Minutes - October 2007

Held on Thursday, 18 October, 2007 – 7.30pm in the Committee Room of Blackmore Village Hall.

Members present: Mr Hall, (Vice Chairman), Mr. Bennett, Mr. Lennon, Mr Keeble, Mr Giordan, Mr. Marr, Mrs Thomas, Mrs Town, Mr Dean, Mrs Nelson, Treasurer, and Mrs. Barnes, Parish Clerk .

Terry Smith - Editor - Herald Magazine was also present.

Apologies for absence were received from Mrs Henwood, Chairman, Mrs Smith, Mrs Stran and Ann Naylor, County Councillor

The Minutes of the previous Meeting, having been circulated, were signed as a correct record with the following amendments: Mr Bennett read to the meeting details of the Annual Accounts as opposed to the Parish accounts as stated. Also during the meeting adjournment, it should read as the foul smell from Lunnon waste deposited at Hook End and not waste ‘sited’ as stated.

CORRESPONDENCE

2408. PETITION - RED ARROWS - 2012 OLYMPICS

Clerk read out an e.mail from Gill Barclay regarding the signing of the petition for the red Arrows to appear at the 2012 Olympics. The Clerk had signed the petition as requested by Mrs Henwood, Chair, as a motion was tabled at the Borough Council meeting on 10.10.07 in support of this.

2409. LETTER FROM MD LANDSCAPES

Clerk read a letter received from MD Landscapes advising on their other services, such as hedge trimming, tree felling and reducing, planting etc, should they be required.

2410. EALC - GRANT SCHEMES

The Clerk advised she had received details on the various grant schemes available. This was passed to Mr Hall to read.

2411. CPRE ENVIRONMENT UPDATE

The Clerk advised receipt of the above which was passed to Mrs Town, Chair of the Environment Committee to read.

2412. DEFRA - CLIMATE CHANGE

Clerk advised receipt of information received from DEFRA regarding the above and how we, as a Parish Council can get more involved. This was passed to Mrs Town to read.

2413. FREE LIGHTBULBS

The Clerk advised she had received notification from Anchor Staying Put, Brentwood that they would be handing out free low energy bulbs. These were donated from Powergen, one box per household to local residents at Blackmore Post Office on Thursday 1st November between 9.00am and 12.30. Clerk will hand the leaflet to the Post Office at Tipps Cross as well as the notice boards in the area.

2414. WASTE BIN EMPTYING

The Clerk advised she had received a phone call from Tracy Linch from the refuse department at BBC advising that only the Parish dog waste bins had been emptied that week due to holiday leave, however she gave her assurances that the waste bins would be emptied on 18.10.07.

2415. CONTROL ROOM VISIT

The Clerk advised she had received an e.mail advising that Mrs Town and Mrs Thomas, Councillors could not attend on the 16 November due to the fact this was only open to Clerks, as members of the SLCC.

2416. FOOTPATHS - MEADOW RISE

The Clerk read out a letter from a Parishioner to BBC concerning the bad condition of the footpaths in Meadow Rise. This was passed to Mrs Town who would contact Peter Rose at BBC for an update on the situation.

BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORTS

The Clerk read out a Report from Mrs Henwood, Chair, in her absence regarding the new Chief Executive at Brentwood dated 24.9.07. Joanna Killian, in her position as new Chief Executive from 1.10.07 will allocate her time equally between Chelmsford and Brentwood. Joanna’s title will just be Chief Executive and the position of Town Clerk will be decided in the near future, that person will be recruited from the existing Brentwood staff. The officers in both Brentwood and Essex expressed concern regarding possible redundancies, but were assured by Lord Hanningfield and Brandon Lewis that duplication of roles would be resolved by natural wastage. Bob McLintock will remain in the Borough Council offices for some time but he will be involved with the Brentwood Centre and Mrs Henwood believes he will be announced as their Chief Executive in early 2008. Bob, together with Cllr. Tony Sleep (Ingatestone) will be working together on the 2012 Olympics - the cycling events in Weald Park.

POLICY & RESOURCES COMMITTEE

Nothing to report.

