Minutes of Barnston Parish Council Meeting held on

Monday 9^th January 2006 at Barnston Village Hall

Present:

Mr G Ball (Vice Chairman)

Mrs H Rothwell

Mrs S Sellens

Mrs S Tuttlebury

Mr R Townsend (Item 1)

Mrs P Singleton

Mrs C Weston (Clerk)

Apologies:  Mr R Burlend and Mr M LeMasurier.

Cllr E Hicks also attended the meeting.

Ms D Jackaman also attended the meeting.

1.0

ROAD SAFETY

ACTION

1.1

Mr R Townsend stated that an accident had occurred outside New House Villas involving a bus, car and a lorry.  Two Police cars attended the scene.  It is understood that no injuries were incurred.  A second accident had occurred near Kiln Farm where a motorist knocked down a speed sign.

1.2

It was noted that the drain on Buttles hill has been repaired but others are still yet to be repaired.  The Clerk informed the meeting that May Gurney have been instructed to carry out these repairs but no dates have been set yet.

2.0

TRAFFIC MATTERS – PEDESTRIAN CROSSING

Following the Parish Council’s request for a pedestrian crossing on the A130, Highways department have undertaken an assessment.  The results show that the road qualified an ‘average’ score.  As Highways only put in one pedestrian crossing per year, this score would not warrant such a crossing for the time being.  However, if the Parish Council wishes to pursue this a request should be made for the crossing to be placed on the reserve list.  In the meantime, it was suggested that the Parish Council might like to be considered for an island crossing.  Certain concerns were raised regarding this and it was agreed that Parish Councillors should think about this over the next month and that the matter would be brought up at the next meeting.  In the meantime, the Clerk was requested to write to Highways department requesting that Barnston should be put on the reserve list for a pedestrian crossing.  It was noted that Highways have agreed to erect signs to warn motorists of people crossing the road.

Clerk

3.0

A130 SURVEY

A survey was attached to the back of the letter from Highways department regarding the pedestrian crossing but it was not clear whether this survey related to the pedestrian crossing or the traffic flow through Barnston.  It was agreed that the Clerk would speak to Cllr S Flack to see if she had any further information and the matter would be brought up at the next meeting..

Clerk

4.0

MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 12^th December 2005 were approved and signed. 

4.0

CLERK’S REPORT

4.1

It was noted that May Gurney have been instructed to carry out the repairs to the drains in the village although no dates are available yet.

4.2

A request has been sent to Highways department asking for the kerbing outside Lantern Cottage to be extended to prevent HGV’s clipping the edge.

4.3

Village Hall Car Park – As agreed at the previous meeting, Peter Stonham has started work on finishing the surfacing of the Village Hall car park.  Work is due to be completed by the end of the week.

6.0

FINANCIAL POSITION

The financial positions as at 31.12.05 were as follows: £16,565.99 in the current account and £4,388.28 in the NSB account.  Totalling £20,954.27.

7.0

VACANCY – PARISH CLERK

It was noted that due to other work commitments the Parish Clerk has decided to resign.  Advertisements for the position are currently being advertised on the notice boards and it is hoped to appoint a replacement soon.  The current Parish Clerk will carry on until a replacement is trained up.

8.0

SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL - UALC

UALC have invited the Parish Council to subscribe to it’s association.  It was noted that the Parish Council has not subscribed to this association in the past but Mr G Ball believes that UALC will have much more of a role in acting as a forum/host in forthcoming regional meetings.  It was agreed that the Clerk would make enquiries a decision would be made at the next meeting.

Clerk

9.0

MINOR MATTERS FOR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION

9.1

Mrs S Tuttlebury stated that she had heard that students had been seen smoking on the secondary school bus and that the driver has been seen driving off while students are still standing.  It was also noted that the bus had been late getting the students to school on Friday 6^th and Monday 9^th January.  It was agreed that the Clerk should inform County Transport of the Parish Council’s general dissatisfaction with the service.

Clerk

9.2

It was suggested that a salt bin could be purchased to be used at the Barnston Green and Millers Close junctions in icy weather.  The Clerk was asked to make enquiries with Highways department as to who would be responsible for topping the bin up with salt.

Clerk

10.0

ITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA

·            Pedestrian Island – A130

·            A130 survey

·            UALC subscription

·            Parish Plans and Village Design Statement Grants

11.0

PLANNING RESULTS

UTT/1757/05/LB & UTT/1756/05/FUL – Demolition of existing rear lean-to and erection of a single storey rear extension.  Alterations to upper windows on rear elevation.  Albans, High Easter Road, Barnston.  It was noted that permission has been granted.

UTT/1800/05/LB – Internal and external alterations including fenestration, doors and roof.  Barnston Hall Stud, Parsonage Lane, Barnston.  It was noted that this application has been refused.

UTT/1341/05/FUL – Alteration to riding arena to create additional accommodation over and erection of attached stable.  Barnston Hall Lodge, Parsonage Lane, Barnston.  It was noted that this application has been refused.

Appeal Decision:  Barn at Martels Farm, Barnston.  Dismissed.

APPEALS:  UTT/1570/05/1195941 – Erection of a single storey dwelling, construction of new access.  Land at rear of Barfield & Hillingdon, Chelmsford Road, Barnston.

12.0

CORRESPONDENCE

12.1

UDC Area Panels – 11 January.  Mr G Ball agreed to attend this meeting.

GB

12.2

UDC Community Facilities – Following a questionnaire asking for specific information relating to recreation/play provision and community hall facilities it was noted that the District Council wished to take photographs of the facilities.  It was agreed that this should be forwarded to the Village Hall to arrange.

Clerk

12.3

UDC Parish Plans and Village Design Statement Grants.  It was agreed that the Chairman should take a look at this document and report back at the next meeting.

RB

12.4

Bus Shelter Maintenance – Clerk to liaise with Handyman.

Clerk

12.5

Community Initiative Fund – It was noted that applications should be submitted by 24 February.  It was agreed that the Clerk should speak to Cllr S Flack to see where she is with the application for speed warning signs.

Clerk

13.0

CHEQUES

The following cheques were agreed and signed at the meeting:

Mrs C Weston

£197.59

Just Lamps (UK) Ltd

£234.49

Direct Debits/Standing Orders

E.on Energy

  £56.53

Virgin Mobile

    £3.64

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.45pm.  The next Parish Council meeting will take place on Monday 13^th February 2006 at 7.45pm