(A trial scheme piloted by the County selling Compost made from recycled household garden waste has now been extended to the Milton recycling centre. A 25 litre bag costs £1.50.

At this time of the year we are surrounded by elections of various sorts. As there were no parliamentary or, local elections for us in our villages this pear, the only ones affecting us were the two elections of Chairmen to the County and District Councils respectively.

John Eddy of Somersham (Bon) was re-elected for the standard second term as Chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council with Wendy Silby (Con) as Vice Chairman. At East Cambs. District Council Sheila Friend-Smith (LD) and Valerie Leake (LD) were re-elected as Chairman and Vice Chairman for a second standard year.

Next year we shall certainly have a full County Council election on the first Thursday in May and maybe at about that time a Parliamentary contest as happened last time in 1997 when they were on the same day. The Parliamentary election could be at any time from, say, beginning of next year for up to a year depending on the Prime Minister's decision.

Further down the chain of responsibilities I shall serve on the Resources, Human Resources, Travellers panels and the Fire Authority. As usual I confirm that you can telephone me at any time (01223-811425) or call at 15 Tunbridge Close, Bottisham (I'll visit you if necessary) or even via e-mail at James.Fitch@Council,Camcnty.gov.uk

I am not particularly keen on "surgeries" as few people wish to hold their problems to the next one:

At the recent Police Local Consultation Group Inspector Howell in charge of our sector confirmed that last year there had been a decrease in the number of recorded house burglaries and theft from vehicles. This will be small comfort to those recently burgled locally, but the Police are trying to reduce the number of attacks all the time. We now have a C.I.D. officer in this area. He and two other colleagues have had a considerable effect on crime in Waterbeach and Willingham.

At the next meeting of the Group at Bottisham Village College (7.30 pm Wed. 28 June) you will have the chance to ask for an increased presence nearer our villages. I will be .t here asking for just that. A speed camera has been installed at Willingham. Should we be clamouring for one in our villages - say Swaffham & Newmarket Roads in Burwell, Mill Hill, Swaffham Prior, High Street & Bell Road, Bottisham, for example?