Road Resurfacing– Two letters from residents concerned about drainage problems and puddling on the new surface following the work were read to the meeting. The County Councillor confirmed that Highways and Anglian Water are investigating drainage problems in the area and these should be resolved. One resident had expressed concern that the works had changed the camber of the road causing water to accumulate outside his property. The County Councillor confirmed that the new surfacing will compact and that ultimately the camber of the road would be no different to before the works took place.
Keep Clear Sign - It was noted that Highways have now painted the ‘keep clear’ sign in the correct place on the road at the junction of Church Lane and Church Ponds. However the sign painted in the wrong place still remains. This is causing considerable congestion in the area and neither the Mobile Library or Refuse Lorry can gain access to Church Lane. It was agreed to ask the County Councillor for help to resolve this problem.
Queen Street Priority Scheme – Essex County Council have advised that they have instructed the contractor to move ahead with the build-out. However it is not be practical to begin work until after the harvest season because as traffic management will be necessary in order to work safely and the harvesters will not be able to get through. It is therefore anticipated that work will start around the end of September. Essex County Council have also decided not to include bollards in the scheme at the present time as they are concerned about the potential for them to become missiles if struck and that they would not be in keeping with the area.
Ibstocks Planning Application - It was noted that this application had been granted. It was agreed that the modifications included had meant that a fair result had been achieved.
Youth Elections - Youth Elections are to take place on 6th – 11th December. The assembly mirrors the adult County Council and members are elected for 1 year. Prospective candidates aged between 13 and 19 years old are sought and packs are available from 1st September 2004 by telephoning 01206 711163.
Police Response – The meeting discussed in detail several incidents involving antisocial behaviour in the village where parishioners had experienced great difficulty in getting a response from the police even when 999 was dialled. It was agreed that these problems stem in part from the software used at the central call centre which is post code based. It was agreed that local officers provide an excellent service but were hampered by delays in receiving information about requests for assistance from the central call centre. The County Councillor confirmed these concerns are county wide and this matter will be raised with the Chief Constable at a meeting on 19th August. He will feed the results of this meeting back to the Parish Council. Councillors were also encouraged to attend a meeting with the Police Consultative Group on 18th October in Sible Hedingham.
The Parish Council had no objections to the following
applications: Appln:. 04/01268/FUL -
Erection of lounge extension and artist’s studio - 6 Crown Street,
Castle Hedingham; Appln.: 04/01284/FUL
– erection of extension and alterations - Rushley Green Farm, Rushley
Green, Castle Hedingham; Appln.: 04/01465/FUL
& 04/1466/LBC
- Erection of rear extension and minor internal alterations - 33 Bayley
Street, Castle Hedingham and, Appln.: 04/01503/FUL
- Erection of extension and alterations for additional teaching and
library areas - De Vere Primary School, Kirby Hall Lane, Castle
Hedingham.
Appln.: 04/01240/FUL - Erection of first floor extension - Fourwinds, Kirby Hall Road, Castle Hedingham – Object – The application seems to be little different from the previous submission. The scale of this extension alters the current bungalow size of the present property. Fourwinds is in open countryside outside the village envelope and this proposal would have a major impact on the countryside both in terms of scale and visual impact.
Speed Indicator Device – A resident had written to Essex County Council to request the installation of a Speed Indicator Device on Sudbury Hill. They had advised her that Essex Police do have two of these mobile signs available, which the Parish Council could request are installed in the village. It was agreed to request a sign on Sudbury Hill.
Cemetery Drainage – Councillors considered a very comprehensive report regarding the drainage at the cemetery. The report recommends further investigations involving drilling bore holes and monitoring the water levels. Following this investigation recommendation for remedial works could be made. The cost of the investigation would be circa £2,000. This matter was discussed in detail and it was agreed that the problem is very serious and is on the point of making burials impossible on the current site. It was agreed to try to establish whether the unused section of the cemetery would be more suitable for burials as this would allow the Parish Council more time to carry out further investigations; establish what works are required to improve the drainage and, how these works would be funded. Mr Philp agreed to dig three trenches, which will be covered to prevent accidents. He will advise Mr Hood and Mr Cooke when they have been dug and they agreed to monitor water levels in the holes.
Churchyard Shrubs - The Chairman had received a request from a parishioner that shrubs along the edge of the Churchyard be cut back. It was agreed that a working party will undertake this task. Membership – Mrs Allfrey, Mr Hood, Mr Seaman and Mrs Moffat.
Village Booklet - The Parish Council are revising the village booklet. It was agreed that a separate section in which details of businesses based in the village should be included. Businesses are invited to express an interest in being included in the booklet by the end of October 2004. If you are interested please write to the Clerk at 3 Hawthorns, Sible Hedingham CO9 3PD
15th September - 7.45 p.m. Old Court House, Castle Hedingham.
