MINUTES OF ALLOTMENT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MONDAY 11 AUGUST 2008

Cllr K Armstrong
Cllr K Barnes
Mr L Cornell *
Cllr Mrs J Demonti *
Mr F Lacey *
Cllr P Demonti *
Mr T Robinson *
Cllr Gilbert (Chairman) *
Cllr Peek
Cllr Ms S Wilcock
Cllr Taylor (ex officio) *
Cllr M Wood *
Cllr C Woodward (Vice-Chairman)

* denotes present

In attendance: Mr J Ingham - Town Clerk

184. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllr Armstrong (business commitments),
Cllr Ms Wilcock (holiday) and Mr Cornell (holiday).

185. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS

In view of the non-presence of a representative from the Beekeeping Association, action on this item was deemed unnecessary.

186. PRESENTATION BY MR A LEWIS, BISHOP'S STORTFORD
BEE KEEPING ASSOCIATION

No member of the Association was in attendance.

187. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

None.

188. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 2 JUNE 2008

RESOLVED: that the Minutes be received as a correct record and be signed by the Chairman

189. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

i) Haymeads Lane - Provision of Hardstanding
Members were informed that the new parking area had been installed and a letter of gratitude had been received from the Site Agent on behalf of the Allotment holders. The hardstanding had not only addressed the parking issue on the Allotment site but had also overcome the new parking restrictions in Haymeads Lane.

ii) Hallingbury Road West/Cricketfield Lane
To note that following a request by Mr Lacey, the Council staff had strimmed all the vacant plots on both sites.

iii) Bulk Deliveries of East Herts Council Household Waste
Members were informed that letters had been forwarded to all Site Agents, with only Mr Thake responding negatively to the proposal. This only reinforced the feeling of members, expressed at the last meeting, that it would be inappropriate for the Town Council to participate in the scheme.

iv) Public Notices on Allotment Sites
To note that all the notice boards had been erected.

190. CURRENT WAITING LIST AND VACANT PLOTS

Members had been circulated with a copy of the current waiting list and vacant plots.

Cllr Mrs Demonti referred to the number of allotment holders (27) appearing on the waiting list who resided outside the boundary of Bishop's Stortford and she questioned whether they should be charged a higher rate as in effect they were being subsidised by the Council Tax payers of Bishop's Stortford. Members agreed for this matter to be an agenda item for the next meeting.

Members noted the contents of the Allotment Waiting List and they remarked on how this had grown in number since the last meeting. A request was made that, for future meetings, the list be amended to incorporate the addresses of those people appearing on the waiting list. It was further remarked upon that there were a number of persons appearing on the list who appeared under different allotment sites and that an additional waiting list be produced in spread sheet form, collating this information.

A discussion took place on the need to ensure that the Town Council offered assistance to new allotment holders by providing, for hire, the newly acquired rotavator. Members also felt that consideration must be given that, in the first instance, new plotholders only being offered 5 rods as the problem of neglected plots could be attributed to 10 rods being too large an area for a first time plot holder. This would also assist in reducing the size of the waiting list. Site Agents were requested to be notified accordingly.

RESOLVED: that the current waiting list and vacant plots schedule be noted.

191. REVIEW OF ALLOTMENT RENTS

RESOLVED: that the rent of an allotment plot be increased by 15p per rod, effective from 1 April 2010

192. DIG IN - SCHOOL INITIATIVE

Members had been circulated with responses from Windhill, Richard Whittington and St Michael's Primary Schools with only a positive indication from Windhill Primary School that it would wish to actively pursue the matter. In view of the aforementioned and taking into consideration that seven schools were approached, members felt that the response was very poor.

A reference was made to the current waiting list which had grown considerably over the last six months and questions were raised as to whether the 'Dig In' initiative should be put on hold until the present waiting list was reduced.

