Dear Parishioners,
Your Parish Council, the Kelvedon Hatch Parish Council met on 11th March. This meeting was held online and as always made public. If you would like to join in on the next meeting on Thursday, 8th April 2021 at 8:00pm please contact our Parish Clerk at clerk@kelvedonhatch-pc.gov.uk
It is so lovely to see our brighter days approaching with Spring around the corner. On the 20th March 2021 Spring officially opens its door to the UK!
As I have been walking in our village, I have noticed the daffodils announcing that Spring is in the air. It is a joy to see the yellow dots of sunshine in the landscape. It is also nice to see so many residents out and about walking.
Whilst about walking, please be mindful that Eagle Field and Doddinghurst Common is privately owned. As your Parish Council, we are in communications with the new landowners who are very accommodating and sympathetic to the needs of the village. They are busy cleaning up the areas to make it more presentable and to protect their investment. The neglect of these sites over the years from previous owners, have created the need to do a big ‘Spring Clean’. For the safety of the public, Eagle Field is closed to the public for now. Do respect the signs and give the new landowners the space they need to do their work safely without worrying about public safety. Thanking you in advance for your cooperation on this matter.
We have received a report from our Essex County Council Member, Cllr Lesley Wagland. She mentioned the on-going tree planting project throughout Essex. She also noted our planters in the village and commented on their good condition.
The deterioration of our roads was discussed, it was mentioned that recent bad weather has not helped. The designated team assigned to complete the roadworks in the village had some staff shortage due to illness. This created a bit of a delay in repairs. The repairs will go ahead but until then, we as drivers of vehicles have a duty to drive with care. We need to consider the road conditions along with current weather that may affect our safety on the road. Please be careful on Blackmore Road, reduce your speed by the broken part of the road. The cones are a visual to remind us to slow down.
The Environmental Committee has been beavering away. We are finalising some proposed changes to the play area and aim to provide some new play equipment for our younger residents to enjoy. So, watch this space!
Cllr Roger McCheyne mentioned that the Brentwood Sports Centre hopes to open its doors within the near future to its users. Be mindful that testing in the car park is still ongoing and that it is still being used as a vaccination centre.
Among other discussions, the BT Tower came up. We are currently not aware of BT’s plans for this site. If any residents have some views on whether it remains or goes, please feel free to give our Parish Clerk an email with your input. We can most definitely, pass on your thoughts to BT; however, it may be ultimately down to cost of taking it down versus the cost of keeping it as a landmark and maintaining it. Our Chair, Cllr Steve Saunders are happy to liaise with BT concerning this matter on behalf of residents.
Regarding all planning applications within the village, we would encourage those residents that have additional concerns to continue sending in letters to Brentwood Borough Council’s Planning Department. The BBC reads all concerns raised.
We are sorry that the Village Show cannot go ahead as normal due to the current Covid 19 situation we are all faced with. The roadmap is being implemented now to get life back to normal. We have decided to continue with some form of ‘Village Show’ which may take place by displaying works of art in participants’ home windows. Some prize money has also been discussed for the winners etc. We aim for this to take place sometime in June – more information will be provided after the next Kelvedon Hatch Parish Council Meeting on 8th April 2021. This will be different to say the least, but we trust it will create an opportunity of the community to participate.
Additional good news is that our normal bus services for Numbers 21 & 71 is now in full swing. I trust this will be welcome news to all our residents who rely on public transport.
Census 21st March 2021 is fast approaching. Make every effort to complete yours asap. If you do not have access to the internet, please call the helpline on 0800 141 2021 with your concerns.
Please take a moment to visit our website https://kelvedonhatch-pc.gov.uk where you can find more info on the life of the village.
Sincerely,
Cllr Sumari Du Val
Kelvedon Hatch Parish Council