Category: Environment & Highways

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Environment & Highways – 9th July 2015

The Environment & Highways  Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 9th July 2015 when they discussed a range of issues including handymen, traffic safety, Heath footpath and requests from the Scouts & St Mary’s

Environment & Highways Report

Sub-committee Meeting held on Thursday 9th July 2015 in John Lampon Hall

Councillors present John Gili-Ross, Harry Stone,  Rachel Howard, Jenny Church, Phil Walby, Murray Harlow, Rosemary James
Apologies None

 

1 Election of vice chairperson
Rosemary James agreed to take on the role of vice chair for this sub-committee. RJ
2 Terms of Reference
The original terms were discussed and it was felt by all that they were suitable. It was proposed that 2 items of the Terms of Reference for the Premises and Recreation sub-committee would sit more suitably in this subcommittee. They are as follows

  • Maintenance of field markings on Lorkin Daniell Field and Poors Land.
  • Liaison with WB Football Club and WB Heath Youth Football Club.
To be discussed at next Premises and Recreation sub-committee meeting. PW
3 Traffic Safety Plan
Since the yellow lines were set in place, there has been little problem with poor parking. Forms have been printed for Parish Councillors to place on the window screens of any cars found parking illegally. As yet none have been needed. The NEEP will be asked to monitor this situation in future.There has been no communication confirming when the remainder of the Highways tasks planned will be carried out. JGR
3 Handyman work schedule
a)   It is proposed that we employ a temporary handy man for 5 hours a week (possibly a holiday job for a young person) at £5.30 an hour to cover for peak summer times, July and August, when there is more handy man work needed. Propose to advertise on Web site and notice boards.  Steve could possibly give extra hours in the meantime. JGR
b)   The Beacon needs setting on the pole. Steve and Ivor will do this. John to arrange. JGR
c)    A plaque for the beacon will be ordered by Murray.  MH
4 Footway across Heath by school.
The surface of the path is slightly rutted, but not a problem at the moment. To be monitored over this autumn and winter. JGR
5 Scouts
A letter from the Scouts was received requesting that the PC should cut the grass surrounding the hut. Steve or Ivor could do this but we need more time to consider the request. Need to respond to Scouts for more information for this new request. JGR
6 Letter from St Mary’s Church
The Church Warden has requested help from PC with tidying the churchyard. The Church Warden will be asked for a specific proposal on this.  HS
7 Purchase of garden “Blower”
This has been purchased and is ready for use.
8 Cleaning of Signs at Orpen Hall
Steve to be asked to clean the “No dogs on Field” signs JGR
9 Date of next meeting – Thurs 10th Sept 2015 at 5pm (no meeting in August)
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Water Leak near Heathlands School

water leakWater Leak near School

A water leak has been detected near Heathlands School.  Engineers, working for Atkins on behalf of Essex County Council, will be investigating this between Thursday 20th and Friday 21st August.  As part of the investigation they will be excavating alongside water meters near the junction of New Church Road and the access road to Heathlands School.

The works to find this water leak should have no impact on any residents as the engineers will be confining the works to the school grounds as much as possible.  If there is any reason to change these plans the engineers will tell us as soon as possible, please contact the Parish Clerk if you have any queries.

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Environment & Highways – 11th June 2015

The Environment & Highways  Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 11th June 2015 when they elected officers & discussed a range of issues including handyman, traffic, beacon, field cutting, footways & scouts.

Environment & Highways Report

Sub-committee Meeting held on Thursday 11th June 2015 in John Lampon Hall

Councillors present Harry Stone, John Gili-Ross, Rachel Howard, Jenny Church, Phil Walby, Murray Harlow, Rosemary James
Apologies

 

