Stanford Rivers PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES

Meeting: PARISH COUNCIL Date: 17th January 2019 Time: 5.30pm

Venue: Toot Hill Village Hall, Toot Hill

PRESENT: Councillors (4) John Glover (Chairman), Cllr Jackson, Cllr Mrs Jackman, Cllr Tallon

Also in Attendance (1) - Adriana Jones – Clerk

Members of the Public (0) Members of the Press (1)

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC None

P14.521 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Cllrs Adams, Hollinton, and Saridja. ECC Cllr McEwen and EFDC Cllr Brady had also given their apologies.

P14.522 OTHER ABSENCES None.

P14.523 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST None.

P14.524 MINUTES It was noted that the member of the press present was also present at the November meeting, however this had not been recorded in the minutes. The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 8th November 2019 were APPROVED and duly signed by the Chairman.

P14.525 A113 SPEED WORKING GROUP Councillors NOTED that on 4th December Cllr Jackson and the Clerk had met with ECC Local Highway Panel Officer Sarah Alcock to discuss the possible solutions put forward by this Parish Council to speeding and overtaking along the A113. Sarah advised that she had come across some strong barriers in terms of the suggested options, however agreed that in light of the meeting she would liaise again with other members of the Network Assurance Team to see what solutions could be considered. The suggestion put forward to Sarah by Cllr Jackson and the Clerk included a 40mph buffer zone between the Woodman public house to just inside the village, double white lines, and additional signage including no overtaking signs. It was agreed that if the 40mph buffer zone was deemed a suitable option for further consideration, the Parish Council would assist with liaising with local residents about how this could in fact help solve the issue of overtaking along this stretch of road. It was agreed at the meeting that Sarah would arrange for a further speed survey to be conducted towards the end of January, noting that the school holiday’s would not give an accurate reading of regular traffic.

Prior to the meeting, the Clerk had asked Sarah for an update, the response of which was as follows: The speed surveys have not been completed yet as due to budgetary constraints. I am awaiting authorisation to get these done and I will update you as soon as they are programmed to be scheduled. I have also liaised with the Manager of the Network Assurance Team and a colleague from Essex Police, they are both opposed to the Parishes request of the suggested 40mph buffer starting at the Woodman. The reason for this is the environment does not fit a 40mph speed limit and that this may not resolve the overtaking issue that you are trying to prevent nearing the residential end, instead would create an issue with overtaking along this stretch increasing the risk of head on collisions. However we need the updated speed surveys completed to ascertain what the average speeds are along the derestricted area and the area where the original 40mph buffer was proposed in existing 30mph limit is. As

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any changes need to be evidenced based including collision data as well as speed and volume data.

The Clerk confirmed that she had submitted a freedom of information request to the insurance Ombudsman in order to try and obtain figures for all car incidents at this location, not just those reported to the police. Cllr Jackson advised that after initially feeling positive after the meeting with Sarah, it was disappointing that getting something done was proving to be so difficult, and that it was essential this item remained on the agenda going forward to ensure momentum was not lost. Those present agreed that it was a shame ECC is reliant on fatality statistics to prompt further action.

P14.526 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME Councillor Adams had advised the Clerk that he was disappointed at the lack of take up of use of the Wheelie Bin NHW Sticker included in the recent edition of News and Views. It was AGREED a reminder would be included in the next edition. Cllr Jackson advised Councillors of the recent theft of 3 classic motorbikes which was reported on the NHW page, advising Councillors that there is not a public footpath at the south-eastern area of the Parish behind the houses on the A113, and as such if anybody is seen walking across these fields, it should be considered unusual and possibly reported. Councillors received a brief update on the crime statistic for the last 3 months, which showed 4 crimes for November, 6 for October, and 6 for September. Stanford Rivers Parish continues to be an area with a low crime rate.

