MINUTES OF THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
HELD ON TUESDAY 30th APRIL, 2002 AT 7.30 P.M.
IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM, TOWN HALL.
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| PRESENT: |
Chairman: |
Councillor Mrs. M. Curtis |
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Vice Chairman: |
Councillor Mrs V. Foster |
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Councillors: |
Mrs E. Downes (Town Mayor), T. Kelly (Deputy Mayor), P. Nickolls, W. Prior and Mrs S. Riesebeck. |
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In Attendance: |
Mrs G. Coppen and S. McPherson (Maldon & Heybridge Horticultural Society), the Town Clerk and Administrative Assistant. |
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91. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence was received from Cllrs. P. Rew and K. Smith
92. MINUTES OF THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 11TH FEBRUARY,
2002
RESOLVED: that the minutes of the Environment Committee meeting
held on 11th February, 2002 be approved and signed as a correct
record.
93. ALLOTMENTS
93.1 Allotment Inspection
Members received and considered a report regarding an allotment
inspection undertaken by Cllr. Kelly and Mrs. Good on 20th April,
2002.
In accordance with minute 16.3 of the Environment Committee meeting
held on 16th July, 2001 the water meters at the allotment sites
were read as follows:
Maldon Hall - 178.64 (last reading 128)
Warwick Crescent - 740.493 (last reading 734)
Brickhouse Farm - 34.07 (last reading 30)
Cllr. Kelly felt that members should not expect Officers of the
Town Council to undertake the reading of the water meters because
of their location.
Maldon Hall
The report detailed a meeting with a tenant regarding the condition
of plots and accumulated rubbish in the area behind the garages.
Cllr. Kelly felt that the rubbish needed to be cleared from the
site and suggested that the DSO be contacted and requested to clear
the rubbish.
It was also suggested that it would be beneficial for the redundant
water tank on plot 12 to be relocated and linked to the water tank
on plot 8b subject to the tenants approval.
Cllr. Kelly felt that to improve the appearance of the site and
to deter unauthorised entry, the small broken picket fence and posts
to the rear of the garages, between the gate and the bypass, should
be renewed. It was felt that the handyman should be requested to
undertake this task. Also, quotations should be sought for the gaps
in the bypass boundary hedge to be infilled with Hawthorn to thicken
the hedge and deter tipping. Cllr. Kelly said he was of the opinion
that the Essex County Council should be contacted again to request
that the boundary fence between the allotments and the bypass be
replaced.
It was noted that many of the paths between the plots were not being
maintained to a satisfactory condition and that an item regarding
path maintenance should be published in the next allotment newsletter.
Members noted the following comments:
Plot 2a / 3a Untidy - Make enquiries regarding these plots
Plot 16b Monitor
Plot 26 Very poor condition - letter of enquiry
Plot 31 Very poor condition and contains a quantity of rubbish -
enquire if a smaller plot would be more suitable.
Plot 35a Untidy (tenant to relinquish plot after he removes the
daffodil bulbs)
Plot 35b Poor condition - suggests tenant is offered a smaller plot
as the whole area is in very poor condition and difficult to cultivate.
Plot 45b Poor condition - letter of enquiry
Plot 46b New tenant - Very good condition - a letter to congratulate
the tenant on his efforts.
Plots 39a / 39b Vacant - Due to extremely poor condition of the
area it is suggested that the area be flattened and grassed over.
Plots 33A, 34A
and 34B Vacant - very poor condition
Warwick Crescent
The site was generally found to be in good order.
Plot 1a Monitor
Plot 2a Monitor
Plot 4a Monitor
Plot 11b A letter be forwarded to the tenant to congratulate him
on his unusual herb garden.
Plot 11a Rubbish dumped on plot possibly from houses in King Street.
Suggested that the Ground Maintenance contractor be requested to
remove the rubbish.
Members were informed that whilst undertaking the inspection, a
tenant expressed his concern regarding the condition of the boundary
hedge between the allotment site, Warwick Crescent. It was noted
that there were many structures containing tools, compost etc. beside
the hedge which would obstruct and make it extremely difficult to
cut the hedge and grass pathway. Subsequently the DSO had been contacted
regarding the maintenance of the hedge and expressed the view that
any work at this site was extremely difficult because of the restricted
site access.
