Members present: Mr. S. Potter (Chairman), Mr. K. Ascott, Mr. L. Cooper, Mrs. S. Owen, Mr. M. Perriman, Mrs. M. Stock.

Also in attendance: Mrs. Jane Potter (Clerk).

Mr. John Archer attended the public session prior to the meeting.

The meeting was not attended by any members of the public.

Apologies were received from Mr. K. Gower, Mr. B. Oliver, and Mr. G. Strathern, who were unable to attend the meeting due to prior personal and professional commitments and from Mr. John Sears (District Council Ward Member).

2/12/07. THE MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 9^TH NOVEMBER 2007, having been circulated to all Members, were approved, and signed by the Chairman.

3/12/07. TO DISCUSS ANY MATTERS OF INFORMATION ARISING FROM THOSE MINUTES:

3.1/12/07 Clerk: 7/11/07 To award the ground maintenance contract for the 2008 and 2009 seasons: Members noted that Andrew Macmorland (A.G. Macmorland Farming Partnership) had accepted the grass cutting contract in Purleigh for the 2008 and 2009 seasons.

3.2/12/07 Members’: Members did not have any matters arising from the November 2007 Parish Council meeting to discuss.

4.1/12/07 Decisions taken between meetings: Members noted that the Parish Council had not made any recommendations to the District Council between meetings.

4.2/12/07 Current applications: FUL/MAL/07/01277 Alterations to porch area and first floor to be constructed over. Seven Gables, Birchwood Road, Purleigh. Mr. A. Boyle.

The Parish Council RECOMMENDED APPROVAL.

FUL/MAL/07/01262 Single storey annexe extension to existing bungalow. Sunnycot, Chelmsford Road, Purleigh. Mr. and Mrs. R. Selfe & son.

The Parish Council RECOMMENDED APPROVAL.

LBC/MAL/07/01311 To install a solar collector on rear roof. Old Redgate Farm, Fambridge Road, Purleigh. Mr. and Mrs. Coward-Talbutt.

The Parish Council RECOMMENDED APPROVAL, provided the solar collector was not installed on the roof of the 16^th century part of the dwelling.

4.3/12/07 Notification of Appeals: Members noted that the Parish Council had not been notified of any Appeals between meetings.

4.4/12/07 Maldon District Council planning decisions: Members noted that Maldon District Council had APPROVED the following applications:

and had REFUSED to grant planning permission for the following development:

4.5/12/07 Offensive odour - Mapledean Poultry Farm: Members noted that Melanie Francis (Maldon District Council, Environmental Health Officer) had advised that it had been established in August 2007 that the source of the offensive odour reported to the Council by many residents of Thatchers Croft and Maldon Road was emanating from Mapledean Poultry Farm, Mundon.

Members noted that Miss Francis had visited the farm and had advised employees and the site owner of the many odour complaints received by Maldon District Council. She had also written to Hook 2 Sisters, the site operators, explaining that complaints had continued since her visit.

As the site and odour control management were the subject of a permit issued under the Pollution Prevention & Control Act 1999, regulated by the Environment Agency (EA), Miss Francis had been working with Agency Officers to try to resolve the issue. Due to the avian flu situation, Hook 2 Sisters were restricting access to the site and the Environment Agency had agreed to abide by the company’s bio security measures. Members noted that it had been explained to a company representative that the site was a priority for EA Officer Adam Clarke to visit and as soon as the avian flu situation had been resolved therefore, an inspection of Mapledean Poultry Farm would take place.

4.6/12/07 Other planning matters: Maldon District Council: Purleigh Conservation Area Review and Appraisal: The Parish Council agreed to request that the conservation area be extended to the west to include the listed Valley House, and the Glebe field and pond opposite. Members also agreed to request that The Old Rectory and the ancillary buildings on its site be listed.

5.1/12/07 Proposed prohibition of stopping, Pump Lane, Purleigh: Members noted that Jackie Roerig (Essex County Council) had confirmed that the parking restriction would cover the access to Badgers, as the small section of ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ would link up with the existing restrictions at the junction of the Westerings.

