Minutes of a Meeting of Weeley Parish Council
Held at Weeley Village Hall,
7.30pm Monday 18 October 2021
- Present
- Cllrs C. Hamilton (Chair), J. Beady, D. Botterell, L. Fitzpatrick, G. Foster, K. Green, and T. Spong. Also in attendance; Clerk; K. Harkin, TDC Cllr P. Harris, ECC Cllr D. Land (from item 7) and 6 members of the public.
The Chair, Cllr Hamilton asked those present to stand and observe one minute’s silence as a mark of respect for Sir David Amess before starting the meeting.
1. Absent
Cllr M. Brown and Cllr P. Taylor.
2. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 20 September 2021 were proposed by Cllr Green, seconded by Cllr Spong and approved as an accurate record of proceedings.
3. Declarations of Interest
No declarations of interest were offered.
4. Actions Taken Since the Previous Meeting
The Clerk provided an update of developments since the last meeting as set out in his previously circulated Clerk’s Report. This included the outcome of the review of the positioning of the goal posts on the Recreation Ground. It was noted that the large piece of concrete protruding from the ground in the centre of the goalmouth represents a safety hazard. It was agreed to temporarily remove the goalpost while further consideration is given to this matter. Also, to remove the piece of concrete. The other goalpost will remain in its current position.
5. Public Forum
- Clarification was sought regarding the goalpost review.
- It was reported that the ‘Give Way’ road markings at top of Hillside Crescent is a mess. It was agreed to report this on Highways website.
6. Tendring District and Essex County Councils
TDC Cllr P Harris; Further to Sir David Amess’ murder, TDC is conducting a review of the security of councillors. People were requested to be considerate when using fireworks. Not aware of any major events locally. The deadline for Business Adaption grant applications is 15/12/2021. In order to address road safety and maintenance issues, Cllr Harris plans to launch Tendring Road Safety Alliance on 15 November during Road Safety Week. Councillors agreed that it would be appropriate for the flag pole at Weeley Council Offices to be relocated onto the grass area by Reed Pond if we are able to have the pole when the Offices close. Cllr Harris reminded people of the planned Santathon and encouraged participation.
ECC Cllr Dan Land; confirmed he had submitted a request for the introduction of a speed restriction on Mill Lane. He expressed frustration at the delay in addressing some local road maintenance issues and vowed to continue to chase these. He was however, pleased that some road resurfacing has been completed.
7. Correspondence
- Notice of the planned ‘Open Day’ event at Barrack Field on 27 October 2021.
- Open invitation to attend the COP26 conference in Glasgow COP26.
- TDC has invited consultation on its draft Gambling Policy.
8. Five Estuaries Offshore Wind Farm
Further to a discussion about the consultation document no comments for submission were able to be offered. Cllr Harris agreed to speak to TDC Planners to ascertain officers views on the document.
9. Heritage House Map Publication
It was agreed not to pursue this offer.
10. St Andrews Churchyard
A funding request was considered. Cllr Spong proposed, Cllr Botterell seconded and Resolved: To donate £750 for the upkeep of the Churchyard.
11. Highways Devolution Scheme
The Chair summarised the scheme. It was noted that Little Clacton is part of it and has it found it beneficial. Cllr Botterell proposed, Cllr Foster seconded. Resolved: To register an expression of interest.
12. Welcome to Weeley Road Sign
Further to a request, it was agreed to part fund a replacement road sign.
13. Community Special Constables
Cllr Hamilton reported on this initiative. Councillors agreed to register an expression of interest on behalf of Weeley. It was noted that the initiative relies on finding a volunteer to undertake the role.
14. The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
Cllr Hamilton noted that she hoped that the Village would be able to organise a celebration to commemorate the Jubilee. She suggested having a ‘party in the park’ on the Recreation Ground. Cllr Hamilton said she would like to see the iconic rows of poplar trees that are being randomly felled on the bypass replaced with trees equally as striking but more appropriate as roadside trees. It was agreed to investigate this matter further.
15. Planning Applications
The applications set out in Appendix A were considered by the Council. The Clerk will submit the Council’s comments to TDC.
16. Weeley Parish Council Reports
- Street Lighting; Cllr Green reported that two lamps are currently out 9083 and 9093.
- Tree Warden; In Cllr Brown’s absence there was no report.
