LEPC met on 26th March.
A number of residents, predominantly from Butchers Pasture, attended and expressed concern about the increasing number of vehicles now parked on Duck Street, in front and either side of The Stag, particularly when evening food vans were prominent. This results in obstructing the views from side roads into Duck Street and subsequent concerns of the potential for accidents as moving vehicles pass those parked. Reference was also made to hindrance of emergency vehicles. It should be noted that obstruction on roads and pavements by vehicles and other means is an offence and a fine may be issued.
Clearly some vehicles belong to patrons of The Stag. Others may have the intention, inter alia, to simply wait for their food order. More car parking spaces will become available to The Stag patrons as development at Fallows Watch proceeds but, out of habit, it is possible parking may remain an issue. Bearing in mind that The Stag is an asset of the parish and relies on success via usage when pubs all over the country are closing, determination by everyone to seek a satisfactory resolution for all is vital. The Landlord is treating the matter seriously and will shortly make parishioners aware of actions to address the issue as appertains to The Stag.
For clarification, LEPC has no powers to deal with such matters as this falls solely into the remit of Essex Highways. LEPC will refer to Highways for advice but residents hindered by cars parking in Duck Street may wish to lodge their views to the Landlord or Cllr Foley (cllr.martin.foley@essex.gov.uk).
Speeding drivers are a danger to everyone and the Mill End speed camera group are regularly using their trained skills to ward off “speeders”. It would be good to get a similar group operating in Duck Street. Please let the Clerk know if you would like to play a part in keeping our village safe as we need and rely upon volunteers.
Once again, we encourage parishioners to attend LEPC meetings. It is your chance to bring to our attention matters affecting parishioners. But also come armed with what YOU would do to resolve an issue. We reiterate that LEPC is not a one-stop shop to solve ALL parish problems; like everyone, our powers and time are limited. But we are consulted on a variety of matters and we do relay parishioner views to our district/county councillors.
Previous attendees of LEPC meetings are already cognisant with the reasons why we increased the parish precept this year. Since the current LEPC administration came into office inflation in the country has risen by 20% but the precept has cumulatively been increased by only 5%. As part of local government regulations, parish councils are expected to have an adequate reserves policy (LEPC – one year of ear-marked cash for all recurring expenditure) and produce a three-year forward cash forecast. In that forecast, LEPC currently assume when more residents move into Fallows Watch the precept will stabilise and, per household, to possibly reduce again should inflation stabilise.
We are awaiting the license from Essex CC Legal Services to install the second Speed Camera Device and this is due imminently. Once granted installation will occur for both.