1 Welcome
Harry welcomed all to the new environment sub-committee.

Matters arising from last meeting:-
a)   Ditch at allotments has been cleared by Norhurst and should not cause further problems.
b)   Snow gritter has been replaced by the retailers as the old one did not work. HS
c)   Beacon needs to be placed on pole at village sign site. Steve and Ivor to be asked to do. HS
d)   Plan in future for this meeting to make recommendations on issues to send to the PC meeting.
e)   Terms of reference to be reviewed – to be sent to all members to be discussed at next meeting. JC
2 Election of officers
Chairperson:- John was nominated by Jenny and seconded by Phil and was elected as Chairman.
Footpath Officer:- John volunteered as Footpath Officer, all agreed. JGR
Transport Representative – Harry agreed to continue in this role. There is a meeting on Thursday 2nd July 1pm-4pm in the Quaker meeting house – Harry would not be able to attend so Rachel volunteered to go. HS, RH
TPO officer – it was noted that TPOs were available on CBC Planning website and all members could have access to this information. Phil volunteered to be TPO officer. PW
3 Traffic Safety Plan
All proposed yellow lines have been put in place.  20mph limits have been signed off and possibly signage will be put in place in July. We wait for further confirmation. TSP group will be John, Rachel, Murray and Harry JGR, RH, MH, HS
4 Handy man work schedule
Harry has this in hand. John proposed that we need someone to work extra hours particularly in the spring and summer to supplement Steve’s work in strimming and litter picking. John to investigate this. JGR
5 Field cutting and mowing surrounds
The Football club is now mowing the Lorkin Daniell field (see Premises meeting notes for more info). Poors land is cut by Countrywide. There is a problem with the timing of this – Phil will deal with this problem and investigate the Athletics white line painting. PW
6 Scouts
Asbestos survey of Scout Hut has been carried out by Scouts.

A letter from the Scouts has been received requesting that the PC should cut the grass surrounding the hut. Steve or Ivor could do this but we need more time to consider the request. Need to check with the Finance Committee

 JGR
7 Letter from St Mary’s Church
The Church Warden has requested help from PC with tidying the churchyard. The Church Warden will be asked for a specific proposal on this. HS
8 Letter from CBC Zone Manager
The letter raised concerns about too many posters on poles around the village. We need to monitor the situation and use sensibly by village organisations only. Removing posters when the date is passed. All
9 Letter from resident in Queens Road.
This is regarding road repairs. The Parish Clerk will need to deal with this. HS
10 Purchase of a garden blower
This would be for the use of the village handyman. Harry to investigate cost and take to Finance Committee. HS
11 AOB
a)   Dog bin at Old Church is full – Phil to contact Zone Manager. PW
b)   Surface of footway access across Heath could be a problem. John to investigate. JGR
c)    “No dogs” signs at entrances to LD Field need cleaning and highlighting. John to investigate. JGR
12 Date of next meeting – Thursday 9th July 2015 at 5pm in JL Hall,
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2015 Parish Meeting Well Attended

Refreshments before the meeting
Refreshments before the meeting
Opportunity to review the Neighbourhood Plan exhibition boards
Opportunity to review the Neighbourhood Plan exhibition boards
Public at 2015 annual meeting
Much debate between members and villagers
Discussions with parish councillors
The opportunity to talk to councillors was definitely taken up

2015 Parish Meeting Well Attended

The 2015 Parish Meeting saw over 100 local residents attending to receive the annual report from the Parish Council, the draft minutes of the meeting have already been published online but the following are highlights of the event.

Chairman’s Report

In his last Annual Meeting as Chairman, John Gili-Ross reflected on the importance of the Neighbourhood Plan in ensuring West Bergholt develops in accordance with the wishes of the local community.  On the subject of community, John also discussed the important part played by the many local volunteers:

Our future lies firmly within the many volunteers who help provide a vibrant and interesting village life.  Imagine how different our village would be without the many volunteers who provide our village with clubs, recreational pursuits, youth organisations, church communities, institutes and associations. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all our village volunteers.

Other areas he covered included the Superfast Essex broadband project, the achievement of the Local Council Quality Award, and the commitment of local councillors.  In winding up his Introductory messages he gave thanks to Val Walsom who will be retiring as Parish Clerk after many years, also to Vicky Beckwith-Cole, Halls Administrator and Stephen Cook, village handyman.

Committee Reports

Environment & Highways

Harry Stone reported on the wide span of responsibility this committee covers including:

  • The Allotments where he addressed the improvements in management and support with the rotavator and replacement of water tanks,
  • The Village Green & Poors Land which require regular maintenance,
  • The 3 ponds which need regular clearance of reed mace,
  • General maintenance in and around the village,
  • Traffic congestion and parking, updating on progress with the Traffic Safety Plan,
  • Highway Maintenance, liaison with Essex Highways attempting to prioritize those areas most needing attention,
  • MUGA & Sports facility which, whilst well used, has sometimes been abused but remedial action appears to be working,
  • Dog Fouling, Snow Clearance and Tree Conservation.

