Highlights of Environment & Highways Meeting on 8th September 2022
The Environment & Highways Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 8th September 2022 with topics including:
- Cessation of Highways Devolution project,
- Parking signs at Poor’s Land,
- Blocked gullies & Hillhouse Wood footpaths needing to be attended by ECC,
- Repairs undertaken to the Beacon and handymen’s truck, and
- A few items relating to trees, hedges and bracken.
Environment Committee Minutes
Meeting held on 8th September 2022 via Zoom
| Members present: | John Gili-Ross (Chairman), Manya Barrow, James Owers, David Short and Harry Stone |
| Others: | None |
| Apologies: | None |
1. Highways Devolution
It was noted that the Devolution project had been cancelled by ECC and that accordingly no monies had been received by WBPC since March 2022. The cancellation represents a loss of revenue to the Environment committee of some £2,270 (189 man hours @ £12 per hour). Various propositions to mitigate this loss are to be the subject of further discussion.
2. Poor’s Land signage
Signs have been installed at five locations around the Poor’s Land designed to discourage inconsiderate parking on days when football is played. The signs were provided by the football committee.
3. Blocked gullies
There have been several reports of blocked gullies around the village. Due to cancellation of the Devo. project (see 1 above) this work cannot presently be carried out by the handymen and the problem has been passed back to ECC via Cllr. Lewis Barber as gullies are an ECC area of responsibility.
4. Beacon
The beacon has been repaired and re-painted and is available for future lightings.
5. Truck repairs
Some repairs to the truck have been carried out, these include replacement of one tyre at a cost of £35. The alternator and power steering systems have been repaired at a cost of approx. £50. Some paintwork on the vehicle is still to be carried out.
6. Tree work
TLC quoted for and have been engaged to carry out some tree work on the heath. Some of this work has been carried out by the handymen.
7. Christmas tree
Christmas tree: Discussion was had as to whether or not to install a village Christmas tree this year and the matter is ongoing.
8. Seasonal hedge and bracken cutting
A new contractor has been identified to carry out this work during the October half term. Details to be confirmed by DS following a meeting with said contractor. Laura to please give the contractor a reminder to contact DS to discuss.
9. Bin store cover
Possible installation of a cover over the bins at the OH. Matter is ongoing.
10. Manhole cover on Heath.
JGR to inspect and advise if the cover has been made safe.
11. Footpaths in Hillhouse Wood
It was noted that certain of the footpaths in Hillhouse Wood were in need of repair. This is the responsibility of ECC who have been asked repeatedly over the last five years by the Woodland Trust to attend to the matter but with no result to date. It would be inadvisable for the handymen to carry out the work for insurance reasons.
12. Date of next meeting
The next Environment Committee meeting will be held at 5pm on Thursday 13th October 2022 in the Social Club Meeting Room, Orpen Memorial Hall, Lexden Road, CO6 3BW.