GREAT AND LITTLE EVERSDEN PARISH COUNCIL
A meeting of the Parish Council was held in the Village Hall on Monday 29th October at 8 pm.
Apologies: Mrs Pritchard, Mr Tebbit, Mrs Spencer, Mr Dinsdale
Present: Mrs Handley, Mr Huddleston, Mr White, Mrs Glasse, Ms O’Callaghan, Cl. Page, Cl Kindersley and, in the Chair, Mr Dalton.
Minutes of the meetings 17th September, 1st October and 15th October were approved and signed.
Matters arising from the Minutes.
1 Land Registration and St Helen’s progress. The Chairman reported that the ST1 form would be completed on Friday 2nd November.
2 Eversden/Comberton Cycle Path Progress. No response yet received, however Mrs Glasse indicated that she had heard there is to be a cycle path between Dry Drayton and Madingley which cuts across University land. Mr Dalton to question. Note: Our particular problem was with St John’s College.
3 Bench in Bus Shelter Repair. It was reported that the work had been done. Mr Dalton to check.
4 Emergency Planning. Mr Huddleston reported that he had downloaded the model Plan from South Cambs website. Despite little feedback being received from villagers, Mr Huddleston and Mrs Glasse had identified three risks:
i) Loss of electricity (over 24 hours)
ii) The junction of Harlton Road/High Street being blocked via road accident or other;
iii) Mass destruction.
Local skills and resources needed to be identified, e.g. residents with 4x4s; Chainsaws, AGAs, CB Radios etc. This list would have limited access once completed. The next step is to find a Community Emergency Coordinator within the Parish and to get them on board and involved.
5 OSP 148 State. Mr Dalton to once again contact Mr G Duthie, Head of Legal Team at SCDC. He will also inform the Planning Department that the speed limit in Church Street has now been reduced from 40 to 30mph.
6 Liaison with Harlton re A603. This could not be discussed as Mr Dinsdale was not present.
7 Highways. The Chairman reminded the Council that the 30 mph limit had arrived but was not enforceable until November. It was agreed that warning notices would be displayed stating Notice Change in Speed Limit. A member of the public raised that due to the 30 mph speed limit cars should no longer be parked in the road facing in the direction of oncoming traffic. Mr Dalton will arrange to issue a reminder on the Eversden website.
There is no further news on the possible roundabout at High Street junction, however Mr Dalton will contact Karen Nunn for her opinion in the light of the reduced limit from 40 mph to 30 mph.
8 Recreation Ground. A meeting is scheduled for next week.
9 Planning. Plans had been received for a rear extension and stable block at The Old School House, 14 Bucks Lane. It was agreed to approve rear extension plan, however concerns were raised over the provision of services (water and electricity) and access to the stables. Mr Dalton will respond to SCDC.
The following cheques were agreed.
Mrs Volans Salary & Expenses £263.16. LGA 1972 s.111(2)
IT Support £96.00. LGA 1972 s. 142
The Budget is due to be set over the next 4-6 weeks. The Chair invited bids. Mr Huddleston suggested money be set aside for the Emergency Plan and Ms O’Callaghan suggested monies for the Recreation Ground and Training. The Chair asked for emails to be sent to him outlining the bids.
11 Mere Way: it was reported that the wet weather combined with the use of vehicles around the new wood at the top of Wimpole Road was churning up the ground. Chairman had had a word with Edd Banks and usage was being spread about but reinstatement would be difficult at present.
12 Cl. Kindersley reported on the current situation with CEMEX at Barrington. Barrington Parish Council had received a presentation and site visit from urban planners. The presentation had indicated that CEMEX were keen for work to begin on residential development as soon as 2013. Despite possible local employment this type of development is not acceptable locally and cannot happen due to the significance of the site as a chalk provider. Cl. Kindersley felt the information was important to our meeting due to the close proximity of the villages and possible impact.
Broadband registrations are now at 50% for the Eversdens.
Cambridgeshire County Council had received an Ofsted inspection of their social care arrangements and failed in every area.
Cambridgeshire County Council, Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council and the Local Enterprise Partnership have been invited by Government to enter into negotiations around a City Deal for the Greater Cambridge area. This means negotiations will start shortly with Government on how this could benefit Cambridge and the surrounding area. A City Deal could see more funding and powers coming straight to the Cambridge city-region, putting more decisions into the hands of the local area, rather than Government.
Cl. Kindersley reported on a meeting on Wednesday 7th November at the Eco Hub in Gamlingay to discuss the future alternatives if our local bus services disappear. Cl. Kindersley encouraged the PC to attend and inform other organisations with an interest, e.g. car share schemes. The meeting is from 6 to 8 pm. Mr Dalton will ensure information is put on the website.
13 Cl Page reiterated Cl Kindersley comments regarding Barrington. He had thought CEMEX intentions for residential development had been long term so was surprised by the 2013 date. His wish was for the quarry to remain an open space. Mr Huddleston asked whether money would be available from other wildlife interests. Cl Page thought this doubtful in these difficult times when organisations have restraints on purse strings. Barrington is still however producing clunch which is available free to local churches. Cl. Page indicated that the planning application for Merry’s Farm is likely to be turned down.
14 Correspondence in circulation.
15 Next Meetings Planning 12th & 26th November in the Village Hall at 8:30 pm
Full Parish Council meeting 10th December at 8:00 pm in Hall.