Youth Club facilities.

2211. MULTI USE GAMES AREA

Regarding the naming of the MUGA. The letter of 11 June 2007 from the Clerk to Mrs Henwood, Chairman was circulated and read out. The contents advised that the Clerk had received a telephone call from Ann Blake regarding the naming of the MUGA in memory of her son Ryan Blake who had sadly died from an accident whilst playing football. Mr Bennett, following the Clerk’s letter of 11 June, has spoken to both Mr Hall and Mr Keeble (who was not a Parish Councillor during the early stages of the MUGA project when this would have been discussed).

Both Mr Hall and Mr Bennett think that whilst it may have been discussed at a Parish Council meeting, at that time it was not seen to be a Parish Council project and therefore would not have agreed to the suggestion. If it had, it would have been almost certainly minuted. Under the circumstances at that time, naming the MUGA after Ryan would seem a good idea and that Stuart Lucas would have advised her accordingly. With Stuart Lucas reducing his commitment to both the Parish Council and the MUGA, there would appear to be a lack of communication between him and Ann Blake about the opening ceremony and the position has become fraught.

In order to recover the costs of the MUGA it needs to be made marketable. It had been agreed to call it Blackmore Sports Arena.

Mr Keeble has spoken to Ann Blake to explain the position but understandably she is not happy. It has been suggested to her that Ryan’s memory could be recognised in some other way such as an annual football tournament or a memorial might be appropriate but would need to be vandal-proof if possible.

At this point, whilst the Parish Council is very sympathetic to the situation, it does not feel it can do any more. Mr Keeble has mentioned that Ann Blake is away on holiday and is awaiting a decision upon her return. It was agreed Mr Keeble should speak to Anne and advise of the Parish Council’s comments.

It was also reported by the Clerk that she had received a letter from HM Revenue and Customs on 14 June 2007. It stated that Blackmore Parish Council cannot claim all of the VAT in relation to the new MUGA. This is because the Parish Council are not the body applying for the grants from the following bodies: Football Foundation and the European Football Association. It has been authorised that the Parish Council will receive the VAT back on its own funds of £7,500 and the monies gained from the Public Works Loan Board of £24,622. This would mean that at the current time £4784.12 can be repaid in relation to this project.

It was agreed that the next MUGA committee meeting on 11 July should discuss how the shortfall in VAT is going to be covered and financed. Clerk to write to HM Revenue and Customs requesting the VAT return of the amount above.

2212. BLACKMORE WEBSITE

Clerk agreed to email Minutes to Mr. Giordan for inclusion on website. An e.mail from Mr Giordan was passed to Mr Bennett for his comments to the financial figures quoted for inclusion on the website.

2213. RURAL HOUSING

Mrs Mills dealing with.

2214. MOBILE LIBRARY

The Clerk informed and circulated the letters received from Essex County Council highlighting the changes to the service from weekly to fortnightly. A copy of the poster was given to T Smith of the Herald Magazine and the Clerk is to put copies on the Notice Boards.

2215. YOUTHS - BLACKMORE VILLAGE

It was reported that there was damage caused by vandals to the MUGA fence and a suggestion was made for consideration of CCTV by the Village Hall with remote monitoring to assist with any further incidents.

2216. BRENTWOOD BOROUGH PARISH COUNCIL ASSOCIATION

Nothing to report.

2217. CLERK’S RETIREMENT

Clerk reported that the contract of employment had been signed and received from Susan Barnes. The date of 17 July was suggested for a meal with Mrs Mills and her husband and the Councillors and partners to commemorate her retirement and recognise her long and loyal service with Blackmore Parish Council.

2218. CODE OF CONDUCT

The Clerk circulated the new Code of Conduct Guide For Members May 2007. It was proposed by Mrs Henwood, Chairman, seconded by Mr Hall and agreed by all that the Parish Council would adopt the new Model Code of Conduct, un-amended, with the inclusion of paragraph 12)2. A new standing order 16(b) will need to be adopted stating the public’s right to speak and creating a public forum, for up to 15 minutes at the beginning of the Council meeting. Mr Hall to collate the wording to amend our Code of Conduct and the Clerk is to inform the Standards Board of the Parish Council’s adoption of this.

BLACKMORE MILLENNIUM PARK

2219. PROGRESS REPORT

Pending minutes.

Next Meeting will take place on 15 August 2007 – 8pm at Blackmore Village Hall.

