Minutes - March 2008

Held on Thursday, 20th March 2008 – 7.30pm in the Committee Room of Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall.

Members present: Mrs Barnes (Parish Clerk), Mr Bennett, Mr Giordan, Mr Hall (Vice Chairman), Mrs Henwood (Chairman), Mr Keeble, Mr Lennon, Ann Naylor (District Councillor), Mrs Nelson (Treasurer), Mrs Stran, Mrs Town.

Mr Smith (Editor) - Herald Magazine, Brian Tytherleigh, Vice Chairman and Linda Martin from Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Brentwood, were present. Also present, a member of the public considering becoming a future Parish Councillor at May 2008 elections.

Apologies for absence were received from Mr Brown, Mr Dean, Mr Marr, Mrs Smith, Mrs Thomas,

AMENDMENTS

The minutes of the previous meeting, having been circulated, were signed as a correct record.

OPEN FORUM

The meeting was opened to the representatives from the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), Brentwood. They gave an update on services and statistics provided locally and asked if we could assist in a more widespread advertising campaign on their behalf. It was agreed the Clerk would continue to advertise on all Parish notice boards as well as sending the CAB leaflets with surgery dates to Doddinghurst Parish Magazine, the Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall clubs and thee W.I as well as to Mr Giordan and Mr T Smith for inclusion on the Parish website and Herald magazine respectively. Mr Tytherleigh also advised that they were currently trialling home visits in the West Horndon area and depending on its success, is hoping to extend this to other areas thereafter.

CORRESPONDENCE

2687. Clerk read out letter from BBC regarding Highways Localism Initiative. Nomination of a Parish Councillor to sit on the panel was requested and Mrs Town agreed to participate or a member of the Environment Committee in her absence.

2688. The Clerk advised receipt of the BBC Parish Councillor Election papers which were distributed to all Councillors. The Clerk agreed to co-ordinate the paperwork and take to BBC prior to the deadline of Friday 4th April 2008. Clerk to confirm electoral register numbers

2689. The Clerk read out an email from Mrs Thomas regarding the recently erected hedging across a field in Wyatt’s Green. Mrs Thomas had not been able to locate the field reference numbers for the Clerk to complete a land registry search. Mr Hall will look into.

2690. The Clerk read out a planning policy document received from Chelmsford Borough Council regarding the Local development framework – Adoption of the ‘Core Strategy and Development Control Policies Development Plan Document’. This will be available in the Clerks office.

2691. The Clerk informed the Council of the Standards board newsletter regarding changes to the Standards framework. The update concerning how complaints are dealt with can be obtained from the Clerks Office and the Standards Board website.

2692. The Clerk read out an email received from RCCE regarding a petition to persuade the Government to rethink their plan to build 3 million new homes by 2020. It was agreed the Clerk would sign the online petition on behalf of the Parish Council.

2693. The renewal form was received from the Twinning association ‘Brentwood Landkreis Roth’. It was agreed the Parish Council felt there was no need to renew this.

2694. The Clerk advised receipt of the notice of alteration to the register of electors

2695. The Clerk read out a letter from the Chief Executive of East of England Regional Assembly’ concerning the Gypsy traveller site consultation. The Government are now inviting views on the draft policy through a 12 week public consultation which runs from 25th February to 16 May 2008. The Clerk can advise the website information should anyone wish to download this document.

BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORTS

County Councillor, Ann Naylor discussed with the Parish Council the plans for the Old School, Blackmore. She said she sympathised with the Parishioners that the old school could not have been utilised as it was, however, it offers no proper toilet facilities and would need extensive refurbishment and renovation to make the building work which simply was not feasible.

Ann Naylor also advised the plans for Hope Cottage had been turned down. Lastly, the Highway Rangers, BBC are going around now cleaning up the streets, such as cleaning and repairing road signs and repairing holes in the roads etc and there is a central office contact number should we need to report works needed, which the Clerk holds in the office.

