Lexden Road Closure – Buses Update

Following further discussions with bus companies we are now able to provide a fuller update on bus routes and stops in use whilst the sewers are repaired in Lexden Road (expected to be until Wednesday 9th September but could be longer).

All buses that would normally complete the “West Bergholt loop” will now be running up and down Chapel Road only, using Mumford Road and Donard Drive to turn around. Only the Chambers 753/754 will continue along Colchester Road as a whole, the other buses will not be running along Lexden Road or the top part of Colchester Road by the Treble Tile (see map).

The following bus services will be affected:

17 – Hedingham School Service – West Bergholt to Stanway School
755 / 756 – Chambers School Service – West Bergholt to Norman Way Schools
66 – First Essex – West Bergholt to Colchester/Old Heath
67b – First Essex – West Bergholt to West Mersea

Please wait for your buses at the waiting areas along Chapel Road and only the part of Colchester Road past the roundabout to the Maltings where the school buses would normally stop.

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 26, 2015

Sports, Heritage & Apples

Sports, Heritage & Apples are the subject of recent leisure-time news from Colchester Borough Council:

Summer Sports Festival at Highwoods

Taking place on Sunday 30th August at Leisure World, there is an opportunity for all the family to join in with a range of FREE sports activities including:

Football – with Colchester United Football in the Community,
Parkour – with Team Traceur,
Volleyball – with Volleyball England,
Netball – with KATS Netball Club, and
Tennis – free hire of tennis courts at Leisure World Highwoods.

Heritage

Heritage Open Days

This year’s Heritage Open Days takes place across the weekend of Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2015. You can discover Colchester’s heritage in a weekend of FREE activities and entry to more than 20 historic properties:

firstsite,
Roman Circus,
St. Helen’s Chapel,
St. Peter’s Church,
Quaker Meeting House (St. Mary’s House),
Mersea Barrow,
Roman Theatre,
Castle Museum,
Town Hall,
Sparlings Solicitors,
Audley Chapel,
St Martin’s Church,
St John’s Abbey Gatehouse,
Trinity Street,
Bourne Mill,
Super Home,
St. James the less & St. Helen’s Church,
Holy Trinity Church,
Peake’s House,
Colchester Cemetery,
War Memorial,
St. Mary at the Walls Church (Arts Centre), and
Colne Light Ship.

More details and opening times are available at http://www.cimuseums.org.uk/article/16584/Heritage-Open-Days-2015.

{Colchester Presents} Celebrate Heritage

On Saturday 12th September, between 9am and 5pm, the clock will be turned back as you stroll through the High Street and Upper Castle Park.

Enjoy a stroll down the High Street (closed to traffic) and take time to admire the wonderful architecture of the many fascinating buildings which adorn the High Street, from the Town Hall to to the Red Lion Hotel. Watch out for historical characters that you pass along your way, you may bump into Marcus Favonius!

Soak up the sounds of the historic music, dance and drama and enjoy some story telling and the iconic British Punch and Judy Show. Colchester has it’s very own Mr Punch living at Hollytrees Museum, take a visit and see this very special puppet, dating from 1945.

Take a wander through Colchester’s Charter market, dating back to 1189 and you will find stalls selling everything from artisan bread to clothes. There will be plenty of food stalls to fill your appetite.

Step back in time to the award-winning Castle Park which will be hosting historic market stalls, traditional side shows, puppet theatre,talks and demonstrations, all within the backdrop of Colchester Castle which will be open for free.

Apple Day at the BIG Garden, High Woods Country Park

Taking place on Saturday 26th September you can drop in at any time between 12pm & 3pm (donation requested). Come and celebrate the local apple harvest! Enjoy tasting some heritage fruit varieties and try your hand at crushing and pressing local apples to make delicious juice. Family games, crafts and apple cakes and bakes to sample.

Details of these and many more activities are on the Colchester website.

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 20, 2015July 20, 2015

Something to say about NHS Care?

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of all health and social care in England. They have powers to register, monitor and inspect all health & care services and, in September, they are visiting Colchester to find out what you have to say about local services, in particular those provided by the Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust. Taking place on Monday 7th September between 6pm – 7:30pm, at Colchester Town Hall (in the Grand Jury & West Committee rooms), you are invited to meet with the CQC’s inspectors and share your experiences with them. Of course, if you can’t wait until then, you are able to share your experiences anonymously at any time by contacting the CQC on:

e: [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”],
t: 03000 16161,
w: www.cqc.org.uk.

The CQC’s inspection method when reviewing a hospital or other service is focussed around 5 key questions:

Are they safe? Are you protected from abuse and avoidable harm?
Are they effective? Do they provide your care, treatment and support achieving good outcomes, helping you to maintain quality of life and based on the best available evidence?
Are they caring? Do staff involve and treat you with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.
Are they responsive to people’s needs? Are services organised so that they meet your needs?
Are they well-led? Does the leadership, management and governance of the organisation make sure it’s providing high-quality care that’s based around your individual needs, that it encourages learning and innovation, and that it promotes an open and fair culture?

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 17, 2015August 17, 2015

Attended Freighter this weekend

Make the most of this Free Skip Service from CBC at the Orpen Hall Car Park on Saturday 22nd August 2015 between 11.00 am – 12.00 noon

Colchester Borough Council will be in West Bergholt at the Orpen Hall car park with their ‘Attended Freighter’ to collect small loads of household items that are not collected as part of your regular kerbside collection.

Please don’t use this service to dispose of items which can be recycled, although you can bring garden waste separately which will be composted.

Please note that they will cannot accept any of the following items:

no large loads, fridges, freezers or other electrical goods – these items can be collected as part of the Special Collection Service or taken to your local tip.
no hazardous waste such as asbestos, batteries, liquids or gas bottles – for information on how to dispose of your hazardous items, visit the Essex County Council Hazardous Waste Advice page.
no commercial refuse – the Council operates a trade recycling and rubbish collection service, details of which can be found on the Recycling and waste for businesses page.