The Clerk read out the letter from Stuart Lucas regarding his request to utilise the Millennium field for the 3rd Music Festival taking place on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th July 2008. It was proposed by Mr Bennett, seconded by M Henwood, Chairman, and all agreed that permission would be given with the understanding that should there be adverse or unsuitable weather conditions, the land is re-instated by them, if necessary. The Clerk is to request this in writing from them. As suggested in Mr Lucas’ letter, should there be any surplus cash donations, the Parish Council would like to be included as a beneficiary.

The Clerk informed the Parish Council of the request from the Village Fair Committee to utilise the Millennium Park for the Village Fete on 14 July 2007. It was agreed that permission should be given and the Village Fair requested to give an undertaking in writing that they would re-instate the field should there be adverse weather conditions. Clerk to request this. Regarding the sale of the Quiz night to raise funds for the village fireworks display. Tickets will be on sale for £7.50 which includes a ploughman’s meal. There will be no own food or drink permitted. The Clerk is to organise the tickets.

Regarding the replenishment of shells from CPA Horticulture. Mrs Mills has supplied samples of the shells to Adrian Smith to see if they will fit through his hopper for spreading purposes. She is awaiting confirmation and will chase.

PLANNING COMMITTEE

2220. PLANS

Notice of Appeal had been received in respect of Ashbourne, Hay Green Lane – retention of 3.4m fence along a boundary. No further action required.

2221. OUTSTANDING ENFORCEMENT ISSUES

Clerk read out and circulated the letter received from Alice Lucas, Senior Planning Enforcement Officer at BBC in relation to the following items:

Poppy House, Chelmsford Road, Blackmore, CM4 0SD - Alice Lucas is currently awaiting further advice from the Highways Enforcement Officer as the fence, gates and hard standing themselves may not require planning permission dependant on the boundary of the public highway.

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.

Hall Cottage, Nine Ashes Road, Blackmore, CM4 0QW – Alice Lucas advised that the window in the extension was agreed as a minor amendment to the approved plans ref: BRW/274/2006, in November 2006, under consultation with the County Historic Buildings Officer and therefore this is not an enforcement matter and no further action is required in respect to this.

Oak Tree Farm, Chelmsford Road, Blackmore, CM4 0PZ – The cases of the occupants of mobile homes at Oak Tree Farm are being considered for prosecution and possible injunctive proceedings. Until such time as a court date or resolution to the matter has been given, these matters are treated confidentially. This is pending and she will advise us in due course when there is information available to the public.

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

A Meeting of the Environment Committee had taken place on 12 June, 2007. Attended by Mrs. Town (Chairman), V Dean, W Brown, T Lennon.

Apologies - A Smith and A Thomas.

2222. DRAINS CLEARANCE & ROAD SWEEPING

Monitor.

2223. VILLAGE SPEED

Awaiting installation of speed strips by Police. Section 59 notices being given to reported vehicles.

2224. ALLOTMENTS

Still looking for suitable field.

2225. MOPED RIDERS

Mopeds still being ridden in excess of speed limit. Some given section 59’s. Clerk read out letter from Samantha Jarvis, Inspector for Brentwood Police confirming the national problem with ‘mini motos’ and similar vehicles. Local Officers have given local people diaries to log incidents and anyone wishing to obtain these diary sheets can contact Susan or Moira so that they can be used to collect information of such offenders so they can be warned and the vehicles seized of main offenders. She also asked the Parish Council to consider barriers/gate at the entrance to the car park if this could be managed legitimately for parking access etc. It is being monitored.

2226. PARKING - BLACKMORE VILLAGE

Police Constables issuing parking tickets to illegal parkers. Clerk written regarding double yellow lines on junction of Blacksmiths Alley and Blackmore Road.

2227. “CATS EYES”

Still not done - Clerk had chased.

2228. VANDALISM

Green Lane – Council Housing Department has been informed and will be dealing with it.

2229. POND

Awaiting more quotes and estimate of amount of silt to be removed.

2230. SIGNPOSTS & SIGNS

The Clerk spoke with Roger Hulse, Streetcare and Waste Management of BBC. Whilst he appreciates that some signs are not up to standard, he advised that their budget is only £7,000pa and as each sign costs £250, they can only replace those that are illegible or damaged. He will ask the Highways Inspector to survey our Parish again. The Clerk is to send a letter requesting them to be cleaned.

2231. YELLOW LINES (CHURCH STREET)

Clerk has been informed Peter Rose is the person to get in contact with. Clerk to arrange.

