Report of the meeting of the Parish Council of Castle Hedingham held on Wednesday, 29th July 2009 issued by the Clerk

Action

1

Apologies for non-attendance: Cllrs Mr F Swallow, Mrs W Scattergood, Mrs J Beavis, Mr G Southgate.

2

Declarations of Interest: None.

3

Public Forum: Miss Denham raised concerns about weed killing by Essex CC contractors in late spring / early summer in the village. She said that the spraying had been:

It was explained that the matter had been brought by the Parish Council to the attention of the responsible Department at Essex CC and its response is awaited.

4

Police Information / Report: Pc D McMasters gave the apologies of Inspector Murray, the senior officer with responsibility for the Hedingham area who had had to attend another meeting. It was agreed that Inspector Murray would be invited to the next meeting. Pc McMaster said that there had been a very significant increase in reported crime in Castle Hedingham in the last 4 week police reporting period.  These crimes included burglary, robbery and assault.  He outlined the police response to address this issue:

1. More uniformed officers on the beat in rural areas including the Hedinghams;
2. Friday/Saturday  evenings uniformed officers present on the beat in the Hedinghams; and
3. Further operations to possibly include deployment of interceptor teams, plain clothes officers, targeted operations.

In response to concerns raised about the police response time to attend a recent very serious criminal incident in the village Pc McMasters said that officers had attended within16 minutes of the 999 call.  This exceeded by 4 minutes the Essex police target response time for such incidents.  He said the measures outlined at 1 & 2 above would increase the capability for a faster response in the future.

PC McMasters left the meeting.

5

Minutes of the Previous Meeting: The minutes were approved - proposed by Mrs L Moffat, seconded by Mr M Scrivens and signed by the Chairman.

6

Matters arising from Minutes:

6.1 Primrose lines in Kirby Hall Road: still not done.

6.2 Repair of tombstones: Work has commenced.

6.3 ‘Brown Tourist’ Signs in respect of closed Youth Hostel. These have now been “blanked” out.

6.4 Bayley Street Pavement: Work to clear soil from pavement has been done but vegetation over the pavement remains an issue.

6.5 Offer of allotments in village. Mr Crowther has now withdrawn his offer of land for allotments. Clerk to so advise the one person expressing an interest in taking an allotment.

6.6 Pile of dead vegetation in cemetery. Now removed. Thanks to Cllr Mr J Philp.

6.7 Youth Council. Does continue and is likely to be more actively evident next academic year.

7

After Essex on Tour. Sturmer, Toppsfield and Castle Hedingham Parish Councils have agreed in principle to co –operate with each other on organising and promoting arts events in future years.  This will include artists that have performed on Essex on Tour.  Details of any required funding are to be submitted to the Parish Council for consideration at a future meeting.

8

Braintree District Council & Essex County Council Information:  No reports received.

9

Parish Council representation on Parish Plan Group. Cllr Mr Ian Higgins will represent the Parish council.

10

Planning Recommendations: Cllrs were concerned at the very poor standard of completion (including inaccuracies) of the retrospective application made in respect of removal of chimney at former youth hostel at Falcon Square.  Parish Clerk instructed to comment accordingly to Braintree District Council Planning.

11

Correspondence: No issues arising.

12

12.1 Bank Balances:

The following balances were noted:

12.2 The following accounts were proposed by Cllr  Mr R Worley seconded by Cllr Mr J Cooke:

Payments:

13

Nomination by Parish Council of two trustees for Castle Hedingham Parochial Council.  The existing representatives- Mrs Beadle and Mr Rulten were nominated, proposed Cllr Mr G Pewter, seconded Cllr Mr R Worley.

14

Extension of grass cutting in/around New Park and playing field.  A detailed proposal had been made by a parishioner. This was discussed and it was agreed to extend cutting/maintenance to include border around post box and 40 mph sign and the hedge bordering playing field and Sudbury Hill. It was not agreed to cut the wild life strip to two sides of the playing field or below/around row of trees between the playing field and New Park. 

15

Any Other Business:

15.1 Cllr Mr R Worley raised concerns in respect of very bad graffiti on the Station Road bridge and also excessive vegetation on the pavement in the vicinity. Parish Clerk instructed to bring to the attention of Essex CC Highways.

15.2 Cllr Mrs L Moffat said serious problems continue with parking in and around Falcon Square. Access is obstructed and emergency vehicles would have severe difficulty.  It was agreed to discuss in depth at the next meeting.

15.3 Cllr Pewter reported ragwort in fields around Four Winds. It is an injurious plant under the Weeds Act 1959 and landowner should remove it.  Parish Clerk instructed to contact relevant enforcement agency.

15.4 Cllr Mr J Cooke said that there was an estate agent's board on Council land on the A1017. Parish Clerk to contact the estate agents.

15.5 Cllr Mr I Higgins reported that the Parish had lodged a large number of its records with the Essex Records Office for safe keeping and preservation.

15.6 The Parish clerk advised that permission had been sought for signs advertising the Castle Hedingham fete to be erected on village greens as in the past. The Parish Council was happy to agree to the request.

15.7 The Parish Clerk advised that costs for registering parish village greens had been requested from a local firm of solicitors.

15

Next Meetings:

19th August and 23rd September at the Castle Hedingham Club.