In her second report for April, Parish Council Chair Maureen Caton has updates on the vandalism of cars near Burton End and this weekend’s community event at St John’s Church Hall
VE Day Event
The plans for VE day are going well – it is well supported by residents – thanks to those Councillors giving up their time to support the event. I would also like to thank Uttlesford Community Travel for their support in helping the Care Homes to attend the event with residents unable to access any other way. They are undertaking this free of charge in gratitude for our support.
Our Communications Officer and I also spent a very informative morning at the Community Travel team’s offices and were impressed with not only the volume of work undertaken and the organisation to achieve it but also the range of support on offer.
3G Pitches
Further information on the 3G pitch at Forest Hall School and the grass pitches on the Prior’s land is to be ascertained following a meeting on May 6th with the Essex FA. We will feedback on this
Verges & White Lines
Following a meeting with Councillor Gooding, and a request for an update on any action in relation to the reinstatement of the Walson Way verges – it appears this will not be acted on with any urgency as this is not seen by ECC as a priority – a longer-term solution is required and is being looked at by ECC. The parking restrictions proposed for Walson Way may ameliorate the problem.
White lining of pedestrian crossings/roundabouts is definitely scheduled for this year- probably after the works on Grove Hill.
In relation to the Local Highway Panels – it would appear that large new schemes that generally take 2-3 years to come to fruition will not be actioned; and not everything in the current pipeline will be actioned e.g. schemes that are too big for the funded programme. All schemes are currently being reviewed to clarify their fit.
500 homes?
It appears City and Country are going to place their application at this stage for 500 homes with PINS. The Clerk is writing to their planning agent for an update – meanwhile, I will suggest our Planning working group meet with Brichanger’s PC group to ensure we are prepared to address this. I will also be in contact with the Birchanger Chairman and invite them to work with us again.
Parking Vandalism
The airport parking issues at Burton End have escalated to the point where vandalism to the parked vehicles has occurred. We are contacting MAG to endeavour to obtain their support and for them to curtail this activity occurring and address this with any organisation concerned. We do not condone the vandalism – which is criminal offence – and neither do we condone vehicles being parked on the public highway when individuals have paid to have their cars securely parked at the airport.
Burton End Phone Box
The phone box at Burton End – 81 letters have been delivered to residents as well as a social media posting requesting a response on any future use for the box. 2 responses were received supporting a book exchange and 2 to house a defibrillator. The Clerk will forward these to UDC along with a request for information on any ongoing costs associated with it being a library or used to house a defibrillator before a final decision is made.
Call for some new faces
No election has been called in relation to the vacancies that exist on the council. These have been featured in The Link, and on our social media, and any co-option applications received will therefore be discussed at the next Full Council.