Concern was also expressed regarding the remarks made by Windhill Primary School for an access gate into the Allotment site. Members stated that it was never the intention that sites would be made available adjacent to the Schools and that it would not be prudent to give preference to the initiative at the expense of the waiting list.

RESOLVED: that a letter be compiled by the Clerk thanking the Schools for responding, indicating that the Council would look to see whether suitable ground could be utilised.

193. ALLOTMENT COMPETITION

Mr Lacey stated that the Allotment holders would like to see the continuation of the Allotment Competition. However, they would prefer to see successful plot holders receiving a cash prize rather than a presentation cup.

Cllr Demonti was of the opinion that there was little enthusiasm for the Competition as was evident by only 42 plot holders entering the event. There were also difficulties in arranging the judging and in obtaining members' assistance.

The general feeling expresses was that this matter should be referred to a Site Agents' meeting to be held on Wednesday 15 October for a full discussion to take place on the future of the Competition.

194. BISHOP'S STORTFORD FP 45

Members had been circulated with a copy of a letter from the Rights of Way Service (Hertfordshire County Council), which set out the costs which would be incurred by the Town Council in pursuing an Extinguishment Order. In addition, it was stated that in all probability the application would be firmly opposed by user groups and therefore there was no guarantee that the application would be successful.

RESOLVED: that the matter be not pursued

195. ANY OTHER BUSINESS (MATTERS RAISED BY ALLOTMENT REPRESENTATIVES)

Hallingbury Road West Allotment Site
Mr Lacey drew attention to the need to remove the willow stumps on plot 82 now that the plot holder had vacated the site. The Clerk confirmed that the Cemetery Foreman had been made aware of the work required which would be undertaken in due course.

196. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

Allotment Competition

197. URGENT BUSINESS

Disabled Allotment Provision - The Firs
The Chairman agreed to visit the site and to discuss the matter with Juliet Harris - Manager of Bishop's House



There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.15pm
 

MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE HELD ON 18 AUGUST 2008

Cllr K Armstrong *
Cllr C Horner (Vice Chairman) *
Cllr J Barfoot
Cllr R Taylor (ex-officio)
Cllr K Barnes *
Cllr C Woodward *
Cllr P Demonti (Chairman) *
Cllr Ms C Woodman

* Denotes present

In attendance: Tricia Carpenter - Asst Town Clerk
1 Member of the public

208. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Armstrong (Work commitment),
Cllr Taylor (Holiday)

209. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING HELD ON 28 JULY 2008

RESOLVED: the Minutes were confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and signed by the Chairman.

210. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

None.

211. PLANNING NOTIFICATIONS

i) No objections were raised on the following applications:-

3/08/0869/FP/NB Parking area and stepped path from Maple Avenue leading to house 3 Oakleigh Court Applicant: Mr Michael Adams

3/08/1050/FP/FM Conservatory to side elevation Honeysuckle House, Great Hadham Road Applicant: Mr Lee Wiggins

3/08/1206/FP/NB To extend the existing rear single storey extension 38 Portland Road Applicant: Mr James Granger

3/08/1219/FP/SE Single storey rear extension 37 Dunmow Road Applicant: Mr G Comboy 3/08/1250/FP/MP First floor rear extension 96 Stansted Road Applicant: Mr S Wilkingson

3/08/1257/FP/LD Single storey rear infill extension, 2no rear dormer and new hipped end to roof 28 Maze Green Road Applicant: Mr Paul Duffy

3/08/1258/FP/FM Two storey side and rear extensions incorporating first floor rear Juliet balcony. (Removal of existing rear conservatory) 26 Dukes Ride Applicant: Mr I Mott

3/08/1259/AD/CD 2 externally illuminated signs, 2 non illuminated signs and 2 internally illuminated lanterns The Nags Head, 216 Dunmow Road Applicant: Louise Burt

3/08/1271/FP/NB First floor side extension 55 Broadleaf Avenue Applicant: Mr Jeremy Catchpole

