Minutes of Barnston Parish Council Meeting held on

Monday 6th April 2009 at Barnston Village Hall

Present:

Mr R. Burlend (Chairman)

Mr M. LeMasurier

Mrs P. Singleton

Mrs S. Tuttlebury

Mr J. Clyne

Mr C. Brooks

Mr R. Davis

Mr G. Ball

Mr R. Townsend

1.0

Apologies – Mrs D. Jackaman, Cllr Hicks, Cllr Barker, Mrs S. Sellens.

2.0

Declaration of Interest - None

3.0

Public Forum – No members of the public present.

4.0

District and County Councillors Report – No district or county councillors were present.

5.0

Road Safety – Mr R. Townsend reported that he was not aware of any accidents this month, although one car had run off the road at the Barnston Bends. One drain cover has sunk on Buttles Hill and there is a bad pothole at the end of Parsonage Lane. Mr Townsend also mentioned that the chevron sign has been replaced but the wrong way round. Mrs Tuttlebury stated that there was a large pothole outside the Watts Close electricity substation that still had not been repaired.

6.0

MINUTES

The Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 9^th March 2009 were approved and signed.

7.0

CLERKS REPORT

7.1

Community Initiatives Fund – for two VAS signs and 3 Village Gateways.  Meeting arranged with Clerk and Highways to discuss suitable locations.

Clerk

7.2

Refresh road markings in the area of Parsonage Lane, before the School House and add an additional ‘slow’ marking on the approach to the School House.  Despite endless emails and telephone calls by the clerk to Highways the work has still not been carried out.  Clerk to chase

Clerk

7.3

Request for Safety Barrier at Bus Stop – It was hoped that this work would be undertaken before the end of the financial year.  Unfortunately this has not happened and no date has been fixed by Highways for work to commence.  Clerk to chase

Clerk

7.4

Resigning of B1008 –The Clerk has been advised by Highways that discussions have taken place with the Highways Agency to change the signage on the A120, along with some local signage.  This is positive but no date for commencement of work has been fixed.  Clerk to chase

Clerk

7.5

Footpaths/Watts Close Play Area – Signs have been received, staggered barrier and handle still on order.  Clerk to chase

Clerk

8.0

FINANCIAL  POSITION

The financial positions as at 31.03.09 were as follows: £3159.46 in the current account and £821.47 in the NSB account.  Totalling: £3980.93

It was noted that the financial position typed in the minutes for March was incorrect and should have read: as at 28.02.09 £4416.38 in the current account and £797.22 in the NSB account.  Totalling: £5213.60

8.01

It was noted that thank you letters had been received from Home-Start Uttlesford, Uttlesford Citizens Advice Bureau and Essex Air Ambulance.

8.02

Uttlesford Association of Local Councils – The Parish Council RESOLVED to not renew the membership.

9.00

Items from previous meeting: Parish Paths

Clerk

9.01

Parish Paths Initiative: Only one couple have so far volunteered to help.  Other volunteers wanted!

If you are interested in volunteering please contact Delyse Jackaman on 07981 157712 or email barnstonpc@hotmail.com.  For further information on the Parish Paths Scheme visit: www.essexcc.gov.uk/prow then click on Community Action and Parish Paths Partnership

9.02

Litter Pick – This was a successful event with quarter of a tonne of rubbish collected.  A big thank you to everyone who took part.

10.00

Minor Matters for immediate attention: None

11.00

Planning Applications: UTT/1665/08/FUL – Glazed rear extension and installation of doors to original openings.  Martels Manor, High Easter Road, Barnston.  This application was considered and no objections were raised.

11.01

Planning Applications Determined: None

11.02

Planning Appeals Decisions: None.

11.03

Planning Appeal Process: The April 2009 letter from UDC concerning changes to the appeal process was discussed by the Parish Council.

12.0

Correspondence requiring action:

Essex County Council – The Parish Council RESOLVED to not comment on the Consultation exercise: Parking Standards, Design and Good Practice.

12.01

Correspondence for information only:

12.02

 Bus Passenger News (ST)

13.0

CHEQUES

£

The following cheques were agreed and signed at the meeting:

Slingsby

116.15

Essex County Council

38.32

Mrs D. Jackaman (Wages)

243.20

Mrs D. Jackaman (Expenses-new printer)

200.64

Mrs S. Jenkins  (Wages)

45.00

Direct Debits/Standing Orders

UDC – Garage Rent

37.82

Virgin Mobile – Parish Council telephone calls

5.62

A&J Lighting Solutions

49.31

E.ON

66.51

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.25pm.  The next Parish Council meeting will take place on Monday 11^th May 2009 at 7.45pm.  Meeting dates for 2009 are as follows:

Monday 11^th May

Monday 8^th June

Monday 14^th September

Monday 13^th July

No meeting in August

Monday 14^th December

Monday 12^th October

Monday 9^th November