Premises & Recreation – 10th September 2015

The Premises & Recreation Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 10th September when they discussed a range of issues affecting Orpen Hall & playing fields such as The Heath, play equipment, signs, football club, health & safety and cleaning.

Premises & Recreation Report

Sub-committee meeting held on Thursday 10th September 2015 at the Orpen Hall

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

Victoria Beckwith Cole and Laura Walkingshaw in attendance.

1.	John Lampon Hall
	Dado rail installed, but a potential Health and Safety issue raised. Young children could possibly be injured by the sharp corners of the rail sited near the emergency door exit. Ivor Beckwith-Cole to be asked to round off these corners as part of the original specification.	PW
2	Play Equipment
	Equipment ready for H/S inspection next week. Possibility of a third swing to be installed was raised at the E and H sub-committee meeting, but was seen by this committee to be a possible H/S issue. Decided we would be guided by the inspector to see if a third swing would be compliant, before being considered.	PW
3	Football Club
	£480.00 has been agreed to be paid to the football club in respect of them mowing LD field, however it was felt that it was not prudent to pay all monies up front and a better way would be to set up a standing order from the PC to the football club. Suggested that this fee may also be covered by postponing their rent to us in lieu of the use of the field. Decision to be made by the Finance Committee at their next meeting. Concern raised regarding their insurance when mower in use by FC club. Clerk to PC to send a letter to confirm details. Some confusion around who mows what areas, clarification required. Clerk again to produce documentation with delineated areas of responsibility.	PW LW
4	Orpen Hall Signage
	BT submitted quote for signage to OH, after on-site inspection was decided should be double-sided and located to left of disabled parking area. BT to submit Finance Committee a new quote.	BT
5	Cleaning
	Cleaning has not improved, complaints from hirers continue to be received. Payment of bill to be withheld and Mike given 3 month’s notice. Meanwhile, need to advertise for new cleaner even going out to the commercial cleaning sector and consider overnight cleaning etc.	PW
6	Health and Safety
	BB has drafted a contractors questionnaire, needs to be reviewed by suitable our experienced councillors who have this necessary expertise.	BB
7	Crack in link corridor parapet wall.
	BT met with contractor on site and was advised that the wall was structurally safe, therefore no cause for concern. Cosmetics to be dealt at next maintenance.
	Date of next meeting – 21st October 2015 at 6.15p.m.in JLH

October 12, 2015

Autumn Fruits & Fungus

Autumn Fruits Walk

Next Sunday, 18th October, sees Steve Hallam leading an Autumn Fruits walk around Hillhouse Wood. This walk will seek out berries, soft fruit, nuts & seeds along with any flowers & birds that might crop up en-route. Steve will explain how these fruits have been used by humans and animals, the folklore about them, which ones should not be eaten – and what will happen to you if you do! You should expect to see around 20 types of berries, fruits and nuts.

The walk will take in Hillhouse Wood and surrounding hedgerows, and will thus be a little longer than normal. Strong boots or wellies should be worn, as we may encounter long wet grass!

If you want to join us, met at the Old Church at 2pm (weather permitting).

The walk is arranged by the Friends of Hillhouse Wood in conjunction with the Woodland Trust.

October 9, 2015

MicroSurfacing Update

Many of you will have had letters or seen publicity about the resurfacing programme that will take place shortly on key roads in the village including Chapel Road, New Church Road and Queens Road. However the term MicroSurfacing may have had many of you reaching for Wikipedia or simply scratching your heads in bewilderment!

So what is it?

The wait is nearly over and we will soon be seeing it in action but for those who would like to be prepared we have found the video (below) that should help you understand what will happen. The video is from the US but the principle is exactly the same here.

As you can see from the video a thin layer of surfacing is laid over the road once obvious defects such as potholes and larger patches have been repaired. In our case these defects have already been attended to in past weeks, so all that is needed is the application of the road surfacing material. During most of this time through traffic will be blocked, but access to your property will be maintained wherever possible; there may be constraints when the material is actually being laid outside your driveway of course. Once the preparation is completed, though, and the surface is being laid it is normal for one side of the road to be completely closed until the surface is solid enough to take traffic (about half an hour).

