Minutes - September 2007

Held on Thursday, 20 September, 2007 – 7.30pm in the Committee Room of Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall.

Members present: Mr Hall, (Vice Chairman), Mr. Bennett, Mr. Lennon, Mr Keeble, Mr Giordan, Mr. Marr, Mrs Smith, Mrs Thomas, Mrs Town, Mrs Stran, 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 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 to the end of the month and not R Nelson as stated.

MEETING ADJOURNMENT

Mr Hall adjourned the meeting and invited Mrs Thelma Lovewell and Mr and Mrs Benham of Beehive Chase, Hook End to speak.

They are most concerned about the foul smell from the Lunnon waste deposited at Hook End. They have had meetings and various conversations with the Environmental Health department at BBC to investigate this matter. Copies of correspondence was duly noted.

It was agreed that the Clerk would write to Vanessa Brett of Environmental Health at BBC to ask what, if any, action is being taken into investigating the above.

CORRESPONDENCE

2341. CHURCH CAROL SINGING – HORSE FAYRE GREEN

Clerk read out an e.mail from Martin Sparks, Director of Evangelism Blackmore Baptist Church requesting permission to hold a community carol singing service on Horse Fayre Green, Blackmore on Sunday 23rd December between 12.15 to 1.30pm. Permission was given.

2342. THANK YOU LETTER

Clerk read a letter received from Ted Asker in thanks for the floral tribute sent on behalf of the Parish Council at his wife, Sheila’s recent funeral.

2343. MUGA CONSTRUCTION

The Clerk advised she had received a letter of acknowledgement from Doe Sport to the receipt of the final payment of the MUGA construction at Blackmore Village Hall and thanking the Parish Council for its business.

2344. VISIT TO THE ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL TRAFFIC CONTROL ROOM

The Clerk advised she had received an e.mail from Springfield Parish Council advising of a visit to the above on the morning of Friday 16th November – 10.30am. Clerk to revert with confirmation of Mrs Thomas’ and Mrs Town’s interest to attend.

2345. INVOICE FROM MD LANDSCAPES

Clerk advised receipt of an invoice relating to charges for acceptance for works carried out at Ted Marriage Recreation field, Blackmore Village Green and Back lane ditch, Blackmore. All approved and accepted.

2346. POST OFFICE CLOSURES – A BRIEFING

The Clerk advised receipt of the above document from Essex Rural Partnership relating to Post Office Closures – issued August 2007. Clerk to pass copies of this to Mr Dean, Mr Giordan, Mr Hall, Mrs Town and Mrs Smith.

2347. ESSEX ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL COUNCILS – FINANCIAL REPORT YEAR ENDING 31ST MARCH 2007

The Clerk advised receipt of, and circulated the above document.

2348. NOTICE OF ALTERATION TO REGISTER OF ELECTORS

The Clerk advised receipt of the above.

2349. SEASONAL DECORATIONS ON OR ABOVE THE PUBLIC HIGHWAY

The Clerk advised of a letter received from Essex County Council concerning the above and referred to Section 178 of the Highways Act 1980, the installation of festive lighting, on or above the public highway, which requires permission of the Highway Authority. Clerk can obtain a copy of this legislation if required.

2350. EALC RURAL & SOCIAL COMMUNITY GRANT SCHEMES

The Clerk advised receipt of a reminder from the EALC regarding the imminent allocation of grant money in the Autumn and a reminder for any outstanding forms to be submitted.

2351.TREE CROWN REDUCTION – DEAL TREE CLOSE

clerk advised she had received a letter regarding the proposed crown reduction to a tree at Deal Tree Close. Details were passed to Mr Marr of the Planning Committee.

BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORTS

The merger of work between Essex and Brentwood was discussed. Mr Hall proposed that Mrs Henwood would look into this matter as Borough Council and give a briefing.

