Members present: Mr. G. Strathern (Chairman), Mr. K. Ascott, Mr. L. Cooper, Mr. K. Gower, Mr. B. Oliver, Mrs. S. Owen, Mr. S. Potter, Mrs. M. Stock.

Also in attendance: Mrs. Jane Potter (Clerk)

Mr. John Archer and Mr. John Sears (District Council Ward Members) and Christine McDonald (Village Agent) attended the public session prior to the meeting.

One member of the public attended part of the meeting and three members of the public attended the entire meeting.

Apologies were received from Mr. M. Perriman, who was unable to attend the meeting due to a prior personal commitment.

2/02/10. THE MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 15^TH JANUARY 2010, having been circulated to all Members, were approved, and signed by the Chairman.

3/02/10 TO DISCUSS ANY MATTERS OF INFORMATION ARISING FROM THOSE MINUTES:

3.1/02/10 Clerk: 8.6/01/10 To consider grant applications for the financial year 2010/2011 and to set the parish precept 2010/2011: Members noted that Joseph Figg, Headteacher, Purleigh Community Primary School, had written to thank the Parish Council for its grant of £1,200 towards school swimming costs in 2009/2010 and for its continued financial support in 2010/2011.

Members noted that Jacqueline Sinden, Director, Dengie Project Trust had also written to thank the Parish Council for its grant of £280 towards the Knightswood Satellite Service and for its continued support in 2010/2011. Mrs. Sinden also informed the Parish Council that the Trust was looking to develop reminiscence groups and befriending schemes within individual parishes and would welcome any thoughts the Parish Council may have on this matter. It was noted that the Trust also managed the One Place information service, which operated from centres in Burnham and Southminster and the mobile unit, which visited all parishes once a month.

Members agreed that the best place to publicise the activities of the Trust was the Parish Magazine.

3.2/02/10 Members’: 7.01/10 Purleigh Emergency Group (PEG): Members noted that the St John’s Ambulance Brigade would run a training course for PEG members on the afternoon of Tuesday, 25^th May 2010 in the pavilion. It was noted that nine members of the group had agreed to attend, leaving three places available on the course. It was agreed to use the Parish Magazine and notice boards to encourage new members to join the group, three of whom would be able to attend the first aid course free of charge.

The Chairman agreed to join the Purleigh Emergency Group.

4.1/02/10 Decisions taken between meetings: Members noted that the Parish Council had not made any recommendations to Maldon District Council between meetings.

4.2/02/10 Current applications: FUL/MAL/10/00004 Construction of nine wind turbine generators with an overall height to tip of 125m and associated crane hardstanding areas, access tracks, substation building, 80m meteorological mast, hardstanding area for marine access, temporary lay-down area, temporary construction compound and associated electrical infrastructure. Land between Middlewick Farm and Wraywick Farm, The Marshes, Southminster. RidgeWind Ltd.

Mr. Ascott declared a non-prejudicial interest in this Agenda item.

Some concern was expressed about the visual impact the wind farm would have on the Dengie if passed.

On being put to the vote, the Parish Council RECOMMENDED APPROVAL, there being five votes in favour, a majority of Members believing that the application was in line with national policy regarding renewable energy. It was also felt that flood defences might be maintained if the application was allowed to proceed.

HOUSE/MAL/10/00073 Single storey side extension, Homestead, Latchingdon Road, Cold Norton. Mr. & Mrs. B. Draper.

The Parish Council RECOMMENDED APPROVAL.

4.3/02/10 Notification of Appeals: Members noted that the Parish Council had not been notified of any Appeals between meetings.

4.4/02/10 Maldon District Council planning decisions: Members noted that the Parish Council had not been notified of any planning decisions between meetings.

4.5/02/10 Other planning matters: FUL/MAL/09/01068 Land adjacent Crofton, Cold Norton Road: Members noted that the original application had been amended, as Robinson Hall, the agents acting for the applicant had claimed that the latter was the owner of all the land to which the application related, which was not the case.

