Halstead Town Council

Also in attendance:   M C Murkin, Town Clerk, HTC
                                  Inspector M Pitcher, Police
                                  Sgt. B Thomsett, Police
                                 Mr A Corder-Birch, Member of Public
                                 Mr & Mrs M  Hawes, Member of Public
                                 Mr A Lister, Member of Public
                                 Mrs J Fincken, Member of Public
                                 Mr S Gilbert, Member of Public
                                 Miss N Morgan, Halstead Gazette

The Chairman, Councillor Mrs H Catley, welcomed the public and Councillors to the meeting.

1.         APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Mrs S A Diver, Councillor Mrs L Hilton and County Councillor Mr J Pike.

2.         MINUTES

The Minutes of the Annual Town Meeting held on 18^th April 2007, having been previously circulated, were approved.

3.         MAYOR'S REPORT

The Chairman, Councillor Mrs H Catley, gave a report on the Civic Year 2007/2008, copy available on request.

4.         DISTRICT COUNCILLORS' REPORTS

Reports were presented by Councillors Mrs B A Gage, Mrs J Pell, Mr M Gage, Mr D Hume and Mr H Messenger.  Copies of these reports are available on request.

5.         COUNTY COUNCILLOR'S REPORT

In Councillor Mr J Pike's absence, the clerk read a letter outlined achievements during the past financial year.  A copy is available on request.

6.         POLICE

Inspector M Pitcher congratulated the Town Council on its attempts to keep the town clean and stressed that the Police would do all they can to support this.  Crime detection rates have improved and are amongst the highest in the area but more could be achieved, especially in house burglary, if there was a greater involvement from the community.  Inspector Pitcher stated that he was operating an ‘open door' policy and would welcome members of the public at the Police station.

Councillor Mr M Gage welcomed the improved detection rates and asked if these improvements could be transmitted to businesses in the town and also to the Town Centre Strategy Panel.

7.         PUBLIC QUESTION TIME         

Eight topics were raised including the junction of Ashlong Grove with Hedingham Road, a second runway at Stansted, town centre regeneration, bus services and planting at The Centre.

It was agreed to refer the Ashlong Grove junction to Essex CC Highways and The Centre planting to the Halstead in Bloom Partnership meeting.

Councillor Mrs Catley thanked the Police and public for attending.

8.         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 meeting closed at 8.35pm