POLICY & RESOURCES COMMITTEE

A Meeting of the Policy & Resources Committee had taken place on 16th August at 7.30pm at Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall. Items raised were dealt with under the appropriate minutes.

Mr Boyton of Brentwood Borough Council attended the meeting and outlined his Development Plan document regarding the residential facilities required for Gypsies and Travellers. Mr Boyton went on to explain that the response received from parishes etc., will be incorporated into an overall BBC report. However at this stage this exercise was not intended to identify specific areas. He stressed that Parishes should treat this as a positive opportunity to put forward suitable proposals; the alternative is that decisions will be forced upon the Council.

A copy of the presentation and the current discussion and feedback questionnaire can be obtained from the Clerk.

2352. FINANCE

The following cheques were approved for payment:

CHEQUES DRAWN AT SEPTEMBER 2007 PC MEETING

£-	Clerks salary
£-	Clerk - office allowance, heating, electricity, rent etc.
£-	Clerk - Broadband contribution
£75.00	petty cash
£-	R.Nelson - Book keeping
£223.27	HM Revenue and Customs - Tax and NI - S Barnes
£233.83	Mark Harrod Ltd - white nets, Velcro ties and carriage of
£30.98	Alan’s DIY - goods to R Potter
£102.19	Viking Direct - chair and office equipment for Clerks office
£1067.24	M D Landscapes (Grass cutting services as listed on invoice)
£29.60	Binder looms
£35.00	Mr P J Chatten-Berry (network problems - office)
£98.70	Pest Patrol (Moles at Mill Lane play area)
£29.61	Old Forge Garden Machinery Ltd - (Blade)
£30.00	Brentwood Borough Parish Councils Assoc. (subscription)
£134.00	Heatherland Ltd (skip hire)
£791.50	R D Potter (maintenance services - as listed on invoice)
£71.39	R D Potter (expenses)
£44.53	H J Looker - Goods supplied
£149.11	BT Payment services Ltd (Aug and Sept a/c)
£44.00	Mr S William’s (‘No dogs allowed sign’ - Walter Hobbs)
£390.00	Avalon Associates (Book Binders - binding of 10 books of minutes)

Receipts:

£1426.95 BACS remittance of Duty/VAT return.

Payment:

£3311.11 E.C.C. - Final settlement for Diane Mills pension. Clerk to organise

2353. FINANCIAL POWERS

Mrs Nelson read to the Meeting details of the Parish Accounts to the end of the month. Mrs Nelson also confirmed that she had received notification from the internal auditors that the internal audit report was completed and all in order.

Mr Hall advised that the Blackmore Quiz night in aid of funds for the Blackmore Fireworks Display was a big success and raised £753.00 profit.

Mr Smith of the Herald Magazine reported that the outstanding advertising amount of £91.00 had since been recovered and projected revenue this month is in the region of £1600.00.

Mr Bennett said that he was a little concerned about Mrs Henwood’s decision to ask Parishioners to complete a questionnaire regarding whether they would be prepared to pay an extra £3.00 per month on their council tax for 3 years to help fund the building of the new Youth Centre at Blackmore Village Hall. Mr Bennett said that the right time to consider Parish precept was at the Annual Budget Review and the right people to consider were the Parish Council.

2354. COMMUNITY POLICE MEETING

Mr Hall was present at the meeting on 30 August 2007 and the issues of speeding and speed watch was discussed. The new speed limit of 30mph,reduced from 40mph in now in force in various areas around the Parish and it is felt that some improvement has already been seen.

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

2355. COMMUNITY BUS

Nothing to report.

2356. BLACKMORE CENTRE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

A Friday Club meeting for parents is organised for 12th October.

2357. BLACKMORE SPORTS ARENA - (FORMERLY MUGA)

Mr Keeble confirmed that regular bookings are being made.

Mr Bennett advised that the details and documentation relating to the VAT has been passed over to Chris Blackwell for guidance as to whether an appeal can be made to reclaim the VAT paid.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 10 October 2007 at 8.00pm at Blackmore Village Hall.

