PARISH COUNCIL (From Maldon and Burnham Standard)

PARISH COUNCIL

1:16pm Friday 29th February 2008 in Tiptree

THE amenities committee met on Monday February 18.

Tiptree Heath - The Tiptree Heath Community Warden reported that, in preparation for the proposed scheme for the grazing of cattle, an application has been made, with the approval of Peter Wilkin and Natural England, for a water supply to be brought to The Heath, and that a narrow fenceline has been cut through appropriate areas of woodland in anticipation of permission for fencing being granted.

Grove Road - Councillors accepted a quotation of £1,469 for work to the interior of the toilet block in order to convert it to an extension of the maintenance worker's workshop/storeroom.

Grove Lake - It was reported that three seats on the site were recently damaged beyond repair.

A new type of seat will be investigated.

If this proves not to be satisfactory, metal seats similar to those in other locations in Tiptree, will be purchased as replacements.

Banners - Councillors gave their consent to the request of Tiptree Garden Club to display banners on the railings bordering Church Road (opposite Co-op Fiveways) in March and in August/September. Similarly, they granted permission to St Luke's Church to display banners on a number of dates during the year.

Market - A councillor introduced the idea of setting up a weekly market in Tiptree; this idea will be investigated further.

Vandalism - Following a number of acts of vandalism in the village recently, councillors urged residents to inform the police of any such acts, or instances of anti-social behaviour, which they witness. Alternatively, one can ring Crimestoppers, confidentiality being guaranteed, on 0800 555 111.

Council tax - It was reported that the council tax payable to Colchester BC for the coming financial year is £1,423.16 for a Band D (the average) property, other bands being higher or lower in proportion. It was again noted that the Tiptree parish contribution is five per cent lower than the current year's.

ST LUKE'S CHURCH

A MEETING of the Men's Supper Club was held in the church extension on Tuesday February 19 when 45 men enjoyed dinner following which Mike Logan Wood gave a very informative and fascinating presentation on the lives of some of our British birds.

FOOTPATH WALK

THE parish council's monthly footpath walk will take place on Sunday March 2 leaving from The Centre, Church Road at 2.15pm.

Those joining the walk will be led past Lloyds Bank and along Station Road, Cherry Chase, Hall Road, Wilkins Grove, Tudwick Road, Water Tower and D'Arcy Road to Blind Lane, returning by way of Rectory Road, Brook Road, Fishing Lake, Birch Wood, and New Road - a distance of about five miles. Footpaths and tracks will be followed wherever possible which makes it essential that suitable clothing, especially footwear, is worn. Anyone interested in the walk will be welcome and may join or leave the walk en route.