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Notes on Reach Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday 7th August 2002
Present
Chairman Cllr Lambert, Vice/Chairman Cllr Robinson, Cllrs Summers, Harrison,
Pearson and Aves also C/Cllr Fitch.
Reports
County Council
New cycle path
The Marshall’s company had indicated it would help fund a Jubilee cycle path
along the old railway from Lode to Cambridge, to create a link to Anglesey
Abbey.
Marshall’s airport
Cllr Fitch spoke about the possible move/restructuring of Marshall’s airport. If
a move took place it would probably not be until the end of the decade, but must
happen if the land is to be used for badly needed housing. Alconbury was at the
top of the list for location, rather than Waterbeach. Marshalls has commissioned
a report on the move. The terminal needs improving but the consequential extra
traffic was thought to be detrimental to the environment. East Cambridgeshire
District Council had protested at being left out of the current consultations.
More consultations and environment assessment were to take place. Cllr Fitch
said a public meeting was needed. He thought government plans for extra runways
at national airports would not make any difference to Marshall’s plans.
Education
County’s settlement for 2002 was reported as being £300 per pupil. This was less
than other counties in the region; academic results from Cambridgeshire schools
were good anyway.
Fire service
Parkside fire station was likely to be re-developed to create new
resources and a training area. Cllr Fitch said the scheme would pay for itself.
Transport
Exning railway bridge had been widened.
The Rapid Transit from Huntington to Cambridge via St Ives would probably be a
guided bus. Application had been made to the government for funding.
Environment
Hare coursing was still causing problems. The changing of a byway in Burwell
into a footpath was still a possibility as vehicles used by the courses were the
only ones using the byway. Cllr Fitch said he thought police forces of different
counties should combine to tackle the problem.
District Council
Ward boundaries
The boundaries between the various district wards had been agreed. Reach would
not be affected as the Swaffham Ward was to remain the same. Bottisham would be
slightly affected by the addition of three small villages. There are now 39
councillors in the District Council.
Cllr Cane
Councillors congratulated Cllr Cane on the birth of her daughter Kathryn.
Swaffham Prior Primary School
Cllr Pearson spoke about the recent problems at the school caused in part by leg
injuries to both the head and deputy head. Head teacher Brenda Wilson had
decided to retire. Cllr Pearson spoke about her great contribution to the
community, saying she had undoubtedly always put the children first. A temporary
head teacher had been at the school for 2 months, but now an acting head had
been appointed who, it was hoped, would continue in the job. The OFSTED
inspection had been deferred until later in the year. Cllr Pearson said it had
been a hectic and difficult few months but hopefully everything would now run
smoothly.
Village Hall Committee
Cllr Robinson said the committee had discussed plans for the new extension to
the village hall and decided to put off any decisions for a year. Profits from
the Reach Fair were slightly down this year.
Swaffham Prior PCC
Cllr Robinson said the Swaffham Prior youth club had a slippery floor so the PCC
were funding a new one. Investments had not returned quite so well this year so
payouts may be smaller than previously.
Police Liaison Committee
Cllr Summers reported on the latest crime figures. There appeared to be a spate
of crime in Burwell.
Matters arising
War memorial
The Parish Council had accepted the quote of Ivett and Reed stonemasons for the
refurbishment of the War Memorial. The company had agreed to try to finish the
work before November 11th, although it was possible that the re-cutting of the
letters might have to be completed at a later date.
Boat travellers
The boat travellers at The Hythe had gone but this was believed to be a
temporary reprieve. Councillors discussed options for deterring them and future
boats from mooring permanently, without putting off visitors to Reach Fair.
Correspondence
East Highways Divisional boundaries had been allocated. A letter from David
Groom said Andrew Tipple was the new area supervisor for Reach. A survey of the
Highways Department was also sent.
Audit
Correspondence from a firm of chartered accountants explained that selected
Parish councils are to have an intermediate audit carried out, in addition to
the basic audit.
Reach matters
Swaffham Prior Primary School
Cllr Pearson spoke about the need to improve security in the school. The money
allocated by County would not cover the work so funds would have to be raised
from other sources. This was discussed. It was thought unlikely that the Amenity
Fund would qualify for this as it was set up specifically for the village of
Reach.
Planning application
An application from Delph End Cottage, Great Lane, to turn a garage into living
accommodation was supported by councillors.
Notes on Reach Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday
4th September 2002
Present
Chairman Cllr Lambert, Vice/Chairman Cllr Robinson, Cllrs Summers, Harrison,
Moseley and Aves.
Reports
Swaffham Prior Primary School
Cllr Moseley said the school had a new acting head Jo Lakey. Interviewing for a
new head teacher, to start in January 2003, would take place soon (with advice
from the LEA).
Swaffham Prior PCC
Cllr Robinson said the charity as lost its Chair, since the resignation of the
vicar Mark Haworth.
Police Liaison Committee
Cllr Summers reported a few problems with travellers messing about at the Dyke’s
End pub.
Matters arising
War memorial
Cllr Robinson agreed to contact Ivett and Reed to ask for a starting date for
the refurbishment.
The Hythe
A letter from the District Solicitor explained ownership of the land where the
‘boat travellers’ had moored. It confirmed that the Parish Council either owned
outright, or had a lease from Anglian Water, or all the land in this area.
It was, therefore, decided to put up a sign to the effect that mooring had to be
done by prior arrangement with Reach Parish Council.
Correspondence
Overhead electricity lines – Burwell to Horningsea
A letter from CCC said that no formal proposal had been received regarding
additional electricity infrastructure by 24 Seven. Cllr Robinson said the main
concern was that parish councillors only had 30 days to object to any proposals
once they were lodged. He pointed out that the power lines come closer to Reach
than any other village in the district.
Register of interests
The Chief Executive of ECDC had sent detailed instructions regarding councillors
declaring their interests prior to council meetings.
Poppy appeal
It was agreed to donate £15 to this year’s poppy appeal.
Tree felling
Permission had been given by ECDC for the felling of two cypress trees, two pine
trees, and the pruning of a cherry tree at 19 Great Lane, Reach.
Precept setting
ECDC were planning to issue council tax bills a week earlier, which would mean
the precept needed to be with them by the middle of February.
Public bridleway enquiry
The public inquiry into Bridleway no 15 in Reach was to be held in November.
Reach matters
Burial ground fees
It was agreed to raise the fees by 5% from last year.
Resignation of vicar
It was agreed to write to Mark Haworth to wish him well in his change of career.
Wind power
Councillors discussed alternative energy wind power. All were in favour of
having a wind-powered turbine locally.
Fund raising
Cllr Harrison praised Ian Moore for holding a concert in the Village Centre to
raise funds for the village hall extension.
Penny Lang
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