In Attendance

Chairman: Andrew Gardiner

Parish Councillors Dibblee, Cartwright, Erskine, Scott

Outgoing Clerk: Cynthia Buckland

Incoming Clerk Sarah Scott

Financial Officer Reg Buckland

District Councillor: Janice Guest,

County Councillor Susan Van de Ven

Youth Group Representatives Curtis Redrup, Bianca Stanford, George Tilbury

Mr. Graham Taylor Cambs. County Council (Highways)

Three members of the public K. Lawrence, N. Mardell and Mrs. L. Parkes

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs. Brearley, Murgatroyd and

District Cllr. Barrett.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Taylor for coming to the meeting and invited him to report on the serious traffic problems connected with the A.505. Mr. Taylor produced a plan drawn up by the Highways Dept. and asked for the Parish Council’s comments, stressing that the amount of finance allocated for this project was only £100,000. Unfortunately, although the P.C. had written to the Highways Dept. on many occasions about the congestion which built up at the Flint Cross turning, especially in the mornings, when traffic was trying to filter on to the A.505, it transpired that this serious problem would not be included in this project. A pedestrian crossing would be sited and Mr. Taylor’s attention was drawn to the possible dangerous hazard this would cause. It was generally felt that the amount of money to be spent and the “improvements” envisaged would do little to alleviate the situation even if a 50 mph speed limit was introduced. The Council asked Mr. Taylor to broaden the exit from the B.1368 so as to allow traffic to exit more easily left on to the A.505.

The Chairman thanked Mr. Taylor for his report and he then left the meeting.

Confirmation of Minutes. The Minutes of the meeting held on 20^th May 2009 were taken as read, confirmed and signed.

It was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Cllr. Erskine and unanimously agreed that Mrs. Sarah Scott be appointed Clerk as from 1^st August next However, as agreed, Mrs. Buckland would be available to answer any queries Mrs. Scott may have until the end of September.

Matters arising.

3.1 Winding of church clock. The Clerk reported that this has now been taken over by Mr. Phil Maynard (who is also a bell-ringer) and who has been shown how to operate the mechanism by Mr. John Crawley.

3.2 Obstruction of overhanging foliage. In the absence of Cllr. Murgatroyd there was nothing to report on this item. Action; Cllr. Murgatroyd

However, Cllr. Scott had spoken to Mr. & Mrs. Wahlich regarding the obstruction caused by foliage at the approach to the crossroads and this matter had now been satisfactorily dealt with.

3.3 A letter of thanks had been sent to Mr. Steve Saunders for his services to the Playing Field Assn. over many years.

3.4 Replacement of street signs. The May Street sign had been replaced but with regard to the Plaistow Way sign and Heydon Road sign, the Clerk was instructed to approach Mr. Don Leitch. Unfortunately, it appeared that the Heydon Road sign had “disappeared” and would have to be replaced by the District Council.

Action: Clerk

4. Status of Planning Applications.

Application from Mrs. Deary, 14 Colts Croft for an extension was approved by the P.C. and the application from Mrs. Penny Triggs – change of use from Dance Studio to Residential dwelling – had been refused by the District Council.

Financial Matters

The Financial Officer circulated an up-to-date statement of Income & Expenditure and drew attention to certain entries. Mr. Buckland also asked if consideration had been given regarding a gratuity to the retiring Clerk in view of her long service to the Council over 24 years. The Chairman said it will be under consideration. Action: Chairman

5.1 ROSPA

It was reported that at the moment there is nothing that is urgently outstanding with regard to the skate park / basketball area. Although there is an issue with the proximity of the hoop to the other equipment and it will need moving (as it is out of commission at the moment). Cllr Scott reported that he and Cllr Brearley are working on a plan of action for the area and invited those Younger People present at the meeting to work with them to get at plan of action in place. He ask that they research if some of the equipment needs replacing and what would be their wish list and for them and to obtain costings. He stated that in the longer term it might be better to replace some of the older equipment rather than patch it up. The usage of the basketball hoop needs to also be considered.

A full report and proposal would be given at the next meeting . Action Cllrs Scott & Brearley

5.2 The Clerk requested confirmation of the following cheques paid since the last meeting:- G.& R Tree £320; Berforts £45.65; Sarah Scott salary £362.30;

Insurance premium £1059.07; St. Swithun’s and St. Nicholas church mtnce.£300 each; Janet Crouch tea party £100; Don Leitch £272; Sarah Scott salary £362.30; G &R Trees £160; Clerk’s 1^st qtr salary £1046.21; J.Murgatroyd A.P.M. expenses. £61.67; Wine Jeff Gill £12.58; Sub.”Direct” Mag. £20; Berforts newsletter £129.16; Playsafety £188.60; CPALC Clerk’s course £200 and E.On bus shelter light £8.46.

Parking in the village

Mr Lawrence reported that there were 29 cars parked in Waller’s Close at the present. Cllr Scott said that times have now changed whereby most residences had one or maybe two cars, now residents have up to 4 vehicles and it is an issue that needs to be looked at, particularly in Hall Lane, Waller’s Close and at the New Houses in Heydon road. The car park area in Hall Lane (far end towards the latter area of the road) and its usage was also discussed. Cllr Scott said he would do an audit of car parking issues and go and talk to people in those areas to ascertain a plan of action. Action: Cllr. Scott

7.Speedwatch

Cllr Scott explained that Speedwatch checks had been taking place and for the most part, there is an issue with speeding in the village. At the moment there are 3 permanent volunteers and one part-time and more volunteers are needed. Cllr Scott urged the members of the PC to seek volunteers. The Police have been out recently and three fixed penalty notices were served. Cllr Scott had also sent an email out to the PC prior to the meeting with the latest Great Chishill Speedwatch statistics.

8.Footpaths

Chalky Walk. The Chairman indicated that one possible way to improve the surface condition of Chalky Walk might be to obtain a Winter closure by seeking a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order. This would involve gating at each end, with key access.

A letter had been drafted to Cambs. County Council. It was agreed that this be sent as a formal request from the Parish Council. Action: Cllr. Gardiner

9.Correspondence

A letter of thanks from Mr. Peter Lyster in respect of the church yard maintenance grant for St. Nicholas, was read to the meeting.

9.1 Rural Community Network. The Clerk would complete and return the form to include the names of all Parish Councillors. Action: Clerk

10.Any Other Business

10.1 The Chairman reported that his attention had been drawn to noise from residents on a Sunday. It was agreed that little could be done about this since

many residents worked during the week and were obliged to “catch-up” at weekends.

10.2 The Clerk confirmed that she had advised Mr. Mike Cooper about potholes in Little Chishill as reported by Mr. Chris Bates.

10.3 Although responsibility for maintenance of the windmill was now in the hands of Cambs. County Council, The Clerk had been in touch with Mr. Jim Harris about the damaged fence which had not yet been repaired, although originally reported early in the year. County Cllr. Van de Ven offered to have a word with Mr. Harris. Action: County Cllr. Van de ven

10.4 Broadband Service. Following parishioner’s concern about his poor broadband speed, a village survey was conducted. Only three households expressed a problem. Advice from BT suggests that the major variable affecting speed is the physical quality of the feed to individual properties.

There is little more the Parish Council can do at this stage. Details and relevant website contacts will be placed on the Chishill website

11.To confirm date of next meeting.. It was agreed that the next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Monday, 14^th September 2009.

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