2417. FINANCE

The following cheques were approved for payment:

CHEQUES DRAWN AT OCTOBER 2007 PC MEETING

£-	Clerks salary
£-	Clerk - office allowance, heating, electricity, rent etc
£-	Clerk - Broadband contribution
£75.00	petty cash
£236.24	HM Revenue and Customs - Tax and NI - S Barnes
£-	R.Nelson - Book keeping
£134.00	Heatherland Ltd (skip hire)
£54.16	BT Payment services Ltd
£280.60	Argents Ltd (bedding plants)
£54.89	Powergen (electricity at Millenium pk)
£170.63	B.B.C. - Play area inspections - 14.08.07 & 12.09.07
£696.09	MD Landscapes Ltd (grass cutting)
£464.00	R D Potter - general maintenance and repair work
£15.00	R D Potter - expenses paid
£123.86	Viking Direct - office chair, keyboard and mouse, files
£200.00	cash - float for fireworks night 3.11.07
£2000.00	Starburst Display - Fireworks for 3.11.07 bonfire display

Receipts:

Nothing to report

Payment:

Nothing to report

2418. FINANCIAL POWERS

Mrs Nelson read to the Meeting details of the Parish Accounts to the end of the month. Mrs Nelson advised that she had cancelled the cheque for £52.40 for the glow sticks from the previous year’s fireworks display. Mrs Nelson also advised that the pond project would be added to next month’s financial statement under Environment. Mr Bennett advised that an invoice had been raised for the MUGA service charge from June 2007, 6 monthly. Mr Bennett also advised that an invoice had been raised to Blackmore Village Hall for the half yearly loan repayment, due the end of October 2007.

The Clerk read a response from Mrs Henwood, Chair, to Mr Bennetts initial concern raised at the previous Parish Council meeting regarding the £145,000 needed for the Youth Centre and her decision to gain feedback from Parishioners regarding this. Mrs Henwood said that this was the first step in sounding out the local council tax payers to discuss the general feeling in the Blackmore, Hook End and Wyatts Green area. However, Mr Giordan also voiced concern regarding this. He strongly felt that it should first have been discussed at Parish level as it concerns Parish precept and is not therefore a Borough matter. It was agreed that this should be discussed at the next Parish Council meeting in November.

2419. COMMUNITY POLICE MEETING

The next meeting will take place on 20th November at 8.00pm at Fane Hall, Kelvedon Hatch.

2420. COMMUNITY BUS

Nothing to report.

2421. BLACKMORE CENTRE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

A Friday Club meeting for parents took place on 12th October. It had 72 children attend but few parents were present to discuss helping out with the running of the centre. It was suggested by Mr Keeble that perhaps the helping staff required should be paid on a professional basis which could be funded by the parents leaving their children with the helpers present.

Mr Keeble also advised that a £5,000 donation was due this week from a Parishioner and a further £1,000 per annum for a period of 5 years to help with funding, along with a donation of all the steel for the project.

2422. BLACKMORE SPORTS ARENA - (FORMERLY MUGA)

Next Committee meeting on 19th October 2007. The arena is in excellent condition and the contractors have re-sanded the pitch at 6 months in accordance with the conditions of the contract. Payments had been completed and the contract signed off. It was agreed that the Parish Council should raise a service charge invoice every six months of £1,600, beginning with the six month period to June 2007. Mr Bennett advised that the VAT query in relation to the construction was now being examined. Monday to Thursday bookings are good with space available Friday and weekend dates. It was also reported that both the Football Association and the Football Foundation would like to see an official opening and this is still to be arranged.

2423. BLACKMORE WEBSITE

Clerk agreed to email Minutes to Mr. Giordan for inclusion on website.

2424. RURAL HOUSING

No update. Still being looked at by Moira Groborz.

2425. MOBILE LIBRARY

Nothing to report.

2426. 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.

2427. BRENTWOOD BOROUGH PARISH COUNCIL ASSOCIATION

Mr Hall raised the subject of precept and he will speak to Mrs Henwood, Chair regarding next years’ precept. Mr Bennett also advised receipt of a letter from Brandon Lewis, BBC regarding the imminent budgeting for the precept. Mr Bennett will write a letter in response to this to Mr Lewis.

2428. ROADWAY RENTS

Still no response from Mrs Timson regarding ‘Pebbles’, The Green, Blackmore.

BLACKMORE MILLENNIUM PARK

2429. PROGRESS REPORT

It was agreed that the Clerk would arrange the laying of the cockleshell foot path after the Fireworks display on 3 November. Regarding the fireworks display, the Clerk will order the 300 glow sticks as agreed at the meeting and Mr Smith, Herald magazine, will organise and oversee the car parking with the senior scout members.

PLANNING COMMITTEE

2430. PLANS

Plans had been passed to Ian Marr for discussion at Planning meeting on 1st October 2007, at 3.30pm at 60 Orchard Piece, Blackmore.

Clerk advised of a letter advising the plans for ‘Bluebells, Second Avenue, Hook End had been refused.

2431. 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.

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 1st October 2007. Attended by Mrs. Town (Chairman), T Lennon and A Smith

Apologies - A Thomas and V Dean.

2432. DRAINS CLEARANCE & ROAD SWEEPING

Monitoring.

