Minutes - March 2007

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

Held on Thursday, 15 March, 2007 in the Committee Room of the Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall.

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

Ann Naylor, Essex County Councillor, Terry Smith - Editor - Herald Magazine and two members of the public were also present.

Apologies for absence were received from Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Thomas.

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

Page 12 - Item 2007 - Magazine title had been omitted.

 

CORRESPONDENCE

•  ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL

REVIEW OF THE CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE'S PLAN

Email received from John Durrant - Review and Development Manager, Children's Directorate asking that Council's respond to the recent questionnaire. This had been carried out by Mr. Hall.

•  BBC - ADOPTION OF STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY

INVOLVEMENT (SCI)

A letter and copy of the above had been received from Brentwood Borough Council stating that, following the Examination into the Submission Statement of Community Involvement and receipt of the Examination Inspectors Report in January 2007, the SCI was formally adopted on 21.2.07. Noted by members.

2019. AUDIT COMMISSION

Letter received from the Audit Commission advising that Lubbock Fine had again been appointed as this Council's auditor for the financial year 2006/07.

•  PITNEY BOWES

Letter from the above offering a free trial offer of postage scales, franking machine etc. Agreed offer would not be taken up as this would take away business from the local Post Office.

•  NALC - COMMON LAND

Letter received from above passed to Environment Committee for consideration and comment.

•  BLACKMORE VILLAGE FAYRE

Copy of the Minutes of the above meeting had been received. The person running the event had asked if any members would be willing to site an estate agents board to promote the Fayre outside their property.

Members agreed that they could not support this request as the Council are not in favour of these signs as they are often sited on the Highway verges which is not permitted, Clerk to reply accordingly.

BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORTS

Mrs. Henwood reported that she had been allowed to abstain from voting in the recent Parish Council Funding issue held at full Council.

Mr. Bennett reported that he had noted in the local Press that Councillor Brandon Lewis had stated that the Parish Councils are in favour of the recently imposed cuts to Parish funding. Mr. Bennett believed this to be a misleading comment and will write to Councillor Lewis advising him that this Parish Council is not in favour of the cuts.

POLICY & RESOURCES COMMITTEE

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

 

2023. FINANCE

The following cheques were approved for payment:

CHEQUE DRAWN DURING MONTH

£8,415.35 Doe Sport Ltd. - MUGA

CHEQUES DRAWN AT MARCH 2007 P C MEETING

£5.30 A to Z Supplies - Materials
£41.66 Mr. K. Bennett - Expenses
£38.10 Viking Direct - Computer cartridges
£1066.00 Kelhatch Press - Printing of Herald
£129.00 Heatherland Ltd - Skip Hire
£85.32 Brentwood Borough Council - Inspection of Play Areas
£170.52 A to Z Supplies - Materials
£209.29 Inland Revenue - Tax taken from Clerks salary
£- Mrs. D. Mills - One months salary - includes rent of Parish

Office

£- Mrs. R. Nelson - Accounting of Parish Books
£48.83 Petty Cash
£239.02 Essex County Council - Pension Payment
£ 9.00 Mrs. D. Mills - Contribution to Broadband
£- Mrs. D. Mills - Heating & Lighting Allowance
£410.00 Blackmore Parochial Charity - Rent of W.H.R.F.

Jan/Feb/Mar

£25.00 Essex Playing Field - Annual subscription
£376.00 Town & Country Landscapes - Tree work

2024. FINANCIAL POWERS

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

Mr. Bennett reported that we have received letter from the VAT Office asking for copies of a number of Invoices where we have reclaimed the VAT. Mr. Bennett to draft a reply for the Clerk to send together with the required invoices.

2025. COMMUNITY POLICE MEETING

Next Meeting is on 15 May 2007.

2026. COMMUNITY BUS

Mr. Hall agreed to take the Bus for its annual test in April. Clerk to arrange bus service.

2027. BLACKMORE CENTRE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Next meeting will take place on Monday 19 March 2007. Clerk agreed to take planning application to Planning Department when required.

2028. MULTI GAMES AREA

Mr. Bennett reported on invoice payment for the MUGA. He asked that a meeting of the Committee, formed from Village Hall and Parish Council representatives, takes place in the near future. The Committee will be - Mr. Blackwell, Mr. Barclay, Mr. Lennon, Mr. Keeble and Mr. Bennett.

2029. BLACKMORE WEBSITE

Mr. Giordan had been unable to attend this evenings meeting but all is progressing well for the Website.

2030. RURAL HOUSING

Clerk had made contact with the Rural Housing Enabler and she will be coming back to her with dates when they can visit the Village to try to find a suitable site.

2031. MOBILE LIBRARY

Nothing to report.

