Author: Jane Pettitt (Page 4 of 7)

ALBURY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes of the meeting held Tuesday 1st November 2022, 7.15 pm at the Village Hall

Present: Councillors Davis, Brooks, Clayden and Jolly
In attendance: Mrs J Pettitt (parish clerk) and 1 member of the public

The Chair opened the meeting at 7.15 pm

1. To receive and accept apologies for absence
Apologies were received and accepted from Councillor Klimowicz
2. To receive declarations of interest.
None
3. To confirm the minutes of the Albury Parish Council annual meeting held on Tuesday 6th September 2022
Resolved, that these minutes be agreed as a true and accurate record of the proceedings
4. To receive reports on actions agreed at the last council meeting
To be addressed in specific agenda points.
5. To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public
None
6. To consider planning applications
Application 3/22/2225/HH and 3/22/2226/LBC: PROPOSAL: Demolition of single storey rear modern extensions. Erection of single storey rear extension. Restoration of courtyard walls/windows and door. Conversion of existing store rooms to habitable space, incorporating an ensuite, utility room and kitchen area AT: Labour In Vain, Church End, Albury. No comment
Application 3/22/2213/HH and 3/22/2214/LBC: PROPOSAL: Removal of conservatory, construction of single storey rear/side extension with roof lantern, external terrace, external steps, brick retaining wall and new timber gate and wall. Repair of existing flint wall on Western boundary. Replacement external doors and new door to replace window on north elevation. New door to replace window on East elevation. Removal of modern cement render, application of new breathable insulation and lime render. Existing garage drainage to be connected to existing main foul drainage in road and existing septic tank made redundant. AT: Gravesend Farm Gravesend Albury. No comment
7. To receive statements, bank reconciliation and financial summary
These were received by the Council and found to be satisfactory.
Balance at 6/92022 £17,980.87
Payments: Agreed 6/9/2022 £198.20

To Playdale (play equipment deposit) £4,244.06
Hedge maintenance as per contract £250.00
Flowers at village sign £23.98
Clerk salary SO £953.55
Litter pickers SO £260.00
Village sign area maintenance per contract £100.00
Receipts: Precept £4,000.00
Available balance at 1/11/2022 £15,951.08
8. To agree payments due
None
9. To receive the clerk’s report (for information only). None.
10. To hold an initial discussion about the precept for the next financial year
It was agreed in principle to keep the precept at £8000 as per last year. This will be agreed at the January meeting subject to a review of the budget forecast.
11. To discuss a plan for mowing the grass areas around the village hall
This area including the play area will no longer be mowed by Herts County Council from April 2023. It has been on their rota in error for 23 years. We are awaiting confirmation of the annual mowing cost from HCC and will seek quotes to compare this with. We will also look at the cost of buying a mower and storage shed.
12. To discuss the effect of Stansted airport flight path changes and how to report the noise nuisance this is causing
Aircraft noise has been on the increase since June this year. A consultation is to take place in 2023 and we are waiting for confirmation of the date.
The clerk agreed to ask HMWT how more aircraft/possible fuel dumping could affect Patmore Heath.
The clerk agreed to contact other parish councils who must be noticing the effects to see if we can join forces to fight flight path changes.
It is important that residents report noisy aircraft here:
https://stanstedairportwatch.com/take-action/report-noisy-aircraft/ or by calling 0800 243 788.
13. To discuss the possible removal of larges shrubs on the allotment that are being used to dump rubbish
Councillor Davis agreed to investigate the problem and report back at the next meeting.
14. To discuss possible loss of litter picking grant received from HCC
We may lose our litter picking grant from HCC who plan to install bins in rural areas. We have expressed our thoughts on how this would not work in our hamlets, and with our lack of suitable areas to place bins. We are awaiting further information.
15. To receive an update on the playground fundraising and refurbishment plans
Albury Play Space has donated a total of £7,073.43 and the parish council has ordered new equipment on their behalf which will be installed at the end of October 2022. The deposit has now been paid.
16. To discuss the vacancy in the office of parish councillor and hear from interested parties
No applicants attended.
17. To draw the first quarter 200 Club number
We have sold 142 numbers so each quarterly prize will be £142. The amount raised after allocated prize money is subtracted is £2,840. This will be used to add a new soakaway drain and for essential repairs at the village hall. Thank you to everyone who has bought tickets. Numbers cost £24 each for 1 year from July 2022. If anyone would like to buy a number to be included in the remaining 3 draws, the price is £18.
The winning number for the first quarter as drawn at this parish council meeting is 121.
18. To suggest agenda items for the next Parish Council meeting to be held Tuesday 10th January 2023
Traffic calming gateways and rumble strips, 20s plenty update, playground fundraising. Repair of railings. Spending money in reserve. Security lighting at the village hall.