P14.527 CLERKS COMMUNICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE REPORT Members RECEIVED an oral report from the Clerk as follows: • Proposed Bench on land along Epping Road Toot Hill – Agreed that resident will pay for bench, EFDC will supply and fix, and Parish Council will pay for Plaque. Parish Council will commit to keeping eye out and advising EFDC of any damage or concerns. • White Bear Path has been cut. • Clerk has written to Ongar Neighbourhood Plan Group. • Clerk has contacted both village pubs concerning a possible joint approach to providing computers in the local pubs. Cllr Tallon confirmed he would have a conversation with the Green Man. • Bridleway Closure - Bridleway (no. 1) at Stanford Rivers which runs under Epping Ongar Railway Line has been closed due to structural concerns of the bridge located south of Ongar Park Hall owned by the railway. Barriers were installed to protect public on 4th January. The railway has been informed. The alternative bridleway route is via Bridleways 1, 2 & 58 Stanford Rivers, bridleways 87 & 88 North Weald Basset, bridleways 31 & 18 Bobbingworth. The Chairman confirmed he would contact EOR to establish what was being done about the damaged bridge. • Second copy of letter concerning the overgrown hedge at 8-10 London Road has been has delivered. Cllr Adams had requested Council consider the possibility of assisting with financing the legal proceedings with EFDC if no action is taken, however it was AGREED that whilst the Parish Council would support the resident, and did indeed support the residents concerns, it would be inappropriate to pay for such proceedings from the Councils funds. • Cllr McEwen had been asked to investigate the Berwick Lane finger post removal. The Chairman was also dealing with.

P14.528 PLANNING APPLICATIONS a) Councillors AGREED responses to the following Planning applications:

1. To CONSIDER any planning applications submitted to the Parish Council for comment as detailed below NIL 2. To NOTE any planning applications that have been responded to via the Clerks delegated powers EPF/2988/18 6 Epping Road Stanford Proposed double storey side extension, front & rear Rivers Ongar Essex CM5 single storey extensions. 9SQ NO OBJECTION

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EPF/2925/18 Barn at Maybanks Farm 7 Prior notification approval application for proposed PN - 9 Epping Road Stanford change of use of Agricultural building into two dwelling Rivers Ongar Essex CM5 houses (C3) 9SQ NO OBJECTION EPF/2946/18 Widows Farm Toot Hill Proposed rear first floor extension, and listed building & Road Ongar CM5 9QR consent for the same EPF/2953/18 NO OBJECTION LB 3. To NOTE any planning applications upon which EFDC do not normally accept comments EPF/3293/18 Widows Farm, Toot Hill Approval of Details Reserved by Conditions 3 & 6 of DRC Road, Ongar, CM5 9QR EPF/2860/16. Condition 3:-" Additional drawings that show details of proposed new windows and doors", 6:- "Full details of any upgrading required to meet the building regulations". (Proposed change of use and conversion of former barn from private ancillary living accommodation to separate single dwelling house). EPF/3310/18 Widows Farm, Toot Hill Application for Approval of Details Reserved by DRC Road, Ongar, CM5 9QR Condition 3 "full details of both hard and soft landscape works" for EPF/2859/16. (Change of use and conversion of former barn from private ancillary living accommodation to separate single dwelling house). EPF/3065/18 Colemans Farm, Toot Hill Application for variation of condition 2 of EPF/3460/17 - Road, Ongar `Plan numbers'. (Demolition of agricultural buildings, construction of two detached houses , extension to dairy cottage garden, provision of boundary treatment and hard & soft landscaping). EPF/3064/18 Colemans Farm, Toot Hill Application for Approval of Details Reserved by Road, Ongar, CM5 9QN Conditions 3, 9 & 10 for EPF/3460/17 . Condition 3:- "Details of the types and colours of the external finishes". (Demolition of agricultural buildings, construction of x 2 no. detached houses, extension to dairy cottage garden, provision of boundary treatment, hard & soft landscaping. EPF/3109/18 Colemans Farm, Toot Hill Application for Approval of Details Reserved by DRC Road, Ongar, CM5 9QN Condition 9 'Contaminated Land Phase 1' and Condition 10 'Contaminated Land Phase 2' on planning permission EPF/3460/17 (Demolition of agricultural buildings, construction of x 2 no. detached houses, extension to dairy cottage garden, provision of boundary treatment, hard & soft landscaping). EPF/3052/18 Land West of Four Winds, Application for Approval of Details Reserved by DRC Epping Road, Toot Hill, Condition 3 for EPF/1643/14 "flood risk assessment and Ongar, Essex, CM5 9LR management and maintenance plan". (Open fronted timber cart lodge/barn for storage of machinery & equipment used to maintain the land).

