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White Colne

White Colne Parish Council Minutes

March 2010

WHITE COLNE PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held at

The Village Hall, Bures Road, White Colne on Monday 15th March 2010 at 7.30 pm.

Present : Cllr M Abrahams, Cllr S Adlem, Cllr J Brace, Cllr K Nolan(Chairman), Cllr C Pearcey,

Cllr J Taylor, Cllr J Watt

Also Present: Clerk D Williams, Neighbourhood Specialist Officer PC Andrews, and 6 members of the public attended.

146. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE - District Cllr C Siddall, District Cllr G Spray. The chairman said that the next meeting in May will mark the third anniversary that the Essex County Councillor J Pike has not attended a parish council meeting.

147. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS – None

148. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF LAST MEETINGS - The minutes of the last parish council meeting of 18th January 2010, which had been previously circulated, were agreed as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

149. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES NOT DEALT WITH ELSEHERE

Cllr Taylor asked whether the names of the members of the public who ask questions and make statements should be recorded in the minutes. After discussion Cllr Nolan proposed that members of the public introduce themselves if they wish. This was agreed.

The representative from Essex Air Ambulance was unable to attend the meeting to advise proposed flights paths. Cllr Watt said that he attended a recent Liaison Meeting when the Air Ambulance proposed that they follow existing flight paths. This was not agreed and the meeting requested that helicopters approach the airfield randomly. This will be considered further.

PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

The meeting was suspended for questions and statements.

(i)Mr J Stelling said that the introduction of yellow lines will cause great problems to residents at the bottom of Colneford Hill and the village in general. Can the parish council organise more car parking?

The meeting was resumed.

150. CONSIDERATION OF ISSUES RAISED AT PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

(i)Cllr Nolan said that damage to the village green had been of concern to the parish council for many years. Essex County Council (ECC) consider damage to the wall on Colneford Hill and the village green is caused by vehicles, mainly lorries, being impeded by parked cars, but the parish council consider that the damage is caused by incompetent driving. Cllr Watt said that ECC are not concerned with parking issues. Cllr Taylor said that in effect the parish council has to find parking for residents for four cars. Cllr Taylor proposed that ECC Cllr J Pike meets residents with Parish Councillors to discuss the issue. Cllr Pearcey agreed to arrange a meeting.

151. REPORT FROM PC ANDREWS, NEIGHBOURHOOD SPECIALIST POLICE OFFICER

PC Andrews, Neighbourhood Police Officer, said that he or a colleague would attend the proposed meeting between ECC Cllr J Pike and residents to discuss parking. He said that there had been no calls from the White Colne area for 29 days. There were the usual speeding and parking issues. Cllr Taylor asked whether police have records of recent road traffic accidents at Cammacks bend on A1124. PC Andrews said that incidents are not recorded where there was no third party damage, no injuries and no other vehicles involved. Details are held at the Chelmsford Headquarters. PC Andrews said that he checks the village hall car park from time to time and there are no reported incidents.

He then left the meeting.

152. PLANNING MATTERS

(a) A letter from Braintree District Council (BDC) regarding parish consultations of planning applications was discussed. BDC ask whether paper copies of applications are required by Parish Councils in future, or if applications can be viewed on line. They also anticipate that by the end of the year paper plans will not be sent to Parish Councils. Members considered that the paper copies of applications and plans should continue. It is difficult to look at plans on line, and internet access is not available to all. Plans cannot be printed at A3 size without a specialist printer. Members considered that applicants should fund the printing of plans and the clerk was asked to reply to BDC accordingly, send copies to District Councillors and parish councils in the Three Colnes cluster, and arrange that this item is included on the next cluster meeting agenda.

(b) Application 10/0026/AGR – Warrens, Brambles Lane – Erection of grain/hay/machinery store - Members were advised that comments were not necessary as planning permission is not required.

153. CONSIDERATION OF A REPORT ON THE HEADS OF AGREEMENT FOR THE TRANSFER OF

WCPC LAND TO ESSEX CC IN RETURN FOR THE TRANSFER OF THE VILLAGE HALL AND

LAND TO WCPC, TOGETHER WITH THE DRAFT PLANNING APPLICATION FOR THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SITE.

Cllr Taylor said that she, together with Cllr Abrahams and Mr D Smith met with ECC and Atkins to discuss the latest outline planning proposal for development behind the village hall. The parish council considered that:-

1.The application has a lot of detail but lacks some important aspects.

2.The Parish Council (PC) was positive about the development but needed to demonstrate to the residents that all due care and attention had been taken to secure the best outcome for the whole village.

