Queen Street, Castle Hedingham – Following concerns raised by parishioners and Councillors since the scheme was opened the Parish Council has had further discussions with Essex County Council regarding the inclusion of bollards into this scheme. The Parish Council had originally asked for lockable bollards but Essex County Council did not feel these were suitable. However, Essex County Council has now confirmed that they would be able to install bounce back bollards as part of the scheme. The Parish Council have therefore requested that these be installed as soon as possible. In addition Essex County Council has agreed to erect ‘New Road Layout Ahead’ signs for three months to heighten motorists awareness of the scheme. The Parish Council have also requested that the mirror at the top of the small lane next to the Police Station be re-erected. Essex County Council will review the effectiveness of the scheme in 4 – 6 months time.
‘Keep Clear’ junction of Church Ponds and Church Lane - Essex County Council had advised that it would be very difficult to remove the erroneous ‘keep clear’ sign as its removal could cause severe damage to the new surface. This matter was discussed in detail and it was agreed not to pursue the removal of the sign as the damage that could be caused to the road surface would be very unsightly.
Dog Waste Bins – New dog waste bins will shortly be erected: one at the junction of two footpaths on Sheepcot Road near Maiden Ley and the second at the junction of Sheepcot Road and Queen Street.
Application 04/02272/TPOCON - Carry out works to trees - United Reformed Church, Queen Street, Castle Hedingham – The Parish Tree Wardens agree that the Acacias should be cut down but feel it would be preferable for the Limes to be pollarded rather than topped. Application 04/02245/LBC - To install temporary stud wall with glazed door - The Trading Post, 4 St James Street, Castle Hedingham;. Application 04/02268/FUL - Erection of replacement double garage, open porch and veranda - 3A Crown Street, Castle Hedingham and Application 04/02281/FUL - Extend lowered kerb to front of property by 4 m - 80a Nunnery Street, Castle Hedingham – are still under consideration by the Planning Committee.
Christmas Refuse Collection – There will be no collection between 25th December and 3rd January. The collection due in Castle Hedingham on Tuesday 4th January will take place on Wednesday 5th January. Posters advertising these dates have been put in Parish Council Notice Boards.
Community Transport - Mr Hood reported that the new Saturday evening 332 bus service to Braintree Freeport will be launched on 11th December and representatives of all those involved in the project will take the inaugural bus. This service extends the current provision and should prove very popular.
Precept 2005/2006 – Councillors received and discussed the forecast budget for the remainder if this year and the next financial year. Councillors discussed the budget in detail and it was noted that ROPSA inspection of the play equipment has highlighted the need for the swing frame to be replaced in the next two to three years. The Parish Council has already started to put aside money for this project. Mr Hood agreed to obtain costings for this work which will require the extension of the current safety surface. It was unanimously agreed that the precept for 2005/2006 be set at £22,500.00
12th January 2005 and 16th February 2005 7.45 p.m. Old Court House, Castle Hedingham
