MINUTES OF THE STORT VALLEY PROJECT MEETING 8TH AUGUST 2002
 HELD AT THE HAILEY DAY CENTRE SAWBRIDGEWORTH

PRESENT: Ted Burrow (Chairman) Warren Richards (Secretary) Joyce Vincent (Sbw Town Council) Tony Vidler (Sbw A/S) Monya Billings Diana Richards 

APOLOGIES: Michael Vincent (Treasurer) David Mead Tom Potts Jacqueline Dore Hazel Mead Joan Willetts Ellen Knighton Emma Jordan (EHDC) 

MINUTES: The notes on the walk of the 11th July 2002 were accepted as a true record, noting that there were two words missing in the middle of the first para describing the walk. The word regeneration after "prevents the natural regeneration" and at end of para the word could after "As the whole park was protected there could". 

MATTERS ARISING: Area Forum-any points members wish to discuss. Diana R wished to apologies for leading the people of Sawbridgeworth astray by saying we had been given our own Community Plan. At present we have representation on the Community Strategy Group namely our own John Rider who was elected at the last Area Forum. Note next Area Forum is on 19th September at Rhodes Centre with Cllr Bob Parker in the Chair considering Stansted A/P. HCC Structural Plan. The Plan is now out and available in libraries and local Council Offices. The Sec tabled a number of copies of the short form Plan, which includes a questionnaire to express your views on the alternatives presented; get a copy and fill it in! Fair Green. We received a letter from Abigail Foster at HCC 'Safer Routes to School' saying that the initiative has to come from the school to be included in the scheme. The letter from us to the three schools involved in pupils crossing Fair Green has not resulted in a response and funds to improve Fair Green from this source look very unlikely. The petition organised by our Chairman was accepted by the EHDC Area Forum. Joyce V suggested that a mirror on the corner house could provide more visibility at this dangerous corner. The general response from the Highways Department is that there is not enough space to do anything and any change in traffic flow would require a full investigation of the knock-on affect on other junctions. Monya B has noticed coach services (Anita) starting from Knight Street and travelling off into Fair Green. Art in the Park. Elizabeth W and Linda Bevan-Area forum Sec, have joined the course and are finding it very interesting. There was a talk at Harlow Museum on ancient pottery with original artefacts and modern copies using original techniques. Parish Footpaths. Mr Rochester Sawbridgeworth Honorary Footpath Officer has written a report for the Town Council on the maintenance of local footpaths. Members agree we should get in touch to support him with bigger tasks. Diana R said footpaths would be raised at the next General Purposes Committee of T/C to consider joining the County's footpath scheme. F/P No23 to the North of Pishiobury Park at the last visit still had one house owner encroaching on the path Ted B said he would confirm and write again to the HCC Solicitor. 

AGENDA ITEMS. 

SVP Targets. This relates to John R's ideas to agree specific project to focus on and make grant application where necessary. One of John's suggestions was to secure Rivers Nursery Orchard for the Town but this is well supported by Friends of Rivers Nursery who will have their first poetry reading on Apple Day in Church House on 19th October. So we should find another piece of land/history to support.
 Tony V felt, as we were such a small group at this meeting we should only put forward our suggestion and agree the adoption of a number of the suggestions at a latter meeting. Note those who cannot attend meetings can contact the Sec. 01279-723347 muffitt@waitrose.com or look on our web site www.stortvalleyproject.org 
Suggestions made:
 1. A green space in centre of Town. The green in front of the Doctor's Surgery belongs to EHDC and they and the Town Traders would like to promote this as the outside focal point for the Town. The area has electricity and it is proposed to move the commemorative seats at Sayesbury Manor to this green.
 2. Monya B asked if the plaque to Mary Wilson of the WRVS could be restored which is situated on the Elms in Bell St. Diana R said it was the responsibility of the owners but she would speak to someone who would know the plaques provenance.
 3. Organise with the HCC Biological Records Office a specie survey of a specific piece of land.
 4. Tony V would like to put forward a proposal before the end of the year to manage/develop the land along the Stort between the Station and Keksey's Farm.
 5. Tony V and Diana R proposed a walk(s) this autumn to look at area in 4 above and the Fishing Lake.
 6. Monya B wanted to press for a better Post Office facility especially now rented accommodation has passed to a housing association and rents were paid at the PO. Diana R said the TC had approach Martins about the situation and their response was inconclusive; TC to pursue the matter.
 7. Monya B asked for a Town Information Centre and Diana R suggested combining it with a Town Museum and added it would be a good thing to get added to the Community Plan. Members agreed that this list should be prioritised at the next meeting and members who were unable to get to this meeting could add to the list.

 AOB. 
 Members asked if the restraining order on Esbies Estate plots had been actioned, as a member had witnessed a discharge of Grey Water on to the towpath. Diana R would enquire at EHDC. 
 Joyce V raised the question of a skate board park; while money could be available for capital expenditure some responsible person(s) would have manage the day to day running costs and accept ownership. Other members felt another kick about area is required in the Town. A shelter for teenagers raised objections from traders who raised a public petition.
 Mark Prisk has asked Ted B to collate his aircraft information and pass it to Diana R as Vice Chairman of The East Herts Towns and Villages Association who have a STACC representative on Stansted. Mark Prisk also gave Ted a contact for primary care regarding statistic of pupil walking along the A1184. He also told Ted that matters regarding the by-pass should go first to Cllr Tony Dodd.
 Mark Prisk will have a surgery on Saturday 26th October in the Hailey Day Centre between 10-12am.Any body wishing to attend should book with his secretary 0207 219 6358
 Dina R said there are a number of groups organising against Stansted and there is one organised by our MP Mark Prisk, which will present a petition direct to Parliament. She tabled a number of copies for members to get signed and she has more available if necessary.
 The East Herts Towns and Villages Association are writing their own paper with a local response in the form of questions.
 A member posed the question, if we can spend all this money on airports would it not be better spent on rail freight?
 Members felt that the next meeting we should take a vote on the number of people for or against the airport.

 DNM. The 12th September at 8.00pm in the Hailey Day Centre-Bell St Car Park. 

* Items held in SVP file in Reference section of Sbw Library. 

SVPmin 080802