Minutes - November 2007

Held on Thursday, 15 November, 2007 – 7.30pm in the Committee Room of Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall.

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

Apologies for absence were received from Mr Marr, Mr Dean, and Mr Brown.

The Minutes of the previous Meeting, having been circulated, were signed as a correct record.

MEETING ADJOURNMENT - OPEN FORUM

Mrs Henwood adjourned the meeting and invited Mr Asker to speak concerning the problem with speeding in the village. He mentioned that if more people would write to the Police perhaps something further could be done. Mrs Thomas agreed to seek volunteers to form a team to be trained in the use of speed guns. Ted Asker would attend the next community police meeting on 20 November 2007 to discuss the problem. The Clerk will write to the Chief Inspector at Brentwood Police asking for an update regarding any action or update concerning this ongoing problem.

CORRESPONDENCE

2469. PARISH CLERK’S OLD COMPUTER

The Clerk confirmed the Parish computer had been upgraded and read out an e.mail from The IT Company regarding the safe removal of Parish information from the old office computer. It was agreed that Mr Giordan would destroy the hard drive.

2470. FOOTPATHS IN BLACKMORE

Clerk read a letter received from a Parishioner reporting that he had noticed that a couple of the bridges in Blackmore during his organised walks were unsafe. They were covered in moss and were always wet and slippery so had requested chicken wire to cover them and make them safer. The Clerk will locate the footpath numbers and write to BBC requesting this could be done.

2471. EALC – CONSULTATION FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

The Clerk advised she had received details on the consultation for local involvement on Networks for Health and Social care should anyone wish to attend.

2472. CONSERVATION AREA CHARACTER APPRAISAL - BLACKMORE

The Clerk advised receipt of the above From Essex County Council. The Conservation area character appraisal for the Blackmore area will be published as a public document during the consultation period of December 2007/January 2008. The Clerk will advise receipt of this document should anyone wish to view it, arrangements can be made to do so.

2473. WEALD PARK INFORMATION – OLYMPICS 2012

The Clerk read out a letter from BBC regarding the Olympic Mountain Biking Event for the 2012 Olympics. There will be two events based on question and answer sessions and a presentation on the above event, should anyone wish to attend they will be on Saturday 24 November at 10-12am and Thursday 29 November at 7-9pm for residents, business and Community groups at Brentwood Town Hall.

2474. BBC POLICY BOARD MEETING

The Clerk read out the letter from BBC regarding the postponement of the above meeting scheduled for 28 November to 11 December 2007.

2475. BRENTWOOD BUS AND RAIL USERS ASSOCIATION

The Clerk advised of the letter from Brentwood Bus and Rail Users Association regarding our membership renewal for the fee of £50.00. It was agreed that we would not renew this year.

2476. BRENTWOOD VENUES GUIDE – FREE LISTING

The Clerk advised she had received a letter from BBC regarding the above free listing and the supply of our venues details for listing. Mr Hall will submit the application for Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall and Mr Keeble would submit for Blackmore Village Hall.

2477. WORKSHOP – THE SOCIAL FUND

The Clerk advised the date for the free workshop on 22nd November 2007 to discuss the social fund available to help people on low incomes by awarding non-repayable community care grants and interest free crisis and budgeting loans.

2478. ESSEX PLAYING FIELDS AWARD

The Clerk read out late receipt of a letter from Essex Playing Fields which had been sent to Mrs Mills in error. It advised we had been won an award in the Best Kept Playing Fields Competition 2007 and inviting us to this year's AGM on Thursday 25th October 2007. The Clerk will write and confirm late receipt and give details of the new Parish Clerk and Office details for future reference.

2479. CONSULTATION – LICENSING POLICY

The Clerk advised of the consultation regarding Licensing Policy at BBC which was circulated.

BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORTS

Ann Naylor, County Councillor discussed the changeover of the new Chief Executive working on the partnership between Chelmsford County Council and Brentwood Borough Council. She advised there are no major changes yet and she would advise us of any updates as soon as they were available.

Mrs Henwood, Borough Councillor reported that Brentwood Borough Council had reported vast improvements regarding planning applications. This had risen to 63% from 42% of plans going through on time.

