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.
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.
It’s been a fairly quiet Winter in terms of having no major issues to speak of. We have continued with our ongoing upkeep of the estate. The grass cutting won’t start until the Spring. We are currently organising repair for some damaged fences on the estate. Other matters you may not know about are listed below.
We Have Launched Our NEW Website!
We are very proud of the voluntary work done on the website. There are lots of new features including:
Contact forms – so you can get in touch with us at the click of a button.
Newsfeed updates – look on the right hand side menu on home page.
Noticeboard – look on the right hand side menu on home page.
We have invited all residents to visit the website and use our easy notification service. You just need to enter your Name and Email address below and click “Subscribe”. You will be sent an opt-in email with a link to confirm. This means you won’t miss any future communication from us as our aim is to go paperless.
The security lights in the residents car park (Garage Court 3) are constantly being vandalised. This matter is being taken very seriously and has been reported to the police. The police are keeping an eye on the situation as they have persons of interest in the area that may be linked. They also advised us to participate in the Neighbourhood Watch OWL scheme. (read the full article here)
Parking In Leat Close
The Leat Close Management Association Limited are responsible for the five car parks/garage courts in the estate. We don’t have any jurisdiction over the public highway, but we do encourage you to be courteous and considerate when parking. The turning bay is clearly marked with “No Parking” signs for good reason and is a matter for the Police by calling 101. (read the full article here)
Don’t Forget It’s The AGM on Tuesday 26th February at 7.30pm
Residents are all invited to attend the Leat Close Management Association Limited Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 26th February at Great St Mary’s Parish Hall, Sawbridgeworth commencing at 7.30pm. (read the full article here)
