Minutes of Barnston Parish Council Meeting held on

Monday 8^th January 2007 at Barnston Village Hall

Present:

Mr R. Burlend (Chairman)

Mr G. Ball

Mrs S. Tuttlebury

Mr R. Townsend (Item 1)

Mr M. LeMasurier

Mr C. Brooks

Mrs P. Singleton

Mrs D. Jackaman (Clerk)

Apologies: Mrs S. Sellens, Cllr S. Flack, Mrs H. Rothwell

Cllr E. Hicks (Item 1–7) and two members of the public also attended the meeting

1.0

ROAD SAFETY

ACTION

Mr R. Townsend reported that he was not aware of any accidents this month.

School Bus – Councillors had looked into the speed of the bus and were not aware of any problems at the moment.

It was noted that the grass verges had been cut before Christmas and a couple of drains had also been repaired in the Parish.

Clerk has been in contact with Highways concerning the quality of repairs to the A120 Buttles Hill and since the meeting has found out that Highways are dissatisfied with the repair and that the contractors will be repairing the road again in due course.

Clerk

Pedestrian Refuge Island – The Clerk has been in contact with Highways numerous times but has had no response as yet.  Clerk to continue chasing.

Clerk

Clerk contacted Highways again to repair potholes near 20 Rayfield Close – job now with contractors – awaiting a date.

Clerk

Clerk chased UDC again to clear the ditch of tyres and rubbish opposite 5/6 Rayfield Close.  An inspector was due to visit first week of January and then arrange for rubbish to be removed.

Clerk

Variable speed signs – no new information has been received.

Part Night Street Lighting, ECC – Letter written to ECC/UDC.  Currently awaiting a response. 

Clerk

2.0

MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 11^th December 2006 were approved and signed.

3.0

CLERKS REPORT

3.1

Play Areas:  It was noted that a grant application has been completed and sent off for the purchase of new football goal posts – awaiting a response.

Clerk

3.2

It was noted that the gate and small piece of fence at the Watts Close Play Area is expected to be put up next week.

Clerk

3.3

It is understood that UDC are proceeding with planning enforcement action against the owners of the Bushel and Sack Pub – ongoing.

3.4

5 Mill Field – A query regarding the field at the back of the property has been raised.  Clerk met UDC planning officer and there is no evidence that planning regulations had been broken.  Clerk awaiting letter from UDC to formally confirm this.

Clerk

3.5

Urine in Bus Shelter – Unfortunately some individuals appear to be using the bus shelters as a toilet.  Clerk to arrange for contractor to drill holes in side of bus shelter at ground level so that it is easier to clean, contact local police for advice and put up a sign.

Clerk

3.6

Review of Mobile Library.  Clerk visited library and then sent off a letter to ECC advising that the Parish does not want to loose this well attended service.  Clerk rang ECC for a response and they advised that they had received over 2000 responses.  Currently awaiting a meeting at the end of January when a decision is expected to be made.

Clerk

4.0

FINANCIAL  POSITION

The financial positions as at 31.12.06 were as follows: £8,855.96 in the current account and £726.44 in the NSB account.  Totalling: £9,582.40. 

4.1

It was noted that a thank you note had been received from Mr G. Bruneau.

5.0

Village Hall Car Park After much discussion about concerns from members of the public about teenage parties held in the hall, urinating outside the hall and cars causing a nuisance in the car park it was agreed that the Clerk would contact the local police for their advice and MLM would discuss the Councils views at the next village hall meeting (date yet to be agreed).

Clerk

6.0

Minor Matters for immediate attention

6.1

It was noted that a rubbish bin is missing from Berners End.  Clerk to purchase replacement.

Clerk

It was noted that there is a Public Meeting on Friday 12^th January to discuss the route for the North East Chelmsford Bypass.  R. Burlend to attend.

R. Burlend

It was noted that there is a Community Conference to discuss Stansted Airport on Sunday 4^th February.  MLM to attend.

MLM

7.0

ITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA Relevant Matters Arising from this meeting would be put on the Agenda for next month’s meeting.

8.0

Planning Results:

UTT/1668/06/FUL – Erection of a storage building.  Medhurst, High Easter Road, Barnston – It was noted that this application has been granted.

9.0

CORRESPONDENCE

Cutting Programme – Clerk to telephone ECC and find out what their programme was in 2006. 

Clerk

RCCE – Clerk to complete and return questionnaire

Clerk

10.0

CHEQUES

The following cheques were agreed and signed at the meeting:

EALC

£  49.00

Barnston Village Hall (Hall Hire)

£  75.00

P. Tuckwell

£  67.56

Stevens Solicitor

£329.54

Direct Debits/Standing Orders

UDC – Garage Rent

£ 36.66

Virgin Mobile – Parish Council telephone calls

£   0.00

Just Lamps

£ 45.53

E. On Energy

£ 66.51

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.45pm.  The next Parish Council meeting will take place on Monday 12^th February9 2007 at 7.45pm.