2433. VILLAGE SPEED

Clerk read out an e.mail from Sergeant Cole regarding the installation of speed strips for the village. She advised that at present there were still insufficient funds to install these but our request would again be forwarded to the department for consideration. She also advised that arrangements had been made with our local Community Support Officer to become trained in the use of the speed gun which would be taking place in November. Although she would be unable to issue tickets at the roadside, she would be able to record the index numbers of offending vehicles and notify them by post they had been caught speeding. An update will follow on this.

Mrs Town also advised of a letter received from a Parishioner regarding their concern to the frequent amount of large and often speeding lorries travelling along the Nine Ashes Road and the effect this may eventually have on our roads and environment. The Clerk will also mention this in her letter to the new Chief inspector at Brentwood Police.

2434. ALLOTMENTS

Still no field available.

2435. MOPED RIDERS

Being dealt with under item 2361, Clerk writing to new Chief Inspector at Brentwood Police Station for update/action.

2436. PARKING - BLACKMORE VILLAGE

Mrs Town will speak to Peter Rose at BBC.

2437. “CATS EYES”

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

2438. VANDALISM

Seat broken on the green by the pond. Peter Woods volunteered to mend it.

2439. POND

Sample of silt taken on Monday 6th October and sent for analysis so Committee can approach Mr Gaymer again regarding distribution.

2440. YELLOW LINES (CHURCH STREET)

Clerk has chased BBC, Peter Rose. Mrs Town to chase Peter Rose..

2441. GUNNELL’S CORNER - BANK

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

2442. POST - SOAP HOUSE CORNER

Clerk has e.mailed Ray Potter with list of outstanding jobs to be actioned.

2443. VILLAGE GREEN

Mrs Town to contact J Sharp.

2444. NOTICEBOARDS

As covered under 2442

2445. SERVICE LANE - TREE WORK

Mr Keeble organised the clearing of undergrowth and digging out of the ditch with John Sharpe, now completed.

2446. HORESEFAYRE GREEN

Seat needs re-painting. Clerk has e.mailed Ray Potter, for action.

2447. SERVICE LANE – DOG FOULING

Notice required saying ‘please clean up after your dog’ - or similar. Clerk e.mailed Ray Potter to ask if he carries spares, pending response.

2448. PARKING - SCHOOL

Being monitored.

2449. RURAL POST OFFICES

Clerk advised of briefing update from RCCE and the recent confirmation that the Tipps Cross post office is not one for closure.

2450. MILL LANE HEDGE

Clerk had written requesting BBC cut height of hedge to approximately 10ft in height. Clerk to chase again.

2451. DOG BIN - FANTAILS

Clerk had received new bin and will pass to Ray Potter for siting.

2452. 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 taking up with Gas Board.

2453. DAMAGED HIGHWAYS – HOOK END ROAD

The tarmac on highway on Hook End Road has been damaged in two places – Opposite Spring Pond Meadow and Wyatts Green Road, caused by lorries from Lunnon’s recycling waste, taking waste into the field. These have not been re-instated. Clerk had written to Lunnon’s. Pending response.

2454. ALLEYWAY – ORCHARD PIECE/FINGRITH HALL ROAD

Weeds very high along both sides of alleyway between Fingrith Hall Road and Orchard Piece. Clerk contacting BBC to remove.

2455. DONATION - POND

Donation of £1,000 received from Village Hall Committee. To be credited to pond account. Clerk to send letter of thanks.

2456. SEAT - BLACKMORE VILLAGE BUS STOP

Committee reported seat has become green and unable to be sat on. Committee proposed a plastic seat be installed. Clerk gave details of supplier and will obtain price. Will discuss with Ray Potter thereafter.

2457. DOG FOULING

Complaint received by Mrs Town of dog fouling outside Church gate and additional dog fouling in parts of the village. Resident mentioned we make a special mention in the Herald, which Mr Smith will do.

2458. LOOSE KERBSTONE - ORCHARD PIECE

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

2459. GRAFFITTI - POST BOX OUTSIDE TIPPS CROSS R HALL

Clerk had contacted Vannessa Brett, Environmental Department, BBC who had advised by e.mail this would be dealt with as soon as possible.

HERALD MAGAZINE

2460. NEXT EDITION

Due in December, deadline mid October.

Mr Smith advised the Herald Magazine had made the final group for the RCCE Best Magazine of the year Competition.

Mr Bennett will check and confirm skip programme dates for the magazine and advise Clerk for typing.

RECREATION COMMITTEE

A meeting of the Recreation Committee had taken place on 2nd October 2007 at Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall. Attended by Mr. Hall, Chairman, K Bennett, V Dean, T Lennon, R Stran.