5.2/12/07 Other highway matters: Verge adjacent to Purleigh Law: Members noted that Bob Wiltshire (Acting Area Highway Manager) had advised that the verge near Purleigh Law was in an acceptable condition and required no maintenance at this time. The Chairman and Clerk had subsequently accompanied Ed Brown (Highway Officer) to the site and shown him the damaged verge, which he agreed needed to be properly reinstated.

Mr. Ascott reported that this work had now been satisfactorily completed.

Defect in Simmons Lane: Members noted that Mr. Wiltshire had also advised that as the defect in Simmons Lane was on the edge of the carriageway it was considered a lower priority than other ongoing maintenance issues in the Maldon District. Therefore, no immediate action would be taken, although maintenance would be considered in the next financial year. In the meantime the Highways Department would continue to monitor the area to make sure the road surface did not deteriorate further.

Outstanding highway matters: Members noted that on Wednesday, 5^th December 2007, the Chairman and Clerk took Ed Brown (the newly appointed Highways Officer responsible for Purleigh) on a guided tour of the parish, and showed him outstanding highway matters which were causing concern.

Members noted that sites visited included: Pump Lane (width of the pavement outside Goosepatch); the Round Bush lay-by, Birchwood Road (drainage and obstructions on the verge); Maldon Road (HGV sign at Pillar Box Corner); Fambridge Road (lack of 40mph repeater signs and outstanding SID); Howe Green Road (drainage); Hackmans Lane (missing gateway sign), Slough Lane and Pump Corner (damaged finger posts); Barons Lane (obscured 30mph sign opposite the entrance to New Hall Vineyard) and The Street (drainage).

6.1/12/07 Children’s Play Area: Monthly report: Mr. Perriman reported that he had carried out his weekly inspections of the Children’s Play Area and that all items of play equipment therein appeared to be in a satisfactory condition.

6.2/12/07 Hire of the pavilion and cricket square: Members noted that Mick Elliott (Chairman, Purleigh Cricket Club) had informed the Parish Council that Rayleigh Cricket Club had asked if they could continue to use the facilities at the playing field during next season on the Saturdays when they were not required for Purleigh’s league games i.e. on Saturdays which fell within Purleigh Cricket Club’s block booking. Last year Rayleigh had used the pitch etc. about 9 times and Mr. Elliott had personally ensured that there were no problems. Members noted that Mr. Elliott’s letter continued to explain that the two clubs had formed a good relationship and were hoping that this would be extended next season. As with last season, Purleigh Cricket Club would take full responsibility for the preparation of the wicket and the supply of equipment on the day. A formal agreement would be drawn up mirroring the one Purleigh Cricket Club had with the Parish Council. Money paid by Rayleigh to Purleigh Cricket Club would be in the form of a donation unless the Parish Council directed otherwise. Mr. Elliott requested confirmation from the Parish Council that this would be acceptable.

It was noted that when the Parish Council had agreed to Rayleigh Cricket Club using the facilities on some days during the season which fell within Purleigh Cricket Club’s block booking it had been on the understanding that this would be a one-off, to help both Clubs who were facing a difficult season.

It was agreed that if the arrangement was to be put on a more permanent footing, which amounted to sub-letting, Rayleigh should be asked to hire the facilities directly from the Parish Council and also to make an appropriate donation to Purleigh Cricket Club towards its costs in preparing and maintaining the square etc (the amount of donation to be negotiated privately between the two cricket clubs).

It was agreed that the Clerk should explain this to Mr. Elliott and to ask for Purleigh Cricket Club’s fixture list so that it would be clear which days the facilities would be available for Rayleigh to use, should the club want to do so.

Under this system, Purleigh Cricket Club would no longer be asked to take out a block booking, but to pay for days used, like Rayleigh.

6.3/12/07 To receive a quotation to redecorate the pavilion in 2008/09: Members noted that Brian Ellis had written to advise that having inspected the toilets, changing rooms, kitchen and corridor in the pavilion, he had found them in an excellent condition, not requiring redecoration at this time. He had therefore provided the following estimate to redecorate the hall and entrance lobby only:

Ceilings: Prepare, touch up any flaking areas before applying one coat of matt emulsion

Upper walls: Prepare before applying two coats of soft sheen emulsion

Lower walls: Prepare before applying one undercoat and one gloss coat

Windows, door frames, doors and skirting: Thoroughly prepare before applying one undercoat and one gloss coat.

