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DATCHWORTH PARISH COUNCIL

 

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

HELD ON 24th APRIL 2006

AT 8.00pm IN DATCHWORTH VILLAGE HALL

 

PRESENT:

Chairman – Mr. C. Wilkins

Councillors – Mrs. V. Marshall

                        Mr. T. Charles                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

                        Mr. F. Pearman

                        Mrs. G. Lines

                        Mrs F. Chambers

                        Mrs L. Carrington-Brown               

                        Mr J. Nash

 

In Attendance – Mrs. L. Chambers – Clerk

 

ITEM 1 Apologies for absence – Councillor Mrs Marr, Councillor Austin, District Councillor Jackson

 

ITEM 2 Minutes of the last meeting on 20th March 2006 were agreed and signed as correct

 

ITEM 3 Matters arising –

Councillor Pearman reported that the grass cutting issues raised last month had been nothing to do with the Contractors employed by the Parish Council, but had been East Herts Contractors. The Clerk had been asked by East Herts to identify areas within the Village that were cut by their contractors, and she had replied that there were none.

ITEM 4 Ongoing items:

4.1 Playareas & Equipment – Wicksteed had written asking if the Safety inspection should be completed by them. After discussion it was agreed to go back to the East Herts/RoSPA inspection, as in previous years. Action: Await EHC inspection invitation in October.

Councillor Mrs Lines reported that the members of the Sports Club had been ‘playing’ on the Swings at the Green one evening. She will inspect the area to see if any damage had been done. Action: Councillor Mrs Lines to inspect Play equipment at the Green.

4.2 Highways – The State of the roads throughout the Village was bad, specifically Brookbridge Lane and Raffin Green Lane, Bury Lane end. District Councillor Jackson was to monitor the situation, but it was agreed that the Clerk should write to Highways again. Action: Clerk to write to Ian Bishop at Highways.

Councillor Nash reported that one of the Village name signs had been replaced, but was not adequate, but the other sign at the Watton Road entrance had not been replaced. The Clerk has already written to Highways to draw their attention to this, and their response was they will look into it.

Councillor Mrs Lines reported that when the Sports Club members were on the Play equipment, they were seen to remove the dog fouling sign. Action: Councillor Mrs Lines to check if sign had been replaced.

4.3 Parish Design Statement – The Chairman reported that there had been no progress on this.

4.4 Tree Survey – This was ongoing

 

ITEM 5. Planning

New Applications

 

3/06/0525/FP/JS - Cherry Tree Hall, Datchworth Green. Outbuilding incorporating endless pool and gym for personal physiotherapy and rehabilitation

3/06/0607/FP/JS – 1 Hawkins Hall Lane. Replacement dwelling. Objections on grounds of excessive size in relation to the surrounding area and properties and the size of the plot.

3/06/0612/FP/JS – 76 Bramfield Road. Dormer and replacement of existing flat roof to a playroom with a pitched roof.

 

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Appeal

 

3/05/2099/FP/JS – Cherry Tree Hall, Datchworth Green. Outbuilding enclosure of endless swimming pool, gym/fitness area, sauna/steam room, shower and WC.

Applications Granted Permission (by EHDC)

 

3/060300/FP/SD – Swan Hill Barn, R/O 75 Burnham Green Road. Double Garage √

3/06/0331/FP/JS – 8 Meadow Close. Single storey small front extension. Single storey rear extension. Loft conversion with dormer window

 

Shaded applications still in circulation

 

ITEM 6 – Main Items of correspondence

Brakspear – Response to Change of Name letter

HAPTC – Subscription invoice

Gristwood & Toms - Invoice

Brignalls – Renewal of lease for Burnham Green

Wicksteed - Annual Safety Inspection

Various emails – Five Hide Village Copyright

Tennis Club – Request to put signs up for tennis events - Agreed

Highways – Datchworth Signs

EHC – Precept

Fran Attrill – Re: Parking on the Green

 

Brakspear response – It was agreed that the Clerk should write back, stressing that it was the name ‘Tilbury’ that was of historic value, which had been taken over by the current Pub. Action: Clerk to write to Brakspear again.

