MINUTES OF THE 15TH JANUARY 2004
HELD AT THE HAILEY DAY CENTRE SAWBRIDGEWORTH

PRESENT: John Rider (Acting Chairman)
Michael Vincent (Treasurer)
Warren Richards (Secretary)
Hazel Mead Mary Whitehead
Monya Billings Chris Rees
Brian Rochester Bob Jones
Steve Karn Elizabeth Waugh
Mary Huxtable Bert Puncher
Jacqueline Dore Michael Brown

APOLOGIES: Diana Richards Ellen Knighton
Lanier Pole Kate Yarnold
David Thorogood David Mead
Glynis Argent Emma Jordan
Joyce Vincent (Sbw T/C) Ted Barrows (Chairman)

MINUTES: The minutes of the meeting of October 16th were accepted as a true record. Bob J wished that the reference to pathways on the approach to Fair Green be recognised as footpaths.

MATTERS ARISING.
Local Paper. The A-Chairman read out an article detailing a £1m grant towards improving the countryside around Harlow in which two pieces of land adjacent to Pishiobury Park are specifically mentioned. Cllr Diana Richards is progressing with EHDC.
Footpath W/P. The Sec explained that the magnetic master of the Red walk had been sent to David Thorogood for approval and printing. Steve K told us the techniques that had to be gone through to produce a professional master for the printers. Everybody wished to thank him for his sterling work Members wished to see the walks promoted through: local papers and parish magazines, EHDC tourist office, displays in Council offices, swimming pools and libraries.
Correspondence. The Chairman has received a letter from EHDC-Annabel Tighe on air quality, which lists the results from the monitor on theA1184 for most of 2003. It has been concluded and recommended by EHDC-environmental that these measurements be concluded as set limits have only been breeched 4 times when the limit is greater than 35 times in one year. He received a second letter from the Department of Transport on the White Paper The Future of Air Transport listing major actions for the airport authorities out to 2030. This raised discussion from the floor, which the A-Chairman tried to contain as we had spent many hours in the past discussing. It was proposed that we discuss our constitution at the next meeting to better specify what targets we are to focus on. In particular are we to be just an environmental group? Members would like the covering letter that goes out with the minutes to include a mini agenda for the next meeting.
Ted B sent a letter to the meeting and supported a clear up at the old pit but Brian R said before they left the contractors made the site clean and tidy. Ted also received a letter from MoTransport saying there was no sign "Give way to pedestrians" but Herts Highways would find a solution.
Esbie Estate. Ted's letter also pointed out that more fencing is being erected along the towpath boarding Esbies; we still await positive action from EHDC Enforcement. Grants. John R has received thanks for his report on training from HCC and hopes a new grant will continue our work on Biological Surveys.

Quiz. John R has received no entries for the quiz so he is extending the answers return to the next meeting Feb 19th.
Biological Records. Members felt we should apply for a LEAF grant to promote biological recording in schools and the wider public.
Review Actions on Community Plan. The Sec said he had copies of 'The Community Plans' for Sawbridgeworth and BP'S which were agreed at the last EHDC Executive.
Note the next meeting of the Community Voice will be held on January 29th at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall. Hazel M said she had contacted the relevant officers at EHDC regarding Living Streets

DNM. The next meeting is 19th February 04 at 8.00pm in the Hailey Day Centre-Bell St Car park, Sawbridgeworth. Subjects to be discussed are, constitution, Stansted A/P and nominations for officers at AGM in March. AGM will include speaker about otters.

AOB. Black Poplars. Chris R believed that the project required nursery beds to grow on some more seedlings. He asked the Sec to get in touch with Alan Burgess to see what help was required.
Coin Toilets. Those in the Bell St car park have been vandalised and Ted's letter suggested they should be in a more conspicuous position. The Sec said in the future they would not be so isolated due to 3 new developments taking place in the car park. A further comment by Ted raised the legality of speed cameras, which are not mentioned in the latest Highway Code.
Trees. Michael B reported 2 trees have been knocked down in the Sayesbury Manor development.
Walks. It was suggested that we link in some way biological surveys with our walks. Dog Bins. Can we ask again that a dog bin be put behind Elmwood on the towpath? Footpaths. Brian R reported major works at Tedhambury Lock and the quality of the footpath grass "good enough for a bowling green".

* Items held in SVP file in Reference section of Sbw Library. SVPmin 150 04