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1.0 |
THE CHASE |
ACTION |
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1.1 |
Two residents from The
Chase attended the meeting for this item as they were concerned over the
ownership of various parts of The Chase and wanted to know if any decisions
had been made about the state of the un-adopted road. The Chairman
explained that other residents had sought a contribution towards the costs
for the repairs at the previous meeting but the Parish Council felt that it
was not a matter for them to contribute towards. The residents were
concerned that if the road was repaired certain utilities beneath the road
would be in danger of being damaged and drainage problems might ensue. It
is believed that Essex County Council has a map outlining the adopted and
un-adopted roads in The Chase. The Clerk to see whether Cllr. S. Flack has
been able to obtain a copy of this. It was suggested that the residents
should check on their deeds to see which parts of the road they were
responsible for. The Chairman thanked the residents for taking the time to
come along to the meeting. |
Clerk |
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2.0 |
ROAD SAFETY |
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2.1 |
Although Mr R Townsend was
unable to attend the meeting, he had informed The Clerk that the drains had
still not been repaired along the A130. It was noted that despite regular
repairs, several drains were in a poor state. The Clerk was asked to write
to Highways to request that in view of the greatly increased volume of
traffic on the A130 through Barnston, would it be possible for all drains to
be inspected and brought up to the appropriate standard. |
Clerk |
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2.2 |
The Clerk informed the
meeting that following the site meeting that she had recently attended with
Mr C Watkins, Mr B Goodwin and representatives from Ford End and North End,
Mr Goodwin had walked along the A130 to see how it could be made safer. Mr
Goodwin did not believe that the 30mph speed limit should be brought forward
to before the Barnston bends as he felt that if motorists had to slow down
too much before they entered the village, they would become impatient by the
time they reached the main part of the village and would be more likely to
speed at this stage. However, he did feel that the signs for the bends
should be made more prominent as you go out of the village and that action
could be taken to alter driver behaviour at this location. After walking
along the A130 Mr B Goodwin agreed that the footpaths were very narrow in
places and agreed to put in a request to have the vegetation cleared in
places to make the footpath wider. This would make it safe for pedestrians
in the short-term but the long-term aim is to remove the heavy traffic from
the road. Mr B Goodwin confirmed that traffic monitoring would be imminent
and would be monitored again early 2005 with a view to a solution by August
2005. |
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2.3 |
It was noted that The Clerk
had written to Highways department to chase up the speed reduction request
for Parsonage Lane. It was noted that Highways are currently looking into
the matter and will reply soon. |
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3.0 |
MINUTES |
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It was noted that Item 5.1
should read that the garage rent has been increased to £8.23 a week and not
a month as stated in the Minutes. This was corrected and the Minutes of the
meeting held on 8th March 2004 were approved and signed. |
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4.0 |
MATTERS ARISING |
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4.1 |
The Caravan, Bishop’s Green |
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It was noted that Essex
County Council has sent a copy of the registration documents relating to
land known as Gypsies Parlour, High Easter Road. All members looked at the
map but it was not clear whether the site of the caravan was correct on the
map. The Chairman agreed to take a look at the site and The Clerk agreed to
make enquiries to ascertain whether the site falls within Barnston or High
Easter. It was also agreed that the Clerk should contact Mr B Smeeden at
the District Council to check the scope of the work and enquire whether the
necessary approval has been obtained. |
Chairman/
Clerk |
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4.2 |
Best Kept Village Competition |
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It was noted that Cllr. S
Flack has completed and returned the entry forms. The Handyman has been busy
clearing litter and attending to outstanding maintenance tasks. It was
noted that chain link fencing is in need of repair in Rayfield Close and on
the side of the Watts Close play area. The Handyman to be asked to
investigate. It was noted that the fences at both the Watt Close pay area
and on Rayfield corner are broken in places and that tyres have been dumped
in the ditch in the corner of Rayfield Close. The Clerk to look into this. |
Clerk |
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4.3 |
Rural Housing Trust |
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Mr G Ball stated that he
had visited the open day in High Easter recently and that the development
was very impressive. The Trust had asked whether any pieces of land in
Barnston could be identified as a possible site for something similar. It
was agreed that the matter should be highlighted in the next newsletter. |
Clerk |
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4.4 |
Various Street Lights |
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It was noted that despite
several calls to Dunmow Electrical there were still three street lights not
working in the village. The Clerk agreed to chase these up again and to
contact the District Council to see whether they can recommend any other
companies who can carry out street light repairs. |
Clerk |
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4.5 |
Village Hall Car Park |
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It was noted that the
