MINUTES OF THE STORT VALLEY PROJECT MEETING

7TH NOVEMBER 2002
HELD AT THE HAILEY DAY CENTRE
SAWBRIDGEWORTH

PRESENT: Ted Burrow (Chairman)
Warren Richards (Secretary)
Bert Puncher (Sbw A/S)
Joyce Vincent (Sbw Town Council)
Emma Jordan (EHDC)
Kate Yarnold

APOLOGIES: Michael Vincent (Treasurer)
Tom Potts Diana Richards
Jacqueline Dore Hazel Mead
Mary Huxtable David Thorogood (EHDC)
Monya Billings Mary Whitehead
Ron Taylor Michael Brown

MINUTES: The minutes of the meeting of October 10th was accepted as a true record.

MATTERS ARISING.

Esbie Estate. The Sec talked to EHDC Planning Department to highlight the amount of activity that was going on and to remind them that there were restraining orders on plots on this site. They were not aware of activity on the site and would look in to it. They pointed out that this land was listed in the Local Plan for future development of up to 15 houses. Burt P reported that there had been a major tree fall along the towpath and Esbie in the resent storm and could be an excuse for the removal of more trees.

Joining the HCC "Observatory". The Sec got on the Internet to look at this database but was blocked by the need to register. An E-mail was sent but no response has arrived. Emma J said the scheme was run by Amanda Derek at Hertfordshire University and she would talk with her.

The Area Forum. Date of the next meeting 14th Nov with the subject of a talk on the new structure of EHDC. It was pointed out that the map with the agenda showed the position of the meeting hall at Thorley in the wrong place. PM Note: The Sec of the Forum posted a note on the door of the incorrect building.

Community Strategy. The Sec hoped to remind Hazel M that we will need space in the Parish Mags to promote the Community Strategy in the New Year.

Grants. Emma J tabled an application for a LEAF grant, which requires matched funding (we can use members time) and the grant has to be approved before we start the project.

It was suggested that we approach the Sawbridgeworth Angling Society to erect a notice board in the grounds of their towpath hut at SHEERING Mill Lock.

Green Spaces. The Town Council responded to our letter on the development of Sayesbury Manor. The letter from the Town Council showed "Recommendation Refused on the grounds of loss of amenity land in the centre of the Town……". SVP members said the planning proposal did not show adequate space for 12 parking spaces especially if the old ewe tree was to be preserved

Web Site. The Sec agreed to E-mail Tom P with the questions that where raised at the last meeting.

Fair Green. The Chairman explained that we had to take another set of photographs without a digital camera as digital pictures can be altered. These will be presented together with a summary of our activities and presented to The Local Transport Committee. Members question the statement that there had been no accident at the corner with Sheering Mill Lane. The house on the corner has lost brickwork at least twice and this house has had it fence knocked down more than once due to traffic. Burt P said he can remember Fair Green without any footpath.

AGENDA.

SVP Targets:
Footpaths. In considering putting notice boards to guide visitors to suitable walks on the flood plain it was agreed we would talk to Mr Rochester, find a copy of the EHDC activities map and ask CMS for GIS of footpaths in the area. Also to ask members to map their own area.
Purchased Land. The Sawbridgeworth A/S have been told that the bund created by the Abbey Cross A/S when dredging the Pishiobury meander is to be moved to the pit on this purchased land. This is against our wishes as this bund is now established habitat and will disturb established mammals at the worst time of the year. Filling the pit will remove a unique habitat as a children's adventure playground or a developed snake pit. However these ideas seem to fly in the face of our modern safety culture.
Post Meeting Note: These points were raised at the Area Forum.

Letter from Michael B. In his apology letter he said he was glad we are getting back to broad environmental interests and not mimicking the Council's job of roads and drains. He also expressed his opposition to any more road building, including bypasses.

Phone call from Mary W. In giving her apologies she mention an article from a national newspaper saying MPs were asking for a new reservoir to be built to feed this area because we are short of water. The Government reply was that there was no money for such a scheme and savings would have to be made through good management. So is building a hub airport with all its supporting infrastructure going to help with lack of water?

Review Forthcoming Dates. CMS are organizing a volunteers evening on 21st November at 18.30 at Watton-at-Stone. The Chairman and Sec would organize a display.

AOB

Kate Y attended CMS's Adventure in Broxbourne Wood and said how enjoyable it was especially for youngsters with tasks such as self build bird boxes. She questioned the revival of similar tasks in Sawbridgeworth when we had xmas garland making and a kite festival in Pishiobury Park-members would like to see these revived.

DNM. The 5th December at 8.00pm in the Hailey Day Centre-Bell St Car Park.
Note change of day now 1st Thursday in the month. No meeting in Jan 03.

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

SVPmin 071102