2032. YOUTHS - BLACKMORE VILLAGE

It was understood that progress was being made with regard to the graffiti artists - interviews are to take place in the next few days.

2033. BRENTWOOD BOROUGH PARISH COUNCIL

ASSOCIATION

Nothing further to report.

2034. VACANCY - PARISH COUNCILLOR

Clerk reported that she had been advised by the Elections Officer at BBC that, following the advertising of the vacancy an election had not been requested. It was proposed by Mrs. Henwood, seconded by Mrs. Town that Mr. Bruno Giordan should be co-opted at the next Meeting, Clerk to ask The Election Officer at BBC for clearance in this respect.

2035. CLERK'S RETIREMENT

Clerk reported that there had now been four applicants for the position of Clerk. Applications are invited until Easter. After that date interviews will take place.

BLACKMORE MILLENNIUM PARK

2036. PROGRESS REPORT

A Meeting of the Millennium Park Committee will take place on 21 March, 2007.

PLANNING COMMITTEE

2037. PLANS

Mr. Marr reported on plans received. The application regarding King's Acre will be heard at the Planning Committee Meeting on Tuesday - Mr. Marr will speak for the Parish Council in objection to the application.

A new Head of Planning at Brentwood Borough Council has been appointed and will commence on 5 April 2007.

2038. OUTSTANDING ENFORCEMENT ISSUES

Plots 1, 2 & 3 - Chelmsford Road - Nothing to report.
Bluebell Farm - Spriggs Lane - Nothing to report
Balihi - Hook End Road - Nothing to report

2039. PROPOSED ORANGE BASE STATION - COPYHOLD FARM

Delete - remove from Agenda.

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

A Meeting of the Environment Committee had taken place on 6 March 2007, attended by Mrs. Town (Chairman), Mr. Dean., Mrs. Smith. Apologies - Mrs. Thomas and Mr. Brown..

2040. DRAINS CLEARANCE & ROAD SWEEPING

BBC advise that they have instructed street care team to cleanse Blacksmith's Alley. Drains are now the responsibility of ECC.

2041. THREE VALLEYS WATER

Dip in Church Street is residents responsibility. Remove from Agenda.

2042. VILLAGE SPEED

Number of telegraph poles given to Clerk to pass to local Police. Still awaiting Hook End and Wyatts Green Nos.

2043. STABLE YARD ACCESS

Mrs. Town had not, as yet, been able to arrange meeting on site with Mr. Rose.

Copy letter received, sent by Mr. Daldry to BBC requesting planters, to define gateway entry to Stable Yard. Committee reiterate that this is not the responsibility of this Council - no funding available due to proposed cuts by BBC. Mrs. Town to speak to owner of Leather Bottle to ascertain if he would be able to offer sponsorship for the suggested planters.

2044. ALLOTMENTS

Further investigation being made - Owner of suggested plot of land will use field for hay this year until further progress can be made with project. Mrs. Town reported to the meeting that the field will not be available for three years - agreed alternative site should be sought.

2045. XMAS LIGHTS

Done - Remove from Agenda.

2046. MOPED RIDERS

Unable to obtain numbers of offending mopeds - Committee report that quad bikes doing “wheelies” have been seen on the roads in the Parish - these vehicles do not have numbers.

2047. PARKING - BLACKMORE VILLAGE

Letter from BBC advises that double yellow lines can be placed either side of entrance/exit to Blacksmith's Alley. Committee recommend that double yellow lines are placed in front of 1 Blackmore Road extending approx. 15 feet.

The Meeting felt that, if the double yellow lines are placed as suggested, the offending vehicle will just park further down and this may produce further complaints from the residents when the vehicle parks in front of their windows. Mrs. Henwood will speak to local Police.

Clerk had written to Police asking that they investigate the problems of parking at Rose Cottage, Blackmore Road, 13 Orchard Piece and Browlea, The Green, where vehicles are considered an obstruction when parking on the footways.

2048. “ CATS EYES”

Still not done outside Copyhold Farm. Clerk to chase again.

2049. VEHICLE ACTIVATED SIGNS

Mr. Rose had contacted Mrs. Town - advised him that PC could not progress due to cuts in funding.

2050. TREES - SERVICE LANE

Planting still awaited.

2051. VANDALISM

Clerk had written and telephoned BBC about bridge, fence etc at Blackmore Mead. More damage at Village Hall.

2052. PONDS

2 Hour meeting had taken place with Mr. David Nelson, Pond Consultant. Report received - appears very good - meeting now to be arranged. It is suggested that a lot of the fish will have to be removed, also the branches and debris must be removed - working party to be arranged.

Grant of £500 from the Environment Agency awaited.

2053. SIGNPOSTS

Mr. Keeble expressed concern that the signpost have still not been renovated etc. Clerk had written and emailed numerous times - she will write again.