How can you help?

Be patient, the road will be much nicer when it is finished.
Do obey the signs saying no parking because parked cars will prevent work taking place until the owner is traced and the vehicle moved.

October 6, 2015

Restorative Justice

Successful Trial of Restorative Justice Completed

Essex Police have successfully completed a six-months trial in West Essex, which includes the districts of Epping, Brentwood, Harlow and Thurrock. It is now intended to roll it out to the rest of Essex from October and the Police & Crime Commissioner is inviting those groups and agencies who might be interested in getting involved to attend one of two launch events:

27th October 12.00 – 15.00 at The Rayleigh Club, Hullbridge Road, Rayleigh, SS6 9QS ,
28th October 12.00 – 15.00 at The Essex Golf and Country Club, Colchester, CO6 2JU.

The afternoon will begin with a buffet lunch, followed by talks and presentations focusing on the success of the West Essex RJ pilot, the impact of restorative justice on those that take part, and what the roll-out means for you in your organisation. The launch will involve speeches from PCC Nick Alston, members of the RJ Hub and examples from those who have participated in Restorative Justice in Essex.

If you are interested in attending please contact Emma Callaghan, Restorative Justice Hub Development Manager, by email [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”], before Friday 16th October.

So, What is Restorative Justice About?

Restorative Justice is a process which gives victims the opportunity to meet or communicate with those who have offended against them. It holds offenders to account and helps them take responsibility for the harm they have caused. Both parties discuss next steps and the offender can then make amends.

Victims are given the chance to explain to a criminal the impact a crime has had on them, ask questions of the offender and seek an apology. It enables offenders to be held to account for what they have done but also take responsibility for the harm they have caused. If a face-to-face meeting is not appropriate they can do so indirectly via letters or messages.

Restorative justice is used for less serious offences or conflicts, such as graffiti or anti-social behaviour. Everyone involved must consent to take part.

The Benefits are Apparent

85% victims are satisfied following an RJ process.
Re-offending is reduced by as much as 27%.
98% direct RJ ends in mutually agreed outcomes.
RJ decreases post-traumatic stress and allows victims of crime to return to work more quickly.
In neighbour disputes, RJ can help to avoid evictions and help neighbours live in peace.

Read more on the Police & Crime Commissioner’s website or download their information leaflet.

October 5, 2015

Vishing Fraud Alert

Please be aware of recent fraud activity that is targeting businesses within our Region.

The Fraud

Fraudsters are ringing up company wage clerks/finance directors claiming to be from Barclay’s Fraud department and gaining permission to remotely access the victim’s computer system. This is on the pretence that their business account has been compromised.

The victim opens up the bank account, the fraudster then transfers the money into what they state will be the company’s new, none compromised account. The funds are then automatically distributed in seconds.

Total regional losses have exceeded £1 million.

Protect your company

Do not be afraid to end cold calls.
Do not to assume a caller is genuine just because they hold some information about you. Criminals may already have got hold of some basic information about a potential victim, such as a name, address and account details to try to make the call appear legitimate.
If in any doubt hang up and call the bank yourself on numbers you know are genuine, however be sure to hang the phone up long enough to prevent the fraudster holding the line open.
NEVER call the bank back on the number the caller provides you.
The Bank will never call and ask for remote access to your computers or for passwords to access your accounts.

If you are a victim of “Vishing” call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use our online tool to report the fraud and receive a police crime reference number.

DI 3159 Lee Morton

Serious Economic Crime Unit

October 4, 2015

Essex Police Go App

New App from Essex Police

Savvy smartphone users will soon be able to access the latest news from Essex Police through a brand new app.

To mark the first year anniversary of Essex Community Messaging (ECM), the ECM app was launched on Thursday October 1, 2015 and is available to download for iPhone and Android devices.

The app will enable residents to receive localised messages straight to their device, from Essex Police officers, staff and key partners such as Neighbourhood Watch.

Those who sign up will be able to select information on what they would like to receive – based on where they live, work or socialise. A new photo feature will also allow users to view images to identify stolen property and help find missing or wanted people.