EPF/2857/18 Land Adjacent to Covars Application for Discharge of conditions on EPF/0841/17 - DRC Mead School Road Toot 3 `Materials' 5 `Surface water' 9 `Hard and soft Hill Ongar CM5 9PU landscaping and 12 `Flood risk assessment' 14 `Wheel washing' 16 `Bat lighting strategy' and 18 `Biodiverity enhancement' (Erection of two storey dwelling, complete with cart lodge/studio, infrastructure and associated works, including new access from School Road 4. To NOTE any enforcement actions or appeals. None 5. To NOTE any other planning matters – Planning Decisions

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EPF/2481/18 – 8 Garden Fields, Stanford Rivers Side & Rear extension containing rooms within roof space Permission Granted at Plans East 5th December 2018

EPF/2593/18 - 69 London Road, Stanford Rivers, Ongar Part double storey 'infill' extension, first floor side and rear extension and crossover. (Revised application to EPF/1385/18). Permission Granted 18th December 2018 with conditions.

EPF/2666/18 - Highlands Farm, Old Rectory Road, Stanford Rivers Application for variation of condition 2 - plan numbers of EPF/0174/18 - (Proposed rebuilding of barn for use as dwelling). Permission Granted 3rd December 2018 with conditions

EPF/2988/18 - 6 Epping Road, Stanford Rivers, Ongar Proposed double storey side extension, front and rear single storey extensions. Permission Granted 3rd January 2019 with conditions

EPF/2680/18 - Knightsland Wood, Berwick Lane, Stanford Rivers T1-T9 Douglas Fir - Fell - Works to Preserved Trees Permission Granted 10th December 2018 with Conditions

EPF/2650/18 - 7 Bridge Cottage, London Road, Stanford Rivers Grade II Listed Building Consent for replacement of timber windows on front elevation and replacement of Crittall windows on side and rear elevation with timber. Permission Refused 7th December 2018 - reason: Unsympathetic to the historic evolution of the property, with no significant justification submitted. The Parish Council had no objection to this proposal subject to Listed Building Officer consent.

EPF/2928/18 - Barn at Maybanks Farm, 7 - 9 Epping Road, Stanford Rivers Prior notification approval application for proposed change of use of Agricultural building into two dwelling houses (C3) Permission Refused 21st December 2018 - Reason: Conversion would have a significant adverse impact on the future living conditions of residents of the bungalow due to overlooking and loss of amenity through noise and general activity, thereby making conversion undesirable. Application fails the Permitted Development test. The Parish Council had no objection to this application.

It was AGREED the Clerk would obtain a further update concerning the Millrites development and payment of Sec 106 monies.

P14.529 EFDC LOCAL PLAN EXAMINATION Councillors NOTED that the EFDC Local Plan Examination will be taking place between 12th February and 23rd May 2019. Amongst other points, matters concerning the developments at Ongar will be taking place on 15th May, and the following questions have been raised by the Inspector:

• ONG.R1 & R.2 (West Ongar Concept Framework Area): Having regard to representations 19LAD0020 and 19LAD0070, is there any reason to be concerned that a Concept Framework for a comprehensive scheme cannot be achieved? Would the sites be deliverable as separate entities? Is it justified to require a single, shared vehicular access to serve both sites? • Do the proposals for Ongar take account of, and seek to address, capacity issues at the Health Centre? Is Site ONG.R3 (South West of Fyfield Rd) needed for this purpose? (Reps Ongar PC). • How is it proposed to address capacity issues on the Chelmsford Road approach of Four Wantz Roundabout at Junction 12 of the A414? Is site ONG.R4 (North of Chelmsford Rd) deliverable in respect of its impact upon this roundabout? (Reps Chelmsford CC and Ongar PC). • ONG.R6 (Stanford Rivers Rd/Brentwood Rd): Can vehicular access to this site be achieved without risk to highway safety? (Reps Ongar PC). Can development conserve the significance of Grade II listed Dyers & Marden Ash House as buildings marking the entrance to Ongar from the south? 4 - Stanford Rivers PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES January 2019

• What effect would the development of the following sites have on the purposes of the Green Belt: ONG.R1 – R7? In particular, would R1 & R2 close an important gap between two separate parts of the settlement?