2054. YELLOW LINES - CHURCH STREET

Still no action by BBC with regard to “No Parking” sign on “no man's land” - Clerk to chase again.

2055. GUNNELL'S CORNER

Still not done.

2056. PLANTERS ETC

Mrs. Town unable to contact Mr. Potter - Mrs. Smith obtaining list of suitable plants.

Clerk had spoken to Mr. Potter, he asks if the soil on the mini roundabout can be replaced as the existing soil is full of weeds and is a constant problem to them - he also ask that plants requiring less watering are planted here. Clerk to ask him to provide a quotation.

2057. SHRUBS - OLD SCHOOL

Still not done - Clerk to chase.

2058. SIGN- BLACKMORE MEAD

Replacement sign has been ordered - Clerk to chase.

2059. VILLAGE GREEN - DEAD TREES

Done - remove from Agenda.

2060. POST - BULL ALLEY

Mr. Potter to paint with white reflective paint which he has ordered. Clerk had chased again.

2061. BUS STOP - SWAN HOUSE

Mr. Potter to clean.

2062. TREE - LIBRARY GREEN

Done.

2063. SHRUBS - LIBRARY GREEN

In hand.

2064. SOAP HOUSE CORNER

Post broken - Mr. Potter asked to repair. Chased.

2065. SEAT - VILLAGE BUS STOP

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

2066. DUCKS CROSSING SIGN

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

2067. SPRING CLEAN DAY

Spring Clean Day this year will be 24 March.

2068. VILLAGE GREEN

Mr. Sharp has agreed to fill in hole when it has dried out.

•  HOOK END ROAD

Highway verges badly rutted - Clerk to ask BBC to inspect.

•  VERGES - MEADOW RISE

Clerk reported that ECC have put in wooden posts on the verges in Meadow Rise to prevent parking, which has been welcomed by the residents. However, one resident, who lives adjacent to the Blackmore Road entrance to Meadow Rise, has complained that the posts have not been placed outside his property and now people are parking outside his house on the verges. He had complained to BBC but they had suggested that he get the Parish Council to request the posts are extended to the front of his property. Agreed - Clerk to write.

Clerk had also received a complaint from a resident of Meadow Rise that the new tarmaced footpath in front of their property is crumbling. It appears that it was too cold when the tarmac was laid and they had already redone it twice. Again BBC had suggested to the resident that the Parish Council request that this area is redone - Clerk to write.

HERALD MAGAZINE

2071. NEXT EDITION

March Magazine now being distributed.

Deadline for June Herald will be 27 April 2007.

RECREATION COMMITTEE

A meeting of the Recreation Committee had taken place on

26 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.

2072. TED MARRIAGE RECREATION FIELD

Hedges - Quote received from Town & Country Landscapes of £535 and a second quote from P. Turner in the amount of £980. Mr. Hall proposed acceptance of the quote from Town & Country Landscapes. Seconded by Mr. Bennett. All agreed. Clerk to place the contract.

Main Gates - Wyatts Green Road gate latch missing

- Wyatts Green Lane lock nut missing.

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

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

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

Play Area Fence - Mr. Potter to inspect entire fence surround of Play Area and report back what work is required..

2073. MILL LANE PLAY AREA

Matta Surface - Play Area - Mr. Dean had inspected site on 27.2.07 - still awaiting Mr. Potter to action.

Mole Hills - Hills have disappeared.

2074. WALTER HOBBS RECREATION FIELD

Football Pitches - Plans for longer term - Grants applications being completed - additional quotations being sought.

Aerial Runway Area - Will be attended to by Mr. Potter in the Spring of 2007.

Football Pitches - Grass cut completed..

Hexagonal Swing Area - Bark had been raked and weeded by working party. Bark needs replenishing - Recreation Committee to discuss.

2075. TIPPS CROSS REMEMBRANCE HALL

Nothing to report.

2076. SPORTS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

Clerk had responded as required following Mr. Bennett's report. Remove from Agenda.

2077. RISK ASSESSMENT - PLAY EQUIPMENT

Clerk had emailed Play Inspection Company for the three Play Areas Risk Assessments.

CLERK'S REPORT

2078. COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Millennium Park 21.3.07 7pm BVHall
Recreation 3.4.07 7.00pm Tipps Cross R. Hall
Environment 2.4.07 7.30pm Crossehouse
Planning 2.4.07 3.30pm 60 Orchard Piece

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

•  SPRING BULBS

Mrs. Henwood had received a request from Mr. Asker for £50 to be spent on daffodil and bluebell bulbs for planting in the autumn. Environment Committee to discuss. Clerk reported that she is able to donate some bluebell bulbs from her garden.

There being no further business, the Meeting closed at 9.05pm.

 

 

 

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