It was noted that the Parish Council had also received a copy of a letter objecting to the application from an affected resident. The letter of objection was placed in the circulation folder for Members’ information.

5.1/02/10 Essex County Council Definitive Map of Public Rights of Way Maldon Review: Members noted that Jacqueline Millward (Environmental and Property Team Manager, Legal Services) had responded to the Parish Council’s letter regarding Footpath 11 as follows:

Mrs. Millward explained that the Review was looking at the record of what was already on the Definitive Map and was only investigating cases where the map could be demonstrated by evidence to be wrong or incomplete. No application having been made in relation to Footpath 11 under schedule 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, and the relevant County Council Service having indicated it was not an issue they intend to pursue, it was not within the parameters of the Review.

If the Parish Council wished to pursue any diversion proposal it needed to approach the Definitive Map Manager in the Environment Sustainability and Highways Directorate to discuss it and would need to secure the written consent of the owner of the land onto which the route would be diverted. If the Parish Council decided it did have grounds to make a schedule 14 application and evidence to support it, an application pack was available on the County Council’s website.

Members noted that the County Council had been advised that if no diversion were forthcoming, a bridge would be needed. It was agreed to write to Gary White (Definitive Map Manager) pointing out that it was in the public interest to divert Footpath 11 and would save the County Council the considerable cost involved with putting in a bridge. The Parish Council believed it was up to Essex County Council, as Highways Authority, to propose such a course of action.

5.2/02/10 Vehicle Activated Signage (VAS): Members noted that Jackie Roerig (Traffic and Road Safety Engineer, Essex County Council) had written to explain that there had been a change of policy relating to Vehicle Activated Signs. The amendment proposed that the costs associated with maintaining such signage should be passed to Parish/Town Councils two years after any signs had been installed. This change would allow Essex County Council to re-direct the maintenance costs associated with VAS towards carriageway repairs.

Members noted that installing VAS might incur long-term costs associated with their maintenance. Currently a call out charge typically cost £150, with labour costing £49.50 per hour for each of two men. A replacement roundel cost £147 and a replacement radar unit £300.

Whilst the signage came with a five-year warranty for defects, suppliers were under no obligation to repair any defects attributed to incorrect use or interference, such as vandalism, theft or impact damage.

Members noted that Mrs. Roerig had subsequently advised that the Parish Council’s application for funding from the Community Initiatives Fund to purchase additional Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) had been rejected by the Area Manager for this round of applications. As the Parish Council had been advised previously, applications for SIDs and VAS were not being looked on favourably this year due to their ongoing maintenance costs. As Purleigh already had one permanent VAS and two on the rotation system it was felt that additional SIDs could not be approved at this time.

5.3/02/10 Other highway matters: Members were reminded that following the December 2009 meeting, the Parish Council had requested an update on outstanding highway matters. It was noted that Iain Jones (District Officer, Essex County Council) had subsequently provided the following information:

40mph sign, Chelmsford Road: The damaged sign had been identified and according to Mr. Jones the County Council was currently awaiting the statutory undertakers’ information before it could be replaced.

30mph sign, Birchwood Road: Essex County Council had noted the issues with speed restriction signs along the length of this road and would carry out a full investigation to ensure that the signage was present, visible and appropriate, to ensure the restriction was legally enforceable.

30mph signs, Howe Green Road: The County Council agreed that several 30mph signs were missing. Mr. Jones would carry out a site visit to check the signage along the whole length of the road and would then organise works to repair or replace signs where necessary.

Give Way sign, Burnham Road: Mr. Jones would arrange for the removal of the post lying in the verge at the same time the repair of the advanced Give Way sign further from the junction was carried out.

Pot holes: It was noted that the pot holes mentioned in the Parish Council’s letter would be checked and repaired where necessary. Mr. Jones requested that any further pot holes that posed a hazard were reported by telephone or via the Essex County Council website.

Footways, Chelmsford Road/Pump Lane: Mr. Jones advised that is was not possible for the County Council to increase the width of the footways within the existing highway limits due to the already narrow carriageway. The only solution would be the acquisition of land from frontages, which would require the landowners’ unanimous agreement and funding beyond Essex County Council’s current scope.