The examination is open to members of the public, and the Clerk intends to attend on this date. There are also other hearing dates to address the issue of infrastructure, and the Clerk also intends to attend on these dates. A copy of a map showing the location of the proposed development around Ongar was attached to the agenda. Councillors are asked to NOTE that this Parish Councils response to the Local Plan consultation was as follows: It is noted that there is no planned residential development within this Parish, however the various allocated development at neighbouring towns and villages will undoubtedly have an impact on traffic through the Parish. Whilst the Parish Council has some concerns regarding the adequacy of the planned infrastructure to support development, the Parish Council has no evidence to suggest the plan is unsound.

Cllr Jackson stated that they key issue for this Parish was the infrastructure supporting the proposed new development in Ongar, and the knock on effect this may have. Cllr Jackson referenced the works to the roundabouts at either end of Ongar, to which Cllr Mrs Jackman confirmed she had raised this directly with ECC Cllr Kevin Bently querying why the cost (£4m) was so high, to which Cllr Bently had stated that the primary concern was the A414. The Clerk advised that she had contacted Ongar Town Council with regard to if they planned to have any representation at the hearings, to which she was advised that the Town Council themselves were not heavily engaged in planning matters and they will not be directly represented at the LP examination, however they have been working with their Neighbourhood Planning group who will be making representation on behalf of the council and the residents.

P14.530 MOLETRAP ASSET OF COMMUNITY VALUE NOMINATION Councilors noted that on 1st January 2019, the Moletrap pub closed. Whilst this public house is not within the Parish Boundary of Stanford Rivers, it is a well-used and valued public house by many local residents, and the Parish Council was asked how it feels about the nomination of the Mole Trap as an Asset of Community Value. An Asset of Community Value is defined as a ”building or other land if its main use has recently been or is presently used to further the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community and could do so in the future. The Localism Act states that ‘social interests’ include cultural, recreational and sporting interests.” Once listed as an Asset of Community Value with the local authority, the local community will be informed if the asset is listed for sale within the five year listing period. The community can then enact the Community Right to Bid, which gives them a moratorium period of six months to determine if they can raise the finance to purchase the asset. Both the Clerk and Chairman have been liaising with members of Stapleford Tawney Parish Council, offering both advice about the process and seeing if there was any way this Parish Council could support them with the nomination. The Clerk suggested that perhaps the News and Views could be used as a way to consult with members of the local community as to if they would support nomination of the pub. The Clerk also advised she had met with the Leader of EFDC recently concerning the process of nominating an asset.

Cllr Jackson advised it was important to understand if local residents actually used the pub, and if they would support its nomination, especially considering the pub is not within the Parish of Stanford Rivers, expressing his concern as to what the involvement of this Parish Council would be with this issue in the future. The Chairman advised that as a community, working with our neighboring community, we should do what we can to support this community asset. The Clerk confirmed that if the pub was nominated, it placed neither the community nor this parish council under any obligations in the future.

It was AGREED an article should be included in News and Views asking local residents if they wished to support the nomination.

P14.531 PARKING AT BARNMEAD Councillors recalled from a previous Parish Council meeting that concern was raised by Cllr Tallon about the parking issues through Toot Hill, namely along Barnmead. The Clerk had raised this with EFDC suggesting the possibility of an alternate parking arrangement whereby vehicles drive directly

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in to a space, and reverse out on to the main road, thus almost doubling the parking capacity at this site. An update on EFDCs response was as follows: “It is not possible to provide echelon parking without extending across the pathway and cutting into the green. This scheme would then be considered an Off Street Parking request for which the Council has a prioritised waiting list. Barnmead can be added to the Off Street Parking priority list and arrange for an assessment scoring of the area, at least it will be on the list? That said, we could regularise the current parallel parking arraignments with the marking out of bays and signage, however from experience this will reduce the number of vehicles that currently park there (as the marked bays have to meet Highway regulations and be 6m in length).