3/08/1294/FP/CD Orangery extension to rear of building partially replacing existing extension 13 Avenue Road Applicant: Mr Simon Thorpe 3/08/1300/FP/FM Single storey extension to replace conservatory 42 Dove Close Applicant: Mr Beck

3/08/1309/FP/FM Single storey front extension 35A Havers Lane Applicant: Dr I Majid

3/08/1325/FP/SE Rear conservatory 22 The Thatchers Mr Chi Li

3/08/1329/FP/FH Creation of tanker standing position J Sainsbury PLC, Villiers sur Marne Avenue Applicant: Sainsburys PFS Note: Cllr Woodward declared a personal interest in this application, (former employee of Sainsburys, and family member employed by the Company.)

3/08/1342/FP/FM Garage conversion & rear conservatory 37 Wheat Croft Applicant: Mrs Owen

3/08/1348/FP/SE Hard standing to the front of plots 1, 2, 9 and 10 182-184 Stansted Road Applicant: Shanly Homes

3/08/1360/FP/MP Installation of ventilation louvers to existing windows apertures to the east elevation (3no) at the first floor level Telephone Exchange, Station Road Applicant: British Telecommunication Plc

3/08/1364/FP/FM Alterations & extensions to existing commercial building and change of use of first floor to 2no. flats 29 North Street Applicant: Eurolet

3/08/1380/FP/LD Two storey side extension, single storey rear extension and garage extension. 13 Brooke Gardens Applicant: Mr Paul Faulkner
ii) Objections were made on the following applications:-

3/08/1221/FP/NB Self contained granny annexe 6 Kingsmead Road Applicant: Mr Robert Malyon Reason: i Unacceptable form of back land development. It was noted that there was a separate vehicular access to the rear of the property thus making the development tantamount to a separate dwelling in the rear garden. ii Over development of the site.

3/08/1324/AD/SE To display two internally illuminated flexi face signs Unit 2 Bishop's Park, Lancaster Way Applicant: Mr James Waller Reason: Contrary to Policy ENV 29 of the East Herts Council Local Plan Second Review. The signage was considered to be detrimental to the visual amenity of the area.

3/08/1408/FP/NB Demolition of existing garage and replaced with a two storey side extension incorporating car port and a single storey rear extension with balcony 38 Chantry Road Applicant: Mrs Karen Probyn Reason: i The flat roof extension was considered to be out of keeping with the street scene. ii Members objected to the loss of the garage in an area which already suffered from severe parking congestion.

212. PLANNING DECISIONS

RESOLVED: that the attached list of decisions issued by East Herts Council be noted.

213. APPEALS

To note the following appeal to be determined by the written representation procedure:

3/08/0338/PT/LH Prior notification - Telecommunications Installation of a 13m street furniture telecommunication column replacing
lamp post, along with 2 no ground based equipment cabinets.
LP 610 Oriole Way, Great Hadham Road
Appellant: O2

RESOLVED: that the appeal be noted.

214. STREET NAMING AND NUMBERING

Members had been circulated with the revised East Herts Council Policy for Street Naming and Numbering which, members noted, was in fact guidelines, rather than hard and fast rules. However, it was suggested that a letter be forwarded to East Herts Council requesting that an additional line be added to item 1.1 of the Policy stating that full account should be taken of the opinions of the Town and Parish Councils'. This was considered essential bearing in mind the historic local knowledge of local councils.

RESOLVED: that the above comments be forwarded to East Herts Council.

215. EAST HERTS DISTRICT COUNCIL (SOUTH STREET AND SOUTHMILL ROAD)(CONTROL OF PARKING PLACE)(AMENDMENT) ORDER 2008

Members had been circulated with a copy of a letter from East Herts Council detailing proposals to slightly amend the Parking Places Order already in place at the above location.

RESOLVED: that the Order be noted.

216. REVIEW OF THE EAST OF ENGLAND PLAN - CONSULTATION ON DRAFT PROJECT PLAN AND STATEMENT OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Members had been previously circulated with a letter providing details of the above consultation.

