PARISH PUMP

The July meeting of the Kelvedon Hatch Parish Council took place at the Committee Room of the Village Hall on Friday 9th July.

Youth Facilities
There was a report from the working party which held a meeting with youth and interested groups regarding facilities within Kelvedon Hatch. It was felt that the meeting was useful in that it provided a greater understanding of the wishes of the youth and their parents and also gave the PC an opportunity to clarify the restrictions under which it must operate and also to discuss the availability of certain locations within the village. The PC endorsed the feedback from the working party and it was generally agreed that while it may be able to partially assist in some funding, greater participation was required from parents of those youths wishing to have facilities provided.

Swan Pond
Anyone passing Swan Pond can be in no doubt that it is in urgent need of clearing work. This has been reported for several months now. There have been several issues that have prevented the PC from taking action ownership, funding and primarily advice given by Essex Biodiversity. They have now agreed to oversee the project but have stated that the work should not be started until September in order to protect the environment of the pond. A report will be attached to the notice board by the pond to keep villagers up to date with the situation.

Parish Paths Partnership Scheme
Following the provision of equipment and training fund by Brentwood BC work is being carried out by some members of the PC and other villagers, strimming and tidying up the footpaths and bridleways.

There is no council meeting in August so we would like to draw your attention to a couple of thing that could be relevant over the summer.

If previous years are to go by the village could suffer from noxious smells emanating from land around the village. If it should occur again this year villagers should contact Environmental Health Officers at Brentwood BC and should also maintain a log as evidence. This would enable the officers to ascertain whether it amounts to statutory nuisance and take action accordingly.

Please also take extra care if lighting fires or disposing of cigarettes or matches. There has already been a report to the PC about fires being lit and with such a dry summer (so far) the dangers are obvious.

The next meeting of the Parish Council is Friday 10th September 8pm, Village Hall Committee Room. We would like to wish all an enjoyable summer holiday.

Colin Ewens
Parish Councillor