Minutes of Barnston Parish Council Meeting held on

Monday 10^th April 2006 at Barnston Village Hall

Present:

Mr R Burlend - Chairman

Mrs P Singleton

Mr C Brooks

Mrs S Tuttlebury

Mr R Townsend (Item 1)

Mrs D Jackaman (Clerk)

Apologies:  Mrs H. Rothwell, Mr G. Ball, Mrs S. Sellens, Mr M LeMasurier

1.0

School Bus

ACTION

1.1

It was noted that permission had now been received to discuss and vote on the matter of the School Bus.  Everyone who had declared a prejudicial interest had received their letter allowing them to discuss and vote on the issue. 

1.2

It was noted that a decision has been taken to defer the removal of the school bus for at least a year.  Councillors agreed to campaign during the coming year to ensure that the bus is not removed after this one year reprieve.

ALL

1.3

The Parish Council would like to thank everyone for joining in the protest walk and in particular, Karen Collop for all her hard work on behalf of the village.

1.4

The main objections to the removal of the school bus centre on the dangers of the road.  The road is now carrying more traffic than when the original decision to provide free home to school transport was made.  The other changes are the construction of the new A120 which means that pedestrians now have four additional roads to cross.  The dangers are not confined to the A130; children will have to cross the road near Hoblongs beside a blind corner.  It is inconceivable that any responsible parent will permit their child to walk this route whether or not accompanied.

1.5

It was noted that the Parish Council will write to Councillor Castle to try and meet with him to reiterate that the route is still unsafe to walk and that all previous points raised still apply.

RB

2.0

Road Safety

2.1

Mr R Townsend stated that an accident had occurred between New House Villas and the Onslow Green turning involving a car and a bus.

2.2

It was noted that faulty lights outside 65 Rayfield Close and opposite Millers Close have been reported for repair.

2.3

It was noted that a request has gone to Highways to repair the pot hole at the entrance to Barnston Green.

2.4

It was noted that the Clerk has tried to get dates for various works around the village from Highways but they are unable to give any dates at this time.

3.0

Possible Resignation of Cllr Susan Flack

The Clerk has received an email from Cllr Flack advising that she may be moving out of the area and would therefore need to resign.

4.0

Minutes

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

5.0

CLERK’S REPORT

5.1

A draft lease for the Watts Close play area was reviewed by the Council and members agreed to proceed.  The Village Hall play area draft lease will be ready shortly.

Clerk

5.2

It was noted that letters have been sent to residents regarding the salt bins at: 1. Barnston Green junction, 2. Millers Close junction, 3. On the corner by the mini roundabout.

The Clerk has received an unfavourable response to the bin that was intended for the Millers Close junction.  The Council decided to not proceed with the Salt Bin at Millers Close and to further investigate the bins at Barnston Green and the roundabout.

Clerk

5.3

Civic Amenity Scheme - UDC have confirmed to the Clerk that they are happy to have the skips sited on the grass at the front of the village hall car park next/near to the street lamp so that it does not cause any damage to the new tarmac, but they would like a suitable alternative if the grass is wet.  The Council decided to ask UDC to take the skip away if the grass was too wet and to rely on the good sense of the driver.

Dates are:

Saturday 13^th May 2006 8.00am – 11.30am

Sunday 30^th July 2006 8.00am – 4.00pm

Saturday 11^th November 2006 12.30pm – 4.00pm

Clerk

5.4

The Parish Council would like to explore the possibility of putting a concrete hard standing down at the village hall to accommodate future visits of the skip.  Clerk to discuss with Village Hall.

Clerk

5.5

Wild Plants and your village green – The Council agreed not to proceed with this project as there is no funding available.

6.0

FINANCE

The financial positions as at 31.03.06 were as follows:  £4,539.95 in the current account and £726.44 in the NSB account.  Totalling: £5,266.39.  There is also a £1,000 from the village hall for the car park waiting to clear into the current account. 

6.1

VAT Return – This has been submitted and queries have been raised on 3 invoices.  These queries have been answered and we are now hopefully awaiting a cheque.

Clerk

6.2

The Council agreed to the purchase of Excel for use by the Clerk at a cost of £174.99.

7.0

MINOR MATTERS FOR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION

7.1

PS was asked by a Watts Close resident to raise the issue of overhanging trees at the Watts Close car park.  Clerk to follow up with UDC grounds maintenance officer.

Clerk

7.2

It was reported that a light outside 26 Watts Close is not working.  Clerk to report fault.

Clerk

7.3

Defra - Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 – It was noted that there is now a parish council guide to environment enforcement.  Clerk to contact Dog Control Officer to ascertain if she can act on our behalf.

Clerk

7.4

Cllr Hicks reported that it might be possible to obtain a grant to encourage “playfulness” and would pass on information to Clerk to progress.

Clerk

7.5

The Council agreed to look at the replacement of old/broken fencing at the Watts Close Play Area.  Clerk to obtain costings.

Clerk

8.0

ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA

8.1

Quiz evening – St. Andrew’s Church, Barnston

8.2

The J’s Hospice

9.0

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

UTT/0597/06/FUL – Single storey front extension, new pitched roof over garage. 23 Barnston Green, Barnston – This application was considered and there were no objections raised.

RESULTS

UTT/0170/06/LB – Replacement of existing windows with single glazed timber frames to same design and dimensions as existing.  Albans, High Easter Road, Barnston –It was noted that permission has been granted.

UTT/0077/06/FUL – Proposed single storey side extension. 27 Watts Close, Barnston – It was noted that permission has been granted.

APPEALS LODGED

UTT/1041/05/FUL – Retrospective application for 6 No. rooflights in dwelling approved under reference UTT/1029/03/FUL.  The Courtyard, Onslow Green, Barnston

APPEAL DECISIONS

APP/C1570/A/05/1195941 – One bed bungalow.  Land to the rear of “Barfield” and “Hillington”, Chelmsford Road, Barnston – Appeal Dismissed.

10.0

CORRESPONDENCE

10.1

Letter received from UDC regarding Garage Site Review – The Community Committee has decided to retain the Watts Close site for parking.

10.2

Essex Police – The Mobile Police Unit will cease visiting Barnston from 31^st March 2006 but parishioners can attend the Unit at Felsted or High Easter.  They can also visit the Police Station in Great Dunmow.

10.3

Contract for hire of Village Hall –The Council agreed to the dates and costs of hire of the hall (£25 per month) for the monthly Parish Council meetings.

10.4

EALC Renewal Subscription –The Council agreed to renew this subscription at a cost of £199.19.

10.5

Allianz Cornhill–Renewal of Local Councils Insurance.  The Council agreed to renew this annual insurance at a cost of £1,192.18.

10.6

EALC has notified the Parish Council that the time table for publishing the annual accounts is to change over the next three years.  It is not anticipated that this will make any difference to Barnston.

11.0

CHEQUES

The following cheques were agreed and signed:

Just Lamps UK Ltd

£76.95

Buffy Bus (donation)

£100.00

Uttlesford District Council (gate at Watts Close play area)

£347.92

MB Surfacing original cheque for £3,521.28 cancelled reissued for

£4,021.28

EALC – Renewal Subscription

£199.19

Allianz Cornhill – Renewal of Local Councils Insurance

£1,192.18

Direct Debits/Standing Orders

Virgin Mobile

£0.27

E-on Energy

£56.53

Just Lamps

£45.53

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.05pm.  The next Parish Council meeting will take place on Monday 8^th May 2006 at 7.45pm