2232. GUNNELL’S CORNER - BANK

BBC dealing. The bank still to be removed to make easier access for wheelchairs etc.

2233. PLANTERS ETC

Planters have been done. Island to be done soon.

2234. POST - BULL ALLEY

Mr. Potter dealing with this. Clerk to chase.

2235. SOAP HOUSE CORNER

Mr. Potter dealing with this. Clerk to chase.

2236. DUCKS CROSSING SIGN

Mr Town dealing with repairs to sign.

2237. VILLAGE GREEN

Mr Sharp to fill hole when he is able to obtain suitable soil.

2238. VERGES - MEADOW RISE

More posts arrived to be put in but cars were parked on positions so could not be installed

2239. NOTICEBOARDS

Mr Potter. Clerk to chase.

2240. SERVICE LANE - TREE WORK

Mrs Town to report.

2241. HORESEFAYRE GREEN

Mr Potter has been asked to treat seats. Clerk to chase.

2242. SERVICE LANE – DOG FOULING

Mrs Town to confirm if signs have been installed.

2243. BLACKMORE ROAD / COPYHOLD FARM

BBC dealing. Clerk had written asking that sunken area is repaired.

2244. TREES – VILLAGE GREEN ETC

Mrs Town seeing Mr Sharp week commencing 18 June 2007. Awaiting update.

2245. PARKING - SCHOOL

Clerk had spoken to Head regarding parents parking outside the school when collecting their children. Head advises that she will be writing to parents again asking that they now use Village Hall car park when collecting their children.

2246. RURAL POST OFFICES

Mrs Henwood, Chairman composing letter to be sent.

2247. STABLE YARD – ACCESS

Clerk read letter from Mr John Daldry. He has submitted plans to BBC on behalf of Mr and Mrs Wallace, the owners of the Leather Bottle. They have suggested to improve the overall appearance of this area of the green Mr and Mrs Wallace would like to place some planters near to the newly defined access which they feel would also prevent random and obstructive parking. The Environment Committee discussed this at their meeting and agree with the planters being positioned to the right of the painted driveway to apartments behind the Leather Bottle, but do not agree with the planter to the left on the plan. They feel this planter is too large and is not in front of either the Wallace’s or Mr Daldry’s property but is in front of their neighbour’s property. Regarding the parking places, these spaces were marked to keep clear the entrance and exit to the Post Office Garage. The apartments already have parking spaces near their premises and this is the reason the disabled marked area was moved at great expense, to allow cars suitable access. This acceptance was proposed by T Lennon, seconded by V Dean and agreed by all. Clerk to advise J Daldry of Council’s decision.

2248. GREEN LANE FENCE

Clerk read out letter from Tony Ciaburro, Head of Highways & Transportation at Essex County Council, regarding the condition of the fence adjacent to the stream. He reported that this length of fencing is not highway responsibility and has therefore passed this matter to the Council’s Housing Department who he understands are planning repairs in the near future.

2249. MILL LANE HEDGE

Reported it needs cutting down to about 10 foot in height.

2250. HEDGE TRIMMING – WOLLARD WAY TO ROUNDABOUT

Hedge needs trimming from School to Village Hall on the school side.

2251. DRUGS

Signs of drugs in church grounds.

2252. VILLAGE GREEN

Complaint of youths playing football across the green causing damage to gardens. Also cars being driven onto the green.

2253. CAR MOTIFS

Motifs being stolen off cars in Church Street.

HERALD MAGAZINE

2254. NEXT EDITION

It was agreed that the Herald Magazine be entered in the ‘Essex Life Community Magazine’ awards competition. Mr T Smith, Herald Magazine, to complete registration for entry. It was raised by Mr Smith that there was still an outstanding invoice of £92.00 owed to the Herald Magazine for advertising by Andy Lister of Digital Photography. Mr Smith will re-send the invoice and follow up with a phone call. In the event payment is still not forthcoming, the Clerk is to write to Mr Lister advising that proceedings through the Small Claims Court will go ahead if payment is not received by return.

RECREATION COMMITTEE

A meeting of the Recreation Committee had taken place on 11 June 2207 at Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall. Attended by Mr. Hall, Chairman, Mr. Dean, Mrs. Stran, Mr. Lennon, Apologies given: Mr K Bennett.

2255. TED MARRIAGE RECREATION FIELD

Hedges - Quote from Town & Country Landscapes accepted - work to commence after nesting season.

Spring Animal - Sprayed with paint - Still awaiting action by Mr. Potter. Clerk to chase.

