Minutes of Barnston Parish Council Meeting held on

Monday  10^th March 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

Apologies:  Mrs C Weston

1.

ROAD SAFETY

ACTION

1.1

It was noted that the new sign for Parsonage Lane has been erected.

1.2

The District Council has been advised of rubbish being dumped along Parsonage Lane and is dealing with the matter.

1.3

It was noted that the A120 contractor expects that the first section of the road will be the Takeley bypass.  This is due to open in December 2003.  Although the works are currently behind schedule, it is expected that the road will be completed on time.

1.4

It was noted that a letter has been received from ECC Highways department regarding the flooding at Albans in High Easter Road.  The letter stated that work had been undertaken by the adjacent landowner and involved the relaying of pipes within his own property.  No further reports of flooding have been received since these works were undertaken.  Councillors were of the opinion that the road still flooded and it was agreed that the Clerk should write to Highways department requesting that the problem be properly investigated.

Clerk

1.5

It was noted that the District Council are sourcing a sign for Sallets Green.

2.

MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 10^th February 2003 were approved and signed.

3.

MATTERS ARISING

3.1

Speeding through Parsonage Lane

It was noted that the Clerk has written to update the residents who attended the meeting in October 2003, on Mr Stoneham’s proposals for speed reduction measures.

3.2

Footpaths

It was noted that Highways department have been requested to keep the footpath improvements in Barnston a priority on their list of works for the next financial year.

3.3

Fun Ball Game – Village Hall Play Area

It was noted that the piece of play equipment has been ordered and an additional cost of £150 will be required for Acorn Services to install it.

3.4

Central Heating – Village Hall

It was noted that the Village Hall Management Committee has accepted the Parish Council’s offer to pay for the installation of central heating at the Village Hall and that the Village Hall Committee will pay the additional fee of £1500 to connect the supply.

3.5

Police Speed Gun

As agreed at the previous meeting, a letter has been sent to Dunmow Police station requesting the use of the speed gun in the village.  To date a reply has not been received.

3.6

Storage Unit, Village Hall

It was noted that the Village Hall Management Committee agree in principle to a storage unit being positioned next to the hall but have some reservations regarding security.  Members looked at various units and identified a suitable unit.  It was noted that the cost would be approximately £3,000, this includes a base for the unit.  Awaiting a response from the Village Hall Management Committee.  It was also agreed that the Clerk should speak to the District Council about possible alternative options before a decision is made.

BVHMC/

Clerk

4.00

FINANCIAL POSITION

The financial position as at 28.2.03 was as follows: £2,575.94 in the current account; £30.21 in the MM account and £8,977.83 in the NSB.  Totalling: £11,583.98.  It was noted that the interest has been added to the NSB account. 

5.00

SCHOOL BUSES

Since this matter has been discussed at the Parish Council meeting, the Chairman/Mrs Flack??? has obtained a copy of a 1994 press cutting from the Braintree & Witham Times regarding the availability of the route from Berners End to Helena Romanes School.  This cutting has been sent to Mr Catt at County Council and his has since written to Mrs Flack to inform her that it has been properly determined that the particular route via the A130 that children from Barnston are required to walk to Helena Romanes School is unavailable to be walked as a consequence of which free transport is provided.

6.00

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

UTT/0199/03/CL – Certificate of lawful use concerning storage of builder’s materials, ropes and signs.  Broadgroves Farm Yard, Barnston.  John Salmon Farms Ltd.  This application was considered and there were no objections raised/

RESULTS:  UTT/1393/02/FUL – Change of use from agricultural land to garden land – north & west of Hopitts, Onslow Green. It was noted that this application has been refused.  TPO No. 7/94 (T19) Crown reduce 1 Oak by 20%.  Hunters Moon.  It was noted that this application has been granted.

7.00

CORRESPONDENCE

7.1

ECC – A120 Road works

It was noted that the new A120 road works have reached the half-way mark.

7.2

A120 Village Update

It was suggested that a meeting be organised to update the village on progress in the construction of this project.

Clerk

7.3

Freedom of Information Act

It was noted that the Parish Council’s application to Adopt the Parish Council Model Scheme for the Freedom of Information Act 2000 has been accepted.

7.4

DEFRA – Licensing Bill

It was agreed that a copy of this should be given to the Village Hall Management Committee.

Clerk

8.0

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

8.1

It was noted that the Handyman has repaired a plank of wood on the trim trail in the Watts Close play area which has been vandalised.

8.2

It was noted that the Parish Council mowers and strimmer have all been serviced at a cost of £219.63.

Clerk

9.0

CHEQUES

The following cheques were agreed and signed:

Dunmow Electrical (street light repairs)

£135.71

P. Tuckwell Ltd (service of mowers etc.)

£219.63

Mrs C Weston (wages & expenses)

£203.15

Direct Debits

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 14^th April 2003.