It was minuted in the AGM 2019 last month that we should investigate the misuse of the turning area and try to prevent people from parking there.
White lines are only an advisory notice
We contacted the police who advised us to contact the local council about parking restrictions. We did so and Sawbridgeworth Council then forwarded our enquiry to East Herts Council as they are the ones who enforce parking restrictions. Unfortunately East Herts Council informed us that the white lines, road painted “keep clear” and the “no parking turning area” signs are only an advisory notice and therefore they cannot be enforced.
However, they did say that if we wanted to get yellow lines or parking restrictions added we could do so by contacting Sawbridgeworth Council directly. They warned us that this can be a lengthy process and would be dependent on the budget of the local council.
What to do next?
To request yellow lines and parking restrictions then you will need to contact Sawbridgeworth Town Council by emailing info@sawbridgeworth-tc.gov.uk or call them on 01279 724537.
Ensure doors are locked and windows are shut when leaving your vehicle unattended.
Keep your keys out of sight.
Always remove keys from the ignition, even if you’re only popping out for a minute.
If you see/hear any suspicious activity, please contact the police by calling 101. Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800555111.
Police Contact Advice
Telephone 999 in an emergency where there is a danger to life or a crime is in progress. Telephone 101 for non-emergencies where police attendance is required, to report a crime or to report any other incidents. Calls to 101 have a fixed cost of 15p per call. Alternatively, visit www.herts.police.uk/contact to report a non-emergency crime online or chat to a police operator live via our web chat service. If you are calling about the above, please tell us that you are responding to a message from OWL Neighbourhood Watch.
It has been reported to us by a committee member, that late on Friday afternoon, 5 youths came down the path from Bullfields walking through the estate and then went into the Garage Court 1.
At this point the “Private Grounds” sign which was screwed onto the fencing in the car park was ripped off, and was thrown like a Frisbee on to the grass.
After calling out to the youths informing them that they had just damaged private property and that they were trespassing on private grounds by being in the garage area, they just laughed and became abusive to the committee member.
Shortly after, 4 more youths arrived, who were obviously with them, then told them to just get on. The departing comment from one was, “Alright now darling”.
This matter has been reported to the police and we ask all residents to be vigilant and report any vandalism to the LCMA by emailing us at help@leatclose.org.uk and if necessary please contact the police using the non-emergency line 101.
The Leat Close Management Association Limited Annual General Meeting took place on Tuesday 26th February at St. Mary’s Parish Hall.
Meeting Overview
After a short welcome speech by Richard – our Chairman, and an introduction of all the board members in attendance (Caroline – Secretary, Matt – Treasurer, Karyn – Grounds and Maintenance, Brenda – Director and Dean – Communications Advisor).
All attendees were sent copies of the minutes from the previous AGM so the minutes were agreed without the need for them being read. Nobody in attendance had any further matters arising or concerns from the previous AGM minutes.
Message from the Chairman
The Chairman made a special mention and thanks to Graham who was the Treasurer and board member for many years and whom has now left the Close.
Although nobody has to do anything more than is expected, it is always appreciated when people do go the extra mile. The Chairman made reference to this and thanked the board for their hard work, with note to Matt for seamlessly taking over the role of Treasurer, Caroline’s efforts as Secretary, Karyn for her hard work on the Grounds and Maintenance and also Dean for creating the newsletters, and setting up the new website and the ongoing email updates.
The Chairman added “there are always the same challenges every year and for the most part, these are mitigated by an effective repair and refurbishment programme, with an allowance for firefighting when needed. Main expenses are obviously maintenance grounds and Insurance”. It has been a year of pretty much business as usual with no major unexpected issues or expenses.
Richard mentioned “that unfortunately we have no control over the road, but the white lines we’ve added in a couple of the more congested car parking areas has certainly made a distinct improvement. We have got some slightly more comprehensive signage going up in the spring. We have constant discussions with the council over the bins, regarding damaged bins and occasional contamination in the recycle bins. The only other issue that’s been flagged up by a few people is the vandalism of security lights. Whilst we try to keep things in a good state of repair, we are not sheltered accommodation and therefore are limited in what we can do by both the law and common sense, but we will always do our best whenever possible.”
Financial Update from the Treasurer
The accounts were circulated along with the Invitation to the meeting for 2017/2018 financial year. The Treasurer reported that currently we have a healthy balance due to slightly less spending last year on the Buildings and Maintenance which are our largest expenditure each year. This has given us a healthy buffer to help cover any unforeseen expenses should they arise.
Nominations and Re-elections
There were no new nominations and all members were re-elected.
Matters Arising from the AGM 2019
Dean informed the meeting that he has joined the Neighbourhood Watch OWL Scheme with the specific intention to make all residents aware of any issues by posting all updates on the new website. He also invited all residents to subscribe to email updates so they don’t miss out on any important communication. Subscribing is really easy, just enter your name and email address below, then check your email for the opt-in message and follow the instructions.
The issue of communal aerials was bought up by an attendee and the board are planning to discuss this fully at the next committee meeting in March. For the basic information regarding aerials please read this: https://www.leatclose.org.uk/communal-tv-aerials/
Another attendee brought up the issue of cars continually parking in the turning area saying this is a turning area only and is an obstruction. We asked that everyone adhere to the “No Parking, Keep Clear” signs. At the meeting we did recommend that the only way to stop people using the turning area for parking is to report it to the police. However, after contacting the police about this issue, they have informed us that this is a matter for the local council to enforce. We have been advised to contact the Council directly to discuss this issue and make them aware which we have now done. Another possibility is they may be able to put in some further restrictions such as double yellow lines. We also advise that you the residents also report this issue, please contact Sawbridgeworth Town Council by emailing info@sawbridgeworth-tc.gov.uk or call them on 01279 724537.
