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

August 18, 2023September 9, 2023

Solar Panels & Batteries

Solar Panels & Battery System for the Orpen Memorial Hall complex

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.

August 14, 2023August 14, 2023

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

July 22, 2023July 22, 2023

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.

June 23, 2023June 23, 2023

Environment & Highways – 8th June 2023

The Environment & Highways Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 8th June 2023 with topics including:

Environment image to accompany 8th June 2023 minutes. Bee on thistle.

Appointing Transport and Public Rights of Way Representatives,
An update on Handymen including a number of relatively minor issues to rectify in the playground following ROSPA inspection also some concerns about mowers, truck and other equipment,
Progress on wildlife areas on parish council owned land,
Discussion of a tree inspection with some mixed news,
The condition of village ponds,
How to continue undertaking some local works given the cessation of the Essex Highways Devolution scheme.