ALBURY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes of the meeting held Tuesday 6th September 2022, 7.15 pm at the Village Hall
Present: Councillors Davis, Clayden, Jolly
In attendance: Mrs J Pettitt (parish clerk) and 1 member of the public
The Chair opened the meeting at 7.15 pm
1. To receive and accept apologies for absence
Apologies were received and accepted from Councillors Brooks and Klimowicz
2. To receive declarations of interest.
None
3. To confirm the minutes of the Albury Parish Council annual meeting held on Tuesday 7th June 2022
Resolved, that these minutes be agreed as a true and accurate record of the proceedings
4. To receive reports on actions agreed at the last council meeting
To be addressed in specific agenda points.
5. To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public
None
6. To consider planning applications
APPLICATION: 3/22/1097/VAR PROPOSAL: Single storey side and rear ground floor extension. Removal of chimney to rear. Erection of porch. Continuation of existing decking across the extension. Variation of Condition 2 (approved plans) of planning permission 3/20/0418/HH: Reduction in size of ground floor side and rear extension and installation of larger window to ground floor side extension (retrospective).
AT: 2 Mansfield Cottages Clapgate Albury. No comments
7. To consider a grant request from the parochial church council of St Mary’s Albury
Rather than pay a grant, the councillors think a Harvest Supper could be arranged to raise money to donate to the church. Suggested dates were 8th or 15th October.
8. To discuss a quote received for verge maintenance, weeding and grass seeding
The area around the village sign is in need of a tidy up to remove weeds and saplings and the grass needs reseeding. The clerk agreed to get some quotes for this work.
9. To discuss Radar Speed Sign maintenance costs of £1000
We have had notice that £1000 is required to cover maintenance and repairs of the radar speed signs for 5 years from April 2023. Herts County Council will invoice us for this amount.
10. To discuss the cost of mowing the grass areas around the village
We’ve had notice that HCC will no longer be mowing the play area and grass surrounding the village hall. The parish council discussed how expensive this will be and the fact that it has not been budgeted for. It was suggested that a working party of villagers might be able to share the task. Alternatively, quotes could be sought and the precept may need to be raised to cover the cost.
11. To receive statements, bank reconciliation and financial summary
These were received by the Council and found to be satisfactory.
Balance at 7/6/2022 £7,423.59
Payments: Agreed 7/6/2022 -£282.00
Cheque to new Lloyds account -£1,000.00
Receipts: Interest 24/06/2022 £0.17
Litter Picking grant 10/6/2022 £1,776.21
Barclays balance at 24/6/2022 £7,917.97
Barclays account closed 24/6/2022
New Lloyds account opened 20/6/2022 Balance £0.00

