Access to Church Ponds - A temporary one way system has been put in place while access is restricted due to work taking place on a fire damaged house. Some parishioners had expressed concerns regarding sight lines when turning right out of Crown Street. They had been advised that Essex County Council are not permitted to erect a mirror.
Walking Bus – The trial of the walking bus had been attended by Councillors Allfrey and Higgins and had been very successful.
Queen Street Priority Scheme – Essex County Council have confirmed that the additional bollards have been ordered for Queen Street. However they advise the Parish Council that the signing is all that regulations permit and it may simply be necessary to ensure that the vegetation that overhangs it from private land be kept cut back as far as possible. It was noted that the United Reformed Church had been asked to trim their trees.
Churchyard Tidy and Juniper Trees - The Chairman is arranging to meet with the Vicar and agree the work to be carried out in the Churchyard. Mr Mayes feels that the work required to the juniper trees would not require tree planning. Mrs Moffat and Mr Cooke offered to organise some general tidying work in the churchyard to take place once the agreed works are completed.
West Suffolk College – The Clerk had written to the college to express the Parish Council concern regarding their pupil’s conduct during a recent visit to the village. The college had responded that it is taking this matter very seriously and carrying out an investigation. The Principle will advise the Parish Council of the college’s findings. Later in the meeting it was noted that the college have returned the amplifier to the Memorial Hall.
Youth Council – A very good exploratory meeting had taken place at Hedingham School attended by the Headteacher, Head of Key Stage 3, two Councillors each from Castle Hedingham and Sible Hedingham Parish Councils, two District Councillors, a Young Essex Assembly (YEA) Member, a Youth Worker and PCSO Green. It had been agreed to set up a steering group to agree a draft Constitution and Standing Orders for the Youth Council and plan how the Council will be launched. The Steering Group will be chaired by a YEA Member and its membership will be made up of: two YEA members, one representative from Castle Hedingham and Sible Hedingham Parish Councils, Hedingham School’s Assistant Headteacher, two District Councillors and a Youth Worker. The group will meet in August and Mr Higgins will represent the Parish Council. It was agreed that is was good to be able to promote young people in a positive light.
Application 05/00654/FUL – Proposed erection of detached dwelling house- Bailey Lodge, Pye Corner, Castle Hedingham – alteration to site plan – This was noted.
Application 05/01047/LBC - Alterations to part of accommodation to provide bedroom and ensuite - Trinity Hall, 17-19 Queen St, Castle Hedingham – No objections – perfectly reasonable alterations to existing property.
Application CC/BTE/85/05 - Replacement of external windows and doors on the science block and links at Hedingham School - Hedingham School, Yeldham Road, Sible Hedingham – No objections.
Application - 05/01245/LBC - Installation of solar water heating collectors on roof at rear of property - Trinity Hall, 17-19 Queen St, Castle Hedingham – No objections excellent idea, should be encouraged wherever possible.
Street Lighting Maintenance – The council’s current Street Light Maintenance Contractor has given the Parish Council notice of termination of its contract with effect from August this year. The Clerk had investigated several alternative maintenance providers and found a company based in Braintree whose price is equivalent to that being paid already but with an improved service as they will attend faults within 48 hours rather that the current provider’s seven days. It was agreed that the contract be moved to Just Lamps UK with effect from August 2005.
Wednesday 17th August, Wednesday 21st September 7.45 p.m. Old Court House, Castle Hedingham