Cllr Tallon advised that had he had spoken to all but one person who lived in Barnmead, stating that there was unanimous support for changes to be made to the green area to convert it to parking. The suggestion of regularising the current parking by marking out bays was not supported. Cllr Tallon advised that parking in this location continues to be an issue. Cllr Tallon advised that the majority of houses along this area are privately owned, albeit the green belongs to EFDC. It was AGREED the Clerk would go back to EFDC to confirm a parking solution was needed.

P14.532 REPORTS Members RECEIVED the following reports:

Chairman's Report – The Chairman gave the following report: • Christmas Tree - 2 December 2018 - I would like to thank everyone that helped make this a great success this year, after we were all snowed in last year. There was an excellent turnout and I would like to thank all those who were directly or indirectly involved. Our Vice Chairman, Robert Jackson, arranged for the delivery of 200 leaflets to the local area and the Ellice’s next door provided the electricity. Our Clerk, Adriana Jones, arranged the Christmas tree and the lighting, the Rotary Club provided Father Christmas and his Sleigh and Philippa Giles led the Carol Singing. To conclude I provided the leaflets, the road signs, the cones and the flashing lights. • Planning - 5 December 2018 - I made a representations to the Epping Forest East Planning Committee on 5 December at the Civic Centre formal meeting on behalf of Eve Saxon of 12 Garden Fields and the recommended refusal by the planning officer was overturned by the Councillors present. Mrs Saxon had previously approached the Parish Council for assistance, and we could not see why the application for a small and needed extension should not be granted. • Village Hall - 10 January 2019 - The floor repairs in the area adjacent to the toilets are now complete following the flooding. This was quite an involved procedure because the floor had been sitting in water since the flood and had become soggy. The area had to be dried and the sub structure replaced before the floor covering could be put in place. This was completed on 10 January 2019. There are some lighting works that will be attended to shortly alongside the entrance roadway and I need to check that all the PIR lights are working at the front of the VH. An internal light that has been regularly broken has been replaced with an alternatives light. The breakages have been caused by collisions with the table trolley. • Fly tipping - Throughout the month! - I have liaised with Louise Coveney at the District Council in reporting these incidents. Professional criminals are now targeting our area with the unloading of bulk waste from waste transfer stations, including loose waste and trommel fines. Berwick Lane and Old Rectory Road have been targets for fly tippers. Mole Trap Pub - 1 January 2019 - This closed after New Years Day lunchtime. The pub is located in our neighbouring PC area, Stapleford Tawney. I attended their PC Meeting on Tuesday 15 January 2019 and they are preparing a Community Asset Application to protect the pub should this be necessary. We understand the owners are planning to sell the premises as a pub and we await to see any sale literature that may be issued. The Epping Ongar Railway is working with myself and others to provide support in developing ongoing trade. • Berwick Lane Fingerpost - This was placed in position by Essex County Council in 1937, and has stood the test of time for 81 years. In the last two weeks contractors working for Essex County Council cut this down using an angle grinder. This is vandalism of the highest order. In 2006/2007 I previously overhauled this sign and it was in perfect order when cut down. I drive past here quite frequently and noticed it had gone. I searched the area and made local contacts and I am delighted to say that Andrew Wright (from the sawmill on the junction) had recovered the broken parts from the contractors. I have now recovered these and delivered them to my 6 - Stanford Rivers PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES January 2019

engineering workshop in Bow .I am in communication with both ECC and EFDC about the repair and reinstallation off this valuable and iconic relic.#

Vice Chairman's Report – no report

District / County Councillors Report – no report

Councillors Reports – Cllr Jackson advised that another resident has been trained as part of the speedwatch programme, and it was agreed to include this in News and Views.

P14.533 STANFORD RIVERS CHRISTMAS TREE EVENT It was NOTED that this year’s event was extremely successful, and thanks given to all those who took part.

P14.534 BUDGET / PRECEPT 2019/2020 It was AGREED that there would be a 2% increase in the precept request for 2019/2020, meaning the request would be £20,704. PROPOSED Cllr Jackson, SECONDED Cllr Mrs Jackman.