Cllr. Kelly said that extensive Ivy growth in the hedge was restricting
the growth of the original Blackthorn and Hawthorn hedging and suggested
that quotations be sought from the DSO for the Ivy to be thinned
out to encourage the growth of the thorn hedge. It was also felt
that any excess growth around the water tanks should be cleared
by the handyman.
Cllr. Mrs Downes expressed her concern that the Town Council had
never been consulted when the ownership of the Warwick Crescent
allotment site had been transferred from the Maldon District Council
to the Plume Housing Association. She requested that investigations
be undertaken with regard to the future usage of the land as set
out in the new Draft District Plan and suggested that negotiations
be undertaken to extend the Town Council's lease of this area of
land.
Cllr. Kelly stated that the area was specified as a designated amenity
area and as such it should be covered by restricted development
rights.
The Town Clerk stated that she would investigate the terms of the
lease and report back to a future meeting.
The view was also expressed that slow worms were present on the
site and it was suggested that Essex Wildlife Trust be contacted
to enquire if there were any protection orders in respect of slow
worms which could be imposed on the site.
Brickhouse Farm
Cllr. Kelly suggested that it would be beneficial for a formal compost
bin 12' x 6' to be installed in the corner of the site as he felt
that composting should be encouraged. A copy of the site plan showing
the proposed compost area was available at the meeting.
Discussion ensued and some members felt that compost bins would
be filled with invasive plants which were unsuitable for composting
and that it may be necessary for two compost bins to be installed.
Concern was expressed with regard to unauthorised use of the bins
but as there is restricted access to the site this should not be
a problem. It was agreed that investigations be undertaken regarding
the possibility of the handyman constructing two compost bins.
Plot no. 1 Monitor
Plot no. 4 Monitor
Plot no. 6 Extremely poor condition - letter to be sent enquiring
if the plot is still required as there is a waiting list for plots
and it is unfair to adjacent tenants.
Cllr. Kelly suggested that a notice board could be attached to the
fence rather than free standing and to improve the appearance of
the site bulbs could be planted alongside the internal fence.
Mrs Coppen informed members that she was the tenant of Plot 1, and
that she had recently been indisposed and unable to dig the plot.
RESOLVED: that (a) quotations be sought from the DSO for:
(i) the removal of rubbish from behind the garages at Maldon Hall;
(ii) infilling gaps in the boundary hedge with Hawthorn at Maldon
Hall;
(iii) removal of the Ivy from the boundary hedge at Warwick Crescent;
(iv) the removal of rubbish next to plot 11a , Warwick Crescent;
(v) the planting of bulbs alongside the boundary fence, Brickhouse
Farm;
(b) that the handyman be requested to undertake the following:
(i) construction of two compost bins at Brickhouse Farm;
(ii) removal of excessive growth from the water tanks at Warwick
Crescent;
(iii) replace the small picket fence and posts to the rear of the
garages at Maldon Hall.
(c) the opinion of the tenant of plot 8b, Maldon Hall be sought
regarding the redundant water tank being linked to the existing
water tank on this plot and subject to agreement quotations be sought
for the linking of the water tanks;
(d) investigations be undertaken regarding the extension of the
Warwick Crescent allotment site lease;
(e) the views of the Essex Wildlife Trust be sought regarding slow
worms which inhabit the Warwick Crescent site;
(f) in all other respects the report be noted.
93.2 Financial Statement of Account
Members noted that the invoice for the installation of four water
tanks at Maldon Hall site for the approximate sum of £2,400.00
was still awaited.
RESOLVED: that the financial statement be noted.
93.3 Brickhouse Farm - Surfacing of Main Pathway
Further to minute 73.3 of the Environment Committee meeting held
on 8th January, 2002 members received and considered a report detailing
three quotations for the surfacing of the footpath at the Brickhouse
Farm allotment site:
Discussion ensued and it was felt that it was unnecessary to tarmac
the pathway and that further investigations should be undertaken
regarding the specification from David Moore to ascertain if the
Terram membrane was porous enabling surface water to drain through.
RESOLVED: that further investigations be undertaken with David Moore
regarding their specification for the resurfacing of the footpath.
93.4 Allotment Notice Boards
Further to minute 73.3 of the Environment Committee meeting held
on 11th February, 2002 members received and considered three quotations
for unglazed, external landscape notice boards - size 800 x 744
mm to include the following header "Maldon Town Council"
and fixing posts, to be located at the entrance to the Brickhouse
Farm, Maldon Hall and Warwick Crescent allotment sites.
