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Minutes of Parish Council Meeting – 25th September 2024

Campaigns discussed on 25th September 2024

A brief summary of key elements of the PC meeting on 25th September 2024. At this meeting, as well as routine matters, they:

  • noted that there were two ‘casual vacancies’ for councillors and acknowledged the contribution made by the departing councillors,
  • discussed National Grid Pylons and Colchester Road Crossing campaigns
  • agreed amendments to the Neighbourhood Plan,
  • approved a Grant to the 1st West Bergholt Scouts,
  • appointed a new Publicity Officer,
  • agreed actions to register with the Lawn Tennis Association,
  • resolved that it had prepared required documents to apply for LCAS Gold Quality Award,
  • received updates on:
    • Community Hub project,
    • Drop in Centre,
    • BYG,
    • Safe Crossing Project (nearly 900 signatures),
    • William Sims Sports Field, and
    • Cycling Working Party.

Read the official draft minutes below.

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting

Held on Wed 25th September 2024 at 7.30pm in the John Lampon Hall, CO6 3BW

Chair:Cllr Brian Butcher
Parish Councillors:Cllrs Paul Chamberlain, Katie Pulford, Andrew Savage, David Short and Harry Stone,
Also in attendance:Laura Walkingshaw (Parish Clerk)
City & County Cllrs:City Cllrs Sara Naylor and Dennis Willetts
Members of the public:2 members of the public attended

24/129    Receive /accept apologies and welcome to the public.

Apologies were received from Cllrs Gili-Ross, Barrow & Tyrell, and County Cllr Lewis Barber.

24/130    Casual Vacancies at West Bergholt Parish Council

To note the occurrence of two casual vacancies during the summer recess and receive an update on the process. James Owers and Sara Cullis both resigned during the past month due to other commitments.

Cllr Butcher wished the Parish Council (PC) to formally record its thanks to both of them for everything they have done during their time with the council. There are elements of West Bergholt Parish Council which have been left in a far better state than when they arrived and are both a loss to the council.

The Notice of Casual Vacancy from Colchester City Council (CCC) is currently on display in the notice boards until 26th Sept (James Owers vacancy) and 10th Oct (Sara Cullis vacancy). After which, if the PC hears that no election has been called by local electors it can co-opt new members to the council using its usual Co-Option process.  

The Clerk has emailed the two residents who showed an interest in joining last year, one has explained that he currently has too many other commitments at present and we await to hear from the other, however another resident has shown interest and was in attendance at the council meeting.

24/131    Declarations of Interest

There were no declarations of interest.

24/132    Previous Minutes & Actions

a)    To approve and sign the Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Wed 24th July 2024 and note any outstanding actions.

RESOLVED – the Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Wed 24th July 2024 were approved and signed by the Chairman, with no amendments. (See link to PC Minutes P4 Jul 2024)

b)    To approve and sign the Minutes of the Extraordinary Parish Council Meeting held on Tues 20th August 2024 and note any outstanding actions.

RESOLVED – the Minutes of the Extraordinary Parish Council Meeting held on Tues 20th Aug 2024 were approved and signed by the Chairman, with no amendments. (See link to PC Minutes P5 Aug 2024)

24/133    Questions from registered electors

There were no questions from registered electors.

24/134    Report from Colchester City & Essex County Councillors

City Cllr Naylor reported on:

Colchester City Council (CCC) – having only just returned from the summer recess, there is little to report until the next full CCC council meeting on 16th Oct 2024, but currently there is a lot happening in terms of Planning at CCC. There is currently a consultation on planning underway for the new government, but the main concern locally in regard to house building is the lack of related infrastructure, i.e. how residents move around, capacity of doctors and schools, etc.

National Grid Pylons – The consultation held by National Grid (NG) has now closed and NG is considering the responses, but Cllr Naylor wanted to note that she had submitted a 6-page response to it herself. The Parish Council has a dedicated web page to the anti-pylons campaign which residents can visit.

Uncle Kams – Cllr Butcher reported that whilst collecting petition signatures for another matter (see item 24/144) many of the streets neighbouring the Fish and Chip Shop in Colchester Road expressed concerns of the possible disinterest of CCC officers into the smell/litter issues related to the shop. Cllr Naylor was disappointed to hear that and will follow up with the officers and put an update out for all to read, as the problem has obviously not gone away.

