PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES
BERDEN PARISH COUNCIL
Monday January 10th 2005
Village Hall, 8.15 pm

MINUTES OF MEETING

Present:
John Arnell, Chair
Kate Harrison
Janice Loughlin
Diana McConaghy Richard Wallace
Philip Scatchard, Vice Chair
David Williams
Andrew Nelson, Clerk

Apologies: Peter Jester (business trip), Jane McConnell (ill)

68.0 Apologies were received as above.

68.1 Declarations of interest
No interests were declared on Agenda items.

68.2 Minutes of meeting held on December 13th 2004
These were accepted as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

68.3 Matters arising needing further reports.
There was no further information on the progress of the Planning Application at
Rooks Farm, Little London (UTT/1283/04/FUL).
David Williams reported that various quotes had been obtained for the new hedging at the Playground, and that he recommended acceptance of the one from Steve Hall (£1004.11) as the most appropriate. The Council agreed this. The fencing work is also out to tender but not all the quotes have yet been received.

68.4 Finance
The Current Balances were: Current Account £6790.85
Deposit Account £ 67.89

68.5 Planning
Garage at Harrolds Farm (Palmer) (UTT/1892/04/FUL) - Consent Granted

68.6 Meeting Dates for 2005
Due to problems with members' availability, it was decided to change meeting dates as follows:
CANCEL the meeting on April 11th
CHANGE the date of the Annual Parish Meeting from May 2nd to April 25th
The other meeting dates are unchanged P 176

68.7 AOB
Neighbourhood Watch. It appears that this will in future be organised by e-mail on a more "self-managing" basis. The Chairman and the Clerk have agreed to be the initial contacts for this for the time being.

First Assistance Programme. So far eight people have agreed to take part in this, which involves training in basic First Aid and the use of a Defibrillator. Ideally twelve names would be needed, and when these are forthcoming, the matter can be taken further.

Bus Service. A letter has been received from Essex County Council which appears to indicate that the current Bus Services to the village are not under threat; however the letter is slightly ambiguous on this point.

A question was raised as to whether Berden currently has a Newport Surgery Representative. The Clerk will investigate.

The Conservation Group has started work.

The Council expressed their condolences to John and Jenny Everett on the death of Charmeine, and agreed to send flowers to her funeral.

There being no other business, the meeting closed at 9.00 pm

Date of next meeting: Monday, March 7th 2005 at 8.15 pm.

p 177