Receipts:
Cheque from Barclays account £1,0000.00
Closing balance transfer from Barclays account £7,917.97
Wayleave UK Power £29.90
Donation from Albury Play Space £5,000.00
Donation from Albury Play Space £2,073.43
Welcome back grant from HCC £4,083.12
Payments:
A Cooper (agreed clearance) DT -£300.00
N Lock (allotment maintenance) DT -£490.00
Clerks Q1 salary SO -£953.55
CMHT Village Emergency Telephone System -£120.00
Litter picker 1 Q1 salary SO -£130.00
Litter picker 2 Q1 salary SO -£130.00
Available balance at 7/9/2022 £17,980.87
12. To agree payments due
Defib at village hall annual maintenance £151.20, R Murdoch for telephone library paint and sealant £47 Total £198.20
Resolved, proposed Cllr Davis, seconded Cllr Jolly, that payments due be paid. Unanimously agreed.
13. To receive the clerk’s report (for information only)
Residents have reported farm vehicles driving dangerously. Police have spoken to the people seen removing books from our phone box library and have asked them not to take any more.
14. To discuss the progress of local solar farm applications
There is no further information available regarding the Wickham Hall application but an application has been made to place a solar farm in Berden. The parish council will object to this as it will unacceptably increase traffic through Albury.
15. To discuss outstanding actions from the HCC, police and parish Councillors meet up held in December 2021
A traffic survey is due to take place during July. Herts Highways are going to inspect the path leading to the school from near the village hall and the lack of path in the 60MPH zone near the village hall. The parish council has requested village gateways and rumble zones for Albury like those recently installed around Little Hadham.
16. To discuss the progress of moving our banking from Barclays to Lloyds
Our Barclays account was closed on 24/6/2022 and all monies transferred to a new Lloyds account which was opened on 20/6/2022.
17. To receive an update on the playground fundraising and refurbishment plans
Albury Play Space has donated a total of £7,073.43 and the parish council has ordered new equipment on their behalf which will be installed at the end of October 2022.
18. To discuss the vacancy in the office of parish councillor and hear from interested parties
We have 2 people interested in joining but neither could attend this meeting.
19. To suggest agenda items for the next Parish Council meeting to be held Tuesday 4th October 2022
Traffic calming gateways and rumble strips, 20s plenty update, playground fundraising.

ALBURY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes of the meeting held Tuesday 7th June 2022, 7.15 pm at the Village Hall

Present: Councillors Davis, Clayden, Jolly
In attendance: Mrs J Pettitt (parish clerk) and 1 member of the public

The Chair opened the meeting at 7.15 pm

1. To receive and accept apologies for absence
Apologies were received and accepted from Councillors Klimowicz and Brooks.
2. To receive declarations of interest.
None
3. To confirm the minutes of the Albury Parish Council annual meeting held on Tuesday 3rd May 2022
Resolved, that these minutes be agreed as a true and accurate record of the proceedings
4. To receive reports on actions agreed at the last council meeting
To be addressed in specific agenda points.
5. To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public
A resident asked if some of the 30MPH zones of the Albury Road through Albury are eligible for traffic calming measures such as those recently installed in Little Hadham. The clerk agreed to make enquiries.
6. To consider planning applications
None received
7. To consider a grant request from the parochial church council of St Mary’s Albury
St Mary’s Albury Parochial Church Council has requested a grant of £2000 per year to help pay for churchyard maintenance.
The councillors are to review expenditures expected in this financial year and this grant request will be considered at the next meeting.
8. To receive bank statements, bank reconciliation and financial summary
These were received by the Council and found to be satisfactory.
Balance at 03/05/2022 £8,780.90
Payments: Agreed 03/05/22 £1,507.62
Receipts: Interest 06/06/22 £0.31 Jubilee grant 20/05/2022 £150.00
Available balance at 07/06/2022 £7,423.59
Balance per bank statement £7,423.59
9. To agree payments due
Internal audit fee £132.
Resolved, proposed Cllr Davis, seconded Cllr Jolly, that payments due be paid. Unanimously agreed.
10. To receive the clerk’s report (for information only)
The HMWT manager would like to meet councillors at Patmore Heath to discuss various plans and issues, on either Tues 14/6, Weds 22/6 or Tues 28/6 at 1pm.
11. To discuss the progress of local solar farm applications
It is understood that the planning application has been amended to exclude greenbelt land that falls in Essex because Uttlesford refused planning permission. No planning decision has been reached by East Herts Council.12. To discuss outstanding actions from the HCC, police and parish Councillors meet up held in December 2021
The clerk is to contact the highway manager to arrange a meeting in the village to look at various issues.
13. To discuss Albury’s eligibility for a 20s Plenty campaign
Postponed until July’s meeting in Councillor Brook’s absence.
14. To discuss the progress of moving our banking from Barclays to Lloyds
The clerk chased up he progress this morning and was told the application is being moved up for urgent review and should completed in the next 24 hours.
15. To receive an update on the playground fundraising and refurbishment plans
A lottery application is underway. It is planned to install monkey bars and a basket swing using a grant from East Herts Council. The Albury Santa team are choosing a piece of equipment to but with funds raised.
16. To suggest agenda items for the next Parish Council meeting to be held Tuesday 5th July 2022
Grants from Welcome Back Fund, traffic calming/speed meeting, 20s plenty update, playground fundraising.

