Monday, 17th March 2008 at 7:30 p.m.

Present - Cllrs. Murgatroyd (in the Chair) Brearley, Gardiner, Hatt, Lyster, and Wahlich, County Cllr. McCraith, Dist. Cllr. Guest, the Clerk, Financial Officer and 5 members of the public.

Apologies - Cllr. Scott                                                                               

Confirmation of Minutes. The Minutes of the meeting held on 14th January were taken as read, confirmed and signed.  It was agreed that the new format would be adjusted slightly, as requested by Mrs. Jones, who was kindly putting the Minutes of the village website.

Matters arising

  1. Footpath between the Windmill and Barley Road
    Cllr. Gardiner had spoken to Mr. Doggett who was sympathetic to allowing informal use of his land along Barley Road as a footpath but it was not to be regarded as a formal pathway.
    Cllr. Hatt wondered whether the grass verge along Barley Road could be levelled to provide a footpath.
  2. Flint Cross Congestion
    During the course of the meeting, Cllr. McCraith was pleased to advise the Parish Council that work to improve the flow of traffic at this junction would be carried out during the present financial year this information was received with much satisfaction.
  3. Land owned by Mr. Tim Harvey in Hall Lane
    The Clerk had received a reply from the Planning Department, which confirmed that the piece of land in question was outside the village framework
  4. Re: South Cambs. District Council - Audit Commission Inspection.
    Cllr. Gardiner had replied to the District Council’s letter and had received an acknowledgment.
  5. Dog-Waste Bins
    A letter had been received from South Cambs. District Council who would be responsible for the provision etc. of a dog waste bin sited on the public highway. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to the District Council and request that an additional bin be sited outside the new development in Heydon Road. Action Clerk
  6. Land Registration.
    As requested by Messrs. Adams Harrison (Solicitors) the Chairman had signed the Statutory Declaration, in the presence of an independent solicitor regarding the. Plaistow and the Village Lock-up It was proposed by the Chairman seconded by Cllr. Brearley and unanimously agreed that the action taken by the Chairman be approved. In the event of the retirement of the Chairman or Clerk, the Land Registry at Peterborough must be informed.
  7. Status of Planning Applications
    The conditions imposed on the bungalow application in Barley Road were brought to the attention of the Parish Council.
  8. Financial Matters
    The Chairman invited Mr. Stuart Farrow (Chairman of the Village Hall Committee) to give his report on future expenditure.
    Mr. Farrow outlined the Committee’s financial position and regarding vandalism the Committee were divided on the installation ofCCTV cameras. In his opinion funds would be better spent on resurfacing the hall floor and purchasing new chairs (which had been requested by several people). The entrance doors to the village hall had recently been vandalised and would cost £700 to be replaced. It took a lot of time and effort to raise funds to keep the hall running and it was very frustrating that money which could be put to better use, had to be spent repairing wanton damage. He also felt that CCTV was inappropriate for the village.
    Mr. Farrow hoped that the Parish Council would be able to support them with a grant similar to last year, and the Parish Council agreed that this would be the case.
    The Chairman thanked Mr. Farrow for keeping the Parish Council informed of the running costs of the hall and for submitting their annual accounts. The work undertaken by the village hall committee was very much appreciated. Mr. Farrow then left the meeting.
    Before presenting the Accounts, the Financial Officer reported that the children’s playground committee had submitted their annual accounts, but the playing field association’s accounts were still outstanding.
    The Financial Officer presented the Income & Expenditure Accounts for the year 2007/8. He answered questions raised and drew attention to the Question and Answer form required by the External Auditor and said he was fully satisfied with the specific requirements raised by them with the exception of Risk Management Assessment. Regarding the Reserve Account, he felt that this was just adequate. The annual accounts were put to the Parish Council and approved. The F. O. would be approaching the internal auditor with the documents required so that he could complete his part of the Audit Action F. O
  9. Cllr. Scott had requested that the CCTV be reviewed but Cllr. Hatt said this matter had been discussed at the last meeting and it was agreed not to proceed.
  10. The Chairman proposed, and it was unanimously agreed, that the Parish Council subscribe to the “Update” monthly print edition issued by Clerks & Councils “Direct” magazine at a cost of £65 per annum. Action Clerk
  11. Cheques paid since last meeting: - postage telephone & stationery £254. 47; village notice re election £29. 06; P. F. A. grass cutting £550; playground waste collection £63. 99; website £10. 45; Solicitors £366. 06; clock maintenance £105. 75 and hosting of website £51. 57.
  12. To Discuss Village Plan
    In the absence of Cllr. Scott there was nothing to report.
  13. Neighbourhood Watch
    The Chairman suggested that this matter be brought up at the Annual Parish Meeting.
  14. Correspondence
    CPALC – Annual report etc. circulated.
    Cambs. Highways – “Most frequently asked questions” –circulated.
    Parish Tree Warden Scheme. Correspondence sent to Cllr. Scott – our Tree Warden – For his attention. Action T. S
    Letter re “Stop Stansted Expansion” requesting opportunity to make presentation to the Parish Council some time after May, was considered It was agreed that the Clerk should write and arrange a mutually convenient date for the presentation. She was also instructed to write to BAA to arrange a meeting with them at which they could put their case. Action Clerk
  15. Any Other Business
    Clllr. Scott had suggested that a Youth Committee be set up to allow engagement of this age group and their needs. However, it was agreed that the current Youth Committee needed more time to become established in the village.
    Cllr. Scott also suggested that the Parish Council should write to Mr. & Mrs. Brown of Tudor Cottage accepting their very kind offer to open and close the chain across the entrance to the playing field. Action Clerk
    Cllr. Hatt drew attention to the ditch in Barley Road, which was blocked, and causing an unpleasant smell The Clerk would get in touch with Mr. Cooper. Action Clerk
    Cllrs. Hatt and Lyster suggested that the County Council be requested to fill in the ruts and holes along the “chalky run” byway. The Clerk would get in touch with Mr. Cooper on this matter also. Action Clerk
  16. Date of next meeting. It was agreed that the next meeting of the Parish Council be held on 14th April for the sole purpose of completing the Annual Accounts for Audit.
  17. The dates were confirmed for the Annual Parish Council Meeting and Annual Parish Meeting on 12th and 16th May respectively.

There being no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting closed