MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF PURLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL,

HELD IN THE WELLS PAVILION, HOWE GREEN ROAD ON

FRIDAY, 9^TH MAY 2008, AT 7.30 P.M.

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

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

Eight members of the public attended part of the meeting.

Apologies were received from Mr. L. Cooper who was unable to attend the meeting for personal reasons. Mr. Strathern apologised for his late arrival, having been unavoidably detained. Mr. Strathern joined the meeting during discussion of Agenda item 14.1/05/08.

Mr. Ascott proposed, and it was agreed, that Mr. Potter be elected Chairman for 2008/2009. Mr. Potter duly took the Chair.

Mr. Potter signed a Declaration of Acceptance of Office by which he undertook to observe Purleigh Parish Council’s Code of Conduct.

The Chairman proposed, and it was agreed, that Mr. Strathern be appointed Vice Chairman for 2008/2009.

Each Member present reviewed their entry in Purleigh Parish Council’s Register of Members’ Interests.

It was agreed that Mr. Cooper, who was absent, would renew his entry prior to the start of the June 2008 Parish Council meeting.

6/05/08 To appoint representatives to various local bodies

It was agreed that the Parish Council’s representatives on various local bodies for 2008/2009 be as follows:

The Parish Council resolved that:

8/05/08 THE MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING held on 11^th April 2008, having been circulated to all Members, were approved, and signed by the Chairman.

9/05/08 TO DISCUSS ANY MATTERS OF INFORMATION ARISING FROM THOSE MINUTES:

9.1/05/08 Clerk: The Clerk did not have any matters arising from the April 2008 meeting to report to Members.

9.2/05/08 Members’: Members did not have any matters arising from the April 2008 meeting to discuss.

10/05/08 THE MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING held on 24^th April 2008, having been circulated to all Members, were approved, and signed by the Chairman.

There were not any matters arising from the Annual Parish Meeting to discuss.

12.1/05/08 Decisions taken between meetings: FUL/MAL/08/00396 Change of use of one room to work from home as a skin specialist. Framhill, Chelmsford Road, Purleigh, Michael King.

The Parish Council RECOMMENDED REFUSAL, on the grounds that insufficient information about the proposed use of the room, and its impact on the surrounding locality, was included in the application.

FUL/MAL/08/00402 Two storey side extension. Grebe, Chelmsford Road, Purleigh. Mr. and Mrs. Grace.

The Parish Council RECOMMENDED APPROVAL.

FUL/MAL/08/00416 First floor addition above existing single storey flat roofed study. Hawkins House, Hackmans Lane, Purleigh. Mr. and Mrs. Conner.

The Parish Council RECOMMENDED APPROVAL.

FUL/MAL/08/00397 Two chalet bungalows. Land opposite Post Office, Latchingdon Road, Purleigh. Mr. Bajic.

The Parish Council RECOMMENDED REFUSAL, on the grounds that the proposal lay outside the area intended for development in a rural location and beyond a defined settlement boundary, contrary to adopted Replacement Local Plan policies S2 and H1. If allowed to proceed the proposal would set an adverse precedent for similar development in the countryside, which would have a detrimental effect upon the rural character and visual amenity of the landscape.

FUL/MAL/08/00415; LBC/MAL/08/00417 Replace wooden entrance gate. Old Redgate Farm, Fambridge Road, Purleigh. Mr. Ben Coward-Talbott.

The Parish Council RECOMMENDED APPROVAL.

FUL/MAL/08/00483 New roof with rooms over existing single storey. Vineyard Views, Chelmsford Road, Purleigh. Mr. Paul Brand.

The Parish Council RECOMMENDED APPROVAL.

12.2/05/08 Current applications: Demolition of existing gardener’s cottage and erection of replacement dwelling. The Old Rectory, Church Hill, Purleigh. Mrs. Diane Guest.