The chair closed the meeting at 8 pm

ALBURY ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

Minutes of a meeting held Tuesday 3^rd May 2022 at 8 pm at the Village Hall

Present: Cllrs Davis, Klimowicz, Clayden and Brooks

In attendance: Mrs J Pettitt (parish clerk)

The chair opened the meeting at 8 pm

 1. To receive and accept apologies for absence

Apologies received from councillors Jolly and Walne.

2. To confirm the minutes of the previous year’s Annual Meeting of the Parish.

Not held due to Covid-19 restrictions.

3. To receive the Albury Annual Report

The chair read out the following annual update:

The Parish Council would like to thank the following people for their services to the village:

• Anne Sargisson for producing the village newsletter every month and her team of volunteers who organise its distribution to every household
• Maggie Vicary and Bella Clayden-Smith for litter picking to keep the village tidy
• Judi and Ray Murdoch for looking after our telephone kiosk library and the flowerbed around the traditional village sign
• The playground committee for their ongoing fundraising to refurbish the play area
• Residents at Patmore Heath who organised and contributed to the repair of a bridge at Patmore Heath

Parish Council activities 2021-22 have included

• Organising the upkeep of the allotment gardens, hedges in the village hall car park and verges by the village sign
• Contributing toward the cost of a bridge repair at Patmore Heath
• Supporting the campaign against a Solar farm at Wickham’s Hall
• Meeting with Highways to discuss the resolution of speeding problems throughout Albury

4. Question time

None 

The chair closed the meeting at 8.15 pm

ALBURY PARISH COUNCIL ANNUAL MEETING
Minutes of the meeting held Tuesday 3rd May 2022, 7.15 pm at the Village Hall

Present: Councillors Davis, Clayden, and Brooks
In attendance: Mrs J Pettitt (parish clerk)

1. To elect a chair for the year 2022-23 and sign Declaration of Acceptance of Office
Resolved, proposed Cllr Klimowicz, seconded Cllr Clayden to elect Councillor Davis as Chair. Unanimously agreed. Cllr Davis signed the declaration of acceptance of office.
2. To elect a vice-chair for the year 2022-23 and sign Declaration of Acceptance of Office
Resolved, proposed Cllr Clayden, seconded Cllr Brooks to elect Councillor Klimowicz as Vice-chair. Unanimously agreed. Cllr Klimowicz signed the declaration of acceptance of office.

