Youth Council Report – Mr Tame was welcomed to the meeting and reported that Youth Council elections had taken place and a new committee formed. The first meeting of the new council will take place on 29th October 2007 at Hedingham school and Councillors were invited to attend. The council will be putting together plans for the future. They are involved with the organisation of a Halloween Event at the Recreation Field in Sible Hedingham. It was noted that there had been a huge reduction in problems last Halloween following a similar event. The council also plans to link with Hatfield Peverel Youth Council. The council has members across their age range and will continue to work on youth matters. The Chairman expressed the Parish Council’s appreciation for the work of the Youth Council and wished it continued success.
Electricity Supply – The Clerk had had a discussion with Mr Adam Waters from EDF regarding problems with the power supply. Most of the cuts had related to trees touching power line ands EDF anticipate that works to the trees would be completed by the end of October. Problems with variations in voltage are being addressed by a repair at the Halstead Substation – no date for the completion of these works is yet available.
Post Office Closures – The Parish Council were pleased to note that no post offices were to be closed in the CO9 post code area. The Post Office had indicated they would not be reviewing the service again for some significant time.
Queen Street Traffic Calming/ Illuminated Signage – Essex County Council Highways had apologised that the works to reline this scheme had not taken place. The Officer now in charge of this scheme had been given the impression the works had been completed. They have now been put in hand and should be completed within eight weeks. Essex County Council had confirmed that this scheme is not suitable for illuminated signs. However Essex County Council are considering moving one of their illuminated speed warning signs to Sudbury Hill near the Pump House.
Leaves – It was agreed that the Village Maintenance Contractor would be asked to clear leaves from Crown Street, Sheepcot Road, Sudbury Hill, Bayley Street and Pottery Steps in mid November.
Pottery Steps – Mr Higgins has arranged for the light to be repaired on Pottery Steps and the overhanging foliage to be trimmed. The Sheepcot Road end of this footpath will also be looked at.
a) Application 07/01811/FUL – Alterations to single storey front extension 21 Nunnery Street, Castle Hedingham - No objections.
b) Application 07/01786/FUL- Removal of bank at front of property and creation of off road parking for three vehicles with retaining wall - 36 Nunnery Street, Castle Hedingham - No objections. There is already a precedent for this application as kerbs have been dropped at the other end of the terrace (no.50). This similar end of terrace application to enable car/drive by the side of the house will remove cars from the highway.
c) Application 07/01949/TPOCON - carry out works to trees - Land to rear of 32 Queen Street, Castle Hedingham – No objections to the removal of the Norway Spruce and Ash. The Yew could be made into an obelisk as yew regenerates from the trunk. It is very slow growing and will not affect the building.
d) Application 07/01953/LBC - erection of 2 external lights - The Bell Inn, St James Street, Castle Hedingham - No objections but the Parish Council ask for the following restrictions: the lights are only illuminated until 11.00 pm; the luminescence will be limited, and the lights should be directed onto the building and not further than the pavement.
Wednesday 21st November starting at 7.45p.m. in Castle Hedingham Club, Church Lane, Castle Hedingham.
