Minutes of Barnston Parish Council Meeting held on

Monday  10^th February 2003 at Barnston Village Hall

Present:

Mr R Burlend (Chairman)

Mrs P Singleton

Mr M LeMasurier

Mr C Watkins

Mr D Ensor

Mr R Townsend (Item 1)

Mrs S Tuttlebury

Mrs H Rothwell

Mr G Ball (Vice-Chairman)

Mrs C Weston (Clerk)

Mrs C Little also attended the meeting.

Apologies:  Mrs S Flack

1.

ROAD SAFETY

ACTION

1.1

Mr R Townsend stated that no accidents have been reported since the last meeting. 

1.2

It was noted that the drain along Parsonage Lane has now been cleared.

1.3

The Chairman informed the meeting that High Easter Parish Council has requested that Barnston Parish Council take up the matter of the flooding problems at Albans. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to Highways department to request that they give it their urgent attention.

Clerk

1.4

It was noted that an ambulance had found it difficult to find a property at Sallets Green recently owing to the lack of road signs.  The Clerk was asked to request a signpost along High Easter Road.

Clerk

2.

MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 13^th January 2003 were approved and signed.

3.

MATTERS ARISING

3.1

Pear Tree Cottage

It was noted that Planning department are looking into the Parish Council’s enquiry regarding planning permission for change of use from agricultural land to garden at this property.

3.2

Speed of Traffic Through Parsonage Lane

It was noted that both the Clerk and Mrs H Rothwell had met Mr C Stoneham from ECC Highways department to discuss the problem of speeding traffic along Parsonage Lane.  Mr Stoneham agreed to put forward a request for speed reduction measures.  If the request is accepted there are two options to explore: (1) Close one end of the lane and introduce a Prohibition of Driving Order, which would include restricted access. (2) Introduce a speed limit with speed signs.  It was felt that this second option would only work if all drivers adhered to the speed limit.  Lastly it was suggested that ‘passing places’ could be introduced along the lane.  Mr C Stoneham agreed to inform the Parish Council if the request has been accepted for the forthcoming financial year.  It was agreed that the Clerk should write to the residents who brought the matter to the Parish Council’s attention to inform them of the action so far.

Clerk

3.3

Pavement Maintenance

It was noted that the Clerk has taken a walk around Barnston Green and Rayfield Close with Mr C Stoneham from Highways to point out the state of the pavements.  Mr C Stoneham agreed that they were very uneven and dangerous and it was hoped that the repairs would be agreed for the forthcoming financial year.

3.4

Other Footpaths

It was noted that Highways department has written several letters to the Parish Council this month with regard to previous requests for footpath maintenance around the village.  It was agreed by all members that the Parish Council’s request for footpath widening along the Barnston Hill and a request for a footpath beside Broadgroves Cottage, High Easter Road should still remain a priority.  It was also agreed that the footpath between Newhouse Villas and Parsonage Lane should remain on the Highways programme of works for 2003. 

Clerk

3.5

Additional Insurance Cover

As agreed at the previous meeting, the Clerk informed the meeting that the insurance of the play equipment has now been updated.  The total insurance for the year is now £785.79.  The amount owing for the remainder of this year is £67.41.

3.6

Barnston United Charities/Debt Fund

Mr D Ensor stated that he had been looking into the details of the Debt Relief Fund which was set up 10 years ago to provide small loans/grants for local residents who needed help.  It was believed that help could be provided on the condition that the residents concerned sought help through the Citizen’s Advice Bureau on how to deal with their debt.  The Clerk was requested to find out a name and contact number for the C.A.B. and pass it on to Mr D Ensor.  

3.7

Litter Bin – Village Hall Play Area

The Clerk informed the meeting that there are already two large litter bins in the play area.  It was agreed not to go ahead with an order of an additional litter bin as suggested at the previous meeting.

3.8

Clean Up Barnston Day/Civic Amenity Skip – Saturday 19^th April

The Clerk informed the meeting that the District Council are happy to provide 15-20 jackets and litter pickers to be used by volunteers on the day.  It was doubtful whether the Clerk would be available on the day so it was agreed that the equipment would be delivered and collected from the Chairman.  It is hoped to enlist as many volunteers as possible to clear litter in the village.  The Clerk agreed to advertise for volunteers on the notice boards.

RB/Clerk

4.00

FINANCIAL POSITION

The financial position as at 31.1.03 was as follows: £2,856.04 in the current account; £30.21 in the MM account and £8,728.55 in the NSB.  Totalling: £11,614.80.  It was agreed that £7,000 should be transferred from the NSB a/c to the current a/c. 