3.We could not accept 2 storey buildings as the PC had only managed to get the agreement from the residents by including 1 and a half storeys. Perhaps 1 x 2 storey building may be acceptable if the redundant land and the old railway line were gifted to the PC.

4.We were unhappy with the old railway line being included in the development.

5.We wanted to know what their plans were for the redundant land towards Colne Park Rd ( rest of old railway line)

6.We expected a contamination survey as we had conducted one ourselves in 2005.

7.We could not allow refuse bins to be left on our land at the front of the hall whilst awaiting collection and it was unrealistic to expect residents to wheel their bins along the whole length of the driveway.

8.We did not want to lose our recycling area.

9.We wanted to keep our parking spaces alongside the football area.

These issues were discussed and a response from ECC after their consideration of these points is awaited.

154. WHITE COLNE MEADOWS

Cllr Taylor said that a working party had concentrated on pond clearance. British Conservation Trust Volunteers had given their services free but a donation of £180 would be required next time, and the parish council should consider including it in their budget. She reported that the fence abutting Mr and Mrs Percival’s land needs attention. to make it stock proof.

155. VILLAGE HALL

Cllr Adlem said that volunteers had re floored the small hall and had decorated the hallway. They were again thanked for their hard work and the giving of their time.

156. COMMUNITY LIAISON

Cllr Taylor said that the web site had been restructured and updated. More photographs were needed. The History Group is now included. There is to be a garage sale in June and this needs to be advertised.

157. FINANCIAL MATTERS

(a)Payments – The following payments were approved:-

Cheque Payee Details Amount £

1211 St Andrews Church – donation 500.00

1212 White Colne Village Hall – chargebacks re toilet refurbishment 2,641.56

1213 White Colne Village Hall – costs re Christmas carols 11.50

1214 John Watt – costs re web site hosting 2009 38.62

1215 Jane Taylor – costs re Christmas carols 54.05

1216 John Watt – costs re web site hosting 2008 37.80

1217 R A Mortimer – footpath sweeping & phone box clean 77.55

1218 E.On – unmetered lighting for Christmas 16.01

1219 Brian Alderman – web site maintenance Nov 09 – Jan 10 60.00

1220 Brian Alderman – web site enhancement – Community Design 100.00

1221 WJ & EJ Hadley – grasscut, bale & removal – Meadows 230.00

1222 D Williams clerk sal Feb & Mar £731.83, home as office £26, ink,paper,post £93.33 851.16

1223 P Norris – costs re Viking Direct – Village Hall chargeback 118.80

1224 P Norris – costs re Community Design 25.77

1225 R Pearcey – costs re Community Design 22.62

D/D E.On – Village Hall electricity- chargeback 106.77

TOTAL PAYMENTS £ 4,892.21

(b)Funds Received

Since the last financial report, the following funds have been received:-

Donations re Christmas carols 117.54

Allotment plot rentals 141.00

Village Hall chargeback re toilet refurbishments 2,297.01

Newsletter adverts 50.00

Braintree District Council re Street Scene 765.51

Donation re History Group 11.40

TOTAL RECEIPTS £ 3,382.46

Following the above transactions there is a credit balance on current account of £ 7,616.96

on reserve account £ 10,171.21

Total £ 17,788.17

of which the balance held in reserve for the White Colne Meadows project is £ 219.36

and the balance held in reserve for the Local Heritage Initiative Fund is £ 1,191.65

and the balance held in reserve for the Community Design Group is £ 3,570.07

Total of allocated funds is £ 4,981.08

Thus the balance of unallocated funds is £ 12,807.09

Bank Balance 18.01.10 £ 19,297.92

Plus total receipts £ 3,382.46

Sub Total £ 22,680.38

Less Total Payments £ 4,892.21

Bank balance 15.03.10 £ 17,788.17

Cllr Taylor said that no separate Meadows Fund was required in future, as the formal project is finished. Income and expenditure will be included in general funds.

Cllr Adlem said that the Lottery Fund had advised her that the parish council can retain the balance of monies held in view of the voluntary contributions. She proposed that the balance continues to be set aside in a separate Heritage Fund. This was agreed.

(d)The clerk reported that the Internal Auditor, Mr P Norris, had finished the Internal Audit for the examination of the accounts for the year 2008-2009, and had completed the Annual Return accordingly. The Annual Return for the year 2008-2009 was completed, including the Annual Governance Statement which was read out. It was agreed that the Return could be signed by the chairman and the clerk, which was done. This will now be sent to the external auditor who is the Audit Commission. Cllr Nolan thanked the Internal Auditor, Mr P Norris for his work. He said that Mr Norris had indicated that he wished to donate his fee to a village charity. Cllr Nolan proposed that the sum of £50 be paid to the 50 Club, and all members agreed.