Cllr. Kelly expressed the view that it may be more practical for
metal posts to be used instead of wooden or aluminium.
Discussion ensued and it was
RESOLVED: that the quotation from Top Signs in the sum of £380.00
for three external 800mm x 744mm notice boards with wooden posts
be approved.
(Small Holdings & Allotments Act 1908 ss26)
93.5 Allotment Tenancy Agreement
Members were informed that information had been received regarding
Section 30 (2) of the Allotments Act 1908 which stated that:
The council may, on giving one month's notice to the tenant, determine
an allotment tenancy of the tenant who resides more than one mile
from the parish where the allotment is provided. The council is
not obliged to determine the tenancy, but simply has an option to
do so.
In this respect members were informed that, as there were vacant
plots on the allotment sites, three allotments had been allocated
to residents of Heybridge Parish which currently had no allotment
sites. This should not cause a problem unless all plots were being
cultivated and additional requests for plots were being received
from residents of Maldon.
Members considered whether the following clause should be included
in the Town Council's Tenancy agreement:
"should a tenant reside more than one mile from the town for
which the allotments are provided, the Council may, on giving one
month's notice to the tenant, terminate the tenancy agreement."
Cllr. Kelly expressed the view that any tenant should be given one
years notice to vacate a plot.
Discussion ensued and it was
RESOLVED: that no further action be taken regarding amendments to
the Maldon Town Council Allotment Tenancy Agreement. (Small Holdings
Allotments Act 1908 ss 28)
94. MALDON IN BLOOM
Members received and considered the notes of the Maldon in Bloom
Working Party meeting held on 27th February, 2002.
Cllr. Nickolls stated that the whole area of St. Peter's Churchyard
was still being left in a state of devastation every Saturday evening
and he thought it had been agreed that the damaged seats and the
lattice fence in the Millennium Garden would be removed from the
site; he noticed they were still in situ.
The Town Clerk reminded members that it had subsequently been agreed
that the opinion of the Youth Council should be sought before the
removal of the seats. She reported that the Youth Council had no
comment to make regarding this matter and arrangements would now
be made for the removal of the benches and fence.
RESOLVED: that the notes of the Maldon in Bloom Working Party meeting
held on 27th February, 2002 be noted.
95. MILLENNIUM GARDEN /ST. PETER'S CHURCHYARD
95.1 Specification for Refurbishment
Further to minute 86.2 of the Environment Committee meeting held
on 11th February, 2002, members were informed that to enable quotations
to be obtained for the refurbishment of the area it would be necessary
for a specification to be compiled and in this respect members received
the report of Sarah Green, Essex Landscape Consultancy, Essex County
Council detailing charges for compiling a specification.
Mrs Coppen reported that when previous works had been undertaken
in the churchyard it had been necessary for the area to be monitored
by the Maldon Archaeological and Historical Group (MAHG)
In view of this it was suggested that the MAHG be contacted to enquire
if they should be in attendance when work was being undertaken in
the churchyard and Ms. Green, ECC be advised of this.
In response to a question, the Town Clerk advised that the commemorative
plaque on the Millennium Garden wall had recently been reinstated
and would not be removed during the refurbishment.
The Town Clerk also advised members that she had received notification
from the Lotteries Board that a preliminary application for grant
funding had been approved subject to suitable details and quotations
for the refurbishment being received.
RECOMMENDED: that (a) the quotation from the Essex Landscape Consultancy
in the sum of £1,381.00 to produce a specification to enable
quotations to be sought for the refurbishment of St. Peter's Churchyard
be approved;
(b) the Maldon Archaeological and Historical Group be contacted
to enquire if their members needed to be on site whilst work was
being undertaken in the churchyard.
95.2 Tree Works
Further to minute 86.3 of the Environment Committee meeting held
on 11th February, 2002, members received a report detailing three
quotations for specified tree works in St. Peter's Churchyard:
Discussion ensued and it was agreed that the appointed tree surgeon
should be informed of the sensitive nature of the area.
