Interested in Becoming a Parish Councillor?

Parish Councillor Vacancy

Following the public notice published by Colchester Borough Council, no election to fill this vacancy has been requested by the electors within this parish. Therefore, the Parish Council will fill the vacancy by the process of co-option.

If you are interested in being co-opted as a Parish Councillor, then we would like to hear from you, please contact the Chairman or Clerk for further details. Familiarisation sessions will be arranged, and should there be more than one person interested, selection would be made by a vote of the Parish Council as required by the regulations.

The Parish Clerk on 07726 424419, [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”], or
The Chairman of West Bergholt Parish Council, Chris Stevenson, [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].

August 30, 2015February 23, 2019

Lexden Road Closed

Apologies for late notice on this but we have been advised that due to a sewer collapse requiring urgent works, Lexden Road will be closed to traffic for most of the distance between Sackville Way and Orpen Close. The closure took effect from 25th August and could last for up to 21 days (15th September).

Emergency & Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times, any enquiries to Anglian Water’s contractor on 01449 678932.

The recommended alternative route, being more appropriate for through traffic rather than local journeys, is via Colchester Road and Chapel Road.

Update

Following an enquiry about buses, we have contacted First (66 & 67) who assure us that all bus stops remain open but that there is a diversionary route through Mumford & Donard Roads – it is expected that other operators will do similar, please advise if you find different.

August 21, 2015

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)

August 21, 2015

Premises & Recreation – 9th July 2015

The Premises & Recreation Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 9th July when they discussed a range of issues affecting Orpen Hall & playing fields such as The Heath, play equipment, signs, football club, health & safety and the fish & chip van.

Premises & Recreation Report

Sub-committee meeting held on Thursday 9th July 2015 at the John Lampon Hall

Councillors present	Rosemary James, Jenny Church, Murray Harlow ,Phil Walby, Brian Butcher, Bob Tyrrell
Apologies	No Apologies

Victoria Beckwith Cole in attendance.

1.	Terms Of Reference for Premises and Recreation Working Party
	Itwas proposed at the Environment and Highways sub committee that the following items be abstracted from the T of R for the Premises and Recreation Working party and be included in the T of R for the Environment and Highways Working Party:Maintenance of field markings on Lorkin Daniel Field and Poors Land. Maintenance of Children’s play areas and equipment. This was agreed by this sub committee.	JC
2	The Heath
	Following guidance by Essex Ecology, BB confirmed that The Heath is not an area of SSSI when regarding maintenance.
3	John Lampon Hall
	Only one quote submitted by Ivor Beckwith Cole for £500.00 regarding installation of dado rail in hall. A specific spec.to be written by PW to emphasise need for child friendly usage and to be constructed of MDF. PW will liaise with Ivor re Parish Council requirements. Quote to then be submitted to Finance Committee for their approval.	PW
4	Locking Chairs
	BT has clarified with Jason Lockerby that the chairs when in use need to be locked together to comply with fire regulations.VBC to advise various organisations who hire hall of their obligations and responsibilities.	VBC
5	Hire of Orpen Hall
	PW to take the decision to recommend a hire fee of £250.00 for the forth coming elections of PCC and CBC to the next Finance Committee.	PW
6	Play Equipment
	PW confirmed still awaiting replacement parts and paint for swings.	PW
7	Football Club
	Mower has been purchased by the club out of their own funds, PW to submit detailed written agreement at next Finance Committee.	PW
8	Orpen Hall Signage
	BT submitted draft proposal and detailed drawing, various proposals regarding siting and format discussed. Suggested the notice board be sited beside cycle rack at entrance to hall. BT to obtain budget costs.	BT
9	Health and Safety Issues
	BB has drafted letter and questionnaire to be used where relevant for any on-site contractors to the hall. This has been passed to The Parish Clerk.	BB
10	Cleaning
	Issues around cleaning contractor. PW has discussed the problems with Mike, especially regarding the supervision of employees. PW to meet with Mike again and emphasise a need for improvement.	PW
11	Fish and Chip Van
	Need to start charging for use of car park and electricity. Letter to be sent from Clerk stating hire charge of £15.00 p.w. with effect from August.	PW
12	AOB
	a) BT brought to the attention of the committee a long horizontal crack in the link corridor parapet wall, this will need to be investigated BT has arranged meeting with John Inkpen of Inkpen Downie Architects on 22 July @9.30am. BB is of the view that the plaster should be removed the crack covered with eml and the wall replastered. This should resolve the problem. PC will need to make insurance claim.	BT
	b) Potential hazard at entrance to JL hall, Chris Stevenson to be informed.	PW
	Date of next meeting – Thurs 10th Sept 2015 at 4pm (no meeting in August)

August 21, 2015

Traveller Alert

Travellers currently camping in Eight Ash Green near the Holiday Inn Hotel are expected to be moving on this weekend. Having already been moved on from Stanway it is probable that they will be looking for another site in the area.

