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Minutes - June 2008

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

Held on Thursday, 19 June, 2008 in the Committee Room of the Blackmore Village Hall, commenced at 7.30pm.

Members present: Mrs. Henwood, Chairman, Mr. Bennett, Mr. Keeble, Mr. Lennon, Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Town, Mrs. Barnes, Parish Clerk, Mrs Nelson, Treasurer.

Terry Smith - Editor - Herald Magazine was also present along with Mary Spiers, Blackmore, the co-option candidate for the Parish Council who was viewing proceedings.

Apologies for absence were received from: Mr Marr, Mrs Smith, Mr Giordan and Ann Naylor, Essex County Councillor Unauthorised: Mr. Brown.

AMENDMENTS

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

Item 0021 (page 7) – should read ‘Lilliput, Chelmsford Road, Blackmore’ and not Hook End Road, Hook End as typed.

(Page 2) – List of committees – remove Mr Lennon from Millennium Park committee.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest to report to items on the agenda.

OPEN FORUM

There were no members of the public present so the meeting proceeded.

CORRESPONDENCE

0050. The Clerk advised the Council of the email received regarding the Hanningfield Awards 2008.

0051. The Clerk had received the bus passenger news update which she passed to Mr Dean.

0052. The Clerk advised receipt of the Brentwood in bloom competition and said she had already put these on all noticeboards.

0053. The Clerk advised renewal of RCCE membership at £55 is due on 1st July 2008. Membership subscription was agreed so the Clerk will organise.

0054. The Clerk read out an email from the Parish and Town Council A12 inquiry group with an update on meetings and proceedings. These do not however directly involve us.

0055. The Clerk advised renewal of CPRE membership at £28 is due. Membership subscription was agreed so the Clerk will organise.

0056. The Clerk read out an email received from Paul Skingley regarding the Blackmore music festival. He advised that in the past they had used a piece of land at the bottom of Meadow Rise (on Brentwood Road) as a car park for the music festival (with the Parish Council’s permission). He also advised he usually arranges for the grass to be cut a week before the event as the ground is left fallow. He asked if we could agree this although his understanding was that this ground belongs to the ‘Marriages’. It also has a gate at the field now which was not there previously and did the Parish hold a key? The Council requested the Clerk to pass on the ‘Marriages’ telephone number to Mr Skingley as this land does belong and therefore must seek approval with them and not the Parish Council.

0057. The Clerk informed the Council receipt of the notification of alteration to the register of electors. These will be filed at the office.

0058. The Clerk read out the email from Rene Stran thanking the Council for the kind words and chocolates on her retirement from the Parish Council.

0059. The Clerk read out the letter from Ted Hall thanking the Council for the kind words and gift of the rose and the bricks for the Blackmore Youth Centre Project upon his retirement from the Parish Council.

BROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORTS

Mrs Henwood advised that there had been a Borough planning meeting on 17.6.08 and that Lathams Yard was approved for a house to be built as per the plans submitted. Mrs Henwood advised she would be on holiday from 27th June to the 10th July ’08.

Mr Keeble also advised that at the planning meeting the plans submitted for a dental surgery at ‘Fourways’, Hook End Road had been rejected.

POLICY & RESOURCES COMMITTEE

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

0060. FINANCE

The following cheques were approved for payment:

CHEQUES DRAWN AT JUNE 2008 P C MEETING

£ Addressee Description
238.38 Essex County Council Clerks pension contr.
- S Barnes Clerks salary
- S Barnes Contribution to Clerks internet fac.
- S Barnes Contributions to Clerks office
196.26 HM Revenue & Customs Clerks Tax/NI contr.
- R Nelson Book keeping
185.00 RAC Bus breakdown cover renewal
144.20 BT payment svcs phone
15.86 Three valleys water B/more war memorial - Water
1606.32 BBC Dog waste collection services
529.14 BBC play inspection fees
1114.00 Kelhatch Press June magazine
86.20 BBC election expenses ‘08
144.00 Heatherland Ltd skip hire
62.70 J Oddy & Sons goods supplied
756.37 MD Landscapes grass cutting
340.09 Argents Ltd summer bedding
1079.51 R D Potter maintenance and expenses
52.20 Alans DIY goods supplied to R Potter
50.00 EALC Chairman’s day course
85.32 BBC play inspections
58.75 B A Turner youth centre project – additional lab tests
804.88 S H Goss & Co Ltd weed control B/more village field
270.00 Old forge machinery ltd new strimmer – RD Potter requested and was approved May PC meeting ’08.

Receipts:

Nothing to report

Payments:

Nothing to report

0061. FINANCIAL POWERS

Mrs Nelson read to the meeting details of the Parish Accounts in accordance with the financial reports distributed by the Clerk prior to the meeting. Mrs Nelson advised that the grass cutting services had been phased over a 7 month period – April to October and the handyman services over 11 months. The loans had been budgeted half yearly. She also advised that the play reserve was over budget but the Clerk is in liaison with the Insurance company for an element of re-imbursement for the installation of the new slide at Blackmore.