City Cllr Willetts reported on:

Lack of CCC enforcement staff – Cllr Willetts expressed his concerns about the lack of CCC staff, specifically in the Planning Enforcement & Environmental Control departments (although the problem applies to many local authorities at present).

Safe Crossing on Colchester Road petition – (see item 24/144) Cllr Willetts has signed the petition and kindly circulated it to his fellow CCC Cllrs, but he suggested that the PC goes the extra mile and requests traffic lights as well as a “safe crossing” as most of the expense is the same and it could be a lost opportunity otherwise.

CCC Finances – following the “Fit for the Future” review of its finances, CCC cut £4.7M from its budget, by reducing services such as grass cutting, however there are now issues with the new complex at the Northern Gateway development. Cineworld was to be an anchor business on the site, however having had its recent financial troubles the Council is having to find an unexpected £4M to cover its losses at the Northern Gateway, which of course, CCC doesn’t have.

Garden Waste Scheme – also the garden waste scheme is not quite the success that was predicted previously, an accounting error has meant that there is a hole in the expected finances.

Questions from the parish councillors were then asked on:

Dog bin at St Mary’s Old Church – Cllr Short reported that a resident had drawn this dog bin to his attention as it is almost always full or overflowing. Cllr Willetts & Naylor agreed to contact Caroline Law of the CCC Neighbourhood team in regard to this issue.

Locality Budget – an update was requested on the applications that had been made for the funding for the Youth Drop-In Centre and Friends of Hillhouse Woods trailer. Cllr Willetts reported that the applications are being considered at the moment.

24/135    Planning

  • 232751 Blackheath Bulb Company, Nayland Rd, CO6 3DE. Planning Appeal: Replacement of three agricultural buildings with three dwellings

Comment: Having considered all the details of this application, the Parish Council has decided to refer to previous comments made. Action: Councillor Tyrell will rewrite a response to this appeal to be submitted online by the Clerks Assistant before the deadline of 11th September 2024

Decision: Object

  • 241526 Land adj. to Hill House, 155 Colchester Road, CO6 3JX. Proposed formation of alternative vehicular access to site approved for two bungalows (under reserved matters 231736).

Comment: Having considered all the details of this application, the Parish Council has decided to defer to the expertise of Essex Highways on this matter.

Decision: Support

  • 240171  Daniells House, Colchester Road, CO6 3SF. Planning Appeal: External refurbishment (revised application following refusal of application 231401)

Comment: Having considered all the details of this application, the Parish Council has decided not to comment.

Decision: N/A

c)     To agree to the WBPC Planning Committee’s amendments to the West Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan and their submission to Colchester City Council.

Cllr Butcher explained that the WBPC Planning had been in discussions with CCC Planning Department since last year and that the only recommended amendments were to remove all references to the Village Design Statement (VDS). This is a minor amendment, so once agreed by the PC it can be agreed at a CCC officer level and not require a further public consultation.

RESOLVED – to approve the WBPC Planning Committee’s amendments to the West Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan and their submission to Colchester City Council. Proposed by Cllr Butcher, seconded by Cllr Short. All in favour.

24/136    Environment & Highways

The minutes of the 12th Sept 24 meeting were noted. Cllr Pulford summarised; the Committee had:

  • put up replacement signs at the bottom of Argents Lane,
  • made a concrete base for the new flagpole,
  • undertaken routine grass cutting,
  • been contacted by an Environmental Studies student who is keen to volunteer with the PC, possibly in relation to the ponds,
  • booked the annual hedge cutting for the October half term.

The Parish Christmas Tree was discussed, especially in regard to the lights, but two trees were muted last year, one at the village sign and one at the Hall so a celebration could be held at its base. Cllr Chamberlain indicated that his company would be willing to sponsor both trees if required.

