You might be interested in what your Parish Councillors do, so we hope to fill you in on our activities from time to time. This week, I have been very busy with one thing and another. If you want more information about any of this, please contact the Clerk and she’ll help.
Monday 21 September
This morning we had a planning meeting. We discussed the request that the strip of land that goes across Prested Hall Drive and had been set aside for the new A12 route, be returned to agricultural use. This half field is now a thriving wild habitat and we want that diversity to be retained or replaced somewhere in the village. We can but hope. On this agenda we also discussed the 600 home Monks Farm development. We don’t approve or refuse applications at Parish and Town council level, but we add our comments to those of the general public and other statutory bodies such as water and highways, and the planning authority has to pay attention.
In the afternoon I had the pleasure of hosting the Community Living Room at the Cricket Club. This runs from 2 to 4 and is open to anyone who’d like to come for a chat, a hot drink and a biscuit. Today we had 10 people attend and it was an absolute delight to talk to everyone, including long-standing residents of the village about how it has developed over the years, and what it was like to be the ‘newcomer’ moving into the new-builds in the 60s! How about joining us next week. There’s also a Community Living Room in the Community Centre on Wednesday afternoons.
Tuesday 22 September
Today I went to Great Dunmow to join in with a Councillors’ coffee morning hosted by one of the training organisations who support Parish councils in Essex with professional training and support. We were filled in on upcoming governance issues, such as a review of standing orders (more exciting than you might think!). In the very useful networking session, councillors from far and wide shared experiences about things that we all have in common such as where to put your SID traffic device and negotiating s106 money from developers.
Whilst this event was happening, I missed the first Xmas Fayre planning meeting, but the team, including other councillors, got the arrangements under way. Once again, I shall be going round asking local businesses to support the Xmas Fayre with raffle prizes.
Thursday 24 September
This was my week, but other councillors and our Clerks are often involved in training and community activities. We hope to keep you informed of all the ways in which we try to support the community, listen to your voices and maintain a well-trained council team.