- Playing Field; The Clerk reported that it has not been possible to complete the review of the litter bins as he has been unsuccessful in his attempts to speak with the TDC officer concerned. Cllr Harris offered to intervene.
- Children’s Play Area; The Clerk informed councillors of the large sum of S106 monies available to Weeley. He agreed to liaise with Cllr Harris.
- Grass Cutting and Maintenance; It was noted that Kendalls has agreed to cut back the hedge on Old Clacton Road week commencing 18 October.
- Christmas Tree; Cllr Green reported that the Christmas tree has been ordered. It was proposed by Cllr Hamilton, seconded Cllr Spong and Resolved: To spend up to £500 on festive lights and associated equipment to decorate the tree.
17. Other Reports
- Highways and Footpaths; Cllr Beady reported that the drain on Colchester Rd has been repaired. The road repairs at the bottom of The Street have been reassessed as non-urgent. Cllr Beady is continuing to chase the other outstanding issues. It was noted that Cllr Hamilton will take responsibility for footpaths.
- TDALC; Cllr Botterell advised that there has not been a TDALC meeting.
- Rural Policing; the number of crimes reported in August declined. 15 in Weeley and 10 in Lt Clacton.
- Speedwatch; Cllr Beady advised that the 11 Speedwatch patrols in the past month had identified 146 speeding vehicles.
- Weeley Residents Ass; A busy September saw a successful bingo and fish and chip supper. The new activities especially the walking group are proving popular and have attracted favourable comments. 41 members attended a coffee morning. The upcoming Quiz Night this weekend has sold out.
- Weeley in Bloom; An investment of £640 is to be made on planting around the Village.
- Petanque Rink; No report.
18. Finance and Budget
The payments for October set out in the table in Appendix B were proposed by Cllr Hamilton, seconded by Cllr Botterell. Resolved: Approved.
19. Public Forum
- Cllr Hamilton confirmed that the consideration of recycling bins will form part of the review of litter bins.
- The Council was asked to consider removing the tombstone’ on the Recreation Ground and replace it with something more in keeping with the setting e.g. an interpretation board or a tree.
- The Council was asked to consider dedicating the Christmas tree.
- Cllr Harris asked for the Speedwatch contact.
- Cllr Hamilton confirmed that the arrangements for Remembrance Day include, someone saying a few words and the laying of a wreath at the War Memorial. The Church will be open.
The Chair closed the meeting at 9.14pm
Schedule A: Planning Applications
| App No. | Details | Address | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21/01557/FUL | Proposed new dwelling with detached garage | Land north East of Roxburghe Road | Concern expressed regarding the possibility of damage to trees with TPOs. Bewilderment as to how the building could have been erected without coming to the attention of the authorities. |
Schedule B: Monthly Payments
| Invoice No. | Cheque No. | Payee | Service | NET £ | VAT £ | GROSS £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001206 | 103163 | Kendall Facility Mgt | Gardening Services for September 2021 | 433.78 | 86.76 | 520.54 |
| 35549 | 103164 | A&J Lighting | Monthly Maintenance | 99.98 | 20.00 | 119.98 |
| 63845 | 103165 | GCS Alarms | Annual maintenance charge | 80.00 | 16.00 | 96.00 |
| WVH-2843 | 103166 | Weeley Village Hall | Small Hall Booking Charges | 84.39 | 0 | 84.39 |
| H1A52F4A00 | 103167 | E-ON | Street Lighting Electricity Charge | 151.33 | 7.57 | 158.90 |
| 14518 | 103168 | EALC | Highways Briefing | 20.00 | 4.00 | 24.00 |
| 14535 | 103168 | EALC | Highways Briefing | 20.00 | 4.00 | 24.00 |
| 14695 | 103168 | EALC | CiLCA Stand Alone Module | 25.00 | 5.00 | 30.00 |
| 14703 | 103168 | EALC | CiLCA | 575.00 | 115.00 | 690.00 |
| 134119398943 | 103169 | K Harkin | Telephone (Sep) | 10.00 | 2.00 | 12.00 |
| 52734330 | 103169 | K Harkin | Broadband | 20.84 | 4.16 | 25.00 |
| 103169 | K Harkin | September Salary | 332.95 | |||
| Totals | 1520.32 | 264.49 | 2117.76 | |||