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DATCHWORTH PARISH COUNCIL

 

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

HELD ON 15th OCTOBER 2007

AT 8.00pm IN DATCHWORTH VILLAGE HALL

 

PRESENT:

Chairman – Mr. C. Wilkins

Councillors – Mrs V. Marshall

                        Mrs G. Lines

                        Mr T. Stowe

                        Mr. F. Pearman

                        Mr. A. Brown

 

In Attendance – Mrs. L. Chambers – Clerk

 

Also present: Mrs W. Prowle and Mr R. White.

 

The Chairman welcomed Mrs Prowle, who will be taking over the Clerk’s position from 1st November

 

ITEM 1 Apologies for absence – Councillors T. Charles, J. Austin, Mrs F. Chambers and District Councillor T. Jackson

 

ITEM 2 Minutes of the last meeting on 17th September 2007 were agreed and signed as correct.

 

ITEM 3 Matters arising –

The Chairman had spoken to The Tebbutts and informed them of the PC’s view about the land in front of their shop. They will probably resurface the area at their own expense, as they had in the past.

The Chairman reported that he had been in Benington at the time there was a presentation and meeting about the Wind Farm proposal. There followed a discussion about how high the masts were to be and who it would affect. He reported Aston’s view that all surrounding Villages that will be affected should liaise when the final plans were submitted to East Herts. At the present time the plans had not been submitted. The Chairman said the Inter-Village Liaison should be added to the Agenda as an ‘Ongoing Item’. Action: The Clerk to add to the Agenda as a regular Item.

ITEM 4 Ongoing matters -

4.1 Play areas and equipment – The working party group gave an update on the play areas. The Climbing Frame had to be removed as it had virtually collapsed. There was a long discussion about the way forward. It was agreed that Councillor Mrs Marshall should approach the School for ideas from the children about what they would like to see. Action: Councillor Mrs Marshall to approach Mary Willatt.

Councillor Mrs Marshall was obtaining quotes for replacing the equipment.

There was along discussion about the car situation again, and the viability of moving  the slide. It was agreed that this suggestion would be prohibitively expensive.

The Working Party suggested a Community Orchard be planted on the area beside the Leisure plots. They had done research about this. After discussion it was agreed that this was an interesting idea and worth pursuing. Action: Councillors Mrs Marshall, Brown and Mrs Lines to investigate the Orchard idea further.

The Burnham Green Play area: Councillor Brown had investigated the state of the swings and suggested that repairs may be possible. Action: Councillor Brown to investigate the possibility of someone being found to do repairs to the cross bar on the swings.

Councillor Mrs Lines reported that the jet washing of the swings on the Green had not been possible. It was suggested that it may be possible to clean the area using bleach and a scrubbing brush. Action: Councillor Mrs Lines to organise the cleaning of the area.

Councillor Brown referred to the meeting with the Turkey Farm users, when it had been agreed that the possibility of Bollards and a barrier would be investigated. Action: Councillor Brown to investigate.

 

 

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4.2 Highways – Councillor Brown reported that he had been in contact with Raj Goutam about the outstanding issues:

Boundary queries – in the hands of HCC’s legal advisors – progress was being made.

Parking on grass in Hawkins Hall Lane – seems to have stopped.

White Lining on roads – still not done but Councillor Brown will maintain pressure, especially for the Brookbridge Lane/Hawkins Hall Lane junction.

Raffin Green Lane sign – order has been placed with new manufacturer, hopefully will be faster delivery than the previous manufacturer

Hedge between the Tilbury and Watton Road – there is some disagreement who is responsible for this. The Landlord of the Tilbury believes a section is Highways responsibility. Councillor Pearman said that if the hedge was not cut by the time the Turkey Farm hedge is due to be cut, usually in November, he will include the Watton Road Hedge. Action: Councillor Pearman to include in routine hedge cutting.

Councillor Brown had spoken at length to Mr Wright about his concerns concerning the Hollybush Lane/Rectory Lane area. He outlined Mr Wright’s main concerns however they do not coincide with the PC, East Herts. or Police views.

Flooding at Pond on Watton Road – Mr White, as the owner of the pond, was welcomed to the meeting. He agreed that he would arrange for the pond to be dredged in line with Highways suggestion but he contended that the drainage pipe into the pond was too narrow and blocked, which contributed to the problems. Councillor Brown said he would press this issue with Raj Goutam. Action: Councillor Brown to monitor all outstanding Highways issues.

Councillor Pearman said that the parking at School was becoming horrendous as parents had stopped using the field, despite it still being accessible. After discussion, it was agreed that a letter should be sent to the School to encourage as much car sharing as possible. Action: The Clerk to write to Mary Willatt at the School

The Chairman reported that he had been approached by a representative of Tewin Parish Council about sharing the purchase of a flashing speed warning sign. It was agreed after discussion to await the outcome of the Parish Design Statement questionnaire.

4.3 Parish Design Statement – Councillor Stowe reported that the questionnaire will be circulated at the end of October. He outlined the necessity for at least an 80% response. He urged Councillors to encourage all Parishioners to respond to the questionnaire.

