Minutes of Barnston Parish Council Meeting held on

Monday 9th July 2007 at Barnston Village Hall

Present:

Mr G. Ball (Vice-Chairman)

Mr R. Davis

Mrs S. Sellens

Cllr S. Barker (till 8.05pm)

Mrs S. Tuttlebury

Mr R. Townsend (Item 3)

Mrs P. Singleton

Mrs D. Jackaman (Clerk)

1.0

Apologies – Mr R. Burlend, Mr M. LeMasurier, Mrs H. Rothwell, Cllr E. Hicks.

2.0

Declaration of Interest - None

3.0

Road Safety

3.1

Mr R. Townsend reported that he was not aware of any accidents this month.  He also advised that the grass at the top of Parsonage Lane had been cut and a sign had been replaced.   

3.2

Cllr S. Barker advised that the Great Notley Bypass is due to open on the 28^th August, 2007.  It is hoped the downgrading of the A130 will follow.

3.3

Cllr S. Barker also advised that there were no plans for Highway improvements at the junction where the new Police Station, Travel Lodge and potential dump are to be sited.  The Council unanimously expressed their concern at this decision and noted that there was an accident at that junction only last week.  Clerk to write to the planning department expressing concern.

Clerk

3.4

Mr R. Townsend requested that the overhanging greenery be cut back at the end of the Rayfield Close foot path.

Handyman

4.0

MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 11^th June 2007 were approved and signed.

5.0

CLERKS REPORT

5.1

Clerk still chasing Highways regarding white bridge over the river.  Letter and telephone calls made to Highways. No indication of what action they will take.

Clerk

5.2

It was noted that the Clerk had sent photographs of the entrance at Watts Close Play Area to Highways as requested, so that the PC can obtain Consent to erect a gate on a Public Right of Way.

Clerk

5.3

The Clerk reported that Highways were sending a surveyor out to inspect the dead tree outside the boundary of Millers.

Clerk

5.4

It was noted that the Clerk had reported flooding outside the Old School House on the A130 in Barnston.  Highways to carry out work to rectify flood this week.

Clerk

5.5

Repaint the mini roundabout – awaiting a response from Highways.

Clerk

5.6

The steps on the slide at Watts Close play area will be replaced this week.

Clerk

5.4

It was noted that a grant from UDC of £3,500 had been awarded to the Parish Council for the Village Hall play area.  The Parish Council unanimously decided to go ahead and purchase new swings to replace existing swings.  Clerk to obtain final costings.

Clerk

5.5

The Clerk advised that the information signs for the play areas are currently being printed. Mr G. Bruneau to put them up when they arrive.

Clerk

5.6

Salt now received. Both Salt and Bin currently being stored in the garage till September.  Then will be sited at Millers Close.

Clerk

5.7

Bus Shelters – It was unanimously agreed that new No Smoking signs for the bus shelters should be erected as a result of new legislation.

Tuttlebury/Clerk

The Clerk was contacted by the local PCSO to see if the new football posts could be removed as too many people are using them.  The Parish Council unanimously agreed NOT to do this and suggested that the Village Hall Committee sort out the gates to stop older youths parking in the car park and using the football posts.  It was noted that even when there were no football posts there, football was still played using jumpers/coats as posts.

The Clerk received a claim from the Parents of the boy who had an accident in the Watts Close play area.  Clerk has collated all the information and forwarded to the Parish Council insurers.  Awaiting a response. 

Clerk

It was noted that the village sign/pattern is now in the garage.

6.0

FINANCIAL  POSITION

6.1

The financial positions as at 30.06.07 were as follows: £7,564.51 in the current account and £768.21.  Totalling: £8,332.72. 

6.2

Kate Coyne has reviewed the annual return and the Clerk has returned it to the Auditors.  It was unanimously agreed to pay Kate Coyne £25 for her work.

Clerk

6.3

It was noted that the VAT return for £634.88 had been approved and received.

Clerk

7.0

Minor Matters for immediate attention

7.1

Planned Parish Visit – List of repairs to be sent to advise Highways.

Clerk

7.2

ECC – Proposed changes to grass cutting procedures – It was unanimously agreed to highlight Parsonage Lane and North End junctions.

Clerk

8.0

Correspondence

8.1

UDC – Uttlesford Core Strategy – It was noted that Councillors are to seek resident’s opinions about the need for low cost housing in the area.

All

8.2

Mobile Library – It was noted that the service would be visiting Barnston on a fortnightly basis from the 17^th July 2007.  See notice boards for times.

8.3

A letter was received from a resident about the height of the Llandi trees at the village hall.  It was agreed that the Clerk would obtain quotes 1. Reduce the height of the trees 2. Remove trees completely.

Clerk

8.4

It was unanimously agreed that Councillors would try to find a volunteer that would help produce an A4 size information sheet for the Parish.

All

8.5

It was noted that there had been a couple of harassing situations by dogs over the last few weeks.  Clerk to contact UDC Dog Warden.

Clerk

8.6

ECC – Footway maintenance Rayfield Close - It was noted that Councillors are happy with Highways decision to carry out this work.  Highways to be advised.

Clerk

9.0

Planning Applications:

UTT/1139/07/FUL – Proposed first floor rear extension.  Hunters Moon, High Easter Road, Barnston.  This application was considered and there were no objections raised
UTT/1187/07/FUL – Replace part of existing 6ft fence with a 0.9m wall with 1.55m Piers and railings on top of the wall.  Creation of a new vehicular and pedestrian access and erection of 6ft fence at current access point.  Highlands, Chelmsford Road, Barnston.  This application was considered and there were no objections to the brick wall, but the Council would like to query the new vehicle access in proximity to the A130.

10.0

CHEQUES

The following cheques were agreed and signed at the meeting:

EALC

£   7.50

Slingsby plc

£180.95

Barnston Village Hall

£  75.00

Mrs K. Coyne

£  25.00

Direct Debits/Standing Orders

UDC – Garage Rent

£  38.37

Virgin Mobile – Parish Council telephone calls

£    5.36

Just Lamps

£  45.53

E. On Energy

£  66.51

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.20pm.  The next Parish Council meeting will take place on Monday 10^th September 2007 at 7.45pm.