Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council of Castle Hedingham held on Wednesday, 18th August 2010 issued by the Clerk

Action

1

Apologies for non-attendance: Mr J Cooke, Mr R Worley, Mr Philp

2

Declarations of Interest: None.

3

Public Forum: 

a) Mr Clay wished to bring to the attention of the Parish Council an aspect concerning the allocation of affordable housing which they may not have been aware.  He informed the meeting that when new affordable housing is built in villages there is a requirement that individuals with a strong local connection should be given priority in the allocation of this housing - known as Section 106 agreements. He is concerned that the current Braintree District Council criteria which is currently under consultation, gives persons who have lived in the Parish for the previous two years priority over residents or their dependents who had left the parish because of the lack of affordable housing.  He felt that the criteria in used to determine allocation priority should be more closely based on a long term connection with the Parish.

The Parish Council discussed Mr Clay’s presentation further at item 8.2

b) Mr Hood said he was speaking as the Parish Council’s representative on the Hedingham Club.  He said the club was free of debt and financially sound. It was currently saving approximately £100 per month. Its membership had risen and it is a valuable community asset providing a range of activities.  However a recent unexpected but necessary purchase of a chiller for £1500 had exhausted its reserves leaving it vulnerable to any further unexpected expense.  He sought on behalf of the Club Parish Council help - either by way of a donation or loan.  It was agreed to discuss this proposal at the next meeting.

Messrs Clay and Hood left.

4

Police Information / Report: 

WPC Coghill reported:

a) No crimes reported in Castle Hedingham since last Parish Council meeting in July.

b) Police currently marking items such as home electronic equipment, garden equipment, free of charge. Contact Essex Police via its website, by phone or personal call.

c) Speed checks to target particularly motorcyclists at weekends planned.

WPC Coghill left the meeting.

5

Minutes of the Previous Meeting: The minutes were agreed; proposed by Mr Scrivens, seconded by Mrs Moffat and signed by the Chairman.

6

Matters arising from Minutes:

6.1 Registering Parish Village Greens: All necessary papers and maps have now been passed to the solicitor for action to proceed.

6.2 Rubbish in River: Nothing further to report.

6.3 Water Leak on Sudbury Hill:  No progress to report on gulley jet washing by Essex CC Highways. 

6.4 Purchase of Display Boards: Mr Worley has said that the boards have now been purchased with funding provided by Sible Hedingham Parish Council and the Heritage Society, this item now closed.

6.5 Village tidy up / bulb planting:  Nothing to report. 

6.6 Tree Work at Hedingham Castle: Braintree District Council has apologised that the Parish Council was not consulted prior to the work being approved and carried out. Both Braintree District Council and the Parish Council are satisfied with the work carried out.  Matter now closed.

6.7 Graveyard: Letter has been sent to the Bishop to progress, matter is in hand at the Bishop’s office.

6.8 Playing field - Consideration of H&S report and options for future works: Playing Field Committee has considered the independent report; works required are low risk and minor. Mr I Higgins will progress with the Clerk.

6.9 Pots / troughs / tubs placed on the public highway: Essex County Council Highways has now written to a parishioner asking for the removal of flower pots on the public highway in Queen Street. Essex County Council Highways deems that their removal is required as a safety issue.  They have asked to discuss with the Parish Council licensing for the retention of other pots/troughs/tubs on the public highway elsewhere in the village (that are deemed not to be a safety issue/creating an obstruction).  The Clerk was instructed to make arrangements with Essex County Council Highways.

6.10 Overhanging Vegetation on Bulls Hill: Nothing to report.

6.11 Rubbish Bins: Braintree District Council had overlooked clearance of bags from the site by the village shop; this has now been rectified. Matter now closed.

6.12 Attendance of MP at Parish Council Meeting: Clerk has issued an invitation to Mr Newmark. A reply is awaited.

7.1 No matters arising.

8

Braintree District Council & Essex County Council Information: 

8.1

9.1 Stop Stanstead Expansion: The Clerk was instructed to write to the Transport Minister with a “never again message” in respect of any second runway.

10

10.1 Bank Balances:

The following balances were noted:

Accounts 28/07/10

10.2 The following accounts were proposed by Mr Scrivens  and seconded by Mrs Moffat:

Payments:

11

Hedinghams Parish Magazine- consideration of funding one edition. (Mrs Beavis declared an interest as Chair Sible Hedingham Parish Council.)

12

Highways: 

12.1 Disabled Parking Provision in Falcon Square: The Clerk was instructed to investigate the feasibility of two disabled parking bays outside the Doctors’ surgeries with Essex County Council Highways.

13

Burial Ground - Review of charges and fees: The Parish Council decided not to change its current fees and charges.

14

Any Other Business:

14.1 Mr Pewter reported ragwort on land owned by Mr Ladkin on Maiden Ley.  The Clerk was instructed to write to Mr Ladkin asking for its immediate removal and eradication.

14.2 Several Councillors have been approached by parishioners regarding the provision of allotments in the parish. The Clerk was instructed to prepare a letter to landowners seeking suitable land to be leased by the Parish for allotments.  The letter and its distribution to be agreed at the next meeting.

15

Dates & Times of Next Meetings.

15th September 2010 and 13th October 2010 both at 19:45 Memorial Hall.