ACTION – Clerk to add Christmas Tree discussion to next agenda of the Environment Committee

b)    To note the signed Service Level Agreement (SLA) between WBPC and TBS Hygiene for the emptying of the parish council’s litter and dog bins 2024-25

A little belatedly, the PC now has a signed copy of the SLA with the company engaged to empty the dog & litter bins owned by West Bergholt Parish Council. This follows a quote from CCC which was thought to be too expensive and the TBS Hygiene offered much better value for West Bergholt residents.

24/137    Finance

a)    Statement of accounts for July-August 24

The final accounts for Jul-Aug 24 (42% through the financial year) were presented as follows: (See link to PC Accounts P4-5 Jul-Aug 2024)

Receipts at 52%, General Expenditure 34%, Environment Expenditure 32%, Overall Expenditure 33%. Bank Rec at £135,874.60.

Good couple of months for the tennis court bookings, although now entering the quieter winter period. Some monies spent in Village Environs line item relating to the parish vehicle, i.e. repairs, MOT and yearly road tax. Have also now received the second half of the precept on the 6th of September. Reserves sheet reflects the money spent on the WB Community Hub and the flagpole during July & August.

b)    Payments

RESOLVED – to approve the Aug & Sept 24 payments lists in accordance with the 2024-25 budget as detailed below. Proposed by Cllr Savage, seconded by Cllr Stone. All in favour.

Aug 2024

DDBarclaysBank charges (no loyalty reward)8.50
SOJ & M Payroll ServicesAug – wages, tax & NI5,500.00
PC24067J & M Payroll ServicesAug – wages tax & NI1,974.66
PC24068ARCOPPE & clothing for Handymen69.92
PC24069J & M Payroll ServicesPayroll services – Aug48.00
PC24070WBFCGrass cutting Aug – LD Field50.00
PC24071CountrywideGrass cutting Aug – Poor’s Land209.00
PC24072Laura WalkingshawWHUK, defib pads, DBS, key box, gloves, clipboards284.50
PC24073SibbonsBahco tools: pruning saw, loppers, extending pole186.29
PC24074PKF Littlejohn LLPExternal audit 2023-24504.00
PC24075BCMT AutocentreRepairs to PC vehicle219.72
PC24076SibbonsAutoCut strimmer head x 263.00
PC24077TBS Hygiene LtdDog/litter bin emptying 27/07/24-30/08/24270.00
PC24078Ian ColemanSafety boots79.00
PC24079CPD Online CollegeH & S for Employees x 5, H & S for Mgrs x 1160.92
PC24080Petty CashPetrol & diesel64.64
PC24081Jacqui KibbyEditor remuneration – Autumn 2024 Village Bulletin180.00
PC24082Envirosigns LtdMUGA guidance notice57.60
PC24083ARCO3 x Hi-Viz yellow WBPC T-shirts – Handymen54.97
PC24084Flagpole Express8m hinge base flagpole & hinge base cover880.20
TfrPC to HallHA24027 – JL door signs & defibrillator fitting700.00

Sept 2024

DDBarclaysBank charges – loyalty reward (18.73 – 2.05)16.68
DDWaveAllotments 03 Jun – 02 Sep 24450.63
SOJ & M Payroll ServicesSep – wages, tax & NI5,500.00
PC24085J & M Payroll ServicesSep – wages tax & NI1,677.99
PC24086J & M Payroll ServicesPayroll services – Sep48.00
PC24087WBFCGrass cutting Sep – LD Field50.00
PC24088CountrywideGrass cutting Sep – Poor’s Land209.00
PC24089Laura WalkingshawWebhosting mthly, first aid items for SC/Drop in café103.34
PC24090Petty Cash34 second class stamps – allotment invoices28.90
PC24091Matt HarknessConcrete x 10, hazard tape, duct tape114.50
PC24092WavePoor’s Land 05 Jun – 04 Sep 2426.25
PC24093Tree & Lawn CompanyTree work on Heath & LD Field1,716.00
PC24094TBS Hygiene LtdDog/litter bin emptying 31/08-27/09216.00
PC24095DS GroupBulletin printing – Autumn 2024641.00
PC24096EALCTraining – Crisis Communications BTB60.00
PC24097YMCA EssexYouth worker (13 weeks) & 5 x DBS checks723.50
PC24098EnvirosignsSigns x 4 (50% Eight Ash G PC)478.56
PC24099Thompson, Smith & PuxonProfessional fees for William Sims Field land transfer*4,186.80
PC24100SibbonsRepairs and new parts – strimmer65.82

* Includes VAT, which will be reclaimed and for which £4,600 had previously been ringfenced.

c)     To approve the TLC quote of £1430 for work to the Heath & Lorkin Daniell Field, completed during the school summer holidays.