All paint to be Dulux

Estimated cost including materials: £1,525.00

Members noted that Brian Ellis believed that he would have time to do the above, but should the Parish Council wish to re-decorate the entire building, suggested that it approached Mr. C.C. Thorogood, (painting and decorating contractor) for a quotation.

The Parish Council noted the contents of a letter from the Purleigh Playing Field Association (PPFA) outlining their thoughts on the redecoration of the interior of the pavilion hall and lobby.

Members noted that the PPFA felt that a light and neutral colour was preferable and recommended either magnolia to match the extension or a light cream or peach with, as before, emulsion on the upper walls and a washable satin finish for durability on the lower walls. The ceiling and window frames to remain white. For the skirting and doors, which were already a dark colour and more difficult to cover, the PPFA recommended a medium blue, e.g. RAF blue, which should also be applied to the outside of the doors in a durable oil based paint such as that used at the Village Hall.

The PPFA also recommended that new curtains be obtained to blend with the blue colour of the windows and doors, and that a blind be purchased for the kitchen window.

Members noted that the PPFA would consider making a donation towards the redecoration and/or curtains and that Steve Dewison had kindly volunteered to research a possible cost effective solution for the curtains.

It was agreed to consider redecorating the interior of the pavilion when setting the precept at the January 2008 Parish Council meeting.

6.4/12/07 Other playing field and open space matters: New notice board, Pump Corner: Members noted that the notice board had been delivered and installed. The Chairman explained that at a site meeting attended by himself, Mr. Ascott, Mr. Oliver and Mr. Perriman, it had been agreed that the notice board should be erected in the same location as before.

Members also noted that Harry Stebbing had requested a digital photograph of the notice board to be taken and e-mailed to him for inclusion in the company’s new catalogue, as he had been so pleased with the finished result. It was agreed to ask Mr. Oliver if he could take a photograph of the notice board to send to Mr. Stebbing.

Vandalism at the pavilion: Members noted that during the week commencing 10^th December 2007, a window had been broken in the pavilion and guttering and down-pipes torn down and removed from the site. It was noted and approved that Gary Lynch had been asked to repair the damage as a matter of urgency. Mr. Perriman agreed to report the damage to Pc England at the next meeting of the local Neighbourhood Action Panel.

Pavilion chairs: Members noted the contents of a letter from the PPFA, requesting that the Parish Council consider purchasing some more chairs for the pavilion, as some users considered the existing ones to be inadequate in number and in poor condition.

It was agreed to ask Mr. Steeples to ask whichever user group had complained about the chairs to contact the Parish Council directly outlining their specific concerns, as Members needed more details.

Under the terms of the Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960, this item of business was held in Committee due to the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.

National Minimum Wage: Members noted that from 1^st October 2007 the National Minimum Wage had been increased from £5.35 per hour to £5.52 per hour for workers aged 22 years and over.

9.1/12/07 Pavilion cleaner: It was agreed to offer to pay Mrs. Dilworth a fee of £6.00 per hour to clean the Pavilion effective from 1^st April 2008.

9.2/12/07 The Clerk: Members noted that the Clerk was contracted to work an average 100 hours per month and currently earned an annual salary of £7,800 (i.e. £6.50 per hour).

Mr. Potter declared a prejudicial interest in this matter and left the Pavilion, as did the Clerk, during the Parish Council’s discussion of this Agenda item.

In the absence of the Chairman and Mr. Strathern (the Vice Chairman), Mr. Ascott chaired this part of the meeting.

On Mr. Potter and the Clerk’s return to the meeting they were informed that it had been proposed and unanimously agreed that the Clerk be paid an annual salary of £10,200.00 (i.e. £8.50 per hour) effective from 1^st April 2008.

