3^rd September 2007                                  Back to Minutes Index

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

Present Miss Sach, Mrs Handley, Mr Blatch, Mrs Pritchard, Mrs Clemmow, Mr White, Mr Tebbit and, in the Chair, Mr Dalton.   D.Cl. Mrs Heazell and C.Cl. Mr Kindersley were also present.

Minutes of the meeting held on 16^th July 2007 were agreed and signed

Matters arising from the Minutes

1                    Footpath 13. Ivett's Lane.  BT pole still there. Mr Dalton had written to the CEO of BT. His area representative  said that the poles had been erected in 1994 without any objections from Cambs CC after the statutory period for consultation.  They could not now be moved except for social reasons. A written report was awaited.

2          Nixon's Hall Tablet. Agreed that a replacement tablet would have to be commissioned.

3          Land Registration of Parish Property.  This is being processed and the solicitors, Kester Cunningham John, are acting for the Council.

4          Hedge cutting  A number of overgrown hedges were mentioned and it was agreed to enlist the help of MrDennis Vacher of the Highways Dept on the following:  Wheeler's Way blocking footpath, hedge at corner of Finch's Field, hedge to west of Hoops at Gt. Eversden.

            It was also agreed that the Clerk would ask Mr Banks to cut the Hedge to the west side of Lowfields and on the east side of Dixies Hill.

5          Wimpole Road repairs.  These were now scheduled.  At the same time Chapel Road surface would be relaid to prevent the damage to cars which has been complained of recently. Also under this item it was reported that the footpath opposite “The Hoops” was in bad condition, so bad as to be a likely cause of a child falling when waiting for the school bus. The Chairman to report this to Mr Dennis Vacher so it gets added to the proposed pavement repairs in Little Eversden Harlton Road.

6          Drainage Ditches.  Once Mr David Ellis returns it was agreed to seek the advice of Mr Matthews about the drainage ditch in Wimpole Road to reduce the risk of flooding.

7          Parking on verges.  Mr Moriarty had complained that his bridge was being damaged by cars trying to park on the verge.  Mr Vacher had agreed to put in some posts to protect the bridge.

8          Footpath 25.  No further progress, but some suggestions made.

9          Clerk's Salary review.  Information still not available.

10        Road at St Helen's. Nothing further to report.

11        Bin at Gt. Eversden bus shelter replacement  Mr Blatch will produce his original proposal and order a bin

12        PC Policies  A list is being formed

13        Code of Conduct.  Unanimously agreed that Council should adopt the Model Code to come into effect on 1^st September 2007 rather than 16thJune as stated on the form.

14        CEMEC Representative.  As it was noted that Anne Rutland's name had been omitted from their list of representatives, a letter had been sent requesting her name be reinstated. As yet, no acknowledgement had been received

15        Police Liaison Meeting. The Chairman reported he had attended the Police Liaison Meeting at Gamlingay.  It was very well attended by representatives from all villages.  An opportunity was given for everyone to speak their concerns. Speeding was the major topic.  Another meeting to be held in October

16        Village Footpath Map. A coloured map requested.  Problems with copyright remain.

17                Hill House Farm.  Illegal dumping.  Following the dumping of large quantities of material at this site, which resulted in many lorries travelling through the village at speed, it was proved that this exercise was illegal.  The owner is now required to reinstate the quarry.  It was hoped that proper planning of the removal of the material would not cause such traffic problems in the villages again.

18                Social Housing.  The Chairman reported that the Housing Sub-Committee had met and had produced a draft scheme for the Harlton Road site. Local residents had been consulted and generally accepted it, with the exception of one.  Questions had been raised concerning the four bed-roomed house, the entrance to the development and the width of the field access.  The housing sub-committee will address these concerns. Revised scheme(s) were awaited from Nene Housing to address points raised by the Housing Committee in respect of OSP148 layout.
 

19                Standing Orders. A copy of the new Model Standing Orders had been obtained from NALC. Mr White agreed to compare, check and update the PC's present Standing Orders with this.

20        Bonfires.  A complaint received but, as there are no bye laws prohibiting these, no action can be taken.

21.       Village Plan  A meeting would take place on 4^th October. Circulation of a leaflet would be arranged shortly.

22        Tennis Club  Mrs Catherine Huntington gave a report the Club's activities in finding a site.  The preferred site at present is the Chapel Road site on Glebe land near the Village Hall.  Ely Diocesan Board of Finance will reach a decision on this on 16 November. The Parish Council will await the Club's next report.

23        Finance. 

            The grant of £3000 to the Village Hall Committee had been paid

                                                            LGA 72 s.133

            It was proposed by Mrs Handley and seconded by Miss Sach that a tree be purchased and planted on the Recreation Ground in memory of Derek Mallows.

Agreed unanimously                LGA 72 .s.137

24.       Planning

            Proposed conversion of The Hoops to residential use.  This is reported as unlikely to be granted by SCDC.

            Gutsell at 4 Lowfields.  Likely to be granted by SCDC

            21 Harlton Road, Extension.  Approved  by PC

25        Cl. Kindersley reported he also had attended the Police Liaison meeting at Gamlingay.  He felt that reporting on Police speed checks was not adequate.

            He was concerned about the situation at Hill House Farm and the planned removal of the material.

            He was strongly opposed to the introduction of a congestion charge for Cambridge while public transport was still so inadequate.  The likely daily charge would be £3-£5.  This would impose severe financial strain on those who worked in the city and were not wealthy.  He hoped that everyone would be aware of this and would oppose the proposal during the consultation period.

26.       Cl. Mrs Heazell reported that SCDC were also seeking improved bus services before the introduction of congestion charges.

            She was particularly concerned about the unreliability of the 75 bus service.  It was agreed to write to SCDC about this and also the dangers of crossing the A603 at the Wheatsheaf during the evening rush hour with dense and fast-moving traffic.

            She also spoke of an incident at Haslingfield when shots were fired from an airgun.  The police had ignored a 999 call, and subsequently made an apology.

            Warning given about parking on pavements,. Someone had been fined for parking slightly on the pavement outside the Haslingfield Post Office.

            Attention drawn to the possible freezing of community grants from SCDC in order to finance door to door collection of plastics.

27.       Correspondence.  In circulation.

            Date of Next Meeting    Monday 15^th October 2007 at 8pm in the Village Hall