which we took a further step to allowing members of the public to speak at Planning meetings, and I hope that the new system will be in place by June this year.  The proposal is that the Parish Council will have 3 minutes to express its view, followed by 3 minutes for representative(s) of the objectors and 3 minutes for representative(s) of the applicants.  This will add to the length of our meetings, but I think that the extra time will be well used in hearing what local people feel about planning proposals.  This does not alter your right to write in about planning applications - your letters are taken into full consideration.  The officers summarise the views in the agenda papers and copies of the letters are reviewed by Committee embers before the meeting.  Indeed, the residents of Reach are getting quite a reputation for our determination to express our views clearly and overwhelmingly!  Also, if you tell me of strong views locally, I can request a site visit so that all members of the committee can see the plans in context.

The District Council still has not set up the joint transport forum with the County Council.  But I am assured that discussions are proceeding well and that the joint forum will soon become a reality.  It is vital that we do agree an effective way of discussing problems, not least because the traffic congestion on the Newmarket Road into Cambridge needs to be tackled as a matter of urgency.

Charlotte Cane

In my last newsletter I mentioned changes to the Health Visiting Service as a result of cutbacks. This service will no longer exist in its present form. We are all very sorry to lose Margaret Whiteway who is leaving in April as the post of Health Visitor has been made redundant.

The new team of Community Nurses for Children and Families will be headed by Carrie Abbs. This team will cover a larger area, therefore will only be available at the surgery at certain times which at present are unknown.

The Child Health clinic will continue until Easter, but the future and format of the clinic is uncertain. Immunisations and developmental checks will continue at the surgery. All parents will be informed when these are due. I am sorry I cannot be more specific at present on the arrangements but please do contact me if you have any concerns.

Finally I would like to thank the team of volunteers who have given their time over many years to help out at the clinics. Their services have been invaluable and very much appreciated by all concerned.

Aileen Allen