It was agreed to write to Mr. Jones explaining that Members accepted the limitations of the highway, but would appreciate it if the hedge in front of Pestles could be radically phased back, as much of the narrowing of the pedestrian footway was due to overgrowth from this hedge, which severely restricted pedestrian access.

Visibility, The Street: Any overhanging vegetation would be inspected and any necessary action pursued.

Items on the verge outside Ferndale, Wayside (Birchwood Road) and Briar Cottage (Roundbush Road): It was noted that Mr. Jones was currently pursuing the removal of these items from the highway.

Water on the highway, Howe Green Road: Members noted that a further site inspection of the site was due.

Carriageway surface, Roundbush Road: The County Council would inspect the carriageway surface and arrange repairs if necessary.

Traffic signs Fambridge Road/Palepit Corner: It was noted that the County Council would be carrying out a survey to catalogue the signs along the entire length of Fambridge Road to enable it to make suitable replacements where necessary.

Mr. Jones advised that the aforementioned site visits would be conducted in the week commencing 1^st February 2010 with the exception of the Fambridge Road sign survey and the Howe Green Road water survey, which warranted their own site visits at a later date. Following the site visits, orders for any necessary works would be raised in accordance with their urgency.

Traffic calming measures Chelmsford Road: Members noted that the Parish Council’s application for new gateways in Chelmsford Road had been approved to be put before the Community Initiatives Fund judging panel. Mrs. Roerig had also confirmed that the proposal to extend the 30mph speed limit in Chelmsford Road was with the County Council’s legal team for advertising in the near future.

Salt bin, Walton Hall Lane: Members received and considered a proposal from Iain Jones that the new salt bin be located on the grass verge to the right of Walton Hall. It was agreed that this was an acceptable location and to ask Mr. Jones to proceed with a site inspection.

6.1/02/10 Children’s play area: monthly report: In the absence of Mr. Perriman no report was given.

The Chairman reported that he had obtained a quotation of £160 to rid the play area of moles. It was agreed to proceed, on the condition that if the moles returned within three months a further treatment would be administered free of charge. The Chairman agreed to negotiate with the contractor and if satisfied, to authorise them to proceed.

6.2/02/10 To set the letting fees 2010/2011: The Parish Council gave careful consideration to a detailed breakdown of income from, and expenditure on, the pavilion and playing field up to 31^st January 2010, together with estimated income and expenditure for 2009/2010 and 2010/2011.

Members noted that during 2009/2010, expenditure on the pavilion and playing field was expected to exceed income derived from them by the sum of £16.04 and that if letting fees remained at their current levels, expenditure on the facilities was expected to exceed the income derived from them by the sum of £1,035.00 during 2010/2011. Members noted that if the cost of grass cutting and insurance were included in the calculation of expenditure, the anticipated deficit would be approximately £3,800.00. The Parish Council also noted that income from the pavilion had been unusually high this year, as Cold Norton Village Hall had been closed for refurbishment.

The Parish Council then gave careful consideration to the increased cost of providing the facilities and to the individual needs of each user group.

The Parish Council confirmed its commitment to subsidising the pavilion and playing field to a certain extent, so that local clubs and organisations could flourish and take advantage of the facilities. Members also acknowledged however that they had a duty to minimise the expense levied on those parishioners who did not use the facilities.

The Parish Council therefore agreed that the letting fees for the Pavilion 2010/2011 should remain the same as in 2009/2010 as follows:

Occasional Bookings:

The rate for occasional bookings for Purleigh parishioners and organisations remain at £6.00 per hour.

The rate for the hire of the pavilion on one Saturday evening and the following Sunday morning to prepare for and hold the annual plant sale remain at £40.

Regular Bookings:

Purleigh Folk Dance Club: The rates for Purleigh Folk Dance Club remain at £5.00 per hour (hire of the pavilion for two hours on one Wednesday evening per month).