2358. BLACKMORE WEBSITE

Mr Giordan confirmed that the website is now up and running and all OK. Clerk agreed to email Minutes to Mr. Giordan for inclusion on website.

2359. RURAL HOUSING

Clerk advised that she had passed details of the site at Wrights Lane to Moira Groborz, Rural Housing Enabler (RCCE) who expressed an interest. She confirmed she would discuss this with her contact at Circle Anglia, the housing association who have been working with her and they would make an approach to its owner.

2360. MOBILE LIBRARY

Nothing to report.

2361. YOUTHS - BLACKMORE VILLAGE

Regarding the problem of damage caused by vandals, Mr Keeble is still collating information and quotations for CCTV with remote monitoring.

2362. BRENTWOOD BOROUGH PARISH COUNCIL ASSOCIATION

Nothing to report. Next meeting TBC

2363. CODE OF CONDUCT

The revised ‘code of conduct standing order’ was circulated to all Councillors. Clerk instructed to supply a copy to The Standards Board as per their e.mail.

2364. ROADWAY RENTS

Clerk advised that she had received a letter from Mrs Timson of ‘Pebbles’, The Green, Blackmore regarding the Deed of Grant for her property. It was agreed that Mr Bennett and the Clerk would compose a letter and supply a copy of Deed of Grant to Mrs Timson in response to her letter.

BLACKMORE MILLENNIUM PARK

2365. PROGRESS REPORT

Next Meeting will take place on 17 October 2007 – 8pm at Blackmore Village Hall.

Clerk confirmed that the weed killing had been done on the foot path by Adrian Smith. Once these had died down and Adrian Smith’s work load permitted him to do so, he would instruct the Clerk to order the cockle shells from CPA Horticulture for him to spread. Contact to be made 1st-2nd week in October to schedule this.

PLANNING COMMITTEE

2366. 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 and copy of plans submitted for Wenlocks Farm regarding the taking in and stabling of other horses as a business. Details of this were passed to Mr Marr for discussion at the next Planning meeting.

2367. OUTSTANDING ENFORCEMENT ISSUES

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

Bluebell Farm - Spriggs Lane – Further plans have been submitted and received by Clerk, who will pass 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.

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

A Meeting of the Environment Committee had taken place on 10th September 2007. Attended by Mrs. Town (Chairman), V Dean, T Lennon and A Smith

Apologies - A Thomas and W Brown

2368. DRAINS CLEARANCE & ROAD SWEEPING

Roads swept 1st week in September in Hook End area.

2369. VILLAGE SPEED

Reported again at Police meeting. Officer says that there aren’t funds to provide speed strips yet but will look into.

2370. ALLOTMENTS

Still no field available.

2371. MOPED RIDERS

Mopeds still being ridden in excess of speed limit, some without licence plates. Still requesting registration numbers be given. Clerk advised of a complaint received regarding a group who regularly meet and ride quad bikes up and down the road. Details passed onto Susan Payne, PSO.

2372. PARKING - BLACKMORE VILLAGE

Peter Rose is looking into in the coming week.

2373. “CATS EYES”

Still not done - Clerk to continue chasing.

2374. VANDALISM

Being monitored.

2375. POND

Awaiting forms to apply for grants. It was advised that the Environment Officer at BBC to give help in taking samples of silt. H Town reported that a 1kg sterilised tub of silt is required for analysis and the cost to do so of £50 was agreed.

2376. SIGNPOSTS & SIGNS

Clerk had requested signs to be cleaned with BBC. Mrs Town to chase response.

2377. YELLOW LINES (CHURCH STREET)

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

2378. GUNNELL’S CORNER - BANK

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

2379. POST - BULL ALLEY

Hope to be completed by 23rd July. Clerk has sent list of outstanding works to Ray Potter.