Members noted that plans for the above development had been lodged with the District Council, although it had not yet consulted the Parish Council. Arcady Architects had however provided the Parish Council with a set of plans, which had been circulated prior to the meeting. It was noted that the Chairman, Mr. Oliver and Mrs. Stock had also met with the architect prior to the meeting, so that he could explain the plans for the benefit of the Parish Council.

It was agreed that even though the District Council hadn’t consulted the Parish Council yet, Members would formulate a recommendation, which the Clerk would convey to the Planning Authority once the official application had been received, rather than convene a special meeting.

The Parish Council had no objection in principle to the redevelopment of the derelict gardener’s cottage. Members considered it extremely important however, that any replacement dwelling should respect the architectural styles already contained within the conservation area, should not detract from the prominence of the grade I listed All Saints Church adjoining the site, nor be detrimental to the occupiers of neighbouring properties.

The Parish Council RECOMMENDED REFUSAL, on the grounds that:

The proposal was contrary to Policy BE13 of the Maldon District Replacement Local Plan, in that it did not respect the characteristics of buildings in the area, nor the aesthetic appearance of All Saints Church, or the Old Rectory which some regarded as the finest residential property within the conservation area, and was one of the few domestic examples of Frederick Chancellor’s architecture in the county.

The proposed venting (metal flue and louvered vents), dormers, use of aluminium in windows and doors, and the amount of glass to be incorporated in the development would be incongruous in this setting, forming a stark contrast with the existing buildings and did not satisfactorily or effectively bridge the gap between the style of the Old Rectory and the newer Hill House. Members also felt that the roof design was out of keeping in the conservation area and did not reflect existing architectural styles i.e. pitched or gambrel, clad in slate or clay tiles. The new building, if allowed to proceed, would therefore starkly punctuate the conservation area rather than deliver a modern house which enhanced it.

The scale of the development, which would be considerably taller than the existing cottage it replaced, would have a detrimental effect on the important view into the conservation area from the village, which should be protected according to Policy BE13 of the Maldon District Replacement Local Plan. The recent Purleigh Conservation Area Review and Appraisal also emphasised the importance of preserving the views into and out of the conservation area. The building would particularly detract from the view of All Saints Church and would dominate the side of the hill when viewed from the west.

The Parish Council was concerned about the amount of glass to be used within the development, which would far exceed the amount used in other dwellings within the conservation area. The partial glass wall in the west elevation, which maximised the view for the occupier, would be visually obtrusive, detrimental to the view from the village towards the church and could constitute a distraction for motorists.

The proposed development would also lead to a loss of privacy for the occupiers of Hill House, as the glass in the west elevation would overlook them as well as The Rectory and possibly Fairfields.

Whilst Members applauded the endeavour to create a sustainable and ecological dwelling, this could be achieved within a building which respected the conservation area and was of a scale and design more in keeping with the area.

The Parish Council did not believe that this design preserved or enhanced the character or appearance of the conservation area, contrary to Policy BE12 of the Maldon District Replacement Local Plan.

FUL/MAL/08/00504 Erection of replacement two storey dwelling and cart lodge. Modification of existing access and formation of parking and turning area (demolition of existing buildings). The Thatched Cottage, Birchwood Road, Purleigh. Mr. G. Holmes.

The Parish Council RECOMMENDED REFUSAL, on the grounds that the existing, distinctive, Thatched Cottage marked an important gateway into Cock Clarks, and should be retained for its aesthetic contribution to the rural street scene. If demolished entirely, this contribution would be lost and the street scene in this extremely rural lane diminished by the creation of a very large new building.

The Parish Council also objected to the demolition of a building which could be re-used and was sustainable, which would result in a huge waste of resources and energy, contrary to one of the District Council’s corporate objectives and to its commitment to support sustainability.

12.3/05/08 Notification of appeals: It was noted that the Parish Council had not been notified of any appeals, between meetings.