RESOLVED – to approve the TLC quote of £1430 for work to the Heath & Lorkin Daniell Field. Proposed by Cllr Savage, seconded by Cllr Butcher. All in favour.

d)    To agree to the Finance Advisory Committee’s recommendation to apply for a £6,000 grant from the CIF for the work to the practice goal area of the Lorkin Daniell Field.

Having been refused a grant from the Emergency CIF for the work to the practice goal area on the LD Field, it has been proposed to apply for the main Community Initiative Funding (CIF), now that it is open for applications.

RESOLVED – to agree the Finance Advisory Committee’s recommendation to apply for a £6,000 grant from the CIF for the work to the practice goal area of the Lorkin Daniell Field. Proposed by Cllr Savage, seconded by Cllr Butcher. All in favour.

ACTION – Clerk & RFO will now make a CIF application of £6,000 for work to the practice goal area.

e)    To agree to the Finance Advisory Committee’s recommendation of a £500 grant to the 1st West Bergholt Scout Group for their young leaders programme.

Received an application for a £500 on the 21st Aug 2024. £1,000 currently available in the WBPC grant allocation. Cllr Savage remarked that the application was well written and fits within the council’s grant application criteria.

RESOLVED – to approve the Finance Advisory Committee’s recommendation of a £500 grant to the 1st West Bergholt Scout Group for their young leaders programme. Proposed by Cllr Butcher, seconded by Cllr Savage. All in favour.

24/138    Governance

a)    To review and agree the following WBPC policies:

  • Tree Removal & Replacement Policy – minor amendments
  • Publicity Plan – amended
  • Social Media & Electronic Communications Policy – amended
  • Health & Safety Policy – no change
  • Lone Workers Policy – no change
  • High Consequence Infectious Disease Policy – no change
  • Implementation Plan for WBNP Action Plan – no change
  • Accessibility Statement – no change, except dates relating to testing to be updated by webmaster.

It was noted that the Implementation Plan does need to be amended with the loss of Sara Cullis, as she is named as the “owner” of many of the items within it, but the council will adopt it as is at this meeting and return to it at a later date once it has co-opted new members, who may wish to add their names to items.

RESOLVED – Cllr Butcher proposed to agree to adopt all eight reviewed policies as per the amendments circulated to members. Cllr Savage seconded. All in favour.

ACTION – Clerk to send amended policies to webmaster as soon as possible.

b)    To agree the updates to the WBPC Action Plan 2024-25

The WBPC Action Plan 2024-25 was updated during August 2024 and additional columns added this week to help clarify the origin and budgeting behind each item. This document was circulated to members prior to the meeting.

RESOLVED – to agree the updates to the WBPC Action Plan 2024-25 v.2. Cllr Butcher proposed, Cllr Short seconded. All in favour.

24/139    Communications

a)    To approve the Clerk’s Assistant as the new Publicity Officer

With the resignation of Sara Cullis, the PC is now without a Publicity Officer. As Sara and Julie Gillott, the Clerk’s Assistant, had been working hand in glove on publicity, the most obvious candidate for the position is Julie, who covers much of the role in her day-to-day activities anyway. A copy of Publicity Officer role was shown to the Council for their information. Cllr Butcher clarified that the council should agree the appointment for now, but would recommend that money is set aside in next year’s budget so her hours can be reviewed, if necessary, in April.

RESOLVED – Cllr Butcher proposed to approve the Clerk’s Assistant, Julie Gillott, as the new Publicity Officer. Cllr Stone seconded. All in favour

b)    To receive the monthly website and Publicity Officer’s report

Both the monthly website report and the latest social media updates were circulated to members in advance of the meeting. It was noted that Julie had been producing more information for social media on Canva lately, which looks very professional. Also noted that both Cllrs Butcher and Savage have now been issued with a significant amount of email storage of late.

