WRITTLE PARISH COUNCIL

Transcription

1 WRITTLE PARISH COUNCIL Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 3 rd September pm, Parish Office Members ü = Present A = Apologies Mr C Hibbitt (CHAIR) ü Mr R Bray (VICE CHAIR) ü Ms L Bowser ü Mrs E Roe ü Mrs W Walker ü Mr A Carter ü Mrs R Smith ü Mr K Bowdidge ü Mr M Townley ü Mr T Sach ü Mr P Delaney ü Mrs A Reid ü Mr J Drake A Mr P Sullivan ü Mr B Cairns A In Attendance ü = Present A = Apologies Cllr J F Aldridge (ECC) ü Mr D Walker (CLERK) ü Cllr T Roper (CCC) ü Miss G Laudrum (SECRETARY) ü Mr G Ingram (WPPIC) ü Ms B Smith (VILLAGE AGENT) ü Members of public x 5 ACTION 1. THE ROLE OF THE VILLAGE AGENT 1.1 NOTED Ms Brenda Smith, appointed RCCE Village Agent to Writtle, provided some background explanation to the services provided for elderly people living in rural communities. 1.2 NOTED it was noted that Ms Smith attends local community groups (including Derby & Joan Club, Womens Institute, for example) and works closely with organisations providing high quality information, advice and services to local people, helping to promote health and independence. 1.3 NOTED it was noted that RCCE are currently promoting an oil buying scheme, details of which can be found on the Parish Council Notice Board. 2. PUBLIC FORUM 2.1 East View / Victoria Road Island NOTED two members of the public who reside in Victoria Cottages (on the old Victoria Public House site) attended the meeting to express their concerns relating to the East View/Victoria Road traffic island NOTED it was noted that a complaint had been sent to ECC Highways from one of the residents last Autumn, following a number of near-miss traffic accidents in the vicinity of the island. However, this report had not been followed up or investigated further NOTED it was noted that there are currently insufficient road markings to warn drivers to Give Way at the junction and vehicular access is 1

2 said to be extremely limited either side of the island. It was further noted that a number of vehicles exceed the speed limit in this area NOTED following extensive discussion, it was noted that the residents would continue to monitor the traffic in the vicinity and provide evidence of specific incidents at the island NOTED Cllr J Aldridge suggested that the road markings should be made clearer and will be seeking further advice from ECC Highways. John Aldridge 2.2 Maztec Funding NOTED a member of the public queried how Maztec funding from the annual V Festival is allocated for local schemes NOTED the Chair provided background information relating to the funding process and the progression of community-based projects. It was noted that new Writtle Parish projects will be considered in 2013/ THE WRITTLE PARISH PLAN IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE 3.1 NOTED Mr G Ingram delivered an update relating to current and outstanding WPPIC issues to progress, with particular emphasis on Highways concerns. 3.2 NOTED Cllr J Aldridge provided clarification relating to Section 106 funding, how priorities are determined and who is responsible for sanctioning Highways projects. See also 4.2.1, , NOTED following discussion, it was suggested that Transport & Highways issues, currently discussed under the Environment Committee, should be considered under a separate Committee in its own right. 3.4 NOTED it was noted that the proposal of an additional Committee will be considered as an agenda item at the October Parish Council meeting. 3.5 NOTED it was noted that Mr G Ingram and Mr D Walker would agree a list of Village priorities for consideration. / Gordon Ingram 3.6 NOTED a formal proposal for a Book Fayre is to be submitted to Writtle Parish Council Gordon Ingram 3.7 NOTED it was noted that the business article for inclusion in the Writtle News has been drafted and is currently being reviewed by the Writtle News Editor before publication. 3.8 NOTED it was noted that the minutes of the Writtle Parish Council meeting(s) will be circulated to Mr G Ingram. 4. COUNTY AND CITY COUNCILLORS COMMENTS & REPORTS 4.1 Essex County Council observations NOTED it was noted that ECC has announced plans to carry out a comprehensive review of its current speed management policy and this will include an assessment of speeding within the village. 2

