Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council of Castle Hedingham held on Wednesday, 28th July 2010 issued by the Clerk

Action

1

Apologies for non-attendance: Mrs J Beavis, Mr F Swallow.

2

Declarations of Interest: None.

3

Public Forum: None.

4

Police Information / Report: 

1. Four recent incidents in Castle Hedingham – a) theft of hub cabs from a car, b) satellite navigation stolen from a car, and c) 2 separate theft of bicycles.
2. Spate of thefts of large pieces of gardening equipment such as “sit on” lawn mowers from sheds and outbuildings in villages around Castle Hedingham. Police have marking equipment available for people to mark such property. “Farm watch” Scheme is planned.
3. Changes to Community Speed Watch scheme; will involve re- training for Parish Councillors involved in this.
4. Police speed checks planned for village in very near future.

5

Minutes of the Previous Meeting: One amendment – Mrs Moffat was in attendance. The amended minutes were agreed, proposed Mr Worley, seconded Mr Southgate and signed by the Chairman.

6

Matters arising from Minutes:

6.1 Registering Parish Village Greens: Further map required to complete has now been obtained. Mr Worley to complete mapping of village greens for return to Solicitor for registration action.

6.2 Rubbish in River: Environment Agency has said it will inspect section of river between Nunnery Street and Station Road bridges in late summer /early autumn. It will remove any items deemed to pose a risk of causing flooding.  The Environment Agency has said that it will not remove items on aesthetic grounds.

Sible Hedingham Parish Council continues to address issues with the Environment Agency regarding flooding of the river in Sible. Whilst some progress has been made Sible Hedingham Parish Council is not content with the overall position and intends contacting the local MP.

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

6.4 Damage to railings/sign Forge Green: A parishioner – Mr S Doe has, with Parish Council agreement, repaired the damage free of charge. The Chairman will write to Mr S Doe thanking him.

6.5 Purchase of Display Boards: Mr Worley still awaiting information to proceed with business case.

6.6 Village tidy up / bulb planting:  Bulbs have been ordered and volunteer workforce to plant - likely to be late autumn/early winter, organised.

6.7 Bollards Falcon Square:  Essex CC has said that installation of bollards is not possible as the Council would be liable should damage be incurred to a vehicle hitting them.  New painting of parking lines should help to some extent outside the Doctor’s surgeries.  The Clerk was instructed to write to both surgeries and Falcon Accountants asking them, to again, encourage staff / visitors / patients to use the parking at the Memorial Hall.  

6.8 Tree Work at Hedingham Castle:  The Clerk has written to Braintree District Council planning.  It has replied to say that it is still investigating the matter.

6.9 Graveyard:  Letter has been sent to the Bishop to progress, reply not yet received.

6.10 Premdor Site: Meeting with developers planned for 30 July, Castle Hedingham Parish Council will be represented at this meeting and will report to next meeting.

6.11 Input to Village/Parish magazine: A proposal seeking support and funding from the Vicar has been received; it was agreed to consider this at the next meeting.

7.1 No matters arising.

8

Braintree District Council & Essex County Council Information: 

8.1

Correspondence: No matters arising. 

9.1 Mr B Newmark MP has asked to attend a Parish Council meeting the Clerk was instructed to invite him to a meeting in October or November.

KK

10

10.1 Bank Balances:

The following balances were noted:

Accounts 28/07/10

10.2 The following accounts were proposed by Mr R Worley seconded by Mr G Southgate:

Payments:

11

Playing Field- Consideration of H&S report and options for future works.

12

Highways: 

12.1 The Clerk was instructed to ask Essex CC Highways to proceed with its action to seek removal of plant troughs/pots on Essex CC land on Station Road.

13

Any Other Business:

13.1 Mrs Moffat said parked car in New Park was obstructing the pavement on a regular basis.  The Clerk was instructed to report details to the Police.

13.2 Overhanging vegetation at a property on Bulls Hill is a problem and Mrs Allfrey said she would speak to the responsible person(s).

15

Dates & Times of Next Meetings.

18th August 2010 and 15th September 2010 both at 19:45 Memorial Hall.