Mr Bennett spoke about the annual audit. He had received a copy of the regulations and it was agreed he would draft the Clerk a letter to send to Joy Shepperd at the EALC regarding possibility of a refund on our auditing fees.

Mrs Henwood will also provide the Clerk with details of the person to request reimbursement of the latest invoice for the Youth Centre project from B A Turner for £58.75.

0062. COMMUNITY POLICE MEETING

Nothing to report

0063. COMMUNITY BUS

The Clerk advised she is in the process of obtaining guidance on the bus chargeable mileage to its users. The current price is 30p/mile.

The Clerk will also obtain a quote from Allen Ford for repair of the rusting scratched bodywork over the rear wheel arches and will advise. /p>

0064. BLACKMORE CENTRE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Mrs. Henwood confirmed that the quiz night had successfully raised £460. There will also be an evening organised for children on 4th July 2008 and a live musical supper on 19th September 2008.

0065. BLACKMORE SPORTS ARENA – (formerly MUGA)

Mr Keeble advised that PCSO, Susan Payne had met with the children in the area and had two football sessions with them at the sports arena and since then there have been no problems with them climbing over the fences to play. This will hopefully be continued.

0066. BLACKMORE WEBSITE

In the absence of Mr Giordan there was nothing new to report.

0067. RURAL HOUSING

The Clerk advised the Council of an email from Moira Groborz, Rural Housing Enabler. She advised she had met with BBC’s housing people (Chris Wainman and Debra Wyrill) who were unaware of the Wrights Lane site we had mentioned. However she did manage to locate it on their planning portal on the website under application reference no. BRW/273/2008 – Lathams Timber Yard, Wrights Lane, Wyatts Green. She also asked if we can suggest any other possible areas, she would like to hear from us.

Madeline Henwood advised that she will be meeting with Moira Groborz on 15th July to visit the other site at Wrights Lane (not the Lathams Yard site).

0068. MOBILE LIBRARY

Nothing new to report.

0069. BRENTWOOD BOROUGH PARISH COUNCIL ASSOCIATION

Mrs Henwood and Mr Keeble had attended and advised it would be moving from West Horndon to Ingrave. Nothing further to report.

0070. ROADWAY RENTS (2008)

The Clerk advised that Mr Brown of Jericho Priory had paid the £25.00 as invoiced against invoice no. 2008/SB/BR dated 1 April 2008.

BLACKMORE MILLENNIUM PARK

0071. PROGRESS REPORT

A meeting had taken place on 11th June 2008 and the Clerk had circulated the minutes to the Parish Council. All items were dealt with and minuted and Mr Keeble gave an account of the following at the meeting:

It was decided that the kissing gate should not be moved as at first considered.

Regarding the Fireworks night on 1st November 2008:

  • A metal barrier system will be hired to go across the field as a barrier around the bonfire. The budget sought is £260 plus VAT which the Council unanimously agreed.
  • This years proposed ticket price should be £3 to £5, with only adults paying on entrance. Children are free.
  • The proposed budget increase for fireworks : £2,000 to £2,300 – unanimously agreed.
  • Proposed budget for glow sticks is £150.00 – unanimously agreed.
  • The speaker system cost has risen from last year’s £65 to this year £75 – approved.

    • In accordance with the committee meeting minutes of 11th June 2008, the firework fund raising quiz night is to be held on Friday 12 September and the Clerk will produce the tickets and posters for availability at the next Parish Council meeting in July. The Clerk will also book Dave Gottesman, quiz master, for the evening.

    The price for the quiz night tickets are £7.00.

    Mr Keeble also confirmed there is an Austin Healey club event on 19th July.

    PLANNING COMMITTEE

    A meeting of the Planning Committee had taken place on 2nd June 2008, attended by Mr. Marr, Chairman, Mrs. Town, Mrs. Smith, Mr Giordan. Apologies from Mrs. Thomas, Mr Dean and Mr. Brown.

    0072. PLANS

    Plans received and considered at the Planning Meeting were discussed and minuted on 2nd June 2008. These were distributed by the Parish Clerk. The Clerk was requested to forward the weekly yellow sheets from the BBC, planning department to Mrs Town until further notice.

    0073. OUTSTANDING ENFORCEMENT ISSUES

    Bluebell Farm - Spriggs Lane - The Clerk read out a letter received from BBC planning department regarding the Notice of appeal – Erection of free standing poultry shed, Spriggs Farm, Spriggs Lane, Blackmore – The planning appeal will now be dealt with by a Local Inquiry and the deadline for our response is to be received by 17th July 2008. The original letter was passed to Mrs Town to deal with in Mr Marr’s absence.

    Oak Tree farm, Chelmsford Road, Blackmore, CM4 0PZ – Still pending further legal action. Mr Marr to draft letter to BBC requesting update.

    Lilliput, Chelmsford Road, Blackmore – Mr Marr to write to BBC regarding the hard-standing which has ‘unofficially’ been erected adjacent to the property.

    ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

    A Meeting of the Environment Committee had taken place on 9th June, 2008, attended by Mrs. Town (Chairman), Mrs. Smith and Mr. Dean and Mr Brown.

    Apologies - Mr. Lennon and Mrs Thomas.