RECOMMENDED: that the quotation from RBS Tree Surgery in the sum
of £595.00 plus VAT be approved and that he be notified of
the sensitive nature of the site. (Local Government Act 1972 s215)
96. MARKET HILL GARDEN
96.1 Maldon and Heybridge Horticultural Society
Further to minute 76 of the Environment Committee meeting held on
8th February, 2002 members recalled that it had been suggested that
local community groups be contacted regarding the re-planting of
Market Hill Garden.
Members were informed that a letter had been received from the Maldon
and Heybridge Horticultural Society stating that they were unable
to commit themselves to this project due to the project's logistics
and their existing commitment to the Friary Walled Garden.
Members were informed that a response was still awaited from the
Maldon District Council regarding the possibility of this becoming
a joint project with Plume School pupils, similar to the work previously
undertaken at Leech Memorial Garden.
Discussion ensued and it was agreed that the Plume School should
be directly contacted to enquire if they have any students who would
be able undertake this work under supervision.
RESOLVED: that further investigations be undertaken with the Plume
School and DSO to ascertain if they are able to re-plant the Market
Hill Garden as a joint project.
96.2 Quotations for Re-Planting of Market Hill Garden
Members received and considered a report detailing quotations for
the specified re-planting of Market Hill Garden and agreed that
whilst further investigations were being undertaken with the Plume
School this matter should be held in abeyance.
RECOMMENDED: that the matter be held in abeyance.
(Public Heath Act 1875 s.164)
97. POETS ESTATE
97.1 Amenity Area - Drainage Rings
a. Thank you Letter
Members noted that a thank you letter had been received from the
Poets' Estate Residents Association in respect of the installation
of four drainage rings at the amenity area to the rear of Longfellow
and Coleridge Roads.
b. Additional Drainage Rings
Members were informed that a request had been received from the
Poets' Estate Residents Association for the installation of an additional
four drainage rings at the amenity area as they felt extra rings
would considerably improve the site. The residents had stated that
if the Town Council agreed to purchase additional rings they would
be willing to contribute half of the costs. Members recalled that
the drainage rings had cost £58.99 each, total £235.64,
plus £75.00 for the soil to fill the rings.
RECOMMENDED: that (a) the letter from the Poets' Estate Residents
Association be noted;
(b) four additional drainage rings be purchased for a total cost
of £235.64 plus £75.00 for soil to fill the rings;
(c) the offer made by the residents to contribute half of the cost
be accepted.
97.2 Parish Trees and Bulbs
Members recalled that for a number of years the Maldon District
Council had provided free parish trees and bulbs; the suggestion
had been made that, should the District Council make the same offer
again this year, the Poets Estate Residents Association be contacted
to ascertain if they would like bulbs planted on the Estate.
RECOMMENDED: that should the Maldon District Council offer free
parish trees and bulbs the Poets' Estate Residents Association be
contacted to ascertain if they would like bulbs and trees planted
on the Poets'Estate. (Open Spaces Act 1906 s.9)
98. BUS SHELTERS
Further to minute 16 of the Finance and General Purposes Committee
held on 18th June, 2001 members received and considered a report
which detailed information regarding the fifteen year contract with
Adshel for the replacement of all existing shelters and the provision
of four additional bus shelters within the town.
Members were informed that as no action regarding the placement
of shelters had been undertaken by Adshel they had been contacted.
Adshel had responded stating that due to the downturn in advertising
throughout the world, they had been forced to cut back their development
budget and as such there would be no new builds for this area within
2002 but they hoped that the situation would improve.
The report detailed a letter from a member of the public requesting
that the bus shelter outside Oliver's Shoe Shop, which had been
removed as part of the High Street improvements, be replaced. A
local shop keeper had also expressed his concern regarding this
matter.
Members were asked to consider the replacement of the bus shelter
outside Oliver's shoe shop which had originally been intended to
be replaced by Adshel. Members were reminded that the sum of £2,000.00
had been included in the 2002 / 03 Estimates for bus shelters and
that the Essex County Council had advised that grants were available
towards the provision of bus shelters i.e. 50% of the cost up to
a maximum of £800.00. New bus shelters cost in the region
of £2,500.00
Cllr. Kelly expressed the view that as the bus shelter had been
removed by the Essex County Council they should be requested to
reinstate the shelter and that the member of the public be advised
of the Town Council's course of action.