Income 2018/2019 2019/2020 BUDGET BUDGET Precept 20,298 20,704 Bank Interest 25 25 Parish Support Grant 330 330 Other Income 0 0 News and Views 350 320 Total 21,003 21,379 EXPENDITURE 2018/2019 2019/2020 BUDGET BUDGET £ £ Clerks Salary 5400 5400 Subscriptions 400 400 Insurance 325 300 Hire of Hall 120 120 Audit Fee 200 100 Postage/Stationery/photocopying 150 150 Car Mileage 100 100 Miscellaneous 600 620 Toot Hill Village Hall 500 500 Christmas Tree Event SR 600 600 Grounds Maintenance 3000 3000 Open Spaces 300 450 Training 0 0 Grant awards 600 600 Speed Gun 0 100 News & Views Post and Distribution 2300 2300 PWLB Payments 3188 3112 Toot Hill Village Fete 0 0 Highway non works 2000 2000 Contribution, Neighbourhood Watch 0 0 Contingency 500 500 Police Constable - Special 1000 Bank Fee 72 72 TOTAL 20355 21424

The following items were discussed: • It was AGREED to fund a Police Special Constable for a 1 year period, at a cost of £1,000. It was noted that the Special Constable would be deployed in the Parish for approximately 16 hours per month, and the costs would be expenses only. The Parish Council would be involved in the recruitment of the Special Constable, and together with training it could be 12 7 - Stanford Rivers PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES January 2019

months before something was in place. There was some concern as to the fact that the Parish should not be funding the responsibility of the Police, however the majority of Councillors present felt that local residents would be happy pay £1,000 to see and have a police presence in the community. • Legal cost concerning the cutting back of Trees along London Road – this was discussed earlier in the meeting and agreed not to support as this was a civil matter. • The suggestion of having a computer and printer in both of the two pubs in the Parish was discussed, and it was agreed that if both pubs were willing to consider this, any costs should be by way of sourced funding and not directly a cost to the Parish Council. • Councillors noted there was a lack of clarity with regard to the funding of closed churchyards for maintenance, and that whilst £600 had been precepted for as grant funding, it would be held in an earmarked reserve until such time as either this was clarified, or could be used for other local projects.

P14.535 ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL BUS SERVICES CONSULTATION Essex County Council (ECC) is reviewing the way it supports local bus services which operate on evenings and Sundays. It does not include those which are run commercially across the County. The consultation will end at 1700 on Friday 22 March. Whilst none of the bus services listed on the consultation are those that run through the Parish, Part 3 of this consultation addresses the suggestion of devolution, stating the following:

The principle of devolution is that services are best commissioned and delivered as close to the communities they service because that way they can reflect the needs of that community and are as cost effective as possible. Currently, supported local bus services are commissioned and funded by ECC. Where no commercial bus service is provided, ECC’s role is to assess whether a service should be provided and if it decides it should be, to make such provision. We have a clear set of policies that guide how this is done and how decisions are made (visit essex.gov.uk/publictransport and search ‘local bus policy’). ECC invests around £8m in supported local bus services every year. We also grant fund our Community Transport schemes who provide transport for those who are unable to access mainstream public transport. ECC invests around £1m in these schemes annually. We are keen to explore if this approach is the correct one. Decisions made at a County level can be somewhat removed from local knowledge. Stakeholders placed at the heart of the community may be in a better place to understand what is needed and how it can best be delivered. This is what devolution is about – passing the responsibility and funding to local organisations to make local decisions. We are therefore keen for your views on how we can better enable communities, parishes, districts and local groups to lead the commissioning and delivery of their own local services. This is not something that can be achieved in a short space of time, but in the longer term, if we can tailor our support more effectively, we can hope to deliver a better value service for passengers, communities and taxpayers.

Councillors discussed this issue at length, and whilst it was agreed the Parish Council would like some input as to any future bus services, it should not be the Parish Council who decides what buses should run and where to. It was AGREED that the Clerk would respond advising that the Parish Council would like to be involved/consulted, but should not be the decision maker. It was also AGREED that the Clerk would check if the 689 and 133 bus routes were school buses only, and that the consultation response should mention the 375 service extension from Passingford Bridge to Ongar.