24/140    MUGA/Tennis Courts

To put in place all the necessary requirements and approve all the safeguarding documents required by the Lawn Tennis Association in order for West Bergholt Parish Council to register the tennis courts with their ClubSpark system.

To register with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), the Parish Council needs to have the following new policies in place:

  • Safeguarding Policy & Statement
  • Anti-bullying Policy
  • Diversity & Inclusion Policy
  • Online Safety & Communication Policy
  • Photography & Filming Policy
  • Safe Recruitment Policy

As well as displaying the “Safe to Play”, “Safeguarding” and “Find a Coach” posters, for which a new noticeboard outside the courts will need to be purchased. The Clerk still has some work to do to these policies, adding in the information to all the yellow highlighted sections and once approved these will be displayed by the MUGA/tennis courts or on the westbergholt-pc.gov.uk website.

Registering with the ClubSpark system should free up a lot of the Hall Administrator’s unsocial hours and apparently there are grants available from the LTA for remote access gates. The MUGA Working Group recently met and there will be report coming to the next full council meeting.

RESOLVED – Cllr Butcher proposed to approve all of the new LTA policies above, purchase of a noticeboard at a reasonable cost for the MUGA/tennis courts and display of the LTA notices therein. Cllr Chamberlain seconded. All in favour

24/141    Local Council Award Scheme (LCAS) – Quality Gold submission 6th Sept 24

To receive a verbal update on the Council’s LCAS Quality Gold submission of the 6th Sept 2024 and to approve the necessary statements 3-7

The timeline for the LCAS award process is below.

TaskDeadline
Deadline for LCAS applications6 September 2024
Deadline for NALC to provide triage feedback to councils27 September 2024
Deadline for councils to respond to triage feedback11 October 2024
Deadline for applications to be sent to panel25 October 2024
Deadline for panel results6 December 2024

The triage stage has now been reached and the feedback has just been received.

RESOLVED – Cllr Butcher proposed that the council formally approves by resolution that it has prepared statements 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 for Quality Gold to be presented to the assessment panel showing how it:

  • Ensures that the council delivers value for money.
  • Provides leadership in planning for the future of the community.
  • Engages with the community on issues related to the environment and climate change.
  • Manages the performance of the council as a corporate body.
  • Manages the performance of each individual staff member to achieve its business plan.

Seconded by Cllr Savage. All in favour.

Cllr Butcher thanked everyone involved with the application, especially the Clerk.

24/142    West Bergholt Community Hub

To receive a verbal update on the WB Community Hub project.

Cllr Savage updated the council on the WB Community Hub project. There have been two issues of late; the Council’s insurance company and the contract, which was held up by the insurance question. These issues have now been resolved and the contract has been signed by both WBPC and Oliva Contracts.

Work is due to start on the week commencing 30th September until the 14th February 2025.

ACTION – will need a Sod Turning Ceremony soon and Clerk to ensure that Bluebells, hirers and neighbours are informed.

24/143    Youth Engagement

To receive a verbal update on the Drop-in Centre and Bergholt Youth Group.

Drop-in Centre: Opened after summer holidays on Wed 18th Sept from 4-6pm. The YMCA have proved invaluable, helping with safeguarding and completing the DBS checks. 9 young people in attendance last week and 14 this week, the increase in numbers due to the Centre now being open to Year 6 children. They make use of SC meeting room and the outside space, with volunteers both inside and out. Nice to see former Heathlands students, now at Stanway, Trinity & Honeywood schools all meeting up with their old friends, that was the original idea behind this project and it is nice to see it in action. Flyers are going out this week and so numbers are expected to rise, but more volunteers are needed as each session is currently manned by the youth worker and 3 adult volunteers. There are potential volunteers from the parents, but are competing with those now volunteering for the re-established Bergholt Youth Group. Sara Cullis, although no longer a parish councillor, will remain involved in this project as a volunteer for now.

Bergholt Youth Group: New committee and team of 7 supported by Essex Youth Service now established. Very positive handover meeting took place on Monday and happy to report that things look good for BYG again. The Parish Council would like to thank Sara Cullis for everything she did to help facilitate this.