The Chair opened the meeting at 7.30 pm

3. To receive and accept apologies for absence
Apologies were received and accepted from Councillors Jolly and Walne.
4. To receive declarations of interest.
None
5. To confirm the minutes of the Albury Parish Council annual meeting held on Tuesday 1st March 2022
Resolved, that these minutes be agreed as a true and accurate record of the proceedings
6. To receive reports on actions agreed at the last council meeting
To be addressed in specific agenda points.
7. To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public
None.
8. To consider planning applications
APPLICATION: 3/22/0857/HH PROPOSAL: Construction of single storey rear and side extension. Front porch canopy to front elevation, replace ground floor front window with new front door, replace front door with new front window and replace rear door with new rear window. Insert 2 new ground floor front windows and 1 side door. AT: Clapgate House Clapgate Albury
No comment
APPLICATION: 3/22/0849/HH PROPOSAL: Proposed detached garage and car port. AT: Penrose Cottage Patmore Heath Albury
No comment
APPLICATION: 3/22/0689/FUL PROPOSAL: Erection of a single-storey outbuilding to provide extra covers for the public house. AT: The Catherine Wheel Gravesend Albury Ware Hertfordshire
No comment
9. To receive bank statements, bank reconciliation and financial summary
These were received by the Council and found to be satisfactory.
Balance at 01/03/22 £8,715.28
Payments: Agreed 01/03/22 £55.00
New lap top agreed at prior meeting £538.88
Clerks Q4 salary and back pay £1,002.30
Payment in lieu of grant (to be reclaimed) £2,480.55
MS Office annual subs £79.99
Receipts: Interest 07/03/22 £0.20
Wayleave 28/03/22 £91.12
Wayleave 29/03/22 £121.02
1st precept payment 29/4/22 £4,000.00
Available balance at 03/05/2022 £8,770.90
Plus cancelled lost cheque no. 101296 £10.00
Balance per bank statement £8,780.90
10. To discuss grant requests received from Citizens Advice East Herts and a community group hosting a Platinum Jubilee celebration at our village hall
After a short discussion about both requests, the following resolutions were made.
Resolved, proposed Cllr Davis, seconded Cllr Klimowicz, to make a donation of £200 to Citizen’s Advice East Herts. Unanimously agreed.
A group of residents requested a grant of £200 towards the village hall Jubilee party.
Resolved, proposed Cllr Davis, seconded Cllr Klimowicz, to make a donation of £200 toward the village hall Jubilee party. Unanimously agreed.
11. To cancel cheque lost in post for Hundred Parishes Society membership and agree to replace
Resolved, proposed Cllr Davis, seconded Cllr Brooks, that The Hundred Parishes lost cheque for £10 should be cancelled and a new one issued. Unanimously agreed.
12. To agree payments due
Litter picker 1 £130, litter picker 2 £130, Annual website hosting fee £47.99, HAPTC subs £341.87, Insurance renewal £247.76 , Grant towards Catherine Wheel Jubilee prizes £200, Grant for village hall Jubilee party £200, grant for Citizens Advice East Herts £200, new cheque for Hundred Parishes £10.00 Total £1507.62
Resolved, proposed Cllr Clayden, seconded Cllr Klimowicz, that the payments due be paid. Unanimously agreed.
13. To review the annual account and approve and sign the Annual return
The councillors had reviewed the forms prior to the meeting.
Resolved, proposed Cllr Davis, seconded Cllr Klimowicz, that the annual return should be signed. Unanimously agreed.
Cllr Davis and the clerk signed all pages as necessary.
14. To review the parish council insurance renewal
We agreed a fixed rate for 3 years in 2020. This is the 3rd year at £247.76.
15. To receive the clerk’s report (for information only)
The HMWT manager would like to meet councillors at Patmore Heath to discuss various plans and issues on either Thurs 12th or Weds 18th May at 1pm.
16. To discuss the progress of local solar farm applications
Uttlesford District Council has recommended that planning permission is refused because part of the intended site is green belt. The National Grid, Highways and local police have recommended refusal. EHC are yet to respond.
17. To discuss outstanding actions from the HCC, police and parish Councillors meet up held in December 2021
We still need to arrange a meeting at Parsonage Lane with the highway manager. The clerk will ask for a suitable date. We also need to check if enough information has been provided to have traffic survey equipment installed.
18. To discuss the 20s Plenty presentation attended by Councillor Brooks
Councillor Brooks attended a meeting and found areas of Albury may be eligible for 20 MPH zones. Further investigation is underway.
19. To discuss moving our banking from Barclays to Lloyds
The clerk has completed an application for Lloyds and the councillors approved it. Once an account is up and running we can transfer funds and close the Barclays account.
20. To receive an update on the playground fundraising and refurbishment plans
A National Lottery grant application is in progress.
21. To discuss the Catherine Wheels Platinum Jubilee plans and payment of a grant of £200 toward prizes for planned events
The Catherine Wheel has events planned for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th of June. The Parish Council is donating £200 to pay for children’s competition prizes
22. To suggest agenda items for the next Parish Council meeting to be held Tuesday 7th June 2022
Grants from Welcome Back Fund, traffic calming/speed meeting, 20s plenty update, res, playground fundraising, bypass noise.

