Notes on the meeting of Reach Parish Council held on Wednesday 2nd February 2000

Present

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

Apologies

Apologies received from C/Cllr Fitch and Cllr Harrison

Reports

County Council (in Cllr Fitch's absence)

The budget increase will be 8.5%.

The County has been given three Charter Marks for County Farms, Property Maintenance Services and Park and Ride.

Cllr Fitch has spoken to John Edwards about the progress of the cycle/footpath. The Bottisham to Quy section will start in March; the section between Swaffham Bulbeck and Swaffham Prior will be next.

District Council

The Council Tax is to be increased by 5.9% which amounts to 6.4p for a Band D residence.

The District Council is hoping to improve services. There is now a Youth Peoples' Issues Coordinator,  Brian Hicks, who will  do this in conjunction with his post as Travellers' Liaison Officer. ECDC are looking at what young people like, e.g. a covered meeting place similar to a bush shelter. It was agreed to invite Brian Hicks to a meeting to advise the PC.Cllr Cane said Brian Hicks was aware of travellers at the Swan Lake grain store they would be leaving shortly.

Swaffham Prior Primary School

Cllr Pearson reported that the temporary teacher of Class 2 would be leaving the school. There are vacancies for a new teacher and a caretaker. Cllr Moseley spoke about the vigilance of HM Inspectors following the OFSTED report

Village Hall Committee

The annual carol concert will take place on the 20th December 2000. Cllr Lambert summarised the end of year accounts for the PC. The sub committee has good plans for this year's fair. A discussion followed about accommodating extra events and stalls and the problems of clearing away before the evening activities.

Millennium committee

114 Reach millennium  mugs had been given away and nearly 70 sold. It was decided that a meeting was needed to discuss the progress of the book.

Matters arising

Clerk had written to County about the problems relating to large lorries entering the village and also the condition of the grass verge in The Hythe. In reply Philip Sharpe (who had visited Reach) wrote that he thought the 'long vehicle' sign was in the correct place (at the bottom of Fair Green) and he will consider new directional signs for Lords Ground. A resident from The Hythe had written with suggestions which Philip Sharpe is willing to consider

Correspondence

There is to be some conservation work done along the top of the Devils Dyke in late February and early March. This forms part of the Countryside Stewardship Agreement on the monument to help protect the archaeology and
improve wildlife and nature conservation.

The Principle Trading Standards Officer at County had written asking for a list of places in Reach where sporting or competitive activities take place in the open air and which also provide some accommodation for spectators.
Retrospective change of use planning permission has been granted for the annex to The Barn, Fair Green.

Cambridgeshire Acre had sent a membership survey.

Reach matters

Cllr Moseley voiced her concern over speeding motorists going through the village, particularly in Great Lane, where flying stones had broken a window. The installation of speed bumps was discussed; Cllr Robinson reported that they have very unpopular in Soham.

Cllr Robinson reported that the drain was blocked in The Hythe flooding the road. Clerk to report to Steven Hill of Highways.

Clerk to get quotes for grass cutting in the cemetery for the coming year.
Following a critical letter in the Out of Reach the PC discussed the playing field. The thorny hedge which it was alleged is puncturing footballs had been planted as a condition of planning permission (to make the area impenetrable) when the playing field was purchased. There is no full size football goals as the field is intended for all sports, not just football. The ECDC litter bin had been placed near the play area to ensure easy emptying.

Cllr Lambert is to check the bark in the play area.

Fair Green: Clerk is to write to head of Planning Department about ruts in green near Memorial following siting of seat.