Great Horkesley Parish Council News
Chairman's resignation
The Parish Council (PC) met on 2nd April in the village hall, with the full council in attendance Both Ward Councillors were also in attendance Councillor Arnold taking part in the proceedings, and Councillor Chapman observing
The meeting opened with the Vice- Chairman Councillor Knight in the chair. He announced that the Chairman Brian Drury had tendered his resignation,for which he expressed regret, Councillor Knight was then elected as the new Chairman and Councillor Mead as the new vice Chairman
The Tile House Farm Development was continuing apace with a detailed report on progress expected to be ready by the next meetng
A good deal of discussion took place with regard to the new Community Centre Project Councillor Arnold apologised for "jumping the gun" in beginning to distribute an incomplete version of the questionnaire. Having accepted his apology the Council urged the Parish Clerk to ensure that the revised questonnaire was distributed to residents as soon as possible ,several members of the PC offering to assist in this. Residents of the village are urged to complete and return the questionnaire as quickly as possible so that the PC can take the necessary action to ensure that their wishes are taken into consideralion when the final plans for the Community Centre are drawn up. The future of the existing Village Hall was also discussed Since it is a Grade II listed building belonging to the Charity Commissioners, and held in trust on behalf of the community by the Trustees and management committee it was felf that its future would depend on them rather than the PC
Moving on to Highways there still appears to be some confusion over who is responsible for
the maintenance of the street lights, the County Council or the Borough. Councillor Amord would look into it further The deteriorating condition of the road surfaces, particularly on the main A134 was again highlighted especially the danger it presented to cyclists, as highlighted by comments made "off the cuff" by the local postman, who had to dodge the potholes on a daily basis, obviously puffing himself at risk There was support for Residents of Brick Kiln Lane in their request for repairs to damage caused by vehicles accessing the Development Site The Chairman urged residents to report any potholes they noticed to the Highways Department of Essex County Council (Tel 01206 838601) for Colchester and Tendring Area, Councillor Arnold announced that Colchester Borough was designated to be one of three pilot schemes for responsibility for highways to be shared between Borough and Parish Councils, with the appointment of "Highway Rangers" to assist.
Other items under discussion included planning applications, the possible setting up of a Community Speed Watch group, (with particular reference to vehicles not slowing down as thay entered the vlllage from the 60mph secton between Mile End and the beginning ot the 30mph limit (drivers please note!!)
A possible dwelling on the proposed Chicken Farm Site for a night watchman was also discussed
The next meeting will be on 7th May with the Annual Parish Meeting on 28th May
Church Services
Sunday's service will be Family Worship 11am at St John's The service on Sunday 2Oth April will be Holy Communion, 11am at All Saints' Church