Mrs Henwood also mentioned that she would suggest a meeting with BBC to discuss our Parish precept and the 10% reduction on our budget for 2008. The Clerk advised of a telephone call from Sue White at BBC on 15.11.07 requesting a meeting as suggested by Simon Sheridan and Brandon Lewis to discuss this. The Clerk will organise the meeting for Mrs Henwood, Mr Hall and Mr Bennett to attend. Date to be confirmed for week commencing 19.11.07.

POLICY & RESOURCES COMMITTEE

Nothing to report.

2480. FINANCE

The following cheques were approved for payment:

CHEQUES DRAWN AT OCTOBER 2007 PC MEETING

£65.00	R D Gray – sound and equip. Fireworks night
£30.00	Royal British Legion – poppy wreath - remembrance
£-	Clerks salary
£-	Clerk - office allowance, heating, electricity, rent etc
£-	Clerk - Broadband contribution
£236.25	HM Revenue and Customs - Tax and NI - S Barnes
£-	R.Nelson - Book keeping
£75.00	petty cash
£31.85	Telsport – expenses – Herald Magazine
£300.00	Telsport – Herald Magazine – preparation/invoicing
£144.03	Office Needs – Tipps X provisions, Bin, ink cartridges
£309.97	Glasdon UK Ltd – Dog waste bin and Topsy Jubilee waste bin
£32.55	J.Oddy & Sons – goods services (Ray Potter)
£697.20	M D Landscapes – Grass cutting
£528.75	Town & Country Landscape – clear B/more sports field & ditch
£134.00	Heatherland Ltd (skip hire)
£35.00	P J Chatten-Berry – to find error/assess computer problem
£357.92	P J Chatten-Berry – agreed supply & installation of clerks PC upgrade
£604.75	R D Potter – Parish maintenance
£73.60	R D Potter – expenses and labour to repair damage to Millennium Pk hedge

Receipts:

Clerk read out the following receipts:

£385.00	– Football Foundation - Goal posts
£68.60	– paid by Parishioner for damage to hedge and posts at Blackmore Millennium Park
£1000.00	- donation from Blackmore Village Fayre
£1600.00	- Service charge to Blackmore Village Hall
£1894.26	– Repayment of loan, with interest, to Blackmore Village Hall

Payment:

Nothing to report

2481. FINANCIAL POWERS

Mrs Nelson read to the Meeting details of the Parish Accounts to the end of the month. Mrs Nelson advised that we had taken £2,700.00 at the gates at Blackmore Millennium Park Fireworks night on Saturday 3 November. The breakdown being £1100.00 on the top gate and £1600.00 on the bottom gate, which included the sale of the glow sticks. There was the question of some people entering without paying due to busier periods prior to the display, so it was suggested that next year we will organise two ticket entrance tables at the bottom main gate and people would be filtered through and supervised more quickly. All in all it was a successful night and the weather remained fine.

It was agreed the subject of precept and the consideration to raise funds through Council tax is to be discussed at the next P&R meeting.

2482. COMMUNITY POLICE MEETING

The next meeting will take place on 20th November at 8.00pm at Fane Hall, Kelvedon Hatch. Mr Keeble and Mrs Town will attend to discuss the two arson attacks on the platform of the aerial runway and the nearby waste bin in the Walter Hobbs Recreation field.

2483. COMMUNITY BUS

Nothing to report.

2484. BLACKMORE CENTRE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

The Clerk advised receipt of the two copies of the deeds from John Daldry which required signatures. It was agreed and confirmed that Mrs Henwood would sign as Chairman and Mrs Barnes to sign as Parish Clerk and she would return both copies to John Daldry for submitting.

2485. BLACKMORE SPORTS ARENA - (FORMERLY MUGA)

Next Committee meeting on 23rd January 2008. Nothing to report back from Chris Blackwell regarding the VAT return situation.

2486. BLACKMORE WEBSITE

Clerk agreed to email Minutes to Mr. Giordan for inclusion on website which is being maintained.

2487. RURAL HOUSING

No update. Still being looked at by Moira Groborz.

