Minutes of Barnston Parish Council Meeting held on

Monday 11^th November 2002 at Barnston Village Hall

Present:

Mr G Ball (Vice-Chairman)

Mrs P Singleton

Mr M LeMasurier

Mrs S Tuttlebury

Mr D Ensor

Mr R Townsend (Item 1)

Mrs C Weston (Clerk)

Apologies:  Mr R Burlend, Mr C Watkins, Mrs S Flack, Mrs H Rothwell, Mrs C Little and Mr R Copping.

1.

ROAD SAFETY

ACTION

1.1

The Vice Chairman informed the meeting that Highways department have given the Parish Council’s request for speed reduction measures along Parsonage Lane a prioritised score.  The Clerk stated that she is currently setting up a site meeting to discuss the matter further.  The Vice Chairman stated that the type of vehicle causing a nuisance should be established prior to the meeting.

Clerk

1.2

Mr R Townsend reported that no accidents had occurred since the last meeting.

1.3

It was noted that the grass verges had still not been cut back and that the footpath between Parsonage Lane and Bennetts Lane had still not been cleared and repaired.

Clerk

2.

MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 14^th October 2002 were approved and signed.

3.

MATTERS ARISING

3.1

Bushel & Sack

It was noted that the majority of parked cars have now been cleared from the car park.  It was understood that the Planning department had been in contact with the licensee.

3.2

Watts Close Play Area

The Chairman read out an e-mail from Mr Dorney at the District Council which stated that there is no direct evidence that the ground is or has been contaminated.  The dark appearance of the soil could simply be caused by decaying vegetation due to the boggy conditions existing on this boundary of the site.  The Clerk was requested to keep the e-mail on file in case it is decided that soil samples should be analysed in the future.

Clerk

3.3

Grass Verges

It was agreed that this should be brought forward to the next meeting when Mrs S Flack is present.

Clerk

3.4

Play Area Benches

It was agreed that the two new benches for the play areas should be purchased in the Spring.

3.5

Information Commissioner – Freedom of Information Act

It was agreed that this should be brought forward to the next meeting when the Chairman would be able to discuss this with members.

RB

4.

FINANCIAL POSITION

The financial position as at 31.10.02 was as follows: £8,056.47 in the current account; £30.19 in the MM account and £8,728.55 in the NSB.  Totalling: £16,815.21.

5.

VILLAGE CIVIC AMENITY SCHEME    

It was noted that the District Council are able to provide a manned skip in the village during 2003 at a cost of £70 per site visit.  It was noted that this had been dealt with between meetings and that the District Council had been informed of the Parish Council’s wishes to continue with this arrangement.

6.

REPLACEMENT HAWTHORN  BUSHES – BERNERS END

As agreed at a previous meeting, Mr & Mrs Sully of of Taymon, Berners End, should be reimbursed for their hawthorn bushes that had been accidentally cut down by the Handyman.  It was noted that the replacement bushes have now been purchased and that the Parish Council need to reimburse Mr & Mrs Sully with a cheque for £22.50.

Clerk

7.

BARNSTON UNITED CHARITIES

It was noted that Mrs J Eacott was finding it increasingly difficult to take over the role of Secretary of the above charity.  It was agreed that Mr D Ensor would contact Mr Whitton to sort out what needs to be done for the Christmas distribution.

DE

8.

PLANNING RESULTS

UTT/1023/02/FUL – Single storey side extension – 3 Millers Close, Barnston.  It was noted that application had been granted permission.

9.

CORRESPONDENCE

9.1

UALC – Who’s Doing What? For Stop Stansted Expansion

The Association has issued a letter giving details of who’s doing what with regard to the Stop Stansted Expansion Campaign.  Included in the letter is a request for a donation from Parish Councils.  This was discussed and Parish Councillors felt that this would be inappropriate use of Parish Council funds as not everybody in the parish shares the same views on the planned expansion.

9.2

UDC Follow-up to Parish Emergency Planning Meeting

Mr G Ball agreed to keep hold of this document.

GB

9.3

Environment Agency – Flood Event Data Gathering

It was agreed that this information should be kept on file in case flooding occurs in Barnston.

Clerk

10.0

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

10.1

It was noted that the triangle of grass on the corner of Rayfield Close is being used by a resident to park their car.  It was agreed that a letter should be sent to them requesting that they park on the road and not the pavement or grass verge.

Clerk

11.

CHEQUES

The following cheques were agreed and signed:

Mrs  C Weston  (wages & expenses)

£202.88

BVHMC (hall hire and play area rent)

£199.60

Mr M Sully (reimbursement for Hawthorn bushes)

£22.50

Direct Debits/Standing Orders

TXU Energi     

£36.87

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.50pm.   The next Parish Council meeting will take place on Monday 9^th December 2002 at 7.45pm.