Notes from the Parish Council July Meeting
(The meeting commenced at 7.45pm following presentation by Ashwell Developments Ltd about their proposals for the development of the Water Tower site. This was an open meeting).
Chairman Mr John Covill chaired the meeting with 7 Parish Councillors and 2 members of the Public.
Minutes of Last Meeting: These were agreed.
Reports:
- CCC - Cllr Hazel Williams reported to the meeting
- ECDC - Cllr Allen Alderson reported to the meeting
Correspondence Received: This was reported.
Matters Arising:
- Maintenance work to EDF Substation, Cage Hill. The Clerk confirmed that having spoken with the EDF's Contract Manager, he visited the site and suggested the erection of 6ft closeboard fencing to all sides and open-mesh for the gate area - this being the minimum allowed for easy viewing of the substation equipment. He was to obtain quotation from subcontractor with a view to putting the work in hand. This work should be completed by the end of September at the latest.
Quality Status for Parish Council: This was again discussed at length and it was agreed to defer until Clerk had obtained her Quality Status qualification to allow time to assess the costs involved, the input required by the Parish Council and the benefits to the community.
Amendment to Standing Orders: In view of the adoption of the New Code of Conduct, minor amendments were needed to the Standing Orders.
Road Safety Measures/Traffic Calming, Mill Hill: A meeting was held 'on site'between members of the PC and Kevin Hall of CCC Highways. Several ideas were discussed with the future development of the Water Tower site and its impact on this road in mind. It was agreed that a further letter should be sent to Brian Smith, Deputy Chief Executive of Environment and Community Services to enforce the need for action on this stretch of road particularly within the context of the proposed development.
Jointly Funded Minor Highways Improvements - 2008/09 Bidding Round: Following discussion and due to the amount of funds available within this scheme, it was felt that there was no benefit in submitting a bid.
Use of Footpath at The Beeches by Motorcycles: A meeting was held at The Beeches between members of the PC and Paul Butcher of CCC. It was suggested that a staggered barrier should be installed at the top of The Beeches to deter the bikes but allow access for other users. In order for this to be completed successfully, some minor change to a small area would be needed by Hereward Housing. Letter sent to HH requesting their assistance.
The Lodes & The Fens: Ongoing discussion. It was reported by Geoffrey Woollard that the petition against the proposals for the Lodes was doing well.
High Street Signs & House Numbering: A letter dated the 25/6/07 was sent following the June meeting confirming the signs the PC considered should be removed (as reported in the June Crier). Cllr Alderson asked the PC to confirm with ECDC where the High Street ended (south end). There were several views on this and it was agreed to defer this until a reply was received to the PC's letter of the 25th.
Signpost on Lower End - maintenance: The Clerk received an email expressing concerns about the removal or replacement of this sign and also offering to help source the materials, etc., to have a new sign made at a much reduced cost than previously quoted. Councillors were very grateful for this offer and agreed that this should go ahead.
Play Area Maintenance Works - estimates received: Estimates for the different areas requiring attention were received. These included for the treatment of the algae on the surfacing under the slide, the replacement of the wet pour surfacing under the 4-bay swings and the possibility of replacing the 'baby'swings. Some of the costs involved were considered very high. It was agreed that the priority was the resurfacing needed. In light of the possible costs involved in the below item, this was deferred so that budgets could be worked out and possible avenues of grant funding looked into.
Some work had been carried out to cut back the new growth on the large trees to the front of the play area as required by RoSPA's annual inspection. Following a meeting at the play area it was also noted that a bar was missing from the climbing frame and that a couple of fixings were protruding. The Clerk was to contact the supplier of the climbing frame for advice.
Maintenance Works to Cemetery Pathway - estimates received: 3No estimates were received for this work. Further advice suggested an amendment to the specification for the works and as with the item above, this work was deferred to a future meeting.
Accounts for payment: These were agreed.
Planning Applications:
- The Bungalow, Upware Road, Upware - outline permission for replacement dwelling
- 5 High Street - single storey rear extension.
There were no objections to the above applications.
Planning Approval:
- The Cottage, 67 High Street - single-storey rear extension (reduced proposal).
Items for the Next Agenda will include:
- Play Area Maintenance
- Cemetery Maintenance
- The Lodes & The Fens
- Mill Hill - Road Safety/Traffic Calming
- Recycling - Station Road
- High Street Signs
Open Question Time:
Areas needing extra grasscutting were noted.
The next Parish Council meetings will take place on Thursday, 9th August 2007 Thursday, 13th September 2007 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.