Mrs Henwood, Borough Councillor, advised she had been placed on two new committee panels, one being Housing and Health, the second, Leisure and Sport. She advised there may be more sub committees after the May 1st elections. Mrs Henwood also advised there had been two full councils she had attended to approve budgets and the elections and resignations of Councillors.

POLICY & RESOURCES COMMITTEE

2696. FINANCE

The following cheques were approved for payment:

CHEQUES DRAWN AT FEBRUARY 2008 PC MEETING

-	R Nelson	Book keeping
-
S Barnes	Clerk’s salary
-
S Barnes	Internet contribution
-
S Barnes	Office/heating allowance
236.26	HM Revenue & Customs	Clerk’s tax and Joint NI contributions
75.00	petty cash
372.74	RD Potter	Maintenance
120.10	HJ Looker	12 litter pickers (spring clean)
230.41	Glasdon UK Ltd	replacement litter bin
142.11	J Oddy & Sons	Goods to P Council
85.32	BBC	Play inspections – Feb 08
27.00	The Leather Bottle	Xmas lights electricity
134.00	Heatherland Ltd	Skip hire
49.43	Mrs R Nelson	expenses –print cartridges
521.36	E.On	Electricity – Millennium Pk. – to be reimbursed by Village Hall.

Receipts:

Clerk confirmed receipt of £1750.00 – Cricket and football rents for period ending 31.3.08.

Clerk confirmed receipt of BACS payment of £1593.26 – HM Customs and Revenue VAT return.

Payment:

Mrs Nelson, Treasurer reported the final payment had been made to the Parochial Charity of £400.00.

2697. FINANCIAL POWERS

The Clerk confirmed receipt of a letter in response from Mr Brandon Lewis, BBC regarding the review of the Parish discretionary grant and its 10% reduction. Mr Lewis reiterated the decision made by Brentwood Council on budgets with regard to Parish Council grants in 2007. He clarified that this decision still stands regarding the 10% reduction year on year for five years and for the remaining amount to go on to be frozen as a ‘pot’.

He also made it clear that they will be reviewing how that ‘pot’ is distributed and they were hoping to have certainty for Parish Councils before the budget setting season in the autumn of 2008. Mr Lewis anticipated being in the position to be able to contact the Parish Councils after they had set their budgets, shortly after Easter.

Mrs Nelson then read out the details of the financial reports which having been circulated were an up to date record of the Parish Councils accounts.

2698. COMMUNITY POLICE MEETING

Nothing new to report since the last meeting.

2699. COMMUNITY BUS

The Clerk advised that the garage roller doors had failed again resulting in a regular user not being able to gain access to the garage where his car was locked upon returning the bus. Mr Hall and Mr Keeble attended the site late at night to try and open the garage doors to no avail.

The Clerk had tried contacting the installation company the following morning to establish they were no longer in business. Mr Hall then contacted another company offering a 24 call out service to repair the doors and a loose connection was thought to be the problem, probably caused by children playing football against the doors. This is being monitored. The Clerk will also organise the service and MOT due April.

2700. BLACKMORE CENTRE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

It was confirmed by Mrs Henwood there will be a meeting to discuss this project on 26th March. To raise funds there will be planned several events, such as a Quiz supper 23rd May and a children’s fun day on 4th July, Sports and Social club BBQ. Also on 19th September there will be a musical supper with a singer performing and Xmas carols by candlelight at Blackmore Church on 5th December.

It was agreed that the Clerk would organise payment of any invoices received in respect of the initial structural surveys and plans providing they were covered by the £15,000 grant from E.C.C. in relation to this. The Clerk will therefore liaise with E.C.C. for payment of the grant against the invoices in question.

2701. BLACKMORE SPORTS ARENA - (FORMERLY MUGA)

The next Committee meeting is scheduled for 9th April 2008, 8.00pm at Blackmore Village Hall. The Clerk will forward a copy of the E.On bill to Chris Blackwell, paid by the Parish Council of £521.36 for the electricity bill at the Millennium Park as outlined under 2696 – cheques drawn.