The chair closed the meeting at 8pm

ALBURY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes of a meeting held Tuesday 1st March 2022 at 7.00 pm at Albury village hall

Present: Councillors Klimowicz, Clayden, and Davis
In attendance: Mrs J Pettitt and 4 member(s) of the public

The Chair opened the meeting at 7.05 pm

1. To receive and accept apologies for absence
Apologies were received and accepted from Councillors Brooks and Walne.
2. To receive declarations of interest.
None
3. To confirm the minutes of the Albury Parish Council annual meeting held on Tuesday 1st February 2022
Resolved, that these minutes be agreed as a true and accurate record of the proceedings
4. To receive reports on actions agreed at the last council meeting
To be addressed in specific agenda points.
5. To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public
A resident asked what to do about the fact that the Hixham Road that leads from Patmore Hath towards Hixham Hall continually has various flooded areas. The clerk agreed to take photos and raise a fault report with HCC.
6. To consider planning applications
None received
7. To receive bank statements, bank reconciliation and financial summary
These were received by the Council and found to be satisfactory.
Balance at 01/01/22 £10,258.78
Payments: Agreed 01/02/22 £1,543.50
Receipts: None
Available balance at 01/03/2022 £8,715.28
Plus unpresented cheques 101291 £130.00
101292 £130.00
Balance per bank statement £8.975.28
8. To agree to renew our Hundred Parishes Society membership at a minimum cost of £10
Resolved, proposed Davis, seconded Cllr Clayden, that The Hundred Parishes membership should be renewed at a cost of £10. Unanimously agreed.
9. To agree payments due
Hundred Parishes Society subs £10, D Muller Designs website update £45 Total £55.00
Resolved, proposed Davis, seconded Cllr Clayden, that the payments due be paid. Unanimously agreed.
10. To receive the clerk’s report (for information only)
None
11. To discuss supporting The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations at The Catherine Wheel and an amount to donate for prizes etc
The parish council are happy to donate up to £200 towards prizes for any events organized over the Platinum Jubilee weekend.
Resolved, proposed Davis, seconded Cllr Clayden, that up to £20 of prizes will be donated.

12. To discuss the impact of the A120 Little Hadham bypass
The residents most affected have been told planting that should help soften the noise will take up to 5 years to mature. They reported that motorbiked are racing up and down which is adding to the noise. The clerk agreed to contact our police community support officer for advice.
13. To discuss actions and activities regarding local solar farm applications
A collective of MPs have secured agreement for a House of Commons debate on the impact of solar farm application on agricultural land. There is no further news on the planning application progress.
14. To discuss the HCC, police and parish Councillors meet up held in December and any actions outstanding
Sites for survey equipment need to be confirmed, as well as a date to meet at the assistant Highway’s manager at Parsonage Lane to discuss lowering the speed limit is to be arranged.
15. To receive an update on the playground fundraising and refurbishment plans
New seats were purchased with a grant from Herts County Council, and are now installed. The Albury Santa team are to donate equipment with funds raised in December.
16. To discuss changing bank accounts or updating signatories for the Barclays account
Banks are currently not offering free community accounts. It was agreed to proceed with adding signatories to the Barclay’s account for the time being.
17. To discuss the possibility of paying for the printing of an HMWT leaflet detailing why Patmore Heath as an SSSI and why it should not be parked on
18. To suggest agenda items for the next Parish Council meeting to be held Tuesday 1st March 2022
Bank account change update, traffic calming/speed meeting and measures, playground seating and fundraising, village hall patio fence

The Chair closed the meeting at 7.50pm

ALBURY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes of a meeting held Tuesday 2nd February 2022 at 7.00 pm at Albury village hall

Present: Councillors Klimowicz, Clayden, and Davis
In attendance: Mrs J Pettitt and 4 members of the public