2488. MOBILE LIBRARY

Nothing to report.

2489. YOUTHS - BLACKMORE VILLAGE

It was agreed that the Clerk would write to the new Chief Inspector at Brentwood Police Station asking for a proposed course of action and an update on the problem of speeding, moped and quad bikes in the Parish. The Clerk also advised of an email from Susan Payne confirming she had visited the parents of the youths reported to be speeding on mopeds in the Parish and the parents had confiscated the mopeds from the youths.

2490. BRENTWOOD BOROUGH PARISH COUNCIL ASSOCIATION

Mr Bennett confirmed he had written to Brandon Lewis at BBC regarding the budget and precept for 2008.

2491. ROADWAY RENTS

The Clerk confirmed she had received the final payment of £25.00 from Mrs Timson of ‘The Pebbles’ at Blackmore. This was the last outstanding rent due.

BLACKMORE MILLENNIUM PARK

2492. PROGRESS REPORT

Meeting held on Wednesday 17th October 2007 at 8.00pm at Blackmore Village Hall. The matters were duly minuted at the meeting. It was reported that The Millennium Park is reserved for the Music Festival on 12th/13th July 2008.

It was agreed that the Clerk would arrange the laying of the cockleshell foot path with CPA Horticulture for 27 November 2007 and Mr Keeble would organise the spreading with Adrian Smith. Clerk to advise CPA to ensure they leave enough room around the cockle shells placed at the entrance of the field for vehicles applying them to manoeuvre around it.

Mr Keeble reported that the removal of the debris from the fireworks display and bonfire was being organised.

PLANNING COMMITTEE

2493. PLANS

Plans had been passed to Ian Marr for discussion at the Planning meeting on 10 November 2007, at 3.30pm at 60 Orchard Piece, Blackmore.

Clerk advised of another telephone call from the trustees of Winlock’s Farm regarding its planning application should we wish to view it and discuss it with them. However, this was not deemed necessary and will be dealt with in the usual way.

2494. OUTSTANDING ENFORCEMENT ISSUES

Poppy House, Chelmsford Road, Blackmore, CM4 0SD - Nothing to report.

Bluebell Farm - Spriggs Lane – Further plans had been submitted and received by Clerk, who had passed to Mr Marr for discussion at next Planning meeting.

Coachman Cottage - Still no response from BBC,Clerk to chase for update

Oak Tree Farm, Chelmsford Road, Blackmore, CM4 0PZ – Outcome still pending from BBC.

It was agreed that the Clerk would write to the Chief Planning Officer at BBC regarding the monthly update/progress report on enforcement’s as was promised. Clerk would also write in particular concerning an update on the ‘Coach House, Church Street, Blackmore’.

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

A Meeting of the Environment Committee had taken place on 5th November 2007. Attended by Mrs. Town (Chairman), T Lennon, V Dean and W Brown

Apologies - A Thomas

2495. DRAINS CLEARANCE & ROAD SWEEPING

Monitoring.

2496. VILLAGE SPEED

Still waiting for speed strips. Complaint received of large lorries speeding through village. Liable to cause damage to roads and bridge in Blackmore. There is a 7.5 tonne weight limit on Hook End Lane, lorries still in excess of weight limit. Clerk to write to Police and BBC asking these lorries to be stopped from breaking the law. Lorries in excess of ten times per day. Clerk also to write to David Forkin, Harlow office and c.c. Tony Ciaburro, BBC.

2497. ALLOTMENTS

Still looking for suitable field. Suggest we contact M Marriage regarding renting of part of set-aside field opposite to St Lawrence Gardens.

2498. MOPED RIDERS

Moped riders still riding up and down Church Street and meeting in village hall car park and speeding through the Parish. Clerk writing to Police.

2499. PARKING - BLACKMORE VILLAGE

Mrs Town spoke to Mr Rose and Mr Hulse, BBC. Plan of proposed yellow lines on Blacksmiths Alley sent for approval. Committee accept proposal. Clerk to contact Chris Brimley to accept proposal.

2500. “CATS EYES”

Still not done - Clerk had written and will continue to chase for response.