Mr Keeble will also discuss with Chris Blackwell the option of early repayment of the Public Works Board loan.

2702. BLACKMORE WEBSITE

There are no problems with the website and it is running OK and being monitored by Mr Giordan. The Clerk will confirm the forthcoming CAB dates for inclusion.

Also, Mr Giordan has now included ‘the what’s on guide’ for Brentwood highlighting events in the area.

2703. RURAL HOUSING

The Clerk informed the Parish Council of a letter of response from Moira Groborz regarding the Wrights Lane suggestion for affordable housing. She expressed her disappointment that the site recommended had probably been sold for private development. She confirmed she had acted on the information the Parish Council had supplied and had contacted the landowners to request a meeting with herself and the Builders, Circle Anglia to explain affordable rural housing and the issues around it for the community, unfortunately he did not respond. She also asked if we could provide any details of any planning which may be submitted so she can check this on the BBC website. The Clerk will respond with whatever information is available as it arises.

2704. MOBILE LIBRARY

The mobile library was at Tipps Cross Remembrance hall today (20/3/08).

2705. YOUTHS - BLACKMORE VILLAGE

There was mention of youths hanging around the churchyard at night. Rev. Ivy Crawford is looking into security lighting to help tackle this problem.

2706. BRENTWOOD BOROUGH PARISH COUNCIL ASSOCIATION

The last meeting was on Monday 3rd March 2008. Mr Hall attended and gave a verbal update. There were no major issues to report.

BLACKMORE MILLENNIUM PARK

2707. PROGRESS REPORT

The next meeting took place on13th March 2008 – 8.00pm at Blackmore Village Hall. The items were dealt with under the appropriate minutes and the Clerk would arrange the works and quotations as outlined.

Mr Keeble also confirmed the scheduled event on July 19th 2008 – Classic Car event – Millennium Park, and asked permission for free use of the field. This was unanimously agreed by the Parish Council providing the Village Hall committee would reinstate the field if necessary.

Regarding the lighting item – lamps still have to be sited at the entrance to the village hall car park and also the Millennium Park. Mr Pavitt has offered to undertake the installation free of charge, with the likely cost of the lamps being around £60. The Parish Council agreed an expenditure of up to £75 for purchase and installation of the lamps.

PLANNING COMMITTEE

2708. PLANS

The Planning Committee meeting was held on 3rd March 2008 at 3.30pm. The items were dealt with under the appropriate headings as per the minutes circulated.

2709. OUTSTANDING ENFORCEMENT ISSUES

The Clerk will chase BBC for an update on enforcement issues.

Bluebell Farm - Spriggs Lane – The application for a lawful development certificate has now been refused and consideration is now being given to the most appropriate course of action in respect of the enforcement notice which exists on the property.

Oak Tree Farm, Chelmsford Road, Blackmore, CM4 0PZ – This case is still pending further legal action – It was reported by the Committee that there are now two mobile homes on this site. Mrs Henwood has contacted BBC regarding this and is awaiting an update.

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

A Meeting of the Environment Committee had taken place on 10th March 2008. Attended by Mrs Town, Mrs Smith, and Mr Brown.

Apologies - Mrs Thomas, Mr Dean, Mr Lennon.

2710. DRAINS CLEARANCE & ROAD SWEEPING

Chelmsford Road flooded. Clerk informed Roger Hulse, BBC on 10.3.08, who sent a crew to clear the gullies on 11.3.08. However motorists had driven over the grass verge to avoid the flooded road which has caused deep ruts. Mrs Town to ask Ray Potter to provide quotation for wooden posts if permission could be given to erect from BBC. Clerk to contact Mr Hulse to investigate this option.

2711. VILLAGE SPEED

Clerk has written to BBC to inspect and assess possible damage to the bridge at Blackmore caused by HGV’s. Clerk also requested to investigate promised speed strips and speed guns with Police.

2712. ALLOTMENTS

Mr Lennon to monitor. Nothing to report.