Discussion ensued regarding the necessity for additional shelters
throughout the town and members felt that a shelter at Wycke Hill
was required. It was suggested that a letter be forwarded to businesses
on the Wycke Hill Business Park enquiring if they would be prepared
to sponsor a bus shelter at Wycke Hill.
The Town Clerk advised that Adshel had installed a free bus shelter
in Cherry Gardens.
RECOMMENDED: that (a) the Essex County Council be contacted requesting
that they reinstate the High Street bus shelter outside Oliver's
shoe shop;
(b) the member of the public be advised of the Town Council's course
of action;
(c) a letter be forwarded to businesses at the Wycke Hill Business
Park enquiring if they would consider sponsoring a new bus shelter
at Wycke Hill.
99. AMENITY AREA - LONGSHIP WAY
Members received and considered a letter from a resident of Longship
Way regarding his concerns in respect of the felled Oak tree stump
which had been left in situ on the Longship Way amenity area.
Cllr. Kelly informed members that he had been in contact with the
resident and it would appear that the situation had improved and
that the Police had been made aware of the problems in the area
and were now including the area on their patrols. It was suggested
that it would be beneficial for litter bins to be installed on the
amenity area.
The resident had also advised that to deter children climbing the
Oak tree next to his house he had covered the base of the tree with
oil. Members felt that the views of the Tree Officer should be sought
regarding this matter.
Members agreed that the Oak tree stump should remain in situ and
that the situation should be monitored.
RECOMMENDED: that (a) the resident be informed that the Oak tree
stump would be left in situ and the situation would be monitored;
(b) the advice of the Tree Officer be sought regarding oil being
placed on trees.
(c) investigations be undertaken regarding the installation of litter
bins.
100. SATURDAY GREEN WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE
Further to minute 73 of the Environment Committee meeting held on
11th January, 2002, members received and considered correspondence
from Ben Brown, Senior Waste Management Officer, Maldon District
Council regarding minor changes for the Saturday Garden Waste collection
service from which it was noted that this now included the Brickhouse
Farm allotment site.
Discussion ensued regarding the fact that the West of Maldon lacked
a collection point. Cllr. Kelly expressed the view that such a collection
should not take place at the West Maldon Community Centre as it
would cause too much mess and it was suggested that the Maldon District
Council be requested to consider another collection point at the
West of Maldon.
RECOMMENDED: that the Waste Management Officer, Maldon District
Council be contacted regarding the possibility of a Green Waste
Collection at the West of Maldon.
101. THE PARISH PUMP
Further to minute 156 of the Town Council meeting held on 11th March,
2002 members recalled that former Town Councillor Alison Lamb had
been nominated to receive copies of the Parish Pump magazine and
as she had now resigned from the Town Council members considered
the appointment of a member to receive copies of the magazine and
liaise where appropriate.
RECOMMENDED: that the Chairman of the Environment Committee be nominated
to receive copies of the Parish Pump magazine and liaise where appropriate.
102. DOG BINS
Further to minute 88 of the Environment Committee meeting held on
11th February, 2002, members received a response from the Head of
Environment Services, Maldon District Council which stated that
the street-cleansing contractor had been notified of the Town Council's
concerns regarding the emptying of dog bins at St. Giles Crescent
and that the new contract stipulated that the bins were to be emptied
at least once a week.
Cllr. Mrs Foster reported that the bins in St. Giles Crescent were
now emptied on a regular basis.
RECOMMENDED: that the information be noted.
103. SPRING CLEAN
Members recalled that in past years during the month of April, the
Town Council had taken part in the Keep Britain Tidy Group, National
Spring Clean Campaign and were informed that the campaign would
not be running this year. In view of this members considered whether
the Town Council should organise a Spring Clean in Maldon.
Members expressed the view that several areas of the town needed
to be cleaned. It was suggested that a letter be forwarded to the
Maldon District Council stating that the Town Council were concerned
that litter was causing a problem in certain locations and that
the Street Cleansing contract should be modified to include the
following areas:
The vicinity of Safeway Stores,
King Street
Manse Chase
RECOMMENDED: that (a) the Town Council does not organise a Spring
Clean Campaign this year but participates in the next National campaign;
(b) a letter be forwarded to the Maldon District Council regarding
improvements to the Street Cleaning Contract to include the areas
mentioned above.
Meeting closed at 8.50 p.m.
Councillor Mrs M. Curtis
Chairman
Signed……………………………………..
Date………………………………...
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