P14.536 HIGHWAYS DEVOLUTION PILOT Councillors recalled from the November Parish Council meeting that Councillor Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, was keen to explore how joint working between ECC and Parish/Town Councils could deliver better outcomes for residents and businesses, by way of a Devolution Pilot. The Clerk attended a briefing at ECC on 15th November concerning this proposed Pilot. The pilot is for a 6-12 month period, and will provide those councils interested in taking part in the pilot with a sum of money to manage specific highway responsibilities throughout the Parish. The scope of works covered include: 1. Winter Maintenance Salt Bags Scheme (Snow clearance and Salting of Footways and Paths) 2. Minor Repairs to Footways and Off-Road Cycle ways 3. Highway Verge Cutting including Special Roadside Verges 4. Weed Control 8 - Stanford Rivers PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES January 2019

5. Tree and Hedge Maintenance 6. Public Rights of Way (PRoW) Maintenance 7. Passenger Transport Infrastructure Maintenance (Bus Stop Flags and Shelters) 8. Repair and Maintenance of Road Sign It should be noted that the scope does not extend to any works to main roads, such as potholes.

The sum of money provided to Stanford Rivers Parish Council for a 1-year period would be £1,000 (this was initially £500 at the meeting, however later increased by email). Essex Highways is unable to provide a list of exactly what areas they are responsible for in the Parish, and state that the Parish Council could prioritise what works it chooses to complete. The stated reason for the devolution pilot is that ECC feel local communities may be able to complete these works cheaper and more efficiently than ECC, and that local communities are able to prioritise the work according to the needs of residents. Following the pilot, consideration will be given by ECC to the full devolution of duties, however it is not anticipated that further funding will be provided to Parish Councils at this time. Following this meeting, the Clerk raised a number of concerns regarding this Pilot with ECC, and a full update was given at the meeting. Councillors AGREED that until such time as the County were able to provide a full asset listing of what items the Parish Council would be responsible for under this pilot, the Parish Council would not be signing up.

P14.537 NEWS AND VIEWS Wheelie Bin Stickers reminder and bus consultation to be included.

P14.538 FINANCIAL REPORTS a) List of payments & Monthly Statement of Accounts - The following payments were authorised, and the income and account balances were NOTED.

Reference To For Amount BACS Adriana Jones Clerks Salary December 2018 & £720.00 January 2019 (paid monthly) BACS HMRC PAYE December 2018 & January £180.00 2019 (paid monthly) BACS Epping and Ongar Santa and Sleigh, Stanford Rivers £200.00 Round Table Christmas lighting event BACS Thornwood Grounds Various grounds Maintenance in £804.00 Maintenance Parish (£134.00 VAT) BACS Catalyst Printing Newsletter Print Jan/Feb £153.00 BACS North Weald Bassett Cost of Spare Wreath for St £18.50 Parish Council Margaret’s BACS D Wickham Damage floor nr WC, and Toilet £310.00 roll holders - Toot Hill Village Hall BACS A Jones Expenses, including Christmas £91.18 Tree event (refreshments and (VAT £2.66) Santa treats) BACS CPRE Membership Renewal £36.00 BACS Unity Service Charge, 3 months £18.00 BACS A Jones (Microsoft) Renewal of Office 365 £59.99 subscription, 1st February 2019

Bank Balances as at 31st December 2018 Unity Current Account £ 2,541.13 Unity Deposit Account £ 23,423.48 Barclays 90832650 £ 0 Barclays 00443549 £ Under investigation

INCOME: £25.30 Interest

Councillors NOTED that Barclays bank has not responded to the Clerk’s letter concerning the Barclays account 00443549. A copy of the letter has been resent. If nothing is heard by 31st January 2019, it was AGREED the Chairman and Vice Chairman visit Barclays to address the issue.

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P14.539 TOOT HILL VILLAGE HALL Councillors NOTED the repair works to the fix the floor outside the WCs was now underway.

P14.540 DATES OF NEXT MEETINGS Councillors NOTED the dates of the 2019 meetings: • 14th March • 9th May • 11th July • 12th September • 14th November

Signed ...... Date ......

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