2713. MOPED RIDERS

As item 2711.

2714. PARKING - BLACKMORE VILLAGE

BBC erected signs in local area, expect lines in approximately 3 weeks.

2715. “CATS EYES”

Still not done - Clerk continues to chase for response but is told still no budget.

2716. VANDALISM

Nothing new to report. Graffiti on bus shelters and seats cleaned by Ray Potter.

2717. POND

Mr Gaymer met with Mr Hall and Mrs Town and had a very positive meeting. Mr Hall will complete application form to be considered for the grant for the pond project.

2718. YELLOW LINES (CHURCH STREET)

Mr Hulse to include in his April budget – resurfacing rough ground.

2719. POST - SOAP HOUSE CORNER

Ray Potter attending.

2720. VILLAGE GREEN - (DIP)

Awaiting J Sharpe to attend.

2721. NOTICEBOARDS

Ray Potter has now finished and re-instated notice board at Wyatts Green Road and is working on Hook End notice board. Clerk to ask Ray Potter to repair the leaking Tipps Cross notice board.

2722. SERVICE LANE – DOG FOULING

Clerk to ask Ray Potter to install dog fouling sign at other end of Service Lane.

2723. MILL LANE HEDGE

Clerk has sent email chasing this but Mr Hulse still not responded yet.

2724. DOG BIN - FANTAILS

Ray Potter has now installed new dog waste bin at entrance on left hand side just inside the gate. Clerk to request BBC to empty it with the others.

2725. HOLE – CHURCH STREET

The Clerk has contacted BBC regarding repair of the hole reported by Mr Lee. This apparently was mapped out previously but never completed. Roger Hulse, BBC looking into it again. No further update although Clerk has chased.

2726. LIFEBELTS – (POND)

Clerk has ordered lifebelt and throwing rope and delivery expected anytime now. Mr Brown to erect post to hold it.

2727. TIPPS CROSS – CROSS ROADS (HEDGE)

Clerk has chased Mr Hulse and is still awaiting update.

2728. ROAD SIGNS –HOOK END LANE/BLACKMORE ROAD

In state of being inspected and cleaned or repaired at present.

2729. MEADOW RISE – (GRASS SEEDING)

Clerk will request Mr Hulse to re-seed as promised in April

2730. BUS SHELTERS

Clerk to contact Essex County Council for permission to remove bus stop. Mr Dean has contact information.

2731. HOLE – WENLOCKS ENTRANCE

A hole has appeared almost opposite Wenlocks entrance to Blackmore Road. Clerk will inform BBC, Roger Hulse.

2732. BUS SEAT – HOOK END ROAD

The seat has been stolen from Hook End Road. Clerk has asked Ray Potter to make a new wooden seat to replace old one.

Next meeting: 7th April 2008 – 7.30pm at Crossehouse, Blackmore.

HERALD MAGAZINE

2733. NEXT EDITION

Mrs Henwood discussed the ‘Buy a brick campaign’ to raise funds for the Youth Centre Project and the possibility of having this advertised on the front page of the Herald magazine to raise its profile and gain support. It was unanimously agreed that the front cover could be used to advertise this in the next, June edition.

Mr Smith advised that the magazine is going well and payments, with the exception of five December invoices, have now been received. Mr Smith is monitoring this as some were new advertisers.

RECREATION COMMITTEE

A meeting of the Recreation Committee had taken place on 11th March 2008 at Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall. Attended by Mr. Hall, Chairman, and Mr Keeble.

Apologies: Mr Dean and R Stran.

2734. TED MARRIAGE RECREATION FIELD

Spring Animal - Ray Potter to remove spray paint by vandals. Clerk had emailed Ray Potter, pending action.

2735. MILL LANE PLAY AREA

Moles – Now only 2 mole hills. Mr Dean and Mr Giordan will look at these and monitor situation.

External Fence – The fence near the junction of Hook End Road and Hay Green Lane has been damaged by a car. Clerk has details and is in touch with driver’s insurers. Ray Potter quoting to undertake repair when insurers agree liability.