In its first year, ECM has already proved useful in alerting residents to crime and missing people in their areas – and even assisted in the conviction of a bogus charity collector.

Earlier this year, PC Sam Waters sent out a message to alert Wickford residents about a man who was believed to be knocking on doors requesting sponsorship money for charity and using the money for his own gain. The ECM message led to 12 people coming forward with information.

On the information that was received, a 30-year-old man was arrested and later admitted four counts of fraud by false representation. He received a 12 week suspended sentence at Basildon Magistrates’ Court.

Chief Supt Luke Collison, ECM Project Lead, said:

Following the success of the initial ECM platform, we were keen to develop a smart phone app version. We recognise that more and more people in Essex use mobile technology and we clearly want to be a part of that in how we deliver modern policing.

We want to share as much information as we can with the public, quickly and efficiently so that communities are up to date on local policing issues. The ECM app allows us to target our messages to ensure we get the right information to the right people.

This is the first smart app that Essex Police has launched and we are convinced it will help many people stay safe across the county.

Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said:

We’re continuing to develop Essex Community Messaging to make it even easier to get key crime and community safety information out to local people faster than ever. It’s also essential that ECM provides a channel for a two-way flow of information between Essex Police, our Watch groups, and the people of Essex.

I encourage everyone to sign up to ECM. It’s a great way of learning simple measures to prevent crime and it also provides an opportunity to report suspicious behaviour which may help Essex Police to bring criminals to justice.

Information on how to download the app is available on the ECM website: www.essex.police.uk/ecm

September 30, 2015September 30, 2015

Rogue Traders

Rogue Traders targeted by Essex Police

This week, Essex Police in partnership with Trading Standards, will be sending messages to help prevent our community falling victim to rogue traders. This guidance is to help you to know how to deter rogue traders from calling at your address and how to deal with them if they do.

Display a ‘No Cold Calling’ sticker on your front door. These are available from Trading Standards free of charge. Call them on 03454 040506. Southend, Rayleigh, Harlow, Braintree, Basildon, Grays, Clacton, Chelmsford, Stansted Airport and Colchester police stations also have a small supply. [Ed: or print the one below, acknowledgement to Portsmouth City Council for the artwork. Click it to open full size image to print.]

Consider asking a good, trusted neighbour if you can direct unknown callers/ traders to their address for them to deal with. If your neighbour agrees, when an unknown caller arrives at your door show them a card (preferably through the window) with your neighbours address on directing unknown callers there. Do not enter in to a conversation.

Alternatively, if an unknown trader knocks on your door, don’t open it unless you use a door chain. They can hear you clearly enough through a closed door but if they insist on speaking face to face, open a small window either upstairs or downstairs and speak through the window. No matter what their sense of urgency is, tell them-

You do not buy goods or services at the door – refer them to the ‘no cold calling sticker’ displayed on your front door!
You have to discuss it with someone else (for example your partner or son/daughter).
If they are persistent, tell them that if they don’t leave you will call the police to discuss the matter with them.

Remember

Your door,

Your House,

Your choice.

Not sure?

Don’t Open the Door

September 24, 2015

Micro-Surfacing – October 2015

Micro-Surfacing Works – October 2015

Early October sees the return of Ringway to do more Micro-Surfacing works on our roads. This work will necessitate road closures with restricted access particularly whilst the micro-surfacing has been newly laid. There will also be parking restrictions to allow the whole road surface to be addressed. Be aware that the dates may vary slightly if weather interferes with the works.

Chapel Road – Thursday October 1st – 6th, with the road closed for 4 working days, a diversion will be in place, access to driveways restricted at times, road open throughout the weekend . This will affect bus routes – enquiries are being made about the effect this may have so come back and visit later, we will post any updates on this page. Immediately prior to the surfacing works Anglian Water will also be undertaking works between 28th – 29th September – Chapel Road will remain open but with traffic light controls past the works.
Chapel Lane – Wednesday October 7th, road closed for 2 days – diversion in place, access to driveways restricted at times.
Queens Road – Wednesday October 7th, road closed for 2 days – as Chapel Lane above.
New Church Road – Wednesday October 7th, road closed for 2 days – as Chapel Lane above. This will affect school traffic – a letter has already been sent out to parents from the school.

