Environment Committee Minutes 3 September 2008
WRITTLE PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of Environment Meeting
held on Wednesday 3rd September 2008
in Room 18 Longmeads House at 8.15PM
PRESENT: Mrs E A Roe (Chair)
Mrs A. Robinson
Mr. J. Drake
Mr. T. Sach
Mr. R. Sherwin (left at 9.00pm.)
Mrs W Walker
APOLOGIES Mr. P. Storry, Mrs. B. Laflin, Ms. M. Barratt
IN ATTENDANCE Mr. R. Gray Clerk
1. PUBLIC OPEN FORUM
No public attendance
2. APOLOGIES
See above
3. DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES HELD 9th June 2008
Approved
5. MATTERS ARISING
5.1 Ducks in village pond. People appear to be heeding advice as to placing bread on the ground as opposed to the water. The situation will be monitored but at present it was decided not to put up a further sign.
5.2 Car Parking on Green. High kerbstones around the church end of the top Green will probably reduce the problem but the situation will continue to be monitored. All agreed that the chain link posts should be replaced and reflecting current theft of metal, plastic chaining might suffice. Quotes to be obtained and posts will be 1.6metres apart. It was agreed that no more parking prohibition signs would be erected in what is a conservation area unless it proved necessary.
5.3 Oxney Road hedge will be cut this winter.
5.4 Grass verges. Mrs. Robinson and others emphasised need to continually cut verges to keep the village tidy and Mr. Sach advised duty of County Council.
6. ALLOTMENTS
Chair provided a review of matters. In particular Plot 46, the Chase, will have its tenancy terminated and a number of other tenants will receive warning letters re their failure to maintain their plots. The that better advertising of hiring of plots needed and Mr. Sherwin kindly agreed to prepare 12 laminated advertisements for posting in the village. Hedges abutting the Victoria Road/Oxney allotments will be cut in Nov/Dec.
7. ALLOTMENTS INSPECTION UPDATE AND ENFORCEMENT OF TENANCY CONDITIONS
See above
8. FOOTPATHS/CYCLEWAYS/SAFETY MIRROR INSTALLATION
The Clerk advised of the latest footpath report from Mr. Cooley. F.P.14 has a damaged handrail and Clerk will write to Writtle College who have responsibility for this. Re the Cycleway all agreed that a mirror was needed at the junction with St. John'sRoad. Mr. Sach advised as to the need to write to Highways which the Clerk will do. Mr. Aldridge will be kept informed. Ms. Julie Martyn of Mid Essex Highways should be the referral point. All agreed safety precautions could be enhanced where Cycle path meets St. Johns Road, but a mirror may not be the solution i.e. could be vandalised.
9. GREEN INSPECTION UPDATE
Mr. Drake is meeting various contractors on the 8th and 11th Sept re repairs to Green and aerating it next year. The Chair advised that we are awaiting a quote from Mr. Jarvis re 1897 Memorial Bench repair. Mrs. Robinson is to obtain a quote for power washing of benches as Members feel power cleaning will enhance their condition. The Handyman is attempting to clean the benches but he has other demands on his time. The Council has also asked for quotations with regard to replacing the chain link fencing around the top end of the Green opposite No 13.
10. GRASS VERGES
Mr. Drake advised of the spread of Japanese Knotweed at Bulimers Way. The clerk will write to Highways to advise them of the appearance of this plant as the authorities must be notified owing to the extremely invasive habit of the plant. Mr. N. Hume and Mr. J. Aldridge to be advised as well.
11. HIGHWAYS
All expressed disappointed at lack of progress re SID. The Clerk with Mr. Drake and handyman will put up SID on the post previously used in Ongar Road near the junction with Victoria Road. All agreed for Health and Safety necessary to use Mr. Drake's hydraulic lift equipment. Again all agreed new white lines needed at junction of Redwood Drive and the entrance to Longmeads House and Clerk to follow up with Highways. Mrs. Robinson declared an interest as resident of Paradise Rd and then highlighted broken pavement in the road. She will give further details to Clerk.
12. HYLANDS ACCESS CHANGE
No action needed.
13. BENCHES ON THE GREEN
See previous Minutes. The Council has ordered one bench with another to be provided by Mrs. Harker. The Council will install concrete plinths for the benches. Mr. Jarvis will do this when he weather improves. The Chair and Clerk are supervising.
14. PUBLIC TOILETS
As before all agreed as to their very poor condition and concern was expressed re cleaning schedule although heavy footfall in the Summer was recognised. Mr. Sach and Mr. Drake, among others, were in favour of alteration in order to provide Council offices. Mr. Sach suggested contact with National Loans Fund re subsidised finance in order to meet development costs.
15. OTHER INFORMATION
15.1 The Chair read a letter from Mrs. M. Anelli, No. 111 Ongar Road, re the county at long last cutting hedging and foliage in Ongar Road. She had carried out this public duty for many years but at long last CBC are dealing with matters on behalf of the County.
15.2 Tower Pond. Re Mr. Aldridge's letter, all agreed that the Council is prepared to make a contribution to repairing the area around the bank of the pond, subject to costings, but not to contribute to the installation of a seat as it was felt that it would not be used.
15.3 All agreed that floral decoration for the village would be desirable, and as an example Witham was quoted. The idea of 5 floral towers sited at various locations in the village was supported. Flowers would be changed semi-annually and a contractor used for supply/maintenance. The Committee asked Mr. Drake to consider the matter further.
MEETING FINISHED AT 10.15pm.
NEXT MEETING DATE MONDAY 10th NOVEMBER 2008 at 8.15pm.