2380. SOAP HOUSE CORNER

As covered under 2379.

2381. VILLAGE GREEN

Mrs Town to contact J Sharp.

2382. NOTICEBOARDS

As covered under 2379.

2383. SERVICE LANE - TREE WORK

Clerk to obtain quote from Mr Sharpe to trim undergrowth and dig out the ditch. R Keeble to e.mail Clerk with exact location.

2384. HORESEFAYRE GREEN

Hope to be completed by 23rd July. Clerk has e.mailed Ray Potter.

2385. SERVICE LANE – DOG FOULING

Clerk has chased. Believe Ray Potter has spare units. Clerk will e.mail Ray Potter.

2386. PARKING - SCHOOL

Although Head Teacher has written to parents again, there is still a problem of cars being parked in Meadow Rise. H Town to look into.

2387. RURAL POST OFFICES

Clerk advised of a letter received from RCC. Briefing available to Parish Councils regarding pre-consultation. These will commence October ’07. 1,250 Rural Post Offices will be closed in December 2008. We need to ensure our Post Offices are utilised to remain open. Clerk to supply copy of briefing to Mr Dean, Mr Giordan, Mr Hall, Mrs Town and Mrs Smith.

2388. MILL LANE HEDGE

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

2389. DOG BIN - FANTAILS

Committee proposed a bin to be positioned as many have requested it. Clerk to organise.

2390. 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 to take up.

2391. 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 to take up with Lunnon’s.

2392. ALLEYWAY – ORCHARD PIECE/FINGRITH HALL ROAD

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

2393. DONATION - POND

T Lennon reported we may be getting donation from Village Hall Fayre towards the pond preservation.

2394. WASTE BIN – NEXT TO BLACKMORE SCHOOL

A further complaint was received from the resident next door to the school regarding the waste bin being too close to his hedge. Madeline Henwood contacted the person and it has been agreed that this is still the best place for the bin to be positioned in.

2395. HEDGE – CHELMSFORD ROAD

It was reported by H Town that the hedge along the path on Chelmsford Road needs trimming. It was agreed that Mrs Town and Mr Giordan will cut back and trim. Next meeting : Monday 1st October 2007, 7.30pm - Crossehouse, Blackmore

HERALD MAGAZINE

2396. NEXT EDITION

Due in December.

Mr Smith advised the Herald Magazine has been short-listed by the RCCE for Best Magazine of the year Competition. Mr Smith and Mr Hall will attend the reception.

As covered under 2353. Mr Smith reported that the outstanding advertising amount of £91.00 had since been recovered and the projected revenue this month is in the region of £1600.00.

RECREATION COMMITTEE

A meeting of the Recreation Committee had taken place on 11 September 2007 at Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall. Attended by Mr. Hall, Chairman, Mr. Dean, Mrs. Stran, Mr. Lennon, Mr Bennett and Mr Keeble.

2397. TED MARRIAGE RECREATION FIELD

Spring Animal - R Potter to remove spray paint by vandals.

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

Risk Report - Ray Potter was in attendance.

Climbing Frame - R Potter cut lugs off (2) and attending to crossbar.

2398. MILL LANE PLAY AREA

Bench – Still to be removed by R Potter.

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 to recall company for work to be done again.

Risk Report – Ray Potter was in attendance.

Spring Animal – R Potter to clean and re-paint ASAP.

Climbing Frame – Ray Potter has cut lugs off so work completed.

Junior Swing – R Potter to clean swings and framework ASAP. Also Mr Dean mentioned he has to keep re-tightening the nuts and bolts so might need replacing. Clerk to ask Ray Potter to inspect and replace where necessary.

2399. WALTER HOBBS RECREATION FIELD

Football Pitches - Plans for longer term - Football Foundation partly rejected award. Further quotes : submitted new junior goal posts and nets £385. R Keeble obtaining quotes for fencing.