Premises & Recreation

Phil Walby reported on the halls and the high levels of lettings and events, not least by regular groups.  Projects undertaken in the past year included the resurfacing  and new LED lights for the car park, interior hall redecoration and provision of all-weather football facilities.  Projects planned for the upcoming year (funds permitting) include safety improvements to play equipment, stage curtains, floor treatments and introducing new regular events such as film nights.

Planning & Development

Chris Stevenson reported that the busiest part of this portfolio related to 43 planing applications in the past year (20% higher than the previous year) where the committee supported 19, objected to just 5 but made observations on a further 19.  Longer term, more strategic, activities included consultations with the Borough Council on Local Planning and provision of design guidance.  The committee was also deeply involved with the Orpen Hall car park resurfacing project.

Parish/Neighbourhood Planning

Chris Stevenson was able to report that most elements of the Parish plan, produced in 2008, have now been addressed and that progress has been made on its successor, the Neighbourhood Plan, through collection of evidence, analysis and eventual plan production – it is planned for a draft consultation document to be issued by the end of 2015.

Finance, Policy & Personnel

Andrew Savage reported that the 2013/14 accounts were signed off by the external auditor.  Financial activities in the past year were dominated by the Orpen Hall car park resurfacing which cost over £60k, but other projects have also been progressed including new chairs for both halls.  Projects like these are often fully or partly funded by grants, and indeed, some grant income did support these, but these are becoming increasingly difficult to secure and so to continue moving forward a small increase in the parish precept has had to be made.

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Environment & Highways – 9th April 2015

The Environment & Highways  Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 9th April 2015 when they discussed a range of issues including village handyman, traffic safety, beacon, footways & grit spreader.

Environment & Highways Report

Sub-committee Meeting held on Thursday 9th April 2015 in John Lampon Hall

Councillors present  Harry Stone, Jenny Church, Phil Walby, Murray Harlow
Apologies  Rachel Howard, Rosemary James.

 

1

Village Handyman
Arranged for Steve to collect and store the salt bags from around the village.
Ivor arranged to cut the hedge at the Methodist church. Jobs for Steve and Ivor to be arranged by email by Harry. Job specifications agreed between Steve and Harry.		 HS

2

 Traffic Safety Plan
All proposed yellow lines and road signs and 20mph limits have been signed off. The yellow lines apparently will be done in April and the speed limit signage in July. We wait for further confirmation. New Church Road will need potholes repaired and? resurfacing. Agenda item

3

Beacon
The post for the beacon has been put in place by the village sign at the end of Chapel Road. The metal beacon has been stored in the interim. Agenda item

4

Footways
A village resident has proposed the need for a footway along Nayland Road to make it safer for children to walk to school. The suggestion should be sent to the Neighbourhood Plan group as part of the questionnaire proposals. Agenda item

5

Grit spreader
Harry has been trying to contact Tuckwells about the function problems with the grit spreader. He is currently waiting for a response from the firm. HS

6.

Areas of work in village
Agreed to produce a map showing sites of our responsibility in the village. HS

Date of next meeting – Thursday 14th May 2015

 

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Road Closures April – May

Road Closures April – May

Road Closures Map April-May 2015
Map showing locations of closures

The following information about a number of road closures / traffic controls has been received from Heathlands Primary although will impact others as well – on verifying details on the Essex Highways website at 6pm on Friday 17th April (click link to check current status), each is considered to be of high impact with delays likely – it is usual for such works to maintain access for residents at all times although (Ed.  speaking from personal experience), the route might sometimes be circuitous and bumpy.

  • New Church Road scheduled to start on 20th April – 1st May.  It is unlikely to be possible to park on New Church Road for dropping off and collecting children near the school.
  • B1508 opposite Garthwood Close from 22nd – 24th April for carriageway patching.
  • Lexden Road in the Scout Hut area from 20th – 24th April.
  • Cooks Hall Road  and Chapel Road from 24th April – 2nd May.
  • School Lane from 1st – 13th May.
  • Newbridge Hill from 5th – 11th May.
  • Chapel Lane and Whitehouse Lane from 5th – 15th May.
  • Hall Road from 5th – 29th May.
  • Chitts Hill from 11th – 18th May.
Road Closures April-May 2015
Red indicates High Impact – delays likely and Amber, Medium Impact – delays possible

 

The car park at the Orpen Hall should still be accessible although it is likely to be busy.

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Environment & Highways – 12th March 2015

The Environment & Highways  Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 12th March 2015 when they discussed a range of issues including village handymen, beacon, potholes, dog poo and footways.