3 4.1.2 NOTED it was noted that a document entitled Dealing with illegal and unauthorised encampments had been circulated to Writtle Parish Council, for information NOTED it was noted that the topic Community Assets Transfer would be discussed at a forthcoming Cabinet meeting. 4.2 Chelmsford City Council Observations NOTED it was noted that Chelmsford City Council would be preparing a report to provide clearer information and clarify processes relating to Section 106 monies. See also 3.2, , NOTED it was noted that an article has been written for inclusion in the next edition of Writtle News to promote the value and benefits of recycling. 5. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE 5.1 NOTED apologies were noted as above. 6. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING 6.1 AGREED the minutes of the Writtle Parish Council meeting held on 16 th July 2012 were agreed as an accurate record. 6.2 AGREED it was proposed by Mr R Bray and seconded by Mr M Townley that the agreed minutes be approved and signed. 7. PROGRESS CHECK 7.1 Training for Parish Councillors NOTED it was noted that a Councillor training session with EALC has been arranged for 4 th October 2012 at 7.00pm. 7.2 Hire of Parish Office NOTED it was noted that a booking policy and hire charges are to be agreed if the Parish Office is to be used by third-parties. 7.3 Bird Notices NOTED it was noted that Mr A Carter had noted the wording relating to duckfeeding from signs erected at Hylands Park. To be included as an agenda item at the next Environment Committee. 7.4 Dog Notices NOTED it was noted that further advice relating to the wording of Dog Notices would be sought from Chelmsford City Council. To be included as an agenda item at the next Environment Committee. 7.5 Dog Enforcement Officer NOTED it was noted that further advice relating to the issue of tickets in respect of contravention of both Dog Fouling and Dog Control Orders will be sought from Chelmsford City Council. 3

4 8. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 8.1 NOTED there were no declarations of interest. 9. COMMUNITY POLICING 9.1 NOTED apologies were received from Essex Police for being unable to send a representative to the meeting. 9.2 NOTED it was noted that Mr D Walker would write to PC T Neate to express disappointment at the lack of police presence and to request bimonthly Writtle Parish Council / Essex Police meetings. 9.3 RECEIVED crime statistics were received prior to the meeting and noted. 10. SPEED GUNS 10.1 NOTED it was noted that Highwood Parish Council had submitted a formal proposal to hire one of the Writtle Parish Council speed guns for one year at a cost of AGREED it was proposed by Mr R Bray, seconded by Mr M Townley and unanimously agreed to lease Highwood Parish Council one of the speed guns for one year NOTED it was noted that speed restriction notices had not been erected along the Margaretting Road prior to the Olly Murs concert at Hylands Park on 2 nd September Mr D Walker to raise with ECC. 11. V FESTIVAL 11.1 NOTED it was noted that no complaints had been received in relation to the V Festival NOTED it was noted, however, that the reputation of the festival has deteriorated due to the worsening behaviour of some of the festival attendees and a decline in ticket sales. 12. CHRISTMAS 12.1 Christmas Tree Festival at All Saints Church NOTED it was noted that an invitation had been received from All Saints Church to participate in the Christmas Tree Festival which has been arranged on 1 st and 2 nd December AGREED it was agreed that Writtle Parish Council would participate in the event NOTED it was noted that a Sub-committee would be established at the October meeting of the Parish Council to discuss further Christmas Tree on The Green 4

5 NOTED it was noted that Mrs W Walker and Mrs R Smith would coordinate the purchase of the Christmas Tree on The Green. Wendy Walker / Rosemary Smith 12.3 Carols on The Green NOTED it was noted that Mrs W Walker and Mrs R Smith would coordinate the Carols on The Green event this year. To be included as an agenda item at the October meeting of the Parish Council Christmas Lunch AGREED it was agreed that the Christmas lunch for Councillors would be held at the Blue Bridge at pm on Friday 21 st December WRITTLE SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB 13.1 Webbco / Grass Cutting NOTED it was noted that there had been some administrative/invoicing issues relating to the grass cutting agreement with Webbco and administrative processes continue to be monitored NOTED it was noted that a meeting has been convened for all Sections of WSSC to clarify the new processes Hard Play Area NOTED it was noted that the Football Association had agreed to fund 50% of the resurfacing costs of the Hard Play Area at Paradise Road NOTED it was noted that various grant applications have also been submitted by Writtle Minors to assist with associated costs NOTED it was noted that as a condition of the grants received, the hard play area should be open at all times for public use. Arrangements for such use are to be agreed NOTED it was noted that a contingency depreciation plan also needs to be considered for future wear-and-tear expense Car Park Resurfacing NOTED it was noted that the resurfacing of the Paradise Road car park will be undertaken on 17 th September Section 106 Projects NOTED it was noted that a priority list for future Section 106 projects is to be considered and agreed by WSSC. See also 3.2, 4.2.1, Defibrillator NOTED it was noted that Essex Ambulance had provided a demonstration to Sections of WSSC in the use of a defibrillator NOTED it was noted that WSSC do not have sufficient liability insurance protection in the use of a defibrillator and therefore this equipment will not be procured at present Electric Gate Key Fobs 5

