Parish Council Meeting Minutes

Meeting Date:

Summary
This summary is generated by AI and may contain errors. It does not form part of the official minutes.
Residents will be pleased to hear that new estimates for playground surfacing have been received, and the 'Finger Post' is ready for installation. Concerns about inaccurate speed signs on Clacton Road were raised, with plans to explore updated options. Also, a public consultation is scheduled at the Village Hall on 30th September.
Present
Cllrs C. Hamilton (Chair), D. Botterell, K. Millar, L. Fitzpatrick, P. Gould, T. Spong and J. Beady. Also in attendance were Cllr Peter Harris and 10 members of the public.

Apologies

  1. Apologies were received from Cllr. Green and the Clerk. It was proposed by Cllr. Hamilton and seconded by Cllr. Spong and it was RESOLVED to accept the apologies.

Minutes of the Previous Meetings

  1. The minutes of the July Parish Council meeting held on 20th July 2026 were proposed by Cllr. Botterell, seconded by Cllr. Hamilton and it was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 20th July as an accurate record of proceedings.

Declarations of Interest

  1. Cllrs. Millar/Beady and Fitzpatrick declared an interest in items 14. Cllrs. Millar declared an interest in item 18.

Clerk’s Report

Cllr Hamilton advised that due to the Clerk being on Annual Leave there was no report. However, Cllr. Hamilton was able to inform that there were new estimates for playground surfacing and that the ‘Finger Post’ is ready to install.

Public Participation

The Chair invited the members of public in attendance to raise any questions/issues.

  • A Member of Public (MOP) advised that the flashing speed sign in Clacton Road was not accurate. He would like the sign changed to show actual speed of motorists. Speeding is still an issue. Actually not the responsibility of WPC.
  • Cllr Botterell advised that Little Clacton had a trailer that was purchased for around £500. This can then be moved around the village. Also the speeding sign in Harwich Road, Little Clacton provides data. It was agreed to that the problem would be revisited with a view to replacing the speed sign with something more up to date.
  • A MOP asked for confirmation relating to the public consultation in the Village Hall on 30th September. Cllr. Hamilton advised that the event was organised by Tendring District Council and the hall was only available for the afternoon hence the meeting had to be held from 12 noon to 4pm.

Tendring District and Essex County Councils

TDC Cllr. Harris advised:

  • that he was aware of the Gutteridge Hall Lane planning application.
  • On Tuesday 22nd September he had a meeting with ECC highways to discuss a way forward with the issue of parking on the grass in Clacton Road. Bollards may be the only solution.
  • The government has changed the regulations to planning and councillors who ‘call in’ planning applications now have to go via a ‘review committee’ which decides if their concerns can go to the planning committee.
  • Local Government Reorganisation. ECC led the way with getting this stopped. This has saved a lot of money.
  • Operation Vanguard – Cllr. Harris advised that it was his intention to widen the scope to halt violence against women. Prevention will be the aim to stop men attacking women.
  • The ECC contact for Highways maintenance is coming to an end.
  • Each ECC councillor has been given £10,000 from the Local Community Fund. Councillors will be able to spend the money where there are needs in their area.
  • Cllr. Hamilton informed Cllr. Harris of a recent incident with the Speed Watching Team and he agreed to raise the issue with the appropriate departments.
  • A member asked Cllr. Harris about the pavements in Weeley. He advised that he is aware of the problems.

Correspondence

Cllr. Hamilton advised of the following correspondence:

  • The council has been advised that the footbridge on Footpath 17 had now been fixed.
  • Reminded everyone that the recycling bins had been distributed for glass ready for the commencement of collections on 5th October.
  • The Clerk has received the standard pay rise as per their contract.

Resignation of Councillor

To note the resignation of Cllr. Fitzpatrick and begin the process for a new Councillor. Cllr. Hamilton thanked Cllr. Fitzpatrick for her six years of service. ACTION: Clerk to send notice to monitoring officer and Chair to put on Noticeboards.

Note the Completion of External Audit

The Chair confirmed the completion of the External Audit with no recommendations or issues.

Additional Signatories for Finance

Cllr Gould agreed to become a signatory on the account. ACTION: Clerk to setup Cllr. Gould on both accounts.

Christmas Tree Lighting Event

Cllr. Hamilton advised that Mrs Christmas had sadly passed away and therefore Councillors need to decide how best to move forward with the event.

Birth Of England 1100 Year Celebration in 2027

Update from working group on progress and budget for this event:

  • Cllr. Hamilton advised that the working group had started booking entertainers and activities etc for the event and the budget is around £7,500.
  • Cllr. Millar gave a brief description of what was being planned which included: Jesters, Beatles Tribute Band, brass band, dog show, Clacton Classic Car show, Archery, Face Painting, tug of war etc. In the village hall there will be a display of the greatest English inventions.

New Park Benches

The Council decided unanimously to fix the benches in different positions on the playing field. ACTION: Clerk and Chair to decide on best locations.

WiB Request

Cllr Hamilton advised the request to install bikes around the village and it was generally agreed this was a good idea. There was a discussion around where they should be placed along with the colour of the bikes. ACTION: Cllr. Hamilton to meet with WiB chair to discuss and decide.

Grant for Plymouth Brethren Christian Church

Cllr. Hamilton advised that the community had said they had no need of the grant as they were just happy to be able to help in the community.

Playground Reports

Cllr. Millar advised that all equipment in the playground had been examined by an independent company.

Planning Applications

Council Members considered the applications set out in Appendix B and determined as shown.

Finance and Budget

The list of monthly payments was proposed by Cllr. Hamilton and seconded by Cllr. Botterill and it was RESOLVED: To approve the list of payments set out in Appendix C.

Weeley Parish Council Reports

  1. Street Lighting: Cllr. Green not present.
  2. Tree Warden: Cllr. Green not present.
  3. Playing Field: Nothing to add.
  4. Highways: Cllr Beady presented a report which is published on the Council’s website.
  5. Footpaths: Nothing to report.
  6. Transport: Cllr. Millar gave his report which is published on the Council’s website.
  7. TDALC: Next meeting later in the week.

Other Reports

  1. Rural Policing: Cllr Hamilton reported 24 crimes in July, an increase on June.
  2. Speedwatch: Cllr. Beady presented her report which is published on the Council’s website.
  3. Weeley Residents Ass: Cllr. Hamilton presented her report which is available on the Council’s website.
  4. Weeley in Bloom (WiB): presented their report which is available on the Council’s website.
  5. Petanque Rink: nothing to report.

Public Participation

  • Condition of the road in High Birch Road. Cllr. Harris offered to help as this location is not within the Weeley Boundary.

Items to be Added to the Next Agenda

  • Speed Awareness Items
  • Christmas update
  • Update on event in 2027
  • New Councillor Co-Option

The Chair closed the meeting at 20.35pm

Date of Next Meeting will be: Monday 19th October at 7.30pm at Weeley Village Hall

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