If you have any queries you are invited to contact Ringway on 0845 603 7631.

What is Micro-Surfacing?

It is a thin, tough layer of asphalt emulsion blended with finely crushed stone for traction. This is a cost-effective method to renew the road surface and seal minor cracks and other irregularities.

Forward planning

The end of October may see slightly heavier traffic than usual on the B1508 Colchester Road as it becomes a diversion route for traffic normally using the Sudbury Road in Bures.

September 18, 2015February 23, 2019

Local Bus Service Review

Local Bus Service Review – Be Heard

We have been provided information below by Essex Council, if you, or those you know, rely on local bus services then we encourage you to respond to this consultation. The details suggest that ECC has proposed minor changes to the 17 and 66/66A services but the Sunday 67B service appears to have been rerouted so that it no longer serves the village. This will need checking out more thoroughly during the consultation period. ECC has not included Chambers’ 754 – 6 services in their affected/unaffected list because these routes have no subsidised journeys.

Source file: ECC Bus Consultation.

Local Bus Service Network Review Consultation September 2015.

Over 2015, Essex County Council (ECC) is carrying out a thorough review of its support for contracted local bus services across the County. The role of the County Council under the Transport Acts is to look at where market failure occurs in the bus network, decide whether a service is needed, and if, in the council’s opinion, it is, then to provide one.

Early Review

The County Council needs a way to balance the differing potential transport needs of residents when allocating funding and to manage the network in the light of changes to the commercial bus network, travel demand and changing corporate priorities over time. As part of the review the County Council carried out a series of Area Review Meetings throughout June and July 2015. We have listened to the comments, suggestions and ideas that were raised through these meetings and took them into account when re-planning the network.

Consultation

Over September and October 2015 the County will be carrying out a more detailed consultation that sets out a range of proposed route and service revisions to the contracted local bus network and a revised policy for determining the priority that will be given to supporting different types of service in future. This consultation will take the form of a district based questionnaire, asking for views on changes to the contracted bus network in each district/borough/city with supporting information. These will be made available on line and through the public library network. We will also make them available through as many parish/town/district council offices as possible. Hard copy of these documents will be available from the week commencing 21^st September 2015

A supporting document, explains in more detail the contract changes, how they will affect our customers and how demand responsive transport works. It also lists timetables where a change has been proposed. This document can be found on line at:

www.essex.gov.uk/busreview

Whilst we encourage residents to complete the survey on line, we understand a paper copy is sometimes preferred. If you require additional copies of the questionnaire please ring 08457 430 430. There is a freepost address to aid the return of the questionnaire.

If you or the residents you are representing have a visual impairment or need assistance completing the questionnaire, there is the option of completing the survey over the telephone, or obtain it in an alternative format by calling 08457 430 430.

The closing date for submitting the survey is the 21st October 2015.

Once the consultation is complete, the replies received will be considered carefully and used to help finalise the proposals that will then be considered for approval by Essex County Council’s Cabinet. We will also collate all the responses from the survey and summarise them as part of our report, although it will not identify individual people and your name will not be mentioned in the reports that we write for this purpose.

Yours sincerely,

Helen Morris
Place Commissioning
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: – 08457 430 430

September 18, 2015September 18, 2015

Litter Warriors

Litter Warriors Initiative

Colchester Borough Council is launching a new community initiative funded by the New Homes Bonus scheme called ‘Litter Warriors’. Litter Warriors will be groups of residents who together carry out litter picking of approximately 16 man-hours per month on an area of land which is important to them and makes a difference to the community. This could be a local park, open space or street. Each group/individual will be provided with litter pickers, litter warrior branded hi vis waistcoats and black bags.

If you would like to join this new exciting initiative and become a litter warrior please contact [email protected] by Wednesday 30th September. Please also indicate if you would like to be involved in the press launch of the project at a later date.

Further information can be found at www.colchester.gov.uk/litterwarriors