Expenses 2007/2008 would be increased by the sum of £83 to £1,756 and were comprised as follows:

Members noted that the EALC had agreed to organise a number of training events in the Maldon area. It was agreed to inform the EALC that the Parish Council was committed to training for Councillors and the Clerk and incorporated a budget for training within its precept calculations. The Clerk would explain that Maldon District would be a very welcome location for events and that Members were interested in most aspects of local government law and procedure.

9.1/12/07 Community Initiatives Fund 2008/2009: Members noted that following the success of the initial three rounds of funding which saw 601 grants totalling £4,611,269 given to community projects across Essex, a further £1,000,000 had been made available for disbursement across the county in the financial year 2008/2009. The County Council wished to continue to work with local organisations to identify projects which were suitable for funding, taking into account the main criterion which remained that:

‘The project would promote the social, economic or environmental well-being of the locality and would result in the creation of a new physical asset’.

This could include such projects as community, social and recreational facilities, community transport initiatives, land purchases, playground equipment, environmental works and any related feasibility, design and planning work.

The project should take account of Essex County Council and Essex Partnership priorities including tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, improving local environmental features, access to services and supporting communities.

Projects would be given preference if they could attract matched funding, have the potential to add value to other work being undertaken in the locality and had been identified in local health checks or parish plans/appraisals.

Applications for funding in the Maldon District needed to be in by 9^th July 2008, with the judging panel sitting during the week beginning 27^th October 2008.

Parish Councillors agreed to bear the fund in mind when deciding on future capital projects such as the purchase of new play equipment.

9.2/12/07 Parish Precept 2008/2009 – to agree a date for discussion: It was agreed that the precept 2008/2009 would be set by the Parish Council at its meeting to be held on Friday, 18^th January 2007.

Members noted that the Parish Council had informed parishioners via the Parish Magazine that the precept would be set at the January meeting, and had suggested that if any organisations wished the Parish Council to consider making them a grant for the forthcoming year, they should apply in writing to the Clerk as soon as possible.

Members noted that during the year the following projects had been identified which the Parish Council may wish to precept for:

Members noted that the provisional tax base figure for Purleigh 2008/2009 had been calculated by Maldon District Council at 548.0

9.3/12/07 To review Parish Council subscriptions: The Parish Council reviewed its current subscriptions, which were as follows:

Members noted that the cost of subscriptions had risen by £20.16 between 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 (Rural Community Council of Essex +£5; EALC + £7.16; Council for the Protection of Rural Essex +£1, SLCC + £7).

It was agreed to continue to subscribe to all the aforementioned organisations.

9.4/12/07 To receive a report of receipts: Members received a report of the following receipts:

9.5/12/07 To approve payment of accounts between meetings: Members noted that the Parish Council had not paid any accounts between Parish Council meetings.

9.6/12/07 To approve payment of accounts to hand: It was unanimously agreed to approve payment of the following accounts to hand:

The Parish Council agreed to purchase Mr. Ovel a suitable gift up to the value of £10 as a token of its appreciation for all his work in the parish during the year.

Members noted that having carried out an Equality Impact Assessment on services to try to find out how it could improve access to District Council services, the Council now had to ask its customers, especially those from ‘equality target groups’ (as defined by gender, race, disability, age, sexuality and religion/faith) if they agreed with its assessment. To this end a consultation document was sent to Town and Parish Councils (amongst other consultees). Responses were required by Friday, 8^th February 2008.

The consultation paper was placed in the circulation folder for Members’ consideration.

Members noted that the EALC had moved to:

2/2a Twyford Court

High Street

Dunmow

Essex

CM6 1AE

Tel: 01371879722

Email: infor@ealc.gov.uk

It was agreed that because the holiday period delayed the receipt of Bank Statements etc. the January 2008 Parish Council meeting would be held one week later than usual, on Friday, 18^th January 2008, so that all relevant financial information would be available for Members’ consideration. To maintain a four week gap between meetings it was agreed that the February 2008 meeting would also be held one week later on Friday, 15^th February 2008.

Consideration was given to the crime and disorder implications of all decisions made at this meeting.

There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.37 p.m.

Top of Page