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

• Handyman updates:
  • Making safe hedges,
  • New storage hut,
  • Equipment, and
  • Selection of new handyman,
• Condition of ponds and the need for a timetable for spraying;
• Road signage, in particular in Argents Lane;
• Actions to address Idling buses in Chapel Lane;
• Footpath to St Mary’s Old Church; and
• Flooding in Colchester Road.

Read the minutes in full below:

Environment & Highways Committee Minutes

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

Members present:	Cllrs John Gili-Ross (JGR), Katie Pulford (KP), Harry Stone (HS), David Short (DS) Manya Barrow (MB), James Owers (JO)
Also present:	No members of the public

1.     Welcome & Apologies

Apologies – none

2.     Declarations of Interests

None.

3.     Minutes & actions from previous meeting

The minutes of the 13 June 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:

The summer programme of work continues and hedges have been made safe. There is still work to be done on the new storage hut.

A MOT for the vehicle has been booked and it was agreed that it should be taxed.

Equipment – more robust loppers are needed.  The committee expressed its reluctance to use chain saws – any trees that are to be removed should be done professionally.

Four applicants for the vacant Handyman post have been interviewed by JGR and HS. All were considered suitable for the post and two were invited to spend time with the remaining handymen. As a result one has been selected to be offered the post.

6.     Ponds

The pump in the Queens Road Pond is to be turned off and the situation monitored. The water is clear but the Lexden Road pond is murky, which is not unusual.  In the Hall Road pond the reed mace is returning and so it needs attention. All the ponds need a controlled amount of spraying and so a timetable is to be produced.

7.     Overgrown hedges.

Several instances have been reported and these are being dealt with.

8.     Road signage

The signage in Argents Lane is not working.  A larger sign advising drivers of heavier vehicles “Not to follow their Sat Nav” is being investigated and more effort to find an effective solution is needed.

9.     Idling buses in Chapel Road

MB has met with the resident affected.  The “No idling sign” needs to be reinstated.  (The PC could purchase such a sign for about £50). The discussions that have taken place with the Bus Company have not led to a solution and Cllr Barber should be made aware of this.

10.  Footpath to St Mary’s Old Church

This has been reinstated but it is felt that further work is needed.

11.  Flooding in Colchester Road

This is being investigated by Anglian Water and work is now underway.

12.  Flagpole

Sponsorship may no longer be needed.  Plans are underway to make a purchase and to have it delivered within the allotted budget.  The Handymen would then install it.

13.  Further item for consideration

JGR is to obtain quotes from TLC to remove the deteriorating Cherry trees from behind the Football Clubhouse.

14.  Date of next meeting

The next Environment Committee meeting will be on Thurs 12th Sept 2024, at 4.30pm in the SC Meeting Room.