Notes from the Parish Council May Meeting
Election of Chairman & Vice-Chairman: John Covill was unanimously elected as Chairman and Andrew Camps was unanimously elected as Vice-Chairman.
The Parish has a full Parish Council of 9 members. They are:
- Mr John Covill (Chairman)
- Mr Andrew Camps (Vice-Chairman)
- Mr David Almond
- Mr Eric Day
- Mrs Sandra Gynn
- Mr Peter Hart
- Mr J Jordan
- Mr Steve Kent-Phillips
- Mr GeoffreyWoollard
Confirmation of PC Representatives for Village Committees/Groups:
- Peter Hart - Village Hall Management Committee
- Steve Kent-Phillips - Sports & Recreation Committee
- Eric Day, John Covill & Andrew Camps - Parochial Charities
Confirmation of RFO & PCRF:
- John Covill - RFO (Responsible Financial Officer)
- Steve Kent-Phillips - PCRF (Parish Councillor Responsible for Finance)
Minutes of Last Meeting: These were agreed.
Reports:
- CCC - Cllr Hazel Williams
- ECDC - Cllr Allen Alderson
Traffic Calming Measures for Mill Hill - presentation by Mr John Richards & Kevin Hall of CCC Highways. A draft scheme was presented to the meeting. This was discussed and it was agreed that the residents of Mill Hill should be consulted on the scheme and as the Annual Village Meeting was on the 13th May, it was thought this would be an opportune time for people to view the draft plans. A letter was to be sent to all residents of Mill Hill. Kevin Hall explained to the meeting some ideas for traffic calming such as white line marking (hatching), narrowing of the road in places using kerbing or 'blisters'and possibly a kerbed island. He explained that their suggestions were in draft form and subject to a further site visit to confirm such things as vehicular accesses to properties and drainage, etc and local consultation.
Finalising of Agenda for Annual Village Meeting (14/05/08): A new meeting format was agreed to encourage parishioners to attend and put their views forward. John Jordan showed a Powerpoint presentation to be used at the meeting. This highlighted agenda items such as - a Parish Plan, Traffic Calming on Mill Hill, The National Trust - "Wicken Vision", Refurbishment of the Play Area. The agenda included reports from village groups such as the Village Hall Management Committee, The Parochial Charities and the Scout Troop with their Leader, Tim Doe. A display of School Activities & Plans was to be on display.
Parish Plan for Village: There continued to be very mixed views on this item. It was agreed that to consult with parishioners at the Annual Village Meeting as noted above.
Play Area: RoSPA had carried out their inspection of the Play Area but their report had not to date been received. This will be reviewed at the June PC meeting. The last piece of play equipment, the covered picnic table, had been erected and the painting of the equipment was imminent. This will conclude the refurbishment of the play area. Everyone congratulated Steve Kent-Phillips for his efforts and hard work.
Shaping of Trees to Cemetery Entrance: Areas needing attention were reported to the PC. These were;
- The Yew trees at the entrance to the cemetery are badly in need of trimming and shaping. This work will need to be carried out by a professional contractor.
- The stock-pile of chalk earth at the 'bottom'of the cemetery needed to be removed and the area tidied.
- Some levelling work was also needed.
It was agreed members of the PC would look at the cemetery and see what was required and this would be further discussed at the June meeting.
Contribution to Replacement of School Swimming Pool for Community Use: A donation of £1,000 was agreed.
The Lodes & Fens: Ongoing
Planning applications including:
- Goodwin Farm, 1 Heath Road - proposed extension and Alteration. - No objections.
- Kent House, 9 High Street - replacement of boundary fence with new wall to match existing. No objections.
- Kent House, 9 High Street - replacement of existing concrete tile roof by slate roof to match the rest of the property, make good roof line continuous for this section of the building, repair gable end, roof timbers and other woodwork. No objections.
- South Lodge, 88 High Street - removal of internal wall to bathroom to enlarge kitchen. Extension to provide for new bathroom, cloakroom and rear lobby + alterations and extension to Listed Building. No objections.
Approval of Annual Audit Return: Following approval by Internal Auditor, this was approved by the meeting for submission to External Auditors, Moore Stephens.
Accounts for payment: These were agreed.
Items for the Next Agenda:
- Traffic calming - Mill Hill
- The Play Area - RoSPA inspection
- The Lodes The Fens
- Items arising from Annual Village Meeting
- Review of Assets
- Review of Financial Risk Assessment
- Cemetery Maintenance Work
Open Question Time General items of discussion.
Should anyone require any further information on any of the reported items above, please contact me. The next Parish Council meeting will take place on Thursday, 12th June 2008 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. All are welcome to attend.