18th October 2004     Back to Index

A meeting of the Parish Council was held in the Village Hall on Monday 18th October 2004 at 8pm.

Present Miss Sach, Mrs Handley, Mrs Clemmow,  Ms Hayes, Mr Bane, Mr Blatch, Mr Tebbit,  Mr White and, in the Chair, Mr Dalton. 

Apologies.  None

Minutes of the meeting held on 7th September 2004 agreed and signed

Matters Arising

1                    Harlton Road Notice Board. The Chairman dealing with this.

2                    Footpath 13. BT telephone poles not removed. The Chairman to contact the Rural Group of the County Council

3                    Verge cutting Miss Hayes reported that she was still carrying out extensive research into various recommendations and policies on this.  Essex has a policy of 'one-cut' per year.  In other areas some verges are designated for environmental protection. She and Miss Rutland were working to establish a detailed map of their proposals. This was warmly welcomed.

4                    Litter from Green Bin and box collection. In the absence of Cl. Heazell there was nothing further to report, but it was noted that there are also problems with the collection from black bins.

5                    Speed Restrictions.  The Chairman reported that he had written to Mr Lines at the County Highways Division asking for Plan B (reduction of the speed limit to 30 mph, with reactive signs but without physical barriers) to be adopted for the villages. At the last PC meeting it had been agreed not to press for the extension of the 30mph zone to Fox corner, in case this jeopardised the acceptance of the scheme. It was now agreed unanimously that we should, after all, press for this, as it included one of the most dangerous stretches of road for drivers and pedestrians. The Chairman will write again to Mr Lines asking him to include this request in our proposed scheme.

6                    Emergency Water Supply. Miss Sach raised the question of an emergency water supply and the possibility of using the existing village pumps. Agreed that she and the Chairman discuss this matter more fully, contact the Emergency Planning Team and report to the next meeting.

7                    Health and Safety in Churchyards. Mr Michael Nicholson had prepared a statement regarding the condition of the headstones in Little Eversden Churchyard. There were three in dangerous condition and the estimated cost of repair was in the region of £250. After discussion it was agreed that the Council would increase their grant towards churchyard maintenance by £250 in the following year 2005/6. This will be taken into account when budgeting for next year's precept.

8                    Condition of Chapel Road at the far end. The Chairman reported that he had agreed to have a site meeting with the Highways Engineer to discuss this problem. He will report at the next meeting

Finance. The External Auditor's Report received and read. Satisfactory. The Clerk was congratulated on her work as Responsible Finance Officer.

The following cheques agreed:

Retrospective payment.  L.Volans. 3 months salary plus expenses £284.34

Signed at the meeting.            Moore Stephens.   Audit Fee              £141.00

Planning Applications.

D. Berry, 4 Finches Field.   Extension            'No recommendation'

Mr and Mrs Simon Clemmow, 6 Chapel Road.  Extension.   'Approved'

Dr and Mrs Wheeler, Church Farm, Great Eversden. Listed Building Consent for changes.           'Approved'

Correspondence  In circulation

Date of next Meeting  Monday 6th December 2004 at 8pm in the Village Hall