Notes on the minutes of the meeting of Reach Parish Council held on Wednesday 6th January 1999

Present

Those present were Chairman Cllr Aves, Cllrs Harrison, Pearson, Davies, Reed and Robinson; also C/Cllr Fitch.

Apologies

Apologies received from D/Cllr Cane and Cllr Lambert.

Visit

The Rev. Mark Haworth, vicar of Reach, and two representatives of the Village Centre came to the meeting to discuss how Reach could celebrate the millennium. Mark Haworth said the Church was concerned to work with everyone, 'shepherding' them into the new millennium. A candle would be given to each household to light on New Year's Eve and he hoped as many people as possible would attend a short ceremony (possibly about 20 minutes) in church at 7.30. He thought it would be good to have a civic day rather like Remembrance Day, possible on the second day of the new year.

A discussion then took place about celebrations and commemorative objects. It was agreed a beacon would be lit and there could be fireworks and a party in the hall or on the village green. A sub committee to discuss events was set up.

Reports

County Council

Cllr Fitch told the PC about the County Council's forthcoming budget. He thought it likely the County council tax would go up by about 10%. Reserves would be drawn upon and these were already dangerously low, and there would be cuts in the region of £4m. There would be nothing from the area cost adjustment, the 'cost of living' allowance now or for the next two years.

Cllr Fitch thought it unlikely the police budget would increase beyond inflation.

District Council

In Cllr Cane's absence Cllr Fitch told the PC that the ECDC budget increase would be in line with inflation and would only relate to the district and parish part of the bill.

The Environment sub committee have pledged to put £50,000 into the ECDC cycleways budget for the next year or two. Hopefully the missing section between Lode Longmeadow and Swaffham Bulbeck can now be completed - CCC will match monies.

The A10 road is to be 'de-trunked' and will therefore cease to be a government road (financed by them) but will be financed by County. Cllr Fitch thought this beneficial as local experts would now have a say in expenditure.

The new bus timetable from Cambridge/Newmarket/Cambridge was discussed. Clerk pointed out buses were now coming back hourly in the evening to Reach which should be good for people travelling back from Cambridge after spending the evening there.

Swaffham Prior Primary School

Cllr Pearson reported that the school has a new teacher, Mr Freda. The new classroom has been completed.

Matters arising

Cllr Davies had contacted County Farms after queries about people with dogs using the Stewardship Field, next to the playing field, as a footpath. He said that County Farms had no legal obligation to allow this but the fact that a kissing gate had been put there made it look as if it was allowable. However, a 'dog' sign had now been put up at the entrance to the playing field so it was hoped to deter people from doing this.

Correspondence

The swings on Fair Green had been inspected. Cllr Aves is to contact Wickstead to discuss.

The East Cambridgeshire Crime and Disorder Partnership had responded to a questionnaire about pressing crime issues. Vandalism, Auto crime and Burglary (including drug related) were the top three issues.

Playing field update

Cllr Reed reported that the fencing was now finished and the planting completed.

Reach matters

A salt bin had been delivered but was cracked - a new one had been ordered.

Clerk asked to contact Stephen Plumb of Ely sewerage treatment works as nothing had been done about the poor state of the verges on The Hythe.