The Clerk outlined the situation regarding the renewal of the lease for Burnham Green. In view of Welwyn & Hatfield Council’s apparent unwillingness to renew their part of the lease, it was agreed that the Clerk should contact Digswell Parish Council, as they may have an interest, and the Chairman will inform the Burnham Green Society of the situation. Action: Clerk to write to Digswell Parish Council, the Chairman to keep Burnham Green Society informed.

Councillor Charles reported that ‘The Five Hide Village’ had now been loaded onto the internet web site, but as the Parish Council held the copyright to the book; permission should be formally given for this. After a long discussion it was formally agreed that permission will be given. It was also agreed that prices should be obtained for a further print run of the book. Action: Clerk to obtain quotes for a print run of 20, 50 and 100 copies.

 

The Clerk reported that the Bus Passes had been issued last month, and said that Mrs Suzanne Lynn had been an invaluable help.

The Notice board at Burnham Green had collapsed. After discussion it was agreed that Councillor Mrs Chambers would obtain a price from a contact, for a replacement to be made. Action: Councillor Mrs Chambers to obtain price for replacement.

The Insurance renewal had arrived. The Clerk and Councillor Charles had been through the details and reviewed the level of cover. The cover was appropriate with a few exceptions, such as the public benches were under insured both in number and sum insured. The Clerk had written to the insurers for a revised quote.

The Clerk had received a request for permission to install a bench on Paynters Green. This was agreed to, but a sensible spot would need to be decided on with the donors.

The Clerk gave advance notice that she will be away in the second half of May next year, which was relevant as it is an Election Year.

 

ITEM 7 – Councillor’s Reports

Councillor Nash reported that it appeared that some tree work at the back of the Green Playarea had not been done adequately. After discussion, it was agreed that the area would be inspected, and if necessary, referred back to the Tree Survey Contractors. Action: Councillors Mrs Lines and Mrs Carrington-Brown to investigate.

Councillor Mrs Chambers reported that a problem with hot water at the Village Hall was still ongoing. Action: The Chairman to report problem to Ian Walker, Chairman of DVHMC

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Councillor Mrs Carrington-Brown reported that she had been approached about forming a working party to clean litter from surrounding areas to the Village. After discussion it was agreed that she should suggest to the person that he place an article in the Parish magazine.

 

The Chairman reported that the DVHMC were considering operating a clamping system for the Village Hall car park. [Correction from the Chairman: The Company would display warning notices and any vehicle without a ‘permission to park’ badge would be fined £40. This would rise to £85 if the fine is not paid within two weeks. There is no clamping involved. The initiative has not been actioned, but is in abeyance at this point]

ITEM 8. District- Councillor’s Report – There was no report

 

ITEM 9. Financial Report

In accordance with the Council’s Financial Regulations, the following transactions were approved:

Income: £20 – Mr Ansell – Leisure Plot rent

               £20 – Melanie Jeanes and Peter Marshall – Leisure Plot rent

               £10 – Mr Shepherd – Leisure Plot rent

               £20 – Mrs Carrington-Brown – Leisure Plot rent

               £20 – Mr Brown – Leisure Plot rent

               £16.89 – Interest on Deposit Account

              £ 10 – Mr Kent Leisure Plot rent

              £10 – Mr Steer – Leisure Plot rent

              £ 10 – Ms Woodland Leisure Plot rent

             £4732.11 – VAT refund

             £10 – Mr Hurren – Leisure Plot rent

             £50 – Mr & Mrs Packman – Leased land rent

             £234.83 – DVHMC – Electrical work

             £10 – Mrs Thody – Leisure Plot rent

             £9213 – Precept

             £10 – Mr Ingrey – Leisure Plot

             £1.00 – Bowls Club Rent

 

Outgoings:

Cheque Number: 152 - £413.61 – Gristwood & Toms

                             153 - £611.25 – HAPTC

                             154 - £275.92 – Dart Electrical – for DVHMC

                             155 - £500 – DVHMC

                             156 - £101 – Mr J. Adams – Litter

                             157 - £429.58 – Mrs L. Chambers – Salary & Expenses

 

Bank Balances – Cheque Account - £6061.98

Savings Account - £6243.55                                                         

                      

 

ITEM 10 Benefits and Concerns

The Chairman said it had been a jovial meeting, and no concerns were expressed.

 

ITEM 12 Date of Next Meeting: 15th May 2006 – 7.00pm AGM

                                                                                  8.00pm Annual Parish Meeting

 

The meeting closed 9.10pm