Category: Environment & Highways

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Environment & Highways – 14th March 2024

The Environment & Highways Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 14th March 2024 with topics including:

Hall Road pond after silt clearance
  • Handyman update including:
    • grass cutting,
    • litter picking,
    • play equipment inspection,
    • laying foundations for a shed, and
    • storm damage,
  • Works undertaken by Arches Plant Hire on behalf of the Parish Council at Hall Road Pond and
  • The Practice Goal on the Lorkin Daniell Field.

Environment Committee Minutes

Meeting held on Thurs 14th March 2024 at 4.30pm in SC Mtg Rm

Members present:Cllrs Katie Pulford (KP), David Short (DS), Manya Barrow (MB) and James Owers (JO)
Also present:Two members of the public
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Ditches – Who’s Responsible?

Ditches – A Quick Guide To Responsibilities

The Parish Council has noted there to be quite a lot of interest in Ditches and responsibilities on Social Media. It is hoped that you will find the following of use in understanding this topic.

Q.What is a ditch?
A.A ditch is defined as a man-made feature which has been created in order to drain an area of land. Historically these were normally dug by a landowner at the edge of their field and the spoil deposited on their land, on which hedges grew over time
Q.What are watercourses?
A.Watercourses are natural features which drain the surrounding catchment and normally have some water flowing in it, typically rivers, streams etc.
Q.Who is responsible for the maintenance of watercourses and ditches?
A.It is generally the responsibility of the owners of the land on either bank. This means that they have both rights and responsibilities associated with the ditches, or other watercourses, flowing through or adjacent to their property.
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Environment & Highways – 8th February 2024

The Environment & Highways Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 8th February 2024 with topics including:

On 8th February 2024 the E&H Committee discussed speeding issues & a possible trial with police to address them.
  • Paper recycling used at Newbridge Mill Farm,
  • Litter issues around Uncle Kams Fish & Chip shop,
  • Possible involvement in a speeding control trial,
  • Tree Planting, and
  • Handymen’s report including:
    • Replacing some saplings that had been disturbed,
    • Litter picking,
    • Truck repairs went well,
    • Highways preliminary sweep of Argents Lane.

Environment Committee Minutes

Meeting held on Thurs 8th February 2024 at 4.30pm in SC Mtg Rm

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

1.     Welcome & Apologies

Apologies were received from Cllrs Manya Barrow and James Owers.

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Environment & Highways – 11th January 2024

AI generated image showing a broken down truck, falling Xmas Tree & some snow coming

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

  • Severe flooding recently experienced & how mitigated or being mitigated.
  • Repairs needed to the village truck.
  • Handymen activities including:
    • planning for snow,
    • dealing with compacted leaves and
    • hedge planting at the Armoury Road / Colchester Rod junction.
  • Reviewing the 2023 Christmas Tree for lessons learnt.

Environment Committee Minutes

Meeting held on Thurs 11th January 2024 at 5.00pm in SC Mtg Rm

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

1.     Welcome & Apologies

Apologies were received from Cllr James Owers.

2.     Declarations of Interests

None.

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Environment & Highways – 16th November 2023

AI generated image to reflect some of the topics discussed on the 16th November 2023

The Environment & Highways Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 16th November 2023 with topics including:

  • Update on works completed by the handymen,
  • Approving a budget for the next financial year,
  • Plans for Village Ponds,
  • New fencing for Lorkin Daniell play area,
  • Christmas Tree, &
  • Flooding & a Sink Hole.

Environment Committee Minutes

Meeting held on Thurs 16th November 2023 at 5.00pm in SC Mtg Rm

Members present:Cllrs John Gili-Ross (JGR), Katie Pulford (KP), Harry Stone (HS), Manya Barrow (MB), David Short (DS) and RFO Andrew Savage (AS)
Also present:No members of the public

1.     Welcome & Apologies

Apologies were received from Cllr James Owers.

2.     Declarations of Interests

None.

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Environment & Highways – 12th October 2023

The Environment & Highways Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 12th October 2023 with topics including:

AI generated image in artistic style to go with E&H minutes of 12th October 2023 showing village pond, speeding cars & playground items.
  • Speeding on Lexden Road,
  • Maintenance matters with ponds, playground & hedges,
  • Environment & Biodiversity,
  • Consideration of budget needs for future plans.

Environment Committee Minutes

Meeting held on Thurs 12th October 2023 at 5.00pm in SC Mtg Rm

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Environment & Highways – 14th September 2023

An AI generated image depicting taking care of the environment

The Environment & Highways Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 14th September 2023 with topics including:

  • The CCC proposal for a management company to look after the Armoury Road maintenance,
  • Progress on dealing with ‘advisories’ from the recent ROSPA playground inspection,
  • Discussion on attendance at a Heath Conservation course,
  • Future provisions for ponds maintenance,
  • Progress of the Mayor’s Oaks on Poor’s Land,
  • Discussion on ‘No Parking’ banners, possible application for planning approval and portable signs.

Environment Committee Minutes

Meeting held on Thurs 14th September 2023 at 5.00pm in SC Mtg Rm

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Solar Panels & Batteries

Solar Panels & Battery System for the Orpen Memorial Hall complex

Orpen Hall

Background

The Orpen Memorial Hall was on an electricity tariff that was due to end in September 2022.  The replacement electricity contract would result in a 4-fold increase in the unit cost. Our task was to see how we could reduce the financial impact and improve the sustainability of the Hall.

Proposal

To install a solar panel and battery system paid for by a grant.

The Process

We were aware that our 2-year fixed rate deal would soon be ending. We, therefore, started getting system quotes and looking around for potential grant sources earlier in the year. 

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Tree Survey Results in Decision to Fell 2 Trees

The Oak Tree to be felled is on The Heath in front of Heathlands School
The Oak Tree on the Heath by Heathlands School

Recently West Bergholt Parish Council commissioned an independent Arboriculturist to undertake a tree survey. The aim of the tree survey was to assess the Wellbeing & Safety of trees under the Council’s care. This initiative stemmed from the Council’s regular review of the buildings and grounds under its management.

The Council invited quotes for the task and were pleased that a Local Business, the Tree & Lawn Company (TLC), offered the most competitive, and timely (outside of school hours), quote to carry out the work. Subsequently, the Arboriculturist surveyed the trees at Lorkin Daniell Playing Field, The Heath, Poors Field and the Allotments. They had the task of investigating signs of declining health, dead or broken branches, decay, or fungus, etc.

Reported in June

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Environment & Highways – 13th July 2023

Environment meeting image for 13th July 2023

The Environment & Highways Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 13th July 2023 with topics including:

  • Remedial work required with the Zipwire cable,
  • The “Mayors” trees on Poor’s Land requiring more frequent watering,
  • Water levels in village ponds,
  • Establishing a priority list for potholes,
  • Addressing parking on grass area near Uncle Kams F&C Shop.

Environment Committee Minutes

Meeting held on Thurs 13th July 2023 at 5.00pm in SC Mtg Rm

Members present: Cllrs John Gili-Ross (JGR), Katie Pulford (KP), Harry Stone (HS), & David Short (DS)

1.   Welcome & Apologies

Apologies from Cllr Manya Barrow & James Owers.

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