Minutes of Barnston Parish Council Meeting held on

Monday 10th December 2007 at Barnston Village Hall

Present:

Mr R. Burlend

Mr M. LeMasurier

Mr R. Davis

Mr G. Ball

Mrs S. Sellens

Mrs P. Singleton

Mr R. Townsend (Item 3)

1 Member of the public (first 5 minutes)

Mrs D. Jackaman (Clerk)

1.0

Apologies –  Mrs S. Tuttlebury

2.0

Declaration of Interest - None

3.0

Road Safety
Mr R. Townsend reported that there had been no accidents this month.

4.0

MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 12^th November 2007 were approved and signed.

5.0

CLERKS REPORT

5.1

Replacement signs on the A130 Barnston Bends – It was noted that some of the signs had been replaced and area tidied up, but still awaiting large chevron sign. Clerk to chase Highways.

Clerk

5.2

Replacement signs at Salletts Green, Martells and Treedee are currently being manufactured in plastic.  Clerk to chase Highways.

Clerk

5.3

Repaint mini roundabout – This has not happened.  Clerk chasing Highways.

Clerk

5.4

Cables up from mini roundabout on High Easter Road. Highways have reported this to the relevant utilities on a number of previous occasions and have done so again.

Clerk

5.5

Hedge at top of Parsonage Lane.  Highways have advised that this is the responsibility of the landowner.  Highways are contacting landowner to remind them of their responsibilities to maintain the hedge.

Clerk

5.6

Broken wooden barrier between Mill Field and Berners End.  It was noted that the Clerk had asked Highways to repair this barrier. Chased and awaiting a response.

Clerk

5.7

Kerb at village hall – Highways have been asked whether it is possible to lower the kerb as you turn left out of the village hall car park – awaiting response.

Clerk

5.8

It was noted that the Clerk met with 2 Highways representatives to discuss the Parish Council request to reduce the speed limit as you come out of the village and head towards Onslow Green.  Highways advised that they thought it was very unlikely that this would get approval after talking to the police because of the lack of development in this area and the fact that in 2009 the Government is reviewing all speed limits Nationally.  The expectation is that as a result of this review a lot of the 30mph speed limits would be raised to 40mph.  Highways said that research had shown that residents that pulled out onto a 30mph road slowly were having more accidents with drivers who were driving in a 30 mph zone but thought, and were driving as though it were a 40mph zone.
The Parish Council agreed to take Highways advice on this matter and also agreed that Highways should refresh some of the road markings that are fading in the area of Parsonage Lane and before the School House and add an additional ‘slow’ marking on the approach to the School House.

Clerk

5.9

The Clerk also discussed the Variable Speed Signs with the Highways representatives who confirmed that the existing sign would be re-positioned once a new sign post had been erected in the vicinity of the bus stop as you head towards Chelmsford.  The Clerk also advised the Council that the sign has been triggered over 36,000 times in one week, which is by far the highest in the local area!  Highways will give this data to local police.

5.10

UDC grant of £3,500 for the Village Hall play area.  It was noted that the new swings and safety surfacing had been installed.  The Clerk met with Wicksteed who have now rectified the safety mat issue.  The Clerk has applied to UDC for payment of the grant and it was unanimously decided to pay the Wicksteed invoice.

Clerk

5.11

Grant received from ECC for £8,500 for Watts Close play area.  Equipment now installed.  Clerk has applied to ECC for payment of the grant.

Clerk

5.12

Village Hall play area, back of 2 Millers Close – The fence is being pulled down by greenery.  The Clerk is still obtaining quotes and the Council hope to make a decision at the January meeting.

Clerk

5.13

Village Hall football pitch soil erosion – The Clerk is still obtaining quotes and the Council hope to make a decision at the January meeting.

Clerk

5.14

Bushel & Sack Pub – It was noted that the Chairman had written to UDC expressing concern about the length of time enforcement action has taken in respect of airport parking.  Despite sending this letter on the 29^th September the Council are STILL awaiting response!  The Clerk has telephoned UDC but to no avail.  Clerk to chase again.

Clerk

5.15

It was noted that the Councillors unanimously decided to accept the revised areas of responsibility.

5.16

It was noted that the Councillors unanimously agreed to accept the Complaints Procedure document produced by the Clerk referenced from the National Association of Local Council documents.

6.0

FINANCIAL  POSITION

6.1

The financial positions as at 30.11.07 were as follows: £10,535.65 in the current account and £768.21.  Totalling: £11,303.86.

6.2

It was noted that the Clerk is to supply HSBC with an updated mandate form as a result of recent councillor changes which has been completed at the November and December meetings.

Clerk

6.3

It was noted that the Clerk had sent the completed Precept form to UDC.

6.4

It was noted that the Clerk had received thank you letters from Barnston Baby & Toddler Group, Uttlesford Citizens Advice Bureau and the Poppy Appeal.

6.5

It was unanimously agreed to renew the subscription to the UALC at a cost of £25.00.

6.6

It was unanimously agreed to give a £50 appreciation gift to Mr G. Bruneau and Mr R. Townsend.

6.7

It was noted that the Clerk signed the Village Hall contract for hire of the hall on a monthly basis at a rate of £18 per month.

7.0

Minor matters for immediate attention:
Chairmans Allowance – It was unanimously decided to allocate the Chairman an Allowance of £200 for expenses during the year.  Every expense will need to be minuted / receipted.

8.0

Items from previous meeting:
Handy person vacancy – The Council have unanimously decided to employ David Herbert for the above position.  David is due to start with the Council in January.

9.0

Items for next meeting:
Emergency Planning
Employment Contracts
Village hall play area:
Football pitch
Fence

A130 reclassification – Response due from Department of Transport the week before Christmas.

9.0

Planning Applications:
UTT/2012/07/FUL – Erection of two storey dwelling, Land to the rear of Barfield & Hillington, Chelmsford Road, Barnston.  This application was considered and no objections were raised.  It was noted that Mrs P. Singleton signed the ‘Declaration of Interest’ book and left the building for the duration of discussions on this Application.
UTT/2065/07/FUL – Erection of a timber framed conservatory.  Tye Green Farmhouse, High Easter Road, Barnston. This application was considered and no objections were raised.

10.0

Correspondence

10.1

ECC – Part night street lighting – Clerk to write to ECC advising that the PC are in favour of this project and are not aware of any adverse effects on the Parish.

Clerk

10.2

Uttlesford Core Strategy Consultation Document – RB to try and attend meeting on the 12^th December.

RB

10.3

Emergency Planning Update – Clerk to contact UDC and ask for a copy of the Parish Council Emergency Plan template.

Clerk

11.0

CHEQUES

£

The following cheques were agreed and signed at the meeting:

Barnston Village Hall (Play area rent)

90.00

Richard Mark Lawrance Ltd

246.75

UALC

25.00

Wicksteed Leisure

7974.61

Mr G. Bruneau (from Chairmans Allowance)

50.00

Mr R. Townsend (from Chairmans Allowance)

50.00

Direct Debits/Standing Orders

UDC – Garage Rent

  38.37

Virgin Mobile – Parish Council telephone calls

    1.60

Just Lamps

  45.53

E. On Energy

  66.51

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.30pm.  The next Parish Council meeting will take place on Monday 14^th January 2008 at 7.45pm.