Parish Council Meeting

Those present were Chairman, Cllr Aves, V/Chairman Cllr Lambert; Cllrs Summers, Robinson, Harrison, Moseley and Pearson; also C/ Cllr Fitch and D/Cllr Cane.

Adrian Colston, Property Manager at Wicken Fen, gave a talk about proposed developments over the next five years, and one hundred years. He told the PC that local communities will be consulted about the effect proposed flooding of more fenland would have on them. He said the sale of farm land depended on landowners wanting to sell, and he appreciated the depth of feeling over the proposal. He commented that the National Trust at Wicken Fen had chosen a 'long timescale' to put something back into Cambridgeshire.

Cllr Fitch had arranged a meeting with local farmers to discuss problems with travellers on their land.

Traffic calming measures are being considered for Burwell. Cllr Fitch spoke about the effects of speed restriction. He has asked police for a seven-day road check in the area.

A footpath between Lode crossroads and Anglesey Abbey has been constructed. The bus stop, which restricted the view towards Cambridge from the crossroads, has been removed. Cambridgeshire Police had only managed to get 11 on a recruitment course, rather than the hoped for 16. CCC had combined with ECDC to produce a report on air quality.

A new sign warning of poor visibility had been erected on the Swaffham Prior to Burwell main road.

Cllr Fitch said he was still pursuing the need for a track around the old railway bridge between Swaffham Prior and Reach. He suggested the PC submit this for the minor improvement scheme. This was agreed. The ongoing problem of discarded motor vehicles was discussed.

Cllr Cane said she hoped everyone in the District had received the latest newsletter and the 'listening week' questionnaire which asked for voters' views on the forthcoming district budget. Farmers' markets have been going well and there is to be a special one held at Christmas 

The Boundary Commission is reviewing the District Council wards. As single-member wards are not popular Cllr Cane said Reach may have to become part of a larger ward. Councillors are to be asked for their views. All pensioners are to be given bus passes to entitle them to half-price fares.

Reach has been put on the long-list for a computer. The landlord at the Dyke's End has been asked about the possibility of installing one in the pub.

Everything is running smoothly in the new term.

Cllr Lambert reported that all officers had been re-elected with the exception of the Chairman Tony Jordan who had resigned. He would continue to act as Chairman until another person volunteered to take on the position.

The proposed extension to the hall was outlined.

Cllr Robinson urged anyone eligible to put in their application for a Christmas bonus.

The book is nearing completion and quotes are shortly to be sought from printers for a grant application to be made from ECDC. Cllr Pearson said parishioners should be asked how much they would be willing to pay for the book.

It was agreed that the following people would be invited to the unveiling of the plaque commemorating Reach Fair: Cllr Fitch, Cllr Cane, Cllr Sheila Friend-Smith (Chairman of ECDC) and Rev Mark Haworth (Vicar).

Cambridgeshire Police had sent a questionnaire. It was agreed that top priorities for more attention should be: travellers, speeding through villages, and the absence of local policing. Swaffham Prior Parish Council had written agreeing to Isobel Hill representing both Swaffham Prior and Reach Parish Councils on the governing body of Swaffham Prior Primary School.

Planning permission had been granted for a single storey barn to be converted into a two-story dwelling at Hill Farm, Fair Green.

Cllr Lambert reported a quote of £1,239 to replace the bark in the play area. He is to obtain further quotes. At a recent Council Forum meeting in Ely play equipment was discussed at length by parish councillors from the district. Reach councillors agreed to keep a logbook to note the ongoing condition and inspection of play equipment in Reach.

It was decided to invite Bill Estall, Miss Whitehead, Joyce Harrison, Ray and Anita Folkes, and Tony Jordan to the next Reach Fair Day lunch.

Cllr Harrison reported that although it had only just been repaired, the bus shelter at Ditchfield had once more been vandalised.

The untidy condition of The Hythe was discussed. It was agreed to look into the cost of erecting a barrier to deter cars from driving across the grass up to The Point.
An extra meeting had been held the previous week to discuss amended plans for Mr and Mrs Aves' bungalow in Great Lane. Councillors present decided it was difficult to discuss as the proposed extra storey was not shown clearly on the plans.
At the monthly PC meeting Cllr Lambert asked Cllr Aves why it had been necessary for amended plans for his new property to be submitted. Cllr Aves explained that as far as he had knew the bungalow had been built to the plans he had approved, he was not aware of a different set of plans.

Mr Jordan, from the Village Hall committee, informed the PC that a firework display would be held on land rented from County Farms at the back of the playing field. Spectators would be able to view from the playing field.

Penny Lang