RESOLVED: that the contents of the letter be noted.

217. UP-DATED REPORTS

None.

218. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

None.

219. URGENT BUSINESS

Letter from Display Sense, re Road Safety in Rye Street

Members had been circulated with a copy of a letter from the above Company drawing members' attention to a serious road safety issue in Rye Street and seeking assistance to implement yellow lines in order to remove a blind spot at the entrance to 32-34 Rye Street. Cllr Woodward agreed to liaise with East Herts Council and the Police to ensure consideration was given to the issue. The Assistant Clerk was requested to write to Hertfordshire County Council Trading Standards to draw attention to the untaxed vehicles parked along the Highway by Totally Trade Direct.


Meeting closed at 8.10 pm
 

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON 4 AUGUST 2008

Cllr K Armstrong *
Cllr C Horner *
Cllr J Barfoot *
Cllr D Peek *
Cllr K Barnes *
Cllr R Taylor (Town Mayor)
Cllr A Burlton
Cllr K Warnell *
Cllr Mrs J Demonti
Cllr Miss S Wilcock *
Cllr P Demonti *
Cllr M Wood *
Cllr R Gilbert
Cllr Miss C Woodman *
Cllr A Graham *
Cllr C Woodward (Deputy Town Mayor) *
Cllr Mrs D Hollebon *
Cllr J Wyllie

* denotes present

In attendance: John Ingham, Town Clerk

157. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies were received from Cllr Armstrong (business commitment), Cllr Burlton (holiday), Cllr Warnell (business commitment), Cllr Ms Wilcock (business commitment) and Cllr Miss Woodman (sickness)

158. DECLARATION OF INTEREST None.

159. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS RESOLVED: that Standing Orders be suspended to enable a presentation by
Inspector Andy Piper, Hertfordshire Constabulary

160. PRESENTATION BY INSPECTOR ANDY PIPER, HERTFORDSHIRE CONSTABULARY Inspector Piper opened the presentation by outlining the work currently being undertaken in introducing a DESIGNATED PUBLIC PLACES ORDER (DPPO) for Bishop's Stortford. He tabled for members' information, documentation in respect of the Order, which once in place would authorise a local authority to take action in combating anti-social behaviour and give the Police power to seize alcohol from anyone within the zone covered by the DPPO.

A DPPO had been successfully introduced at Hertford some 10 months ago which had proved effective in combating drinking in the street and had substantially lowered the rate of anti-social behaviour in the Town Centre. The success of the DPPO in Hertford had been quite encouraging, especially with regard to producing a significant reduction in crime related incidents both to vehicles and persons.

The Police were engaging in night time operations which included, in addition to the work associated with a DPPO, checks on licensed premises and the sale of alcohol to underage children. However, it was sad to report that a lot alcohol obtained by children came by way of parents. The police were very grateful for the help afforded to them by Pub Watch. With regard to punishment the Police operated a fixed penalty notice fine of £50 on the spot and offenders could be arrested which carried a maximum fine of £500. Unfortunately, there were no additional police personnel made available for operating the new initiative.

It was appreciated that there would be hot spots within the zoned area and there would still be a problem on the margins. This was something which the Police would need address. A question was raised as to whether there would be incidences when the DPPOs could be relaxed, eg Carnival Day. Members were informed that there were discretionary powers available. The DPPO proposed for Bishop's Stortford had gone out to an 8 week public consultation with over 2,800 letters having been sent to local residents, organisations and retailers. A good response had been received to date.