Environment & Highways Report

Sub-committee Meeting held on Thursday 12th March 2015 in John Lampon Hall

Councillors present  Harry Stone, Jenny Church, Phil Walby, Rosemary James
Apologies  Rachel Howard, Murray Harlow.

 

1 Village Handyman
Road signs have been cleaned by Steve. Harry has held a Performance review with Steve.Ivor is arranging to cut the hedge at the Methodist Church. HS
2 Traffic Safety Plan
All proposed yellow lines and road signs and 20mph limits have been signed off. The yellow lines apparently will be done in April and the speed limit signage in July.
3 Potholes
Potholes and surface problems in Chitts Hill highlighted. Ask for resurfacing in the future.Potholes and surfacing in New Church Road needs attention.Hall Road problems have been somewhat alleviated by hedging and ditching. Potholes need attention. The road leading up to the Old Church would benefit from the sweeper. HS
5 Dog fouling
A dog bin has been ordered for the Brewery site. An item for the March Bulletin has been sent in encouraging dog walkers to help keep the village clean.Phil will meet with Marcus and the dog warden on Friday 13th to discuss problems. PW
6 Beacon
Steve is arranging for a pole to be bought and the sign will be placed near the Village sign at the area adjacent to junction of Chapel Road and Colchester Road. Ivor to be asked to assist Steve with transporting beacon to the site. Brian Butcher to monitor site for placement. HS  & BB
7 Areas of work in village
Agreed to produce a map showing sites of our responsibility in the village. HS
8 Footways in village
A resident has proposed that a footway along the Nayland Road would make it safer for children walking to school. It seems unlikely that money will be available for this as a project.
9 Grit spreader
Although the grit spreader has not been required for snow clearance this year, it is not functioning efficiently. Harry to contact Tuckwells for solving the problem. HS
Date of next meeting – to be notified
 

 

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Environment & Highways – 12th February 2015

Environment & Highways Report

Sub-committee Meeting held on Thursday 12th February 2015 in John Lampon Hall

Councillors present Harry Stone, Murray Harlow, Jenny Church, Phil Walby, Rosemary James
Apologies Rachel Howard
1 Village Handyman
Harry to meet with John Gili Ross and Val Walsom regarding Performance Management review.
Ivor to contact Andrew Wilkes to arrange cutting of hedge at Methodist Church HS
2 Village Ponds
Carla from the The Conservation Volunteers has been contacted. Because of weather conditions this pond will be cleared later in the year. JC
3 Traffic Safety Plan
Apparently the introduction of yellow lines and 20mph signs for New Church Road and School Lane have been agreed but we await a date for these to be put in place. Agenda Item
4 Potholes
Many potholes in the village have been marked for repair. We are waiting for the work to be carried out. Problem with drain cover in John Lampon Close has been reported.
5. Dog fouling
A dog bin has been ordered for the Brewery site. An item for the March Bulletin has been sent in encouraging dog walkers to help keep the village clean.  Marcus is contacting the dog warden. To ask Marcus to request some new dog fouling notices that we can put in strategic places in the village. JC
6 Beacon
Steve is arranging for a pole to be bought and the sign will be placed near the Village sign at the area adjacent to junction of Chapel Road and Colchester Road. Ivor to be asked to assist Steve with transporting beacon to the site. Agenda Item
HS
7 Areas of work in village
Agreed to produce a map showing sites of our responsibility in the village. HS
8. Noise abatement
A problem with noise near Queens Road is not apparent at the moment. Phil will monitor this in spring/summer. PW
9 Hall Road
A complaint has been received regarding flooding here. The ditch to the east side of the road has been cleared. To monitor flooding when next heavy rain comes. Potholes have been marked for repair by ECC Highways Dept.
Date of next meeting – Thursday 12th March 2015  in  JL Hall

 

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Environment & Highways – 8th January 2015

Dog poo fairyEnvironment & Highways – 8th January 2015

The Environment & Highways Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 8th January 2015 to consider a range of issues and decisions affecting the general environment and highways within West Bergholt.  Updates on traffic safety, village ponds, pot-holes, dog bins & poo, beacon, & grass cutting.  The formal report to the Parish Council is as follows:

Environment & Highways Report

Sub-committee Meeting held on Thursday 8th January 2015 in John Lampon Hall

Councillors present  Harry Stone, Murray Harlow, Jenny Church, Phil Walby
Apologies Rosemary James, Rachel Howard

 

