MINUTES OF THE 12TH JUNE 2003

HELD AT THE HAILEY DAY CENTRE
SAWBRIDGEWORTH

PRESENT: Ted Barrows (Chairman)
Warren Richards (Secretary) 
Michael Vincent (Treasurer)
Diana Richards John Rider
Bert Puncher (Sbw A/S) Ron Taylor
Chris Rees Kate Yarnold
John Ansell Pam Rider
Monya Billings Jacqueline Dore 
Martin Rickett Nicola Rickett
Tim Lyall Len Simpkins
Ellen Knighton Joyce Vincent (Sbw Town C)
Tom Potts Stan Barker
Elizabeth Waugh

APOLOGIES: 
Brian Rochester David Thorogood (EHDC)
Steve Karn David Mead 
Emma Jordan (EHDC) Hazel Mead 


MINUTES: The minutes of the meeting of May 8th were accepted as a true record after a correction at Esbie Estate last sentence to read, "It is believed the present owners are trying to buy adjacent land up to Sheering Mill Lane".

AGENDA ITEMS.

External Pressures on the Stort Valley. John R led the discussion and in his outline of these pressures mentioned Cllr Roger Beeching's article in the paper which did not specifically mention the environment which surrounds Sawbridgeworth. John will be attending a Community Strategy meeting with the Town Council to further promote the environmental issues. Members agreed that John should send a copy of his considerations to the local paper.
Diana R listed some of the external pressures: Harlow Options for 43000 houses which they want to see in Hertfordshire and/or Northweald, the M11 Corridor,
Stansted Airport and Regional Government in the Eastern Counties. The Town Council has a working party monitoring all these bodies who will be looking to 
urbanise Sawbridgeworth. Members asked how their findings would be past to the electorate?
Two proposals for rail transport to impinge on the area is a spur off the Liverpool St line through Hatfield Heath to Stansted Airport and the Central Line being brought to Harlow.
John R said we should be vigilant about local creeping development and build on biological records by recording as much of the local environmental diversity as possible.
Diana R said more local history of the Esbies Estate was required for the appeal being made against the restraining orders. Members agreed to front an appeal raised by a member of the public to oppose work being carried out at Esbies. A biological survey should be mounted on land threatened by development.
John R proposed we have a meeting at his house on 24th inst to formulate a detailed working plan for biological recording.
Raise the profile of the unpurchased land on the flood plain.
Raise purchase of land on Sheering Mill Lane with EHDC.
John R to ask BRO if we could have further training on local land. We do have books and magnifiers to help with biological recording.
The Government has ruled that that the minimum area of SSSI should be tied to the population (density?).
Should we be considering buying land of environmental value by public subscription?

MATTERS ARISING.
Footpath Working Party. Siting of notice boards, further suggested-wharf in Station Road and using board in Bell St car park. 
Herts Environmental Conference. It was well represented by Sawbridgeworth with Councillors and SVP members. David & Emma have to be congratulated on a most interesting day of speakers and exhibits on alternative energy.
County Show. Our stand was manned by our Chairman for the 3days. Members were unanimous in thanking him for his had work and agreeing he should receive travelling expenses. They also agreed to join with The Friends of Rivers Orchard to buy badges, T-shirts and hats with our logos to be more visible at public shows in the future.

AOB.
Kickabout Area. The Town Council had responded by saying they would have to look at the legality of using allotment space for such a purpose. Joyce V said you could have opposition from the allotment holders and it was suggested that holders were asked to sign a letter being in general agreement with the proposal.

DNM. Note change! The 3rd July 03 at 8.00pm in the Hailey Day Centre-Bell St Car Park. Back to the first Thursday in the month.

* Items held in SVP file in Reference section of Sbw Library. SVPmin 120603