4.4 Tree Survey – Nothing to report.

4.5 Sports Club – The Chairman commented that there was no problem with parking yesterday, when he went past at about 11.00am; however other observations made later were that it had been bad. The passing bays were not big enough and there were not enough marshals. Action: The Chairman to report back to next meeting with Sports Club.

A letter had been received from the Sports Club in response to the PC’s letter concerning the preliminary lease negotiations. It was agreed this should be adjourned until Councillor Charles’ return from his holiday. Action: Agenda for next month. The Clerk to acknowledge the letter.

4.6 Parish Paths Partnership – Andrew Marr’s comprehensive report on the condition of the footpaths had been circulated. It was a very full report, which identified areas that needed work. The report will be passed to the Countryside Management Service. The grant money already received can be used for the ‘Kissing-gates’ that need installing/repairing. The Clerk should write a letter of thanks to Andrew Marr. Action: The Clerk to write to Andrew Marr. The Clerk to pass the report to Countryside Management Service.

ITEM 5. Planning

New Applications

 

3/07/1947/FP/SCD – Off Watton Road, adjacent  H  Park Crematorium. Natural Cemetery

 3/07/1739/FP/SD- 14 Orchard Road, Adjacent Burnham Green Village Hall. Extension to car park

3/07/1938/FP/NB – 29 Burnham Green Road.

3/07/2061/FP/HS = 35 Burnham Green Road. Replacement dwelling.

 

Applications Granted Permission (by EHC)

3/07/1644/FP – 1 Raffin Park – Single storey front extension with open porch, side and rear single storey extensions and raise roof at first floor to create a pitched roof.

 

ITEM 6. Budget and Finance update.

 

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The Clerk had circulated the Budget figures that had been agreed at the Finance committee meeting, together with the updated comparison figures. However a letter had been received from Ian Walker

on behalf of the Village Hall Committee, making a case for a bigger contribution from the PC. In view of this, it was agreed to consider the Budget at the November meeting. Action: Agenda the Budget for November; the Clerk to acknowledge the letter from Ian Walker.

 

ITEM 7.  Main Items of Correspondence

DVHMC – New Fencing - £1255.00

Invoice paid

Martin Shrosbee (EHC) – Reply to letter concerning Valuation of Sports Club

This would be included in any decisions regarding the new lease.

EHC – Precept

Noted

Aston Parish Council – Progress request re Boundary Change

Councillor Stowe will make enquiries of the affected households in Hooks Cross, when he is distributing the Parish Plan questionnaire. Action: Councillor Stowe to make enquiries of the affected Households.

Datchworth Sports Club – Response to letter re: lease

Dealt with elsewhere

Kirkham Contracting – Quote for Grass Cutting

The Clerk to acknowledge and accept the quote

Welwyn/Hatfield – Date for meeting – 7th November

The Clerk to enquire how many Councillors can attend. The Chairman, Councillors Mrs Marshall, Stowe and Charles expressed willingness to attend.

Mr Bateman – Dangerous tree at 97 Datchworth Green

If the tree has a number on it, it should be included in the next phase of work;

Councillor Mrs Lines will inspect the tree;

Howard Hughes (Welwyn PC) – Village Signs

Councillor Mrs Chambers was involved in the erection of the Village sign; await her return for this information.

 

The Clerk reported that there had been a very limited response to the request for information about traffic accidents/near misses at the Crossroads.

The minimum wage had increased on 1st October, and consequently the Litter Pickers salary had risen.

Two substantial litter bins had been deposited at the Turkey Farm. Neither EHC nor HCC accepted responsibility for them, and the Clerk had definitely not ordered or paid for them. She had contacted District Councillor Jackson to see if he could cast any light on there appearance.

 

ITEM 8 Councillors Reports

Councillor Stowe and Mrs Marshall had attended interesting workshops at the East Herts. Rural Parish Councils conference. Unfortunately the conference was not very well attended.

The Chairman reported that he had received a positive response to the Dog Fouling bin leaflet drop. Two areas had been suggested. The next stage is to price the bins. Action: The Clerk to let the Chairman have information about prices for bins.

The Chairman reported that he had been in contact with Aston and Tewin concerning Parish Liaison, but there had been no other response. He will do follow up letters. Action: The Chairman to pursue Parish Liaison contact.

ITEM 9. District Councillor’s report

There was no report.

 

ITEM 10 Financial Report

In accordance with the Council’s financial regulations, the following transactions were approved

Income:

DVHMC – New Fencing - £1255.00

EHC Precept second Half - £9572.00

Interest on Deposit - £41.66

Outgoings:

Cheque Number: 233 – TAE (UK) for DVHMC - £1474.63

                           234 – DVHMC - £500 – second half of Donation

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                           235 – J. Adams – Litter - £110.40

                           236 – Mrs L. Chambers – Salary & Expenses - £455.52

Bank Balances – Cheque Account - £13999.81 - £8000 transferred to Deposit today.

Savings Account - £12969.36                                                          

                      

 

ITEM 11 Benefits and Concerns

The main benefit was welcoming Mrs Prowle to the meeting as the new Clerk.

 

The main concern was the lateness of the meeting for the second month running.

 

ITEM 12 – Dates of next meetings

 

19th November 2007 @ 8.00pm

 

The meeting closed at 10.10pm