12.4/05/08 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:

12.5/05/08 Other planning matters: Montrose House, Birchwood Road: It was agreed to write to the Planning Authority asking them to confirm that the annexe to Montrose House had not been turned into a separate unit of accommodation, outside the area intended for development, without the benefit of planning permission. Members were concerned that the annexe had ceased to be ancillary to the main dwelling, as the plans for a replacement dwelling at the Thatched Cottage next door, appeared to show the annexe as having its own separate boundary and being called The Barn, Fitchets Mount.

13.1/05/08 Speed Indicator Device – Hackmans Lane: Members noted that on Tuesday, 29^th April 2008 the Clerk, Chairman, Mr. Ascott, Mrs Stock and Mrs Steel (Penn Cottage) had met with Jackie Roerig (Essex County Council Highways Department) to try to find a suitable location for a Speed Indicator Device (SID) within the 30mph speed limit in Hackmans Lane. It was noted that at the meeting it had been agreed that the best place for the sign would be outside Crayndon House, where there was already a pole in situ which had three highways signs attached to it. The County Council’s contractors would inspect the site to ensure sufficient space was also available for the SID face and, as a matter of courtesy, Mrs. Roerig would consult the occupiers of Crayndon House.

Members noted that the meeting with Mrs. Roerig had been very positive and that the SID face, once installed would remain in situ, on a rotational basis for three months a year.

13.2/05/08 Street name plates: Members noted that Stuart Jarvis (Contract Liaison and Enforcement Manager, Maldon District Council) had advised that the District Council would re-install the Slough Lane sign in due course and that he was waiting to receive a quotation to re-install the District sign which was lying on the verge near Slough Bridge. Once this quote had been received and approved, Mr. Jarvis would arrange for the work to be carried out. Members noted that in the meantime, if possible, he may arrange for the District sign to be removed from the area to ensure it was not stolen for its scrap metal value.

13.3/05/08 A12 Enquiry: Members noted that the A12 enquiry had been commissioned by Essex County Council in February 2008 and was being undertaken by an independent group of four Commissioners who were scheduled to report their findings to Essex County Council at the end of June for publication in July 2008. The Commission’s terms of reference were to review the present and anticipated future performance of the A12 and to make recommendations which would enhance the level of service to all of its users, including, where appropriate, improvements to information, emergency arrangements and capacity.

Members noted that further information about the enquiry was available on the ECC website www.essex.gov.uk and that comments could be e-mailed to A12inquiry@essex.gov.uk. Alternatively, a consultation response document could be completed on line.

It was agreed not to make a formal response to this consultation. Mr. Ascott reported that the matter had been discussed at the recent meeting of the Mid Essex Area Forum, which he had attended.

13.3/05/08 Other highway matters: Speed Indicator Device, Chelmsford Road: Members noted that the Parish Council had received a request from the occupiers of Grebe, that a SID be installed within the 40 mph speed limit in Chelmsford Road, as they were very concerned about speeding traffic in this area.

It was agreed to write to the County Council requesting that a SID be installed within the 40mph speed limit in Chelmsford Road, and to suggest that a pole might be situated in the vicinity of the junction with Spa Lane and that the SID face pointed towards Hazeleigh.

Parking on the verge, Pump Corner: Members noted that Mrs. Roerig had advised that following her meeting with Mr. Perriman, she felt it would be appropriate to install an additional wooden bollard adjacent to the footway to prevent vehicles accessing the verge along the footway. In addition, Mr. Perriman had requested that a less obtrusive bollard be installed adjacent to the carriageway. Mrs Roerig asked the Parish Council to advise her whether it wished her to proceed with this request and which type of bollard Members would prefer to see installed adjacent to the carriageway (i.e. flexmaster, vergemaster or edgeliner).

It was agreed that the Parish Council would prefer to see two bollards installed rather than one, and that both should be wooden to match the existing. The Parish Council would much prefer however to have all the bollards removed and be replaced with hens tooth fencing which could continue further around the Glebe.