The Chair opened the meeting at 7 pm

1. To receive and accept apologies for absence
Apologies were received and accepted from Councillors Brooks, Jolly and Walne.
2. To receive declarations of interest.
None
3. To confirm the minutes of the Albury Parish Council annual meeting held on Tuesday 11th November 2021
Resolved, that these minutes be agreed as a true and accurate record of the proceedings
4. To receive reports on actions agreed at the last council meeting
To be addressed in specific agenda points.
5. To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public
Four members of the public attended to discuss the unacceptable level of noise the A120 Little Hadham bypass. See point 11.
6. To consider planning applications
APPLICATION: 3/22/0072/LBC and 3/22/0071/HH at The Nook Upwick Green Albury.
Erection of single storey rear extension with glazed link extension to converted outbuilding; single storey extension to entrance way and alterations to fenestration and openings.
No comment
7. To receive bank statements, bank reconciliation and financial summary
These were received by the Council and found to be satisfactory.
Balance at 2/11/2021 £12,819.54
Payments: Agreed 2/11/2021 £2,560.97
Receipts: Bank interest 6/12/21 £0.21
Available balance at 1/2/2022 £10,258.78
Balance per bank statement £10,258.78
8. To agree payments due
Clerks salary £937.30, litter picker 1 £130, litter picker 2 £130, allotment mowing £195, CHBT annual support £151.20. Total £1543.50
Resolved, proposed Cllr Davis, seconded Cllr Clayden, that the payments due be paid. Unanimously agreed.
9. To receive the clerk’s report (for information only)
None
10. To agree this year’s budget and sign the precept request for 2022-2023
The budget required for the year is forecast to be £8670. The councillors agreed that the precept should remain at £8,000.
Resolved, proposed Cllr Davis, seconded Cllr Clayden, that the precept be set at £8,000. Unanimously agreed.
11. To discuss the impact of the A120 Little Hadham bypass
Residents in certain locations are finding the noise level from the bypass unbearably loud. Some have reported this to the A120 team. The planning application included the expected decibels and an assessment is due 6 months after opening. The clerk has informed Councillor Graham McAndrew of the noise. The councillors suggested everyone affected by the noise should email details to a120bypass@hertfordshire.gov.uk
12. To discuss actions and activities regarding local solar farm applications
Many objections have been submitted. Leaflets were delivered in the area. A petition to the government has been created and an article submitted to the local newspaper. A Facebook group reports current news on this matter https://www.facebook.com/objecttowickhamsolar
13. To accept the new allotment mowing quote
The allotment strimming and tidying fee for this year has been quoted at £700, payable across 2 invoices. This will cover regular strimming and tidying of plots 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 as necessary throughout the year.
Resolved, proposed Cllr Davis, seconded Cllr Clayden, that this quote is accepted. Unanimously agreed.
14. To discuss the HCC, police and parish Councillors meet upheld in December and any actions outstanding
Sites for survey equipment need to be confirmed and a date to meet at Parsonage Lane to discuss lowering the speed limit is to be arranged.
15. To discuss the current status of the bridge and ditch at Patmore Heath after repairs earlier in the year
The clerk regularly walks past the bridge and the repair is still in good condition. The ditch on the leased land each side needs clearing so HMWT will be informed.
16. To discuss the transfer of Albury Parochial Charity funds from a holding account at Blackrock to the parish council account and how these should be correctly used
Black Rock holds an Albury Parochial Charity account but has moved the money (£4363.83) to a Fund Manager’s Client Money account because the charity is no longer registered. After 6 years it will send this money to a charity of its choice. In order to use this money to benefit Albury parishioners as intended, it should be moved to the Parish Council account whilst we establish how it should be used. The clerk agreed to contact black rock to discuss this matter.
17. To discuss changing bank accounts or updating signatories for the Barclay’s account
Banks are currently not offering free community accounts.
18. To discuss the damaged railings south of Clapgate and who is responsible for their repair
The railings are generally repaired by the Highways department.
19. To discuss the flooding of the Albury Road south of Clapgate
If the road floods, Highways should also be informed so they can investigate the cause.
20. To suggest agenda items for the next Parish Council meeting to be held Tuesday 1st March 2022
Bank account change update, traffic calming/speed meeting and measures, playground seating and fundraising, village hall patio fence

The Chair closed the meeting at 8 pm

Signed………………………………….. Date………………………..