- Present
- Cllrs C. Hamilton (Chair), M. Brown, T. Spong, K. Green, D. Botterell, J. Beady, L. Fitzpatrick and G. Foster. Also in attendance were ECC Cllr D. Land, K Harkin Parish Clerk and 10 members of the public.
Apologies
No apologies for non attendance were received.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 28 September were proposed by Cllr Brown, seconded by Cllr Green and approved unanimously as a true record of events.
Declarations of Interest
The Chair asked for declarations. Cllr Green registered a pecuniary interest in item 10/22.014.
Clerk’s Report
The Clerk presented a summary of his previously circulated report, which is attached as Appendix A.
Public Participation
- Mrs Barnes reported that she had met at Second Avenue with representatives of TDC to discuss WiB’s wilding project at this location.
- An issue of parking outside the Veterinary Practice was raised. It was noted that the Vet is cooperating.
- The pavement on north side of Colchester Rd between Festival Cl and The Black Boy has become dangerous.
- The lighting of the Christmas tree lights will take place on Sunday 4 December. It is hoped to have some Carol singing and that the Salvation Army will attend. The Clerk agreed to apply for a road closure.
Tendring District and Essex County Councils
ECC Cllr Land summarized the highway potholes that have been dealt with. He noted that he has reported an incident of fly tipping. Cllr Land reported that the ECC Locality Funding for individual councillors is available again this year but that it has been reduced by 50% to £5,000.
Cllr Hamilton raised the items raised in agenda item 05. He agreed to follow up them.
Correspondence
The Clerk reported four items of relative correspondence received.
- A request for funding from the Essex Air Ambulance charity. Proposed Cllr Brown, seconded Cllr Hamilton and Resolved: To donate £250 to the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance.
- A request for funding from St Andrew’s Church. After some discussion, it was agreed not to provide any additional funding to the previous donation of £750 made in October 2021.
- Members and residents were encouraged to complete the Essex Highways User Survey.
- A request for funding for a Warm Hub would be considered under item 010.
Planning Applications
The planning applications set out in Appendix B were considered.
Provision of Litter and Dog Waste Bins
Cllr Hamilton reported that she had been unable to complete the survey last month but would endeavour to do so before the November meeting.
Warm Hub
Cllr Hamilton outlined a proposal to provide a ‘warm hub’ facility at the Village Hall for a one month trial period in November to assist those residents who may be struggling to heat their homes as a result of the increase in fuel prices. Mr Millar provided a costing of £183.40 per month and requested the Parish Council fund this expense. Proposed Cllr Hamilton, seconded Cllt Botterell and Resolved: To accept Mr Millar’s costing and fund this expense.
New Play Area Project
Cllr Botterell reported that he has received one costed proposal. He had hoped to be able to bring two other proposals but had yet to receive them.
Weeley Parish Council Reports
- Street Lighting. Cllr Green reported that Nos. 9078 and 9079 are out.
- Tree Warden. Cllr Green reiterated his hope that WPC will agree to plant additional trees in suitable locations. He was informed that the Council had agreed to consider planting a couple of commemorative trees next to the new play area to provide shade when it is completed.
- Playing Field. The Clerk confirmed that the safety work filling holes on the playing field had been completed.
- Children’s Play Area: This item was dealt with in item 011.
Other Reports
- Highways and Footpaths. Cllr Beady presented her report, which is attached as Appendix C.
- TDALC. The new Chair is hoping to reinvigorate TDALC.
- Rural Policing. The Police UK website shows that there were 30 crimes reported. in total, 15 in Weeley and 15 in Little Clacton.
- Speedwatch. Cllr Beady presented her report, which is attached as Appendix D.
- Weeley Residents Assn (WRA). Mrs Miles reported that the WRA monthly cards & games activities will recommence shortly. The WRA has agreed to organize some activities for the Warm Hub sessions.
- Weeley in Bloom. It was reported that a successful fund raising Latin Dance Night was held recently. A working party is being organized to cut back some of the undergrowth behind the recently installed QE II memorial bench.
- Petanque Rink. A request was made by Mrs Jowers for WPC to erect a noticeboard by the Petanque rink. Cllr Brown agreed to cut back the weeds growing along the perimeter fence. Some of the Petanque players attended a national event recently and made useful contacts. Mrs Holt had sent her apologies. Her report is attached as Appendix E.
Finance and Budget
The list of monthly payments was proposed by Cllr Hamilton, seconded by Cllr Foster and Resolved: To approve the list of payments as set out in Appendix E.
Public Participation
- Mrs Barnes asked if the agreed A3 sized noticeboard to be erected on Station Approach had been ordered?
- Cllr Botterell requested authority to order additional lights for the Christmas tree. Agreed.