The consultation, when complete, would be analysed and the presentation of the results would be made to the East Herts Council for adoption. This was planned for 15 September 2008 with, hopefully, the Order being in place by 1 November 2008. The object of the DPPO was to discourage anti-social behaviour, reduce associated crime and create a relaxed atmosphere in the Town to generally improve the environment of the Town Centre. Following the presentation, a question and answer session took place. Question 1

Which Neighbourhood Watch Schemes existed in Bishop's Stortford? How active were each of these schemes and when did the Police last formally meet with Watches? What were the plans going forward to support and develop comprehensive and active Watches? Response:

There were 200 Neighbourhood Watch Schemes spread over the 5 Wards of Bishop's Stortford all of which were very active. All members had been invited to a meeting held on 6 May 2008 and co-ordinators had attended an East Herts conference in April 2008. Neighbourhood Watch personnel were volunteers and, as such, they could not be tasked. However, 6 co-ordinators currently sat on the Crime Prevention Panel. Question 2

What was the current headcount of Officers and PCSOs dedicated to Bishop's Stortford? Response:

Currently there was an Intervention Team comprising one Sergeant, four Police Constables and a Neighbourhood Team consisting of Inspector Piper, one Sergeant, eight Police Constables and six PCSOs, undertaking the policing of Bishop's Stortford, Sawbridgeworth and Buntingford. In the case of problems, support could be brought in from other areas and there was liaison with Essex on cross border problems. Question 3

Could Inspector Piper confirm the number and nature of incidents reported on or about footpath 53, Hockerill School, over the last 3 years? Response:

There were 5 reported crimes in 2006, 3 in 2007 and only one in the current year. The area was not a hot bed of crime as had been made out by the School. With regard to taking measures to make the area safe, the Police could generally patrol the area if there was felt to be a problem. However, because of the low level of incidents, the trigger point had not been reached. A question was raised as to how many incidents occurred between the hours of 9.00 am and 5.00 pm. Inspector Piper agreed to establish the information required. Question 4

Operation Spacecraft was a commitment to regular monitoring of HGVs entering the Town. How many interventions had happened and what were the results? Was there a more effective way to Police the restriction, as no doubt the operation was resource intensive? Response:

The operation was run by PC Fagan on a monthly basis and the only way to affectively enforce this was to stop drivers. It had been possible to use the Football Club ground for this purpose with a joint operation with Trading Standards. Inspector Piper was happy to report that the majority of the HGVs stopped were legitimately entering the Town for delivery purposes. Question 5

How successful was the Locality briefing? Were there proposals to improve them? Retailers did comment at the Town Centre Partnership meeting that they would like more notice and Agenda planning. Response:

Locality briefings were held every 3 months and provided an opportunity for stakeholders to make representation on what action they wished to see implemented in their Wards. It was a vital two-way link enabling the Police to respond accordingly.

A point of concern was raised by a member that the administration in support of the briefings left a lot to be desired. Some members had never received notice of the meetings (in particular south locality meetings), whilst past members of the Council were still receiving information. The records held by the Police of existing members of the Council were out of date. Agendas of meetings it would appear were still being hand delivered by the Police sometimes on the days of the meetings. Inspector Piper agreed to arrange an update of the records.

Inspector Piper referred to the Town Centre Partnership meetings which he would like to attend and he requested that he be sent notices of future meetings. This matter would be addressed by the Town Centre Manager. Question 6

A concern was raised regarding the problem of teenagers congregating in groups in the Castle Gardens with evidence of glass being broken, alcoholic litter, litter being deposited and general untidiness. A request was made for a Community Officer to visit the site. Response:

High visibility would be maintained. These were the sort of issues that would be successfully addressed by a DPPO. Question 7

Complaints were still being received regarding the Thorley youth shelter with evidence of drunken youths sleeping there during the day and night. Response:

Police would undertake a visit to the area and report thereon.