Obstructions on the verge, Simmons Lane: It was agreed to write to Ed Brown (Essex County Council) asking him to secure the removal of the stone obstructions on the grass verge in front of Orchard Villa. The stones were so close to the metalled edge of the carriageway that on meeting an oncoming vehicle, motorists found themselves with no room to pull over. This was especially dangerous as the property was situated on a bend

Verge, Hackmans Lane: Mr. Ascott informed the Parish Council that he had reported to Essex County Council that the whole verge in front of the new house near Little Whitmans in Hackmans Lane had been turfed.

14.1/05/08 Children’s Play Area: Monthly report: Mr. Strathern joined the meeting at this juncture.

Mr. Perriman reported that he had carried out his usual weekly inspections of the Children’s Play Area and that all items of play equipment therein, appeared to be in a satisfactory condition.

He also reported that he, the Chairman and Mr. Strathern had removed several ‘camps’ made by local children from scrap metal, including an old galvanised tank, and other debris, from the playing field as they had been built near to the children’s play area and were dangerous.

Mr Perriman reported that the new cradle swing seat had been installed, the ‘emergency use only’ sign on the gate fixed, and that the redundant litter bin, which had previously been situated in front of the pavilion, had appeared outside the play area. The Chairman suggested that the bin be removed and properly disposed of.

Mr. Perriman also informed the Parish Council that the County Council had installed a stile between the playing field and the Glebe field, in the gap in the hedge next to the plank bridge.

14.2/05/08 To consider quotations for new pieces of play equipment: The Parish Council noted details of the following quotations, which were net of VAT:

It was noted that the ‘quip-trail’ was manufactured from tubular steel for enhanced strength and durability, and was guaranteed for 26 years (compared to an average guarantee of 10 years for timber play equipment). For aesthetic reasons the trail could be finished in a wood effect if required.

Members noted that £510 could be deducted from the above, if the embankment slide was to be installed at the same time as the pole spins, trail, and point swing, making a total contract value of £17,899.03.

It was noted that Sovereign’s representative, Roger Hyman, who had met with the Chairman, Clerk and Mrs. Stock on site, on 24^th April 2008 wished to present his proposals on site on Monday, 2^nd June at 10.45 a.m. Mr. Hyman would be quoting to supply and install an activity frame, embankment slide and a six piece trail (timber) with grass matting safety surface.

It was agreed in principle to accept Playquip’s quotation in the sum of £15, 366.00 and to apply for as many grants as possible on this basis.

14.3/05/08 Redecoration of the pavilion: Members noted that Mr. Cornell and Mr. Wright had not yet provided quotations to redecorate the interior of the pavilion. It was agreed to ask Eric Bane and Graham Ferris to provide quotations to redecorate the pavilion in the autumn as follows:

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 (or similarly durable paint)

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

Lower walls to windowsill height: Prepare before applying one undercoat and one gloss coat (or similarly durable paint)

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

Quotations would be considered by the Parish Council at the June meeting.

14/4/05/08 To consider purchasing new showers for the pavilion: It was noted that during the weekend of 19^th and 20^th April 2008 only 2 showers had been working in the pavilion. Of those, one had only delivered warm water and the other only cold.

The Chairman reported that Mr. Lynch had verbally advised that to replace all four showers would cost in the region of £600 plus VAT. It was agreed to ask Mr. Lynch to replace the four existing showers accordingly.

14.5/05/08 Other playing field and open space matters: Closure of the Purleigh Brownie Pack: The Parish Council received a letter from Karen Elliott, informing Members that with regret, the Purleigh Brownie pack had had to close, as efforts to recruit new girls had failed and the remaining Brownies, who had subsequently transferred to Cold Norton, no longer formed a viable unit. Mrs. Elliott thanked the Parish Council for keeping the Brownies’ fees to hire the Pavilion at a reasonable level, which had helped them to continue for so long.