2501. VANDALISM

Ray Potter mending broken seat on village green and broken post and chains on Horsefayre Green.

2502. POND

Received first silt analysis report. Awaiting one more.

2503. YELLOW LINES (CHURCH STREET)

Mrs Town contacted Peter Rose, BBC. He is hoping to sort out situation. Waiting limit posts to be removed.

2504. GUNNELL’S CORNER - BANK

Clerk has chased and written to BBC as path not wide enough for wheelchair access. Still not done. Clerk to chase for response.

2505. POST - SOAP HOUSE CORNER

Clerk has emailed Ray Potter, he is aware.

2506. VILLAGE GREEN - (DIP)

Mrs Town has contacted J Sharp. He will fill as soon as he has soil.

2507. NOTICEBOARDS

As covered under 2505. Also clerk to ask Ray Potter if the Wyatt’s Green notice board can be replaced with new strong polycarbonate material as vandalised and broken.

2508. SERVICE LANE - TREE WORK

Work completed. The Committee wish to be informed anytime there is extensive tree and bush work to be done.

2509. SERVICE LANE – DOG FOULING

Ray Potter is aware a sign is required saying ‘please clean up after your dog’ as he may stock spares. Complaint of dog fouling in Church Street, also complaints by residents of excessive fouling in St Lawrence Gardens. After much discussion BBC to be asked to put notice in cul-de-sac warning of fine for this offence. Also Clerk to compose leaflet drop to be posted in all houses in St Lawrence Gardens. An article on dog fouling is to appear in Herald magazine also.

2510. RURAL POST OFFICES

Our Post Offices it has been confirmed are not to be closed at present but need to be monitored for next year.

2511. MILL LANE HEDGE

Clerk had written requesting BBC cut height of hedge to approximately 10ft in height. Clerk to chase again as still no response.

2512. DOG BIN - FANTAILS

Clerk had received new bin and passed to Ray Potter for positioning.

2513. HOLE – CHURCH STREET

H Town received a complaint from Mr D Lee, Shaw Cottage, Church Street, Blackmore. Hole has been left by the Gas Board which has not been re-filled. Clerk has tried speaking with Gas Board to no avail. Without a reference number, department contact or date works completed it is impossible to trace. Mrs Town not even sure if Gas Board responsible. Clerk to obtain Mr Lee’s contact details and will speak to him for information.

2514. ALLEYWAY – ORCHARD PIECE/FINGRITH HALL ROAD

Weeds very high along both sides of alleyway between Fingrith Hall Road and Orchard Piece. Clerk had again written to BBC this week so will chase.

2515. SEAT - BLACKMORE VILLAGE BUS STOP

Plastic seats too low. Ray Potter to construct wooden seat and coat with preservative. Clerk will email Ray Potter environment minutes for actioning

2516. LOOSE KERBSTONE - ORCHARD PIECE

Clerk had written to BBC requesting re-instating, awaiting response. Clerk will chase for response.

2517. GRAFFITTI - POST BOX OUTSIDE TIPPS CROSS R HALL

Clerk had contacted Vanessa Brett, Environmental Department; BBC who had advised by email work order had been processed.

2518. LIFEBELTS – (POND)

Clerk had supplied information and costs of lifebelts. Clerk to obtain moor information on lifebelt housing and rescue sling.

2519. TIPPS CROSS – CROSS ROADS (HEDGE)

Hedge needs trimming on corner of Tipps Cross Lane and Blackmore Road junction, visibility very bad for motorists. Clerk to contact BBC.

2520. ROAD SIGNS –HOOK END LANE/BLACKMORE ROAD

Finger post indicator at junction of Hook End Lane and Blackmore Road broken.

2521. MEADOW RISE – (GRASS SEEDING)

Mr Hulse, BBC advised that verges have been seeded three times already. He will agree to seed again if a resident volunteers to be responsible for no-one parking on it.

2522. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

To be connected. Mrs Town to contact Mr Pavitt to get quote and arrange.

Next meeting: 3 December ’07 – 7.30pm – Crossehouse, Blackmore.

HERALD MAGAZINE

2523. NEXT EDITION

Due in December.

