Parish Council Meeting

Notes on the meeting of Reach Parish Council held on Wednesday 7th April 1999

Present

Chairman Cllr Aves, V/Chairman Cllr Lambert, Cllrs Robinson, Reed, Davies, Harrison and Pearson; also C/Cllr Fitch and D/Cllr Cane.

Reports

County Council

Cllr Fitch spoke about the 'belting up campaign' currently running. He told the PC that 15% of adults and 20% of children do not use seat belts. 52 people were killed in Cambridgeshire last year. The ten worst roads include the A14 and Quy junction is named as a hazard spot although the new lane system is working well.

The Cambridgeshire police precept is the lowest in the UK although there are more police on the beat in the Cambs force. Cllr Fitch reported a meeting of the local neighbourhood watch where it was agreed to re-organise on a pyramid system as used at Bottisham. The community education review has caused some problems as cuts will have to be made and there may be possible amalgamations. Decisions will be taken in May.

The Cambridge Collection is now on the second floor at the Lion Yard library.

The proposed study of the A14 road is to start this year. The Park and Ride is very successful with record numbers using the Newmarket Road site at Christmas. It might be increased in size.

A long social services report says that some progress has been made. However, Cllr Fitch said the department 'could do better, there is more to be done and it will be done'. There are administrative problems with each case being heard by the Area Child Protection committee. Cllr Fitch stressed that the whole of CCC is pushing officers to work hard. Trading Standards are to try out a 'Proof of Age' card in Ely.

District Council

Cllr Cane reported that planning permission had been given for Mr and Mrs Jordan to build a summer room at Red Barn. Retrospective approval had also been granted to Mr and Mrs Estall at Highfield Farm.

Bus passes have been re-instated at a cost of £11. Pensioners can now pay a half-price fair up to a maximum of £1.10.

Cllr Cane had spoken to Stephen Plumb of Anglia Water who informed her that the drainage at the ditch near Mr Rosson's home is the joint responsibility of Mr Rosson and AWA.