3^rd December 2007                                  Back to Index

A meeting of the Parish Council was held in the Village Hall on Monday 3^rd December 2007 at 8pm.

            Apologies from Ms Pritchard, Mr Blatch and Mr Tebbit.

Present Miss Sach, Mrs Handley, Mrs Clemmow,  Mr Ellis, , Mr White, Ms Hayes and, in the Chair, Mr Dalton. C.Cl. Mr Kindersley and Cl. Mrs Heazell were also present.

Minutes of the meeting held on 15^th October 2007 were agreed and signed

Matters arising from the Minutes

1            Nixon's Hall Tablet. The Chairman reported he had this in hand.

2          Land Registration of Parish Property.  This is also in hand.

3          Hedge cutting  Agreed to request the County Council to cut the hedges on the west side of Lowfields and the one between the Hoops and Clunch House, Great Eversden. The other hedges had been attended to.

4          Bin at Bus Shelter, Gt. Eversden. It is understood that Mr Blatch will erect this bin during the following weekend.

5.         Road at St. Helen's transfer.  Negotiations in the hands of solicitors

6.         Village College.  Mrs Handley gave a full report outlining proposed future plans.

7          Clerk's Salary review.  Information now available.  Agreed this will be adjusted accordingly and back pay made from 1^st April 2007.

8          Bus Services. New service times in circulation.

9          Police Liaison Meeting. 24.10.07.  Cl Mrs Heazell reported she had attended this meeting.  The Police Analytic team had reported three priorities which did not include speeding.  However they were assured by villagers that speeding was the main problem and that they should be addressing it.  The next Liaison meeting is to be held on 23^rd January 2008, probably at Wimpole.  In the meantime it was agreed that a letter should be sent to Mr Mark Kathro stressing that speeding is a most important issue and asking for speed checks to be carried out at defined locations in Gt. or Lt. Eversden.

10        Footpath Walk. The Chairman reported that this walk had taken place on 10.11.07.  It was noted how well the tree planting was going along the Mere Way.  It is understood that the Ramblers' Association have written sharply to the County Council's Rural Group requesting them to take a more active approach to the problem of Footpath 25.

11        Roundabout at the Wheatsheaf Any alterations here had been regarded as too difficult and dangerous.  However Cl. Kindersley reported that, in view of the closure of the garage, he is actively engaged in talks and trying to get some improvements.

12.       Ditches  The Chairman reported that the maintenance of non-awarded ditches were the responsibility of the riparian owners and this would apply to those along Wimpole Road.  It was noted that a resident next to Ivett's Lane (uphill) had cross drains installed to reduce flooding in her garden.

13        Standing Orders.  This is still to be examined and ours up-dated.

14        Wind Farm. Merry's Farm Gt. Eversden.  SCDC have asked for the Parish Council's opinion by 14^th December.  Mr White reported that he had discussed this with some local people.  After discussion it was agreed to reply to SCDC stating that this request cannot be satisfactorily met as there is no information about many issues, including the amount of construction traffic and it is consequently difficult to make a rational judgement.  It was also agreed to place a notice in the Cambridge Evening News to inform people of what is proposed.

15.       Refund from Insurance Co. Recreation Ground.  Agreed to write to the Insurance Co. requesting a further payment of £70 which is still owing from the previous refund.

16.       Village Plan  Mr White reported that a grant application had been made to ACRE.  Should they be successful the P.C. will be required to donate 5% of any money raised. The sum of £100 entered into the budget is 5% of £2000.  A number of volunteers have come forward to act as a steering committee and to help in other ways'

17.       Finance. 

            The following cheques paid:-

            Cambridge Insitu Ltd., Photocopying              £65.10             LGA 72, s.111(2)

Eversden Parochial Church Council,

.            Churchyard maintenance              £650                LGA 72, s.214

Insurance on Handbells paid                             £85.15             LGA 72, s.111

Refund on Recreation Ground Insurance received            £685.39

18.       Planning

            Oliver, Paradise Barn, Conversion of Shed.  Refused by SCDC

            Chimney at Wood's Barn. Approved by PC.  Agreed to check original application regarding sewerage disposal.

            Mr & Mrs Burns, I Finch's Field.  Erection of single story extension. Agreed this too close to neighbouring house and garden and to comment 'very long in relation to others. "No Recommendation" to be made.

            Removal of tree at back of barn at Rectory Farm, Lt. Eversden,

            Mr Dalton declared an interest and left. Approved.

19        Cl. Kindersley spoke of the difficult situation resulting from the resignation of Leader of the County Council and the election of a new one, and a new Chief Executive

He also voiced his concern about the Congestion Charge which is the largest project the County have.  No mention in the scheme adequately addresses public transport or improvements in transport infrastructure.

He mentioned that work in connection with removing material from the quarry at Hill House Farm, Gt. Eversden is to be continued.

A recent report from the Audit Commission showed that the District Council had fallen from Position 4 (good) to position 2 (poor)

20.       Cl Mrs Heazell reported the Community Department’s budget had been cut by 60% in favour of a proposed and poorly researched doorstep plastic bottle collection. A strong message given to her that the Eversdens could and would willingly provide a site for a fixed collection bin.

21.       Correspondence.  In circulation.