(e) The clerk reported that he was in contact with the Audit Commission who is undertaking the external audit of the six years from 2002/2003 to 2007/2008. They have advised that this should be completed by the next meeting.

(f)Cllr Watt proposed that the parish council consider a digital mapping service at a set up cost of £20, and then an annual cost of £10. It was agreed that he could proceed and he will provide more information.

158. HIGHWAYS

Cllr Pearcey said that correspondence has been exchanged with ECC Highways regarding the proposed parking restrictions at Colneford Hill and Colne Park Road, and ECC consider that the parish council have not supported ECC’s attempts to alleviate the problems at the road junction. It was agreed that the clerk replies to ECC, stating the parish council’s view that parking at the junction is not the cause of damage to the village green and to the wall at Colneford Hill. Copies are to be sent to the County Councillor, District Councillor and the Neighbourhood Specialist Police Officer.

Cllr Pearcey referred to his correspondence with District Cllr Siddall seeking assistance from BDC regarding the damage to Boley Road and their policy regarding protected lanes, and said that he had not received a reply. Cllr Taylor declared an interest in this item and will remain in the meeting but take no part in the discussion. It was agreed that the clerk writes to District Cllr Siddall to ask BDC to request Colne Valley Nurseries to ask their suppliers to use smaller lorries, and also to remove Boley Road from Satellite Navigation systems.

Cllr Pearcey said that after 16 months it was likely that the bus shelter outside The Old Kings Head would be installed, but the ECC Highways Safety Engineer considers that the site at the Fox and Pheasant centre is not safe for a bus shelter.

He said that the Shopper Bus is to start shortly on Monday weekly on a hail and ride basis. He is to attend a conference regarding Speed Watch, and a litter pick has been finally undertaken on the A1124 from Boley Road to Wakes Colne. Cllr Taylor asked that the clerk requests the clean team from BDC to undertake a litter pick from Boley Road to Heating and Eating on A1124. This was agreed.

159. WHITE COLNE COMMUNITY DESIGN GROUP

Cllr Adlem said that the group has continued to meet, and the draft village design statement will be made available at a public meeting on 8th May when it will be held in conjunction with a ‘Pub for a Day’ event.

160. ALLOTMENTS

Cllr Watt said that all the allotment plots had now been taken up.

161. ANNUAL ELECTORS MEETING

It was agreed that the meeting would be held on 19th April, and the chairman requested that details of village activities through the last year be sent to him for inclusion in the chairman’s annual review. Cllr Watt agreed to invite Mr R Parmee to talk regarding the Linear Path.

162. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED WHICH IS NOT DEALT WITH ELSEWHERE

Letter received from BDC regarding the street scene partnership, asking if the parish council wished to renew these arrangements, and offering a grant of £785.08 to cover footpath sweeping. It was agreed to accept, and the clerk was asked to reply and to complete the agreement for a further 12 months.

Letter from Rural Community Council of Essex inviting the parish to enter the Village of the Year competition. After discussion it was agreed not to enter the competition this year.

Letter from BDC advising that they have objected to the construction of additional overhead power cables across the Stour Valley and that should be placed underground. The clerk was requested to reply and state that the parish council supports the objection.

163. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Cllr Nolan asked whether members had considered having a bandstand on the village green, either permanent or semi permanent. It would be used for the Christmas carols on the green, and being raised up would provide shelter for all. Cllr Adlem said that feedback from parishioners should be obtained, and it was agreed to place this on the agenda for the annual electors meeting.

164. A CLAIM AGAINST THE PARISH COUNCIL

Consideration was given to excluding the public whilst this item was discussed, and members unanimously agreed not to exclude the public.

Cllr Nolan said that a parishioner living on Colchester Road claims that a stone from the Village Hall drive washed down Bures Road and was picked up by a car tyre and accidentally broke a window in his home. He claims £95 being the cost of the replacement of this window. After discussion members unanimously agreed that the parish council was not responsible for the damage to the window and the clerk was instructed to advise the claimant accordingly and also that it was discussed at a full council meeting. The clerk was also asked to enquire of the Essex Association of Local Councils (EALC) what our potential costs might be to defend a small claims court action should one be made.

There being no further business the parish council meeting was closed at 9.35 pm.

Chairperson…………………………………………………. Date……………………………………….