6 NOTED it was noted that Writtle Parish Council has issued WSSC with an updated list of key fobs which are required to be returned Writtle Manor Football Club NOTED it was noted that Writtle Manor Football Club will be using football facilities at Paradise Road Scorebox / Patio NOTED it was noted that works to install the scorebox and patio area at WSSC will commence on 29 th September YOUTH 14.1 NOTED it was noted that Mrs W Walker had been unable to contact Mr J Parr since the last meeting, despite numerous attempts. However, Mrs W Walker would endeavour to speak with Mr J Parr regarding the use of the new Football Cage at the Paradise Road complex. Wendy Walker 14.2 NOTED it was noted that Writtle Infant and Junior Schools, as well as Hylands School, are extremely keen to progress the proposal of the Youth Council. 15. SECTION 106 FUNDING (see also 3.2, 4.2.1, ) 15.1 NOTED it was noted that the skateboard strip at Paradise Road would be considered as a possible community project for future Section 106 funds NOTED it was noted that the skateboard strip had suffered as a result of a recent act of vandalism NOTED it was noted that an Outdoor Gym would also be considered as a future community project for Section 106 funds. 16. RECEIPT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS 16.1 RECEIVED the Committee received the Clerk s Report as at 14 th August RECEIVED the Committee received the Planning & Development Committee Meeting Report of 16 th July RECEIVED the Committee received the Planning & Development Committee Meeting Report of 20 th August FINANCIAL REPORT AT 14 TH AUGUST AGREED the Committee agreed the Financial Report of 14 th August AGREED it was proposed by Mr K Bowdidge, seconded by Mrs E Roe and unanimously agreed that the reports and payments made between 15 th June 2012 and 14 th August 2012 be approved and signed NOTED it was noted that the Audit Commission had accepted the Annual Accounting statements (Annual Return for Year to 31/03/12). 6

7 17.4 NOTED the Chair expressed his thanks to Mr D Walker for his work in completing the necessary Audit Commission documentation. 18. COUNCILLORS QUESTION TIME 18.1 Jamboree NOTED it was noted that a complaint had been received relating to noise pollution from the recent Scout Jamboree held at Boyton Cross Lawford Lane NOTED it was noted that there is an area of overgrown vegetation towards the pumping station at Lawford Lane. Mr D Walker to contact ECC NOTED it was noted that issues relating to Lawford Lane would be discussed at the next meeting of the Environment Committee Trees on The Green NOTED it was noted that the condition of the trees on The Green would be discussed at the next meeting of the Environment Committee Closure of College footpaths NOTED it was noted that Writtle College has now closed a number of permissive footpaths on college land; the public footpath on the sustrans cycle route, Cow Watering Lane campus and the Moat/Daffodil walk NOTED to be discussed at the next meeting of the Environment Committee BT Telephone Boxes NOTED it was noted that Mr D Walker would be prompting BT to remove the telephone boxes at Long Brandocks and at the East View / Ongar Road junction Parish Office NOTED it was noted that refreshment facilities may be purchased for use at the Parish Office once the office is being used on a regular basis. 19. ANY OTHER REPORTS 19.1 Footpath Officer NOTED it was noted that the Footpath Officer is currently unable to continue with footpath monitoring at the present time. Mr D Walker to arrange a letter of thanks NHS Representative NOTED it was noted that the NHS Representative had circulated information relating to the Writtle Patient Participation Group prior to the meeting of Writtle Parish Council, for information Writtle Bowls Club 7

8 NOTED it was noted that Writtle Bowls Club had managed to secure adequate grant funding to complete emergency remedial works to the boundary wall NOTED it was noted that additional contingency plan funding will be sought in the event that further emergency works are required in the future Potholes NOTED it was noted that Mr P Sullivan had contacted ECC Highways regarding potholes in the vicinity of Lodge Road. Mr P Sullivan to follow up with ECC. Peter Sullivan NOTED it was noted that remedial work to potholes is required in the vicinity of Loves Walk Chequers Pub NOTED it was noted that it is not yet known whether the Chequers Pub will reopen as a public house. 20. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING 20.1 NOTED the Committee noted that the next meeting of Writtle Parish Council will be held on Monday 1 st October 2012 at 7.30pm in the Parish Office NOTED it was noted that agenda items should be submitted to the Clerk by [ ] MEETING CONCLUDED 10.25pm Signed: For and on behalf of Writtle Parish Council Date: 8