Apologies : R Keeble

2461. TED MARRIAGE RECREATION FIELD

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

Fence - Play Area - R Potter to deal with re-newing wire netting where required and repair broken spar. Clerk e.mailed Ray Potter.

2462. MILL LANE PLAY AREA

Moles – Clerk reported that work had been carried out on 5.9.07. V Dean reported back that there were 14 new mole holes since. Clerk had contacted Pest Patrol, the company who undertook the work. Their reply was that just one treatment could not be guaranteed to be successful as you had to know where the actual moles were at that time. They did however agree to cover the 2nd treatment at the reduced cost of £67.20 plus VAT. It was agreed the Clerk would contact them to organise this and wanted some reassurance that it would be more successful this time.

Risk Report – Ray Potter was in attendance.

Spring Animal – R Potter to clean and re-paint ASAP. Clerk had e.mailed.

Junior Swing – Nuts loose. Also brackets on framework, to be blanked off. Clerk had e.mailed Ray Potter to instruct him to also clean and re-paint them.

2463. WALTER HOBBS RECREATION FIELD

Football Pitches - Plans for longer term - Awaiting grant progress. R Keeble advised that John Sharpe had cleared the hedges and ditch area of debris and brambles etc. to avoid the loss of footballs.

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 e.mailed reminder. The Clerk also read out the letter in response to her letter to BBC relating to the council workers emptying the bins not properly locking them in place and therefore rendering them subject to ongoing vandalism. This problem is being monitored by them and they wish to be informed of any occasions this happens again in the future in order it can be addressed at that time.

Dog sign – on play area fence – Clerk passed new sign to Ray Potter 21.9.07 and has since been installed.

Benches (2) – Clerk had instructed Ray Potter NOT to remove benches : decision made to keep them in the play area at the moment.

Additional waste bin – Clerk had ordered and passed new bin to Ray Potter for siting.

Bench – To be removed by Ray Potter. Clerk had e.mailed reminder.

Multi-Play – Ray Potter had reduced the gap between the grid bars used to seal off the area where the slide component had been removed due to vandalism. The Clerk also confirmed receipt of the agreement from the Insurance company to settle the claim for a new replacement slide. It was agreed that the Clerk would ask the Insurance Company to keep the claim open until Spring ’08 when a replacement ‘free-standing’ slide would be ordered as there would be more use for it in the warmer weather.

Hexagonal swings – Due to vandalism the chains and seat had been removed. It was reported to the police and an incident number given of : D321B/19654/07 for future reference, should it be required for insurance purposes. R Potter to attend.

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.

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

Next meeting : 30 October ‘07- 7.00pm at Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall.

2464. TIPPS CROSS REMEMBRANCE HALL

The Clerk confirmed that the archive items from the Parish Clerk’s premises and the previous bound Parish meeting minutes had been taken to Tipps Cross R Hall for storage. The most recent minutes had also been taken to the book binders by Mrs Mills and are currently being bound.

The Clerk had also advised that the Post Office had requested to pay their quarterly fees on the 1st November ’07 instead of the 1st October ’07 due date. The Clerk will speak with them requesting this is adhered to.

Next meeting: 13th November 2007 at 8.00pm – Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall.

CLERK’S REPORT

2465. MEETING DATES

Planning	12.11.07	3.30pm	60 Orchard Piece, Blackmore
Recreation	30.10.07	7.00pm	Tipps Cross R. Hall
Environment	5.11.07	7.30pm	Crossehouse, Blackmore
Community Police	20.11.07	8.00pm	Fane Hall, Kelvedon Hatch
Tipps Cross Mgmnt	13.11.07	8.00pm	Tipps Cross R Hall
Parish Council	15.11.07	7.30pm	Tipps X R Hall

Diary Dates : Service at Blackmore War Memorial – 11th November 2007 at 10.30am.

NB: The Clerk is to order the poppy wreath and take to the memorial service on behalf of the Parish.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

2466. COMPUTER QUOTATION

It was agreed that the Clerk’s computer needed updating and upgrading due to ongoing problems and a budget of up to £400 was agreed. The Canon photocopier/printer had also broken down and the part required had been ordered by the Canon Service Engineer.

2467. WHITE LINES AT WHITELANDS

The Clerk had been advised by Mrs Henwood previously, of a complaint by a Parishioner that the white give way lines had faded so much it presented a danger to drivers. The Clerk had written to BBC and had received confirmation that this work order had been placed for immediate attention.

2468. COUNTRY WALKS LEAFLET

The Clerk will take some leaflets to be sold at the Post Office at a cost of £2.00 with 50p going to the Post Office.

There being no further business, the Meeting closed at 9.25pm