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Minutes of the meeting of Stapleford Parish Council,

Held on Thursday 4th of September 2025

Stapleford Village Hall at 19:30

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The meeting commenced with the following members present: Cllr J Oakins (Chairperson), Cllr A Roe Cllr M Randall, Cllr A George, Cllr R Bewick

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1. Apologies: 

• In Attendance: Alison Juniper, Paul Gatens, Allistair Elliot, John Spielman and Peter Sandell

 

2. Minutes of the meeting held on 16th October 2025: Signed as a true record.

 

3. Traffic Calming Measures on the High Road in Waterford: 

• Cllr Bewick will contact MP Chris Hinchcliff to request an update regarding his letter sent to Hertfordshire County Council, as no response has been received so far. An investigation will be held into whether or not speeding through villages is an epidemic nationwide.

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4. Rat run off Vicarage Lane in Waterford:

• A special meeting will be organised to address this matter, with all residents invited to contribute to deciding the best way forward. The meeting will take place on 15th January at 19:00. Previous correspondence on the issue will be made available on the website, and residents are encouraged to submit their feedback through the “Contact Us” section at least one week before the meeting. The Clerk will produce a leaflet to be distributed throughout the villages to ensure everyone is informed.

• A comprehensive review of the safety concerns regarding the retaining wall along the road is necessary. The Clerk will also reach out to Network Rail to report a potential problem with the bridge. Clarification is needed regarding the ownership of the land adjacent to the road; the Clerk will investigate whether it is adopted land.

• A petition will be organised for residents to sign, demonstrating to the Highways Department the seriousness of the issue. The aim is to have the road designated as a Low Traffic Management (LTM) area.

• Recently, a vehicle breakdown occurred on Vicarage Lane, and a fire on Barely Croft caused a complete halt to traffic.

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5. Waterford Village Hall: Nothing to report

 

6. Stapleford Village Hall: an AGM is being held on the 3rd of December 2025.

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7. Waterford Marsh:  Some of the fallen tree has been cleared, but a second tree has since come down. Cllr George obtained a quote from an arborist for the necessary tree work, which was presented to the council. An additional quote has also been received and will be considered alongside the first.

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8. Stapleford Playing Field: Clerk to look at the sign at the playing field and update if needed. Cllr George to look at replacing the benches at the park as well.

 

9. Parish Council Website: Cllr Randall has prepare a news update for the website covering recent events with a report from Cllr George.

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10. Correspondence:

• East Herts – need to reregister for postal votes, poster provided

• Precept due in late January

• October crime report

 

12. Finance and accounts

The council is asked to approve/note the following payments:

• D Houghton Salary November                                                           

• Stapleford Hall Hire                                                                             £17.00

 

RECEIPTS

BALANCES

Current Account – £20,514.00 as of today

Accounts have been considered and reviewed at this meeting

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13. Planning:

New:

5 Bramfield Lane Waterford Hertfordshire

 

Decisions:

43A High Road Waterford - refused

 

Informational:

Alison Juniper: Two streetlights are currently not working along Vicarage Lane. After contacting East Herts, it was confirmed that responsibility for these lights lies with the Parish. Jessica Moore is the designated contact for this matter. Additionally, by the first bridge, there are exposed wires that require attention. They will send their reference numbers to the clerk.

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Allistair Elliot: There are pot holes along Vicarage lane.

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Cllr Randall. Clerk to chase up the footpath issue with HCCs CMS.

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There was a complaint on the parking by Stapleford School but there was a traffic warden on site.

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Cllr George: There used to be a disable bay outside the school but the lines have disappeared.

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Date of next meeting: The Parish Council will meet on 11th of December 2025 at Stapleford Village Hall, at 7.30pm.

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