Purleigh Croquet Club: The rates for Purleigh Croquet Club remain at £5.00 per hour (hire of the pavilion from Mid-April to Mid-October for three hours per week).

Whist Drive: The rates for the Whist Drive remain at £5.00 per hour (hire of pavilion for approximately 2 hours every Monday evening).

Purleigh Old People’s Home Association: The rates for Purleigh Old People’s Home Association remain at £5.00 (hire of pavilion from 7.30 - 9.30 p.m. on the 4^th Friday of every other month).

Rayleigh Cricket Club: The fees for Rayleigh Cricket Club to use the facilities on Saturdays during the season when Purleigh Cricket Club did not have a home league fixture, should the Club wish to hire them, remain at £55 per fixture.

Maldon U3A Handicraft Group: The fees for Maldon U3A Handicraft group remain £15 per session (spring and summer) and £20 per session in winter (hire of pavilion on Monday mornings as agreed with the Bookings Secretary).

Purleigh Playing Field Association (PPFA): It was agreed not to charge the PPFA in 2010/2011 for the hire of the pavilion to hold their committee meetings in recognition of their fundraising efforts (12 evening meetings on the fourth Thursday each month). This would still have to be reviewed along with all the other hiring charges however on an annual basis.

The fees for the PPFA to hold coffee mornings on the third Thursday of the month be the same as other regular users at £5.00 per hour.

The Parish Council considered a letter from Josh Taylor, Secretary/Treasurer, Purleigh Cricket Club, in which he explained why the club believed its fees should be reduced or at least frozen for the forthcoming season and any future increases capped.

Members were sympathetic to the needs of the club and acknowledged that they may have to spend extra money on grasscutting in the forthcoming season. Some Members felt however that if a reduction in fees was given to one club, other clubs may feel unfairly treated and a precedent would be set.

The Parish Council was of the opinion that Purleigh was very fortunate to have lots of organisations within it that hired the pavilion and to have such an array of flourishing community activities taking place. All of the organisations that used the facilities were subsidised to a certain extent and all deserved support and encouragement from the Parish Council.

After a thorough debate on the matter, Mr. Potter proposed that the Cricket Club’s fees remain at £900, the same as in 2009/2010.

Mr. Oliver tabled an amended proposal that the Cricket Club’s fees be reduced by the sum of £100 to £800 for the 2010 season to encourage the club and assist them financially if they needed to pay for additional cuts on half the outfield in the forthcoming season. Mr. Oliver argued that a small reduction in fees to the Cricket Club would not make a significant difference to the anticipated deficit from the facilities as a whole.

On being put to the vote, Mr. Oliver’s amended proposal was lost there being 3 votes in favour and 5 votes against.

Members then voted on Mr. Potter’s proposal that the Cricket Clubs fees to hire the pavilion for the forthcoming season remain at £900, the same as in 2009/2010. On being put to the vote Mr. Potter’s proposal was carried, there being 5 votes in favour and 3 votes against.

Purleigh Cricket Club: The fees for Purleigh Cricket Club remain £900 for the forthcoming season (hire of the pavilion and playing field for approximately 27 games on dates from May to September inclusive to be confirmed with the bookings secretary, plus 10 evening committee meetings of approximately one hours duration).

Woodham Athletic Football Club: The fees for Woodham Athletic Football Club remain £600 for the forthcoming season (hire of the pavilion and playing field on Sunday morning between 1^st October 2010 and 30^th April 2011).

Fox & Hounds Football Club: The fees for the Fox & Hounds Football Club remain £50 per fixture for the forthcoming season (hire of the pavilion and playing field on Sunday mornings between 1^st October 2010 and 30^th April 2011 when the pitch was not in use by Woodham Athletic Football Club).

6.3/02/10 Other playing field and open space matters: Condition of the Cock Clarks notice board: The Parish Council was asked by the occupants of Ashdown, Hackmans Lane, if it would be possible for Members to arrange for the repair of the back of the notice board, which they could see from their property, and which was in a very poor condition.

Members were reminded that the Parish Council had allocated the sum of £50 in the precept 2009/2010 for repairs to the notice boards.

