John Arnell, Chair

Diana McConaghy, family commitments

Stephen Griffiths

Ray Gooding, another meeting

Kate Harrison

Janice Loughlin, family commitments

Peter Jester

Philip Scatchard, Vice Chair

David Williams

Andrew Nelson, Clerk

These were accepted as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

72.12. The rubbish dumped at Gawlers has finally been moved. Philip Scatchard will circulate neighbours requesting that the area be kept clear in the future; it is proposed that a sign be organised on the site, and that grass-seed should be sown in the Spring.

73.7  Berden has not been put on the rota for the Green Waste Compactor Lorry for the coming year, so villagers will have to go to Clavering to use this facility. The Clerk will talk to UDC again about this, and will put a notice on the Notice Board.

73.8  The Clerk produced specimen prices for a sign for Simon’s Field. The Council approved the costs in principle, and the Chairman and  Vice Chairman will visit the field to decide on a suitable position, design, etc.

The Council resolved to maintain the Precept for 2006/7 at the same level as last year, i.e. £6500.00.

The clerk reported the Current balances as:

Current account:  £4933.53

Deposit Account: £4221.90

The amount “ringfenced“ for the Playground includes £3219.87 of the above.

At present there is no VAT outstanding.

2-storey extension at Southfields, Brickhouse End (UTT/1926/05/FUL)

Plans for this were circulated prior to the meeting. There were no objections.

Planning Application UTT/1439/05/OHL ( Power Line Diversion)

It was noted that Planning Consent had been granted for this.                                               P 193

Residents of Bonnetting Lane have expressed concern about the use of this track by 4x4 vehicles and motorcycles, and about the lack of 30 mph restrictions in their road. The Chairman reported that he had investigated the situation with Essex County Council, but unfortunately the parish Council has no powers to restrict vehicular use of a Public Byway, and the 30 mph limit in the village does not apply to Bonnetting Lane.

It was pointed out that the derestriction sign leaving Stocking Pelham on the Berden road was missing. This will be referred to the Chairman of Stocking Pelham Parish Council when a suitable opportunity arises.

It was reported that Footpath No 55 is now open, and the stiles are to be removed.

The Chairman noted a report from the County Council concerning Mineral Extraction, and suggested that the PC should be in contact with Ugley Parish Council over this.

Concern was raised over the continuing water leak from the manhole cover at the bottom of Dewes Green Road as there is a severe hazard in times of frost. Perhaps a Salt Box could be organised at this site.

It was noted and approved that the fingerpost at the Green had been renovated, and now includes directions to the Church.

Kate Harrison suggested that the Footpath Signs could be refurbished. John Arnell will pursue this with PPP.

Members of the Council have received a questionnaire from BAA concerning a second runway at Stansted airport. Diana McConaghy will be asked to contact SSE on this.

It was reported that the Church Clock had been repaired. It is apparently subject to damage due to the lime mortar in the Church Tower.

It was reported that rats had been seen under the new shelter in the Playground, probably due to people dropping crisps etc in the area. The Clerk will contact the Pest Control Officer at the District Council.

In addition, some residents of houses near the Playground have been disturbed by noisy behaviour during the evening. Unfortunately it would be impractical to close the Playground at dusk, but perhaps a notice asking for considerate behaviour at late hours would be appropriate.

It was noted that there were now recycling bins in the Village Hall thanks to the persistence of Sheila Lane on behalf of the Village Hall Committee.

A request has been received from UDC to add details of Berden’s Village Hall and Playground to a website they are constructing. The Parish Council rejected this proposal.

It was decided not to apply for a Grant towards the making of a Parish Plan.

Stephen Griffiths pointed out that it is now ten years since the last Village Appraisal. As this exercise gives great legitimacy to the actions of the Parish Council, it was agreed that another such Appraisal should be implemented, and Stephen Griffiths said that he would be happy to undertake this. David Williams offered to help.

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