Graffiti-Aerial Runway - R Potter to attend to re-painting uprights.

Waste Bins - Clerk had written again to BBC regarding the locking of the bins to avoid future vandalism. R Potter confirmed he has 2 bins in stock which he can site. Clerk confirmed it appears you cannot purchase the interiors alone. Ray Potter to position bins, 1) to replace bin on right hand side of field, and 2) outside play area by dog bin.

Dog sign – on play area fence – Clerk received ‘No Dogs allowed in play area’ sign on 20.9.07 and will hand to Ray Potter to install.

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

Senior goal nets – 2 sets of goal nets plus Velcro for new goal posts ordered by R Keeble. Cost agreed at approximately £160.

Additional waste bin – To be sited outside play area : suggest ‘Topsy Jubilee’ in green colour. Supplier : Glasdon. Price £188.56 plus VAT approved at meeting. Clerk to order.

Bench – To be removed. Sited at bottom corner of field at Service lane side. Clerk e.mailed Ray Potter.

Multi-Play – Slide to multi-play was vandalised beyond repair. Ray Potter has removed it for safety reasons. Clerk has filed claim form with insurance company for replacement.

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 will make it and also re-paint it ASAP. Clerk e.mailed Ray Potter. Next meeting : Tuesday 2nd October 2007, 7.00pm at Tipps Cross Remembrance Hall.

2400. TIPPS CROSS REMEMBRANCE HALL

The Clerk and Mr Hall reported that Michael Fish from BBC Licensing Department attended the Tipps Cross Management committee meeting on 11.9.07 to discuss the temporary events notices and licensing legislation. We can now hold 12 such events (i.e.: licensed or extensions) throughout the year instead of just the 4 we had been having. However, New Years Eve extensions counts as 2 slots.

Mr Hall reported that the container had now been removed from the grounds by MD Landscapes who paid £500 for it.

It was also reported that a new circuit training club has made a regular weekly booking but we have lost the junior softball (winter) booking to Blackmore Village Hall.

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

CLERK’S REPORT

2401. MEETING DATES

Planning	1.10.07	3.30pm	60 Orchard Piece, Blackmore
Recreation	2.10.07	7.00pm	Tipps Cross R. Hall
Environment	1.10.07	7.30pm	Crossehouse, Blackmore
Millennium Park	17.10.07	8pm	Blackmore V Hall
Community Police	20.10.07	8.00pm	Fane Hall, Kelvedon Hatch
Tipps Cross Mgmnt	13.11.07	8.00pm	Tipps Cross R Hall
Parish Council	18.10.07	7.30pm	Blackmore V Hall

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

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

2402. LOOSE KERBSTONE – ORCHARD PIECE

It was reported that the kerbstone outside no. 22 Orchard Piece, Blackmore was loose and needs re-positioning.

2403. GRAFFITI – POST BOX OUTSIDE TIPPS CROSS R HALL

clerk to contact environmental department at BBC to remove it.

2404. R.C.C.E AGM

Mr Lennon attended and reported on certificates for Education.

2405. WRITTLE COLLEGE - SEMINAR

R Keeble advised he attended the one-day seminar at Writtle College. He would be obtaining information on pitch and field maintenance which was very useful.

2406. CONSERVATION ISSUES IN THE VISION MAGAZINE

Mr Giordan advised of an article in the Vision Magazine concerning conservation issues. Mr Giordan to write to BBC regarding the neglect of buildings within the area and their impact on the Parish. He agreed to forward a copy of correspondence to the Clerk.

2407. SHOE COLLECTION/RECYCLING BIN - BLACKMORE

It was reported that a shoe collection recycling bin had been sited outside the shop at the corner of Fingrith Hall Road, Blackmore. It was agreed the Clerk would contact the ‘NISA’ Shop and ask them to re-position it with the other recycling bin round the back, away from the main road and the conservation area.

There being no further business, the Meeting closed at 9.50pm