Borough & Parish Councillors advise all to be aware of this possibility and to pay special attention to securing their property against possible incursion over the coming days.

August 19, 2015

Water Leak near Heathlands School

Water 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.

August 17, 2015

Announcement of Parish Council Vacancy

Parish Council Vacancy

A vacancy has come up for a parish councillor. If enough electors ask for one by 21st August, the Council will hold an election to fill the role. Failing this, the council will be able to co-opt somebody suitable. The Official Announcement is as follows:

Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 87(2) of the Local Government Act 1972 that Rachel Howard has ceased to be a member and that a casual vacancy exists in the office of councillor for the West Bergholt Parish Council.

If by 21 August 2015, ten electors for the said parish make a request for an election to fill the vacancy in writing to the proper officer of Colchester Borough Council, an election will be held to fill the said vacancy. Otherwise, the Parish Council will fill the vacancy.

Applications must be sent to:

Adrian Prichard (Proper Officer)
Rowan House,
33 Sheepen Road,
Colchester,
CO3 3WG

August 13, 2015

A BIG HAND to Hand in Hand Day Volunteers

The Parish Council would like to thank all of the volunteers, who kindly gave up their time to assist with the West Bergholt Hand in Hand Day.

The volunteers who came to help on the day joined the Colchester Borough Community Zone Team. The street sweepers were out most of the day, clearing all of the major and minor roads. Litter picking was conducted around the Orpen Hall, along Hall Road, Colchester Road and by the allotments. Paths were strimmed and cleared of debris, making them easier to use.

This has all helped contribute to maintaining West Bergholt as a clean and pleasant place to live.

Many thanks

July 14, 2015

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,

July 14, 2015July 17, 2015

Premises & Recreation – 11th June 2015

The Premises & Recreation Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 11th June when they discussed a range of issues affecting Orpen Hall & playing fields such as The Heath, locking chairs, play equipment, puppy training and football.

Premises & Recreation Report

Sub-committee meeting held on Thursday 11th June 2015 at the John Lampon Hall

Councillors present	Harry Stone, Rosemary James, Jenny Church, Murray Harlow, Phil Walby, Brian Butcher, Bob Tyrrell
Apologies	No Apologies

Victoria Beckwith Cole in attendance.

1.	Harry welcomed sub committee and proposed that Terms of Reference be sent to all committee members.
2	Election of Chair:
	Jenny proposed Phil who was seconded by Rosemary, agreed by all.
3	Election of Minute Taker:
	Brian proposed Rosemary who was seconded by Murray, agreed by all.
4	Responsibilities of Committee
	Brian asked for clarification of committee’s role. This will be covered by the issue of the Terms of Reference.
5	The Heath
	Bob raised concerns re mowing of the Heath as could be considered an area of SSSI. Brian to investigate and report back to committee at next meeting.	BB
6	John Lampon Hall
	Vicky reported back re installation of dado rail to be fitted in hall. Existing quotes were considered unsuitable. Recommendation new quotes be obtained from Scot and Ivor.	PW
7	Locking Chairs
	Bob raised concerns again re the need for locks on chairs in Orpen Hall. Bob to clarify Fire Regulations.	BT
8	Hire of Orpen Hall
	Elections of PCC and CBC next May, charge for hire of hall recommended as £250. Phil to take to Finance Committee.	PW
9	Play Equipment
	Health and Safety assessment still to be completed. Phil to report back when completed.	PW
10	Football Club
	Club have purchased mower for £2500.and have requested reimbursement from the PC. Committee discussed merits and benefits and recommended go to Finance Committee with proviso that a written agreement will be needed.	PW
11	Puppy Training in Hall
	Phil reported that hire tenure contract has been cancelled with effect from July.
12	Communication
	Murray volunteered to act as Co-op notice board officer.	MH
13	Orpen Hall signage
	Bob again brought the attention of the committee the messy signage on the Orpen Hall. Recommend Bob design integrated sign and submit to PC meeting.	BT Agenda
14	Health and Safety Issues
	HSE leaflets were distributed to all members for the use in the future engagement of on site contractors.
	Date of next meeting – Thursday 9th July at 6.00p.m. in JL Hall

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