Parish Representatives and Ambassadors

The various members of the Council undertake responsibility for various activites in the village and sit on other committees. They thus form a first port of call when those matters are to be discussed, and also develop expertise in those areas. There follows a list of those responsibilities and if you are concerned or interested in that area please firstly contact the Councillor with that responsibility:

(If you look back to the Introductory item on the Parish Council on the web-site you will see the full name, address and telephone number of the various Parish Council members.)

Sports Field Association - Alex and William

Almshouses - Ralph

Planning - Martin, Blaise, Alex, Gill and Penelope

Village Hall - Charlie

Highways - Alex and Sandra

Parish Paths - Blaise

Stansted Airport - Martin

Development - see planning above

Traffic - see highways above

Crime - Sandra and William

Public Transport - Penelope

Street Lighting - William

Flooding - Blaise

Business Development - Martin

Social and Leisure - Alex

Parish Information - Ralph and Sandra

Member on StopHarlowNorth Committee - Ralph

Traffic

The temporary traffic lights on the B1004 between Much Hadham and Widford: Engineers have advised that these need to remain in place due to the instability of the the embankment and the related safety implications. We are informed that Highways are still awaiting completion of a "geotechnical" report following which they will need to determine an appropriate resolution, which will include design, tendering of works and acquisition of funds. This all takes time and we have been warned that it is likely that these works will be significant. The wheels seem to grind increasing slow in this matter.

Highways have looked into the possibility of errecting temporary measures to enable two way traffic flow to commence, but in order to do this would need to divert heavy vechiles, including bus routes and no suitable alternative route has been found to accommodate this. Highways are currently unable to give us a timescale as to when the problem is likely to be resolved.

It was reported that traffic was a problem in Perry Green and Bourne Lane. This could partly be a result of the traffic lights at Hadham Mill, and also the volume of traffic going to St Elizabeths Home and the Henry Moore Foundation. We would be contacting both to ask that all is done to minimise any problems that have arisen.

The County Council have told us that they hope to be able to undertake the work on the High Street, as part of the traffic calming measures,by the end of June.

Lollipop person required between old BarnSchool and recreation Ground

Do you see yourself in yellow and care for the safety of our children? The County Council have allocated the village school with a lollipop person, but we need to find somebody to fill the vacancy. the requirements are good eyesight and hearing, medically fit and under age 74. the hours are one and a half each day (3/4 of an hour in the morning and 3/4 of an hour in the afternoon). Did you know that even during school holidays a lollipop person gets paid four weeks at full pay and the rest of the time at half pay. for further details please contact Alex Farmer at the Old Bakery, Tel during the day: 020 7427 1183 and home number: 01279 843041 (after 8pm).

Stansted Airport

It is about this time of year that flights increase from Stansted.With this comes increasing noise levels. Did you know there is a telphone number to call if you belive the noise levels of planes is unacceptable . The compliant is investigated and the airline can be fined. These fines are then used for local good causes.Martin would be happy to supply you with the number and I will publish it on the website, when I find it from amongst my papers.

On 22nd June we will have a meeting with BAA. They have asked for written questions in advance and other questions can be asked on the night. Further details to follow.

Dogs

Sadly dog fouling on public footpaths has been reported to the Council. As well as the mess, smell and danger to health, this is clearly anti-social behaviour by the dog owners concerned. Can we please ask all dog owneres to be considerate and good neighbours. Ther are various dog litter bins in the village and can we ask you all to clean up after you dog. You would do it in your own garden so please why not in the village's garden. We will be purchasing signs to remind the public and also of the fact that this can be an offence with a fine of up to £1,000. You have been warned.

Parish Paths

For some reason, best known to themselves, some strange person or persons have embarked on a course of conduct, vandalising,damaging and removing signs on parish paths. Whilst it may give this person a kick, it costs the rest of us condiderable amounts of money to replace these, and much more inconvenience and waste of time. The police are very interested in this strange activity and ask that if anybody has any information or sees anything suspicious  would they contact them. They have some leads and the days of freedom for this character may shortly be coming to an end.

We would like to install a sign showing the public the rights of way within the parish. we are considering whrere this should be sited. There is asuggestion this should be inthe village hall car park. All suggestions please to Blaise Morris.

Scout night hike

A senior county scouting commissioner joined us at the meeting to tell us that he would like to organise a "night hike" for scouts in the area on 1st October. This would take place in the evening until approx 1.00. this is an annual occassion and he thought that the public footpaths in the area would be very suitable. There may be upwards of 400 scouts taking part, including our own. He is concerned about parking and we are making enquires as to where this best could be located. He assured us that this event was very well organised, with stewards and other precautions and that all local residents near the footpaths concerned would be notified.

War memorial

As many of you are aware our war memorial became unsafe and had to be taken down in 2003. Investaigations showed it was made of Ham Hill Stone and designed by Henry Wilson. Sadly neither he, nor the original stonemasons nor any substantial quantity of Ham Hill stone remains. We consulted the County Conservation Officer and he put us in touch with historic building consultants. They recommened a complete replacement memorial in Clipsham Stone, this is harder and with a longer life. we have placed a specification out to tender. the lowest quotation obtained is £21,775 in total and the cost is likely to be met from Parish Council funds, and various grants and funds that are also available. We are now investigating those grants and funds before any work commences. Charlie Jordan is coordinating the work on this project and please feel free to speak to him if you have any views or comments.

Litter collection in the village

You may have seen in the parish magazine an advertisment for litter collectors, as Stephen Ruff has told us he will be reducing his collections. Stephen has served the village well for many years and we are gratful for all of his hard work.He will still collect in the High Street. As a result of the advert we are please to say that two people came forwrd to offer their services as litter collectors and have now been appointed.

Have your say!

If you have any concerns or comments about the village or village life please do contact us with them. Please remember that the Parish Council has only limited funds and powers, but we can infrom the relevant body on your behalf, and the Parish Council certainly has no monopoly on good ideas for the village and its inhabitants. The more we hear from you, the better we can be to help you and to help village life. Please feel free to contact the representative given above or me, Ralph Camp, as website coordinator. Tel: 01279 842826 or e-mail:Ralphdcamp@aol.com