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Meeting held at The Pynot, Barrowden, Tues. 25th. September 2007.
Present:
Mike Conway, Jennifer Hughes – Nurse, Valerie Jones, Arthur and Janet Maguire, Rosemary Roberts and Francis Traves.
Apologies – Cheryl Allen, RAW and Mo and Graham Welchman.
Matters Arising – None. Accurate account of the meeting dated 7th. August, 2007, proposed by Jennifer Hughes – Nurse and seconded by Janet Maguire.
Correspondence.
Two letters and one e-mail recording a site visit to the Mill Pond on the 18th. of Sept. 2007 with Arthur Maguire, Mike Conway, Mo and Graham Welchman and Mike Henson from the Environmental Agency. Summary. The Agency support the scheme at the Millpond. Written consent is required from the Environmental Agency before any proposed works on structures in, under, over or within 9 metres of the top of the bank of the River Welland.
At the site visit the following two options for restoring a feed of water to the mill pond were discussed. To lay a pipe/ditch feed along/under part of the land that once was the original route of the Mill feed channel. To lay a shorter length of pipe feed from a point further down stream from that proposed above/under the existing footpath and into the mill pond. The water exit from the Mill Pond, would be from the original outlet once it was reinstated. A full level survey is recommended to determine the feasibility of either option. Mike Henson was asked if any funding would be available from FRB, or from any other organization, who would be prepared to support this very worthwhile project. If funding was available, after a positive feasibility survey, details of suitable contractors would be submitted by Mike Hanson.
A letter was sent by Arthur Maguire to Tony Bowley for his support with the Footpath Project and dredging of the Mill Pond; and to Rutland County Council for the building of the foot path, which is being used by more people, including senior citizens and those with disabilities.
Reports
Chairman’s report.
The group continues to work with the Parish Council, the Mill Lane group and indeed for the benefit of the whole village. A report has been created and submitted to the Parish Council chairman indicating the progress of the group since its creation after the conclusion of the Parish Plan. This report had been circulated to all councillors by Rosemary Roberts, with questions highlighted for decisions and response. The bollards are in place and are substantial. Locks have been requested for the bollards and gates, with keys to be supplied to The Rights of Way Officer, Burley Estates and the Parish Council.
Treasurer’s Report.
There is a sum of £164.24 in the coffers. It was suggested that the Parish Council should be asked to give a grant to the Environment Group, so that there were money available e.g. to pay for the survey.
Parish Council report.
Council considering request for no parking on the greens.
Forestry Commission to make a survey to assess the trees in the village, it is possible they may be able to provide funding through a charity.
The council following Mr. Pridmore’s report has elected not to endorse the second chamber AT THE MOMENT. The reasoning given is that the flow of water into the pond is currently very good. The diameter of the pipe into the pond which at present fills exclusively with spring water is narrower than the pipe that fills Mr. Ball’s pond, which is dependant on spring and road surface water. The narrower pond pipe could be susceptible to silt up if it received a dual water supply. The council said it would seek the opinion of Paul Logue and Alan Mitchell, who have spoken to the Environment Group and the P.C. with their opinions in the past.
A parishioner and a councillor endorsed the fact that the reeds in the pond were too high. Mrs. Roberts was reminded that these reeds were selected and planted by the environment Agency and would die back in the winter. One of their role and function was to protect the wild life i.e. the ducks from the wind. However Mike Conway and Francis Travis would undertake a selective and small trim of the reeds.
Village Pond.
Francis reported that she had put out the last of the ducklings on the pond, and was surprised and somewhat concerned that Iris the Indian Runner was most likely sitting on eggs. It was also noted that most of the Mallard ducklings of spring returned on a regular basis.
Footpath and Mill pond.
The bollards fulfill the need to stop traffic going down the footpath, and were welcoming to people of all ability. They are owned by Rutland C.C. It was felt that it was in poor spirit that councillors vehicles were seen illegally parked in front of the footpath to the pond. A quote is being sought from a landscape gardener to cost a seat on a concrete base and an information board together with rotavating and seeding with grass and wildflowers; in addition to repairing a fence. There is money in place for this to be undertaken when the time is right.
It was recommended that permission be sought from Burghley Estates for the suggested survey to be undertaken at the Mill Pond, and that the Parish Council be asked if they had any objections to the survey been undertaken.
Any Other Business
Rutland C.C. were likely to replace the obstacle of difficult stiles, with spring loaded gates, on the western side of the village during the winter period.
Date of the Next Meeting
The next meeting will be the A.G.M. (New officers will be elected ) Meeting to be held at The Pynot, 8.00p.m. Thurs 15th. Nov. 2007.
Last updated: 20th October 2007
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