24/144 Safe crossing of Colchester Road (B1508)

To receive a verbal update on the petition for a safe crossing on Colchester Road (B1508)

856 signatures received so far. Cllr Butcher would like to thank everyone who has gone out knocking on doors to get signatures. He will be meeting with County Cllr Lewis Barber for a photo opportunity and handover of the petition, so that it can then be presented by Cllr Barber to Essex County Council at their next full meeting.

24/145 William Sims Sports Field

To receive a verbal update on the William Sims Sports Field land transfer. There were two outstanding issues with the land transfer deed itself:

  1. The Parish Council’s contribution to the maintenance of the approach roads, this is now limited to the hard landscaping and not to include the soft landscaping.
  2. The lack of an Open Space completion certificate, required for the handover. However, Hopkins solicitors advise that there is more work to be done to the field and it will ultimately be signed off by a landscape architect and CCC.

There is no money available to do anything to the site until there are more development section 106 money is available. Although, there is currently money in the PC Reserves for the solicitor’s fees and in the budget for any grass cutting that may be required, and possibly some minor security notices. Will also need to talk to the football and cricket clubs, but cannot do anything until have car parking facilities, for which possibly an Enovert grant may be required.

24/146 Cycling Working Party

To receive a verbal update on the work of the Cycling Working Party.

Village Cycle Ride planned for Sunday 6th October at 11 o’clock. 30 people have expressed an interest in these circulating routes of 11 miles, one flat and one more hilly. The PC’s insurance company has been informed and are happy to let this event go ahead as a trial at no extra cost. A risk assessment is required, which Cllr Butcher will complete imminently. There will be one lead rider and one sweeper for each group. Help may be needed from the Handymen for putting up the signs on the 4th Oct.

ACTION – Cllr Pulford to speak to Cllr Gili-Ross in regard to the Handymen

24/147    Training & Networking Events

To note & receive feedback from the training/networking undertaken during the last month by Councillors or the Clerk:

  • Health & Safety at Work for Employees – online Aug-Sept 2024 – JG, VBC, MH, IC, SF (i.e. all staff)
  • Health & Safety at Work for Managers – online Aug-Sept 2024 – Clerk
  • Meeting with Stanway PC – 5th Sept & 16th Sept 2024 – Clerk met separately with Stanway PC Clerk, then the Chair, Clerk & RFO met with Chair & Clerk of Stanway PC. Talked about similar problems and how can work together. Also met with Eight Ash Green PC on 27th August 2024 (Chair, Clerk & RFO met with Chair & Clerk of Eight Ash Green PC) and will be meeting with Myland Community Council in October as part of plan to improve relations with neighbouring councils.
  • EALC AGM – 26th September 2024 – Cllr Harry Stone will be collecting his Essex Councillor of the Year award, which is most deserved, although Cllr Stone did modestly state that the award wasn’t just for him, but for the entire village.

24/148    Items of Note

  • Crime Statistics – (15th Jul – 22nd Sept 2024) 2 crimes recorded, one burglary & one theft.
  • Meeting with Heathlands School 19th Sept 2024 – Cllr Stone attended and could confirm to the council that the new Headteacher will start on the 1st January. The school are looking into a temporary barrier for across School Drive (entrance to the school across the Heath) to be used for 30 minutes in the morning and afternoon to stop parents parking on the drive, but will discuss more fully at the next meeting.

ACTIONCllr Stone to confirm the time/date of the next meeting

  • Campaign for safer E bike and E scooter batteries – the council discussed this issue and decided not to take it any further from a parish council level.
  • NOTE – Cllrs to please ensure that they are using [email protected] email address, rather than any of the older .org addresses.

24/149    Items for Next Agenda (Oct 24)

  • Budgets
  • MUGA WP Report and review of ToR
  • Playground Advisory Committee report on the next new piece of equipment

24/150    In Committee

Nothing was discussed in committee.

24/151    Date of Next Meeting

The next full council meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Wed 23rd October at 7.30pm, in the John Lampon Hall, Orpen Memorial Hall, Lexden Rd, CO6 3BW.

The meeting closed at 9.18pm.

Signed:                                                                                Date: