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

74.7  Parish Appraisal. It was reported that Stephen Griffiths was progressing this, and that the Annual Parish meeting would be a good opportunity to publicise it.

72.12  Philip Scatchard reported that the residents of Gawlers had been circulated with a request to keep the bank in a tidy condition, and that it was still proposed to regrass the area in the Spring.

74.7  The Clerk reported that the District Council had dealt with the rat infestation in the Playground. He will put a notice about this, and the disturbance to neighbours, in the Parish Magazine. David Williams will put a sign in the Playground.

In the absence of John Arnell, the Clerk reported that the receipts and expenditure figures for the last two quarters were broadly in line with the Budget, and that the Council’s finances were therefore in a satisfactory state.

Current balances:      Current Account - £4754.29

                                  Deposit Account -£4221.90

Of these figures, the amount held for the Playground is £3069.87

Extension and Conversion of outbuildings – Harrolds Farm (UTT/2113/05/FUL)  (Palmer). The Planning Sub-committee had inspected this application, and had no objections. The Council accepted this decision.

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Conversion of Garage to Playroom and erection of new Garage – Durwards Barn (UTT/0021 & 0022/06/FUL) (Brown). There were no objections to this application.

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

This application has been rejected by UDC on grounds of excessive built development.

Plans have just been received for demolition of existing buildings and construction of replacements at Sunnymead Court, Park Green (UTT/0052/06/FUL) (Small). These will be circulated to Council members immediately.

Complaints had reached the Clerk concerning people walking dogs on land which is not an official footpath, and also of dog fouling.

After some discussion, the Council agreed that the former was not a Parish Council concern; the Clerk would mention the latter in the Parish Magazine. It was also suggested that John Burton be approached to provide a sign at the entrance to his field as this nuisance is particularly prevalent here.

It was reported that the water leak at the bottom of Dewes Green Road was still apparent although Three Valleys Water have been contacted several times. The Clerk will make yet another attempt to resolve this as freezing weather makes this a severe hazard.

In the absence of John Arnell this item was held over until the next meeting.

Kate Harrison reported that Frank Tinney would be happy to manage the clearing of the pond at the Crump, and also to take care of the piece of land opposite. This should not be cut by the Highways Dept.

She also proposed that the Village Litter Pick should take place on Sunday March 19^th.

Diana McConaghy  will put a Notice about this in the Magazine.

Ray Gooding reported that Essex County Council were strongly opposed to a second runway at Stansted Airport, and had pledged £500,000 to the campaign.

Janice Loughlin announced that there would be a meeting of the S.W Area Panel on January 31^st. All would be welcome; the subject of the introduction of “Wheelie Bins” for refuse and recycling would be on the agenda.

Philip Scatchard will attend the Uttlesford Highways meeting on February 16^th.

The Clerk reported that there was to be an Open Day at the new Affordable Housing Development in Clavering, and that the Council members were invited to attend.

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