The Environment & Highways Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 12th November 2015 and discussed a range of issues including traffic safety, handyman work, grass & hedge cutting, Poors Land, Allotments, Fireworks, Playground & budget.
Environment & Highways Report
Sub-committee Meeting held on Thursday 12th November 2015 in Main Hall
| Councillors present | John Gili Ross, Harry Stone, Jenny Church, Murray Harlow, Rosemary James |
| Apologies | None |
In attendance: – Phil Spencer, David Short.
1 |
New drain on Heath |
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| ECC has put in a new water feed leading from the school to entrance at New Church Road. There is concern that the infilled area might be affected by sinkage in the future. We need to be aware that ECC would be responsible if this occurs. | Parish Clerk | |
2 |
Matters arising from last meeting |
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| a) Traffic Safety Plan – resurfacing of New Church Road and School Road completed and yellow lines reinstated. Notices for proposal for 20mph in New Church Road and School Road are posted. | ||
| b) Plinth for beacon to be built by Ivor when he returns from holiday. | JGR | |
| c) Copy of Environment Terms of Reference to this sub-committee members. | JGR | |
| d) The agreed Handyman work schedule is working well. A contract for David Hewitt has been drawn up and is with the Finances Committee.
It has been agreed that we need another part time Handyman. An Advertisement needs to be put out locally when details of job and pay are agreed. |
Agenda Item
LW |
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| e) All grass and hedge cutting to Parish Council Land has been completed.
The area of scrub at the bottom end of the Lorkin Daniell field needs learing back to tree line. Quotes needed for this. |
MH | |
| f) Purchase of wheelie bin for use at practice goal area is with Marcus Harrington. | JC | |
| g) Pond clearing by TCV is in progress. They have completed their work on Hall Road and Lexden Road ponds. Hall Road Pond still looks rather neglected and there is a fallen tree laying over from the back of the Pond. Norhurst to remove the waste. The work on Queens Road pond will be carried out by TCV on November 19th. | JC | |
| h) It was suggested that we review alternative approaches to treating the ponds as there are new technics being implemented and used on golf courses and farm land. Phil Spencer has expertise in this area. | All | |
3 |
Poors Land |
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| Finger posts on Poors Land have been repaired by Handyman. | ||
4 |
Highway Rangers |
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| Request to Highway Rangers to be sent regarding hedges overhanging footways. | LW | |
5 |
Allotments |
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| Harry reported from Allotment Committee. Decision taken to increase fees by £1 for all plot holders. Discussion will take place in the future regarding fees to full plot holders and concessions to consider ways to charge more fairly for the rents | HS | |
6 |
Firework Display |
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| The Fireworks were successful and the area of Poors Land has been tidied and cleared. | ||
7 |
Chitts Hill |
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| Hedges along this narrow road need attention. Suggest letters need to be sent to hedge owners reminding them of their responsibilities. | LW | |
8 |
Playground equipment |
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| Roundabout problems have been rectified as far as possible. Repairs are needed to post areas of climbing frame. Village handyman to purchase filler and carry out necessary work. Repairs to other areas have been completed.
Black surface requires attention. Playequip are fully booked at the moment, plan to make repairs in the New Year. Laura will remind them. |
JGR,
LW |
|
8 |
Budget for next year |
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| Andrew attended the meeting for this item. He presented a proposed budget for next year. The figures need to be with the Finance committee in November. Much discussion took place. It was agreed to review the proposed budget and circulate to members and AS. AS to place the revised budget into the main budget format for approval by the PC in due course | JGR | |
| Date of next meeting – Thursday 14th January 2016 at 5pm in JL Hall. |