Halstead Town Council

Also in attendance:  

                        County Councillor J Pike
                        Carol Ware - Development Officer, 4 Children
                        Anna Brett - Halstead Gazette
                        G McCoyd - Member of Public
                        M Murkin, Town Clerk
                        S  Goodwin Minute Clerk

The Chairman, Councillor Mrs H Catley, opened the meeting by welcoming Councillor J Pike, Carol Ware, Anna Brett and Graham McCoyd.      

45.       APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

            Apologies for absence were received from Councillors M Fincken and D Hume.

It was moved and seconded to take items 9 and 10 after Public Question Time

46.       DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

To declare any ‘personal' or ‘personal and prejudicial' interests relating to items on the agenda having regard to paragraphs 7 to 11 inclusive of Part 2 of the Code of Conduct for  Members and having taken appropriate advice (where necessary) before the meeting.

Councillor Mrs S Diver declared a personal interest in item 10 - Development of Children's Centre, Holy Trinity School, Beridge Road - lives opposite

Councillor H Messenger declared a personal and prejudicial interest in item 15 - Proposed extension of conservation area - daughter lives within area.

47.       PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

            Mr G McCoyd raised the following written question:

"I am led to believe that this council has not been able to get the necessary information from BDC to discuss the question I raised in March this year.  Setting aside the point that this must be unacceptable for the moment, is the council prepared to discuss in principle whether the change in the distribution of councillors in St Andrew's ward was allocated in error and should be changed.

Regarding the inability to obtain the necessary information from BDC, is this council prepared to make a formal complaint against BDC in an attempt to resolve the ongoing situation.  I would also like to ask once again if my district councillors would be prepared to investigate the delay on my behalf".

Councillor Mrs H Catley responded that the Town Council has received a letter from Braintree District Council which will form an agenda item at the next meeting of full council on 22^nd November.                                                              

Councillor M Gage, on behalf of the three district councillors in St Andrew's ward, responded that he will take up the matter without delay.

48.       DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN'S CENTRE AT HOLY TRINITY SCHOOL

Carol Ware, Development Officer for 4Children, which is a national charity dedicated to creating opportunities and building futures for all children, gave a presentation on the Children's Centre Initiatives.

The Government's vision is a children's centre for every community by 2010 providing all families and young children with access to high quality early years provision and other health and family support services as well as improved support for their children's transition to school.  They will also support parents who are seeking to return to work with employment related services which will help lift families out of poverty.  Children's centres are being developed across the country aiming to provide good quality services and facilities for children, families and young people all under one roof.  Centres will be developed in partnership with the local community, children, families, young people and service providers to ensure an effective and sustainable multi agency approach to delivering services.

Essex County Council is taking the lead and a phase 2 centre will be open and delivering services by March 2008. This will be based at Holy Trinity School, Halstead.  The centre will be used to signpost and will not be a threat to playgroups already in existence in the town.  It is for the whole community not just those with special needs and could be open in the evening for family learning.  A Focus Group has been formed consisting of the heads of the local primary schools, Councillor J Pike, Police, childminders and more community based members are needed.

Proposed by Councillor M Gage

Seconded by Councillor J Pell

RESOLVED:

That Councillor Mrs L Hilton is official representative of Halstead Town Council on the Focus Group.

49.       RESOURCE CENTRE

Councillor J Pike presented a summary report identifying the main problems, actions taken and those being taken to remedy the issues which have arisen at Halstead Resource Centre.

Main Issues:

• Vandalism to property and site
• Lack of security
• Lack of ownership of management of premises and related issues
• Poor perception of the property and services provided by local community
• Poor image of Essex County Council

Facilities Management Services have engaged with Councillor Pike and others to ensure that permanent solutions are provided. 

Solutions:

• Temporary fencing to segregate and prevent access to hazardous areas of the site
• Works to repair and provide remedy to damaged walls, ramps and other constructions
• Improve planting to the grounds
• Install security deterrence and monitoring of the site as per security survey recommendations
• Mobile security patrols until site based security system in place
• Provision of temporary caretaking services

The estimated budgetary requirement for completion of all commissions and additional revenue costs in financial year 07/08 is approximately £61,000 and all works are scheduled to be completed by the end of November 2007.

Councillor M Gage thanked Councillor J Pike and suggested that County should broadcast to the wider public through free newspapers that they have identified the problem and the action being taken.

Councillor Pike was pleased to advise members that works to the High Street would be completed on 5^th October and reinstatement will be carried out by the end of October or postponed until the New Year.  Resurfacing of Hedingham Road will be postponed until the New Year unless an emergency arises.

The Chairman thanked Councillor J Pike and Carol Ware for attending the meeting.

50.       MINUTES

The minutes of the Council meeting held on 19^th July 2007, were approved as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

51.       COMMITTEE MINUTES

The minutes of the Finance & General Purposes Committee held on 13^th September 2007, previously circulated, were approved.

52.       PLANNING APPLICATIONS

There were no new planning applications to discuss.

53.       MAYOR'S APPOINTMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Noted.  Councillor Mrs H Catley will be attending St Andrew's School on 5^th October to receive a cheque from SASHA on behalf of Homestart.  The Halstead Fun Run will take place on 7^th October.  It is the 25^th Anniversary of twinning with Haubourdin in 2008 and members are asked to think of ideas to mark the occasion.

54.       REFERRALS FROM AMENITIES COMMITTEE

            None.

55.       NOTES OF BUDGET WORKING GROUP

            Noted.

56.       EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC AND PRESS

The following resolution was proposed and seconded:

RESOLVED:  That pursuant to the provisions of section 1(2) of the Admission to Meetings Act 1960, in view of the next items to be conducted, the press and public to be excluded from the meeting.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 8.50 pm