Meetings did take place with the Thorley Residents Association at which this matter had been discussed. Question 8

Concern expressed regarding the indiscriminate parking of vehicles at the entrance to Cannons Close, with parking taking place within 10 metres of the junction. This it was stated was a serious traffic hazard. Response:

The parking was illegal and enforcement was down to the Police to take action. Fixed penalty notices would continue to be issued and further action would be considered to eliminate the problem at this location. Question 9

Concern was expressed regarding the theft of gulley gratings and road side signs. It was questioned whether checks were made with scrap merchants. Response:

The Police had had an operation running for the last 6 months with officers visiting scrap dealers with a thorough check being made on their books. The Police would use its full powers in this matter. Question 10

A question was raised regarding car crime in Dunmow Road Response:

This was not a specifically targeted area, but formed part of the overall operation Tarantula which was an exercise in making the public aware of car crime. There was, as a result of this operation, a marked reduction in vehicular crime. However the theft of catalytic converters was on the increase. In conclusion Inspector Piper was thanked for his attendance following which Standing Orders were reinstated.

161. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION None

162. MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL STATUTORY MEETING HELD ON 23 JUNE 2008 RESOLVED: that the Minutes were confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings and signed by the Town Mayor

163. COMMUNICATIONS None.

164. QUESTIONS ASKED PURSUANT TO STANDING ORDER 24 None.

165. COMMITTEE REPORTS

i) Planning and Development Committee 16 June 2008 RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received

ii) Planning and Development Committee 30 June 2008 RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received

iii) Environmental Committee 14 July 2008 Min 134 - Urgent Business - Post Office Closure, Havers Parade It was noted that reference had been made to a letter received from the Leader of Hertfordshire County Council recommending that the Council write to the Post Office objecting to the proposed closure. RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received iv) Finance and General Purposes Committee 21 July 2008 Min 142 - Items for Future Agenda Insert: Flag Pole/Flag from Town Council Offices RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received v) Planning and Development Committee 28 July 2008 Min 151 - Regional Spatial Strategy RESOLVED: that Cllr Armstrong or a substitute member represent the Town Council at the forthcoming examination in public.

Note: Cllr Barnes wished for it to be recorded that he abstained from voting on this item Min 153 - Items for Future Agenda - School Sites Planning Application A discussion took place on whether the planning application in respect of the school proposals should be discussed at a Planning and Development Committee meeting or at a specially convened meeting of the Town Council in view of the importance and complexity of the application. A number of concerns were raised regarding the possibility of there not being a full debate due to the present composition of the Planning and Development Committee and the potential for membership of the Committee to be depleted on the night.

Nevertheless, the majority view was that the issue was a planning matter and as such should be debated by the Planning and Development Committee and not the Town Council. RESOLVED:

i) that in view of the closing date for receipt of comments being
19 September 2008, the applications be considered by the Planning and Development Committee on Wednesday 10 September 2008, instead of Wednesday 17 September 2008.

ii) That the meeting be held in the Waytemore Room of the East Herts Council Offices, The Causeway, in order to accommodate those members of the public wishing to attend RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be received

166. WORKING PARTIES/TASK AND FINISH GROUPS i) Playground Task and Finish Group 8 July 2008 RESOLVED: that a stand alone Playground Committee be formed to continue the work of the former Playground Working Party reporting directly to the Town Council

167. YOUTH COUNCIL No matters were raised.

168. GRANT APPLICATIONS No grant applications had been received to date.

169. BURIAL FEES Members had been circulated with a copy of the attached report compiled by the Clerk. RESOLVED:

i) That the scale of charges, as set out in Appendix C, be adopted with effect from 1 July 2008 ii) That pre-purchased plots be not allowed unless under special circumstances, such a situation to be referred to the Town Council for a decision iii) That for the future all burial fees be increased from 1 July by reference to the Retail Price Index

170. PLANNING APPLICATIONS - SCHOOL SITES To note that this matter had been previously dealt with under Agenda Item 9 - Committee Reports - Planning and Development Committee 28 July 2008- Minute 151

171. CLOSURE OF POST OFFICE - HAVERS LANE Reference was made to correspondence received in connection with the proposals by Post Office Ltd to close the Havers branch of the Post Office at Bishop's Stortford.