Close of meeting: 8.43pm
Appendix A: Clerk's Report
| Topic | Action/issue | Who | Notes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Children’s Play Area Refurbishment | Consider options for the renewal of the facility. | DB and KG | Received a specification from a play equipment supplier. | Ongoing |
| Defibrillator | Replace pads (routine mtnce régime). | KPH | O/S | |
| Emergency Plan | 2021 annual update. | Cllr H | Cllr Hamilton has agreed to conduct a review. | Ongoing |
| Litter Bins | Reassessment of provision. | Cllr H and KPH | Agreed to review the litter bin survey. | Ongoing |
| Scout Hut | Prepare a new lease. | KPH | Pleass Thompson Solicitors has been asked to prepare a new lease. | Ongoing |
| Recycling Point | Identify new location. | Cllrs | Written to Ian Davidson at TDC asking for assistance to maintain a recycling point in Weeley | Ongoing |
| Street Lighting | Convert lamps to energy efficient LED | KPH | AD Mitchell has been appointed to complete this work. | Ongoing |
| Weeley bypass | Determine options for the avenue of poplars | ECC has agreed to replace (2023/24) the poplars that have been felled. Meeting was held with the Forestry Officer. Now need ECC Place Services to complete a survey and determine how many and what species of trees to plant. | Ongoing | |
| Bus Shelter, Clacton Rd | Replace roof | KPH | Yet to appoint a contractor | O/S |
| Play Inspection Report | Obtain a quotation to address the low risk matters | KPH | Bruce Landscapes advises that he no longer does this type of work. | O/S |
| TDC land disposal in Weeley | Write to TDC to object. | KPH | O/S |
Appendix B: Planning Applications
| Date of Notification | Application No. | Details | Comment/Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22/01610/TELLIC | Proposed removal of the existing 3no. Antennas and the installation of 3 no. replacement antennas. The installation of 1 no. 600mm dish and 1 no. 300mm dish and ancillary development thereto including the installation of 9 no. Remote Radio Heads (RRHs) and 3 no. BOBs. | Land adjacent to Church of St Andrew Church Lane Weeley | No comment or objection. |
| 22/01590/TELLIC | Proposed upgrade to existing radio base station installation. | Land adjacent to Church of St Andrew Church Lane Weeley | No comment or objection. |
| 22/01332/FUL | Proposed 3 dwellings and associated ancillary buildings, drainage systems, boundary treatments, hard surfacing with vehicular access from Thorpe Road. | Land South of Verity Gardens Weeley Clacton On Sea | Dealt with last time. Objected. |
Appendix C: Highways Report
The 30mph sign is still down in Bentley Road and all new problems noted this month have already been reported. Cllr J Beady
Appendix D: Speedwatch Report
In September we held 9 sessions, 92 speeding vehicles were logged, 10 of those were repeat offenders, 2 logged for the 3rd time, 2 were untaxed (both reported) and the fastest was doing 46mph in a 30mph zone. Cllr J Beady
Appendix E: Petanque Report
Sessions are going really well, everybody enjoying their games, especially as the weather has been exceptional. Despite the weather getting colder, we still expect high numbers as in previous years. We are currently running a competition, playing partners picked at random, and we are now down to the semi-finals, with the final being played within the next few weeks. We usually present trophies to the winners at our Christmas dinner held sometime in December. Mrs B. Holt
Cheques/Payments for Authorisation: October 2022
| Invoice Date | Invoice No. | Cheque No. | Payee | Service | NET £ | VAT £ | GROSS £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05-10-22 | IN04847480 | Direct Debit | Npower | Electricity Consumption | 414.44 | 20.72 | 435.16 |
| 01-10-22 | 36587 | 103242 | A&J Lighting | Monthly Mtnce | 99.98 | 20.00 | 119.98 |
| 03-10-22 | 36620 | 103242 | A&J Lighting | Repair & convert 8 x streetlights | 1,891.30 | 378.26 | 2,269.56 |
| 06-10-22 | 36626 | 103242 | A&J Lighting | Contract Termination | 899.82 | 179.96 | 1,079.78 |
| 30-10-22 | INV-0146 | 103243 | Goldacre Contracting | Grass Cut (8th cut) | 415.00 | 83.00 | 498.00 |
| 10-09-22 | 103244 | Cllr C Hamilton | QEII Book of Condolence | 33.32 | 6.90 | 40.22 | |
| 30-09-22 | WVH-3215 | 103245 | Weeley Village Hall | Hall Hire, Quarterly Electricity and Quarterly Broadband | 150.90 | 0 | 150.90 |
| 01-10-22 | 66031 | 103246 | GCS Alarms | Annual Mtnce of CCTV | 80.00 | 16.00 | 96.00 |
| 25-09-22 | 777 | 103247 | Kevin Greenscapes | Install base and memorial bench | 450.00 | 90.00 | 540.00 |
| 17-10-22 | 103248 | Mr K Harkin | October Salary | 620.24 | 0 | 620.24 | |
| 17-10-22 | 103248 | Mr K Harkin | October Expenses | 42.76 | 0 | 42.76 | |
| TOTALS | 5,097.76 | 794.84 | 5,892.60 | ||||
Bank balances as at 30 September 2022; current account £25,853.40; deposit account £82,330.34.