    ITEMS 0074 – 0091 were dealt with and minuted at that committee meeting as distributed by the Clerk and received by the Council, with the following exceptions which were discussed at the Parish Council meeting :-

    0077. PARKING – BLACKMORE VILLAGE

    Clerk advised her conversation with Peter Rose, BBC. It is still in process due to the fact they had received an objection for the proposals for Blacksmiths Alley and will therefore need to act and reply in the normal way before they can proceed. Work may be scheduled in August/September 2008. Being monitored.

    0079. POND

    The Clerk reported that the Parish Council had been awarded funding from the Essex Environment Trust towards the Blackmore village pond restoration scheme. Accordingly it was resolved to enter into the deed with Essex Environment Trust in the form before the meeting, and to authorise the Clerk to the Council, Mrs Susan Barnes to execute the deed on behalf of the Council and to agree any minor amendments which may be necessary and to execute any supplementary deeds or documents required by the deed.

    The above will be signed by both the Clerk, Mrs Susan Barnes and the Chairman, Mrs Henwood. A copy of this draft will be held in the Clerks office. The above resolution was passed and unanimously agreed.

    The grant awarded was £9,500. This now gives us a total of £18,500 plus the £500 agreed by the Parish Council.

    The next pond meeting will take place on 23rd June 2008.

    0080. YELLOW LINES – CHURCH STREET

    Mrs Town reported that cranes working in Church Street are damaging the road and is in need of repair.

    0082. NOTICE BOARDS

    Clerk read out an email from Paul Skingley, Blackmore music festival seeking permission to put a banner on the wooden frame near the Mill Lane play area. Permission was given and the Clerk will inform Mr Skingley.

    0085. ROAD SIGNS

    Clerk requested to remove the wording H.End Lane/Blackmore Rd. Just to read ‘road signs’ on future agendas to encompass all.

    AOB

    For discussion at next Environment Committee meeting:

    To be included in next agenda

    HERALD MAGAZINE

    0102. NEXT EDITION

    The August edition deadline is the last Friday in July 2008, being the 25th.

    RECREATION COMMITTEE

    A meeting of the Recreation Committee had taken place on 9th June, 2008, attended by Mr. Lennon, Chairman, Mr. Bennett, and Mr. Dean.

    Apologies: None given.

    ITEMS 0103 - 0105 were dealt with and minuted at that committee meeting as distributed by the Clerk and received by the Council, with the following exceptions which were discussed at the Parish Council meeting :-

    0103. TED MARRIAGE RECREATION FIELD

    Play area – Clerk to ask Ray Potter to repair the broken cross member on the play area.

    Dog Pen – Clerk to find out whose responsibility it is to trim the overgrown grass in the dog pen area.

    0105. WALTER HOBBS RECREATION FIELD

    Football Pitches - Plans for longer term - Mr Keeble to submit planning application for a 30mtr metal fence – 4 mtr high, for catch net posts.

    CLERK’S REPORT

    0106. COMMITTEE MEETINGS

    Planning 07.07.08 3.30pm 60 Orchard Piece
    Recreation 08.07.08 7.00pm Tipps Cross R. Hall
    Environment 07.07.08 7.30pm Crossehouse
    Tipps X Mgmnt 08.07.08 8.00pm Tipps Cross R Hall
    Parish Council mtg 17.07.08 7.30pm Tipps X R Hall
    Millennium Park 27.08.08 8.00pm Blackmore V Hall
    Community Police TBC

    0107. BLACKMORE, HOOK END & WYATTS GREEN – WARD

    James Stevens, Elections Coordinator, BBC had raised the question of merging as one ward. However after careful consideration and discussion by the Council it was unanimously decided that the Parish would remain as it is as separate wards to maintain the same number of Parish Councillors.

    The Clerk would speak to James Stevens, Elections co-ordinator, BBC to enquire about procedure to co-opt councillors to fill the two vacancies on the Parish Council. The two candidates are Mary Spiers, Blackmore and Paul Alvarez, Wyatts Green.

    0108. GYPSY/TRAVELLERS SITES

    The Clerk had circulated to all councillors, prior to the meeting, a copy of the ‘Plan document: Issues and Options Stage 2 consultation – suggested site options’ to review.

    The general opinion is that the Parish would rather not agree to having these sites, in view of the fact there are already ‘unofficial’ sites in the Parish. However after careful consideration and discussion, if suggested sites have to be put forward by the deadline of Friday 11th July 2008, the following sites were suggested as options by the Parish Council with the exception of Cllr H. Town who does not wish for any such sites in the Parish. She therefore did not give any recommendations.

    The Councils view is that we would also suggest and prefer sites are not clustered and are kept small. The Clerk will inform BBC of these comments before the deadline of 11th July 2008.

    ANY OTHER BUSINESS – (for discussion only)

    0109. LIST OF COMMITTEES

    Mrs Town would like a list of all committees, which the Clerk will type and distribute to all Councillors.

    0110. FOOTPATH 19

    Mr Dean advised that footpath 19 is in need of cleaning up. To be included on next agenda.

    There being no further business, the Meeting closed at 10:20pm.

     

     

     

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