It was agreed to write to Mrs. Elliott thanking her very much indeed for all the hard work she had put in over many years to ensure the success of the Purleigh Brownies and commiserating with her on the pack’s closure through no fault of her own.

Guttering and down pipes: It was also agreed to ask Mr. Lynch to repair the broken guttering above the verandah and to connect the down pipe on the corner of the extension to the drain at the end, as the down pipe was not connected to any drain or soak away and as a result water was building up in the guttering and causing it to sag.

New litter bin: The Chairman reported that the new litter bin had been installed in front of the pavilion (See Minute 6.4/03/08).

Members noted that another volume of Minutes was ready to be bound. Avalon Associates, who had bound the Parish Council’s Minutes since 1994 provided an estimate of £60 for:

1 fully sewn book binding in Green Rexine re: Parish Council Minutes 2003 – 2008.

As with previous Minute books, the front page to read:

PURLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES

2003 - 2008

with PURLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES 2003 – 2008 along the spine. All lettering to be in gold.

It was agreed to bind another volume of Minutes.

16.1/05/08 The Risk Assessment: The Parish Council noted that the audit regime placed emphasis on local councils strengthening their own corporate governance arrangements, improving their stewardship of public funds and providing assurance to taxpayers. The Parish Council therefore carried out a thorough risk assessment which took steps to identify key risks facing the council; evaluated the potential consequences to the council if an event identified as a ‘risk’ took place, and decided on appropriate measures to avoid, reduce or control the risk and its consequences.

16.2/05/08 Matters arising from the Risk Assessment: It was noted that no new risks to the Parish Council had been identified.

16.3/05/08 To review the effectiveness of the system of internal control: Members noted that the Accounts and Audit Regulations (2003) as amended by the Accounts and Audit (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2006 required audited bodies to review at least once a year the effectiveness of its systems of internal control and internal audit and to publish a statement on internal control and internal audit each year with the Council’s finances.

The Parish Council was fully satisfied that its systems of internal control and audit were robust and effective.

16.4/05/08 To review the Parish Council’s internal audit procedure: It was agreed not to make any amendments to the Parish Council’s internal audit procedure.

Members affirmed that the entire Council was responsible for ensuring that public monies were spent or invested legally and that the Council as a whole was collectively responsible for the financial management of the Council.

16.5/05/08 To receive a report from the internal auditor: Members noted and approved the contents of Mr. Strathern’s report to the Parish Council, written in his capacity as the Council’s internal auditor for 2007/2008.

16.6/05/08 To note the powers under which income and expenditure 2007/2008 was received and spent: Members noted the legislative powers under which income and expenditure 2007/2008 had been received and spent and were satisfied that the Parish Council’s financial transactions had been carried out within the powers available to it.

16.7/05/08 To review the Parish Council’s powers and duties: Members noted the powers available to Parish Councils and the duties imposed upon them. Members were satisfied that the Parish Council’s activities had been carried out within the legal powers available to it.

It was noted that the most significant piece of new legislation affecting parish councils during the year was the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, which had been brought into force by virtue of The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (Commencement No. 5 and Transitional, Saving and Transitory Provision) Order 2008, SI no. 917, with effect from 1^st April 2008.

Members noted that the following provisions directly affected parish councils:

Appointment of Councillors:

Section 76 of the 2007 Act provided that a parish council may appoint persons to be Councillors. S76 had been partially brought in with the effect that the Secretary of State could now, by Regulation, make provision about the appointment of Parish Councillors and the holding of office after appointment.

The Regulations may in particular, make provision about any of the following matters:

1. Persons who may be appointed

2. The number of persons who may be appointed

3. The term of office of persons appointed

4. The right of persons appointed to participate in council decision making, including voting

5. Purposes for which a person appointed was to be treated as an elected councillor

6. The filling of vacancies.

Regulations concerning the conditions by which a parish council would be eligible were expected to come into force on 1^st July 2008.