RECREATION COMMITTEE

A meeting of the Recreation Committee had taken place on 30th October 2007 at Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall. Attended by Mr. Hall, Chairman, K Bennett, V Dean, R Keeble, T Lennon, R Stran.

Apologies : Nil

2523. TED MARRIAGE RECREATION FIELD

Spring Animal - R Potter to remove spray paint by vandals. Clerk had emailed Ray Potter, pending action. Clerk to email him Recreation minutes.

2524. MILL LANE PLAY AREA

Moles – Second treatment had been carried out on 8 November 2007. Monitor. Junior Swings – Chains to seats twisted. Clerk to email Ray Potter for actioning.

Risk Report – Ray Potter was in attendance.

Spring Animal – R Potter to clean and re-paint ASAP. Clerk had emailed and will email again in form of copy of minutes.

Junior Swing – Nuts loose. Also brackets on framework, to be blanked off. Clerk had emailed Ray Potter to instruct him to also clean and re-paint them. Clerk will send email as above.

2525. WALTER HOBBS RECREATION FIELD

Football Pitches - Plans for longer term - Work in progress. Grants received. Sufficient funds to cover costs. R Keeble applying for grant to re-plant trees where debris and brambles removed from ditch at Football field. R Keeble to also draft a letter for Clerk to send to cricket grounds man regarding grass cutting and maintenance etc.

Waste Bins- 2 new bins with ray Potter, awaiting installation. 1) To replace bin on right hand side of field, and 2) outside play area by dog bin. Clerk emailed reminder and will email recent committee minutes.

Bench – To be removed by Ray Potter. Sited at bottom corner of field at Service Lane side. Clerk had emailed reminder and will email minutes.

Multi-Play – Clerk had instructed Ray Potter and asked to treat as urgent: to reduce bar gap widths to not exceed 75mm, as per safety inspection report on 12.9.07. Clerk will email following up with Ray as feels this may have been completed now.

Arson Incident – Youths set fire to aerial runway platform and near by waste bin on 29.10.07. A local resident observed the incident and was able to put the fire out. Police were informed the same evening by Mr Hall and the Essex Police Incident Report Number : D321A 2046507 – was given.

Risk Report - R Potter was in attendance.

Play Area - Chain link fencing and kick board to be replaced where necessary. Clerk e.mailed Ray Potter and will email minutes.

Spring Animal - New seat required. R Potter now has the wood for the seat and will make and re-paint it. Clerk will also email.

Next meeting : 4 December ‘07- 7.00pm at Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall.

2526. TIPPS CROSS REMEMBRANCE HALL

There was a Management Committee meeting held on 13 November ’07 at Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall. The items were dealt with under the appropriate headings.

Next meeting: 11th December 2007 at 8.00pm – Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall.

CLERK’S REPORT

2527. MEETING DATES

Planning	10.12.07	3.30pm	60 Orchard Piece, Blackmore
Recreation	4.12.07	7.00pm	Tipps Cross R. Hall
Environment	3.12.07	7.30pm	Crossehouse, Blackmore
Tipps Cross Mgmnt	11.12.07	8.00pm	Tipps Cross R Hall
Parish Council	13.12.07	7.30pm	Blackmore V H

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

2528. XMAS PARTY/NEW YEAR - SUGGESTIONS

It was suggested that the Parish Council have a meal in the New Year and the date of 3rd January 2008 was suggested. Also suggested, to have the meal at the Prince Albert, Blackmore.

2529. CCTV - VILLAGE HALL

Mr Keeble mentioned he had received the quotations for the CCTV system being considered. It is a 16 port system with an initial 8 cameras, costing in the region of £6,000. It was discussed that the Village Hall could cover £3,000 of the costs, the Sports and Social Club, £2,000 and could the Parish perhaps cover the final £1,000 and a portion of the running costs which could be in the region of £60.00 per annum. It was approved and agreed by all.

2530. DRAINS – OUTSIDE TIPPS CROSS HALL

Mr Hall reported that the drains outside the Remembrance Hall are blocked with acorns and debris since BBC swept the roads recently. Clerk to instruct and request BBC to unblock them as soon as possible and before heavy rainfall makes the problem worse.

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