It was agreed to ask Mr. Cornell to make new doors for the Cock Clarks notice board and to try to ensure that they were as weatherproof as possible.

Letter from the Purleigh Playing Field Association (PPFA): The contents of a letter from Bernard Steeples (Chairman, PPFA) were noted by Members. In his letter Mr. Steeples informed the Parish Council that at the PPFA’s meeting held on 28^th January, its members had noted that due to financial constraints the Parish Council had only budgeted to replace two windows on the north side of the pavilion in the next financial year. As the PPFA felt it was important that the work was done soon to prevent further deterioration and to safeguard against rising costs, the PPFA was prepared to make a donation of £530 (50% of the total cost) to ensure that all four windows were replaced.

Me. Steeples noted that the Parish Council’s letter had not referred to the need to repair/repaint at least the fascia and soffits on the north side of the pavilion. He also informed the Parish Council that there was a hole in the soffit board on the south elevation in which birds had nested last year. The PPFA felt that this work also needed doing as soon as possible to prevent further damage and deterioration. As the Parish Council was aware, the committee was proud of the facilities at the playing field and had made many contributions towards their upkeep and improvements over the years. Accordingly, the PPFA had obtained a further quotation from G.J. Lynch Building Contractors to remove the guttering on the north side of the pavilion, to repaint the fascia and soffit boards and the west side gable barge boards in white sadolin paint, to fit new gutters to the north side and also to repair the soffit on the south side. Mr Lynch’s quotation for this work was £380 plus VAT. The PPFA was prepared to make a donation to the Parish Council of £380 to pay for this work, if the Council agreed to have the work completed at the same time as the windows were installed. The only addition the PPPA would make on reflection would be to ask Mr. Lynch to apply anti-climb paint to the down pipe when it was installed.

It was agreed to write and thank the PPFA very much indeed for its generous donations and to accept them gratefully. The organisation’s contribution was much appreciated.

It was also agreed to ask Mr. Lynch to quote directly to the Parish Council for this work with the additional requirement of applying anti-climb paint to the down-pipe and installing an anti-climb paint warning sign, as required by current legislation.

7/02/10 To consider the Draft Agenda of the Annual Parish Meeting – 22^nd April 2010

The draft Agenda for the 2010 Annual Parish Meeting, circulated by the Clerk prior to the meeting, was discussed. It was agreed that the Clerk would send out notices of the meeting to the relevant speakers, inviting them to deliver a brief résumé of their organisations’ activities during the last twelve months.

Members noted that the Police had not been able to attend the Annual Parish Meeting for the last two years. The Parish Council appreciated that attending the meeting might be difficult for the Police due to pressure of work, but as parishioners were interested in local policing would ask Officers to submit a written report for the meeting’s information, should their representative be unable to attend.

8.1/02.10 To receive a report of receipts: Members received a report of the following receipts:

8.2/02/10 To approve payment of accounts between meetings: It was noted and approved that the following account had been paid between meetings, adhering strictly to the procedures outlined in the Parish Council’s Financial Regulations 5.3 - 5.7.

8.3/02/10 To approve payment of accounts to hand: It was unanimously agreed to approve payment of the following accounts to hand:

*Members noted that these minor miscellaneous grants were paid pursuant to s137 Local Government Act 1972.

Members noted that the EALC had forwarded a two-part consultation regarding the National Association of Local Council’s (NALC) New Strategy and Business Plan 2010 – 2015. Both documents were placed in the circulation folder for Members’ information.

Members noted that on Wednesday, 10^th February 2010 at 7.30p.m. the AGM of the Maldon and District Crime Reduction Panel had been held. Mr. Perriman had hoped to attend the meeting.

Members noted that BT had changed its policy on the adoption of red telephone kiosks and that to adopt a telephone box would now only cost £1.

It was agreed to put this matter on the March 2010 Agenda for further discussion.

Members noted that Fiona Marshall had been appointed the new Chief Executive of Maldon District Council, having served as acting CEO since last October.

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 8.36 p.m.

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