The Environment & Highways Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 11th April 2024 with topics including:

• D-Day Flags,
• Handyman update including:
  • litter-picking,
  • grass cutting,
  • work on new shed.
  • purchasing replacement tools,
• Staffing update,
• Refurbishment of Practice Goal,
• Noting that the Pylons consultation is underway and needs contributions, and
• Possible engagement with Village Fete organisers regarding traffic, health & safety..

Environment Committee Minutes

Meeting held on Thurs 11th April 2024 at 4.30pm in SC Mtg Rm

Members present:	Cllrs John Gili-Ross, (JGR) Katie Pulford (KP) and David Short (DS)
Also present:	No members of the public

1.     Welcome & Apologies

Apologies were received from Cllrs Manya Barrow, James Owers and Harry Stone

2.     Declarations of Interests

None.

3.     Minutes & actions from previous meeting

The minutes of the 14th March 2024 were agreed by all and there were no actions carried forward.

4.     Public participation

There were no members of the public present.

5.     Handymen’s report:

• Grass cutting and litter picking is underway.
• Grass cutting by CCC has not yet been commenced.
• Work on the roof of the new shed has been undertaken.
• Some new small tools have been purchased as replacements for those which have become unserviceable. The new racking has been installed in the garage; the said racking was gifted to the PC by Cllr. Owers.
• It was noted that the gazebo has been vandalised and requires re-painting and the handymen will carry out this work. Re-felting of the gazebo roof will need to be carried out professionally and financial provision will have to be made for this.

6.     Future staff changes

It was noted that Matt was now back at work, at present undertaking light duties. Nigel has indicated he will be retiring from PC duties and is prepared to continue for 3-4 months whilst a replacement is recruited. It was agreed that the vacant position would be publicised and that anyone knowing of a suitable applicant should contact the PC via the Clerk ([email protected]).

7.     New shed electrical work

It was agreed that the quote for this work was received from Heard Electrics and should be accepted in the agreed sum of £570 inc. VAT. Routeing of the new cabling was discussed, and it was agreed that the handymen would excavate the trench required for the underground section of the route.

8.     D-Day flag

It was noted that the flagpole has been removed. It is understood that a quote has been received for a replacement pole and that funding for this would be required to be sought. It appears any replacement is being examined by the OHMC.  It is recommended that two D-Day flags would be purchased, one of which could be donated to Heathlands School for display by them and one would be displayed by the PC at the Orpen Hall using a new flag pole or possibly by way of a temporary angled attachment to the wall (a suitable bracket would need to be obtained).

9.     Practice goal area

6 tenders for refurbishment of the practice goal have been received from various contractors. These vary hugely in cost and it was decided to proceed with one of two yet to be chosen and funding to be sought for the project. It was decided not to proceed with the basketball addition to the project and this would require some modification downwards to the quotes already received.

10.  Upcoming Environment Committee items

Other than the foregoing, it was noted that the Village Fete was being organised by third parties to take place on 6th July. To date the Environment Committee has not been involved in the arrangements, but it was noted that an involvement may be required with traffic control and various health and safety aspects among others. It was proposed that the fete organisers be invited to address the PC at the next suitable meeting to advise of their progress to date and to discuss the aforementioned aspects.

Additionally, it was pointed out that the Pylon consultation is presently under way and that constructive contributions from all councillors will be welcome.

11.  Date of next meeting

The next Environment Committee meeting will be on Thurs 9th May 2024, at 4.30pm in the SC Meeting Room.