1 Grass verges
Grass verges need cutting/trimming/tidying. This will be arranged when weather permits HS
2 Village handyman
The use of a chit book needs to be made to work efficiently. We do not always know when Steve has completed jobs. Harry to follow this up. HS
There is going to be an appraisal system for employees instigated.Methodist Church has requested help with hedge cutting. Harry to arrange for Ivor to do this. HS
3 Village Ponds
Lexden Road and Queens Road ponds have been cleared by TCV and the vegetation removed by Norhurst. Both are looking really good. Hall Road pond needs attention. Jenny to contact Carla Davis. JC
4 Traffic Safety Plan
20mph signs to be put in place along New Church Road and School Road in February. A message from Sonja Church to say the yellow lines will be installed anytime now. Agenda item
There has been a problem in New Church Road by the new houses being built as the builders have been parking their trucks and lorries and creating a problem at school time in the mornings.
5. Potholes
There are problems at various places in the village. Highways need to be informed.
A drain cover uplifting is a problem in John Lampon Close. Harry will report this. HS
6 Dog bin
Check with Val about the order of a bin for Brewery site.
Problem with dog fouling in the village. Complaints have been received. Plan to organise an “anti-dog pooh” campaign in February. Item for bulletin, posters. JC & MH
Ask Marcus to refer to dog warden at CBC HS
7 Beacon
Now to be installed by village sign at end of Chapel Road by Steve. The wording for a plaque agreed. John Gili Ross will arrange this. Agenda item
8. Grass cutting
Sub-committee agreed to carry on using our current arrangements for grass cutting
9 Areas of work in village
Plan to produce a map showing sites of our responsibility in the village. HS
10 AOB
a)   Noise abatement team from CBC have been called out but unfortunately the PC hasn’t been informed of this. It would be useful for us to know.
b)   The rangers from CBC are asked to carry out tasks but we never can be given a date and we are not informed when the work is completed.
Date of next meeting – Thursday 12th February 2015  in  JL Hall
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Environment & Highways – 13th November 2014

The Environment & Highways Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 13th November to consider a range of issues and decisions affecting the general environment and highways within West Bergholt.  Updates on hedge cutting, handymen, weeds, village ponds, Traffic safety, pot-holes, dog bins, beacon, budget & McNally Mews.  The formal report to the Parish Council is as follows:

Environment & Highways Report

Sub-committee Meeting held on Thursday 13th November 2014 in John Lampon Hall

Councillors present  Harry Stone, Murray Harlow, Jenny Church, Phil Walby, Rosemary James
Apologies Rachel Howard

Andrew Savage attended part of meeting

1 Hedge cutting
The hedge cutting and bramble mowing has been carried out and has been very well done. The CBC sweeper followed on and cleared the trimmings. Verges still need attention particularly along New Church Road. HS
2 Village handyman
The use of a chit book appears to be working. Unfortunately, Ivor has been called for jury service so some jobs are waiting attention at the moment. PW
3 Overgrowth of weeds on footways
There has been an incident in New Church Road when a resident slipped on wet vegetation on the footway and broke an arm. Need to ensure village handyman or CBC Rangers keep footways as clear as possible at this time of year when it is wet and there are fallen leaves etc.
4 Village Ponds
The Queens Road pond has been cleared today. Arrange for Norhurst to clear away the cuttings.The Lexden Road pond will be cleared on November 23rd and the Hall Road pond will have to be left until the new year. JC
5. Traffic Safety Plan
The plan is apparently going ahead after it has been signed off for progress. HS
6 Pot Holes
Increase in road markings but no work carried out as yet.
7 Dog bin
A bin is required for the Brewery site – check with Val if this has been ordered. Val
8. Beacon
The beacon has not been put back in place – to check with Chris about this. JC
A plaque needs to be ordered to go on the beacon – Murray to organise this. MH
Agenda item
9 Areas of work in village
Plan to produce a map showing sites of our responsibility in the village. HS
10 Budget for next year.
Andrew discussed preparation of budget for next year. He will forward a copy of agreed budget to sub committee AS
11 McNally Mews
Thanks to Chris for researching the issue raised by Ashley Yates. The request for tree and hedge planting in the area appears to be in accordance with the covenant and there seems to be no objection to be made to this request. Agenda Item
13 AOB
Rosemary requested information about a drainage problem caused by tree roots for a resident recently coming to the village. She will contact CBC for advice and information. RJ
Date of next meeting to be notified
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