Clerk

5.00

STORAGE UNIT

Clerk

All Members looked at brochures of a selection of storage units for Parish Council equipment.  It was agreed that the best site for the unit would be beside the Village Hall.  It was agreed that the Chairman would have a closer look at the brochures and price list and bring it up at the next meeting.  If the Village Hall Committee is in agreement to placing the unit alongside the Hall, planning permission would be required.

Clerk/

RB

6.00

FUN BALL GAME – VILLAGE HALL PLAY AREA

As agreed previously, the Clerk to order a ‘Fun Ball Game’ for the Village Hall play area at a cost of £1,317+VAT and installation. 

Clerk

7.00

CENTRAL HEATING AT THE VILLAGE HALL

The Chairman informed the meeting that the Village Hall has obtained three quotations for the installation of gas central heating at the Village Hall.  It was noted that the quotations ranged from £4,700 to £5,896+VAT.  It was unanimously agreed that the cheapest quotation from S.J. Wright Plumbing & Heating should be accepted.  The Clerk was asked to write to the Village Hall Management Committee with their proposal to pay £4,700 for the installation of the central heating.  The Village Hall Management Committee to provide the gas supply/connection.

Clerk

8.00

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

UTT/0141/03/FUL & UTT/0141/03/LB – Erection of side/read extension at Little Pentons, Onslow Green.  This application was considered and there were no objections raised.  UTT/0020/03/FUL – Change of use from agricultural land to garden land at rear of 5 Mill Field, Barnston.  Members expressed concern that if this application is agreed it will become a precedent for similar schemes thus resulting in the development template being altered.  If this is to be approved, it was agreed that it should be with restrictions that no buildings are to built on it.  UTT/0038/03/FUL – Domestic garage and store.  ‘Buttles’, Chelmsford Road, Barnston.  This application was considered and there were no objections raised.  UTT/0054/03/FUL – Two storey side extension.  Fairview, The Chase, Barnston.  This application was considered and there were no objections raised.  UTT/0056/03/FUL – Erection of six bedroom dwelling and quadruple garage.  Long Acre (The Poplars), High Easter Road, Chelmsford.  This application was considered and it was believed that it was totally out of keeping with the rest of the village.  It was agreed that a request should be made that this proposal should go to Committee.  The Clerk was asked to speak to Mrs S Flack to see whether she can arrange this.

Clerk

9.00

CORRESPONDENCE

9.1

UDC Parish Emergency Planning Meeting – 12/3

Mr G Ball agreed to attend this meeting.

GB

9.2

Stop Stansted Expansion

It was noted that S.S.E. has requested that the Parish Council purchase a banner to be displayed in the village at a cost of £50.  It was agreed that this request should be declined.  The Clerk stated that she would put up additional small posters in the notice boards offering further copies to residents who wish to display them on their properties.

Clerk

9.3

Bus Timetables

Mrs S Tuttlebury stated that she has a copy of the latest timetable booklet if anybody needs to have a look at it.

9.4

Essex Police Custody Visiting Scheme

Mrs P Singleton stated that the Police are looking to attract members of the public to join the Authority’s Custody Visiting Scheme.  It was agreed that the details should be displayed on the notice boards.

Clerk

9.5

Essex Police – Mobile Community Police Unit

It was noted that Essex Police has launched a Mobile Community Police Unit.  As this will not visit Barnston, it was felt to be of little benefit to tax-payers in the village.  The subject of the community speed gun, to the purchase of which the Parish Council contributed was raised.  The Clerk was requested to ask the Police when it was last used in the village.  Mr G Ball suggested that the Parish Council could also ask whether they could borrow the speed gun and take their own readings subject to the necessary training  It was believed that a similar scheme was being run in Kent.

Clerk

10.0

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

10.1

It was noted that Mrs S Flack has requested that a letter of appreciation should be sent to Highways department for the new footpath down towards Dunmow.  It was suggested that a request should be made for the remaining footpath to be of the same standard.  It was agreed that the Handyman should be asked to ensure that the vegetation is kept under control to prevent the vegetation encroaching on the new surface.

Clerk

10.2

Mrs S Flack has also requested that a grit/salt box be provided at Martels Corner as this is rather dangerous in the ice and snow.  The Clerk was asked to put this request in writing to Highways department.

Clerk

10.3

Mr G Ball stated that the street light opposite the Village Hall and another one at the entrance to Mill Field are not working.  The Clerk was asked to report these.

Clerk

10.4

As the Clerk is unable to attend the March meeting, Mr C Watkins kindly agreed to take the Minutes.

14.0

CHEQUES

The following cheques were agreed and signed:

Allianz Cornhill Insurance PLC

£67.41

Mrs C Weston (wages & expenses)

£201.37

Direct Debits

TXU Energi

£36.87

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.35pm.  The next Parish Council meeting will take place on Monday 10th March 2003.