Village Hall Committee are in agreement with the idea of the Parish Council
setting up an account to pay for a new car park and have also set up their
own account to raise money towards it. The Clerk was asked to speak to the
Parish Clerk in High Easter to how they funded their Village Hall car park
and for further details. |
Clerk |
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5.0 |
FINANCIAL POSITION |
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5.1 |
The financial position as at 31.03.04 was as follows: £6,398.62 in the
current account and £6,133.90 in the NSB. Totalling: £12,532.52. It was
noted that the first instalment of the 2004/05 precept would be paid into
the current account w/c 19th April. It was also noted that the
new monthly payment of £38.89 for the garage rent would commence on 15th
April 2004. The VAT return for 03/04 of £1,578.66 has been paid into the
current account. |
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6.0 |
DOG WARNING SIGN |
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It was noted that agreement
had been made between meetings for the broken dog warning sign at the Watts
Close play area to be replaced at a cost of £132.31+VAT. |
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7.0 |
EALC SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL |
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It was unanimously agreed
that the subscription should be renewed at a cost of £181.99. |
Clerk |
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8.0 |
PLANNING APPLICATIONS |
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UTT/1463/04/FUL –
Erection of single storey front and side extensions. Apton Fields, Onslow
Green, Barnston. This application was considered and there were no
objections raised. |
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UTT/0452/04/FUL –
Erection of rear conservatory – 47 Barnston Green, Barnston. Mr R Burlend
declared an Interest in this item and signed the Declaration of Interest
book. This application was considered and there were no objections
raised. |
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APPEALS LODGED: UTT/1392/03/FUL – Conversion
of agricultural building to garaging and private gymnasium. Lanham Barn,
Onslow Green, Barnston. |
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RESULTS: Erection
of storage Unit by Barnston Parish Council at Barnston Village Hall. It
was noted that this application has been granted permission. |
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9.0 |
CORRESPONDENCE |
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9.1 |
UDC – Provision for Recycling Skips at Dunmow,
Thaxted and Stansted |
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In addition to the skips
that come to Barnston during the year, it was noted that a recycling skip
solely for wood, metal and green waste will be sited in Dunmow every
Saturday and Sunday from 9.00am to 3.00pm. The Clerk was asked to confirm
details of this service with the District Council and ensure that it is
advertised on the village notice-boards and in the next newsletter. |
Clerk |
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9.2 |
SSE BAA Stansted Home Ownership Support Scheme |
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The Chairman read out
details of the scheme that has been sent through from Stop Stansted
Expansion. It was noted that the Clerk has still not received a reply from
BAA as to whether a representative would like to make a presentation to
Barnston residents on the airport’s expansion proposals. It was agreed that
the Clerk should write to Mr T Morgan to express the Parish Council’s
disappointment. |
Clerk |
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9.3 |
ECC – Speed Indicator Displays |
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It was noted that the
County Council has purchased nine speed indicator display signs which will
be taken out by the Mobile Police Stations. The signs detect vehicle speed
from a distance of 100m, and provide a warning the driver if they are
travelling in excess of the speed limit by showing a “frowning” face and a
“smiley” face when travelling at or below the speed limit. |
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10.0 |
ANY OTHER BUSINESS |
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10.1 |
The Chairman suggested that
now that the Parish Council has a garage, it might be a good idea to
purchase a trailer for the ride-on lawn-mower. This was unanimously agreed
by all members and the Clerk was requested to obtain some quotations. |
Clerk |
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10.2 |
The Clerk informed members
that the Handyman had suggested smartening up the two bus shelters. It was
agreed that the anti-graffiti paint used to paint the shelters several years
ago should be purchased again. A-Z Supplies have quoted £198.11+VAT for the
cleaner, coating and sealer. It was unanimously agreed that this should be
purchased. The Chairman also suggested that the bus shelter window should
be replaced with toughened glass. |
Clerk |
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11.0 |
CHEQUES |
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The following cheque was agreed and signed: |
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P Tuckwell Ltd (belt for mower) |
£13.21 |
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BVHMC (Hall hire rent) |
£208.60 |
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Mrs C Weston |
£199.71 |
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Mr G Bruneau (Handyman wages and expenses) |
£137.01 |
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Fastsigns (Watts Close Dog sign) |
£155.46 |
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NALC (EALC/NALC subscription renewal) |
£181.99 |
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Essex Air Ambulance (charitable donation) |
£100.00 |
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There being no further
business the meeting closed at 9.50pm. The next Parish Council meeting will
take place in the Village Hall on Monday 10th May 2004 at 7.45pm
and the Annual General Meeting will commence at 8.00pm. |
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