The Power of Well Being:

Section 77 of the 2007 Act had been partially brought in with effect that the Secretary of State may make an order prescribing conditions, which must be met by an eligible parish council, who wished to exercise the power to promote well-being under s2 of the Local Government Act 2000.

Regulations containing the conditions were expected to come into force on 1^st July 2008.

Best Value:

Section 136 of the 2007 Act amended section 1 of the Local Government Act 1999 so that parish councils in England and community councils in Wales were no longer subject to the duties of Best Value.

16.8/05/08 To review the Parish Council’s Insurance policies: The Parish Council gave careful consideration to the terms and provisions of its two Insurance policies held with Allianz Cornhill Plc and Aon Ltd. (policy numbers: 11/AC/5006/06 and 11/AV/43026/06) which were due to be renewed on 1^st June 2008.

The Parish Council noted that the condition that had been added to policy AC/5006 in 2005, requiring the Parish Council to carry out any work (repairs or removal of play equipment) identified by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) during their annual inspection of the Children’s Play Area within 60 days of the date of the inspection, unless agreed otherwise by Allianz Cornhill, remained in force.

It was agreed not to make any amendments to the policies for the forthcoming year and to renew both policies. It was agreed in principle to pay the premium of £714.36 on policy AC/5006 between meetings once the when the invitation to renew it had been received.

Members were satisfied with the robustness of Allianz Cornhill, and Aon Ltd. who specialised in local government insurance.

16.9/05/08 To review the Parish Council’s Asset Register: Members did not suggest any amendments to its asset register which showed the Parish Council having assets to the value of £222,084.05 at close of business on 31^st March 2008 compared with £218,632.56 at the close of business the previous year.

16.10/05/08 To review the Parish Council’s Best Value Policy: Members noted the provisions of s136 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, which no longer subjected parish councils to the duties of best value. It was agreed however to retain the Parish Council’s best value policy.

16.11/05/08 To review the Parish Council’s Financial Regulations: It was agreed not to amend the Parish Council’s Financial Regulations.

16.12/05/08 To review the duties of the Responsible Financial Officer: It was agreed not to amend the duties of the Responsible Financial Officer.

16.13/05/08 To review the Parish Council’s Code of Practice for Handling Complaints: It was agreed not to amend the Parish Council’s Code of Practice for Handling Complaints.

16.14/05/08 To review the measures taken to comply with the general and specific duties to promote racial equality: Members were reminded that at the February 2002 meeting (Ref: Minute 9/02/02.1.) the Parish Council had assessed how relevant each of its functions were to the General Duty to promote racial equality. The three parts of the General Duty being to:

1. Eliminate unlawful racial discrimination

2. Promote equality of opportunity and

3. Promote good relations between persons of different racial groups.

Members had then considered how policies could be changed where necessary to meet the general duty, and how to make the changes identified.

The Parish Council had not undertaken any new functions since this meeting.

To meet the specific duty of employment, The Parish Council collected the following data and analysed it to detect any patterns of inequality:

Members concluded that no patterns of inequality could be detected.

Members noted that the ethnic monitoring data had been published during the Annual Parish Meeting held on 24^th April 2008, and in the May edition of the Parish Magazine.

16.15/05/08 To review the Parish Council’s compliance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000: Members were satisfied that the Parish Council was fully compliant with both the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Members also noted that the Parish Council had complied with the requirement to register as a local authority.

16.16/05/08 To review the Parish Council’s compliance with s17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998: The Parish Council was satisfied that it complied with s17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

17.1/05.08 To approve and sign the Parish Council’s Accounts for the period 1^st April 2007 to 31^st March 2008: The Parish Council unanimously approved the:

The Chairman and Responsible Financial Officer signed three copies of the Balance Sheet, which showed the Parish Council to have NET ASSETS in the sum of £18,628.44 at 31^st March 2008 (compared with £18,448.36 in the preceding financial year).