Members were made aware of a local petition in existence which was to be handed to Mark Prisk, MP, for delivery to 10 Downing Street. In addition, a further petition was being organised by the Herts and Essex Observer specifically to be addressed to Post Office Ltd, the Organisation that would ultimately make the decision on the proposed closure. Members were informed that the proposed closure was part of the Government's decision to close up to 2,500 post office branches across the UK. The public consultation period ended on 26 August 2008. Members were unanimous in their strength of opposition to the proposal and they felt that this was yet another erosion of the services afforded to the vulnerable members of society.

It was evident that, if implemented, the proposals would have a serious effect on a wide cross-section of the community placing a great many people in difficulty accessing the alternative post office in South Street. Members felt that the proposal would almost certainly result in the demise of the shop, which would result in the loss of a vital community link and, in some cases, a vital lifeline.

The closure would also place an added burden on local residents through increased travel costs and general transport inconvenience, especially those without access to their own transport. Currently, there were in excess of 300 patrons of the Havers Post Office, who used the facility on a daily basis. The capacity of the South Street Post Office on many days was at saturation point, with long queues and delays for the general public.

The current proposals, if implemented, would further exacerbate the existing problem. Clearly, members were of the opinion that the proposals were ill-conceived, placing a greater burden on the local residents by way of accessibility to alternative locations, greater dependence on public transport with the added inconvenience and further diminution of local facilities. RESOLVED: that a letter be written by the Town Mayor to Post Office Ltd with copies to 10 Downing Street and the Hertfordshire County Council, objecting in the strongest terms to the closure of the Havers Post Office

172. CEMETERY VEHICLE ACCESS A request had been received for the Council to consider allowing the New Cemetery gates to remain open on Sundays to allow a disabled resident to access the grounds.

The Clerk stated that it had, for a number of years, been the policy of the Town Council for the gates to be permanently locked during the weekdays and at weekends. Prior to this arrangement there had been numerous incidents of indiscriminate damage being caused to the grassed areas and to memorials by unauthorised personnel. The Clerk further stated that as no staff were employed at the weekends, opening the gates would incur a cost. Members, whilst being sympathetic to the request, nevertheless, felt that opening the gates would present problems. RESOLVED: that the request be not approved.

173. STANSTED GENERATION 2 - AIRPORT ACCESS FROM M11 AND A120 To note that the following members had already been appointed to serve on the Task and Finish Group:- Cllr Barfoot, Cllr Gilbert and Cllr Wood

174. SILVER LEYS TRUST Members had been circulated with a copy of the Deed of Appointment and Retirement, relating to the Trust Deed of Silver Leys. The document was required to be executed by the Town Council. RESOLVED: that the document, as circulated and authorised, be approved

175. REPORT FROM TOWN MAYOR The Town Mayor gave a full and detailed verbal report on his engagements from the date of his acceptance of Office as Town Mayor to the present day.

176. URGENT BUSINESS Planning Application - School Proposals RESOLVED: i) To arrange the booking of the Waytemore Room for Wednesday
10 September 2008 ii) To arrange an alternative venue for the Town Council meeting to be held on 15 September 2008

177. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA

i Presentation by the Rural Housing Trust - Rearrange for October 2008

ii Regular Report from TCMP - Report to be in written form

178. EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC RESOLVED: that in view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted, the press and public be excluded from the meeting.

179. STAFF TRAINING Administrative Assistant/ Finance (Miss Jade Walling) The Clerk tabled for members' information, a request from the post holder to be allowed day release in the furtherance of obtaining her professional accountancy qualification, together with the cost of the course fees of £1,795. RESOLVED:

i) That day release be approved

ii) That the Council approve the expenditure of £1,795; the excess over budget to be met from balances

iii) That an agreement be entered into between the post holder and the Town Council to the effect that should she leave the Council's employment within two years of obtaining her qualification, the sum of £1,795 would be repaid There being no further business, the meeting closed at 10.30 pm

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