Fence - Play Area - Mr Potter to re-new wire netting where required and repair broken spar at back of Play Area. R Potter inspected area with Recreation Committee members on 6.6.07. R Potter to repair. Clerk to chase.

Notice Board W.G.L entrance - New trim required and graffiti to be cleaned off.

Dog Pen - Grass not being cut by Mr Pharaoh. Clerk to instruct.

Dog Sign W.G.R entrance - New sign required. R Potter has one in store and will install

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 has size and wording, to get one made.

Gates W.G.R - Both gates in need of attention. R Potter will attend to.

Picnic tables (2) - Annual clean up and treatment. R Potter to attend to.

Risk Report - Ray Potter was in attendance.

Dog Pen - Entrance gate needs adjusting and lubricating. R Potter to attend to

Climbing Frame - Lugs to be cut off

(2) Crossbar section to be repaired. R Potter to attend to.

2256. MILL LANE PLAY AREA

Foot Brushes - Brushes need replacing (2)- Clerk had instructed Mr. Potter to replace. Clerk to chase.

Slide – Graffiti on roof and seats under slide. R Potter to clean. Clerk to chase.

Picnic Table – Annual clean and treatment. R Potter to attend to. Clerk to chase.

Bench – To be removed as rotted. R Potter to attend to. Clerk to chase.

Risk Report – Ray Potter was in attendance.

Spring Animal – R Potter to clean and re-paint.

Climbing Frame – R Potter to cut lugs off.

Junior Swing – R Potter to clean swings and framework.

2257. WALTER HOBBS RECREATION FIELD

Football Pitches - Plans for longer term - Grants applied for : Football Association. Have written back with queries and Mr Keeble addressing these. Funds will be issued shortly.

Hexagonal Swing Area - Done. Delete.

Graffiti-Aerial Runway - R Potter to re-paint upright on runway.

Foot Brushes - R Potter to replace 4 foot brushes required.

Waste Bins - It was reported that 2 new lockable bins are required plus 1 new interior for bin by aerial runway. Clerk to order. Clerk to also write to Stephen Hartley of BBC requesting they ensure all bins are properly locked in future as they are not doing so at present and are subject to vandalism. Failing this, BBC will be held responsible for any further new replacement bins required because of this. Proposed by Mr Hall, Seconded by T Lennon. All agreed.

Dog sign – on play area fence – Clerk to order new ‘No dogs allowed’ sign

Play Area - Chain link fencing and kick board to be replaced where necessary. R Potter attending to

Spring Animal - New seat required. R Potter will make it and also re-paint

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

2258. TIPPS CROSS REMEMBRANCE HALL

Nothing to report.

CLERK’S REPORT

2259. COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Planning	9.7.07	3.30pm	60 Orchard Piece
Recreation	10.7.07	7.00pm	Tipps Cross R. Hall
Management Committee	10.07.07	8.00pm	Tipps Cross R. Hall
Environment	9.7.07	7.30pm	Crossehouse
Millennium Park	15.8.07	8pm	B V Hall
P & R	16.8.07	7.30pm	Tipps Cross R. Hall

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

2260. GYPSY & TRAVELLERS ACCOMMODATION

Mr T Lennon reported on his attendance at the Records Office, Chelmsford on 5 June 2007 regarding the above. No forthcoming response at meeting or positive outcome. Most people expressed objection and concern at this being sited in their own neighbourhood.

2261. WATERING OF PLANTERS – GIFT VOUCHERS

Clerk to request list of names from Ted Asker of people watering the planters. Clerk to organise £15 voucher for each.

2262. BUS SHELTERS IN AREA

Mr D Cox, Highways Inspector, BBC contacted Clerk as he was surprised at general condition of bus shelters in Parish. Clerk had advised Mr Cox that the person responsible for the work had died. New person now to be engaged for work – situation should soon improve.

2263. ROADWAY RENTS

Clerk has sent letters to all concerned and is dealing with.

2264. HOOK END SIGN

Mrs Stran reported that “Hook End” sign on Blackmore road has fallen down. Clerk to contact BBC.

2265. TREES – WYATTS GREEN LANE/TED MARRIAGE FIELD

Mr Dean reported trees overgrown. Clerk to pass to Recreation Committee.

2266. DOG BIN – FANTAILS

Mr Dean feels a dog bin adjacent to FanTails as this is a much used area by dog walkers, would be welcomed. Clerk to pass to Environment Committee for a proposal.

There being no further business, the Meeting closed at 10.20pm.