17.2/05/08 The annual audit of accounts for the period 1^st April 2007 to 31^st March 2008: Members noted that the Audit Commission had advised that the Parish Council’s Annual Return should be completed and returned to them by 21^st July 2008 so that they could carry out the annual audit of accounts.

In order to comply with the legal requirement to enable interested parties and local electors to exercise their rights with regard to the accounts, Lubbock Fine had appointed 28^th July 2008 as the date on or after which interested parties could exercise their rights under the Audit Commission Act 1998 and the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2003 as amended.

Members noted that on 2^nd May 2008 the Parish Council had displayed notices informing parishioners that the accounts would be available for inspection at The Shrubberies, 27 Anchor Reach, South Woodham Ferrers, between the hours of 10.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays (excluding public holidays), from Monday, 26^th May to Wednesday, 16^th July 2008 inclusive (by prior arrangement with the Clerk).

A copy of ‘Council’s Accounts: A Summary of Your Rights’ had been displayed alongside each notice, as required by the Audit Commission Act 1998.

17.3/05/08 To approve the Statement of Accounts (section 1 of the Annual Return) for the year ended 31^st March 2008: The Parish Council approved the Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31^st March 2008 (section 1 of the Annual Return) dated 9^th May 2008; the Responsible Financial Officer’s explanation of the reasons for any significant variances (over 15%) from the last financial year to this, and the Parish Council’s bank reconciliation as at the close of business on 31^st March 2008.

Members noted that the Statement of Accounts had been based on the Parish Council’s Accounts 2007/2008, which had been prepared on an income and expenditure basis.

The Chairman and Responsible Financial Officer signed the Statement of Accounts.

17.4/05/08 To Complete the Annual Governance Statement (section 2 of the Annual Return):

The Parish Council completed the Annual Governance Statement, which was then signed by the Chairman and Clerk.

It was noted that the Parish Council was also required to carry out and report on an annual review of the effectiveness of its systems of internal control and audit (see above).

17.5/05/08 Annual Internal Audit Report (section 4 of the Annual Return): Members noted that Mr. Stichbury would complete this section of the Annual Return on 16^th May 2008, prior to the period of public access to the accounts and supporting documentation.

17.6/05/08 To receive a report of receipts: Members received a report of the following receipts:

17.7/05/08 To approve payment of accounts between meetings: Members 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.

17.8/05/08 To approve payment of accounts to hand: It was unanimously agreed to approve payment of the following accounts to hand:

Stray Dogs: Members noted that on 6^th April 2008 the Police had ceased to be responsible for stray dogs. Maldon District Council, like all councils throughout the country, was now totally responsible for strays. If anyone found a stray dog at weekends, Bank Holidays or between the hours of 4.30 p.m. and 8.30 a.m. Monday to Friday, they should contact 07711 885894. If anyone found a stray dog between 8.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m., Monday to Friday they should contact Maldon District Council on 01621 854477.

Members noted that posters to this effect had been displayed on the Parish Council’s notice boards.

Members noted that on 21^st May 2008, the Maldon District Local Strategic Partnership was running a joint event with the Mid Essex Primary Care Trust to find out how the Sustainable Community Strategy’s priorities were developing. The focus would be on health and well being issues in the district.

It was noted that Mrs. Stock had kindly agreed to attend.

Members noted that the EALC was running an Advanced Councillor training day covering communications and partnership working on Tuesday, 24^th June 2008 between 9.30 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. in the Foakes Hall, Great Dunmow at a cost of £52 per delegate.

It was also noted that the ETP was running the following courses in the Talberd Room, Foakes Hall, Great Dunmow:

‘Health & Safety’ – This course would take place on Friday, 4^th July 2008 between 9.30 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. at a cost of £75 per delegate, and was certificated by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.

‘Buget & Precept’ – This course would take place on Wednesday, 9^th July 2008 between 9.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. at a cost of £32 per delegate. This course would be repeated on Tuesday, 30^th September 2008.

Members did not have any points of information to share.

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 8.40 p.m.

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