2736. WALTER HOBBS RECREATION FIELD

Football Pitches - Plans for longer term - Pitches to be sanded and catch board fence to be erected when grant confirmed by Football Foundation. Still awaiting news on grants.

Waste Bins- One Topsy Jubilee bin (green) received and second one on order as no larger item available.

Arson Incident – Clerk is seeking to recover cost of replacement bin from the parent of the youth responsible for the damage and has written to Police Headquarters for details.

Replacement slide – New slide is on order from Wicksteed. Installation time is 8 weeks from date of order, i.e.: early May. Clerk has asked Ray Potter to fit the safety tiles (also ordered) as soon as slide is installed and Clerk to keep him informed regarding likely date of installation.

Risk Report -

Spring Animal – Waiting re-painting by Ray Potter in the spring.

Field External Fence – There are two serious gaps in the external fencing. One behind the aerial runway (approx. 8ft x 4ft) and the other in the back corner of the field, adjacent to Service Lane (approx. 4ft x 4ft). Ray Potter to be asked to inspect and provide an estimate for cost of reinstatement. Clerk to organise.

Next meeting: 8th April 2008 - 7.00pm at Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall.

CLERK’S REPORT

2737. MEETING DATES

Planning	07.04.08	3.30pm	Crossehouse, Blackmore
Recreation	08.04.08	7.00pm	Tipps Cross R. Hall
Environment	07.04.08	7.30pm	Crossehouse, Blackmore
Tipps Cross Mgmnt (AGM)	13.05.08	8.00pm	Tipps Cross R Hall
Parish Council	17.04.08	7.30pm	Blackmore Village Hall
B/More Sports arena	09.04.08	8.00pm	Blackmore Village Hall

2738. PARISH SPRING CLEAN 2008

The Clerk to organise the collection of the rubbish by BBC from Mill Lane, near Play area and also the old school/library building, Blackmore, first availability.

2739. GRAFFITI – WATSONS CORNER & GUNNELLS CORNER

Graffiti has been removed by Ray Potter and Mr Dean. If problem persists, Environmental Health Department, BBC will need to be contacted. Monitor

2740. USE OF FREE BUS PASS

The Clerk confirmed the free bus pass service commences at 9.00am in Brentwood and the Parishes.

2741. MINUTES AND AGENDA COURSE

The Clerk advised of the Clerks training course regarding ‘minutes and agenda’ on 8th May 2008. The Clerk advised she had applied with the EALC for a grant to cover this but asked permission to attend if the grant application was not successful. The Council unanimously agreed to support the Clerk to perform her roles and duties in the way of further training and courses as necessary.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

2742. SKY SPORTS POSTER

A Sky sports poster has been erected by Sports and Social Club outside the Hall without permission. The Council feel it is inappropriate and Clerk to request Alan Barclay to take down.

2743. RENEWAL OF ESSEX WILDLIFE MEMBERSHIP

The Parish Council agreed to renew the membership. Clerk to organise.

2744. STOCKS AND BENCHES – THE GREEN, BLACKMORE

Clerk to request Ray Potter cleans the stocks and seats on the Green.

2745. 2 HOLES – NINE ASHES ROAD

Mrs Town reported two large holes at the top of Nine Ashes Road in need of urgent repair. Clerk to contact Epping Forest District Council for repair.

2745. WYATTS GREEN NOTICE BOARD

Mr Hall read out a letter from Mr T Asker asking for the Wyatt’s Green Notice board to be updated with a map showing house names and Parish Clerk details. The Clerk had previously updated the board with a list of house names in Wyatt’s Green provided by Mr Asker and will do the same. The Clerk will organise.

2746. COMMUNAL RECYCLING – VILLAGE HALL

Mr Keeble reported that the communal recycling bins outside the Village Hall were in need of emptying. Clerk to contact BBC to organise.

There being no further business, the Meeting closed at 10.05 pm.