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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)

 

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Traveller Alert

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.

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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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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
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A BIG HAND to Hand in Hand Day Volunteers

A BIG HAND to Hand in Hand Day Volunteers

Hand in hand volunteers ready to workThe 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

 

Hand in hand volunteers get sweeping"This is a broom, I will use it to sweep when the photographer has finished"

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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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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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Anyone for tennis?

Anyone for tennisAnyone for Tennis?

At the start of a new summer season the Parish Council is keen to see that its recreation facilities are used as fully as possible.  In particular the tennis courts at the Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) beside the Orpen Hall are not used as widely as possible.  The MUGA is available mainly for tennis but can also be used for other sports such as football. It can be booked on a casual hourly basis through the booking system at the Co-op for £4 an hour.

For families a more economical way of ensuring access is through membership of the West Bergholt Sports Club costing just £45 for a family for a year from 1st June.  Membership details are available from Gill Sims at [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”] or full information can be found on the Sports Club webpage on this site and on the noticeboard beside the courts.

With Wimbledon a few days away to enthuse us this is a great opportunity to begin to produce the next generation of champions from our village.  All we need is a good summer to ensure a season of sporting pleasure at a bargain price from facilities on the doorstep.

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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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Parish Council Election 2015 Results

Election 2015Parish Council Election 2015 Results

The Returning Officer for Colchester has now published the results of the Parish Council election held last Thursday.  With 12 candidates for 11 seats and all incumbents standing for re-election,  the membership of the Parish Council remains unchanged. Election of Chair, Vice Chair and committee membership will be decided at the first meeting of the newly constituted council on 20th May (see Agenda when issued later this week).

Name of Candidate

No of Votes*
BUTCHER Brian Tony, 738 Elected
CHURCH Jennifer Ann, 885 Elected
GILI-ROSS John, 962 Elected
HARLOW Murray James, 788 Elected
HEWITT Lee Andrew, 503
HOWARD Rachel Mary Patricia, 732 Elected
JAMES Rosemary Irene, 755 Elected
SAVAGE Andrew Philip, 731 Elected
STEVENSON Christopher Daniel, 675 Elected
STONE Harry, 952 Elected
TYRRELL Bob, 771 Elected
WALBY Philip John, 598 Elected

* If elected the word “Elected” appears against the number of votes.